ReportWire

Tag: APP Community

  • Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival celebrates African American healthy living

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It starts with a lemon, and then some liquid gold.

    And tea brewing teen queens Stevie and Stephanie Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Sweet Tea are ready to open their doors for a festival of celebration.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival is located at Carter G. Woodson African American Museum at 2240 9th Ave. S., in St Pete

    • The 2026 festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 14th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, during Presidents’ Day weekend and Black History Month.

    • Now in its ninth year, the free, family-friendly festival brings together over 18,000 attendees to celebrate Black culture, history, health equity, and community empowerment.

    • Free collard green plants, entertainment, marketplace, music, healthy collard recipes, line-dancing class to Motown, soul music

    The 13-year-olds are prepping for Tampa Bay’s Collard Green Festival, in cooalition with a program for young entrepreneurs.

    “We needed to figure out a way that our youth in this community who have businesses can benefit from this foot traffic,” said festival co-founder Samantha Harris.

    The Fitzpatrick 8th graders are in their second year at the festival’s young business owner’s program.

    Since 2018, The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival works as a community driven nonprofit to transform lives with good food, joy, movement, and culture. 

    Through student programs, school partnerships, and an annual city-defining festival, the Collard Green Festival addresses the root causes of poor health, limited opportunities, and social isolation, for one practical, sustainable change at a time.

    We meet people where they are and walk with them toward better health, stronger connections, and a higher quality of life, not just for a day, but for a lifetime.

    “I enjoy doing this because I get to meet new people and I get to experience different things,” said Stevie Fitpatrick.

    They St. Pete duo are completing a 4-week online course studying topics like customer service and budgets. They earned food safety handling certificates and got a stipend.

    The twins encouraged other young people to start thinking of starting a business, or supporting their community. 

    “You could do anything you put your mind to, you just have to have the right mindset, and plan everything out, and budget,” Stephanie Fitzpatrick said.

    Also look for an official taste tester — like a younger brother maybe? The girls have 8-year-old Steve. 

    “This is the best sweet tea I ever tasted in my life,” said Steve, after taking one sip.

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Melissa Ley and FUELS help Pinellas County teachers and students

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A former Pinellas County teacher is still doing a lot to support students and teachers — in fact, Melissa Ley helped to start a nonprofit to do just that.

    Ley was a teacher with Pinellas County Schools for three years, but then decided to focus on homeschooling her two children.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melissa Ley is a former Pinellas County teacher

    • She helped to start Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support, or FUELS

    • FUELS provides classroom supplies for teachers, free professional development and student care closet supplies, among other things


    Ley’s experience in the classroom gave her an appreciation for the needs of teachers and the lack of resources they often face. She started an organization called Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support or FUELS, which provides classroom resources for teachers and items for school care closets for students in need.

    On a recent morning Ley and FUELS treasurer Maureen Price were taking large bags of personal care items to two schools.

    “So, tons of personal care items. Shampoo, deodorant. Personal hygiene things. Snacks. They go like crazy,” Ley said as she took bags out from the back of her SUV in front of St. Petersburg High School.

    “It is the fun part,” she added. “Shopping for, delivering and seeing how excited they are is the fun part.”

    A few moments later Ley and Price were meeting with school social worker Janna Vichaikul in her office to show her the items for her care closet.

    “Lotions, then all of your deodorant, T-shirts and stuff like that,” said Ley.

    Vicheikul said she was always grateful for the supplies.

    “We didn’t want to be too greedy, and they really surprised with how generous their donations were,” she said.

    FUELS has also donated some chairs and a mini fridge for the space where Vicheikul meets with students.

    FUELS also provides thousands of books that teachers can use in their classroom libraries, provides free professional development training for educators and an annual teacher appreciation event.

    Ley and Price also delivered care closet supplies to the Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center.

    “Basic needs have to be met in order for students to learn,” said Ley as she and staff members were placing the personal care items on shelves. “So, without these things, without schools and us providing it, the students aren’t able to do what is important and learn.”

    [ad_2]

    Rick Elmhorst

    Source link

  • St. Petersburg Distance Classic draws largest turnout ever

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Sunday was the largest St. Petersburg Distance Classic in the program’s history.

    This was the sixth time the event was hosted.

    Thousands of runners took off from North Shore Park to participate in a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K.

    What You Need To Know

    • Under 3,500 people registered to run in the St. Petersburg Distance Classic

    • There were 30% more runners this year compared to last year

    • Chris Lauber and his wife, Rya, founded and operate the St. Pete run from their home

    • This event is a qualifer for the Boston Marathon


    Marathon runners were met with lots of cheering as they stepped off on their 26.2-mile journey.

    Norman Shaw ran in the St. Pete Distance Classic for the first time, but he knows the area well. He grew up here, but he’s visiting from New Jersey to make this his ninth marathon.

    “This is one of the most special ones. Runners know St. Pete is as flat as a pancake, so it’s a beautiful run. San Francisco was awful — all the hills, I mean, it was beautiful, it was horrible to run. This will be nice,” he said.

    The 64-year-old trained for this by running about 30 miles a week. He said you have to go until your body is tired.

    “It’s just constantly pushing yourself not to stop,” he said.

    This year’s St. Pete Distance Classic had the largest number of runners ever. Under 3,500 people registered for all of Sunday’s races, making it 30% larger than last year. Organizers said they got a grant from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater to advertise the event.

    “We have almost every state represented and 15 countries,” said Chris Lauber, race director.

    Chris Lauber and his wife, Rya, founded and operate the St. Pete run, but Chris has a long history of organizing these things.

    In 1979, Chris had orchestrated jet ski races in Sebring, Florida. That eventually grew into a big event, even getting ESPN coverage.

    Then, using that experience, he created the Gulf Beaches Marathon in 2000. He said at the time, there wasn’t any sort of race like that in the county.

    The couple now runs the St. Pete Distance Classic out of their garage.

    “To see literally a thousand smiling faces run by you as the fruits of our efforts, I wish there was a single word, but there isn’t,” Chris said.

    It’s that same feeling that athletes like Shaw have when they run across the finish line.

    “Those last six miles are the toughest, but when you’re done, you feel like you beat yourself. It’s such an incredible feeling,” Shaw said.

    The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

    Runners who have a qualifying time can register for the Boston Marathon for 2027.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • Lakeland youth step team helps preserve cultural tradition

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — You may have seen it — the perfectly timed stomps, the chants and hand claps.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Lakeland-based youth step team is helping preserve the cultural tradition of stepping, an art form rooted in African history

    • Beyond competition, the team provides mentorship, sisterhood and a safe space for self-expression for middle and high school girls

    • The group is actively sharing the tradition on a national stage, hosting a step show this weekend with teams from across the country


    But where did it all begin?

    For centuries, stepping, a powerful ritual dance, has inspired generations, including the Lakeland-based step team Taken by Surprise.

    The group of girls, ranging in age, practices stepping inside Sleepy Hill Middle School’s gym about four days a week. While winning competitions is the goal, the steppers say they gain so much more.

    For 12th grader Aleyah Davis, it’s sisterhood.

    “It got me out of my shell because I am shy,” Davis said.

    Meanwhile, 11th grader Keyanah Colston says it’s a safe place to express herself.

    “If anything is weighing on my mind, I feel like when we come here, it’s just an open space to do you,” Colston said.

    Team sponsor Corey Tumer started Taken by Surprise 13 years ago to help build character in young people. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he also wanted to expose them to Greek life — specifically historically Black fraternities and sororities known as the Divine Nine.

    “And that gives them more exposure than just being home and the possibility to network with other students across the country and get that experience of what life would be like as a college student,” Tumer said.

    Though stepping is widely used throughout Divine Nine culture, the art form didn’t originate there. Longtime dance instructor Andrida Hosey says stepping is rooted in African tradition.

    “So a lot of things, like celebratory things like naming ceremonies, and wedding celebrations, and going out for war, we used movement and rhythm, especially the drums,” Hosey said. “But as we came over to America, we couldn’t use the drums as slaves. They started using their body as instruments, and the clapping and the rhythm, and their voices as instruments.”

    She says those movements became a way to express feelings during a time when doing so was forbidden.

    Today, stepping gives young people that same freedom of expression, something the girls of Taken by Surprise say they don’t take for granted.

    Taken by Surprise will host a national step show this Saturday at Kathleen High School. Twenty teams from around the country will compete. Doors open at 2 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Polk County landscaper advises residents on new watering schedule

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Utilities is one of the latest utilities working to preserve water across the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Utilities is the latest to enforce a new once-per-week lawn watering schedule due to below-average rainfall and low water levels

    • Watering is limited to specific days and times based on street address, with schedules running before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

    • Local landscapers warn that the restrictions may not be enough to maintain healthy lawns


    Officials recently announced it will enforce the Modified Phase II water shortage order issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The restrictions apply to the following areas:

    Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the city of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Lee County.

    Starting this Sunday, residents and businesses can only water their lawns once a week. The new watering schedule is due to below-average rainfall and low water levels in area water resources.

    However, Eric Myers, owner of Myerscapes Environmental, says that may not be enough to maintain a healthy landscape.

    “The limitations on irrigating your yard, it’s going to cause a lot of damage to sod and everybody’s plants and foliage is going to start dying off. If they can’t irrigate, it’s going to be a lot of unhappy people,” Myers said.

    While the restrictions could mean more business for him, Myers says he is more concerned about how they will impact his customers.

    “Everybody doesn’t have tons of money to put into their yards to keep it properly maintained and looking good,” he said.

    With that said, Myers recommends residents water their yards for at least 20 minutes on their designated day. Even then, he says a healthy lawn is not guaranteed.

    Polk County Utilities says watering hours are assigned to one day per week based on address and must take place before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

    Details of the once-per-week watering schedule are as follows:

    • Addresses ending in 0 or 1 may only water on Mondays.
    • Addresses ending in 2 or 3 may only water on Tuesdays.
    • Addresses ending in 4 or 5 may only water on Wednesdays.
    • Addresses ending in 6 or 7 may only water on Thursdays.
    • Addresses ending in 8 or 9, along with locations for which an address cannot be determined (such as common areas associated with a subdivision), may only water on Fridays.

    The new schedule begins Sunday and is expected to remain in place through July 1.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Polk County program opens doors to diversity in public safety careers

    [ad_1]

    BARTOW, Fla. — A program in Polk County is continuing to drive diversity in public safety. 

    The Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program, which started in 2005, recently marked its 20 years of service to the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County runs a program that helps people from diverse backgrounds enter public safety careers

    • The program removes barriers and creates opportunities in fields like fire rescue and emergency services

    • Over the past 20 years, it has strengthened public safety departments by increasing representation


    If you asked program coordinator Kelly Rucker where she’d be 12 years ago, she said she wouldn’t have been able to tell you.

    “I had no idea, no direction as to what I was going to do,” she said. “As a mother of two daughters at the time, I was really kind of just surviving.”

    That was until she learned about the Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program. She quickly applied and worked her way up to becoming a firefighter medic.

    “The experience going through the program was very difficult,” she said. “To get selected, you have to pass a series of tests, agility exams, different trainings you’re really never exposed to.”

    Rucker said the experience also opened her eyes to opportunities that, as a Black and Hispanic woman, she didn’t think were available.

    Today, the program assists economically disadvantaged residents pursuing a career in public safety, regardless of race or gender. But Joe Halman, a former deputy county manager of public safety, said it originally started in 2005 to help diversify the industry.

    “At the time, minority representation was very slim,” Halman said. “Maybe one, two. And a group of community leaders, who were a part of the community relations advisory council, started asking questions about representation and fire rescue.”

    After gaining inspiration from Alachua County’s diversity program, Polk County later adopted its own. Since then, Halman said minority representation within fire rescue has grown significantly.

    “We have a lot of minorities apply who want to become firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and has strengthened our department,” he said. “Quite frankly, I’ll be honest with you, it has made us better today than ever.”

    Rucker said she’s proud to be a part of that trend. And now, as the program’s coordinator, she gets to inspire the next generation to do the same.

    “These kids need to see women of color; they need to see things like that in positions that are respected so that they know it is a possibility,” she said. “And it doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter your past, or if you were a single mom of two kids, or if at the time you were economically disadvantaged.”

    Qualified residents can join the Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program at no cost. Students also receive benefits and an hourly wage while completing classes.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Tampa Bay History Center explores 14,000 years of Florida history

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay History Center tells the stories of our area, starting with the first settlers.


    The history center teaches about the arrival of Europeans, North Africans and more Native Americans.

    “And what happens with Spanish Florida, English Florida and then eventually American Florida,” said Rodney Kite-Powell, Director of the Touchton Map Library.

    The native Seminole people survived multiple wars and removal efforts. They call themselves “The Unconquered.”

    The Tampa cigar industry brought new immigrants — Cubans, Spaniards, Afro-Cubans and Sicilians.

    “At its peak in the 1920s, it was about 500,000,000 cigars produced every year, all by hand,” said Kite-Powell.

    The next museum level offers a new historical timeline: war stories. Five-hundred years of Black history and a look at the pioneer life of Florida Crackers.

    At the Treasure Seekers gallery, young learners find out how explorers and pirates got here.

    Spoiler alert — it’s math.

    There’s recovered treasure, but all that glitters is not gold.

    They also have a rare map on display of St. Augustine in 1588.

    “The earliest view of any city in today’s United States,” said Kite-Powell.

    It’s courtesy of the center’s Touchton Map Library and includes a 1511 map showing the tip of South Florida, two years before Ponce de Leon arrived to explore Florida.

    They also have a 1524 map of Florida, the first time Florida is called “La Florida.”

    Together, these artifacts tell the story of the Sunshine State’s 14,000-year history.

    “But also how tied in the broader story of American History Florida really is,” said Kite-Powell.

    Florida history — our history — is American history.

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Pause or move forward? St Pete City Council to mull next move for Gas Plant site

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed his interest in moving forward with selecting a developer for the Historic Gas Plant District site, a city council member is asking the administration to pump the brakes.

    St. Pete City Council member Brandi Gabbard filed a resolution asking the city administration to pursue a ‘planning-first framework’ before choosing a developer. The item will be discussed by city council members during Thursday’s meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • City council member asks for ‘planning-first framework’ before moving forward with choosing Gas Plant site developer 

    •  Mayor Ken Welch issued a memo stating now is the time to move forward

    •  Rays reaffirm commitment to move to Tampa

    • As of now, the Rays lease expires after 2028 season 


    In response to the resolution, Welch issued a memo asking city council members to stay committed to action and progress.

    “There are some who believe we should continue to further delay this development, but I want to be clear as I reaffirm my position — we should move forward to fulfill the decades-long promise of equitable and beneficial development of this site. The time for action is now,” Welch wrote.


    Welch referenced at least four different rounds of proposals and community input sessions over the last decade, dating back to the HKS Master Planning in 2016, which took place under a former administration.

    “With respect to timing, pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted — risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred. St. Pete, including the families and descendants impacted by the original displacement, has already waited generations for meaningful progress. I do not believe further inaction serves them or the City,” Welch continued.

    Welch has family ties to the Historic Gas Plant District, as does City Council member Corey Givens Jr., who supports what he calls a planning-first — not proposal-first — process.

    “I have no problem telling the developers what we want to see at the Historic Gas Plant site — I don’t think it should be the other way around,” he said. “I care about honoring the history of that site, and I think we have to be intentional. Part of honoring the history of the site means taking a community-driven approach to doing so. That doesn’t mean proposal first, it means planning first, and we need the community to be a part of that process.”

    The city of St. Pete has received 9 new proposals from groups that wish to redevelop the 86-acre site. 

    A discussion regarding the resolution is set to take place during Thursday’s city council meeting, which is set for 9 a.m.

    A spokesperson for the city says it is in the administration’s purview to select a developer. But in order to get a funding vote to pass later down the line, the mayor would need city council support.

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Unique way of learning taking place in Thonotosassa

    [ad_1]

    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — When you think of education, you often think of textbooks and notebooks, but one academy is taking a different approach.

    What You Need To Know

    • Montessori is more of a hands-on approach, but this academy takes learning outdoors
    • The academy is also looking to expand services into Dade City next year


    Freedom Montessori Academy is giving students an opportunity to learn outdoors. And they are expanding their reach.

    Learning is all about being hands on at Freedom Montessori Academy.

    The school’s process is a method of education based on self-directed activity and hands-on learning. The academy is a tutoring service that serves 15 students in the Thonotosassa area.

    Eleven-year-old Adelyn Iott says this supplemental approach has been a big help for her.

    “It’s just really hands on, and you understand it better,” she said.

    Madison Whitmer says the teaching methods help her concentrate.

    “My school I had computers after I did it, so I had a headache when I got home, here I don’t have a headache because we don’t use electronics,” she said.

    The majority of the work isn’t done indoors but outside on the farm.

    Melanie Smith, the founder of the academy, was an educator for more than 20 years prior to this. She decided to take that experience and give students a personalized way of learning.

    Students go at their own pace, in a unique learning environment.

    “I think it’s nice in this setting that they understand how long it takes for a plant to grow that they eat in in 10 seconds,“ said Smith.

    From building a labyrinth, to planting seeds, Smith believes it’s part of raising curious kids that will use these skills in life.

    “Every child is unique and every child’s brain is developing at a different level, and they need that time to think for themselves, this is what this is about,” said Smith.

    It shows students like Iott that learning can happen anywhere.

    “Outdoor experience, life survival, how to take care of plants, how to build stuff,“ said Adelyn.

    Making education fun and something that doesn’t always happen indoors.

    The academy will be expanding to a location in Dade City next year.

    And the farm will soon be home to a nonprofit aimed at providing farm education to veterans and breast cancer survivors.

    [ad_2]

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Duke says it’s not anticipating any rolling blackouts during cold snap

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Duke Energy asked customers to voluntarily reduce their energy use on Monday morning, in response to the extremely cold temperatures driving unusually high demand for electricity.

    What You Need To Know

    • Duke Energy asked customers to reduce reduce electric usage early Monday morning

    • Two Hernando County schools closed Monday due to possible power outages

    • Spokesperson says goal was to protect grid and conserve power if neighboring utilities needed assistance 

    • MORE: Notice from Duke Energy


    Duke Energy spokeswoman Ana Gibbs says the request was made in order to conserve energy and protect the grid to keep electricity flowing for any many customers as possible.

    “We’ve definitely heard rumors about rolling blackouts or rolling brownouts and right now Duke Energy does not anticipate doing any of those things,” she said. “We have a situation in Florida where our energy grid, our power grid, is interconnected. Not just throughout Florida but also the southeastern U.S. so it’s just important that we can share that with our neighbors in case they need it.”

    Duke asked customers to lower energy use by reducing thermostat temperatures, avoiding using major appliances during the coldest four hours on Monday morning, and charging electric vehicles after 9 a.m.

    “Keeping that heater temp as low as you can but to your comfort is really what saves the most energy,” Gibbs said. “That is about 30% of your energy bill. So it’s mutually beneficial because not only does it save energy, it reduces your energy bill.”

    Gibbs said the last time they had a similar situation with energy usage due to the extreme cold was in the winter of 2010.

    “The last time we had kind of record demand was back around in 2010 when we had these similar record low temperatures,” she said. ”Right now everyone’s asking, ‘Do you think you’re going to see a record demand or a record peak?’ We’re not anticipating seeing that. We’re not anticipating a record use of energy during this event. This really has to do with that we’re in a position to help our neighboring utilities if that’s something that’s needed.”

    Duke Energy said a text that’s been circulating appearing to be from Duke regarding rolling blackouts in a scam and customers should disregard it and not click on any links.

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Cynthia Henderson starts Citrus County group for female veterans

    [ad_1]

    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A Citrus County woman started a group for other female veterans like herself. She also spearheaded an effort to get a monument for female vets built and placed in front of the historic county courthouse in Inverness.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cynthia Henderson is a U.S. Air Force veteran

    • Henderson started the Female Veterans Network of Citrus County

    • Group members meet monthly and perform community service projects 

    • Members raised funds to have a monument to female veterans built and placed in front of the historic county courthouse in Inverness 


    Cynthia Henderson served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s and is very proud of her service. She believed that there needed to be a local organization that was just for local female veterans. So, she started the Female Veterans Network of Citrus County.

    “Well, the camaraderie number one. We all get together for lunch once a month,” said Henderson.

    Group members talk about issues they face as veterans, while supporting each other through the struggles and helping the community.

    “We do various things for the community. We had a female veteran, and we replaced her roof,” said Henderson.

    They also offer a scholarship program for female high school senior JROTC members.

    The members of the group all take pride in their military service. “It’s a sisterhood. Even the sisterhood that we felt in the branch that we were in,” said Sigmond. “This is a bigger sisterhood because this is all the branches.”

    The network also spent several years planning the design and raising funds for the female veterans’ monument. They recently held a five-year rededication ceremony for the monument.

    Henderson said she makes sure to keep up with group members to make sure they are OK. “Well, it’s deep-rooted in the service we served in, even though we were in different branches. We were still serving in the same country,” said Henderson. “Every time I see the girls I find out something new about one or two of them.”

    “She has that compassion and always has that smile. And she loves us. We know she does,” said Sigmond.

    [ad_2]

    Rick Elmhorst

    Source link

  • 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City postponed due to high wind forecast

    [ad_1]

    DADE CITY, Fla. — The 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City has been postponed due to high winds forecasted for Saturday, officials with the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday morning.

    Officials issued the following statement:

    “Due to high winds forecasted for tomorrow and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, the 29th Annual Kumquat Festival will be postponed. A new event date will be announced this afternoon.”

    The kumquat festival is a popular event celebrated every year, typically on the same date as Tampa’s Gasparilla pirate fest, where attendees can celebrate the “little gold gem of the citrus industry” with treats inspired by the unique fruit along with a children’s activity area, classic car show, craft kumquat beer and wine, and activities for all ages.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Weeki Wachee residents spearhead campaign for winter manatee sanctuary

    [ad_1]

    WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. — Local groups are concerned for the wellbeing of manatees on the Weeki Wachee River.

    What You Need To Know

    • Concerned residents along the Weeki Wachee River are spearheading a campaign to turn Hospital Hole into a winter manatee sanctuary

    • Just a few weeks ago, roughly 20 paddleboarders could be seen on cell phone video among the manatees
    • Manatees are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it illegal to feed, chase, touch or disturb them
    • If you happen to witness any banned behavior toward manatees or other marine mammals, you can call FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC


    Homeowners say there has been recent overcrowding on the river, especially near Hospital Hole, with too many paddleboards leaving no room for manatees to travel. The issue is spearheading a campaign to turn the area into a manatee sanctuary.

    On the Weeki Wachee River, the only sound is nature. And the occasional manatee letting out a deep breath.

    Hospital Hole is a peaceful spot for the gentle sea cows during Florida’s winter months.

    “The depth and the warmth of this water is important to them,” said Maryann Johnson, a member of the Weeki Wachee River Rescue Team.

    Only not too long ago, these waters were home to a different scene. Roughly 20 paddleboarders could be seen, captured on cell phone video among the manatees.

    “We’ve noticed a lot more aggressive activity here with people,” says Johnson.

    The nonprofit group of volunteers is dedicated to protecting the environment and wildlife on the river. Johnson says situations like this one can be overwhelming and dangerous for the manatees.

    “It was a congested mess that day,” she said. “Everyone was in here, the manatees were moving all around, and the people that had their feet hanging over were pushing them away. I can only assume that’s possibly because they were afraid of being tipped over but that’s a situation we don’t ever want to see happen again here.”

    “I was horrified, actually. Saddened and disturbed.”

    Stephanie Kozuch shares a similar sentiment.

    “We’re drawing all of these people in here to see them but we’re offering no protection for them,” says Kozuch, also a member of the group. “It just doesn’t make sense, so we need to do something.”

    Manatees are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it illegal to feed, chase, touch or disturb them.

    “A swimmer or paddler coming up to a manatee and disrupting their natural behavior is covered under harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” said Tiare Fridrich, manatee biologist with Save The Manatee Club.

    Protections that Johnson and Kozuch hope to have further enforced at Hospital Hole.

    “We’re hoping that FWC and others jump on board and see the need to get this possibly roped off in the winter months only,” said Johnson. “Which keeps them protected and people can still view them and still traverse and navigate this waterway.”

    Fridrich says if you happen to witness any banned behavior toward manatees or other marine mammals, you can call FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Businesses prep for a cold, windy Gasparilla

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — “Shiver me timbers” may take on a whole new meaning this Gasparilla, as temperatures are expected to drop while the winds pick up Saturday, the day of the annual Pirate Fest celebration. 

    “Cold and windy for Gasparilla this year, unfortunately,” said Spectrum News meteorologist Brian McClure. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem on land. The problem’s going to be a lot of people like to take their boats out, right? That’s the biggest issue.”

    What You Need To Know

    • This weekend’s Gasparilla celebrations are expected to include temperatures that dip into the 40s and wind gusts of up to 40 mph

    • South Tampa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Flannery said Gasparilla is important for local businesses, with 300,000 visitors expected and a projected economic impact of $20 million

    • Flannery said she’s not expecting people to cancel hotel and restaurant reservations due to the weather

    • The COO of Jackson’s Bistro along the flotilla route said the restaurant is prepared for cooler temps, with heaters and screens to protect people from wind and rain on the patio


    McClure said on land, winds are expected to get up to 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 40s.

    “I remember a lot of cold Gasparillas. I remember lots of wet Gasparillas. I remember some Gasparillas where we even had some severe weather, but I don’t remember a Gasparilla where it was windy and cold combined,” McClure said. “I think that’s going to be the biggest problem is the wind is just going to be so strong.”

    According to Kelly Flannery, president and CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 300,000 people are expected to come out for the weekend’s flotilla and parade.

    “Gasparilla’s a fantastic weekend,” Flannery said. “Our hotels are going to be full. Our restaurants and bars are full.”

    That includes Jackson’s Bistro, which is on the flotilla route and offers a front row seat to watch the boats go by.

    “It’s just shoulder-to-shoulder, wall-to-wall, bow-to-bow out there on the water, and everybody’s having a good time,” said James Hamilton, the restaurant’s chief operating officer.

    Hamilton said Jackson’s business jumps by about 300% during Gasparilla compared to a normal weekend.

    “It’s literally an invasion,” Hamilton said. “It’s the field of dreams. If you build a restaurant here, they’re coming on Gasparilla.”

    He said the restaurant is ready for the chilly weather.

    “I wasn’t worried about it. We just spent millions of dollars renovating this patio, putting in these heaters, dropping down these canopies to keep the wind off of everybody,” Hamilton said. “We had the warmest New Year’s Eve we’ve ever had while everybody else was cold. So, Gasparilla will be the same.”

    Flannery said she doesn’t expect visitors to cancel planned reservations at hotels and restaurants because of the weather. She said the festival usually brings a $20 million economic impact with it.

    “I think that the cold weather is going to add another element to this weekend’s events, but I don’t think it’s going to keep people away,” she said. “I think people have been looking forward to this weekend all year. People travel from all over the state or all over the southeast part of the country to attend this event.”

    Hamilton also said he expects Jackson’s to be as busy as usual with crowds of Gasparilla faithful.

    “They’re pretty dedicated,” he said. “The costumes they wear are made for the summer no matter what the weather is, and they don’t look like they’re cold. They’re really dedicated.”

    McClure said he’s recommending people don’t take their personal boats out on Saturday. He said winds could get up to 35-40 knots on the water, and a gale warning will likely be posted. 

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Duke Energy warns of scam targeting consumers

    [ad_1]

    Duke Energy said it’s aware of a scam going around that’s trying to trick customers.

    Related: Track and report power outages in your area

    Customers have reported receiving a text claiming to be from Duke Energy, saying they will be affected by a scheduled outage. 

    It then asks the recipient to click on a link. 

    “This message did not come from Duke Energy,” Duke Energy wrote in a Facebook post. “Customers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from businesses or individuals they do not know, and they should contact Duke Energy directly to discuss their account or visit company communications channels for the latest updates.”

    Duke Energy said it will only use official communication channels to communicate grid conditions. 


    [ad_2]

    Lydia Taylor, Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Elisha Belden promotes arts for children and young people in Citrus County

    [ad_1]

    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A Citrus County woman is making sure kids and teens in her community get a chance to experience the arts.

    Elisha Belden said she saw a need for young people and started a nonprofit that runs out of the same building as her tattoo business.

    What You Need To Know

    • Elisha Belden started the Twistid Arts Initiative in Citrus County

    • It all started with a sidewalk chalk art contest for children in 2022

    • The Twistid Arts Initiative provides art classes and stages theater productions in Inverness.

    • The latest production set to debut is called Story Island


    Belden’s business called Twistid Ink is located on Highland Boulevard in Inverness. That’s where there are three tattoo artists working including her husband, Danny Belden. The building also includes rooms for art classes and a former small church sanctuary that now acts as a theater.

    Belden started to promote arts for young people by having Twistid Ink sponsor a sidewalk chalk art competition in 2022.

    It was such a hit that community members asked her if she could do more for the arts. She then started art classes for children, art shows and putting on theater productions in a city-owned theater. But the theater was so busy with other community productions that she made the move into her current building in February 2025.

    “When we were running around town using other buildings for the arts center it was very stressful, very stressed,” said Belden. “Here if we have a break, we can walk into the back and do anything we need to.”

    Belden started a nonprofit called Twistid Arts Initiative to promote and fund the arts projects for young people. She says much of the funding comes from her Twistid Ink business.

    Twistid Arts Initiative has put on a number of productions for the community.

    “We do a lot of kids’ shows. But we do balance it out,” said Belden. “We do some teen and some adult stuff as well.”

    That includes a production of Macbeth, Beetlejuice, Snow Queen, The Wizard of Oz and an original production called The Cursed. The current original production in rehearsal is called Story Island.

    “We are just fine-tuning at this point,” she said. “They’ve got it all down. They’ve got their lines. They’ve got their blocking. Most of it. Ha. Ha. They are doing a great job.”

    Story Island will premiere the last weekend of January and the first weekend of February.

    “The arts are important,” said Belden of the theater productions with young actors. “I feel like it helps them learn critical thinking skills. They get to bond and experience emotional roller coasters through different characters and empathize.”

    Danny Belden, who is the artistic director of the Twistid Arts Initiative, echoed Elisha’s thinking.

    “We are putting everything we can into these kids and what they are doing because it’s changing their lives like it changed mine.”

    [ad_2]

    Rick Elmhorst

    Source link

  • Tax season starts Monday, here’s what’s new this year

    [ad_1]

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It’s about that time of year that many Americans dread.

    The first day of tax season is Monday, Jan. 26.

    According to Intuit Turbo Tax, nearly half of Americans dislike or hate filing their taxes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Big Beautiful Act has brought new tax provisions

    • New provisions include no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and more

    • Experts said if you are hoping to get your refund quickly, e-filing is your best option

    • Tax season runs from Jan. 26 – April 15, 2026


    After the passage of the Big Beautiful Act, there are many changes this filing season.

    It’s that time of year to start gathering your tax documents to get ready to file.

    “Just don’t overlook the simple stuff. I know folks have not a lot of patience for this process, and you kind of want to be done with it as fast as you can, and it’s worth slowing down just a little bit. Make sure you’ve got everything in place,” said Luke Richardson, associate professor of instruction at the University of South Florida.

    That’s because Richardson said there are more changes than usual this year. The Big Beautiful Act has brought new provisions, including no tax on tips.

    “That doesn’t necessarily mean that tips are not taxable. They remain taxable. What you now have is an opportunity to take a deduction for your tip income that offsets the tip income up to a certain amount,” Richardson said.

    The IRS said you can deduct qualified tips with a maximum deduction of $25,000.

    As for no tax on overtime deduction — if you make time-and-a-half for overtime, then just the half-portion can actually be deducted.

    The max deduction for that is $12,500 for single filers.

    There’s also a new senior deduction and a new no tax on car loan interest. These provisions have eligibility requirements and certain deduction maximums. 

    “Most of the tax software you might be using is going to have all those changes in there,” he said.

    There are free options available to help you file your taxes. There’s the IRS free file, which provides tax software for taxpayers who made $89,000 or less. There’s also the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), which is offering free filing help from Tampa Bay experts. 

    “So, plenty of ways to not pay to file your taxes and those programs are vastly underutilized,” Richardson said.

    Whichever option you choose, federal taxes are due by April 15, 2025.

    According to data from the IRS, over 60% of people who filed taxes last year did get a refund.

    For filers hoping to get that money back quickly, experts said e-filing your return is the best option.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • Indian Rocks Beach Library readies for grand re-opening after hurricane damage

    [ad_1]

    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — After being destroyed by hurricanes in 2024, work has been going on for more than a year to reopen the shuttered Indian Rocks Beach Library.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Indian Rocks Beach Library grand re-opening is scheduled for Saturday  

    • Of the 22,000 books and materials in their collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after Hurricane Helene

    • Roughly $300,000 in renovations were made to the building 


    After a $300,000 renovation, librarians are ready to reopen and share their love of books with the community. 

    Set to launch with a grand re-opening on Saturday morning, librarian Lee Miller is thrilled that the day has come. 

    “I really didn’t know whether or not the library would be open again,” Miller said. 

    Miller has worked at the Pinellas County library for the last eight years and is passionate about her job. But after the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, she says the future seemed bleak.

    The memories of walking back into the building for the first time after the storms are still with her No power, water lingering on the carpet and books fallen off the shelves. 

    Of the 22,000 books and materials in the library’s collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after the storm.

    “We had to remove everything from inside the building,” Lee said. “And that required filling dumpsters of wet books and hauling them out.”

    The journey to recovery has been slow, but the renovations were made possible with the help of insurance and community donations.

    Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Denise Houseberg said the library is an integral part of the community.

    “It took a lot of people, a lot of manpower, and a lot of volunteers to pull this beautiful library back together,” she said. “It is something the community really adores.” 

    The library’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Lake Seward basin soon to receive permanent pipeline following Milton

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — More than a year after Hurricane Milton, work will soon begin to help prevent future flooding near the Lake Seward basin. 

    Several inches of water filled the dry basin in October 2024, causing it to overflow. Recently, Polk County commissioners approved the next phase of a project aimed at mitigating the issue.

    What You Need To Know

    • A $1 million pipeline project is moving forward to reduce flooding near Lake Seward basin

    • Homeowners bore the financial burden after the basin overflowed following Hurricane Milton

    • Residents say growth is worsening the problem, arguing that increased development has reduced natural drainage areas


    Much has changed on Oakmont Lane since Spectrum Bay News 9 first visited Jarrod Smith’s home following Milton.

    “Soon as the water cleared, we started getting some elevation changes and some drainage corrected to prevent it from happening again,” he said.

    Smith, who lives close to the Lake Seward basin, says thousands of dollars in repair costs and improvements came out of his own pocket. After runoff from the storm filled the basin, his property was submerged under water. Polk County later brought in emergency pipes to clear the area.

    “To get it out of streets and people’s houses, and that probably took about a month and a half or so to,” Smith said.

    To help prevent future flooding, county leaders approved a consultant services agreement for the design of the Lake Seward Outfall Drainage Improvement Project. The $1 million project will bring in a permanent pipeline, but Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis says it is still not a permanent solution.

    “None of these systems that we put in place are end all be all fixes. There’s no way because we never know how much rain we’re going to get in a period of time. We never know what’s going to be happening downstream and those conditions, which controls what we can and cannot do,” Jarvis said. “This is a good thing because when we do get authorization to go pump, it should be quicker and faster to get that accomplished.”

    As for Smith, he says he is grateful but encourages leaders to continue looking for a long-term fix — one he would like to see include stricter development guidelines.

    “We’re condensing that natural space where the water needs to go into a lot smaller area,” Smith said.

    He and his neighbors believe that is at the heart of the problem.

    Construction for the pipeline is expected to be complete by 2027. Jarvis says the project would have gotten underway much sooner, but the county first needed the funding.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Lake Alfred teacher helps students find passion for agriculture

    [ad_1]

    LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Melanie Carvajal is in her second year teaching, and she’s already making a big impact on her students.

    She is the agriculture teacher at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melanie Carvajal teaches agriculture at Lake Alfred Academy 

    • Carvajal is in her second year of teaching
    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    “Essentially, the kids are getting to learn about animal husbandry so taking care of animals, raising them, as well as how agriculture impacts our life,” said Carvajal.

    Carvajal has created a positive environment in her classroom.

    “Every morning, we have a saying. I say it, and they repeat back to me. We say, ‘Good morning, eyes up, hearts up, mind sharp, compassion on full blast.’ That’s a positive mindset for the day,” said Carvajal.

    “She’s energetic, she’s enthusiastic. She wants to bring the passion to her students,” said Broderick Ogzewalla, the assistant principal.

    Ogzewalla taught agriculture to Carvajal when she was in school, and now things have come full circle.

    “My child is actually a sixth grader and is in her class now. So the lessons that I taught her, she took those, she has her own lessons, and she’s teaching them to my child,” said Ogzewalla.

    She is passionate about agriculture and helping her students learn every aspect of it. Carvajal says her students get to compete in different contests through FFA.

    In addition to learning the material, Carvajal wants her students to leave her class with life lessons.

    “I truly just want them leaving knowing what kindness and respect looks like. They should know how to treat others, how to treat animals, and how to treat themselves truthfully,” said Carvajal.

    [ad_2]

    Jorja Roman

    Source link