ReportWire

Tag: APP Top Stories

  • City Council to hear recommendations on future of Schwettman site

    City Council to hear recommendations on future of Schwettman site

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. —  The New Port Richey City Council is expected to discuss the future of the former Schwettman Education Center on Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of New Port Richey had originally bought the property in the fall for $1.7 million

    • The outcome would mean new economic development to the area

    • The redevelopment agency meeting is set for 5 p.m.

    The goal of these future projects would be to bring an economic development project to the area. The city originally had bought this property in the fall for $1.7 million.

    “The majority of (the) council thought that there was benefit in redevelopment of the piece, in large part because it is situated at a prominent corner in the city,” City Manager Debbie Manns said of the eight-acre property’s location at Grand Boulevard. and Gulf Drive.

    Manns said proposed development at the site of the former Community Hospital on Grand and Marine Parkway is seen as another benefit of redeveloping Schwettman.

    She is recommending the council look into selling it to a private developer. She said it would help in garnering a good amount of reinvestment in the Marine District and guide their plans to upgrade the neighborhood overall. Manns plans to suggest that the land not be re-purposed as residential space.

    Former Mayor Rob Marlowe says the area is underutilized and this would be a prime time to redo it all.

    “This is one of the last undeveloped sections of the Cotee River inside of New Port Richey. It’s totally undeveloped. That gets cleaned up, it would be easy enough to put in docks,” Marlowe said.

    Marlowe also said that if done right, the redevelopment of Schewettman could have a promising impact. He also would like to see the building used as a public space.

    Councilmembers are expected to talk about the future of Schwettman and other properties in store at today’s community redevelopment agency meeting at 5 p.m.

    The council may decide to take action Tuesday or choose to discuss the issue further at another time. There are currently plans to recommend the city issue a request for proposals on the site in the first quarter of 2024, according to Manns.

    [ad_2]

    Reina Nieves

    Source link

  • Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

    Storm severely erodes new $26M beach sand dunes in Pinellas

    [ad_1]

    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The storm that hit Pinellas County last weekend severely eroded new beach sand dunes which cost more than $26 million to reconstruct after Hurricane Idalia brushed by the coast in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new sand dunes were eroded by weekend storms; officials say it appears half of the new dune washed away

    • It was the first time waves directly hit dunes because the beaches have become so narrow  

    • County hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary

    • Previous story here

    “There’s a little part of me that wanted to cry,” Pinellas Public Works director Kelli Levy said. “I’m not going to lie.”

    For the past few months, the county has been paying for sand to be trucked in from Davenport to rebuild the dune system from the Sand Key area of Clearwater to Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete Beach. Levy said in some areas near Sunset Beach, the dunes were nearly completely washed away.

    “There’s dunes down at the south end of Treasure Island on Sunset Beach that were really hit hard, that area probably more than the other areas,” she said. “The rest of the dunes pretty much from Sunset through Indian Rocks all the way up into Belleair Beach, where visually it appears that they’re about half gone.”

    The county will know exactly how much sand was lost during the storm once surveyors complete their work. Levy said they were hoping the new dunes would last for at least two years because that’s how long it takes to get a federal beach renourishment permit.

    “While it’s sad to see 4 months’ worth of hard work be damaged that way,” she said. “I also am incredibly appreciative that the protection that it provided those residents because without it I think we would’ve seen a lot more damage.”

    Levy said the sand dunes are the only thing standing between the Gulf and homeowners. Still, more than 60 residents in Treasure Island reported flooding, according to Jason Beisel, Treasure Island spokesman.  

    Michelle Gowland, 51, records videos for her YouTube channel, Echoue Bijoux, while collecting shells on Bay area beaches. Gowland said she travels from Bradenton to Sunset Beach at least twice a month to record videos.

    “These are giant Atlantic cockles,” she said. “There’s lots of those washed up here.”

    The sheller said right after a big storm hits is the best time to look and she was sad to see the beach erosion

    “I just saw part of that dune fall… it’s surreal to be out here right now,” she said. “It’s sad to see that all of this work that has just been done is going to have to be done again.”

    Levy said the county hopes to salvage what’s left of the sand dunes and only rebuild if necessary with tourist tax dollars.

    “If we can in some areas just kind of grade it down a little further, grade down the accesses, so people will have access and leave the existing dune in place,” she said. “In areas where it’s completely gone, we may have to bring in more sand.”

    The severely damaged dune system is connected to an ongoing battle between Pinellas County and the Army Corps of Engineers over beach renourishment and the lack of required perpetual easements from all beachfront property owners. Levy said this was the first storm where the waves directly hit the sand dunes because the beaches have become so narrow.

    “We haven’t had storms hit the dune because we’ve always had a significant berm in front of it,” she said. “Well, we don’t have a berm now. So, all we had was the dune.”

    Levy said it’s important people stay off the dunes over the holidays for their safety and to protect the remaining sand.

    “A lot of the access points have a very sharp drop off. If you step too close to the edge, it will collapse on you,” she said. “We don’t want anyone getting hurt. Generally, stay off the dunes that are still there. We do want those areas that did not get damaged, those plants to continue to get established.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Florida State’s Trey Benson, Fabien Lovett entering NFL Draft

    Florida State’s Trey Benson, Fabien Lovett entering NFL Draft

    [ad_1]

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State’s leading rusher, Trey Benson, will enter the NFL Draft and is opting out of the Orange Bowl game. Benson made the announcement on Sunday on his Instagram.

    One of the Seminoles’ top defensive tackles, Fabien Lovett, also announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would enter the NFL Draft. Lovett didn’t clarify if he was opting out of the bowl game on Dec. 30 against Georgia.

    Benson had a long rehab journey following major knee surgery at Oregon in 2020 but showed in his first few practices at Florida State what he was capable of achieving. He racked up 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022 and followed it up with 905 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023.

    He was perhaps at his best in rivalry games: Benson had a combined 10 touchdowns in Florida State’s four games against Miami and Florida, including three TD runs in the November 2023 victory at The Swamp.

    Lovett had 22 tackles and four tackles for loss this fall. He wrapped up a career in which he had 93 tackles and six sacks, most of them at Florida State after his transfer from Mississippi State following the 2019 season.

    One of Florida State’s top receivers, Johnny Wilson, declared for the NFL draft last week and opted out of the bowl game. Wilson had back-to-back 40-catch seasons at Florida State and will participate in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

     

     

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Family, community remember Pasco teen hit by car on the way to school

    Family, community remember Pasco teen hit by car on the way to school

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Bonnie Farago remembers her nephew, Myles Farago, as a smart, witty kid who loved animals, excelled in art and music and enjoyed getting outdoors to hike and camp.

    What You Need To Know

    • Myles Farago, 15, died after being hit by a car while bicycling to school early Thursday

    • His aunt, Bonnie Farago, describes him as a smart kid who loved animals, the arts, and outdoors

    • A memorial honoring Myles has been set up along Kitten Trail, near the scene of the crash
    • Pasco County says safety improvements are planned for the area

    “Myles was supposed to be at Christmas with us. I had already bought him Christmas presents, and he was supposed to be one of the groomsmen in my wedding in March. So, that will not happen now,” Farago said.

    According to Florida Highway Patrol, Myles, 15, was hit by a car while riding his bike to school along Kitten Trail in Hudson just after 6:30 a.m. Thursday. FHP said the driver didn’t see him due to dark conditions.

    “His bike that he normally rides, it does have lights on it,” Farago said. “But because he had a flat tire, he had to take a friend’s bike to school at that particular moment, so he didn’t have a light on his bike.”

    That area of Kitten Trail has no lighting and no sidewalks. Farago said her brother, Myles’ father, mentioned his concerns about road safety in the area many times.

    “He actually did go with Myles a few times to find the safest way to get to school. He wasn’t even going the quickest way,” she said.

    On Friday, students and community members stopped by a memorial cross set up on Kitten Trail in his honor. Among them was Brittany Nichols. She lives near the crash scene and said she called 911. She told Spectrum Bay News 9 that she and another person attempted to perform CPR on Myles.

    “My heart really does go out to his family, and I hope his family can find some peace,” Nichols said. 

    Hudson High School student Maria Gomez said she and others with the school’s Dungeons and Dragons Club came to the memorial because a fellow member was best friends with Myles.

    “It felt a lot more painful, and really the more you started to hear what was going on, you learned different details throughout the day about what had happened to the kid, and all you could feel was guilt the entire time,” Maria said.

    Maria’s mother, Lazara Gomez, said she spent the morning calling school and county officials, asking for lights, signs indicating a school is nearby, and sidewalks to be installed in the area.

    “They’re having to share this road at six-something in the morning,” Gomez said. “The sun hasn’t even risen yet, and these kids are having to trek through here.”

    Pasco County said in a statement that it secured grant funding to build a sidewalk on the south side of Kitten Trail that will go from Hicks Road to Giddyup Lane. A school speed zone will also be in place on Kitten Trail from Hicks Road. to a quarter mile east of Cobra Way. The county also said it’s including the area in its annual review of roads that need street lights. Farago said that the news is a relief.

    “I don’t want any other parents, any other family, to have to go through exactly what we are going through right now. It should never happen again,” Farago said.

    Farago said she wants people to remember Myles’ story when they find themselves driving on dark roads. She urges drivers to slow down and be vigilant – especially before school.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • More seniors in Manasota are in need of supplies

    More seniors in Manasota are in need of supplies

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Over the past few years, the organization Manasota Elves has been making a difference for seniors in need, providing Christmas presents filled with basic necessities. However, this year, they’ve hit a record number of seniors needing their help.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manasota Elves is an organization that was founded in 2021 to give necessities to low-income seniors For Christmas 

    • There is a huge need this year, with more seniors needing help

    • Manasota Elves will deliver Christmas bags to low-income seniors at 10 different locations on Monday, Dec. 18

    The sun is never up early enough for Sammy Jo Munding. On this day, she’s getting a head start.

    “We are getting ready to bag all of our Manasota Elf gifts; it’s an exciting day,” she said.

    Munding is a volunteer for Manasota Elves, filling bags with items such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste that will go to low-income seniors in Manatee and Sarasota counties for Christmas.

    “Every year, we get more calls for more seniors needing these basic necessities,” she said.

    This is their busiest year yet. The demand has increased 40 percent, now serving 700 seniors in need.

    “Sadly, our seniors are experiencing what we are all experiencing due to the rise of inflation and the cost of basic living. They are on a fixed income,” she said.

    It’s a big job, but for Munding, it’s second nature. She’s been in the senior healthcare industry since she was 14 years old, washing dishes at a rehab center. Now working her way up as an executive director for a senior care facility, she says seniors have helped her like she’s helped them.

    “You know, growing up in foster care, I had that missing piece of family and community. This project and industry of seniors have provided that to me,” she said.

    She recently started volunteering more, wanting to continue the legacy of her dear friend Tanya Singsim, who started the group. She died in March.

    “I met her when I first moved here. She was known to take everyone under her wing,” she said.

    She’s continuing the hard work with a smile, hoping this holiday season seniors will feel loved.

    “Often times tears of joy, being thought about and cared about,” she said.

    She’s helping her second family feel supported because, for her, it’s the thought that counts.

    Manasota Elves will deliver the Christmas bags to low-income seniors at 10 different locations on Monday, Dec. 18.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Manatee County Area Transit makes bus route changes

    Manatee County Area Transit makes bus route changes

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Area Transit made several changes to bus services as part of an effort to encourage more commuters to use the buses as their form of transportation. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  MCAT has several bus route changes that began this month

    •  The busiest route is 99 between downtown Sarasota and Bradenton 

    •  The changes are part of an effort to enhance transportation; buses with the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day

    The biggest change is for the busiest mainland route used by residents — Route 99, between downtown Sarasota and Brandenton.

    The improvement is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.

    One Bradenton resident took notice of the changes and is thankful for how quickly the buses get to the stops.

    If you drive past the Bradenton Bus Terminal, you can find Eugene, who wanted to be identified only by his middle name, in his regular spot he takes the 99 bus route up to five times a day.

    It’s his only option for transportation and recently became homeless, he says he is grateful for the free fare.

    “I love it the people are great,” he said.

    According to Manatee County, the 99 bus is the busiest route. In an effort to enhance transportation, buses on the 99 route will arrive at each stop every 20 minutes all day.

    Eugene says it’s a great addition not just for him but also families.

    “People have appointments, and if the bus ain’t there they can’t get there,” he said. “I haven’t figured that part out yet, but i need to see my doctors. I can’t get my medications without it.”

    For Eugene, this new change will help him get to his destinations quicker for him its picking up food at the grocery store.

    “We are all set good for tonight and maybe in the morning,” he said.

    Eugene said he is grateful for the quicker stops because he says sometimes it can be a long wait.

    For a list of bus routes, visit the MCAT website.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Hudson residents rally for safety after teen bicyclist killed in crash

    Hudson residents rally for safety after teen bicyclist killed in crash

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old Hudson Academy student was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike Thursday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • A teen bicyclist was hit and killed by a vehicle near Thompson Avenue and Kitten Trail in Hudson

    • The teen, 15-year-old Myles Farago, was a student at Hudson Academy

    • FHP said a Hudson man, 31, was driving a Dodge Charger eastbound and did not see the teen, who was not wearing a helmet, due to dark conditions

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash happened just after 6:30 a.m. near Thompson Avenue and Kitten Trail in Hudson — less than a mile away from the school on a two-lane road.

    The bicyclist has been identified as Myles Farago. In a Facebook post, Hudson Academy officials described him as “kind, caring and a talented student.”

    Troopers said a Hudson man, 31, was driving a Dodge Charger eastbound on Kitten Trail when he struck the rear of the bicycle. Authorities said the conditions were dark and the driver did not see the teen, who was not wearing a helmet. 

    People who live in the surrounding area say that road is dangerous and there needs to be more lights. 

    “It needs something to be done,” Hudson resident Janet Michaels said. “There’s a lot of traffic in the mornings, at like seven o’clock or so, and then in the afternoon when school gets out. I’m surprised we don’t have more accidents, really.”

    Kelli Childress, another resident and parent, said she immediately knew something bad happened as she drove past the flood of police lights on Kitten Trail.

    “My first thought was it was a kid going to school,” she said. “And then it ended up being that. It’s devastating. No mom should have to feel that. Not with a little boy just trying to go to school.”

    Officials said Farago was taken to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. 

    The road where the crash happened leads to three nearby schools. Neighbors and school parents, including Childress, have been speaking out about Kitten Trail, which has no sidewalks or crosswalks.

    “What happened this morning could be avoided 100 percent. It’s dangerous, it’s dark, (drivers) not paying attention,” Childress said. “There’s nothing on Kitten Road, except for one faded sign that says ‘school entrance.’ People don’t pay attention to signs anymore. There’s no lights, there’s nothing. It’s dark.”

    Childress has been advocating for improved safety measures for years. She says she’s frustrated and heartbroken that a tragedy like this happened, but hopes it may lead to change.

    Hudson Academy said they had a crisis team on their campus today to offer support to students and staff and will keep bringing in counselors for as long as needed.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Holly jolly holiday happenings to enjoy around Tampa Bay

    Holly jolly holiday happenings to enjoy around Tampa Bay

    [ad_1]

    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 3:41 PM ET Dec. 13, 2023
    PUBLISHED 11:13 AM ET Nov. 29, 2023
    PUBLISHED 11:13 AM EST Nov. 29, 2023

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Sarasota School Board votes to ask Bridget Ziegler to resign

    Sarasota School Board votes to ask Bridget Ziegler to resign

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — The Sarasota School Board voted to call on board member and Moms For Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler to resign from her post.

    The vote was 4-to-1 to ask Ziegler to resign from her post. She was the lone dissenting vote, making it clear she’s not stepping down.

    Ziegler has served on the board since 2014.


    The resolution is non-binding, meaning Gov. Ron DeSantis would have to step in to remove Ziegler from the board. There’s been no indication he will do that.

    Board Chair Karen Rose called the vote following a sexual assault investigation into Ziegler’s husband, Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler.

    He is facing allegations of rape.

    “I personally care about Bridget and her family and deeply regret the necessity for this course of action, but given the intense media scrutiny locally and nationally, her continued presence on the Board would cause irreparably harmful distractions to our critical mission,” Rose wrote.

    Ziegler spoke briefly about the resolution during the board meeting.

    “You know, I am disappointed,” said Ziegler. “As people may know, I serve on another public board, and this issue did not come up, and we were able to forge ahead with the business of the board.”

    The alleged victim says she had previously been in a three-way sexual relationship with the Zieglers.

    According to the affidavit, she canceled a meet-up with the couple when she found out Bridget would not be there. She told police Christian Ziegler allegedly still showed up at her apartment and that’s when she says the attack happened, stated the affidavit.

    Christian Ziegler said he has been falsely accused and will not resign as GOP party chair. No criminal charges have been filed against him.

    But the Republican Party of Florida is holding a special meeting this weekend to discuss his future.

     

    Prior to the meeting, several dozen people marched outside carrying signs and chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, Bridget Ziegler has got to go.” Among the signs’ slogans were “Ban Bridget, not books” and “Real women aren’t homophobes.”

    “Bridget Ziegler must apologize and resign,” said Carol Lerner of Support Our Schools, a nonprofit group that supports public education. “The Zieglers are through and through grifters.”

    Board member Tim Enos said it’s up to Bridget Ziegler to decide whether to quit. Only Florida’s governor can remove a school board member, and only under certain conditions, such as a criminal charge.

    “If she continues and doesn’t resign and stays, we have an obligation that we all need to be focused on education,” Enos said. “The politics have to get outside the boardroom. It should be only about the kids.”

    Bridget Ziegler has long been active in conservative politics. She was a champion of the DeSantis-backed law known by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” which restricts teaching of sexual and gender material in early school grades. Moms for Liberty, which she co-founded in 2021, aims to inject more conservative viewpoints into schools, restrict transgender rights, battle pandemic mask mandates and remove books the group objects to from school classrooms and libraries.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Gators hire Los Angeles Chargers assistant Harris as secondary coach

    Gators hire Los Angeles Chargers assistant Harris as secondary coach

    [ad_1]

    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida formally announced Los Angeles Chargers assistant Will Harris as the team’s secondary coach Monday.

    The 36-year-old Harris replaces Corey Raymond, who was fired two days after the Gators ended the season with a fifth consecutive loss, and missed a bowl for the third time since 1990.

    Defense was the biggest issue down the stretch, with Florida allowing 41.75 points a game in the first four losses.

    Florida Coach Billy Napier also parted with defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

    Harris leaves the Chargers in time to help Napier recruit before the early signing period begins Dec. 20. He served as the NFL team’s assistant secondary coach in 2023.

    “Will Harris is an absolute professional,” Napier said. “He will bring connection and confidence to our defensive backs room.”

    Harris’ resume includes stints as defensive coordinator at Georgia Southern (2022) and as Washington’s defensive backs coach (2018-21), where he led one of the best secondary groups in the country in 2021.

    Harris played collegiately at USC (2005-09) before spending time with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos in 2010.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Florida Department of Education releases school grades

    Florida Department of Education releases school grades

    [ad_1]

    The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) on Monday released school grades for the 2022-23 school year.

    As a part of Florida’s first-in-the-nation transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-2023 school year serve as a baseline and carry no negative consequences, according to a news release.

    Using these results as a baseline, schools and districts can work toward improved performance in future years, school officials said.

    For the full report, click here.

    FDOE developed a new test, Florida’s Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). Unlike end-of-year high stakes testing, FAST is a progress monitoring system that provides teachers, students and parents real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to drive student improvement.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 has reached out to school districts in the area for statements and reaction to the results. We’ll be posting them below.

    CITRUS COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “The positive outcomes we’re witnessing are a direct reflection of the persistence and dedication of our students, teachers, and instructional staff.  We’re incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our schools!”

    HERNANDO COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    According to today’s report, the Hernando School District (HCSD) earned 58% of the total points possible, maintaining a district grade of B. This marks the 6th year since 2015 the school district received a B grade by FLDOE. Hernando Schools did not receive grades for 2020 and 2021 because of the impact of Covid on schools. In contrast to the state’s former assessment, the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) scores, the FAST scores did not include the calculation that awarded additional points for student learning gains.

    “We were concerned at first” said Sonsee Sanders, Director of Research & Accountability for HCSD. “But it is remarkable that despite not having the learning gains calculation as part of the grade calculations that the district increased our total points earned from 56% to 58%.”

    Five of Hernando’s schools improved a full letter grade. Brooksville, Deltona, Moton and Westside Elementary moved from a C to a B. But it is Eastside Elementary, the district’s only “turnaround school,” that can mark this year as a notable achievement, moving their school from a D to a C.

    “We are so thrilled for these schools!” said Gina Michalicka, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “The ultimate goal for all of our schools is increased student achievement. Our teachers and administrators pour over student assessment data and spend long days refining their instructional practice together. To be recognized in this way is so validating to their hard work.”

    Read the school district’s full response by clicking here.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “Over the summer we anticipated what school grades might look like with the state’s new grading formula.  When schools opened in August, our schools immediately began taking necessary steps to help build capacity and provide guidance on systems and structures based on the needs of each school. We are seeing some positive results. Many of our students are improving their proficiency in ELA and Math. While that may not be reflected in this year’s school grades, we anticipate positive results next year when student learning gains are again included in the school grades.” 

    – Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres

    MANATEE COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    NOTE: We have not heard from the school district about its results.

    PASCO COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    Pasco County Schools maintained a B grade for 2023 according to the district grades and school grades released Monday by the Florida Department of Education (DOE). These are informational baseline grades. Pasco has maintained a B grade since 2017.

    “I’m pleased to see what our schools have accomplished, and 2 (50%) of our schools are no longer at an F status,” said Kurt Browning, Pasco Superintendent of Schools. “Now that we have the baseline grades, our teachers and administrators are focused on these data and planning for greater accomplishments based on this mid-year reflection. These data will help us to make informed decisions about improvements for the remainder of the year.”

    Seventy-seven percent of Pasco schools earned an A, B, or C grade, and half of Pasco’s schools earned A’s and B’s. 26 of our 94 schools received A’s. Three of our schools moved up from B’s to an A. Other highlights this year include 12 schools increased their overall grade.

    Six of our schools received an I [incomplete] Pasco County Schools will be looking at appeals for these schools and will know more info about why they received an “I” once we receive the data file. Often, an “I” is given to schools that do not meet the participation rate.

    PINELLAS COUNTY (GRADE: B)

    “I am proud of the results of our schools and district during this initial, baseline year for school grades. Student success guides the daily and long-term work of the district. Schools are the heart of that transformation and their results during the 2022-23 school year are tremendous.” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick.

    The district focus on the middle school experience is evident with 10 middle schools improving their school grade. Tyrone Middle School earned a C, rising from the district’s only F the previous year. The commitment and effort of the school teams to improvement is clear across the district. The Transformation Zone continues to focus on student proficiency, long-term progress and supporting any schools demonstrating the need for more focused intervention. To read the school district’s full statement, click here.

    POLK COUNTY (GRADE: C)

    NOTE: We have not heard from the school district about its results.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • It’s a dog-eat-dog world for USF Coach Fernandez and his wife

    It’s a dog-eat-dog world for USF Coach Fernandez and his wife

    [ad_1]

    LUTZ, Fla. — When you go to the home of University of South Florida women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez and his wife Tonya, there’s going to be treats, lots of tail wagging, and lots of sloppy kisses.

    What You Need To Know

    •  University of South Florida women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez and his wife Tonya have rescued several dogs

    •  They raised awareness on dog rescue and adoption at the Bulls’ game against Gardner-Webb on Sunday

    •  There will be several agencies, with some dogs, ready for adoption at the game

    It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and these pups rule the house.

    “This is normal,” Tonya Fernandez said. “This is every day.”

    “Welcome to our crazy,” Jose Fernandez said.

    You can blame Tonya Fernandez for the controlled chaos. Ever since she was a little girl, she says strays just had a way of finding her. And she knew how to make them feel at home — and give them a home — just like they’ve done with these rescue dogs.

    “Just to be able to take a dog that was unwanted, maybe neglected, and to give them patience and love and turn that around where they trust and love you to pieces,” she said. “There’s nothing like that.”

    It started with Buster, the couple’s first dog. The canine who set the tone for this family has a prominent spot in the house when you first walk in.

    “Buster’s ashes are in the painting,” Jose Fernandez said.

    Most Bulls fans know Jose Fernandez for the winning women’s basketball program he’s built at the University of South Florida. They are NCAA Tournament regulars and are considered one of the top programs in college basketball.

    He’s using his high profile to spread the message about dog rescue, and at the Bulls’ game against Gardner-Webb Sunday, Fernandez helped shine a spotlight on the importance and value of rescuing dogs.

    Jose and Tonya Fernandez can tell you firsthand how their dogs have enhanced their lives — the couple may have technically rescued the dogs, but in so many ways, they say the dogs have really rescued them.

    “They just bring so much joy to our lives and we laugh all day long,” said Tonya Fernandez.

    [ad_2]

    Katherine Smith

    Source link

  • Grace, Gratitude & Giving nonprofit helps people during hardships

    Grace, Gratitude & Giving nonprofit helps people during hardships

    [ad_1]

    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — A woman in Land O’ Lakes is running a small nonprofit helping people struggling to stay afloat but who don’t qualify for government assistance.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Land O’ Lakes woman is approaching her first anniversary running her nonprofit named Grace, Gratitude & Giving

    • The goal of the nonprofit, according to director Michelle Bergeron, is to help people who don’t qualify for government benefits

    • It’s a cause that means a lot to Bergeron because she said she’s been in that scenario several times in her life

    The organization is called Grace, Gratitude & Giving, and its director, Michelle Bergeron, wants to help people in that type of situation because it’s something she dealt with in her own life.

    Bergeron said over the last decade she struggled financially because of uncontrollable moments like car accidents or when her house foreclosed in 2008, forcing her to dip into her savings until there was nothing left.

    “It’s a hard place to be,” Bergeron said. “Especially when you have kids and have to make that decision of, ‘Well, what am I doing this week? Am I paying the electricity bill or am I buying food?’”

    For a time, she was a single mother raising two boys, so that decision was never easy.

    She said she made just enough money where she didn’t qualify for benefits but still didn’t have enough money to pay every bill.

    That tough spot led her to start the nonprofit in January 2023.

    “I help people who are in those moments of ‘this is my worst day,’” Bergeron said. “I want to be that person that says, ‘Well, let me make it a little bit better for you.’”

    It’s a small organization where she’s helped pay for medical bills and rent, while also distributing dozens of blessing bags, which include snacks and other sundry items for people to take.

    She runs this nonprofit while consulting remotely and while driving for Uber.

    Driving folks around is a side hustle that is more than just supplemental income. It’s a place where she can spread the word about grace, gratitude and giving.

    “A lot of people ask what I do, or do I only do Uber and I always make sure I say no, I run a nonprofit,” Bergeron said. “I just do this for money on the side because I want to get that conversation out there.”

    Recently, she helped a customer who lost his car in an accident pay for groceries.

    “I meet a lot of wonderful people and I just have a good time doing it,” Bergeron said.

    That joy radiates from Bergeron, whether it’s a simple Uber ride or time spent at her home.

    Recently, Bergeron’s nonprofit partnered with Feed My Sheep CFL in Lakeland to give away over 100 blessing bags to homeless people in Polk County.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Popham

    Source link

  • Cancer survivor painting to raise money for research

    Cancer survivor painting to raise money for research

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — For this week’s “On the Town,” a cancer survivor is painting to raise money for cancer research. It’s at the Dancing Crane Gallery in Bradenton, where local artists are donating a portion of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 20 years ago, Joan Schnuerch was diagnosed with breast cancer

    • Later, she was diagnosed with both colon and ovarian cancer

    • Painting was her therapy and she’s using her skills to sell her artwork to raise money towards cancer research

    With a dip of a brush, Joan Schnuerch lets her thoughts paint for her.

    “Every once in a while, I feel I want to be wild,” she said.

    It’s an art form she’s been practicing since she was a little kid, creating anything with the tip of a brush.

    “I paint sailboats. Being out in the water is a similar freedom as when you paint; it makes me feel free,” she said.

    Painting has helped her through tough times in her life. In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

    “It takes the mind away from the worries of ‘How are you going to survive?’” Schnuerch said.

    Four years later, she was diagnosed with colon and ovarian cancer.

    “Dealing with three cancers at once, we made our will, and I was all set to say goodbye to everyone. I had children; I had a husband. I wasn’t ready to go,” she said.

    But she underwent chemo and received good news in 2010.

    “I did the chemo, and yeah, it worked,” she said.

    But with each flip of a page in her photo album is a reminder of how positive she was.

    “You have to continue living; you can’t just sit back and feel sorry for yourself,” Schnuerch said.

    And some tough moments.

    “I cried just once when my husband drove me to the hospital when I went in for the mastectomy,” she said.

    Painting was her therapy. Now she’s using her skills to sell her artwork to raise money towards cancer research, also hoping people feel the sense of freedom she does when they look at her paintings.

    “I always have sailboats in my dreams and thoughts — always so freeing,” she said. It’s nature that gives her inspiration to create beautiful pieces of work.

    “Peaceful. I love how the wild weeds and grasses grow around the pond,” Schnuerch said.

    Using her skills for a good cause to help others who are going through what she did.

    The event will go on for the entire month to raise money for the American Cancer Society at the Dancing Crane Gallery at 1019 10th Ave. West, Bradenton, Fla., 34205.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Issue 2 becomes law making recreational marijuana legal – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Issue 2 becomes law making recreational marijuana legal – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Although Ohioans can now smoke marijuana recreationally, that doesn’t mean they can’t get in trouble at all for using it. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Employers are not required to revise their company drug policy 
    • Ohioans can still get fired if they fail a drug test 
    • It’s unlikely that corporations and organizations would change their drug policy until marijuana becomes legal on a federal level

    Issue 2, which legalizes recreational marijuana, has officially become law, but it doesn’t mean it comes without obstacles. As a citizen-initiated statute, the legislature is free to make provisions on it. Aside from the legal fate of the legislation, there can also be complications with employer policies. 

    “An employer is still well within its rights to still have a workplace program and include marijuana in that, just as if it were still a completely illegal drug,” said Chris Lalak, who has his own firm as a labor attorney. “They are allowed to test for that. They don’t have to accommodate for it, even if there is a medicinal use for it.”

    Ohio is the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana, but it is still illegal on the federal level. Many corporations and businesses operate on a national or even global scale, which is why many employers have no concern or push to change or modify their drug policies anytime soon.  

    “The next step, as far as requiring employers to accommodate it, as I see it, there’s going to need to be some sort…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

    [ad_2]

    MMP News Author

    Source link

  • Rescue crews respond after plane crash at Zephyrhills airport

    Rescue crews respond after plane crash at Zephyrhills airport

    [ad_1]

    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Two people have been injured after a plane crashed Thursday afternoon at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

    Authorities said South Avenue, from Airport Road to Sixth Avenue, is closed and that drivers should avoid the area.

    Pasco County Fire Rescue and Zephyrhills Police Department are on the scene. The FAA and NTSB have been requested to respond as well. 

    The two injured were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

    (Zephyrhills Police Department Photo)

    The single-engine Cessna was registered in Lakeland.

    This is a breaking news story and we’ll provide updates as they come in.

    Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for more.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

    Years in the making, US 41 to finally widen in Citrus County

    [ad_1]

    INVERNESS, Fla. – A long awaited road project is now underway in Citrus County.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is expanding US 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge

    • The project is being done to fix growing congestion on the two-lane road

    • That also includes a left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School

    The Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) is now widening US 41 in Inverness, an area that gets very congested.

    The project will also help traffic getting in and out of Inverness Middle School.

    David Vincent, Chief of Police for Citrus County Schools, says the change has been needed for a while.

    “For us as a school district, US 41 and Middle School Road has always been an area of congestion and concern,” Vincent said.

    The traffic on US 41 there averaged 18,000 cars a day in 2021, according to an FDOT study.

    Despite all that traffic, US 41 is just two lanes. And with no turn lanes, it really backs up during school time.

    “Between the buses and parents exiting and entering during morning and afternoon traffic, this is very difficult to manage,” Vincent said.

    That’s why he’s thankful that FDOT is now finally widening US 41.

    Work recently started on the project, which will expand 41 to four lanes from State Road 44 to south of the Withlacoochee Trail Bridge.

    That also includes a much-needed left turn lane for southbound traffic heading into Inverness Middle School.

    “We hope the combo of the new lanes and additional turn lane in this project will help with the commuter traffic,” Vincent said.

    He’s also hopeful those extra lanes should help traffic move through the rest of Inverness as well.

    The $21.6 million project also includes new bike lanes and sidewalks.

    It’s expected to be done by the summer of 2025.

    [ad_2]

    Tim Wronka

    Source link

  • FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle crashes into Uber, killing two

    FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle crashes into Uber, killing two

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A 22-year-old man driving a stolen Ford Mustang led authorities on a chase late Wednesday before crashing into an Uber on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, killing the rideshare driver and a passenger.

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened in the southbound lanes just before 11 p.m. on the bridge near the northern rest area. The resulting crash and investigation kept the lanes closed until 7 a.m. Thursday morning, thwarting a.m. traffic.

    What You Need To Know

    • FHP: Driver of stolen vehicle led authorities on chase before crashing into Uber on Skyway Bridge, killing two people
    • Crash happened in the southbound lanes just before 11 p.m. on the bridge near the northern rest area

    • Driver of the Mustang, 22-year-old Leosvany Arias Roman of Hialeah, is being charged with felony murder, vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding involving death

    According to authorities, troopers responded to a request for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office regarding the stolen car. The driver rammed a HCSO patrol vehicle, then fled southbound on I-275 at high speeds.

    The sheriff’s helicopter was able to follow the vehicle.

    Upon reaching the Skyway Bridge, an FHP Trooper attempted to stop the Mustang. The driver collided with the FHP vehicle, continued southbound to the top of the bridge, turned around and rammed the FHP vehicle before continuing at high speed, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-275.

    The mustang collided head-on with a Dodge Caravan with four occupants. The collision killed the 33-year-old male Uber driver and a 52-year-old male passenger. 

    The other two passengers, females aged 52 and 24 as well as the driver of the Mustang, suffered serious injuries and were all transported to area hospitals.

    The passengers in the Uber are all from Ohio.

    The trooper, 27-years-old and a two-year veteran of the FHP, suffered minor injuries and he was likewise transported to an area hospital.

    The driver of the Mustang, 22-year-old Leosvany Arias Roman of Hialeah, is being charged with felony murder, vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding involving death, driving while license suspended involving death and battery on a law enforcement officer.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Knights to begin preparation for Gasparilla Bowl on Friday

    Knights to begin preparation for Gasparilla Bowl on Friday

    [ad_1]

    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — UCF will practice for the Gasparilla Bowl starting Friday, one of 11 that coach Gus Malzahn said the team will hold.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Knights are gearing up for the Gasparilla Bowl and will start practices Friday

    • UCF will play Georgia Tech in that game at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 in Tampa

    • O’Leary said the game is important to the players and to continue momentum

    • The Yellow Jackets’ coach is Brent Key, who was on George O’Leary’s UCF coaching staff for 11 years

    “That’s exactly what we did two years ago,” Malzahn said. “It worked out really well.”

    The Knights (6-6) will line up against Georgia Tech (6-6) at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 in the bowl game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

    Originally, their opponent was revealed as Duke on ESPN’s bowl selection show on Sunday, but the matchup was switched because those teams played in the Military Bowl last year.

    In the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl, UCF defeated Florida 29-17, thanks to strong play by Isaiah Bowser, Mikey Keene and Ryan O’Keefe — who have all moved on since then. They also beat Marshall in the 2019 Gasparilla Bowl.

    “We’re excited to go back to the Gasparilla Bowl,” Malzahn said. “We had a great experience there two years ago. … I know our players are excited to play this game.”

    Playing in Tampa is a good spot for the Knights because the stadium is only about two hours away from UCF, so friends and family will have an easy time getting there. The proximity also will limit the amount of travel the team needs to do after completing a season in which it hit the road for 7,485 miles, the third-most among Florida Bowl Subdivision teams according to an analysis by Reddit.

    Plus, Malzahn said, they have had success at the Gasparilla Bowl in the past and feel comfortable there because they have played in the stadium.

    The opponent will be somewhat familiar to UCF and Georgia Tech.

    Yellow Jackets coach Brent Key was an assistant coach, including assistant head coach, for George O’Leary during his 11 seasons as the Knights’ coach. 

    “It’s cool to go back down there,” Key said.

    The teams also played each other in the 2022 regular season, and UCF won that matchup 27-10. But Key was not hired as head coach of Georgia Tech until two days after that game, and they have a new quarterback — Haynes King.

    During the regular season, the Yellow Jackets defeated two teams that were nationally ranked at the time — North Carolina and Miami — but neither of those teams finished among the Top 25. King threw for 2,755 yards with a 61.9% completion percentage, and Jamal Hayes ran for 931 yards.

    “It’s a great opportunity for these guys to play in a bowl game, no matter where it’s at,” Key said. “It’s the experience of getting to play another opponent and extend your season. People have this crazy notion that there are too many bowl games and too many things. I think that’s ludicrous.”

    Malzahn said he expects to come to the game with his regular-season roster mostly intact. Malzahn said no player who had not entered the transfer portal had told him that he planned to skip the game.

    “It’s important for our seniors, real important to our players to finish on the right track,” Malzahn said “…. I really think our guys will be extremely motivated to play this game.”

    The 30-day window for the transfer portal began on Monday, and fourth-year cornerback Corey Thornton was the most experienced player who has declared his plans to transfer as of Wednesday afternoon.

    While preparing for the bowl game, Malzahn and his staff also must keep up with players going in and out of the transfer portal and recruiting. The college football early signing period, when new incoming players can sign their national letters of intent for the 2024 season, opens Dec. 20 and continues through Dec. 22.

    “This bowl game is really important to keep that momentum,” Malzahn said. “Going in two years ago, we saw it end on a positive end. Last year, it was kind of a tough deal (loss to Duke in Military Bowl). So, we need to play well and gear up and do everything we can to get a victory.”

    The Knights were the only new addition to the Big 12 this season to become eligible for a bowl game this season. They won three of their last four games after struggling midseason, partially because of injuries.

    UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee missed three games with a leg injury but finished the regular season with 2,073 passing yards and a 63.9 pass completion percentage; he also rushed for 473 yards. Senior running back RJ Harvey ran for 1,296 yards, 10th among FBS players. 

    Malzahn said he hopes to see a sellout for the game, with a strong turnout by Knights fans. UCF has already sold out its initial allotment of tickets, he said.

    But Key said he could have the biggest name on his side of the stands.

    “No one asked the real question,” Key said at the end of his press conference.

    He said that question is which side of the stadium O’Leary would sit on.

    A reporter responded, “He’s your guy.”

    Key, who also played for O’Leary when he coached Georgia Tech, chuckled and replied, “You’re darned right.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum Sports Staff

    Source link

  • Pasco County’s ‘MADE’ shop sells products from Florida entrepreneurs

    Pasco County’s ‘MADE’ shop sells products from Florida entrepreneurs

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A small business owner in New Port Richey is using his retail space to highlight other entrepreneurs in Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • MADE – Artisan Hall sells products from over 50 small businesses in Florida
    • Its owner, Nathan Ward, opened MADE – Artisan Hall on Oct. 27
    • Ward leases out portions of his store to small Florida businesses for about 6 months and receives 15% of each purchase

    Seeing the fruits of your labor can be such a unique experience.

    For Nathan Ward, it’s the surrounding creativity each day that brings him the most joy. And there’s something about retail, according to Nathan, that he can’t get enough of.

    “I started at Albertson’s, Winn-Dixie, Target, Publix,” Ward said. “So retail has kind of been my background since high school.”

    Even though he was born deaf, that never stopped Ward from working and enjoying life.

    “I mean, do what you know,” he said.

    In 2019, he left his job at Publix and started his own candle making business.

    “Pandemic hit, so it was a very, very slow start to do that business,” Ward said.

    According to the National Library of Medicine, small business activity took a nosedive in the spring of 2020, with more than 3 million owners having to close their doors during that time.

    But Ward’s love for small businesses got his creative juices flowing.

    When he learned about a building in downtown New Port Richey that was for lease, he thought of a different kind of business that not only benefits him, but other entrepreneurs in Florida.

    “It just kind of gave us all, you know, a little bit of a bump and keeping our business going,” Ward said.

    He opened MADE – Artisan Hall, which exclusively sells products from over 50 small businesses in Florida that wouldn’t normally have retail space outside of weekend farmer’s markets.

    “It was all word of mouth and it just spread like wildfire,” Ward said.

    He rents space inside his shop for those businesses, and he gets about 15% of profits.

    He learns as much as he can about each product so he can share the personal stories behind the objects.

    “I’ll ask them some questions, or they just tell me everything that I need to know and you just kind of start to remember all you can about them,” Ward said.

    He says those personal touches are why he loves working with local business owners in Florida.

    “There’s always, always something new and creative,” said Ward. “You know, I could never tie a bow tie.”

    Aside from profits, Ward says the greatest part about his shop is being able to show people his disability doesn’t hold him back.

    “I actually had a deaf customer come in last week and when he realized I was the owner of the business, he was like, ‘You own the store’? I was like, ‘Yes,’” Ward said. “He goes, ‘That’s amazing.’ You don’t see very many deaf business owners like that.”

    A fruit from his labor that makes his success sweeter than ever.

    MADE – Artisan Hall opened its doors on Oct. 27.

    Each vendor signs a six-month lease to rent a piece of the store to showcase their products.

    Most of the products are from businesses in the Tampa Bay area, with a couple from places like Gainesville and Miami.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Popham

    Source link