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  • FSU QB Rodemaker a game-time decision for ACC title game

    FSU QB Rodemaker a game-time decision for ACC title game

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — No. 4 Florida State might have to turn to third-string quarterback Brock Glenn to start the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game against 15th-ranked Louisville on Saturday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida State quarterback Tate Rodemaker is questionable for the ACC Championship Game on Saturday 

    • Rodemaker is recovering from a concussion he sustained against Florida last week

    • If he cannot play, freshman third-string QB Brock Glenn would be called upon to start

    • Seminoles coach Mike Norvell said Rodemaker’s status will be a game-time decision

    Tate Rodemaker, who made his second career start in the team’s regular-season finale at Florida last Saturday, has been limited in practice this week while recovering from a concussion. It’s another potential setback at the quarterback position for the Seminoles, who appear to be one victory away from making the College Football Playoff.

    Rodemaker left the game briefly in the fourth quarter after getting hit in the head while sliding, a targeting call that resulted in an ejection. He returned a few plays later and handed off to Trey Benson for a game-sealing touchdown run in FSU’s 24-15 victory.

    Seminoles coach Mike Norvell said Friday at a news conference for the two ACC coaches that Rodemaker initially passed on-field concussion tests Saturday night but had symptoms a day later. Rodemaker has been able to participate in some parts of practice, but Glenn has gotten the bulk of the work leading into the game, Norvell said.

    “That’s going to be something that’s going to go up until game day, and we’ll continue on with our process of evaluation and see where it goes from there,” he said.

    Rodemaker completed 12 of 25 passes for 134 yards against the Gators. Rodemaker replaced Heisman Trophy candidate and ACC Player of the Year Jordan Travis a week earlier after Travis suffered a season-ending injury to his left leg against North Alabama.

    Now the Seminoles could be switching quarterbacks again.

    “The game plan doesn’t have to change a whole lot,” Norvell said. “It’s the same thing we faced a week ago, going and playing our last regular-season game. We knew that (Glenn) was going to be one play away. He had to be ready for that situation, and he was.”

    Glenn, a freshman, has played in just three games this season and only completed two passes for 35 yards in mop-up duty against North Alabama. The Seminoles surely would prefer to get Rodemaker back, but he has hurdles to cross before being cleared.

    “We know the process we have to go through, and there’s certain benchmarks that we’ll go through and see as we lead up to the game day or to game time, and we’ll see where he’s at,” Norvell said. “But all those guys are ready and they’re prepared if their number gets called.”

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    Associated Press

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  • Seminoles’ Travis wins 2 ACC awards, including Player of the Year

    Seminoles’ Travis wins 2 ACC awards, including Player of the Year

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis was selected Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, the league announced Wednesday.

    Voting for the awards was conducted by a 65-member voting panel made up of 51 selected media and the conference’s 14 head coaches. 

    The redshirt senior led the Seminoles to an 8-0 mark in ACC play, the program’s 10th unbeaten conference record and first since 2014, and was the quarterback of record for each of FSU’s first 11 victories in 2023.

    Travis threw for 2,755 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for seven more scores before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left leg during FSU’s 58-13 against North Alabama on Nov. 18.

    He led the ACC in fewest interceptions thrown, the second-lowest total among quarterbacks nationally with at least 200 attempts, and ranked second in the conference in passing efficiency, yards per pass attempt and passing yards per game. He ranked third in the ACC in points responsibility per game, yards per completion, total offense per game and completion percentage.

    He is the first Seminole to win ACC Player of the Year since Jameis Winston in 2013.

    Travis responded to the honor on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • FSU heads to ACC title game looking to ‘finish for 13′

    FSU heads to ACC title game looking to ‘finish for 13′

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Kneeling in the south end zone at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida State running back Trey Benson tried to cut out a chunk of grass with scissors. It wasn’t working on the orange-painted turf, so teammate Jared Verse stepped in to help.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida State is preparing to play Louisville on Saturday for the ACC title

    • The victory would be the Seminoles’ 13th, the same number as injured starting quarterback Jordan Travis

      •  

    • Travis’ decision to return to FSU for an extra season last year sparked the team’s undefeated run in 2023

    • No. 4 FSU also needs a win to keep alive its hopes for reaching the College Football Playoffs

    Together, and despite a police officer trying to dissuade them from finishing the task, they found success with their bare hands. They ripped out a keepsake destined for the program’s famed “Sod Cemetery” in Tallahassee.

    It could be the first of several souvenirs for the fourth-ranked Seminoles (12-0) over the next month.

    Nearly a year after several key players opted to stay in school and chase championships — Verse and star quarterback Jordan Travis led the way — FSU is on the verge of another one. The ‘Noles will play No. 15 Louisville (10-2) in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.

    Florida State has a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line, and even with Travis now a spectator because of a gruesome left leg injury sustained in the team’s home finale Nov. 18, players and coaches refuse to settle for anything less. They have even embraced a “finish for 13” mantra that is a shoutout to Travis’ jersey number and all he has done for the program.

    “It means a lot,” Verse said. “The whole season, 11 games, he was there every step of the way. … He’s still there. It means so much for us to go out there and put on (a show) for him. We gave everything we had. I feel like everybody hit another mental gear, another physical gear, that we don’t talk about enough. That’s what we’re capable of.

    “After the game, you look him in the eyes, and we’re like, ‘Hey, we did that for you.’ He’s smiling and just feels genuine joy. Even though he wasn’t on the field with us, he was still there.”

    Travis got FSU’s special season started last December when he announced he would return for a sixth year, the last five in Tallahassee after beginning his college career at Louisville. Standout receiver Johnny Wilson made a similar announcement the following day, and then Benson joined them two days later.

    Verse waited until January to declare his intentions. A first-team All-ACC selection after leading FSU with 14-1/2 tackles for loss in 2022, including 7-1/2 sacks, Verse turned down NFL millions to run it back with teammates.

    All those guys surely helped coach Mike Norvell land transfers like receiver Keon Coleman (Michigan State), tight end Jaheim Bell (South Carolina), defensive tackle Braden Fiske (Western Michigan) and cornerback Fentrell Cypress II (Virginia).

    Now, the Seminoles have won 18 consecutive games and capped their seventh undefeated regular season with a 24-15 victory against Florida in the Swamp. It gave Norvell’s team a second “state championship” in as many years for beating both in-state rivals (including ACC foe Miami).

    “It’s just an awesome opportunity that I’m real thankful for,” Fiske said. “That is why I came here. I came here to play in bigger games like this, and we’re undefeated now. … It’s unbelievable. Just got to keep this rolling.”

    Added Verse: “I’ve been defeated; I ain’t never been undefeated.”

    No one on the team has. It was just four years ago that Norvell took over one of college football’s laughingstocks. He lost 10 of his first 13 games with FSU and then slowly — and now suddenly — started to turn things by developing young talent and filling holes through the transfer portal.

    He won three games in 2020, five in 2021, 10 in 2022 and now he has the team playing for its first conference title since 2014.

    “It all goes to the players,” Norvell said Monday. “They’ve made the commitment. They put in the work. You can set a standard, but if people aren’t willing to push to the standard and hold themselves accountable to it. …

    “Where do you go from here? There’s nothing to be satisfied with. You’re appreciative of the work you put in. But I want better, and these players want better. We want to see that next step to be taken. And this week, you get to play in a conference championship. You win the game, all things are in front of you.”

    Including more sod souvenirs.

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    Associated Press

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  • Zoo mission of education and conservation helped by holiday cheer

    Zoo mission of education and conservation helped by holiday cheer

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    TAMPA, Fla. — ZooTampa is hosting Christmas in the Wild this year, giving the community the chance to celebrate the holidays in style. 

    What You Need To Know

    • On the Town visits ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild

    • It’s open select nights through Dec. 30

    • More than 1 million lights are on display

    • The Zoo celebration benefits animals in their care

    There’s a giraffe sculpture taller than an actual giraffe. There are more than 1 million twinkly lights, and animals from around the world.

    It’s Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa.

    And it’s all for the benefit of animals like African penguins, or as their handlers call them, “Cats of the bird world.”

    “They’re just like cats. They like anything shiny and reflective,” said animal care professional Galyn Williams.

    Williams introduces human guests to Rocky and his counterparts during the zoo’s Animal Encounter Program.

    “I love them. I’m going on almost six years working with these guys,” Williams said.

    And it all starts in the kitchen for this animal care professional. One must have the treats to reinforce their positive behaviors.

    So when Rocky hops to the top of the rock like they practice, Williams offers praise and food. “So a lot of our training we do is for a more positive atmosphere for them,” said Williams.

    Not only does it provide enrichment, it also helps when penguins need checkups or other medical care.

    For Williams, she’s leaning hard into her dream-come-true job.

    “This is my childhood zoo,” Williams said. “So being able to come back here and working with these guys, my favorite animal, is a great pleasure and a way for me to give back to my community.”

    ZooTampa offers the community a chance to both celebrate the holidays and keep the cats of the bird world thriving.

    You can enjoy ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild on select nights through December.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • USF making bowl preparations for first time in five seasons

    USF making bowl preparations for first time in five seasons

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    TAMPA, Fla. – With the University of South Florida’s win over Charlotte Saturday, the Bulls are planning December football for the first time since 2018.

    USF (6-6) got four touchdown passes and a running score from quarterback Byrum Brown as the Bulls closed out the regular season with a 48-14 win.

    What You Need To Know

    • USF set to learn its bowl destination

    • Bulls (6-6) headed back to a bowl game for first time since 2018
    • USF increased win total from one game last season to six in Coach Alex Golesh’s first season

    The Bulls, which won one game last season and four in the past three seasons, last played in the postseason in the 2018 Gasparilla Bowl, a loss to Marshall.

    USF coach Alex Golesh led the turnaround in his first season in Tampa and stressed the extra weeks of practice and a game to play in this late in the season are all positives for the program.

    “In this day of modern-day college football where you’re putting together a roster to go compete, for us to be able to go from one win to six wins and now an opportunity to go get a seventh, says a lot about the guys that bought in,” Golesh said. “Now we got to continue to work and go finish this thing off with another win.”  

    So where will USF go bowling and who might they face?

    There is the possibility of a USF-UCF matchup in the Dec. 22 Gasparilla Bowl in Raymond James Stadium.

    There’s also chances of USF playing in the Boca Raton Bowl, Birmingham Bowl or the Cure Bowl in Orlando. Potential opponents include South Alabama, James Madison or Georgia State, according to projections from ESPN and CBS Sports.

    UCF (6-6) mostly struggled in its first season in the Big 12 but finished strong with a with 27-13 win against Houston.

    The Knights, who shook off a five-game losing streak this season, are headed to a bowl game for the eighth straight season.

    Bowl matchups will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 3. 

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • AP source: Florida coach fires 2 assistants, begins defensive overhaul

    AP source: Florida coach fires 2 assistants, begins defensive overhaul

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Billy Napier began a defensive makeover by firing two assistants Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • 2 Gators defensive assistants get fired, AP source says

    • Cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond and defensive line coach Sean Spencer are out

    • In one four-game stretch, Florida gave up 41.75 points per game

    • The Gators (5-7) won’t play in a bowl game for the third time since 1990

    Napier parted with cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond and defensive line coach Sean Spencer two days after a season-ending, 24-15 loss to rival and then-No. 5 Florida State, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the coach nor the assistants had made the moves public.

    The Gators (5-7) lost five consecutive games to end the season and missed a bowl game 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 of those losses.

    The unit was better in the finale against the Seminoles, who were playing without star quarterback Jordan Travis, but it was too little, too late to save the assistants.

    Defensive line, secondary and offensive line were Florida’s worst positions by far in 2023, and Napier made it clear that he planned to make moves in hopes of turning around a program that took a step back in his second season.

    The Gators fell to 11-14 under Napier, who surely will enter 2024 on the hot seat in Gainesville.

    Napier hired Raymond and Spencer before his first season. The addition of Raymond was a ballyhooed move, considering he had been one of the country’s top secondary coaches at LSU since 2012.

    But Florida’s pass defense ranked 11th in the Southeastern Conference in 2022 and ninth in 2023. The Gators managed just three interceptions this past season, four fewer than any other team in the league.

    Spencer, known as “Coach Chaos,” arrived after two seasons with the New York Giants and following a six-year stint at Penn State. But with Spencer in charge, Florida’s run defense ranked 12th in the SEC in 2022 and 11th in 2023.

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    Associated Press

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  • Ask ChatGPT: AI changes holiday shopping

    Ask ChatGPT: AI changes holiday shopping

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    TAMPA, Fla. — For roughly 20 years, the Monday after Thanksgiving has always been the day to find the best online deals for your holiday shopping.

    But this year, Artificial Intelligence or AI, is impacting the annual shopping day for both consumers and companies in a big way.

    What You Need To Know

    • Monday after Thanksgiving has always been the day to find the best online deals for your holiday shopping: Cyber Monday

    • Generative AI is being used wide scale for the first time this holiday shopping season
    • Many companies are using the technology to learn about their customer and tailor ads directly to them
    • TANKFUL: See firsthand how Amazon gets a package to you

    Dipayan Biswas, a marketing professor at USF and expert in AI, says this is the first holiday shopping season that generative AI is being used on a wide scale.

    For online retailers, that means using AI to better manage their inventory, which could affect what the sale price is and for how long it lasts.

    AI is also being used to understand consumer behavior, as many companies are using the technology to learn about their customer and tailor ads directly to them.

    “On Cyber Monday you’re going to see more targeted ad campaigns rather than blanket ads. So if you’re seeing ads on the website you’re visiting or on your social media platforms, it’s not by accident,” Biswas said. “When you see those ads, chances are the ads you’re seeing are by design and they have a feeling it’s a good fit for you.”

    This is also the first year that customers can lean into Chat GPT in order to help them select a holiday gift.

     

    Searches like ‘what should I buy my 6-year-old nephew’ and ‘what should I buy my wife’ yield dozens of options based on different categories and demographics.

     

    “That takes out problems related to people not liking their gifts and my prediction is there will be fewer returns this year,” Biswas said. “People usually go back to the store to return items because the fit isn’t there and they don’t like what they got. I’m not saying it will be zero, but it will be less than what we had in the past.”

    Biswas says that the idea of deep deals just for one day is also likely a thing of the past. Now, with AI, online retailers are beginning their sales weeks ahead in order to generate more revenue.

    “There might still be some online shopping but that will be a little less crazy than pervious years where Cyber Monday was more special,” he said. “Right now, most companies will advertise Cyber Monday, but it’s a little less special now because we’re having the informal Cyber Monday for 2 to 3 weeks.” 

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    Angie Angers

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  • Citrus County business owner reopens bike store after tornado

    Citrus County business owner reopens bike store after tornado

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Citrus County business owner has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Sparky’s Green Rides was damaged last month by tornadoes

    •  Business owner Ryan DeLarco had just reopened after Hurricane Idalia first damaged the store earlier in the year

    •  DeLarco says customers contributing to his second store helped him rebuild his first store again

    Despite his bike shop being destroyed by last month’s tornado, Ryan DeLarco is back open for business. His gears are spinning in excitement over welcoming customers back.

    He couldn’t forget how Sparky’s Green Rides looked after a tornado did its damage last month.

    “The ceiling was hanging. I got some leaking going on,” DeLarco said. “The whole roof was missing, all the facia, the soffit. This is usually full of 150 bikes at all times, but we had to take everything out so it doesn’t get destroyed by the storm.”

    Compare that to now and you can tell he’s put a lot of work into getting things rolling again.

    “As you can tell before, when you guys were in here, we had the hole ceiling. The last 10 feet of the ceiling was all hanging down. Had to re-drywall the whole place and get it all re-established. We also added some new paint. Added some new color to the shop,” he said.

    This was the second time DeLarco had to rebuild his bike business. Flooding from Hurricane Idalia tried to wash it away earlier in the year, but he says he’s come back better both times.

    “We’re about to have a grand opening, but we are officially open at two locations,” he said.

    So when it comes to selling bikes in Citrus County, DeLarco says he has a new slogan:

    “Ain’t no tornado, hurricane, or flood gonna stop Sparky’s Green Rides.”

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    Trevor Pettiford

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  • Small Business Saturday is a chance to shop local and meet neighbors

    Small Business Saturday is a chance to shop local and meet neighbors

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a family affair for Marina Williams at ARTpool Gallery in St. Pete — her husband, her mom, her 3-year-old Naomi and her trusty sidekick Franklin are all in the game.

    What You Need To Know

    • Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 25 this year and shines light on more than 33 million companies in the U.S.

    • The event started in 2010 by credit card company American Express

    • U.S. Small Business Administration co-sponsored in 2011

    • ARTpool Gallery, Vintage Clothing and Vinyl Records, 2030 Central Ave., St. Pete

    “Shopping small is such an amazing part in keeping your local community flowing and growing through the year,” said Williams.

    ARTpool is celebrating 15 years as a mom-and-pop shop on Central Avenue.

    Small Business Saturday started in 2010, sponsored by American Express, and the U.S. Small Business Administration started to co-sponsor the event in 2011.

    Meanwhile, Williams has been curating holiday looks since July.

    “I love their really over-the-top numbers,” said Williams, sorting through the holiday sweater rack. These pieces from the 80s and 90s inspired the Ugly Sweater parties of the modern era.

    “I don’t want to blend in,” Williams said, holding up a navy-colored specimen. “I mean, how fun is that?”

    Williams also repurposes and upcycles old jewelry, creating looks for all tastes. 

    But her favorite retail activity by far?

    Styling the holiday windows with one of the greatest finds of her vintage curating career.

    “Oh my gosh, I’m about in a backhand spring!” Williams said, showing off the 1950s Radio City Music Hall Rockettes costumes.

    “It has been such a dream come true to get to style these mannequins and celebrate the history of the Rockettes, bringing them here to downtown S. Petersburg,” said Williams of the blue sequined short dresses with fur trim.

    And she’s not just here on Small Business Saturday — she’s here every Saturday. 

    This weekend is filled with sales and fun.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Water shortage order takes effect Tuesday across Tampa Bay region

    Water shortage order takes effect Tuesday across Tampa Bay region

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    TAMPA, Fla. — New rules on when you can and can’t use water for cleaning and lawn care take effect Tuesday across the Tampa Bay region.

    Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus counties are all entering a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order on Nov. 21, mandated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

    What You Need To Know

    • New rules for watering lawns in the Bay area take effect Tuesday

    • Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus counties are all entering a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order 

    • The order is in effect through July 1, 2024

    That means that the “wasteful use of water” is now prohibited and what that means can vary slightly from county to county. In Tampa, where some of the more strict rules are in effect, it means starting Tuesday residents can no longer hose off their driveways or sidewalks.

    The bigger changes affecting only Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties take effect on Dec. 1 when a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order kicks in.

    Starting that day, residents will only be able to water their lawns once a week and it must be on the predetermined day.

     

    While we saw rain last week, officials with the city of Tampa’s water conservation department said it wasn’t enough compared to the 9-inch rainfall deficit the region is in.

    “It did have some impact in raising slightly the reservoir level, but it doesn’t mitigate the fact that as a region the levels are lower than what they’re supposed to be and what they typically are at this time of the year,” explained Sonia Quinones, a supervisor in the city’s water department. “We typically would have had a busy, active rainy season and the reservoir the aquifer would have been topped off really nicely. So we’re grateful for the rain, but it hasn’t made a significant impact.”

    Quinones says the city of Tampa will be enforcing the water shortage order and issuing citations to those not in compliance. She says they don’t plan to give homeowners warnings, but fines will be issued on the first offense.

    According to Pinellas County officials, customers should refer to this schedule for watering information.

    Watering schedule for Hillsborough & Pasco counties starting Dec. 1

    • If your address (house number) ends in 0 or 1, water only on Monday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 6 or 7, water only on Thursday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 8 or 9, water only on Friday

    If you water on the wrong day or time, you could get a $100 fine in the mail. Repeat offenses mean fines will go up to $200 and after that, a mandatory court appearance will be required. In Hillsborough County, fines top out at $500.

    “We don’t want to issue citations, we’re not in the business of issuing citations, we’re in the business of delivering safe and clean drinking water. We just want folks to know it’s a precious resource and we have to work together as a community. Water conservation only works when the entire community cooperates and does their part,” Quinones said.

    The order is in effect through July 1, 2024.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Russell’s Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Linguini

    Russell’s Parmesan-Crusted Shrimp Linguini

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Nestled up to Lake Ivanhoe, Russell’s is a neighborhood eatery with international flavors.

    French Top Chef Emmanuel Clement has cooked all over the world.

    “I had good training,” he said. Very good training. Very classic French-based, which almost everyone uses worldwide now.”

    His best-seller at Russells, though, isn’t French at all — Parmesan-crusted shrimp linguini.

    “People love it,” he said, smiling. “People just love this dish.”

    So let’s cook!


    Parmesan Crusted Shrimp Linguini

    Recipe for 4

    Shrimp 24 each

    Chopped shallots 3 oz

    Linguini 16 oz

    Chardonnay 2 cups

    Spinach 10 oz

    Heavy cream 3 cups

    Parmesan 2 cups

    Nutmeg 1 pinch

    Salt 1 tsp

    Pepper 1 tsp


    Instructions:

    1. Sweat the shallots in butter, no color

    2. Add Chardonnay and reduce low heat by 5 mins

    3. Add heavy cream and bring to boil

    4. Add spinach roughly chopped, half of Parmesan, and cook for 10 mins, stirring a couple of times

    5. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cook another 5 mins on low heat

    6. Reserve on the side in same pan


    For the Linguini and the Shrimp:

    2 quarts water

    1 Tbsp virgin olive oil

    1 Tbsp salt

    1. Bring to a boil, water, oil and salt; add linguini and cook 10 mins

    2. While the pasta is cooking, bread the shrimp in the other half of the Parmesan and crust in a non-stick, preheated pan for 3 mins each side

    3. Add linguini in the pan with the sauce and stir

    4. Pour linguini in 4 plates and top with the shrimp

    5. Bon appétit!

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    Allison Walker

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  • Restorative work taking place along the Homosassa River

    Restorative work taking place along the Homosassa River

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — Some much needed work is being performed on the Homosassa River.

    What You Need To Know

    • Restorative work is ongoing along the Homosassa River with dredging on the bottom of the river

    • Work is expected to be put on pause starting Wednesday for winter manatee season

    • Disturbing manatees can cause them to leave areas — potentially exposing them to low water temps that are harmful and even life-threatening

    • Those with the Homosassa River Restoration Project are hopeful of expanding work along the river through the winter months

    For years, the Homosassa River Restoration Project has been in full swing, working to restore the river’s waters back to its beautiful blue color.

    That work, however, will need to be put on pause starting Wednesday as that marks winter manatee season.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says manatees are searching for warmer waters to help them survive this time of year. Manatees generally find warmer temps in freshwater springs, like Homosassa Springs.

    Disturbing manatees can cause them to leave these areas, potentially exposing them to low water temps that are harmful and even life-threatening. Work outside of these zones should be minimized unless approved by agencies.

    It’s that approval that those working behind the scenes are seeking.

    From the comfort of his own backyard, Steve Minguy watches as work on the Homosassa River unfolds.

    “We decided to do an investigation and found out that over the years, and for decades, this river has been in decline,” Minguy said.

    Minguy has been living on the river for the last 11 years. Seeing the river in its current state sparked him to get involved.

    “When your neighbors are telling you about all the blue crab, all the fish, and crystal-clear water that was right off their docks back in the day, I wanted those same things for me and my grandchildren,” says Minguy, president of the Homosassa River Restoration Project. “And right now, unless somebody did something, that wasn’t going to happen.”

    What is happening is dredging on the bottom of the river, clearing sediment build-up and algae and preparing for newly planted grass.

    “It’s very important that we can continue our work 12 months out of the year,” Minguy said. “It keeps the algae at bay.”

    About a mile or two just up the road is where the river material taken from the river ends up.

    “We’re at our de-watering site,” says Jessica Mailliez, senior environmental manager for Sea & Shoreline. “This is where all of the material — the muck, the algae — comes to be processed.”

    The water from the river goes through a separating process. First, running through large cans and then into a solution.

    “Eventually it lands in a geotextile bag,” says Mailliez. “That bag has tiny holes in it, so the heavy material sinks to the bottom and the clean water flows out the top.”

    That leads to crystal clear water gushing out of the enormous bags.

    “Sometimes, as the bag fills, these particles get trapped inside those tiny pores and in order for them to release those pores — that’s what they do,” said Mailliez. “They smack the bag.”

    The bags — packed with nutrient rich, leftover material — are then shipped off to a local farm where it’s used as fertilizer, making for a full circle process.

    “Without a healthy river, none of this exists,” says Minguy. “Citrus County is very tourist oriented, and it’s extremely important when our tourists come to visit here, that they have the clear water and the manatees that they come here to expect to see.”

    That is why Minguy says he’d like to see work continue even throughout the winter.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Raise a glass to The Choir of Man at the Straz Center

    Raise a glass to The Choir of Man at the Straz Center

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Connor Going’s heading to work at “The Jungle” — he’s a poet and he’s needed at this pub.

    His assignment?

    What You Need To Know

    • On the Town visits The Choir of Man musical

    • It’s at the Straz Center

    • Address: 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa

    • It’s taking place through Dec. 10

    “Sing some songs, play a few instruments, have a few beers, entertain the locals and have fun,” Going said.

    Except this pub, “The Jungle,” is at the Straz Center in Tampa. And it’s the setting for The Choir of Man, a British musical.

    The show originally debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, to accolades.

    There’s singing, dancing and drinking.

    I mean to say — the audience members get a beer — it’s a whole thing. They have a tap on the stage.

    Going showed us his pre-show routine on his stage with a beer tap.

    There’s a choreographed warmup and a stretch sequence — each seven minutes — and the entire cast takes part.

    Then there are vocal exercises with piano harmonizing.

    And finally — in wardrobe and makeup, Going explains his minimalist look.

    “I guess since I am the poet, the sort of the neutral voice of the group, just a simple black jeans and white T-shirt,” Going said.

    Going says the show’s first tour of the United States in 2018 was intense.

    “Did 32 states over six months. That was a whirlwind. I don’t know what even happened,” Going said.

    Here it’s practically a mini-residency — one place through Dec. 10.

    “The bar, particularly in the UK, symbolizes a place of community where anyone, whoever you are, can come and be yourselves and have a good time and feel at home,” Going said. “And that’s what we hope the folks out here are gonna feel like.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Sheroes honors female veteran with fishing trip

    Sheroes honors female veteran with fishing trip

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    HOMOSSASSA, Fla. — In the words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

    A new nonprofit Sheroes Warriors on Water, Inc. in Citrus County took 23-year Navy veteran Jeanetta Mundis on a fishing trip.

    It was the first in what the Sheroes organization hopes to be many charters to honor and pay tribute to female veterans.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sheroes Warriors on Water, Inc. started after founders won fishing tournament in May 2022

    • The group decided to honor female veterans

    • The first veteran to receive an all expenses paid fishing trip off the waters of Citrus County is Jane Mundis

    • Mundis is a 23-year veteran of the Navy who is still very involved with veterans groups

    The moment came quick for Jeanetta to reel in a big catch. It took her 10 seconds from the moment she dropped her line to the moment she hooked a grouper.

    The struggle to bring one of Florida’s favorite fish was real but short-lived, as Jeanetta, also known as Jane, brought in the grouper in 30 seconds.

    It had to go back in the water as it is currently offseason for grouper fishing.

    How Jane even got to today’s catch is a feel-good story of its own.

    Clear blue skies and lots of fish usually await Captain Katie Jo Davis as she navigates daily the waters off of Citrus County.

    On that day of fishing, Capt. Julie Meconnahey, a Coast Guard accredited Captain and founder of the Sheroes organization, took in those clear blue skies and calm waters.

    Both fishing captains were doing what they normally do in their charter fishing businesses.

    This time, they were honoring Vietnam-Era veteran Mundis.

    She told us what it is like to be a veteran in the sunshine state.

    “The comradery is great and the people are so friendly, you know,” Jane said. “As soon as they see you’re a veteran, they automatically say thank you for your service and we appreciate that.”

    Mundis enlisted in the Navy straight out of high school. Then, she dedicated 23 years to her country.

    Jane said she did it as payback for what her country did for her.

    She was in foster care from the age of three until she enlisted. She said she owed the government for taking care of her.

    “I felt the need to support my country, and I was a foster child,” she said.

    Capt. Katie Jo has a shared experience with Jane. The fishing captain is also a veteran herself, serving in the Army.

    She wanted to share what makes her feel good every day.

    “This is my therapy, whether you’re seeing the dolphins, you hear the whistling of the winds from the fishing lines, you’re reeling in the biggest fish you’ve ever caught,” said Captain Katie Jo. “Everything about being out here is very therapeutic.”

    She along with Capt. Julie and the help of many donors in Citrus launched the Sheroes charity.

    Sheroes started after the captains won a fishing tournament last year and, with their winnings, wanted to give back.

    “We needed to do something with it,” Julie said. “And we get so much peace from the fishing that we do.”

    “And it’s not just about the fishing,” said Katie Jo. “What we want to focus on is getting female veterans out on the water.”

    During the trip, Jane also reeled in a 20-inch redfish which became the day’s trophy.

    She said she is proud to be the first veteran honored by this new non-profit.

    “It’s a first step for these ladies to showcase their desire to help the veterans,” said Jane. “It’s a great thing.”

    The efforts are all in line with the theme of paying it forward.

    Jane is still very involved with veterans’ organizations.

    She is part of the Female Veterans Network in Inverness, the local American Legion, and served as the first national chaplain of the Fleet Reserve Association, which she is still a part of now more than 30 years.

    The Sheroes group is now planning to take six lady veterans for a sunset cruise.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Former Bay area resident produces ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ movie

    Former Bay area resident produces ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ movie

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Christmas musical titled “Journey to Bethlehem” opens in theaters this week. It was co-written, co-produced and directed by Adam Anders, who spent his high school years in Lakeland. While Anders was taking his high school classes by correspondence courses, he also studied bass at the University of South Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sweden native Adam Anders spent high school years as jazz prodigy at USF

    • Anders came up with “Journey to Bethlehem” movie idea while visiting wife Nikki’s family in Iowa at Christmas 17 years ago

    • Antonio Banderas stars as king Herod

    • Anders says he attempted to stay true to the Biblical nativity story in the musical

    Anders has spent the past couple of decades as a successful music writer and producer, selling more than 100 million records. He often collaborates with his wife, Nikki.

    Anders said he came up with his original vision for the movie while visiting Nikki’s family at Christmas in Iowa about 17 years ago.

    “There was nothing to watch,” he said. “There was no Christmas movie, especially about the nativity, which is what Christmas is about. That’s when I first had the idea: I’d love to do a musical to tell what Christmas is about through song.”

    One of the stars of the movie is Antonio Banderas, who plays the part of king Herod. Anders lightheartedly said he stalked Banderas in Spain, where Banderas was leading a stage production. He went to several of the productions before he got a few minutes to make a pitch for the movie part.

    “He was snapping his fingers in the show all the time and changing the lighting,” Anders said. “And he was doing this thing, and I was blown away because before I ever met him or thought of him, king Herod in my movie snaps his fingers.” That coincidence helped Anders convince Banderas to be in the movie that was already set to be filmed in Spain.

    Christian rap star Lecrae plays the part of the angel Gabriel in the movie. “And I thought it would be incredible to have angel Gabriel embodied in this guy who has this presence, who is also one of the humblest, kindest men I have met,” Anders said.

    The movie is a combination of music, drama, a love story and even humor. Even though creative license is used in the story, Anders said he attempted to be faithful to the Biblical nativity story.

    Anders is hoping “Journey to Bethlehem” will be an annual tradition for the entire family.

    ”It really is a reminder of what Christmas is all about in a way that whether you are a believer, whether you’re not, whether you just celebrate Christmas or you just love musicals, it’s for all of you.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Citrus Co. boutique plans to give profits to charities

    Citrus Co. boutique plans to give profits to charities

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Since she was a toddler, Kathleen Stayton has had a fascination with sewing.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Citrus County woman has opened a boutique where she plans to donate the money she makes to two charities in Florida

    • The boutique, called Victoria Boutique, is named after the owner’s daughter who died in a car accident in 2021

    • The boutique opened in late October and, once all the materials inside are sold, the owner plans to convert the space into a crafting classroom or a place for sewing lessons

    She said her mom would tell a fun story of when Stayton first saw her mom use a sewing machine.

    “I was five or six years old and leaning on [the counter], watching her sew and broke the hinge off of it because I was just so into it, I had to have my little eyeballs up where she was,” Stayton said.

    It wouldn’t take long for her to start sewing herself to the point where she began doing it professionally at just 15 years old.

    Over the years, the passion, according to Stayton, has somewhat faded.

    “Now it’s like work,” she said.

    According to her, it’s work in more ways than one.

    She still sews and does alterations for a living in Lecanto.

    It’s work that keeps her going, but she says it’s not what defines her.

    First and foremost, she’s a mom, and that’s what’s fueled her latest project that’s in the same space where she sews.

    On top of her full-time job sewing, Stayton opened up a new boutique right next door named after someone who means the world to her.

    “Victoria Boutique,” Stayton said. “I named it after my daughter.”

    Almost two years ago, on Christmas Eve, Victoria died in a car accident. She was just 33. It shook Stayton down to her core, saying it caused her to rethink what’s important in life.

    “It makes me shift my priorities that nothing mattered to me more,” Stayton said. “I could have, I would have given everything I own, everything I ever would own to have her back.”

    So, rather than open a boutique and solely focus on this business, she decided that the proceeds from the boutique would be donated to two charities — the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and The Priceless Journey in Odessa.

    “If I sell it and I could donate the money, that could do some good,” Stayton said.

    Which is why she continues to sew, because this is how she gets an income.

    She works upwards of 12 to 13 hours a day sewing and running the boutique.

    Even though she’s tired, she doesn’t mind the long hours when it means seeing the dozens of pictures of Victoria that line her walls.

    “I got her all over the place so that a lot of people can see her,” Stayton said. “We miss her so much.”

    With each thread and each alteration, Stayton’s passion for her daughter’s legacy keeps her business that’s doing so much good going.

    Stayton says she also sells Larimar jewelry in her boutique.

    She held her grand opening for the business on Oct. 27 and hopes to convert the space into a crafting classroom or a place for sewing lessons once all the merchandise is sold.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Things to do around Tampa Bay for Veterans Day 2023

    Things to do around Tampa Bay for Veterans Day 2023

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 9:30 AM ET Nov. 08, 2023
    PUBLISHED 9:30 AM EST Nov. 08, 2023

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • ‘Buy a Vet a Beer’ program at Bayboro Brewing in St. Pete

    ‘Buy a Vet a Beer’ program at Bayboro Brewing in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG Fla. — Looking for a block party to buy a U.S. Armed Forces Veteran a beer?


    Bayboro Brewing offers their “Buy a Vet a Beer” program to all patrons this Saturday.

    Brewery owner and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran James Coleman started it as a “pay it forward” opportunity.

    “I didn’t think it would get past 10,” Coleman said, standing in front of a door filled with rows and rows of Xs. “So each X is, uh, 10 beers,” Coleman said.

    The brewery is looking at more than 400 free beers for veterans starting at 11 a.m.

    “It’s more of a recognition of PTSD with community support, and not so much the stereotypical round table, ‘We’re at the VA where guys don’t want to go,’” Coleman explained.

    While they are trying to give away all the free beers, patrons — and veterans especially — will leave nearly as many free beers this weekend.

    That’s where Head Brewer Aaron Hutchings comes in.

    He is currently checking the latest keg of Bayboro’s popular American lager Hideaway Light. But he started his day in research and development.

    “We are making a maple chocolate wheat,” said Hutchings. “We just got done boiling, we are chilling it down now.”
    The beer is the brainchild of assistant brewer Thomas Ludwig.

    When it gets to 68 degrees, it goes into a fermentation barrel, and Hutchings “pitches the yeast” on a small batch set-up.

    “Gives a chance to share some fun and interesting things we did not try before,” said Hutchings.

    Hutchings ferments the beer in a converted chest freezer. And it’s on to loading the latest Hideaway Light, their American Lager.

    “Similar to the Bud Light — it’s our take on it,” Hutchings said. It’s the creation of three brewers.

    “So we sat down one day after work and cobbled this recipe together, and it’s turned into our biggest seller,” said Hutchings.

    Hutchings wheels his fresh keg to the refrigerated room behind the bar and sets it up to tap. It’s one of dozens of choices for veterans at the brewery.

    Hutchings says brewing beer is part mad scientist work and part workout. He shuffles the full keg into position, joining the others, some stacked three high.

    For him, this is his retirement gig after his work in law enforcement at the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

    “I end up working more now that I’m retired,” he said, making air quotes when he got to retired.

    The payoff after all the work — a taste.

    At the bar, Hutchings pours a pint of Hideaway and holds it up to the light.

    “Cheers, this is the ultimate test right here,” he said, smelling and tasting the lager.

    “It’s delicious,” Hutchings said, smiling.

    And ready for a veteran. For free.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ to return home soon after renovations

    Monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ to return home soon after renovations

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    BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A few Citrus County celebrities are expected to make their grand return soon as the famous monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ in Homosassa prepare to return to their home.

    What You Need To Know

    • The famous monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ in Homosassa will be returning to their home soon after recent renovations

    • Ralph, Ebony and Emily have been staying at Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction while their home is being remodeled

    • Renovations to Monkey Island will see air conditioning in the monkey’s home, as well as cameras that will allow visitors and guests to check in on the local celebrities online

    For the last few months, renovations have been ongoing to the monkey’s home. In the meantime, they’ve been guests at another famous Citrus County staple. It was a welcome stay for both parties.

    “But, of course, banana is always the first favorite,” said Katherine Oleson.

    Inside Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction, Oleson is hard at work preparing a dish of assorted fruit and veggies for some visitors.

    “We have calls on the phone,” says Oleson. “Matter of fact, we had calls on the phone just yesterday wanting to know when they’re going to go back. I told them it’ll be soon, everybody’s waiting.”

    Those distinguished guests are none other than the spider monkeys from Monkey Island. Ralph, Ebony and Emily have called the attraction home for the last few months.

    “I’ve had spider monkeys throughout, probably the last 30 years, and these are some of the nicest, easy-going,” Oleson said. “They get along well, they live together well, they don’t fight. They’re amazing.”

    And they are not the only fury friends on the property — Oleson has a collection of wild and exotic animals, including Wally the camel.

    “We were always citrus packers,” said Oleson. “The original growths were replanted after the freeze of 1895. The whole area was oranges, and people would come out to the orange groves, and they would walk through the orange groves and see the oranges.

    “As the oranges began to disappear, we added a few different things to the trail and that’s how we ended up with the animals.”

    With the addition of animals came a surplus of visitors, Oleson said a need to entertain and a desire to become something more.

    “We’ve been called a working museum because, we’re very much like a lot of the buildings and places have changed a little bit, but we’ve kept it as similar as we can for quite a while,” she said.

    It’s a desire that continues even today as Oleson does her daily rounds of animal duty.

    “It’s kind of a lifetime dream that we’ve been working on for a long time and it’s a privilege to be able to have them,” she said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • End of an era: Tampa ‘Pawnfather’ auctions off his treasures

    End of an era: Tampa ‘Pawnfather’ auctions off his treasures

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    TAMPA, Fla. — This weekend marks an end of an era for one Bay area business. The owner of Capital Pawn Shop, along Busch Boulevard, is retiring.

    What You Need To Know

    • Capital Pawn auction will be held Saturday

    • Auction will take place at the shop, 2525 E Busch Blvd., starting at 10 a.m.

    • Joseph Cacciatore will have hundreds of items available

    On Saturday morning, Joseph Cacciatore is auctioning off hundreds of items, from Rolex watches to signed sports and music memorabilia.

    There’s a bank document signed by Ernest Hemingway. There’s even a painting, signed to a Tampa crime boss, lined with news clippings of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. All of it will go to the highest bidder.

    Watches will be among the items auctioned off Saturday. (Dalia Dangerfield/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Cacciatore, who calls himself the Pawnfather, said it’s time for a new chapter, but he’ll miss the place.

    “I don’t know how long I can stay retired to be honest with you, and it’s not about the money,” Cacciatore said. “It’s about meeting people, from the richest to the richest, to the poorest to the poorest and everyone in between.”

    The auction starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. (Dalia Dangerfield/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Cacciatore launched his pawn shop about 30 years ago.

    He said he won’t sell everything. Some of the items hold a special meaning for him.

    And if he gets too bored in retirement, Cacciatore said he may open another shop in Pasco County.

    Saturday’s auction starts at 10 a.m.

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    Dalia Dangerfield

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