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  • Citrus County’s rich Black history now on display

    Citrus County’s rich Black history now on display

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — It’s been a hundred years since Crystal River’s only school for African American students opened its doors, but very little is known about the school, the teachers and the Black community living in that area when the school first opened in 1923.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The George Washington Carver school opened in Citrus County in 1923

    •  The school closed in 1968 after desegregation ended

    •  The George Washington Carver Community Center now sits on the property where the school once stood

    • The exhibit is on display at the George Washington Carver Community Center and it can also be viewed online

    The water and beautiful scenery are what drew Wilfred Lucas to Citrus County, but the history he discovered on this property is what has kept him there.

    The Chicago native says what he found at what’s now the George Washington Carver Community Center was something familiar.

    “I just said to myself, this is a very familiar story. This is my story,” Lucas said. “Because I grew up in a very segregated environment and I remember a lot of what that was about.”

    He wanted to make sure the people in Crystal River remembered too.

    “I said why don’t we have a quality exhibit, a museum quality exhibit that memorializes everything that’s in here,” he said.

    So he got to work using his network of neighbors to create a diorama of The George Washington Carver School, also known as “The School.”

    “My neighbor is an ex-IBM engineer, Robert Swann, who has a 3-D printer,” Lucas said. “He printed this building out within a couple of months using an ariel photograph and taking physical measurements of buildings that were here in the 1920s.”

    He also met with lifelong Crystal River residents to perfect a diorama.

    “We talked to Willie Joyner, who went to the school,” he said. “And then he described to us some of the details that were in there. A potbelly stove. So, we tried to find a potbelly stove — a piano. Obviously, the chalkboards.”

    The iconic teachers, the sense of belonging and the moments that lead up to this old photograph of children at the school may be a long-lost memory for some, but it’s ever present for Andrea McCray and her family.

    “My family is a pioneer family of Crystal River,” she said. “That means we were here before Citrus County was created.”

    The all-Black George Washington Carver School for elementary and middle school students closed after desegregation, before McCray was born. But her grandmother, who taught at the school, never let her forget its importance.

    “Her mother washed, line dried and ironed laundry, a dollar a basket to send her to high school,” McCray said. “So because I grew up with her, she kept this before me about the importance of education.”

    That old iron was one of the few reminders McCray had of her grandmother and the community that helped raise her. But with this new exhibit, those memories are now here as a constant reminder of the excellence that once was here.

    “My heart was full because we have so much history that hasn’t been brought out,” she said. “We don’t have a documented history of Black people here in Citrus County. At one point we were 33% of the population here. We’re now under 3% but we’re big contributors of Citrus County and its founding.”

    Displaying that history for all to see and soak in, just like they soak in the beauty of Citrus County — that was Lucas’ goal all along.

    The exhibit is currently on display at the George Washington Carver Community Center. Organizers say they plan on finding it a permanent home and they encourage everyone to check it out.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Teacher contract negotiations continue across the Tampa Bay area

    Teacher contract negotiations continue across the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Only two counties have ratified contracts with teachers in the Tampa Bay area, while the others are at different stages of negotiations. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Hernando and Manatee County have ratified contracts with teachers

    • Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Hillsborough County are still at the bargaining table 

    • The Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) says it has reached a tentative agreement

    • Hillsborough hourly employees not seeing movement in two key areas

    Hernando County and Manatee County have come to an agreement with teachers, and Citrus County will ratify its contract later this month.

    Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties remain at the bargaining table.

    In a statement, the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) says it has reached a tentative agreement with the school district, and will meet again with the school board to finalize specific language in the agreement.

    If the tentative agreement holds, all HCTA employees would see a pay raise.

    For employees on a salary schedule, they will see a pay bump of 6%, which includes a total of $8.3 million in annual pay increases.

    For those employees not receiving a raise this year, they will advance one step on their respective salary schedule.

    The HCTA says it plans to continue its work on issues affecting hourly employees.

    The union says the district will not change its policy on equalized pay, where the district averages an employee’s take home pay and splits it up equally so employees are still getting a check after long holidays like winter break.

    The HCTA also says it will keep fighting for hourly employees coaching athletics.

    The district currently bans hourly employees from being coaches, which takes away their ability to supplement their pay with an additional stipend.

    Once the final language of the new contract is drafted, it will go to union members and the school board for a vote.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Come for the wholesome; stay for the horror

    Come for the wholesome; stay for the horror

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    ODESSA, Fla. — It’s a wholesome vibe at Raprager Family Farm during their Fall Pumpkin Festival. But there is more to the party. 


    The Haunted Farm. is an event that is a lot “Hauntier” at night. 

    “You have all this space,” said owner Justin Raprager. “You don’t even need all of the props or the scare actors – it’s just spooky out here.”

    But bring out the props and scare actors he does. They’re effective for striking terror in guests after the sun sets. The Fall Pumpkin Festival is the dayside counterpart to the fear fest. Think hundreds of hens, along with ducks and geese waddling up to you at the petting zoo. There are pregnant goats and an emu named Taz.

    “He was the first emu that we’ve ever hatched,” said Raprager. “It was really crazy and interesting. They are so big and dinosaur-like in some instances.”

    Raprager and his family purchased the farm after selling a background checking business.

    “This is semi-retirement for us and we want to have fun,” said Raprager. 

    And spread it to the greater community, one headless skeleton and pregnant goat at a time.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Historic Inverness train station converted into restaurant

    Historic Inverness train station converted into restaurant

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — An old train station in downtown Inverness is using its historic structure to create a brand-new business inside.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Train Station in Inverness is using a historic train depot to create a new restaurant, bar and duckpin bowling alley

    • It was part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, but Jenkins says the building had been vacant for three years before they renovated the structure
    • The original building was constructed in the 1800s

    What was once a place for passengers to wait for a train in the 1800s is now a bar, restaurant and bowling alley.

    Even on a slow day, there’s not a lot of downtime for Caroline Jenkins, the co-owner of a new restaurant called the Train Station.

    Jenkins grew up in Wales but moved to Citrus County in 1990 after her parents bought a historic hotel.

    “I’ve been here 33 years, so now I’m almost a native,” Jenkins said.

    For years, she’s had a passion for hospitality. She’s also worked in physical therapy — but there’s always been this desire to do something special.

    A few years ago, she and her friend, Vickie Humphrey, decided they were going to do something unexpected with a piece of Inverness history.

    “It was just so unique, and it sat empty, and we just felt like somebody had to do something with the building,” Jenkins said.

    They began leasing out this old train station that was built in the 1800s and converted the inside into a café, a bar and a duckpin bowling alley.

    “We loved everything about it, and we just knew we wanted to do something in here,” Jenkins said.

    It’s a special place for Jenkins’ family because her husband’s grandfather was a station master here, way before it became a place for games and food.

    “He worked in this building for 40 years,” Jenkins said.

    And now, she’s working here.

    The business, aptly named the Train Station, opened its doors to the public Labor Day weekend of 2022 and just passed their one-year anniversary with resounding affection from the town.

    “We really couldn’t have asked for a better first year,” Jenkins said.

    Their only issues were supply chain challenges when they started renovating the train station.

    It took them almost a year to get the main money maker — their pizza oven.

    “This was the first thing we ordered, and we ordered it in January, and it came in November,” Humphrey said.

    Now that it’s here, the folks around town visit often, whether for a pizza or a simple cup of coffee.

    In just a year’s time, Jenkins and Humphrey have pulled into the Train Station and have used this piece of history to create something special on the inside.

    The original train station was built in Inverness in 1892.

    It was part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, but Jenkins says the building had been vacant for three years before they renovated the structure.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Pine Ridge becoming known for its growing equestrian community

    Pine Ridge becoming known for its growing equestrian community

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    BEVERLY HILLS, Fla. — For many who call the Sunshine State home, it’s also known by another name.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pine Ridge Equestrian Community has been around for years only now its starting to earn the nickname ‘Little Ocala’

    • The Citrus County community has attracted those passionate in equestrian and is beginning to see more people call the area home

    • With 28 miles of trails to ride, the community is offering plenty of space for both horse and rider to enjoy

    The state didn’t obtain its other nickhame of “Horse Country” without a reason. But perhaps less known is the Citrus County community behind that reputation.

    The community of Pine Ridge has always been an equestrian paradise. Only now, as more people begin to discover its secret, it’s earning another name— “Little Ocala.”

    “If you look at her from behind, she has angel wings,” Gail Thomas said.

    On her 6-acre property, Thomas takes one of her two horses, Annie, out for a stroll.

    “It’s the best kept secret in Florida, I believe,” she said.

    That secret Thomas is talking about is the Pine Ridge Estates Equestrian Community. An areas Thomas has been calling home for the last 15 years.

    “It was the trails, the amenities, the equestrian center where you can board your horses for a couple of years while you’re building your own place,” said Thomas, who is also president of the Pine Ridge Equestrian Association.

    Just a short distance away from Thomas’ property sits the Pine Ridge Equestrian Center. A vast open space for members and their horses. 

    “I think Pine Ridge is truly becoming like the new Ocala,” said Judy McCoy, a realtor with Century 21 J.W. Morton.

    McCoy knows the area all too well. As a realtor, she understands the type of attraction Pine Ridge possesses.

    “We have space, we have the Suncoast Parkway coming directly up from Tampa so it’s very easy to get to either Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport,” McCoy said. “You can have the advantage of being kind of a small town and yet the advantage of being close to big cities, if you need that.”

    It’s for this reason that attracted Thomas. Not to mention the extensive trails that run just behind her home.

    “We have 28 miles of trails and then, if you want to ride it backwards, you can double that. Add the excess trails, it’s about 60 miles of trails.”

    Offering plenty of space for both horse and rider to enjoy.

    “I just hope to see people when they move into Pine Ridge to enjoy the wonderful amenities we have,” Thomas said. “And to learn about their horses and just enjoy their life with their horses here, in a safe manner.”

    An inviting prospect to residents and newcomers alike.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River home total loss after late-night fire

    Crystal River home total loss after late-night fire

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A late-fire destroyed a home in Citrus County.

    Crews responded just before 11 p.m. Tuesday to W. Beachview Drive to find a two-story wood frame residence fully involved in flames. 

    Firefighters from Connell Heights, Homosassa, DeRosa, Sugarmill Woods, Hernando, Highlands, Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge, a safety officer, rescue unit, and the Rehab Unit from Citrus Springs responded to the scene.

    Multiple 911 callers reported hearing a possible explosion, and flames were visible about 2-3 miles away from the residence.

    The fire was brought under control at 11:52 p.m. but the home was a total loss.

    No injuries were reported.  Assistance was requested for the displaced residents.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Firefighters return home after helping with Hurricane Idalia relief

    Firefighters return home after helping with Hurricane Idalia relief

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters are returning home after helping with recovery efforts from Hurricane Idalia.

    What You Need To Know

    • Firefighters from Citrus County Fire Rescue return home after helping Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts in Dixie County

    • Both firefighters — driver engineer and paramedic Nathan VanBuren and Lieutenant Jesse Mullis — came from differing stations in the county

    • Responding to the call in a different county was a first for both firefighters, an experience they say they won’t soon forget

    Citrus County Fire Rescue firefighters heeded the call when their neighbors to the north needed it most. It’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact on their posts.

    At Citrus County Fire Rescue Station 24, driver engineer and paramedic Nathan VanBuren goes about his normal shift.

    “I just always enjoyed helping other people and serve in the community,” he said.

    But just weeks ago, that normal was flipped after getting a call — a call for help during Hurricane Idalia.

    “Me and another firefighter for the county went up there to Dixie County,” VanBuren said. “We were stationed on horseshoe beach on a tanker. During the hurricane, I guess their hydrants weren’t operating at full capacity so their water wasn’t great. We were up there in a tanker just to provide extra water in case there was a fire to happen.”

    VanBuren was joined alongside Lieutenant Jesse Mullis with Station 3 in Homosassa.

    “The first town we went into was the city of Horseshoe Beach,” Lt. Mullis said. “That’s where it started hitting with the destruction. They got hit pretty hard.”

    Swiping through photos, you can see some of the damage firefighters witnessed, but they don’t show the full extent of what was left by the storm.

    “Some of the pictures don’t really do it justice,” VanBuren said. “You can see a truck washed into the canal there.”

    “It was definitely kind of shocking to see something so damaging, so close to our community,” he said. “But it was refreshing to see the people up there. We were up there shortly after the hurricane went through and people were already cleaning up and everybody that we spoke to was in really good spirits. It was cool to see the community come together.”

    But out of the storm comes some positivity.

    “The comradery that we were with other guys that we had never met before,” Lt. Mullis said. “Truly, friendships were made with the networking and it was cool seeing everyone come together.”

    It’s experience he says that you can only get firsthand. 

    “Going up there and seeing the damage and devastation, knowing that we could have to deal with something like that at a moment’s notice really kind of opens your eyes,” VanBuren said. “To being operationally ready and really getting behind that and standing behind it.”

    It’s something they will take with them on each call.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Tampa avian artist meets seabird sanctaury amabassador ahead of talk

    Tampa avian artist meets seabird sanctaury amabassador ahead of talk

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    INDIAN SHORES, Fla. — There is a screech owl named Rufus who lives in Indian Shores.

    What You Need To Know

    • John Costin is a Tampa avian artist and wants people to approach his feathery subjects
    • ‘Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird’ will be on display through mid-October

    The small, but mighty bird of prey is currently an animal ambassador at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.

    Rufus will be “co-hosting” an event at the Tampa Bay History Center, along with avian artist John Costin.

    It’s part of the History Center’s “Sangria and Stories” series, taking place Thursday, Sept. 21.

    Costin’s avian artwork work is currently featured at the Tampa Bay History Center — in “Etched Feather: A History of the Printed Bird,” on display through mid-October.

    After taking thousands of pictures of birds in the wild, Costin says the injured birds are fortunate to get this level of care.

    “It’s really positive and optimistic to see that,” said Costin, a Tampa artist who lives in Ybor City.

    Avian artist John Costin and his wife Janet Costin. Costin called his wife  “my inspiration” when discussing his artwork. Photo by Bobby Collins/ Staff

    His interest in birds took off after he moved from Detroit in the early 1970s and replaced pigeons with wood storks, sandhill cranes and red-shouldered hawks.

    Costin hopes his art shows his deep appreciation for birds and the people who help them.

    Costin will also be speaking at the History Center during the Florida Birding and Nature Festival Oct. 12 – 15, 2023.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Hernando authorities: Suspicious death at Weeki Wachee home

    Hernando authorities: Suspicious death at Weeki Wachee home

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    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. —  The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death in Weeki Wachee and have started a search for the victim’s significant other, who is missing.

    Deputies said after they responded to reports of a missing person, which later turned out to the victim, at a home on Darts Street Sunday afternoon. Deputies discovered the body of an adult female in one of the bedrooms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hernando deputies: Woman found at Weeki Wachee home; significant other, victim’s car missing 

    • Deputies said there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the death

    • Authorities: Victim’s significant other, Shauna Urive, 23, and the victim’s vehicle, a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am are missing

    Family members told authorities that had not seen the woman in several days.

    In examining the home, deputies said they immediately noted suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and contacted Major Case detectives and Forensic specialists, who took over the investigation.

    An autopsy will be conducted to determine the victim’s cause of death.

    Meanwhile, the victim’s significant other, Shauna Urive, 23, and the victim’s vehicle, a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am with the Florida tag CG2VH are both missing, officials said.

    Authorities have not released any further information about the case.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office or Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477).

    You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com.

    You can remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Northern counties are open for business weeks after Hurricane Idalia

    Northern counties are open for business weeks after Hurricane Idalia

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    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Weeks after Hurricane Idalia, coastal communities in the nature coast are just now returning to normal.

    Waterfront areas of Hernando and Citrus counties dealt with what our weather experts estimate was more than three feet of storm surge.

    What You Need To Know

    • Areas along the water in Hernando and Citrus counties dealt with more than 3-feet of storm surge from Hurricane Idalia

    • Weeks after cleanup and recovery, both counties are back open for business

    • One business couple is taking the damage from the storm in stride and coming back stronger than before

    Businesses like Hunter Springs Kayak Tours have since reopened. The storm pushed nearly a foot of water into the kayak rental store. Cleaning up required plenty of time and patience.

    But now, local leaders say it’s time to get the message out — that Citrus County is back open for business.

    “You had businesses that were impacted that were also giving back to the community,” said Josh Wooten, President & CEO of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. “Just people working together. The government did a great job and I think the citizens, at large, really, it’s a testament to them that we got back up and running quickly.”

    Wooten added that with businesses back up and running, he expects a boost for the local economy.

    And just a 10-mile drive south from Crystal River to Homosassa, another local business had to pick up the pieces after Idalia. A job these owners are taking one scoop at a time. Rebekah and James Barr never expected such a significant impact from Idalia.

    “You see these things on tv but then to actually experience it a little bit, it’s like, ‘Wow- this is surreal,’” said Rebekah.

    They’ve owned their ice cream shop for four years — the ‘Ice Cream Barr’ a blessing — until the storm brought uncertainty.

    “My first reaction was to cry, but I just knew it was all for a purpose and that there was a reason behind it all,” said Rebekah. “I didn’t know how we were going to be okay, but I knew we were going to be okay.”

    The shop you see now looked pretty different after Hurricane Idalia impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast in late August.

    “One of the first things I noticed when we were able to get into the building was this right here,” said James. “We’d scrubbed quite a bit, but you can still see a clear water line. This is about 18 to 20 inches from the ground.”

    After many hours of scrubbing and cleaning, their shop is now back open. Serving hungry customers one cone at a time.

    But owning an ice cream shop wasn’t something they’d even thought of until moving to the area.

    “I grew up in upstate New York where there’s ice cream shops on every corner and we come down here and we’re like, ‘Okay let’s go get some ice cream,’” says Rebekah. “And there’s no mom-and-pop ice cream shops. We were like, ‘We need to do that.’ We like to cook, so it’s kind of a hobby, but I never thought we’d get into ice cream.”

    A hobby now turned into a profession. Made special by the experiences they’ve gone through.

    “All of the old machines that were given to us by friends and other people who wanted to help us out, gave us old appliances throughout all of this,” said James. “I cleaned them all and now they’re working better, they’re even colder. So there’s always good. Every time you look at a situation, there’s always good to be found.”

    It’s that ‘finding the good during the bad’ that keeps the couple going. Maybe that’s why now — more than ever — it’s an appropriate time to celebrate.

    “We are going to have our big grand opening party on Oct. 1,” said Rebekah. “It’s going to be a luau Hawaiian theme, so we hope you can join us.”

    With a promise of more frosted treats on the way, you can find your local ‘Ice Cream Barr’ at 10844 W Yulee Drive, Homosassa. 

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Everything to know about voting by mail in Florida

    Everything to know about voting by mail in Florida

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    It has long been the voting method of choice – and necessity – for out-of-state college students and military service members serving overseas.

    The 2022 Legislative session produced a law that changed how mail in ballots are requested and collected, making it so that voters who want a mail-in ballot have to request one each year. That means that now is the time to check to see if your vote-by-mail request is still standing. 


    Is there a difference between a vote-by-mail ballot and an absentee ballot?

    No. 

    Florida lawmakers in 2016 changed the terminology from “absentee” to “vote-by-mail” because all registered voters in the state are allowed to cast a ballot without showing up at their assigned polling location. Other states require an accepted excuse for being unable to vote in person.

    Will my standing vote-by-mail ballot request be honored in 2023?

    No, the Florida legislature passed a law that only allows people to make ballot requests for up to two years, not four. This means that some voters who have had standing vote-by-mail requests in prior election years will need to request their earlier than anticipated. 

    Voters can check their vote-by-mail status and other election information by checking with their local county supervisor of elections. 

    Can anyone vote by mail?

    Yes. Please see above.

    How do I request a mail-in ballot?

    There are four options:

    1. Fill out an online application
    2. Request one in writing
    3. Go to the elections office
    4. Call the elections office

    You can find the mailing address, email address, phone number and fax number for your county’s Supervisor of Elections by clicking this link.

    What is the deadline for requesting a vote-by-mail ballot?

    It’s 10 days before an election at 5 p.m. However, the U.S. Post Service is asking voters to make the request no later than 15 days prior to the election, to give you time to get the ballot and mail it back in. 

    There are exceptions and alternatives for military service members serving overseas and American citizens living in other countries. That information can be found here.

    What information do I need to request a mail-in ballot?

    • Name
    • Address
    • Date of birth
    • The voter’s Florida driver license, Florida identification card, or last four digits of the elector’s social security number, whichever may be verified in the supervisor’s records;
    • Signature (If the request is being made in writing)

    You should also already be registered to vote in Florida elections. Check your voter registration status.

    If someone is requesting a ballot on your behalf, they need to include the following information:

    • The requestor’s address
    • The requestor’s driver license number, state identification card, or the last four digits of the elector’s social security number (if available)
    • The requestor’s relationship to the voter
    • The requestor’s signature (if the request is written)

    Can someone else pick up my mail-in ballot?

    Yes, no earlier than 9 days before Election Day, and as long as that person is someone you have officially designated to pick up your ballot by filling out this form.

    Here’s what they will need:

    • Your address
    • Your driver’s license number, if you have one
    • Your signature
    • A written authorization from the voter, and they will have to sign an affidavit

    It’s important to note that Florida law prohibits anyone from picking up more than two vote-by-mail ballots for other people who are not their immediate family members.

    When do I have to send in my vote-by-mail ballot?

    Your county’s Supervisor of Elections must receive the ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Because of the expected influx of ballots, the U.S. Post Office suggests mailing your ballot in at least one week before Election Day to make sure it gets delivered on time.

    “Customers who opt to vote through the U.S. Mail must understand their local jurisdiction’s requirements for timely submission of absentee ballots, including postmarking requirements,” USPS said in a statement released to Spectrum News Tuesday. “Voters must use First-Class Mail or an expedited level of service to return their completed ballots.”

    Is the mail the only way to send in a vote-by-mail ballot?

    No.

    You can drop it off at your county’s Supervisor of Elections office. Florida law also requires all counties to accept vote-by-mail ballots at early voting locations.

    Florida law recently changed how “drop boxes” are allowed to be used. These drop boxes are secured metal boxes where a voter cand turn in their ballot. Now, drop boxes can only be used at Supervisor of Election offices, can only be open during regular voting hours, and have to be personally monitored at all times by an election worker. 

    Do I have to put stamps on my mail-in ballot?

    That depends on where you live. Some counties send out vote-by-mail ballots with pre-paid return postage. Others don’t.

    Where can I see if my mail-in ballot was received?

    You can check the status of your mail-in ballot by providing your name and birthdate on the Florida Division of Elections website. Your county’s Supervisor of Elections will also be able to provide that information.

    When are vote-by-mail ballots counted?

    Mail-in ballots are usually counted before all the in-person ballots, despite a common myth that suggests otherwise. Those numbers are among the first results reported on election night.

    Can I change my vote on a mail-in ballot if I change my mind?

    No.

    Unlike other states, Florida will not allow you to change your vote after you send in your vote-by-mail ballot. However, if you make a mistake while you’re filling it out, the Supervisor of Elections will send you up to two replacement ballots. 

    If you decide not to submit your mail in ballot, bring it with you to your assigned polling place so that you can cancel your mail in ballot and complete a new ballot in person. 

    If the local Supervisor of Elections can confirm that they have not received a mail in ballot with your name, you can fill out a ballot in person at your polling location. 

    If the supervisor is unable to confirm that they have not received your mail in ballot, and you assert that you did not vote, you can vote using a provisional ballot. 

    What if my vote-by-mail ballot signature doesn’t match the one on file?

    You will be notified by the Supervisor of Elections. That’s why it’s so important to include your contact information.

    You must complete a “Vote-By Mail Ballot Cure Affidavit” and send it to your county’s Supervisor of Elections by 5 p.m. two days after Election Day. It’s the same process if you forgot to sign your ballot, and if you miss the deadline, your vote will not be counted.

    Everyone’s signature changes over time, so you can always send in a new voter registration form to make sure your signature is up to date and avoid any issues.

    Can I vote in person if I requested a mail-in ballot?

    Yes.

    Bring your vote-by-mail ballot with you to the polls. If the poll workers can’t confirm that your vote hasn’t already been counted, you will be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot.

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    Dale Greenstein

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  • Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream comes early for more fear

    Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream comes early for more fear

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is in a 24-year record of horrible, scary, terrible, hilarious, breathtaking fear.

    What You Need To Know

    • Howl-O-Scream returns early this year at Busch Gardens

    • The event takes place on select nights  from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31

    •  It features five scare house, six scare zones and a new show

    • Look out for the stilt walkers acting like statues, Zombie Elvis and maggot sprinkles on your bloody cupcakes

    Because you can’t scream it out at work, they invite you to come here for some restorative fear scream therapy at Busch Gardens. Best of all for all the horror lovers — the fear starts a few weeks early this year.

    The event offers five haunted houses, brand new entertainment and six scare zones. That includes Sin City Zombies.

    “It is based on a small town outside of Las Vegas,” Busch Gardens’ Victor Tuparov said. “You might even run into Zombie Elvis, which is pretty scary.”

    Their newest house, replacing Death Water Bayou, is D.H. Baggum’s Circus of Fear.

    “This is not your traditional circus — this is a vintage freak show,” Tuparov said. “And the concept of the house is you are trying to escape D.H. Baggum and his army of freaks before he turns you into one of his freaks.”

    The house has a bunk house, animal circus cages with people in them, a freak show, a small theater, a bit top entrance and a dressing room.

    “There’s ‘boo’ holes where our scare actors are hidden, and they come from below,” Tuparov said. “There are scares that come from above. There’s really a dynamic where you don’t know where the scares are going to be coming from.”

    This, I can tell you, is accurate.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Citrus County works to tackle mental health crisis

    Citrus County works to tackle mental health crisis

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Melissa Bowermaster is the executive director of Jessie’s Place — a child advocacy center in Citrus County. It’s a facility that helps gives kids experiencing abuse a place to feel safe and for treatment.

    What You Need To Know

    • Citrus County is facing a shortage of mental health clinicians

    • County officials are looking at ways to address the growing mental health problem

    • Local nonprofits are short-staffed and need more funding

    “We have full-time advocates, and we have mental health. So we provide the support services and provide collaboration in our facility and that child may be engaged in our services for years,” Bowermaster said.

    She says the need is always growing, but she is facing a clinician shortage. She only has four on staff. Her facility treats as many as 90 kids a week and there are more on a waiting list.

    “The waiting list is the one thing that keeps me up at night. There’s a lot of stressors that come with running a nonprofit organization, but the one thing that really bothers me because I know what that means. I know it’s kids that have been through horrific traumas and they’re waiting for services and that is the worst,” Bowermaster said.

    Some local politicians are taking notice of the mental health crisis in the county, including Citrus County Commissioner Rebecca Bays. She is working with local organizations like Jessie’s Place. County health officials and the state are working to come up with better ideas to tackle the issue.

    “I am willing to listen to anybody. What’s working for you? What did you try that was wrong and didn’t work? How do we find the blend and really get to the bottom of this?” Bays said.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Cedar Key churches band together to lift up residents after Idalia

    Cedar Key churches band together to lift up residents after Idalia

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    CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Cedar Key is a small, tight-knit community of just 700 full-time residents.

    People on the island say when a storm comes through and their neighbors are in need, everyone is quick to band together to support each other. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Cedar Key churches have been working together to collect donations, serve hot meals and lift up residents after Idalia.

    •  Pastor Billy Dalton with First Baptist Church said they were able to also send supplies to other hard-hit areas like Horseshoe Beach and Steinhatchee. 

    •  Dalton will be leading a special service at 11 a.m. on Sunday for residents to gather and reflect.

    As soon as Idalia settled on Wednesday afternoon, Pastor Billy Dalton with First Baptist Church Cedar Key sprung into action. The church has been collecting donations and serving three hot meals a day. People have been donating water bottles, pet food, gloves for cleanup and other necessities. 

    “You’ll have somebody come up, they’ll drop off two and somebody right behind them will be grabbing three,” Dalton said. “People are driving in from all over the state, even out of state, and delivering stuff so that’s fantastic.”

    Dalton said churches on the island are all working together to help get residents back on their feet. As residents begin to rebuild their lives, Dalton said he wants to be a light for the community and give them hope. 

    “I think a lot of people go into despair, discouragement,” he said. “Especially if you’ve poured your life into a business or you have your home and all these things –  and then those things are gone. Ultimately we need to say OK, we’re still here, we have our relationship with God, we have our relationship with one another. We’re going to come together, we’re going to be together. Don’t give up. Let’s keep going step by step.”

    Dalton said so many donations have come in from people locally and in other areas of the state, that they’ve been able to send them to other hard-hit areas like Horseshoe Beach and Steinhachee. 

    “For all these communities, it’s going to be a long process of rebuilding,” he said. “I think sometimes we have a tendency to jump in and then something else happens and then people get forgotten. So, I just encourage people – thank you so much on the front end, and bear with us for the long term as well.”

    Pastor Dalton held a special service at 11 a.m. on Sunday at First Baptist Church for the community to come together and reflect. 

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    Brian Rea

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  • Business wiped out by Hermine rebuilds once again after Idalia

    Business wiped out by Hermine rebuilds once again after Idalia

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    CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Peter Stefani and his wife, Gina, have been running Cedar Cove Hotel for more than 30 years.

    It’s become known as a staple in the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Communities in the Big Bend were also hit badly with damage from Hurricane Hermine in August 2016

    • Cedar Cove Hotel in Cedar Key was a complete loss

    • It took a year and a half to reopen the hotel and restaurant

    • Seven years later, the owners are rebuilding their business once again

    Stefani now has months of work ahead of him, after Hurricane Idalia washed out the Island Room Restaurant on the first floor. Everything has to be replaced, Stefani said, except for the bar that is still standing.

    “You can’t prepare for something like this,” he said. “I mean, we did all we could. We boarded up and taped up and did all the stuff we’re supposed to do. But, Mother Nature is going to do what it wants to do.”

    Our Spectrum News team first met Stefani the day before Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region. Two days later, Stefani returned to a much different scene – windows shattered, bottles of wine floating in the Gulf and the feeling that he had been in this position before.

    In August 2016, Cedar Cove was completely taken out by Hurricane Hermine. It took Stefani a year and a half to reopen.

    “It’s ironic that they’re almost on the same date,” Stefani said. “There’s a certain amount of resiliency and there’s a lot of people that are ready to leave and get the heck out of here and I don’t blame them. I’m not making that choice. We have to get back and running, we can’t just leave.”

    When Stefani rebuilt after Hermine, he added features – like cement flooring and stronger walls – to help withstand storms. He believes those improvements helped protect the hotel from even more damage during Idalia.

    This time around, Stefani expects it could take up to six months to rebuild. But his biggest concern right now is his employees and how he’s going to keep paying them.

    “It’s just sad,” Stefani said. “I’m going to be OK because I’ve got to keep working and doing this. But it affects more than just me, it affects a lot of people.”

    Even in a difficult time, Stefani describes himself as a positive person. That mindset, in addition to the community’s support, is what pulled him through rebuilding the first time – and he said it will get him through this, too.

    “It just has to be done, we just have to get back,” Stefani said. “There’s a lot of people that are supporting us. There’s a couple that just left – they’re flooded but they wanted to come see how we did because they eat here on a weekly basis and they like my staff. It’s just a whole community thing.”

    Stefani’s family has started a GoFundMe to help support staff and build their business back.

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    Brian Rea

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  • Cedar Key business owners, residents trying to get back to normal

    Cedar Key business owners, residents trying to get back to normal

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    TAMPA, Fla. — As Benjamin Iversen cleaned up the mud caked on the floor of his Cedar Key coffee shop, he said he’s trying to stay optimistic.

    Even though he mounted his refrigerators on milk cartons before the storm, that wasn’t enough to protect them from the three feet of water that flooded inside 1842 Daily Grind.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cedar Key residents are starting to return to the island to see the damage from Hurricane Idalia. 

    • Community members are helping each other clean up their businesses and homes.

    • Starting Friday, FEMA crews will be going door-to-door to help enroll people in assistance programs. 

    “With each piece of equipment I keep testing, it turns out I’m going to be needing to replace it,” Iversen said. “But in some way, shape or form, this weekend we’ll be back open for coffee and for some breakfast and lunch.”

    Iversen’s coffee shop is on 2nd Street, about two blocks from the water.

    There are many homes and businesses on the street, which saw a lot of flooding during the storm. Iversen stayed put in Cedar Key to ride out the storm. He didn’t want to risk not being able to get back on the island to fix his shop, but also to help his neighbors get back on their feet.

    “It’s just unbelievable,” Iversen said. “You see storms on the news and hear about these big hurricanes and stuff happening but living through it and experiencing one is just, it’s very humbling and also overwhelming.”

    Even though Iversen has to replace a few refrigerators, he’s confident his business – and the whole island – will make it through the storm.

    As residents return home to the damage Hurricane Idalia left behind, Iversen and his staff are welcoming them with free coffee, water and pastries – because that’s the Cedar Key way, Iversen said.

    “Friends, the community, family – you just have to lean on that and trust that everything will be OK,” he said.

    On Friday, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews will begin going door-to-door in Cedar Key and Yankeetown to help register people for assistance programs.

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    Brian Rea

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  • From Big Bend to Tampa Bay, residents cleaning up after Idalia

    From Big Bend to Tampa Bay, residents cleaning up after Idalia

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Assessment and cleanup continues in north Florida and across the Bay area after Hurricane Idalia.

    Meanwhile, state officials confirm

    At a Thursday morning news conference, Gov. DeSantis and Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie confirmed no storm-related deaths have been reported. There were two deaths related to driving in bad weather, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

    A Pasco County man crashed into a tree when he lost control of his vehicle Wednesday morning, and another person died in Alachua County when he crashed his pickup truck into a ditch.

    The hurricane made landfall Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m. at Keaton Beach in Taylor County with 125-mph winds. 

    It left as many as a half-million customers without power in Florida and other states at one point as it ripped down power poles and lines.

    Still, it was far less destructive than feared, providing only glancing blows to Tampa Bay and other more populated areas as it came ashore in rural Florida.

    Here’s a look at recovery efforts across the region:

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Flights at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport resume today after the airport closed ahead of the storm.

    During a news conference Thursday morning, Pinellas County officials said 60 water rescue missions were performed during and after the storm.

    Crews will be out assessing damage today. 

    St. Pete police continue to limit access to Shore Acres due to continuing flooding there. Officials said hundreds of homes were flooded in St. Petersburg. Anyone with damage can report it to Disaster.pinellas.gov.

    During the height of the storm, 28,000 homes in Pinellas lost power. That was down to just 2,600 by midday Thursday.

    Meanwhile, crews were working until early Thursday to clear debris, water and sand on Gulf Boulevard in Madeira Beach. A total of about 85 dump trucks of sand was cleaned up, officials said. Indian Rocks Beach in particular had a big drop off from erosion.

    Officials also said there were three house fires related to the storm.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Tampa International Airport is also now fully open. The airport was open to just to arriving flights yesterday afternoon.

    Port Tampa Bay is still closed Thursday.

    Coast Guard officials will determine when the port can reopen.

    A spokesperson for the port said the Coast Guard needs to complete a harbor assessment today before they open again.

    So this will impact incoming shipments and cruise travelers.

    PASCO COUNTY

    The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said it did 85 rescue mission in the hours after Idalia roared by the Bay area, saving 150 people from flood waters. Deputies helped people ranging from 9 months old to age 90, officials said.

    Also, crews are still monitoring some areas of Hudson and New Port Richey where flood waters had swamped streets.

    CITRUS COUNTY

    A part of U.S. 19 remains closed in Crystal River due to flooding.

    U.S. 19 has been shut down from Dunnellon Road to State Road 44 because of remaining water on the roadway.

    HERNANDO COUNTY

    Some Hernando County residents who evacuated ahead of Idalia were allowed back into their neighborhoods on Wednesday.

    A debris field greeted Sandra Day when she returned to her Hernando Beach home.

    But she said there was no damage to the house itself.

    That came as a relief since these screen shots from home cameras show what she and her husband saw while taking shelter: Their yard and neighborhood were flooded.

    “Our backyard, the dock was up about two feet, and we could just see the water rushing in, and it sounded like a waterfall,” said Day, a Hernando Beach resident. “So, now you look how calm it is, and it’s all going over the berm now.”

    No injuries or deaths related to Idalia have been reported in Hernando County.

    Day said she feels like that’s an answer to prayers.

    CEDAR KEY

    Power has been mostly been restored in Cedar Key.

    Still, some residents are being kept off the beach.

    Officials are only letting residents who have re-entry passes cross the bridge.

    Before the storm, city officials said their biggest concern was flooding. That held true and storm surge damaged businesses and homes.

    Officials say it’s going to take some time to get the city back up and running and are asking for people to be patient as they continue cleanup and recovery efforts.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reporters Brian Rea, Nick Popham, Sarah Blazonis, Cait McVey and Fallon Silcox contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Braving the roads, helping others in Palm Harbor

    Braving the roads, helping others in Palm Harbor

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    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A number of Pinellas County residents spent their day driving around flooded neighborhoods and checking on people who stuck around for Idalia.

    Frank Furman was one of those on a mission Wednesday, and he allowed Spectrum Bay News 9 to join him for a ride-along.

    Use the video above to watch Jeff Van Sant’s report.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Idalia: When classes across Tampa Bay will resume

    Idalia: When classes across Tampa Bay will resume

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    We’ll be using this page to update our viewing area on school impacts due to Idalia. 

    School Closings by County: 

    Citrus County

    NEW: The school system will reopen Friday.

    In a statement Thursday, the district said: “After receiving the latest update from Emergency Management officials and having assessed the damages in our facilities sustained from Hurricane Idalia, I am pleased to share that schools will be reopen tomorrow Friday, September 1st.  Should you have any issues or concerns, please contact the administration at your school.  As always, we appreciate your time, understanding, and patience during these uncertain times.”

    Due to the coastal impact in our county from Hurricane Idalia, schools are continuing to be used as shelters.

    School will be cancelled, Thursday, Aug. 31.

    After the next high tide, more info regarding a projected date of school reopening will be announced.

    Hernando County

    All Hernando County schools and district offices will reopen Thursday, Aug. 31.

    Students impacted by coastal flooding will be provided an excused absence.

    Hillsborough County

    Hillsborough County Schools are reopening on Thursday, Aug. 31.

    Manatee County

    All Manatee District Schools will reopen Thursday, August 31.

    Pasco County

    All Pasco County schools will be open on Thursday, August 31.

    This includes athletics, PLACE, Delta, Star, and all other extracurricular activities.

    Pinellas County

    Schools will be open for normal operations on Thursday, August 31.

    Polk County

    All Polk County schools and offices will reopen Friday, Sept. 1.

    Major Universities:

    University of Central Florida: UCF will resume standard operations on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    University of Florida: UF to resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    University of South Florida: USF says classes will resume Thursday, Aug. 31, except for classes at Mote Marine.

    University of Tampa: Regular operations are scheduled to resume Thursday, Aug. 31 at noon.

    St. Petersburg College: Campuses/sites open and all classes resuming — on Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    Florida State University: Classes and normal university operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

    FAMU: Classes and Universtiy operations remain suspended through Friday, Sept. 1. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5. 

    Polk State College: PSC classes and operations will resume Thursday, Aug. 31. 

    Keiser University: Classes will resume at the following Keiser University campuses on Thursday, August 31, 2023. All campuses will be open for regular operations unless otherwise noted.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Idalia lashes Citrus County with winds and heavy rain

    Idalia lashes Citrus County with winds and heavy rain

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — It started with a blast of wind-driven rain at 6 a.m.

    An inner rain band of Hurricane Idalia lashed Kings Bay in Crystal River late Tuesday, pushing the first of feet of storm surge toward land.

    What You Need To Know

    • Citrus County residents and business owners dealt with pounding winds and rising rain levels from Idalia

    • Idalia lashed Kings Bay in Crystal River late Tuesday and into Wednesday

    • LIVE UPDATES: Aftermath of Idalia in Tampa Bay

    That surge continued to rise Wednesday, knocking on the door of neighborhoods and dozens of small town businesses.

    “This water has risen in an hour from walking back there to up to your waste,” said Marty Hoffman, whose son works on commercial fishing boats in Crystal River. He came to try and help workers from losing the boats as the surge quickly pushed in.

    “There’s four commercial fishing boats back there that they are trying to keep from floating into buildings,” he said.

    Away from the docks, there’s water where it’s not supposed to be.

    Meanwhile, along the North Citrus Avenue shopping district, businesses owners threatened by rising water could only watch Wednesday afternoon, waiting to see how long the inshore winds will push water in.

    Aside from the storm surge, more than 3,000 power outages are being reported.

    And at least one fire was reported, an electrical fire, potentially due to storm surge.

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    Jason Lanning

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