ReportWire

Tag: APP Latest Local & State Politics Stories

  • Attorney asks Stetson Law School to denounce Pam Bondi

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is under fire about the way she handled the Epstein file release. And the people speaking out are some of her fellow attorneys and judges who are alumni of Stetson Law School.

    What You Need To Know

    • Attorney General Pam Bondi faces criticism for her handling of the Epstein file release

    • Stetson Law alumni, including judges and attorneys, call for the school to denounce Bondi

    • A letter initiated by attorney Johnny Bardine has gathered hundreds of signatures

    In a letter written to Stetson Law School officials, Bondi’s ethics were called into question and it asks the school to publicly denounce her.

    Like Bondi, attorney Johnny Bardine is a graduate of Stetson Law. He’s also the author of the letter that’s garnered about four hundred signatures and counting.

    “I was surprised by how many there were in a short amount of time,” he said. “We count among our numbers three retired members of the judiciary and a former county commissioner and hundreds more attorneys that span political differences.”

    He read part of the letter that was sent out on Feb. 23, 2026:

    “We write to you with grave concern about the conduct of one of our most prominent graduates, Pam Bondi,” he read.

    In the letter, attorney Bardine asks the law school to issue a public statement reaffirming the college of law’s commitment to ethical practice, transparency and the rule of law. It also requests the school to express formal disapproval of Bondi’s actions and to support efforts to hold positions of legal authority to the highest ethical standards.

    Bardine said there were several tense moments during a congressional hearing where Bondi testified.

    “You don’t tell me anything you washed up loser lawyer. You’re not even a lawyer,” Bondi said while being questioned in that hearing. “I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through. Especially as a result of that monster.”

    Bardine says Bondi’s words didn’t appear to match her actions. There were several tense moments during the hearing, but there was a moment Bardine said he knew he had to say and do something.

    “In particular, in that testimony there was the moment in which she wouldn’t turn around and acknowledge the Epstein survivors and the sort of glib look on her face really struck a chord which is sort of immediately empathetical to the Florida oath of attorney which requires we handle ourselves with ethics and candor,” Bardine said.

    President Trump came to Bondi’s defense the day after the hearing in a Truth Social post saying she was under intense fire and was fantastic at the hearing on the never-ending saga of Jeffrey Epstien.

    Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds told Spectrum Bay News 9’s partners at the Tampa Bay Times Bondi did the best she could with millions of pages of documents. He said the messaging kind of got a little off, but the files are out there.

    As an attorney and a Stetson Law graduate, Bardine says more is expected from anyone who took the oath.

    “At a minimum, attorneys are trusted to follow the law, and not one attorney is above the law. And prior to her testimony she had fallen short of the law. She’d been dilatory releasing these files and when she did, they were sloppily redacted,” Bardine said.

    At a 2013 Stetson Law School graduation, Bondi delivered a speech to graduates with a message about ethics and the law.

    “The value of Stetson is so much more than the degree you’re about to receive. My studies at Stetson taught me to understand, respect and love the law and speak up for what’s right,” Bondi said in that speech.

    The message she gave to students about doing the right thing is what Bardine said his letter is calling on Stetson administrators to do.

    “In a perfect world, I think the dean makes a statement that says this is not who we are. This is not who we stand for. Stetson has a long legacy of prizing ethical conduct and professional responsibility,” Bardine said.

    Spectrum News reached out to Stetson Law School about the letter that’s asking them to denounce Bondi, and they said they have no comment. Spectrum News is also still waiting to hear back from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. As for Bardine, he says he plans to continue collecting signatures and press officials at Stetson.

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • Crowded Republican field lines up to take on Democrat Don Davis

    [ad_1]

    It’s a small group at the Nashville Exchange in Nash County on a Monday night, a little more than two weeks before the North Carolina primary election. But each person here is a dedicated Republican and an almost certain voter.

    What You Need To Know

    • Five Republicans are running in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District primary

    • The district was recently redrawn to benefit the Republican Party

    • The winner of the Republican primary will challenge Democratic Rep. Don Davis


    They are hearing from two of the Republicans running in the state’s 1st Congressional District. It’s a race with national attention because the party thinks it can flip the seat red for the first time in more than 140 years.

    Issues in this district include farming, where tobacco is very prevalent, health care, there’s been a number of hospital closures, and poverty. While there’s been a decline in the poverty rate, eastern North Carolina has some of the highest rates in the state.

    There’s a flood of Republicans running in the primary, which is March 3. The number of candidates makes it hard to predict who could win.

    President Donald Trump, an influential voice in Republican primaries, has not endorsed a candidate.

    “He’s really proven over and over to be a kingmaker in Republican politics,” said East Carolina University political science professor Peter Francia. “If he had decided to endorse one of the candidates, then I think we would be able to say with a lot of confidence that that candidate had a really good chance of winning.”

    Related: A closer look at N.C.’s only toss-up congressional House race

    Of the five Republicans running, the candidate who’s probably received the most attention is Laurie Buckhout.

    Democratic Rep. Don Davis is seeking reelection in the 1st Congressional District. (AP File Photo/David Yeazell)

    She ran for the seat in 2024, losing to Democratic Rep. Don Davis by two points. Despite the loss she has name recognition. She’s a retired Army colonel who recently served as acting assistant secretary of war for cyber policy in the Trump administration.

    Asa Buck is the longtime sheriff of Carteret County and is well-known in parts of the district.

    State Sen. Bobby Hanig represents some of this U.S. House district in the General Assembly and runs a pool cleaning and maintenance business in Currituck.

    Eric Rouse is a construction business owner who lives in Kinston and is a Lenoir County commissioner.

    And Ashley-Nicole Russell is a family law attorney with offices throughout the state.

    “The high number of candidates means there’s always the potential that a candidate doesn’t reach 30%, and in that case we have a runoff,” Francia told Spectrum News 1. “But my suspicion is that there will be a candidate who exceeds 30%.”

    Spectrum News 1 spoke with a number of voters at a poll site in Nash County.

    “I’ve met Laurie a couple of different times and I feel like her service to our country and I know that she has worked for Trump and I believe she is dedicated and loyal,” said JoAnn Everette, who said she voted for Buckhout.

    “Reducing it down to the top two would have been Laurie Buckhout and Asa Buck. I consider both of them to be near equals in different categories,” said Jerry Barnes. “The deciding factor for me was based on who stood the best chance in beating Don Davis and I felt that was Asa Buck.”

    The winner of the Republican primary will take on Davis, who’s vying for his third term.

    Davis is arguably one of the most moderate Democrats in the U.S. House and has a record of winning in the district.

    This November could be Davis’ toughest election because Republicans in the state legislature recently redrew the district boundaries to heavily favor their party’s candidate. It was part of the rare move of mid-decade redistricting that a number of states have taken in the country, started by Texas at Trump’s urging.

    “In this new map I think any political expert would tell you that the Republicans have a very good chance of winning the district this time around,” Francia said about the new 1st Congressional District.

    The district is wide, stretching from the Virginia border to the Democratic area of Rocky Mount and now the Republican stronghold of the Outer Banks.

    “In the 40 years that we’ve lived here we’ve been redistricted a lot of times, so it’s just a matter of OK, what’s coming up next,” said Republican voter Cynthia Carpenter.

    With so many candidates in the Republican primary, this race could be close as the GOP smells a chance to flip a blue seat to try to keep control of the U.S. House in November.

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

    [ad_2]

    Reuben Jones

    Source link

  • N.C. toy store owner says impact of Supreme Court tariff decision is unclear

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal.

    A toy store owner in Charlotte says after the past year’s tariffs, “you kind of become numb to it.”

    “You have to run your business,” Dan Weiss, owner of Harper and Skyler’s Toys and Sweets, said. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal

    • It’s unclear what the ruling means for local businesses that had to deal with the tariffs 

    • The owner of Harper and Skyler’s Toys and Sweets in Charlotte sells a variety of items other than toys in order to keep his business afloat 

    • Regardless of the ruling, owner Dan Weiss says he’s keeping a level head about the future 


    Weiss says it’s unclear what this ruling could mean for his business or the industry in general. Over the last year, he absorbed most of the extra costs due to tariffs.

    “Some prices I kept the same. I again, 20% of the stuff in the store might have went up in price, but for the most part, we ate a lot of it. We kept our pricing the same and we tried to not burden the customer,” he said.

    The justices ruled that the president does not have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but other Trump duties, including on goods such as aluminum and lumber through the Trade Expansion Act, were not part of the case considered by the Supreme Court and still remain.

    Trump responded to the Supreme Court ruling in a press conference Friday afternoon, saying, “Their decision’s incorrect, but it doesn’t matter because we have very powerful alternatives that have been approved by this decision. You know they’ve been approved by the decision, for those that thought they had us.”

    Weiss has dealt with surcharges from companies and discontinuation of some items because of tariffs, but in the short term, he said, “You’re not going to get money back. I’m not going to see money back.”

    “And if it happens, it’s going to be years down the road,” Weiss said. “Today and tomorrow mean nothing.”

    That’s why he’s focused on the day to day of his business.

    “I have to run my business the way I run it. I have to order the way I order. I have to get products. The way I get products, whether they’re 10% more, 20% more, or I’m getting a check back next week, it doesn’t affect what I do day to day,” he said. 

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

    [ad_2]

    Melody Greene

    Source link

  • Cape Canaveral prepares to improve their infrastructure as launch rates increase

    [ad_1]

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — One city is bracing for the effects of more and more rocket launches from our Space Coast.

    With 2025 a record-setting year, and 2026 looks like more of the same, but to ensure they can withstand all of that action, cities on the Space Coast are looking at ways to improve their infrastructure.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Cape Canaveral is bracing itself for a continued influx in rocket launches on the Space Coast
    • Cape Canaveral’s City Council meeting Tuesday will discuss a plan for the city to be able to pay for infrastructure improvements to prepare for the impacts of bigger rockets

    • The Federal Aviation Administration considered several impacts when approving these launches, including possible sound interference and airspace closures

    • Cape Canaveral’s City Council meeting will be held at their City Hall at 6 p.m., Tuesday


    You could call the situation an issue of supply and demand.

    Just 10 years ago, experts say Florida’s Space Coast would be lucky to have a dozen launches in a year, but the last two years, Floridians have seen more than 200.

    And as the supply of missions increases, demand for resiliency goes up too.

    Because of that, cities like Cape Canaveral are looking at ways to improve their roads, bridges, and water and sewage systems to adjust for the uptick in launches, which in turn means more tourists.

    During their City Commission meeting Tuesday evening, Cape Canaveral city officials will discuss the potential of writing a grant proposal for state or federal funding.

    That money would be used for infrastructure resiliency because of the impacts that larger rockets like NASA’s Artemis moon rocket, called Space Launch System, and SpaceX’s Starship could have on the area.

    Space expert Ken Kremer tells Spectrum News 13 that action is needed to manage water, sewage and pollution control, and to update local roads and bridges. Especially if the number of launches continues to rise.

    “There will be monumental traffic jams on a continuous basis. Now, it’s occasional, especially when we have the big launches and when there’s cruise ships there,” Kremer explained. “So, it’s the cruise ships and the rockets that are causing a need for infrastructure improvements.”

    Kremer also says that more launches will bring in more money, space companies and tourists to the area.

    But that will all mean nothing if the surrounding areas cannot support it.

    And for Cape Canaveral, Kremer says that also means the port.

    So, he would like to also see the port and space companies step up to the table to give a helping hand when it comes to infrastructure as well.

    The Federal Aviation Administration looked at possible sound interference, like noise driven by landings and sonic booms.

    Studies from the FAA also show that noises in places like Cape Canaveral could reach 110 decibels, which is the equivalent of being at a rock concert or being 3 feet away from a chainsaw.

    Potential airspace closures were also a part of the considerations, as launches could potentially lead to delays or re-routing of international flights.

    Cape Canaveral’s City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at  City Hall.

    [ad_2]

    Brandon Spencer

    Source link

  • Property tax relief measures in Florida could help buyers and sellers, if passed

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are considering several proposals that, if voters approve, would potentially reduce property taxes for homeowners across the state. While it’s not clear which proposal lawmakers might choose, any reduction in property taxes could have an effect on the housing market.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida lawmakers are reviewing proposals to reduce property taxes

    • An Orlando Realtor says lower property taxes could help buyers afford more expensive homes

    • Proposed measures will be decided by voters in November


    Sayerlen Cardier says her days of renting are hopefully coming to an end. The neurosurgery nurse practitioner says she’s ready to own her own home.

    “A place where my family can meet and I know it’s my place,” said Cardier.

    But what kind of home depends on what she can afford. If she doesn’t have to pay as much on property taxes, she might be able to spend more on a home.

    “Would give you more money in your pocket to distribute, even buying a better place, or a better location, or even paying more on your principal so you can get rid of your debt a little sooner,” said Cardier.

    Cardier’s real-estate agent, Rosa Hughes, says less money spent on property taxes means buyers have more money to potentially spend on a higher-priced home, or renovations.

    “The money they’re not paying in property taxes they can use for improvements, funds they can save for the future, a lot of things,” said Hughes.

    Luckily for Cardier, in the last year, it’s already become more of a buyer’s market. 

    Data collected by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association shows home prices in Central Florida have cooled off in the last year. After median prices continued to rise over the course of 2024, prices were mostly flat year-over-year in December 2025, with the median price of a home being just above $380,000.

    Hughes says if property taxes are lowered, buyers may be able to spend more on a home, which could lead to a resurgence in home values.

    “If we reduce property taxes, the buyer has more of a chance to go up in the price, that means the value of the property will go up,” said Hughes.

    That could be good for sellers whose homes appraise at a higher value.

    About to jump back into homeownership, Cardier says she’s encouraged by the possibilities Florida lawmakers are considering.

    “Would be great that somebody sees some sort of relief,” said Cardier. “And if it’s for everybody, that would be wonderful.”

    If any of the property tax measures are passed by the state legislature, they will be put on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Allen

    Source link

  • Florida bills aim to stop capture of vulnerable aquatic animals for exhibits

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Endangered species could get some new protections in Florida.

    Bills have been filed in the Florida House and Senate that would block people from taking any endangered, threatened or vulnerable aquatic animal species from state waters for display or education.

    What You Need To Know

    • The MANTA Protection Act would ban people from capturing endangered and threatened aquatic animals for exhibits or education

    • One of the bill’s sponsors said the bill will close a legal loophole where this has been allowed

    • If the bill is passed and signed into law, it would take effect July 1, 2026


    Last summer, video taken by the dolphin tour company, Water Planet, showed people capturing a giant manta ray off of Panama City. The species is listed as federally threatened.

    “This female giant manta ray will live the rest of her life in a tank at SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi and doesn’t get to experience the gift of being a wild animal,” said Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg.

    Cross is sponsoring the MANTA Protection Act, which has bipartisan support.

    “Many of these species are on the brink of extinction, so we need to be doing more for their restoration and their rehabilitation to ensure that these animals thrive,” Cross said.

    The bill sponsor said this legislation will close a legal loophole where people can get a special activity license for education or exhibition from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that allows them to take protected animals.

    “Even though these animals are listed either on the federal or the state (as) threatened species, endangered or threatened animals, they’re legally allowed to do this, if they get the special license,” she said.

    But there are aquariums- that Cross said are responsible, like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. That’s because their animals are rescued from injuries and illness.

    “So that’s a responsible way, that’s really based on what’s in the long-term health and survival of those animals,” Cross said.

    If the bill is passed and signed by the governor, it would take effect on July 1, 2026.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • Lakeland’s new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley settles into first week

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Just over a week into her term, Lakeland’s new mayor is hitting the ground running.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sara Roberts McCarley is Lakeland’s first woman elected mayor, marking a historic milestone for the city

    • In her first week, she has focused on settling into office, assigning commissioners, and understanding city operations

    • McCarley is emphasizing infrastructure—both in the city at large and within City Hall


    Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley made history as the first woman elected to the position, after serving on the City Commission for about seven years. She won the mayoral election with over 50% of the votes, beating out Cedric Valrie at 19%, Kay Klymko with 17%, and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer at 13%. She raised over $91,000 during her political campaign.

    From settling into her new office to assigning commissioners to their new committees, McCarley says the first few days in office have been dedicated to getting ahead of the curve.

    “Not so much relying on an agenda study to get up to speed on what’s happening in the city, but really being here, being present as often as possible, as daily as possible,” she said.

    Like any new role, McCarley says the highest seat in city government is an adjustment. She believes the city was on the right path under former Mayor Bill Mutz, but she says she’s also looking for areas where improvements can be made. One of the first items on her agenda is infrastructure—both across Lakeland and inside City Hall.

    “When I say infrastructure within City Hall, it is those frameworks of how we tackle issues, but also how we cheerlead,” she said. “How do we talk about our city and the amazing things that happen? How do we provide good services? And if someone calls and has an issue, how do we get to the bottom of the issue and really unearth the best way to help them?”

    In order to lead the city effectively, McCarley says much of that work happens behind the scenes—something she says women often do well.

    “We do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to make things happen that people might not recognize,” McCarley said. “So we have to have discussions about the nuts and bolts of running a city and then (about) what does it takes. And I think that’s something that I’m very interested in, in doing that behind-the-scenes work to make sure it is taken care of.”

    Ultimately, her focus is on nurturing the city from the inside out.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • ‘Very disheartening’: Students react to early voting site cuts on campuses

    [ad_1]

    GREENSBORO, N.C. — College students are reacting after the State Board of Elections decided against early voting locations at multiple campuses.

    What You Need To Know

    • The State Board of Elections voted not to have N.C. A&T, UNC-Greensboro, Elon and Western Carolina University serve as early voting sites in the upcoming primary election

    • UNC Greensboro and N.C. A&T will still serve as same-day primary election sites

    • Some students said reducing options could make it harder to vote



    Three of them are in the Triad.



    “It’s actually very disheartening,” N.C. A&T senior Nikkira McCall said.


    N.C. A&T, UNC-Greensboro, Elon and Western Carolina University will no longer serve as early voting sites but will remain as primary sites on election day.


    Students on the N.C. A&T campus believe this could make it harder for some to vote. 

    “It was very good to me to not have my car on campus and be able to vote,” junior Alauna Nelson said.



    Students said those are the barriers they are worried about for students eager to vote in the primaries, and the campus isn’t alone. 

    Students from the schools affected expressed those concerns to the State Board of Elections in person at a meeting Tuesday.



    “We’re all young. We’re the next generation. We’re voting for ourselves. So it’s just very inconvenient for everybody,” Nelson said.

    The board ultimately voted not to put early voting sites at those universities.

    Director of the Guilford County Board of Elections Charlie Collicutt said students can still vote at the various campus locations on election day and early vote at any of the other early voting sites in the county.

    “There’s still 10 other early voting sites throughout the county that any Guilford County resident can go to. It includes our building downtown. There’s some other buildings in sites that might be in proximity for those students,” Collicutt said.


    He said for every election, the Board of Elections sets early voting sites for that particular election.



    “We use a lot of sites, some years we consolidate and the board chose 10 locations,” Collicutt said.

    The state board Tuesday confirmed those 10 locations.

    “We have used some in elections in the past and some not. So it’s not so much necessarily a change from a pattern for this type of election, but it is a change from what we did in the 2024 elections,” Collicutt said.



    The board also voted not to approve Sunday early voting plans in six counties — Columbus, Craven, Greene, Wayne, Harnett and Brunswick.

    Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter also reacted to the news of the campus cuts.

    “We went through that during the municipal elections recently, and several of the early voting sites for the primary were not used anymore, ones that had primarily been used in the past. So it was kind of a gut punch that, you know, certain areas of town may not have appropriate access to the early voting sites,” Abuzuaiter said.



    In-person early voting begins Feb. 12 and primary election day will be March 3.

    It’s still unclear whether these cuts in early voting sites will apply during the general election in November.

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

    [ad_2]

    Sasha Strong

    Source link

  • Ohio running mate choices signal campaign focus

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing insight into each campaign’s political strategy and priorities ahead of the 2026 election. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing early insight into their campaign strategies

    • Democrat Amy Acton selected former state senator David Pepper and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy chose Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as their running mates

    • Political experts said lieutenant governor selections rarely determine election outcomes but indicate how candidates intend to govern

    Democrat Amy Acton picked David Pepper, and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy picked Rob McColley, signaling the qualities they value in potential governing partners.

    Political science professor David Niven of the University of Cincinnati said the choice of a lieutenant governor typically has little effect on the outcome of a statewide race.

    “It really doesn’t matter who you put on the ticket as lieutenant governor. People are paying attention to the name on the top of the ticket, and the lieutenant governor is almost like the assistant candidate,” Niven said.

    Niven added that while lieutenant governor selections may not sway many voters, they are carefully chosen to complement the candidate’s message and experience. 

    “The very first rule of lieutenant governor choice is, do no harm, you know, the very first rule. Pick folks who aren’t going to cause scandals and stories that distract from the ticket,” he said.

    Former state senator Lou Gentile said Acton’s selection of Pepper brings statewide connections and experience navigating difficult periods, a combination he said could help Democrats make their case for change.

    “He also brings to the ticket, I think, the ability to raise money, to reach out to voters across Ohio. He’s been traveling across the state, and I think it’s really important when you’re selecting somebody, the two candidates really have to be comfortable with each other,” Gentile said.

    Republican strategist Amy Natoce said Ramaswamy’s selection of McColley strengthens his campaign by combining private-sector and government experience.

    “He’s really bringing in somebody who has extensive experience working with the legislature, passing a state budget, working with the governor’s office. So he really brings in that knowledge of how to navigate government relationships,” Natoce said.

    Gentile said Acton’s decision reflects her focus on leadership and governing experience.

    “You have somebody who has local government experience, particularly in a really difficult time during the 2008 financial crisis. David was in public office in Hamilton County and helped steer them out of that. He’s done a lot as it relates to property tax reform, affordability, public safety as a public official,” Gentile said.

    Natoce said the combination appeals to voters concerned with everyday issues.

    “He’s really appealing to the Republican base and also swing voters who are looking for some new leadership and people who have done the hard work of passing a budget, passing tax cuts, those things that really matter to Ohio families,” she said.

    Political experts said a candidate’s choice of lieutenant governor reflects their priorities, their goals for office, and what voters can expect if they are elected. In Ohio, they said selecting the right balance helps candidates connect with a wide range of voters.

    [ad_2]

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • Florida bill takes aim at paper straws

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida bill is taking aim at paper straws.

    A bill has been introduced in both the House and Senate that would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper.

    The bill claims that paper straws are harmful to the environment and human health.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Florida bill thats been introduced would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper

    • The city of St. Petersburg has already banned single use plastic straws

    • If the bill passes, St. Petersburg Councilwoman Gina Driscoll said the city would add an amendment for paper straws to its plastic straw ban

    • Many businesses in downtown St. Petersburg are already using paper and plastic straw alternatives


    The city of St. Petersburg has already banned single use plastic straws. Many businesses in downtown St. Petersburg are already using straws made of different materials.

    The Wooden Rooster on 2nd Avenue is knowns for its crepes. If you want a drink with your crepe, the straw options have changed over the years. The city of St. Petersburg prohibited plastic ones in 2018, so the Wooden Rooster switched to paper. But when customers didn’t like them, they switched to green biodegradable straws.

    “Paper straws were a big thing. They (customers) were like, ‘Please tell me that you have regular straws.’ We have the biodegradable straws, which they’re happy with because they’re not the flimsy paper, or soggy paper straws,” said Melissa Phillips, general manager of The Wooden Rooster. 

    A Florida bill was introduced that would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper. The bill said if a local government enacts a straw law, it must require that they’re renewable, home compostable, industrial compostable and marine biodegradable.

    “Our planet is important, the sea animals are important, specifically the turtles. I’m definitely not opposed to that,” Phillips said.

    A study published in the journal “Food Additives and Contaminants” said out of five straw materials, paper had the most forever chemicals known as PFAS.

    “The more we learn about PFAS chemicals, the more we want to ensure that we’re minimizing the exposure that humans have to that,” said St. Petersburg 6th District Councilwoman Gina Driscoll.

    If the bill passes, Driscoll said the city would add an amendment to its single use plastic prohibition to include paper straws.

    “We’ve got such a wonderful waterfront, our marine life is sacred to us and being a healthy community is extremely important. So, this could be really good news for a city like St. Petersburg,” Driscoll said.

    As for The Wooden Rooster, they’ve already made the change not only for straws, but for cups too.

    “It’s important to do our part,” Phillips said.

    The Florida legislative session starts on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

    In 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning federal use of paper straws, meaning that paper straws can’t be served in federal buildings.

    [ad_2]

    Tyler O’Neill

    Source link

  • Proposed legislation could help autistic drivers in Florida interact with police

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Many people who have autism are still able to drive, including Eric Kaiser. However, stressful situations, like being pulled over by police, can make him uncomfortable.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Peace Envelopes provides information to officers about drivers with autism

    • It includes the driver’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and more

    • Eric Kaiser said the envelope could make traffic stops less stressful for drivers like him


    He hopes the Florida Legislature passes a new law that will allow for the use of a Blue Peace Envelope.

    “It’s just to give that sense of calm in a tense situation,” he said.

    The envelope includes a copy of one’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal and more.

    Kaiser said this lets an officer immediately know more about a person on the spectrum.

    “Some people just freeze up. They don’t talk. They can’t talk,” Kaiser said. “Some of us would rather just write stuff down.”

    Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said he met Kaiser through their Autism Awareness Program.

    After learning about the program from Kaiser and seeing similar programs in other states, he’s throwing his support behind the legislation.

    “If it’s not obvious to the person that you have a disability, it can lead to misunderstandings in all areas of life, including with law enforcement,” he said.

    The Tampa Police Department said it doesn’t comment on pending legislation.

    Still, they shared this statement:

    “We remain committed to a proactive approach in building strong, supportive partnerships with our community and providing officers with the tools and information necessary to interact safely and effectively with all residents.

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Florida politicians react to U.S. operation in Venezuela

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country in an extraordinary nighttime operation that was accompanied by a flurry of strikes following months of escalating Trump administration pressure on the oil-rich South American nation.

    It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Maduro’s whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Under Venezuelan law the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, would take power. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike.

    “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said. “We demand proof of life.”

    The White House did not immediately respond to queries on where Maduro and his wife were being flown to. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on “narco-terrorism” conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York.

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro was indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.” Flores also has been indicted, Bondi said.

    Maduro last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas.

    For months, Trump had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs. Maduro has decried the U.S. military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power.

    Florida Republicans, Democrats react

    Florida Republicans praised President Donald Trump on Saturday for what Trump said was a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela leading to the capture of its president. 

    Florida GOP:


    Speaker of the House Daniel Perez:
     


    State Sen. Danny Burgess:


    Rep. Jimmy Patronis: 
     


    Attorney General James Uthmeier:


    Rep. John Rutherford:

     

    Democratic lawmakers argued the strikes were not warranted, and that Trump lacked the authority to order them because he did not receive Congress’ approval. 

    Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried:


    Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:


    Rep. Darren Soto:

     

    President Donald Trump provided an update on the operation at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach on Saturday, where he stated that the U.S. government would run the country at least temporarily and would tap Venezuelan’s vast oil reserves to sell “large amounts” to other countries.

    Watch the full news conference in the video player above.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

    Source link

  • Florida black bear hunt ends Sunday

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — Today marks the final day of a statewide black bear hunt. It’s the first one in Florida since 2015.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) only issued about 170 bear hunting permits.

    The commission says it set this limit to restrict the bear population from growing.

    Even if hunters had 100% success this year, FWC said it believes the population would be stable and not decline in the future.

    Hunters are not required to bring harvested bears to manual check stations, they only need to call FWC and report their results.

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Space Florida hopes to advance aerospace industry with proposed state funding

    [ad_1]

    BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his $117 billion proposal for Florida’s next fiscal year budget.

    This includes hundreds of millions of dollars going towards improving the Space Coast, which brings in about $9 billion to the state annually.

    What You Need To Know

    • Space Florida is set to receive $17.5 million for operation costs from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year

    •  One of the recommendations is to use $5 million for wastewater capacity along the Space Coast

    • Environmentalist groups like the Marine Resource Council want to see better infrastructure in place to uphold the growth and protect the Indian River Lagoon 

    • Space Florida says it’s looking forward to working with state and local partners to come up with the best solutions it can


    That recommendation includes money for organizations like Space Florida, as well as about $5 million to go towards wastewater capacity.

    But as the industry grows, and more and more launches lift off from our Space Coast. So does concern from environmentalists for Florida’s waterways, particularly the Indian River Lagoon.

    Gov. DeSantis’ budget proposal includes $93 million through the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) spaceport improvement program, and would set aside $17.5 million into the operating budget of Space Florida.

    “The focus of the funding is to really engage and continue to engage prospective aerospace companies and similar efforts across research and development, as well to really just accelerate the amount of activity we have going on,” explained Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long.

    Space Florida serves as the state’s finance and development authority tasked with helping the aerospace industry grow.

    “The new funding and everything is going to continue to do that and really allow us to accelerate and really put Florida at number one in all of the categories when it comes to the aerospace industry,” Long said.

    But an important piece of this for aerospace funding is using $5 million in startup funding to Space Florida in order to work alongside state agencies and establish additional wastewater capacity for Florida’s commercial launch providers.

    It comes as some Brevard County residents have raised concerns about a draft permit renewal for Blue Origin.

    This would allow the company to dump 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day into the Indian River Lagoon.

    “I do think there’s some restoration work that needs to be done, and there is water quality work that needs to be done with the Blue Origin discharges, just like all of them,” said Marine Resources Council Executive Director Dr. Laura Wilson.

    The Marine Resource Council is a nonprofit tasked with serving, protecting and restoring the health of the Indian River Lagoon.

    And while she wants to see the continued growth of the aerospace industry and wants to work with Space Coast corporations, she feels the use of public funds would be more helpful in the hands of local municipalities.

    “We have spills, we have breaking pipes, we have old infrastructure and a very rapidly growing population that’s going to continue growing,” Wilson said. “And we need to do a better job of looking to the future with our infrastructure rather than just reacting to the present.”

    Wilson said she wants to see actual work behind stormwater infrastructure, low-impact development, green stormwater infrastructure and how the land can be developed responsibly to mimic natural processes as opposed to concreting everything over and plopping in a pond.

    Spectrum News 13 also asked Space Florida about how it hopes to use the funding specifically for wastewater capacity, and it said it’s looking forward to working with state and local partners to come up with the best solutions they can.

    [ad_2]

    Brandon Spencer

    Source link

  • Nida Allam challenging Rep. Valerie Foushee in Democratic rematch

    [ad_1]

    Durham County Vice Chair Nida Allam is launching her campaign for the Democratic primary in North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District.

    What You Need To Know

    • Durham County Vice Chair Nida Allam says she will challenge U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee

    • Foushee represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes the city of Durham

    • Allam in 2022 ran against Foushee, who won the Democratic primary by 9 percentage points

    She will challenge incumbent Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee, who is seeking a third term. She has represented the district since 2023.

    “I’m running for Congress because in a moment when our community faces dueling crises of Republican authoritarianism and corporate billionaire greed, we need leaders in Washington who will actually fight to deliver the brighter future we deserve and desperately need,” Allam said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “We cannot wait three more years pretending that a status quo that is failing us today will protect our communities tomorrow.”

    Allam’s candidacy sets up a rematch between the two Democrats.

    In 2022, Foushee beat Allam by 9 percentage points in the Democratic primary for the right to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. David Price. 

    Since then, Republicans who control the state legislature have redrawn the state’s congressional districts twice, to tilt more races in favor of their party. But the 4th District remains heavily Democratic.

    For the 2026 election, the 4th District will include the Democratic strongholds of Durham, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Foushee won re-election in 2024 with roughly 72% of the vote, trouncing her Republican opponent.

    The district’s Democratic primary in 2022 included former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken, drawing national attention. The race showed the divide between progressive and centrist Democrats, a division that will be on display again.

    On Thursday, Allam announced endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and organizations including Justice Democrats and Leaders We Deserve, which was co-founded by David Hogg.

    In a statement to Spectrum News 1 Rep. Foushee said, “You can look at my record to show that I am not just paying lip service to our shared progressive values but instead working to advance legislation like the ICE Badge Visibility Act, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, and the Block the Bombs Act…. Over the next few months I look forward to earning the support of the voters of the Fourth District and continuing to serve as their voice in Washington for another term.” 

    Foushee said she has received endorsements from Gov. Josh Stein and Democrats including Reps. Alma Adams and Deborah Ross.

    Allam, 31, has served on the Durham Board of County Commissioners since December 2020. She grew up in Wake County and was the first Muslim elected to public office in North Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Reuben Jones

    Source link

  • Florida state parks need nearly $760 million in repairs, state report says

    [ad_1]

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — A new report says Florida state parks are in need of nearly $760 million in repairs over the next decade. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Report said Florida state parks are in need of hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs

    • Two-thirds of the money is recommended for repairing visitor centers, cabins, pavilions, restrooms and more

    • Other needed money would go to repairing roads, upgrading wastewater infrastructure and stabilizing shorelines


    The report comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and lays out areas of need.

    For those who visit our state parks, like Dustin Patrick, he said he wouldn’t mind some improvements.

    “Fixing the roads coming in would be good,” he said. “The parking lots during the summer, they just fill with water.”

    Republican State Senator Gayle Harrell said this report is a good first step toward funding outdated infrastructure.

    “I think it’s critical needs first, and then you face things, and you say OK, next step,” she said. “What are the next most serious things?”

    The report recommends two-thirds of the money for repairing visitor centers, cabins, pavilions, restrooms and more.

    Around a quarter of the money is recommended for repairing roads running through the parks, and another 10% toward replacing and upgrading wastewater infrastructure and stabilizing shorelines.

    The report also touches on other needs as well.

    Andrew Harris with the Sierra Club is hopeful the legislature will move forward with these repairs, and that Honeymoon Island will see improvements.

    “I think a lot of parks, especially North Florida, Central Florida, are going to need the majority of those funds, but some of it will come here too,” he said.

    The legislature previously approved $15 million for state park improvements for this year.

    Compared to the 2024 fiscal year, $59 million was spent on maintenance.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Chad Davis wins runoff election for Winter Haven City Council seat

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Chad Davis won Tuesday’s runoff election for Winter Haven’s City Council Seat 4.  

    Chad Davis got 53.4 percent of the vote while Matthew Crowley garnered 46.6 percent. Of the 3,211 votes cast, Davis received 1,714 while Crowley got 1,497.


    Crowley is a lifelong Winter Haven resident, small business owner and community advocate. According to his campaign website, he is focused on transparency, public safety, affordable housing and economic opportunity for all.

    “Winter Haven deserves honesty and accountability, not backroom self-dealing,” Crowley said in a previous statement.

    Meanwhile, Davis is a fourth-generation Winter Haven resident and he holds a master’s of public policy and a law degree from Pepperdine University in California and is a staff attorney for Polk County Public Schools.

    On his Facebook page, Davis expressed a platform of infrastructure for development, support and protection for law enforcement and government efficiency and transparency.

    “Winter Haven is my home,” Davis said in a campaign post. “I love this city and every decision I make will be based on what’s best for our residents and our city’s long-term future. I believe we can maintain what’s special about Winter Haven while wisely managing the growth around us.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Florida redistricting committee to meet in 2 weeks

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — Florida is one of several states looking at potentially redrawing its congressional districts for partisan advantage ahead of next year’s elections.

    The Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting has 11 members — 8 Republicans and 3 Democrats.

    The committee will meet next month on Dec. 4 and 10 after Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on social media to “stay tuned” on the matter.

    Florida’s congressional district boundaries already favor the GOP, with 20 Florida Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and only 8 Florida Democrats.

    “The question I think that may be in front of DeSantis or anybody who’s thinking about doing this is the sort of friction that this creates. Is this political friction? Is this really worth it? How many more seats are we going to get?” Florida Atlantic University professor Craig Burnett asked.

    While the redistricting committee has withheld any proposed maps, Democrats have vowed to “push back hard” against GOP efforts to do so.

    “We need to stop the cheating and just keep the map we already had from redistricting. Florida doesn’t do mid-decade redistricting. And, make the case to the voters rather than cheating to try to screw up the map,” U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, said.

    Florida still has time to implement a new congressional map.

    The state will not hold primary elections until the middle of next August. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pinellas County opts out of Live Local Act tax exemption

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For the second time since Florida passed the Live Local Act, Pinellas County leaders have voted to opt out of part of the law’s affordable housing property tax exemption — a move supporters say protects local land-use control, while critics argue it does little to help workers struggling with rising rent.

    What You Need To Know

    • For the second time since Florida passed the Live Local Act, Pinellas County leaders have voted to opt out of part of the law’s affordable housing property tax exemption
    • It’s a move that supporters say protects local land-use control, while critics argue it does little to help workers struggling with rising rent

    • County officials point to a dedicated funding source through the Penny for Pinellas tax, which has allocated $98 million for housing over the past decade

    • The opt-out applies only to the 80–120% AMI tax exemption for the 2025 tax year


    The unanimous vote from the Pinellas County Commission removes a tax incentive for developers building units priced for households earning 80 to 120% of the area median income (AMI).

    County officials say that range is too close to market-rate housing and does not address the needs of the county’s most rent-burdened residents.

    Service industry employees, including hospitality, restaurant and gig workers, make up a significant portion of St. Petersburg and Clearwater’s economy. Many say the high cost of housing is pushing workers farther away from their jobs, straining an industry already dealing with labor shortages.

    William Kilgore, a bike courier and advocate with the St. Petersburg Tenants Union, says the term “affordable” is often misleading.

    “When you use the term ‘affordable,’ it’s a subjective term,” Kilgore said. “What’s affordable for me may not be affordable for someone else. The vast majority of folks who are rent-burdened are not benefiting from the housing produced by these tax incentives.”

    Kilgore said workers such as hotel housekeepers, gig workers and restaurant employees continue to struggle to keep up with rising rents despite the passage of the Live Local Act in 2023.

    Commission Chair Brian Scott said the Live Local Act preempts local governments’ ability to control where large, high-density developments can be built, especially in areas where industrial and employment land needs to be protected.

    “Eighty to 120 percent AMI is basically market-rate housing,” Scott said. “There’s no real need for an exemption for market-rate housing. Live Local also preempts us from making land-use decisions because developers can come in and build by right.”

    Scott said the county is putting its focus on supporting residents with incomes below 80% AMI, which he said represents the county’s greatest housing need.

    County officials point to a dedicated funding source through the Penny for Pinellas tax, which has allocated $98 million for housing over the past decade. Commissioners said they are also identifying surplus county-owned parcels for future affordable housing development.

    The opt-out applies only to the 80–120% AMI tax exemption for the 2025 tax year.

    Officials said the decision helps ensure that land-use decisions, particularly those regarding high-rise development, remain under local control, while still allowing the county to target funding toward the lowest-income households.

    [ad_2]

    Fadia Patterson

    Source link

  • Clinic sees drop in patients during Border Patrol activity

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A health clinic that says 90% of its patients are Hispanic saw a dramatic drop in traffic this week, which they attribute to the presence of Border Patrol in Charlotte. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Centro Medico Latino mostly serves Hispanic patients in the Charlotte area

    • Centro Medico Latino’s medical director says many patients canceled appointments due to Border Patrol activity 

    • The clinic is trying other ways to reach the community, including delivery, home visits and paid transportation

    • Camino in Charlotte also experienced cancellations and no-shows due to the immigration enforcement activity


    Centro Medico Latino has four locations and its main clinic is in East Charlotte.  

    Medical director Dr. Carlos Rish said Saturday is usually the busiest day for the clinic, which coincided with the day federal agents started their operations in Charlotte.

    “We’re fully booked. The office was bustling and as the afternoon came in and people started hearing that CBP was in town, people started leaving,” Rish said. “This profiling that’s occurring is causing a lot of fear in the community. Patients are afraid to come.”

    According to the Department of Homeland Security, there have been 370 arrests during the operation and 44 of them were undocumented people with criminal history.

    The trend of canceled appointments at Centro Medico Latino continued through the week. 

    “The parking lot was without any cars, and the clinic was absolutely empty. It was very disheartening,” Rish said. 

    The missed appointments concern Rish. 

    “We have patients who need medication who aren’t able to get it, obviously, but there’s a fear because we have a lot of patients that are really sick and diabetics, for example, who run out of their insulin and have the risk of going into complications [or] a coma,” Rish said.

    Rish and his team came up with a plan to reach the community, implementing measures used during the pandemic, including offering telehealth services. They are also setting up medication deliveries with pharmacies, sending health providers to homes and paying for patients’ rides to the clinic.

    “We’re picking up the cost of that transportation so the patient can come in and feel safe and not be fearful that they’re driving in town,” Rish said. 

    The health of his patients remains in the forefront. 

    “The lack of medical care that people are not receiving is very scary. The stress is causing a lot of psychosocial problems, people not being able to get out to work, and getting a paycheck, being able to feed the kids,” Rish said. 

    He said he plans to continue his commitment of serving the Hispanic community. 

    “Hopefully we’ll be able to go back to some semblance of normality and not to lose hope, and let them know that we’re here for them,” Rish said. 

    He added the cancellations this week were for both people who are undocumented and people here legally. The team has planned to use a mobile unit for patients needing bloodwork and taking it to the neighborhood but patients pushed back against it due to the fear of being targeted. 

    Camino in Charlotte also reported cancellations and no-shows at its clinic. Other providers, including Cone Health in Greensboro, are not seeing an impact.

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

    [ad_2]

    Estephany Escobar

    Source link