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Tag: Citrus County

  • Local races highlight Primary Election Day

    Local races highlight Primary Election Day

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Residents will turn out across the Bay area Tuesday to cast votes on Primary Election Day.

    The only statewide race on the ballot is for the Senate seat held by Republican Rick Scott, who will learn who he’ll face in November.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Florida

    • Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday 

    • What You Need To Know: Bay News 9 Voter’s Guide

    But plenty of local races will be the main motivator to get people to the polls, including school board seats, judges, commissioners and local representatives.

    At the voter deadline for the primary, Republicans outnumbered Democrats 5.3 million to 4.3 million in Florida, with 3.5 million voters choosing not to register with a party.

    In the Bay area, Hillsborough County had the biggest turn out of early voters. It’s the largest county in the area and more than 25,000 people cast their ballots early.

    Pasco had more than 9,000 people vote early and Pinellas had the fewest, with 4,000.

    Residents can still cast ballots Tuesday.

    Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area

    Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s primary election is Tuesday and there’s only a couple days left to avoid the lines on Election Day.

    Early voting ends this weekend in all of the Bay area counties.

    What You Need To Know

    • Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area 

    • Voters in Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Citrus and Hernando counties have until the end of the day Saturday to get their ballot in early
    • Early voting in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties continues through Sunday

    • Bay News 9 Voter’s Guide

    Voters in Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Citrus and Hernando counties have until the end of the day Saturday to get their ballot in early.

    Early voting in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties continues through Sunday.

    Also, the presidential election is ahead in November but there are a couple other important races voters will see on the Florida primary ballot.

    In the U.S. Senate race Democratic primary, four candidates are on the ballot: Stanley Campbell, Rod Joseph, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Brian Rush.

    In the Republican primary, Senator Rick Scott faces two challengers: John Columbus and Keith Gross.

    Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 20.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Tampa Bay goes back to school in 2024

    PHOTOS: Tampa Bay goes back to school in 2024

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 2:34 PM ET Aug. 12, 2024
    PUBLISHED 2:34 PM EDT Aug. 12, 2024

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Citrus County fight school bus driver shortage with new, two-pronged approach

    Citrus County fight school bus driver shortage with new, two-pronged approach

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — The school bus driver shortage has been a constant challenge for school districts throughout the state of Florida.

    Too few bus drivers behind the wheel across the Tampa Bay area has resulted in drivers working significant overtime, students getting to classes late and transportation planners eliminating routes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Citrus County School Board recently approved a raise of more than $3 for bus drivers per hour, which brings the hourly wage to $20.09 – one of the highest salaries for school bus drivers in Florida
    • The district credits a higher salary coupled with the new Transportation Progressive Discipline Matrix for the enthusiasm surrounding school bus driver candidates and new trainees

    • A new bus behavior matrix includes a list of violations that are divided into two categories – basic and severe infractions. Basic infractions can include things like not following driver instructions, being too loud or yelling and rough housing. Severe infractions can include profanity, fighting and harassment


    “I think the last year kind of broke everybody’s back,” said Kathy Little-Green, who trains new school bus drivers and serves as the program training leader for the Citrus County School District. “Drivers were doing triples and weren’t getting kids to school until 10 a.m.”

    The school board recently approved a raise of more than $3 per hour for drivers, which brings the hourly wage to $20.09 – one of the highest salaries for school bus drivers in Florida.

    “The salary is one piece, but I believe this discipline matrix is a second piece,” said Scott Hebert, assistant superintendent for the Citrus County School District.

    “We’re hearing a lot of positive feedback and people reaching out and saying, ‘I’m interested in doing this.’ We actually had folks that were going to retire and opted not to retire because of some of the changes that we put in place for our transportation department. We are fully staffed at this point and we’re getting even more interest, so we’re super excited about that and looking forward to a great beginning to the new school year.”

    Linda Varonich, 70, a new hire who just completed the school bus driver training this summer, hopes to be a good, positive role model for the kids and ensure they have an enjoyable ride on the bus.

    “I appreciate this effective two-part approach, and we’ve come a long way over the past couple months with the pay increase and the behavior matrix,” said Varonich, who also worked as guardian ad litem for foster children prior to her new transportation job with the district.

    Parents and students must agree to the new rules revolving around the Transportation Progressive Discipline Matrix for access to the school bus.

    There’s a long list of violations that are divided into two categories – basic and severe. Basic infractions can include things like not following driver instructions, being too loud or yelling and rough housing. Severe infractions can include profanity, fighting and harassment.

    The penalties vary based on the age and grade of the child, but all consequences can result in suspensions and a loss of bus privileges.

    For instance, the first violation of a basic infraction leads to a one-day suspension from the school bus.

    The penalties escalate for each offense up to a total loss of bus privileges. And for severe infractions, the initial penalty is even stiffer, and students can rack up suspensions and lose bus privileges quicker.

    Little-Green has been training school bus drivers in Citrus County since 2016. She said the new discipline matrix is necessary to minimize driver distractions and prevent accidents with as many as 60 kids onboard.

    “Learning to drive a bus is the easy part, but the hard part is doing it with kids,” Little-Green added. “The kids are so distracting, and you can be the best driver in the world, but when you have kids doing what they’re doing, it doesn’t mix.”

    The Citrus County School District is in the process of educating parents and students on the new transportation policy.

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    Erica Riggins

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  • Citrus High School alumni return to teach at their alma mater

    Citrus High School alumni return to teach at their alma mater

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — Teachers at Citrus High School are connecting over a unique bond they share.

    The school is home to many alumni who returned to teach current students. It’s a full-circle moment that is helping former Hurricanes find their way back to their alma mater.

    What You Need To Know

    • A high number of alumni are returning to Citrus High School to teach at their alma mater

    • 40 current staff members at the high school are also alumni
    • According to the Citrus County School District, Citrus High School has the highest alumni return rate in all the county


    Gathered around a table in a Citrus High School classroom is a special group of teachers. Sharing one commonality — they are all alumni.

    “Since I’m from this community, I knew I always wanted to come back and somehow give back to the community.”

    Among them is Nancy Boudreau. She has been teaching photography at the school for the last 30 years.

    “I would always joke with my high school teacher and say, ‘One day I’m going to take your job,’” she said. “And it just so happened that right when I was able to graduate college, she was actually going to be retiring. I joke with my kids today and I tell that story and say that I’m not that old and you can’t take my job from me yet!”

    Boudreau said photography has always run in her family. Being able to teach the art she loves in the place she grew up has been special.

    “I know what it’s like in the school, and that’s what I pride myself on. Knowing that we’re here to make a difference in these kids’ lives and I think that’s why I am one of those proud alumni that is very proud to have come back and teach in this community,” Boudreau said.

    And she is not alone. Boudreau is one of 40 Citrus High alumni who have returned to work at their alma mater. Including McKinley Franklin, Sr., who is a teacher and head football coach.

    “It’s not a workplace. This is like a home,” said Franklin. “It’s a very special place. The family atmosphere — I can’t even explain it. The support that l’ve received over the years, in difficult times as well, astronomical. And I’m so proud to be a Hurricane.”

    It is this unique bond each of them shares with the school that has made them want to return, Franklin said.

    “We have the same feeling about coming to school and coming to — I hate to say the word ‘work,’ because it’s not work, but being here,” said Franklin. “The summer went by extremely fast and now we’re back and extremely excited about it.”

    Excited for another school year.

    “It’s an amazing thing,” said Lita Stanton, alumni & activities director at Citrus High School. “They’ve been a part of my life growing up and now as an adult. But the most rewarding is now seeing my child get to do those same experiences that I was alluded to back when I was in high school. That’s my favorite part, is getting to keep that family atmosphere for years to come.”

    Helping teach the next generation of Hurricanes.

    To add even more perspective to this, Citrus High School has the highest alumni return rate in all the county.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Tampa Bay school board candidates share their views on issues

    Tampa Bay school board candidates share their views on issues

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    The general election is on Nov. 5, 2024.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Early voting begins in Central Florida

    Early voting begins in Central Florida

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    The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters in Orange and Osceola counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Aug. 18 to cast their ballots early.


    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, Aug. 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be receiving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Aug. 5. 

    • Brevard County early voting opens Aug. 10, and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Flagler County early voting opens Aug. 10 through Aug. 17, with offices open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Lake County early voting begins August 8 and closes Aug. 17. Offices will be open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Marion County early voting begins Aug. 10 and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Orange County early voting starts Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 18. Offices are open from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.
    • Osceola County early voting begins Aug. 5 through Aug. 18, with offices open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Seminole County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
    • Sumter County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
    • Volusia County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

    After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on Nov. 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before Oct. 7, and early voting will take place from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Rainfall totals from Debby: 12 inches in Pinellas Park, 16 in Lakewood Ranch

    Rainfall totals from Debby: 12 inches in Pinellas Park, 16 in Lakewood Ranch

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    Spectrum Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay reported these rain totals Tuesday morning:

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Sun City Center 11.11 in, Ruskin 10.54 in, Riverview 9.02 in, Wimauma 8.56 in, Temple Terrace 8.32 in, Valrico 8.21 in, Apollo Beach 7.88 in, Wimauma 7.68 in, Valrico 7.62 in, Fort Lonesome 7.35 in, Thonotosassa 7.31 in, Valrico 7.26 in

    PINELLAS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Pinellas Park 12.11 in, St Pete 10.34 in, Clearwater Beach 10.25 in, Palm Harbor 9.83 in, Tarpon Springs 9.54 in, Palm Harbor 9.49 in, Seminole 9.02 in, Clearwater 8.60 in, Largo 8.49 in, Oldsmar 8.27 in, Tarpon Springs 7.95 in Gulfport 7.89 in

    MANATEE CO RAINFALL TOTALS: Lakewood Ranch 16.56 in, Parrish 14.66 in, Sarasota Bradenton SRQ 12.43 in, Sarasota 12.38 in, Desoto Lakes 12.03 in, Oneco 11.90 in, Samoset 11.32 in, Palmetto 6.45 in


    POLK COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Auburndale 11.14 in, Gibsonia 7.50 in, Mulberry 7.06 in, Lakeland 6.61 in, Highland City 6.59 in, Mulberry 5.42 in, Bartow 3.98 in, Winter Haven 3.49 in

    PASCO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Elfers 6.48 in, Port Richey 6.45 in, New Port Richey 6.44 in, Wesley Chapel 6.39 in, Dade City 16.78 in

    CITRUS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Floral City 7.04 in, Crystal River 6.99 in, Hernando 6.93 in, Homosassa 5.75 in, Inverness 5.69 in

    HERNANDO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Spring Hill 6.77 in, Weeki Wachee 6.41 in, Spring Hill 5.76 in, Brooksville 4.89 in, Royal Highlands 3.44 in, Brooksville 3.17 in

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Team Coverage: Flooding at Largo complex, storm surge worries in Crystal River

    Team Coverage: Flooding at Largo complex, storm surge worries in Crystal River

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    LARGO, Fla. — Residents in the Bay area started their work week with flooded and closed roads, power outages and debris as Debby neared landfall in Florida.

    At Central Park Apartments in Largo, resident Matt Corvo described the morning scene.

    “It was raining pretty hard, we lost power early on for like four hours, and this whole street was flooded, about two, three feet of water at my street going into my apartment complex,” he said. “Had about four feet of water at the deepest.”


    In Crystal River, wary residents are keeping an eye out for storm surge as water pushed in toward U.S. 19. Driving rain covered roads but there was no report of damage as of Monday morning.

    However, law enforcement officials there are preparing for water rescues if needed.

    In Hillsborough County, crews continued their response to an 18-wheeler cab that submerged in Tampa Bypass Canal off I-75. The driver died, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay reported these rain totals Tuesday morning:

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Sun City Center 11.11 in, Ruskin 10.54 in, Riverview 9.02 in, Wimauma 8.56 in, Temple Terrace 8.32 in, Valrico 8.21 in, Apollo Beach 7.88 in, Wimauma 7.68 in, Valrico 7.62 in, Fort Lonesome 7.35 in, Thonotosassa 7.31 in, Valrico 7.26 in

    PINELLAS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Pinellas Park 12.11 in, St Pete 10.34 in, Clearwater Beach 10.25 in, Palm Harbor 9.83 in, Tarpon Springs 9.54 in, Palm Harbor 9.49 in, Seminole 9.02 in, Clearwater 8.60 in, Largo 8.49 in, Oldsmar 8.27 in, Tarpon Springs 7.95 in Gulfport 7.89 in

    MANATEE CO RAINFALL TOTALS: Lakewood Ranch 16.56 in, Parrish 14.66 in, Sarasota Bradenton SRQ 12.43 in, Sarasota 12.38 in, Desoto Lakes 12.03 in, Oneco 11.90 in, Samoset 11.32 in, Palmetto 6.45 in

    POLK COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Auburndale 11.14 in, Gibsonia 7.50 in, Mulberry 7.06 in, Lakeland 6.61 in, Highland City 6.59 in, Mulberry 5.42 in, Bartow 3.98 in, Winter Haven 3.49 in

    PASCO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Elfers 6.48 in, Port Richey 6.45 in, New Port Richey 6.44 in, Wesley Chapel 6.39 in, Dade City 16.78 in

    CITRUS COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Floral City 7.04 in, Crystal River 6.99 in, Hernando 6.93 in, Homosassa 5.75 in, Inverness 5.69 in

    HERNANDO COUNTY RAINFALL TOTALS: Spring Hill 6.77 in, Weeki Wachee 6.41 in, Spring Hill 5.76 in, Brooksville 4.89 in, Royal Highlands 3.44 in, Brooksville 3.17 in

    Use the video link above for team coverage.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Massive tree on home in Dunedin, conditions expected to worsen in Crystal River

    Massive tree on home in Dunedin, conditions expected to worsen in Crystal River

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    DUNEDIN, Fla. — The effects of Tropical Storm Debby are being felt throughout the Bay area, including in Dunedin, where a large tree fell on a home.

    It happened as Debby moved up the coast, spawning several tornado warnings.

    Rain and wind continued to get more intense in the area, with many flooded and closed roads, the reporting of airport delays, and power outages.

    In Crystal River, authorities were advising residents to leave the area if time allows or to hunker down.

    Use the video link above for team coverage from Spectrum Bay News 9’s Jason Lanning and Matt Lackritz.

    If you can safely do so, you can send your weather photos through the Spectrum News app.

    You can also view live cams here.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Track airport delays and cancellations in Tampa/St. Pete area

    Track airport delays and cancellations in Tampa/St. Pete area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — When Tropical Depression Four becomes Tropical Storm Debby and brings lots of rain and some windy conditions across the Tampa Bay area, many flights in and out of some of the state’s busiest airports will end up delayed or canceled.

    Check on current flight statuses below

    **Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**

    Tampa International Arrivals

    Tampa International Departures

    St. Pete Clearwater Arrivals

    St. Pete Clearwater Departures

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect around Tampa Bay

    COUNTY BY COUNTY: What to expect around Tampa Bay

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    Tropical Storm Debby is moving into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

    Our Bay News 9 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for as a potential tropical storm moves across Central Florida this weekend. For the latest forecast updates, you can check here.

    Citrus

    Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds: 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: 6 to 8 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 3 to 5 feet above ground along the coast

    Hernando

    Storm Surge Warning, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds: 15 to 25 mph, gusts to 45

    Rainfall: 5 to 8 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 2 to 4 feet above ground

    Pasco

    Storm Surge Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds (coast): 25 to 35 mph, gusts to 50

    Winds (inland): 20 to 30 mph, gusts to 35

    Rainfall (coast): 5 to 7 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Rainfall (inland): 3 to 5 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 1 to 3 feet above ground

    Pinellas

    Storm Surge Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds: 35 to 45 mph, gusts to 45

    Rainfall: 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 1 to 3 feet above ground

    Hillsborough

    Storm Surge Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds: 35 to 45 mph, gusts to 50

    Rainfall: 4 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 2 to 4 feet above ground

    Manatee

    Storm Surge Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch

    Winds: 25 to 35 mph, gusts to 45

    Rainfall: 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Peak storm surge up to 1 to 3 feet above ground

    Polk

    Tropical Storm Watch 

    Winds: 15 to 25 mph, gusts to 30

    Rainfall: 3 to 6 inches, locally higher amounts possible

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Back-to-School in Tampa Bay: Start dates, holidays, early releases

    Back-to-School in Tampa Bay: Start dates, holidays, early releases

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    Get all the county-by-county information about the 2025 school calendar.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pinellas schools earn first district A grade as state districts grades released

    Pinellas schools earn first district A grade as state districts grades released

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida school districts received grades from the Department of Education Wednesday.

    Pinellas County received its first district-wide A grade and Hillsborough County, meanwhile, saw marked improvement.


    Hillsborough schools saw a decrease in the number of D and F schools after having the most statewide last year.

    In one year, the district moved from 33 D and F grade schools to just 9 D schools and no schools graded as an F.

    Overall, Hillsborough’s school district received a B grade.

    In Pasco, the school system’s overall grade remained a B, same as last year.

    Hernando and Manatee schools also received B grades, same as the 2023.

    Meanwhile, Citrus and Polk county districts received C grades, which were the same as the previous year.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Important deadlines for Florida’s primary election

    Important deadlines for Florida’s primary election

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    The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters have until Monday, July 22 to register to vote or update their registration.


    Florida is a closed primary state, which means voters will need to lock in their party affiliation by that date in order to participate in their chosen primary elections.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, August 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be recieving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from August 5 through August 18.

    After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on November 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before October 7, and early voting will take place from October 21 through November 3.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Election office remind public of deadline ahead of August primaries

    Election office remind public of deadline ahead of August primaries

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    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Monday is the deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation ahead of Florida’s primary elections next month.

    Bay area residents can register online, by mail, or stop by their county’s elections’ office in person.


    Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said it’s important to come out and vote in the other race, including the democratic senate primary.

    “In a primary election, a no party affiliate or a minor party can vote in all of the nonpartisan races,” Latimer said. “That means they can vote in school boards; judges and we also have what’s called a universal primary for public defenders.”

    Latimer says the county has already sent out 150,000 vote by mail ballots for the upcoming primary around 2,500 of those are heading out overseas to military members and residents abroad.

    Primary Election Day is August 20. 

    SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICES: 

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Gentleman Joe’s Mobile Barbershop changing the landscape of running a business

    Gentleman Joe’s Mobile Barbershop changing the landscape of running a business

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A young entrepreneur is changing the landscape when it comes to running a business.

    This Citrus County barber has taken the old-school concept of a classic barbershop and putting it on wheels. It’s a business venture with higher hopes to expand in the future.

    What You Need To Know

    • From growing up in Inverness to joining the British Royal Navy, Joe Kelly has returned home to start his own unique business

    • Kelly, a Citrus County barber, has taken the old-school concept of a classic barbershop and has put it on wheels with his own “Gentleman Joe’s Mobile Barbershop”
    • It’s a passion project now turned into a full-time job that Kelly is proud to be doing in his hometown
    • Gentleman Joe’s is in Inverness every two weeks for three days, you can learn more on his Facebook page


    “It’s a warm feeling inside to be able to make a difference and an impact in someone’s day, because you really just can’t put a price on looking good and feeling good,” said Joe Kelly.

    Inside his decked-out utility trailer, Kelly perfects his craft and proficiency as a barber. But Kelly is more than that — he’s an artist. His canvas? The hair of paying customers. And this trailer is his studio.

    “For me, to be able to create a barbershop atmosphere in a trailer with one person, that was just the most important thing to me,” said Kelly, owner of Gentleman Joe’s Mobile Barbershop.

    This passion project of his all started when he joined the British Royal Navy. He made a spur-of-the-moment purchase before being shipped out.

    “I walked past a $20 pair of clippers and I was like, ‘I guarantee nobody is going to bring a pair of clippers,’” he said. “So, I bought the clippers and was on the ship, did my first ten haircuts for free. I messed a lot of people up and then the rest I watched YouTube videos. I was self-taught for two years. Done over a thousand haircuts before I’d even went to school in London.”

    Every snip and every cut has led to this: Kelly’s very own mobile barbershop. Hand-built by him with some added help, of course.

    “It’s more realistic for your average barber that is trying to get out from working for someone paying commission, paying booth rent,” Kelly said. “Just the flexibility of it and just being able to travel. My background in the Navy on traveling the world, I was like, ‘How can I do what I love and not be stuck in a shop all day for 8 hours?’”

    It’s his passion now, turned into a full-time job. And to be doing it in his hometown is rather stylish.

    “People would have seen me leave this town and come back and then build this,” said Kelly. “I’ve got a good reception from the community and I have a lot of support here and it means the world to me.”

    One day, Kelly says, he wants to return the favor. But until then, he’ll keep doing what he loves, one cut at a time.

    “Having this trailer is just opening so many doors for people to make a lot of money, to be their own boss, and I just think everyone deserves to be able to tap into that,” he said. “To have the potential to own their own trailer and travel across America and give out haircuts.”

    Gentleman Joe’s is in Inverness every two weeks for three days. You can learn more about Kelly’s mobile barbershop on his Facebook page.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River couple helping sponsor family from Ukraine

    Crystal River couple helping sponsor family from Ukraine

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A Citrus County couple is opening their doors to sponsor a family from Ukraine. It’s through a government program called ‘Uniting for Ukraine.’

    What You Need To Know

    • Thanks to a government program called ‘Uniting for Ukraine,’ one Crystal River couple is helping sponsor a family from Ukraine
    • The sponsorship allows the Kebap family to live and work in America, an opportunity to help the family start their lives fresh
    • As they look to restart their lives, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the Kebap family


    Thanks to that sponsorship, the Kebap family is living and working here in the U.S. It’s an opportunity to help them start their lives fresh.

    Gathered around the kitchen table of their Crystal River home sits Bart Rasmussen and his wife, Sue, along with their new house guests from Ukraine —  the Kebap family.

    “We were hearing of his son sleeping in the bathtub at night in case their home was hit with a bomb,” says Bart. “We just wanted to find a way to help them.”

    The Rasmussens were first introduced to Andriy, who was working as a wine sommelier, on a European cruise seven years ago. They learned about him, his wife Olesia and their son Ilya, who they were expecting at the time.

    With the war in Ukraine taking a turn for the worse, Andriy decided it was no longer safe to stay.

    “You can hear the rockets and missiles going around and it’s not a firework, you know,” says Andriy. “When you have an explosion, you can hear it from many, many kilometers or miles away.”

    The Rasmussens, having kept in touch with Andriy, got involved, signing up with the ‘Uniting for Ukraine’ program.

    “It’s a two-year commitment on our part but to get them out of harm’s way and here to safety and, if they like it, to possibly start a new life here in the United States,” said Bart.

    It has meant the Kebaps starting fresh, with Andriy seeking work to provide for his family.

    “It not only means right now, but what potentially this could mean for them long-term,” Bart said. “And have a safe life and a new life here in America if they hope to stay at one point.”

    It’s a move that Andriy is thankful for.

    “To find a job, to have enough money to work to support my family, to support my son to go to school, to have everything for them to live a normal life,” he says.

    For more on the Kebap family and their new start, you can learn more about their journey and get involved through a GoFundMe page set up for the family.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Fireworks and festivities: 4th of July celebrations across Tampa Bay

    Fireworks and festivities: 4th of July celebrations across Tampa Bay

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Pyrotechnics are planned to dance across the night sky as the 4th of July approaches on Thursday. July 4, or Independence Day, commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. It has been a federal holiday since 1941, but celebrations have gone back to the 18th century.

    Tampa Bay has a list of festivities to get residents and visitors into the patriotic spirit. View the events that are happening in your community.

    All events take place on July 4 unless otherwise stated.
     

    Citrus County

    • Patriotic Evening
      July 3, 3 p.m. | Liberty Park
      The city of Inverness will be hosting its annual fireworks show over Lake Henderson. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs during the viewing. There will be live music, vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
    • 4th of July Celebration
      5 p.m. | Kings Bay Park
      Join the city of Crystal River for a 4th of July celebration. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, games, kids’ activities and a fireworks show over Kings Bay.

     

    Hernando County

     

    Hillsborough County

     

    Manatee County

     

    Pasco County

    Pinellas County

    • The Fourth
      4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | St. Pete Pier
      The city of St. Petersburg’s annual fireworks show returns with live performances, vendors, food trucks and a family fun zone. Fireworks will be visible from the entire downtown waterfront.
    • Clearwater Celebrates America 2024
      5 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Coachman Park
      There will be a free, patriotic performance at The BayCare Sound. No tickets are needed and seating is first-come, first served. Guests can also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, family friendly activities and live music.
    • Fireworks Over the Gulf
      9 p.m. | Treasure Island Beach
      Celebrate America by watching fireworks light up the sky over Treasure Island Beach. The best viewing areas will be near the Gulf Front Park area of the beach located at 10400 Gulf Blvd. Bring a beach chair or towel and enjoy the show.
    • 4th of July Parade & Celebration
      9 a.m. | Old Time Pottery
      Join Kenneth City Mayor Megan Zemaitis and Healing Pinellas for a day of food, live music, vendors and more. The parade starts at 66th Street North and 46th Avenue North, then through downtown to Ernst Park, located at 46th Avenue North and 58th Street North.
    • 4th of July Picnic in Craig Park
      10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Craig Park
      Bring the family to enjoy live music, a water slide, paddle boarding, inflatables, lawn games and free hot dogs. Stay later for the firework show after sunset.

    Polk County

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Dozens petition Hernando school board to save removed principal’s job

    Dozens petition Hernando school board to save removed principal’s job

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    BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of teachers and staff members came out to Tuesday night’s Hernando County school board meeting to show support for the longtime principal of Deltona Elementary.

    The district removed Debi Shellabarger from her position earlier this month after nearly 15 years at the school. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Dozens of supporters came out to Tuesday’s Hernando County school board meeting to show support for the longtime principal of Deltona Elementary

    • The district removed Debi Shellabarger from her position earlier this month after nearly 15 years at the school

    • The district did not provide further information on Tuesday night

    Those who know and work with her call it a shocking decision.

    Her supporters showed up to the meeting with “SHELLABARGER STRONG” T-shirts.

    Nearly a dozen teachers, parents, and community members showed their support while speaking to the board. They provided the board with petitions with more than 600 signatures asking to save Shellabarger’s job.

    The district sent a letter to parents and staff earlier this month, stating Shellabarger will not return as principal next school year.

    “I’m still trying to figure out what my reaction is, because it’s just shocking,” said Kenny Hill, Deltona Elementary ESE Resource. “She cares about her teachers as much as she cares about her students.”

    The school board’s attorney advised members during the meeting not to comment on the situation.

    But Shellabarger’s supporters say she was let go because she compensated staff with flex time for working extra hours in a way that may have clashed with district policy.

    Speakers told board members Shellabarger didn’t do that with ill intent and that the policy was unclear and recently had to be rewritten.

    Those who spoke at the meeting praised Shellabarger’s more than 20 years with the district.

    They told the board that since she arrived at Deltona in 2010, she took the ESE-focused school from a “D” to a “B” rating. 

    Several called her a fierce advocate for students and said kids are the ones losing out. They asked the district to reconsider the decision.

    “As legal said, we can’t really get into it, just know that you are appreciated for being here tonight,” said John Stratton, Hernando School District Superintendent.

    The district did not provide further information on Tuesday night.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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