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Tag: APP Money & Tech

  • Events this week to help seniors file for new tax deduction

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    TAMPA, Fla. —Seniors across Florida could see meaningful tax savings this filing season thanks to a new deduction aimed at residents age 65 and older. 

    Officials say the change could translate into hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars back in taxpayers’ pockets, but many eligible residents may not yet be aware of the benefit.

    What You Need To Know

    • Anyone age 65+ is eligible for the new $6,000 tax deduction 

    • The deduction could increase a seniors tax return from $700 to $1,500 

    • The new senior tax deduction will be in place through the 2028 tax filing season
    • The deduction is part of a broader push to repeal all income taxes on social security payments


    Under the new provision, taxpayers 65 and older can claim an additional $6,000 deduction when filing their federal returns with the Internal Revenue Service. 

    Depending on income and tax bracket, seniors who claim the deduction could see their refunds increase by roughly $700 to $1,500.

    Older adults make up more than 20%t of the state’s population, meaning the combined value of additional deductions claimed by seniors statewide could exceed $29 billion, according to estimates shared by officials.

    To help residents understand how to claim the benefit, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis is hosting a series of senior outreach fairs across the Tampa Bay region. 

    Bilirakis to Hold Local Senior Forums on Tax Changes, Community Resources, and Advances in Disease Research

    Spring Hill – February 18, 2026 – 10:00 am – Elks Lodge – 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill, FL  34609

    Citrus Springs -February 18, 2026 – 1:00 pm –  Citrus Springs Community Springs – 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd.  Citrus Springs, FL  34434

    New Port Richey – February 19, 2026 – 9:00 am – Kontos Event Center – 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL  34654

    Events scheduled this week take place in Pasco County, Citrus County, and Hernando County, where attendees can receive guidance on filing requirements, eligibility, and available assistance programs.

    Organizers say the events will also connect seniors with free tax-preparation services, offering an option for those who do not work with a private accountant or tax professional. Proper filing is essential to receiving the deduction, officials emphasize, as eligible taxpayers must claim the benefit when submitting their returns.

    Bilirakis said the effort is part of a broader push to increase financial relief for older Americans. 

    “This deduction will be up until 2028. I think we should make it permanent,” Bilirakis said. “Matter of fact I believe that no one should pay taxes on social security.”

    There are no income or employment requirements tied to the new deduction; the primary eligibility condition is age. 

    Any taxpayer who is 65 or older and files a return can claim the additional deduction. Current provisions keep the benefit in place through 2028, giving seniors multiple filing years to take advantage of the savings.

    Local officials and community groups are encouraging eligible residents to verify the new deduction when preparing their taxes to ensure they do not miss the added benefit. 

    For more information on the Senior Fairs happening this week in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties, visit here.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • New year, new way to deduct charitable donations

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Changes to how charitable donations are taxed are coming in 2026.

    “I think that the winners are definitely going to be those that take a standard deduction,” said Jahad Zenith, chief financial officer of Ummah Tax Solutions in Winston-Salem.

    What You Need To Know

    • The way charitable donations are treated on income tax returns is changing in the new year

    • Depending on tax bracket, those who do not itemize can deduct cash donations to charity of up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $2,000 for joint filers

    • Itemized charitable donations will be capped at 35%




    Depending on tax bracket, starting Jan. 1, those who don’t itemize will be allowed to deduct charitable cash donations of up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $2,000 for those who file jointly. Itemized charitable donations will be capped at 35% and a new floor has been set regarding deductions for itemizers and corporations. 

    “If your [adjusted gross income] is $100,000, 0.5% of that is $500, you have to go above the $500 in order to get any credit,” Zenith said. “You have to meet a certain number before any deductions even count.”

    Reports show nearly one-third of charitable donations are made in December. It’s typically a busy time of year for nonprofits such as Goodwill to receive donations. 

    “It’s not unlikely for us to get hundreds of donations a day,” said Renee Rohrer, director of marketing for Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C.

    Goodwill accepts gently used clothing, furniture, household goods and electronics, and 87 cents of every dollar received go toward the nonprofit’s mission programs.  

    “When you make a donation to Goodwill, you can receive a receipt,” Rohrer said. “[It’s a] tax-deductible receipt. It also has cool reminders on the back of what we can accept and what we can’t accept, and what our most needed items are.”

    Although the holiday season creates a rush, recently imposed tariffs have also led to an increase in those shopping at Goodwill. The new tax codes may move some to donate even more.

    “We still see an incredible amount of donations because people are just already in the swing of things this time of year to go through stuff in their houses, whether or not they’re able to write that off on their taxes,” Rohrer said. 

    With tax season around the corner, experts recommend consulting with a tax professional to make sure you get the most out of your return. Some organizations offer free estimates. 

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

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    Zach Tucker

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  • N.C.’s 2026 economic outlook preview shows strength, economist says

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — Last-minute holiday shoppers filed into ABC stores and retail centers across the state Wednesday, many feeling the weight of higher prices as they wrapped up their holiday purchases.

    But even as inflation, tariffs and rising insurance rates have strained budgets this year, one economist says North Carolina may be heading into 2026 on stronger footing than many expect.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. economy grew at a 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter of 2025, according to new Bureau of Economic Analysis data, driven by consumer spending, exports and government spending

    • Prices also continued rising, with the broad index for gross domestic purchases increasing during the quarter, underscoring the inflation pressures North Carolina families reported during holiday shopping

    • Several key inflation measures are up about a full percentage point year over year, while wages have not kept pace and businesses are passing along higher tariff-related costs to consumers

    • Despite national economic uncertainty, economist Michael Walden says North Carolina remains in a strong position heading into 2026, with the Triangle outperforming state and national trends; his full economic outlook report is expected early next year


    “It’s been a tough year for a lot of families,” said Ricky Stevens, who was picking up holiday beverages in Fayetteville. “People stressed out with jobs, short hours, some jobs closing. They want to see their own family and take a social drink or whatever.”

    Other shoppers said it’s not just holiday items, but everyday essentials that feel more expensive.

    “You get in line and you’re paying like $50 more than you used to,” said Aleisa Washington.

    For Steve Stevenson, the strain is part of a longer pattern.

    “Things have been kicked down the road for a long time,” he said. “Somebody’s gotta pay the price eventually, and unfortunately, it’s us right now.”

    Inflation up, wages lagging behind

    A new economic report released this week shows several key inflation measures rising a full percentage point year over year, with wages failing to keep pace, a trend that worries families heading into the new year.

    “The way it impacts people is not so much in whether they can buy things, but whether their salaries keep up with those prices,” said Michael Walden, an economist at North Carolina State University. “And we have seen that not happening for a lot of people.”

    Tariffs still raising costs for consumers

    Walden says another factor affecting household budgets is tariffs on imported goods, including many alcoholic beverages.

    “American businesses have been paying these billions of dollars that are going into the tariff fund,” Walden said. “And they’re increasingly passing those on to consumers.”

    He noted that the holidays are typically the busiest time of year for alcohol sales, and some shoppers temporarily put aside cost concerns for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

    “People tend to put those cost concerns aside,” he said. “This is a time for celebration for family, for friends, for the end of the year.”

    North Carolina’s economy remains resilient

    Despite the challenges, Walden says his early analysis shows North Carolina is in a stronger position than much of the country heading into 2026. He is preparing his annual economic outlook report, which will be released early next year.

    “I’ve been doing this for almost 50 years,” he said. “North Carolina always looks better on virtually every metric. And here in the Triangle, probably another step higher than that.”

    Walden says the state’s steady population growth, diversified industries and resilient job market continue to set it apart.

    “We are in a good place to weather some of these economic challenges here in North Carolina,” he said, “and especially in the Triangle.”

    Looking ahead

    As families celebrate Christmas and look toward the new year, Walden says cautious optimism may be justified, even with rising prices still affecting the cost of daily life.

    His full 2026 economic outlook presentation is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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

     

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    Sarah Rudlang

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  • SpaceX launches another batch of Starlink satellites

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink satellites Monday evening from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

    The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at 5:26 p.m. EST, carrying over two dozen satellites. 

    The 32nd launch

    SpaceX said the Starlink Group 6-92 mission was the 32nd flight for the first-stage booster, B1067, which had previously launched:

    1. CRS-22
    2. Crew-3
    3. Turksat 5B
    4. Crew-4
    5. CRS-25
    6. Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G
    7. SES O3B mPOWER-A
    8. PSN SATRIA
    9. Telkomsat Merah Putih 2
    10. Galileo L13
    11. Koreasat-6A
    12. 20 Starlink missions

    Following the stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which is stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites will head to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there once deployed.

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company, where the satellites provide internet service to many areas on Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been recording Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell documented the following:

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Online holiday sales surge as local malls create new ways to draw foot traffic

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Online spending surged to more than $14 billion on Cyber Monday, a 7% increase over last year, according to new data from Adobe Analytics. 

    But despite the jump in e-commerce activity, overall holiday spending is expected to soften as many families navigate tighter budgets.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting its annual Symphony in Lights nightly through New Years Eve

    • Special events are helping local malls draw foot traffic, even as online sales surge

    • Retailers are taking advantage of a new sale called BOPIS – Buy Online, Pickup in Store to offer shoppers special sales and deeper discounts for entering the store

    • For a complete breakdown of holiday shopping sales to date, visit https://business.adobe.com/resources/holiday-shopping-report.html


    That shift has brick-and-mortar stores — especially shopping malls — searching for new ways to bring people through their doors.

    At The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, efforts to boost foot traffic include festive events and in-person shopping incentives. 

    One of the biggest draws is the Symphony in Lights presented by AdventHealth, a choreographed light show set to music and capped off with artificial snowfall. 

    The event runs hourly from 6–9 p.m. each night through New Year’s Eve and has become a popular holiday tradition for families in the area.

    Also, retailers at the mall are also rolling out exclusive in-store pickup promotions to encourage shoppers to visit in person.

    Alexis Muellner, editor of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, said many retailers are now leaning into a strategy known as BOPIS — Buy Online, Pick Up In Store.

    “The notion that we will shop online and then go pick it up — there are opportunities for retailers in that situation to activate people on site with special deals, deep discounting, and experiences, which they are really leaning into,” Muellner said.

    He expects these types of hybrid shopping incentives to expand in the near future.

    Even with creative strategies, malls continue to face steep competition from online retailers. 

    Adobe Analytics reports that shoppers spent more than $40 billion online in just the first week of the holiday shopping season, and over half of those purchases were made on mobile devices.

    As retailers balance tightening consumer budgets with the convenience of online shopping, many brick-and-mortar stores are betting that unique experiences — and a few special deals — will help keep customers coming through their doors this holiday season.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Ohio businesses, families navigate rising utility bills amid technology boom

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — As technology companies expand across Ohio, rising electricity demand is pushing utility bills higher for families and businesses. Experts and small business owners say it is too soon to know whether the long-term benefits of tech growth will outweigh the immediate costs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Utility transmission costs in parts of Ohio have risen more than 350% in recent years, straining households and small businesses

    • Experts say demand from new data centers and artificial intelligence is adding pressure to the state’s aging power grid

    • It remains uncertain whether long-term job creation and investment in tech will balance out the higher costs

    For Enas Lanham, owner of the Dublin Toy Emporium, higher power bills are just one more challenge on top of inflation and tariffs. She said that her utility costs have been steadily climbing.

    “It’s been a gradual increase, I’d say, since 2022. And then it just continued to increase over that time,” Lanham said.

    To keep her store running, Lanham has relied on creativity, including hosting events and finding new ways to attract customers.

    “Constantly reevaluating ways to either generate more revenue or creative ways to get people in. So I look at it more as just, you know, regular problem solving,” she said.

    Her experience reflects a broader trend across the state. In some areas, transmission costs have risen by more than 350% over the past decade, according to energy leaders. The state’s power grid, which is more than a century old, is struggling to keep up as artificial intelligence and data centers drive up demand.

    “Demand is going up. Supply is going down, which is creating elevated prices. Additionally, in June, we’re seeing a large jump in what we call capacity. And that is a charge that all ratepayers pay,” said Susanne Buckley, partner at Scioto Energy.

    Still, some energy experts remain optimistic.

    “I see it as a positive story. Certainly. We need to be concerned about rising electricity prices and bring those back in control. You can do that with competition and innovation,” said John Seryak, managing partner at Runner Stone.

    At the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, experts cautioned that it is still too early to say if new technology investments will create enough jobs or growth to offset higher utility bills. The projects remain in their early phases, and the full impact could take years to measure.

    In the meantime, experts recommend several steps for consumers: shop for competitive energy suppliers, stay on top of energy plans and rates, track usage during peak hours, and use energy-saving measures such as adjusting thermostats or switching to efficient lighting.

    For Lanham, the issue comes down to fairness.

    “But these big businesses, they’re the ones that really have the funds to manage that. So I think a lot of it is just looking at it from a monetary system and a fairness in terms of being able to have the average American be able to support their families, support their business and to succeed,” she said.

    Families and small business owners across Ohio are bracing for what comes next, hoping today’s challenges lead to tomorrow’s opportunities.

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    Saima Khan

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  • St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

    St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch on Friday announced a temporary waiver of late fees and notice fees for utility accounts in the wake of the recent hurricanes.

    He also announced a temporary suspension of water meter lock-offs caused by non-payment.

    The suspension of fees will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024, though the city said that date could change.

    Additionally, lien filings and business tax late fees have been suspended temporarily.

    City leaders said the goal of the decisions was to help residents recover from Helene and Milton.

    “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has caused a variety of challenges to citizens and businesses citywide,” said Mayor Welch. “When the city is able to do so, we strive to lessen the economic hardship facing our utility customers.

    “Waiving late fees and suspending water meter lock-offs for those unable to make timely payments on their utility bills is one way we can provide financial relief during this difficult time,” he said.

    According to a news release from the city:

    • The waiver of fees and lock-offs applies to any utility bill for which payment is due on or after Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
    • If able, utility customers are encouraged to continue paying their bills to prevent their accounts from falling behind.
    • Utility customers having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call the Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341 to make payment arrangements. The Utility Customer Service Call Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Biden could invoke a 1947 law to pause the dockworkers’ strike

    Biden could invoke a 1947 law to pause the dockworkers’ strike

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    WASHINGTON (AP) — Some manufacturers and retailers are urging President Joe Biden to invoke a 1947 law as a way to suspend a strike by 45,000 dockworkers that has shut down 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas.

    At issue is Section 206 of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, better known as the Taft-Hartley Act. The law authorizes a president to seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period for companies and unions to try to resolve their differences.

    Biden has said, though, that he won’t intervene in the strike.

    Taft-Hartley was meant to curb the power of unions

    The law was introduced by two Republicans — Sen. Robert Taft of Ohio and Rep. Fred Hartley Jr. of New Jersey — in the aftermath of World War II. It followed a series of strikes in 1945 and 1946 by workers who demanded better pay and working conditions after the privations of wartime.

    President Harry Truman opposed Taft-Hartley, but his veto was overridden by Congress.

    In addition to authorizing a president to intervene in strikes, the law banned “closed shops,” which require employers to hire only union workers. The ban allowed workers to refuse to join a union.

    Taft-Hartley also barred “secondary boycotts,’’ thereby making it illegal for unions to pressure neutral companies to stop doing business with an employer that was targeted in a strike.

    It also required union leaders to sign affidavits declaring that they did not support the Communist Party.

    Presidents can target a strike that may “imperil the national health and safety”

    The president can appoint a board of inquiry to review and write a report on the labor dispute — and then direct the attorney general to ask a federal court to suspend a strike by workers or a lockout by management.

    If the court issues an injunction, an 80-day cooling-off period would begin. During this period, management and unions must ”make every effort to adjust and settle their differences.’’

    Still, the law cannot actually force union members to accept a contract offer.

    Presidents have invoked Taft-Hartley 37 times in labor disputes

    According to the Congressional Research Service, about half the time that presidents have invoked Section 206 of Taft-Hartley, the parties worked out their differences. But nine times, according to the research service, the workers went ahead with a strike.

    President George W. Bush invoked Taft-Hartley in 2002 after 29 West Coast ports locked out members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in a standoff. (The two sides ended up reaching a contract.)

    Biden has said he won’t use Taft-Hartley to intervene

    Despite lobbying by the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation, the president has maintained that he has no plans to try to suspend the dockworkers’ strike against ports on the East and Gulf coasts.

    On Wednesday, before leaving Joint Base Andrews for an air tour of North Carolina to see the devastation from Hurricane Helene, Biden said the port strike was hampering efforts to provide emergency items for the relief effort.

    “This natural disaster is incredibly consequential,” the president said. “The last thing we need on top of that is a man-made disaster — what’s going on at the ports.”

    Biden noted that the companies that control East and Gulf coast ports have made huge profits since the pandemic.

    “It’s time for them to sit at the table and get this strike done,” he said.

    Though many ports are publicly owned, private companies often run operations that load and unload cargo.

    William Brucher, a labor relations expert at Rutgers University, notes that Taft-Hartley injunctions are “widely despised, if not universally despised, by labor unions in the United States.”

    And Vice President Kamala Harris is relying on support from organized labor in her presidential campaign against Donald Trump.

    If the longshoremen’s strike drags on long enough and causes shortages that antagonize American consumers, pressure could grow on Biden to change course and intervene. But experts like Brucher suggest that most voters have already made up their minds and that the election outcome is “really more about turnout” now.

    Which means, Brucher said, that “Democrats really can’t afford to alienate organized labor.”

    ____

    AP Writer Colleen Long at Joint Base Andrews and AP Business Writers Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report.

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    Associated Press

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  • Biden could invoke a 1947 law to pause the dockworkers’ strike

    Biden could invoke a 1947 law to pause the dockworkers’ strike

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    WASHINGTON (AP) — Some manufacturers and retailers are urging President Joe Biden to invoke a 1947 law as a way to suspend a strike by 45,000 dockworkers that has shut down 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas.

    At issue is Section 206 of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, better known as the Taft-Hartley Act. The law authorizes a president to seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period for companies and unions to try to resolve their differences.

    Biden has said, though, that he won’t intervene in the strike.

    Taft-Hartley was meant to curb the power of unions

    The law was introduced by two Republicans — Sen. Robert Taft of Ohio and Rep. Fred Hartley Jr. of New Jersey — in the aftermath of World War II. It followed a series of strikes in 1945 and 1946 by workers who demanded better pay and working conditions after the privations of wartime.

    President Harry Truman opposed Taft-Hartley, but his veto was overridden by Congress.

    In addition to authorizing a president to intervene in strikes, the law banned “closed shops,” which require employers to hire only union workers. The ban allowed workers to refuse to join a union.

    Taft-Hartley also barred “secondary boycotts,’’ thereby making it illegal for unions to pressure neutral companies to stop doing business with an employer that was targeted in a strike.

    It also required union leaders to sign affidavits declaring that they did not support the Communist Party.

    Presidents can target a strike that may “imperil the national health and safety”

    The president can appoint a board of inquiry to review and write a report on the labor dispute — and then direct the attorney general to ask a federal court to suspend a strike by workers or a lockout by management.

    If the court issues an injunction, an 80-day cooling-off period would begin. During this period, management and unions must ”make every effort to adjust and settle their differences.’’

    Still, the law cannot actually force union members to accept a contract offer.

    Presidents have invoked Taft-Hartley 37 times in labor disputes

    According to the Congressional Research Service, about half the time that presidents have invoked Section 206 of Taft-Hartley, the parties worked out their differences. But nine times, according to the research service, the workers went ahead with a strike.

    President George W. Bush invoked Taft-Hartley in 2002 after 29 West Coast ports locked out members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in a standoff. (The two sides ended up reaching a contract.)

    Biden has said he won’t use Taft-Hartley to intervene

    Despite lobbying by the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation, the president has maintained that he has no plans to try to suspend the dockworkers’ strike against ports on the East and Gulf coasts.

    On Wednesday, before leaving Joint Base Andrews for an air tour of North Carolina to see the devastation from Hurricane Helene, Biden said the port strike was hampering efforts to provide emergency items for the relief effort.

    “This natural disaster is incredibly consequential,” the president said. “The last thing we need on top of that is a man-made disaster — what’s going on at the ports.”

    Biden noted that the companies that control East and Gulf coast ports have made huge profits since the pandemic.

    “It’s time for them to sit at the table and get this strike done,” he said.

    Though many ports are publicly owned, private companies often run operations that load and unload cargo.

    William Brucher, a labor relations expert at Rutgers University, notes that Taft-Hartley injunctions are “widely despised, if not universally despised, by labor unions in the United States.”

    And Vice President Kamala Harris is relying on support from organized labor in her presidential campaign against Donald Trump.

    If the longshoremen’s strike drags on long enough and causes shortages that antagonize American consumers, pressure could grow on Biden to change course and intervene. But experts like Brucher suggest that most voters have already made up their minds and that the election outcome is “really more about turnout” now.

    Which means, Brucher said, that “Democrats really can’t afford to alienate organized labor.”

    ____

    AP Writer Colleen Long at Joint Base Andrews and AP Business Writers Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report.

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    Associated Press

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  • State University board to discuss the extension of LINE funding at USF

    State University board to discuss the extension of LINE funding at USF

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Board of Governors for the State University System will meet at the University of South Florida on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • LINE Funding was introduced in 2022 to help Florida combat a projected nursing shortage

    • The Florida Board of Governors will meet at USF on Wednesday afternoon to consider LINE funding for a third year

    • USF officials says it primarly uses LINE funding to provide scholarships to nursing studetnts that wouldn’t qualify for a scholarship otherwise

    • USF prioritizes students receiving LINE funding for clinicals at the same hospitals that donate to the university, with the state matching the funding dollar for dollar


    Among the agenda items, the board plans to discuss the extension of LINE (Linking Industry to Nursing Education) funding for a third year.

    The Florida legislature first approved LINE funding in 2022, and provides a dollar for dollar match of funds donated to state universities from partner hospitals.

    Over the past two years, the USF College of Nursing has primarily used LINE funding to provide scholarships to students who do not qualify for other forms of financial aid or assistance. 

    USF College of Nursing Dean Usha Menon notes that LINE funding has allowed more students to gain their nursing degrees, while alleviating the statewide nursing shortage.

    “Their passage through nursing school becomes very difficult because they are trying to work,” said Menon. “Nursing school is challenging, and we really want our students to be focused — really focused on their clinical and their didactic so they can get through and pass the exam. The critical things is that if these students aren’t passing the NCLEX exam, then we haven’t helped with the nursing shortage.”

    USF prioritizes students who receive scholarships funded by LINE for clinical placements at the hospitals that donate.

    That provides an incentive to hospitals donating, as well as an opportunity for students to stay at the hospital where they perform their clinical after they graduate.

    The state reviews line funding proposals annually and approves funds based on set criteria that colleges are required to follow in order to receive the dollar for dollar match.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • TECO set to ask state to approve rate rike

    TECO set to ask state to approve rate rike

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tampa Electric Company officials are meeting with the Florida Public Service Commission Monday to request a raise in utility rates.

    According to TECO, the customers’ utility bills would increase about $20 a month in 2025. 

    There are slightly more than 800,000 TECO customers spread across Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas counties. 

    TECO officials said they need the extra income to meet growing demand, prepare for extreme weather and potential cyber attacks.

    Monday’s meeting is at 1 p.m.

    A decision from the PSC is expected by November.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Final vote on Citizens Insurance rate hike proposal

    Final vote on Citizens Insurance rate hike proposal

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    FLORIDA — More than a million Floridians could face a major increase in the price of their homeowners insurance.

    Citizens Property Insurance proposed raising its rates by about 14% to reduce the amount of insurance holders by the end of the year — which could increase average prices for policy holders by more than $500.

    The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will meet Monday to decide on whether to approve the proposed rate hike for all personal lines policies.

    That includes homeowners, condominium unit owners, renters, and mobile homes.

    Some insurance companies left the state as rates soared, forcing people to use Citizens — the state insurer of last resort.

    The company says the new rate would be within 20% of private carriers, making some people no longer eligible for Citizens, which would reduce financial risks.

    According to the National Association of Realtors, the state has the highest rates in the nation at nearly $11,000 a year — that’s four times the national average.

    “Secondarily, as those prospective homeowners are facing an even tighter challenge, you look at, say, pre-pandemic monthly costs have more than doubled in just about any fashion. So this only exacerbates the challenges that prospective homeowners face,” said Colin Rice, a Land Use & Real Estate Attorney with Older Lundy.

    The Citizens’ governing board passed the recommendation in June, and it now needs approval by state regulations.

    If approved, the rates would go into effect for renewal policies after Jan. 1, 2025. 

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    Destiny Wiggins

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  • As prices rise, child care remains a major expense for families

    As prices rise, child care remains a major expense for families

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — While children are preparing to head back to school this month after the summer break, the cost of child care remains a concern for parents.

    Financial experts say it can cost $21,000 per year for two working parents to raise one child in North Carolina.

    What You Need To Know

    • While children are preparing to head back to school, the cost for child care remains a concern for parents
    • Financial experts say it can cost $21,000 a year for two working parents to raise a child in North Carolina
    • Financial professional Wes White of Patriot Wealth Management in Raleigh says overall costs are continuing to rise because of inflation, which affects everything from housing to food


    Financial professional Wes White with Patriot Wealth Management in Raleigh says overall costs are continuing to rise because of inflation, which affects everything from housing to food. 

    “One of the biggest expenses families face is child care. It’s become so expensive that the average cost of child care for one kid is more expensive than rent in every U.S. state,” he said.

    White says the three most common things parents spend money on when raising children are housing, food and child care.

    On average, parents spend about 33% of their income on housing, he says.

    “Food is another major cost. Families spend anywhere from $975 to more than $1,500 on food per month,” White said.

    White says there are ways to support your children besides giving them money. He stresses teaching them good money management skills and encouraging them to create a financial plan for themselves. 

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    Siobhan Riley

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  • Why college students should consider renters insurance

    Why college students should consider renters insurance

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    RALEIGH, N.C. – As college students get settled into campus housing across North Carolina this week, the state insurance commissioner is sharing advice to protect them and their property: Get renters insurance.

    What You Need To Know

    • A recent report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners shows 35% of Generation Z adults have cellphone protection plans, but only 21% have renters’ insurance

    •  North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey says insurance can protect property, provide medical benefits and more

    •  Causey says renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage, costing $10-$25 per month



    According to North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, this type of insurance is not a luxury but a necessity for students living away from home.

    He says renters insurance covers more than just personal belongings in the event of fire or theft. It offers protection against a range of issues that students might not initially consider.

    “If you don’t have it, you’re going to have to pay for it out of your pocket,” Causey said. “It has medical expenses, some liabilities. If you have to leave because a pipe breaks or something like that, you have to get out of the housing. It will pay for additional housing costs, restaurant meals, hotel bills, all sorts of things that we don’t think about.”

    In addition to covering the cost of damaged or stolen items, renter’s insurance can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

    “If you have somebody that comes to visit you in your room and they’ve been partying a little too much and they hit their head on the cabinet and they have to have stitches, these things will actually pay for a trip to urgent care, pay for minor medical expenses,” Causey said.

    He says it can also provide liability coverage if accidents occur, such as breaking a window or causing other damage that leads to a legal dispute.

    “This is the most inexpensive insurance there is,” Causey said. “For a basic policy, you’re looking at maybe $10 to $12 a month. Even if you have a top-notch $300,000 coverage, it would be in the neighborhood of maybe $20 to $25 a month.”

    A recent survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found 35% of Generation Z adults have cellphone protection plans, but only 21% have renters insurance.

    For students worried about the cost, Causey reassures that the benefits far outweigh the minimal expense. “It’s a bargain,” he said. “I would highly recommend renter’s insurance because your landlord’s policy won’t cover your stuff.”

    Causey suggests taking a simple inventory of your belongings to understand the value of what you have.

    “Just go around the room with your cellphone and take a picture or video of everything you own,” he said. “It will add up much quicker than you think if you try to put a dollar value on that.”

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    Sarah Rudlang

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  • OneBlood experiences a ransomware attack across centers

    OneBlood experiences a ransomware attack across centers

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — OneBlood announced Wednesday it’s experiencing a ransomware attack that is impacting its software system.

    What You Need To Know

    • OneBlood experiencing a ransomware attack

    • Centers across the southeastern U.S. are working at reduced capacity

    • However, OneBlood is still collecting, testing and donating blood

    The nonprofit, which serves most of the southeastern United States, said it is working closely with cyber security specialists, along with federal, state and local agencies.

    “OneBlood takes the security of our network extremely seriously. Our team reacted quickly to assess our systems and began an investigation to confirm the full nature and scope of the event. Our comprehensive response efforts are ongoing and we are working diligently to restore full functionality to our systems as expeditiously as possible,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.

    While the blood donation center is still operational — and is collecting, testing and distributing blood — the organization said it is operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

    Company officials said they have asked more than 250 hospitals across Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being, according to Forbes. 

    While all blood types are needed, there is an urgent need for O Positive, O Negative and Platelet donations, OneBlood said in a press release. 

    “The blood supply cannot be taken for granted. The situation we are dealing with is ongoing. If you are eligible to donate, we urge you to please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible,” said Forbes.

    National blood centers, along with the AABB Disaster Task Force, are working to help keep OneBlood’s blood supply stable by sending in blood and platelets.

    A cyber security professional in Florida says incidents like the OneBlood attack appear to be happening more often.

    Jeff Birner says he pays close attention to cyber attacks as part of his work with IT Consulting St. Petersburg.

    “It’s not surprising, because this is cyber war at its finest,” he said.

    He is not connected to the OneBlood case, but says when health organizations are involved, there’s more at stake than personal data.

    “When we talk about critical services, such as the services that OneBlood provides, I mean, this is a dire moment for each one of these companies,” said Birner. “They need the services to be activated.”

    For more information or to find a donation center, visit https://www.oneblood.org/.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • City council approves more funding for South St. Pete home repair program

    City council approves more funding for South St. Pete home repair program

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously Thursday to boost how much money South St. Pete residents can get through a home improvement program, meant to help residents particularly hard-hit by lack of affordable housing.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg City Council approved an increase to the maximum award that can be received for home rehabilitation through the Affordable Single-Family Homeownership Program from $45,000 – $60,000

    • Members also approved the creation of the Rapid Roof Replacement sub-program

    • The programs are available to people who live in the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area

    • One resident said she was able to make major changes to her home, including new flooring, a new bathroom, and repaired ceiling – that wouldn’t have been possible without the program


    “This allows them to remain in their home, because home ownership is the way for the American dream. That is one way that people are able to build generational wealth. So, as a result of being able to maintain that, it means something for them and for their heirs in the future,” said George Smith, economic development manager for the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Agency. 

    The resolution approved by the council increases the maximum award for home rehabilitation through the Affordable Single-Family Homeownership Program from $45,000 to $65,000. It also approved the creation of another sub-program, the Rapid Roof Replacement Program.

    The programs are specifically for homeowners who live within the South St. Pete Community Redevelopment Area and come in the form of zero-interest loans. For the rehabilitation assistance program, households with incomes of up to 120% of the area median income (AMI), or $114,600 for a family of four, can receive a 100% forgivable loan after ten years of occupancy with no monthly payments. Those with incomes between 121% and 140% AMI, or $133,700 for a family of four, will repay 50% of the loan through monthly payments, which will also be forgiven after ten years. The roofing pilot program will focus on owner-occupied homes with active roof code violations. Household income must be 120% AMI or lower. Dr. Avery Slyker, the city’s assistant director for housing and community development, said the programs can be combined to provide relief.

    “So, we go in, and we find out that yes, the roof is in very serious disarray. We need to do some major repairs. The $20,000’s going to be gone, but then what do we do with the ceilings, the walls? Maybe there’s some damage done to the floors because of the leaks. We’re going to be able to assist that with those rehabilitation funds,” Slyker said.

    Both Slyker and Smith said increasing the max award to $60,000 is necessary for the rehab program.

    “The rehab assistance is very, very important. The cost to rehab a home has gone up tremendously,” Smith said.

    “Unfortunately, when we go into a home today to do rehabilitation, it costs much more than the $60,000,” Slyker said. “What we’re having to do is take a list of things that are needed and bare it down to what is absolutely essential for the health and the safety of the homeowner. This gives us a little bit more freedom to do things.”

    One resident who’s experienced the benefits of the home rehabilitation program firsthand is Delores Green. Earlier this year, work began on multiple repairs to her 15th Ave. S home. They included new flooring in several rooms, new windows, and repairs to her bedroom ceiling. Green said the work was badly needed.

    “I did take the opportunity out to buy some covers, and I climbed on a ladder on that side of the room and just covered it,” she said of her bedroom ceiling. “That slowed the rain down. It was literally raining in my room.”

    Green told Spectrum News she’s lived in the home for 25 years. She said she meant to get to repairs sooner, with help from her brother, James.

    “Me and him was going to fix the house together. We was going to do it one room at a time,” Green said.

    But she said James had an aneurysm, and she inherited the house when he passed away. Green said she ultimately turned to the city for financial help and received about $70,000 from programs that included the rehab assistance.

    “It would never have gotten done — not as fast as they got it done,” she said of the importance of that money.

    Green encourages other South St. Pete residents in need to look into the program. She said it helped preserve her brother’s legacy.

    “It’s a Godly home — peaceful, enjoyable,” she said. “I can see that my brother’s looking down. He prepared for me a place to live, and I’m so thankful.”

    Slyker encourages anyone who may have looked into the program before but didn’t meet income requirements to check again, noting they change every year.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Portion of state gambling revenues to go toward flood research in St. Pete

    Portion of state gambling revenues to go toward flood research in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When the State of Florida gave the Seminole Tribe full control over sports betting, the agreement was the state would get a share of the proceeds. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that dictates where that roughly $750 million each year will go, and some of it will be for environmental projects across the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Flood Hub studies how sea level rise and rainfall patterns affect flooding 

    • A lengthy list of projects to reduce localized flooding and improve water quality made the list, as well as a $100 million for the Resilient Florida Program

    A lengthy list of projects to reduce localized flooding and improve water quality made the list, as well as a $100 million for the Resilient Florida Program.

    The Florida Flood Hub in St. Pete received funding through the Resilient Florida Program. Its goal is to model and predict how flooding will affect Florida in the future, so informed decisions can be made at the state and local levels on the best ways to mitigate flood risks.

    “We’re trying to draw together all of the best possible approaches and say here’s the statewide approach,” said Charles Jacoby with the Florida Flood Hub.

    Researchers with the Florida Flood Hub are looking at models for sea level rise and rainfall patterns to focus on what’s called “compound flooding.”

    “We need predictions because the climate is changing,” Jacoby said. “So our past data doesn’t hold as well as the climate changes.”

    In addition to the funding for the Resilient Florida Program and the Flood Hub’s research, $150 million will go toward improvements to the South Florida Water Management District, $100 million will go to the management of uplands and the removal of invasive species, $100 million will go to land acquisitions to support the wildlife corridor, and $79 million for the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Pasco County seeing a surge in amount of small business applications post-2020

    Pasco County seeing a surge in amount of small business applications post-2020

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Small business applications are seeing a boom in Pasco County. Specifically, when it comes to the amount of businesses opened post-2020.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County is seeing a surge in the amount of small business applications post-2020

    • According to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, a little more than 1,600 small business applications were filed in 2023

    • Between 2021 and 2024, there have been a total of over 4,800 new businesses in Pasco County

    According to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, a little more than 1,600 small business applications were filed in 2023. So far, this year has seen 581 applications. It’s a trend indicating that business in Pasco County is here to stay, some say.

    “The primary thing for me is being local,” said Kelly Hackman, a local business owner.

    Standing inside one of her three Pasco County businesses, Hackman greets guests at her first store: the White Herron Tea & Gifts.

    “It was very important to me to share what my love is with the broader community and so,” said Hackman. “When we looked at openings of business, downtown New Port Richey was really the only place we looked to do that.”

    Hackman, born and raised in New Port Richey, says she knew from a young age she wanted to live and work in the city.

    “I’ve always had this vision of what downtown New Port Richey could be. We have beautiful shops, beautiful buildings, we have beautiful parks, we have a gorgeous river. It’s kind of like a picturesque setting for what you would consider a hallmark movie or a movie set,” she said.

    It’s also home to three of her businesses. From the tearoom to her latest addition, Coastline Salt Room opened in 2021.

    “Opening a business post-pandemic is a lot different than opening one prior to,” she said. “And that was one of the things that we learned.”

    Hackman said she needed to alter her approach when she launched this enterprise. People’s shopping habits had changed, and she had to learn what her clientele wanted.

    “What could we do?” she said. “Where does our expertise or what can we learn about and then bring to the community to utilize? And that’s why we decided to do a salt room.”

    It’s been a learning curve, she said. But she’s found the recipe for success for her own business and believes in her vision for the community.

    “We need to have a variety,” Hackman said. “Everybody has a different perspective of business, everybody has a different view of what they want their business to be and I think that’s really important when we’re building a complete, well-rounded community.”

    A healthy business model that may help Pasco County continue to grow. Between 2021 and 2024, there have been a little more than 4,800 new businesses in Pasco County.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Florida Polytechnic University ranks most affordable for cybersecurity program

    Florida Polytechnic University ranks most affordable for cybersecurity program

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland is quickly becoming known for being one of the most affordable universities. It’s currently ranked No. 1 in the state for graduates with the lowest student debt, and its cybersecurity bachelor’s degree program is No. 1 for affordability in the country according to Cybersecurity Guide, an online resource that specializes in cybersecurity and cybersecurity education.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Polytechnic University ranked No. 1 in the state for graduates with the lowest student debt

    • Florida Polytechnic University’s cybersecurity program ranked No. 1 in affordability in the country

    • Cybersecurity program costs $12,600 for 120 credit hours

    Will Marshall is a senior at Florida Polytechnic University, and he’s making the most of his college years by preparing for his future financially, which is a reason he’s pursuing his degree in cybersecurity.

    “Not only being able to find a job, but having so many areas for growth in that job because cybersecurity is such a broad field where you have subdivisions of cybersecurity,” he said.

    Right now, he’s in a class that all seniors in the computer science program have to take to graduate. They’re working on their final project, with some related to game development, others building software or apps, like Marshall’s group. They’re building a computer code library right now.

    “Our project is building a 3D model app that scans a person and then builds a 3D model off of it so that way they can get body measurements and health data,” Marshall explained.

    Marshall said after being selected to attend a cybersecurity conference in high school, he knew computer science is what he wanted to major in. A Tampa native, he considered all his options, but ultimately, Florida Polytechnic University was the school for him.

    “It’s very affordable. It helps because it kind of lowers the barrier to entry, so that way, more people can get into the field. They can learn, they can grow,” he said.

    Cybersecurity Guide named the school’s cybersecurity program No. 1 for affordability with a cost of $105 per credit hour, and a total tuition of $12,600 for the 120 credit program, while other schools can cost over $60,000. 

    “It allows me to focus fully on a school without having to have a side job that takes up my time, to be able to support myself. That way, I can focus fully on learning,” said Marshall.

    And while he’s studying for his degree, he doesn’t have to worry about graduating with a bunch of debt. 

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    Fallon Silcox

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