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  • Hope Florida helps veterans connect with fellow veterans, resources

    Hope Florida helps veterans connect with fellow veterans, resources

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is helping veterans get access to benefits when they return home from duty. The group hosted a roundtable discussion on the topic in Land O’Lakes on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs held a roundtable discussion in Land O’Lakes regarding Hope Florida

    • The initiative was started by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis to help veterans connect to already existing resources

    • Hope Navigators, a position held by fellow veterans, help veterans access these benefits

    The discussion focused on Hope Florida, an initiative started by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. Members of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as General James Hartsell and Senators Daniel Burgess and Jay Collins, were in attendance. The program helps veterans connect to already existing resources, bringing together nonprofits, government agencies and businesses to support veterans.

    “Every day we talk to veterans who have no idea what is out there; what they can access,” said Holly Bernardo, director of Hope Navigators for the Florida Dept. of Veteran Affairs. “Older veterans, younger veterans- there’s just so many resources. It’s our job to be educated and help them access those things and be the guide to help them get to that resource.”

    Those veterans who reach out for help speak to a Hope Navigator, a role often held by a veteran, making for a more meaningful vet-to-vet connection. They help identify what their goals are and keep in touch with them.

    “I immediately felt this could be a great opportunity to do what I want to do, personally, and that’s to help veterans,” Aaron Pelone said. 

    Pelone works for the state’s Department of Veteran Affairs and its latest initiative, Hope Florida.

    “We identify barriers, we set goals and we connect the veteran to an organization- whether it be a non-profit or faith-based- and we connect those dots,” said Pelone, a Hope Navigator.

    As a Hope Navigator, Pelone helps veterans navigate life after duty, an often-difficult time that he knows all too well as he himself is a vet.

    “It’s an unsettling feeling to close a chapter like that in your life and to bounce back or to find out what you’re going to do next,” he said.

    In fact, many who work for ‘Hope Florida’ are veterans. Pelone served four years of active duty and another year and a half in the reserves for the Air Force. He says having the chance to help out other vets has a personal meaning.

    “It’s shared experiences that really make the difference to veterans,” Pelone said. “Just so they know, this person knows exactly where they’ve been and what they’ve gone through. And that’s what makes the difference for me.”

    It’s these personal connections, he said, that are helping make a difference in veteran’s lives.

    “I see myself as just continuing to grow and becoming more of a subject matter expert in the field and communicating more and connecting more with non-profits and organizations that are willing to help out veterans,” he said. 

    Any vet who needs help or assistance can call the number 850-300-HOPE.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

    Pasco County leads Tampa Bay in electric vehicle use

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As electric vehicles become more popular, new numbers show that Pasco County leads the Tampa Bay area in EV use.

    What You Need To Know

    • New numbers show Pasco residents are driving more miles in electric vehicles

    • Replica’s data estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year

    • One reason is the amount of drivers commuting between Pasco and nearby cities

    Residents are driving more EV miles in Pasco than any other Bay area county, according to the mobility analytics firm Replica.

    Former New Port Richey mayor Rob Marlowe was an early EV driver when the cars weren’t as common. Now he sees them all over Pasco.

    “I would go days, sometimes weeks, without seeing another plug-in car on the road,” Marlowe said. “That has changed. I just about can’t go out on a drive without seeing one or more EVs somewhere.”

    Replica’s data shows an estimated 352 EV miles per 1,000 Pasco County residents this year. Which is six miles more than Manatee County, the next-highest in the Bay area. It’s also 58% more than Pinellas County, which is more densely populated. 

    Marlowe’s believes it’s because drivers commute from Pasco to Tampa or St. Petersburg for work.

    “It makes sense,” Marlowe said. “If I were going down into Tampa, where it was 30 or 35 miles each way, I would rack up a lot of miles in a hurry.”

    Marlowe said he feels he helped with the high ratings, by encouraging the city of New Port Richey to add charging stations downtown while he was mayor.

    “It’s good for the environment and it’s good for people’s wallets. It also provides the city with a very positive image,” he said.

    As they add more charging stations across Pasco County, officials expect the use of EVs to continue to grow.

    Both Pasco and Manatee were in the top 10 counties for EV use in Florida.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Pasco County Council PTA collects donations for school bus drivers

    Pasco County Council PTA collects donations for school bus drivers

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Officials with the Pasco County Council PTA say they are trying to do their part to show school bus drivers how appreciated they are this holiday season.

    The PTA organized a donation drive, collecting money to use for Amazon gift cards for every bus driver.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Pasco County Council PTA aims to collect Amazon gift cards for all 500 school bus drivers and transportation employees 

    •  Gift cards will be purchased in $10 increments
    • One local bus driver says she is happy for the recognition

    Pasco County school bus driver Laura Olsson says that after a tough few years on the job due to the driver shortages, it means a lot to be recognized during the holidays.

    “Twenty-two years I’ve been driving, I’m going on my 11th year here in Pasco county,” she said.

    Prior to driving school buses, Olsson was a stay-at-home mom.

    “I started doing it because my kids, when my kids were little, I could take them on the bus with me, and you had the holidays off with your kids,” she said.

    Now that her children are grown, Olsson continues driving for other people’s kids. She said that as a school bus driver, you develop close relationships with students. She said it can be a tough job sometimes, especially in recent years because buses are so crowded.

    “There are students who are late every single day,” Olsson said. “I don’t know how they pass their classes being late by hours. We do feel underappreciated, because we are overworked and it’s tough trying to get this job done when it shouldn’t be this hard. If we had enough drivers, it would be a lot better.”

    She said that is why the Pasco County Council PTA’s special gift for school bus drivers this holiday season means so much.

    “I think it’s a wonderful thing, especially for this time of year, because that’s what Christmas is all about,” Olsson said. “I think it would very helpful to people, and it’s a very nice gesture. The bus drivers and the mechanics would appreciate it, everyone would appreciate it.”

    The Pasco County Council PTA is still accepting donations, and officials say their plan is to purchase as many $10 Amazon gift cards as possible.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • New SF Novel by Patrick R. Carberry Offers Window into The Intersection of Science and Traumatic Events – Florida Newswire

    New SF Novel by Patrick R. Carberry Offers Window into The Intersection of Science and Traumatic Events – Florida Newswire

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    TAMPA, Fla. /FLORIDA NEWSWIRE/ — The recently-released “TRAUMERGY” (ISBN: 978-1633572874) by Patrick R. Carberry, published by New Harbor Press, is a science fiction thriller that’s as compelling as it is provoking. The author invites readers to join him on a captivating journey where he delves into what he calls TRAUMERGY – also known as traumatic energy.

    This Sci-Fi mystery work urges readers to think outside the box. Consider this. What if traumatic events were stored in the brain as traumatic memories and could be viewed with new technology? That’s just what Carberry addresses in this page-turning read.

    At the heart of the story is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor Peter Morley. He’s a retired FBI Intelligence Officer and Christian man who becomes a neutrino physicist at Cambridge, MA’s MIT. While there, he starts to use this new traumergy technology which displays stored traumatic events via holograms.

    How does it work? When a high level of trauma is experienced during a traumatic event, an energy is emitted, similar to waves of light that travel through space unseen by the human eye. These energy forms have existed for some time and while working on a new physics apparatus called a neutrino detector, Morley identifies an anomaly. Up to this point, no one has been able to understand how neutrinos interact with humans. They can be detected, but then they disappear. Morley has found a way to “tap” into these trauma energy events.

    While, working on a prototype of traumergy, he identifies a conspiracy: The leaders of a company plan to go public after there’s a murder and stolen technology from MIT. Morley works to find the truth using traumergy and identifies a timeline which first started in 33AD.

    “TRAUMERGY” is available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Indigo, Book Depository, Booktopia, wherever books are sold.

    Pre-Order it on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/traumergy-patrick-r-carberry/1144495000

    About the Publisher:

    New Harbor Press is an imprint of CrossLink Publishing based in Rapid City, SD. It publishes a variety of bible study, meditation, and spiritual growth books distributed by Ingram Distribution.

    Learn more: https://newharborpress.com/

    About the Author:

    Patrick Carberry is a U.S. Army Veteran. He identifies as a Christian and is married with two adult children, and two grandchildren. He’s worked as an executive in the high-tech sector; been CEO of his own software company which he sold to a public company; and worked as an intelligence supervisor for the FBI after September 11, 2001. He worked to keep America safe until his retirement in July 2018.

    He’s the founder of Joshuacord.org ( https://joshuacord.org/ ), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping persecuted Christians in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He’s also the creative partner and executive producer of the documentary, “Christians in the Mirror”( https://joshuacord.org/christians-in-the-mirror/ ).

    News Source: Author Patrick R. Carberry

    Related link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-carberry-552b88138/

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    Jennifer Hedly

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  • Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

    Christmas tree syndrome: Why your allergies may flare up

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    If you notice more sniffles and worsening allergy symptoms this time of year, you may suffer from “Christmas Tree Syndrome,” according to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pine pollen may cause sneezing inside your home

    • Mold spores are also a possible culprit

    • Artificial trees can also cause allergies to flare

    • Some types of live trees are better than others for allergies

    If you notice more allergy and asthma symptoms with a live tree in the house, pine pollen is most likely the problem. Otherwise, experts warn that mold spores could grow on your Christmas tree.

    In a 2011 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, researchers took samples from their own Christmas trees and discovered more than 50 kinds of molds.

    (Pixabay)

    Allergies and asthma symptoms aren’t just caused by real trees, either. Even those who opt for a fake Christmas tree could still feel ill.

    If not properly stored in your basement or attic, dust and mold can accumulate or grow on the branches, aggravating symptoms.

    Combating the issue

    According to the American Christmas Tree Association, shaking out and hosing off real trees before bringing indoors can reduce allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. Although you’ll want to let the tree dry off before transferring indoors.

    Since drying off can take a while, experts claim you can use a dry air compressor to speed up the process.

    Using an air purifier and taking down the tree the day after Christmas can also reduce exposure to any mold spores that are still present on the tree.

    Those who decide on an artificial tree should also thoroughly dust and wipe down its branches to remove any allergens before putting up and taking down. This can also apply to any other indoor decorations you decide to put up, too.

    Once the holidays are over, place the tree and its components in an air-tight container and avoid storing it in a cardboard box. Cardboard is an ideal breeding ground for molds to grow on, which could spread to your tree.

    (iStock)

    Provided pollen is your biggest trigger, choosing a fake tree would probably be your best bet. However, if you are dead-set on putting up a live Christmas tree, experts recommend trying a fir, spruce, or cypress.

    Two popular suggestions for those with allergies or who are sensitive to tree scents are the White Fir and Leyland Cypress.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Katie Walls

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  • 5 things to know about the Alfie Silva Christmas Show

    5 things to know about the Alfie Silva Christmas Show

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    A Space Coast entertainer is paying homage to Dean Martin and the crooner’s beloved Christmas shows. We’re “On The Town” this week in Palm Bay to meet the man behind this highly anticipated live event.

    1. Alfie Silva is an award-winning tribute artist and a trained actor. “We’ve lost that amazing Christmas show mentality,” he told our Allison Walker, which is why he’s bringing “Dean” back this Christmas.
    2. He’s the star of the “Alfie Silva Christmas Show,” taking place at The Tangiers in Palm Bay, a theater he owns. “I don’t look like Dean,” he said. “I say that people hear what they see and see what they hear, so by the third song, people feel like they’re watching Dean Martin.”
    3. Alfie brings special guest performers on stage with him. So you never who might surprise you during your visit. This is a lot like how Dean used to roll, rarely rehearsing. “I love the way Dean would golf all day because he hated rehearsing,” Alfie said. “So he golfed all day, showed up just before the show taped, and read off cue cards.”
    4. You have only three more chances to catch the “Alfie Silva Christmas Show” at The Tangiers. They’re December 22 & 23 at 8 p.m., and December 24 at 2 p.m.
    5. Tickets start at $40. The theater offers beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase.

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    Allison Walker

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  • Christmas brought a big mix of weather in the past

    Christmas brought a big mix of weather in the past

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    What kind of weather gets you in the Christmas spirit? Is it a winter wonderland with the smell of wood burning in the fireplace? Or is it a tropical paradise with palm trees swaying in the breeze? 

    Your answer may depend on where you grew up or spent most of your life! 

    What You Need To Know

    • The lowest temperature set on Christmas Day in Tampa was 20 degrees

    • Tampa’s warmest temperature on Christmas Day was 86 degrees

    • We remember Christmas of 1997 for its stormy weather

    • Last Christmas, Tampa had a high of 46 degrees and a low of 31 degrees

    You don’t have to be a meteorologist to know most years are mild or warm for Christmas Day in the Tampa Bay region. Considering the climatological average high for this time of year is 73, that’s not a shock.

    Looking at the data, you’ll find that it’s very common for our area to have highs in the 60s, 70s or 80s on Christmas, but it’s rarer to have highs only in the 50s. It happens, but those instances are in the minority, primarily because of our southern latitude.

    In 2022, Tampa had a high temperature of 46 degrees on Christmas Day. 

    What’s interesting is that you can go back through the last 100 years and find a rhythm (or pattern) to the temperatures. Some years and decades were warmer, while others were cooler. It ebbs and flow. 

    It’s not too surprising, considering large-scale global patterns, such as El Niño and La Niña, can influence our regional weather.

    A strong El Niño can cause wetter, stormier winters for us- and that certainly was the case in 1997. That winter was very stormy, and we had the wettest December on record.

    The Arctic Oscillation plays a big role in winter weather, especially across the eastern U.S. In the winters of 2009 and 2010, we had the coldest December on record with many chilly days. That pattern flipped a few years later, and we had some of the warmest Decembers on record in 2015 and 2016.

    The warmest Christmas Day temperature is 86 degrees, which we’ve hit multiple times.

    Yet, the coldest saw a low temperature 20 degrees in 1983. That same day, we had a high of only 38 here in Tampa, which is very cold by our standards.

    Looking back at Christmas Day weather since Bay News 9 started in 1997:

    2022: Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 46, Low: 31.

    2021: Sunny. High: 77, Low: 56.

    2020: Partly cloudy and cold. High: 57, Low: 45.

    2019: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 81, Low: 63.

    2018: Sunny and beautiful. High: 74, Low: 53.

    2017: Weak front brought early morning showers. High: 75, Low: 58.

    2016: Mostly sunny and warm. Tied record high. High: 86, Low: 67.

    2015: Thick morning fog, warm and muggy. Tied record high. High: 86, Low: 70.

    2014: Cloudy morning, cool and partly sunny afternoon. High: 66, Low: 55.

    2013: Chilly start, comfortable afternoon. High: 76, Low: 49.

    2012: Mostly cloudy but comfortable. High: 74, Low: 57.

    2011: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 82, Low: 64.

    2010: Nice most of the day with night rain showers moving in with a front. High: 71, Low: 45.

    2009: Light morning showers, cloudy all day. High: 73, Low: 66.

    2008: Mostly cloudy with light scattered showers. Warm, muggy. High: 82, Low: 70.

    2007: Sunny and nice. High: 76, Low: 58.

    2006: Severe squall line with an EF-2 tornado in Pasco County. High: 79, Low: 69.

    2005: Front passed with rain and gusty winds of 50 mph. High: 70, Low: 57.

    2004: Cloudy and rainy. High: 60, Low: 48.

    2003: Sunny and cool. High: 66, Low: 47.

    2002: Rain ended early, then cloudy and windy. High: 70, Low: 51.

    2001: Cloudy and chilly with light rain. High: 58, Low: 51.

    2000: Breezy, mostly sunny. High: 71, Low: 49.

    1999: Sunny, but chilly. High: 58, Low: 43.

    1998: Sunny and warm. High: 79, Low: 64.

    1997: Wet and stormy with record-setting rain of 1.53 inches. High 73, Low 69.

    Last year vs. this year

    Last year was the coldest Christmas since Bay News 9 started and the coldest in over 30 years. 

    This year looks to be closer to normal, with highs in the 70s and a chance of showers.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

    Most of the U.S. will have to dream of a white Christmas this year

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    Burl Ives sang the words “I don’t know if there’ll be snow, but have a cup of cheer”… you’re going to need the cup of cheer, because most of the country won’t wake up to a winter wonderland next Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • A mild pattern has kept winter storms at bay

    • Very few areas will have at least an inch of snow on the ground on Monday

    • This year’s snow coverage is relatively low compared to the long-term average



    The recent mild pattern has been quite persistent and will stay that way right through the holiday. Here’s what temperatures compared to average look like through Monday.

    The relative warmth is great news for travelers hoping snow and ice won’t snarl their pre-holiday trip. But for those who like seeing a white Christmas, it’s a disappointment. Here’s where one of our reliable computer models predicts at least an inch of snow will be on the ground Christmas morning (which is the definition of a white Christmas).

    Snow will definitely be in short supply this year. For example, those who average three out of four Christmases being white… well, this year is that one-out-of-four.

    Travel weather next week likely involves a couple of weather systems in the central and eastern U.S. that’ll produce both rain and snow. Keep up with your local forecast to see what conditions may be like in your area–rain, snow or shine.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

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  • City Council to hear recommendations on future of Schwettman site

    City Council to hear recommendations on future of Schwettman site

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. —  The New Port Richey City Council is expected to discuss the future of the former Schwettman Education Center on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of New Port Richey had originally bought the property in the fall for $1.7 million

    • The outcome would mean new economic development to the area

    • The redevelopment agency meeting is set for 5 p.m.

    The goal of these future projects would be to bring an economic development project to the area. The city originally had bought this property in the fall for $1.7 million.

    “The majority of (the) council thought that there was benefit in redevelopment of the piece, in large part because it is situated at a prominent corner in the city,” City Manager Debbie Manns said of the eight-acre property’s location at Grand Boulevard. and Gulf Drive.

    Manns said proposed development at the site of the former Community Hospital on Grand and Marine Parkway is seen as another benefit of redeveloping Schwettman.

    She is recommending the council look into selling it to a private developer. She said it would help in garnering a good amount of reinvestment in the Marine District and guide their plans to upgrade the neighborhood overall. Manns plans to suggest that the land not be re-purposed as residential space.

    Former Mayor Rob Marlowe says the area is underutilized and this would be a prime time to redo it all.

    “This is one of the last undeveloped sections of the Cotee River inside of New Port Richey. It’s totally undeveloped. That gets cleaned up, it would be easy enough to put in docks,” Marlowe said.

    Marlowe also said that if done right, the redevelopment of Schewettman could have a promising impact. He also would like to see the building used as a public space.

    Councilmembers are expected to talk about the future of Schwettman and other properties in store at today’s community redevelopment agency meeting at 5 p.m.

    The council may decide to take action Tuesday or choose to discuss the issue further at another time. There are currently plans to recommend the city issue a request for proposals on the site in the first quarter of 2024, according to Manns.

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    Reina Nieves

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  • Manatee County teacher helps students find their voice

    Manatee County teacher helps students find their voice

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — William Coleman has been a teacher for more than 20 years. He’s spent six of them at Manatee School for the Arts. He teaches chorus and music theater.

    What You Need To Know

    • William Coleman is this week’s A+ Teacher

    “Everything I’ve done in my life has led me to being here,” said Coleman.

    He calls teaching the thrill of his life.

    “I love when students get the look in their eye that says they learned something new, they learned something about themselves new. I love working with them because it is a joy,” said Coleman.

    Coleman finds joy in every part of his role as an educator and he wants his students to feel that in his class.

    “I work on making this classroom a safe space for everybody who enters. It’s really important that students feel like they can explore the arts and be confident even if they may have no skill to those that are very skilled,” said Coleman.

    He says connecting with his students is a crucial part of his job.

    “I have a story that I can tell about them which means that we have spent time in the classroom building a relationship,” said Coleman.

    Coleman says he loves spending each day with his students and working at a school dedicated to the arts.

    “We live and we celebrate the arts, all art forms, in order to teach us how to be better humans. And to me, I don’t think there’s any greater joy than that,” said Coleman.

    Coleman says he’s working toward taking his students to Puerto Rico in June for an opportunity to work with an international choral director. He says they’re fundraising right now for that big trip.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

    Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The storm that hit Pinellas County last weekend severely eroded new beach sand dunes which cost more than $26 million to reconstruct after Hurricane Idalia brushed by the coast in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new sand dunes were eroded by weekend storms; officials say it appears half of the new dune washed away

    • It was the first time waves directly hit dunes because the beaches have become so narrow  

    • County hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary

    • Previous story here

    “There’s a little part of me that wanted to cry,” Pinellas Public Works director Kelli Levy said. “I’m not going to lie.”

    For the past few months, the county has been paying for sand to be trucked in from Davenport to rebuild the dune system from the Sand Key area of Clearwater to Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete Beach. Levy said in some areas near Sunset Beach, the dunes were nearly completely washed away.

    “There’s dunes down at the south end of Treasure Island on Sunset Beach that were really hit hard, that area probably more than the other areas,” she said. “The rest of the dunes pretty much from Sunset through Indian Rocks all the way up into Belleair Beach, where visually it appears that they’re about half gone.”

    The county will know exactly how much sand was lost during the storm once surveyors complete their work. Levy said they were hoping the new dunes would last for at least two years because that’s how long it takes to get a federal beach renourishment permit.

    “While it’s sad to see 4 months’ worth of hard work be damaged that way,” she said. “I also am incredibly appreciative that the protection that it provided those residents because without it I think we would’ve seen a lot more damage.”

    Levy said the sand dunes are the only thing standing between the Gulf and homeowners. Still, more than 60 residents in Treasure Island reported flooding, according to Jason Beisel, Treasure Island spokesman.  

    Michelle Gowland, 51, records videos for her YouTube channel, Echoue Bijoux, while collecting shells on Bay area beaches. Gowland said she travels from Bradenton to Sunset Beach at least twice a month to record videos.

    “These are giant Atlantic cockles,” she said. “There’s lots of those washed up here.”

    The sheller said right after a big storm hits is the best time to look and she was sad to see the beach erosion

    “I just saw part of that dune fall… it’s surreal to be out here right now,” she said. “It’s sad to see that all of this work that has just been done is going to have to be done again.”

    Levy said the county hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary with tourist tax dollars.

    “If we can in some areas just kind of grade it down a little further, grade down the accesses, so people will have access and leave the existing dune in place,” she said. “In areas where it’s completely gone, we may have to bring in more sand.”

    The severely damaged dune system is connected to an ongoing battle between Pinellas County and the Army Corps of Engineers over beach renourishment and the lack of required perpetual easements from all beachfront property owners. Levy said this was the first storm where the waves directly hit the sand dunes because the beaches have become so narrow.

    “We haven’t had storms hit the dune because we’ve always had a significant berm in front of it,” she said. “Well, we don’t have a berm now. So, all we had was the dune.”

    Levy said it’s important people stay off the dunes over the holidays for their safety and to protect the remaining sand.

    “A lot of the access points have a very sharp drop off. If you step too close to the edge, it will collapse on you,” she said. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt. Generally, stay off the dunes that are still there. We do want those areas that did not get damaged, those plants to continue to get established.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Florida State’s Trey Benson, Fabien Lovett entering NFL Draft

    Florida State’s Trey Benson, Fabien Lovett entering NFL Draft

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State’s leading rusher, Trey Benson, will enter the NFL Draft and is opting out of the Orange Bowl game. Benson made the announcement on Sunday on his Instagram.

    One of the Seminoles’ top defensive tackles, Fabien Lovett, also announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would enter the NFL Draft. Lovett didn’t clarify if he was opting out of the bowl game on Dec. 30 against Georgia.

    Benson had a long rehab journey following major knee surgery at Oregon in 2020 but showed in his first few practices at Florida State what he was capable of achieving. He racked up 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022 and followed it up with 905 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023.

    He was perhaps at his best in rivalry games: Benson had a combined 10 touchdowns in Florida State’s four games against Miami and Florida, including three TD runs in the November 2023 victory at The Swamp.

    Lovett had 22 tackles and four tackles for loss this fall. He wrapped up a career in which he had 93 tackles and six sacks, most of them at Florida State after his transfer from Mississippi State following the 2019 season.

    One of Florida State’s top receivers, Johnny Wilson, declared for the NFL draft last week and opted out of the bowl game. Wilson had back-to-back 40-catch seasons at Florida State and will participate in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

     

     

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    Associated Press

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  • Family, community remember Pasco teen hit by car on the way to school

    Family, community remember Pasco teen hit by car on the way to school

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Bonnie Farago remembers her nephew, Myles Farago, as a smart, witty kid who loved animals, excelled in art and music and enjoyed getting outdoors to hike and camp.

    What You Need To Know

    • Myles Farago, 15, died after being hit by a car while bicycling to school early Thursday

    • His aunt, Bonnie Farago, describes him as a smart kid who loved animals, the arts, and outdoors

    • A memorial honoring Myles has been set up along Kitten Trail, near the scene of the crash
    • Pasco County says safety improvements are planned for the area

    “Myles was supposed to be at Christmas with us. I had already bought him Christmas presents, and he was supposed to be one of the groomsmen in my wedding in March. So, that will not happen now,” Farago said.

    According to Florida Highway Patrol, Myles, 15, was hit by a car while riding his bike to school along Kitten Trail in Hudson just after 6:30 a.m. Thursday. FHP said the driver didn’t see him due to dark conditions.

    “His bike that he normally rides, it does have lights on it,” Farago said. “But because he had a flat tire, he had to take a friend’s bike to school at that particular moment, so he didn’t have a light on his bike.”

    That area of Kitten Trail has no lighting and no sidewalks. Farago said her brother, Myles’ father, mentioned his concerns about road safety in the area many times.

    “He actually did go with Myles a few times to find the safest way to get to school. He wasn’t even going the quickest way,” she said.

    On Friday, students and community members stopped by a memorial cross set up on Kitten Trail in his honor. Among them was Brittany Nichols. She lives near the crash scene and said she called 911. She told Spectrum Bay News 9 that she and another person attempted to perform CPR on Myles.

    “My heart really does go out to his family, and I hope his family can find some peace,” Nichols said. 

    Hudson High School student Maria Gomez said she and others with the school’s Dungeons and Dragons Club came to the memorial because a fellow member was best friends with Myles.

    “It felt a lot more painful, and really the more you started to hear what was going on, you learned different details throughout the day about what had happened to the kid, and all you could feel was guilt the entire time,” Maria said.

    Maria’s mother, Lazara Gomez, said she spent the morning calling school and county officials, asking for lights, signs indicating a school is nearby, and sidewalks to be installed in the area.

    “They’re having to share this road at six-something in the morning,” Gomez said. “The sun hasn’t even risen yet, and these kids are having to trek through here.”

    Pasco County said in a statement that it secured grant funding to build a sidewalk on the south side of Kitten Trail that will go from Hicks Road to Giddyup Lane. A school speed zone will also be in place on Kitten Trail from Hicks Road. to a quarter mile east of Cobra Way. The county also said it’s including the area in its annual review of roads that need street lights. Farago said that the news is a relief.

    “I don’t want any other parents, any other family, to have to go through exactly what we are going through right now. It should never happen again,” Farago said.

    Farago said she wants people to remember Myles’ story when they find themselves driving on dark roads. She urges drivers to slow down and be vigilant – especially before school.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • More seniors in Manasota are in need of supplies

    More seniors in Manasota are in need of supplies

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Over the past few years, the organization Manasota Elves has been making a difference for seniors in need, providing Christmas presents filled with basic necessities. However, this year, they’ve hit a record number of seniors needing their help.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manasota Elves is an organization that was founded in 2021 to give necessities to low-income seniors For Christmas 

    • There is a huge need this year, with more seniors needing help

    • Manasota Elves will deliver Christmas bags to low-income seniors at 10 different locations on Monday, Dec. 18

    The sun is never up early enough for Sammy Jo Munding. On this day, she’s getting a head start.

    “We are getting ready to bag all of our Manasota Elf gifts; it’s an exciting day,” she said.

    Munding is a volunteer for Manasota Elves, filling bags with items such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste that will go to low-income seniors in Manatee and Sarasota counties for Christmas.

    “Every year, we get more calls for more seniors needing these basic necessities,” she said.

    This is their busiest year yet. The demand has increased 40 percent, now serving 700 seniors in need.

    “Sadly, our seniors are experiencing what we are all experiencing due to the rise of inflation and the cost of basic living. They are on a fixed income,” she said.

    It’s a big job, but for Munding, it’s second nature. She’s been in the senior healthcare industry since she was 14 years old, washing dishes at a rehab center. Now working her way up as an executive director for a senior care facility, she says seniors have helped her like she’s helped them.

    “You know, growing up in foster care, I had that missing piece of family and community. This project and industry of seniors have provided that to me,” she said.

    She recently started volunteering more, wanting to continue the legacy of her dear friend Tanya Singsim, who started the group. She died in March.

    “I met her when I first moved here. She was known to take everyone under her wing,” she said.

    She’s continuing the hard work with a smile, hoping this holiday season seniors will feel loved.

    “Often times tears of joy, being thought about and cared about,” she said.

    She’s helping her second family feel supported because, for her, it’s the thought that counts.

    Manasota Elves will deliver the Christmas bags to low-income seniors at 10 different locations on Monday, Dec. 18.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Kid entrepreneurs in Bay area getting help from nonprofit

    Kid entrepreneurs in Bay area getting help from nonprofit

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes and ages. In the Bay area, there’s a local organization making sure the youngest, brightest and most ambitious kids have what they need to get their businesses off the ground.

    What You Need To Know

    • The kidprenuers’ next business fare is the Kidpreneur’s Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 16

    • More than 60 young entrepreneurs are expected at the Kidprenuer Holiday Market

    • Local 6-16 year old kidpreneurs will be selling their handmade art, products and services at this free to attend, family-friendly, vendor market

    • Because of weather conditions this weekend, the Kidpreneur’s Holiday Market is now being held at B&B Theatres located at The Grove 16 at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

    Seven-year-old Elliot Perez is one of those young business owners. He has his very own business called Fluff Puffs And Other Stuff, where he sells everything from pillows to paintings and bracelets.

    “For example, what they’re used for is everything but here are some examples: Sleeping, pillow fights, car rides, transportation, gifts, decorations. They’re used for pillow fights,” Perez said. “I was very interested in making pillows because like the other famous people, like George Washington Carver, made pillows so I was like, ‘Wow, I want my own business.’”

    So far, he said his reviews have been impressive. “So there’s this guy whose brother died and then he died right after, but they buried the Fluff Puff with him because he loved it so much. So that really made me happy that he liked it so much,” he said.

    With his idea and his goal to make money and make people happy, Perez said his mom helped him start the business. He’s been able to get his products into more hands thanks to The Kidpreneur Club nonprofit that Danielle Cannon started.

    “I started organizing the children’s business fares just for the kids to be selling this stuff that they made and it has grown huge ever since. The products are getting more professional and complicated enough that they can be sold in a store with adult products and nobody would know they were made by kids,” Cannon said.

    The kidpreneurs sell everything from juices to teddy bears and everything else in between and they’re between the ages of six and 16.

    “The whole idea of the nonprofit was that it is led by the kidprenuers and their families and what they’re needing in their personal lives. It’s not a one plan fits all. Just like entrepreneurship is not a one plan fits all,” said Cannon.

    The kidprenuers’ next business fare is on Saturday, Dec. 16. Because of weather conditions this weekend, the Kidpreneur’s Holiday Market is now being held at B&B Theatres located at The Grove 16 at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Manatee County Area Transit makes bus route changes

    Manatee County Area Transit makes bus route changes

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Area Transit made several changes to bus services as part of an effort to encourage more commuters to use the buses as their form of transportation. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  MCAT has several bus route changes that began this month

    •  The busiest route is 99 between downtown Sarasota and Bradenton 

    •  The changes are part of an effort to enhance transportation; buses with the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day

    The biggest change is for the busiest mainland route used by residents — Route 99, between downtown Sarasota and Brandenton.

    The improvement is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

    One Bradenton resident took notice of the changes and is thankful for how quickly the buses get to the stops.

    If you drive past the Bradenton Bus Terminal, you can find Eugene, who wanted to be identified only by his middle name, in his regular spot he takes the 99 bus route up to five times a day.

    It’s his only option for transportation and recently became homeless, he says he is grateful for the free fare.

    “I love it the people are great,” he said.

    According to Manatee County, the 99 bus is the busiest route. In an effort to enhance transportation, buses on the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day.

    Eugene says it’s a great addition not just for him but also families.

    “People have appointments, and if the bus ain’t there they can’t get there,” he said. “I haven’t figured that part out yet, but i need to see my doctors. I can’t get my medications without it.”

    For Eugene, this new change will help him get to his destinations quicker for him its picking up food at the grocery store.

    “We are all set good for tonight and maybe in the morning,” he said.

    Eugene said he is grateful for the quicker stops because he says sometimes it can be a long wait.

    For a list of bus routes, visit the MCAT website.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Hudson residents rally for safety after teen bicyclist killed in crash

    Hudson residents rally for safety after teen bicyclist killed in crash

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old Hudson Academy student was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike Thursday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • A teen bicyclist was hit and killed by a vehicle near Thompson Avenue and Kitten Trail in Hudson

    • The teen, 15-year-old Myles Farago, was a student at Hudson Academy

    • FHP said a Hudson man, 31, was driving a Dodge Charger eastbound and did not see the teen, who was not wearing a helmet, due to dark conditions

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash happened just after 6:30 a.m. near Thompson Avenue and Kitten Trail in Hudson — less than a mile away from the school on a two-lane road.

    The bicyclist has been identified as Myles Farago. In a Facebook post, Hudson Academy officials described him as “kind, caring and a talented student.”

    Troopers said a Hudson man, 31, was driving a Dodge Charger eastbound on Kitten Trail when he struck the rear of the bicycle. Authorities said the conditions were dark and the driver did not see the teen, who was not wearing a helmet. 

    People who live in the surrounding area say that road is dangerous and there needs to be more lights. 

    “It needs something to be done,” Hudson resident Janet Michaels said. “There’s a lot of traffic in the mornings, at like seven o’clock or so, and then in the afternoon when school gets out. I’m surprised we don’t have more accidents, really.”

    Kelli Childress, another resident and parent, said she immediately knew something bad happened as she drove past the flood of police lights on Kitten Trail.

    “My first thought was it was a kid going to school,” she said. “And then it ended up being that. It’s devastating. No mom should have to feel that. Not with a little boy just trying to go to school.”

    Officials said Farago was taken to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. 

    The road where the crash happened leads to three nearby schools. Neighbors and school parents, including Childress, have been speaking out about Kitten Trail, which has no sidewalks or crosswalks.

    “What happened this morning could be avoided 100 percent. It’s dangerous, it’s dark, (drivers) not paying attention,” Childress said. “There’s nothing on Kitten Road, except for one faded sign that says ‘school entrance.’ People don’t pay attention to signs anymore. There’s no lights, there’s nothing. It’s dark.”

    Childress has been advocating for improved safety measures for years. She says she’s frustrated and heartbroken that a tragedy like this happened, but hopes it may lead to change.

    Hudson Academy said they had a crisis team on their campus today to offer support to students and staff and will keep bringing in counselors for as long as needed.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New street lights installed in Manatee County’s underlit areas

    New street lights installed in Manatee County’s underlit areas

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — Manatee County is installing street lights in underlit areas as part of a project that was passed by commissioners in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, 90% of the county does not have proper street lighting

    • Light Up Manatee plans to install 9,000 solar operated LED street lights in low-income and underlit neighborhoods in Districts 2, 3 and 4

    • The county is partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to install Raven Sound Detection Systems throughout these neighborhoods as well

    Installations are taking place throughout Districts 2, 3, and 4. Workers recently completed the first neighborhood in Palmetto.

    Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, who is spearheading the Light Up Manatee project, says it’s all an effort to give residents light and to reduce the crime rate in low-income neighborhoods.

    A total of $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will be used to install 9,000 solar-operated LED street lights.

    “It came to my attention through my research that 90 percent of Manatee County is without lighting,” Rahn said. “I believe when you light up neighborhoods, they become safer, stronger, and it chases all the bad elements out of the way.”

    Essick and Janiell Johnson, who have been living in Palmetto since 1972, recently noticed the new lights illuminating their street.

    “He said it’s the streetlight; we got a streetlight now,” Janiell Johnson said. “It was so bright, like I was in heaven. It was gorgeous.”

    The two say they can’t remember a time their street has been lit in the past 50 years.

    “We feel much safer with my daughter coming home at night, especially if I’m not here; she can see a larger area that’s brightened up,” Essick Johnson said. “It gets dark out here, especially when the sun goes down early.”

    Feeling that sense of safety is the goal of these new lights as officials aim to bring a brighter future for neighborhoods.

    According to Rahn, the county also is partnering with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to install Raven Sound Detection Systems throughout these neighborhoods.

    The audio device works to detect and locate gunshots before 911 is called.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Holly jolly holiday happenings to enjoy around Tampa Bay

    Holly jolly holiday happenings to enjoy around Tampa Bay

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 3:41 PM ET Dec. 13, 2023
    PUBLISHED 11:13 AM ET Nov. 29, 2023
    PUBLISHED 11:13 AM EST Nov. 29, 2023

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Sarasota School Board votes to ask Bridget Ziegler to resign

    Sarasota School Board votes to ask Bridget Ziegler to resign

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — The Sarasota School Board voted to call on board member and Moms For Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler to resign from her post.

    The vote was 4-to-1 to ask Ziegler to resign from her post. She was the lone dissenting vote, making it clear she’s not stepping down.

    Ziegler has served on the board since 2014.


    The resolution is non-binding, meaning Gov. Ron DeSantis would have to step in to remove Ziegler from the board. There’s been no indication he will do that.

    Board Chair Karen Rose called the vote following a sexual assault investigation into Ziegler’s husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler.

    He is facing allegations of rape.

    “I personally care about Bridget and her family and deeply regret the necessity for this course of action, but given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission,” Rose wrote.

    Ziegler spoke briefly about the resolution during the board meeting.

    “You know, I am disappointed,” said Ziegler. “As people may know, I serve on another public board, and this issue did not come up, and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board.”

    The alleged victim says she had previously been in a three-way sexual relationship with the Zieglers.

    According to the affidavit, she canceled a meet-up with the couple when she found out Bridget would not be there. She told police Christian Ziegler allegedly still showed up at her apartment and that’s when she says the attack happened, stated the affidavit.

    Christian Ziegler said he has been falsely accused and will not resign as GOP party chair. No criminal charges have been filed against him.

    But the Republican Party of Florida is holding a special meeting this weekend to discuss his future.

     

    Prior to the meeting, several dozen people marched outside carrying signs and chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, Bridget Ziegler has got to go.” Among the signs’ slogans were “Ban Bridget, not books” and “Real women aren’t homophobes.”

    “Bridget Ziegler must apologize and resign,” said Carol Lerner of Support Our Schools, a nonprofit group that supports public education. “The Zieglers are through and through grifters.”

    Board member Tim Enos said it’s up to Bridget Ziegler to decide whether to quit. Only Florida’s governor can remove a school board member, and only under certain conditions, such as a criminal charge.

    “If she continues and doesn’t resign and stays, we have an obligation that we all need to be focused on education,” Enos said. “The politics have to get outside the boardroom. It should be only about the kids.”

    Bridget Ziegler has long been active in conservative politics. She was a champion of the DeSantis-backed law known by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” which restricts teaching of sexual and gender material in early school grades. Moms for Liberty, which she co-founded in 2021, aims to inject more conservative viewpoints into schools, restrict transgender rights, battle pandemic mask mandates and remove books the group objects to from school classrooms and libraries.

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    Julia Hazel

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