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Tag: Community news

  • Nurse Karla Pedersen recognized for her volunteer work

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    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A Pinellas County nurse’s sense of compassion makes her great at her job at HCA Florida Northside Hospital.

    It’s also the reason the hospital recognized Karla Pedersen for her volunteer work away from the hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • Karla Pedersen works weekend overnights at HCA Florida Northside hospital in Pinellas County

    • The hospital recognized her for donating the most volunteer hours to the community

    • Pedersen grooms and walks horses and other animals at the A.R.K. in Palm Harbor

    • The organization provides animal therapy to special needs children


    Pedersen works weekend overnights in the neuro ICU at the hospital. She mostly cares for stroke and brain injury patients.

    “We get them where they are at the worst moment of their lives,” she said. “I’ve had bad moments in my life and I’m able to give back some of the compassion that’s been given to me.”

    The hospital recently recognized Pedersen for her volunteer work. She had donated the most hours to the community of any staff member.

    Pedersen volunteers a couple of mornings a week at the A.R.K-Animals Reaching Kids outreach at Live Oaks Bible Church in Palm Harbor. The organization has horses, donkeys, miniature horses and even a cow. They provide animal therapy for special needs children.

    She spends most of her time grooming animals, like a horse named Gabel.

    “We groom all the large animals the same way,” she said. “It keeps them healthy. It keeps them clean.” 

    The grooming also keeps them calm.

    “Some of these special needs kids, when they see a large animal, it makes them nervous, so we need to teach these guys to be calm.”

    Pederson usually comes to A.R.K. early in the morning after she has worked all night at the hospital. It’s a great stress reliever.

    “But then I come here on Monday mornings and it’s my decompress time,” said Pederson, who added that her decompression time includes taking the horses for a walk along a wooded trail.

    She started volunteering at A.R.K. as a project for her homeschooled teenage son.

    “It’s something that I do with my teenager. It gives us common ground. It gives us a place to do something that gives us something that we both enjoy.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Clearwater nonprofit helps houseless get resources

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health estimates this year that nearly 30,000 people are houseless in Florida.

    That number has slightly decreased from last year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hydrate the Homeless helps the houseless with food and water



    • It serves meals at The Refuge in Clearwater on Tuesdays and Fridays



    • The nonprofit started with two neighbors and a wish to help



    • According to the 2025 Point in Time Count, more than 1,800 people are houseless in Pinellas County




    The Pinellas County Point in Time Count has shown a similar trend.

    Hydrate the Homeless, a nonprofit, is helping to make sure people in need are cared for.

    “It’s always a struggle trying to figure out how many people we’re going to have coming,” said Carla Mogan, president and founder of Hydrate the Homeless.

    The effort began three years ago when Mogan and her neighbor, Mel Swartout, were looking for a way to give back. They started by walking around Largo Central Park, where they found people in need. 

    “I took out my cooler and I started yelling, ‘Lemonade, ice cold lemonade!’ And they all started coming over,” Mogan said.

    Years later, the nonprofit is serving warm meals and distributing clothes and hygiene products with the help of about 15 volunteers.

    “I love it. It’s as much for me as it is for them,” Mogan said. “I’m not going to lie. I get a lot out of it.”

    And the need in Pinellas County is there. According to the 2025 Point in Time Count, which tracks the number of people experiencing homelessness, more than 1,800 people are houseless. That’s the lowest for the county since the count began, but Mogan thinks that total is miscalculated.

    “Now I know for a fact we didn’t count all of them, because I know where some of them where that didn’t get counted. So I think you could almost double that number,” she said.

    With three different outreach events every week, Mogan said they serve more than 200 people.

    Janet Muharay was houseless for two years and is now giving back to the nonprofit that helped her. 

    “A lot of them want that chance to take a shower, to get food, clothing. We need to have more places like this for that, because I was there, I know what it felt like,” Muhary said.

    Mogan said she wants to see Hydrate the Homeless continue to grow and expand to every city in the county.

    “It’s nice to be able to come together and just have time when we’re just people and people enjoying each other’s company,” Mogan said.

    Hydrate the Homeless has three different outreach events every week.

    They serve meals at The Refuge in Clearwater on Tuesdays and Fridays.

    On Wednesdays, they make and deliver sandwiches for distribution at the Crossroads Church in Largo.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Foul sewer odor has lingered for months, Haines City residents say

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Some Haines City residents say a strong, sewage-like odor has been hanging over their neighborhood, and they’ve been smelling it for months.

    Neighbors living near the lift station at Patterson Road and Tenth Street say the stench has gotten worse, especially on hot afternoons.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some Haines City residents say a strong, sewage-like odor has been hanging over their neighborhood and they’ve been smelling it for months



    • Neighbors living near the lift station at Patterson Road and Tenth Street say the stench has gotten worse, especially on hot afternoons



    • City officials confirm the smell is coming from the nearby wastewater lift station, and it’s being pushed to its limits by the city’s rapid population growth



    • To address the odor, the Haines City Utilities Department is installing a magnesia drip system upstream of the lift station. The chemical system helps neutralize hydrogen sulfide gas — the source of the “rotten egg” smell — before it reaches the neighborhood




    Standing in his driveway washing his car, Yoabon Bermudez says it’s become a daily nuisance.

    “It’s really bad, the smell. It’s worse than a porta-potty,” Bermudez said. “We live right next to it, and this smell goes about a mile or two. That’s how far it travels. Hopefully, they take care of it.”

    Another resident, Justin Hubbert, has lived in the area for five years and says the odor isn’t just unpleasant — it’s affecting property values.

    “It seems to be heavier in the afternoons,” Hubbert said. “We’re trying to sell our house, and if people come to look and it stinks like a sewer, it’s not really a great selling point.”

    City officials confirm the smell is coming from the nearby wastewater lift station — and it’s being pushed to its limits by the city’s rapid population growth.

    Deputy City Manager James Keene said the facility was built in 2017 when Haines City had about 23,000 residents. Today, the population has nearly doubled to over 44,000.

    “Additional flows in the area have caused some odor issues in the system,” Keene said. “We are working to upgrade for capacity and install new odor control systems.”

    Keene said the city commission has dedicated new funding to improve Haines City’s aging sewer infrastructure.

    “Our city commission has dedicated all the resources to strengthen the city’s infrastructure — not only to catch up to this growth, but to get ahead of it,” Keene said.

    To address the odor, the Haines City Utilities Department is installing a magnesia drip system upstream of the lift station. The chemical system helps neutralize hydrogen sulfide gas — the source of the “rotten egg” smell — before it reaches the neighborhood.

    The project will also include a new gravity line and manhole, aimed at improving flow and capacity.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Troll hunting: Danish artist brings installation to the Tar Heel State

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — The City of Raleigh is promoting sustainability, imagination and the power of public art.  

    This fall, Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his giant troll art installation to Dix Park. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his largest U.S. art installation to Raleigh

    • Seven trolls can be found in the state 

    • Five trolls are in the Oak City, one is in High Point and the other in Charlotte


    Five giant trolls made up of recyclables are being built and spread throughout the park.

    Parts of Dix Park have looked like a construction zone for the last couple of weeks.

    All for two words — giant trolls. 

    One of the trolls being erected at Dix Park in Raleigh by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. (Spectrum News 1/Jatrissa Wooten)

    “I knew what a troll was. I just didn’t know how we were going to build it,” said Habitat for Humanity volunteer Tim Woods.

    Dambo, an artist from Denmark, uses recyclables and nature’s gifts to create masterpieces all over the world.  

    He built the five giant trolls with the help of volunteers from near and far. 

    “Some of my trolls are really tall, so maybe they’re 30 feet tall,” Dambo said.

    The group also created a tail that spans more than 600 feet and will run through the park’s forest.

    “The tail is the most extraordinary thing out here,” said Woods.

    Woods said he’s been working for hours each day for about two weeks.

    Although he isn’t building a home, Woods said trolls are just as fulfilling.

    “I have eight grandkids. So, I can bring them out here and show it to them, explain it to them and tell them, ‘I helped,’” Woods said.

    These installations in other cities have drawn thousands of visitors daily and boosted tourism.

    Raleigh leaders and volunteers believe the same will happen here. 

    “I think it’s going to be a nice tour. An area. It would also allow people to understand and see what a life of a troll is about,” Woods said.

    Dambo said it will take at least an hour to find all five trolls in the park, and that’s all part of the fun behind “troll hunting.”

    These trolls in the Oak City are part of a larger family of seven coming to the Tar Heel state, one in High Point and the other in Charlotte.

    Together, Dambo said this will create his largest U.S. installation to date.

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    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Central Florida nurse’s weight loss journey inspires daughter

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — One Apopka mother drew strength from hurdles to transform her life and show up for her daughter in ways she never imagined possible. 

    “Yes, I’m competing and lost weight. But, out of everything I’ve done, she’s my biggest success,” said Jwan Nguyen, referring to her daughter. “She’s the one who motivates me to keep going.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Jwan Nguyen battled with weight issues for years before undergoing a gastric bypass                                    

    • The nurse committed herself to the gym, losing more than 180 lbs.

    • She recently placed fourth in the “Transformation” division of Summer Shredding competition in Texas

    • Nguyen’s journey inspires her daughter, an 11-year-old competitive gymnast


    Nguyen lost more than 180 lbs, placing fourth in a recent Summer Shredding competition held in Houston, Texas, and adding another medal to her now-growing collection.

    But, it’s what she overcame to walk across the stage that serves as inspiration for her competitive gymnast daughter, Elodie.

    Nguyen lost her mother, who was often sick when she was a child, at the age of 16. For a period of time, Nguyen was homeless.

    She was also the first in her family to go to college and as an adult, battled with weight issues, and later dealt with infertility.

    “I felt like by the time I got to rescue a patient, I was the one who needed oxygen because I couldn’t make it there. I thought, ‘How can I take care of someone and save their life if I’m not taking care of myself?’” she said.

    Nguyen decided to make a change, and underwent gastric bypass surgery. And while it was the gateway to a healthier life, it was her grit and determination to hit her local Planet Fitness gym in Winter Garden — for hours each day, five to seven days per week — that propelled extensive weight loss.

    After hiring a coach, she began entering Summer Shredding competitions, entering the Transformation Division, which she explained is not about perfection, but progress.

    “I wanted to challenge myself, to see exactly what I could do with my body. I was inspired by the people on the stage like, ‘Let’s see if I can do this … pushing myself to see what I can do in the newfound body,” she said. “I spent so much of my life being unhealthy. I didn’t have the self-esteem, the self-confidence to go out and enjoy life. Thank God this has given me a newfound confidence.”

    Now, Nguyen cheers on Elodie, who competes at levels eight and nine, as the 11-year-old cheers in tandem for her mother.

    “She’s always like, ‘I’ll do my workout because even if I don’t want to do it, I’ll get better,’” said the girl, adding, “I’m proud about that because now she has more opportunities to do more things.”

    “I’m just ready to go there and kick butt, hopefully bring home the trophy,” said Nguyen. “Show my daughter and everybody else that if you want something hard enough, push hard enough, you’ll get there.”

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    Julie Gargotta

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  • Children’s Home Network Celebrates Major Renovations

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    TAMPA, Fla. — One of Tampa’s oldest and most impactful organizations is entering a new era of care.

    The Children’s Home Network, which began its mission in 1892, has unveiled a series of major renovations designed to enhance the lives of the foster children it serves.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Children’s Home Network provides socials services to 7,000 kids and adults every year across Florida 

    • Established in 1892, the Children’s Home Network has seven locations across Central Florida  

    • Hillsborough County awarded a $688,000 block grant for the organization to make renovations at its main campus in Tampa

    • Upgrades include new AC units for the gym, a new roof, renovated bathrooms and an outdoor pavilion 


    This week, the nonprofit celebrated the completion of upgrades at its main campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The improvements focused on Kids Village, a residential area where up to 54 children live and recover from experiences of neglect and abuse.

    Thanks to a Community Development Block Grant of nearly $700,000 provided by Hillsborough County, the renovations included a new roof, improved lighting, updated bathrooms, new windows, a covered pavilion, and new air-conditioning units for the gym.

    “We want it to be a place where they feel comfortable, where they can experience joy, where they can experience healing from past trauma in their lives,” said Taylor Cheeseman, Executive Vice President of the Children’s Home Network. “Having all of these facilities available to them is a really important part of that.”

    The upgrades mark a significant investment in creating a nurturing and stable environment for children in foster care.

    While the recently renovated main campus remains the heart of the organization’s operations, the Children’s Home Network also runs six additional locations across Central Florida, providing social services to children, teens and families throughout the state.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Sarasota County to begin dredging Phillippi Creek this fall

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — A dredging project to alleviate flooding will soon begin along a Sarasota creek.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota County officials say they have received approval to start removing thousands of yards of material from the creek between U.S. 41 and Beneva Road

    • Phillippi Creek overflow has frequently inundated homes — most recently last year due to Hurricane Debby’s rain

    • Officials say the dredging is likely to begin this fall

    The county recently received approval for the project along Phillippi Creek, where overflow has frequently inundated homes — most recently last year due to Hurricane Debby’s rain.

    Sometimes, new homeowners don’t anticipate everything they need to know about their new house. That was the case for Nadia Bowen.

    “When we moved in, I thought it was such a beautiful location. I never in a million years thought that, you know, the water would come this high — we’re 16 feet up,” she said.

    Bowen moved into the Southgate neighborhood in Sarasota in 2021. For three years, she said there were no overflow issues from Phillippi Creek. But Debby was a wake-up call.

    “It was flooded all the way up to here. It was close to coming to our pool, basically,” she said.

    She said that while her home wasn’t flooded, others in the neighborhood were. She watched her neighbors experience the turmoil and is now worried her home could be next.

    “Hurricane Debby really, really scarred our community. We have many people in our community that are still not back in their homes,” she said.

    Bowen started a dredging subcommittee in the Southgate Community Association. The group advocates for dredging along Phillippi Creek. Sarasota County has received approval to start removing thousands of yards of material from the creek between U.S. 41 and Beneva Road.

    Bowen lives between those two roads, but her home backs up to a secondary branch of the creek, not the primary waterway.

    “I don’t know if they’re actually going to dredge this. We’re not sure. We know they’re going to dredge the main canal. We’re really happy about that,” she said.

    Sarasota County Stormwater Director Ben Quartermaine said the dredging process will likely begin sometime this fall.

    “Sedimentation in the creek has been building up over time, and projects and storms like Debby have reminded us that it’s imperative to ensure that the creek is operating at max capacity,” he said.

    Those who live near the creek are awaiting the change.

    “During storm times, it’s scary. It’s scary that there’s nowhere for the water to go,” she said.

    With the county focused on improving Phillippi Creek, Bowen is hopeful the dredging provides protection for residents.

    Earlier this year, Sarasota County submitted an emergency application for dredging along Phillippi Creek. That application was denied — according to county officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined a standard application was appropriate, due to several factors including the size of the dredging project and the location.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Cedar Key Historical Society Museum reopens a year after Helene

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    CEDAR KEY, Fla. — Cedar Key is a piece of old Florida. Home to spectacular sunsets and resilient residents like Anna White Hodges. 

    This is what recovery looks like one year after Hurricane Helene’s arrival.

    “With Helene it was so serious,” said White Hodges, Executive Director of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.

    As the storm moved north through the Gulf into the Big Bend region in late September 2024, waves covered the island.

    “Outside the building — eight feet,” said White Hodges.

    The reinforced historical building took in four.

    Volunteers moved the artifacts but lost everything else.

    In their recovery, they found new ways to share the story of the island.

    The museum shows remnants of the people who fished the island shores before colonizers arrived.

    And it tells the Civil War story with a model of the USS Fort Henry, part of the Union’s naval blockade off Cedar Key.

    “The union was going after blockade runners. And that’s when they got too close to the shoreline. And that’s when the militia, the southern militia, they shot at them,” said White Hodges.

    A wooden tombstone marked the grave of a Union soldier from the gunboat.

    Today, the peaceful waters are the subject of aquaculture at the museum, where the town stands now.

    The residents of this small island rebuilt this space.

    And, in turn, have become part of its history.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Wesley Chapel community celebrates life of middle school teacher

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Dozens of people spent Wednesday evening at John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel to celebrate the life of a teacher and coach, Damon Zassenbraker. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Many in the community celebrated the life of Damon Zassenbraker Wednesday evening

    • Zassenbraker coached multiple sports at John Long Middle School

    • Zassenbraker was 52 years old


    According to his sister, Yvette Rhoads, Zassenbraker died unexpectedly in late September. 

    “He was a lot to everybody, she said. “It’s been a hard loss.” 

    From teaching history to hundreds of students over the years to his love of sports, his friends and family hope people remember him for his passions and his love of teaching. 

    For his niece, Riley Rhoads, she remembers the times he’d dress up for a history lesson or how he would share stories from the teams he coached. 

    “He loves the football team, and he coached girls’ soccer, track and girls’ basketball,” she said. “He coached everything, and he loved to tell everyone all about it.” 

    His friend and co-worker, Jay Frenchko, said he misses Zassenbraker dearly. 

    The pair coached together, and Frenchko said that while Zassenbraker loved helping the students grow in sports, he knew what needed to come first. 

    “He always said we’re a student athlete,” he said. “Students come first, athlete comes second. So grades and everything, always first.” 

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Julie Taylor loves to serve others in her hometown of Mulberry

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    MULBERRY, Fla. — A Mulberry woman has become a beloved figure in her city. Julie Taylor is involved in many good causes in Mulberry.

    On a recent evening, Taylor was at the Studio 37 community center in Mulberry, making sure the volunteers at the Save Our Youth program had everything set up for the children who were coming for the after-school program also known as SOY.

    “What about the sign-in sheets? Are all of those checked?” said Taylor to the volunteers. The snacks for the children included juice packs, and chips were ready too.

    “So, we are just getting set up so when they come in they can just sit out here. So, when the bell rings they won’t have to worry about it. Just go right on in,” she said. The children got their snacks outside while they sat on chairs under the former bank building’s drive-through area.

    Taylor started the SOY program years ago so children could get some extra academic help and wholesome activities.

    “We want our young people to be good citizens. We also want our young people to be educated,” said Taylor. “That’s one of the main goals, that they get a good quality education. If you have a good education, there is nothing that can stop you from doing what you want to do.”

    Taylor said she has many faithful volunteers for the program. “We could not have a good SOY program without the children and the parents. They want to learn, and that’s the main thing.”

    Taylor is also known for giving monthly community updates to city commissioners at their meeting.

    “Well, Ms. Taylor is our ace in the hole,” said Commissioner Neil Devine. “She’s very politically active, and she really doesn’t know it. Ms. Taylor is known everywhere in the city of Mulberry.”

    Taylor is also president of the Concerned Citizens of Mulberry organization. It helps run community cultural events and big back to school events to provide children with school supplies.

    Taylor loves her city. “Everybody knows everybody,” she said. “I went to school here. Go to church here. We go to Walmart together. Everybody knows everybody. It’s a small town, but it does great things. And the people here love each other.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Homeless Shelter app Pinellas County

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A year after Florida’s “Unauthorized Public Camping and Sleeping” law took effect, a new mobile app is helping outreach workers in Pinellas County connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter beds more quickly.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new mobile app is helping outreach workers in Pinellas County connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter beds

    • The Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) has launched the Community Services Mobile App, powered by WellSky

    • The tool works much like a hotel booking app 
    • More Information: Homeless Leadership Alliance


    The Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) has launched the Community Services Mobile App, powered by WellSky, giving street outreach teams real-time access to available shelter beds across the county. The tool works much like a hotel booking app — allowing staff to see which shelters have open beds, filter by service type, and even get directions and contact details.

    “This is the first time we’ve had something like this,” said Imani Smith, manager of HMIS and system administration for HLA. “Street outreach teams can use a phone or tablet to check shelter availability and make faster referrals on the spot.”

    The app connects directly to the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), ensuring outreach staff always have the most up-to-date information on shelter capacity and services.

    Smith says the need for accurate, real-time data is urgent.

    “We have more than 800 beds across Pinellas County, but compared to the number of people experiencing homelessness, it’s still not enough,” she said. “This mobile app helps us communicate better with providers and make sure that every available bed is used.”

    The Homeless Leadership Alliance says the launch reflects a larger, data-driven approach to reducing homelessness and improving coordination among service providers.

    Last winter, the organization opened cold-weather shelters a record 10 times, underscoring the importance of quick, coordinated responses when temperatures drop.

    “We’re investing in local solutions to reduce street homelessness and help people in crisis,” said Cheri Holzbacher, CEO of the Homeless Leadership Alliance. “This app is one more step toward making sure no bed stays empty when someone needs a place to sleep.”

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Four candidates vying for mayor’s post in Lakeland

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    The mayor’s spot, along with two commission seats, will be determined on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Longtime voice of the USF Bulls retiring: Jim Louk set to step aside

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    TAMPA, Fla. – The only radio voice University of South Florida football has known is stepping aside.

    Jim Louk, who has called USF football since its 1997 debut, is retiring at the end of this season.

    What You Need To Know

    • The only radio voice University of South Florida football has known is stepping aside

    • Louk has called more than 3,000 USF Athletics contests over a 43-year career, delivering memorable play-by-play on both radio and television broadcasts

    • Louk heads into Saturday’s Homecoming matchup vs. FAU having called 341 USF football games, including the Bulls’ inaugural game on Sept. 6, 1997, and 12 bowl appearances

    His Bulls’ basketball history goes back even further as he has called USF games in that sport since 1983.

    Louk has called more than 3,000 USF Athletics contests over a 43-year career, delivering memorable play-by-play on both radio and television broadcasts.

    “Thank you, Bulls fans for watching and listening for all these years,” Louk said in a message posted to X. “I would have had a short run if you weren’t willing to do that. Instead, I got to have just the kind of career I dreamed about as a kid growing up in upstate New York.”

    Though stepping away from the football booth, he will continue to call select basketball and baseball games on ESPN+ and make occasional appearances on football radio broadcasts and other athletics events.

    Longtime voice of USF men’s basketball Jim Lighthall will assume Louk’s play-by-play duties for football beginning in the 2026 season. Lighthall, who enters his 29th season calling Bulls basketball in 2025-26, has also been a mainstay on South Florida football pre- and post-game shows since the first season of Bulls football and is a familiar presence at athletics events.

    Louk heads into Saturday’s Homecoming matchup vs. FAU having called 341 USF football games, including the Bulls’ inaugural game on Sept. 6, 1997, and 12 bowl appearances.


    “Jim Louk has been a big part of the history and tradition of South Florida Football throughout his incredible career,” said Head Coach Alex Golesh. “He’s been a valued and trusted part of our program and will certainly be missed. I know he’s looking forward to spending more time with his growing family, and I congratulate him on a tremendous run.”

    Since 1983, Louk has been the voice of South Florida Athletics, beginning with men’s basketball and transitioning to football in the program’s first season. He’s also called action across USF Athletics —football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and volleyball—on networks including SportsChannel, Fox Sports Florida, Brighthouse Sports Network, and ESPN+.

    Louk has partnered in the booth for the last eight football seasons with former Bulls linebacker Sam Barrington, and for the first 21 seasons with former NFL standout Mark Robinson.

    Beyond the broadcast booth, Louk served USF Athletics in multiple roles. From 1995 to 2012, he oversaw ticket sales, and later led the Bulls Vision video production unit until his 2021 retirement from the department. He also served as the voice of USF commencement ceremonies from 2013 to 2021 and authored the longtime GoUSFBulls.com series Letters from Louk.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Columbus launches new public art, beautification initiative ‘Murals on Main’

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new initiative, “Murals on Main,” is aiming to bring public art into play for East Main Street in Columbus in a new beautification initiative.

    What You Need To Know

    • Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla announced the launch of “Murals on Main”

    • The project is sponsored by Barroso de Padilla and will continue through a partnership with the East Main Street Special Improvement District

    • Local artists will be invited to design and install large-scale murals that reflect the culture, history and spirit of neighborhoods along East Main Street

    Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla announced the launch late last week.

    “As we anticipate the changes coming to East Main, it’s important that we make sure this revitalization is inclusive and fosters local identity,” Barroso de Padilla said in a news release. “LinkUS will help ensure people have an accessible way to get to where they’re going, and Murals on Main will ensure commuters can enjoy the scenery along the way. This project is a bold step in reimagining this corridor as a destination that brings community voices to life.”

    The project is sponsored by Barroso de Padilla and will continue through a partnership with the East Main Street Special Improvement District. Local artists will be invited to design and install large-scale murals that reflect the culture, history and spirit of neighborhoods along East Main Street. 

    A mural was unveiled with the announcement of the initiative titled “The Moth Within,” designed and painted by artist Justin Withrow. Located at 3354 E. Main St., the piece depicts a caterpillar and moth surrounding a nod to the Fairmoor neighborhood. 

    “Though the moth is drawn to flame, its journey isn’t one of destruction but of courage — a reminder that growth often involves risk,” the mural’s description reads. “This mural invites viewers to see their own cycles of struggle, solitude and becoming as necessary parts of a beautiful whole.”

    Future murals are in the works and will be announced at a later date.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Community steps in after alleged Riverview restaurant burglary

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    RIVERVIEW, Fla. — About a month after a Riverview restaurant was allegedly burglarized, the community is helping the business owner get back to normal.

    Eggs Up Grill lost thousands of dollars in cash and equipment during the Labor Day weekend. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Eggs Up Grill said it was burglarized over Labor Day weekend

    • Owner Priscilla Conyers said it lost its safe with a couple thousand dollars, and thousands of dollars in equipment 

    • Conyers said the incident took morale out of her staff

    • On Friday, her alma mater hosted an event to drum up support and business 


    When the owner’s alma mater, Florida A&M University, heard about the incident, they knew they wanted to help.

    On Friday night, it hosted a mixer to help drum up business and bring morale back to the restaurant. 

    Along with a healthy portion of eggs, the restaurant is serving up positivity.

    “We want to be your happy place. We want us to make you smile. So that’s a part of our DNA. That’s our mantra,” said Priscilla Conyers, owner of Eggs Up Grill Riverview.

    Conyers said some of that positivity was lost. In her surveillance video, a person can be seen taking a safe from the office, and then equipment from the dining room. 

    “We were devastated. We felt like it was definitely an invasion of our privacy,” Conyers said.

    She said two server handheld devices — worth $2,000 each — are now gone, and there was a couple thousand dollars in the safe. 

    “My front of the house staff, my back of the house staff, we all worked extremely hard to be here to provide for the community. So, for something like that to happen to us, it just kind of took us out,” she said.

    Friday night’s mixer helped to promote the restaurant and bring back some positivity to the staff.

    “We’re hoping to basically patronize, drum up business to help fill the gap where the burglary may have caused some hardship from a financial standpoint,” said Laketra Claiborne, president of Florida A&M University Alumni Association’s Tampa Chapter.

    Conyers said the community support has turned an unfortunate situation into a positive one. 

    “The community has really had our back. We absolutely love being in the Tampa Bay community, and we are here to stay. That situation will not hurt us anymore,” Conyers said.

    The dining room was filled with FAMU’s colors and smiles once again.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Opinions vary on Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel proposal

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    TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa residents got their first chance to respond to the proposed 250-foot Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel for the Channel district Thursday night.

    And there were plenty of opinions about the idea.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa residents got their first chance to respond to the proposed 250-foot Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel for the Channel district Thursday night

    • The $20 million wheel will take visitors up 250-feet and show views of Downtown Tampa. The wheel would have 27 gondolas 
    • The city council will hold a second public hearing on the Ferris wheel proposal on Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

    “It is a cluster down there,” said Bob Harrington, who was against the idea. “People looking for parking. Living in a condo across the street, we frequently have people coming in from the ships looking for parking spaces. This is going to add more problems for us.”

    The proposed site for the “Tampa WOW!” Ferris wheel is next door to the Florida Aquarium.

    The $20 million wheel will take visitors up 250-feet and show views of Downtown Tampa. The wheel would have 27 gondolas.

    The project is privately funded, but the city would receive a portion of profits once a certain amount of money is made for the year.

    Tampa resident Joe Robinson discusses the Tampa WOW! ferris wheel proposal Thursday night during a public hearing about the proposed attraction. (City of Tampa TV)

    Developer Tony Miller said he’d like to have the project completed by fall of 2026. Miller also told city council members that the wheel would not be intrusive in the community, not cause traffic issues and would be “whisper quiet.”  

    While there were positive responses, multiple residents speaking at the meeting suggested otherwise.

    “The thing about this is that it creates a destination,” said resident Joe Robinson. “You got all of these people down there; you got families that are coming down.

    “This is not your carnival Ferris wheel at the Florida State Fair. This is a major engineered wheel.”

    The city council will hold a second public hearing on the Ferris wheel proposal on Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

    Watch the City meeting on the wheel:


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Clearwater Ferry reopens route in Dunedin

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Clearwater Ferry service to Dunedin that was suspended after Hurricanes Helene and Milton is up and running again.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearwater Ferry reopens route in Dunedin

    • Service was suspended after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • Dunedin Blue Line runs every two hours Thursday-Sunday starting at 10am


    A ribbon cutting with Dunedin City officials and representatives from PSTA, the City of Clearwater and Clearwater Ferry celebrated this next phase of recovery Thursday, which also marked one year since Hurricane Milton.

    “This, again, is another step to give all our citizens and all our communities a feeling that ‘hey, we are getting there, we’re starting to feel that normalcy again,’” said Dunedin Mayor, Maureen ‘’Moe’’ Freaney.

    The city says through an inter-local agreement, Clearwater marina staff constructed a temporary landing to be used. City leaders, passengers and local business owners alike echo the sentiment of appreciating a sense of normalcy returning, even as the community continues to rebuild one year later.

    “Nobody could have expected what happened through that storm and how it affected so many people on this coastline and our neighbors, friends, we all got affected by it,” said Sylvia Tzekas, who owns Sea Sea Riders Restaurant near the marina.

    “We’ve just missed it so much and we’re so glad it’s back,” said Rhea Bogda, who was one of the first passengers to depart from Dunedin on the ferry in a year. “And the moment that I heard it was going to be Thursday, October 9th, we booked the tickets.”

    The ferry can transport almost seventy passengers on a route that runs from Dunedin Marina to Downtown Clearwater, to Clearwater Beach, back to Downtown Clearwater and back to Dunedin.

    Tzekas says she looks forward to increased foot traffic downtown. “The tourists that go to Clearwater Beach will be able to enjoy Dunedin as well, which is wonderful and what a great way to travel and enjoy the waterfront and enjoy downtown.”

    Enjoying coastal cities while supporting local businesses. “It’s just been a favorite thing of ours to do,” said Bogda.

    The ferry runs every two hours, Thursday through Sunday, with the first boat leaving at 10am and the last at 6pm.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • On Our Island: Long Island nonprofits, schools and businesses in the news | Long Island Business News

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    opens at NHP

    Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated third-floor lounge at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The renovation was made possible through a $125,000 gift from the Giannola family, who was honored at the ‘s 2023 Gala celebration.

    The redesigned lounge serves as one of several common areas within the 50,000-square-foot house, where families can rest, work remotely, play video games, or unwind after spending time at nearby Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

    Designed by Margreet Cevasco of Cevasco Design Inc., the space features a calming color palette accented with textured wallpaper, lush fabrics and upholstery, contemporary décor and warm lighting.

     

    Zucker School students transform to healthcare professionals

    Courtesy of at Hofstra/Northwell

    Family, friends and faculty gathered at the grand ballroom at the Long Island Marriott as 106 first-year medical students from the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell marked their transformation from medical students to healthcare professionals at the 15th annual .

    Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell also requires its students to complete emergency medical training (EMT) and achieve certification. This facilitates medical students to learn vital hands-on skills through rotations on Northwell ambulances and in mass casualty incident simulations at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy.

    Dr. John D’Angelo, president and CEO of Northwell Health and professor of emergency medicine at the Zucker School, delivered the keynote address.

     

    East Islip restaurant holds fundraiser for breast cancer research

    Courtesy of Jackson Hall American Bar & Grille

    As a tribute to overcoming his battle with male breast cancer, Michael Landesberg, executive chef of Jackson Hall American Bar & Grille, held his annual “All Boobs Matter,” fundraiser this week at the East Islip restaurant.

    More than 40 volunteers and 50 restaurant staff members donated their time toward the fundraiser organizing seating, raffles and numerous prizes. According to Landesberg, who is awaiting final fundraising numbers, he was able to surpass his $50,000 goal—all of which will be donated to the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition.

    Various local politicians and celebrity foodies, such as influencer Al Fenza, came to support Landesberg and his family for a cause that’s very dear to him.

    “I urge everybody to get checked, get your yearly mammograms, and men let’s break the stigma,” he shared. “Let’s put the odds back on our side, and start being aware that we have breasts, too!

     

    introduces Dog ATMs at East Meadow branch

    Courtesy of TD Bank

    This past weekend, TD Bank introduced the first at its East Meadow branch, following last year’s successful debut in Philadelphia, which cemented TD’s spot as the first and only bank to design ATMs with paws in mind.

    Featuring a puppy paw mat with a motion detector that automatically dispenses free dog biscuits, the ATM has dog-friendly audio that “talks” to pups, making it an interactive and highly visual experience. TD’s patented design highlights the bank’s commitment to fresh, unexpected experiences for its customers.

    The installation is among 14 new Dog ATMs being introduced this year across TD’s Maine-to-Florida footprint, all located at high-traffic stores that have been recently renovated.

     

    PLEASE EMAIL RELEASES AND HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOS TO [email protected]


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    LIBN Staff

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  • Volunteers gather to preserve history through gravestone restoration

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Volunteers in southwest Ohio have worked on preserving history throughout Greene County, one headstone at a time. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The group of six, led by Army veteran Brenda Tolle and retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Neil Reinsmoen, gathers to restore the graves of local veterans and community members

    • Since forming in 2022, hundreds of tombstones across 10 Greene County cemeteries have been cleaned, repaired and reset by the group

    • According to a news release, the group is about to hit 937 graves once the work is complete at Stewart Cemetery

    The group of six, led by Army veteran Brenda Tolle and retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Neil Reinsmoen, gathers to restore the graves of local veterans and community members to ensure their stories are not lost. The group ranges in age from their 50s to 80s, with Tolle and Reinsmoen being the only military members.

    Neil Reinsmoen, Brenda Tolle, Gregg Spahr and Linda Surls at Stewart Cemetery. (Neil Reinsmoen)

    “Walking among these broken and forgotten stones, I feel the weight of every story lost,” said Tolle. “Each grave deserves to be remembered, and we do this work so their lives are never forgotten.”

    Since forming in 2022, hundreds of tombstones across 10 Greene County cemeteries have been cleaned, repaired and reset by the group. According to a news release, the group is about to hit 937 graves once the work is complete at Stewart Cemetery. The work includes replacing headstones for Revolutionary War veterans, repairing damaged markers and stabilizing broken stones. 

    The cemeteries the group has worked in include: Bone Cemetery, Boots Cemetery, Caesarscreek Baptist Church Cemetery, Cherry Grove (or Caesarscreek Cemetery), Dean Cemetery, Deardorff Cemetery, Shaner Cemetery, Paullin Cemetery, Shook Cemetery and Stewart Cemetery.

    “The team’s dedication goes beyond the physical restoration,” said Reinsmoen. “Restoring these graves is more than preserving history. It is personal. My own ancestor fought in the Revolutionary War, and working alongside these stones reminds me of the sacrifices that built our community.”

    Volunteers Scott Bradley, Kim Dean, Gregg Spahr and Linda Surls meet with Tolle and Reinsmoen each week to restore the gravestones. Tolle also photographs each stone cleaned and creates or updates memorials online, helping to connect families with ancestors.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Gulfport restauranteur grateful after year of hurricane rebuilding

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — More than a year after Hurricane Helene ravaged the Bay area, one Gulfport restaurant can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    The Neptune Grill recently reopened with a staff just as resilient as the newly renovated building.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than a year after Hurricane Helene ravaged the Bay area, one Gulfport restaurant can see the light at the end of the tunnel

    • It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father Gus, opened the Neptune Grill in Gulfport 

    • The Vartsakis’ dream turned into a nightmare when Helene and Milton swept across the region, all but destroying their restaurant 
    • Flood insurance did help out some. But Dia and her dad have dipped into their savings, taken out loans and swiped their credit cards just to survive. Now, the place is open a few days a week
    • Location: 5501 Shore Blvd S., Gulfport, FL 33707

    It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father, Gus, opened their Greek restaurant right in the heart of downtown Gulfport.

    But when Helene came to the Neptune Grill, the Roman god of the sea was no protection from the damage of the hurricane.

    “When I walked in that day…the countertop, which was quartz, was on the ground,” she said. “And I pretty much walked into (the) patio and it was just a complete, open, blank nothing.” 

    The Vartsakis’ dream turned into a nightmare overnight. Not only was their restaurant destroyed, they own the building that houses three other shops. All faced similar damage.

    It’s been almost 15 years since Dia Vartsakis, and her father Gus, opened their Greek restaurant right in the heart of downtown Gulfport. She said it was tough seeing the business heavily damaged. (Spectrum News image)

    “I basically, at that point, thought to myself, ‘Well, I guess [you should] go to bed, because tomorrow is going to be a long day,” Vartsakis said.

    She was right. Dia says it took weeks to clean up and months before they received their first building permits.

    Once they were approved in February, construction started almost immediately.

    Flood insurance did help out some. But Dia and her dad have dipped into their savings, taken out loans and swiped their credit cards just to survive.

    “Every piece of equipment is brand new, Vartaskis said. “From refrigeration to cooking equipment. Everything had to be replaced.”

    That includes new booths, tables and décor in the dining room. And the walls they’re now reinforced, along with the large hurricane proof windows.

    “To know that the structure is sound, and that the weak spots we had are no longer there makes us a little more confident going into the future,” she said. “Hopefully never dealing with a Helene again.”

    For now, Neptune is only open a few days a week, running a limited menu. Many of the core staff have returned and so have customers’ appetites.

     Despite all the pain, all the hard work, Vartsakis said she can still see the glass half full.

    “I got to spend a lot of quality time with my dad,” she said of time they spent together during the rebuild. “And even though a lot of it was what we had to do to get Neptune Grill open, to get the structure put back together, that 30-minute lunch or coffee or whatever was quality time I probably would’ve never had.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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