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Tag: Community news

  • Rents at longtime affordable St. Pete apartment complex expected to jump

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Tenants Union calls it an increasingly rare happening in the city: apartments that rent for less than $1,000 a month.

    For residents of the Greenland Apartments on Seventh Avenue North, that was the reality for decades.

    But now, they’re bracing for rent increases as new ownership takes over.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Pete’s Greenland Apartments residents are looking at monthly hikes of anywhere from $600 to a little less than $1,000

    • The highest rent at the complex was $780.

    • “Unfortunately, to keep the current market rent, it is lower than 50% of what the value for market rent in this neighborhood is,” said Greenland Property Manager Tim McGinnis, who said improvements to the complex are underway

    Residents are looking at monthly hikes of anywhere from $600 to a little less than $1,000.

    The highest rent at the complex was $780.

    According to the apartment’s new property manager, prices had to be raised to account for planned improvements and rising costs.

    Some tenants said the increased costs will push them out.  

    “I concluded he (manager) kind of kept it below market rate because I assumed he preferred long term tenants than a constant turnover,” said Tracy Gayton, a Greenland resident. “You know, he got ’em. He got people to stay here a long time.”

    Including Gayton, who lived at Greenland for 11 years.

    Property Manager Tim McGinnis said rents at Greenland ranged from $600 to $830. The increases will create a new range of $1,250 for a studio to nearly $2,200 for a two-bedroom. (Spectrum News image)

    He said as he watched rent prices rise around town, his one-bedroom apartment never got above $760 a month. When Urban Core Properties bought the family-owned complex last month, he expected an increase.

    “I have to confess,” he said. “It went up more than expected. I wasn’t expecting, I think it’s a 128% increase in my case.”

    Gayton says his new rent would be just more than $1,700.

    Meanwhile, Property Manager Tim McGinnis said rents at Greenland ranged from $600 to $830. The increases will create a new range of $1,250 for a studio to nearly $2,200 for a two-bedroom.

    “Unfortunately, to keep the current market rent, it is lower than 50% of what the value for market rent in this neighborhood is,” said McGinnis, who added that improvements to the complex are underway. “The tax increases, as well as the cost of insurance, as well as construction for those renovations, has almost tripled in the last three years.”

    William Kilgore with the St. Petersburg Tenant Union says prices like Greenland’s are pretty much unheard of in the city, and recent years have been challenging for renters.

    “Supposedly, the rent prices have kind of stabilized,” said Kilgore. “But they’re still 30% higher than what they were before the pandemic. So, people have been squeezed. People who are paying are still paying over half their income on rent.”

    Gayton said he’s moving out next month, even though he can afford the increase.

    That’s not the case for some of his neighbors, who are seeing rents go up from $780 to nearly $1,600.

    Meanwhile, McGinnis said he expects about half of Greenland’s 18 units will be vacant next month.

    He said tenants who choose to stay are being offered up to $1,800 in discounts to sign an 18-month lease term. Rent increases are expected to take place gradually during the first quarter of 2026.

    According to Zillow, the average rent in St. Petersburg is $2,200 a month. Apartments.com said it’s about $1,700 and Rent Cafe said $2,000.

    All of those prices fall within or very close to Greenland’s new range.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Citrus County receives $4.3 million for septic-to-sewer upgrades

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Citrus County has received $4,332,577 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Springs Restoration Grant Program.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the award during a recent press conference in Tampa, where he awarded more than $112 million in grants to improve water quality and supply across the state. 

    With the $16.4 million awarded from the state on Nov. 21 to improve wastewater infrastructure damaged by storms, the county has received over $20.7 million in grant money in recent weeks.

    The Springs Restoration Grant will support the construction of a regional wastewater collection system in the east downtown area of Old Homosassa.

    Citrus County has prioritized replacing commercial and residential onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems with central sewer connections to reduce nutrient pollution in the Homosassa spring shed.

    Septic tanks in this area have contributed to high nutrient loadings to the nearby surface and groundwaters. This grant will allow for the connection of up to 200 residences with existing septic tanks, along with 226 vacant lots along the Homosassa River, to Citrus County’s wastewater system.

    Wastewater will be routed away from environmentally sensitive areas to the county’s Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility for advanced treatment and beneficial reuse. 

    “Grant funding to support the project will help to minimize financial impacts to homeowners within the project area and help to realize the goal of preserving the Homosassa River and its spring system for all our citizens,” said Citrus County Water Resources Director Ken Cheek. 

    County Administrator Steve Howard added, “Both the State of Florida and Citrus County recognize the need to preserve and protect our waterways, and I am grateful we are able to work together to accomplish this project to protect our natural resources.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Chabad of St. Petersburg says light of Chanukah needed after attack

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People around the world are reacting to this weekend’s shooting in Bondi Beach, including the Bay area.

    Rabbi Alter Korf of Chabad of St. Petersburg said the organization has increased security for this week’s Chanukah events, but he said it’s even more important now to move forward with celebrations.

    What You Need To Know

    • Chabad of St. Petersburg’s Rabbi Alter Korf said it was difficult to wake up Sunday to news of the Bondi Beach attack

    • Rabbi Korf said security will be increased at this week’s Chanukah celebrations, but that he also thinks it’s more important than ever for people to come out and celebrate

    • Korf said the attack was meant to intimidate and frighten the Jewish community worldwide and Chanukah is a time to fight back against the darkness

    • Chabad will hold its Car Menorah Parade on Wednesday


    “I think for the Jewish community around the world, everybody felt like it’s their family,” said Rabbi Korf.

    For him, Korf said it actually was family. He said he’s related to Rabbi Eli Schlanger by marriage, who was one of more than a dozen people killed in the Bondi Beach attack.

    “Australia is the first to welcome Chanukah, and then all the communities around the world follow,” he said. “It was intended to send a message — a message of fear, a message of retreat.”

    It’s a message Korf said, is having the opposite effect in St. Pete. He said Sunday’s Chanukah in the City event drew an even bigger crowd than usual.

    “People came to make a statement: We are here. We’re not disappearing. We don’t retreat from darkness,” Korf said.

    According to an Anti-Defamation League report released in April, the U.S. saw a 5% increase in antisemitic events last year compared to 2023. Korf said Tampa Bay is a friendly region to the Jewish community, but vigilance is still important. He said it’s also important not to live in fear.

    “We have to be present, we have to be in the public, and make sure that every Jew in our community feels comfortable, feels proud,” he said.

    On Wednesday, Chabad is holding its Car Menorah Parade. Korf said the parade will have a police escort and end with a menorah lighting in Vinoy Park.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • St. Pete-Clearwater Airport gets OK for construction of new parking garage

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A key vote was held Tuesday afternoon that executives at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) say will help them keep up with growth.

    Pinellas County commissioners give them the green light to build a 4-story parking garage adjacent to the terminal that would be used for economy parking. The proposed garage would have roughly 2,000 spots and be where the current ‘Strawberry Lot’ sits.

    What You Need To Know

    • Proposed parking garage would be 4 stories and have roughly 2,000 spots
    • Bulk of project would be paid for in funds from customer facility charges and airport reserves
    • Was approved Tuesday, design phase expected to begin in early 2026
    • 2025 is busiest year in airport history 

    The airport’s interim director, Mark Sprague, says this is the busiest year in airport history. They have already had a record-breaking roughly 2.6 million passengers in 2025 with 15 days remaining in the year.

    Sprague says the parking garage would cost an estimated $60 million. The airport already has funding sources in place that would include roughly $6 million from an FDOT grant and nearly $30 million in airport reserves. Over $24 million would come from revenue from what’s called a ‘customer facility charge’ — a surcharge placed on rental cars.

    To pay for the garage, Sprague says the airport would not have to take out any type of loan.


    “Which Is really unheard of,” he said.  “A lot of airports go out and get either bonds or loans for this, but we saw the growth and we saw what we needed to do and we saved the money in order to keep the costs low.”

    Sprague presented the parking garage plans to county commissioners during a workshop last week.

    Some commissioners agreed that updates to parking are much-needed at the airport while Pinellas County Commissioner Vince Nowicki questioned the net-gain of 1,500 spots at a $60 million cost.

    “With PIE not having much land constraint, have we exhausted all surface-level parking lot options before diving into $40,000 per parking space?” he asked Sprague. “It seems we could be shorting a project somewhere else by using 1/3 of our reserves.”

    Te design phase of the parking garage construction is expected to begin early next year.

    Pinellas County commissioners give airport officials the green light to build a 4-story parking garage adjacent to the terminal that would be used for economy parking. (FILE IMAGE)

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    Angie Angers

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  • St. Petersburg Jewish Experience aims to bring community together

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The first St. Petersburg Jewish Experience is arriving in just a few weeks. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Petersburg Jewish Experience is on January 11

    • The event is being held at The Floridian Social

    • Local rabbis said this event is the perfect way for community members to express their Jewish pride 


    Bringing Jewish culture, music, food, and more, Rabbis Alter Korf and Mendel Lebovics said this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

    “We feel it’s just the right thing for the community now,” Korf said. “It’s just the right vibe, the right energy that the Jewish community needs.” 

    Lebovics agrees and said community members are looking for ways to express their Jewish pride.

    “It’s our job to say, ‘We’re here, we’re here to stay, and we’re going to be proud of who we are,’” he said. 

    The event isn’t only for people who are Jewish — it’s for everyone. 

    That’s part of the reason Korf said they’re hosting the party at The Floridian Social.

    “Our goal is that this Jewish experience would make everybody inside here feel like part of one big family,” he said.  

    An unforgettable experience is what Korf said they’re looking to create. 

    With the people they’re bringing in and the venue they’ve chosen, he has no doubt they’ll achieve their goals. 

    “It’s not an intellectual experience, it’s not a class, it’s not a lecture,” he said. “This is a moment to feel it in your bones.”

    The event is on January 11. You can purchase tickets here.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Free Clearwater clinic serving uninsured marks milestone

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A free medical clinic in Clearwater is celebrating a major milestone: 30 years of providing care to community members with little to no health insurance — a mission that nearly came to an end just two years ago.

    La Clinica Guadalupana marked the anniversary with a day filled with faith, culture and celebration, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a sacred Catholic holy day.

    Mariachi music, prayer, and gratitude filled the clinic as staff, volunteers, and patients reflected on three decades of service.

    What You Need To Know

    • La Clinica Guadalupana, a free Clearwater clinic, celebrates 30 years after a last-minute partnership saved it from closing

    • The clinic sees more than 2,000 patients each year, offering primary care and preventative services to people who might otherwise delay or forgo treatment
    • Despite its long history, the clinic’s future was uncertain, with rising overhead costs putting La Clinica Guadalupana at risk of shutting down

    • Catholic Charities stepped in, making La Clinica Guadalupana the fourth free medical clinic within the Diocese of St. Petersburg


    Monse Mangual, one of the clinic’s first nurses, helped open La Clinica Guadalupana in 1995 and said the work has always been about service.

    “It was amazing. I love to help people and I always say that I came here to serve,” Mangual said.

    All medical providers at La Clinica Guadalupana volunteer their services. The clinic sees more than 2,000 patients each year, offering primary care and preventative services to people who might otherwise delay or forgo treatment.

    Clinic director Laura Ramos said the goal is to provide care that is both accessible and respectful.

    “They can come in and get all of those services that are dignifying and reduce the hospital visits,” Ramos said.

    But despite its long history, the clinic’s future was uncertain. Rising overhead costs put La Clinica Guadalupana at risk of shutting down.

    Dr. Jennifer L. Cabreira-Steimle, who has volunteered with the clinic for 15 years, says the reality was sobering.

    “I don’t think that people realize that two years ago we were close to not being able to provide the service anymore,” she said.

    In search of a solution, Cabreira-Steimle reached out to Catholic Charities for help — a move she describes as a turning point.

    “(I thought) this is big, that’s where we got that Hail Mary Pass,” she said with a chuckle.

    Catholic Charities stepped in, making La Clinica Guadalupana the fourth free medical clinic within the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

    Deacon Rick Wells with the Diocese says the partnership reflects a commitment to dignity and care for all.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Final parent input meeting set as Pinellas County school closures loom

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The final community meeting regarding the future of Pinellas County schools amid declining enrollment is set for Tuesday night.

    The fifth and final “Planning for Progress” meeting put on by the district will be held at Lakewood High School from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    All parents are invited to attend. At the meeting, district staff will share enrollment updates and the options the district is considering moving forward. Following the briefing, parents will be asked to provide input.

    At last week’s “Planning for Progress” meeting that was held at Hollins High School, staff stated the district has 3,600 fewer students enrolled this year compared to the start of last school year. That includes a 9% drop in kindergarten enrollment.

    Reasons for declining enrollment include more families moving out of Pinellas County due to high cost of living and an overall decline in the birthrate for school-aged kids.

    At a school board workshop earlier this year, Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said the district is looking at building capacity, current utilization and improvements a school building might need as they assess the next best steps. Hendrick said changes will likely include school closures and consolidations.

    That’s something that worries parent Megan Diehl.

    “If a school is shuttered when a child is in the middle of their school experience, there’s going to be a huge impact for their social experience as well as their educational experience,” she said. “The trust they’ve built up with the administrators and the staff in that building. That does concern me.”

    Diehl was happy to hear the district was open to parent input before making any major decisions. She said while making some schools K-8 is not a primary concern of hers, she’s hoping the district looks at the schools with the best enrollment and parent involvement as models for the future.

    “One thing I think would be really important is to look at the schools that feel they have good engagement and family input and see what makes them successful. How did they get those families engaged?” she explained.

    Parent Karolina Quearry also provided feedback at last week’s meeting. She said she’s also open to the idea of making some schools K-8.

    “I think I’m open-minded as to whatever happens in the future. I understand the need for change,” she said.

    After Tuesday’s final community meeting wraps, the district says they will use parent input as they make final recommendations on what should happen next. Those recommendations will be presented to the school board in January.

    Pinellas County currently has 116 schools, not including charter schools.

    Photojournalist Eugene Buenaventura contributed to this report.

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    Angie Angers

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  • USF introduces Brian Hartline as new coach

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    TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida introduced Brian Hartline as its seventh coach in program history on Monday.

    Hartline made his way to Tampa this weekend amid Ohio State’s preparation for its College Football Playoff run. 

    What You Need To Know

    • USF introduced Brian Hartline as its new head football coach Monday

    • Hartline, 39, comes to USF from Ohio, were he has been the Buckeyes’ WR coach and offensive coordinator. He will take over fully at USF once the Ohio State plyaoff run concludes

    • More on Brian Hartline and USF football

    “We want to build on this impressive foundation. Things have been going really well here,” Hartline said during his introductory news conference. “We’re not here to change things, we’re here to enhance.

    “Time is now for USF football and we can’t wait to get started.”

    The Bulls new coach will balance beginning his Bulls’ tenure with duties as the Buckeye’s offensive coordinator through the college postseason.

     

    USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins, making his first major hire in his relatively new role, said Hartline will bring grit and passion in replacing former coach Alex Golesh, who left USF last week to accept the coaching job at Auburn.

     

    “Brian Hartline was our clear-cut first choice to lead our football program into the most exciting era in program history, and I am so fired up to have him leading the Bulls,” Higgins said. “A relentless recruiter, outstanding developer of talent and a gritty competitor, he comes from a championship background and is obsessed with instilling championship excellence in his players and teams.

    “He is ready to lead our program to the next level.”

    Hartline, 39, said he was excited for the opportunity at USF and emphasized his past connections with the Bay area, Central Florida and South Florida as a NFL player and college recruiter. He added that the location and his history in the region makes USF a good fit. 

    “Our culture will be built on relentless effort. Built on it,” Hartline said. “Effort is a choice and we know that. Our program will be disciplined and accountable. Every detail will matter.”

    HARTLINE AT OHIO STATE

    As offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach, Hartline has led the 2025 Ohio State offense to rank No. 13 in the nation in scoring (37.0 ppg), No. 24 in total offense (438.5 ypg) and No. 24 in passing (267.0 ypg) with Heisman Trophy candidate Julian Sayin posting 3,065 passing yards and 30 touchdowns and Biletnikoff Trophy finalist Jeremiah Smith posting 55 catches for 725 yards and nine touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has Ohio State as the highest graded offense in the nation at the end of the 2025 regular season.

    Serving as co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach in 2024, Hartline led the Buckeye offense to rank No. 14 nationally in scoring (35.7 ppg) and No. 3 in pass efficiency (171.55) with quarterback Will Howard ranking No. 6 in passing yards (4,010) and No. 4 in passing touchdowns (35) and Smith standing No. 4 in receiving yards (1,315) and No. 2 in receiving touchdowns (15) nationally.

    A major part of Ohio State’s recruiting success, Hartline has helped the Buckeyes’ current 2026 signing class rank No. 5 in the nation according to 247Sports. Ohio State has ranked among the top five recruiting classes in the nation in each of the last seven seasons. He was named 247Sports national recruiter of the year in 2020.  

     

    WHAT’S NEXT FOR USF

    The Bulls will face Old Dominion Dec. 17 in the Care Bowl in Orlando. USF Defensive Line Coach Kevin Patrick will guide the squad as the interim coach during the bowl week.

    USF will be looking to post a 10-win season for just the third time in program history and the first since going 10-2 in 2017. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • South St. Pete redevelopment plans stall for Tangerine Plaza

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Residents who have been hoping for a grocery store in south St. Pete will have to wait a bit longer.

    The development group chosen last year to remake Tangerine Plaza plans to ask city council Thursday for a one-year extension and over $22 million in city and county funds to get the project off the ground.

    Last June, St. Pete City Council members narrowly voted in favor of the Sugar Hill Group’s plan to put more than 180 units of affordable housing and a small grocery store at the site of the current Tangerine Plaza. At the time, the group was told they had 18 months to secure funding and finalize those plans.

    Documents submitted from Sugar Hill Group to the city show they have not successfully located funding for the entirety of the project. The group plans to ask for more than $11 million in funds from both Pinellas County and the South St. Petersburg CRA to cover the length of the mortgage.

    If the city rejects the developers’ ask for a one-year extension, the current agreement will expire January 2.

    St. Pete City Council Member Corey Givens Jr., who represents the district where Tangerine Plaza is located, says he doesn’t plan to vote in favor of the extension.

    “It’s not fair to taxpayers to have to keep fronting the buck for this,” he said. “I think you have other folks that have proposals, and they have the financing in place, and it’s only fair to restart the RFP process and give everyone a fair shot.”

    Previously, Positive Impact Ministries was interested in redeveloping the plaza. For years, the group has held weekly food giveaways and outreach events at Tangerine Plaza. Their food pantry storage facility sits in one of the once-vacant storefronts.

    Givens says he wants change at the plaza and to stop the waiting game.

    “We just can’t keep kicking the can down the road. The folks that live there in that community, they’ve been without access to healthy and nutritious food since 2017,” he said. “I think it’s time to get a developer in there that actually has the financing in place to invest in that community.”

    Erica Hardison, who runs the One Community Grocery Co-Op, says access to fresh food is so limited in her south St. Pete neighborhood and that something needs to change.

    “You’re forced to ride a bus, catch an Uber, find rides… do all of these things to spend money outside your community,” she said.

    St. Pete City Council members are expected to make a decision Thursday on the extension.

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    Angie Angers

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  • After mural controversy, artist creates United Mural project

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been months since the controversial removal of street murals in the state and particularly here in the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • John Gascot, artist and co-owner of Studios @ 5663, hand-picked six artists to create the United Mural project

    • The word “UNITED” will be spelled out on the wall of Studios @ 5663 on the busy Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park

    • In addition to their fundraising efforts, the community is also being invited out to help paint the background of the mural
    • That event takes place next month during UNITED Mural Fest at 5663


    In St. Pete, the removal of the Black History Matters mural and the Pride flag mural were met with pushback, including the arrest of two local faith leaders, protesting the night of the removal.

    A group of artists that helped paint those murals is using the same tools they used before on a new project — this time, their message will be spelled out to read “UNITED.”

    John Gascot, artist and co-owner of Studios @ 5663, hand-picked six artists to create the United Mural project.

    Each artist is assigned a letter, and inside the letter they will illustrate what being united means to them.

    Many of the artists helped paint the Black Lives Matter mural and the Black History Matters mural that replaced it.

    When the murals were removed, Gascot said he knew he had to do something to keep the importance of those murals alive and remind people of what truly unites them.

    “I’m more excited about it because it’s almost like continuing something that was erased. So, it’s almost like a second chance at it. It’s not a Black Lives Matter mural, but there’s Black artists involved,” he said. “It’s just like a continuation, if you will,” Gascot said.

    Artist Laura “Ms. Krit” Spencer was also involved in those projects.

    “One of the murals that I painted was removed in front of the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. I had the distinct pleasure of not only painting the Black Lives Matter mural, but the Black History Matters mural,” she said.

    The word “UNITED” will be spelled out on the wall of Studios at 5663 on the busy Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park.

    “It’s very well-traveled, so it will have a lot of eyes on it, and hopefully, people will take the time to pull over and take it all in because it’s going to have a lot of detail. It’s a long, long wall,” Gascot said.

    To make this project happen, Gascot said it’s going to take a big budget of up to $20,000 to pull off.

    Gascot said they’re fundraising to make sure each artist is able to use a letter that represents what being United looks like to them. 

    “Miss Krit” already has an idea of what it means for her.

    “I just want everybody to remember the reason why we all get together is that art is this unifying force. It gives us identity. It gives us purpose, and it gives us motivation and inspiration and hope for a better future,” she said.

    In addition to their fundraising efforts, the community is also being invited out to help paint the background of the mural. That event takes place next month during UNITED Mural Fest at 5663.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Lakeland nonprofit helping seniors stay fed among increasing food insecurity

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Imagine having to make the tough decision to pay your bills or buy groceries. Advocates say that’s the harsh reality for many seniors who are navigating not having enough money for food.

    It’s leading some seniors to seek help from nonprofits like Volunteers in Service to the Elderly in Lakeland.

    What You Need To Know

    • Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, or VISTE, is a nonprofit organization that serves at-risk seniors in Lakeland

    • Its supplemental groceries program started over 20 years ago and has since continued to increase the number of people it serves

    • The nonprofit serves people 70 and older


    While most of us get in our cars to head to the grocery store, for seniors in Lakeland, their drive is to VISTE to pick up their monthly groceries free of charge.

    When one cart comes in, another one goes out — it’s a cycle that Welton Morris knows all too well.

    “Every month, once a month,” he said.

    He is one of more than 4,000 seniors who visit the nonprofit to pick up groceries.

    A line forms and volunteers pack each car with the month’s assortment of goods.

    Recently, Welton said he’s found himself relying on this service even more to stock his fridge.

    “The grocery store is so expensive when you go in the store, very expensive, and it’s hard, especially when you’re on a fixed income. It’s hard,” he said.

    Steve Bissonnette is the president of VISTE and said the number of seniors they serve is increasing.

    “We’re averaging about 130 clients each day during the week, almost a 30% increase just in the past few months,” he said.

    The nonprofit’s impact report from last year shows a 9.5% increase in clients. Its supplemental groceries program increased 6.2%, providing groceries to more than a thousand households.

    Bissonnette said that need has increased again in the last few months.

    “We can only attribute that to the environmental circumstances that people are uncertain about and fearful of, and we want to make sure that they at least get basic food to remain in their own home,” he said.

    Most of the food comes from Feeding Tampa Bay, the United States Department of Agriculture and items they purchase.

    Groceries that will go a long way for seniors, like Yoleida Cardona.

    “From an economic standpoint, my husband receives a small amount of money, and this helps us move forward,” she said. “There is also a lot of people in need, and there are those who live on their own that need this.”

    It’s a program that has become a lifeline for many seniors to keep their pantries stocked.

    The nonprofit also has a hot meal program for seniors who are unable to attend the grocery pick-up or cook for themselves.

    Those meals are provided twice a week with the help of Florida Southern College.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Florida Holocaust Museum honors the past while planning for its future

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — There’s additional security, new artifacts and plans for upgraded renovations at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg.

    As museum head Eric Stillman stands in the building’s new lobby, newly installed security protocols are keeping people and artifacts safer.

    What You Need To Know

    • There’s new artifacts and plans for new renovations at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg

    • The institution’s mission is to honor the millions who suffered or died in the Holocaust and to now teach the inherent worth and dignity of human life

    • Eli Wiesel Experience will fill top floor of Florida Holocaust Museum 
    • New Danish fishing boat instillation tells story of hope as non-Jews saved their neighbors after Nazi invasion of Denmark 
    • GO INSIDE THE MUSEUM: The Florida Holocaust Museum

    New artifacts like Thor — a Danish fishing boat that served as a rescue vessel, secreting Jews to Sweden after the Nazis invaded Denmark.

    “The fisherman, he was a true upstander,” Stillman said. “And even though he wasn’t Jewish, and he was risking his own life and his family’s lives, and his livelihood, he risked it to help his neighbors to help his fellow country people.”

    The boat sits next to the Nazi-era boxcar that transported Jews to death camps during World War II.

    “And so that boxcar, which is huge, it towers over everybody, represents fear and death,” Stillman said. “And here it is, right next to the fishing boat, where it’s hope and future.”

    The institution’s mission is to honor the millions who suffered or died in the Holocaust and to teach the inherent worth and dignity of human life.

    New Danish fishing boat instillation tells story of hope as non-Jews saved their neighbors after Nazi invasion of Denmark. (Spectrum News/Virginia Johnson)

    Part of the museum’s plans include a new Eli Wiesel Experience, which will fill the museum’s top floor.

    Holocaust survivor and “Night” author Wiesel spent his life as a human rights activist and witness to human atrocities

    In 2024, his foundation chose this museum to house his private collection. Already on display, the jacket his wife Marion wore when meeting world leaders and dignitaries.

    Weisel’s work mirrors the museums: witness the past of death and hope during World War II and beyond, and use the lessons to make the world a better place.

    “And so the contrast is pretty clear, I think, for just about anybody to see and understand,” said Stillman. “It only takes one person, just an average everyday citizen being an upstander to make a difference.”

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • As Treasure Bay improvements continue, neighbors hope for restored golf course

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Commissioners took the next step Tuesday in revitalizing Treasure Island’s 17-acre recreation complex.

    The board approved funding to make repairs to the Treasure Bay clubhouse, giving the OK to spend $95,000 on interior fixes. They also discussed whether to approve $167,000 for new windows and doors but instead asked staff to come back with a lower quote for that part of the work.

    What You Need To Know

    • Treasure Island commissioners approved spending $95,000 on repairs to the inside of the Treasure Bay clubhouse 

    • Improvements are already underway at the recreation complex, which was damaged during last year’s hurricanes

    • People who live in nearby communities, including Village of Paradise Island, have said one change they’d like to see is for Treasure Bay’s nine-hole golf course to be rebuilt

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Changes taking shape at Treasure Bay


    The future of Treasure Bay is something people who live nearby are watching closely, with some saying they want to see a former longstanding feature restored.

    “This is what we get with golfers. See the little dings there?” said Pat Patterson, motioning to rounded, golf ball-sized indentations in the wall of his neighbor’s balcony. “The last time we painted, I had 29.”

    Patterson said he’s accumulated other souvenirs at his own place at Village of Paradise Island, just off of what was the ninth hole of Treasure Bay’s golf course.

    “I have five gallons of golf balls, and I’ve taken five gallons up to Pennsylvania to give to my family,” he said.


    That’s not a complaint. Patterson said he knew what he was getting into when he moved next door to the course, but it looked a little different 15 years ago.

    “It was a golf course that was not as green as it could’ve been,” he said. “It was somewhat in neglect. It wasn’t irrigated that well, but it was an active, nine-hole golf course.”

    Patterson said he’d like to see it active once again. 

    Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez told Spectrum News that Hurricane Helene took out what was left of the course. Work is underway on improvements at the site, but as of now, there are no concrete plans for golf to return.

    “Not necessarily going back to a full golf course like it was before because it was old and it was very, you know, it was a small group of people. So, we definitely want to attend to them,” Vasquez said.

    Both Vasquez and Mayor John Doctor said at a workshop last month that the full course didn’t get enough use, and a PopStroke-like feature might be a better option. Patterson and other neighbors pointed to survey results from past efforts to learn about what residents want to see at Treasure Bay. One from 2024 found nearly 75% of respondents, or 1,087 people, wanted to see the golf course reconstructed, while 25 percent, or 363 people, did not. 

    “The type of course that’s out here is extremely popular with families and groups because they can play it quickly. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re good or bad,” Patterson said.

    Commissioners didn’t talk golf Tuesday night, but they did approve those funds for interior fixes. When it came to the cost of hurricane windows, commissioners asked staff to report back on the price of regular windows instead.

    “Putting money into a non-conforming building that has structural issues, is likely to get demolished in the future, is a waste of taxpayer money,” said Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon. 

    Patterson said he hopes commissioners listen to taxpayers when it comes to Treasure Bay’s — and the golf course’s — future.

    “It was considered the gem of Treasure Island, and I don’t see a reason why you can’t continue that and preserve green space and other activities, too,” he said.

    The city hasn’t made any definite decisions regarding golf, and Vasquez has said the city will have additional meetings before commissioners give the seal of approval. Patterson said it was disheartening to think there could be another round of workshops ahead when he said residents have already told commissioners what they want to see done.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Big book donation in Pasco County for Giving Tuesday

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The spirit of Giving Tuesday is alive in Pasco County as the Pasco County Library System teams up with Friends of the Library to support local schools with a major book donation effort.

    This year, hundreds of children’s books are being delivered to schools across the county — an initiative that began with a simple request from Chester Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County Libraries donating books to local schools for Giving Tuesday 

    • Effort to collect books started over the summer after a request to help restock books at Chester Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills 

    •  Hundreds of books will be donated at events across the county on Tuesday

    • For more information on helping with the book donation, visit Pasco County Libraries


    The school was working to restock its library to boost reading scores on state assessments. 

    That request quickly turned into a large-scale collaboration spanning multiple schools.

    According to Pasco County Public Library System Director Sean McGarvey, the idea gained momentum quickly.

    “The school board had reached out to us as perhaps we could help restock. We talked to them, and the Friends of the Libraries jumped on this — they thought this was an amazing idea, and all eight of our libraries pitched in to collect these books.”

    On Tuesday morning, the donation effort kicks off at Chester Taylor Elementary School, where the first batch of books will be delivered. From there, additional Pasco County schools will receive donated materials throughout the day.

    While Tuesday’s library donations are making a big impact, residents across Tampa Bay can also participate in Giving Tuesday in a variety of ways.

    Local nonprofits accepting donations include:

    • Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
    • Feeding Tampa Bay
    • Metropolitan Ministries

    Feeding Tampa Bay announced that all donations made Tuesday will be matched, doubling the number of meals provided to families in need this holiday season. Community members can also give back by volunteering their time.

    For more information on how to help, visit Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Lu Sells starts No Limits Social Club for special needs adults

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland woman saw a need and decided to do something about it. Lu Sells saw the need for special needs adults to have social and volunteer activities and started an organization to provide those things.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lu Sells started the No Limits Social Club for special needs adults

    • Sells saw the need for social activities after her son finished his schooling

    • The No Limits Social Club meets regularly for lunches and crafts

    • Club members also participate in volunteer opportunities


    On a recent morning, Sells was giving out lots of hugs and greeting the arriving members of the No Limits Social Club at the First United Methodist Church. About 150 of the clubs’ members were getting together for a Thanksgiving-style meal, some crafting and a celebration of their friendship.

    “Why are we thankful for friendship? What does friendship bring in our life?” said Sells to the group from a podium. Sells first saw the need for the club because her special needs son Tyler lacked social opportunities after he completed his schooling. She spoke with some of her friends with adult special needs children and they felt the same way about the situation faced by their children.

    “It started because one of the boys said to me, Miss Lu, I might talk funny and my legs might not work. But I need a purpose. That night I went home, and I called two of my friends and we came up with No Limits,” said Sells.

    The group started with a handful of members a few years ago but has grown to about 150 who show up for regular events. There are several hundred members of the organization’s Facebook group.

    Providing the members with volunteer opportunities is also a priority. “It’s growing because they want to give back to the community,” said Sells. “They want a chance just like everybody else.”

    Sells says running the organization fills her with joy. “I mean this is an awesome feeling. This is why I do it. I get a million hugs, a million smiles. It’s just the best feeling ever,” she said while looking at the church facility filled with group members.

    The No Limits Social Club members all think the world of Lu Sells.

    “She just has so much love, and it is contagious. She spreads it around with everybody around us,” said member Tori Hogg.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Annual Adopt-A-Family Program aids hundreds of local families, seniors

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    CINCINNATI, Ohio —  An annual holiday program that pairs local families and seniors with community sponsors is once again helping hundreds across Greater Cincinnati as the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family initiative ramps up for the season.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati’s Adopt-A-Family Program matches families and seniors referred for assistance with corporate or individual sponsors

    • The program received referrals for 400 families this year

    • De-Bra Kuempel is sponsoring 30 years for their second year with the program

    De-Bra Kuempel, the region’s largest technical, electrical and plumbing contractor, is sponsoring 30 seniors this year. The Cincinnati-based company, which employs between 1,200 and 1,300 workers and operates roughly 800 service trucks daily, is expanding its involvement after first participating in 2024.

    “When the ten people who originally started this last year came back and told everybody how the program worked and the smiles they saw on people’s faces, that is what became contagious,” said Kris Thorne, president and CEO of De-Bra Kuempel.

    The Adopt-A-Family Program matches families and seniors referred for assistance with corporate or individual sponsors. Last year, the Salvation Army distributed more than 18,000 toys and gifts. Thorne said many recipients request basic household needs, such as paper products and essential supplies.

    Major Martha Bone of the Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati said the organization has secured sponsors for 315 of the 400 families seeking help this year, leaving the remainder on a waiting list.

    “We’ve lost some grants this year for some specific programs that we have concerns about,” Bone said. “But I’m believing, just like at Christmas, people will be flooding our doors to give back. I believe that the need will be taken care of.”

    Thorne said the Adopt-A-Family tradition is becoming a staple for the company. He encourages others to take part.

    “When you see the faces of the people you’re making an impact on, I can almost guarantee you’ll double the participation afterward,” he said.

    Applications for this year’s program have closed, but the Salvation Army is still accepting donations and volunteers.

    More information is available on its website.

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    Javari Burnett

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  • St. Pete closing in on downtown trail purchase

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    TAMPA, Fla. — St. Petersburg is one step closer to buying a tract of railroad land to convert into a trail downtown, connecting the historic gas plant district to the Pinellas Trail.

    What You Need To Know

    • CSX has agreed to sell its mile-long stretch of downtown land to St. Petersburg for $1 million, according to City Councilman Corey Givens, Jr.  

    • Once approved by city council, nearby businesses will contribute an additional $6 million to construct a trail

    • The trail will connect the Gas Plant District with the Pinellas Trail

    • When it’s finished, the city will lease portions of the trail back to the businesses for 99 years


    “The City of St. Petersburg and CSX have been duking it out, but they were able to negotiate and come to terms of settlement. And this is a win-win for both the city, CSX and the residents in general,” said Councilman Corey Givens, Jr., who represents District 7.

    Once approved by the city council, Givens says St. Pete will purchase the nearly mile-long tract of land for $1 million.

    Ellison Developers will kick in another $2 million and Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar, will contribute $4 million to create the trail. The city will then lease portions back to the businesses for 99 years.

    “This is an opportunity for us to connect First Avenue South with Fifth Avenue North along the Pinellas County Trail,” said Givens. “There will also be an opportunity for you to eat along that trail, for you to live along that trail, there’s so many new developments that’re happening along this area.”

    The goal is to create a kind of “live work play” area around this trail and Tropicana Field, something Ferg’s owner Mark Ferguson believes may keep the coveted Rays around a bit longer.

    “It was a hard decision, but you look over 99 years, what’s going to happen to that area, it’s only going up. This will be a great other factor bringing more people downtown, in a safer and healthier way,” Ferguson said.  

    Givens says the city plans to use “in town community redevelopment area” tax dollars to fund the city’s million-dollar stake. That money, Givens says, could sunset as early as 2032.

    “As I walk this railroad, I feel like I’m walking the steps of my own history,” said Givens.

    The councilman is the fourth generation of his family to live in St Pete. He says his great-great-grandfather laid rail in the area. To be at the forefront of the redevelopment means so much more than any political talking point.

    “For so long, this area has been blighted, it’s been unkept, and this is an opportunity for us to have more than just parking spaces,” Givens said.

    “Just like the Beltline in Atlanta, the more trails you have, the more people will use them. More people will be off the roads and more people into businesses,” Ferguson said.

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    Andy Cole

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  • Manatee County agencies providing Thanksgiving meals

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Food banks across the Bay area are helping people in need this Thanksgiving.

    Today, dozens of volunteers in Manatee County are handing out warm meals.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dozens of volunteers in Manatee County are handing out warm meals

    • Meals on Wheels Plus plans on handing out food to more than 400 seniors

    • Food Bank of Manatee County said that during one of their recent events, they gave away more than 700 frozen turkeys and sides to families in need

    The nonprofit, Meals on Wheels Plus plans on handing out food to more than 400 seniors.

    That includes all the regular meal fixings and dessert.

    The organization says they are met with more people needing food every year, so all throughout this week the organization held events to help make sure families had enough for a meal today.

    Meanwhile, the Food Bank of Manatee County said that during one of their recent events, they gave away more than 700 frozen turkeys and sides to families in need.

    Officials said that while they serve families in need every year, there were additional challenges this year. those include the government shutdown and just the overall rising costs of living. 

    “This year, well, this year, I would say it just continues,” said Maribeth Phillips, Manatee’s Meals on Wheels Plus president. “The need continues, and the increased need continues. And that is because of the cost of food. It’s because of the cost of rent and the cost of all kinds of inflationary factors.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Winston-Salem church hosts community meal on Thanksgiving Day

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Jasmine Crawford is among the 50 volunteers that helped make hundreds of meals for the community at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem Thursday.

    “It’s always a blessing to be a blessing,” said Crawford, owner of Jasmine’s Kitchen and Catering.

    The spread included a variety of food, including chicken, green beans, mac and cheese and dessert.

    “We have some apple pie,” Crawford said. “Cinnamon apple pie. We have some sweet potato pie. Also, very delicious.”

    Church members were inspired to create this meal giveaway following the recent government shutdown, where millions of Americans faced food insecurities due to a lack of funding for SNAP benefits.

    “We wanted to be a blessing to any and all within our community, and so this was our way of doing just that,” said Pastor Brandon Helton of Piney Grove Baptist Church.

    Crawford has run her own catering company for seven years. She felt a calling to help her church feed those in need this Thanksgiving. 

    “Nobody wants to sit around a table and think that somebody is not eating today,” Crawford said. “This is something that has been placed on my heart to do. I love cooking, so when I can cook for other people, that’s even better.”

    Any leftovers from the lunch are donated to nearby food shelters. Organizers are hoping to make this an annual event. 

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    Zach Tucker

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  • St. Pete launches holiday challenge to boost small businesses

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This week marks the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

    On Tuesday, St. Petersburg launched a program aimed at driving shoppers to local businesses.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg launched its Holiday Biz Bingo in the ‘Burg challenge on Tuesday

    • Shoppers can pick up bingo cards at participating stores and get credit for visiting different types of spots and taking part in activities. People who get five stickers in a row can win city-branded prizes

    • Mayor Ken Welch said the challenge was created to help businesses struggling with post-hurricane and economic difficulties

    • The marketing, tickets, and promotion manager with Daddy Kool Records said she thinks the program is a good idea to support local businesses, which she says will benefit the community as a whole


    “These are probably our biggest weeks of the year,” said Ashley Griffith, marketing, tickets, and promotion manager for Daddy Kool Records. “I mean, we have Record Store Day in April, which is very, very big for us, but a lot of our store just relies on Christmas and holiday sales.”

    Daddy Kool is one of the businesses participating in Holiday Biz Bingo in the ‘Burg. Shoppers can pick up Bingo cards at participating businesses and mark off activities and items at places they visit. The goal is to get people to stop at as many local spots as possible. Griffith said they could use the help.

    “We’ve had a difficult year, some may say. We kind of all have in St. Petersburg,” she said.

    Griffith said the store’s relocation from Central Avenue to The Factory St. Pete on Fairfield Avenue South impacted foot traffic, but it faced other challenges as well.

    “You have the ease of Amazon, you have the ease of Target, you have the ease of all these bigger corporations who are kind of affecting and hurting the local business economy,” she said.

    Mayor Ken Welch and Rep. Kathy Castor were among the elected officials who visited Daddy Kool and other participating businesses to launch the challenge. Welch said struggles facing local establishments sparked the creation of Biz Bingo.

    “We’re a year into the recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and a lot of our small businesses are still recovering,” he said.

    On top of that, Castor said tariffs, the rising cost of living, and the potential for increased health insurance costs are other hurdles businesses face.

    “In St. Pete, we know small businesses are the backbone of the economy,” Castor said. “We don’t have a lot of large corporations, Fortune 500 companies. What makes our economy go are the small business owners who hustle every day.”

    As for what kind of boost the holiday shopping season can provide, predictions are mixed. The National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 187 million people will shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. That would be an all-time record. A Deloitte consumer survey also found more people are expected to shop but that spending will be down by about four percent.

    Griffith said one reason shoppers should choose local rather than big box stores or online retailers — it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

    “All of the money we make here, it goes into our hard-working staff, it goes right back into the local music scene, and it stays within the St. Pete economy,” she said.

    Castor also noted that $68 of every $100 spent locally stays local.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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