ReportWire

Tag: Citrus County

  • Crystal River businesses excited over prospect of added tourist traffic

    [ad_1]

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new expansion of the Suncoast Parkway has opened.

    What You Need To Know

    • The second part in a three-phase project expanding the Suncoast Parkway from Tampa to Crystal River has opened

    • With more traffic passing through, the expansion has local businesses excited for what it may do for the local economy
    • Those with Discover Crystal River say having the newly expanded road will help bring more traffic to the city, which saw a record-breaking 1.6 million visitors this year
    • The third and final phase of the Suncoast Parkway will extend the road 5.5 miles north to County Road 495 in Crystal River


    It’s just the second part in a three-phase project expanding the toll road from Tampa through Citrus County. With more traffic passing through, the expansion has local businesses excited for what it may do for the local economy.

    Inside his store, Paddletail Waterfront Adventures, managing director Paul Cross clears out the shop.

    “We are the state-of-the-art dive shop in this area,” said Cross.

    For years, the business has served as a staple in Crystal River, offering kayak rentals, manatee encounters, as well as local lodging. A business, like many in the area, that thrives on tourism.

    “The time frame after Christmas until the 3rd or 4th of the year in January is a phenomenal business for us,” said Cross. “We really look forward to being in the shop when manatee season kicks off and we look forward to a great season.”

    It’s this tourism that has allowed Paddletail to expand into a brand-new building.

    “We’re excited about being in a location that people will walk by going to the tiki bar, going to the pool area, using the boat ramp,” said Cross. “They’re going to see us. We’re going to be front and center, not to mention the fact that we’re right on the water. We can see the boats coming and going. Accessibility to us will be great.”

    And more visitors may soon be on their way with the recent expansion of the Suncoast Parkway, expanding through Crystal River.

    “We’re really excited about it,” said tourism director Auvis Cole for Discover Crystal River. “I mean, for us, the connectivity to Tampa being an hour away right now, it’s huge for the destination in our continued growth and development.”

    Cole said that having the newly expanded road will help bring more traffic to the city with the hopes of replicating, or even doubling, the numbers they saw this past summer, which was a record-breaking year.

    “We welcomed over 1.6 million visitors to this destination,” said Cole. “A lot of them came through the Suncoast Parkway, of course, through the Tampa market and the Orlando market, which are our biggest market force as well. But from an international standpoint, when they’re flying into TPA, they’re coming right down the Suncoast Parkway.”

    So that area businesses, like Cross’s, may continue to thrive.

    “We have people come in from all over the world — Germany, Denmark — come in here, and then our local drive market (doesn’t) even know it exists,” Cross said. “So come check it out and see what the fuss is about, it’s an unbelievable experience and it’s a great family activity.”

    Putting this slice of Citrus County further on the map.

    The third and final phase of the Suncoast Parkway will extend the road 5.5 miles north to County Road 495 in Crystal River. A completion date is expected by late 2026 or into 2027.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announces death of Deputy Andres ‘Andy’ Lahera

    [ad_1]

    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that Deputy Andres “Andy” Lahera, who was injured in May 2023 while directing traffic, has died.

    “Deputy Lahera’s life was defined by his steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of Citrus County, and his absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

    Lahera served 14 years with the department and was a school resource officer from 2018 to 2023.

    On May 23, 2023, he was directing traffic outside the Lecanto High School graduation when he was hit by a car.

    “For over two years, Andy fought valiantly with the same strength and resolve that defined his career,” the news release said. “His passing marks the end of a chapter filled with bravery, sacrifice, and love.”

    Lahera is survived by his wife, Michele, and their two sons, Vincent and Nicholas.

    “Andy fought courageously, and this is a tremendous loss for his family, our agency, and this community,” said Sheriff David Vincent.

    “We will honor Andy’s legacy by standing beside his family, just as he always stood beside ours.”

    Details about a memorial service will be announced later, the office said.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Citrus County requests public input for disaster recovery grant

    [ad_1]

    Citrus County is applying for federal Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery funds to help address impacts from recent major storm events that include last year’s hurricanes.

    The public is being offered the opportunity to weigh in with an online survey.

    The funding supports long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and mitigation efforts to protect communities against future storm events. No local match is required for this application.

    The county’s application focuses on what it calls three critical infrastructure projects:

    1. Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project: Rehabilitation of deteriorated gravity sewer lines, manholes and pump stations to reduce stormwater intrusion and prevent sanitary sewer overflows that threaten sensitive environmental areas.
    2. Ozello Trail Shoulder Washout Repair: Stabilization and repair of storm-damaged roadway shoulders along Ozello Trail to ensure safe and reliable access for residents, visitors and emergency responders.
    3. Industrial Park Road Resurfacing: Roadway and drainage improvements in the Original Holder Industrial Park to support existing businesses and encourage new industrial development. 

    Final award amounts will be determined by FloridaCommerce.

    The comment period runs through Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Citrus charter captains seeing added scalloping traffic for Labor Day weekend

    [ad_1]

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Scallop season in Pasco County got cut short due to contamination in the water.

    But that hasn’t stopped scalloping in other areas along Florida’s coast. In Citrus County, scalloping has been able to continue without pause. Charters are taking advantage of the continued season and what it holds.

    What You Need To Know

    • Scallop season in Pasco County got cut short this year, once again, due to contamination in the water

    • But the shortened season down south has meant an increase in traffic for charters further north, like those at Ozello Keys Marina in Citrus County
    • Having the added traffic, captains say, has been a bonus
    • Scallop season is open until Sept. 24 in Hernando and Citrus counties


    It’s a welcome sound to all who enjoy Florida’s waters: a boat engine firing up. And, readying the boat to head out on the water for Labor Day weekend is a busy period for charter Capt. Gary Bartell and his crew at Ozello Keys Marina.

    “We’ve had one of the best scallop seasons that we’ve seen in a very long time,” Bartell said.

    This comes at a vital time for charters like Bartell’s, and the local economy. The season was cut short in Pasco County due to contaminants in the water for a second year in a row, so people are looking for other options.

    “We can see the effects of it because our books started filling up a lot faster than it normally does,” said Bartell. “Labor Day weekend is, typically, a last-minute booking, and then it gets really crazy busy. Whereas this time there is more planning behind it.”

    The shortened season down south has meant an increase in traffic for charters further north. Like Capt. Teddy Shupe and his Reel Addict Fishing Charters.

    “I have had a lot of people come from that area up here to harvest our scallops, which does increase business for us again and safely,” said Shupe. “You can harvest the scallops and not have to worry about that type of thing.”

    Having the added traffic, Shupe said, has been a bonus.

    “It’s very nice to wake up every day and know, ‘Hey, I’m going to be on the water today,’” he said. “And continue booking trips into the next month and the next month after that.”

    Bartell says they are fully booked for scallop charters this Labor Day weekend. He said they are also getting prepped for grouper season, which begins Sept. 1.

    Scallop season is open until Sept. 24 in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Population boom could soon come to Citrus County with housing demand

    [ad_1]

    INVERNESS, Fla. — A population boom could be coming in Citrus County. 

    Earlier this week, commissioners got an overview of how other counties across the state are managing growth. It comes at a time where the demand for housing is at a high in the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Citrus County may soon see a population boom as county commissioners meet to discuss managing growth

    • Earlier this week, commissioners got an overview of how other counties across the state are managing growth
    • Most recently, areas throughout the county — such as Inverness — have gone through revitalization projects and changes
    • It comes at a time where the demand for housing is at a high in the county


    For Eric Williams, Citrus County is a way of life. He knows this all too well, being the city manager of Inverness. 

    “It is a high quality of life,” Williams said. “It’s a quiet life. The age dynamic is starting to shift and you want to have that diversity. You’re naturally going to have growth in Florida, but I think it comes with a certain cost.”

    Under his lead, the city has seen a variety of upgrades and changes throughout the years, which most recently includes a revitalization of the old historic Citrus County Courthouse.

    There are countless projects that have been designed with the intent of reaching a larger audience in mind — in visitors and those who call it “home.”

    “You also have infrastructure that comes with things like public safety and park systems,” said Williams. “Staying ahead of that and being able to understand what’s coming to you. That’s a big challenge. But if you get it right, or close to right, it really helps get development across the line.”

    “The big hammer that we have is affordability,” said Judy McCoy, a realtor for Century 21 in Inverness.

    She says the housing market in Citrus County has seen a sizable increase within the last five years.

    “You are living in Florida and you are paying a reasonable price,” says McCoy. “Everything is a little bit lower price than it is, you know, in the bigger cities and on the coast.”

    It’s a positive trend that may continue as more people become familiar with the area.

    “This graph is something that I think every home buyer and home seller has lived since the COVID times because what you see here was a ten-year correction in Citrus County,” said McCoy. “We have always been very affordable, probably one of the most affordable, beautiful places in Florida.”

    Something, Williams says, the city and county are prepared for.

    “What I hope to see in my time and plan on forever having a home here, is that that continues to be a platform where growth can be accepted in a measured way but, eventually, also the diversity in the economy is stabilized to the point that there’s a good mix of working class opportunities as well as that for our retirement folks.”

    It’s a place where people of all walks of life can continue to live.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Deadline nears for voter registration in Pasco County special election

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Voters in the northern parts of the Bay area are being reminded of an upcoming special election in District 11.

    The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office sent out a reminder on Wednesday that Sept. 2 is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 30 Special Primary Election for State Senate District 11 (Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, and Pasco counties).


    The district mostly encompasses approximately 39,000 Pasco County voters within 13 precincts.  

    The election is needed to fill the vacant Florida Senate District 11 seat, created by the appointment of Sen. Blaise Ingoglia as Chief Financial Officer.

    Former member of the legislature Ralph Massullo and Anthony Brice of Inverness are running as Republicans.

    The Special General Election will follow in December with the Republican winner facing Democrat Ash Marwah from The Villages.

    Per Florida statutes, only voters residing within Florida Senate District 11 are eligible to vote in the September election.

     Information on which precincts are in District 11 can be found at https://www.pascovotes.gov/Precincts/Precinct-List-by-District.  

    Voters can check their voter registration status, including their precinct number, at https://www.pascovotes.gov/Voters/Am-I-Registered.  

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Efforts underway to save Chassahowitzka River Campground from potential sale

    [ad_1]

    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A popular campground in Citrus County will be closing this fall.

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) will assess hurricane damage at the Chassahowitzka River Campground and could recommend selling the property.

    Efforts are underway to help save the campground from being sold.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Chassahowitzka River Campground will be closing Oct. 1 as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) evaluates hurricane damage

    • According to SWFWMD, the campground saw a lot of damage from last year’s storms and may put the campground up for sale
    • But locals disagree with any sale, with an online petition going around, fighting against the sale of the campground
    • A protest is planned on Sept. 6 at the Publix parking lot at 9525 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa


    Standing under the greenery of the Chassahowitzka River Campground, Ryan McGovern breathes in the fresh air.

    “It’s pristine land, it’s beautiful, I wouldn’t want to see it go any other way,” he said. “I’ve been bringing my kids here since they were 5 years old, so probably about the last decade-and-a-half or so, they have learned to love nature coming out here. It gets them off of their electronic devices, and it shows them real old school Florida.”

    McGovern is taking in the view with little extra time. That’s because the campground will be closing Oct. 1, as SWFWMD estimates hurricane damage.

    “It made me very emotional,” McGovern said. “I was upset, I was mad. That morning, as soon as I saw that, I created the first petition. I got together with some other folks through social media. We’ve grown a group, and we’re moving forward with it.”

    According to SWFWMD, the campground saw a lot of damage from last year’s storms. The cost to restore the campground, the district says, is not an effective way to use taxpayer dollars with a potential sale on the horizon.

    “We would like to see it kept open,” said Elaine Moore, administrator for the campground. “We don’t mind whether we lease it through SWFWMD or the county, we’ve done both before, and we have worked it out. We would just like to see it stay open and be able to fulfill all the reservations that we have on the books.”

    But McGovern disagrees with any sale. It’s why he’s started an online petition, fighting against the sale of the campground. Plus, he has another petition.

    “We need to make sure this land is saved going forward,” he said.

    Already, his petitions have garnered more than 4,000 signatures from people who want to see the campground remain open, he says.

    “It just shows that people do not want development,” said McGovern. “They don’t want this land sold to the highest bidder. They don’t want corporate interests coming in here and ruining our Florida, and we need to keep it that way for our kids and their kids to enjoy for future generations.”

    So they too can enjoy these serene views.

    McGovern said they will be holding a protest on Sept. 6 in the Publix parking lot at 9525 S. Suncoast Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. He says they will also be in attendance at next Tuesday’s Water Management meeting.

    Meanwhile, the parking area and boat ramp will remain open and under the control of Citrus County.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Lightning strike believed to be cause of Citrus County house fire

    [ad_1]

    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A lightning strike is being blamed for a house fire in Inverness over the weekend.

    Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a fire Saturday night on East Riverbluff Court.

    The roof of the 1,000-square-foot home was on fire. Crews entered through the front door and pulled ceiling materials to reach flames that were in the attic space.

    The fire was under control within minutes, though crews stayed at the scene for about an hour. The homeowner wasn’t home at the time, and there were no injuries.

    Damage was limited to the roof and attic.

    About $6,000 worth of damage was caused by the fire.

    Florida is considered the lightning capital of the U.S.

    “Even if a fire is not visible, lightning can ignite hidden areas in attics or wiring. Always have your electrical system checked before restoring power after a suspected strike,” Citrus County Fire Rescue said in a news release.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Roads open after evacuation due to stick of dynamite found in Spring Hill home

    [ad_1]

    SPRING HILL, Fla. — Roads are back open and the scene has been cleared after residents were evacuated on Monday due to a stick of dynamite found in a Spring Hill home, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

    “The area is now open and safe,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Facebook post.

    The incident happened on Topaz Street near Orton Avenue and Birchwood Road, according to authorities.

    The Citrus County Bomb Team and Hernando County Fire Rescue Hazmat were on the scene to retrieve “what appears to be a stick of dynamite and a hazardous material” from the house.

    Neighbors were evacuated “out of an abundance of caution” and roads were shut down.

    The sheriff’s office stated that no threats have been made.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • It’s Back-to-School time across Tampa Bay

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – It’s the first day of school across the Bay area.

    Thousands of Bay area school children will be returning to school across multiple counties.

    And they will return to a variety of new schools, issues and focuses in their counties.

    In Hillsborough, the Bay area’s largest school district will open a new high school: Morgan High located in Wimuama.

    Among the Pinellas schools, Gul Beaches Elementary is reopening for the first time since Hurricane Helene in 2024.

    And in Manatee County, schools are reopening as the district continues its search for a new superintendent. 

    Here’s what students and parents need to know by school district for the upcoming year: 

    Additional Back-To-School stories and resources

    County-by-County resources

    Hillsborough Public Schools

    ______________________________

    Pinellas County Schools

    ______________________________

    Hernando County Schools

    ______________________________

    Pasco County Public Schools

    ______________________________

    Citrus County Public Schools

    ______________________________

    Manatee County Public Schools

    ______________________________

    Polk County Public Schools


    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Citrus County makes sure kids have an extra meal on school campuses

    [ad_1]

    INVERNESS, Fla. — While all 67 Florida school districts are required by state law to provide breakfast and lunch on school campuses, the Citrus County School District goes one step further to fill the gap and provide more fuel for students who continue learning, interacting and performing several hours after their lunch period has ended.

    Roy Pistone, Citrus County School District’s director of Food and Nutrition Services, said the rules have changed a lot over the past 30 years when it comes to prepping meals and serving thousands of school children, but the need remains the same.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Citrus County School District has added a third in-school meal for students participating in certain after-school activities

    • The “Super Snack” is available to students participating in things like athletics, band, YMCA and numerous after-school clubs

    • Roy Pistone, Citrus County School District’s director of Food and Nutrition Services, said it is important to make sure students have the fuel they need to succeed


    “Children can learn without books, but a child cannot learn without food,” said Pistone, who also serves as the president of the Florida School Nutrition Association.

    “We have outstanding teachers here in Citrus County as well as across the state and nation,” he added. “But if a child is hungry, their attention span is very low and they will never be able to learn. So, the importance of us providing these free meals to our children is of the utmost importance.”

    In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, the district serves a free Super Snack meal to all students participating in any qualified after-school program, including athletics, band, YMCA and numerous school clubs.

    Some students eat lunch in the cafeteria as early as 11 a.m. before going back to class, but school administrators say many after school programs can run late into the evening.

    Pistone said Super Snacks are designed to be a nutritious, complete meal that is packed with protein.

    “Each one of our super snack meals has at least 19 grams of protein, which is especially important for our athletes because they definitely need a little extra protein,” he said.

    “If you have a 275-pound offensive lineman on one of our high school football teams, he needs some extra calories from what he got during lunch,” Pistone added. “Super Snacks provide our students with whole grains, vegetables, milk, fruit, and they get the whole gamut of what they need to be able to succeed.”

    He said the goal is to boost students’ brain power and energy at the end of a long school day as they transition to the next round of extracurricular activities.

    Citrus County students are required to have at least 15 to 20 minutes of academic enrichment with the meal.

    “They usually come into our cafeteria and do about 15 to 20 minutes’ worth of homework while they’re eating our Super Snack meals,” said Pistone.

    Three Bay Area school districts, Citrus, Polk and Hernando, fall under the federal government’s Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students on every campus in the district.

    Approximately 70% of students in Citrus County qualify for free or reduced meals.

    [ad_2]

    Erica Riggins

    Source link

  • Caution, awareness stressed around school buses as students return to school

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. – As students return to classrooms today, school officials in Tampa Bay and statewide are reminding the public about school bus safety.

    Hillsborough County Public Schools, along with school bus safety organization BusPatrol, has released a report card detailing last year’s school bus stop-arm safety camera program results.


    Florida law requires drivers to stop when a school bus displays a stop signal. Drivers can only resume driving when the stop signal is withdrawn. 

    Last year, the number of violations issued per school bus per day dropped month-over-month as driver awareness of the Hillsborough stop-arm camera program took hold.

    In the program’s first month, the number of violations issued, on average, per school bus, per school day, was 1.34. In the last month of the school year, this number was .38. Moreover, the program saw an under 5% recidivism rate, meaning over 95% of drivers cited for a stop-arm camera violation did not repeat offend. 

    For more information on HCPS’s partnership with BusPatrol and to learn more about school bus safety, click here.

    “As drivers, we all have the power to protect our children,” said Hillsborough Superintendent Van Ayres. “Our district transports nearly 80,000 students each day and their safety is our number one priority.”

     

    In a recent AAA survey, 38% of drivers admitted to speeding and 31% conceded that they used a hand-held cell phone in active school zones.

    FLHSMV said drivers need to pay extra attention to lower speed limits, watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards and to only drive or park in authorized areas to pick up or drop off kids at school. Parents are also encouraged to go over safety tips with their children to make sure they are safe around school buses and school zones.

    (Courtesy of FLHSMV)

    Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. Other rules about navigating areas near school buses include:

    • On two-lane roads, all drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.
    • On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.
    • Divided highways, where there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least 5 feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic, are the only roadways where traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop. On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus. 

    Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include a moving violation to citation, a requirement to complete a basic driver improvement course upon conviction, four points on your driver’s license and a minimum fine of $165. Motorists who pass on the side where children enter and exit will receive a minimum fine of $265.

    If a driver passes a school bus and causes serious bodily injury or death of another person, penalties include serving 120 community service hours in a trauma center or hospital, participating in a victim’s impact panel session (or if such a panel does not exist, attending a FLHSMV-approved driver improvement course), six points on your driver’s license, suspension of your license for a minimum of one year and a $1,500 fine.

    FLHSMV and AAA provide additional school safety tips for parents and their children.

    For drivers:

    • Slow down.
    • Come to a complete stop at stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods, and check carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding. 
    • Keep your eyes on the road.
    • Slow down and allow at least 3 feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. 

    For pedestrians:

    • Pay attention at all times. Avoid texting or wearing headphones, so you can detect nearby traffic.  
    • Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
    • Make yourself easier to be seen by wearing reflective, bright-colored clothing. 

    For bicyclists:

    • Wear a helmet and neon or bright-colored clothes. 
    • Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes when you can. 
    • Do not wear headphones so you can detect approaching traffic. 
    • Cross the street at intersections. Do not pull into the roadway from between parked cars. 

    On and around school buses:

    • Arrive at the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
    • At bus stops, children should wait five steps away from the curb. Never sit on the roadway or curb while waiting for the bus.
    • Be alert and remove headphones so you can hear oncoming traffic.
    • Make sure children know their bus driver’s name and bus number.
    • Tell children to never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into the car with a stranger. Children should tell parents, the bus driver and a teacher at school if a stranger tries to talk to them or pick them up.
    • Children should never walk behind a bus and should stay away from bus wheels at all times. When the bus stops, children should wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross the road or board the bus.
    • Children should look both ways before crossing the street- look left, right and left again. They should make eye contact to make sure the bus driver can see them as they cross the street.
    • On the bus, children should remain seated at all times, keep the aisle clear and not put their head, hands or arms out the window.
    • Children should stop talking and remain silent when the bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is approaching.
    • Children should avoid any loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver from safely operating the bus.
    • Refer to the official Florida Driver License Handbook for more information on school bus safety.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Toxins in water put pause on Pasco scallop season

    [ad_1]

    HOLIDAY, Fla. — Pasco County’s recreational bay scallop harvest is temporarily on pause.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) said high levels of certain contaminants were detected in the water.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County’s recreational bay scallop harvest is temporarily on pause

    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said high levels of certain contaminants were detected in the water
    • Pasco County’s scallop season runs July 10 to Aug. 18 
    • Area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, including all waters of the Anclote River
    • PREVIOUS STORY: After rough 2024, boaters excited for start of Pasco scallop season

    FWC officials decided to pause the scallop harvest out of precaution. A similar pause happened in 2024.

    This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County.

    An FWC official said there are 10 days left in the Pasco scallop season and many have already been harvested.

    There’s no word on how long this temporary pause will take. FWC officials said in the meantime, visitors can still swim, boat and fish in those waters.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Citrus High community grieving after teen killed in crash in Sumter County

    [ad_1]

    INVERNESS, Fla. — One teenager was killed, and another is facing felony charges after a fiery crash Wednesday on Interstate 75 in the Oxford area of Sumter County.

    According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 3 p.m. Monday in the southbound lanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • One teenager was killed, and another is facing felony charges after a fiery crash Wednesday on Interstate 75 in the Oxford area of Sumter County

    • Troopers said the 17-year-old driver of a Dodge Charger was speeding and driving recklessly before veering off the highway and hitting a tree, causing the car to catch fire

    • The teen driver is facing felony charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death

    Troopers said the 17-year-old driver of a Dodge Charger was speeding and driving recklessly before veering off the highway and hitting a tree, causing the car to catch fire.

    After the crash, the 17-year-old driver is accused of taking the license plate off the vehicle and running off, according to troopers.

    Five teens were in the car, ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old. All four passengers were taken to an area hospital with a variety of injuries. A 16-year-old from Inverness died at the hospital.

    Troopers caught up with the driver a short time later, and he was taken into custody. He is facing felony charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

    Citrus High School released a statement Wednesday regarding the crash and student’s death.

    It read, in part: “The Citrus High School family is devastated by the recent crash that involved several of our students and resulted in the loss of one of our own.”

    The school is offering counseling services on campus.

    School begins Monday at Citrus High and all county schools.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Health care tax credit that helps fuel Florida’s small businesses is going away

    [ad_1]

    INVERNESS, Fla. — A health care tax credit that helps fuel Florida’s small businesses is going away.

    What You Need To Know

    • Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies will expire this year, putting health insurance at risk for many Floridians



    • The expiration is affecting self-employed workers at a Citrus County salon, along with millions of other self-employed workers

    • Those tax premium credits make insurance more affordable for those with coverage under the Affordable Care Act

    • An estimated 2 million Floridians will lose their health insurance coverage when those enhanced tax credits expire at the end of this year




    Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies will be expiring this year, putting health insurance at risk for many Floridians. The expiration is affecting self-employed workers at a Citrus County salon.

    On the second floor of Tangles Hair Salon & Day Spa, Tara McVicker does what she knows best.

    “I get to nurture people,” McVicker said. “I get to take care of people. It’s not just doing skin care, it’s learning who these people are and their lifestyle.”

    McVicker is an esthetician, having worked at the salon since 2020. Being self-employed means her health insurance is through the Affordable Care Act.

    “To be able to have affordable insurance is really nothing less than a miracle,” McVicker said. “For us, to provide insurance for ourselves and our family at an affordable cost is something that gives us freedom to expand and not have that monkey on your back, worrying about getting sick.”

    But two years into being enrolled, McVicker was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing three major surgeries. Her insurance meant a lot.

    “Had I not had the health insurance that I had, I really don’t know what I would have done, because I was already having to take so much more time off from work that I anticipated,” she said.

    Those tax premium credits made her insurance more affordable, as they do for many others like McVicker.

    Sherry Brown is a nail technician working out of the salon. She said she relies on her coverage for prescriptions related to orthopedic issues.

    “I think when they take those away, I don’t believe that I’ll be able to afford the prices of insurance,” said Brown. “I do have orthopedic issues and see a doctor for that. I’m on a couple of prescriptions that I probably won’t be able to afford so, that being said, yeah, we’re a little concerned about it.”

    As for what they will do next, McVicker said she will have to make cutbacks. Hoping in the meantime, her coverage stays.

    “All of these people that are hustling to make a buck on their own merit and run their business, they’re proud of being American,” McVicker said. “But they just need a little bit of help with these tax premiums so they can afford coverage for themselves and their family.”

    While continuing to do the work she loves and sticking through with her family.

    “This is what we do here — we’re like family with all of our clients,” she said.

    It is estimated that 2 million Floridians will lose their health insurance coverage when those enhanced tax credits expire. Those subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Pastor’s ex-wife facing charges after church funds misused

    [ad_1]

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — The former wife of a Crystal River church pastor has been arrested and is facing charges of misusing church funds.

    According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Nancy Bertine was arrested on July 24 and charged with a scheme to defraud and grand theft of $100,000 or more.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to Citrus County Sheriff’s Office records, Nancy Bertine, 74, was arrested under a warrant on July 24 for a scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, along with grand theft of $100,000 or more

    • The investigation revealed fraudulent purchases from 2022 to 2024 totaling approximately $37,000
    • She is accused of buying products with a church credit card including dog food, cat food, personal hygiene products, cosmetics, clothing items, hair dye, lingerie, personal women’s undergarments

    Church officials at Gulf to Lake Church told detectives that multiple fraudulent transactions had taken place on Amazon on a church credit card.

    Church officials said Nancy Bertine, 74, had been a church employee but left the position and the church after she and Lloyd Bertine, senior lead pastor, got a divorce.

    When church staff and the finance director started reviewing documents, statements and invoices to be paid, they began to notice several hundred fraudulent purchases that had been made on the suspect’s personal Amazon account, which was installed and open on the suspect’s desktop computer in her office.

    Staff began recalling times where they had previously questioned the suspect about “suspicious” purchases, and the suspect would reply and tell them, “Don’t worry about it, go ahead and pay for it.” Since the suspect was the pastor’s wife, staff members and finance personnel didn’t question her authority or position at the church and accepted her response and processed the payments for the aforementioned fraudulent Amazon purchases.

    The investigation revealed fraudulent purchases from 2022 to 2024 totaling approximately $37,000. Sheriff’s office records indicated purchases for dog food, cat food, personal hygiene products, cosmetics, clothing items, hair dye, lingerie, personal women’s undergarments.

    The case remains open and is still under investigation.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • New Boater Freedom Act creating waves amongst local captains

    [ad_1]

    OZELLO, Fla. — A new Florida law is raising the bar that police have to clear in order to search boats in waters across the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Boater Freedom Act was signed into law by the governor earlier this month, prohibiting FWC and local law enforcement from pulling over and boarding a boat without probable cause

    • While some boaters see this new law as a win, others say those vessel searches can serve as a means to catch illegal activity

    • Some captains also see the law as a setback when it comes to enforcing speed zones

    • The bill will direct FWC to work with tax collectors to proactively provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    The Boater Freedom Act was signed into law by the Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month. The law prohibits FWC and local law enforcement from pulling over and boarding a boat without probable cause.

    While some boaters see this new law as a win, others say those vessel searches can help to catch illegal activity. Meaning not all boating captains are on board with the new law.

    Captain Carlos Gutierrez has been fishing the waters near Ozello Keys Marina for more than 10 years and says the new Boater Freedom Act may change what he sees on the water.

    “It’s just a tough position to be in where you want the rules to be followed,” said Gutierrez. “But FWC and the sheriff, they get put in a very difficult position when this act is passed because now, without probable cause, you’re not going to be able to just randomly check people.”

    The main component of the law will stop random vessel checks and searches, performed by the FWC and local law enforcement.

    “Do I foresee some people taking advantage of the situation?” says Gutierrez. “Absolutely. And that could be a detriment to certain species of fish, vegetation, or sponges that are commercially or recreationally harvested.”

    Elsewhere at the marina, Kevin Dubicki says he agrees with Gutierrez, believing the new law is a safety concern.

    “I think this new law that’s passed is really going to allow people to get away with a lot more,” said Dubicki. “They think that they can’t board my boat anymore, they can’t check my fish anymore because they have not seen me for probable cause for committing a crime.”

    As for what these captains will do now, Gutierrez says he will continue best practices. Following boating rules and staying safe.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Union County High instructor, bus driver awarded $50K as Florida Teacher of Year

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Mark Harrison, an economics and American government teacher at Union County High School who also serves as a school bus driver there, won the Florida Teacher of the Year at a gala on Thursday night in Orlando.

    He will receive a $50,000 bonus for the achievement.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with newly appointed Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, awarded five Teacher of the Year finalists with a $20,000 bonus on Thursday in Orlando.

    The other finalists were Brandy Nicole Anderson, a civics teacher and head of the social studies department at Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County; Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus County who also is certified in mathematics and family and consumer science; Shelly Teel, a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary in Columbia County; and Katy Jo Harrison, a first-grade teacher at Hosford Elementary and Junior High School in Liberty County.

    “I had the honor of meeting some of the outstanding educators who have helped make our state the national leader in education,” DeSantis stated in a post on X.

    All 76 district Teachers of the Year, nominated by their colleagues for exceptional service to students, will receive a $10,000 bonus, according to DeSantis. They were selected from among 175,000 public school teachers in the state.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Guide to 4th of July fireworks, events across Tampa Bay

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is commemorating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776 and establishing the United States of America. It is often celebrated with family and friend gatherings, barbeques, parades and fireworks.

    Tampa Bay is ready for the holiday with an array of parades and firework shows for all ages. Here’s a county-by-county list of events that are happening around the area.

    All events take place on July 4 unless otherwise stated.
     

    Citrus County

    • Patriotic Evening
      July 3, 5 p.m. | Liberty Park
      The city of Inverness will be hosting its annual fireworks show over Lake Henderson. The event will feature musical performances by Mock of Ages: The Ultimate Def Leppard Tribute and Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols. There will also be vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
    • 4th of July Celebration
      4 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

    • Boom by the Bay
      4 p.m. | Tampa Riverwalk
      The city of Tampa’s annual 4th of July festivities will encompass The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk July 4th Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River. The event will offer live entertainment, a pickleball tournament and food trucks.
    • July 4th Boat Parade
      5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf
      Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat. This year’s theme is “Salute to Service,” to celebrate military heroes with a patriotic display on the water. There will also be a water ski show and fireworks.
      VIEW MORE INFORMATION IN OUR BOAT PARADE GUIDE

    • 4th of July Celebration
      July 4 – July 6 | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
      Enjoy Independence Day festivities at Busch Gardens, featuring complimentary beer samples, live performances and a fireworks show choreographed with an arrangement of music and lights.
    • Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America: July 4th Festival
      1 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
      Get ready for an day filled with food, contests and live entertainment, culminating in a patriotic drone show at sunset. There will be an after party until 11 p.m.

     

    Manatee County

     

    Pasco County

    Pinellas County

    • The Fourth
      July 4, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Spa Beach Park & Family Park on the St Pete Pier 
      July 5, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Spa Beach Park & Throughout 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. (Note: activities vary each day)
    • Clearwater Celebrates America 2024
      5 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Coachman Park
      There will be a free, patriotic performance throughout Coachman Park. Guests can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities and live music.
    • Treasure Island 4th of July Fireworks
      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.
    • 4th of July Parade & Celebration
      10 a.m. | James Ernst Park
      The event, presented by the Town of Kenneth City and the Kenneth City Police Department, features a day of food, live music, vendors and more. The parade starts at Gabe’s 46th Avenue North and 66th Street North, then down 46th Avenue North to James Ernst Park.
    • 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, live music, inflatables, lawn games and more.
    • The city of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration
      10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Tomlinson Park
      Officials stated that due to extensive damage sustained in the downtown area, the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show is canceled. The city will instead host a 4th of July Community Parade and Picnic at Tomlinson Park. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a viewing spot. There will be live music, food, children’s activities and more.

    Polk County

     

    According to our Spectrum Bay News 9 meteorologists, the Bay area will see high rain chances for the 4th of July. Be sure to download our Spectrum News app to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your area and track the weather with our Klystron 9 radar.
     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Some fireworks could be more expensive due to Chinese tariffs

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Firework tents pop up all over the place when we’re ready to celebrate some major holidays. 

    Very few holidays are more “firework dependent” than our nation’s birthday.

    “We constantly are ringing up,” said Sarah Lozito, a tent operator for a firework stand in Crystal River. “I think we have two customers per minute is our average.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Firework sellers are dealing with tariffs for fireworks imported from China

    • It’s estimated that 99 percent of fireworks come from China, which are currently facing a 30 percent tariff

    • Despite these tariffs, a local firework vendor we spoke with says they saw some minor price changes in larger items, but smaller items saw no price change


    According to Lozito, she’s been a tent operator for about four years up in Citrus County, totaling about six seasons of fireworks sales for New Years and the Fourth of July.

    Even in this dreary weather, she’s surpassed her sales goals earlier this week with the anticipation of it really stepping up today.

    “It’s exhausting,” Lozito said. “But we survive, and it goes by fast.”

    For many operators, the exhaustion doesn’t stop with the long hours but whether the cost of these fireworks will drastically change because of tariffs with China.

    It’s estimated that 99 percent of fireworks are made in China and looking at labels of fireworks at Lozito’s stand It’s hard to miss.

    U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods got up to about 145 percent this year but are now down to about 30 percent for fireworks which is good news for firework vendors like Lozito, considering the alternative.

    “Some of the bigger items have went up a few dollars this year,” Lozito said. “A lot of our smaller stuff rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, sparklers have stayed the same.”

    While the smaller things are still the same price, those bigger items, Lozito says, have gone up anywhere between $10 to $40.

    “These are hazardous materials being shipped over, so they have passed on a little bit of the price on that,” Lozito said.

    Even with minor price hikes, Lozito says it was much worse following the pandemic, so she isn’t really concerned right now.

    Instead, her main concern is mother nature.

    “We just hope the rain stays away,” she said. “And then, of course, we got next year coming the 250th anniversary.”

    Which is expected to be a big year barring any drastic economic changes.

    Lozito says their tent will be open until midnight tonight and open tomorrow for people looking to still buy some last-minute fireworks.

    They’re located near West Norvell Bryant Highway and West Gulf to Lake Highway.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Popham

    Source link