ReportWire

Tag: APP Traffic and Transit

  • What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?

    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!

    Tim Wronka

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  • Driver’s license exams only in English starting Friday

    TAMPA, Fla. — Beginning today, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will only offer driver’s license knowledge and skills tests for drivers in English. 

    Previously, the exams have been offered in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese.

    “This is not a decision made by the tax collector’s office,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This was made by the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is also known by many as the DMV. They make these decisions. We are an agent of that department, and we have to follow their policy, their rules.”

    What You Need To Know

    • FLHSMV says starting Feb. 6, driver’s license knowledge and skills tests will only be offered in English

    • Tax collector’s offices administer the exams and say they’re currently available in a range of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese

    • FLHSMV did not give a reason for the change, but said in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring safe roadways “by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior”

    • One man, who works to connect members of the Hispanic community who are new to Tampa Bay with resources, says the change will be a major hurdle for those who don’t speak English and can impact other areas of their life, including holding a job


    Fasano said normally with a change as drastic as this, county offices would get notice weeks in advance. This time, they had just a week to try to get the word out to the public.

    Tax collectors aren’t the only ones who were surprised.

    “Number one — I was in shock. Number two — I was angry, because it became personal for me,” said Itamar Martinez.

    Martinez is now the one Hispanics who are new to Tampa Bay come to for help through his business, Centro De Ayuda Hispano. 

    “It’s a little bit of everything,” Martinez said. “People call looking for a job. They’re just moving to the city and they don’t have contacts.”

    Martinez said he gets 1,800 calls a year from people asking for everything from a legal referral to enrolling kids in school. He estimated 70% of his clients speak only Spanish.

    “Especially if you look at someone that’s only been here for five years, yeah — they’d rather speak in their language to be understood,” he said.

    But it was once his family who needed guidance. He said they immigrated from Cuba to Portugal and, finally, to the U.S. in 1989. When they arrived, his mother needed a driver’s license.

    “My mom is 85 years old today, and she’s been driving all those years. If she had to take that test in English, she wouldn’t be able to be a productive member of our society,” Martinez said.

    FLHSMV said in a statement, “Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.”

    “This comes as a surprise because translations in administering road tests or skills tests have been in place for decades,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

    According to Millan’s office, it administered more than 13,000 skills tests in languages other than English in 2025. That’s about 37% of exams given that year.

    “I know that there’s a lot of barriers when you first come into this country, especially when you’re at an age where another language was your first language,” said Millan, the daughter of Cuban immigrants. “I believe that everyone should, in America, should speak English, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

    Millan said tests have been offered in multiple languages, including Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and Chinese. 

    “We have many of our road testers who speak several languages, and it has been extremely helpful for those who are taking road tests,” Fasano said.

    Fasano also said his offices provide many services to non-U.S. citizens who are in the country legally, as well as others whose primary language isn’t English.

    “Many of them are U.S. citizens. Many of them come from Puerto Rico, who are U.S. citizens, by the way. It’s going to have a big impact on them,” he said.

    Martinez said he’d like to see people given more time — potentially by being able to take their initial tests in the language of their choice, then taking an English only test after they’ve had more time to learn the language.

    “Just telling someone cold, telling someone, ‘As of next week, if you don’t know English, you’re SOL’? That’s not fair,” he said.

    FLHSMV declined a request for comment.

    It didn’t give a reason for the change, but its statement concludes, “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Flyng without your REAL ID? TSA $45 ‘ConfirmID’ fee is now in effect

    Travelers without a REAL ID are required to pay a $45 identity verification fee.

    Nick Buffo

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  • Raleigh driving instructor provides tips on driving during the winter

    RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is in the winter weather season. With sleet and/or freezing rain coating the roads, that makes driving dangerous.

    One expert shares some tips on how you can stay safe if you have to drive in the elements.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sleet or freezing rain coating the roads makes driving dangerous

    • Drive slower than posted speed limit when roads are slippery

    • Highway Patrol said they responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide early last year


    Savannah Gregory trains drivers for safety and success.

    She is the director of Drivers of the Future, a driving school based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Gregory dedicates over 30 hours each week to instructing drivers who are beginners, anxious, or new to the state’s laws.

    “The issue in North Carolina is not that it’s unpredictable. It’s that it’s unfamiliar,” Gregory said.

    This week, the driving instructor is preparing everyone for the roads that come along with winter weather.

    “In this area in particular, we have some of the most adverse winter weather conditions in the sense that roads are not treated as aggressively as they are up north,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said a major concern during the winter weather months — black ice.

    Related: Icy roads cause a 10-13 car pile-up in Winston-Salem. How to stay safe

    It’s slippery, but it’s also virtually undetectable. Gregory said it’s best to take it slow and be careful on highways, especially near bridges and overpasses.

    She also said to leave a space between you and other drivers.

    “You’re following distance. It’s going to increase from 2 to 3 seconds to somewhere around 9 to 10, potentially,” Gregory explained.

    In addition, Gregory said braking and accelerating should be smooth, not abrupt.

    She said drivers should be going slower than the posted speed limit during this time.

    “And keep in mind that traction is your currency when it comes to winter weather, and once you spend it, it is no longer there,” Gregory said.

    Slippery roads caused a series of crashes on I-40 in Orange County, involving more than 50 vehicles early last year.

    The State Highway Patrol said it responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide around the same time.

    Gregory, unfazed, stated that driving in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat, often leads to dangerous situations or unforeseen delays.

    “Sometimes it’s the safest choice to not drive at all,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said during her five years of operating, she’s heard some of the most dangerous stories of drivers being hurt or injured are due to slippery road conditions.

    She thinks it’s best to play it safe.

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

    Jatrissa Wooten, Spectrum News Staff

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  • More than 11,400 flights canceled Sunday across the U.S.

    NASHVILLE — A massive winter storm made for a brutal travel day Sunday, with widespread cancellations and delays at some of the nation’s busiest airports.

    What You Need To Know

    • Widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain threatened nearly 180 million people — more than half the U.S. population — in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, the National Weather Service said Saturday night

    • After sweeping through the South, the storm moved into the Northeast Sunday, and was expected to dump about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston

    • Aviation analytics firm Cirium said that as of Sunday morning, the storm is the highest experienced cancellation event since the pandemic
    • New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had 466 flights canceled, about 80% of flights, according to FlightAware

    Widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain threatened nearly 180 million people — more than half the U.S. population — in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, the National Weather Service said Saturday night. After sweeping through the South, the storm moved into the Northeast Sunday, and was expected to dump about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston.

    More than 11,400 flights were canceled on Sunday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Aviation analytics firm Cirium said that as of Sunday morning, the storm is the highest experienced cancellation event since the pandemic.

    By Sunday afternoon, the majority of flights were canceled at busy airports in the Northeast and elsewhere. LaGuardia Airport in New York closed Sunday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency said on its website the busy Queens airport grounded flights until 8 p.m.

    In Philadelphia, 94% of flights, 326 flights, were canceled. Ninety-one percent of flights, 436 flights, were canceled at LaGuardia Airport in New York. New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had 466 flights canceled, about 80% of flights, according to FlightAware.

    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport said on its website that all airlines had canceled departing flights for the day, about 421 flights.

    Significant disruptions also hit major airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta, home to the nation’s busiest airport.

    Allan Lengel of Detroit planned to return Monday from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the temperature has been in the 80s. But he’s staying until Wednesday after Delta suggested he change his reservation because of the weather impact on flights.

    “Can’t say I’m disappointed. Frankly, I had been thinking of returning later because of frigid weather,” Lengel, 71, said, referring to conditions in Michigan.

    American Airlines had canceled over 1,790 flights for Sunday, about 55% of its scheduled flights for Sunday, according to FlightAware. Delta Air Lines reported over 1,470 cancellations and Southwest Airlines reported over 1,340 cancellations for the day, while United Airlines had about 1,016. JetBlue had more than 590 canceled flights, accounting for roughly 72% of its schedule for the day.

    Vikrant Vaze, a Dartmouth professor specializing in commercial aviation logistics, said recovery from the storm cancellations and delays will take days if not longer. And even for travelers who aren’t in areas that were directly affected by weather, cascading delays could still affect their travel plans.

    “Because there are so many different airlines involved, I think it’s going to come down heavily to the individual airline’s network structure, the extent of hit that each of them has had, and just the intrinsic capacity of the airlines to handle these massive disruptions,” he said.

    My flight was canceled, now what?

    If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.

    Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.

    Can I get booked on another airline?

    You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then, it can be a hit or miss.

    Am I owed a refund?

    If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.

    The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.

    Associated Press

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  • St. Petersburg earns Trail Town designation

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg was recently designated an official Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its significant investments in the Pinellas Trail.

    What You Need To Know

    • The FDEP designated St. Petersburg a Trail Town on Dec. 17

    • St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town

    • The FDEP has a program which will promote the Pinellas Trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants 

    • St. Pete earned the designation for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront


    “We’ve made those investments in our community,” said Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager. “We really see it as an opportunity to kind of improve the quality of life, improve the economy for our residents.”

    Stacks presented the city council with the designation last week for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront. St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town.

    “I think it’s a big deal for the city. I think it’s kind of a long time coming,” she said. “So it’s great to be able to have this recognition.”

    St. Petersburg received the designation for having emergency markers, trail courtesy reminders, access to restaurants, retail, bike racks and public restrooms. Andrea Osorio, owner of Carupano Kitchen in the Foodie Labs, said she welcomes riders to use their facilities.

    “These are people that have been riding for minutes, hours and then they stop by,” she said. “They get a bite to eat, they use our bathrooms, they get something to drink and just rest for a little bit with the AC.”

    Part of the trail winds through council member Corey Givens Jr.’s district, who said riders enjoy the murals and help boost the local economy.

    “You can really support small businesses. The trail, it’s along the Warehouse Arts District,” he said. “So you have minority-owned businesses there, women-owned businesses there that can really utilize that support. And people don’t have to drive to get there.”

    Stefan Koch said he traveled from Michigan to ride his bicycle on the Pinellas Trail.

    “I’ve spent the last two days riding on this trail,” he said. “I just rode down to the end at the St. Pete harbor there and now I’m on my way back to Clearwater. I think it’s a lovely trail.” 

    Koch said he supports the organization Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is how he learned about the Pinellas Trail, and believes the FDEP designation is well-deserved.

    “The trail has a lot of great infrastructure and is well-maintained,” he said. “So I congratulate St. Pete for being a Trail Town.”

    Due to the recognition, the FDEP has a program that will promote the trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants. Stacks said St. Pete is currently working on a permitting process which would allow businesses east of 34th Street to develop private access points along the Pinellas Trail.

    Josh Rojas

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  • Haines City working to construct more downtown parking as community grows

    HAINES CITY, Fla. — With growth comes traffic, and with traffic comes cars and the need for a place to park them. That’s the dilemma facing Haines City.

    But a solution is on the way. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency is making way for a new parking area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brick Heads Florida opened its doors in Haines City in 2024

    • The store says issues with parking are a barrier for customers accessing downtown

    • The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency is looking to eliminate parking issues by adding more parking to downtown


    Piece by piece, putting together Lego sets are therapeutic for Jory Engel.

    “You can kind of sit down, build a Lego set and the entire world fades around you,” he said.

    He is one of the store managers at Brick Heads Florida in Haines City.

    Peyton Derhak is another. Her dad opened the store about a year ago. “We really wanted to give people the ability to be hands on,” she said.

    They are creating a space for people of all ages to enjoy.

    But they said there has been a barrier to making it happen — parking. “People are hesitant when they can’t find parking somewhere to go to that place,” Engel said.

    The manager and consultant for the Community Redevelopment Agency, Dr. Alexander Abraham, said creating more parking is part of a larger project aimed at revitalizing all of Haines City.

    “This is not the end vision for this particular site,” he said. “The surface parking will provide an immediate relief of pressure on merchants while preserving the flexibility that we have of future redevelopment in the area.”

    City leaders say this project also looks ahead to the possibility of a SunRail stop in the city. That project is currently being studied.

    Abraham says the demolition at 401 E. Main St. will make it easier for people to visit and enjoy downtown.

    Derhak said changes to downtown are needed, and she hopes it has a long-term impact that will mean new businesses too.

    “We have a lot of people interested in coming and visiting us,” she said. “It’s definitely up and coming and it feels very homey.”

    As the city continues to grow, so do hopes for a booming downtown and enough space to make everyone feel welcome.

    The Community Redevelopment Agency says there is no exact date for when the parking spaces will be completed but that it will be open sometime this year.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Central Ohio receives millions in funding for road safety

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Federal funding will go toward the proposed Coalition for Integrated Road User Safety (CIRUS) planning initiative sweeping central Ohio for road safety improvements. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) will be awarded $4.8 million in funds

    • CIRUS is a three-year, $6 million public-private partnership that aims to raise roadway safety across central Ohio

    • CORPO roadways are in Fairfield, Knox, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties

    The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) will be awarded $4.8 million in funds for the initiative. 

    “MORPC is excited to partner with the Ohio Department of Transportation, Honda, Transportation Research Center, the Ohio State University, and many other stakeholders to improve roadway safety throughout Central Ohio. Central Ohio’s seven-county rural area is projected to add more than 130,000 residents and 47,000 new jobs over the next 25 years,” said Parag Agrawal, Chief Mobility Officer for MORPC. “With so many additional residents using the region’s roadways, prioritizing and improving transportation safety is vital. CIRUS will promote regional coordination, and will focus on Safer Roads, Safer Speeds, Safer Vehicles and Post-Crash Care.” 

    CIRUS is a three-year, $6 million public-private partnership that aims to raise roadway safety across central Ohio. The initiative focuses on seven rural counties and is part of larger safety efforts across the region. it includes road safety audits, evaluation of advanced vehicle safety and identification of high risk corridors. 

    This initiative will be comes a national model for rural transportation safety with a commitment to reducing fatal and serious injury crashes along CORPO roadways.

    Transportation planning products and services in CORPO are being offered via MORPC to Fairfield, Knox, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • N.C. may lose $50M in federal funds over flawed immigrant trucker licenses

    North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t revoke commercial driver’s licenses from immigrants who aren’t qualified to hold them after an audit uncovered problems, the U.S. Transportation Department said Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Transportation Department says North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t revoke commercial driver’s licenses from immigrants who aren’t qualify to hold them

    • North Carolina is the ninth state to be targeted since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched the nationwide review last year to make sure only qualified drivers hold licenses to drive semitrailer trucks or buses

    • The issue started to generate headlines after a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people in August

    • An audit of 50 commercial driver’s licenses that North Carolina had issued to immigrants found that there were problems with more than half of them


    North Carolina is the ninth state to be targeted since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched the nationwide review last year to make sure only qualified drivers hold licenses to drive semitrailer trucks or buses.

    The issue started to generate headlines after a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people in August.

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reviewed 50 commercial driver’s licenses that North Carolina had issued to immigrants in its audit and found problems with more than half of them. That’s what prompted the threat to withhold funding if the state doesn’t clean up its licensing program. Records show that 924 of these kind of licenses remain unexpired in North Carolina.

    “North Carolina’s failure to follow the rules isn’t just shameful — it’s dangerous,” Duffy said.

    In a statement to Spectrum News 1, North Carolina DMV spokesman Marty Homan said, “The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) is aware of the letter from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding non-domiciled commercial driver licenses. NCDMV is committed to upholding safety and integrity in our licensing processes. We have been collaborating closely with our federal partners for several months to resolve these matters that are impacting many U.S. states.”

    Duffy has pulled nearly $200 million from California over concerns about that state’s licensing practices and its decision to delay the revocations of more than 17,000 invalid licenses. Duffy also said that California isn’t enforcing English proficiency requirements for truckers.

    He also previously threatened to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Texas, South Dakota, Colorado, and Washington after audits found significant problems under the existing rules, including commercial licenses being valid long after an immigrant truck driver’s work permit expired.

    Separately, Tennessee announced Thursday that it launched its own review of commercial driver’s licenses and will be notifying about 8,800 of the state’s 150,000 commercial driver’s license holders that they need to provide proof of citizenship or a valid visa if they want to keep their licenses.

    Russell Shoup, who is assistant commissioner of Tennessee’s Driver Services Division, said the state is working to make sure all the licenses the state has issued meet current state and federal standards.

    The federal crackdown on commercial driver’s licensing has been praised by trucking groups. The industry said that too often unqualified drivers who shouldn’t have licenses or can’t speak English have been allowed to get behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound (about 39,916 kilograms) truck. They have also applauded the Transportation Department’s moves to go after questionable commercial driver’s license schools.

    But immigrant groups say that some drivers are now being unfairly targeted. The spotlight has been on Sikh truckers because the driver in the Florida crash and the driver in another fatal crash in California in October are both Sikhs. So the Sikh Coalition, a national group defending the civil rights of Sikhs, and the San Francisco-based Asian Law Caucus filed a class-action lawsuit against California over that state’s plan to revoke thousands of licenses.

    Immigrants account for about 20% of all truck drivers, but these non-domiciled licenses immigrants can receive only represent about 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses or about 200,000 drivers. The Transportation Department also proposed new restrictions that would severely limit which noncitizens could get a license, but a court put the new rules on hold.

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

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • New road data shows Citrus County behind in road repairs

    INVERNESS, Fla. — A recent study shows that Citrus County is behind when it comes to road repairs.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to a recent study, Citrus County is behind when it comes to road repairs

    • About 600 miles of roadway are classified as very poor, with another 350 miles in poor condition

    • Data has been collected by a new software developed by engineering consultant Mott McDonald, showing the county is carrying a road repair backlog of more than $700 million

    • Repairs are currently on-going, with funds coming from the American Rescue Plan Act


    About 600 miles of roadway are classified as very poor, with another 350 miles in poor condition. But plans are being made within local government to make necessary repairs.

    “I’m just glad that they’re paying attention to Beverly Hills, in general,” said Ashanti Negron.

    For 11 years, Negron has called Beverly Hills home. It’s also where she owns her salon, Bobbi Pinz.

    “In the last three years since COVID, people have been migrating here in droves,” said Negron. “People are moving from South Florida, they move from up north, so we have more traffic.”

    That traffic, she says, is noticeable from outside her shop. With the local roadways taking a beating.

    For 11 years, Ashanti Negron has called Beverly Hills home. She has noticed the traffic and road issues. (Spectrum News/Calvin Lewis)

    “Some of these side roads really get neglected,” Negron said. “What happens is you get big fissures in the side. The main road looks nice and everything’s done new. But then you go off into the side street and if that’s where your house is, then you’ve got a dip. It would be nice if they went into that a little more.”

    Negron is not the only one noticing, either.

    Citrus County recently completed a road study. It analyzed data collected by new software developed by engineering consultant Mott McDonald.

    Citrus County maintains 1,844 paved miles of road every year. That data shows almost 600 miles of roads are classified as very poor. Another 350 miles fall into the poor category.

    “The roads don’t seem bad when you’re driving through the county,” said Citrus County Commissioner and Chair Diana Finegan. “But when you get into some of our residential areas, you’ll find that much road work is needed.”

    Finegan says repairs are already being made. This new software, she says, will also be accessible to residents to see which roads may be next on the list.

    “They’ll be able to go online, look at how much money the board has put aside for regular servicing for the year and they can see which roads are coming up,” she says.

    It’s good news for residents like Negron, who says she embraces the repairs and the traffic that may come with it.

    “It’ll be good,” she said. “And more people is always better, to me. But I did grow up in Manhattan!”

    The recent data shows the county is carrying a road repair backlog of more than $700 million. Funding, Finegan says, will be coming from the American Rescue Plan Act.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Proposed legislation could help autistic drivers in Florida interact with police

    TAMPA, Fla. — Many people who have autism are still able to drive, including Eric Kaiser. However, stressful situations, like being pulled over by police, can make him uncomfortable.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Peace Envelopes provides information to officers about drivers with autism

    • It includes the driver’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and more

    • Eric Kaiser said the envelope could make traffic stops less stressful for drivers like him


    He hopes the Florida Legislature passes a new law that will allow for the use of a Blue Peace Envelope.

    “It’s just to give that sense of calm in a tense situation,” he said.

    The envelope includes a copy of one’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal and more.

    Kaiser said this lets an officer immediately know more about a person on the spectrum.

    “Some people just freeze up. They don’t talk. They can’t talk,” Kaiser said. “Some of us would rather just write stuff down.”

    Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said he met Kaiser through their Autism Awareness Program.

    After learning about the program from Kaiser and seeing similar programs in other states, he’s throwing his support behind the legislation.

    “If it’s not obvious to the person that you have a disability, it can lead to misunderstandings in all areas of life, including with law enforcement,” he said.

    The Tampa Police Department said it doesn’t comment on pending legislation.

    Still, they shared this statement:

    “We remain committed to a proactive approach in building strong, supportive partnerships with our community and providing officers with the tools and information necessary to interact safely and effectively with all residents.

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Fares resume for HART Bus Route 1 on Monday

    TAMPA, Fla. — Riders of the HART bus between downtown Tampa and the University of South Florida will start paying for that trip starting Monday.

    While the Tampa City Council did not approve extending the fare-free system permanently, community organizers say the push wasn’t wasted — because it helped secure new funding to make the system faster and more reliable.

    During the most recent budget cycle, the Tampa City Council approved about $1.3 million to improve Route 1 service, including plans for 15-minute frequency from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 20-minute service in the evenings and on weekends.

    Transit advocates say that investment comes directly from lessons learned during the pilot — which showed just how many people rely on Route 1 daily.

    “Ridership did increase by over 50% and the on-time performance increased month after month,” said Dayna Lazarus with Transit Now Tampa Bay. “One of our bigger goals was to get people on the bus and just show that there is a demand. If you take away some of the barriers for people who haven’t ridden before, they can give it a try — and that obviously worked out very well.”

    Advocates say that while fare-free service may be gone for now, the investment in reliability is a major win for one of Tampa’s busiest routes.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa bike ordinance fails amid concerns including racial profiling

    TAMPA, Fla. — A proposed Tampa ordinance centered around bikes would’ve lowered speed limits, banned wheelies and more, but it was voted down at the last city council meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa’s proposed bike ordinance included speed limits and banning wheelies, but was voted down

    • Concerns were raised about racial targeting and other issues during public comment

    • The council plans to revisit the issue in 2026


    The goal was to make it safer for people walking on paths like the Tampa Riverwalk for visitors like Cat and Nick Virca, who worry about bikers along the path.

    “(Nick) was almost hit today by somebody riding without their hands and very quickly,” Cat said. “So for us, it’s not just the bikers and the e-bikers. It’s also the scooters and the bladers.”

    The ordinance drew strong reactions during public comment, including concerns about police targeting people of color.

    Yvette Lewis, president of the local NAACP branch, said during public comment that the ordinance worried her.

    “My concern is with this: if it starts here on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, how do I know or how can I trust y’all that it won’t continue over into my neighborhood?” she asked.

    Paula Flores with Walk Bike Tampa raised additional concerns during public comment.

    She told the city council the ordinance would affect all city trails, including long-distance bike paths.

    “While these changes appear focused on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, their impacts would extend far beyond those locations without effectively reducing conflicts where congestion actually occurs,” she said.

    City council members plan to revisit a potential ordinance in 2026, as police said they continue to get complaints from those who walk at places like the Riverwalk.

    Other concerns people shared included how this could push some bicyclists off safe trails and onto busy roads.

    Some city council members also felt the language of the proposal was too vague for officers to enforce.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Indian Rocks Beach considers paid beach access parking

    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — The city of Indian Rocks Beach has had free parking at its beach access points for years. However, a new pilot program is looking to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Indian Rocks Beach has offered free parking at beach access points for years but is considering a paid system

    • The proposed rate is $4.50 an hour, potentially generating over $1 million annually

    • There is no set start date this change would begin


    City Manager Ryan Henderson said the conversation surrounding paid parking began in 2023.

    He believes the revenue can make a big difference in their community.

    “My recommendation and staff’s recommendation to the commission was as this revenue comes in through paid parking, we put it back into the community,” Henderson said. “We put it back into our infrastructure, we put it back into our maintenance.”

    Henderson said there is no set date for when paid parking could start.

    With 182 free public spots at the access points, Henderson said the money generated would make a major impact, especially for a city of its size.

    They’re looking at $4.50 an hour.

    “We’d be generating around $800,000 to $900,000 a year, but we think that’s a very conservative number,” Henderson said. “We think we’ll be well over $1 million.”

    Christine Anderson said there has been free parking for the 17 years she’s lived in Indian Rocks Beach and that talk of these changes caught her off guard.

    “I was a little surprised, but I think times have changed and maybe there is a need for this city to recoup some of the money,” she said.

    Richard Griffin, a part-time resident for 15 years, is hoping that more information comes out about the changes.

    “I have some sort of mixed emotions until I get more details as to what the final price will be and how long you can park and that type of thing,” he said.

    Henderson said there would be no time limit on parking.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Overnight ramp closures set for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project work

    CINCINNATI — Preparations continue for Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project work and crews are set to start surveying before they break ground. 

    The surveys on I-71/I-75 downtown will happen overnight, meaning there will be separate overnight ramp closures next week — so long as weather conditions permit.

    On Tuesday, Dec, 2, at 10 p.m., the ramps from U.S. 50 EB to I-71 NB and I-75 SB/2nd St. will close. They will reopen by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

    On Wednesday the ramp from 8th St. to I-75 SB will close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m. on Thursday.

    Madison MacArthur

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  • Amtrak expects record Thanksgiving ridership as travelers seek alternatives

    TAMPA, Fla. — Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge.

    Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving. Tampa Union Station saw more than 150,000 departures, making it one of Florida’s busiest Amtrak stations.

    With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge

    • Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving

    • With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers


    Why travelers are choosing the rails

    Many riders boarding trains in Tampa this week said they were looking for a change — and relief from the holiday travel stress that comes with flying or long drives.

    Price was a major factor for rider Bruce Hilsheimer.

    “The Greyhound stops more places and costs twice as much — it’s a no-brainer for me,” he said.

    For others, safety and comfort drove the decision.

    Linda Colon said she’s avoiding the airport this year.

    “There are so many concerns people are dealing with right now, and they really don’t feel like getting on an airplane,” she said.

    Some passengers chose the train for more productive travel time.

    Dana Diaz said train travel allows her to keep working throughout her trip.

    “I have to work, and sitting on the train allows me to get my work done,” she said.

    And for some, rail travel brings back a sense of nostalgia and calm.

    “I saw (trains) a lot in the movies… it’s very romantic,” said rider Susan Roscoe.

    Passengers traveling through Tampa Union Station this week were headed everywhere from Chicago to shorter regional trips to Lakeland, West Palm Beach and Miami.


    More riders seeking alternatives amid travel uncertainty

    Bob O’Malley, senior vice president at the Orlando Economic Partnership, says congestion at airports — and concerns during the recent government shutdown — pushed more people toward rail.

    “Some people will always fly or drive, but people are looking for other ways,” O’Malley said.

    He added that expanding options like SunRail and Brightline could open more rail alternatives across the state.

    Book early, Amtrak warns

    With demand climbing quickly, Amtrak is encouraging riders to book tickets early to secure their travel times.

    Colon said the ease of boarding is a major plus.

    “I took an Uber here — I didn’t have to arrive two hours before departure,” she said.

    And for many travelers, the slower pace of train travel is part of the appeal.

    “It’s convenient. It’s slower than flying, but sometimes that’s relaxing,” Roscoe said.

    Fadia Patterson

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  • Ohio Turnpike announces ban as Thanksgiving travel begins

    OHIO — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a High Wind Travel Ban for the entire 241-mile toll road for high-profile vehicles. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches

    • The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday

    • Wind chills will drop into the 20s on Wednesday

    The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. 

    Spectrum News 1 meteorologists say there will be an active weather pattern through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Starting on Wednesday, a strong cold front will bring a few more showers, but mostly a blast of cold air, that send temperatures plummeting through the day. After starting off in the 50s, we’ll see afternoon temperatures in the 30s, and wind chills in the 20s. A full forecast can be found here. 

    The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches. This means the ban applies to the following vehicles: 

    • All high-profile tow-behind trailers, campers, boats and enclosed trailers (fifth wheel trailers are excluded)
    • Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
    • All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers
    • All long combination vehicles (LCV) that include long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length (enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
    • All LCV triple-trailer combinations
    • 2-axle buses longer than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles greater than 45 feet

    (Ohio Turnpike)

    Here are the types of vehicles that will be allowed on the turnpike: 

    • Self-propelled motor homes
    • Low-profile trailers
    • Fold-down camper trailers
    • Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
    • Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks
    • Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
    • Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer with cargo/loaded
    • Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
    • Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations more than 90 feet
    • Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
    • Two-axle buses less than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles less than 45 feet

     

    Lydia Taylor

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  • Ohio Turnpike partners with OSHP for safe holiday travel

    OHIO — Officials across the state are urging drivers to follow traffic laws this week with increases in traffic expected for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

    The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol want to remind drivers to buckle up, drive sober and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30

    • In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled

    • Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike

    “We have much to be thankful for, and we’d like to see everyone arrive safely for the holidays,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “Plan ahead, leave early and take a break if you need to at one of our conveniently located 14 service plazas.”

    The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Officials said at least two lanes of traffic will remain open in both the eastbound and westbound directions along the turnpike. 

    In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled. 

    “Weather conditions across the northern counties are currently looking favorable, but as we all know, this is Ohio — things can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If snow does arrive, please give our snowplow operators the space they need to work safely. Never pass them on the right and always maintain a distance of at least 200 feet behind them.”

    Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period, the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike. These include nearly 500 for speeds of 20 mph or more over the limit. 

    “As motorists, there are many choices within our control when we get behind the wheel,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Wearing your safety belt, staying focused, driving sober and obeying the speed limit are simple steps that will make this Thanksgiving travel period safer for everyone. This holiday is about family, friends and loved ones coming together, and we do not want a preventable mistake to turn celebration into tragedy.”

    A customer appreciation event is being held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Middle Ridge Service Plaza (milepost 139.5 westbound) in Amherst to promote roadway safety

    The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.

    Madison MacArthur

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  • AAA projects another record-breaking holiday travel season for North Carolina

    RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s the holiday travel season again. Millions of travelers will either travel by car, plane or public transit this Thanksgiving to spend it with their loved ones. 

    What You Need To Know

    • AAA projects we will see an increase of 1.6 million travelers this Thanksgiving 

    • Over 2 million North Carolinians will travel by car

    • Over 100,000 will travel by plane 

    • AAA projects gas prices will be similar to last Thanksgiving at an average $2.87 per gallon


    “There’s going to be a record number of North Carolinians traveling 50 miles or more or less away from home this holiday season,” said Carolina’s Public Affairs Director for AAA Tiffany Wright.  

    And although flights are back to normal after the government shutdown, travelers are still worried about air travel. 

    “There was concern with cancellations and delays. We saw over the last, I would say, week and a half, a lot of people changing their plans because they were nervous. So a lot of people have opted to drive to their destinations versus flying,” Wright said.

    According to AAA’s holiday travel projections, we will see an increase of 1.6 million travelers this Thanksgiving, still making it the busiest traveled holiday of the year. 

    With most travelers taking the roads, we can expect around 73 million Americans traveling by car. That includes over 2 million North Carolinians. AAA also projects over 100,000 North Carolina residents will be traveling by air. Stephanie Hawco with Raleigh-Durham International Airport says skeptical air travelers shouldn’t worry about their holiday travels next week.

    “We’re confident that things will be back to normal in the next week and a half. We really hope that travelers will have a nice, smooth experience here at RDU when they’re traveling to see family and friends next week,” said the media relations director for RDU, Stephanie Hawco.

    Hawco says the airport starts to see traffic pick up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She says make sure to arrive extra early before your flights and you can also book your parking online ahead of time to get the best rate and a guaranteed spot.

    “We did see some ripple effects here at RDU from those flight restrictions with some delays and cancellations, but we feel good about the idea that things will be back to normal next week and everybody will have smooth travels,” Hawco said.

    AAA also projects gas prices will be similar to last Thanksgiving at $2.87 and recommends filling up your tank the night before and checking your battery and tire pressure. 

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

     

    Kennedy Chase

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  • 4.2 million Floridians to hit the road this Thanksgiving

    SANFORD, Fla. — Millions across the country are gearing up for the busiest travel period of the year.

    This year, AAA is projecting that there will be 4.2 million Floridians traveling by car for Thanksgiving, which is up by 2% compared to last year.

    Florida Highway Patrol officials say this is because people are changing their plans following recent airline disruptions caused by the government shutdown.

    As officials brace for the upcoming travel period, safety remains top of mind.

    What You Need To Know

    • 4.2 million Floridians expected to hit the road during busy Thanksgiving travel period this year

    • FDOT and FHP officials are reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind this next week

    • Busiest travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving


    FDOT officials are reminding drivers to avoid any distractions and to be prepared.

    “Buckle up every time you get behind the wheel. Make sure that you are avoiding distractions. You don’t need to look at your text messages while you’re driving. You can wait until you stop, until you pull over at the next rest area,” FDOT District 5 Public Information Director Cindi Lane said.

    Lane said distracted driving attributed to 43% of last year’s road fatalities.

    In the event of a roadside emergency, whether it’s an accident or a flat-tire, drivers are being reminded to call the *FHP or *347 number for roadside assistance.

    Road Ranger Program Manager Garrett Popovich warned, “Be prepared. You’re going to encounter traffic. There’s no way around that. Plan your trip. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel — your tires are properly inflated.”

    Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase the number of state troopers on the roads to keep an eye out for reckless drivers.

    “The number one cause of crashes and fatalities here in Florida is reckless driving, so that’s making sure that you put that GPS in before you start driving. Give yourself plenty of time before you hit the road so that you have that extra buffer of time so you’re not tailgating, you’re not speeding,” FHP Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tara Crescenzi explained.

    Crescenzi also urges drivers to call *347 if they see reckless driving on the road.

    AAA expects the busiest road travel days to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

    Sasha Teman

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