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Tag: Citrus County

  • Citrus County business owner reopens bike store after tornado

    Citrus County business owner reopens bike store after tornado

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Citrus County business owner has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Sparky’s Green Rides was damaged last month by tornadoes

    •  Business owner Ryan DeLarco had just reopened after Hurricane Idalia first damaged the store earlier in the year

    •  DeLarco says customers contributing to his second store helped him rebuild his first store again

    Despite his bike shop being destroyed by last month’s tornado, Ryan DeLarco is back open for business. His gears are spinning in excitement over welcoming customers back.

    He couldn’t forget how Sparky’s Green Rides looked after a tornado did its damage last month.

    “The ceiling was hanging. I got some leaking going on,” DeLarco said. “The whole roof was missing, all the facia, the soffit. This is usually full of 150 bikes at all times, but we had to take everything out so it doesn’t get destroyed by the storm.”

    Compare that to now and you can tell he’s put a lot of work into getting things rolling again.

    “As you can tell before, when you guys were in here, we had the hole ceiling. The last 10 feet of the ceiling was all hanging down. Had to re-drywall the whole place and get it all re-established. We also added some new paint. Added some new color to the shop,” he said.

    This was the second time DeLarco had to rebuild his bike business. Flooding from Hurricane Idalia tried to wash it away earlier in the year, but he says he’s come back better both times.

    “We’re about to have a grand opening, but we are officially open at two locations,” he said.

    So when it comes to selling bikes in Citrus County, DeLarco says he has a new slogan:

    “Ain’t no tornado, hurricane, or flood gonna stop Sparky’s Green Rides.”

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    Trevor Pettiford

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  • Water shortage order takes effect Tuesday across Tampa Bay region

    Water shortage order takes effect Tuesday across Tampa Bay region

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    TAMPA, Fla. — New rules on when you can and can’t use water for cleaning and lawn care take effect Tuesday across the Tampa Bay region.

    Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus counties are all entering a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order on Nov. 21, mandated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

    What You Need To Know

    • New rules for watering lawns in the Bay area take effect Tuesday

    • Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus counties are all entering a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order 

    • The order is in effect through July 1, 2024

    That means that the “wasteful use of water” is now prohibited and what that means can vary slightly from county to county. In Tampa, where some of the more strict rules are in effect, it means starting Tuesday residents can no longer hose off their driveways or sidewalks.

    The bigger changes affecting only Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties take effect on Dec. 1 when a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order kicks in.

    Starting that day, residents will only be able to water their lawns once a week and it must be on the predetermined day.

     

    While we saw rain last week, officials with the city of Tampa’s water conservation department said it wasn’t enough compared to the 9-inch rainfall deficit the region is in.

    “It did have some impact in raising slightly the reservoir level, but it doesn’t mitigate the fact that as a region the levels are lower than what they’re supposed to be and what they typically are at this time of the year,” explained Sonia Quinones, a supervisor in the city’s water department. “We typically would have had a busy, active rainy season and the reservoir the aquifer would have been topped off really nicely. So we’re grateful for the rain, but it hasn’t made a significant impact.”

    Quinones says the city of Tampa will be enforcing the water shortage order and issuing citations to those not in compliance. She says they don’t plan to give homeowners warnings, but fines will be issued on the first offense.

    According to Pinellas County officials, customers should refer to this schedule for watering information.

    Watering schedule for Hillsborough & Pasco counties starting Dec. 1

    • If your address (house number) ends in 0 or 1, water only on Monday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 6 or 7, water only on Thursday
    • If your address (house number) ends in 8 or 9, water only on Friday

    If you water on the wrong day or time, you could get a $100 fine in the mail. Repeat offenses mean fines will go up to $200 and after that, a mandatory court appearance will be required. In Hillsborough County, fines top out at $500.

    “We don’t want to issue citations, we’re not in the business of issuing citations, we’re in the business of delivering safe and clean drinking water. We just want folks to know it’s a precious resource and we have to work together as a community. Water conservation only works when the entire community cooperates and does their part,” Quinones said.

    The order is in effect through July 1, 2024.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Restorative work taking place along the Homosassa River

    Restorative work taking place along the Homosassa River

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — Some much needed work is being performed on the Homosassa River.

    What You Need To Know

    • Restorative work is ongoing along the Homosassa River with dredging on the bottom of the river

    • Work is expected to be put on pause starting Wednesday for winter manatee season

    • Disturbing manatees can cause them to leave areas — potentially exposing them to low water temps that are harmful and even life-threatening

    • Those with the Homosassa River Restoration Project are hopeful of expanding work along the river through the winter months

    For years, the Homosassa River Restoration Project has been in full swing, working to restore the river’s waters back to its beautiful blue color.

    That work, however, will need to be put on pause starting Wednesday as that marks winter manatee season.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says manatees are searching for warmer waters to help them survive this time of year. Manatees generally find warmer temps in freshwater springs, like Homosassa Springs.

    Disturbing manatees can cause them to leave these areas, potentially exposing them to low water temps that are harmful and even life-threatening. Work outside of these zones should be minimized unless approved by agencies.

    It’s that approval that those working behind the scenes are seeking.

    From the comfort of his own backyard, Steve Minguy watches as work on the Homosassa River unfolds.

    “We decided to do an investigation and found out that over the years, and for decades, this river has been in decline,” Minguy said.

    Minguy has been living on the river for the last 11 years. Seeing the river in its current state sparked him to get involved.

    “When your neighbors are telling you about all the blue crab, all the fish, and crystal-clear water that was right off their docks back in the day, I wanted those same things for me and my grandchildren,” says Minguy, president of the Homosassa River Restoration Project. “And right now, unless somebody did something, that wasn’t going to happen.”

    What is happening is dredging on the bottom of the river, clearing sediment build-up and algae and preparing for newly planted grass.

    “It’s very important that we can continue our work 12 months out of the year,” Minguy said. “It keeps the algae at bay.”

    About a mile or two just up the road is where the river material taken from the river ends up.

    “We’re at our de-watering site,” says Jessica Mailliez, senior environmental manager for Sea & Shoreline. “This is where all of the material — the muck, the algae — comes to be processed.”

    The water from the river goes through a separating process. First, running through large cans and then into a solution.

    “Eventually it lands in a geotextile bag,” says Mailliez. “That bag has tiny holes in it, so the heavy material sinks to the bottom and the clean water flows out the top.”

    That leads to crystal clear water gushing out of the enormous bags.

    “Sometimes, as the bag fills, these particles get trapped inside those tiny pores and in order for them to release those pores — that’s what they do,” said Mailliez. “They smack the bag.”

    The bags — packed with nutrient rich, leftover material — are then shipped off to a local farm where it’s used as fertilizer, making for a full circle process.

    “Without a healthy river, none of this exists,” says Minguy. “Citrus County is very tourist oriented, and it’s extremely important when our tourists come to visit here, that they have the clear water and the manatees that they come here to expect to see.”

    That is why Minguy says he’d like to see work continue even throughout the winter.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Sheroes honors female veteran with fishing trip

    Sheroes honors female veteran with fishing trip

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    HOMOSSASSA, Fla. — In the words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

    A new nonprofit Sheroes Warriors on Water, Inc. in Citrus County took 23-year Navy veteran Jeanetta Mundis on a fishing trip.

    It was the first in what the Sheroes organization hopes to be many charters to honor and pay tribute to female veterans.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sheroes Warriors on Water, Inc. started after founders won fishing tournament in May 2022

    • The group decided to honor female veterans

    • The first veteran to receive an all expenses paid fishing trip off the waters of Citrus County is Jane Mundis

    • Mundis is a 23-year veteran of the Navy who is still very involved with veterans groups

    The moment came quick for Jeanetta to reel in a big catch. It took her 10 seconds from the moment she dropped her line to the moment she hooked a grouper.

    The struggle to bring one of Florida’s favorite fish was real but short-lived, as Jeanetta, also known as Jane, brought in the grouper in 30 seconds.

    It had to go back in the water as it is currently offseason for grouper fishing.

    How Jane even got to today’s catch is a feel-good story of its own.

    Clear blue skies and lots of fish usually await Captain Katie Jo Davis as she navigates daily the waters off of Citrus County.

    On that day of fishing, Capt. Julie Meconnahey, a Coast Guard accredited Captain and founder of the Sheroes organization, took in those clear blue skies and calm waters.

    Both fishing captains were doing what they normally do in their charter fishing businesses.

    This time, they were honoring Vietnam-Era veteran Mundis.

    She told us what it is like to be a veteran in the sunshine state.

    “The comradery is great and the people are so friendly, you know,” Jane said. “As soon as they see you’re a veteran, they automatically say thank you for your service and we appreciate that.”

    Mundis enlisted in the Navy straight out of high school. Then, she dedicated 23 years to her country.

    Jane said she did it as payback for what her country did for her.

    She was in foster care from the age of three until she enlisted. She said she owed the government for taking care of her.

    “I felt the need to support my country, and I was a foster child,” she said.

    Capt. Katie Jo has a shared experience with Jane. The fishing captain is also a veteran herself, serving in the Army.

    She wanted to share what makes her feel good every day.

    “This is my therapy, whether you’re seeing the dolphins, you hear the whistling of the winds from the fishing lines, you’re reeling in the biggest fish you’ve ever caught,” said Captain Katie Jo. “Everything about being out here is very therapeutic.”

    She along with Capt. Julie and the help of many donors in Citrus launched the Sheroes charity.

    Sheroes started after the captains won a fishing tournament last year and, with their winnings, wanted to give back.

    “We needed to do something with it,” Julie said. “And we get so much peace from the fishing that we do.”

    “And it’s not just about the fishing,” said Katie Jo. “What we want to focus on is getting female veterans out on the water.”

    During the trip, Jane also reeled in a 20-inch redfish which became the day’s trophy.

    She said she is proud to be the first veteran honored by this new non-profit.

    “It’s a first step for these ladies to showcase their desire to help the veterans,” said Jane. “It’s a great thing.”

    The efforts are all in line with the theme of paying it forward.

    Jane is still very involved with veterans’ organizations.

    She is part of the Female Veterans Network in Inverness, the local American Legion, and served as the first national chaplain of the Fleet Reserve Association, which she is still a part of now more than 30 years.

    The Sheroes group is now planning to take six lady veterans for a sunset cruise.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Citrus Co. boutique plans to give profits to charities

    Citrus Co. boutique plans to give profits to charities

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Since she was a toddler, Kathleen Stayton has had a fascination with sewing.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Citrus County woman has opened a boutique where she plans to donate the money she makes to two charities in Florida

    • The boutique, called Victoria Boutique, is named after the owner’s daughter who died in a car accident in 2021

    • The boutique opened in late October and, once all the materials inside are sold, the owner plans to convert the space into a crafting classroom or a place for sewing lessons

    She said her mom would tell a fun story of when Stayton first saw her mom use a sewing machine.

    “I was five or six years old and leaning on [the counter], watching her sew and broke the hinge off of it because I was just so into it, I had to have my little eyeballs up where she was,” Stayton said.

    It wouldn’t take long for her to start sewing herself to the point where she began doing it professionally at just 15 years old.

    Over the years, the passion, according to Stayton, has somewhat faded.

    “Now it’s like work,” she said.

    According to her, it’s work in more ways than one.

    She still sews and does alterations for a living in Lecanto.

    It’s work that keeps her going, but she says it’s not what defines her.

    First and foremost, she’s a mom, and that’s what’s fueled her latest project that’s in the same space where she sews.

    On top of her full-time job sewing, Stayton opened up a new boutique right next door named after someone who means the world to her.

    “Victoria Boutique,” Stayton said. “I named it after my daughter.”

    Almost two years ago, on Christmas Eve, Victoria died in a car accident. She was just 33. It shook Stayton down to her core, saying it caused her to rethink what’s important in life.

    “It makes me shift my priorities that nothing mattered to me more,” Stayton said. “I could have, I would have given everything I own, everything I ever would own to have her back.”

    So, rather than open a boutique and solely focus on this business, she decided that the proceeds from the boutique would be donated to two charities — the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and The Priceless Journey in Odessa.

    “If I sell it and I could donate the money, that could do some good,” Stayton said.

    Which is why she continues to sew, because this is how she gets an income.

    She works upwards of 12 to 13 hours a day sewing and running the boutique.

    Even though she’s tired, she doesn’t mind the long hours when it means seeing the dozens of pictures of Victoria that line her walls.

    “I got her all over the place so that a lot of people can see her,” Stayton said. “We miss her so much.”

    With each thread and each alteration, Stayton’s passion for her daughter’s legacy keeps her business that’s doing so much good going.

    Stayton says she also sells Larimar jewelry in her boutique.

    She held her grand opening for the business on Oct. 27 and hopes to convert the space into a crafting classroom or a place for sewing lessons once all the merchandise is sold.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Things to do around Tampa Bay for Veterans Day 2023

    Things to do around Tampa Bay for Veterans Day 2023

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 9:30 AM ET Nov. 08, 2023
    PUBLISHED 9:30 AM EST Nov. 08, 2023

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ to return home soon after renovations

    Monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ to return home soon after renovations

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    BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A few Citrus County celebrities are expected to make their grand return soon as the famous monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ in Homosassa prepare to return to their home.

    What You Need To Know

    • The famous monkeys of ‘Monkey Island’ in Homosassa will be returning to their home soon after recent renovations

    • Ralph, Ebony and Emily have been staying at Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction while their home is being remodeled

    • Renovations to Monkey Island will see air conditioning in the monkey’s home, as well as cameras that will allow visitors and guests to check in on the local celebrities online

    For the last few months, renovations have been ongoing to the monkey’s home. In the meantime, they’ve been guests at another famous Citrus County staple. It was a welcome stay for both parties.

    “But, of course, banana is always the first favorite,” said Katherine Oleson.

    Inside Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction, Oleson is hard at work preparing a dish of assorted fruit and veggies for some visitors.

    “We have calls on the phone,” says Oleson. “Matter of fact, we had calls on the phone just yesterday wanting to know when they’re going to go back. I told them it’ll be soon, everybody’s waiting.”

    Those distinguished guests are none other than the spider monkeys from Monkey Island. Ralph, Ebony and Emily have called the attraction home for the last few months.

    “I’ve had spider monkeys throughout, probably the last 30 years, and these are some of the nicest, easy-going,” Oleson said. “They get along well, they live together well, they don’t fight. They’re amazing.”

    And they are not the only fury friends on the property — Oleson has a collection of wild and exotic animals, including Wally the camel.

    “We were always citrus packers,” said Oleson. “The original growths were replanted after the freeze of 1895. The whole area was oranges, and people would come out to the orange groves, and they would walk through the orange groves and see the oranges.

    “As the oranges began to disappear, we added a few different things to the trail and that’s how we ended up with the animals.”

    With the addition of animals came a surplus of visitors, Oleson said a need to entertain and a desire to become something more.

    “We’ve been called a working museum because, we’re very much like a lot of the buildings and places have changed a little bit, but we’ve kept it as similar as we can for quite a while,” she said.

    It’s a desire that continues even today as Oleson does her daily rounds of animal duty.

    “It’s kind of a lifetime dream that we’ve been working on for a long time and it’s a privilege to be able to have them,” she said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River community mourning shooting death of former student

    Crystal River community mourning shooting death of former student

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — The Crystal River community is mourning after news that one of their own died in Montana this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • 18-year-old Chandler Stalcup, a Crystal River native, was shot and killed in Montana over the weekend

    • Stalcup was a freshman football player at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana
    • He was a 2003 graduate of Crystal River High School where he played football; Stalcup’s former coach Cliff Lohrey says he made an impact on the football field

    • The Pirates football team plan to honor and recognize Stalcup ‘next season and beyond’

    Chandler Stalcup, 18, was shot during a fight with another teen this past weekend, according to police in Billings. He later died at an area hospital.

    Stalcup, a 2023 graduate of Crystal River High School, was a freshman football player at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. It was a sport that meant a great deal to him.

    At Crystal River High School, Stalcup made an impact on the football field, but maybe none greater than the impact he had on the people around him.

    “We’re not going to get over this easily,” says Cliff Lohrey, head football coach at Crystal River High School and Stalcup’s former coach. “It’s going to take some time and some healing.”

    As Lohrey looks inside the trophy cabinet at Crystal River High School, he reflects on Stalcup.

    “He’s just an outstanding young adult who contributed to the lives of a lot of people here in a lot of different ways,” he said. 

    Chandler Stalcup and Head Coach Cliff Lohrey. (Chris Lohrey)

    Lohrey has been head coach of the football team for six years. 

    “All he did was work to improve,” Lohrey said. “All he did was work to get better. Those are the relationships, those are the interactions and those are the memories that, as a coach, you go, ‘Chandler is the reason that I wanted to do this in the first place.’ He’s the reason that I’m going to get up tomorrow in the morning and try to do it better than I did today.”

    But, as Lohrey said, for Stalcup, it wasn’t always about football.

    “Chandler, when he first came to Crystal River High School, (was) a multiple sport athlete as I mentioned. Baseball and football guy,” he said. “Baseball was initially his first love.”

    A multi-sport athlete whose dedication took him to the collegiate level, Stalcup had bigger dreams— and a larger-than-life impact— off the field.

    “People would be missing the boat if they don’t understand what a well-rounded young man, young adult he was,” Lohrey said. “The impact he made on this world in 18 years, it’s so important to remember what he would’ve done going forward in his life. Those are the things that we’ll continue to talk about that will be a part of Chandler Stalcup’s legacy at Crystal River High School.”

    The Pirates had their final game of the season last week. While their season might be over, Lohrey said they plan to recognize and honor Stalcup next season and beyond.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River teen killed while attending college in Montana

    Crystal River teen killed while attending college in Montana

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — An 18-year-old Montana college student from Crystal River was shot and killed last weekend.

    According to Billings (Mont.) Police, Chandler Stalcup died at an area hospital after being shot during an altercation with another teen.

    Stalcup, a 2023 graduate of Crystal River High school, was a freshman football player at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

    Police said officers were responding early Saturday to a complaint of a weapon at one address when a call came in of a shooting at another location.

    Officers arrived and found Stalcup suffering from life-threatening injuries. He later died.

    Police said a homicide investigation was initiated and a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged on Sunday. On Monday, police arrested a 17-year-old male in the case, also charging him with murder.

    Meanwhile, Citrus County Schools made crisis response teams available for Crystal River High students.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • A+ Teacher to be inducted into FACA Hall of Fame

    A+ Teacher to be inducted into FACA Hall of Fame

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    INVERNESS, Fla. – Larry Bishop has been in the Citrus County School District for 33 years.

    He’s currently the activities director at Citrus High School, an expansion of the athletic director role he’s had for more than a decade. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Coach Larry Bishop has been in the Citrus County School District for 33 years

    •  Bishop is the Activities Director at Citrus High School

    •  Bishop also coaches softball

    The school and district have a special place in his heart. He graduated from Citrus High School.

    “When I was a freshman in the fall of 1980, my dream was to come back to Citrus High School,” Bishop said. “So to be able to do that, and this is my 33rd year within the school district, I couldn’t be happier.”

    Bishop also coaches softball. It’s a role he truly enjoys.

    “There are so many things, not just academically but athletically and life lessons that can be taught on the field that can’t necessarily be taught in the classroom,” said Bishop.

     “Coach Bishop is always somebody that I can look up to because he just inspires you to do better and he pushes you to be the best version of yourself,” said Kaylin Smith, a junior at Citrus High School.

    Bishop has been in the district for so long that he’s gotten to know generations of families.

    “We have generations of people that come through our school system and I know I’m dating myself but I’m coaching kids of kids that I’ve coached,” said Bishop.

    Paisley Williamson is one of those kids.

    “It’s just nice to have somebody that has been here for so long that understands the school, understands the students,” said Williamson.

    Coach Bishop is being honored for his positive impact on students and athletes. He has been chosen to be inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

    “Serving on the board of directors at FACA, I’ve gone to a lot of induction ceremonies. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be chosen,” said Bishop.

    Bishop was chosen for his dedication to high school sports and the athletes who play them.

    That’s also why he was nominated to be an A+ Teacher. Coach Bishop will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a ceremony in January.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • Plantation Resort continues cleanup after tornado

    Plantation Resort continues cleanup after tornado

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — It’s been more than two weeks since a tornado touched down in Citrus County. Some portions of the area are still in shambles and have been left picking up the pieces.

    What You Need To Know

    • Areas of Crystal River are continuing to pick up the pieces after an EF-2 tornado touched down two weeks ago

    • Repairs are on-going at the Plantation Resort, which saw extensive damage done to its golf course and clubhouse

    • Those at the resort are hoping to re-open the golf course as early as next week with plans for a temporary clubhouse set to open in mid-November

    It’s been a long recovery process that cannot happen fast enough.

    Catastrophic and complete destruction are some of the words being used to describe the damage the tornado caused at Plantation Resort — an experience some are also describing as a bit of déjà vu.

    “That’s about what 200 trees looks piled up right there,” said Sean McCabe, director of Golf Operations at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River, while pointing at a large pile of brush on the golf course. It’s what remains after an EF-2 tornado touched down in Crystal River.

    “I grew up in east Tennessee, but I’ve spent most of my life on the east coast of Florida,” McCabe said. “So mostly hurricanes, we didn’t get anything like this.”

    Tree branches and stumps that were ripped from their roots, now left laying in a heap. A tree trimming crew can be heard nearby working to clear the course.

    “It’ll take two weeks for all of it to burn down and then we’ll level this out and the grass will start to grow again,” he said.

    It’s been a busy two weeks for McCabe and others at the resort, restoring the golf course and surrounding area back to its former glory with plans to reopen just around the corner.

    “Originally it was the 10th thru the 15th,” he said. “Somewhere in there, but these tree guys have done phenomenal getting all of the tress off of the golf course so we’re thinking mid next week.”

    Elsewhere on the property, more damage can be seen. The clubhouse, which featured a restaurant and pro shop, has been left standing as a shell of its former self.

    “And this was the golf shop,” McCabe said. “Over here you can see how all of the windows were destroyed and it ripped the roof off. All of our merchandise was left either laying on the floor or completely gone. We only found about half of it and so where the rest of it went- there’s no telling.”

    Insulation and lights can be seen left hanging from the ceiling. An eerie welcome for McCabe, who has been in his post for only four months.

    “I got here June 26. And so from June until now I’ve dealt with a hurricane and a tornado,” he said. “It’s been quite the ride. I’ve never seen anything like this in my 25 years in the PGA.”

    Despite all the work that needs to be done, McCabe is ready to welcome back visitors.

    “I can’t wait to get people back out and just be normal- that’s what we’re looking forward to,” he said.

    McCabe said the resort hopes to open the golf course as early as next week. As for a clubhouse, he says the plan is to have a temporary clubhouse set up by mid-November where their tennis courts used to be.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • What’s with all the car fires in Tampa Bay?

    What’s with all the car fires in Tampa Bay?

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    TAMPA, Fla. — If you’ve driven around Tampa Bay, chances are you’ve sat in a lot of traffic. Sometimes those delays are caused by a car fire.

    What You Need To Know

    • FHP Troop C responded to 475 vehicle fires over the last two years

    • According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical issues, leaks, overheated engines and smoking are common causes

    • According to a 2020 study from the NFPA, there was an average of 117,400 vehicle fires across the country per year between 2013 and 2017

    • There are no official U.S. numbers on the difference between gas-powered fires versus EVs or hybrids

    FHP Troop C, which covers Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties, responded to 475 vehicle fires over the past two years, officials confirmed.

    Hillsborough County resident Alison Roth asked Spectrum Bay News 9 about the amount of vehicle fires she’s seen.

    “I see them on the news frequently. They slow down traffic a lot,” Roth said.

    You’ll see them on the news because of the problems car fires can cause. Sometimes a single car catching on fire can shut down an interstate or bridge as first responders work to put out the flames.

    “I also wonder what contributes to a car fire. What causes the actual car fire?” Roth asked.

    There are a lot of reasons.

    According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical issues, leaks, overheated engines and smoking are common causes.

    Recently, some drivers have questioned if the increase in electric vehicles on the roads is leading to more fires.

    “I’ve been concerned with the rise in EV that some of the batteries are the problem. You hear about batteries catching fire on all kinds of vehicles,” Roth said.

    In the U.S., there’s no national agency that Spectrum Bay News 9 found that’s currently keeping track of the types of cars that are catching on fire. There are no official numbers on the difference between gas or electric fires.

    However, MotorTrend says the country of Sweden does. Their numbers show gas-powered engines are more likely to catch on fire than electric vehicles and hybrids.

    In addition, the number of car fires occurring might be less than you think.

    According to a 2020 study from the NFPA, there was an average of 117,400 vehicle fires across the country per year between 2013 and 2017.

    To put that in perspective: There are more than 280 million cars registered in the U.S., per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Get rid of unused, expired medications safely on Drug Take Back Day

    Get rid of unused, expired medications safely on Drug Take Back Day

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Drug overdoses continue to claim the lives of people around the country, including in Florida. In 2022, more than 3,700 people died from an overdose and the majority were caused by opioids, according to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

    What You Need To Know

    • Saturday, October 28 is National Drug Take Back Day

    • You can dispose of unused or expired medication at numerous sites around Tampa Bay. Click here to see a full list of locations

    • The goal of the event is to prevent medication misuse

    Local hospitals, law enforcement and the anti-drug alliance are teaming up to help prevent medications from getting into the wrong hands. As part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Takeback Day, you can drop off old or unused medications at sites across the Tampa Bay area.

    On Saturday, you can drop off old or unused medications at sites across the Tampa Bay area. The focus is to collect pills, liquids (in leak-proof containers) and vape cartridges. Syringes and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

    Those involved with the event say the goal is to educate the community and help prevent medication misuse.

    “There’s always a possibility of children getting into prescription drugs and that’s never a good thing,” said Capt. Travis Maus with the Tampa Police Department. “This gives people an opportunity to get rid of those unwanted pills and to keep us safer that way.”

    Experts recommend keeping medications locked up and out of reach of kids and teens.

    Opioids are involved in 75% of all overdoses, according to the CDC. Opioids include prescribed pain medications, like oxycodone and morphine, which can be misused and addicting. Monica Gonzalez’ battle with addiction first began with drugs from her family’s medicine cabinet.

    “Prevention is probably one of the most important things that we can do as a community, as parents, as schools,” Gonzalez said. “Let’s stop the problem before the problem happens.”

    You can drop off medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at numerous locations in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to see a full list of locations.

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    Brian Rea

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  • Citrus County parents upset about lack of bus drivers for routes

    Citrus County parents upset about lack of bus drivers for routes

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Some parents in Citrus County say school bus driver shortages are posing a major problem for them, with many routes being cut indefinitely because there are no drivers available.

    What You Need To Know

    • Parents concerned over lack of bus drivers, delays and routes being cut

    • Sean O’Brien has a daughter in middle school and said they’ve had issues with her bus throughout this school year

    • School district says it’s doing what it can, including having administrators transport students

    One father who spoke to Spectrum News said that while he understands the shortage, something needs to be done.

    Sean O’Brien has a daughter in middle school and said they’ve had issues with her bus throughout this school year.

    Last Friday, she came home and told him she no longer had a bus ride to school because there was no driver, and no one to fill in.

    “I have to tell my job that I’m going to be late, I have to tell them I’m going to have to leave early to go pick her up, it’s getting ridiculous,” Sean O’Brien said. “I’m going to lose my job and making a living to get her to school. I want her to go to school but I can’t afford to.”

    The Citrus County School District said there are no other drivers available for that route and that while it will do its best to offer alternatives, it’s still trying to tackle the bus driver shortage countywide.

    Nataleigh O’Brien said she has missed a lot of school because of the problem.

    “My grades have been going down because I haven’t found a way to get to school yet, and I have a lot of missing assignments,” she said.

    Sean O’Brien said this isn’t just a problem for students on her bus, either, saying it is a district-wide problem. His friend, Brian Perine, lives in Crystal River, and his kids also have no bus to school, only for the trip home.

    They say they understand the district is having a hard filling those spots but that something needs to give.

    “I understand getting more bus drivers, you have to figure out how, well, the pay needs to be helpful,” Perine said. “And from what I’ve heard, even from a bus driver last year who I talked to personally, a lot of the issues they’re having is kids who just don’t want to listen to the bus driver. And they want to quit, they don’t want to deal with it.”

    The district has gone so far as having administrators driving vans to cover routes and get students to and from school safely.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Crystal River animal sanctuary expanding operation

    Crystal River animal sanctuary expanding operation

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A wildlife enthusiast is helping animals find a home in Citrus County.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River wildlife enthusiast Alyssa Clossin is expanding her animal sanctuary operation with a new pet marketplace

    • It’s a service, Clossin says, that Citrus County is in need of with only a handful of animal sanctuaries in the area

    • While the part animal thrift store and part grooming salon is helping fund Clossin’s sanctuary and rehab facility, she has her sights on something more

    For years, Alyssa Clossin dreamed of the day she would open up her very own animal sanctuary. Now that dream is becoming a reality.

    “She’s like a love sponge. All she wants is love,” Clossin said.

    For Clossin, loving animals has been a regular past-time.

    “It’s always been a passion of mine to take care of animals,” she said.

    That passion has now turned into a duty as she embarks on her new project: starting her very own animal sanctuary, aptly named Alyssa’s Critters. From farm animals to the more exotic, Clossin has spent years learning the trade.

    “Incredible rescues that taught me so much and then I kind of decided to go out on my own and open Alyssa’s Critters,” Clossin said. “But I want to be different than all the other rescues. I want to do farm and exotic animals. If I have the money, I’ll just go ahead and take the animal.”

    There are only a handful of animal sanctuaries in the area. Clossin says she wants to offer additional services, particularly for exotic animals.

    “They’re just a lot of care and people don’t know what they’re expecting when they adopt these animals,” she said. “So I let them bring them here and I’ll either adopt them or keep them as an educational animal.”

    Animals like Jack the coatimundi.

    “He is an educational ambassador for my program,” she said. “He is going to be able to go to schools or out to any functions we want so people can enjoy him the way I get to enjoy the wildlife.”

    She also recently opened Alyssa’s Critter’s Marketplace—part animal thrift store and part grooming salon—to help fund the sanctuary and rehab facility. She’s even making it a family affair by getting some help from her brother.

    “We couldn’t do this without the community,” Clossin’s brother Timothy Dreesen said.

    He’s vice president of Alyssa’s Critters Wildlife Rehab and Sanctuary.

    “They’ve been top-notch to us. They’ve been so much help and we couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

    It’s been a busy first few months for the duo. But they have their sights set on something more.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River mom continuing to pick up pieces after tornado

    Crystal River mom continuing to pick up pieces after tornado

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A single mother of three in Crystal River says she is still picking up the pieces after a tornado damaged her home last week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Picking up after an EF-2 tornado has been a struggle for one single mom in Crystal River

    • Faith Rodgers has been able to pick up some pieces after the tornado, but large branches and knocked down trees remain on her property

    • The damage has been such a financial struggle for Rodgers that she’s had to postpone her 4-year-old’s birthday party and worries about the holiday’s coming up

    Faith Rodgers says this was her first time experiencing storm damage, and that getting her life back on track has taken longer than anticipated.

    “I came out at 2:30 in the morning and I saw this outside on the ground,” she said.

    Outside her Crystal River home, Rodgers takes a look around.

    “This one just broke off the oak tree,” she said, pointing at a tree branch. “I have another oak tree that has actually been lifted from the ground with the roots, just lying in the yard.”

    Multiple trees and branches have been left scattered throughout her yard, while some items had to be put back.

    “It took four, four men to maneuver the well-house and to put it back over the well-tank,” Rodgers said. “Because I just bought that, that’s all brand new. I didn’t want any water damage or anything getting into it so they hurried over here and turned it back over.”

    The well-house was not the only thing swept up on Rodgers’ property.

    “There’s the trampoline,” she said, pointing at a picture of the trampoline on her phone.

    Her children’s trampoline was left wrapped around a tree.

    “Oh my gosh … it was just wrapped around the tree and the poles were bent with it,” she said. “That was some serious damage.”

    But picking up after the storm has been a financial struggle. Rodgers said she had to postpone her 4-year-old’s birthday party and worries about the holiday’s coming up.

    “I’m pushing back on bills but I’m too prideful,” she said. “I’ve been a single mom for a long time so it’s hard for me to ask for help.”

    And despite all she’s been through — there’s something to be thankful for.

    “The cars, the vehicles are still drivable,” Rodgers said. “Like I said, there are people out there who have it way worse than I do.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County launches paramedicine program to help drug addiction

    Citrus County launches paramedicine program to help drug addiction

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A new program is helping those who are battling drug addiction.

    What You Need To Know

    • Community Paramedicine Program launches in Citrus County, helping those who are battling drug addiction 

    • The program has been made possible by funding from the opioid settlement

    • Currently, Citrus County Fire Rescue has two county paramedics on staff with the hopes of expanding in the future

    • Sometimes the job yields different results than expected and sometimes those results can be a pleasant surprise

    The Community Paramedicine Program was launched by Citrus County Fire Rescue in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and Florida Department of Children and Families. The initiative is made possible by funding from the opioid settlement, intended to mitigate the opioid epidemic on affected communities throughout the state.

    The program’s sole duty is focusing on the opioid epidemic within the county and searching for those patients who want help.

    “We can be out there within 30 to 40 minutes depending on where it is in the county, assess them, assess their need, contact our online medical control doctor — who helps us with this program, agrees with the program and loves the program — and then start a plan for them in order to get them the help they need,” says Jason Morgan, division chief of EMS for Citrus County Fire Rescue. “That’s long-term help.”

    Right now, Citrus County Fire Rescue has two county paramedics fulfilling that role. Morgan says he’s hopeful the program will expand, allowing more paramedics to be hired.

    It’s a duty that requires plenty of patience and community connections.

    “Thirty years of doing this, of EMS. I’m still here so, obviously, I must like doing it. I must,” he said.

    Every day, county paramedic Gronn Morgan goes out for a drive, with each day bringing a familiar mission — visiting those who need help with overcoming drug addiction.

    “The best way we describe it is we’re a bridge program — from where they’re at by themselves to that long-term care,” says Gronn Morgan. “We get them there so they don’t relapse and that’s really the focus of all this is to get people to the long-term care without them falling through the cracks.”

    Gronn Morgan is one of two paramedics in Citrus County who are part of the new paramedicine program. Part of his daily routine is serving as a bridge between those offering help and those who need help.

    Only on this particular call, one of his patients wasn’t answering.

    “We’ll try again tomorrow, call them again, stop by the house again and see if anyone shows up. If I get two or three days with nobody home and no answer and nothing looks like it’s changed outside, I’ll probably talk to one of the neighbors and see if there’s something changed — like they went to a nursing home or they went on vacation. But it’s only been a few days since the referral went in, so where’d they go?”

    Sometimes the job yields different results than expected. And sometimes those results can be a pleasant surprise.

    One of Morgan’s clients is Roger Terras, who’s been sober more than 50 days.

    ”You just have to make that choice to one — not do the same thing or see the same person, do whatever you can to get money,” said Terras, who is a patient. “You forget about family, friends, morals or principles. All you care about is one thing, and it’s killing people.”

    It’s been a battle for Terras and others like him wanting to get clean. A battle made a little easier with the right kind of help and someone like Morgan on his side.

    “It’s going to be days of sometimes of you know, ‘I don’t feel so good’ and days of ‘Let’s keep at it and keep going to the doctor’s office, keep taking the medication,’” said Morgan. “It’s going to be a process and not everybody is happy with the process. Some people give up on it too soon. Roger is staying with it and I am so happy he’s staying with it. He’s going to make it.”

    It made this daily routine that much more meaningful for this paramedic.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Spooky shenanigans get underway in Tampa Bay for Halloween

    Spooky shenanigans get underway in Tampa Bay for Halloween

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 11:47 AM ET Oct. 18, 2023
    PUBLISHED 4:59 PM ET Oct. 11, 2023
    PUBLISHED 4:59 PM EDT Oct. 11, 2023

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to offer free firearm safety course

    Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to offer free firearm safety course

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A free, basic firearms course will soon be available for residents, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

    CCSO, in partnership with Outpost Range, designed the Firearms Safety Training Program for those with limited or no prior firearm experience and incorporates a blend of classroom instruction, live-range exercises, firearm handling, manipulation exercises and recent changes to concealed carry statutes. 

    Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will attain a CCSO Basic Firearms Safety Certification. There will also be opportunities for further firearm skill development and knowledge enhancement through advanced courses, officials said. 

    “I am excited to provide our citizens with this opportunity to learn about firearm safety – the safe handling of a firearm is critical for everyone to know,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast in a statement. “This course will not only educate citizens on the proper techniques of firearm use, but will also allow them to practice hands-on with a certified firearms instructor and ask questions.”

    Requirements to join the firearms safety program include:

    • Must be 21 years of age or older, unless you are a service member or a veteran of the Armed Forces who was discharged under honorable conditions
    • Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Citrus County
    • Must bring a state-issued photo ID or drivers license the day of event
    • Must wear pants or slacks, full size shirt, closed-toe shoes. A baseball style hat is optional
    • No red shirts, shorts, or tank tops will be allowed
    • Handguns, ammunition, and targets will be provided. Please do not bring your own
    • Eye and hearing protection will be provided, or you may bring your own if preferred

    The available course dates are on Nov. 19, Dec. 10, Jan. 7, 2024, and Feb. 11, 2024. All courses will run from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Outpost Range.

    Space is limited. To sign up, visit the CCSO website and click on Firearm Safety Course under the Programs and Services tab.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tornadoes move across Tampa Bay overnight; damage in multiple counties

    Tornadoes move across Tampa Bay overnight; damage in multiple counties

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    MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: The National Weather Service on Monday confirmed that three EF-0 tornadoes happened during last week’s severe weather that caused damage throughout the Bay area.

    EF-0 storms include a wind gust, of at least three seconds, of 65-85 mph.

    The locations were:

    10:59 p.m. Wednesday Sarasota County, about 10 miles south of downtown Sarasota.

    12:14 a.m. Thursday: 1 mile south of Oldsmar.

    2:17 a.m. Thursday: West-southwest Odessa in Pasco County.

     

    PREVIOUS STORY:

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Two long-track tornadoes blew across the Bay area overnight, bringing some damage to areas in Citrus, Pinellas and Pasco counties.


    The early morning storms spawned fast-moving tornadoes that came on shore around 2 a.m. and left a trail in Citrus County, as well as a separate tornado that spawned near Clearwater Beach and then entered Pasco and went into eastern Hernando County.

    Officials from the National Weather Service Tampa Bay confirmed Thursday afternoon it was an EF-2 tornado with winds of more than 110 mph that roared ashore on Clearwater Beach and continued to Dunedin.

    HOMES DAMAGED IN NORTH CLEARWATER BEACH

    Officials with the City of Clearwater confirmed two houses on Eldorado Avenue in North Clearwater Beach were significantly damaged by an EF-1 tornado that moved through the area early Thursday morning. No one was injured.

    An elderly woman in one of the homes woke up to the sound of crashing glass and pulled bedding over herself for protection, officials said. Two doors down, another house saw its porch get blown over the roof and land on the other side of the house.

    Carlouel Yacht and Beach Club also saw significant damage from the tornado. General Manager Marc Carter woke up to a call early Thursday morning from an employee.

    “I got out here about 4:30, started looking around and said, ‘Yeah, it’s pretty bad,’” Carter said. “Coming off of a hurricane, this was much worse.”

    Patio umbrellas and chairs are broken. Some furniture even got swept up by the wind and is gone. There are also a lot of downed branches on the property. The roof to the club’s cabanas is also damaged, after the building was flooded during Hurricane Idalia.

    “It was pretty catastrophic,” Carter said. “I called our team and we had a great turnout from our employees – ‘Hey, whoever can come out here and help us clean up.’ We had probably 20 employees come out before the rain and we got a lot done.”

    Carlouel has been a part of the north Clearwater Beach Community for almost 90 years. Despite the setbacks from Idalia – and now this tornado – Carter plans to keep the club a staple for decades to come.

    STORM SURVEYS CONTINUE

    Crystal River saw a preliminary EF-2 tornado. Storm survey teams were out in the community Thursday to determine if any other areas had a tornado touch down.

    According to the National Weather Service, two damage surveys will include Citrus County and Clearwater/Dunedin area.

    “There are other potential tornado impact areas that we will be assessing based on radar and damage reports, photos/videos submitted to us from emergency management and media, as well as a wealth of data mined from social media.”

    A condo building in Dunedin, the Harbor Pointe condos by Frenchy’s Market, had a portion of its third floor wall blown off during the storms. A gaping hole was left in the building, located on Causeway Boulevard. A neighbor said no one was in that condo at the time the damage was sustained.

    Meanwhile, in Crystal River, multiple buildings collapsed as a result of being struck by tornado winds, according to Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast.

    Emergency management reported a tornado at US 19 and W Island Ford Trail in Crystal River at 2:12 a.m. Roof damage and power lines were reported down in the vicinity.

    Trucks were flipped over and windows of businesses were blown out in a parking lot at Causeway Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin.

     

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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