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Tag: Citrus County

  • Proposed RV resort near Withlacoochee River facing backlash from community

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    CITRUS SPRINGS, Fla. — A proposed RV resort is making waves across the Nature Coast community.

    Named the Paradise Meadows RV Resort, it would sit along a portion of the Withlacoochee River, but not everyone is onboard with the proposal.

    What You Need To Know

    • Plans are being proposed for an 18-acre RV resort near the Withlacoochee River called Paradise Meadows RV Resort

    • The owners and developers of the land say they plan to keep the area as natural as possible, with an emphasis on protecting the Withlacoochee and keeping many of the surrounding trees
    • Pushback from local residents, however, has been forming
    • If approved, developers say the resort would take about two years to complete


    Those behind the resort say they plan to preserve the area with their development.

    “So there’ll be sites on each side,” said Micheal Smith, owner and CEO of Paradise Meadows RV Resort. “All these trees are staying.”

    Driving through a 50-acre wooded property, Smith has a vision for an RV resort with a unique twist.

    “Just trying to be a good neighbor, trying to listen to everybody’s concerns and we understand their concerns, but it’s not your typical RV park,” he said. “This is a park that’s never been done before in a forest.”

    Smith and his wife are the owners of the property, and have proposed a plan to develop 18 acres of it into the Paradise Meadows RV Resort, which would sit just a stone’s throw from the Withlacoochee River.

    “This’ll be a beautiful property, all the trees will stay, and, like I’ve said over and over again, it’s going to be a Mother Nature masterpiece when we’re done with it,” said Smith.

    There has been some pushback from local residents, however — including an online group that has formed with members opposed to any more development in the area.

    “Just seeing how it’s developed from my childhood is a little concerning, because we’re named the Nature Coast for a reason,” said Courtney Tucker, who is a member of “Save Our Withlacoochee River From RV Rezoning.”

    One of the main concerns the group has is the area losing its natural beauty and the habitat it possesses.

    “A lot of people are concerned, because what exactly is going to happen with that environmental impact?” said Tucker. “We just want to make sure that whatever does happen, it’s going to be minimal.”

    But Smith said the plan is to keep the area as natural as possible, with an emphasis on protecting the Withlacoochee River.

    “The Withlacoochee River will be super safe, and we’re making sure of that,” he said. “We love the river just as much as anybody. With us having this as a legacy, of course, we want that to be super safe.”

    The RV resort still needs approval from the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. If approved, Smith said the resort would take about two years to complete.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Bill hikes on the way for Duke Energy, TECO customers

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Public Service Commission has green lit Duke Energy and Tampa Electric’s plans to hand down the cost of replenishing their storm reserves and recovery costs.

    The utilities’ storm reserves help pay for the extra manpower the companies use to restore power across the state.

    Starting next month, TECO customers will see about a $20 increase on their monthly bill for 18 months.

    That will come out to a total of around $360 per customer. And Duke customers will see a $32 spike in their monthly bills for 12 months. That’s nearly $390 customers will each be spending during that time.

    Duke’s increases will also begin in March.

    These increases are based on how much power you use so it is possible you could see a monthly increase higher than these base rates.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ozello Keys Marina celebrates grand reopening, months after Hurricane Helene

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    OZELLO, Fla. — An area business is celebrating its grand reopening after having to make repairs from damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ozello Keys Marina is open again after being damaged during Hurricane Helene
    • The marina celebrated a grand reopening Saturday to mark the occasion

    • During Helene, water from a nearby canal rose up about 11.5 feet, washing through the parking lot and into the store
    • Meanwhile, recovery throughout Ozello is ongoing


    It required months of work to get back on their feet, but Ozello Keys Marina is back open for business, with recovery in the area ongoing.

    The Ozello Keys Marina sits on the outskirts of Ozello Key. Just a few months ago, the building looked entirely different.

    “When it happens again, we’re not tearing this store apart next time,” said owner Capt. Gary Bartell.

    The marina — and surrounding area — was hit hard by Hurricane Helene last September.

    “We had just rebuilt from Hurricane Idalia, so we knew that insurance was going to take some time,” said Bartell. “It was spread out through the southeast of the United States, so it was a lot different than Idalia where it was just a certain area impacted. This was spread out.”

    During Helene, water from a nearby canal rose up about 11.5 feet. It washed through the parking lot and into the store, where about five feet of water rested.

    “It was really the last three weeks until we opened on Feb. 1, where you couldn’t move through here because we had all of our sub-contractors here,” Bartell said. “They were amazing. I mean, they went to town and they got this place done, and they got it done right.”

    A special, grand reopening was celebrated Saturday. It marked not only the return of the business, but recovery in Ozello.

    “It was a special moment, it really was,” Bartell said. “To see all of our regulars that were always coming in here all at one time, plus we saw hundreds of new faces that had been following our story along the way.”

    It’s a recovery that Bartell said he is optimistic will spread throughout the keys.

    “It’s how you recover from this stuff and getting ready for the next storm, whether it’s going up in the air or making it more water-resistant inside,” he said. “We’ll make a full recovery.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Tampa Bay celebrates Black History Month 2025

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    BY

    DeJanae Phillips

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM ET Feb. 05, 2025
    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM EST Feb. 05, 2025

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Crystal River business reacts as US-19 widening project nears completion

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A popular roadway in Citrus County is getting a major facelift.

    What You Need To Know

    • The widening of US-19 near Crystal River is entering its final stages, going from two travel lanes to three

    • The project stretches a little more than 4.5-miles, which should help, as city officials say, during severe weather events
    • It’s a major project that will have big implications for Crystal River and local businesses
    • Two more projects will begin after this one finishes, with the state repaving a 1.2-mile stretch from south of northeast First Terrace to south of Snug Harbor Road


    The widening of US-19 is entering its final stages, going from two travel lanes to three. It’s a major project that will have big implications for Crystal River and local businesses.

    Just a stone’s throw from the roadway, Ryan Delarco arranges a few bicycles outside his shop Sparky’s Green Rides.

    “It’s changed a lot,” says Delarco.

    Delarco has had the shop since 2013. He’s experienced it all, from hurricanes and tornadoes to the most recent widening of US-19.

    “Hopefully, when everything’s done, it causes economic growth and better traffic flow through here.”

    The project, Delarco said, has its pros and cons. With the road running right outside his shop, construction drew away potential customers. But with road work now dwindling down, better access to trails is just around the corner.

    “We’re going to be connecting the trails for the bicycles, the pedestrians and walkways and miscellaneous things to get us around even more conveniently than we can now,” said Delarco.

    US-19’s widening project stretches a little more than 4.5-miles. Improving from two travel lanes to three. Which should help, as city manager Audra Curts says, during severe weather events.

    “Those types of things and those events where our traffic is higher than normal, it’ll make it flow so much better as folks are heading north if they ever have to evacuate during another disaster,” said Curts.

    And with businesses flanking either side of the major roadway, business owners, like Delarco, are excited to see what new business may come with the improved road.

    “When it’s completed and finished, I think the three lanes will help get the seniors be able to turn off the highway easier with the extra lane,” Delarco said. “I mean, three lanes is a big difference from two, for sure.”

    Two more US-19 projects will begin after this one finishes. The state will begin repaving the 1.2-mile stretch from south of northeast First Terrace to south of Snug Harbor Road. The project will also include pedestrian improvements with new crossing buttons.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River businessman continues to make Black history

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — The Black community in Citrus County is small, but mighty, and has a pretty extensive history.

    It’s a history many say isn’t widely known, but there’s one lifelong Crystal River resident and Black business owner who wants his hard work to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Oysters restaurant owner William Bunch got his start in Citrus County in the middle of the segregated south

    • Bunch said unlike a lot of cites, there was not a bustling Black business district in Crystal River

    • Bunch said he felt a sense of responsibility to bring order to his community and wants to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs


    If you ask William Bunch, there’s no real recipe for success. There is, however, a secret recipe for the perfect fried chicken.

    “Love. I put love into it,” he said.

    Bunch has been working for a long time.

    “I’ve been working at the age of 13 and I’m 70,” he said.

    He got his start in Citrus County in the middle of the segregated south.

    “I started at the Plantation Inn as a helper, and then I worked my way up to the chef and out the door,” Bunch said.

    He was out of the door there, and into the doors at his very own restaurant in Crystal River called Oysters.

    “I had this Englishman who wanted me to come and work for him, and I said, ‘I won’t come to work for you, but I will buy it from you.’ So, I came in and he made me an offer, and I borrowed a little money and put it down, and we went to work,” he said.

    He’s owned and operated Oysters for the past 29 years and they’re most popular item is — you guessed it — fried chicken?

    That’s right. He said the most popular item isn’t oysters.

    Bunch said his spirit of entrepreneurship dates back even further.

    “Taxi business, we (were) the first taxi people in this area. So, it did good when we first started,” he said.

    There are still remnants on the walls of Oysters of Bunch’s accomplishments.

    Storm damage over the last decade wiped out all of his older photos. He said those lost photos told the story of his landscaping company he started in high school.

    That landscaping company included driving his customers to the airport, which launched his taxi service. The photos were also a reminder of the days he couldn’t pick people up past sundown in sundown towns because he’s Black.

    Bunch said unlike a lot of cites, there was not a bustling Black business district in Crystal River. No Black Wall Street. So, he didn’t have any examples. But he did it anyway, despite adversities.

    “The bad experience I had back in ’93, my brother was killed by the police in ’93, and then when the verdict came out, they said the police had just cause to do what they had done, and the city really wanted to get up in arms, but I told them go home, the verdict is done, my brother is not coming back,” Bunch said.

    Bunch said he felt a sense of responsibility to bring order to his community then, and it’s something he continues to do now. He wants to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by doing the work.

    “You have to be dedicated if you want to do a business. You have good days and you have bad days. So, I wanted to do it since I was a little kid and I had the opportunity and I’ve done it,” Bunch said.

    Bunch said his legacy will continue long after he’s gone. He passed down his landscaping business to his son and he hopes it will continue to honor the family name.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Discounted Strawberry Festival tickets now on sale

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — Discounted admission tickets for the Florida Strawberry Festival are now on sale.

    Tickets for the upcoming 2025 festival will be available for purchase through March 9 at participating Publix Super Markets throughout West Central Florida.

    The festival runs Feb. 27 through March 9.


    Advance discounted admission prices are $10 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $4 for children (ages 6-12).

    Children 5 years old and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

    The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, more than 600,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake.

    “We are grateful for our continued partnership with Publix Super Markets,” Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Danny Coton said. “This collaboration allows us to provide guests with an easy and affordable way to purchase their tickets in advance, ensuring they can enjoy all the exciting entertainment, exhibits, and, of course, delicious strawberries that make our festival so special.”

    More than 250 Publix stores across Charlotte, DeSoto, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties will participate in selling discounted admission tickets while also promoting the festival to their customers.

    Additionally, Publix will sponsor Food and Fun Friday on Friday, Feb. 28.

    Festival guests who bring a Publix-branded or GreenWise nonperishable food item will receive a $5 discount on a $30 ride armband.

    For a list of participating Publix locations or more information about Publix Food and Fun Friday, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Citrus County’s Marine Science Station re-opens after Hurricane Helene

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Citrus County students are finally able to return to a popular field trip location that was closed for months after being damaged during Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Marine Science Station, a popular field trip location for Citrus County students, was closed for months after being damaged by Hurricane Helene

    • The station was closed from September until January, but the outdoor areas have since been reopened
    • Efforts to repair classrooms at the station are on-going, with the hopes of having indoor learning available again soon


    The Marine Science Station, a well-known learning center for students to observe and learn about marine life, was closed after being damaged during Hurricane Helene. Now, months after the storm, the station is welcoming back eager students.

    “It’s a way to bring alive the standards that the teachers are teaching these kids in the classroom,” said station supervisor Earnie Olsen.

    The station is a popular field trip destination for elementary students and even high schoolers enrolled in life science courses.  

    Storm damage kept the station closed from September until January.

    “There was marsh debris logs everywhere,” said Olsen. “When that water comes in from the Gulf, your marshes and your mangrove swamps help buffer some of that impact from the storm, but it still raises up vegetation that’s buoyant and that floats in here. When the water recedes, all of that material stays behind.”

    While indoor areas have suffered, the outdoor areas have rebounded.

    “Do you see all the land out here?” Olsen asked a group of fourth-grade students from Central Ridge Elementary. “And all the wetlands out here? We call those parts of our watershed. Because what does the water do when it hits the land? It sheds.”

    Olsen said the center supplies fantastic views of the surrounding ecosystem for students.

    “Until you get out in it and experience all the ways to experience it, that’s probably going to be the best way for a kid to learn,” Olsen said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to have that opportunity to serve our kids in that way.”

    Olsen said efforts to repair indoor classrooms at the station are ongoing, and he hoped the work would be completed soon.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Let’s Feed Citrus ministry holds special food distribution after winter weather

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A special food distribution took place in Citrus County on Thursday, after a one-day delay due to the cold winter weather.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Let’s Feed Citrus ministry held a special food distribution Thursday morning

    • Those with Cavalry Church say they typically see anywhere between 200 and 300 cars during a distribution
    • The next distribution will take place the first week of February


    Droves of vehicles lined up for the mobile food distribution outside Calvary Church. An assortment of goods could be seen being handed out, from fresh fruit and vegetables to non-perishables.

    Typically, the ministry hosts the distributions twice a month. The distribution is made possible through the church’s ministry, Let’s Feed Citrus.

    Those with the church say were expecting a delivery Wednesday morning, but because of the winter weather, it was moved to Thursday.

    “When you actually come out and see the need, it touches your heart,” said Jared Burke, executive director for Let’s Feed Citrus. “For me, it’s about the people. We wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t about the people and just loving people.”

    “That’s our calling as a church. Not just to be in church but to do something and help people.”

    Burke says they typically see anywhere between 200 and 300 cars during a distribution. Their next event will take place in the first week of February.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Homosassa man pardoned in Jan. 6 case rearrested on gun charge

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A Homosassa man who was facing charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol has been re-arrested on new gun charges.

    Daniel Charles Ball, 39, had been facing federal charges stemming from throwing what authorities called an “explosive device” into a tunnel at the Capitol.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homosassa man who was facing charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol has been re-arrested on new gun charges

    • Daniel Charles Ball, 39, had been facing federal charges stemming from throwing what authorities called an “explosive device” into a tunnel at the Capitol

    • After Jan. 6 chrges were dropped this week, Ball was re-arrested on previous warrant accusing him of being a felon in possession of a weapon

    Several officers were injured as a result of the explosion, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    Ball had been held in pretrial detention in Washington, D.C.

    On Tuesday, the charges against Ball and more than 1,500 other people charged with crimes in the attack were pardoned by President Donald Trump. Some had prison sentences commuted.

    But Ball, who had a warrant accusing him of being a felon in possession of a weapon, was quickly re-arrested and charged. He was arrested in May 2023 after the Capitol attack indictment. 

    Ball’s Middle District of Florida arrest warrant calls him a “two-time convicted felon with prior convictions for domestic violence battery by strangulation and resisting law enforcement with violence.”

    His previous charges stem from a domestic incident in June 2017 and a law enforcement stop in October 2022, both in Florida.

    Daniel Charles Ball, 39, had been facing federal charges stemming from throwing what authorities called an “explosive device” into a tunnel at the Capitol. (Citrus County Jail Image)

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day around Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 6:12 AM ET Jan. 20, 2025
    PUBLISHED 3:11 PM ET Jan. 16, 2025
    PUBLISHED 3:11 PM EST Jan. 16, 2025

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Crystal River KOA Journey helping showcase women in Florida tourism

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new business opened its doors in Crystal River late last summer.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River KOA Journey opened its doors late last summer to campers, welcoming them to the Nature Coast

    • The business venture is staffed entirely of women, including maintenance personnel
    • Opening in late summer meant hurricane season was right around the corner
    • Recent cold weather has both been a blessing and a curse, seeing visitors in town to see manatees


    The Crystal River KOA offers visitors a place to connect with the outdoors. This business venture, staffed entirely by women, is helping visitors grow acquainted with the Nature Coast.

    On the outskirts of downtown Crystal River, you’ll find a slice of nature in the form of campgrounds and RV sites.

    They’re part of the new Crystal River KOA Journey, which opened its doors last July. They’re now in the midst of a busy winter season.

    “A lot of people come to Crystal River to swim with the manatees and even though the water is 72° year-round, that’s the main thing to come here for,” said Lenea Myers, campground manager at Crystal River KOA. “It’s a little cold to hop in the springs right now, so we’ve had a few cancellations, but it’s not horrible.”

    Cold weather is both a blessing and a curse, Myers says. Visitors typically don’t camp when the weather drops, but it’s also a familiar sign. The sign of the arrival of manatee season.

    “The city has been amazing to work with,” said Jennifer Grissom, co-owner of Crystal River KOA. “Discover Crystal River has been amazing to work with. We feel like the local community has been extremely supportive and even other campgrounds. I don’t think we could be any happier with where we chose to open.”

    Opening in late summer meant hurricane season was right around the corner. A challenge, Grissom says, they were prepared for. They offered their 68 RV sites to government workers and stranded locals in the aftermath of the storms.

    “We were able to offer monthly rates to some of FEMA and some of the locals who had lost some of their homes,” said Grissom. “It kind of helped everyone out, right? We were able to have business in a time when, maybe, we wouldn’t have otherwise and they were able to have a place to stay at a good rate.”

    Already it’s been a busy first year. But one, Grissom says, she could not imagine having anywhere else.

    “The city does a great job in maintaining the old Florida feel and that’s what we love about Crystal River,” said Grissom. “I don’t think even though it has developed, you don’t feel that sprawl. It still feels small and quaint.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • DAV and RecruitMilitary hosting Tampa job fair for veterans

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will hold a veterans job fair on Thursday at the Tampa Convention Center, featuring more than 70 employers from hospitals and law enforcement, to trades and tech sector jobs.

    More than 500 veterans have already preregistered for the event.


    Executive Vice President of RecruitMilitary Chris Stevens served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, and for the past 25 has worked as a job recruiter for veterans.

    He organizes more than 90 hiring events nationwide annually and says although veterans face challenges of entering the civilian workforce, their work ethic can set them apart from other job applicants.

    “Corporate America can’t get their hands on those veterans because, once again, it’s a lot of those soft skills, right? Coming to work on time, drug free, not leaving till the job is done, and their civilian peers don’t necessarily bring that to the table as well,” said Stevens.

    The national unemployment rate for veterans edged down in December 2024 to 2.8%.

    Florida’s veterans unemployment rate was at 2.5%.

    View more information about the veterans job fair and learn more about veteran resources for civilian employment.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Citrus County making its final push collecting hurricane debris

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Citrus County is entering its final push to finish collecting debris left behind by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    What You Need To Know

    • A final push to collect hurricane debris left over from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is being made across Citrus County

    • Close to 25,000 tons of debris has been collected since Helene hit the Nature Coast
    • With the FEMA debris pickup deadline extended to 120 days, those with the county say they are on track to have all debris cleared by the end of January
    • Crews will continue making rounds to collect until the end of the month


    Since Hurricane Helene hit the Nature Coast less than three months ago, close to 25,000 tons of debris has been collected. But there’s more to be picked up before the job is done.

    It’s down to a matter of weeks. With the FEMA debris pickup deadline extended to 120 days, those with the county say they are on track to have all debris cleared by the end of January.

    “It’s been a non-stop process, six to seven days a week with all hands-on deck,” said Citrus County Road Maintenance Director James Sterling.

    Throughout neighborhoods in Citrus County, you’ll find contractors hard at work collecting debris. Tree limbs and branches are a final memory from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “We’re a little over 50, almost 60,000 cubic yards of vegetation throughout the county that’s been picked up to date,” Sterling said. “We’re in the final stages of picking it up and making our final rounds.”

    Work has taken a little longer than expected — the threat of Milton shortly after Helene delayed the cleanup. But FEMA extended their debris deadline from 90 days to 120 days since Helene hit. Sterling says it’s been a non-stop effort for more than three months to get the county back on its feet.

    “Having the storms so close back-to-back, we had to go into more of an emergency removal mode and get everything that was on the ground already because the forecast was for another high surge with Milton,” Sterling said. “And, thankfully, we didn’t receive that.”

    Debris is being placed at three dump-off sites. Vegetative debris is being burned at one location and at Inverness Airport. It’s an effective method, Sterling said, to help dispose of the unwanted mess.

    “There’s people that were just getting in town about a month ago, which is two months after the storm starting their clean-up,” he said. “It seems like it’s prolonged it a little bit, but we’re here to do what needs to be done to make sure the county is cleaned up and we can help the citizens.”

    Sterling says if there are still residents with debris to go ahead and place that at the curb of your home. Crews will continue making rounds to collect until the end of the month.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Bay area shelters house hundreds from the cold temperatures

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Hundreds of people are taking advantage of the cold weather shelters Bay area counties opened up this week.

    In Hillsborough County, Hyde Park United Methodist Church is one of four shelters open.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hundreds of people are taking advantage of the cold weather shelters Bay area counties opened up this week

    • Shelters in Hillsborough County opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday

    • LIST OF SHELTERS: Cold weather shelters open across Bay area

    Shelters in Hillsborough County opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday.

    Hillsborough County also offers a voucher program for motels during cold weather events. The shelters are only open for adults and motels are open for families with young kids.

    Patrons have to pre-register for a motel voucher.

    In Pinellas County, eight shelters opened this week.

    Victoria Kelly with the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas said a partnership with PSTA is helping get people to shelters that have no transportation options.

    “PSTA is providing free transportation to and from shelters tonight and tomorrow morning,” Kelly said. “So if you need to get to a Pinellas cold night shelter, just have to hop on a bus.” 

    Meanwhile in Citrus County, officials reported at least 50 people at its Nature Coast Church shelter. Officials also said they had an urgent need for blankets, cots and volunteers. 

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Nature Coast Church opens as warming shelter in preparation for cold weather

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — Cold weather has made its presence known across the Tampa Bay area, with temperatures expected to drop again Wednesday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Warming shelters have popped up throughout the Tampa Bay area as cold weather moves in | VIEW LATEST LIST

    • Nature Coast Church has opened as a warming shelter, offering food and a warm place to stay overnight

    • Those with the shelter say the need is so great, they ran out of supplies overnight, with more supplies on the way

    • The shelter opens at 6 p.m. and will remain open until 7 a.m.


    To help beat the cold, warming shelters have popped up throughout the area. One such shelter has opened in Citrus County at Nature Coast Church.

    Those with the shelter say the need is so great, they actually ran out of supplies overnight. But they spent the day stocking back up because they expect to see even more people tonight. 

    Inside a family resource center, Kristy Jocelyn gathers supplies.

    “I think we’ve been, is it four or five days in a row?” says Jocelyn, the shelter coordinator for Citrus Cold Weather Shelter. “Yeah, that we’ve been open. It’s kind of hard to keep track because the days keep getting longer and longer.”

    It has been a long few days for Jocelyn and others at the cold weather shelter. With plenty to help keep warm, supplies go fast.

    “We try to always stock up on supplies ahead of time, but then we get big surprises and we get an extra 20 people who just randomly show up because they decide they can’t handle the cold weather anymore so they come in,” Joceyln said.

    All sorts of supplies have been gathered, from non-perishables to bread. There’s even been a need for cots and sleeping bags.

    “They hear about it by word-of-mouth, they hear about it by transit, they hear about it through whatever social service agency and they just show up,” says Jocelyn. “So the more days we’re open in a row, like this, the higher in the numbers get.”

    And with a large audience expected, Jocelyn says they’re ready to help, well aware of the impact they have.

    “If you’re trying to sleep outdoors, it’ll shake you to the core,” she says. “Two years ago, we lost somebody who usually would come to the shelter and didn’t that night. Between low blood sugar and the cold, it just wasn’t a good combination. We encourage people if you can get there, please come.”

    And Jocelyn tells me they anticipate to be open Thursday night as well. She says they will play it by ear for Friday, but anticipate on being open this weekend. The shelter opens at 6 p.m.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County Blessings has helped feed students, families for 15 years

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    LECANTO, Fla. — A Citrus County nonprofit is helping provide security when it comes to food and meals for families in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • For 15 years, Citrus County Blessings has been operating its hunger relief program, helping ensure no child goes hungry in the county

    • The pantry serves five primary schools — assisting more than 900 students

    • Work is made possible thanks to the 400 volunteers who help out every month

    • According to the nonprofit, 23% of Citrus County’s school-age children are in poverty and are food insecure


    For 15 years, Citrus County Blessings has been operating its hunger relief program that is helping ensure no child goes hungry in the county.

    “Our enrollments this year have reached just over 3,000 kids in Citrus County,” said operations director Rachelle Garrett Butler.

    Working at an assembly line, volunteers with the nonprofit pack bags filled with food to help feed students throughout Citrus County.

    “We are the weekend food program for children in Citrus County that may lack access to nutrition on the weekends when they’re home not receiving the breakfast and lunches that the schools provide,” said Butler.

    The pantry serves five primary schools — assisting more than 900 students.

    That’s made possible thanks to the 400 volunteers who help out every month, including volunteers like Debbie Greenbaum, a former teacher.

    “When I was a teacher, I was the one who got the bags from the volunteers and gave them to the students,” said Greenbaum. “So when I came here, I said I wanted to be on the other end- I want to be able to pack the bags for the teachers.”

    It’s volunteers like Greenbaum and her team who help make the work possible.

    “They pack once a month for their school and then the next week we have another team come in and they pack for that school,” said Christina Reed, executive director of Citrus County Blessings. “It makes it really easy for them to just come in, grab everything … and then take it over to the school.”

    The work being done is quite impactful for the community.

    “23% of our school-age children are in poverty here and are food insecure,” said Reed. “Having a program like this where we can reach those kids and make sure they have food to get them thru the weekends so they can come to school ready to learn.”

    The program has evolved over its 15 years of existence, expanding the types of foods they send home to students — like fresh fruit.

    “We’re constantly working on our program to evolve it, to look at what foods we can send home and always looking to provide more nutritional foods for our kids,” Reed said. “We have one more big holiday pack for spring break and then we’ll go right into our summer program.”

    Those with Citrus County Blessings say because they are growing, they hope to have a larger space in the future. Helping serve even more students throughout the county.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Spectrum Bay News 9 journalists present their favorite local stories of 2024

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    We asked some of our journalists to think back and send us some of their stories that were either their favorite, most memorable or most impactful from 2024.

    Cait McVey
    Multimedia Journalist

    More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that slowly robs people of their memories. As Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month comes to an end, one Pinellas County resident shares his story of perseverance and friendship in the face of the debilitating disease.

    Read more stories from Cait McVey

    Calvin Lewis
    Multimedia Journalist

    “A Crystal River couple is opening their home to a family from Ukraine. Thanks to that sponsorship, the Kebap family have come to live and work in the U.S., offering a fresh start to their lives. This is one of my favorite stories this year because, to me, it showcases the best of human beings. An encounter on a cruise ship led to a Crystal River couple befriending a Ukrainian family and, ultimately, opening their home to them as they look to restart their lives.”

    “As many celebrated Thanksgiving, plenty gathered over a hot meal. But some needed a little help with that. A few local organizations came together in Oldsmar to make that possible. Another one of my favorite stories from this year simply for the fact that no matter where people came from, their backgrounds or social status, here they are sharing a meal with one another on a holiday that encompasses that very essence. Another showcase of the kind, human spirit during a time of gathering.”

    Read more stories from Calvin Lewis


    Jeff Butera
    Anchor

    “Have you ever heard about the miraculous rescue of 90% of the Jewish population in Denmark during the Holocaust? I hadn’t, until I told this story. It’s about the plot to quietly smuggle Danish Jews to safety on boats, away from Hitler’s wrath. It’s also about the push by two descendants of those Danish Jews to bring one of the boats to the Bay area, so others could learn the story too. I’ll never forget it. “

    Read more stories from Jeff Butera


    Julia Hazel
    Multimedia Journalist

    Maria Gibbs thought her mother’s memorial bench was destroyed by Hurricane Milton, but it was eventually found and pulled out of the water under the Albee Road Bridge.

    Manatee County Resident Deborah Garber and her family members lived in her brother’s home, which now has to be gutted due to high floodwaters.

    Read more stories from Julia Hazel


    Katherine Smith
    Sports
    Multimedia Journalist

    Cobras head coach Timothy Hicks can’t kick off until he’s taken the handoff from Hudson senior Dakota Schull with the list of winning plays.

    Dakota works hard on those plays. He meticulously writes each one down on a piece of paper. And even though he’s never played a down of football, he knows the sport. And he’d give anything to be able to play it. But Dakota suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a disorder that affects his physical and mental development.

    Paul does more than represent the United States as a member of Team USA’s wheelchair crew. He represents hope to anyone with a disability. A car accident at the age of 10 paralyzed him from the waist down. Soon after, Paul discovered wheelchair basketball. And he discovered his why.

    Read more stories from Katherine Smith

    Lizbeth Gutierrez
    Multimedia Journalist

    “This story was post back-to-back hurricanes when several small businesses in Wimauma had to close because of damages to their mobile units. This story showed how Enterprising Latinas and an educational center continued to help businesses after the storm. The owner of Louie Beans received a grant to help set her on the path to recovery.”

    “This is a story I did before the hurricane season focused on helping bridge gaps among the Hispanic community. Luz Gaona, as a product of Hillsborough County, is giving back by being the only bilingual therapy location in South Hillsborough County. Her passion shines through in what she does. Truly an inspiring and awesome story.”

    Read more stories from Lizbeth Gutierrez


    Matt Lackritz
    Multimedia Journalist

    According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban development, there are just under 2,300 homeless veterans in Florida. The Resource Empowerment Center in Tampa is one organization trying to lower that number.

    Read more stories from Matt Lakritz


    Nick Popham
    Multimedia Journalist

    “I’ve done a few stories on Travis Settineri and some of the awesome work he’s doing in Polk County and this is just one of the latest things he’s doing to help people in need!”

    Read more stories from Nick Popham

    Rick Elmhorst
    Anchor

    A Manatee County woman did something remarkable to help one of her neighbors. Marsha Davis donated one of her kidneys. Doctors at Tampa General performed the kidney transplant in April, and it was a success!

    Terrence Brown drives a free trolley-style “Looper” bus and has a reputation for going out of the way to make people feel welcome in downtown.

    Fourth grade Trinity Oaks Elementary teacher Stefanie Bozurich was teaching her class in February when student Ben Perkins ran up to her desk waving his hands in a panic and then putting his hands around his neck to let her know that he was choking.

    Read more stories from Rick Elmhorst


    Sarah Blazonis
    Multimedia Journalist

    “I love meeting people from around Tampa Bay and hearing their stories. Schiller’s is such a cool place, with pieces of local history mixed in with unique finds from around the globe. To get a tour from Larry and hear the story of how he got into the salvage business was a real treat.”

    Read more stories from Sarah Blazonis


    Saundra Weathers
    Multimedia Journalist

    For months, streets on barrier islands have been littered with storm debris.

    The piles of trash were a reminder of what was lost for a lot of people. So, why is one man bringing that debris that was removed back there? The answer is simple: He’s making a trash tree.

    On Madeira Beach, the aftermath and cleanup is just as devastating there as it is up and down the coast. For many, it became a matter of life and death.

    Read more stories from Saundra Weathers


    Tim Wronka
    Traffic Anchor

    “This is my favorite one just because it finally opened after years of delays. And since then, it has improved traffic in the areas it was meant to.”

    Read more stories from Tim Wronka

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New Year’s Eve events across Tampa Bay

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    New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay is set and ready to go.

    Here’s a look at events across the region Dec. 31 to celebrate the end of 2024 and the kickoff of 2025:
     

    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

    New Years Eve Celebration

    9:00 AM – 1:00 AM

    Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with an unforgettable experience at Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, holiday shows, specialty dining, and thrilling rides. 

    Glazer Children’s Museum

    Downtown Countdown

    9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

    Join the fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum on New Year’s Eve with countdowns, family play projects, and celebrations throughout the day.

    ZooTampa

    New Year Celebration

    10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Head to ZooTampa at Lowry Park for a fun-filled New Year celebration in the Africa Circle! From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, enjoy hourly countdowns, festive foods, live DJ music, kid-friendly activities, and exciting giveaways.

    Jackson’s

    New Year’s Eve 2025 Celebration

    9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    Ring in 2025 with an Unforgettable Night at Jackson’s Bistro! The countdown is on, and Jackson’s Bistro is gearing up for the most exciting New Year’s Eve celebration in town! 

    Armature Works

    NYE with DJ Diesel (Shaq)

    8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    Celebrate the New Year in style at Armature Works’ Pier with DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal, spinning live! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tampa skyline, dance the night away by the Hillsborough River, and ring in 2025 with an unforgettable fireworks display at midnight. 

    American Social

    Clear Night. Bright Light.

    9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    From perfect views of Tampa’s largest fireworks display to three indoor and outdoor DJs

    JW Marriott 

    NYElectric® Tampa’s New Year’s Eve Party Countdown

    8:30 PM – 1:30 AM

    One of the largest New Year’s Eve Celebrations takes place on Water Street. Join J.W. Marriott’s NYElectric® 2025 New Year’s Eve Party and enjoy 5-hours of open bar access and three of Florida’s top DJs

    Epperson Lagoon

    New Year’s Eve

    9:00 PM – 12:30 AM

    Epperson Lagoon is the place to be this New Year’s Eve for an exciting celebration! Enjoy the live DJ starting at 9 PM, take part in fun activities and crafts for kids, and wrap up the night with a stunning fireworks show at midnight.

    MOSI

    Quantum Countdown

    9:00 PM – 12:30 AM

    Ring in the New Year at MOSI’s exhilarating adults-only celebration! Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, indulge in Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, and groove to live music from Ed John. Be wowed by Acrobellum’s acrobatic performance and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Zydeco Brew Werks. 

    Westshore Plaza

    New Year’s Eve Latin Dance Party

    9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

    Kick off 2025 at WestShore Plaza with an unforgettable Latin Dance Party! Capture the night in the 360 Video Booth, dance to live music and DJ mixes, and enjoy the high-energy countdown to midnight

    Yacht Starship

    New Year’s Eve Cruise

    10:00 PM – 1:00 AM

    Say “Bon Voyage” to 2024 on Yacht StarShip’s New Year’s Eve Celebration! Set sail on a luxurious 2-hour cruise with stunning views, while indulging in an open bar, delectable hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations, and DJ entertainment.

    Soho New Years Eve!

    December 31 · 6pm – January 1, 2025 · 3am EST

    A Dual Party Experience between MacDinton’s and Grove Soho! Dress to impress in an All That Shimmers theme!

    Grove Soho
    406 South Howard Avenue Tampa, FL 33606

    NYE on the Pier

    8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

    Spa Beach Park, St. Petersburg

    Live DJs
    Food vendors and games
    Full bar

    Light It Up Clearwater

    Midnight fireworks along Clearwater Beach

    Fireworks on Treasure Island

    Midnight fireworks near Gulf Front Park

    Tangerine Ball Drop

    6 p.m. – 1 a.m.

    Water tower, downtown Brooksville
    Live music
    Food trucks
    VIP package available for $40 per person or $75 per couple

    New Year’s Bash with Ludacris

    8 p.m. – 1 a.m.

    The Cuban Club, Ybor City

    21 and older; valid ID require
    Live performance by rapper Ludacris 
    General admission: $99; VIP $149
     

    Plant City Strawberry Drop

    7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

    Plant City Main Street

    “Giant, glowing strawberry” will descend from crane
    Live music

    Bradenton Alive New Year’s Eve Celebration

    8 p.m. – midnight

    Downtown Bradenton

    Live music
    Food trucks
    Fireworks display

    New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place

    6 p.m. – midnight

    Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch

    Live DJ
    Food trucks
    Games and activities for all ages

    Light Up the New Year

    Starts at 4 p.m.

    Hamilton Rd., Dade City

    Sky lantern launch at midnight
    $45-65 for adults, $12 for kids ages 4-12 (free for kids 3 and under)

    Boogie Dance New Year’s Bash

    8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

    Rock & Brews, SR 56, Wesley Chapel

    Live music
    Champagne toast at midnight
    General & VIP tickets available, ranging from $20-95

    Fraternal Order of Eagles

    Leisure Ln., New Port Richey

    Doors open at 5 p.m.
    Open bar starting at 7 p.m.
    Champagne toast at midnight

    Lakeland’s New Year’s Eve Party

    Black Swan Venue, E. Pine St.

    Doors open at 9 p.m.
    All tickets include food and alcohol
    21 and older only
    $20 general admission

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa sees its wettest year on record

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    Tampa saw over 80 inches of rain in 2024, making it the wettest year on record. Many other spots in the area saw above-normal rainfall.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa saw 80.29 inches of rain

    • Most of the rain fell from June to October

    • Milton and Debby were two of the biggest rainfall events

    • Temperatures were above normal in 2024


    Eighty-two percent of Tampa’s rain in 2024 fell between June 1st and October 15th.

    It was an active rainy season for the area with many daily downpours.

    Milton and Debby contributed a decent amount of rain to this year’s totals, but Hurricane Helene did not bring much.

    Generally speaking, annual rainfall totals were higher near the coast and dropped off east of Lakeland.

    This was due to a predominant easterly wind, which favors summer afternoon storms on the state’s west coast. 

    Here are some annual rainfall totals from across the area.

    Temperature

    The overall annual average temperature for Tampa in 2024 was above normal this year, but it was cooler than the last seven.

    The average temperature was 75.5 degrees, about one degree above the normal annual average. 

    Other area cities saw similar temperatures throughout the year as many leaned 1 to 2 degrees above normal. 

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

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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