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Tag: APP Human Interest

  • New exhibit at Heritage Village showcases Pinellas County pioneering family

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    LARGO, Fla. — A new exhibit at the Heritage Village is showcasing one of the area’s most influential families.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County’s Heritage Village is celebrating a new exhibit: the Turner Bungalow Collection

    • Showcasing more than 5,000 personal artifacts from the Turner family, which was one of seven pioneering families in Pinellas County’s earliest history
    • Built in 1915, the Turner family bungalow was home to Amber Elizabeth Clark and Alfred Cleveland Turner
    • Heritage Village will be turning 50-years-old next year with events planned around the celebration


    Pinellas County is celebrating the grand opening of the Turner Bungalow collection, showcasing more than 5,000 personal artifacts from the Turner family. The Turners were one of seven pioneering families in Pinellas County’s earliest history. The new exhibit is taking visitors on a journey through time to old Florida.

    “It’s so much better than I remember,” says Amber Turner Shadd, walking through the Turner Bungalow.

    Crossing the threshold of an old relative’s home, Jack Turner and Amber Turner Shadd take a walk through time.

    “There’s just so many cool things in the house that I get to see now as an adult and go, ‘Wow, that’s a piece of my family’s history,’” Turner Shadd said.

    Turner is Turner Shadd’s great-uncle. She said she remembers visiting the house on occasion when she was a little girl.

    Built in 1915, the Turner family bungalow was home to Amber Elizabeth Clark and Alfred Cleveland Turner.

    “In the 80s, my mom used to help Amber with things around the house. Running errands, that kind of stuff,” Turner Shadd said. “So, even as a little kid, I got to come in the house and be a part of it and see all of the cool old things.”

    The bungalow is now the latest addition to Pinellas County’s Heritage Village.

    “Heritage Village was, essentially, born in 1976,” said Monica Drake, the historical museum operations manager at Heritage Village. “It was a response to the bicentennial movement, and that was not particular to Pinellas County. It was a nationwide trend that saw a lot of different historical organizations and societies pop up to really collect, preserve and save their local history.”

    The Turners were one of seven pioneering families in Pinellas County’s earliest history — and the family still has roots firmly planted in the area.

    “This is really unique, because we have one family’s material culture that was donated to us along with the house,” said Drake. “So, this really is a comprehensive view of a family’s life from the 1940s in Pinellas County.”

    Heritage Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The village will be turning 50-years-old next year with events planned around the celebration.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Juneteenth celebrations across Tampa Bay for 2025

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, became a federal holiday after former President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021.

    The day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free — two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863.

    Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to reflect and recognize achievements in the African American community. Here’s a look at the festivities that will be taking place around Tampa Bay.

    Citrus County

    Hernando County

    Hillsborough County

    • City of Tampa Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony and Festival
      Friday, June 13, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | City Center at Hanna Avenue
      Join Mayor Jane Castor and community members as they gather to raise the Juneteenth flag. There will be free food and various vendors.
    • Juneteenth Cultural Celebration
      Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art
      Prepare for a community celebration featuring art-making activities, live music and performances, photobooth experience, gallery discussions, local vendors, and more.
    • Arts Legacy Remix
      Monday, June 16, 7:30 p.m. | Straz Center – Jaeb Theater
      Arts Legacy Remix celebrates the different cultures and talented local artists who reside in the Tampa Bay area. The group is putting on its fifth annual Juneteenth commemoration, featuring spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance and an original performance of music, poetry and dance.
    • Tampa Police Juneteenth Summer Block Party
      Thursday, June 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Perry Harvey Sr. Park
      This event will feature local vendors, nonprofits, special recognitions and raffles. 
    • Juneteenth Film Celebration
      Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. | Tampa Theatre
      The film celebration will exhibit local Tampa Bay area films, filmmakers and actors. There will be several previews, short films and features showcased at the event. The event is free, but requires pre-registration online. 
    • Tampa Bay Juneteenth Festival
      June 16 – 21, 2:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium
      This is a multi-day festival featuring a youth summit, a “Cultural Couture Ball,” a public discussion about issues within the community, a family fun day at Topgolf and celebration featuring DJs, vendors and dance performances. The events are free, but it is a ticketed event.

    Manatee County

    Pasco County

    Pinellas County

    Polk County

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • New ‘Tides of Time’ art display is showcasing New Port Richey’s history

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A new art experience is highlighting history throughout downtown.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new art experience is being put on display permanently at various locations throughout New Port Richey’s historical district

    • Titled “The Tides of Time,” the art experience is designed to take a look at New Port Richey’s past, highlighting the city’s 100 years and the landmarks that have shaped it
    • Various sculptures have been made as part of the experience and are on display at various buildings, each designed with a special meaning


    It’s called “The Tides of Time,” and this new art expo is a permanent art display in the city’s historical district. It showcases some of New Port Richey’s unique characteristics.

    “(It’s) a lot of research, which is something I really enjoy with my work in general. I enjoy the research and learning more,” said Gillian Harper.

    Flipping through the pages of her sketchbook, Harper reviews her most recent work.

    “We all start from somewhere and, of course, so do cities,” said Harper. “I think that representing history and continuing to grow and show that is a really important aspect for a sense of place and home.”

    Harper is the sculptor behind New Port Richey’s new art display. The experience designed to take a look at New Port Richey’s past, highlighting the city’s 100 years and the landmarks that have shaped it.

    “Is there a bigger word than ‘elated?’” said Harper. “I don’t know. I was very excited. This is a huge opportunity for me. This is my favorite kind of art, making — casting metal — so it was really just exciting.”

    Harper’s sculptures will be a permanent fixture at various buildings throughout downtown, including the Richey Suncoast Theatre.

    “We have the arches here that are at the front of the building,” said Harper, pointing at her sculpture. “Of course, that being from when it was originally built. In here, I tied in the current carpeting that’s actually inside the theatre and, of course, an old school camera.”

    Each piece has a QR code underneath it for viewers to scan with their smartphone to provide a unique audio and visual experience as well as background on their accompanying building.

    “We were looking for a way to honor the city for their 100th anniversary, which was ’24-’25,” said Beth Fregger, the project manager behind the experience. She says attracting visitors to New Port Richey was another influence behind the project.

    “One big part of our project was to bring people to the downtown and people that are outside of our core community,” said Fregger, who is also the chairperson of New Port Richey Main Street’s design committee. “So, trying to reach out to not only the Tampa Bay area, but throughout the country.”

    With the hopes of encouraging visitors to discover the “City on-the-Water.’”

    “Bringing people into some of the places they wouldn’t normally be walking towards,” said Harper. “That’s what’s so fun about these being in various locations throughout downtown.”

    “The Tides of Time” visual art experience is now on display throughout New Port Richey. You can find a full listing of displays online here.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Message in bottle from Hawaii found on Bradenton Beach

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    BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — A tiny bottle with a message inside traveled from Hawaii in ocean currents before being washed ashore in Bradenton Beach on Sunday and found by a girl visiting from Michigan.

    What You Need To Know

    • Payton Hollenbeck said she tossed the bottle into the ocean 8 years ago in Oahu

    • Josie Law, 11, found the bottle on Sunday in the water off Cortez Beach on Anna Maria Island

    • The message inside the bottle had a phone number, which the family texted and got a response 

    • The family plans to release their own message in a bottle before returning to Michigan


    “It was in this tiny little glass bottle with cute little origami birds,” said Paris Hoisington, 31. “She was so surprised. Came running right towards me on the beach.”

    Hoisington said it’s every kid’s dream to find a message in a bottle at the beach. Her daughter, Josie Law, 11, said at first she thought it was a piece of trash floating in the water.

    “Then I saw the note inside,” she said. “I was like, let me grab this. This is cool.”

    The note inside the tiny bottle reads: ‘Hello people who found this, you will be happy that you found this. Why? Cause you will know me with this number.’

    Hoisington said she texted the phone number and got a response.

    “’My brother and I made that when I was younger,’” she said the text read. “’We actually live in Hawaii.’ And I said, ‘You’re kidding.’”

    Payton Hollenbeck, 21, said she and her younger brother Elias, tossed that message in a bottle into the ocean at Kaena Point in Oahu 8 years ago. It travelled more than 4,600 miles before reaching the Florida shoreline.

    “To think of how many bodies of water it went through,” said Hoisington. “It’s truly amazing what little tiny objects can go places in the world and connect to people from each other side of the world.” 

    The Michigan mom said the family had already planned to release 3 bottles before returning home and hope to get a response someday.

    “We left our phone number on one,” Hoisington said. “We can’t wait to see what happens.”

    Hollenbeck said she’s familiar with that cycle because the only reason she threw a message in a bottle into the ocean is because she had previously found one as a kid.

     

     

     

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    Josh Rojas

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  • 13 acres of land will be added to Pine Island Preserve

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to purchase more than 13 acres of land to add to Pine Island Preserve.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Commissioners voted to purchase 13 acres for the Pine Island Preserve

    • The vote was unanimous

    • The preserve will now span 100 acres

    The $40,000 purchase will come out of Manatee County’s conservation tax, allowing the preserve to span nearly 100 acres.

    “The north end of Pine Island was acquired to help complete the site and to eliminate an out holding that was privately held that could potentially have been developed,” said Michael Elswick, who is a division manager for Manatee County’s Parks and Natural Resources Department.

    Elswick has been in that position for 10 years and has seen the county change, but he’s also worked on projects that have ramped up efforts to conserve land.

    “Since 2020, the county has been much more aggressive, responding to the expansion of development and starting to work with its own money … to really start acquiring some of these places that were starting to disappear,” he said.

    The land approved for purchase is at the northern point of Pine Island, near the mouth of the Braden River. The State Road 64 boat ramp is the closest access point to the island and can only be reached by boat.

    “This place in particular is home to wood storks,” said Elswick. “There’s a bald eagle nest out there, or immediately adjacent to it. It helps protect their habitat. There’s a lot of mangroves that have a ton of benefit.”

    He believes the efforts are proof that the county continues to value conservation.

    “One of the big things is creating connectivity on the landscape. This is right along the greenways ecological network, going all the way from Tampa Bay and Emerson Point Preserve all the way up the river,” Elswick said.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • New memorial highway marker & interactive kiosk

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County unveiled two new dedications for the community to remember and honor Gold Star families and their loved ones who have fought for our freedom.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County officials installed a highway marker called the “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway,” which is installed on Buckeye Road

    • With a new kiosk, people will be able to search for fallen heroes who served in any of the wars and were born in Manatee County
    • The kiosk will be permanently placed in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building

    Stefenie Hernandez lost her son, Patrick L. Lay II, in August 2011.

    He served as an Army Specialist and died in Afghanistan. He was an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division.

    “As the weeks, months, and now years have passed, I’ve come to truly grasp what our freedom has cost. I am humbled and overwhelmed—not only by my family’s loss, but by the sacrifices of so many others,” she said.

    Other Gold Star families in the room and community members stood to honor and support Stefenie.

    Now, the county has invested in a new way to never forget—with a highway marker called the “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway,” which is installed on Buckeye Road.

    “I think it’ll be a great reminder on the highways, as people pass by, of the sacrifices that others have made. It brings it more to the forefront for them,” she explained.

    And with a new kiosk, people will be able to search for fallen heroes who served in any of the wars and were born in Manatee County.

    “What a meaningful and powerful way to say we honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice the men and women made for our freedom,” she said.

    The kiosk will be permanently placed in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building.

    With the touchscreen, Stefenie was able to search for her son and know that members of the community will learn about him and others who have died for our country.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Citrus County warns residents about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A recent rise in unlicensed contract work is raising attention within Citrus County, and officials say it’s been a growing concern since the last hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • With another hurricane season around the corner, Citrus County officials are reminding the public not to hire unlicensed contractors

    • Cases involving homeowners hiring unlicensed contractors to make home repairs have risen this past year, according to county officials
    • This type of activity, they say, increases after any kind of event that damages a lot of structures, such as a severe weather event
    • A few tips to avoid hiring an unlicensed contractor include asking for a copy of that person’s license and making sure every contract has their license number


    They say there are ways for homeowners to protect themselves and their homes. 

    Within the walls of her family’s business, Circle T Sod Farms, Katrina Leturno is hard at work.

    “There’s a greater need for renovation services and things to be fixed on your home,” she said.

    With the rainy season ahead, Leturno said she is seeing an increase in customers.

    “Started out as just a little family-owned small company,” said Leturno. “We’re glad to be in this community.”

    She said there has been some recent trouble, though: A growing amount of unlicensed work is being performed in the county.

    “Any time that there is a higher demand for something, you’re going to see a rise in unlicensed contractors coming and trying to have the opportunity to work on those projects as well,” Leturno said.

    Aside from her business, Leturno is also the president of the Citrus County Building Alliance. She advocates for the building industry and trades within Citrus County, working alongside Kayla Carroll and Gaston Hall.

    “That activity occurs all the time,” Hall said. “But once you have any kind of event that damages a lot of structures, then you have a very big uptick in unlicensed, unpermitted activity.”

    Hall is a retired certified general contractor, and said he has seen his fair share of repair work done the right way. There are red flags you can look for when a homeowner is concerned about someone posing as a licensed contractor.

    “Make sure you’ve got a copy of their license,” he said. “Make sure you’ve got a copy of their insurance. Make sure that every contract has their license number on there and that you can call and make sure that license is active.”

    It’s these small, but important details Hall and Leturno are trying to pass along, before it’s too late. 

    “You also run the risk of losing your home insurance because you’ve had uncontracted work done that isn’t up to today’s standards,” Leturno said. “There’s a lot of risk on the homeowner, and they need to understand that when they’re choosing to go with somebody who is unlicensed.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Local barista reacts as U.S. Senate unanimously passes “No Tax on Tips Act”

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end taxes on tips Tuesday. The plan would exclude a certain portion of workers’ tips from federal taxes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Trump’s campaign promise of “No Tax on Tips”

    • It would establish a new tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips and expand the business tax credit for employers

    • The House still needs to vote on their version of the tax break bill

    • Under the Senate’s bill, the new tax deduction is limited to cash tips received from a job where tipping is customary and reported for purposes of payroll tax withholding

    Hailee Ryan has worked as a barista at Tenth Street Coffee for nearly two years and she says there’s one thing that makes a big difference when it comes to her paycheck.

    “Tips are definitely a very big part of my check,” she said. “I do work full time — I work five days a week — so tips are definitely very important to me.”

    And having built a loyal customer base, she receives tips often.

    “I love our customers here. I love our regulars,” Ryan said. “They’re always so generous with their tips, and they never skimp out.”

    The Senate version of the bill would establish a new tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips and expand the business tax credit for employers. The House still needs to vote on their version of the tax break bill.

    If that passes the House, then the differences between the two plans would need to be reconciled and passed again in both chambers.

    Under the Senate’s bill, the new tax deduction is limited to cash tips received from a job where tipping is customary and reported for purposes of payroll tax withholding.

    Ryan, who said she’s neutral on the issue, is still seeking clarity on how it would impact her pay.

    “What’s it going to look like when we get that back? Is it going to affect us? Are we going to owe more? Are we going to owe less? Are we going to get more?” she said.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Florida Southern fights to preserve historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Over the hills of Florida Southern’s campus, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel stands as the cornerstone of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Southern is working to preserve the historic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, a 1941 Frank Lloyd Wright structure that has suffered water damage over time

    • The college filed a lawsuit against Tremco CPG, claiming the roofing materials and installation from a 2011 project led to significant leaks

    • Restoration efforts are ongoing, with most of the chapel repaired using modern materials

    “This is an example of probably the best block work in his career,” resident Architect Jeffery Baker said.

    Baker says the chapel, built in 1941, is a testament to Wright’s ability to design extraordinary structures that can withstand Florida’s weather. But over time, he says, parts of the building have become difficult to maintain.

    “One of reasons is because he designed architecture… was very avant garde. It was something that was completely different and he was constantly testing the limits of materials,” Baker said. “As a result, the quality control wasn’t fantastic and so therefore some of these buildings are difficult to keep water out of at least at the ground level, especially through those textile blocks that you’re seeing behind me.”

    Crews repair the ceiling of the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel following damage from Hurricanes Milton and Debby. (Florida Southern College)

    After Hurricanes Milton and Debby last year, water from surrounding areas flooded toward the chapel, damaging the floors. Heavy rain also caused parts of the ceiling to chip away. Terry Dennis, vice president of finance and administration, says the school spent well over six figures in repairs. While crews worked inside, staff had to find other locations to host scheduled events.

    “If there was a very large event that was scheduled for here, we probably moved it out because the balcony is where we had the most challenge to cosmetically go in and repair the things that might’ve been plastered, beginning to drip, etc.,” Dennis said.

    Since then, Baker says they’ve been able to restore most of the chapel using modern materials, but there’s still more work to be done.

    “What’s left to be down here would be the skylight. A little bit of steel repair needs to happen up there too. Not structural steel, but more decorative steel around the skylight up above,” he said.

    Architect Frank Lloyd Wright at work on the design of the iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. (Florida Southern College)

    As long as the repairs are done properly, Baker is confident the building will withstand this upcoming hurricane season—and many more to come.

    In February, Florida Southern filed a lawsuit against Tremco Construction Products Group for its role in installing the chapel’s roof system back in 2011. The complaint claims Tremco supplied the roofing materials and oversaw the installation, which later led to water leaks.

    School officials declined to comment on the lawsuit. In a statement, Beaman & Brown PLLC, the firm representing Tremco CPG, said:

    “Tremco provided materials for the roof at Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, which were installed by a roofing contractor. Tremco issued a long-term warranty to the University, and Tremco intends to stand behind that warranty, as it always does. Consistent with that, when we became aware of this lawsuit, we reached out to the University’s counsel and expressed Tremco’s desire to work with the University to come up with a solution for any water intrusion issues at the Chapel, some or all of which may not relate to the roof. To develop that solution, Tremco plans to conduct a thorough inspection of the Chapel in the next month. We certainly understand the cultural significance of the Chapel and hope to partner with the University to repair and/or improve the Chapel’s exterior (consistent with the terms of our warranty).”

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Black-and-white portraits brought to life in darkroom

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Bay Area photographer’s work will be showcased at The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

    Ric Savid’s black-and-white portraits will be displayed, as he is honored as the St. Petersburg Month of Photography 2024 Photo Laureate.

    “I would describe my style as photographs that can stand alone,” said Savid.

    A style that puts family in a different light and stands to connect with strangers.

    “I would call them portraiture and kind of candid portraits,” Savid said of his subjects. “I don’t have a studio, I don’t know what the lightning conditions are going to be, I don’t know how the person’s going to react when I go up and ask them if I can take a picture, I don’t know how much time they’re going to give me.”

    Those finished photographs come from taking time to create.

    “With natural light, I don’t have to carry around a lot of equipment and everything,” said Savid, who spends a lot of time in his darkroom at home, carefully selecting images to print.

    The opening reception for his exhibition, “Darkroom Silver Linings” is May 1.

    “The idea of the exhibit was to photograph people, as many as I could in the Tampa Bay area in my style,” Savid said as he gave us a sneak peek at works to be displayed in the exhibition.

    “What I liked about the photo was, I was going for a swim early in the morning and I saw this reflective light here. And I tried a couple different angles and then I shot it with a 50 millimeter, making this pattern here,” Savid said of a photograph that will be featured in the exhibition.

    The artist, part-time registered nurse and former journalist takes pride in working with film.

    “I think it’s just the craft of making it and besides the excitement of getting a good image that comes up, I feel like I’m making something,” said Savid.

    Making something he hopes continues to spark emotion.

    “I hope they leave with something they can feel from the photograph,” said Savid.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Ohio college student creates bandages to help burn victims heal

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    AKRON, Ohio — Nearly half a million people in the U.S. are treated for burns every year, and 45,000 are hospitalized, according to the American Burn Association.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly half a million people in the U.S. are treated for burns every year

    • Essinger was burned on over 30% of her body in an industrial accident

    • She worked with two other UA biomedical engineering students on the burn bandages

    “All I could think is, oh my gosh, this hurts, this hurts, this hurts,” said Hailey Essinger.

    For Essinger, this assignment is personal.

    “The pain was extremely intense,” said Essinger. “They had to take my dressings off every single day and scrub them to get all the dead skin and clean the healing skin, and they couldn’t give you enough pain meds to, to stop the pain.”

    That was two years ago when Essinger was burned on over 30% of her body in an industrial accident.

    Now a fifth-year University of Akron biomedical engineering student, she’s teaming up with the Ohio State University burn unit to come up with a product to help burn victims have a better healing and recovery experience.

    “The goal is to make a better burn bandage for burn victims, just like me,” said Essinger.

    Essinger said during her research, she found a lack of burn bandages that met the industry standard.  

    “Our goal is to create a bandage that slips less and pulls on the skin less and is better at application,” said Essinger.

    She’s working with fellow biomedical engineering students Matthew Flaker and Andrew Martin to design and build burn bandages that are versatile, efficient and useful.

    “We wanted it to be modular, which meant there were multiple pieces and you didn’t have to put all of one bandage for if you only burn your arm or your leg,” said Essinger.

    Martin’s focus is sewing the prototype. This project hit home for him because his uncle experienced chemical burns on his body. He joined Essinger’s team because he wanted to do work on a meaningful project.

    “I like bringing value to both the patient and the clinician,” said Martin, who is also a biomedical engineering student. “Originally, I wanted to go to med school and be one of the doctors, but I decided that I can solve problems and bring just as much value to the health space through engineering.”

    Flaker’s role is making sure good material is used for the product, meeting deadlines and keeping up with schedules. He said this product brings excitement for him, his team, the doctors and the patients.

    “It is very difficult for clinicians to apply the current solutions in hospitals, and it’s also difficult for the patients or their caregivers at home to apply these bandages,” said Flaker, a biomedical engineering student.” I’m also just excited to be able to help patients as an engineer, I want to be able to help people.”

    The team is celebrating a second-place victory in the Northeast Ohio Medical University Bench to Bedside product design competition, and first place in Akron’s biomedical department design day. The burn bandages are still in the creation phase all three students will graduate in May but have no intentions on letting go of the project.

    “After graduation, we hope to continue to improve our design so that patients have the best healing and recovery experience,” said Essinger.

    The students say the bandages are mainly for burn victims but can be used for any skin problem.

    Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Hailey Essinger’s name. This has been corrected. (April 23, 2025)

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    Rose Todd

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  • Northeast Ohio Jesuit university remembers first Jesuit pope

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    CLEVELAND — On Monday, Pope Francis passed at the age of 88.

    His death was felt around the world. As the first Jesuit pope, he had a special connection with a northeast Ohio university.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pope Francis was the first and only Jesuit pope to serve over the Catholic church
    • The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, are an order of priests, brothers, scholastics and novices
    • Brother Wooters met the Pope in person and was gifted rosary beads

    “His impact will be remembered for mercy that’s a word that people will associate with Pope Francis,” said Brother Matt Wooters, assistant director of Campus Ministry, John Carroll University.

    Pope Francis was the first and only Jesuit pope to serve over the Catholic church, something that practicing Jesuits felt proud of.

    “John Carroll is a Jesuit university, so we have a 500-year-old tradition of Jesuit education, and Pope Francis was also trained in the same tradition,” said Wooters. “So we share a spirituality and a worldview that makes us feel close with Pope Francis.”

    The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, are an order of priests, brothers, scholastics and novices. With over 14,000 members, they’re one of the largest male religious orders in the Catholic church.

    Wooters said the pope led with tenderness, kindness and compassion, and that’s how people will remember him. Joe Bilas, a sophomore at JCU, said he and the pope shared topics they cared about.

    “I know he’s done a lot to bring the church in a more open-minded direction,” said Bilas. “Seemed like he was also very social justice oriented. I’m proud to be a part of something that’s like, you know, doing that and securing our future to the extent that we can, you know, make an impact in our small corner of the of the world.”

    Pope Francis shared a more open view on subjects like the LGBTQ community and women in the church.

    “Kind of famous quote he said, ‘who am I to judge?’ When asked about a gay person who wants to seek God, and I think that’s emblematic of who he is as a as a pope and as a man,” said Wooters.

    Wooters not only has a special connection with the pope, but he also shares special memories

    “I actually got to meet Pope Francis, which is really cool,” said Wooters. “I had a meeting in Rome, and he surprised us. He came to the meeting, and we didn’t know he was coming. It was a great surprise. I was really moved by his humbleness and his holiness and his humor, he’s very funny, and he gifted each of us a rosary.”

    Wooters said his passing leaves a lot of people grieving and in due time we will see what impact the next pope will have.

    “Pope Francis has had an openness to other religions, working with world leaders,” said Wooters. “I hope the next pope would carry this into whoever’s chosen.”

    John Carroll University issued a statement following the pope’s passing saying, “Gives thanks for his leadership and example as the first Jesuit pope, which will continue to inspire our commitment to faith, justice, and service for the common good.”

    In March 2013 Pope Francis was the 266th pope elected. He was the first Latin American pope. He served for 12 years.

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    Rose Todd

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  • Raleigh bakery has ties to Pope Francis

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — As the world mourns Pope Francis, Argentinians are remembering his heritage and representation of their culture.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died Monday at 88

    • Carolina Spicer, who owns an Argentinian bakery in Raleigh, met Pope Francis when he was a priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina

    • Spicer heard him speak during Mass weekly when she was growing up, so she was excited when he became pope in 2013

    Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff in history. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and spent the early years of his life as a priest in his home country.

    His path crossed with the owner of an Argentinian bakery in Raleigh.

    The Milonga Bakery gets its name from a traditional Argentinian dance. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

    Carolina Spicer and her family started baking at home.

    When they couldn’t keep up with demand, they opened the Milonga Bakery. They make authentic Argentinian pastries, and that heritage is something they’re proud of.

    When it comes to Pope Francis, his Argentinian heritage is something they’re proud of as well.

    “When I met him, I was around between 10 years old to 12 years old,” Spicer said.

    When she was growing up in Argentina, Spicer went to a Catholic school where Pope Francis was the priest.

    “He was really sweet and really nice,” she said. “He will be in the hallway. He will say hi to you, and say bye whenever the mass will end.”

    Although Spicer never got a photo with the pope, many of her friends did. (Carolina Spicer)

    Although Spicer never got a photo with the pope, many of her friends did. (Carolina Spicer)

    Spicer heard him speak for mass once a week growing up, so she was excited when he became pope in 2013.

    “I was super excited because it was somebody that I knew when I was little,” she said. “And also, we kind of proud because he’s from Argentina and [is] in that position. It’s very important that we make a good impact and positive impact in the world. It really, it makes you proud to be Argentinian.”

    Her family friends Claudio Carranza and Leonardo Leanza — baking experts behind the sweet treats at the Hillsborough Street bakery — remember what the pope was like when he was a priest in their hometown. Spicer translated for them.

    “He was always open to help the people in need, to go there himself and to see them, say hi to them and everything,” Spicer said. “And when other people might not go… he will. He will go out there.”

    The pope was known as a humble man who was always compassionate.

    “He didn’t drive a car or expensive car or anything,” Spicer said. “He would actually ride the bus or the train or walk like everybody else…. The same way he’s humble right now — he doesn’t wear too much gold…like other popes — he was very, very humble all the time.”

    Spicer says he was very inclusive and welcoming back home, a trait that continued with him during his time as pope.

    “I think he brought a lot of positive things,” she said. “And also showing the Argentinian culture to the world for people that might not know… We’re very proud.”

    “And I think he was a good pope, and he will leave a good mark in the world,” she said.

    Spicer and her friends say Pope Francis brought their culture into the spotlight even from Rome. For example, he would often drink mate, a traditional Argentinian tea, and eat pastries much like the ones offered in their bakery.

    The Milonga Bakery makes traditional Argentinian pastries. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

    The Milonga Bakery makes traditional Argentinian pastries. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

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    Jenna Rae Gaertner

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  • Bradenton dog trainer prepares home to take in dogs during a hurricane

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — In Manatee County, a dedicated dog trainer has taken her commitment to K9s even further when it comes to making preparations for hurricane season.

    Julie Madison has owned Top Tier K9 in Bradenton for two years. She boards and trains dogs and can also prepare them to be service or emotional support animals.

    She is also making sure her home is prepared for storm season.

    “This is actually now a hurricane-rated shed as well. So both the house and this building are rated for like 150 mile an hour winds,” she said.

    The upgrades to her home will allow her to take in more dogs this year during a storm.

    “I spent, probably, about $20,000 in upgrades to make sure everything would be secure and safe,” she said.

    During Hurricane Milton, 17 dogs stayed inside her home — including her own, her clients’, and 11 emergency take-ins.

    “During hurricanes, I take dogs on an emergency basis. No matter if you could have the most perfect dog, they’re still welcome here. Just because I know that not all places accept dogs when you’re traveling,” she said.

    Milton caused minor flooding at Madison’s home, and she was without power for nine days. But now she’s got backup.

    “I have the battery backup, which means now I will have power going forward. So the dogs will still have air conditioning, and I also have air conditioning,” she said.

    She’s added more solar panels, repaired her fence, and upgraded all the kennels to be storm-ready. She even invested in water storage.

    “These are two 350-gallon water containers. I need water for my dogs,” she said.

    “I just love saving lives on the dog end and on the person end. And if I can do that, and I can change as many lives positively as possible, that’s what I would like to do with the rest of the time I got,” she said.

    Julie’s on a mission — to help her four-legged companions and their owners.

    Julie says she can only house between 18 and 20 dogs total in her home, so the number of emergency take-ins is limited.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Traveling poet spray paints messages of support, encouragement across U.S.

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    Street artist Kimberly Brown, who goes by the artist name “Boots,” knows firsthand art can heal the heart. Ten years ago, the Chicago-based artist went through a bad breakup that inspired her to put pen to paper.

    What You Need To Know

    • New data published by the CDC’S National Center for Health statistics shows depression is becoming more common in the U.S.

    • The report shows that more than 1 in 8 Americans 12 and older have been depressed in recent years

    • Since 2015, depression prevalence has nearly doubled, from 7.3% to more than 13% in 2021-23

    • One traveling poet is hoping to help change these statistics
    • Through offering a simple message of support and encouragement she helps people who are struggling across state lines

    “Spray painting is my therapy,” Brown said. “The whole poetry thing for me is my healing journey.”

    Bringing her writing to the world, she published her first poetry book in 2016. 

    “I just started kind of writing letters to him that I would never send him and then I turned those into my first book and I never really thought that it would be anything like, I kind of just wrote the book to, you know, put a dagger in him a little bit, or maybe have him see my perspective,” Brown said.

    Kimberly Brown, also known as “Boots,” stands in the Short North in Columbus in front of a quote she sprayed on the sidewalk. (Spectrum News 1/Taylor Bruck)

    One book quickly turned into two. Wanting to expand her reach even more, she began spray painting her quotes on sidewalks and sticking them to poles. She started the process in California in 2016 and is making her way to cities in all 50 states, with only about six states left to go. On April 16, she was in Columbus for the first time. She’s already sprayed in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo.

    “I kind of hit as many as I can, and sometimes I like hitting smaller cities only because they don’t have as much art. So I feel like some cities need it more than others,” Brown said. “I did Puerto Rico, too, which was one of the best trips. And I’m going to finish this year.”

    Her messages vary from hope and healing to many about breakups and avoiding toxic love, but they all have a similar purpose. She wants everyone to know it’s okay to struggle as we all are dealing with something. 

    “I struggle through a lot of mental health issues so a lot about mental health,” Brown said. “My main goal would be to help people heal, to make people feel that they’re not alone, to let them know that no matter what they’re going through, there’s a way through it.”

    Her work is needed now more than ever. New research from the CDC shows depression rates for both children and adults are on the rise. More than 1 in 8 Americans ages 12 and older have been depressed in recent years, according to the new report. Dr. Gage Jordan, assistant professor of psychology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said there are many reasons including lingering effects of social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, the overwhelming nature of peoples’ day-to-day lives and people feeling more comfortable speaking about mental healh issues and seeking help. 

    “What these statistics say is that nobody’s immune to it,” Jordan said. “It can affect anybody of all backgrounds and that’s important to recognize because we interact on a daily basis with people of various backgrounds. So if we can just kind of understand where other people are coming from, do recognize that everybody has this propensity to struggle, because that’s in part what it means to be human. Well maybe we can be a little bit more human to one another as a result of that.”

    He said people should take the statistics as a warning sign for society. He recommends people connect with each other more in person, get out in nature, eat healthy and exercise regularly. 

    “Think about ways in which we can show compassion to one another, to engage with one another in a way that’s meaningful, and make changes more systematically so that we can eventually bring these rates down and start cultivating a life that’s worth living, and a life that has a little bit more meaning than we think it feels like it does right now,” Jordan said.

    Brown hopes to encourage conversations around mental health. With each quote she hopes to stop thousands of people in their tracks, allowing them to take a moment to pause and soak it in. 

    Kimberly Brown, also known as “Boots,” stands in the Short North in Columbus in front of a quote stuck to a poll on the sidewalk. (Spectrum News 1/Taylor Bruck)

    “I feel like we just don’t live in the moment where maybe if I can get them to stop for a second and read something and have them, you know, be in the moment,” Brown said. “I feel like we’re just constantly looking for that next thrill, scrolling, whatever we’re doing and I feel like if we could just pause and breathe and appreciate where we’re at, we wouldn’t always feel so unsatisfied.”

    She aims to connect people across state lines through simple messages and the shared human shared experience of both joy and pain.

    “I didn’t think at first it would be that impactful but I probably get 200 messages a day sometimes where people are just like, even if it’s just like a thank you that made my day,” Brown said. “I’ve had people tell me, like, I feel like you’re just following me, spreading hope. And I love that feeling to where there’s multiple people who can see me in so many different cities.”

    She reminds everyone that small words of kindness can truly make a big difference. 

    “Everybody just expressing some level of kindness to people could really change their day,” Brown said. “And I hope that it just inspires people to live their best life.”

    You can also find Brown’s poetry on wearable art like sweatshirts, buttons and stickers on her website. If you want to follow along with her journey, she can be found here. 

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    Taylor Bruck

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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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  • Ellenton family rebuilding from 2024 hurricanes worries about storm season

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    ELLENTON, Fla. — Many families across the Bay Area are in the midst of a balancing act of rebuilding, while also preparing for this year’s storm season.

    One Manatee County family is still displaced from their home, but after a lengthy delay, is finally rebuilding.

    What You Need To Know

    • One Ellenton family is still rebuilding their home after it was damaged in Hurricane Helene  storms 

    • They say it took six months for them to receive their insurance check and approval for construction permits 

    • The family says they anticipate another six to eight more weeks before it’s done, and are already starting to worry about this year’s storm season

    A trailer sitting next to their home has been the new norm for Kailey Gratzer.

    “So we have four — we have me and my husband and two boys. Our two boys, 14 and 11. It’s been fun. We have learned to adjust,” she said.

    The trailer is an adjustment that she’s been living in since December.

    “When we first flooded, we were very, very blessed to have a family that goes to church with us let us stay in one of their homes for free for three months while we were able to get this put into place,” Gratzer said.

    The storm surge from Hurricane Helene flooded their home. There was two feet of water inside, but they hadn’t evacuated and had to escape the waters through a window. She said living by the Manatee River meant flooding was always a concern.

    Now the concern is the rebuild progress, which Gratzer said just began two weeks ago due to a long waiting period for permits and insurance money.

    “It took a long time. It was very frustrating,” she said. “I tend to look on the more optimistic side, and I am strong in my faith. So I’m like, OK, the Lord is trying to teach me patience at the moment.”

    Gratzer estimates it could be another six to eight weeks until work on the house is complete.

    “I mean, my biggest worry is that we’re not back in before hurricane season,” she said.

    For now, the goal is just to continue working on the house.

    “My biggest hope is that this whole flooding situation was a fluke and never happens again, but next time we’ll be more prepared,” Gratzer said.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee County ramps up canal cleanup ahead of storm season

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Last year’s storms did significant damage to Manatee County’s drainage system and canals.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County is ramping up efforts to clean its drainage systems after last year’s storms heavily damaged local canals, initially allocating nearly $2 million for debris removal

    • Residents have expressed concerns about flooding, emphasizing the importance of debris removal for water flow and storm preparedness, with one local reporting significant flood damage from Hurricane Debby
    • According to county officials, with the success of this cleanup effort, they will be going back to county commissioners to request more funding

    County commissioners originally allocated nearly $2 million to clean debris from canals and drainage ways. County staff are now asking for more money to expand the project.

    Manatee County Deputy Director of Property Management Carmine DeMilio said the program has been very successful so far.

    “We’re in the air with drones. We’re in the water with boats, and we’re on the land with machines — and all three things, the trifecta alone — we’re accomplishing a lot more than we ever did,” he said.

    Manatee County has completed hundreds of work orders to remove debris from local canals. Residents who live nearby say it’s going to take this and more to be prepared for storm season.

    Brett Reeder sees the county’s efforts as a work in progress.

    “Every bit of that stuff is holding the water up,” he said. “The more we can get this creek to flow, the better opportunity we have to not flood nearly as much.”

    The Gamble Creek Canal that sits behind Reeder’s 30-acre property. He says overflow from the canal flooded his pasture during last year’s storms.

    The worst came during Hurricane Debby.

    “It rose between 6 and 9 o’clock, 26 inches,” he said. “Nobody was prepared for that amount of water that quick.”

    Manatee County has completed about 600 of the 745 stormwater maintenance work orders. Both county staff and contractors have removed debris from canals and drainage systems.

    Reeder said he’s glad the cleanup is happening ahead of storm season.

    He said Debby’s floodwaters last year killed several of his cows, flooded structures, and ruined some of his equipment.

    Despite the county’s work, Reeder says there’s still a lot of uncertainty.

    Each storm season is unpredictable, but he said this debris removal is a good start to help him feel prepared for what could come.

    According to county officials, with the success of this cleanup effort, they will be going back to county commissioners to request more funding.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Popular YouTuber mourns the loss of close friend

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — How can pieces of paper hold so much meaning?

    What You Need To Know

    • Rhonda McDaris, a close friend of Travis Doodles, who rose to viral fame on the internet for her bubbly personality, has died

    • Travis, whose real name is Travis Settineri, has put together a funeral service for Rhonda this Thursday at 11 a.m. in Tampa

    • Rhonda and Travis’ videos garnered hundreds of millions of views, all centered around Rhonda’s life journey and Travis’ kindness in helping her out

    • Rhonda was 61 years old


    How can words on a page, or colors to a canvas, encapsulate what a person means to others?

    Well, regardless of quality, it’s quantity that really conveys to Travis Settineri what one woman’s life means to so many people.

    “This is just one of the boxes that I got,” he said while sifting through a box of letters.

    Travis is known online as “Travis Doodles” and has millions of followers online where his whole social media presence is centered on being kind.

    And one of those people where being kind, for him, was a given, was with Rhonda McDaris.

    “She went, you know, 60 years without anybody really noticing her,” Settineri said. “And then when the videos started taking off, people could see her personality, you know, and they fell in love with her.”

    Travis and Rhonda met at the end of 2022, where Travis helped Rhonda get some groceries and gave her a couple hundred dollars.

    She had been homeless for a lot of her life, lost her legs and had really been struggling.

    That initial meeting turned into a friendship where Travis would drive Rhonda around, spend time with her and even spend thousands renovating the bus she lived in into a nice home.

    When we met them in 2023, Rhonda couldn’t believe it.

    “I got really lucky,” she said at the time. “A lot of nice people and good people have helped me out. And really, it was a blessing.”

    She didn’t have an easy life, but these last few years were rich beyond her imagination, in part because her videos with Travis went viral, garnering hundreds of millions of views.

    “The internet just fell in love with her, and then she fell in love with making videos,” Settineri said. “So, she would constantly say, Travis, when can we make another video?”

    They made several.

    “Meeting Travis and everything,” Rhonda said. “It just changed my whole life.”

    Last month, Rhonda passed away. She was 61 years old.

    “I just can’t believe that I just can’t talk to her ever again,” Travis said.

    He has put together a service to celebrate Rhonda on Thursday because aside from the virality of her videos with him and the internet popularity, Travis wants to commemorate a dear friend.

    “She just started living with a purpose,” he said. “And she just, you know, she just started really living.”

    While videos with Rhonda really added views to Travis’ channel, to Travis that’s not as significant as their bond.

    It’s the bond these two formed that has given his life and so many others a special kind of kindness.

    Rhonda’s service is being held at Crossover Church in Tampa on Thursday at 11 a.m.

    Travis says people have reached out online saying they plan on driving over six hours just to attend Thursday’s funeral.

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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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