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Tag: Community news

  • Changes to FEMA maps could mean Clearwater residents will need flood insurance

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Hundreds of Clearwater homes could be added to special flood hazard areas on FEMA maps. That would mean some homeowners would be newly required to buy flood insurance. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Changes may be coming to FEMA flood insurance rate maps for the Alligator Creek Watershed

    • Clearwater’s floodplain administrator says 369 buildings in the city are added to the special flood hazard area on the preliminary maps, while 203 others are removed

    • Homeowners added to the hazard area with federally backed loans or a mortgage would be required to get flood insurance

    • A 90-day comment period on the preliminary maps is expected later this year


    “This is very similar to what we currently have,” Clearwater Floodplain Administrator Gene Henry said of the preliminary maps.

    Henry said the city started gathering data for the updated flood insurance rate maps five years ago. That information was passed on to FEMA, which created the new maps. 

    “You’ll get this blue area, and that’s called the special flood hazard area,” Henry said, gesturing to one of the maps. “So, there are going to be changes on people’s properties.”

    According to Henry, the preliminary maps for the Alligator Creek Watershed add 369 buildings in the city to that hazard area, while another 203 would be removed.

    “It’s better data. So, more accuracy,” Henry said of the reason for the changes. “They’ve got the LIDAR now, they’ve got better contour interval information.”

    Clearwater Floodplain Administrator Gene Henry said that the owners of any homes added who have a federally backed loan or a mortgage will now need to get flood insurance. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    Henry said that the owners of any homes added who have a federally backed loan or a mortgage will now need to get flood insurance. Residents outside the hazard areas can learn from the updated maps about spots around them that are now in the hazard areas.

    “The orange areas are the .2%, or what we call the 500-year. Flood insurance is not required, but if someone would ask me, I would say get the low-risk policy,” Henry said. “That flood hazard area may not have been there before, or it may not have gone down that street, but you saw the water there in Milton, or you saw it in one of the other events. So, the models pick it up because we have to know that.”

    Henry told Spectrum News the city has time to work through what the maps mean for residents. A 90-day comment period will be held later this year for residents and businesses to weigh in on the maps and let the city know if they think any of the changes are incorrect. That will be passed on to FEMA for consideration. The city also created a website where residents can enter their address and see if they’re impacted by the changes.

    Sarah Blazonis

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  • SpaceX launches 8th flight of U.S. Space Force’s Orbital Test Vehicle

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — SpaceX successfully launched the USSF-36 mission Thursday evening, the eighth flight of U.S. Space Force’s X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle and third Falcon launch of the spacecraft, which previously launched OTV-5 and OTV-7.

    The space company’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 11:50 p.m. on Aug. 21 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 35% -> 20% of poor liftoff conditions, with the primary concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and anvil cloud rules.

    According to SpaceX, this was the sixth flight for the first-stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched:

    Following the stage separation, the first stage landed on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which means surrounding areas likely heard a sonic boom. 

    SpaceX issued a Sonic Boom Advisory Wednesday afternoon for residents in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. One or more sonic booms may be heard during the landing, the company said, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions. 

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Winston-Salem school nurse says staffing shortages continue to rise

    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Across North Carolina, schools continue to struggle with staffing shortages — from teachers and cafeteria workers to bus drivers and school nurses. Stephanie Smith, a school nurse at Carver High School in Winston-Salem, has experienced those shortages firsthand.

         What You Need To Know

    • Across North Carolina, schools continue to struggle with staffing shortages — from teachers and cafeteria workers to bus drivers and school nurses

    • Stephanie Smith has experienced those shortages and has worked as a school nurse for the last 15 years

    • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports the state’s teacher attrition rate during the 2023-24 school year was 9.88%. That’s down from 11.5% the year before, but still above the seven-year average of 8.64%
    • Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green has pushed for higher teacher pay as part of his legislative agenda
    • As of April, the state reported an average starting teacher salary of just under $43,000, ranking North Carolina 39th in the country
    • The average teacher salary is just over $58,000, ranking 43rd in the nation


    Smith began her career in public health, but after having her first child, she switched paths.

    “A school nurse position came available the summer before he started kindergarten, and that seemed like a fantastic fit,” Smith said. “I really enjoyed working with kids. I had been previously working with first-time moms and babies and really enjoyed that population of like young kids.”

    She’s been working as a school nurse for 15 years, but she says staffing challenges have changed the way she works.

    “We have had some increase in positions available, but not necessarily an equal increase in staffing for those positions,” Smith said. “Some years there’s no increase in positions and we have turnover in staff.”

    When she started at Carver, Smith was full time at the school. Now, she splits her time between two schools.

    “We had a significant amount of assignment changes and needs for schools like new schools being built, additional schools being built, and need for more school nurses,” Smith said.

    Smith says part of the demand comes from the rise in chronic health conditions among students.

    “The national standard is for there to be one school nurse in every school, and that doesn’t exist in this county,” Smith said.

    The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction reports the state’s teacher attrition rate during the 2023-24 school year was 9.88%. That’s down from 11.5% the year before, but still above the seven-year average of 8.64%.

    Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green has pushed for higher teacher pay as part of his legislative agenda.

    As of April, the state reported an average starting teacher salary of just under $43,000, ranking North Carolina 39th in the country. The average teacher salary is just over $58,000, ranking 43rd in the nation.

    Smith says the pay challenges aren’t limited to teachers.

    “There is a significant difference in what nurses specifically are paid as school nurses versus as nurses in the private sector or in some other areas of public sector,” Smith said.

    The shortages have sometimes forced teachers to step into roles outside of the classroom.

    “I’m sure it is defeating and disappointing for them because they would love to be able to focus their time and energy on their teaching and helping these kids learn and grow,” Smith said.

    Even with the challenges, Smith says she finds the work fulfilling.

    “The passion for me is being able to see the difference that I can make, not just in one day and one visit with the student, but across their entire lifetime,” Smith said.

     

    Ashley Van Havere

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  • Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue repainted to meet state standards

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Calling it a “cruel political act,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is speaking out after the Florida Department of Transportation repainted a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Orlando overnight, which honored the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub attack.

    However, the crosswalk was repainted to meet state standards after FDOT issued a memorandum in June stating that “all traffic control devices, including pavement surface markings, be compliant with the FDOT Design Manual and the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways, on all public roads, as applicable.”

    “This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation’s largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data or discussion, is a cruel political act,” Dyer said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

    According to the memo, “non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly contribute to traffic safety or control can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety.

    Examples of non-compliant surface pavement would include any pavement markings that do not meet the color, shape or dimensions provided in the MUTCD or FDOT Standard Plans … or other pavement surface art that is associated with social, political, or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control.”

    However, Dyer argues that it enhances safety and visibility for pedestrians visiting the Pulse memorial, and says it was approved by FDOT when it was installed in 2017. 

    “While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk, our community’s commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver,” he said on Facebook.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Grand Prix of St. Petersburg adding truck series race in 2026

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be bigger next year.

    NASCAR announced Wednesday that St. Pete will host a Craftsman Truck Series race on February 28.

    This will be the first time the NASCAR truck series races on a street course.

    “What a great new racing addition to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to include the NASCAR trucks into Saturday’s show next year,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “Saturday will be packed for our fans with entertainment. We have INDYCAR qualifying and now an historic first with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. And, as usual, it all culminates on Sunday with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg.”

    Tickets for the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will go on sale this fall. Ongoing event updates will be posted at gpstpete.com.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Is St. Pete closer to eliminating their food desert?

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A community grocery store could be steps closer to being a reality in South St. Pete. A group of organizers met with city leaders on Thursday to discuss a possible solution to the food desert in the area.

    Based on reactions from city leaders, there’s a strong possibility something like this could happen, but this is still in the infancy stages.

    What You Need To Know

    • A group of organizers met with St. Petersburg city leaders on Thursday to discuss a possible solution to the food desert in the area
    • One Community Co-op founding member Brother John Muhammad said idea of having a community-centered grocery store was born after the area’s only grocery store closed in Tangerine Plaza eight years ago and never returned

    • City leaders seem to be strongly considering this option, but there are several questions that remain, like location, funding and sustainability

    • One of the council members said she spoke with the developers of Tangerine Plaza, and they have secured a grocer. There are still a lot of steps for that process, but it’s something that could nix the conversation completely


    The option up for discussion at the Health, Energy, Resiliency and Sustainability Committee meeting Thursday was the co-op proposal.

    “A co-op is a business model where you have community residents who are the owners and operators. It’s basically just people who collectively work together to create a business,” said One Community Co-op founding member Brother John Muhammad. “The member owners would be the ones who determine what the products are in there. So, as a co-operative grocery store, are we going to sell processed food? Are we selling alcohol? So, you have more control over the products, the pricing and the investments being made.”

    Muhammad said this idea of having a community-centered grocery store was born after the area’s only grocery store closed in Tangerine Plaza eight years ago, and never returned. It left behind a food desert with no healthy food for miles.

    “We saw Sweetbay come and we saw them leave,” Muhammad said. “We saw Walmart come, we saw them leave, and it was like, ‘Okay, how do we address this? Do we wait on another Superman to come in, or another superhero, or do we organize our community?’”

    City leaders seem to be strongly considering this option, but there are several questions that remain, like location, funding and sustainability.

    The now-vacant Historic Manhattan Casino, slated to be an event space, was mentioned as a possibility, and so was Tangerine Plaza. Earlier this year, the city awarded the Sugar Hill Group to redevelop Tangerine Plaza.

    “Right now, Sugar Hill, they have the development rights for Tangerine Plaza and so Tangerine Plaza has always been the focal point for this conversation, because a lot of these conversations started happening when Walmart, who was a tenant, left,” Muhammad said.

    Since they’ve been gone, Muhammad said their co-op group has stepped up with pop-up grocery shops and so have others like Positive Impact St. Pete.

    “We meet the need in South St. Pete. The need is extremely great. Every single Saturday, our organization provides food for nearly 3,000 individuals,” said Positive Impact St. Pete Executive Director Karen Rae.

    Rae said she likes some of the ideas the co-op presented, but after eight years of watching a community in need, she’s hoping for a faster solution.

    “I’m proposing that we work together to meet the need today. That we don’t wait on government assistance, but the individuals who have a heart for the hungry, step up and partner with positive impact where we can open a neighborhood market tomorrow,” she said.

    There’s no real timeline of funding for Rae’s proposal-and the co-op plan is still up in the air too.

    In the meeting, one of the council members said she spoke with the developers of Tangerine Plaza, and they have secured a grocer. There are still a lot of steps for that process, but it’s something that could nix the conversation completely.

    After eight years of waiting, the people invested in the community said they want to keep all options on the table until the healthy food need is met.

    Saundra Weathers

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  • Metro BrigAIDe back up and running after AmeriCorps cuts

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Metro BrigAIDe program is a part of Metropolitan Ministries.

    They travel around Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties looking for those experiencing homelessness so they can help.

    However, earlier this year, they were forced to shut down temporarily.

    For people like Nelson Doland, who had been previously helped by the program, he said it’s upsetting to see.

    “If it wasn’t for them, I’d still be at the soup kitchen, probably sweating to death,” he said in sign language.

    Metro BrigAIDe Associate Director Ethan Weilant said their entire team is passionate about helping people like Doland.

    Since 2018, Metro BrigAIDe has helped thousands of people gain access to the resources they need.

    “The main thing we’re trying to do is housing, and so a really good way to create initial connection with individuals is by having some kind of good that we can hand out,” Weilant said.

    In late April, Metropolitan Ministries was told it would no longer receive funding through AmeriCorps.

    With 20 members of the BrigAIDe team funded through AmeriCorps, Weilant said they had to pause services to reorganize.

    “People felt that we weren’t there,” he said. “The phone lines started adding up. We got tons of calls from the hotline. We had agencies reaching out, seeing if we were able to help them, and we had to tell them we’re doing as much as we can right now, but we have a really limited team.”

    10 Metro BrigAIDe positions were revived after the cuts.

    Three for Hillsborough County, three for Pasco, and four for Pinellas.

    According to Metropolitan Ministries, AmeriCorps contracts were reinstated in late July.

    However, they said that since the Metro BrigAIDe program was reorganized due to the original cuts, they’ve decided not to apply for the 2026 fiscal year, citing the volatility of the funding.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Toxins in water put pause on Pasco scallop season

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland axe-throwing restaurant to close, citing downtown construction impact

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland’s first and only axe-throwing restaurant is permanently closing its doors this weekend after owners say downtown construction hurt their business.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ax-Caliber is closing permanently this weekend after a sharp drop in business, which the owners attribute to construction for Publix’s new I.T. campus

    • The owners say street closures and reduced foot traffic have led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue

    • Ax-Caliber’s last day is this Saturday, July 26


    Joyce Woodrow said each day is becoming more surreal as she takes inventory of what’s left inside her restaurant.

    “I can’t believe it. I still can’t believe it,” she said. “It’s like every time I come in here to work, to meet our customers, our employees and I keep counting, ‘We only have these many days left.’ It’s very heart breaking.”

    Woodrow and her husband first opened Ax-Caliber in downtown Lakeland in 2020. Over the past five years, they’ve weathered a lot — from the pandemic to a shifting economy.

    But Woodrow says things didn’t start to take a real turn for the worse until a sudden drop in foot traffic going into March — just around the time Publix began preparing to renovate two buildings for its new I.T. campus.

    “A lot of the employees weren’t coming in for lunch and so we had to discontinue our lunch times and opening until two in the afternoon and the evenings,” Woodrow said.

    Soon after preparations started, the Cty of Lakeland shut down portions of East Orange Street and surrounding roads. Since then, Woodrow said the restaurant has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.

    She said they’ve done everything they can to offset the losses — including giving up half the building to the landlord, reducing staff, and cutting down the menu.

    “But it’s hard to fight to continue moving forward when things are out of your control,” Woodrow said. “I mean we cannot control the street closures, we can’t control the lack for foot traffic, we can’t control the accessibility. We can only control what we’re dealing with.” 

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to Publix and the City of Lakeland several times regarding Woodrow’s claims but has not received a response. However, Woodrow she’s not trying to place blame. Instead, she wants to shed light on the impact large companies can have on small businesses.

    “A lot of these larger businesses are great to have. We need them to sustain our city, but I think the smaller ones are the ones that keep us going,” she said. 

    Based on the interactions between the customers and Woodrow, there is a shared feeling of disappointment that a small business has to shut its doors.

    Ax-Caliber’s last day is this Saturday, July 26. Woodrow says they’ll also be hosting a “going out of business” sale on Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m.

    Alexis Jones

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  • Polk County track team fundraises to compete at Junior Olympics

    AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Athletes across the Tampa Bay area are gearing up for the National Junior Olympic Games.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pressure Track and Field, a Polk County-based nonprofit, is sending its largest group ever to the National Junior Olympic Games



    • The team is working to raise $3,500 by next week to cover travel, food, and lodging expenses, lifting the financial burden off families



    • Pressure will host its final fundraiser this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Walmart on U.S. 92 in Auburndale




    This year, the event will be held in Houston, Texas, but one Polk County team is in need of some help in getting there.

    Twelve-year-old Shamyra Ellison joined Polk County Pressure Track and Field in 2022. Since then, she’s been invited to compete in the National Junior Olympic Games three times.

    But this year, she’ll be joined by 14 of her teammates — the largest group ever to come out of the nonprofit.

    “It really shows how dedicated we are to making it,” Ellison said.

    To prepare for nationals, Ellison and her teammates practice several days a week. While they push through the heat, their coaches are working to make sure every child gets to go.

    Pressure Track and Field started in 2019 to provide students in predominantly Black neighborhoods with new opportunities and positive ways to stay active.

    Head coach David Hicks says each year, the nonprofit strives to cover the cost for athletes to compete in the Junior Olympics, taking the financial burden off parents.

    “Some of these parents have three, four kids on the track team. So just imagine trying to get two tickets,” he said. “Hopefully with doing this, this segment here, fundraising, we’re able to get these 15 kids to nationals.”

    Coach Hicks says the goal is to raise $3,500 by next week to help pay for transportation, food and lodging.

    As for Ellison, she says she wouldn’t have made it this far without her coaches’ determination.

    “I don’t know what I would do without my coaches,” she said. “Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am now. They’ve really helped me through this.”

    And with a little help from the community, she says they’ll be able to get her across the finish line.

    Pressure Track and Field will host its final fundraiser Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Walmart on U.S. 92 in Auburndale.

    Alexis Jones

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  • Palm Harbor turns 100, plans celebration

    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Palm Harbor is celebrating its 100th birthday.

    On July 15, 1925, the city’s official name was changed from Sutherland to Palm Harbor. This weekend, city leaders will celebrate a full century under that name with multiple events.

    • Commemorative Proclamation, 10 a.m., Palm Harbor Museum
    • Family-Friendly Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Harbor Hall and historic White Chapel, with local vendors, food trucks, nonprofit organizations
    • City Celebration, 6 p.m., Pop Stansell Park, with live music, food, fireworks

    “We are so excited,” said Nancy McKibben, a Pinellas County coordinator who represents unincorporated county communities. “We have a wonderful history here.”

    There will also be a pop-up exhibit depicting the community’s history, developed by the Palm Harbor Museum.

    Jeff Butera

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  • The Cortez Stone Crab Fishing Festival cancelling this year; businesses react

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Typically, Florida’s festival scene is vibrant with options.

    But this year, some local festivals are having to make a tough decision as hurricane recovery continues.

    What You Need To Know

    • On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states: “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    • Local vendors rely on the Stone Crab Fishing Festival as it brings in needed revenue
    • Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars

    • In the same Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Fishing Festival says they are planning a mini stone crab celebration this fall

    The Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival announced on its Facebook page that this year’s festival is being cancelled.

    That affects not only festival-goers but also the vendors who serve them.

    Vendors relied heavily on the Cortez Stone Crab Festival every year as it brings in needed revenue.

    But with the festival cancelled, businesses that were already still trying to recover from last year’s storms now find themselves taking another hit.

    For Travis Roy, baking is his business. He co-owns Breezy Bakery in Cortez.

    Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars.

    “That was money we were never able to recoup,” he said.

    It was a huge loss because of food going bad and a dip in sales from being closed.

    They also saw fewer customers after the storms.

    “And even with the loans, it’s still a loan and we still have to pay that back. So, we are still fighting and struggling,” he said.

    That’s why Roy relies on local events and festivals to ramp up business and income.

    So when he heard the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was being cancelled this year, he says it was disappointing.

    “It helps out. It allows us to live, really. We’re definitely not the most high-volume place, but it definitely gives us a more relaxing month when it comes to the bills and keeping the place going and running,” he said.

    On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states:

    “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    But they go on to post about a plan for a mini stone crab celebration this fall.

    “It’s something we love doing, and we love being a part of it,” Roy said.

    So whenever the festival returns, he’ll be there.

    He says that for him, community support goes a long way.

    Last year’s Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was also cancelled because of the hurricanes.

    Julia Hazel

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  • P.A.C.K. Camp returns for 28th year in Pasco County

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — For the 28th year, P.A.C.K. Camp is back in Pasco County.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pasco Association for Challenged Kids takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t take

    • Founders Paula and Barry Cohen started the camp in 1997 for their son

    • Due to rising costs, P.A.C.K. is accepting donations


    P.A.C.K. stands for the Pasco Association for Challenged Kids. It’s an annual summer camp that takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t take.

    Paula and Barry Cohen started the camp originally for their son Gregory, who is autistic, in 1997.

    “The reason we need to keep going is we take the kids who aren’t potty trained. Who aren’t verbal, who can be aggressive, who can run away. So the camp is really for those kids because they really can’t go anywhere else and be safe,” Paula said.

    The camp is now held for three weeks at Pepin Academies in New Port Richey. More than 40 campers enrolled this year.

    Campers take part in a variety of activities that help them have a fun summer, like any other kid at camp.

    P.A.C.K. receives state funding, but due to the rising costs for supplies and activities, they rely on donations to keep costs down for families and to make their budget.

    Tim Wronka

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  • State grants $1.2M towards rebuilding Anna Maria City Pier

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It will cost millions of dollars, but city officials say it’s worth it to restore what they call an island icon after Hurricane Milton destroyed Anna Maria City Pier.

    Last week, the state budget allocated $1.2 million in funding toward rebuilding the entire pier.

     What You Need To Know

    • Officials say the state budget allocated $1.2 million in funding toward rebuilding the entire Anna Maria City Pier

    • The mayor of Anna Maria says officials are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding

    • The mayor explains that the goal reopening date for Anna Maria Pier is late fall 2026

    Officials say the pier could cost up to $9 million to repair. That might seem like a lot, but many islanders — including the ones who used to work here — say it’s worth it to bring a piece of the island back.

    But officials say just last week the city learned it will receive $1.2 million from the state that will go toward rebuilding the pier. That will only cover some of the overall cost, though.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short told Spectrum Bay News 9 the most costly part is rebuilding the infrastructure and walkway.

    The mayor says the city is still finishing up the demolition process, but that it’s important to reopen the pier because “the pier is iconic. It’s one of the most visited places in all of Manatee County,” he said.

    The mayor of Anna Maria says officials are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding. The goal reopening date for Anna Maria City Pier is late fall 2026.

    An island local’s reaction

    Destiny Brown works as a cashier at Anna Maria General Store for the summer.

    She’s been forced to make ends meet. She used to work as a cashier and social media manager at City Pier Grill, a restaurant on Anna Maria City Pier. Last October, Hurricane Milton destroyed the pier — and the job she held full time for five years was gone, leaving her searching.

    “There was an open house for Manatee County, the school district, and I went there and got a teacher aide position pretty shortly after. So that’s what I started doing. And now I’m going to be an English teacher at King Middle,” she said.

    But before the school district hired her, life was a little rocky.

    “It was very important to me. I worked there every day,” she said. “I immediately applied for government help. That’s why I started looking for a job immediately. We were really worried.”

    And so are many others who loved Anna Maria City Pier.

    It could cost between $6 and $9 million to repair the entire pier, including the restaurant — an investment Brown says is worth it.

    “It’s just a local legend back, basically. So that’s going to be awesome seeing everyone back to fishing in the area,” she said.

    Rebuilding isn’t simple — but a symbol like the city pier being restored would bring hope to Brown and her island community.

    Julia Hazel

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  • Horace West leads Haines City youth football programs for decades

    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Youth league football is a big deal in the Polk County community of Haines City.

    There is one name that is synonymous with that. It is Horace West. The former mayor of Haines City has dedicated decades to making sure young athletes get a chance to play the sport they love.

    West is now affiliated with the Haines City Vipers, a youth football program he started. West got his start in local youth football by starting the Haines City Rattlers in 1991.

    Over the years, he has started about 20 other football programs in other local communities. He also started a youth football conference with dozens of teams.

    These days, West is more of an advisor rather than a coach.

    “I’m old enough to be everybody’s dad or grandfather, so I just give them advice,” said West.

    West has helped to mentor several players who ended up playing in the NFL. That includes Los Angeles Chargers’ safety Derwin James. For West, the goal of football is bigger than just athletics.

    “Because we are trying to teach young boys how to be young men. So that’s the key,” he said.

    West’s coaches put their players through tough practices and hope for success in games. But respect is more important.

    “The coaches talk to them like drill sergeants, but they understand they can’t use profanity, touch them in any harsh way or anything like that,” West said.

    West said he wants to make sure that the football program has longevity. So, he is always looking for new community members to get involved.

    “My philosophy is that you have to recreate yourself. You have to reinvent yourself every so many years,” he said. “Because if you don’t, the program dies with the people who ran it.”

    Rick Elmhorst

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  • New pilot program aims to repair Polk County homes after disasters

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Just off of East Main Street, George and Diane Flood have seen their fair share of storms over the last 30 years.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new pilot program is helping repair homes for Polk County’s most vulnerable residents—including low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners

    • George and Diane Flood benefited from the program after their insurance claim was denied following damage from Hurricane Milton

    • The initiative, led by Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, is currently repairing 12 homes and aims to become a permanent solution for Polk County


    “Charley — that’s the only time that we really had it so bad that we had to use the insurance, but the other times it’s been just tree limbs or something like,” Diane said.

    That was until Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to their roof and ceiling. Diane says their insurance company denied their claim due to the age of the roof. The couple eventually had to take matters into their own hands — which they said was no easy feat.

    “It was the emotion of August happening, and we’re on a fixed income and we only get so much money every month,” Diane said. “Even the roofing companies that we were trying to reach out to, it was like… the cost of it every month, you just can’t add another bill on top what you’re already trying to struggle to pay anyhow.”

    Luckily, Diane says they were referred to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s (RTGFL) Disaster Readiness and Recovery Program. The new initiative helps repair and fortify homes for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents at no cost to them.

    “They replaced the whole roof, but that flat roof was where the main issue was at and so they got that taken care of,” George said, pointing at a portion of their roof.

    The Floods’ house is just one of 12 homes included in the pilot project. CEO of RTGFL, Jose Garcia, says his team brought their services to Polk County after local leaders expressed a need.

    “Polk County is one of the counties that is experiencing great growth, which means existing housing needs that need to be resolved to make sure it stays affordable for present generations,” Garcia said. “So, we want to make sure the homeowners are safe and can stay at their home, especially in this growth.”

    As for Diane and George, they’re grateful to have a stable roof over their heads once again.

    “The rainfall sounds a whole lot better when you can sit and enjoy it,” Diane said.

    The pilot program is funded by several foundations, corporations, and municipalities. Rebuilding Together hopes to make it a permanent resource for Polk County residents.

    Alexis Jones

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  • Local church leaders call for justice after incident involving Bartow officer

    BARTOW, Fla. — African Methodist Episcopal (AME) churches across the Tampa Bay area are calling for justice after they say one of their leaders was racially profiled and harassed by a Bartow police officer.  

    Pastor Don’Tavius Sanders of St. James AME Church stood beside fellow leaders as they spoke in his defense on Thursday.

    Leaders say Pastor Sanders was driving from the church around 1:37 a.m. Sunday following a memorial service when Bartow police officer Darren Freeman pulled him over for a broken license plate light.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pastor Don’tavius Sanders was pulled over by a Bartow police officer, who leaders say searched his vehicle without cause and called in a K-9 unit

    • AME church leaders from across the Tampa Bay area are calling for justice and demanding changes to the Bartow Police Department’s procedures.

    • Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker acknowledged the situation could have been handled better, apologized to Pastor Sanders, and said he’s investigating the incident.


    They say Freeman forcefully searched Sanders’ vehicle for narcotics without cause and called in a K-9 unit for backup. Nothing was found, and no citations were issued — leaving Marvin Zanders II, the presiding bishop of the 11th Episcopal District, with questions.

    “What would precipitate in the mind of this officer that a K-9 unit is needed at this venue?” he said. “If you search my name, you see I have no outstanding warrants, no priors dealing with drugs, or any of those other things.”

    Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker agrees the incident could have been handled differently and believes communication played a role. He says Officer Freeman is new to the job and may have been scared at the time.

    According to a police report, Freeman said he attempted to issue two citations for Sanders’ tag light and window tint, but the option to print the citations was unavailable on E-Cite. While the use of a K-9 unit during the traffic stop was permissible under the law, Chief Walker says he has since modified the department’s policy.

    “To make it more stringent — that there has to be something articulable that you can say, that there’s a nexus to narcotics or paraphernalia, or the subject has it,” he said.

    Walker says he is also investigating the incident between Officer Freeman and Pastor Sanders. He even spoke with Sanders after Thursday’s press conference to express his dedication to the case.

    “I take it seriously. I want you to know that. And by all means, I apologize to you for how you were treated,” he said. “I do welcome you to the table.”

    Pastor Sanders accepted Walker’s apology and invitation, but says he wants to see more.

    “It’s going to take more than words for me. It’s going to take more than words, so I want to see it in action,” Sanders said.

    He and other AME leaders are urging the chief to implement body and dash cameras. They’re also calling for better sensitivity and de-escalation training to ensure what happened to Pastor Sanders doesn’t happen again.

    Chief Walker says he is looking into making body and dash cams a reality and plans to implement additional changes to the department’s policies.

    Alexis Jones

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

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

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

    All events take place on July 4 unless otherwise stated.
     

    Citrus County

    • Patriotic Evening
      July 3, 5 p.m. | Liberty Park
      The city of Inverness will be hosting its annual fireworks show over Lake Henderson. The event will feature musical performances by Mock of Ages: The Ultimate Def Leppard Tribute and Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols. There will also be vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
    • 4th of July Celebration
      4 p.m. | Kings Bay Park
      Join the city of Crystal River for a 4th of July celebration. Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, games, kids’ activities and a fireworks show over Kings Bay.

     

    Hernando County

     

    Hillsborough County

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

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

     

    Manatee County

     

    Pasco County

    Pinellas County

    • The Fourth
      July 4, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Spa Beach Park & Family Park on the St Pete Pier 
      July 5, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Spa Beach Park & Throughout St Pete Pier
      The city of St. Petersburg’s annual fireworks show returns with live performances, vendors, food trucks and a family fun zone. Fireworks will be visible from the entire downtown waterfront. (Note: activities vary each day)
    • Clearwater Celebrates America 2024
      5 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Coachman Park
      There will be a free, patriotic performance throughout Coachman Park. Guests can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities and live music.
    • Treasure Island 4th of July Fireworks
      9 p.m. | Treasure Island Beach
      Celebrate America by watching fireworks light up the sky over Treasure Island Beach. The best viewing areas will be near the Gulf Front Park area of the beach located at 10400 Gulf Blvd.
    • 4th of July Parade & Celebration
      10 a.m. | James Ernst Park
      The event, presented by the Town of Kenneth City and the Kenneth City Police Department, features a day of food, live music, vendors and more. The parade starts at Gabe’s 46th Avenue North and 66th Street North, then down 46th Avenue North to James Ernst Park.
    • 4th of July Picnic in Craig Park
      10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Craig Park
      Bring the family to enjoy live music, a water slide, live music, inflatables, lawn games and more.
    • The city of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration
      10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Tomlinson Park
      Officials stated that due to extensive damage sustained in the downtown area, the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show is canceled. The city will instead host a 4th of July Community Parade and Picnic at Tomlinson Park. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a viewing spot. There will be live music, food, children’s activities and more.

    Polk County

     

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

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Protesters gather across Central Florida for nationwide demonstration

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of protests took place nationwide Saturday in what organizers called “No Kings Day.”

    The protests come in response to President Donald Trump’s military birthday parade. 

    Organizers said they want to defend democracy. Several people rallied in cities across Central Florida to participate in the demonstrations.

    Take a look at our photo gallery below:

    One demonstration got underway in Orlando late Saturday afternoon.

    “This is time for us to come together as a country and we need to heal, we need to work together,” attendee Sandra Henry said.

    Also part of the crowd, Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani of Orange County.

    “The energy is wonderful,” she said. “I mean this is such a reflection of who we are as central Floridians.”

    Eskamani also said she is using this time to enhance voter registration efforts.

    Other cities in Central Florida also saw demonstrations, including where Casselberry hundreds of people showed up Saturday morning.

    “There are more of us than there are of them,” attendee Beth Reeser said.

    The Orlando demonstration is expected to run until 7:30 p.m.

    As those protests took place, supporters of President Trump came together to celebrate Flag Day, as well as President Trump’s 79th birthday.

    “I just believe that we should be out here showing support for our president, because a nation divided cannot stand, that is Abraham Lincoln’s words,” Madeira Beach resident Matthew Harris said. “I’m a good conservative. I don’t call myself Republican, I don’t call myself anything. I’m a patriot, whoever is good for our country, that’s who I vote for.”

    Devin Martin, Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Mallory Nicholls, Curtis McCloud

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  • Juneteenth celebrations across Tampa Bay for 2025

    TAMPA, Fla. — Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, became a federal holiday after former President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021.

    The day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free — two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863.

    Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to reflect and recognize achievements in the African American community. Here’s a look at the festivities that will be taking place around Tampa Bay.

    Citrus County

    Hernando County

    Hillsborough County

    • City of Tampa Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony and Festival
      Friday, June 13, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | City Center at Hanna Avenue
      Join Mayor Jane Castor and community members as they gather to raise the Juneteenth flag. There will be free food and various vendors.
    • Juneteenth Cultural Celebration
      Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art
      Prepare for a community celebration featuring art-making activities, live music and performances, photobooth experience, gallery discussions, local vendors, and more.
    • Arts Legacy Remix
      Monday, June 16, 7:30 p.m. | Straz Center – Jaeb Theater
      Arts Legacy Remix celebrates the different cultures and talented local artists who reside in the Tampa Bay area. The group is putting on its fifth annual Juneteenth commemoration, featuring spoken remembrances, writings of historical importance and an original performance of music, poetry and dance.
    • Tampa Police Juneteenth Summer Block Party
      Thursday, June 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Perry Harvey Sr. Park
      This event will feature local vendors, nonprofits, special recognitions and raffles. 
    • Juneteenth Film Celebration
      Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. | Tampa Theatre
      The film celebration will exhibit local Tampa Bay area films, filmmakers and actors. There will be several previews, short films and features showcased at the event. The event is free, but requires pre-registration online. 
    • Tampa Bay Juneteenth Festival
      June 16 – 21, 2:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium
      This is a multi-day festival featuring a youth summit, a “Cultural Couture Ball,” a public discussion about issues within the community, a family fun day at Topgolf and celebration featuring DJs, vendors and dance performances. The events are free, but it is a ticketed event.

    Manatee County

    Pasco County

    Pinellas County

    Polk County

    DeJanae Phillips

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