Tag: APP In the Community

Rebuilding Together to give away hurricane supply kit in St. Pete
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the peak of hurricane season approaches, Tampa Bay residents can pick up free hurricane supplies in St. Petersburg on Thursday.

Rebuilding Together is holding a hurricane supply giveaway on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at their St. Pete office, 1350 22nd St. South.

Residents will pull through the parking lot for a drive-thru style giveaway and pick up a large Home Depot bucket containing cleaning supplies, tarps, bug spray, bungee cords, safety gear, scissors, sanitizing wipes, a large flashlight and more. Supplies will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until they run out.
Need hurricane supplies?

Rebuilding Together to give away hurricane supply kit on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The event will be held at 1350 22nd St. South in St. Pete while supplies last

A second giveaway will take place on July 18 in Tampa
Brandy Canada, chief operating officer of Rebuilding Together, said state and local partners, along with Home Depot, made the giveaway possible.

Rebuilding Together repaired over 1,000 homes damaged by storms since Hurricane Ian ripped through the state in 2022, while also focusing on storm preparation.

Through their work, Canada said her team has a good eye for what the most necessary hurricane prep supplies are and included those items in the free kits.

Rebuilding Together is handing out FREE hurricane supplies this afternoon in St. Pete ⁦⁦@BN9⁩

– 1350 22nd St S
– 3-5 p.m.
– First come, first served basis
– Until supplies last
– Drive-through style giveaway
– Kits are packed with all types of hurricane prep items pic.twitter.com/FMy2yrCP9y

— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) July 11, 2024

Team members will also educate residents during Thursday’s event to make sure they have hurricane plans in place and know their evacuation zone.

They will also direct people to resources if they need extra help.

“Not only do we give them supplies, but we also educate them,” she said. “Different scenarios: How to be ready? What’s your food zone?”

Canada said they chose St. Pete as the location because of how prone the area is too flooding.

“It doesn’t take much more than a big rainstorm to flood some of these streets. So we want to make sure people have what they need,” she said.

A second giveaway will take place on July 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 9330 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa.
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Angie Angers

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July 11, 2024
Summer heat adds extra risk for homeless communities

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GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — With heat advisories across the state, health experts say outside workers and vulnerable communities are more likely to be impacted by heat-related illnesses and death.

What You Need To Know

2023 is one of the hottest years on record, and Spectrum meteorologists say 2024 is on pace to keep up with that trend

Heat-related illnesses were three times as likely in July and August of 2023, compared to in May, June and September, according to the CDC

Vulnerable communities are more likely to be impacted by heat-related illnesses

Those living outside say rechargeable fans and ways to hydrate are helpful in these summer conditions

According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outside workers, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are more sensitive to the heat.

The report shows that 92% of all emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses in 2023 happened between May and September. The emergency room visits were three times as likely to happen in July and August.

Spectrum News 1 meteorologists say 2023 was one of the hottest years in recorded history, and 2024 is on track to keep up with that trend.

People who live outside, in encampments and in homes without air conditioning are also more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Dave and his wife have been living in a camp in Gaston County for six years, after a new landlord increased their rent to a figure the couple could no longer afford.

“It’s unbearable…being out in the heat,” said Dave, who did not want to share his last name. “No way to really take showers or anything.”

He and his wife look for places in the shade, where they can recharge their portable fans and hydrate.

“You can always put on more clothes, you can always find ways to cover up and keep warm, but you can never find enough ways to stay cool,” said Dave.

Dallas High Shoals Christian Ministry offers a hot meal and two bags of essentials a week to those who need it.

Executive Director Leah Hedgpath says fans and jugs of water are often what they get asked for.

“It extends more than just someone who doesn’t have a home. We have several that have a shelter, but that’s all that it is,” said Hedgpath. “They don’t have running water. They don’t have electricity. They don’t have a way of cooking their food, storing their food, cleaning properly and so they kind of fall in that category of needing these types of items as well.”

Dave says cold water and ice is what they need to help stay hydrated this summer.

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Alexis Bell

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July 9, 2024
Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation’s M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program helping kids succeed
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to closing the achievement gap for students living in South St. Pete. They offer after-school programs for children and teens of all ages, and over the summer months, one of their programs focuses on middle and high school students — the High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program.
What You Need To Know

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation’s High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program is for middle and high school students who live in South St. Pete

The goal is to close the achievement gap, and increrase graduation rates

Students explore trade school career options, learn interview & communication skills, study black history, and learn financial literacy
The purpose is to expose teens to different college and career options, while teaching them valuable skills so they can set goals for their own futures, keeping them focused through these formative years.

The High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program students took their weekly black history lesson out of the classroom and into a place where the history itself happened.

“This space that you’re in was a segregated grocery store, and so my uncles, my parents, my grandparents could not set foot in this building as it was erected,” said Marcus Brooks, Executive Director for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Peterburg’s Center for Healthy Equity.

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation partnered with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Peterburg, which intentionally re-wrote the purpose of the building to advance equity, and now, Pinellas County’s civil rights history lines the walls with pictures and descriptions of events.

“We were learning and talking about black history and more black history in St. Pete and the origins of some of the places we see every day,” said Torri Gammage, who is going into 7th-grade at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.

Torri has been in the M.A.S.T.R. Program for four years, and says she’s found the black history lessons to be very important.

“So that we don’t make the same mistakes over again and we can know why certain things happened and how it affects us, and how we should react to it,” she said.

Which is exactly why the Foundation includes black history in its High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program.

“What we’ve discovered is that if the kids can get some exposure to African American history, they’re typically very grounded in who they are, why they are here, what are their unique strengths,” said Bridgette Heller, Co-Founder and CEO of the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation.

Heller says the confidence it builds is key. The Foundation first focused on just closing the achievement gap for reading and math, but then realized, even when students were at grade level, their graduation rates were still lower than other populations, so they created this program.

“We interviewed people in the community to find out what were some of the barriers and the key was that our kids weren’t really prepared. They didn’t really know or understand what kinds of careers were out there, or what those careers meant or how high school connected to careers, and so we set out to try to do that for them,” said Heller.

Through field trips like this, and a partnership with Pinellas Technical College, Heller says the gap is closing because these teenagers now have goals.

“If you can stay focused on the goal and why you’re there, it makes all the difference,” she said.

Torri’s goal is to become a cosmetologist, and she says through the friends she’s made here, there’s nothing that can stop her.

“You don’t find a lot of people like that at school and stuff. If they’re in the program, then they’re learning a lot of the same stuff you are and you can talk to them about that kind of stuff,” said Torri.

Students in the High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program are exposed to eight different career trades at Pinellas Technical College, and also learn how to interview and communicate, as well as financial literacy.
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Fallon Silcox

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July 9, 2024
Queen City Book Bank welcomes new mural
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CINCINNATI — Queen City Book Bank will have a new ArtWorks mural designed by renowned artist and author Loren Long.

Long’s piece is designed after his newest book, “The Yellow Bus.”
What You Need To Know

Long’s piece is designed after his newest book, “The Yellow Bus”

Ten ArtWorks Apprentices, comprised of local high school and post-high schoolerers between the ages of 14 to 21, and two Teaching Artists have begun to work on the mural

The mural is a lively, mission-minded scene from the book and is coming to life on a grand scale outside the Book Bank’s headquarters

Loren has lived in Cincinnati for more than three decades and is a member of the QCBB board
Ten ArtWorks Apprentices, comprised of local high school and post-high schoolerers between the ages of 14 to 21, and two Teaching Artists have begun to work on the mural.

“We are ecstatic about this very special project with Loren, ArtWorks and Macmillan Publishers,” said Michelle Otten Guenther, CEO of the QCBB. “’The Yellow Bus’ will be our signature book for the 2024–25 school year and its simple, but profound, message will set the tone for an inspiring year ahead. This unique mural reinforces that by working together our community makes literacy a priority.”

The mural is a lively, mission-minded scene from the book and is coming to life on a grand scale outside the Book Bank’s headquarters, 1200 Gest St. in Queensgate.

Loren has lived in Cincinnati for more than three decades and is a member of the QCBB board. “The Yellow Bus,” is Loren’s latest book about a forgotten school bus that finds joy and purpose in the most unexpected places and in the journey along the way.

Loren’s has ilustrated nearly 30 books and has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list 12 times. His latest book goes on sale on June 25, 2024 from Roaring Brook Press. The book bank itself will distribute 3,500 copies to children in its curated book program beginning in September.

The public will be able to hear from Long and the mural team at the free Wet Paint public speaking event on July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 21C Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St. in Cincinnati. Advanced registration is required for this event.

Apprentices shall complete their mural work in early August and Artworks and the QCBB ar eplanning a mural dedication celebration in mid-September.
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Madison MacArthur

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June 18, 2024
Columbus officials provide free movies during heat wave
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Council and Gateway Film Center will provide two days of free movie showings to help residents escape the heat.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more common; from this week’s potentially record-breaking heat to the tornados and severe storms we have been experiencing,” said Councilmember Christopher Wyche in a press release. “That’s why council is working with city departments and community partners to support our residents through multiple channels during this heat wave.”

The movies will be shown Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gateway Film Center.

Movie-goers will be able to choose from the following films:
- Tuesday (2024)
- The Bad Guys (2022)
- Jurassic Park (1993) 4K Restoration
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
- Matilda (1996)
- The Fall Guy (2024)
- Shrek (2001)
- The Grab (2024) – Wednesday Only
- Resistance: They Fought Back (2024) – Wednesday Only
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Lydia Taylor

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June 18, 2024
Trop and Gas Plant redevelopment plan takes next step forward
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a step forward for the redevelopment of Tropicana Field and the Historic Gas Plant District. Thursday night, St. Petersburg City Council members voted 5-3 to schedule the second reading of an ordinance that would approve a development agreement for the site. They also gave the OK for a second reading of an ordinance on rezoning and a public hearing on increasing the Intown Redevelopment Plan’s redevelopment program budget. All are scheduled to take place on July 11.
What You Need To Know

St. Petersburg City Council approved a number of measures Thursday that move the Rays/Hines deal for the Trop and Gas Plant District redevelopment forward

Members could take a final vote on July 11

Dozens of residents spoke both for and against the plan at Thursday’s meeting

Read previous coverage here
Before the meeting began, groups including Sierra Club Florida and Faith in Florida held a rally outside city hall, asking the council to “pump the brakes” on making a decision on the plan.

“It’s ignoring the will of the people,” said Bishop Manuel Sykes, one of those who spoke at the rally.

Speakers said they weren’t asking council to scrap the Rays/Hines deal, but they do want to see changes made to the plan. Among their concerns were environmental impacts and the project timeline when it comes to features meant for the community, like affordable housing.

“We’re talking about getting a stadium done in a matter of three years, and everybody else’s concerns may be addressed over the next 27 years,” Sykes said.

Inside, dozens addressed council during public comment.

“Fundamentally, this is rotten,” said William Kilgore, an organizer with the St. Petersburg Tenants Union. “This is our money. This is public wealth, and we’re giving it to a private corporation.”

The $1.3 billion project would see St. Petersburg contribute $287 million, while Pinellas County and the Rays would put in $312 million and $770 million, respectively.

Supporters told the council the project is the chance to bring new opportunity to the area with mixed use development.

“That million-and-a-half square feet of office space — if we don’t do this deal, that office space will not come,” said one speaker.

Others said the deal is the best chance to fulfill past promises made to Gas Plant residents, which was razed to make way for the Trop.

“If Rays/Hines is not approved, who is going to ensure that the efforts to fulfill those promises are going to be made?” one speaker asked members.

A sticking point for some council members was that they haven’t received finalized documents on the plan and have been working with drafts.

“It is our duty to do our due diligence, and we can only do that appropriately with final documents and not being rushed through this process,” said council member Lisset Hanewicz.

Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders noted members had previously decided they needed to have final documents two weeks before making a final decision.

“I’m going to vote for the motion as is, but if we don’t have those documents, we cannot really discuss them on July 11. It’s a given. We voted on that,” said Figgs-Sanders.

Officials said if members didn’t have final documents two weeks before the July 11 meeting, they could push the items back to July 18.
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Sarah Blazonis

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June 14, 2024
Hoops After Dark League returns for third year
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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Hoops After Dark League, a partnership between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the City of Cleveland, is back for a third year, with the championship game taking place on Aug. 16 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
What You Need To Know

The Hoops After Dark League, a partnership between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the City of Cleveland, is back for a third year

The program is meant to “advance Mayor (Justin) Bibb’s comprehensive violence prevention strategy by connecting young men aged 18-26 to sport and personal development resources”

The eight-week-long program begins with tryouts from June 10 through 13, league play from June 24 to 31, playoffs from Aug. 7 through 14 and the championship game on Aug. 16

The league’s players must participate in personal development workshops before the games on subjects ranging from financial literacy to gun violence prevention
A press release from the Cavs said the program is meant to “advance Mayor (Justin) Bibb’s comprehensive violence prevention strategy by connecting young men aged 18-26 to sport and personal development resources.”

It claims that the program has featured 200 players and more than 1,000 spectators.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Cavaliers to reintroduce Hoops After Dark for the third consecutive summer,” Bibb said in the release. “Initiatives like this play a crucial role in spearheading efforts for a safer city by addressing the underlying causes of violence and offering a constructive avenue through the universal language of sports, which has the power to bridge diverse backgrounds and bring communities together. Through Hoops After Dark, we have the opportunity to effect tangible change within our community, and we are eager to build on the momentum and achievements of this program.”

The eight-week-long program begins with tryouts from June 10 through 13; league play from June 24 to 31; playoffs from Aug. 7 through 14 and the championship game on Aug. 16.

Tryouts will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers in Cudell (June 12), Glenville (June 11) and Zelma George (June 10).

Registration is available here.

The release states that the league’s players must participate in personal development workshops before the games on subjects ranging from financial literacy to gun violence prevention.

They are also connected to community resources and, this year, will be able to attend a job fair “with organizations dedicated to hiring players.”

“We are looking forward to bringing Hoops After Dark back for a third year in partnership with the City of Cleveland following two extremely successful initial seasons. The program’s unique ability to use basketball to impact our community, provide safe spaces and support individuals in their efforts to become the best version of themselves is something we are deeply passionate about,” said Nic Barlage, Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO in the release. “We’re committed to using our platform for driving greater outcomes and are excited to see the positive and lasting impact Hoops After Dark will continue to have on the young people who participate across the greater Northeast Ohio community.”
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Cody Thompson

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June 6, 2024
Mission of Mercy hosting free dental clinic in Lakeland
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LAKELAND, Fla. — Mission of Mercy is hosting its annual free dental clinic Friday and Saturday at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
What You Need To Know

Mission of Mercy hosting its annual free dental clinic Friday and Saturday

It is located at the RP funding Center in Lakeland

The free clinic opens at 7 a.m. both days
More than 300 dentists are hoping to see as many as 2000 people during the two-day clinic, and have prioritized 250 veterans for free dental care.

The 250 veterans were assessed ahead of the event on Thursday afternoon to avoid a more timely assessment and care during regular clinic hours.

Dr. Christopher Bulnes with Buckenheimer and Bulnes Dentistry in South Tampa leads the free dental clinic every year, and says because most people wait until the last minute to get dental care, the cost of visits can be expensive.

MISSION OF MERCY: About 300 dentists are hoping to see as many as 2,000 people during a two-day dental clinic in Lakeland and have prioritized 250 veterans for free dental care. Here’s a look at the line outside Friday morning. https://t.co/a9RERg48xR pic.twitter.com/MSFu6wEYzZ

— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) May 31, 2024

For veterans, Bulnes says, the challenges are even greater because the VA won’t cover dental care unless the veteran is deemed 100% disabled.

“If they didn’t have private insurance with a private sector job, then they are kind of left in the lurch where they can’t afford to get to a dentist to take care of this because maybe they don’t qualify. They make too much money to be on medicaid, which is a whole other topic,” Bulnes said. “But they are caught in this segment where what do we do? So they let things go.”

The free clinic opens at 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.

Dentists and hygienists will provide a number of services at the free clinic, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, limited root canals, dentures and pediatric dentistry.

For more information on Mission of Mercy’s free dental clinic, visit www.floridadental.org/foundation/programs/mission-of-mercy
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Jason Lanning

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May 31, 2024
Short-term rental bill continues to draw criticism
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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A short-term rental bill that would give the state more power of regulating the industry instead of local governments has been in the works in Tallahassee.
What You Need To Know

Short-term rental bill narrowly passed at the end of 2024 legislative session

It would give the state more power of regulating the industry instead of local governments

Some mayors continue to fight against it
The bill would cap the number of occupants allowed and would require owners to pay a registration fee.

It also calls for someone to be available to address complaints and lets local governments suspend a rental’s registration if rules are continuously broken.

However, the bill is still getting push back from some local governments across the state.

Republican State Sen. Nick DiCeglie is the sponsor of the bill.

“This bill is about balance. This bill is about identifying what is currently going on locally, not so much with violations but what local governments are currently doing,” DiCeglie said while defending the bill during the 2024 session.

Redington Beach Mayor David Will says the bill isn’t needed.

“The short-term rental bill removes the current legislation — the 2014 legislation — which actually struck the balance which allows short-term rentals in residential communities but also allows those communities to regulate the short-term rentals, and to be able to distinguish between a single family home and a vacation rental,” Mayor Will said.

While Gov. DeSantis has not voiced his opinion on the bill yet, Mayor Will plans to continue to advocate against it.
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Jeff Van Sant

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May 30, 2024
Durham hosts forum as areas at five parks close for soil contamination testing
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DURHAM, N.C. – The city of Durham is hosting a public forum Wednesday night to update people on the soil contamination testing at five city parks.

This comes after a study by a Duke University graduate student in 2022 found unsafe levels of lead. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are all involved now.
What You Need To Know

The city of Durham is hosting a virtual public forum Wednesday night at 6:30 to update people on the soil contamination testing at five city parks

East Durham, East End, Lyon, Northgate and Walltown parks all have fenced off areas that are being tested for soil contamination

Earlier this year, NCDEQ said a report on the soil samples should be done by April, but that report hasn’t been shared yet

Many community members, including Joseph Blue who lives right behind Walltown Park, are expressing concerns about the situation
It’s been about 10 months since the city of Durham put up fencing and signs at five parks because high levels of lead were found in the ground. East Durham Park, East End Park, Lyon Park, Northgate Park and Walltown Park all have areas that are being tested for soil contamination.

Earlier this year, NCDEQ said a report on the soil samples should be done by April. That report hasn’t been shared yet, but many community members, including Joseph Blue, are expressing concern.

Living right behind Walltown Park in Durham for decades has its perks, especially when you have grandkids like Blue.

“We could be cooking out and they run straight through the cut and then they’d be in the park,” Blue said.

But the park is now lined with bright orange fencing and warning signs. Blue says it’s no longer the safe place he thought he knew growing up.

“They’d play in the backyard and play over here at the park. My grandson, he would play football over here all the time. He actually would go in this creek and play because he’s heard the stories from me talking about how I played in the creek,” Blue said. “You want to go out and get some sunlight and feel like you’re safe, but then it’s not safe.”

Signs posted at Walltown Park, warning visitors not to go into fenced off areas. (Spectrum News 1/Kyleigh Panetta)

The Durham native says he’s always been involved in community meetings but became even more invested over the last year after learning the city was testing soil at five city parks, including Walltown, for lead and other contaminants.

“They’re still saying they have to figure out what parts are infected. But you roped off the whole park,” Blue said. “This is going to be a process and it’s going to be ongoing, it looks like, for a while.”

Blue says he doesn’t blame current city leaders but believes it is their responsibility now to make sure these spaces are safe for future generations.

“A lot of questions. I’m going to find out who gives the answers and are the answers true answers to the questions,” Blue said. “They just need to come up with the solutions. And then what solution is going to fix the problem and not put a Band-Aid on the problem? That’s the main issue with me. If you’re going to do it, go on and fix it where we don’t have to worry about it again.”

Map showing the five Durham parks being tested for soil contamination.

He says he and other community members will stay on top of the progress and promises made as time moves forward.

“So if we don’t continue to put the pressure on them, this could look like this for years. Who knows,” Blue said.

Blue says he’s also concerned his property may be contaminated, but says he’ll look into testing after he learns more about the findings from Walltown Park.

The last update from the city of Durham was in late April, and the statement reads in part, “We have been working with NCDEQ to actively assess and provide updated information on the remediation of lead and other hazards in the five parks that contain soil from pre-regulatory landfills.”

The city’s virtual public forum is being held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Officials with the city, DHHS and DEQ are all expected to share information on the situation.

For more details, visit the city of Durham’s Soil and Property Testing website.
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Kyleigh Panetta

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May 22, 2024
Lakeland leaders to discuss preparing for population growth during retreat
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LAKELAND, Fla. — City leaders in Lakeland are spending the next two days at the RP Funding Center to go over some big picture ideas they have for the city.
What You Need To Know

Lakeland officials are going to a two-day retreat at the RP Funding Center

They plan on discussing a variety of big picture topics for the city moving forward

Some topics include public safety, infrastructure, transportation and economic development
This two-day retreat kicks off Monday at 8 a.m.

It’s not only big ideas they’re looking to discuss but also some problems the city may face as it continues to grow, and that they feel need to be addressed.

Polk County and Lakeland are growing fast and it is partly why they are looking to do some improvements around town.

Last year, Lakeland’s mayor said officials expect the population to double by 2035, so they know they must work now to meet the incoming demand of a booming population.

“We’ve had unprecedented growth and unprecedented growth puts strains on your infrastructure, your parks, your roads, your sewage system, all things city services,” said Kevin Cook, Lakeland’s director of communication. “So, it’s a way to envision the future and plan for that growth.”

According to its itinerary, officials plan on focusing on things like economic development, infrastructure, transportation and affordable housing Monday, while talking about public safety, finances and what the future might look like for this Polk County community Tuesday.
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Nick Popham

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May 13, 2024
Therapy dog helps Palmetto first responders de-stress on the job

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MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Friday, May 10, marks First Responders Mental Health Awareness Day.

At least 30% of first responders experience stress, anxiety, and depression while on the job, according to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

One Palmetto fire station is changing the game when it comes to helping their team overcome mental health struggles.

Steve Garrity starts his work the same way every day.

“Checking the monitor in the morning. Making sure the batteries are charged. Check to see if all the equipment is in there,” he said.

He’s a firefighter and paramedic at Station 5 for North River Fire District in Palmetto, a job he’s been in for 20 years.

Each call is different. Garrity says it’s like walking into the unknown.

“Some days, you know, it’s an easy day and some days it can be really stressful, different types of calls,” he said.

He says his job affected his mental health.

“I was just kind of ready to get out of the job. It was a lot. I have a young family, and it just wasn’t really dealing with things in the best way possible, and it’s isolating if you are having mental health issues,” he said.

But his mindset changed when he started working at this fire station.

Drew is the facility therapy dog that joined the force two years ago, from Dogs Inc in Palmetto.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, second to your kids. But dogs always know what’s going on, especially when you are trained. He can pick up on little things and make your day. You don’t have a choice but to be happy,” he said.

Having a therapy dog present can lower stress and anxiety symptoms, according to the National Library of Medicine.

“A lot of us compartmentalize everything. You might not want to explain or add a burden to your family, so with a dog, you don’t have to explain. They are full of joy and compassion for you,” Garrity said.

He says Drew helps the crew overcome mental struggles after responding to a difficult call.

“He has a job to do. He will brighten the mood on any day.”

But more importantly, it’s given the team a chance to be stronger together.

“It’s my second family. I count on them, they count on me,” he said.

The leader of the family is Fire Chief Joseph Sicking. He wanted a therapy dog to alleviate stress, and he says he’s noticed a big change.

“Having the dog present takes your mind off of what you just dealt with or seen. It loosens up the room. It lets you feel the setting is more informal and more of a discussion to get this stuff off our chest,” he said.

Garrity says it’s refreshing working somewhere that makes mental health a priority, something he hasn’t always experienced.

“Coming here, it was right off the bat with conversations with the chiefs,” he said.

One step at a time, moving forward with the help of a trusting friend.

Chief Sicking hopes more fire stations incorporate therapy dogs to help with mental health. He says, on average, the North River Fire District goes to more than 700 calls a month, and 64% of those are EMS related.

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Julia Hazel

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May 10, 2024
Lealman’s Raymond H. Neri Community Park to get $10M in upgrades
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LEALMAN, Fla. — The Pinellas County Commission recently approved a plan to spend more than $10 million to improve Raymond H. Neri Community Park in Lealman over the next two years.
What You Need To Know

Pinellas County commissioners recently approved a $10.2 million project to improve Raymond H. Neri Community Park in Lealman

The project includes sports fields, a dog park, trail improvements, restrooms, picnic shelters and playgrounds

Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice said Lealman has been historically underserved when it comes to traditional government services

The groundbreaking has been scheduled for May 21 and the project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2026
Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice said the project would be an important improvement for the historically underserved community of Lealman.

“This shows a continued focus on improving the quality of life in Lealman,” Justice said. “We’re spending millions of dollars on infrastructure.”

On April 9, commissioners approved the $10.2 million project, which includes sports fields, a dog park, trail improvements, restrooms, picnic shelters and playgrounds for Neri Park.

Justice said the Lealman Community, located in unincorporated Pinellas County, has been lacking when it comes to traditional government services and amenities like a first-class community park.

“This is an area of high poverty,” he said. “So, a lot of things happening, a lot of focus and things are just getting better every day in Lealman.”

Resident Laura Simkanich, 69, who lives a few blocks west of Neri Park, was born and raised in Lealman. She said community leaders have been pushing for park upgrades for years.

“It’s something that’s been wanted for a long time,” she said. “A lot of people have fought for it and whatever money we get will be used wisely.”

In 2005, the County purchased 38 acres of land and established the park. In 2018, it was officially named after Raymond Neri, a community activist who unofficially called the “Mayor of Lealman” and championed the need for green space.

Justice asked for the park to be renamed after Neri, who passed away in 2017.

“He’s the one who kind of discovered the space, came to the county, got first access to it,” said Justice. “We thought it’s appropriate that we honor his memory by naming it after him.”

Neri’s widow, Laura, said her late husband would be thrilled to see the county and residents continuing on with his dream. Simkanich said her parents worked with Neri, and she gets emotional when talking about his legacy.

“I know he’s looking down,” she said. “It took a little time, but it’s ours.”

Most of the funding for the Lealman park upgrades comes from the federal American Rescue Plant Act with a smaller portion coming from the Penny for Pinellas sales tax and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“It’s just an overall positive improvement to the area — something this area needs,” said Simkanich. “I’ve lived here all my life and we’ve never had anything like this, and I welcome the change.”

The project’s groundbreaking has been scheduled for May 21. It is expected to be complete by the summer of 2026.

“Really looking forward to when families can have a picnic,” said Justice. “Really make some of those treasured family memories that I remember growing up and going to parks at.”
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Josh Rojas

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May 4, 2024
CWRU students continue campus encampment
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CLEVELAND — As protests to the war in Gaza continue on college campuses across the country, some are getting more heated than others.
What You Need To Know

The encampment at Case Western Reserve University has been up for two days

Students said they have been communicating with the university to make sure things run smoothly

Organizers said they will keep their encampment up until the university meets their demands
Last week dozens of people were arrested at The Ohio State University, charged with criminal trespassing.

But in Cleveland, the two days of protests at Case Western Reserve University have remained relatively quiet.

Case Western Reserve University students said that they have been communicating with the university to make sure things run smoothly.

On Monday protesters were told they could only be at their encampment from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and that they could not have tents. However, after communicating with university officials, the protesters were able to camp out overnight by proving that they were students there.

“So what they did is they had all students have our IDs on us. They identified us with yellow wristbands so if you showed your ID to one of our administrators they would give you a wristband and that kind of allowed you access in and out of the encampment at night,” said Sabrina Wicker, a third-year student at Case Western Reserve University.

“We had 40 plus students stay the night during finals week in physical solidarity with the cause of a free Palestine,” said Jad Kamhawi Oglesby, a senior at Case Western Reserve University.

Wicker said it is hard to say right now if the university will meet their needs. But she said their biggest goal is to support Palestinians.

“We do want to show solidarity with other students across the nation because we have seen police brutality. We’ve seen violent arrests. We’ve seen evictions, extremely draconian policies being set in place by universities,” Wicker said.

Wicker said they plan to stay at the encampment as long as they can physically until the semester ends next week.

“Our biggest goal here it to make sure we are camped in one location,” Wicker said.

Kamhwai Oglesby said they will continue to show their support for as long as it takes for the university to meet their demands. However, he said he realizes it may take a while.

“I would like to see strides be made from the university to show that this is an effort that is being made. Some of the things that could be addressed right now: a cease-fire resolution from the university, as well as an apology from the president,” said Oglesby for calling the student demands “antisemitic, naïve and hateful.”

The university officials said they have not engaged with the students about these issues.
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Cassidy Wilson

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May 1, 2024
Celebrate Mexican cuisine at the 3rd Annual Tacos Fest in Manatee County
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BRADENTON, Fla. — It’s a dish so beloved it’s got its own day of the week — we’re talking tacos!
What You Need To Know

3rd Annual Manatee Taco Fest on Saturday, May 4, from noon to 7 p.m.

The event is at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto

Los 3 Carnales food truck is a return vendor
Now, people are coming together to celebrate tacos not just on Tuesdays, but on a Saturday too!

The 3rd Annual Manatee Taco Fest is happening on Saturday, May 4, from noon until 7 p.m.

Edith Gopar of Los 3 Carnales food truck is a returning vendor.

Gopar opened her food truck in Bradenton right before last year’s taco fest.

It was a success — so she’s bringing a second truck with fruit offerings.

Gopar said she loves to cook her family’s food in the United States and came from Mexico almost 30 years ago.

“People like Mexican food. And like tacos and everything you know? So that’s why I like it,” she said.

The festival started as a way to bring vendors and patrons together during the pandemic.

Now, it’s become an annual event, with more than 4,000 patrons in attendance, organizer Millie Abreu said.

“I love the fact that I am helping the vendors and the community, right?” she asked, saying the festival is an opportunity to grow community.

Gopar is ready to squeeze the most out of the festival, with a full menu of Mexican food favorites.

“Tacos, sopes, gordida, quesadillas,” Gopar said as she squeezed lemons for fresh lemonade.

Gopar said she’s grateful the people of Manatee County enjoy the dishes of her homeland and she can share this part of her culture.
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Virginia Johnson

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May 1, 2024
City of Winter Haven may soon buy historic Ritz Theatre
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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — While there is not currently an official plan in place, the city of Winter Haven may soon be in the market to purchase a historic downtown theater.
What You Need To Know

The city of Winter Haven is potentially buying the Historic Ritz Theatre in downtown

According to the president of the theater’s board, the theater is struggling to keep up with financial upkeep of the facility

As of right now, the deal is still not complete, with Winter Haven’s city manager saying they’re still working on a sale and purchasing agreement

If all goes according to plan, there could be a potential deal on the city buying the theater in the summer
The Historic Ritz Theatre of Winter Haven has been a part of the town for nearly a century, but the president of its board said they can’t keep up with the cost to keep it open.

Even though there was a 21st Century remodel, the history can still be seen inside the Ritz Theatre.

Winter Haven city manager T. Michael Stavres said he remembers going to the theater when he was a kid.

“We would come on the weekends, particularly on Saturdays, as children and see movies, the 50-cent movies of the ‘Apple Dumpling Gang’ and those types of things here in the space,” he said.

There’s a lot of sentimental value to the Ritz, which is why the president of its board, Tom Westberry, said a change needs to happen.

“Everybody who comes in here has such a nostalgic feeling,” he said.

Westberry took over as the president of the theater’s board in January and concluded that, despite having a church in the theater, along with other meetings and events, the Ritz was in dire financial shape.

“We’re less than $50,000 in the bank right now,” Westberry said. “Our operating costs are, you know, quite expensive just to keep the electricity on and all those things.”

According to Westberry, the theater also has close to $500,000 left on its mortgage.

Even with these obstacles, closing the Ritz was the last thing Westberry, or the board, wanted to do.

“This is something that’s integral to downtown,” Westberry said. “We want to see it, alive.”

As a result, the board went to the Winter Haven City Commission and asked the city to buy the property.

According to Westberry and Stavres, the deal isn’t officially done, but all signs are pointing to a potential sale during the summer.

“If we can have a role in helping sustain and reinvest into this property and keep it, you know, healthy and productive, that’s certainly much more significant benefit to the downtown,” Stavres said.

Stavres has lived in Winter Haven since he was 8 years old, and said he knows what this building means for the core of his community.

“We don’t want to see this to go away,” he said. “We want to see this flourish and be a productive asset for downtown.”

That is why Stavres says the city is working on a purchase and sale agreement that will eventually go before the City Commission.

While there’s no specific timeline yet on when the building could switch hands, both Stavres and Westberry said they believe the future is bright for a stage steeped in history, meaning the lights won’t go out anytime soon.

According to Westberry, the Ritz is having a fundraiser Saturday for the theater where much of the proceeds will go to the building’s expenses until the city decides whether to purchase the property.
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Nick Popham

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April 17, 2024
Young marine honors fallen World War II hero
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SOUTHGATE, Ky. — For decades, a World War II veteran from Kentucky wasn’t receiving the proper recognition for his heroic efforts. A high school student in northern Kentucky thought it was well past time that changed.
What You Need To Know

Abby Smith knew from a young age she wanted to one day join the military and got a head start joining the Northern Kentucky Young Marines in 2019

The group Charging Forward for America recently made Smith aware of Private First Class Edward H. Ahrens from Dayton, a marine who died in World War II at just 22 years old

Thanks to a generous donation from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3186 and other donors, she could put together a plaque and headstone, culminating in a ceremony attended by family members of Ahrens from out of state

Through the process of researching Ahrens, Smith said she gained an even greater appreciation for America’s servicemen and women
“It makes you have a deeper appreciation for your country and what it stands for,” said Beechwood High School sophomore Abby Smith. “And I think all of America’s youth should know that because we were founded on such great principles that are still upheld today.”

Smith said she knew from a young age she wanted to one day join the military. She got a head start joining the Northern Kentucky Young Marines in 2019.

“Me joining at 11, I couldn’t talk to you,” Smith said. “I couldn’t talk to anybody, barely even my friends. Now, I can talk to other people. I can lead other kids.”

“It’s really just changed my entire worldview of what I can do and made me so much better. It really helped me develop my discipline, teamwork, almost all of the skills you use in your life.”

Her training with Young Marines has also included military and American history and veteran appreciation. Recently, the group Charging Forward for America made Smith aware of Private First Class Edward H. Ahrens from Dayton, a marine who died in World War II at just 22 years old.

“He protected his company from a Japanese nocturnal attack, and he single-handedly defended them,” Smith said. “It’s really truly inspiring what he was able to do at such a young age. You always hear stories of amazing war heroes; they have books, they have so much about them. But he has gone unrecognized for so long.”

“He did have a grave, but all that it said on it was that he served, he was in the marines, and it didn’t really say that he earned the navy cross or that he protected his entire company. And I just didn’t think that should go unrecognized for all that he’s done.”

Smith started fundraising. Thanks to a generous donation from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3186 and other donors, she could put together a plaque and headstone, culminating in a ceremony attended by family members of Ahrens from out of state.

“It’s just inspiring to see all of your hard work finally pay off,” she said.

Her unit commander, Lynne Arnold, said it was no surprise to see Smith take charge on such an important task.

“Every once in a while, someone like Abby comes along; hard-charging, in it for the right reasons,” Arnold said. “She loves the program; she loves the opportunities given to her.”

“When people trash or insult kids or teenagers today, I always just say, ‘Come see my kids; just come see my kids.’ They will give you hope for the future.”

Through the process of researching Ahrens, Smith said she gained an even greater appreciation for America’s servicemen and women.

“I feel closer,” she said.

Smith added she plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after high school. She’s still deciding whether she wants to go into the Navy or the Marines.
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Sam Knef

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April 5, 2024
A real octopuses garden in Kentucky
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NEWPORT, Ky. — It was 25 years ago when the Newport Aquarium opened. Since May 1999, it has entertained thousands. To celebrate its silver anniversary, the aquarium is opening a new exhibit.
What You Need To Know

Newport Aquarium opens a new exhibit, Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus

Visitors can begin seeing some new creatures and the ever-popular giant Pacific octopus beginning Friday, March 22

The aquarium is celebrating its 25th anniversary

It first opened in May 1999
“Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus” features seven different displays focusing on the eight-legged mollusc. Visitors can begin learning all about them beginning Friday, March 22.

The aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus has new habitat in the Octopus Den and according to the aquarium, visitors will enter the cave and find a floor-to-ceiling display. The den will house a rotating collection of octopuses and fish. The aquarium says this will give visitors a new experience every time they come to the facility.

The Newport Aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus has new habitat in the Octopus Den and according to the aquarium, visitors will enter the cave and find a floor-to-ceiling display. (Newport Aquarium)

For the first time, aquarium-goers will get to meet the new wunderpus. This unusually striped creature mimics the appearance and behaviors of venomous animals, like sea snakes and lionfish. The aquarium says they do this to scare off predators.

Another new display showcases a cluster of hydrothermal vents and the animals that live on them. These structures form when molten lava and near-freezing seawater collide in the deep sea. The vents can reach up to 18 stories tall.

Another strange sight visitors will get to check out are the “ghostly-pale” giant isopods, a type of crustacean, which live in the deep sea and have adjusted to living in darkness.

The Newport Aquarium also has what it calls “some of the strangest residents of Puget Sound,” which is in Washington state. The aquarium has a painted greenling, penpoint gunnel and the new peacock mantis shrimp, so-called because of its iridescent body that looks like a peacock’s feather.

Rebecca Foster, executive director for Newport Aquarium, said, “It’s our hope that by being able to connect with these animals in such a special, memorable environment that they’ll want to join us in protecting them and their habitats in the wild.”
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Deborah Harbsmeier

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March 20, 2024
‘Laugh riot’: ‘Clue’ murder mystery comedy comes to the Midwest
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MIDWEST — Was it Mrs. Peacock with the dagger in the conservatory? Was it Mr. Green with the rope in the lounge? Was it Professor Plum in the ballroom with a candlestick?

John Treacy Egan is more than familiar with those questions. He grew up playing the iconic board game Clue. So when he found out a childhood favorite was being turned into a comedy murder mystery play, he wanted to be a part of it.
What You Need To Know

John Treacy Egan plays Colonel Mustard in the national tour of “Clue”

He’s reprising the role after playing it in two regional productions under the same director

He said the whodunit play is a “laugh riot” and unlike the movie’s premiere, every audience will see the same ending

“Clue” runs in Louisville, Ky., at The Kentucky Center from March 5 to 10. It then heads to Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center from March 12 to 17. It stays in Wisconsin for an Appleton run at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center from March 19 to 24. Later this spring, “Clue” heads to Ohio, with stops at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio from April 9 to 14, Playhouse Square’s E. J. Thomas Hall in Akron, Ohio and the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio from May 14 to 19
Plus, he said, the show’s director, Casey Hushion, had a wonderful reputation in the industry. Hushion has worked on projects such as “Aladdin,” “The Prom,” “Mean Girls” and “In the Heights.”

Egan landed the role of Colonel Mustard in 2020 when the show premiered at the Cleveland Play House in Ohio. He reprised the role in a second production of “Clue” in New Jersey at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2022.

“That’s where this production was designed and built from,” Egan said. “Some of the actors who I’ve worked with before have been in this [company before] and some of them are new. So building it, when we were building it in Cleveland, was interesting. We were given this script and the script was in transition when we were working on it. So lines came and lines left as our writer and director decided where the play should be going.”

Egan said he based Colonel Mustard off an actor he knows, describing him as “very broad and big,” and, above all, “committed.”

He has the military-esq costume to match Mustard’s personality. And while his attire has yellow tones, he’s certainly not wearing anything that would rival a traffic light.

He explained that each character’s costume has a touch of their color, they’re not dawning bright primary colors. However, they reflect the colors and characters so they’re easily recognizable and comparable to the board game.

The Company of the North American tour of CLUE (MurphyMade/Evan Zimmerman)

The actors on stage aren’t the only ones in costume. Egan said a lot of audience members will come dressed up as their favorite “Clue” character. While it’s not required, he said it makes the show a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“It has a ‘Rocky Horror’ vibe to it a little bit. People know it so well and they want to come and be a part of it. Now of course there’s no calling out or anything like that like you would in ‘Rocky Horror.’ But the fans are there and when audiences come, it’s kind of fun to see people in the audience dressed like the characters on stage,” Egan said.

Egan said that those fans of “Clue” should expect to see something similar to the movie they know and love, but it’s not exactly the same.

“The best thing is it really does speak to the ‘Clue’ fans. So if you’re a fan of the game, you grew up playing the game or if you’re a fan of the movie, it’s very close to the movie in a lot of the performance aspects of lines, famous lines, and things like that. It is just a laugh riot,” Egan said. “It is 85-90 minutes of just funny and crazy and spinning out of control as more victims keep falling through the Boddy Manor throughout the performance. It’s a lot of laughs … You don’t have to know ‘Clue’ to come in but you have a really good time.”

One difference for those who saw the movie when it hit theaters in 1985: Every audience will see the same production, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on alternate endings.

“Without giving anything away, I think everybody is satisfied with the ending because they get a lot of what they know and they get a lot of surprises,” Egan said.

In fact, the ending is Egan’s favorite part of the entire production.

“I like the very very end of the show. There’s a confrontation at the end and I think that’s one of my favorite things about the show. I’m an observer at that moment, but it’s very funny,” he said.

The Company of the North American tour of CLUE (MurphyMade/Evan Zimmerman)

“Clue” runs in Louisville, Ky., at The Kentucky Center from March 5 to 10. It then heads to Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center from March 12 to 17. It stays in Wisconsin for an Appleton run at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center from March 19 to 24. Later this spring, “Clue” heads to Ohio, with stops at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio from April 9 to 14, Playhouse Square’s E. J. Thomas Hall in Akron, Ohio and the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio from May 14 to 19.
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Aly Prouty

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March 6, 2024
Historic Inverness train station converted into restaurant
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INVERNESS, Fla. — An old train station in downtown Inverness is using its historic structure to create a brand-new business inside.
What You Need To Know

The Train Station in Inverness is using a historic train depot to create a new restaurant, bar and duckpin bowling alley

It was part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, but Jenkins says the building had been vacant for three years before they renovated the structure

The original building was constructed in the 1800s
What was once a place for passengers to wait for a train in the 1800s is now a bar, restaurant and bowling alley.

Even on a slow day, there’s not a lot of downtime for Caroline Jenkins, the co-owner of a new restaurant called the Train Station.

Jenkins grew up in Wales but moved to Citrus County in 1990 after her parents bought a historic hotel.

“I’ve been here 33 years, so now I’m almost a native,” Jenkins said.

For years, she’s had a passion for hospitality. She’s also worked in physical therapy — but there’s always been this desire to do something special.

A few years ago, she and her friend, Vickie Humphrey, decided they were going to do something unexpected with a piece of Inverness history.

“It was just so unique, and it sat empty, and we just felt like somebody had to do something with the building,” Jenkins said.

They began leasing out this old train station that was built in the 1800s and converted the inside into a café, a bar and a duckpin bowling alley.

“We loved everything about it, and we just knew we wanted to do something in here,” Jenkins said.

It’s a special place for Jenkins’ family because her husband’s grandfather was a station master here, way before it became a place for games and food.

“He worked in this building for 40 years,” Jenkins said.

And now, she’s working here.

The business, aptly named the Train Station, opened its doors to the public Labor Day weekend of 2022 and just passed their one-year anniversary with resounding affection from the town.

“We really couldn’t have asked for a better first year,” Jenkins said.

Their only issues were supply chain challenges when they started renovating the train station.

It took them almost a year to get the main money maker — their pizza oven.

“This was the first thing we ordered, and we ordered it in January, and it came in November,” Humphrey said.

Now that it’s here, the folks around town visit often, whether for a pizza or a simple cup of coffee.

In just a year’s time, Jenkins and Humphrey have pulled into the Train Station and have used this piece of history to create something special on the inside.

The original train station was built in Inverness in 1892.

It was part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, but Jenkins says the building had been vacant for three years before they renovated the structure.
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Nick Popham

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September 26, 2023