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  • Federal report due on Lumbee Tribe of NC’s path to recognition as tribal nation

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    PEMBROKE, N.C. (AP) — Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that, as soon as this week, could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation.

     

    What You Need To Know

    Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation

    President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits”

    The deadline for the plan is Wednesday

     

    In January, President Donald Trump issued a memo directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The memo required the plan to be created within 90 days, a deadline that comes Wednesday.

    The Lumbee are a state-recognized tribe that has been seeking federal acknowledgment, a distinction that comes with access to resources like health care through Indian Health Services and the ability to create a land base such as reservations through the land-to-trust process, for several decades. Both Trump and his opponent in the 2024 presidential election, former-Vice President Kamala Harris, promised the Lumbee federal recognition as the candidates were courting voters in the important swing state of North Carolina. Lumbee voters helped deliver that state to Trump.

    Since the 1980s, the Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, members of Congress and some federally-recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate. Tribal nations can be recognized either through an application process vetted by the Office of Federal Acknowledgement or through legislation passed by Congress.

    In 2016, the Office of the Solicitor at the DOI reversed a decision barring the Lumbee Tribe from seeking federal recognition through the application process, however, the Lumbee have opted instead to gain acknowledgment through an act of Congress, where they have some support. Several tribal nations, like the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally-recognized tribe in North Carolina, have opposed the Lumbee’s efforts, citing discrepancies in their historical claims.

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    Associated Press

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  • Families search for loved ones in historic Black cemetery

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — Going to visit your loved one at their final resting place shouldn’t be an intense or impossible task. But it’s the case for thousands of families at a historic Pinellas County cemetery.

    What You Need To Know

    • Historic Lincoln Cemetery in Gulfport is a historically Black cemetery that opened back in 1926

    • According to Greater Mount Zion AME Church Pastor Clarence Williams, owner of Cross and Anvil Human Services, half of the 8,000 people buried there are not identified

    • Families of the descendants that are buried at the cemetery are trying to find answers on how they can locate their loved ones

    • Williams said his nonprofit service is determined to unearth the history and use it as a teaching tool one day
    • RELATED: Grave Betrayal: The Black history that lies beneath us


    It’s a cemetery that has ties to some of the area’s richest history, but a lot of that history is feared to be lost if the people buried there aren’t identified.

    When it comes to headstones, heroes and history, you don’t have to look hard to find any of those at the Historic Lincoln Cemetery in Gulfport. It’s located just outside St. Pete’s city limits.

    For Tomeeka Wright, it’s what she can’t find that has her digging, trying to locate her son, who died in 1995.

    “He was an infant born premature. He kind of passed away through the night and it was unexpected, so it was really traumatic for me,” Wright said.

    She said she finally got her son a headstone, but overtime, the grass has grown over where she thought he might be.

    “When most people pass away, you’re able to go visit them and their spot is usually taken care of. So, it’s very emotional, but I’m determined to find him. I’m not going to stop looking,” she said.

    Her story is shared by other descendants, and it dates back decades. Tamiko Keaton, who can’t find four of her family members, believes they were buried at the Historic Lincoln Cemetery.

    “It would be a beautiful thing for me to find them, because I love going to the cemetery and putting flowers on my mom and my uncle’s grave,” Keaton said. “Being able to sit out there and cry and say, ‘This is what I’m going through, I miss you,’ but I can’t come out here and do that. It’s hurtful.”

    Sierra Clark poured out her hurt in a book she wrote about a quest to locate her grandparents.

    “It’s been almost like a hamster wheel. Like you don’t have really answers. Like where are the grave records? It’s a lot of mumbo jumbo behind the scenes that’s stopping people from getting real answers,” said Clark.

    There used to be a wooden sign nailed to a tree in the cemetery that said, “There are 4,029 unmarked graves here.” For a cemetery that’s had several different owners since it opened almost a hundred years ago in 1926, Greater Mount Zion AME Church Pastor Clarence Williams says that’s not a surprise, especially with Lincoln Cemetery being a historically Black cemetery.

    Williams’ nonprofit, Cross and Anvil Human Services, took over the cemetery almost two years ago.

    “When you talk about Black cemeteries in the Jim Crow era, there was no requirement, no record requirement. No records had to be kept,” he said. “We have some records, but the records are they’re not complete. They’re really kind of fragmented, for a lack of a better word.”

    He said there are some graves that were there in the 1800’s, long before it was an official cemetery. And with about half of the 8,000 people buried there identified, Williams said his nonprofit is determined to unearth the history and use it as a teaching tool one day.

    “There have been several anthropologists out here trying to determine how best we can go about doing that and I think they have scientific methods that they can find about when the person was buried, but as far as the name and identity, we may not ever know that,” he said.

    It’s a hard truth these descendants like Wright aren’t willing to accept, especially not as long as they’re able to show up and keep searching for their loved ones.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s radioactive waste road project

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    MULBERRY, Fla. — A pilot road project years in the making using slightly radioactive waste material is underway in Polk County.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mosaic’s pilot project will use phosphogypsum, a radioactive phosphate mining byproduct, to build a test road at its New Wales facility

    • Environmental advocates warn the project could spread hazardous materials, potentially exposing workers and nearby ecosystems to harmful radiation and toxic substances

    • Despite the EPA’s approval and Mosaic’s assurances of safety, critics argue the move prioritizes cost-cutting over public and environmental health


    The material, phosphogypsum, is a byproduct of phosphate mining that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says could cause cancer. Mining giant Mosaic requested to use phosphogypsum to build a test road at its Mulberry site on March 31, 2022. The EPA reviewed the plan, gave notice of pending approval on Oct. 9 of last year and took public comments for 45 days, then gave Mosaic the green light on Dec. 23.

    Glenn Compton, director of Manasota-88, one of the oldest environmental groups in the state, says mining companies have spent years looking for ways to get rid of phosphogypsum. The latest approach, he says, is what’s outlined in Mosaic’s plan — mixing the waste material into the road base and laying asphalt on top.

    “So instead of putting it into stacks, where we know where the phosphogypsum waste is, they want to spread it around the state of Florida with little to no over-site,” he said.

    Compton says this will lead to a widespread distribution of a hazardous waste, which could harm the environment and those who have to work with it.

    “Anyone who works with it will have an increase exposure to radon and radiation,” he said. “It has high levels of sulfur, it has metals that are very toxic to the environment and if these roads do deteriorate, we can expect that you are going to have pollution of groundwater and surface water in the area where these roads are constructed.”

    Mosaic said the 3,200-foot road will be built entirely within its New Wales facility, several miles from any public access. There will be multiple sections that use different construction materials and areas to serve as a control sample. The trial will last for 18 months, with each section evaluated for performance and effects on the environment.

    In a statement, a spokesperson for Mosaic said quote:

    “Trust the science. A host of regulators are involved throughout the process. Federal regulations require the EPA to perform a rigorous scientific risk analysis when evaluating a request to use phosphogypsum beneficially. The impacts to human health and the environment are the primary focus of that analysis.

    At the end of the day, we welcome robust testing. We want people to know this is a safe and worthwhile resource, not a waste, and we are decades behind others who long ago realized just that.

    We believe there is great value in the principles of a circular economy, whereby materials formerly viewed as wastes can be used or recycled beneficially. PG has value in the right circumstances, and we expect the results of the road trial to reflect that.”

    The EPA stands by its decision, saying “the risk posed by this project to the public and workers is extremely low.” However, Compton says the decision is a reflection of the agency’s inability to regulate.

    “And they are more in tune with what the company wants to do which is get rid of the waste in a cost effective, cheapest manner that they can and have it so that they will have less responsibility to manage it in the future,” he said.

    Like many environmentalists, Compton is urging policymakers to put a stop to Mosaic’s project. If they don’t, he says, the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

    Another environmental group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has already filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for approving this plan. 

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Pinellas County nonprofit helps save West Klosterman Preserve from development

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Pinellas County announced Thursday it had finalized the purchase of the West Klosterman Preserve, following five years of effort from a citizens group to save the 14 acres from development.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County says it completed the $3 million purchase of the 14-acre West Klosterman Preserve

    • A group of residents has been trying to save the land from development for five years

    • The president of the nonprofit WK Preservation Group calls the purchase “wonderful,” saying it’s important to preserve the habitats on the land

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fundraising efforts continue to save preserve in Pinellas County


    “It’s wonderful,” said Tex Carter, president of the nonprofit WK Preservation Group. “We wanted to save this piece of property and make it part of the Mariner’s Point Management Area and preserve a pretty good-sized chunk of natural Florida.”

    Carter said it started with a dozen people trying to raise $3 million in six months. Back in 2020, Pinellas County Schools was considering selling the land to a developer for $3.3 million. 

    “The school board was almost ready to do a contract with the developer to turn this into 76 condos and bulldoze all the trees and all the wildlife that’s here,” Carter said.

    When residents spoke out against the move, he said the district offered them the chance to buy it for $3 million. According to Carter, the steps they took to become a nonprofit prompted an extension of the original six-month deadline. Eventually, Pinellas County offered to share the cost. The preserve borders the county’s 76-acre Mariner’s Point Management Area.

    “This is one active ecosystem integrated with different kinds of habitat for different kinds of plants and animals,” Carter said of the two properties. “If you took this out and turned it into condos, it would destroy the ecosystem all the way down to the ocean.”

    Pinellas County announced Thursday it had finalized the purchase of the West Klosterman Preserve, following five years of effort from a citizens group to save the 14 acres from development. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    He told Spectrum News the nonprofit collected more than 2,000 donations ranging from $10 to $350,000. 

    “That brought us together, the county and us together, to do more than we would have been able to do as individuals, and that’s a good thing,” said Carter. “It’s really great for people when people realize they can make a difference with government, and it’s always great when government responds to its people.”

    According to the county, the West Klosterman Preserve is specifically meant for habitat preservation and will remain a non-public zone. Carter said as part of the nonprofit’s agreement with the county, there is a chance it could eventually include walking trails. That would only happen if it can be shown there would be no impact on the environment.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • New Port Richey music lovers host 2nd annual record store crawl

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Passion can be contagious.

    When you feel the excitement from someone who truly loves something, it’s tough not to be enveloped by their attitude.

    To find that passion, look no further than Jimmy Michaud and the vinyl records in his little red box.

    What You Need To Know

    • Eric Mullins and Jimmy Michaud are hosting their second annual record store crawl Saturday for National Record Store Day

    • The two live in New Port Richey and have a passion for music, especially vinyl

    • Vinyl sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, have grown for the 18th consecutive year, resulting in more than $1 billion in sales


    He hosts a vinyl night at a local spot in New Port Richey every week and has a collection of 500 to 600 records — that’s after weeding most of them out.

    “It has so much magic, honestly, to it that I really feel anybody, anywhere at any time could get involved with and they could find that feeling within themselves,” Michaud said. “It’s really cool.”

    The passion is shared by so many, but Michaud really met an equal in the love of vinyl with Eric Mullins.

    “He just so happened to bring his album in one day,” Michaud recalled. “And then, I mean, really, the band was made pretty much there.”

    Eric runs Mullins Music in New Port Richey, where he teaches kids and adults how to play music while sharing his love of the craft.

    Not too long ago, Mullins wanted to start an educational tour of sorts that centered around vinyl.

    “You kind of sit down, you let you get something to drink, relax, listen to it,” Mullins said. “You’re engaged in that experience. That’s why I really like vinyl.”

    He came up with the idea for a record store crawl around the Bay Area and asked Michaud to co-host it with him.

    “I’ve always loved to listen to music,” Mullins said. “You know, that seems kind of obvious for some. But I hope everybody has had that problem in their life.”

    That seems to be the case when you see the latest sales numbers.

    According to the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl record sales have grown for the 18th consecutive year, resulting in more than $1 billion in sales.

    Mullins and Michaud are teaching people about the history of vinyl and how they’re made, and will then tour five different shops this Saturday for National Record Store Day.

    “For them to set up an event where they’re going to all the different going to several different stores in the Tampa Bay region, really, embodies a spirit of Record Store Day,” said Manny Kool of Kool Daddy Records in St. Petersburg.

    Kool didn’t hesitate when Mullins and Michaud asked to have the crawl come to his shop.

    For them, it’s a chance to share their passion in a spot that’s embraces and celebrates that excitement.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Florida’s oldest World War II vet dies at 108

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — An American hero who served in the Navy during World War II died this past weekend at 108 years old.

    Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Monfort turned 108 this past December, 83 years after being stationed in Pearl Harbor around the time the Japanese attacked the naval stronghold.

    He was Florida’s oldest World War II veteran when he celebrated his birthday in 2024 and spent the last few years at The Landmark assisted living facility in Clearwater.

    Even though his family has started packing some of his belongings, some pictures and memories are still scattered throughout his room.

    When you speak with the staff who helped care for Monfort, they say the war hero was “a wonderful man who was still active.”

    “Every morning, he came in here at 8 in the morning and bought me a cup of coffee. And he would hang out with me every day,” said Lisa Weaver, head of physical therapy at The Landmark. “He was just a special guy. I think he’s going to be missed.”

    Aside from the memorabilia still in his room at The Landmark, staff put a picture of Monfort in the lobby, letting everyone know the American treasure that is now laid to rest.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Equine therapy center gives veterans a chance to heal

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward — these are a few of the goals for Warriors at Rest (W.A.R.), an equine therapy center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Warriors at Rest offers equine therapy for veterans and first responders

    • Carla Staats has a master’s in mental health counseling and worked in the industry for 30 years

    • She said this is a good alternative to sitting down and simply talking


    Carla Staats, who designed the W.A.R. program, said the stables combine her two passions: horses and therapy.

    “I just find it so much more rewarding,” she said. “It’s learning and action. It’s putting everything into action versus just sitting in the chair and talking.” 

    Staats has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and has spent 30 years helping all sorts of people, 18 of which have been helping veterans with equine therapy.

    In January 2024, W.A.R. partnered with Freedom Farm Therapy Center, where groups like the Women Veterans League of Tampa Bay can visit and spend time with the horses. 

    Staats said veterans have a lot in common with horses. 

    Both are strong, but also have vulnerabilities. 

    A veteran’s daughter, Staats says being able to help our veterans heal is just a small way she can give back. 

    “When you can’t tell the difference between work and play, and this is like play, it’s the most wonderful, fulfilling thing,” she said. “To be able to offer it to those who have raised their hand to serve our country, it’s an honor.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • YMCA CEO David Jezek retires after 50 years of service

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — After more than 50 years of service, YMCA CEO David Jezek announced his retirement.

    What You Need To Know

    • YMCA CEO David Jezek announced his retirement

    • He has been working with the YMCA for more than 50 years

    • He began his career there as a lifeguard

    Movement has always been a part of Jezek’s life.

    “Working out is in my DNA, and certainly, a workout is a means for me to kind of relieve some stress.,” he said.

    It has also been a factor in shaping his career as the chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, where he first started out as a lifeguard and a swim coach.

    “This young man approached me and he said, ‘You taught me how to swim,’ and, you know, that stuck with me. That young man has no idea the impact he had on me,” he said.

    It represents the impact Jezek and the YMCA can have on others and a reason why he was drawn to the industry.

    “My YMCA career actually started at birth. My dad was a YMCA professional director. I caught my first fish on a camp-out with my dad, so to me, it was about family,” he said.

    Jezek says he has worked almost every job at the YMCA, but this title is his last.

    He is retiring at the end of this year after more than 50 years of working for the YMCA.

    For the last 18 years, he’s been the CEO for Greater St. Petersburg and made big improvements — including tripling their operating budget from $7 million to $22 million.

    “You know, it’s figuring out how to grow revenue and grow it smartly. It’s not about the size, but more about the impact — making sure we are allocating resources to make an impact in our community,” he said.

    One of Jezek’s legacies will be the YMCA’s preschool academies he founded. He said St. Petersburg’s chapter was the first to focus on that age group so significantly.

    The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg will be searching for a new CEO and president in the coming months.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Former Pinellas film commissioner goes full circle as movie maker

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Former Pinellas County Film Commissioner Tony Armer has gone full circle as head of production for Talon Entertainment Finance and he wants to film movies in the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tony Armer was the Pinellas County Film Commissioner for more than eight years 

    • Armer was the Dallas Film Commissioner for less than two years when he was offered the position with Talon Entertainment 

    • Armer wrote a feature film called “Terminal Kill,” which he plans to shoot in the Tampa Bay area next year

    • Earlier this week, Armer was shooting the short proof of concept for the film in Tampa and Clearwater


    “The opportunity to be a film commissioner was amazing. I absolutely love the job and I do miss it,” he said. “Now, I get to be back to my true passion, which is making movies.”

    Armer and his production crew were filming action scenes at Coachman Park in Clearwater on Tuesday for a short proof of concept for a feature film he wrote called “Terminal Kill.”

    “We’re calling this short film ‘The Choice,’” he said. “The mom has to make a choice to do something bad in order for something good to happen to take care of her son.”

    Clearwater Police officers were on hand for the scene because it involved a shootout with blanks. Armer said the feature film is about a terminally ill single mom who’s recruited by this mysterious former government agent to assassinate the head of a human trafficking ring.

    “So this is based off a comic book series, graphic novel that I created called ‘Terminal Kill,’ just released at the end of last year,” he said. ”It was a screenplay before that that we were going to shoot in 2020. Then COVID happened.”

    Armer said the plan is to shoot the full length feature film next year in the Tampa Bay area. He just bought a house in Clearwater and said Talon Entertainment CEO Steve Demmler is based out of Tampa.

    “It’s exciting to make projects at home,” he said. “While we also make projects in other parts of the country and around the world as well.”

    He was the Dallas Film Commissioner for less than two years when he was offered the position with Talon Entertainment, which has produced some big box office movies.

    “Talon is a producer on ‘Oh, Canada’ starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman that premiered at the Cannes Film Fest last year,” he said. “’Bookworm,’ starring Elijah Wood, ‘Rabbit Trap,’ starring Dev Patel, which premiered at Sundance this year.”

    Armer said they shot some dialougue scenes in Tampa on Monday for the short film. He plans to send it to festivals and said eventually the short will be on YouTube.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Easter events ‘egg’-spected to take place across Tampa Bay for 2025

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 12:05 PM ET Apr. 03, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM ET Mar. 12, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM EDT Mar. 12, 2025

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Local stakeholders, officials tour King’s Bay to protect waterways

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A local effort is underway to protect Citrus County’s waters.

    The Sierra Club Florida Chapter recently hosted a special boat tour of areas along Kings Bay in an effort to protect and improve Florida’s waterways.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Sierra Club Florida Chapter hosted a special boat tour of areas along Kings Bay in an effort to protect and improve Florida’s waterways

    • Part of that mission included inviting some key stakeholders and local officials along for the ride
    • Experts say the waters play a crucial role in Citrus County’s economy and wildlife, like manatees, which serve an important role in the area’s tourism
    • Those with the Sierra Club say they hope local officials and key decision makers will take action to help get the springs on the road to recovery


    Officials with the Sierra Club say things like hurricanes, development and fertilizer runoff have all contributed to the problems seen at places like Kings Bay. Among them are erosion, algae growth and reductions in seagrass, which manatees rely on to survive.

    Outside PaddleTail Lodge, the group gathered to tour the area’s waterways. Organizers said to better understand what’s happening to it, one has to actually touch the water’s surface.

    “Really to help connect the dots as far as what’s going on within our springs, and how different stakeholders and groups are working together to help restore our springs to their former glory,” said Michael McGrath, a lead organizer with the Sierra Club Florida Chapter.

    Part of that mission included inviting some key stakeholders along for the ride, under the guidance of Capt. John Spann with PaddleTail Waterfront Adventures, who has witnessed firsthand how the waters have changed throughout the years.

    “It’s everything,” said Spann. “It’s the fertilizer we put on our yard, it’s our septic tank when we flush our toilet, it’s the city water sources if they’re using them and how they’re being managed, it’s golf courses, it’s agriculture. Everybody plays a part and the more we realize that we’re all part of the problem, the easier it is to make everybody be part of the solution.” 

    It’s those waters that play such a crucial role in Citrus County’s economy. Without these springs, there would not be any manatees — which are a significant part of the area’s tourism.

    “We know what we’re doing is a problem,” Spann said. “It’s trying to get back ahead of that curve to protect the ones we do have left, especially up here in North Florida.”

    Some of those areas impacted on the water are noticeable from the surface, including spots of erosion that have taken place along the shore.

    “Being on the water today, it all became a tremendous reality of what’s happened,” said Citrus County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ardath Prendergast. “The erosion, to me, emphasizes how important it is that we all play our part to protect this area.”

    And Spann said the solution starts with getting everyone on board.

    “Just educate people,” he said. “Most people don’t know that if they fertilize their yard 30 yards away from the springs, it can affect that water system. So just letting people know how this interconnected system works.”

    Those with the Sierra Club say they hope local officials and key decision makers take action to help get the springs on the road to recovery.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River named among HGTV’s 50 ‘Most Charming’ small towns list in the U.S.

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — This small town has been declared one of the “Most Charming” in America.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River has been recognized by HGTV as one of the “Most Charming” small towns in America

    • The new designation is bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, along with the best in what it has to offer
    • According to Crystal River officials, Citrus County sees more than 1.6 million visitors a year
    • It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton


    Recently, HGTV released a list of the 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America. One Florida small town, located along the Nature Coast, made the list.

    The new designation is making waves for Crystal River and the Nature Coast.

    Along the shores of Hunter Springs Park, dozens can be seen enjoying nature.

    “This is one of the prettiest small towns I’ve ever lived in, and I love it very much,” said Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts.

    “A designation like this just puts our name out nationwide,” Curts added. “More people from the United States, more people from outside our country will come here and visit and see the wonders of Crystal River. It’s just a wonderful thing for supporting the local economy here.”

    It’s a designation that comes as no surprise to Curts and tourism director Auvis Cole. They get to enjoy what this small town has to offer every day.

    “The cool thing about it: This was something that was not voted on,” said Cole. “We were selected.”

    In their eyes, it’s bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, and brings out the best it has to offer.

    “People want to relax,” said Cole. “People want to enjoy the nature — the natural and original beauty of Florida. And when they come here, they’re able to unwind a little bit and get away from the hustle and bustle.”

    It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But now, with spring in the air, tourist season is in full-swing.

    “We welcome over 1.6 million people a year annually,” said Cole. “To some, that may be a lot, but the cool thing about it is it pumps a lot of financial benefits into our local economy and our businesses, our tour operators, our restaurants, our hotels — our residents. We can all take part in that.”

    And as more flock to the area, Cole says he hopes it will open travelers’ eyes to what else this small town has to offer.

    “You talk about the culinary scene, you talk about the shops,” Cole said. “Again, the people, the parks — we have things like different centers, like the refuge wildlife centers, which are amazing.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Lakeland Linder Airport navigates safety operations during historic Sun ‘n Fun

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Thousands of pilots are making their way to Lakeland for its annual fly-in and airshow event. This is the first time in history that Lakeland Linder International Airport will host Sun ‘n Fun while also navigating cargo and passenger flights.

    What You Need To Know

    • This is the first year that commercial flights will take place during the Sun ‘n Fun airshow, requiring careful coordination to ensure safe operations

    • Airport personnel are working together to maintain safety and smooth operations for the airshow, cargo and commercial flights

    • The FAA has brought in 60 air traffic controllers to help manage the airspace during the event


    Operations coordinator Shawn Burkett started his day with a full agenda ahead of Sun ‘n Fun’s opening show on Tuesday. Judging by the constant communication coming through his radio, he wasn’t the only one.

    “Today’s kind of our initial test to make sure everything we have in place is set accordingly because we want to make sure that as we get busier and busier, there’s no issues with anything else,” he said.

    This is Burkett’s first year ensuring that operations on the south side of Lakeland Airport run as smoothly as those on the north. He said this includes confirming pilots have proper equipment, responding to incidents and helping manage air traffic.

    “I’ll be in the air box tower helping coordinate when we secure the aerobatic box, coordinate my guys on the ground and gals on the ground to make sure that we are keeping that area secure, making sure I’m relaying any information from the air boss down to those folks. That way, we can make sure that if we see something that could potentially be unsafe, I can send my people to go and address it directly,” Burkett said.

    Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said she and her team have fine-tuned the details since May. Though this will be the first year commercial flights will take place during the air shows, she says the aircraft will not interfere with one another. This is largely thanks to a “Notice to Airmen” sent out to pilots days before the event.

    “It explains our approach procedure into the airport, and they’re different during the event than the rest of the year, so that allows separation of aircraft,” she said. “And air traffic control also tells them to speed up or slow down, to separate where they need to be, and we essentially land two airplanes at a time.”

    The FAA brought in roughly 60 air traffic controllers from across the country to assist with the tailored approach. As for Burkett, he and his crew will be on hand to keep the pilots and the public safe. He said they may also get a chance to catch a glimpse of the show.

    “Obviously, we’re there to make sure everything is opening securely and safely, but you still get front-row seats to one of the best air shows in the world,” Burkett said.

    The airport also has extra security on the ground to ensure the event remains secure. They’ll stay until the final show on April 6.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Tampa History Center features ‘Invisible Immigrants’ Spanish history exhibit

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    TAMPA, Fla. — An international exhibition showcases world history — one story at a time. And Tampa is part of that story.

    “Invisible Immigrants Spaniards in the U.S. (1868 – 1945)” was in Spain for four years, and now makes its first stop in the United States.

    “You know the name of the exhibit is ‘Invisible Immigrants,’” said Rodney Kite-Powell. “But that’s from the Spanish perspective. You know, so many of the people that left there never came back. And so, to those families, they disappeared.”

    Rodney Kite-Powell is a Curator and Historian at the Tampa Bay History Center where the exhibition is focusing on Spanish immigration from the 1860s to the 1940s.

    “There were two curators — one Spanish and one American — who interviews hundreds and hundreds of descendants of these Spanish immigrants,” said Kite-Powell. “And their intention really was to make an exhibit as if you are walking into those scrapbooks that they were looking at.”

    And the city of Tampa shows up in this life-sized scrapbook, thanks in part to the cigar industry at the turn of the 20th century.

    The exhibition also documents Spanish immigrant reaction as fascism took hold in Spain.

    A 90-year-old film shows protestors in Tampa making fishing tackle to raise money for anti-fascism forces during the Spanish civil war.

    When dictator Francisco Franco took power, immigrants gave up going home for good and became citizens.

    “Here in Tampa, I think we almost took Ybor City and West Tampa for granted. Not every town has those kinds of ethnic and urban enclaves that still have such a rich history,” said Kite-Powell.

    Your final stop in this exhibition — a map spanning from ceiling to floor — that shows cultural landmarks in Ybor City and West Tampa and provides opportunities to learn more about the Spanish influence in the Tampa Bay area.

    “Invisible Immigrants. Spaniards in the U.S. (1868 – 1945)” will be on display at the Tampa Bay History Center through Aug. 3.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Harbor House’s work in domestic violence stands as legacy for feminist pioneer

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — What Barbara Moore pushed for in the 1970s was novel: She wanted to tackle domestic violence head-on and providing resources to save lives.

    What You Need To Know

    • Barbara Moore turned her personal pain into a pioneering fight against domestic violence in the 1970s

    • Harbor House, the predecessor of the organization founded by Moore, is now the largest domestic violence shelter in Florida

    • The legacy of Moore’s activism has empowered generations, but challenges in combating domestic violence remain

    • The future vision for Harbor House includes broader education and mentorship to stop violence before it starts

    But, according to her daughter, Moore lived by her own rulebook.

    “She was a feminist. It was her mission to get people in crisis the help they needed,” Melissa Moore said. “I’m very proud for her, very proud of her contribution.”

    Barbara founded Spouse Abuse Inc., which would go on to become Harbor House. Five decades ago, she healed from her divorce by helping others in Central Florida and championing a cause that was, at the time, progressive.

    “Most people thought that violence in the home was a private family affair and resented her for bringing it up,” Melissa said. “So it was courageous of her to call out domestic violence in the 1970s.”

    As a child, Melissa was right by her mother’s side, even meeting social activist Gloria Steinem. 

    And some things Melissa saw all those years ago still stick with her to this day. 

    “We did keep families in our home. We had a spare bedroom, to hide them,” she said. “As an adult, I look back on it and am like, ‘That was kind of crazy,’ because you can see how dangerous it is.”

    But Harbor House today is much more than a crisis hotline, which happened to be the first step Barbara took in creating Spouse Abuse Inc.

    It’s also bigger than a protected 9-acre campus — with 136 beds, it’s the largest domestic violence shelter under one roof.

    According to the nonprofit’s chief executive officer, Michelle Sperzel, Harbor House also works alongside public defenders and attorneys from the fifth floor of the Orange County courthouse to help those escaping from domestic violence situations file injunctions.

    “A lot of times, when people think of domestic violence, they think of people who need to flee,” Sperzel said. “That’s absolutely true. But it’s one part of all the puzzle pieces that need to come together.” 

    As Harbor House eyes the future and the creation of an essential “one-stop shop” for domestic violence assistance — or a family justice center — it is leaning into partnerships with law enforcement and the clerk of courts. Additionally, it is partnering up with Orange County Public Schools to teach students about healthy relationships — and the organization’s leaders hope to create a mentoring program to help stop violence before it starts.

    “All of us have continued that good work together,” Sperzel said. “People say it takes a village to raise children. It takes a community to help people navigate through a domestic violence situation.”

    Meanwhile, in the Tampa Bay area, CASA, the Citrus County Abuse Shelter, opened a family justice center in 2022 in St. Petersburg. It’s the only such center in the state of Florida at the moment, providing survivors with on-site childcare, legal advice, mental health counselors and other resources.

    Per CASA coordinators, domestic violence survivors also get matched with advocates so they can tell their story just once — and avoid being re-traumatized.

    As for the woman in Central Florida who started it all, surviving paralysis from polio as a child and later going on to obtain her master’s degree at what is now the University of Central Florida, the life of an activist was not easy. Barbara Moore died in 1991 from pancreatic cancer.

    But Melissa said what her mother she did five decades ago has her thanking her lucky stars — and her mother, Barbara — to this day. 

    “And if it weren’t for her generation’s feminist activism, I wouldn’t have been able to own my own house, gotten my own bank accounts or pursue any career that interests me,” she said.

    On the future of Harbor House, Melissa said: “Ultimately, I would like for it to be unnecessary. But we’re a long way away from that.”

    Harbor House’s 24-hour crisis hotline is 407-886-2856.

    For anyone in need of help in the Tampa Bay area, CASA’s 24-hour hotline is 727-895-4912. Outside Pinellas County, the number is 800-500-1119.

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    Julie Gargotta

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  • Recent manatee deaths have Homosassa homeowners concerned about wildlife

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A few homeowners are growing concerned after a string of manatee deaths in their own backyard.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homosassa residents are growing concerned after a recent string of manatee deaths in their own backyard

    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently investigating the deaths, with some locals becoming vocal over the issue
    • One strong belief from locals is that the construction on US-19 has something to do with the recent deaths
    • According to a statement from FWC, staff have not found any evidence to suggest the manatee deaths and fish kills are related


    The recent deaths have sparked an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with some locals becoming vocal over the issue.

    Nestled in a quiet habitat along the Halls River, Sally Krasny looks out on her backyard. A view she’s been enjoying for 27 years and counting.

    “We used to have crabs all over the place. We’d see the kids and the shells hunting for crabs. We’d have lots of birds in the winter,” she said. “We’re known as the Nature Coast and our resources need to be protected.”

    But recently, there’s been an issue on the water. A recent string of deaths involving manatees and catfish. Something, Krasny says, that has not happened before.

    “We have never seen a kill off the way we’re experiencing right now,” Krasny said. “We’re not seeing the wildlife here. There is no eel grass left in the Halls River.”

    It’s for this reason that has Krasny and other homeowners, like Laura King, concerned.

    “It’s quite shocking,” said King. “The first one I cried. I know people think that’s silly to cry over wildlife, but I spend so much time out here. They’re like my pets — we name them and I know them by their scars.”

    One strong belief from Krasny and a few others is that the cause is nearby, believing the construction on US-19 has something to do with the recent deaths.

    “It started when they started the highway project and started digging the retention ponds,” says Krasny. “We objected to them and they convinced us that the ponds would not affect our rivers at all.”

    Whatever the cause may be, locals like King and Krasny say they will remain vocal for the wildlife.

    “This is our passion — is nature,” said Krasny. “And so I’m going to protect it the best way I can. It’s my backyard.”

    A backyard worth protecting.

    Spectrum News did reach out for comment from the FWC. A spokesperson with the FWC provided the following statement:

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating a fish kill in the Homosassa River, which primarily affected hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis), and was first reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline on March 9th relaying dead fish had been observed for one week prior to the call. On March 15, FWC staff visited the site, collected three water samples, all of which were associated with normal water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, temperature). Due to decomposition, staff could not collect fish samples for necropsy. Analysis of water samples for harmful algal blooms is pending.   

    FWC is also monitoring an increase in manatee deaths from the Homosassa River. Since January, FWC has confirmed ten manatee carcasses in the Homosassa River, and four additional carcasses in its tributaries. At least five of the manatee deaths are attributed to an acute natural gut infection from a dietary change to macroalgae, which has been documented before when colder weather restricts manatee movements to areas with seagrass.  

    At this time, staff have found no evidence to suggest the manatee mortality and fish kill events are related. 

    We urge the public to continue to report any sightings of sick, injured, or dead manatees or other wildlife to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).  
     
    To report a fish kill, diseased fish, or a fish with other abnormalities to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline you can call: 800-636-0511 or submit a report online at MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Iconic St. Pete Don CeSar hotel partially reopens six months after 2024 storms

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — After more than six months, the iconic Don CeSar Hotel is reopening on Wednesday in a limited capacity.

    Due to the amount of damage sustained during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in different parts of the 1920s Gatsby-Era building, the hotel’s management team decided to bring guests back with a phased reopening.

    What You Need To Know

    • Maritana Restaurant, Lobby Bar, spa, pool & beach access now open

    • Hotel reservations begin April 1

    • Work will continue to ballroom and remaining restaurants and shops

    • MORE: Don CeSar set for late March reopening


    Starting Wednesday, the Maritana Restaurant, spa, Lobby Bar, and access to the beach and pool along with poolside dining are available. On April 1, the hotel will begin taking room reservations.

    Management expects renovations to the newly designed ballroom, the remaining restaurants and bars, as well as the shopping boutiques to continue for the next several months.

    This is the first time the Don CeSar has been seriously damaged from a hurricane in its 97-year history. Built in the late 1920s, the hotel was bought by the U.S. Army in the 1940s and used as a sub-base hospital. After that, it fell into disrepair before it was bought and restored in the early 1970s.


    Since then, it’s been an icon of Pinellas County’s beach community. Charlie Justice of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce says the Don CeSar opening is what the area needs right now.

    “It is a symbol that we are back and the beaches are ready to go,” he said. “It is an important symbol for all of our community and for all of Tampa Bay to say ‘please come visit and the doors are open for you.’”

    Work will continue in areas of the hotel through the fall.

    _

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    Angie Angers

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  • Do Good Day gathers dozens of nonprofits groups looking for volunteers

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Whether it’s delivering meals or rescuing injured wildlife, there are dozens of nonprofit groups in the Tampa Bay area looking for volunteers.

    And Do Good Day is a chance for residents to find their community.

    On Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill, you can find your tribe of do-gooders.

    What You Need To Know

    • The second annual Do Good Day is Saturday, March 29 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Ave., St. Pete

    • There are several other ways residents can get involved from things like trash pickup to squirrel rescue
    • One organization that will be returning for the event is Keep Pinellas Beautiful

    • Pat DePlasco, head of Keep Pinellas Beautiful, says the nonprofit is always looking for volunteers


    One organization that will be returning for the second annual event is Keep Pinellas Beautiful: A group that’s perfect if you have a buddy that brings a trash bucket on hikes.

    Members of Keep Pinellas Beautiful pick up an average of 500 pounds of trash weekly from the Gandy Beach.

    Pat DePlasco, the head of the organization, thinks area residents can do better.

    “What can we do better? How about not litter in the first place?” said DePlasco.

    The thin strip of sand at the foot of the Gandy Bridge is just one of the areas Keep Pinellas Beautiful cleans. DePlasco said the nonprofit organization is always looking for volunteers.

    “That’s our workforce,” she said, casing the beach and picking up straws, cigarettes, and a single serving bag of Cheetos.

    It’s why Do Good Day is so important for her group and dozens of other Tampa Bay area nonprofits: It’s a chance to meet like-minded helpers.

    DePlasco has been a trash picker-upper all her life.

    “Why? It’s not because I love picking up trash. It just because I love where I live,” she said, using a trash grabber to gesture to Tampa Bay.

    This is DePlasco’s purpose.

    To keep paradise, well, paradisey.

    “The effort it takes to take a piece of trash and put it in a bag and carry it to the trash can is nothing in comparison to what we have to do to fix it,” said DePlasco.

    And her ultimate goal for Keep Pinellas Beautiful?

    To close — because we all start doing better.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Manatee sheriff’s victim advocate helps family impacted by a murder

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office crime victim advocate has gone above and beyond to help a little girl whose mother was murdered. It’s a situation that touched Maria Mireles because she is a mother herself.

    What You Need To Know

    • Maria Mireles is a senior victim advocate for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office

    • Mireles took a special interest in little Kayla after Kayla’s mother was murdered

    • She has helped to arrange for school supplies and transportation, among other things

    • Would you like to suggest an Everyday Hero? Click here


    Senior victim advocate Mireles responded to the murder scene in June 2020. Delmy Teyul-Ba’s estranged boyfriend had killed her. And Mireles saw a deputy carry Teyul-Ba’s infant daughter, Kayla, from the home covered in blood.

    “Well, it broke my heart,” said Mireles.

    Mireles had her own daughter that was almost exactly Kayla’s age at the time. So, her mother instinct kicked in. “Oh yeah, immediately. Immediately that kicks in as you want to get her and help her and see what she needs,” she said.

    She decided to be a part of Kayla’s life after that. Kayla’s grandmother moved from Guatemala to help raise Kayla. Mireles helped with school supplies and helped with making sure Kayla had transportation to school. She was also a part of birthday parties for Kayla.

    Mireles and the grandmother have become friends. In fact, the grandmother is so grateful for all of Mireles’ help, she has feelings for her like a mother figure.

    Mireles says other victim advocates at the sheriff’s office think of themselves as aunts to Kayla. They sometimes develop a bond with the people they help.

    “You know, being in the field we are in, you can’t disconnect completely. You have to. You have to learn. You can’t just turn off your emotions,” she said.

    Because of her commitment to serving the residents of Manatee County, the sheriff’s office named Mireles its employee of the month in January.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Polk County tax collector to reduce customer capacity at Lakeland location

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Starting Monday, a well-known tax collector’s office in Lakeland will cut the number of customers it serves daily because of floor repairs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Starting Monday, Lakeland’s Tax Collector’s office will cut customer capacity by 50% due to floor repairs, which will last until mid-May

    • Rapid county growth has increased foot traffic, leading to necessary repairs on the historic building
    • Customers are encouraged to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow


    The historical building on North Massachusetts Avenue, known for its Art Deco style, was originally home to a Publix store in 1953. But now, Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder and his team say the building needs repairs due to heavy foot traffic.

    “We were seeing about 400 to 500 customers a day. Now, on a daily basis, in this location alone, it’s usually 800 to 1,000 customers,” Assistant Manager Alicia Stephenson said.

    According to a press release, roughly 4.8 million people have visited Lakeland’s only service center since it opened in 2013. Stephenson points to the county’s rapid growth as the reason for the spike in customers.

    Over time, she says, the foot traffic has caused wear and tear to the recognizable building. That’s why a new project was launched to help preserve it, starting with the floors.

    “It’s something that we can’t deny anymore,” Communications Manager Ashleigh Mills said. “We’ve got to be able to repair it because maintenance is important to this investment. This building is so iconic; we want to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to keep it in its pristine condition.”

    Mills says floor repairs will last through mid-May. In the meantime, the Lakeland office will reduce customer capacity by 50%. Employees plan to shut down 15 service stations during each phase of the project, which could lead to longer wait times.

    “Even though we won’t be able to assist as many customers at this location, we do offer other locations,” Stephenson said. “We’re offering Saturday hours as well in some of our locations, so if they can just be patient with us, it will be beautiful in the end.”

    Polk County’s tax collector encourages customers to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow.

    To cause as little inconvenience as possible, the Tax Collector also recommends:

    • Online services at www.PolkTaxes.com or mail services for driver license, ID card, and vehicle registration renewals whenever possible

    • Seeking an appointment for driver license, ID card, or concealed weapons services well in advance of expiration dates

    To better serve customers during this time, the Tax Collector has provided for increased service hours, with the addition of Saturday hours twice a month, at select service centers in Polk County. There is also increased staffing in the Call Center and the Tax Collector’s live online chat service.

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    Alexis Jones

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