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Tag: APP Local & State Politics

  • Florida seaport anchoring bill concerns recreational boaters

    PALMETTO, Fla. — A proposed bill which limits anchoring or mooring near Florida seaports has some recreational boaters worried about their safety and access to state parks.

    What You Need To Know

    • SB 594 and HB 795 would allow seaports to prohibit anchoring or mooring within 1,500 to 2,500 feet

    • Proponents said the bill clearly marks safe distances from port channels and turning basins 

    • Recreational boaters said it restricts their access to state parks near seaports and puts their safety in jeopardy 

    • April Smith said boaters do anchor near shipping channels or where big vessels are turning around


    “It’s not going to be a viable solution,” said boater April Smith of Palmetto. “It’s not going to help anything.”

    The proposed legislation, SB 594 and HB 795, would allow seaports to prohibit anchoring or mooring within 1,500 to 2,500 feet. Republican State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez from Miami sponsored the senate version of the bill.

    “As more recreational boaters look for places to anchor or moor, it’s just common sense to clearly mark safe distances from port channels and turning basins,” she stated. “Doing so helps protect both recreational boaters and the large commercial freight and cruise ships that rely on these waterways.”

    Republican State Representative Chip Lamarca from Broward County has sponsored the house version of the bill and noted they have already reduced the seaport boundary from 5,000 feet.

    “We have reduced the effective area and will continue to modify the language to address the safety issues,” he stated. “While making the least impactful changes to the boating public.”

    Smith said for nearly seven years, she and her husband have been living on a 44-foot long Aquilla Power Catamaran, which they dock at the Regatta Point Marina in Palmetto for the winter. She said because the boat is 21.6 feet wide, it won’t fit in many marinas, which could be a problem if anchoring becomes restricted.

    “Anchoring could be our only safe harbor for an evening and if they take that availability away from us within 2,500 feet, 1,500 feet of these ports, we could be in deep trouble,” she said. “Maritime law allows us to have a safe anchorage. This bill would have effectively taken that away from us.”

    Smith said depending on where the seaport is located, the proposed legislation could also limit boaters’ access to Florida’s natural resources.

    “It’s also going to limit access to many of the state parks. So, for example, in our Tampa area, Egmont Key and Fort DeSoto are major anchoring locations where people go fish and spend the weekends,” she said. “Those will be effectively closed down to boaters and will not be able to anchor in those locations.”

    As Smith and her husband prepare to hit the high seas in a few weeks for the summer, she believes the bill is a solution in search of a problem.

    “So the boats that are anchoring are not near those shipping channels and they’re not near where those big boats are turning around,” she said. “It’s just too far of a setback. So we do agree a setback is not a bad thing. This is just too much of a setback.”

    The senate version of the bill has passed two committee stops and awaits a fiscal policy hearing. The house companion bill has passed its first committee.

    Josh Rojas

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  • Pinellas County nonprofit helps save West Klosterman Preserve from development

    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Pinellas County announced Thursday it had finalized the purchase of the West Klosterman Preserve, following five years of effort from a citizens group to save the 14 acres from development.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County says it completed the $3 million purchase of the 14-acre West Klosterman Preserve

    • A group of residents has been trying to save the land from development for five years

    • The president of the nonprofit WK Preservation Group calls the purchase “wonderful,” saying it’s important to preserve the habitats on the land

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fundraising efforts continue to save preserve in Pinellas County


    “It’s wonderful,” said Tex Carter, president of the nonprofit WK Preservation Group. “We wanted to save this piece of property and make it part of the Mariner’s Point Management Area and preserve a pretty good-sized chunk of natural Florida.”

    Carter said it started with a dozen people trying to raise $3 million in six months. Back in 2020, Pinellas County Schools was considering selling the land to a developer for $3.3 million. 

    “The school board was almost ready to do a contract with the developer to turn this into 76 condos and bulldoze all the trees and all the wildlife that’s here,” Carter said.

    When residents spoke out against the move, he said the district offered them the chance to buy it for $3 million. According to Carter, the steps they took to become a nonprofit prompted an extension of the original six-month deadline. Eventually, Pinellas County offered to share the cost. The preserve borders the county’s 76-acre Mariner’s Point Management Area.

    “This is one active ecosystem integrated with different kinds of habitat for different kinds of plants and animals,” Carter said of the two properties. “If you took this out and turned it into condos, it would destroy the ecosystem all the way down to the ocean.”

    Pinellas County announced Thursday it had finalized the purchase of the West Klosterman Preserve, following five years of effort from a citizens group to save the 14 acres from development. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    He told Spectrum News the nonprofit collected more than 2,000 donations ranging from $10 to $350,000. 

    “That brought us together, the county and us together, to do more than we would have been able to do as individuals, and that’s a good thing,” said Carter. “It’s really great for people when people realize they can make a difference with government, and it’s always great when government responds to its people.”

    According to the county, the West Klosterman Preserve is specifically meant for habitat preservation and will remain a non-public zone. Carter said as part of the nonprofit’s agreement with the county, there is a chance it could eventually include walking trails. That would only happen if it can be shown there would be no impact on the environment.

    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Clearwater bourbon business worried about tariffs

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Von Payne Spirits, a bourbon maker and small business, has been around for three years, but its CEO is worried about future growth with high tariffs in place.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Von Payne Spirits has been in operation for three years

    •  The company sells in several states and in Europe

    •  Von Payne Spirits CEO worries tariffs could hurt its bottom line


    “We started with about 2,500 cases and now we are up to about 10,000 — and this year we hope to be around 15,000 cases and that’s going from the Florida market exclusively,” Steve Allen said.

    Recently, The European Union said it’s delaying a planned rollout of 50% tariffs on American Whiskey, which were set to take effect in April. Those were in retaliation for President Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum.

    Even with the EU saying it is delaying the retaliatory tariffs, Allen is watching closely. He says it has been rough so far, saying Von Payne has been taken off the shelves in Canada.

    “Right now, I think everyone is tightening their belt, and we’re tightening ours and we’re doing the best we can to not increase prices,” Allen said. “But more than likely you are going to see a lot of price increases in the short term because of everything that is going on.”

    However, he says the tariffs could create more demand in the United States.

    “Little things make a big difference, and we are running on very tight margins. And so the impact of this, you know, can we make it up with U.S. based sales, and that’s right now the strategy — hey, can we open up new markets like Georgia and other states to make up for what we are selling in Europe,” he said.

    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Election results from Pasco County, Plant City

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Pasco County, as well as Plant City in Hillsborough County, voted in municipal elections Tuesday.  

    In Pasco County, there were two elections: a four-person race for city council in New Port Richey, as well as a three-person race for a city council seat in Port Richey.

    Three charter amendments also were on the ballot.

    Meanwhile, in Plant City, the Group 2 city commission seat election was held. 

    You can find all the election results on baynews9.com.


    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Polk County mothers fight to protect their Haitian loved ones from deportation

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Two Polk County mothers are fighting to keep their loved ones in the U.S. after learning they could be deported back to Haiti.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, is revoking TPS for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, citing abuse and exploitation of the program

    • Dawn Chappelear and Stacey Angulo are advocating to keep their loved ones from being deported to Haiti

    • Both women plan to take legal action and have already contacted lawmakers to express their concerns


    Mother of four, Dawn Chappelear, still remembers the very moment she met her son Cabilah back in 2013.

    “There was just this special connection,” she said. “He also was just a light. His laugh was infectious. I don’t really know how to explain it other than it was just a God connection.”

    Chappelear says she and her husband, John, were living in Haiti for missionary work at the time. After raising Cabilah, 28, for three years as their own, he was later able to join them in Lakeland last May under Biden’s humanitarian parole program.

    “I ran to him as he came through the doors of the airport that day. It wound up being Mother’s Day on the 12th, and so it was wonderful that day,” she said.

    Chappelear’s friend, Stacey Angulo, shared a similar reaction when she and her husband, Alex, adopted their 15-year-old son, Marven, in 2013. The couple was then able to help bring Marven’s biological sister, Maill-Eva, 20, and his mother to the U.S.

    The two were granted humanitarian parole and received Temporary Protected Status (TSP).

    “It was a God thing for us to be able to bring them here and have them leave Haiti and come to a safe place, find safe harbor, be able to work, be able to learn how to support themselves, all the things they were unable to do in that country for the last several years,” Angulo said.

    However, both women say their loved ones’ well-being is now at risk after learning that their Temporary Protected Status has been canceled. According to a letter they received in the mail, they have until April 24 to return to Haiti.

    The Trump administration announced it is revoking TSP for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security says the program has been “abused and exploited” for decades.

    Chappelear and Angulo say the decision completely goes against why they voted for President Trump in the 2024 election.

    “It now flies in the face of what we thought, you know, we so to speak, were signing up for,” Angulo said. “These are human lives. These are people that did things the right way. They did not cross the border illegally. It’s unthinkable, unimaginable, heartless, and cruel to think of sending anyone back to Haiti in the conditions that are there on the ground in Haiti right now.”

    Angulo says they’ve sent several letters to lawmakers and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, about the situation in Haiti. The country remains in crisis due to ongoing gang violence.

    “For a myriad of reasons, it’s not the right time to send people back to Haiti,” Angulo said.

    Both women say they plan to do whatever it takes to keep their loved ones from having to leave. Chappelear says it’s not only for their safety, but because America has become their home.

    Chappelear and Angulo have sought legal counsel and plan to share their concerns with Congressman Scott Franklin’s office Friday, April 11.

    Alexis Jones

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  • A look inside Tropicana Field as council gets ready to vote on repairs

    TAMPA, Fla. — As the Rays settle into their temporary Tampa home, the baseball diamond in St. Pete is only an outline.

    What You Need To Know

    •  St. Petersburg City Council will meet Thursday to discuss replace roof of Trop.

    •  Tropicana Field roof replacement will cost $22.5 million

    •  City leaders said environmental experts have tested and there are no “mold issues” inside the Trop.

    • City leaders said all of the major issues at the Trop have been identified.


    What was once turf is now concrete.

    Piping on the ground helps to drain the water when it rains. When you look up, all you see is metal and sky.

    (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

    City of St. Petersburg City Architect Raul Quintana said, for $22.5 million, the roof can be replaced using tensile fabric. It’s the same sort of material that was ripped off of the Trop.

    “It’s the same material, but it’s designed to today’s codes,” said Quintana. “So it’s a much stronger material. It’s thicker than what it was. So it’s designed to the wind loads today that far exceed the wind loads we had in 1995.”

    Quintana said Major League Baseball had certain concerns they wanted addressed: the lighting, the acoustics and the ability to track a baseball. Quintana said they’ve checked all the boxes with their proposal.

    But the material would be made and assembled overseas.

    “The material is fabricated in Germany, then it’s shipped to China where it is assembled and those bundles are going to be sent in groups to the city,” Quintana said.

    With President Trump’s talk of tariffs, Quintana said the price could go up, but they believe the funding proposal would cover that possibility.

    If approved by the city council, the work would get underway during the 2025 hurricane season. The council is meeting Thursday to vote on funding the repairs.

    “We’re going to be putting this back in the heaviest storm period of the year, between August and November, so what we’ve done is try to protect the area behind the seating from the eventuality of rain still happening through the summer,” said Quintana.

    (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

    (Spectrum News/Eddie Jackson)

    City of St. Petersburg City Development Administration Managing Director Beth Herendeen said there are no mold issues in the building.

    “We have had environmental people come out multiple times,” Herendeen said. “They do testing, air testing, so no mold issue.”

    But she said there are still areas with water intrusion, and they have removed drywall, carpeting and ceiling tiles.

    All of which will need to be replaced, and means even more money to request.

    “Every little piece of the puzzle is being looked at very carefully,” Herendeen said.

    It’s an enormous undertaking during the Rays 2025 baseball season.

    The roof repairs are one of several packages that Mayor Ken Welch’s administration will request from the city council. They will also need funding for metal panels, sports lighting, audio/visual and architectural work.

    And while city leaders acknowledge there are no guarantees, they believe it’s doable to get fans back in the seats at the Trop by next spring.

    Dalia Dangerfield

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  • New Oldsmar Mayor Katie Gannon leads a city in need of healing

    OLDSMAR, Fla. — There is a new mayor in Oldsmar. Katie Gannon has been sworn in to lead the city.

    What You Need To Know

    • Katie Gannon has been sworn in as the mayor of Oldsmar

    • Gannon was raised in Oldsmar and previously served on the city council

    • She said the city is in need of healing after back-to-back hurricanes


    “Feels incredible to say that,” Gannon laughed after saying she was the mayor of Oldsmar. “Not many people can say they returned to their hometown since the third grade and have successfully run for mayor.”

    Gannon was raised in Oldsmar and previously served two terms on the City Council as Vice Mayor.

    “My priority in the next three years is not to leave Oldsmar better than I found it, but to leave Oldsmar better than it’s ever been,” she said. “My goal is to make our city, the destination.”

    Gannon said there is a lot of work to do in her hometown. After last year’s back-to-back hurricanes and flash flooding, Oldsmar residents are still trying to recover.

    Gannon said more than 500 homes were damaged in Oldsmar. Neighbors helped neighbors get back on their feet.

    But Gannon said the healing process is far from over.

    “In many ways, we need literal healing,” Gannon said. “We have people who are still working to get permits getting back into their homes. Some people have decided to move or sell their homes. And that’s a big change for our city.”

    For those who are rebuilding their homes, Gannon said she wants to make sure they follow regulations, no matter how frustrating the process may be. Gannon said if they choose to go another route, their homes could be deemed unsellable.

    Meanwhile, Gannon said the city has been reimbursed $2.88 million from FEMA so far for recovery efforts.

    Gannon said her next three years as mayor will be one of transition for Oldsmar, and possibly one of development. Sometime this spring, Gannon said the city will sell the property next to the Oldsmar library and add more housing and small businesses to the landscape.

    “I would hope that we can see something in the next three years,” Gannon said.

    What is uncertain is the future of the land next to Oldsmar City Hall. For two decades, there has been a back and forth about what to do with the eight acres. In November, after the hurricanes, an Ohio company indicated they were still interested in developing the site.

    The mayor said she’d love to see the right project go up there.

    “We don’t want just a building, we want a public space, maybe park space, maybe we can have shade structures, Saturday markets there, a dog park, somewhere that our residents can go to,” Gannon said. “It has to be symbiotic.”

    She mentioned outdoor dining or a park area. But Gannon said in the past, neighbors have not had enough of a voice on what will happen. Gannon pledges transparency during her time in office.

    “I do hope that we see some movement in my term, although they say it takes a year to plan and a year to permit before you even put a shovel in the ground,” Gannon said.

    Gannon said the priority right now is recovering from those storms and preparing for yet another hurricane season.

    Dalia Dangerfield

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  • Municipal election results from Polk County

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Several municipalities across the county elected new officials on Tuesday.

    Residents cast ballots for city council and commission seats, as well as mayoral spots and charter amendments.

    The races were in Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales and Mulberry.

    You can find all the election results on baynews9.com.


    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Dunedin food bank worried about federal funding cuts

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — Federal spending cuts to the Department of Agriculture for food programs have some food pantries concerned.

    What You Need To Know

    • President Trump and DOGE have cut USDA programs that help food insecure people 

    • Florida received around $46.4 million from the USDA before cuts

    • Dunedin Cares provides food for 50 to 75 families on any given day 


    Florida received around $46.4 million from the USDA through the local food purchase assistance program established under the Biden Administration in 2021. President Trump and DOGE cancelled that program.

    Dunedin Cares is a food pantry in Dunedin that provides food for 50 to 75 families on any given day. Executive Director Kristina Garcia says it’s vital for so many families in need.

    “We are what you call a choice food pantry, which is kind of unique, so our guests come in and they get a number, and they literally shop with a cart,” Garcia said.

    Garcia says that some of the items come from donations, but a big portion comes from Feeding Tampa Bay.

    With the federal cuts, she is worried about the future.

    “We don’t know yet to be honest, we will have to see, if the USDA loses funding, that’s who funds Feeding America which funds Feeding Tampa. Feeding Tampa Bay funds all the agencies, that’s what we are considered, an agency,” Garcia said.

    There may be some relief in Florida as the state Senate’s proposed budget is allocating $50 million for food bank grants.

    If passed, it includes two grant programs through the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

    One is for $12 million to expand food banks in rural areas and the other is $38 million to help food banks buy products from Florida farmers.

    However, while food insecurity is addressed in the Senate budget, the House Agriculture proposal doesn’t include either program.

    For Garcia, she is worried about future funding.

    “We hope to be able to continue to keep our donor base and that would be allow us to purchase some of those items but there is no way we will be able to keep up with the supply and demand, its just not going to be possible,” Garcia said.

    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Money being raised to research Wesley Chapel incorporation

    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — It’s a question being raised by some Pasco County businesses: should Wesley Chapel become a city?

    The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to research the pros and cons.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wesley Chapel is the focus of a potential research study being performed by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce

    • Wesley Chapel is an unincorporated census designated place or CDP, making it part of Pasco County and Pasco County government

    • The study is a way to see if Wesley Chapel becoming a city makes financial sense

    • The hope is to have the first study funded in the next 2 to 3 months, with another few months to complete it


    “The timing is right,” said Hope Kennedy, President & CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. “The business community came to the chamber and said, ‘Hey, we want to look into incorporation of Wesley Chapel.’ Not for right now, but for the future.”

    Wesley Chapel, as Kennedy explains, is an unincorporated census-designated place, or CDP, and is governed by the Pasco County government.

    “The business community has come to us because, at a certain point, the growth is outpacing the infrastructure and the different services within our community,” said Kennedy. “The business community sees it as an opportunity to keep the tax dollars here in this area.”

    She says the study is a way to see if Wesley Chapel becoming a city makes financial sense.

    It’s not the first time this has been discussed, with talk going back more than 10 years.

    “Back then, it was being driven by the residents, ironically,” Kennedy said. “The business community wasn’t as engaged in that process. Now the business community is engaged in the process and so we want to make sure that, again, it’s data driven and it’s done right.”

    There will be two separate studies, an economic impact study and a feasibility study. It will show what a municipality would look like and what sort of structure the city would have.

    One potential outcome, Kennedy says, could involve taxes.

    “There might be a redistribution of those taxes,” she said. “Again, we won’t know those dollar amounts or what that looks like. What we’re hoping to get out of this study is here’s what you get now for your taxes at this amount and here’s what you’re going to get for your taxes at this amount.”

    She says the goal is for the study is to show the impact becoming a city may have on local residents.

    “It’ll be a very good look at what Wesley Chapel is and what Wesley Chapel can be,” she said.

    Kennedy says they hope to have the first study funded in the next 2 to 3 months. It’ll then take another few months to complete it.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Proposed Florida bill aims to create statewide animal abuse database

    LAKELAND, Fla. — A bill that would keep pets out of the hands of animal abusers is making its way through the Senate.

    What You Need To Know

    • Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to publicly list individuals convicted of, or who have pleaded guilty to, animal cruelty

    • The database would help shelters, pet adoption agencies and pet owners screen potential adopters, preventing known abusers from obtaining new animals

    • If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1


    Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to list the names of people convicted of or who have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on its website. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously advanced the legislation last week.

    Randa Richter, with SPCA Florida, said the bill would help pets like Justice, a two-year-old pit bull whose name serves as a constant reminder of what she deserves.

    “She needs justice. She did not ask to be put in the fighting ring. She did not ask to be bait,” Richter said.

    Richter said Justice arrived at the shelter a year ago with wounds on her face and body. Many have healed, but she said the pain of seeing cases like hers never goes away.

    “It makes you angry and super frustrated that when people who do this are caught, there aren’t stronger laws or enforcement, and they can do it again — or just move a county away and start all over,” she said. “It’s super frustrating that they’re taking an innocent life and putting it in danger.”

    Richter believes a statewide animal abuse database is needed. She said it would not only stop repeat offenders but also help area shelters with their vetting process.

    Right now, the SPCA requires all potential adopters to fill out an application and answer a series of questions. Employees review each response, but ultimately, Richter said, they are left to rely on their gut feeling.

    “We do the best we can to make sure we have the best adopters, but if we can just click on a link and look for their name, it’s just that extra reassurance that they’re going to a good home,” she said.

    Senate Bill 494 is also known as Dexter’s Law, named in honor of a dog found decapitated and dismembered at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County. The bill would build upon Ponce’s Law, passed in 2018, which increased penalties for animal abuse and allows a judge to ban someone from owning pets again. If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.

    Alexis Jones

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  • Lake Bonny residents call for investigation into flooding after Milton

    LAKELAND, Fla. — As the city of Lakeland takes steps to reduce the risk of flooding near Lake Bonny, residents nearby are calling for more transparency.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland has signed a 90-day agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District to begin pumping water from Lake Bonny sooner, at a lower threshold, to mitigate flooding risks
    • Longtime residents are questioning the effectiveness of flood management and have petitioned for an independent investigation into the city’s flood response and drainage systems
    • While the city has hired AECOM for a watershed study, residents are demanding a third-party investigation to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the drainage issues contributing to the flooding


    On Monday, the city announced a 90-day emergency agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Rather than waiting until the lake reaches a 10-year flood stage to pump water out, officials can now use the emergency pump much sooner. The new approved permit allows pumping to commence when Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD.

    Following Hurricane Milton in October of last year, city leaders say they teamed up with Polk County officials to inspect Lake Bonny’s drainage system. Their findings show that the system is fully intact and free of debris or obstructions.

    City officials also say engineering consultant AECOM has been conducting a watershed study since January. However, longtime resident Jan Morsey and her neighbors created a change.org petition to demand an independent investigation into the lake’s flooding.

    Morsey checks daily on one of the main canals that drain water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker near her home on Lake Bonny Drive East. She says there hasn’t been much progress since Milton.

    “You can see that there’s no actual water flowing through here at all. It’s all just stagnant,” Morsey said. “This has not improved. If anything, it’s only gone downhill because we have more debris that has collected since Milton, and with just the recent rainfall we’ve had — we’ve had a few days that we’ve had some rainfalls — this hasn’t improved.”

    Morsey believes the blocked canal is a large part of the reason why the street she’s lived on since her childhood was flooded in October.

    “We have water levels that FEMA and that we have measured, numerous people have documented of 18 inches. So, we’ve had 18 inches around and inside our home for well over three weeks after Hurricane Milton.”

    The water damaged all of the walls in her home and most of her belongings. So far, Morsey says she’s spent nearly $80,000 on repairs. Despite the out-of-pocket costs, she and her neighbors stress that they aren’t looking for money. Instead, they created the petition simply to get answers.

    “What we want is a light to be shined on what was broken. Accountability for the process that wasn’t in place or, if they were in place, did not work during this disaster,” she said.

    According to city officials, AECOM’s watershed study will review Lake Bonny’s drainage basin and evaluate potential flood relief options. However, community members say they want an investigation by a third-party company not chosen or paid by the city.

    “Having that independent entity takes away the possibility of anyone influencing the outcome in a way that they may not intentionally do,” she said.

    Morsey says an independent investigation will not only help restore trust within the city, but it will provide a clear path moving forward.

    “That’s what we want to see — what happened, and then fix it and make it better,” she said.

    Morsey suggests that the county, state, or another agency select and fund the next third-party company. This way, the city won’t have to be involved.

    Alexis Jones

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  • NTSB report calls for assessments of 68 bridges, including Sunshine Skyway

    TAMPA, Fla. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report on bridges across the country that need assessment. Of the 68 bridges highlighted, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was among them.

    What You Need To Know

    • NTSB report highlights need for new assessments on 68 US bridges, including two in Florida 

    • The report comes from the investigation into the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore after it was struck by a container ship in March 2024

    • Sunshine Skyway and Napoleon Bonadarte Broward bridges need a new assessment, according to the report


    The report lists the Skyway Bridge as “critical or essential” to be assessed for risk. The NTSB wants to be clear that this does not mean it is in danger of collapsing.

    The NTSB report released a report titled “Safeguarding Bridges from Vessel Strikes: Need for Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Reduction Strategies.”

    It mentions both the Sunshine Skyway and Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge in Jacksonville. They were the only two Florida bridges mentioned.

    Both are considered critical or essential because vessels frequently travel near these bridges and because they serve as important links in the strategic highway network.

    The NTSB is advising the owners of the bridges to calculate the probability that they could collapse if hit by a ship, using the risk threshold established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials.

    All the bridges on the list were assessed on a scale that was created in 1991. That was in response to the investigation into the Sunshine Skyway’s collapse back in 1980.

    The recent report was released in the ongoing investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which fell after it was hit by a container ship on March 26 of last year.

    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Gov. DeSantis awards $2 million for infrastructure at SeaPort Manatee

    PALMETTO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday he is awarding $2 million to the Manatee County Port Authority.

    The money will go toward infrastructure improvements at SeaPort Manatee.

    What You Need To Know

    • The $2 million grant will be spent on a number of projects, including rebuilding and repaving South Dock Street, along with other improvements such as stormwater mitigation

    • Governor Ron DeSantis announced the $2 million grant at Friday press conference at SeaPort Manatee

    • SEE ALSO: During his Palmetto stop, the governor addressed the Rays stadium situation. Read the story here.

    The $2 million grant will be spent on a number of projects, including rebuilding and repaving South Dock Street, along with other improvements such as stormwater mitigation.

    The grant is also expected to fund 300 new jobs.

    “We are looking forward to really reinvesting it in the infrastructure because, because of all the demand in growth, the infrastructure needs to be up to speed,” he said.

    Carlos Buqueras, the executive director of SeaPort Manatee, said the grant will supplement the increased need.

    “There’s a recognition of the West Coast of Florida, and SeaPort Manatee in particular, growing exponentially,” he said. “So as a result of that, looking at the numbers, our growth, and our demand for future growth — where we are today, in the next two years, we’ll need to be at maybe 50% more. We supply the commodities that people need.”

    DeSantis made the grant announcement in Palmetto.

    He said the grant will fulfill the demand from current and new businesses as they expand their operations and create new jobs.

    “Beyond enhancing port efficiency, these upgrades will facilitate supporting an expansion of home, aerospace and automotive product manufacturer Honeywell. This includes supporting Honeywells expected development of new businesses over the next five years, including a cold storage warehouse a fuel terminal and a manufacturing facility,” DeSantis said.

    Photo courtesy of SeaPort Manatee

    He said SeaPort Manatee is the primary deepwater seaport in Southwest Florida. In 2023, it supported 42,000 U.S. jobs and contributed nearly $7.5 billion to the U.S. economy.

    “Well, the community will see it in additional taxes that are paid by companies, not by them. Additional economic opportunity, additional income  without using taxpayer dollars,” Buqueras said.

    According to DeSantis, the money is coming from the Job Growth Grant Fund.

    Julia Hazel

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  • Updated background check rules now in effect for school volunteers

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new law requiring school volunteers to pass a background check is now in effect in Florida.

    Senate Bill 676 was passed during the 2023 legislative session, and officially took effect on March 1.


    It requires all volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check. This would apply to all new and existing volunteers.

    The background checks costs $97. The Level 1 checks are $25.

    How the process works:  

    • Volunteers must first complete a Level 1 process
    • The school requests a Level 2 fingerprinting request
    • The volunteer is fingerprinted
    • The results are sent to the school
    • The volunteer’s profile is updated to Level 2
    • The volunteer receives a Level 2 photo ID badge
    • The Level 2 screening is valid for five years

    In January, the Polk County school district temporarily stopped accepting volunteer applications so they could figure out how the new law would impact the district financially.

    But the bill included $4.4 million in appropriations. District officials say it’s not clear whether that money can help some individuals pay for the increased costs.

    Polk Schools officials said it plans to accept volunteer applications again with the new deadline passed.

    “We understand this is a considerable expense and could be an obstacle preventing some people from serving as volunteers,” the Polk district said in the announcement. “The Polk County School Board is exploring whether any funding exists to help defray this background screening cost, or if community partners are willing to step forward to help cover a portion of this expense. However, at this time, no decision has been made regarding a possible funding source.”

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Community reacts to bill removing in-state tuition for undocumented students

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Curbing illegal immigration has been a top priority for lawmakers in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill ending in-state tuition for undocumented students.

    The decision is sparking reaction on both sides.


    Going to college was always Diego Dulanto’s dream.

    He received his bachelor’s degree in 2022, but as a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, he said there were challenges.

    “It’s extremely stressful,” he said.

    Dulanto said he had to pay out of pocket because he didn’t qualify for financial aid. Although he was able to get in-state tuition, he says the cost still added up.

    He says now that undocumented students will have to pay out-of-state tuition, it could be a financial barrier.

    “This takes away from people’s dreams of wanting to get a higher education and actually contribute to society,” Dulanto said. “But now we won’t be able to do that.”

    He is currently pursuing his master’s degree and mentors other DACA students.

    “It’s heartbreaking, you know, they come to me for answers, and I don’t know what to tell them because for most, if not all of them, this was their only option,” Dulanto said.

    However, Hunter Branstner, who is vice president of the Polk County Young Republicans, said he sees the change as a step in the right direction.

    “Overall, it’s a pretty good way to tackle illegal immigration,” he said.

    He says ultimately this will help students who are in the U.S. legally.

    “That’s more money, more tools in the tool belt,” he said.

    Supporters of the new policy say the state must remove all incentives that attract illegal immigrants to Florida.

    “It’s not an issue of do we have respect for the people,” Branstner said. “Of course we have respect for people, they’re humans. But where is the respect and where is the humanity for our own Floridians.”

    While undocumented students and their supporters say this decision means Florida is going to lose out on future skilled workers, others say they would like to see additional states look to Florida’s example and work to end in-state tuition for non-citizens as well.

    Under the new policy, only “citizens of the United States” or those here legally qualify for in-state tuition.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • New ‘Boater Freedom Initiative’ would end vessel safety inspections

    HOLIDAY, Fla. — A new proposal is making waves when it comes to boating in the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced the Boater Freedom Initiative earlier this week

    • Part of the proposal looks to end random vessel safety inspections without probable cause
    • The proposal would also prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources
    • Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    It’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Boater Freedom Initiative announced earlier this week. Part of that effort includes an end to random vessel safety inspections without probable cause.

    One local marina is taking a dive into the potential impact these proposals could have on the boating industry.

    Resting at the mouth of the Anclote River sits the Anclote Village Marina.

    Recently reopened after back-to-back hurricanes, marina staff are on standby, like general manager Noah Rouse, ready to welcome back visitors to the water.

    “It can be a pretty big inconvenience when you’re trying to get out on the water for the day and you’ve made sure you’ve done everything right and now you’ve got to stop and prove to someone that you have,” said Rouse.

    But that may be changing, after DeSantis announced what he calls a Boater Freedom Initiative this week. Part of that effort would eliminate law enforcement use of safety inspection as a probable cause to pull over a boater.

    “It really seems no different from what we’ve got going on out on the roadways,” said Rouse. “If we don’t have a reasonable reason for a stop, then there shouldn’t be one implied. Obviously, people have the freedom to travel along the waterways as they please and if they’re not doing anything that is against written law, I don’t think there should be any reason for a stop.”

    The proposal would also prevent bans on gas-powered boats.

    “They are pushing the battery-powered and operated boats pretty heavily,” Rouse said. “Not everyone should have to go eco-friendly, which we do understand. We all love the environment, just as everyone else. We’ve got people fishing every day and if the fish are dying, then we won’t have any fish to catch.”

    While the bill may not have a direct impact on his marina’s day-to-day operations, Rouse says he believes it will improve boating experiences.

    “Obviously, if someone is doing something they shouldn’t be, they need to be addressed by the FWC. But if we’re out there complying with the law, I think everyone should be able to have a good time,” he said.

    Ensuring a more relaxed time out on the water.

    Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that the boater is maintaining proper safety requirements.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Insurance, repairs and market slump driving some condo owners to the brink

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The 2021 Surfside Condo collapse spurred the Florida legislature into action, in an effort to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

    Laws passed have increased scrutiny on maintenance and forced residents to make much larger financial commitments to reserve funds, so that condo associations can make repairs when needed.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida condo market is in a massive slump 

    • Condo regulations are driving up costs for many owners 

    • Condo unit owner Ronni Drimmer’s building is covered by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance; she says its threatened cancelation unless the building got a new roof and the cost per resident will drive some owners out

    However, there is a growing concern among condo owners that the legislation has led to an unsustainable increase in costs, even to the point of being priced out of their homes.

    Ronni Drimmer, a condo owner in Clearwater, has lived in her home for 20 years.

    “I do like living here because I have a lot of friends,” Drimmer said.

    She is retired and supposed to be enjoying retirement, but she says that is getting harder. Insurance rates continue to rise for the 55-plus community she lives in.

    “We were with citizens, because they were the only ones that would take us,” she said. “I was originally told that it was because we were an older building.”

    After the 2021 Surfside building collapse, the state legislature passed multiple laws aimed at improving the safety of condo buildings. One law added regulations on how much a condo association must keep in reserve to fund future repairs.

    Drimmer is president of her condo association and said those regulations have and will continue to lead to climbing costs for condo owners.

    “My maintenance would have gone up immediately to about $850 a month from $500 a month and then go up every year,” Drimmer said.

    She said recent building inspections found no structural issues, but maintenance fees are expected to increase by a third next year along with a spike in insurance rates and a recent $500,000 special assessment to replace the roof. Her portion of the assessment alone cost $7,200. She said it’s tough when you are on a fixed income.

    “I worked all my life,” she said. “I had my own small business, and I put away money. I have retirement money, that’s it, I have no way to make income.”

    Drimmer’s building is covered by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance and she says it threatened cancelation unless the building got a new roof and the cost per resident will drive some owners out.

    According to Florida Realtors, condo and townhouse listings are up 65 percent in the past year, and sales have slumped 20 percent.

    Jeff Van Sant

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  • North Carolina Supreme Court justice race could get recount

    RALEIGH, NC — The race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat could soon head into a recount because of slim margins. County election boards continue to count the last provisional ballots before certifying the results.

    What You Need To Know

    • The race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat could head into a recount because of slim margins

    • The candidates are Justice Allison Riggs, the incumbent Democrat, and Republican Jefferson Griffin on the North Carolina Court of Appeals

    • A recount can be requested by the candidate in North Carolina if the unofficial margin in the race is under 0.5% or 10,000 votes

    • As of Thursday morning, the difference was 10,130 votes, with Griffin in the lead


    Justice Allison Riggs, the Democratic incumbent, was challenged by Republican Jefferson Griffin, a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

    A recount can be requested by the candidate in North Carolina if the unofficial margin between candidates is under 0.5% or 10,000 votes. All 100 counties would pay for the recount, which is a labor-intensive process.

    As of Thursday morning, the difference was 10,130 votes, with Griffin in the lead.

    “As of today, my race is too close to call. Our team is closely monitoring the count of remaining absentee ballots and provisional ballots, and we will have a clearer idea of our next steps within the next 24-36 hours,” Riggs said Wednesday on X.

    The last time a North Carolina Supreme Court race saw a recount request was four years ago when Cheri Beasley lost to Paul Newby by 409 votes.

    Republicans have had a majority on the court since 2022. The results of this election could strengthen that GOP majority if Griffin’s lead holds.


    Daniel Gray

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  • Recapping the Top 10 General Election races to watch in Tampa Bay

    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s Election Day races have been called, and we followed a number of them locally, statewide and nationally. 

    Spectrum News will continue to have coverage and analysis of all the local races. 

    Get the latest election results for the Tampa Bay area.

    Florida Senate

    Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott easily defeated former Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to win a second term Tuesday, and he will now look toward running for Senate leadership.

    In the race, Sen. Rick Scott had raised nearly $30 million from 2019 through October 2024, according to the most recent campaign filing released October 15. Comparatively, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell earned just over $25 million from 2017 through October 2024. 

    Scott easily cleared a primary challenge, earning 84.4% of the vote against challenger Keith Gross. Mucarsel-Powell’s primary race was closer, but not enough to make the race a nailbiter. She earned 68.6% over three other Democratic contenders. 

    The race centered on several key issues, including the economy, immigration, and abortion, a key issue in the state due to the Constitutional Amendment also on the ballot Tuesday.

     


     


     

    ABOVE: Our Election Night analysts discuss Rick Scott’s victory.

    Florida Amendment 3 – Legalize Marijuana

    FAILED: Legalize recreational marijuana use

    Amendment 3 fell short of the 60% required to become part of the constitution, so recreational marijuana will remain illegal in Florida.

    Medicinal use of marijuana is already legal in Florida.

    Under the amendment, people 21 and older would have been legally allowed to possess three ounces of marijuana at a time.

    Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would have been authorized to sell the marijuana. The state would’ve controlled the process of licensing other entities to cultivate, process and sell marijuana.

    Supporters believed marijuana does not need to be outlawed like other substances, would allow law enforcement to focus on stopping more deadly drug use and create an additional tax base for Florida.

    Opponents argued legalizing marijuana might create a smell in public, hurt quality of life and unfairly benefit certain corporations.

    Florida Amendment 4 – Right to Abortion Initiative 

    FAILED: Protect abortion rights up to “viability”

    Voters defeated a measure to add abortion rights to the Florida state constitution on Tuesday

    Most voters supported the Florida measure, but it fell short of the required 60% to pass constitutional amendments in the state.

    The result was a political win for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that will keep in place the state’s ban on most abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy.

    If the amendment passed, it would have protected access to abortion up to “viability.”

    Viability is not defined in the amendment, though most doctors suggest it would’ve been the 23-24 week mark.

    Supporters believed the Florida legislature went too far with its six-week abortion ban, and that the government should not be involved with these decisions.

    Opponents argued the amendment is misleading, too vague and the life of the fetus should be protected.


    U.S. House District 13 

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna won the race for Florida’s 13th congressional district, defeating Democratic challenger Whitney Fox.

    Democratic challenger Whitney Fox won her party primary in August, beating out four challengers with 58.1% of the vote at the time. 

    In terms of fundraising, Luna raised over $3 million  by the October 15 filing deadline. In comparison, Fox raised just under $3 million.

    Luna first won the seat in 2022, after defeating Democratic challenger Eric Lynn with 53% of the vote. The seat was previously held by former Gov.. Charlie Crist.

    U.S. House District 15

    Rep. Laurel Lee won reelection in District 15 Tuesday, defeating Democratic challenger Pat Kemp.

    Lee won her party primary in August, beating out two other challengers with 72.3% of the vote at the time. 

    In terms of fundraising, Lee had raised over $2 million by the October 16 filing deadline, and spent $1.3 million of that. In comparison, Kemp raised just under $500,000 and spent $285,000.

    The seat is currently held by Lee, who held the seat since 2022. The seat was held by Republican Rep. Scott Frankllin before that.

    Hillsborough State Attorney

    Suzy Lopez will retain her State Attorney seat, defeating former State Attorney Andrew Warren. 

    Lopez was appointed to the role after Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Warren from office in 2022.

    Warren has released a statement after it appeared he would lose his race to Republican Suzy Lopez. Warren said that the best side doesn’t always win, and pointed to his suspension by Gov. Ron DeSantis after he was previously elected twice.

    “I’m proud of the race we ran,” Warren said in a statement. “The best candidate doesn’t always win, especially when the other side cheats — illegally suspending you, then spending millions of dollars lying about you.”

    In a bid to win his job back in November, Andrew Warren won his Democratic primary for Hillsborough County State Attorney. 

    Hillsborough County Referendum 1

    County voters approved this referendum to renew the current half-cent Community Investment sales tax from December 1, 2026, through December 31, 2041, which will fund infrastructure for transportation, public safety, public works, public facilities, and schools. Revenue from the tax will be shared between the county, municipal governments, and the school board. 

    Hillsborough County Referendum 2

    Voters approved this referendum to authorize the Hillsborough County School District to create an ad valorem tax to fund teacher and staff salaries, as well as academic programs. Funds will also be used for charter schools. If approved, this tax will last until June 30, 2029.

    Florida Amendment 1 – Partisan School Board Elections

    Failed: Would have made school board races partisan

    Voters shot down Amendment 1, deciding by a margin of 54 percent to 45 percent that school board candidates will not run with party affiliation.

    Currently, a candidate for school board in Florida does not have to say whether they are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, nor does party affiliation appear next to their name on the ballot.

    Florida Amendment 2 – Right to Fish and Hunt

    Pass: Enshrine a right to hunt/fish in Florida’s constitution

    Voters passed Amendment 2, meaning hunting and fishing would be preserved in the state’s constitution and stand as a blocker to any future challenges to hunting and fishing.

    Supporters believe that’s valuable. Opponents argue it’s unnecessary and might hinder attempts to protect animals from barbaric forms of hunting or fishing.

    Spectrum News Staff

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