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  • Woman with Prader-Willi syndrome celebrates graduation with family

    Woman with Prader-Willi syndrome celebrates graduation with family

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Winter graduations are getting underway and one family is particularly excited to see their loved one walk across the stage.

    Tyanna Tran was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder when she was born and her parents were told she might not live. But now, it’s graduation time for 24-year-old Tran.

    What You Need To Know

    • NIH reports less than 50,000 people in the United States have the disease

    “I’m excited,” said Tran as she worked on decorating her graduation cap in her Pasco County home with her mother, sister and personal support aide.

    Tran’s mother, Julie Dang-Martinez, says it’s a day doctors told her might never come. Her daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Wille syndrome and given a limited lifespan.

    Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a variety of physical, mental and behavioral features.

    “We were told that she wouldn’t even live to middle school,” said Dang-Martinez. “And then when she got to high school, she got Honor Roll, she got high GPA awards and now she’s graduating college. It’s a huge thing for our family not just because she’s graduating college, but she wasn’t expected to live.”

    Tran is defying those odds. She’s walking the stage Wednesday, after earning her AA from Pasco-Hernando State College. She plans to continue her education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

    University of Florida Professor Dr. Jennifer Miller specializes in Prader-Willi syndrome and says this is a rare achievement.

    An exciting achievement this family hopes inspires others.

    “We want to show other families that it can be done,” said Dang-Martinez. “When they want to give up hope when it’s hard, when their child’s in the hospital for diabetes or obesity complications and stuff like that, it’s possible.”

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Florida AG Moody to subpoena College Football Playoff committee

    Florida AG Moody to subpoena College Football Playoff committee

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After Florida State became the first undefeated Power 5 team in the 10-year history of the College Football Playoff to be excluded from a chance to play for a national championship, state Attorney General Ashley Moody is planning to subpoena the CFP’s selection committee.

    What You Need To Know

    • State Attorney General Ashley Moody is planning to subpoena the CFP’s selection committee following FSU’s playoff snub

    • Moody says the investigation is focused on possible conspiracy and antitrust violations

    • The Seminoles are slated to play the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 

    Moody is asking the committee to hand over documents and records on everyone involved in the selection process.

    She’s also looking into pay records, communication records and more.

    Moody says the investigation is focused on possible conspiracy and antitrust violations.

    “I recognize when there needs to be answers,” she said. “There needs to be transparency for the sake of college football and the purity of the sport. This is an important investigation going forward. I think not just Floridians, but folks nationwide will want answers.”

    She adds that the omission will cost Florida State University and the Atlantic Coast Conference millions of dollars.

    Previously, Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged $1 million for “any litigation expenses that may come as a result of this really, really poor decision by the College Football Playoff.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) also sent a letter to CFP Selection Committee Chairman Boo Corrigan demanding full transparency from the committee regarding how the decision was reached.

    The two teams knocked out of the CFP, FSU and two-time defending champion Georgia, will meet in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

    The Seminoles still have the opportunity to play for the third perfect season in school history. FSU went 14-0 in 2013 and 12-0 in 1999, both of those seasons ending with national titles.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Gators hire Los Angeles Chargers assistant Harris as secondary coach

    Gators hire Los Angeles Chargers assistant Harris as secondary coach

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida formally announced Los Angeles Chargers assistant Will Harris as the team’s secondary coach Monday.

    The 36-year-old Harris replaces Corey Raymond, who was fired two days after the Gators ended the season with a fifth consecutive loss, and missed a bowl for the third time since 1990.

    Defense was the biggest issue down the stretch, with Florida allowing 41.75 points a game in the first four losses.

    Florida Coach Billy Napier also parted with defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

    Harris leaves the Chargers in time to help Napier recruit before the early signing period begins Dec. 20. He served as the NFL team’s assistant secondary coach in 2023.

    “Will Harris is an absolute professional,” Napier said. “He will bring connection and confidence to our defensive backs room.”

    Harris’ resume includes stints as defensive coordinator at Georgia Southern (2022) and as Washington’s defensive backs coach (2018-21), where he led one of the best secondary groups in the country in 2021.

    Harris played collegiately at USC (2005-09) before spending time with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos in 2010.

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    Associated Press

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  • Elves on a rampage, Santa retired: Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas

    Elves on a rampage, Santa retired: Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas offers the kiddy fun for families who are into a little bit of gore, in addition to goodwill to all.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas is a haunted adventure in Plant City

    • It’s open on December 15th & 16th 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. and December 17th: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

    • Prices are $30, VIP $40

    Of course, the adventure began as a Halloween haunt a decade ago and continues with hilarious horror offerings from Christmas to Valentine’s Day.

    Calvin Hogan helped transform the death and chaos to yuletide death and chaos.

    “We ended on a Sunday. That Monday, we all collectively got a nice day off,” said Hogan. “And then Tuesday, we were right back out here tearing Halloween down, putting Christmas back up.”

    A collection of doomed characters is meant to level up the storyline and experience.

    An explorer named Cornelius (homage to the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer cartoon) sets out into the barren tundra of a frozen world seeking to disprove the existence of Christmas legends like Krampus.

    “Santa — you know his story. Krampus is the one that gets the naughty, naughty children,” Cornelius explained, his teeth chattering. Cornelius, portrayed by Alex Ribble, is partially frozen and his face shows signs of frostbite.

    Alex Ribble plays Cornelius Junior, a frostbitten explorer of a failed expedition at Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas. (Spectrum News/Virginia Johnson)

    If you think the little ice crystals on his frostbitten nose are cool, you should see the make-up work of another character: Psych the Christmas Elf. Who is Psych the Christmas Elf?

    Besides being human Keegan Smith, he’s a mad, deranged elf who has taken over Christmas along with fellow elf, Judy.

    The close-knit group at Sir Henry’s is filled with self-taught scare engineers and make-up artists who used the phrase “YouTube University” to explain their animatronic building skills.

    Psych and Judy are running Santa’s workshop and they keep Mrs. Claus in a cage.

    But there is snow, cider and hot chocolate.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Florida Department of Education releases school grades

    Florida Department of Education releases school grades

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    The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Monday released school grades for the 2022-23 school year.

    As a part of Florida’s first-in-the-nation transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-2023 school year serve as a baseline and carry no negative consequences, according to a news release.

    Using these results as a baseline, schools and districts can work toward improved performance in future years, school officials said.

    For the full report, click here.

    FDOE developed a new test, Florida’s Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). Unlike end-of-year high stakes testing, FAST is a progress monitoring system that provides teachers, students and parents real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to drive student improvement.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 has reached out to school districts in the area for statements and reaction to the results. We’ll be posting them below.

    CITRUS COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “The positive outcomes we’re witnessing are a direct reflection of the persistence and dedication of our students, teachers, and instructional staff.  We’re incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our schools!”

    HERNANDO COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    According to today’s report, the Hernando School District (HCSD) earned 58% of the total points possible, maintaining a district grade of B. This marks the 6th year since 2015 the school district received a B grade by FLDOE. Hernando Schools did not receive grades for 2020 and 2021 because of the impact of Covid on schools. In contrast to the state’s former assessment, the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) scores, the FAST scores did not include the calculation that awarded additional points for student learning gains.

    “We were concerned at first” said Sonsee Sanders, Director of Research & Accountability for HCSD. “But it is remarkable that despite not having the learning gains calculation as part of the grade calculations that the district increased our total points earned from 56% to 58%.”

    Five of Hernando’s schools improved a full letter grade. Brooksville, Deltona, Moton and Westside Elementary moved from a C to a B. But it is Eastside Elementary, the district’s only “turnaround school,” that can mark this year as a notable achievement, moving their school from a D to a C.

    “We are so thrilled for these schools!” said Gina Michalicka, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “The ultimate goal for all of our schools is increased student achievement. Our teachers and administrators pour over student assessment data and spend long days refining their instructional practice together. To be recognized in this way is so validating to their hard work.”

    Read the school district’s full response by clicking here.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “Over the summer we anticipated what school grades might look like with the state’s new grading formula.  When schools opened in August, our schools immediately began taking necessary steps to help build capacity and provide guidance on systems and structures based on the needs of each school. We are seeing some positive results. Many of our students are improving their proficiency in ELA and Math. While that may not be reflected in this year’s school grades, we anticipate positive results next year when student learning gains are again included in the school grades.” 

    – Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres

    MANATEE COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    NOTE: We have not heard from the school district about its results.

    PASCO COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    Pasco County Schools maintained a B grade for 2023 according to the district grades and school grades released Monday by the Florida Department of Education (DOE). These are informational baseline grades. Pasco has maintained a B grade since 2017.

    “I’m pleased to see what our schools have accomplished, and 2 (50%) of our schools are no longer at an F status,” said Kurt Browning, Pasco Superintendent of Schools. “Now that we have the baseline grades, our teachers and administrators are focused on these data and planning for greater accomplishments based on this mid-year reflection. These data will help us to make informed decisions about improvements for the remainder of the year.”

    Seventy-seven percent of Pasco schools earned an A, B, or C grade, and half of Pasco’s schools earned A’s and B’s. 26 of our 94 schools received A’s. Three of our schools moved up from B’s to an A. Other highlights this year include 12 schools increased their overall grade.

    Six of our schools received an I [incomplete] Pasco County Schools will be looking at appeals for these schools and will know more info about why they received an “I” once we receive the data file. Often, an “I” is given to schools that do not meet the participation rate.

    PINELLAS COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “I am proud of the results of our schools and district during this initial, baseline year for school grades. Student success guides the daily and long-term work of the district. Schools are the heart of that transformation and their results during the 2022-23 school year are tremendous.” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick.

    The district focus on the middle school experience is evident with 10 middle schools improving their school grade. Tyrone Middle School earned a C, rising from the district’s only F the previous year. The commitment and effort of the school teams to improvement is clear across the district. The Transformation Zone continues to focus on student proficiency, long-term progress and supporting any schools demonstrating the need for more focused intervention. To read the school district’s full statement, click here.

    POLK COUNTY (GRADE: C)

    NOTE: We have not heard from the school district about its results.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • It’s a dog-eat-dog world for USF Coach Fernandez and his wife

    It’s a dog-eat-dog world for USF Coach Fernandez and his wife

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    LUTZ, Fla. — When you go to the home of University of South Florida women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez and his wife Tonya, there’s going to be treats, lots of tail wagging, and lots of sloppy kisses.

    What You Need To Know

    •  University of South Florida women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez and his wife Tonya have rescued several dogs

    •  They raised awareness on dog rescue and adoption at the Bulls’ game against Gardner-Webb on Sunday

    •  There will be several agencies, with some dogs, ready for adoption at the game

    It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and these pups rule the house.

    “This is normal,” Tonya Fernandez said. “This is every day.”

    “Welcome to our crazy,” Jose Fernandez said.

    You can blame Tonya Fernandez for the controlled chaos. Ever since she was a little girl, she says strays just had a way of finding her. And she knew how to make them feel at home — and give them a home — just like they’ve done with these rescue dogs.

    “Just to be able to take a dog that was unwanted, maybe neglected, and to give them patience and love and turn that around where they trust and love you to pieces,” she said. “There’s nothing like that.”

    It started with Buster, the couple’s first dog. The canine who set the tone for this family has a prominent spot in the house when you first walk in.

    “Buster’s ashes are in the painting,” Jose Fernandez said.

    Most Bulls fans know Jose Fernandez for the winning women’s basketball program he’s built at the University of South Florida. They are NCAA Tournament regulars and are considered one of the top programs in college basketball.

    He’s using his high profile to spread the message about dog rescue, and at the Bulls’ game against Gardner-Webb Sunday, Fernandez helped shine a spotlight on the importance and value of rescuing dogs.

    Jose and Tonya Fernandez can tell you firsthand how their dogs have enhanced their lives — the couple may have technically rescued the dogs, but in so many ways, they say the dogs have really rescued them.

    “They just bring so much joy to our lives and we laugh all day long,” said Tonya Fernandez.

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Grace, Gratitude & Giving nonprofit helps people during hardships

    Grace, Gratitude & Giving nonprofit helps people during hardships

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — A woman in Land O’ Lakes is running a small nonprofit helping people struggling to stay afloat but who don’t qualify for government assistance.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Land O’ Lakes woman is approaching her first anniversary running her nonprofit named Grace, Gratitude & Giving

    • The goal of the nonprofit, according to director Michelle Bergeron, is to help people who don’t qualify for government benefits

    • It’s a cause that means a lot to Bergeron because she said she’s been in that scenario several times in her life

    The organization is called Grace, Gratitude & Giving, and its director, Michelle Bergeron, wants to help people in that type of situation because it’s something she dealt with in her own life.

    Bergeron said over the last decade she struggled financially because of uncontrollable moments like car accidents or when her house foreclosed in 2008, forcing her to dip into her savings until there was nothing left.

    “It’s a hard place to be,” Bergeron said. “Especially when you have kids and have to make that decision of, ‘Well, what am I doing this week? Am I paying the electricity bill or am I buying food?’”

    For a time, she was a single mother raising two boys, so that decision was never easy.

    She said she made just enough money where she didn’t qualify for benefits but still didn’t have enough money to pay every bill.

    That tough spot led her to start the nonprofit in January 2023.

    “I help people who are in those moments of ‘this is my worst day,’” Bergeron said. “I want to be that person that says, ‘Well, let me make it a little bit better for you.’”

    It’s a small organization where she’s helped pay for medical bills and rent, while also distributing dozens of blessing bags, which include snacks and other sundry items for people to take.

    She runs this nonprofit while consulting remotely and while driving for Uber.

    Driving folks around is a side hustle that is more than just supplemental income. It’s a place where she can spread the word about grace, gratitude and giving.

    “A lot of people ask what I do, or do I only do Uber and I always make sure I say no, I run a nonprofit,” Bergeron said. “I just do this for money on the side because I want to get that conversation out there.”

    Recently, she helped a customer who lost his car in an accident pay for groceries.

    “I meet a lot of wonderful people and I just have a good time doing it,” Bergeron said.

    That joy radiates from Bergeron, whether it’s a simple Uber ride or time spent at her home.

    Recently, Bergeron’s nonprofit partnered with Feed My Sheep CFL in Lakeland to give away over 100 blessing bags to homeless people in Polk County.

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    Nick Popham

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  • 12-year-old Pasco resident Waylen Newton completes 50 Yard Challenge

    12-year-old Pasco resident Waylen Newton completes 50 Yard Challenge

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A 12-year-old Pasco County boy is being recognized for mowing 50 yards for needy Port Richey residents.

    Waylen Newton completed the 50 Yard Challenge sponsored by the Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service.

    What You Need To Know

    • 12-year-old Waylen Newton completed the 50 Yard Challenge

    • The Raising Men and Women Lawn Care organization presented Newton with a new mower, weed eater and blower

    • Newton likes being outside and seeing the transformation of a person’s lawn
    • 50 Yard Challenge

    Founder Rodney Smith traveled to Pasco County to present Newton with a brand new law mower, weed eater and blower for accomplishing the goal.

    Newton mowed the lawns for the elderly, disabled, single mothers and veterans.

    He said he likes the physical part of the challenge.  

    “It’s fun. I go outside and do stuff. And I love helping people.” He also enjoys the immediate satisfaction of completing a task. “In the beginning, it’ll be all bad and grown up and after it’ll be nice and short.”

    Newton’s mom, Tonya Huff, says he’s an adventurous guy who likes to be outside. Huff said some of Newton’s neighborhood friends volunteered to help him with a few of the lawns. 

    “I am beyond proud. He completed all 50 yards,” Huff said. “There were some hot days over the summer that he kept going. Struggled a little bit in the Florida heat, but he didn’t stop.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Cancer survivor painting to raise money for research

    Cancer survivor painting to raise money for research

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — For this week’s “On the Town,” a cancer survivor is painting to raise money for cancer research. It’s at the Dancing Crane Gallery in Bradenton, where local artists are donating a portion of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 20 years ago, Joan Schnuerch was diagnosed with breast cancer

    • Later, she was diagnosed with both colon and ovarian cancer

    • Painting was her therapy and she’s using her skills to sell her artwork to raise money towards cancer research

    With a dip of a brush, Joan Schnuerch lets her thoughts paint for her.

    “Every once in a while, I feel I want to be wild,” she said.

    It’s an art form she’s been practicing since she was a little kid, creating anything with the tip of a brush.

    “I paint sailboats. Being out in the water is a similar freedom as when you paint; it makes me feel free,” she said.

    Painting has helped her through tough times in her life. In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

    “It takes the mind away from the worries of ‘How are you going to survive?’” Schnuerch said.

    Four years later, she was diagnosed with colon and ovarian cancer.

    “Dealing with three cancers at once, we made our will, and I was all set to say goodbye to everyone. I had children; I had a husband. I wasn’t ready to go,” she said.

    But she underwent chemo and received good news in 2010.

    “I did the chemo, and yeah, it worked,” she said.

    But with each flip of a page in her photo album is a reminder of how positive she was.

    “You have to continue living; you can’t just sit back and feel sorry for yourself,” Schnuerch said.

    And some tough moments.

    “I cried just once when my husband drove me to the hospital when I went in for the mastectomy,” she said.

    Painting was her therapy. Now she’s using her skills to sell her artwork to raise money towards cancer research, also hoping people feel the sense of freedom she does when they look at her paintings.

    “I always have sailboats in my dreams and thoughts — always so freeing,” she said. It’s nature that gives her inspiration to create beautiful pieces of work.

    “Peaceful. I love how the wild weeds and grasses grow around the pond,” Schnuerch said.

    Using her skills for a good cause to help others who are going through what she did.

    The event will go on for the entire month to raise money for the American Cancer Society at the Dancing Crane Gallery at 1019 10th Ave. West, Bradenton, Fla., 34205.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Rescue crews respond after plane crash at Zephyrhills airport

    Rescue crews respond after plane crash at Zephyrhills airport

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Two people have been injured after a plane crashed Thursday afternoon at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

    Authorities said South Avenue, from Airport Road to Sixth Avenue, is closed and that drivers should avoid the area.

    Pasco County Fire Rescue and Zephyrhills Police Department are on the scene. The FAA and NTSB have been requested to respond as well. 

    The two injured were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

    (Zephyrhills Police Department Photo)

    The single-engine Cessna was registered in Lakeland.

    This is a breaking news story and we’ll provide updates as they come in.

    Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for more.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

    Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

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    INVERNESS, Fla. – A long awaited road project is now underway in Citrus County.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is expanding US 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge

    • The project is being done to fix growing congestion on the two-lane road

    • That also includes a left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School

    The Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) is now widening US 41 in Inverness, an area that gets very congested.

    The project will also help traffic getting in and out of Inverness Middle School.

    David Vincent, Chief of Police for Citrus County Schools, says the change has been needed for a while.

    “For us as a school district, US 41 and Middle School Road has always been an area of congestion and concern,” Vincent said.

    The traffic on US 41 there averaged 18,000 cars a day in 2021, according to an FDOT study.

    Despite all that traffic, US 41 is just two lanes. And with no turn lanes, it really backs up during school time.

    “Between the buses and parents exiting and entering during morning and afternoon traffic, this is very difficult to manage,” Vincent said.

    That’s why he’s thankful that FDOT is now finally widening US 41.

    Work recently started on the project, which will expand 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge.

    That also includes a much-needed left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School.

    “We hope the combo of the new lanes and additional turn lane in this project will help with the commuter traffic,” Vincent said.

    He’s also hopeful those extra lanes should help traffic move through the rest of Inverness as well.

    The $21.6 million project also includes new bike lanes and sidewalks.

    It’s expected to be done by the summer of 2025.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Gators’ Etienne enters name into transfer portal

    Gators’ Etienne enters name into transfer portal

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida running back Trevor Etienne, who led the Gators with nine touchdowns and emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers, entered the transfer portal Thursday.

    The younger brother of former Clemson star and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne ran for 753 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, despite playing behind a shaky offensive line. He also had 172 yards receiving and a score while sharing time with Montrell Johnson.

    Etienne and Johnson, a junior who followed coach Billy Napier from Louisiana-Lafayette, have become close friends during their two years in Gainesville. And Etienne said he would like to see both become primary ball-carriers so they can improve their NFL draft stock.

    “My time as a Gator was an invaluable experience and one that I will cherish for years to come,” Etienne said in social-media posts announcing his decision.

    He will have two years of eligibility remaining. He joins a growing list of Florida players who have entered the portal, including pass rusher Princely Umanmielen, receiver Caleb Douglas and defensive linemen Will Norman and Chris McClellan.

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    Associated Press

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  • FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle crashes into Uber, killing two

    FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle crashes into Uber, killing two

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A 22-year-old man driving a stolen Ford Mustang led authorities on a chase late Wednesday before crashing into an Uber on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, killing the rideshare driver and a passenger.

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened in the southbound lanes just before 11 p.m. on the bridge near the northern rest area. The resulting crash and investigation kept the lanes closed until 7 a.m. Thursday morning, thwarting a.m. traffic.

    What You Need To Know

    • FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle led authorities on chase before crashing into Uber on Skyway Bridge, killing two people
    • Crash happened in the southbound lanes just before 11 p.m. on the bridge near the northern rest area

    • Driver of the Mustang, 22-year-old Leosvany Arias Roman of Hialeah, is being charged with felony murder, vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding involving death

    According to authorities, troopers responded to a request for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office regarding the stolen car. The driver rammed a HCSO patrol vehicle, then fled southbound on I-275 at high speeds.

    The sheriff’s helicopter was able to follow the vehicle.

    Upon reaching the Skyway Bridge, an FHP Trooper attempted to stop the Mustang. The driver collided with the FHP vehicle, continued southbound to the top of the bridge, turned around and rammed the FHP vehicle before continuing at high speed, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-275.

    The mustang collided head-on with a Dodge Caravan with four occupants. The collision killed the 33-year-old male Uber driver and a 52-year-old male passenger. 

    The other two passengers, females aged 52 and 24 as well as the driver of the Mustang, suffered serious injuries and were all transported to area hospitals.

    The passengers in the Uber are all from Ohio.

    The trooper, 27-years-old and a two-year veteran of the FHP, suffered minor injuries and he was likewise transported to an area hospital.

    The driver of the Mustang, 22-year-old Leosvany Arias Roman of Hialeah, is being charged with felony murder, vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding involving death, driving while license suspended involving death and battery on a law enforcement officer.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Knights to begin preparation for Gasparilla Bowl on Friday

    Knights to begin preparation for Gasparilla Bowl on Friday

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — UCF will practice for the Gasparilla Bowl starting Friday, one of 11 that coach Gus Malzahn said the team will hold.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Knights are gearing up for the Gasparilla Bowl and will start practices Friday

    • UCF will play Georgia Tech in that game at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 in Tampa

    • O’Leary said the game is important to the players and to continue momentum

    • The Yellow Jackets’ coach is Brent Key, who was on George O’Leary’s UCF coaching staff for 11 years

    “That’s exactly what we did two years ago,” Malzahn said. “It worked out really well.”

    The Knights (6-6) will line up against Georgia Tech (6-6) at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 in the bowl game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

    Originally, their opponent was revealed as Duke on ESPN’s bowl selection show on Sunday, but the matchup was switched because those teams played in the Military Bowl last year.

    In the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl, UCF defeated Florida 29-17, thanks to strong play by Isaiah Bowser, Mikey Keene and Ryan O’Keefe — who have all moved on since then. They also beat Marshall in the 2019 Gasparilla Bowl.

    “We’re excited to go back to the Gasparilla Bowl,” Malzahn said. “We had a great experience there two years ago. … I know our players are excited to play this game.”

    Playing in Tampa is a good spot for the Knights because the stadium is only about two hours away from UCF, so friends and family will have an easy time getting there. The proximity also will limit the amount of travel the team needs to do after completing a season in which it hit the road for 7,485 miles, the third-most among Florida Bowl Subdivision teams according to an analysis by Reddit.

    Plus, Malzahn said, they have had success at the Gasparilla Bowl in the past and feel comfortable there because they have played in the stadium.

    The opponent will be somewhat familiar to UCF and Georgia Tech.

    Yellow Jackets coach Brent Key was an assistant coach, including assistant head coach, for George O’Leary during his 11 seasons as the Knights’ coach. 

    “It’s cool to go back down there,” Key said.

    The teams also played each other in the 2022 regular season, and UCF won that matchup 27-10. But Key was not hired as head coach of Georgia Tech until two days after that game, and they have a new quarterback — Haynes King.

    During the regular season, the Yellow Jackets defeated two teams that were nationally ranked at the time — North Carolina and Miami — but neither of those teams finished among the Top 25. King threw for 2,755 yards with a 61.9% completion percentage, and Jamal Hayes ran for 931 yards.

    “It’s a great opportunity for these guys to play in a bowl game, no matter where it’s at,” Key said. “It’s the experience of getting to play another opponent and extend your season. People have this crazy notion that there are too many bowl games and too many things. I think that’s ludicrous.”

    Malzahn said he expects to come to the game with his regular-season roster mostly intact. Malzahn said no player who had not entered the transfer portal had told him that he planned to skip the game.

    “It’s important for our seniors, real important to our players to finish on the right track,” Malzahn said “…. I really think our guys will be extremely motivated to play this game.”

    The 30-day window for the transfer portal began on Monday, and fourth-year cornerback Corey Thornton was the most experienced player who has declared his plans to transfer as of Wednesday afternoon.

    While preparing for the bowl game, Malzahn and his staff also must keep up with players going in and out of the transfer portal and recruiting. The college football early signing period, when new incoming players can sign their national letters of intent for the 2024 season, opens Dec. 20 and continues through Dec. 22.

    “This bowl game is really important to keep that momentum,” Malzahn said. “Going in two years ago, we saw it end on a positive end. Last year, it was kind of a tough deal (loss to Duke in Military Bowl). So, we need to play well and gear up and do everything we can to get a victory.”

    The Knights were the only new addition to the Big 12 this season to become eligible for a bowl game this season. They won three of their last four games after struggling midseason, partially because of injuries.

    UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee missed three games with a leg injury but finished the regular season with 2,073 passing yards and a 63.9 pass completion percentage; he also rushed for 473 yards. Senior running back RJ Harvey ran for 1,296 yards, 10th among FBS players. 

    Malzahn said he hopes to see a sellout for the game, with a strong turnout by Knights fans. UCF has already sold out its initial allotment of tickets, he said.

    But Key said he could have the biggest name on his side of the stands.

    “No one asked the real question,” Key said at the end of his press conference.

    He said that question is which side of the stadium O’Leary would sit on.

    A reporter responded, “He’s your guy.”

    Key, who also played for O’Leary when he coached Georgia Tech, chuckled and replied, “You’re darned right.”

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  • An Old Florida Christmas awaits at Manatee Village Historical Park

    An Old Florida Christmas awaits at Manatee Village Historical Park

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — The Manatee Village Historical Park is preparing for a special event called “An Old Florida Christmas.”


    Park historical interpreter and curator Matt Woodside said that oranges, of course, played a part in old Florida Yuletide celebrations — as a present and as pomanders, a decoration made from oranges with a pattern of cloves embedded in them.

    “Citrus grove owners at Christmastime would make these little ornamentations to give away to their friends and family,” Woodside said.

    He’s preparing the Bradenton spot for their “An Old Florida Christmas” event to be held on Saturday.

    The park offers a restored general store, chapel, schoolhouse and a local home once owned by the Stephens family of Manatee County.

    “The Stephens were a farming family that build this house in 1912,” said Woodside. “About 40 miles east of where we are today.”

    The house was preserved and transported to the Manatee Village as an example of Florida’s frontier life. Woodside said 10 children grew up in the home, and celebrated a different kind of Christmas season.

    “Back in the 1910s period, the pre-World War I period, there just wasn’t the availability of Christmas decorations,” he said. “Often times it was more of a community affair where they would have what was called a Christmas Frolic. And it was a dance party later that afternoon, where the community we get together and celebrate with dancing and fiddle playing, and that sort of thing.”

    Locals can enjoy an Old Florida Christmas Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission to the park is free.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Pasco County’s ‘MADE’ shop sells products from Florida entrepreneurs

    Pasco County’s ‘MADE’ shop sells products from Florida entrepreneurs

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A small business owner in New Port Richey is using his retail space to highlight other entrepreneurs in Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • MADE – Artisan Hall sells products from over 50 small businesses in Florida
    • Its owner, Nathan Ward, opened MADE – Artisan Hall on Oct. 27
    • Ward leases out portions of his store to small Florida businesses for about 6 months and receives 15% of each purchase

    Seeing the fruits of your labor can be such a unique experience.

    For Nathan Ward, it’s the surrounding creativity each day that brings him the most joy. And there’s something about retail, according to Nathan, that he can’t get enough of.

    “I started at Albertson’s, Winn-Dixie, Target, Publix,” Ward said. “So retail has kind of been my background since high school.”

    Even though he was born deaf, that never stopped Ward from working and enjoying life.

    “I mean, do what you know,” he said.

    In 2019, he left his job at Publix and started his own candle making business.

    “Pandemic hit, so it was a very, very slow start to do that business,” Ward said.

    According to the National Library of Medicine, small business activity took a nosedive in the spring of 2020, with more than 3 million owners having to close their doors during that time.

    But Ward’s love for small businesses got his creative juices flowing.

    When he learned about a building in downtown New Port Richey that was for lease, he thought of a different kind of business that not only benefits him, but other entrepreneurs in Florida.

    “It just kind of gave us all, you know, a little bit of a bump and keeping our business going,” Ward said.

    He opened MADE – Artisan Hall, which exclusively sells products from over 50 small businesses in Florida that wouldn’t normally have retail space outside of weekend farmer’s markets.

    “It was all word of mouth and it just spread like wildfire,” Ward said.

    He rents space inside his shop for those businesses, and he gets about 15% of profits.

    He learns as much as he can about each product so he can share the personal stories behind the objects.

    “I’ll ask them some questions, or they just tell me everything that I need to know and you just kind of start to remember all you can about them,” Ward said.

    He says those personal touches are why he loves working with local business owners in Florida.

    “There’s always, always something new and creative,” said Ward. “You know, I could never tie a bow tie.”

    Aside from profits, Ward says the greatest part about his shop is being able to show people his disability doesn’t hold him back.

    “I actually had a deaf customer come in last week and when he realized I was the owner of the business, he was like, ‘You own the store’? I was like, ‘Yes,’” Ward said. “He goes, ‘That’s amazing.’ You don’t see very many deaf business owners like that.”

    A fruit from his labor that makes his success sweeter than ever.

    MADE – Artisan Hall opened its doors on Oct. 27.

    Each vendor signs a six-month lease to rent a piece of the store to showcase their products.

    Most of the products are from businesses in the Tampa Bay area, with a couple from places like Gainesville and Miami.

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    Nick Popham

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  • USF releases 1st renderings of its new on-campus stadium

    USF releases 1st renderings of its new on-campus stadium

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    TAMPA, Fla. — With “genuine excitement,” the University of South Florida on Tuesday released the first three renderings of its planned on-campus stadium.

    The Board of Trustees met Tuesday morning to receive an update on the plans after the university terminated a design-build agreement, and it opted for a more traditional construction management model.

    What You Need To Know

    •  USF released renderings of its planned on-campus football stadium

    •  Groundbreaking for the stadium is expected in fall 2024

    •  The first game played at the new stadium is set for August 2027

    So far, the school has raised more than $43 million of its $50 million goal for the stadium project. That includes a $6 million gift from the USF Federal Credit Union to name the walkway that will lead into the main entrance of the stadium, where the football team’s traditional pregame Bulls Stampede will take place.

    “To me, it’s just the next step in the evolution of the whole university, quite frankly, as an important engagement tool that will bring us together as one USF better than ever before,” said Michael Kelly, vice president of athletics.

    The stadium, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027, will include:

    • An east-west build to help maximize shade for daytime events.

    • A dedicated section for students in the west end of the stadium that includes a design featuring Bull horns and amenities that will cater to the student experience.

    • An open concourse around a majority of the stadium that provides views of the field, even as fans are walking to concession or restroom areas.

    • A large tailgating space on the north side of the stadium.  

    • A variety of premium seating options, including suites, loge boxes and club areas.

    The University of South Florida on Tuesday released the first three renderings of its new on-campus stadium.

     

    USF officials said the initial renderings are conceptual and will develop as the design process continues and more elements are finalized. The design process included feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

    “Since we first announced plans to build an on-campus stadium at the University of South Florida, it has become the topic I hear about most often from our passionate supporters. There is a genuine excitement within our community,” USF President Rhea Law said. “We’re thrilled to offer the first images of the stadium that will activate our campus in ways we never have before and will make a positive impact on our university for generations to come.”

    Students at USF are excited about the new stadium, and one pointed out that even if they won’t still be attending USF by the time the stadium is built, it will give them a reason to come back.

    “My dad graduated in ’96 so I’ve been coming to games. I went to my first game when I was 3 years old and ever since then I’ve been coming back,” Alisha Kurian said.

    In a picture her dad took at her first game, you see Kurian sound asleep in her seat. She said being a Bull is a family affair.

    “I think that giving students their own stadium, and student-athletes a space to call their own to play in, not only is that a great thing, but also alumni having a reason to come back to campus for games and for that environment really elevates the whole USF experience,” she said.

    Kurian said even though she won’t be a USF student when the stadium is built, it will give her and her dad a reason to keep coming back, and keep their tradition alive.

    “He absolutely cannot wait,” Kurian said. “He’s probably more excited than anyone else. I know and he’s hoping I have three younger siblings, so maybe one of them will be here when the stadium is built.”

    Signature signage will showcase the newly named USF Federal Credit Union Champions Way, located off USF Genshaft Drive.

    The University of South Florida on Tuesday released the first three renderings of its new on-campus stadium.

    The University of South Florida on Tuesday released the first three renderings of its new on-campus stadium.

    “Our university will proudly feature one of the nation’s most beautiful and community-centered stadium entranceways,” USF Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jay Stroman said.

    Stadium planning committee co-chairs Stroman and Kelly said the next major steps are to release more detailed stadium renderings in spring 2024 and to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in fall 2024.

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  • Tampa business defends FSU football, ‘If you can’t beat us, cheat us’

    Tampa business defends FSU football, ‘If you can’t beat us, cheat us’

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    TAMPA, Fla. – A local business is tapping into the outrage of Florida State football fans, after the College Football Playoff Committee snubbed the undefeated Seminoles from playing for a national championship.

    Smack Apparel, a longtime t-shirt company in Tampa, is now printing thousands of shirts for FSU fans that say,  “If you can’t beat us, cheat us.” The shirt is in FSU’s colors of garnet and gold. 

    Owner Wayne Curtiss is a Florida State alumnus.

    He says Smack Apparel is usually known for shirts that celebrate teams and their success, especially our local ones here in Tampa Bay. But this time, it’s about a team with many passionate fans getting left out.

    “I’ve been doing this 25 years and we have cool stuff for teams all over the country,” Curtiss said in an interview. “But this one is personal. The shirt says it all. I mean that’s it. No one beat us. 13-0. The games matter.”

    Curtiss says there’s been a big demand, with the shirts selling immediately when they were first put on sale Sunday night.

    “The demand is off the charts,” Curtiss said. “I got fellow alumni that are asking for it. We invoke the message of what the fans are feeling.”

    The company was filling orders all day on Monday as college football fans reacted to the surprising decision to leave FSU out of the playoff. 

    FSU fans can buy them online or locally at Heads and Tails in Tampa.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • From coach to U.S. senator, FSU supporters condemn CFP selection panel

    From coach to U.S. senator, FSU supporters condemn CFP selection panel

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  The Seminoles and their backers are not going quietly after Florida State became the first undefeated Power 5 team in the 10-year history of the College Football Playoff to be excluded from a chance to play for a national championship.

    All the way to the U.S. Senate.

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) on Monday sent a letter to CFP Selection Committee Chairman Boo Corrigan demanding full transparency from the committee regarding how the decision was reached to choose Alabama, Michigan, Washington and Texas for the playoff this postseason and the factors at play in reaching that outcome.

    “Beyond the fury and heartbreak caused by the Committee’s decision, there are also financial implications that must be discussed,” Scott said in his letter to Corrigan. “The ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and FSU have been denied $2 million of revenue distribution from the CFP due to the Committee’s decision to remove the Seminoles from playoff contention. While this is a significant amount of money, it is just a fraction of the total economic impact that playoff contention would have created for FSU. Beyond the benefit to the university and its athletic program, the Committee’s decision will also likely have profound impacts on the future earnings and opportunities for the players.”

    Scott, a former Florida governor who lived in Tallahassee both of his terms, requested that the committee respond by sending to his office “the ‘listing step’ and ‘ranking step’ votes of each member of the Selection Committee for the CFP rankings released on Sunday, December 3, 2023; any notes, recordings or reports detailing the deliberations of the CFP Selection Committee in deciding the CFP rankings released on Sunday, December 3, 2023 and any emails, text messages or other written communication exchanged between the members of the Selection Committee regarding the CFP rankings released on Sunday, December 3, 2023” and other documentation. He also requested a copy of the CFP ethical and conflict of interest standards.

    Current Florida govenor Ron DeSantis, who is running for U.S. president, spoke out on Twitter.

    Former President Donald J. Trump, who is running for president again in 2024, took a jab at DeSantis, too, on his Truth Social media site. “Florida State was treated very badly by the ‘Committee’. They become the first Power Five team to be left out of the College Football Playoffs. Really bad lobbying effort…Let’s blame DeSanctimonious.”

    The Seminoles aren’t the first Power Five team to be left out of the College Football Playoff, just the first undefeated one.

    FSU went 12-0 in the regular season and defeated Louisville in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday. The Seminoles overcame a season-ending left leg injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis on Nov. 18 in a 58-13 victory against North Alabama, and they had to go to third-string quarterback Brock Glenn in the ACC title game after backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker sustained a concussion in their regular-season finale against Florida, a 24-15 victory. 

    In contrast, Texas lost to Big 12 rival Oklahoma 34-30 on Oct. 7, and Alabama lost to future Southeastern Conference rival Texas 34-24 on Sept. 9, but both made the CFP with one loss. Alabama defeated then-No. 1 Georgia 27-24 in the SEC Championship Game, and Texas won the Big 12 Championship Game by defeating Oklahoma State 49-21.

    The Atlantic Coast Conference and officials at FSU had plenty to say, too.

    In a statement released after the CFP Selection Committee made its decision, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said, “It’s unfathomable that Florida State, an undefeated Power Five conference champion, was left out of the College Football Playoff. Their exclusion calls into question the selection process and whether the Committee’s own guidelines were followed, including the significant importance of being an undefeated Power Five conference champion. My heart breaks for the talented FSU student-athletes and coaches and their passionate and loyal fans. Florida State deserved better. College football deserved better.”

    Seminoles coach Mike Norvell expressed his outrage, too.

    “I am disgusted and infuriated with the committee’s decision today to have what was earned on the field taken away because a small group of people decided they knew better than the results of the games,” Norvell said. “What is the point of playing games? Do you tell players it is OK to quit if someone goes down? Do you not play a senior on Senior Day for fear of injury?”

    Corrigan defended the committee’s decision to elevate Alabama to the No. 4 spot rather than selecting FSU.

    “Florida State is a different team than it was the first 11 weeks,” Corrigan told ESPN. “As you look at who they are as a team right now, without Jordan Travis, without the offensive dynamic he brings, they are a different team, and the committee voted Alabama four and Florida State five.”

    Travis, who has continued to be around the Seminoles after his injury to show his support, took to Twitter — going so far as to say he wished he had been injured earlier in the season, so the CFP could see that the Seminoles were a strong contender, even without him.

    The Seminoles’ defense ranked No. 14 in the nation through the championship games, ahead of every CFP team except No. 1 Michigan — including No. 8 against the pass. FSU held its opponents to 21 points combined after Travis’ injury.

    In addition, Rodemaker, who led FSU past Florida in the regular-season finale, is expected to be out of concussion protocol by the time the bowl games are played.

    The two teams knocked out of the CFP, FSU and two-time defending champion Georgia, will meet in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

    Although the players are very disappointed and angry, the Seminoles still have the opportunity to play for the third perfect season in school history. FSU went 14-0 in 2013 and 12-0 in 1999, both of those seasons ending with national titles.

    Content from The Associated Press and ESPN contributed to this report.

     

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • USF to opt for new team to design and build stadium

    USF to opt for new team to design and build stadium

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida is looking for a new partner to build its on-campus football stadium.

    According to Bay News 9’s partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, the university plans to end its contract with the construction management firm Barton Malow.

    USF and the firm had been collaborating on plans for the new, $340-million stadium since March.

    University officials said they still plan to start construction on the new facility in 2024 and remain in track to open the stadium for the 2026 season.

    Athletic Director Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman are expected to give an update on the stadium plans to the university’s board of trustees on Tuesday.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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