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Tag: APP Human Interest

  • Plant City Chamber offers Ag tours for people to learn about the industry

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is immersing people into agriculture. Its Ag tour provides an inside look into the industry and the importance of preserving it.

    What You Need To Know

    • Each location provided an insight of the industry and how it supports the agriculture economy in Plant City


    Farming is a way of life for Marc Sewell. He shares his love for agriculture with people during Ag tours hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

    “It’s very gratifying knowing that we started it from the dirt and we’re putting something on somebody’s plate,” he said.

    He’s a fifth-generation farmer who harvests watermelons, green beans and, of course, strawberries.

    It’s a process that starts early on. “We started planting for this crop last spring. I had to put my initial plant order in March,” he said.  

    He owns 75 acres of land he harvests conventionally, and most recently he’s purchased 40 acres, which he will harvest organically.

    It’s not the only change he’s had to make. Like many other farmers, he’s making the move to continue farming but in more southern areas like Manatee and Hardee counties.

    It’s an industry that’s changing as more people move to Plant City. The Chamber of Commerce wants to preserve that while educating more people on this Ag tour.

    Wesley Joyneris, the Chair of the Agribusiness Committee, says there have been a lot of changes and they want to provide an insight to that.

    “They’ve had to buy property in other places because of development but that’s also happening so that they can stay sustainable and to grow your food,” he said.

    The Ag tour is giving people the chance to learn where their food comes from and the impact it has on other industries.

    Florida has more than 40,000 farms and ranches that continue to produce a wide variety of food products. In Hillsborough County there have been more than 700 million agriculture products sold, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

    The tour also gave insight to the machinery used on farms.

    David McKeeman, the VP of Grove Equipment service, says he’s seen the change firsthand in the customers they serve.

    “We’ve transitioned a lot towards homeowners with acreage, so 2 to 15, 20 acres is the biggest market now,” he said.

    They’re working to keep families fed for years to come.

    The next Ag tour will take place in the spring.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Division One college basketball returns to Pinellas County

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — For just the second time since 1999, Division One men’s college basketball is being played in Pinellas County. While the Final Four and national championship games took place at Tropicana Field at the turn of the century, this week the spotlight shifts to Eckerd College for the Showdown in St. Pete.

    What You Need To Know

    • For just the second time since 1999, Division One men’s college basketball is being played in Pinellas County

    • The event was planned to be in the Tropicana Field

    • It will now take place at Eckerd College  
    • MORE INFORMATION: The Showdown in St. Pete at Eckerd College

    Inside the MacArthur Center, teams from Central Michigan, Coppin State, and South Alabama are preparing for tipoff — marking a major milestone for local sports fans.

    “This is really surreal,” said Nima Omidvar, event director for the Showdown in St. Pete. Omidvar has worked for years to bring Division One basketball back to the area. He said the journey wasn’t easy — the original plan to host the event at Tropicana Field was derailed after the venue sustained damage during last year’s hurricane season.

    Instead, organizers turned to Eckerd College, where they hope the event can grow roots.

    “Long term, the hope and vision is that this event will remain here at Eckerd College and be able to expand — and eventually have some powerful institutions participate in the Trop, giving them a Final Four-type of experience similar to what happened in 1999,” Omidvar said.

    Beyond the action on the court, organizers see major economic potential.

    “Just with the three teams coming down here is about $300,000,” Omidvar added. “Every year we want to be able to grow a little bit more and have a greater impact on this community.”

    College basketball analyst Rocco Miller, who helped recruit teams for the tournament, said this is just the beginning.

    “We’re starting with three teams this year, but there’s a really good opportunity to have at least six next year,” Miller said. “It’ll continue to build and grow — and help the community learn more about Division One basketball.”

    The tournament runs Thursday through Saturday at Eckerd College’s MacArthur Center, but organizers still have their sights set on bringing future games back to Tropicana Field — a move that could once again place Pinellas County in the national college basketball spotlight.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Citrus County providing food assistance for senior residents enrolled on SNAP

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Citrus County is providing emergency food assistance for seniors who were impacted by the federal government shutdown.

    What You Need To Know

    • Those Citrus County seniors impacted by the government shutdown’s pause on SNAP benefits can receive help from the Citrus County Resource Center

    • The shutdown put a pause on SNAP, but the Department of Agriculture Secretary said recipients should receive their benefits no later than Monday
    • Resource center staff say they have helped about 15 people who were on SNAP benefits since the program was put on pause at the start of the month
    • Seniors who are not on SNAP can always grab a hot meal thanks to the center’s daily lunch program


    The shutdown put a pause on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but today, the Department of Agriculture Secretary said recipients should receive their benefits no later than Monday.

    In the meantime, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs has authorized Citrus County Support Services to implement an aid program, providing prepared meals during the suspension.

    Those with the resource center say they have helped about 15 people who were on SNAP benefits since the program was put on pause at the start of the month. Now, they’re ready to help more if need be.

    In the cafeteria of the Citrus County Family Resource Center, Lynsie Roddenberry makes conversation over lunch.

    “My dear friend Norma has been floating around in here,” says Roddenberry, the Support Services Director for Citrus County. “I see her almost every day, unless she’s visiting with family.”

    “We received word from our granting agency, elder options, that the Department of Elder Affairs was allowing flexibility while SNAP benefits are suspended and we can provide emergency meals to folks age 60 and older that are not our clients and enrolled on Department of Elder Affairs programs,” said Roddenberry.

    The resource center has boxes of pre-packaged food. Ready to be handed to those seniors whose SNAP benefits were put on pause during the recent government shutdown.

    “In each one of these boxes is seven meals, or one week’s worth, of shelf-stable items,” Roddenberry said. “Those are your pantry type items, non-perishables. Each client that we have received phone calls from that are interested in participating in this program, we’re giving two boxes to.”

    That’s two meals a day for seven days.

    “This program is allowing folks who are not eligible, traditionally under any of our Department of Elder Affairs programs, to receive these meals and not have to use their income for food,” said Roddenberry. “They can keep using it on medical bills or prescriptions, that sort of thing. They won’t have to give up one thing in order to purchase their meals.”

    And for seniors who are not on SNAP, they can always grab a hot meal thanks to the center’s daily lunch program.

    “The program is under the Older Americans Act and it’s to help people keep their health up, stay active and engaged in the community, and eat healthy where they can stay independent in their own homes for longer,” said Janice Hale, senior program supervisor for Meals On Wheels.

    Showing there’s plenty of food to go around for those who need it.

    “Our program will be in effect until those benefits are reinstated and hopefully within the week, I would say,” said Roddenberry.

    And Roddenberry says for those looking to pick up a box or two of those pre-packaged meals, they will need proof they are a SNAP recipient and that they’re over the age of 60. The Citrus County Family Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Funeral to be held for Canton officer killed in accident

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    CANTON, Ohio — A celebration of life will be held for Canton Police Officer Dave Wolgamott, who died earlier this week in a car accident on his way to work.

    It will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. at New Pointe Community Church in Dover. Friends can also visit the family at the church on Monday, Nov. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with FOP services starting at 4:45 p.m.

    Wolgamott, 47, graduated from Mogadore High School in 1998 before joining the U.S. Army and serving in Bosnia.

    He stayed in the Army National Guard for years afterward.

    Wolgamott had worked at the Canton Police Department for the past 19 years. He previously patrolled with the Strasburg, Bolivar and Lakemore departments. 

    According to his obituary, he is survived by his wife Crystal Pearcy Wolgamott, children Logan and Nora Wolgamott of Strasburg; stepdaughters Christina and Leia Thorne of Dover; half-brother Ben (Tori) Moneypenny of Cuyahoga Falls; half-sister Desirae (Neil) Legerski of Nevada; stepbrother Jeremy Moneypenny of Florida; stepsister, Eve (Dann) Diehl of Akron; stepparents Lisa Wolgamott and Hal Moneypenny; and his former wife, Kendra Wolgamott.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Lakeland to hold public meeting for Lake Bonnet drainage basin

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland is taking steps to reduce flooding near Lake Bonnet.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland is addressing flooding risks in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin with a new project

    • Residents say flooding has long affected the May Manor Mobile Home Park, especially during major storms like Hurricane Milton

    • A meeting on the project will be held Thursday, Nov. 13

    City leaders plan to hold a public information meeting to update residents on their Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin Hazard Mitigation Project on Thursday. They say the project will reduce the risk of future flooding in the May Manor Mobile Home Park and surrounding areas.

    For as long as Mark Argenzio has lived in May Manor, he says flooding has always been an issue. Argenzio keeps photos on his phone of flood events dating back to 2015. He says the worst was Hurricane Milton last year, which left him and his late wife with several inches of water inside their home.

    “We had to stay here and ride right through it, so it was rough. I mean, it was only about six inches of water in the house, but it was enough, you know?” he said.

    The New York native says he knew his home was in a floodplain when he moved to the 55-plus community. It’s just a few feet away from Lake Bonnet’s drainage basin, which he says he’s glad is finally getting some attention.

    “It’s been discussed for a long time, and after Irma, they assured us they were going to do something about it,” Argenzio said.

    The purpose of the project is to restore the wetlands around the project corridor, remove excess sediments that have accumulated in the lake, and improve the conveyance system in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin. The project also aims to enhance the overall well-being of the community and the natural environment of the area.

    Spokesperson for the City of Lakeland, Jamin Smith, says the city secured $42.9 million in funds from the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) to help with improvements.

    “So from that, we’re working with an outside organization to figure out the best way to implement that within the community,” Smith said.

    If you’d like to attend the mitigation project meeting, it will be held this Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Well from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will also be streamed live via GoTo Webinar. Residents must register online to attend.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Wanderlights to light up Columbus this holiday season

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Downtown Columbus plans to bring some holiday cheer to Ohio’s capital for its second year of Wanderlights. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than half-a-million lights will span the Columbus Commons, Town Street and Bicentennial Park

    • Wanderlights will be offered for free daily from Nov. 21 through Feb. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

    • There will be six free Wander Nights featuring holiday movie screenings, visits from Santa Claus, a market, musicians, hot chocolate, free trolley and carousel rides and digital art for visitors

    More than half-a-million lights will span the Columbus Commons, Town Street and Bicentennial Park. Wanderlights will be offered for free daily from Nov. 21 through Feb. 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

    At the Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St. visitors can see a 40-foot lit tree, more than 150 lighted trees, and a tunnel made of glowing archways leading to a snow globe photo opportunity. Visitors can then head to Town St., 50 W. Town St., which will have lights and decorations. Illuminated penguins lead the way down the path to the Scioto Mile. 

    Finally, Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr, will have a decked out riverfront centered on the Scioto Mile Fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights and 75 wrapped trees. 

    There will be six free Wander Nights featuring holiday movie screenings, visits from Santa Claus, a market, musicians, hot chocolate, free trolley and carousel rides and digital art for visitors to explore. The Wander Nights will be held on Fridays and Saturdays on Dec. 5; Dec. 6; Dec. 12; Dec. 13; Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wander Nights will not occur at Bicentennial Park on Dec. 5 and 6 because of Winterfest. 

    Movies will begin at 6 p.m. in Bicentennial Park for the following films:

    • Dec. 12: Frozen
    • Dec. 13: Frozen 2
    • Dec. 19: Miracle
    • Dec. 20: Cool Runnings

    “The connected Downtown Columbus lighting experience spans from Columbus Commons to West Town Street to Bicentennial Park, featuring over half a million glowing lights,” Downtown Columbus said in a news release. “Everyone is invited to find joy in the glow of lights that are free to experience daily.”

    A new feature this year is aurora borealis-inspired light installations and projection mapping within Columbus Commons. 

    Visitors are encouraged to pay to park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage, 55 E Rich St. 

    For more information, click here.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • St. Pete College student chosen for exclusive veteran fellowship

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg College has joined some of the most prestigious schools in the nation in having a student veteran chosen for the VFW-SVA legislative fellowship. 

    What You Need To Know

    • SPC veteran student Giancarlo Gonzalez was one of six students nationwide chosen for this fellowship 

    • Giancarlo hopes that through the fellowship he will have a chance to raise awareness about issues that veterans face

    • This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship


    The semester-long fellowship provides those chosen, such as SPC student Giancarlo Gonzalez, with the opportunity to learn from professionals and receive training on how to become veteran advocates. 

    Giancarlo served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2012. 

    Now, he wants to bring more attention to student veteran issues like housing allowances, issues with the GI Bill not covering certain expenses, and more. 

    He sees being chosen for the fellowship as a step in that direction. 

    “I didn’t get the Leadership Institute, so I was a little upset about it,” he said. “Everyone in the office is like, oh, don’t worry about it. You’re going to get the fellowship, you’re going to get the fellowship, and a week later, I got the email, and I saw congratulations.”

    Trevor McGilvrey, SPC Student Veterans of America Advisor, said his team was thrilled to see Giancarlo chosen, and that being one of just six students selected nationwide shows the kind of person he is.

    “Feels like, almost like a David and Goliath type story where, you know, the guy from Harvard, he’s a White House Intern,” he said. “He’s a Navy SEAL. Some of these people are PhDs. Some of these people have ran, you know, they’re directors of military programs at high-level universities.” 

    Giancarlo recently got back from his first conference in Washington, D.C. as part of the fellowship. 

    He will attend two more, and he has a message that he wants to bring to the forefront.

    “Veterans deserve not just to come home, but to thrive as leaders, professionals, and community builders. I’m ready to bring that mission focus, discipline, and passion to Washington.”

    This is the 12th year students could take part in this fellowship.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Tampa-area Girl Scout nationally recognized with lifesaving award

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Bay area Girl Scout who recently received the top lifesaving award given by the Girl Scouts of the USA credits training during a troop meeting with giving her the skills and courage to help her father during a medical emergency.

    What You Need To Know

    • 10-year-old Maggie Lewandowski put lessons learned to use in real life when her father, Greg, suffered a stroke

    • Maggie took control, putting into action what she had learned just weeks earlier. She stayed calm, called 911 and got her father some water

    • After his stroke, Greg stayed in the hospital for a week. He credits the Girl Scouts for making his recovery possible

    • Maggie’s quick thinking earned her the National Girl Scout Medal of Honor

    “Most of the stuff that I remember learning is, no matter what the emergency is, just stay calm,” said Maggie Lewandowski as she recalled training for her first-aid badge.

    The then 10-year-old put those lessons to use in real life when her father, Greg, suffered a stroke in June 2024.

    “I was just sleeping in my bed and I just woke up in my bed to my dad just calling my name,” said Maggie.

    “I just woke up, got out of bed and just collapsed,” said Greg. “Just fell to the floor, lost the ability to control my body and walk.”

    Maggie took control, putting into action what she had learned just weeks earlier. She stayed calm, called 911 and got her father some water.

    “I was scared and she was there for me when I needed it,” said Greg. “So, it was just, I can’t even say I was proud of her at the moment. I was just surprised that the girl that I take care of was taking care of me.”

    Maggie Lewandowski and her father, Greg at awards ceremony (Girl Scouts of USA)

    After his stroke, he stayed in the hospital for a week. He credits the Girl Scouts for making that recovery possible.

    Maggie’s troop leader, Julie Cortes, was instrumental in encouraging the Council to explore the first-aid badge.

    “I just kept thinking like, how crazy. This is the very last badge that we taught and the things that we were emphasizing and immediately she was putting it to use,” Cortes said. “Honestly, it gives me goosebumps.”

    Maggie’s quick thinking earned her the National Girl Scout Medal of Honor. It’s the top life-saving award given by the Scouts and out of one million nationwide, Maggie is one of only 24 scouts who received the honor. It was awarded to her in October.

    Dad is of course, extremely proud.

    “She’s incredibly deserving of it. She’s the most disciplined and responsible and kind person that I know,” he said. “And just for her to receive that award for her hard work for saving her father, yeah, I couldn’t be more delighted to see that happen.”

    “It was a scary day, we didn’t know what was happening but I just feel like I handled the situation really good,” said Maggie.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Sisters pool resources to feed families during SNAP uncertainty

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    “You have the pinto. You have the tomatoes. We’ve got the kidney bean.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Sisters Jeanna and Amanda Peoples usually get SNAP benefits each month

    • Both have yet to see that money for November in their accounts  

    • As the shutdown continues, they have been digging deep in their pantries to feed their families 

    • They also are starting to pool resources to help neighbors in need


    Over the last few weeks, sisters Jeanna and Amanda Peoples have been getting pretty resourceful. 

    The sisters, who live in Lexington, have four children each.

    “If you have four children, each of them eats three meals a day, sometimes two to three snacks a day,” said Jeanna Peoples. “That’s four times everything. Plus, I have to eat.”

    While they usually can find a way to stretch a dollar, earlier this year, Jeanna Peoples had to have hand surgery and lost her job in the process.

    While she’s been trying to get back on her feet, the sisters’ shared resources have been stretched thin.

    “When we do get the food like this, like the bowl, I try to make big meals, like, big pots of chili, chicken, chicken noodle soup, things like that,” said Amanda Peoples. “Like a hearty meal.”

    As the government shutdown reached its second month, neither sister received SNAP benefits for November.

    “At first I wasn’t that nervous, especially because I get my stamps on the third,” said Jeanna Peoples.  “So, I was like, well, I’m not going to get nervous until the third whenever I check it. But I am starting to worry a little bit.”

    They have found odd jobs to help make ends meet and dug deep into their pantries to find some extra items.

    But they are starting to worry about how long this may drag on.

    “I hate it for people who weren’t stocking up,” said Jeanna Peoples. “They were relying on the government and trusting that they would be OK. But it doesn’t look like we are going to be.”

    Still, as their pantries, and even their mother’s pantry empties, they have been encouraged to lean into community.

    “Make friends with your neighbor and maybe they might have the rice, you might have the meat,” said Jeanna Peoples. “You can come together and do potlucks.”

    They said they are hoping that pooling resources can make what little they have stretch to help neighbors as well.

    “Sometimes it’s the little gestures that help somebody out in a big way,” Amanda Peoples said. “There’s never anything too small or too big to ask for, especially in a time like this.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Courtney Davis

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  • New movie ‘Lost & Found in Cleveland’ paints ode to Ohioans

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    CLEVELAND — Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman’s new film “Lost & Found in Cleveland” is an ode to the city told by weaving the story of five residents together through the objects they bring to a fictional TV show.

    “I grew up watching Antique Roadshows with my dad. I just fell in love with the people on the show,” Guterman said, explaining she always wanted to make a movie centering on Antiques Roadshow. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The movie”Lost & Found in Cleveland” is in theaters nationwide November 7th
    • Filmakers Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak raised funding for the movie independently
    • The movie proudly features Cleveland, shooting in locations like Playhouse Square, the Hope Memorial Bridge and the West Side Market

    “They’re coming with these objects that they’ve collected that have been passed down to them that take on special meaning, and our own identities get wrapped up in these special objects that come into our lives,” Gerchak said. 

    Gerchak grew up in Cleveland, Guterman in LA, but now they both live in the movie’s titular city. 

    “Cleveland is the protagonist of the film, and we really celebrate it,” Guterman said. 

    They filmed scenes at iconic Cleveland locations.

    “We had 20 locations in 20 days,” Gerchak said, filming at places like Playhouse Square, University Circle and The Hope Memorial Bridge. 

    They shot at the historic West Side Market with actor Dennis Haysbert, who made his movie debut in another Cleveland classic picture, “Major League.”

    “In the first shot we’re inside there, and getting him standing here, with the ‘Go Tribe’,” Gerchak said, motioning to the Dionne’s Meats Booth the film used as a location at the market. The booth had a ‘Go Tribe’ sticker, a reference to the Cleveland Indians baseball team that was featured in the movie ‘Major League.’

    The movie features Clevelanders as extras, like Sam, an employee at the West Side Market. 

    “Taking this concept of what people think Cleveland is and showing you, it can feel different, it can be beautiful,” Guterman said. 

    Set during the holidays, the movie cast big names like June Squibb, Jon Lovitz and Martin Sheen. 

    “I think it is the perfect marriage of material and setting. There’s a Midwestern optimism, there’s an earnestness, an authenticity,” Gerchak said. 

    Directed, written and produced by Gerchak and Guterman, the film is a labor of love they worked on for over a decade, raising funds independently. 

    “We had a book club in Cleveland that invested in the film,” Guterman said. 

    Finally realizing their vision and getting to bring it to the big screen. 

    “People have an underestimation of the film and I think they also have an underestimation of Cleveland, and the Cleveland’s of the country, and I think that they’re gonna be in for a surprise when they come and see the film,” Gerchak said. 

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • 3 Brothers Boards brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife on Silver River

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    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — For more than 10,000 years, humans have been drawn to the serene waters of the Silver River near Ocala — a place where Florida’s ancient past still lingers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 3 Brothers Boards offers guided paddleboard tours on the Silver River, showcasing its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife

    • Visitors frequently encounter manatees and rhesus macaque monkeys, making it a unique eco-tourism destination in Florida

    • The company was founded 17 years ago by Justin Murray and his brothers, who began building their own high-quality paddleboards

    • Each board features the signature of their late brother Jason, honoring his memory and keeping him part of every journey

    When mastodons and giant ground sloths roamed the peninsula, the river was already a source of life.

    While those prehistoric giants have long disappeared, Silver River has become home to a new, unexpected variety of creatures that continue to awe visitors.

    “This river just has a wow factor,” said Justin Murray of 3 Brothers Boards, a Daytona paddleboard outfitter and tour company.

    The water is so clear that few of its aquatic inhabitants can remain hidden — including the gentle manatees often seen grazing beneath the surface.

    “So, the manatees eat hundreds of pounds of grass every single day,” Murray explained.

    Every week, Murray and his team guide guests through this pristine spring-fed waterway, using custom-made paddleboards — some with transparent bottoms offering an unmatched view of the river bottom below.

    “Being able to see them on the paddleboard is definitely way easier than when you’re lower to the water in a kayak,” he said.

    Murray and his brothers began their journey 17 years ago, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them and a growing need for quality paddleboards.

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

    “This is the largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. We have over 550 million gallons of water come out of this spring — every single day,” Murray said.

    Though his younger brother Jason has since passed, his legacy lives on in every board.

    “If you look at the bottom of every board we’ve ever made, we have his handwritten signature that we got off his schoolwork just so he can be part of making the boards and part of that process. Like to think he’s with us every time we hit the water,” Murray said.

    The wildlife visible along the trip on the river is abundant — including deer, birds and pigs.

    In addition to manatees and birds, one unexpected group steals the spotlight: rhesus macaque monkeys. About 400 of them roam the area — descendants of monkeys accidentally released in the 1930s, contrary to the myth that they were part of Tarzan film productions.

    “The monkeys that we have here are rhesus monkeys. And for many years, people believed that the monkeys were here from the Tarzan films,” Murray said. “However, after looking into every Tarzan film that was filmed here, there was never any rhesus monkeys used in those films.”

    For Murray, the river is more than just a tour destination — it’s a sanctuary of natural wonder.

    “Most people who even live in Florida (in) their entire lives have never seen such a diverse array of wildlife in one spot,” he said.

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

    For more on its paddleboard adventures, visit 3 Brothers Boards.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Veterans from Polk assemble floats for annual Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of Central Florida veterans is working on a special project together — assembling floats for Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 8

    • This year, the parade is relocating to Lake Nona from downtown and steps off at 11 a.m.

    • Festive Floats, based in Polk County, has a group of veterans who works on floats for the parade


    Bob Collins spent 22 years in the Navy. He enlisted in September 1971 and worked as a boiler operator before retiring in March 1993.

    Collins works for Festive Floats, a company based in Fort Meade in Polk County. This week, he worked on wiring electrical boxes for a float so speakers and lights can get plugged in.

    “After my military days, I’ve been a stationary engineer now for about the last 25 years working in hospitals, doing basically the same thing I was doing in the military,” Collins said.

    This year, Festive Floats co-owner Billy Attix said his team is working on floats for Commissioner Jim Gray and the Orlando Veteran Affairs office.

    “We’ve been working on the Veterans Parade for about three weeks,” Attix said. “We’re customizing some of our floats to make it military-based to honor those who have served, those who have lost their life.”

    The parade is a long-running event for residents to remember and honor those who served our nation.

    “We’re able to give back to the good, give back to humanity, bring that smile that somebody needs. Just an escape for five minutes of your normal life,” Attix said.

    Collins said he enjoys pulling the floats and seeing people have a good time, while connecting with other veterans along the way.

    “It’s kind of an honor, it really is, especially driving in the parade with the veterans on it and the Wounded Warrior people,” Collins said. “They do a lot of good work for the veterans.”

    The long-standing tradition is moving from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona for the first time.

    This year’s Veterans Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday. The route starts at Laureate Park Elementary School and will finish at the Lake Nona Town Center.

    A ceremony and more activities for families will follow.

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    Emma Delamo

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  • American Legion Post 118 raising money towards repairing historic Gar Hall

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — An American Legion Post is looking to raise some funds to help save an iconic building.

    What You Need To Know

    • American Legion Post 118 is raising funds to help repair and preserve its historic building, Gar Hall

    • Built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans, Gar Hall has witnessed plenty of history, serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center
    • A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with ceiling, flooring, kitchen and porch repairs 


    American Legion Post 118 has a long history in the area, thanks to its building, Gar Hall. Years of neglect and a few natural causes have warped the building over time, but work to preserve the historic landmark is underway.

    “It’s been here a long time,” says Gary Douglas, financial officer of American Legion Post 118. “It’s been a central part of the Zephyrhills community.”

    At American Legion Post 118, visitors can find a window to the past. A past shared with the City of Zephyrhills.

    “This is the front porch, which we hope to have completely rebuilt,” says Douglas. “We need new steps to make them a little bit more accessible. These are kind of tough for people to get up. Although we do have a handicap ramp off to the side that comes up to the back, but this is all going to be redone hopefully with our restoration project.”

    Douglas is the post’s financial officer. He and his wife, Sandy, got involved with the American Legion this year. Saying they fell in love with the building and wanted to help.

    “We love the old architecture and stuff,” he said. “We saw this, and we came in, and this is just amazing, it really is. When we found out this building and that there was possibly going to be a change of regime, that was going to be really into fixing the building up and, of course, helping the veterans is a little treat to go along with that, too. It’s a two-fer.”

    The building, famously known as Gar Hall, was built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans. Serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center. A structure that has seen history.

    “We were worried about different things that we saw- leaks in the roof and holes in the floor — and we’re going how are we going to take this?” said Douglas. “We’re doing the best we can. And then, of course, with Senator Burgess’ submittal for the grant and the subsequent approval, it’s going to take a big load off our shoulders.”

    A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with repairs.

    “The building with the grant has the opportunity to preserve a lot of the historic character of the GAR and American Legion as well as the City of Zephyrhills,” said William McCaw, historic preservation specialist for the City of Zephyrhills.

    Gar Hall is one of 129 properties within the city’s historic district. An important factor, McCaw says, to preserving the area’s history.

    “They tell the story of the history of the city as much as any person would,” said McCaw. “You can look at the buildings, the newspaper articles, and what was the purpose of the building? How did it serve the community over the years and how will it continue serving in the future?”

    It’s that future that Douglas and the rest of the current American Legion post members want to help shape. Bringing the hall back to its former glory.

    “We want this place to not only be a historic thing for the city and for the community, but also for our veterans,” said Douglas. “Our main goal is to have a nice, friendly, calm place to come in and relax.”

    For those interested in getting involved in helping the American Legion Posts’ building, Douglas says you can make a donation in person.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Gigglewaters has food for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

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    SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — While the uncertainty around SNAP benefits remain, restaurants in the bay area are making sure kids are getting fed.

    Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor has free lunches for kids in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gigglewaters has free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

    • The restaurant started giving out  “GiggleBags” on Saturday

    • They gave out about 25 bags on the first day

    • “GiggleBags” will be available every day until SNAP is back in Florida


    The restaurant is making as many bags as they need.

    “Today, we’re doing Uncrustables, apples, juice boxes, granola bars,” said Rachel Fine Wilson, owner and founder of Gigglewaters.

    “GiggleBags” are free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits. The founder and owner Wilson said no purchase is necessary.

    “I don’t know if it’s going to be busy or steady, but we’re committed to making sure everybody has one,” she said.

    Wilson was inspired by her own life experience. She said that when she was a young adult, she was on food stamps for several months, which is why she said she wanted to help.

    “I was embarrassed to use those, that felt awful, but I was hungry and I will never forget that feeling and I don’t want anyone else, especially kids, to have to feel embarrassed or hungry,” Wilson said.

    Saturday was the first day of “GiggleBag” distribution, and Wilson said they handed out about 25 bags.

    “It’s an easy decision, I know this is a complicated situation, but feeding a hungry kid isn’t complicated, give them food,” she said.

    Gigglewaters has a history of giving back during times of need, but Wilson said this is the first time that about two dozen other restaurants were inspired to take part.

    “It is an honor; it’s making me emotional, honestly. If you think you can do a little bit of good, you might be able to inspire other people to do the same and then the movement grows,” Wilson said.

    No matter how long the SNAP disruption lasts, Wilson said they will find a way to keep kids full.

    If a “GiggleBag” will help feed your child, Wilson is encouraging pick-ups between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. but she said they are accommodating other times.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Local bakery spreads nourishment and kindness through government shutdown

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    OHIO — As anxiety and stress continue to build for federal workers as they go without paychecks and as food banks brace for growing lines, many local community members are sharing acts of kindness and generosity.

    What You Need To Know

    • Community kindness continues to spread as the government shutdown lingers

    • The Neighborhood Nest is a gluten-free bakery near Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Fairborn, Ohio

    • During the shutdown, the bakery has been offering special store credit to furloughed workers and federal workers struggling without paychecks and giving them access to a new store pantry

    Even on a rainy day, sweet smells and thoughtful gestures rise to the occasion inside The Neighborhood Nest.

    Amber Tipton owns the gluten-free bakery, and they’ve been in business for more than a decade in Fairborn, Ohio, near Dayton.

    The bakery is also just a short drive from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

    Bakers can accommodate up to 19 different allergies.

    If you need something dairy, egg, nut, and soy free, they’ve got you covered.

    “We try really hard to just give people back the things that had to be eliminated out of their diet when they had to go gluten free,” Tipton said.

    As the government shutdown continues, they’re still giving back.

    “We have noticed kind of a drop off in actual shopping but what we have been able to do is offer furloughed families a store credit every week,” Tipton said.

    A single person can receive $40 in store credit and a family can receive $60, plus access to the newly created store pantry stocked by customer donations, gift cards and Venmo.

    “Nobody is the wiser. They think they’re just shopping. That’s a bigger deal to me, that people maintain dignity,” Tipton said.

    “So many families are simply concerned about how they’ll put food on the table for their kids,” said Kara Pappas.

    Pappas is the Chief Advancement Officer for the Military Family Advisory Network.

    For communities like Dayton, where so many rely on the base for employment, the shutdown is causing tension.

    Civilians find themselves furloughed or continue working without a paycheck.

    “This is impacting the medical workers on bases, this is impacting child development centers, daycare for military families, it’s impacting school activities, all of these different components that make up the fabric of a military family’s daily life,” Pappas said.

    Tipton said the work isn’t over, and if SNAP benefits get put on hold, they’ll be adding SNAP allergy families to their roster.

    “There is so little at a food pantry, or at a food bank, that people with allergies can actually eat and not be ill,” she said.

    That’s not the only reason helping families hits close to home.

    “The looks that people give you when you’re using those or WIC certificates or your EBT card, they act like you’re lazy,” she said.

    Tipton remembers when her husband was in college and they had small kids.

    He worked part time and she worked two full time jobs just to get by.

    “I just want to give back and to give people what we needed when we were struggling but with dignity,” she said.

    For more information on the Neighborhood Nest, click here.

    If you’re a military family needing help through the Military Family Advisory Network including an emergency food box, click here.

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    Alese Underwood

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  • Holly Spring family combines fright and faith

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    HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Kids in costumes and candy of all kinds go hand-in-hand with Halloween.

    But what about the children who can’t celebrate the holiday?

    One Holly Springs family is bringing skeletons and charity together by allowing trick-or-treaters to have fun while raising money for others in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Holly Springs family is bringing skeletons and charity together

    • The Robertsons created fundraiser Facebook page in 2020

    • Skeltons for St. Jude Facebook group has over 5,000 members with close to 700 homes on the map


    With a flick of a switch a house on Skygrove Drive lights up the area.

    The Holly Springs home has been recognized for years for its spooky display with everything from skeleton pirates, crew members and mermaids.

    “There’s also a lot of like theme-building like all the shipwrecks and stuff. It’s different each year,” said the owner’s son, Gavin Robertson.

    Father and son Jeff and Gavin Robertson created a Facebook page back in 2020 dedicated to helping children and families of St. Jude.

    They partnered with the hospital and before they knew it, Gavin Robertson said hundreds of people took interest.

    He said people began decorating their homes, posting them on the internet, to raise money for St. Jude.

    And with the amount of support they received, he and his dad have made their display bigger and better. 

    “I start building like multiple months before Halloween. So it takes up a while, but it’s definitely worth it,” Gavin Robertson said.

    Today, Skeltons for St. Jude Facebook group has over 5,000 members with close to 700 homes on the map.

    Each year a new monetary goal is set.

    “Since, I guess year one, I think year one. We got, like, 11,000. Just like we’ve rocketed,” Gavin Robertson said.

    This week, the group reached its ultimate goal by raising a little over $1 million over the last 5 years.

    “That’s pretty impressive,” Robertson said.

    He said St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food, and it’s because of efforts like this.

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    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Public health department offers SNAP contingency program at farmers markets

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. —- Mecklenburg County is making sure recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have access to fresh food in November. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Mecklenburg County is providing temporary relief at farmers markets to SNAP recipients during government shutdown

    • Funding for SNAP was set to run Oct. 31

    • Farmers markets in Charlotte, Davidson and Matthews are providing $50 in SNAP tokens for families starting Nov. 1.

    • The program is expected to help 500 families 


    Funding for SNAP was set to run out October 31 due to the government shutdown. 

    Starting November 1, Mecklenburg County Public Health and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council are partnering to offer Mecklenburg County SNAP users $50 in tokens to shop for fresh produce and other eligible food at five winter farmers markets, including Charlotte Regional Farmers Market.

    This announcement was made prior to Friday when two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must continue paying for SNAP. 

    SNAP recipients at the market buy tokens using their EBT card and then use it with vendors. 

    Chris Kiker, the owner of Fat Boy’s Produce, is one of them. He’s proud to have been offering his products to SNAP recipients.

    “To make sure they get fresh produce, fresh products,” Kiker said. 

    He’s also encouraged the market is participating in a contingency plan to continue helping SNAP recipients after funding runs out. 

    “That’s very great to be able to do this out here to help the market and help the people,” Kiker said. 

    The current uncertainty for food aid funding worries Kiker and Nehemiah Taylor at Temple Restoration and Rainbow Water. He and his family own the business focused on holistic medicine and health food. 

    “I’m a little worried for, you know, the economic state for our customers, at least because a lot of people prefer to go to the farmers market over the grocery store to get those clean foods that they want to eat. And the tokens have been a great tool to help them be able to afford those,” Taylor said.

    Market Manager Amie Newsome said when the program had normal funding, SNAP users could double their SNAP spending at the market, benefiting people in need and vendors. 

    “Let’s say that they want to get $20 worth of tokens with the Double Bucks program, they’re able to get $40. That amount helps them to get more food, but it also increases by $20 the amount that they’re spending with our local vendors,” Newsome said. 

    This year alone, Kiker said $10,000 came from customers using SNAP funds. 

    Kiker and Taylor hope the shutdown ends soon but are glad to provide a reprieve for customers in the meantime. 

    “A lot of their money has to go toward rent and bills so some people solely rely on SNAP to be able to get their groceries. If they’re not able to get their groceries here, then some people might not be able to put food on the table,” Taylor said. 

    Charlotte Regional  Farmers Market will have volunteers helping with the SNAP tokens from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 1. People can access them after presenting their EBT card and photo ID. 

    Other participating markets are: Davidson Farmers Market, Matthews Community Farmers Market, South End Farmers Market and Uptown Farmers Market.

    According to Mecklenburg County, the contingency program will go on while supplies last and officials estimate it will aid at least 500 families. 

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Matthews business provides job opportunities to people with disabilities

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    MATTHEWS, N.C. — A gourmet food company in Matthews is providing job opportunities to North Carolinians with disabilities. 

    At Bear Food, several people with disabilities help run the store. The business was created by Mac Brydon in 2018. He was inspired to employ people with disabilities because his brother, Miller, has Down syndrome. 

    “He had just graduated high school, and he wanted to have some transitional experience,” Brydon said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bear Food provides job opportunities to people with disabilities

    • The company partners with Rainbow Express Ministries

    • Employees learn to complete tasks and take on responsibilities


    Bear Food now partners with Rainbow Express Ministries, a local organization that connects people with disabilities with job opportunities in Matthews.

    “One of our big things that we want to accomplish is working alongside different businesses and having our young adults learn job skills and how to have a job because at the end of the day, they’re at the stage of their life where it’s normal to have a job, and a lot of our guys really want to have a job,” said Cassidy Barker, an associate for Rainbow Express Ministries.

    Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found 75% of people with disabilities were not in the workforce in 2024, which means they were not employed nor looking for work.

    At Bear Food, employees learn how to complete tasks and take on responsibilities. 

    “They help clean,” Brydon said. “They stock. They do things like labeling and packaging.”

    “A lot of our guys work best with a job list,” Barker said. “They come into each of our businesses, and they’ll have a checklist that they’ll complete and are able to showcase their skills in these businesses.”

    Working in the store also helps employees build confidence and make friends.  

    “I love working with my friends,” Hunter Adcock, a Bear Food employee, said. “They bring joy to me every time.”

    “I love them,” Greyson Riehm, a Bear Food employee, added. “They’re like my family.”

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    Chloe Salsameda

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  • ‘I know we will bounce back’: Jamaican community speaks out after Melissa

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Melissa has unleashed widespread devastation across the Caribbean as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the area.

    Sheldon Johnson has family in Montego Bay, one of the areas on the western side of the island of Jamaica, that got the worst of the storm.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jamaica’s government has said it “is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths” from Hurricane Melissa

    • The storm caused significant damage to public infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage is still unknown

    • Sheldon Johnson has family in Montego Bay, one of the areas on the western side of the island, that got the worst of the storm



    “I got all my family over there, my brothers, sisters, uncles, dad, aunt, grandma, everyone is still over there in Jamaica. I haven’t heard from any one of them. I can’t reach anyone” Johnson, owner and chef at Don’s Jamaican Kitchen, said.

    Jamaica’s government has said it “is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths” from Hurricane Melissa. 

    “I was shocked. Like, nobody was expecting this, not even me. I was like, watching the video, and I’m like, dang, I can’t believe this is really happening to my country,” Johnson said.

    The storm caused significant damage to public infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage has not come to light yet. 

    Gaynor Russell is the president of the Jamaican American Cultural Association, and she says she’s worried.

    “Jamaica is on the forefront in terms of structural development and infrastructure, but we have a lot of poor areas in Jamaica. It’s a third-world country. So you’re going to have devastation to people who live in low lying areas, people who are not, don’t live in structurally sound housing,” Russell said.

    Even though this hurricane hit Jamaica as one of the strongest ever on record, Johnson knows they will persevere. 

    “I know we will bounce back from this, but it’s going to take some time. We’re Jamaicans, so we’re going to stay strong,” Johnson said.

    JACA is planning a trip to the island in the coming weeks to help with the humanitarian efforts. The organization says it is also collecting monetary donations on its website.

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    Arin Cotel-Altman

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  • Columbus Zoo offers free admission for federal workers

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the U.S. remains in one of the longest government shutdowns in history, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hoping to press some kindness to those directly being impacted. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Free admission will be offered for federal employees from Nov. 1 to Nov. 20

    • Workers can bring up to five guests, and they will receive free parking

    • All federal workers have to do is show their ID to the parking and ticket booths for admission

    The Columbus Zoo announced Thursday it’s offering free admission for federal workers from Nov. 1 to Nov. 20. Workers can bring up to five guests, and they will receive free parking. 

    All federal workers have to do is show their ID to the parking and ticket booths for admission.

    “Come walk the trails, meet some amazing animals. We’re glad to have you here,” the Columbus Zoo wrote in a Facebook post. 


    Thursday marked the 29th day of the shutdown. The longest one in history lasted for 35 days in December 2018 to January 2019. The trickle down effects of the shutdown are already being felt, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced SNAP benefits won’t go out Nov. 1. 

    For those in need of food assistance, check local pantries and food banks near you by clicking here. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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