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Tag: Community news

  • Pinellas teens sleep outside to learn about homelessness

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a harsh reality, but several people in the Tampa Bay community are spending their night on the street.

    Nearly 2,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County in a single night, according to the Pinellas County Point in Time Count. 

    What You Need To Know

    • At St. Raphael Catholic Church, about 20 teens slept outside with minimal shelter to learn what it’s like to be houseless

    • The kids could only bring three items. Some brought boxes, pillows, and tarps

    • Guest speakers, like Pinellas Hope representatives, talked to teens about the issue

    • They also made donations to shelters


    On Saturday night, dozens of teens slept outside without shelter to get a glimpse into the life of a person experiencing homelessness.

    Out in a field behind the St. Raphael Catholic Church, about 20 teens slept outside with almost nothing.

    “I slept in a cardboard box,” said Hudson Maphet, a teen participating in the program.

    They were only allowed to bring three items. Maphet brought a pillow a blanket and deodorant. It’s all part of the homeless retreat where teens from five churches are learning what it’s like to be houseless.

    “I’m kind of used to the cold, so it didn’t hit me too hard until I decided to walk around in socks in the cold, wet grass. It was not it,” Maphet said.

    Participants heard from experts about the issue. The director of the temporary emergency shelter, Joe Pondolfino of Pinellas Hope, spoke to the group Saturday night. He said he was hoping to clear up any misconceptions the teens had.

    “It’s not about just looking at somebody on the street corner and saying, ‘Oh, what did they do wrong?’ It’s really what happened to them. So it’s really important to look at each person individually and it’s important for the next generation to help us tackle this problem,” said Pondolfino.

    And the problem is not going away. Pondolfino said Pinellas Hope is seeing about 20 new people a week.

    “It tells me that the problem still exists. It’s not gotten much better at this point, even though we do have some great successes. It’s something that we can’t take our eye off the ball,” he said.

    After hearing from Pondolfino and sleeping in the wet grass, Maphet said even though they are teenagers, there are little things they can do to make a difference.

    “Just a conversation, just a ‘How are you?’ A handshake — something, something of acknowledgment, because most of those people out there, they feel like they’re invisible and they’re very much so seen,” Maphet said.

    It was more than an experience, it was also an outreach event.

    Teens packed up lunches along with hygiene products that will be distributed to shelters like Pinellas Hope.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Tarpon Springs considers shuttle service to boost tourism and business

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The Tarpon Springs City Council has signaled consensus approval to explore creating a shuttle service that would connect several key areas of the city, including downtown and the Sponge Docks.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tarpon Springs City Council is exploring the purchase of shuttles to help showcase different parts of the city



    • City leaders want to help boost tourism using shuttles



    • Officials are looking at the possibility of purchasing at least two shuttles, estimating the cost could be under $100,000



    • The city council will decide in December 




    The potential service comes as the city continues efforts to rebrand its image and attract more visitors.

    Tarpon Springs is considering a shuttle that would link its busiest areas with locations that don’t currently see as much foot traffic.

    Susan Swenson, owner of Sunshine Eco-Finds Resale Boutique on Pinellas Avenue, said the service would be a welcome addition.

    “People do not want to walk, so they can come to my shop. I can extend my hours. They can go to the Sponge City Brewery and all these other places that are now developing,” she said.

    Swenson believes more visitors would help fuel economic growth and encourage further investment.

    “So to improve our economic vitality — people wanting to invest, our safety and the list goes on and on — I think it’s very important,” she said.

    City leaders are looking at the possibility of purchasing at least two shuttles, estimating the cost could be under $100,000.

    “You know, they use it in New Port Richey. It’s a way that you can get on and off wherever you really need to…it’s just an all-around plus,” one city official said, noting the shuttles could be resold if the program doesn’t work out.

    Vice Mayor Mike Eisner called the idea a “no-brainer.”

    “If you’re handicapped, you could park in a parking lot and get on. This will be ADA approved,” he said. “Truthfully, I love the idea so much, I want to be the first driver… I’ve already had three people come up and want to be a driver as well.”

    Swenson said the service would address a major concern for visitors.

    “People aren’t comfortable walking here. If they can’t find a parking space, they don’t want to go,” she said. “If we can improve the ability to be mobile — park your car once and go up and down, go to the beautiful restaurants at the Sponge Docks, the shops, and Tarpon Avenue — I think that would be great.”

    City officials and local business owners agree the shuttle could help visitors explore more parts of the city.

    The next step is determining the exact cost, and a final decision could come as soon as December.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Plant City Chamber offers Ag tours for people to learn about the industry

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is immersing people into agriculture. Its Ag tour provides an inside look into the industry and the importance of preserving it.

    What You Need To Know

    • Each location provided an insight of the industry and how it supports the agriculture economy in Plant City


    Farming is a way of life for Marc Sewell. He shares his love for agriculture with people during Ag tours hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

    “It’s very gratifying knowing that we started it from the dirt and we’re putting something on somebody’s plate,” he said.

    He’s a fifth-generation farmer who harvests watermelons, green beans and, of course, strawberries.

    It’s a process that starts early on. “We started planting for this crop last spring. I had to put my initial plant order in March,” he said.  

    He owns 75 acres of land he harvests conventionally, and most recently he’s purchased 40 acres, which he will harvest organically.

    It’s not the only change he’s had to make. Like many other farmers, he’s making the move to continue farming but in more southern areas like Manatee and Hardee counties.

    It’s an industry that’s changing as more people move to Plant City. The Chamber of Commerce wants to preserve that while educating more people on this Ag tour.

    Wesley Joyneris, the Chair of the Agribusiness Committee, says there have been a lot of changes and they want to provide an insight to that.

    “They’ve had to buy property in other places because of development but that’s also happening so that they can stay sustainable and to grow your food,” he said.

    The Ag tour is giving people the chance to learn where their food comes from and the impact it has on other industries.

    Florida has more than 40,000 farms and ranches that continue to produce a wide variety of food products. In Hillsborough County there have been more than 700 million agriculture products sold, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

    The tour also gave insight to the machinery used on farms.

    David McKeeman, the VP of Grove Equipment service, says he’s seen the change firsthand in the customers they serve.

    “We’ve transitioned a lot towards homeowners with acreage, so 2 to 15, 20 acres is the biggest market now,” he said.

    They’re working to keep families fed for years to come.

    The next Ag tour will take place in the spring.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Book details Bay Pines VA first Black female employee

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Bay Pines VA has long been known for its prominence in Tampa Bay and the historic land that it sits on.

    But there’s at least one untold story there a local veteran is determined to make sure is preserved and shared with everyone he can reach.

    It’s a story detailing the career of a woman who was the first African American employee to work at the VA. It’s a story that’s been sitting on a shelf for decades.

    What You Need To Know

    • John Makas learning about the life of Deotha Parsons

    • Parsons was the first African American employee to work at the VA

    • Makas trying to track down any family members of the late Parsons

    When it comes to history at the Bay Pines VA, there isn’t much you can get past John Makas.

    “There’s all kinds of stuff in here from Bay Pines from years back. Newspaper articles. All kinds of history of the buildings,” Makas said.

    He’s a hospital coordinator for the disabled American veterans and a regular at the VA’s small portable library.

    “I was fortunate enough to come over here one day and ask a few questions because they were talking about moving this library and getting it digitally enhanced,” he said. “And I said oh wow, there’s the book.”

    He said this was a book he had seen repeatedly.

    About six months ago he finally opened it up. Page after page, he learned more and more about the life of Deotha Parsons. She had a storied career as a hospital assistant and the first African American employee at Bay Pines VA.

    The treasure trove also included a signed note wishing her well from the late Congressman, C.W. Bill Young, long before the facility was named the C. W. Bill Young Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

    “It’s amazing when you think back at the time when she came here, how difficult it must have been, not only to be in that type of an environment when you’re just out of segregation and you’re having to travel God knows how far to get her to the job to go to work,” Makas said.

    The old newspaper clippings detail how she nursed veterans from the Spanish American War, the two World Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

    “Imagine what an impact it would’ve been to actually meet her,” he said. “To sit down and talk to her. Imagine what that would’ve been like. I get goosebumps thinking about it.”

    It’s why Makas is on a mission, looking for ways to preserve the book, its pages and everything inside of it.

    “The VA doesn’t have the capabilities to do it here locally. And to be quite honest with you, I’m scared to send it out somewhere because I’m afraid some of it won’t come back,” he said.

    But he said it’s not his call to make. He’s hoping by sharing the story of Deotha, or Dee as she was often called, someone will come forward to help preserve the pages of this book.

    Makas also wants to find family members or people who knew Deotha.

    An article in the book says she died in 1995 at the age of 84. She didn’t have kids, but she had a church family at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in St. Pete, still around to this day.

    Makas said he’s hoping with that information this untold story can get in the hands of those once close to her and remind them of her life and legacy.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Angela Davis leads Polk County Toys for Tots with focus and a big heart

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County’s Toys for Tots director is spending up to 70 hours a week this time of the year to make sure many kids in need have a great Christmas.

    Angela Davis took over the volunteer position several years ago after former director David Waller passed away.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Angela Davis runs Polk County’s Toys for Tots organization.

    •  The program will provide gifts to 15,000 less fortunate children in Polk. 

    •  Davis took over Polk Toys for Tots when former director Dave Waller passed away. 


    Davis had been a volunteer for the organization when Waller called her as she was preparing to play a round of golf.

    He told her to put away her clubs and to come see him in the hospital. When she got to the hospital, he told her about the brain tumor that would soon claim his life. He asked her to take over the Polk Toys for Tots program.

    “How can you say no?” she said. “Look at what this program does. The impact it makes. How could you say no?”

    Davis took the bull by the horns and got aggressive with fundraising and organizing. The program operates out of a huge warehouse in Auburndale. Toys for Tots will provide presents to more than 15,000 children from low-income families this year.

    “All right, guys. That one’s full already. Goodness. You are good,” said Davis to some volunteers on a recent morning as they were filling up boxes with stuffed animals. “They are preparing stuffed animals that we will give out to all children between two and seven,” she said.

    Each child gets a set of gifts based on the application that is filled out by their parent or guardian.  

    David grabbed one of the “shopping lists” and headed out to the tables filled with gifts based on categories. Her list was for a boy.

    “He’s nine years old. This is appropriate for a child eight plus,” she said as she held up a board game. “And based on what the child told me, this might be a good match for this young guy.”

    Literacy is a year-round effort by Toys for Tots, so children will also get a book with their gifts.

    Dozens of volunteer shoppers gather up gifts based on the lists and place them into black garbage bags with a label. That way, if a child is with their parent or guardian when they pick up the gifts, the child hopefully won’t be aware that the bag is full of gifts for them.

    Davis said she is hyper-focused on every detail of Toys for Tots. Her family tells her she becomes a little OCD.

    “You must be into the details. We are trying to serve these families,” said Davis. “We don’t want to make a mistake. We want to give these kids something special on one of the best days of the year. So of course, I have to be OCD.”

    However, she can have a softer side when approaching her work, getting emotional as she talked about the kids.

    “You know, they say there is something about the impact of doing something for a stranger and the impact it makes on you,” she said. “And I have all these wonderful people who have come in to help me make a change in a child’s life.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Places around Tampa Bay offering free groceries, meals to residents in need

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    TAMPA, Fla. — As uncertainty with the government shutdown continues, food pantries, restaurants and county services have been helping residents in need with food assistance in Tampa Bay.

    Here’s a list of places residents can go to get fresh food and a hot meal.

    Hillsborough County

    Some Hillsborough County’s Health Care Services will host three events this month where residents can receive free groceries. 

    The food packages, provided in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, generally include fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and other staples. There are no income restrictions to receive the food. The County’s Healthy Living Program and Feeding Tampa Bay typically hold 16 food pantry events throughout the year: Once a month for 10 months, with an additional three food pantries in November before Thanksgiving and another three in December. 

    Hillsborough County residents can pick up free groceries at the following times and places in November: 

    For more information on the food giveaways, call Hillsborough County Health Care Services at (813)-272-5040, Option 7.  

    Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa will allow kids to eat free all day Thursdays through Sundays until SNAP benefits are restored. The offer is for dining in only, and no takeout options are available.
     

    Pinellas County

    Pia’s Trattoria in St. Petersburg is offering a “Government Shutdown To Go” special starting Nov. 1, for all families who need it. It’s a free meal featuring pasta pomodori, bread and salad. Pickup is available from Wednesday – Sunday, 5 – 6 p.m. Go to the hostess stand at the veranda between and order the “Government Shutdown To Go” special. 

    Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor is providing free lunches for kids who need them. Starting Nov. 1, stop in and ask for a “GiggleBag,” which is a bagged to-go lunch for children who are hungry. One for every child with you every day, no purchase necessary until SNAP benefits are reinstated in Florida.

    Jack Willie’s Bar, Grill & Tiki in Oldsmar will provide free kids’ meals for as long as the shutdown is going.
     

    Polk County

    United Way of Central Florida has a full list of food drop sites in cities such as Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales and more. 
     

    Pasco County

    Pasco County Continuum of Care has a full list of food pantries in cities such as Land O’Lakes, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. 
     

    Hernando County

    Manatee County

    Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Nov. 24 and a holiday meal giveaway on Dec. 22.

    Citrus County

    Crackers Bar and Grill in Crystal River will provide free kids meal specials — either grilled cheese or chicken fingers with applesauce to go — for children in need. 

    Other Resources:

    GoPuff is offering $50 in free groceries for SNAP customers who add their EBT card number in the app, with the company committing up to $10 million total. EBT customers can also get a $25 credit and free delivery with promo codes SNAPRELIEF1 (use Nov. 1-15) and SNAPRELIEF2 (if the shutdown continues Nov. 16-30). 

    Last week, Instacart started offering active SNAP customers 50% off their next grocery order, up to a $50 discount. All eligible customers who used EBT SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered via Instacart in October also received an individual discount code, committing up to $5 million in direct relief for SNAP households. Instacart also offers discounted memberships for SNAP recipients and no delivery fees on orders over $35.

    DoorDash also announced it would waive service and delivery fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November. The company also promised to deliver 1 million meals from food banks for free. More than 2.4 million DoorDash customers have a SNAP/EBT card linked to their account, according to the company.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Veterans from Polk assemble floats for annual Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of Central Florida veterans is working on a special project together — assembling floats for Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 8

    • This year, the parade is relocating to Lake Nona from downtown and steps off at 11 a.m.

    • Festive Floats, based in Polk County, has a group of veterans who works on floats for the parade


    Bob Collins spent 22 years in the Navy. He enlisted in September 1971 and worked as a boiler operator before retiring in March 1993.

    Collins works for Festive Floats, a company based in Fort Meade in Polk County. This week, he worked on wiring electrical boxes for a float so speakers and lights can get plugged in.

    “After my military days, I’ve been a stationary engineer now for about the last 25 years working in hospitals, doing basically the same thing I was doing in the military,” Collins said.

    This year, Festive Floats co-owner Billy Attix said his team is working on floats for Commissioner Jim Gray and the Orlando Veteran Affairs office.

    “We’ve been working on the Veterans Parade for about three weeks,” Attix said. “We’re customizing some of our floats to make it military-based to honor those who have served, those who have lost their life.”

    The parade is a long-running event for residents to remember and honor those who served our nation.

    “We’re able to give back to the good, give back to humanity, bring that smile that somebody needs. Just an escape for five minutes of your normal life,” Attix said.

    Collins said he enjoys pulling the floats and seeing people have a good time, while connecting with other veterans along the way.

    “It’s kind of an honor, it really is, especially driving in the parade with the veterans on it and the Wounded Warrior people,” Collins said. “They do a lot of good work for the veterans.”

    The long-standing tradition is moving from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona for the first time.

    This year’s Veterans Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday. The route starts at Laureate Park Elementary School and will finish at the Lake Nona Town Center.

    A ceremony and more activities for families will follow.

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    Emma Delamo

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  • St. Pete prepares to distribute $160 million HUD grant for hurricane recovery

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    ST. PETE, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg will soon begin accepting applications for those seeking part of a nearly $160 million grant recently awarded to St. Pete from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

    St. Pete homeowners who were hit by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Helene in 2024 and meet the program income requirements could qualify. Aubrey Phillips, Strategic Initiatives and Grants Director for the city of St. Pete, says the guidelines for who is eligible are set by HUD, not the city.

    For this program, those who make 80% or less of the area median income can apply. That’s roughly $83,450 for a family of four.

    At this time, homeowners solely affected by Hurricane Milton are not eligible.

    “The city has contacted HUD to seek clarification and guidance about how we can handle that given that the storms were so close together,” Phillips said. “Many residents were impacted by both storms. So we’re awaiting that guidance and if we are allowed to serve residents only impacted by Milton, we’ll do that.”

    The program called Sunrise St. Pete will hold two webinars Wednesday for those who want to learn more about obtaining funds. Sessions are offered at noon and at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.

    “It’s been just over a year since the storm hit but people are still recovering,” Phillips explained. “Whether it’s they made the repairs, but they really took a hit financially because of that, or if they haven’t even been able to make repairs, they can get help with that.”

    Phillips said once the application period opens in a couple of weeks, residents can apply online or work directly with one of their caseworkers.

    Financial help is available for repairs, rebuilding or elevating homes if repair work hasn’t been done yet. Homeowners can also apply to be reimbursed up to $50,000 for repairs already completed if they were fully permitted and code compliant. The funding can also be used for disaster relief payments to help residents with rent, mortgage and utilities.

    Liane Jamason sold her home in Shore Acres after it was flooded during Hurricane Helene. She feels there’s too much red tape in the process of getting residents the help they really need.

    “I just think it’s too little too late,” she said. “It’s been 14 months since the hurricanes and 24 months since Idalia. People have forgotten we had another hurricane before that. It’s like where have these funds been? A lot of people have had to make very difficult decisions or sell our homes because there was no money available.”

    Phillips says HUD has guidelines on the order in which applications will be prioritized.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Cincinnati Museum Center to offer free admission for veterans

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    CINCINNATI — In honor of Veterans Day, the Cincinnati Museum Center is offering free admission to veterans, active and former military for a limited time starting next week. 

    From Nov. 9 to Nov. 16, military members can enter any of the center’s three museums for free, and family members can receive a $1 discount. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

    Alongside CMC, joining in the discount, is the Nancy & David Holocaust & Humanity Center located in Union Terminal. 

    CMC is also offering $3 off admission for veterans and active military to the “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away” exhibition with the code “VETS” online. 

    The free admission does not apply OMNIMAX tickets.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County woman is involved in a several great causes including raising and training service dogs. Carole Adamczyk is the group leader for MacDill Puppy Raisers. 

    On a recent evening Adamczyk and about a dozen other volunteers from the group were at a Lowe’s parking lot in Brandon training the future service dogs. Part of the training was to get the dogs to stay still at their handler’s side.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

    •  Group members raise labrador service dogs for Dogs Inc

    •  Adamczyk leads group training sessions twice per month

    • Adamczyk has raised about a dozen of the service dogs in her home 
    • HELP PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING DOGS TO PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES: dogs inc.


    “If your dog gets up during it, just put him back in his sit again. It’s okay,” said Adamczyk.

    The dogs are all Labradors, and the organization Dogs Inc. will place them with the person who needs a service dog. That could range from a blind or sight impaired person or a veteran with PTSD.

    Adamczyk facilities the real world training twice a month. That includes taking the dogs inside the Lowe’s store to get them used to unfamiliar places with lots of people.

    Dogs can get excited about a new person coming up to them, but they are taught to stay very calm.

    “They have been practicing this for a while, so they know not to lunge when somebody approaches them,” said Adamczyk.

    Adamczyk has raised about a dozen dogs in her home including her current dog, Chloe. She demonstrated how she trained Chloe at her kitchen counter using treats and a paw pad.

    “I’m training her to stay on my left-hand side because that’s where we want them as they continue to grow,” she said.

    Adamczyk also takes Chloe for long training walks in her neighborhood using a special collar. The training is a rewarding experience when she sees her dogs make progress. “And the first time they get it, you are overjoyed. It’s wonderful.”

    The best part of the experience is when the dog is ready to be placed in a home.

    “That day that you meet that person is wonderful. When they tell you they saved their life, it’s amazing,” she said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Pinellas Support Team expanded to reach more kids being bullied

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    DUNEDIN, Fla. — One in five kids will be bullied in school, and of those kids, close to half think it will happen to them again. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Children’s Home Network’s Pinellas Support Team (PST) helps kids facing behavioral, learning, or social challenges both at home and at school

    • This year, PST saw a big increase in kids being referred by schools, and they asked for more funding

    • Children’s Home Network provides this service for free with licensed therapists and tutors who work together to help both the children and parents

    • It’s a short-term program that steps in for struggling kids for up to three months of services, but if they need more help, they contract out with other organizations in the area to get the children continued support


    Over the summer in Pinellas County, there was such an increase in kids needing help that the Children’s Home Network’s Pinellas Support Team was expanded to take on more students.

    Students like 12-year-old Elwood Rogers, who is in the sixth grade. 

    Last school year was very tough for him.

    “In fifth grade, kids started calling me more names, and some of them almost put their hands on me if I didn’t run away from them quick enough,” said Rogers. 

    Rogers was bullied. He is autistic, and it got so bad his mom, Amy Wright, reached out to teachers. 

    “You don’t want to hear this type of stuff going on, you know, and it breaks your heart and you think, ‘Gosh, what else can you do?’” said Wright. “You think, ‘Should I change schools or whatever?’”

    Wright said administrators did step in, suggesting Rogers and those involved receive mental health counseling through the Pinellas Support Team (PST). 

    “So we provide in-home and in-school services for kids who are having behavioral and emotional issues,” said Carol Hajdinak, a community counseling programs director at the Children’s Home Network. 

    PST connected Rogers with a licensed clinical social worker, Ginger Wells. 

    Rogers admits that at first, the thought of therapy didn’t sit well with him. 

    “I honestly thought it was going to be like an invasion of personal space,” said Rogers. “But then when the whole thing actually started, I thought it was more fun than I could have ever imagined.”

    Elwood Rogers and his mom, Amy Wright. (Spectrum News/Erin Murray)

    Over cards and other games, Wells and Rogers talked about the bullying that Rogers was experiencing. 

    “Some of the things that we worked on was learning how to express himself appropriately, using language that is appropriate and won’t get him in trouble and then also seeking help if it’s beyond his ability to handle himself,” said Wells. 

    The PST program is not new — it’s been around for 20 years helping Pinellas County kids. 

    “We’re funded to provide services to 250 kids a year,” said Hajdinak. 

    She added that this year the PST program was inundated with bullying referrals to the point kids were on a waiting list. 

    The PST program organizers turned to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, which funds the program. 

    Hajdinak said they asked to expand the program from 250 to 300 kids. 

    “They were gracious enough to provide us some additional funds so that we didn’t have long waiting lists of like, 35 people waiting for services,” said Hajdinak. “Currently, we still have some on the waiting list.”

    Rogers is a success story to a problem that is not going away. 

    “I’d say, you know, I don’t know the exact statistic, but I say the vast majority of kids that I work with at some point have experienced bullying,” said Wells. 

    For Rogers, therapy has worked tremendously. 

    “You shouldn’t let these other people define who you are. You need to be who you need to be,” said Rogers. “If other people don’t like you, womp womp, too bad. Too bad. It’s not my fault that I’m who I am. I’m not changing myself for you. Womp, womp.” 

    A new mantra for Rogers: “Womp, womp.” It is his way of putting bullying in its place. 

    The Pinellas Support Team services are short term, helping kids for three months. 

    The Children’s Home Network says it is also meant to help families without health insurance, or those who have barriers to obtain needed services, like a high co-pay.

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    Erin Murray

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  • Growing Food Insecurity Prompts Communities to Step Up

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    BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — As federal SNAP benefits remain on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet rising demand, prompting residents and volunteers in Logan County to hold a community food drive to help families who have lost access to food assistance.

    What You Need To Know

    • With SNAP benefits on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet growing needs
    • Community members are stepping up to collect food and support families facing food insecurity
    • Local pantries said meal-ready items are in short supply as more families seek help

    Dustin Ragland, who organized the Logan County Food Drive, said the effort aimed to fill the gap left by shrinking benefits and limited resources.

    Ragland once relied on SNAP himself 20 years ago as a single father and said he understands how quickly families can fall into food insecurity.

    “We all need help,” Ragland said. “I think it’s the job of the community to come together and fill that gap, no matter what the circumstances are.”

    He said the event was designed to ensure families don’t go hungry when government systems fail to provide adequate support.

    “Our leaders may not be able to work together, but our community still can,” he said.

    The donations collected during the drive will be divided equally among the food pantries that participated, helping distribute resources across Logan County.

    Bobbi Allen, pastor of Buckeye Gospel Barn, said her pantry serves more than 400 families each month. She said calls for help began increasing as soon as SNAP benefits were paused.

    “It’s going to be hard,” Allen said. “Because already, before I even arrived here, I’ve got people calling, saying, ‘Hey, can we come over and get some food?’”

    Allen said even simple, kid-friendly foods such as canned spaghetti are getting harder to keep on the shelves. She said pantries especially need items that can serve as complete meals and don’t require extra ingredients.

    Allen said she’s already noticed a sense of panic among SNAP recipients as parents worry about how they’ll feed their children in the coming days, with many running low on groceries and unsure how they’ll make it through next week.

    Despite the growing strain, Allen said the community’s response gives her hope.

    “Just reach out to each other, be kind to each other and help each other,” she said. “Because if we all start binding together, we can do it.”

    Ragland said he plans to continue organizing community efforts through the holidays.

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    Saima Khan

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  • People aging out of foster care get help thanks to new law

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    ST PETERSBURG, Fla. — “Yes, in God’s backyard.” That was the push for a bill that recently went into effect this summer.

    It allows churches to use their property to develop affordable housing, regardless of zoning restrictions.

    A local nonprofit is using that model to tackle the issue of homelessness and affordable housing for young people aging out of foster care.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nonprofit organization Spring Zone St. Pete is using the Yes in God’s Backyard house bill as the model to tackle the issue of homelessness and affordable housing for young people aging out of foster care

      •  

    • They will be providing housing on the land of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist in St. Pete

    • The project is expected to be completed within the next two years and some of the people who will live in the units will also get a chance to help with the building and construction process

    • RELATED: ‘Yes, In God’s Backyard’ bill part of proposed affordable housing solution


    Graduation, homemade desserts and a culinary career in the making are what 20-year-old Lexi Allison does have. But it’s what she’s had to face after aging out of foster care that’s always top of mind.

    “Homelessness, unemployment, a mental battle, jail. Like I know a lot of people just struggling and constantly going to jail. That’s another thing that not having somewhere stable can cause,” Allison said. “One thing I realized when I didn’t have nowhere to go it was either hard to keep a job, it’s hard to think about your next step when you’re not even in the place you want to be, or be in a place you want to live in or feel comfortable at.”

    That’s the kind of information Christopher Warren with the nonprofit, Spring Zone St. Pete, said they took into account when they came up with a plan to help solve the housing issue for young people.

    “The Yes in God’s Backyard house bill that passed has been a tremendous blessing in this effort. The ability for us to be able to provide housing, but provide housing on church property, is amazing. It’s essential to success because what we need is community,” Warren said. “When it’s fully developed, we’ve got ten units with two young people in each unit. They each have their own room, which was something I wanted to make sure they had, because in the foster system they can be three, four, five — sometimes six to a room.”

    He said each unit will be equipped with the comforts of home and a house of worship on the same property.

    Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Senior Pastor G. Gregg Murray said his church is excited about leasing their land for this housing.

    “Here at Mt. Zion, we want to make sure that whatever we do with our land, we be about ministry,” Murray said.

    At Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist in St. Pete, Murray said their focus is on ministry that makes a difference in the lives of their members and members of a community that’s often forgotten.

    “For foster children who have aged out of the program between the ages of 18 to 23, and we know that’s a time they get displaced and somehow, they disappear into the community, they’re no longer getting services,” he said.

    Pastor Murray is also a social worker. And for his wife, Pauline, working with foster children is part of her life’s work.

    “Working with foster children for pretty much all my life and supervisor of a foster care program here in Pinellas County,” Pauline said. “When you get a child that’s aging out of foster care and coming into an independent living program, they need a lot of wrap-around services. They need a lot of love and attention — you’re their parent. And the same thing you would do with your children, you do with those children.”

    A handful of other churches have also signed on to help with the affordable housing crisis hitting this vulnerable population. It’s something Allison says she can only be thankful for.

    “Yeah, that’s all God’s work,” she said.

    The project is expected to be completed within the next two years. Some of those young people who will live in the units will also get a chance to help with the building and construction process.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • City of St. Petersburg updates community on its “Imagine the Deuces” project

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — The City of St. Petersburg said it’s working to revitalize South St. Petersburg

    That includes what the city is calling “transformative” projects on the city’s 22nd Street South Corridor, also known as “the deuces”.

    Thursday night the city updated the deuces community on the project. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of St. Petersburg said it’s working to revitalize South St. Pete.

    • Construction is underway for affordable housing and the Manhattan Casino

    • The St. Petersburg mayor said the development won’t force out the people who live and work there

    • The city hosted a community update on the project Thursday night


    Construction has started on some of the affordable housing projects.

    The mayor reaffirmed that the new development will be affordable for people who live there. 

    And the Manhattan Casino is also undergoing its renovations. 

    The Catalyst on the Deuces has been on 22nd Street South for a couple of years.

    “When we were starting it we were thinking about a speakeasy, and fortunately the community made it what it wanted to make, it organically grew,” said Jeffrey Copeland, Owner of The Catalyst on the Deuces.

    Copeland has lived in the deuces neighborhood his whole life. His restaurant and lounge now employs 54 people, he said they serve 9,000 people a week.

    “This street, the deuces, has not seen that many numbers since probably the 80s,” he said.

    The City of St. Petersburg said it’s revitalizing the area with affordable housing, new parks, and improving the Manhattan Casino event space. Copeland said he feels the city should have asked for his input. 

    “This would be kind of a place that you would come to say, ‘hey listen, you guys getting 9000 people a week, what do you think we should put here? What do you think should go? What’s going to work?’,” he said.

    The city held four workshops this year to get feedback from residents and businesses for the future of the warehouse arts district and the deuces live district.

    “We do extensive community outreach, community conversations reimagining the deuces we’ve been out, talking to everyone. The vast majority of folks want affordability, they want something they can be proud of in their community,” Mayor Welch said.

    Thursday night the city gave an update on the revitalization project. Mayor Welch said the development won’t push out residents. The housing will be available for people who make average or below average salaries. 

    “We kept our word when we said this will be inclusive progress that won’t push out folks that make an average salary,” Welch said.

    While Copeland supports some of the revitalization project, he wants the area to stay true to itself. 

    “We always want better for ourselves, but what we don’t want to do is give up our culture for something that may not stay as long as it should stay,” Copeland said.

    The city said it’s working to preserve the deuces history while investing in the community’s future.

    Officials said they are hoping to have the Manhattan Casino open in July 2026.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • ‘I know we will bounce back’: Jamaican community speaks out after Melissa

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane Melissa has unleashed widespread devastation across the Caribbean as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the area.

    Sheldon Johnson has family in Montego Bay, one of the areas on the western side of the island of Jamaica, that got the worst of the storm.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jamaica’s government has said it “is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths” from Hurricane Melissa

    • The storm caused significant damage to public infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage is still unknown

    • Sheldon Johnson has family in Montego Bay, one of the areas on the western side of the island, that got the worst of the storm



    “I got all my family over there, my brothers, sisters, uncles, dad, aunt, grandma, everyone is still over there in Jamaica. I haven’t heard from any one of them. I can’t reach anyone” Johnson, owner and chef at Don’s Jamaican Kitchen, said.

    Jamaica’s government has said it “is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths” from Hurricane Melissa. 

    “I was shocked. Like, nobody was expecting this, not even me. I was like, watching the video, and I’m like, dang, I can’t believe this is really happening to my country,” Johnson said.

    The storm caused significant damage to public infrastructure, but the full extent of the damage has not come to light yet. 

    Gaynor Russell is the president of the Jamaican American Cultural Association, and she says she’s worried.

    “Jamaica is on the forefront in terms of structural development and infrastructure, but we have a lot of poor areas in Jamaica. It’s a third-world country. So you’re going to have devastation to people who live in low lying areas, people who are not, don’t live in structurally sound housing,” Russell said.

    Even though this hurricane hit Jamaica as one of the strongest ever on record, Johnson knows they will persevere. 

    “I know we will bounce back from this, but it’s going to take some time. We’re Jamaicans, so we’re going to stay strong,” Johnson said.

    JACA is planning a trip to the island in the coming weeks to help with the humanitarian efforts. The organization says it is also collecting monetary donations on its website.

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    Arin Cotel-Altman

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  • A year after storms, major St. Pete Beach hotel & bar reopen

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Beachcomber and adjacent Jimmy B’s Beach Bar are reopening Thursday evening for the first time in more than a year. 

    The hotel and beachfront beach bar were severely damaged in Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

    The hotel, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, has 102 rooms and two heated swimming pools. The resort includes access to beach chairs and cabana services, as well as a large boardwalk-style bar with live music that is open to the public.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Beachcomber and adjacent Jimmy B’s Beach Bar reopen Thursday at 5 p.m. 

    •  Hotel and boardwalk-style bar were badly damaged in Hurricane Helene 

    •  Jimmy B’s hosting 4-day opening weekend party to attract customers 

    • The nearby Postcard Inn, Dolphin Beach Resort, and Bellwether Beach Resort


    “Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to restore the hurricane-damaged areas of the resort, and we can’t wait to welcome back our guests and the local community that has embraced us for more than 50 years,” the hotel posted on their website.

    The Beachcomber is accepting reservations starting Thursday evening and Jimmy B’s reopens at 5 p.m. The bar is hosting a 4-day welcome back event complete with live music and a Halloween party.

    “It’s been one long vacation, but the wait is finally over. St. Pete, we’ve missed your cheers, your sing-alongs, and those nights when the music carried us long after the sun went down. On October 30 at 5 p.m., Jimmy B’s is back. The stage is set, the taps are flowing, and the deck is ready for dancing. After a year of quiet, it’s time to turn the volume all the way up,” a social media post from Jimmy B’s states.

    Odise Armata, who owns Odi’s Mediterranean Kitchen across from the hotel, says he’s fallen behind on bills since the hurricanes. He says part of the reason is because some of the major beach resorts have not yet reopened, causing a large lull in foot traffic.

    “It just broke our hearts here because this is our everything,” he said. “This is our life… that’s our family here at the store.”

    Armata has been in business for 18 years and says even some of his local customers have not yet returned since the storms. He’s hoping things begin to turn around Thursday when the doors of the Beachcomber reopen. Armata says foot traffic and more people staying in St. Pete Beach who will walk to his business is what he needs the most.

    “Without them… we cannot do it. We really need them,” he said.

    The Postcard Inn, Dolphin Beach Resort, and Bellwether Beach Resort remain closed on St. Pete Beach.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Food lines growing as SNAP Benefits set to expire Saturday

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — What began as a small community effort ten years ago has grown into a critical lifeline for hundreds of local families.

    The Bay Chapel Food Pantry, run out of two shipping containers in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church of Tampa Bay, is now serving record numbers of people each week.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Bay Chapel Food Pantry is preparing for SNAP Benefits to expire on Saturday

    • The need was growing weeks before the shutdown happened 

    •  Bay Chapel Food Pantry expects to help at least 600 people this Saturday

    • To help, visit www.baychapelfoodpantry.org


    “Six months ago, we were at 340,” said pantry director Lee Schielka. “Then it started spiking — 400, 395, 421, 495 — and then last Saturday, we hit what the volunteers called a world record: 541.”

    The pantry partners with Feeding Tampa Bay and local donors to provide both fresh and canned food to families in need. Photos from recent weekends show the food line stretching out to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, with cars and people waiting for assistance.

    Schielka says the demand was already growing before the recent government shutdown, but with SNAP benefits set to run out this Saturday, he expects the crowds to be even larger.

    “Feeding Tampa Bay has called and warned me — be prepared, it’s coming,” Schielka said. “We’ll probably do 600-plus this Saturday. They’ve been great about sending extra food. We’re trying to deal with this the best we can. And if this truly does happen, we’re hoping and praying it won’t — but if it does, we’ll open sometime during the week to give some relief to the community and those affected.”

    As the need grows, Schielka says there are several ways the community can help — by donating food, money, or time. Volunteers are always needed to help run the food lines and distribute items to families.

    For more information on Bay Chapel Food Pantry, or how you can help visit baychapelfoodpantry.org

     

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Officials urge caution when supporting Hurricane Melissa victims

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    OHIO — As Hurricane Melissa makes landfall onto Cuba, devastation follows in Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials are urging Ohio donors to check their donations and ensure they give wisely

    • In 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 4,500 complaints for approximately $96 million in losses

    • According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scam reports in Ohio increased by nearly 47%

    Officials are urging Ohio donors to check their donations and ensure they give wisely to those in need and not people looking to take advantage of the situation.

    “Natural disaster responses always bring out the best in people who want to help, but sadly, these situations are often times exploited by fraudsters looking to take advantage of others’ generosity for their own personal benefit,” Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions Superintendent Kevin Allard said. “Before you contribute to a cause, it is critical to verify where your donations are going to ensure they get to the people and organizations who really need them.”

    Allard said charities should always be vetted to confirm funds reach legitimate relief efforts. 

    In 2024, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 4,500 complaints for approximately $96 million in losses involving fraudulent charities, crowdfunding accounts and disaster relief campaigns. 

    According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scam reports in Ohio increased by nearly 47% when compared to the same period in 2024.

    FTC also shared other tips for navigating donations, including:

    • Donate to trusted charities: Only donate to charities with a proven track record in handling disaster relief. Individuals should be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations
    • Conduct research: Always verify an organization’s charitable reputation by conducting an online search, and consider using resources like the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance or Charity Watch
    • Crowdfunding caution: Exercise caution when donating to individuals on crowdfunding sites. If you do, make sure it’s someone you personally know and trust
    • Secure payment methods: Avoid making donations via cash, gift cards, wiring money, services such as Venmo, or cryptocurrency. By making donations via credit cards, Ohioans can stay better protected from fraud
    • Verify text donations: Before making a donation via text, be sure to confirm the charity’s number on its website to ensure it is valid

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Cuyahoga Co. Public Library, Greater Cleveland Food Bank partnership continues

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    CLEVELAND — With the U.S. Department of Agriculture posting notice that federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown, many families are looking for other resources to help their homes. 

    The notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.

    During the first week of November in northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Public Library is distributing free food to those in need through its partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. 

    The food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last with the weather permitting. 

    Upcoming dates and branches include:

    For more information, click here.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Metro Ministries assisting more people, says public need is rising

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    TAMPA, Fla. — With the federal government shutdown ongoing, Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising.

    Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time, according to the agency.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising

    • Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time

    • MORE INFORMATION: Metropolitan Ministries

    The organization is now serving double the number of households per month in its food markets.

    In response to the expanding needs of seniors, working and homeless families, and now government workers in need of assistance, Metropolitan Ministries has launched the following six key initiatives for the community to access as needed: 

    • Expanded outreach and prevention programs by doubling access for government workers to pantry food boxes.
    • Increased the number of community meal sites to 54 locations throughout Tampa Bay where hot meals are available — a 13% increase in hot meals, with over 57,000 hot meals served in September alone.
    • Through partnership with TECO and an additional $500,000 in board-approved reserves, utility and rent assistance programs are being expanded.
    • Within the past year, emergency shelter beds in Pasco and Pinellas have been expanded to keep children safe and families from sleeping in their cars — a 30% increase in family shelter units.
    • With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, the number of holiday tent sites has expanded to four standup tents and four additional pop-up sites to help 30,000 families. Over 49% of the Thanksgiving assistance slots are already filled, a strong indicator of need.
    • Metro’s Counseling and Resiliency Center is offering six free counseling sessions to federal workers as they navigate difficult circumstances

    “As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of children, families, and seniors in our community, I know that Metropolitan Ministries is only able to make a real difference because of the compassion and generosity of our neighbors,” said Dr. Sarah Combs, President/CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. “Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay — supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”

    Met Ministries lists several root causes of the increase in need.

    The rising cost of living — food, housing and utilities now account for 60% of a household budget; affordability pressures; and elongated economic instability from the pandemic and recent hurricanes.

    Additionally, if SNAP benefits are paused in November and federal workers go without paychecks, Metro anticipates an even greater surge in demand to as many as 4,000 families a month seeking help with food, quadrupling demand.

    “Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay,” said Combs. “Supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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