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Tag: APP Top Stories

  • ODA issues statewide quarantine for invasive spotted lanternfly

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine for the invasive spotted lanternfly on Tuesday. 

    Previously, just 18 Ohio counties were under the quarantine. Now, all 88 counties are included. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which can cause plants to die

    • ODA said the spotted lanternfly is especially a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry

    • Under the statewide quarantine, trees and nursery stock can’t be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate

    Spotted lanternflies, native to Asia, tend to be beautiful, colorful creatures, but they’re toxic for the environment. They feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which can cause plants to die. Additionally, they excrete a substance called honeydue that promotes mold growth, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    ODA said the spotted lanternfly is especially a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry. The industry contributes $6 billion in economic activity each year, and the spotted lanternfly could threaten it. The insect was first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, and ODA said it’s likely it came over through imported goods. 

    Under the statewide quarantine, trees and nursery stock can’t be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate, according to ODA. Additionally, producers who ship those products to non-regulated areas must have stock inspected, as well as have a certificate showing their product is free of spotted lanternflies. 

    ODA is no longer asking Ohioans to report sightings of the inspect. Instead, it asks Ohioans to read the recommendation guide for treatment methods if spotted lanternflies are on your property. 

    “The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio’s agricultural industry,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.” 

    More information on the spotted lanternfly can be found here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Toll booths are becoming a thing of the past in Florida, with many roads now using toll-by-plate.

    But what becomes of those buildings no longer in use?

    What You Need To Know

    • Many toll roads across Florida are now cashless, yet toll booths are still there 

    • The Suncoast Parkway used to have working toll plazas but went to toll-by-plate in 2020 

    • The state says there are currently no plans to remove or replace the Suncoast toll booths 


    Viewer Rocky Perkins asked Real Time Traffic Expert Tim Wronka that question in this week’s Traffic Inbox.

    Perkins drives on the Suncoast Parkway several times a year to visit family up north. He says he often prefers the quieter route to taking a busier one like I-75.

    “I really enjoy it because it’s very relaxing, very rural,” Perkins said. “Once you get out of north Tampa, set your cruise control and off you go.”

    The Suncoast Pkwy starts at Veterans Expressway at the Hillsborough/Pasco County line and goes to State Road 44 in Lecanto, then onto County Road 486.

    It used to have three working toll plazas. In 2020, they all went cashless. Now drivers don’t even have to stop to pay. 

    When Perkins took the Suncoast over the holidays, he noticed something as he passed the old toll plaza north of State Road 50.

    “As I was driving through, I noticed the last couple of years, they’ve been abandoned,” Perkins said. “There’s no one here or no one comes through here normally.”

    And that’s why he has been wondering if the buildings could be used for something else, like a rest area?

    The Florida Turnpike Enterprise, which runs toll roads like the Suncoast, said the buildings are currently in use by the operations teams. There are currently no plans to remove them.

    Perkins hopes the state considers making them a future stop.

    “Why couldn’t they repurpose some of these? Or put in some restroom facilities or put in some vending machines. Or a place for people to take a break. The lanes are here already,” Perkins said.

    Do you have an idea or question for Traffic Inbox? Let Tim know here!

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Polk County teacher retiring after 31 years in education

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Edith Thomas has been working in Polk County Public Schools for 31 years.

    She started out as the school nurse at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary and then decided to become a paraeducator. She says she wanted to help children in her community.

    “I still enjoy what I do, and that just fuels me to strive and be great at what I do now,” Thomas said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Edith Thomas started her career as a school nurse
    • Now a paraeducator who specializes in reading, she retiring after 31 years with Polk County Public Schools

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    During the school day, she helps children with reading and math.

    Outside of school, she tutors students daily for free. She is retiring at the end of this school year, and her son, Renard, wanted to recognize her for her dedication and commitment to her students.

    “She’ll go to the moon and back for you,” Renard Thomas said. “And especially for her students here at RBW.”

    He was featured as an A+ Teacher two years ago. He was a reading coach who was driving students to and from school during a bus driver shortage. Now he’s the assistant principal at Loughman Oaks Elementary.

    “Just to see how she interacted with students, that made me want to become an educator, as well,” Rendard said. “And she pushed me to get my bachelor’s degree then my master’s degree, as well.”

    Edith Thomas said retiring now wasn’t the plan, but it’s what is best for her health. Thomas said she plans to volunteer at the school a few days a week.

    “I’m going to miss it,” she said. “But I’m always going to come back. What I hope to leave behind is my compassion, my love.”

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    Jorja Roman

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  • St. Pete-Clearwater Airport adds 3 new routes, ranked 2nd-most affordable

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Allegiant Airlines operating out of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will add three new non-stop routes over the next couple of weeks, which will contribute to its record-breaking growth.

    What You Need To Know

    • Three new Allegiant routes added: Atlantic City and Trenton, N.J., along with Huntsville, Ala.

    • PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation, according to Kayak

    • The average round-trip fare costs $161

    • New $60M parking garage with 2,000 spaces is expected to open in late 2027


    “Allegiant is our primary carrier, and so they are excited about their continued growth,” said Michele Routh, PIE spokesperson. “We have so many different destinations that we fly to nonstop, and they’re all low cost.”

    The new service to Atlantic City, N.J., began last Friday. Service to Trenton, N.J., begins on Feb. 20 and Huntsville, Ala., on March 5, which brings the total non-stop destinations from PIE to 63.

    The top two most popular routes from PIE are to Knoxville, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C., according to a presentation Interim Airport Director Mark Sprague gave to the Tourist Development Council last month. The ranking is thanks to travelers like Audrey Howell, who said she makes about a dozen trips from Asheville to Clearwater every year to see her best friend.

    “It’s convenient, it’s economical,” she said. “If you know what I mean. Read: cheap.”

    According to Kayak, PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation. The average round-trip fare costs $161. Those cheap non-stop flights on Allegiant are one reason the airport has been seeing some big time growth over the years.

    The airport has experienced record-breaking growth over three of the past four years, with nearly 2.8 million passengers in 2025. Only 2024 was slightly down because of hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Routh.

    “We were just ascending, ascending, ascending. I mean, from 2014 to 2024, almost 200% increase in passengers,” she said. “COVID was the one little blip year where we didn’t break a record and then record-breaking again.” 

    The busiest month at the airport is July followed by June and March, according to Routh. Another reason passengers enjoy flying from PIE is because it’s easier to navigate than larger airports.

    “Love this airport simply because it’s smaller,” said Scott Cooper, Delray Beach resident. “Don’t have to wait on as many lines. Much easier to get in and out of.”

    Last year, the airport’s parking lots were completely full during some holidays. To ensure it stays easy, Pinellas County will spend $60 million to build a new four-story parking garage with 2,000 spaces. The parking garage will be constructed on the Strawberry economy lot just west of the terminal and is expected to open in late 2027.

    “Prioritizing the parking garage, very important to us,” said Routh. “Designing it this year, building it next year. So we’ll be ready in a couple of years to be able to grow even further.” 

    Allegiant plans to continue growing by acquiring Sun County Airlines. The sale is expected to be closed this summer. Sun Country currently flies a seasonal route to Minneapolis, Minnesota from PIE, with year-round service from Tampa International Airport.

    Sprague said once the sale is finalized, he foresees Sun Country leaving TPA and flying full-time out of PIE.

    The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is in the early stages of planning for a new terminal with a $110 million budget, according to Routh. PIE’s first terminal was built in 1956.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Ohio nonprofit for migrant women named one of 10 Elevate Prize winners

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    FREMONT, Ohio — For Mónica Ramírez, being named one of this year’s 10 Elevate Prize winners means so much more than the monetary and structural support that comes with it.

    It means the work she does with her Fremont, Ohio-based nonprofit Justice for Migrant Women, which advocates for the rights and needs of migrant women and other marginalized communities, is still valued despite the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

    What You Need To Know

    • Like all Elevate Prize winners announced Tuesday, Justice for Migrant Women will receive $300,000 in unrestricted funding

    • Ramirez, its founder and president, will receive support and training on organizational growth and increasing the group’s visibility

    • Ramirez says she looks forward to telling the stories of the people she supports through Justice for Migrant Women

    “As immigrant and migrant community members are being threatened and attacked around our country, it’s really important to have shows of support like the Elevate Prize is providing because we’ve seen a retraction — a big retraction — in support,” said Ramirez, who burst into tears when she learned she had won. “The award means we are able to do the work that we know is so urgently needed.”

    Like all Elevate Prize winners announced Tuesday, Justice for Migrant Women will receive $300,000 in unrestricted funding and Ramirez, its founder and president, will receive support and training on organizational growth and increasing the group’s visibility.

    Elevate Prize Foundation CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram told The Associated Press that a group’s public profile has become more important these days. Not only does it help with fundraising and informing the public, but visibility “is also a form of protection,” she said.

    “It’s more important than ever to double down on leaders like Monica,” said Jayaram, adding that one of last year’s Elevate Prize winners, Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, had been barred from the United States by the State Department last year for what Secretary of State Marco Rubio called “organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize and suppress American viewpoints they oppose.” A federal judge in December blocked the Trump administration from detaining Ahmed, a British citizen who lives in Washington.

    To help Elevate Prize winners get more attention for their work, Jayaram said the foundation is launching “Good Is Trending,” an initiative that will include taking over NASDAQ’s Times Square billboards on Tuesday to shine a spotlight on the winners.

    That bigger spotlight is something prize winner Mara Fleishman, CEO of Chef Ann Foundation, which brings made-from-scratch meals to schools, hopes will bring her nonprofit to the next level. The Boulder, Colorado-based organization has already attracted support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Waverley Street Foundation for its work, which supports elementary and secondary schools in developing menus that are less dependent on processed foods and utilize more fresh local produce.

    “We’ve worked with over 17,000 schools and reached more than five million kids,” Fleishman said. “But how do we take the work we’ve done and turn it into something digestible for legislators and advocates to understand what is possible?”

    Fleishman said her foundation needs to find ways to get the public to become a “force multiplier” for its message and carry it into school board meetings and statehouses around the country.

    A lot of that work can be done through storytelling, Jayaram said. And the Elevate Prize selection panel took the potential stories the nominees could tell into account when choosing the winners.

    “People pay more attention to people than they do to issues,” Jayaram said. “So when you can ground an issue in the story of a person, of a community, of a neighborhood, suddenly the whole world can start to engage and relate to that because it’s not that different from a community and a neighborhood and a family somewhere else.”

    The Elevate Prize Foundation has believed in the power of storytelling for years. Last year, it even launched its own production house Elevate Studios to tell the stories of its prize winners more effectively, on platforms ranging from YouTube videos to feature-length documentaries released in theaters.

    Ramirez says she looks forward to telling the stories of the people she supports through Justice for Migrant Women.

    “I really think that the Elevate Prize is going to help us give a microphone to the people that we serve,” she said. “That’s my hope.”

    The 2026 class of Elevate Prize winners are: Shabana Basij-Rasikh, president and co-founder of SOLA (School of Leadership, Afghanistan) for Afghan girls; Hillary Blout, founder and executive director of For the People, which helps people get released from prison; Manu Chopra, CEO of Karya, which brings AI advancements to low-income communities; Mara Fleishman, CEO of Chef Ann Foundation, which brings made-from-scratch meals to schools; Aisha Nyandoro, CEO of Springboard to Opportunities, which supports residents living in federally subsidized affordable housing; Tom Osborn, founder and CEO of Shamiri Institute, which brings mental health care to underserved regions, starting with Africa; Ai-jen Poo, executive director of Caring Across Generations, which centers care as a national priority; Mónica Ramírez, founder and president of Justice for Migrant Women, which supports migrant and rural women’s rights; Krutika Ravishankar, co-founder and executive director of Farmers for Forests, which protects and restores forests across India; Utkarsh Saxena, executive director of Adalat AI, which develops AI tools for the court system.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • 5 things to know about IMMERSE 2026

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — IMMERSE is like an arts playground where you and your family can get as interactive as you want. With 160 artists and organizations applying, the bar is high.

    1. Creative City Project began in 2012 as a group of artists performing on street corners and in plazas around downtown Orlando. The event was renamed IMMERSE at the beginning of 2017.
    2. IMMERSE kicks off in a few days, meaning 10 Orlando city blocks will be peppered with interactives, engagements, attractions and experiences.
    3. Cole NeSmith is the founder. “It really is that embodiment of how art brings people and culture together,” he said.
    4. Cole gave a tour of around Architects of Air. It’s an impossible-to-miss inflatable attraction set up on the Seneff Arts Plaza in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A British arts organization created the walk-through inflatable structures that are “kind of modeled after stained glass in a cathedral.”
    5. IMMERSE and its multi-sensory arts playground runs this Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. Most of IMMERSE — presented by AdventHealth — remains free and open to the public, but some of the experiences are ticketed.

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    Allison Walker

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  • Polk County approves nearly $2M contract for new well water supply

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County leaders are looking for ways to keep up with the influx of people moving to the area.

    They recently approved a nearly $2-million contract for a new water well supply in the northeast part of the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Commissioners approved a new water supply well in Northeast Polk County
    • An alternative water supply receiving facility is awaiting approval to be constructed on the same property as the new well
    • The county cites the growing population and the need to look for sustainable water sources


    Stepping out into his backyard, Sean Brinkmeier likes to enjoy the scenery, although it might look a little different this time of year.

    “I’ve always wanted to live near water, around water, I have for a good portion of my life,” he says.

    He’s lived in and around Polk County for several years.

    So, he’s seen the growth firsthand and what’s needed for growing communities like his.

    “It needs a lot of infrastructure, whether that’s roads, water, power lines all of it, so it’s great to see that they’re investing in this part of Polk County,” he said.

    The Polk County Board of Commissioners recently approved a $1.8-million project for a new water supply well in northeast Polk County adjacent to Davenport.

    “It’s more of a maintenance type thing, rather than a new water supply,” said Tamara Richardson, the utilities director.

    She said the current well in the area isn’t up to par, so they’re creating a new one about a mile away, but she says this is just part of a bigger project to construct an alternative water supply receiving facility.

    Richardson said they’ve reached the water pumping limit from the upper level of the Floridan aquifer.

    Now, they’re having to find new ways to access water from the lower Floridan aquifer.

    She said the northeast part of the county is the fastest growing, and they serve more than 40,000 residential and commercial areas.

    “We need this lower Floridan to continue to serve additional growth and to provide more reliability for the northeast for our existing customers,” she says.

    Richardson said the new project came with rate increases; according to the county, customers can expect a 6% increase every year over the next six years.

    Brinkmeier says he’s excited to see more people calling Polk County home, and he hopes local leaders keep residents in mind as the growth continues.

    “Davenport is lagging, Polk County’s lagging but they are showing great steps to get back up and get in front of the growth that’s happening right now,” says Brinkmeier.

    It’s a growing community, one which Brinkmeier hopes his family can continue to enjoy for many years to come.

    The plans for the construction of the receiving facility are going to be presented for approval on Tuesday at the Polk County Board of Commissioners’ meeting.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Polk County urges public to follow burn ban amid brush fire uptick

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County leaders are urging the public to follow its countywide burn ban after experiencing a recent uptick in brush fires. 

    The burn ban went into effect Nov. 25 and applies to the municipalities of Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland and Winter Haven.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fire crews have responded to 72 fires since the middle of last week — 30 of them on Sunday alone

    • County leaders say extremely dry weather is creating prime fire conditions, making it easier for fires to spread quickly and threaten homes

    • The countywide burn ban prohibits bonfires, trash burning and other open burns. Violators could face up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail


    Since then, Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said crews have seen most brush fires south of U.S. 60, with some emergency calls coming from parts of Lakeland. That includes a fire at a home on Lunn Woods Drive last Thursday.

    Firefighters were dispatched at 2:14 p.m. and arrived on scene minutes later to find the brush fire quickly spreading to a house. Two other structures on the property were already fully involved. Another structure and a semitrailer on an adjacent property were partially involved.

    The homeowner, retired Polk County Fire engineer Tony Trupiano, suffered a minor injury and was treated on scene.

    Smith said the brush fire is just one of 72 fires crews have responded to since the middle of last week — 30 of them on Sunday alone. Smith and other county commissioners are pointing to extremely dry conditions as the reason for the rise in fires.

    “I have lived in Polk County all my life, and this is probably one of the driest seasons I have seen yet,” County Commissioner Rick Wilson said.

    “It’s dry out there. It’s prime for fire conditions, and we will do our best — we will be the best at putting these fires out and protecting life and property. But we do need some help,” Smith said.

    Smith said several of the fires started from illegal burning. That’s why leaders say it is crucial for the community to follow the countywide burn ban.

    The ban prohibits bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard and household trash, burning of organic debris and noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes.

    Violators could face a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail. So far, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says it has fined more than 20 people.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Inaugural uniforms revealed for Columbus Aviators

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — While football may seem far away, the UFL is gearing up for its season with Columbus’ inaugural team unveiling its new uniforms.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Columbus Aviators are preparing for the 2026 UFL season with uniforms that reflect “the Aviators’ spirit to ‘challenge, innovate and conquer the unimaginable’”

    • The uniforms are navy to reflect Ohio’s air and space trailblazers with white accents

    • The uniforms will debut with the team March 29 as the Aviators take on the Orlando Storm at 8 p.m.

    The Columbus Aviators are preparing for the 2026 season with uniforms that reflect “the Aviators’ spirit to ‘challenge, innovate and conquer the unimaginable.’”

    These uniforms are navy to reflect Ohio’s air and space trailblazers with white accents. The team’s helmets are blue to reflect open skies, and side pant striping symbolizes the constant forward motion. 

    (UFL)

    NOBULL, a footwear and apparel company, is the Exclusive Training Footwear Partner of the UFL and will be the official jersey patch partner for all eight teams. New Era, an international sports and lifestyle brand, will be the official jersey and headwear partner. Adidas, a multinational athletic apparel and footwear manufacturer, will serve as the footwear partner, providing game-day shoes and gloves.

    The uniforms will debut with the team March 29 as the Aviators take on the Orlando Storm at 8 p.m. Columbus’ home opener is set for April 3 at 11 a.m. at Crew Stadium against the DC Defenders. 

    (UFL)

    The UFL’s season kicks off March 27. The league consists of eight teams, including the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm and St. Louis Battlehawks.

    For more information or to purchase tickets to a UFL game, click here.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Florida A&M University awarded stewardship of historic Chinsegut Hill

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    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A new partnership is reshaping the future of one of Hernando County’s most historic landmarks during Black History Month.

    County commissioners have awarded preservation stewardship of Chinsegut Hill to Florida A&M University, linking the site’s long history of civic dialogue and race relations with the state’s historically Black land-grant institution.

    In Brooksville, community members say the hill has always carried a deeper meaning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hernando County commissioners have awarded preservation stewardship of Chinsegut Hill to Florida A&M University

    • Next door to Chinsegut Hill, Florida A&M University’s BAERS campus spans more than 3,800 acres and operates as a major research and extension hub for agriculture, natural resources and environmental education. The land itself carries federal significance

    • Hernando County leaders say finances played a role in the decision. As state leaders discuss potential property tax changes, commissioners viewed the university’s unsolicited proposal as a stable option

    • FAMU plans to partner with local organizations to preserve the site’s full history, including women’s suffrage, Black and Native American stories


    Rick Barge, farm manager at FAMU’s nearby BAERS campus, said the property’s original owners intentionally created a place for discussion.

    “The people who lived here, the robins, they were all about race relations. You know, that’s why they came here. So that makes a difference,” said Barge. 

    The estate, purchased by Raymond and Margaret Robins in 1904, sits atop one of the highest points in Florida and is surrounded by a 114-acre preserve.

    Next door, Florida A&M University’s BAERS campus spans more than 3,800 acres and operates as a major research and extension hub for agriculture, natural resources and environmental education.

    The land itself carries federal significance. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture transferred the former Subtropical Agricultural Research Station property to Florida A&M University — one of the largest single land transfers ever made to a historically Black land-grant university created under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The transfer expanded hands-on training, conservation research and community outreach programs in Central Florida.

    University leaders say that mission makes stewardship a natural extension of its community outreach.

    Dr. Dale Wesson, dean of FAMU’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, says the site will remain accessible to the public.

    “We are a land-grant, which means that we actually operate with those three areas with education, research, and extension or community outreach. And so we see this as a function of our community outreach. And so we’re allowing the community to continue to take advantage of this property,” said Wesson. 

    County leaders say finances played a role in the decision. As state leaders discuss potential property tax changes, commissioners viewed the university’s unsolicited proposal as a stable option.

    “This has been tried over and over by organizations that do not have the financial backing that Florida A&M has, and it has not been successful,” said Commissioner John Allocco. 

    Wesson says the agreement would remove the financial burden from the county.

    “Hernando County will not have to pay any costs for us to take over the lease, to sublease this,” he added. 

    FAMU says the manor house will remain open for tours through the Tampa Bay History Center, while the university expands programming and operations to seven days a week. Weddings and community events will continue, though some buildings may occasionally be reserved.

    Access has been a concern for some residents, something Wesson addressed.

    “We’re allowing the community to continue to take advantage of this property,” he said during a meeting on Jan. 29. 

    The university also plans to partner with local organizations to preserve the site’s full history, including women’s suffrage, Black and Native American stories.

    County officials are still negotiating final contract terms with Florida A&M University.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Nick Townley inspired by long line of Plant baseball legends

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Wade Boggs Field, the baseball stadium at Plant High School, has the footsteps of legends on it.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Plant baseball program has sent multiple players to the MLB

    • Jac Caglionone just got his number retired, meeting the current group of Panthers players

    • Nick Townley hopes to be the next guy in line

    • Townley is the ace of the staff, a senior pitcher who has impressive command on the mound


    “We’ve always had some pretty good players and there’s kind of a long line of tradition to that,” Plant baseball head coach Dennis Braun said.

    The program boasts an impressive list of alums on the outfield wall, which has numbers retired from left field all the way down to right field.

    “We’re one of the few schools that has a Hall of Famer in Wade Boggs and we might have a future couple more if they keep doing the things they’re doing,” Braun said.

    Braun is referring to 5-time MLB All-Star Pete Alonso and 4-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, both former Panthers who are two of the best hitters in baseball.

    The latest pro to get his number retired is Jac Caglianone, a 2021 Plant alum who was a two-way star for the Florida Gators and is already in the bigs with the Kansas City Royals. The current team was able to meet Cagnianone at the ceremony earlier this month, seeing a guy who sat in the same dugout they do move on to accomplish what he has accomplished.

    “Yeah, I think that’s what the motivation is, I think everyone wants to be them not all of them are going to be 6 foot 5 250 pounds and that’s a big part of getting to the level that they get to but I think that motivation is a big deal for them and I think it’s what makes the program grow,” Braun said.

    “It was really nice to see. Obviously, he’s one of the greats of high school baseball, and it was really nice to be able to see the impact he’s made here,” Plant senior pitcher Nick Townley said.

    Townley hopes to one day be the next guy in line.

    “Yeah it really does help my focus. It just helps me stay concentrated on my main goal here which is competing as a team and winning and focusing on getting better,” Townley said.

    Townley is the ace of the staff, a senior right-hander who doesn’t light up the radar gun with a ton of velocity but makes up for it with an impressive command on the mound.

    “Throughout the fall and early spring I’ve just been working on my pitch location and delivery, getting better at sequencing and finding out where hitters are weak against me so I can get them out in the best way,” Townley said.

    He got some preseason recognition from 813 Preps, a Hillsborough County high school baseball publication, ranking him as the 23rd best player in the area.

    “I thought it was pretty cool but the rankings don’t mean anything until we start playing games so I try not to focus on it much, yeah it for sure adds some pressure but I gotta go into games knowing that I still have a job to throw good pitches and compete with the hitters so that just helps me stay focused,” Townley said.

    “Being ranked means you’ve done something you’ve earned that and every year you’ve gotta earn it. Baseball is a tough game so I think it’s important for him to come back down a little bit and not get too caught up in that throw strikes rely on his defense and if he does those things I think he will have another great year,” Braun said.

    Of course, Townley dreams of making it to “The Show.” Every baseball player does. No program around here has sent more players to the pros than Plant lately, so he’s in a great spot to try and get that dream started here.

    “Even though you may not make it, you may not be them let’s do everything we can so if that day comes that we don’t you can hang your cleats up and say I did everything I could to be the best player I could and that’s what we’re trying to do every day,” Braun said.

    For now, Townley is focused on this season and getting his team to state.

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    Michael Epps

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  • Summit Metro Parks unveils restored 1928 Model AA truck

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    SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Summit Metro Parks is embracing history this year as its 1928 Model AA truck hits the road again. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The park’s truck faced a variety of mechanical problems, leading to it being undrivable and in need of professional work

    • Summit Metro Parks said its Model AA was purchased in 2001 by Friends of the Metro Parks and gifted

    • Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland stepped up to help repair the truck

    The park’s truck faced a variety of mechanical problems, leading to it be undrivable and in need of professional work. Through a grant from the Summit Metro Parks Foundation and working with Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum volunteers, the piece of history is ready to hit the road once more.

    Summit Metro Parks said its Model AA was gifted in 2001 and purchased by Friends of the Metro Parks. It has been featured in parades and on display at events such as the annual Touch-a-Truck. 

    “The truck symbolizes the more than 100-year history of the park district and is used in community parades and historical events county-wide,” the park said in a news release. “Even with good upkeep, the vintage vehicle needed some more involved repairs. However, finding a 100-year-old mechanic who had a shop full of specific parts was a no-go.”

    Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland stepped in, starting the work almost immediately while other shops had quoted a three-year wait. Summit Metro Parks said it offered to donate its time and labor, so long as the parts were prepaid.

    “After a full inspection, the incredibly knowledgeable museum volunteers got to work,” Summit Metro Parks said in a release. “There was a lot to be done, and they collaborated with other vintage car experts on the finer details.”

    Work completed included: 

    • Building a replacement engine
    • Rebuilding the transmission
    • Rebuilding carburetor
    • Replaced radiator
    • Swapped out the generator for alternator
    • Steering box, steering column and steering wheel were all replaced and rebuilt
    • Braking system was fixed
    • New muffler installed
    • The seat bottom received padding and replacement springs
    • Various parts were cleaned and repainted
    • Tires and inner tubes were replaced
    • New lights with an original-looking LED bulb assembles
    • The horn was rebuilt and installed

    “The 1928 Model AA is now back in action,” Summit Metro Parks said in a release. “Watch for it in local parades or at car shows and community events.”

    The truck will also be on display at the park’s annual Touch-a-Truck in August.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • FBI: DNA recovered from glove found near Guthrie home

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    A glove containing DNA found about two miles from the house of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother appears to match those worn by a masked person outside her front door in Tucson the night she vanished, the FBI said Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The FBI says a glove containing DNA was found about two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home and appears to match those worn by a masked person outside her front door the night she vanished

    • The glove, found in a field near the side of the road, was sent off for DNA testing

    • The discovery was revealed days after investigators had released surveillance videos of the masked person outside Guthrie’s front door in Tucson

    • Guthrie is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie and was last seen at her home on Jan. 31

    The glove, discovered in a field beside a road, was sent for DNA testing. The FBI said in a statement that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence as the search for Guthrie’s mother heads into its third week. Authorities had previously said they had not identified a suspect.

    On Sunday night, Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video in which she issued an appeal to whoever abducted her mother or anyone who knows where she is being kept. “It is never too late to do the right thing,” Guthrie said. “And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it’s never too late.”

    Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.

    The discovery was revealed days after investigators had released surveillance videos of the masked person outside Guthrie’s front door. A porch camera recorded video of a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, jacket and gloves.

    On Thursday, the FBI called the person a suspect. It described him as a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. The agency said he was carrying a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack.

    Late Friday night, law enforcement agents sealed off a road about two miles from Guthrie’s home as part of their investigation. A series of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock.

    The investigators also tagged and towed a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking lot late Friday. The sheriff’s department later said the activity was part of the Guthrie investigation but no arrests were made.

    On Tuesday, sheriff deputies detained a person for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Authorities didn’t say what led them to stop the man but confirmed he was released. The same day, deputies and FBI agents conducted a court-authorized search in Rio Rico, about an hour’s drive south of the city.

    In this image provided by NBCUniversal, Savannah Guthrie, right, her mom Nancy speak, Wednesday, April 17, 2019, in New York. (Nathan Congleton/NBCUniversal via AP)

    Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

    Earlier in the investigation, authorities had said they had collected DNA from Nancy Guthrie’s property which doesn’t belong to Guthrie or those in close contact with her. Investigators were working to identify who it belongs to.

    The FBI also has said approximately 16 gloves were found in various spots near the house, most of which were searchers’ gloves that had been discarded.

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    Associated Press

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  • Crews battle multiple brush fires across Polk County

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded to more than 30 brush fires throughout Polk County on Sunday.

    The largest fire burned more than 400 acres near State Road 60 in the River Ranch area. An unknown number of camps were burned, but no homes or structures at or around the Westgate River Ranch area were affected as of 9 p.m. Sunday. State Road 60 was reopened around 9 p.m. Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded to more than 30 brush fires throughout Polk County

    • The largest fire burned more than 400 acres near State Road 60 in the River Ranch area

    • Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said no evacuations were being ordered in the River Ranch area

    Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said no evacuations were being ordered in the River Ranch area, but also added that brush fires can be unpredictable and high winds can be a factor. 

    In response, Smith said people need to take the burn ban seriously.

    He pointed to the extreme drought conditions, lack of any significant rainfall, recent high winds and number of people not adhering to the burn ban as reasons for the recent uptick in brush fires.

    “It seems that brush fires have been a constant issue throughout the day today. I just want to remind everybody that there are serious drought conditions in Polk County,” Smith said. “These illegal recreational fires need to cease.”

    PCFR crews also battled a two-alarm brush fire off Osceola Polk Line Road in the Davenport area Sunday afternoon. Roughly 68 acres were burned in that fire as well as four non-dwelling structures.

    Fire departments from Davenport, Haines City, Dundee and Orange County helped battle the fire.

    No injuries were reported in the fires.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • AI, property tax bills garnering attention as legislature meets halfway point

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lawmakers are in the second half of the legislative session in Tallahassee, and among the mountain of legislation being considered, a number of bills addressing artificial intelligence and property taxes are still moving through committees.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida legislative session at halfway point 

    • Two bills garnering a lot of interest addressing artificial intelligence are House Bill 1007 and Senate Bill 484

    • Lawmakers also discussing House Joint Resolution 209, which is taking aim at property tax reductions with a full House vote expected in the coming weeks

    Two bills garnering a lot of interest addressing AI are House Bill 1007 and Senate Bill 484.

    The artificial intelligence bill is seeking regulation of new data centers — which require a huge draw of electricity and water — across the state

    The bill would disallow incentives and make providers pay full price for electricity. Those data centers would also be subject to strict water restrictions.

    Meanwhile, House Joint Resolution 209 is taking aim at property tax reductions with a full House vote expected in the coming weeks.

    The resolution would provide an increase of homestead exemption to $200,000 for homeowners that carry comprehensive multi-peril insurance coverage.

    Other bills also moving through committees include mandatory mediation for disputes between homeowners and insurance companies and a bill that would prohibit insurers from dropping homeowners based solely on roof condition.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • NASA to conduct second wet dress rehearsal of Artemis II

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — After detecting a liquid hydrogen leak during its first wet dress rehearsal of the Artemis II moon rocket, NASA will attempt a second test of the launch vehicle that will take humans back to the moon.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. space agency is eyeing Thursday for a second wet dress rehearsal
    • If all goes well, March 6 might be the earliest chance for Artemis II launch
    • The first wet dress rehearsal found leaks; NASA replaced seals
    • RELATED coverage:

    The U.S. space agency is eyeing Thursday for a second wet dress rehearsal, as it will put more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic fuel into the Space Launch System rocket during a test of that and the Orion capsule. It will also simulate a launch countdown, the ability to recycle the countdown clock and drain the tanks to practice for possible scrubs.

    “Launch controllers will arrive to their consoles in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:40 p.m. EST on Feb. 17 to begin the nearly 50-hour countdown. The simulated launch time is 8:30 p.m., Feb. 19, with a four-hour window for the test. While the Artemis II crew is not participating in the test, a team of personnel will go to the launch pad to practice Orion closeout operations, including closing the spacecraft’s hatches,” NASA explained on Monday.

    NASA provided a bit more detail on the test.

    During the rehearsal, the team will execute a detailed countdown sequence. Operators will conduct two runs of the last ten minutes of the countdown, known as terminal count. They will pause at T-1 minute and 30 seconds for up to three minutes, then resume until T-33 seconds before launch and pause again. After that, they will recycle the clock back to T-10 minutes and conduct a second terminal countdown to just inside of T-30 seconds before ending the sequence. This process simulates real-world conditions, including scenarios where a launch might be scrubbed due to technical or weather issues.

    During the first wet dress rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 02, NASA teams found a liquid hydrogen leak in an interface that is used to route the fuel into the SLS’s core stage, as well as other issues.

    In fact, that was the same section where a liquid hydrogen leak was found during the Artemis I mission.

    While technicians replaced two seals in that area since the Artemis II first pretest, this past weekend, NASA made additional fixes to issues that were discovered during a different test.

    “Over the weekend, teams replaced a filter in ground support equipment that was suspected of reducing the flow of liquid hydrogen during a Feb. 12 partial fueling test. The test provided enough data to allow engineers to plan toward a second wet dress rehearsal this week. Engineers have reconnected the line with the new filter and are reestablishing proper environmental conditions,” NASA stated in a blog post.

    Because the leak and other issues were discovered during the first wet dress rehearsal, NASA had to push the launch of the Artemis II to early March. It was supposed to launch early February.

    Officials stated that if all goes well, NASA will be eyeing March 6 as the earliest chance to launch the historical mission.

    But officials stressed that it all depends on how the second test goes and its findings.

    Once the Artemis II stacked rocket is ready for launch, it will send NASA’s Cmdr. Gregory Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut mission specialist Jeremy Hansen to the moon in a flyby mission.

    Artemis II launch attempt dates

    [ad_2] Anthony Leone
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  • Reds sign Nathaniel Lowe to a minor league deal

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    GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cincinnati Reds signed veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a minor league contract with an invite to major league camp in spring training, the team announced Saturday.

    The 30-year-old Lowe split time between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox last season. He struggled with the Nationals but played well for the Red Sox down the stretch, batting .280 with two homers and 16 RBIs over 100 at-bats.

    According to MLB.com, if Lowe makes the club out of camp, he would earn $1.75 million this season with a chance to reach $2 million with performance bonuses.

    Lowe won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and hit a career-high 27 homers in 2022.

    He has a .264 average and 107 homers over a seven-year career with the Rangers, Nationals, Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Thomas, Lewis help No. 15 Virginia beat Ohio State 70-66 in Nashville

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    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Malik Thomas and Sam Lewis each scored 13 points and No. 15 Virginia beat Ohio State 70-66 on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena in the Nashville Hoops Showdown.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavaliers (22-3) extended their winning streak to six.

    • Bruce Thornton scored 28 points for Ohio State (16-9).

    • He also had an assist, the 500th of his career.

    The Cavaliers (22-3) extended their winning streak to six.

    Bruce Thornton scored 28 points for Ohio State (16-9). He also had an assist, the 500th of his career.

    Amare Bynum had 15 points and six rebounds for the Buckeyes in their latest nonconference game in nearly 40 years.

    It was tied at 37 at the half, with Virginia erasing an early Ohio State lead

    Ohio State opened up a six-point lead with under 10 minutes remaining, but the Cavaliers had a 6-0 run to tie it.

    With just over a minute remaining, Lewis forced a turnover and then went the length of the floor for a layup to give Virginia a 65-61 lead. He then hit a pair of free throws with 11 seconds left to put the game out of reach.

    Prior to the game, Ohio State said John Mobley Jr. will be sidelined indefinitely due to a hand injury sustained Wednesday night against Southern California. Mobley started the Buckeyes’ first 24 games, averaging 15.1 points.

    The Cavaliers are 10-2 away from home, including 3-1 in neutral-site games.

    Up next

    Ohio State: Hosts Wisconsin on Tuesday night.

    Virginia: At Georgia Tech on Wednesday night.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Enis’ 27 lead South Florida over Florida Atlantic 83-81 in OT

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    BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Wes Enis led South Florida with 27 points and CJ Brown hit the winning free throws with eight seconds remaining in the overtime as the Bulls knocked off Florida Atlantic 83-81 on Sunday, the Owls’ sixth consecutive loss.

    FAU’s Devin Williams hit a 3-pointer that made it 81-all with 33 seconds left, but Brown’s free throws capped the scoring. Kanaan Carlyle missed a potential winning 3-point shot from beyond NBA range.

    Enis shot 10 of 17 from the field, including 5 for 9 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 3 from the free-throw line for the Bulls (18-8, 10-3 American Athletic Conference). Brown finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three steals while shooting 5 of 13 from the field and 6 for 6 from the foul line. Joseph Pinion had 16 points and went 6 of 15 from the field (4 for 8 from 3-point range).

    Devin Vanterpool finished with 26 points for the Owls (14-12, 6-7). Florida Atlantic also got 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and five blocks from Williams. Carlyle also scored 15 points.

    Vanterpool made a layup with nine seconds left in regulation that made it 72-all and forced OT.

    Josh Omojafo scored the final seven points for South Florida to finish off the two-point victory.

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    Associated Press

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  • Brother’s Keeper working to help young men feel connected

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    Editor’s Note: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

    UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — There is a loneliness epidemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General, and one group that’s been particularly affected is young men.

    What You Need To Know

    • The suicide rate is four times higher for men than for women

    • Students at John Carroll University meet monthly to build more intimate relationships and ward off loneliness

    • Young men are less likely to open up to family members because they don’t want to be a burden

    Between 2010 and 2023, the suicide rate for males ages 15–24 rose by 26% according to the American Institute for Boys and Men.

    One man is trying to change that.

    “From a very young age, boys are taught that certain feelings, they can’t express,” said Matt Wooters, therapist and a professor at John Carroll University.

    He said that’s enforced on social media and with their peers.

    “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, to feel any spectrum of emotion,” Wooters said.

    He started a group called Brother’s Keeper. It’s a safe space where young college men can share about more than just football scores. They meet monthly.

    “There’s a lot of talk about toxic masculinity in the modern discourse. And it’s interesting that there’s also a lot of talk about male loneliness and isolation,” Wooters said. “I think those two things are connected.”

    Men are more likely than women to feel socially isolated and not meaningfully part of any community, according to the AIBM, and their suicide rate is four times higher than women.

    “I think it really stems back to the phones and social media, even when we seem like we’re super connected with others, there’s a sense of loneliness, and that connection that it’s not really genuine,” said junior Casey LaForce.

    LaForce attends the monthly meetings. He plays lacrosse and considers himself close to his teammates, but he said the talks just aren’t the same.

    “You just see each other and you ask ‘Oh, how’s your day going? Oh, it’s good.’ And it doesn’t go much deeper than that,” he said.

    He said that the conversations in the group are much deeper.

    Wooters said he intentionally chooses athletes.

    “Even the most connected, successful, popular students on campus, especially male students, don’t have spaces to be authentic,” Wooters said.

    He said men don’t share with family because they don’t want to be a burden.

    “One single adult in their life that isn’t a family member, that they can call when they’re not doing well or when they’re doing well, changes everything,” Wooters said.

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    Kimberly Perez

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