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Tag: APP Local & State Politics

  • More than 100 Ohioans join Happy Dog Takes on ICE Forum

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    CLEVELAND — More than 100 community members joined for the City Club of Cleveland’s Happy Dog Takes on ICE forum as anti-ICE protests are taking place around the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Widespread demonstrations followed the Trump administration’s efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Haitian Americans earlier this week

    • Springfield, Ohio is home to tens of thousands of Haitians, though many have left the city after President Donald Trump falsely claimed that many of the immigrants were abducting and eating pets

    • Ohio House Democrats said they’re planning to propose legislation that would bar ICE from schools, churches and hospitals

    While a federal judge has postponed the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Haitians, many Ohioans are expressing concerns that Cleveland and other major cities in the state could be next in experiencing a potential surge in ICE operations.

    Patrick Espinosa is the founder and managing partner at Sus Abogados Latinos, which is the only fully bilingual and Hispanic law firm in Ohio, based in Painesville. He joined other legal experts on stage at the Happy Dog on Cleveland’s west side, to discuss recent changes to U.S. immigration system under President Donald Trump, from increased deportations to large-scale ICE operations in several U.S. cities.

    “The best way to, to fix our immigration system is for everybody to understand how it actually works and to avoid tragedies like we’ve seen in the last couple weeks,” Espinosa said.

    From left to right, Patrick Espinosa, managing partner & Founder of Sus Abogados Latino; Lynn Tramonte, executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance; and Chriss Schmitt, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and forum moderator.

    From left to right, Patrick Espinosa, managing partner & Founder of Sus Abogados Latino; Lynn Tramonte, executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance; and Chriss Schmitt, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and forum moderator. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    Americans’ attitudes toward ICE tactics have soured in recent weeks after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis last month, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll. Around 60% of voters disapprove of the way ICE is enforcing immigration laws and think the recent ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis are a sign of a broader issue in the way ICE is operating. 

    Cleveland City Council passed an emergency resolution opposing proposed statewide legislation that would require state and local agencies to cooperate with ICE operations in Ohio. Still, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance said they’ve noticed a shift in federal immigration enforcement over the last year.

    “It’s happening here. It’s not at the level – it’s not in your face like Minneapolis … but, I mean, we have to be ready, and it’s going to get worse,” said Lynn Tramonte, the executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance.

    While the country has experienced significant changes to immigration policy and enforcement tactics, Espinosa said the reason why people are migrating to the United States hasn’t changed.

    “They do own businesses. They do work. They do pay taxes. They have children. They’re married to U.S. citizens,” Espinosa said. “… What immigrants are actually doing, it’s always been the same. And if you look at different studies put on by different groups, immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs, are more likely to employ more people.”

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    Tanya Velazquez

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    •  Rays reaffirm commitment to move to Tampa

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Angie Angers

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  • Tampa Sports Authority raises questions about proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark

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    TAMPA — The Tampa Sports Authority discussed the potential for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium at their meeting on Tuesday, but no vote was taken.

    Instead of voting on whether to recommend to the city and Hillsborough County that they conduct economic impact studies on the project, the board president said the firm AECOM is already working on a study for them.

    The board also said that construction and development company Skanska is evaluating the cost and feasibility of a new stadium.

    Members had a number of questions surrounding the potential project. They were sparked by a presentation county commissioners are expected to hear Wednesday, saying that the Rays plan to pay for at least half of construction costs.

    One question was whether that is for just the stadium or if it includes parking and infrastructure.

    Others included how many hotel rooms the Rays will generate, what impact a stadium would have on local businesses, how parking and traffic issues will be handled, and what role the sports authority will play in stadium operations.

    “If it gets built, I don’t think the Rays want to pay one dime in taxes on a $2.3 billion stadium,” said sports authority board member Joseph Robinson. “I believe it will be transferred ownership to the county, and after they do that, guess what? We’re going to end up managing it, just like we manage all sports facilities right now in this area. So, I think down the road, we need to make sure, because that’s going to impact staff, it’s going to impact us big time if we’ve got to start managing that Rays stadium. That’s all I want to say. I can see it happening.”

    Spectrum News tried to talk with a few members of the board, but they declined interviews and requests for clarification.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • St. Pete mayor to review 5 Gas Plant development proposals

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Kenneth Welch on Tuesday will see all the proposals for developing the 86-acre historic Gas Plant District.


    Ark Ellison Horus and Kettler was the first group to file a proposal, and since then, more have come in. They are from DPZ CoDesign, the Pinellas County Housing Authority, Freedom Communities Company and the International Democratic Uhuru Movement.

    Welch said his team will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of all the proposals and select a winner.

    “We’ll have a public forum where the developers will present to our community,” Welch told Spectrum News. “We’ll have the community benefits process as well, and then I will select one of those developers.”

    When asked if the process could take a few months, he said, “Oh, definitely.”

    Council member Brandi Gabbard is trying to pump the brakes on the process. She has a proposed resolution which the Council will vote on at its Thursday meeting. It requests that the administration pause any action to select a developer until some comprehensive planning has been completed.

    Another council member, Deborah Figgs-Sanders, says the city has been planning forever, and it’s time for action.

    “At this point, let’s get some things done,” she said. “Let’s choose the best organization to actually do it, but more importantly, let’s keep moving.”

    Steve Diasio, the CEO and founder of the School of Creativity and Innovation, held a Gas Plant District design workshop for the community last November. He liked Gabbard’s proposal to slow the proposal down, saying he doesn’t want to see the property undersold.

    “Having this proposal to stop the process, for me, is good for business, good for evaluating the property and doing due diligence that needs to happen,” he said.

    Welch says the city has planned for more than a decade and that it’s time to move forward.

    “Planning first is great, but planning perpetually is not something we should do,” Welch said. “When I ran for office, folks didn’t want to see continued planning. They want to see impact from a 40-year promise when the land was taken for economic inclusion at that site.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force closed amid federal appropriations lapse

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force announced on Saturday that they are temporarily closed “due to the lapse in federal government appropriations.”

    The museum said in a press release this will remain in effect until the enactment of an appropriations bill or continuing resolution and when the “Department of War authorizes normal operations to resume.”

    The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September while carving out a temporary extension for Homeland Security funding, giving Congress two weeks to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country. The bill passed 71-29 and will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday.

    Speaker Mike Johnson, who held a conference call Friday with GOP lawmakers, said he expects the House to vote Monday evening. But what is uncertain is how much support there will be for the package.

    The museum directs visitors to check their website and social media for updates.

    “The Air Force Museum Foundation and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, both located on the Museum campus, will continue to operate independently during the Museum’s closure,” the release reads. “Visitors should contact each organization directly for information regarding their operations or scheduled activities.”

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    Cody Thompson, Associated Press

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  • Ohio politicians propose increase in penalty for disrupting religious services

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    OHIO — Some Ohio lawmakers are looking to increase the punishment for interfering with religious services or lawful meetings, raising the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio politicians are looking to increase the penalty for disrupting religious services

    • Two Republican representatives introduced a bill that would make it a fifth-degree felony

    • This is in response to a recent anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church

    House Bill 662 was introduced into the Ohio House by Reps. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, on Jan. 29.

    A press release from Fischer’s office states the bill is in response to a recent anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. The situation gained national attention.

    One of the church’s pastors, David Easterwood, leads the local field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One of the leaders of the protest and prominent local activist Nekima Levy Armstrong said she’s also an ordained reverend.

    Journalist Don Lemon was recently released from custody after he was arrested and hit with federal civil rights charges over his coverage of the protest.

    “While every American has the right to peacefully protest ICE or any other government entity, they do not have a right to storm into a place of worship and disrupt another American’s right to freely practice their religion,” Fischer said in the release. “We cannot allow our country to be a place where families fear they may face harassment or see their religious services disrupted by activists attempting to score political points while attending church on a Sunday morning. Our state should not tolerate this behavior and must stand strong in protecting the rights of Ohioans of all faiths to freely practice their religion.”

    The release states this bill will not restrict the ability of Ohioans to peacefully protest.

    “I will do everything possible to ensure Ohioans’ God-given First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is protected along with houses of worship and worshippers,” Newman said in the release. “I am glad to join Rep. Fischer sponsoring this important legislation.”

    You can see the full bill here:

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Cody Thompson

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

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    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.

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    Jeff Allen

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  • Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Senate President Ben Albritton was taken to the hospital early Sunday after experiencing chest pain, his office said Monday.

    “Physicians in the Emergency Room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital discovered a small blood clot in his lung,” a statement from the Office of the Senate President said. “The President remained in the Emergency Room overnight and is currently under observation, awaiting further testing.”

    Albritton’s office said he is “in good spirits and has been in frequent communication with staff via phone and email yesterday and today.”

    “All previously scheduled Senate business will proceed as planned this week,” the statement added.

    Albritton’s office said he hopes to return to work later in the week.

    “The President and Mrs. Albritton would be very grateful for your prayers,” the statement said. 

    No other information about Albritton’s hospitalization and current condition was immediately released.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Proposed transfer of USF Sarasota-Manatee sparks debate over future of campus

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — A proposal in Tallahassee could change the future of higher education in Sarasota.

    Lawmakers are considering transferring University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida — a plan that supporters say would strengthen New College, while critics warn it could hurt students at USF.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lawmakers are considering transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida

    • This isn’t the first time there have been talks about a transfer

    • If passed, USF Sarasota-Manatee properties and facilities would be transferred to New College of Florida by July 1, though UFC says current students would be able to finish their courses at the original campus

    • The proposal will now move through the legislative process, where lawmakers would have to approve the transfer


    This isn’t the first time there have been talks of transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida. Spectrum News spoke with the Vice President of USF’s Faculty Senate, who said they fought a similar effort last year, and they weren’t expecting it to come back up.

    “This would be a forcible eviction of our faculty, staff, and students by this summer,” said Scott Perry.

    But the manager of media relations at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Ryan Hughes, says it won’t impact current students. “Students currently enrolled would be able to continue taking classes and finish their program at the Sarasota-Manatee campus if this legislation is passed,” Hughes said in a statement. “We would not admit or enroll any new students if the legislation is approved.”

    Perry’s feelings are clear about the proposed transfer of USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida. He has taught there for 19 years and is the vice president of USF’s Faculty Senate. He said that the campus means a lot to its students and community.

    “We have a very strong, active community group of supporters who really want these programs. We have 40 undergraduate programs. We’re an AAU accredited university,” said Perry.

    If passed, USF Sarasota-Manatee properties and facilities would be transferred to New College of Florida by July 1. At a December Board of Trustees meeting, Richard Corcoran, president of New College, called Gov. Ron DeSantis’ transfer plan “significant,” saying it solves a lot of problems.

    “That’s going to go through the legislative process. His budget is a recommendation, but I’ll say he’s been a tremendous advocate for New College and what’s going on here, so we feel pretty good about that,” said Corcoran.

    At a press conference in Pinellas County on Jan. 14, DeSantis said leadership agreed the transfer would be good for New College and that USF’s momentum is in Tampa Bay.

    “We’ve been supportive of it,” DeSantis said. “I think what they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short period of time — think about it — you were in the class and now they’re saying something different. It’s almost like you go to the Naval Academy and then they shift to Coast Guard. Well, that’s not what you signed up for,” said DeSantis.

    The proposal will now move through the legislative process, where lawmakers would have to approve the transfer.

    Perry says the Student Government Associations at all three USF campuses put together a resolution saying they oppose the transfer.

    EDITOR’S NOTE (Jan. 27, 2026): A previous version of this story said current students would have to transfer campuses. USF Sarasota-Manatee said that is incorrect. The article has been edited to include a statement from the media relations team at USF clarifying the impact on current students. The video has been removed.

    Previous New College Coverage

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Vance says ‘far left’ should stop resisting immigration enforcement

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Vice President JD Vance, speaking in his home state of Ohio before visiting Minnesota on Thursday, blamed the “far left” for turmoil surrounding the White House’s deportation campaign.

    What You Need To Know

    • Vice President JD Vance is blaming what he calls the “far left” for turmoil surrounding the White House’s deportation campaign

    • Vance is set to visit Minnesota later Thursday. But first he stopped in Ohio, his home state, where he criticized opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement

    • The vice president will meet in Minneapolis with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents
    • Protests have erupted in the city after an agent fatally shot Renee Good this month. Vance has defended that agent and said Good’s death was a “tragedy of her own making”

    “If you want to turn down the chaos in Minneapolis, stop fighting immigration enforcement and accept that we have to have a border in this country,” Vance said in Toledo. “It’s not that hard.”

    Vance plans to meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, which has been a focal point for protests since an agent fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three, during a confrontation this month. The Republican vice president has played a leading role in defending that agent and said Good’s death was “a tragedy of her own making.”

    He also praised the arrest of protesters who disrupted a church service in Minnesota on Sunday and said he expects more prosecutions to come. The protesters entered the church chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.”

    “They’re scaring little kids who are there to worship God on a Sunday morning,” Vance said. “Those people are going to be sent to prison so long as we have the power to do so.”

    He added: “Just as you have the right to protest, they have a right to worship God as they choose. And when you interrupt that, that is a violation of the law.”

    Vance’s appearance was primarily focused on bolstering the Trump administration’s positive economic message on the heels of Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The vice president also took the opportunity to boost some of Republicans’ important statewide candidates in this fall’s midterm elections, including gubernatorial contender Vivek Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio.

    Convincing voters that the nation is in decent financial shape has been a persistent challenge for Trump during the first year of his second term. Polling has shown that the public is unconvinced that the economy is in good condition and majorities disapprove of how Trump’s handling of foreign policy.

    Vance urged voters to be patient on the economy, saying Trump had inherited a bad situation from Democratic President Joe Biden.

    “You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight,” Vance said. “It takes time to fix what is broken.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Hillsborough County leaders OK up to $358.5 million for arena renovations

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    TAMPA — Hillsborough County commissioners have unanimously approved a plan for long-term renovations at Benchmark International Arena.

    The county will invest as much as $358.5 million into the project at the venue, formerly known as Amalie Arena.

    “Our community wants to keep the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa,” said Commissioner Christine Miller, who represents District 4. “They’ve invested heavily in our area, the surrounding area and the people of this community and the continuation of this investment.”

    The deal will see the Lightning’s lease extend to 2043. It was originally set to expire in 2037.

    According to our newsgathering partner, the Tampa Bay Times, the team is required to spend an additional $75 million on arena renovations to fully unlock the county’s commitment.

    If the team leaves Tampa, it would have to pay millions in penalties, the Times reported.

    The Tampa Sports Authority, the arena’s landlord, approved the deal earlier this month.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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

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    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.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • After almost losing her child, local mother supports drowning prevention bills

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    A Florida lawmaker is hoping to save lives with a series of bills aimed at drowning prevention.

    In 2025, 119 children drowned, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Lawmakers believe these new bills, if passed, could reduce those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Shakilya Lewis said her son nearly died in a drowning when he was 3 years old; he suffered a brain injury

    • Florida State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith is the lawmaker behind bills designed to improve pool safety

    • Smith’s proposed bill would bring older pools up to code if the homes are ever sold; but he’s not stopping there

    Shakilya Lewis sure hopes so. Her 7-year-old Brandon Green Jr., also known as BJ, survived a near drowning when he was just 3 years old. Lewis said he was visiting a family member’s home and was left unsupervised. She said a backyard camera captured the incident.

    “He was just throwing toys in and out of the water, running in and out of the house with the toys,” Lewis said. “Eventually he started jumping in after the toys and swimming back to the wall. That last time he may have jumped in too far, and he couldn’t get back to the wall. His uncle came home and found him face down and proceeded to start CPR.”

    Lewis said BJ was in a coma for a week and that when he woke up, they faced a new reality. Her once bubbly, talkative 3-year-old had a serious brain injury, and all she could think of was how this happened and how accidents like this can be prevented.

    “They put him in a medically induced coma because his brain was, he was seizing, and his brain was all over the place. Nothing was normal, and finally he woke up like a week later,” she said. “All of the situations are different. Yes, but the thing that’s not different is that there is an adult around and that maybe their doors don’t have locks on them, or there aren’t alarms on the doors, or maybe the pool doesn’t have a fence, a self-locking fence.”

    Florida State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noticed those details, too.

    “Current Florida law says that all new residential swimming pool builds need to have one of five pool safety features installed in order to be compliant with the pool safety act passed in the year 2000,” he said.

    Carlos Guillermo Smith, seen here during an interview with Spectrum News Political Connections.

    Those residential pool safety options require backyard pools constructed in the year 2000 or later must meet at least one of these requirements: a fence or gate, an approved pool cover, an exit alarm on doors and windows near pool, a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism on windows and doors near pool or a swimming pool alarm.

    “The current law has a loophole because only those residential swimming pools were built after the law was passed in the year 2000 are required to have one of these pool safety features installed,” Smith said.

    Smith’s proposed bill would bring older pools up to code if the homes are ever sold. But he’s not stopping there. Smith has filed and co-introduced four different bills aimed at drowning prevention.

    One bill would add requirements for pool safety at vacation rentals, another will address drowning prevention education, and the other expands the swimming lesson voucher program.

    Lewis said she kept track of the 119 child drownings in 2025, so she is relieved that these bills were filed and thankful her son’s accident can serve as another reminder of how important this is.

    “A lot of kids don’t make it when it comes to drownings. And I think that we’re blessed because we don’t take it for granted that other parents are holding pictures of their kids, but I still get to hold him every night,” Lewis said.

    The bills still have to move through several committees during this legislative session.

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    Saundra Weathers

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

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    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.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Ohio congresswoman demands transparency on recent ICE operations

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a letter sent to Kristi Noem, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-District 3, expressed concerns with recent ICE activity in central Ohio and called for full transparency.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty sent a letter to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressing concern and asking for transparency on recent ICE operations
    • She said in her letter that these have been “racially targeted raids” and were meant “to strike fear into the immigrant community”

    • Spectrum News 1 has reached out to ICE for comment

    In her letter, Beatty states that at least 214 people in the Columbus area have been detained by ICE since Dec. 17, the majority of whom were Latino or Black, as part of what’s been called Operation Buckeye.

    “These racially targeted raids began right before Christmas as a way to strike fear into the immigrant community and have largely targeted individuals without a criminal record,” her letter reads. “Furthermore, I have serious concerns surrounding the process and legal justification for this ICE operation.”

    The congresswoman notes declines in attendance at local churches and mosques due to fear. She also cited reports that ICE has been “targeting schools with large Hispanic populations.”

    In addition to these concerns, she also states that these operations have caused harm to the local economy as customers are scared to go out and support area businesses.

    Beatty said she is demanding “full transparency regarding the legal basis and the status of those detained.” Specifically, she is requesting the following information:

    1. “The full name, detention facility, and exact location of every individual detained from OH-03 currently in ICE custody;
    2. The legal justification for their detention, including charges, proceedings, case status;
    3. Whether the detainee has a criminal record;
    4. A detailed account of compliance with current law and procedures regarding the conditions in which individuals are being held, including access to medical care, mental health services, food, and legal counsel; and
    5. A full report on whether any complaints have been filed or internal reviews conducted related to racial profiling or discriminatory targeting during recent enforcement operations.”

    Spectrum News 1 has reached out to ICE for comment but has yet to hear back.

    View the full version of the letter here:

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    Cody Thompson

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

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    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.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • DeSantis to outline key goals in State of the State Address

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to give his final annual State of the State address in the Florida House Chamber Tuesday around 11 a.m.

    In that address, the governor is expected to outline his goals for the 2026 legislative session, including his plans for two proposed special sessions.

    The governor, like the duties of the president, is tasked with providing a message at the start of each regular legislative session. This message should include information about the condition of the state, any proposals to reorganize the executive branch, and to recommend measures in the public interest, according to Article IV, Section 1, Subsection e in the Florida Constitution.

    In last year’s address, the governor touted the state’s economic performance, but he also took care to highlight his desire for lawmakers to act on insurance reform in the state. 

    So far, he has outlined a few things he would like lawmakers to tackle in this year’s legislative sessions. 

    AI Bill of Rights

    DeSantis announced in December he wanted to establish an artificial intelligence bill of rights for Floridians.

    The governor says there could be benefits to AI, but also warned about the potential dangers of the technology.

    “I think there is a technology that can enhance a worker’s productivity, enhance a business’s efficiency in ways that would be valuable, but I also think there are some who view it as a way to simply be able to have less people employed,” DeSantis said in December.

    The governor said Florida needs to protect young people from what AI can do to them, including so-called deepfake images and videos.

    DeSantis said he also wants to limit where AI data centers can be built in the state, and limit utility companies from raising rates to pay to power those data centers.

    The State Budget

    DeSantis announced the details of his last budget proposal last month. The proposal calls for $117 billion in spending, an increase of $2.2 billion from last year’s $115.6 billion in proposals.

    The governor highlighted expenditures for education, including $1.56 billion for teacher pay increases across the state, which is up slightly from the $1.5 billion DeSantis proposal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.

    Other educational line items included $30.6 billion for the overall K-12 budget — up from $29.7 billion in the previous budget proposal — with an additional $1.7 billion earmarked for early childhood education, which is down slightly from the 2025-2026 proposal of $1.76 billion.

    DeSantis also announced a plan to spend $4 billion on the state’s university system, which is up slightly from his $3.9 billion proposal for 2025-2026.

    Additionally, he highlighted planned pay increases for state law enforcement, and said he hopes to extend the current recruitment bonus program, which pays out $5,000 for new recruits.

    DeSantis is proposing $118 million for pay increases for law enforcement and firefighters, which is slightly less than the $118.3 he proposed last year.

    For transportation, DeSantis outlined $15.4 billion for the Department of Transportation, as well as $14.3 billion for the state transportation work program. 

    DeSantis also outlined spending for health care across the state. The governor is seeking to spend $8.6 million for improvements to the State Veteran’s Nursing Homes, and $36.6 million for child welfare system funding that will help foster parents, caregivers, and community-based services. 

    Additionally, DeSantis is seeking to provide $159 million for behavioral health services, including preadmission diversion and discharge services. 

    DeSantis’ first budget proposal in 2019 was $90.98 billion. 

    Property Tax Reform

    The Florida House advanced a series of proposals designed to cut non-school property taxes through its first committees this past fall, a move that could change how local governments fund services and manage local finances.

    The proposals include a measure to eliminate the taxes immediately, and another to phase them out over 10 years.

    “This is about returning money to hard-working Floridians,” said Coral Gables Republican Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera.

    Another proposal would eliminate non-school property taxes exclusively for homeowners 65 and older.

    “This is a targeted approach to help those who need it the most,” said Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras. “Our most vulnerable communities, those who have built the cities and counties, the areas that we all represent.”

    The proposals include a police mandate that would require local governments to leave law enforcement budgets untouched.

    “I did not support defunding the police in 2020, and I am not going to support it today,” said Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky.

    It would require a constitutional amendment to alter the state’s property taxes. If passed by the Legislature, the proposal will go to voters in 2026 and would require at least 60% approval.

    “We should not be afraid to let the voters of this state, the same voters who elected each and every one of us, make the decisions for themselves, for their communities and for the state,” said Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf.

    Democratic lawmakers on Thursday voiced concern over the effort to slash property taxes, which are the primary revenue source for local governments. The Florida Policy Institute estimates $43 billion would be needed to maintain current services if the House proposals are enacted.

    “We should not be putting our local governments in a situation where we’re taking away tools, only to have them shift that burden in some other way. That is actually going to have the most adverse impacts on the people who need our help the most,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa lawmaker.

    The Senate has not filed any companion legislation, leaving the House to move forward alone.

    DeSantis has criticized the idea of putting multiple tax proposals on the 2026 ballot, calling it a poor approach.

    Congressional Redistricting

    The Florida House Committee on Congressional Redistricting met in December for the first time to consider redrawing congressional maps before the next census. 

    On the board is Orlando Democratic Rep. Johanna Lopez, who represents District 43.

    There have been mixed reactions after DeSantis announced his plan to call a special session next year, as early as March, so lawmakers can redraw Florida’s map.

    In order for a redistricting to happen, though, he still needs approval from the House and Senate, as the timing of his announcement would allow the Sunshine State to watch the U.S. Supreme Court, which is reconsidering parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    Voting rights advocates from the American Civil Liberties Union worry that this move could unlawfully benefit one party over another. Civil‑rights groups and voting‑rights advocates warn that a new round of redistricting could collide with Florida’s own constitutional limits.

    “To be perfectly clear, in Florida, it’s illegal and unconstitutional to draw districts to benefit one party over another,” said Abdelilah Skhir of the ACLU during a press conference at the Florida Capitol in early December.

    Meanwhile, some Republican leaders frame the push as part of a broader national battle over the congressional map. At least six other states are already revisiting their lines, and allies of President Donald Trump are urging Republican‑controlled legislatures to follow suit. Trump first made the call over the summer.

    “It will end in two very partisan draws in red and blue states, I would imagine,” said Florida GOP Chair Evan Power. “But that’s what they’re trying to do in California. That’s what they’ve done in Massachusetts. That’s what they’ve done in New York. That’s what they’ve done in Illinois.”

    Critics in Florida describe the governor’s plan as political, discriminatory, and potentially unlawful. They point to the state’s “Fair Districts” amendments, which ban maps that favor a party or an incumbent.

    “To the Legislature: Your constitutional duty could not be more clear,” said Jonathan Webber of Southern Poverty Law Center. “You can obey the Constitution or bow to political pressure, but you cannot do both.”

    Meanwhile, the Florida Senate has yet to formally publish an opinion, and unlike the House, Senate President Ben Albritton has not assembled a panel to brainstorm redistricting.

    DeSantis and Albritton met to discuss the plan, according to Florida Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta.

    “The Governor reiterated to the President what he has stated publicly — that the timeline for addressing redistricting should be next Spring,” Betta wrote. 

    State of the State History

    DeSantis has a history of using the speech to outline the successes of his administration in the state of Florida. During his State of the State speech last March, the governor outlined several statistics in the beginning moments of his address.

    In prior years, he used the power of the podium to advocate for his top issues, including improving education in the state, as well as tackling the high level of state spending, something that Florida House Speaker Danny Perez said he also wished to tackle in his acceptance speech in November.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announces bid for Florida governor

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins announced he has joined the crowded Republican field to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self. That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust,” he wrote in a post on X. 

    He now joins a crowded Republican field that includes Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, investor James Fishback and Congressman Byron Donalds. There are two Democrats currently in the race as well, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and former Republican congressman David Jolly.

    Although he recently announced his entry into the race, the campaign for Donalds was quick to react. 

    “Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is the only proven conservative fighter who can unite Republicans, deliver on the President’s America First agenda, crush the Democrats, and make Florida more affordable. Anyone running against Byron is an anti-Trump RINO and will be soundly defeated in the Republican primary,” Chief Strategist for the Byron Donalds for Governor Campaign Ryan Smith said.

    Collins was appointed as lieutenant governor in August 2025. | Read story

    He replaced Jeanette Nunez, who left office to become president of Florida International University.

    Collins was first elected to office in November 2022 to represent Tampa and East Hillsborough County, defeating incumbent Democrat Janet Cruz.

    In August, DeSantis called him the “Chuck Norris of Florida politics,” drawing a round of applause. He was referencing the action film star who is also famous for his work in martial arts.

    In the Florida Legislature, Collins was chairman of the Senate’s transportation committee, vice chair of the military and veterans affairs, space, and domestic security committee, has served on multiple appropriations committee and was on the pre-K education and ethics and elections committees.

    Collins served in the Army Special Forces, earning the Purple Heart for his service in combat during his 23-year military career. He is a former Green Beret and had a leg amputated years after sustaining a serious injury but re-qualified to return to active duty.

    After retiring from the military, Collins founded a nonprofit organization supporting veterans, first responders and Floridians in need.

    DeSantis cannot seek reelection because of term limits.

    This is a breaking news story. Stay with Spectrum News on-air, online and on the Spectrum News app for updates.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ohio running mate choices signal campaign focus

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    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.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Florida bill takes aim at paper straws

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    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.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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