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Tag: good news

  • Parc Center helps employees with disabilities thrive long-term

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    TAMPA, Fla. — October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the U.S. Department of Labor is shining a light on this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

    What You Need To Know

    • National Disability Employment Awareness Month has an official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent”

    • Parc’s Supported Employment Services program has helped nearly 100 people with disabilities find competitive employment

    • Success stories like Michelle Burger show the long-term impact and benefits of supportive employment


    It’s an impactful mission that Parc Center for Disabilities strives to accomplish all year long with its Supported Employment Services program, which champions nearly 100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities out in the community with competitive employment.

    “With Supported Employment, it’s truly a win-win for the person we’re supporting and the business or employer,” said Brian Rothey, the Assistant Vice President of Adult Community Programs at Parc. “The employer is receiving someone who is going to show up happy every single day to their shift and stay on the job a whole lot longer than their non-disabled peers. They’re highly motivated and a pleasure to work around.”

    Michelle Burger, one of their success stories with nearly 25-years on the job at the VA’s Patriot Café, credits her long-term success in the workforce to the partnership between Parc and the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

    “It’s great having this job – helping the canteen and helping customers – if they need help,” said Burger who serves as a Veterans Canteen Service Associate at the Patriot Café. “It’s wonderful and they help me out, too, if I need it. I have good friends and a lot of buddies out here.”

    Veterans Canteen Service Associate Michelle Burger preparing to serve a veteran at the VA’s Patriot Cafe. (Spectrum News/Erica Riggins)

    In 2001, Burger was looking for a job to live with independence and prove that she was more than capable of doing the work; and decades later, Burger’s drive and dedication are still paying off professionally and personally.

    “She’s 100% fully integrated in the community. She lives independently. She has a lifelong partner. She was able to purchase her own home, which for a lot of us is a very big deal,” said Rothey.

    Veterans Canteen Service Chief Michelle Florida also describes Burger as a standout employee who consistently exceeds all job expectations.

    “She loves her job every day, loves her co-workers and is happy to be here,” said Florida. “In fact, there was small talk about her possibly retiring, but she declined because she enjoys working here.”

    Parc’s Supported Employment Services program also provides weekly career coaching to help encourage and assist Burger on the VA’s campus in St. Petersburg.

    “There’s this whole hidden population and talent pipeline within the community that we can tap into and provide. One of the biggest ways that our community and employers can support our mission is through partnerships and collaboration; any opportunity to have our voices heard and offer employment to the people that we serve is what we’re seeking this month and all year long,” said Rothey.

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    Erica Riggins

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  • Ukrainian Sarasota resident dancing for world championship

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — The World DanceSport Federation Championships are happening this weekend.

    Team USA is well represented by one of our new Sunshine State residents.

    Born in Ukraine, Dmytro Roshchupkin now has a home base in Sarasota where he is inspiring others by his story.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dmytro Roshchupkin is competing for the U.S. in the World DanceSport Federation Championships

    • Dmytro evacuated Ukraine when the war broke out and was taken in by the Sarasota community

    • He thanks the people who have helped him transition into his new life


    Dmytro is swinging into every dance practice with a smile.

    At 21 years old, he is also a dance instructor with inspirational advice.

    “There is no challenge that you cannot overcome,” said Dmytro. “If it is there, you are capable. And when you are able to overcome it, it just makes you a different person, and you are in a better place than you have ever been before.”

    He is not just talking about learning how to dance, though.

    The war in Ukraine forced him to leave his homeland when he was just a teenager.

    “When the war started, it kind of changed everything,” he said. “We had to leave the country. I stopped dancing for, like, probably like a year.”

    He moved from Ukraine to Germany first.

    Coincidentally, Dmytro returns to Germany for the championships this weekend. 

    His grandparents, who also evacuated the war-torn city of Kharkiv, are also there.

    Dmytro’s parents and siblings are in New York after fleeing the war.

    But Dmytro’s experience shortly after the start of the fighting was just a temporary pause from doing what he loves.

    He finally landed in Florida, where he is heating up the dance floor.

    “Dima has been there through, like, thick and thin,” said his practice partner Alexis Aker. “He has definitely shown me the groundwork and the blueprint of ballroom.”

    Aker is also a dance instructor at the Sarasota studio where Dmytro teaches.

    She affectionately calls him Dima and is now his dance disciple.

    “He has this eagerness for knowledge, and it really elevates everyone in the room,” she said.

    She is also lending her time to get him ready for his next challenge which is taking on the best from other countries in the World DanceSport Federation Championships.

    She said it is how Dmytro has managed the war experience that really stands out.

    “It’s just really inspiring how much he was focused on all the people, on all his students,” she said. “He gave himself to his students and that was like wow…I want to be like that one day.”

    For Dmytro, he would not have it any other way.

    It is the people who welcomed him to his new home that inspire him.

    “It’s the people who greeted me that warmly on the first day I came here. Meeting me at airport, giving me all that love and shine,” said Dmytro. “And being so nice to me when I didn’t even speak any English at the beginning.”

    But he does speak perseverance and soon hopes to talk championships.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Man helped woman reunite with lost ring on Clearwater Beach

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Our local beaches are full of beauty and sometimes even treasures that people find with metal detectors. One Clearwater man used his hobby to help reunite a woman with a ring that to her is priceless.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearwater man helps woman reunite with ring lost on the beach

    • Joey Dahlia started metal detecting this summer as a hobby

    • Dahlia says many people never see their jewelry again once it’s lost, but this case was different


    Joey Dahlia recently started using his metal detector this summer.

    “The first seven days were just screws and bottle caps,” he said.

    But that didn’t stop him from continuing his search for treasure.

    “I find one piece of jewelry a day. It can be any kind, like costume, garbage or up to a very expensive ring,” Dahlia said.

    That’s exactly what happened when he discovered a ring recently.

    He said that while most of the jewelry he finds never makes it back to its owner, this case was different. He was approached by people who knew the ring’s owner.

    “She shows me a clear picture, and I’m like, ‘That’s the ring, and she can have it back.’” He returned the ring, which had sentimental value.

    “I’m always in unique situations, and that was a unique situation for me,” he said. “It wasn’t just a wedding ring, it was very expensive, life changing for either her or me.”

    The connection he made with the ring’s owner inspired him to create a lost and found page for other people who lose items at the beach.

    “People go in there and post they found stuff, or they lost stuff, and it’s really unique that I was able to do that,” Dahlia said.

    The ring’s owner said she lost the ring while near the shoreline and said she is happy to have it back.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Wesley Chapel prep cook going above and beyond at work despite disabilities

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and to commemorate the month, we’re highlighting some talented workers here across the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Wesley Chapel prep cook is going above and beyond at work despite his disabilities

    • Jeremy Ross knew at a young age he wanted to work in the food industry and an opportunity knocked thanks, in part, to a disability employment service called ‘employU’

    • ’employU’ is a non-profit, disability employment service, helping those with disabilities get in the workforce by offering employability training to make sure clients are job-ready


    One employee is making a difference in the culinary industry in Pasco County.

    For Jeremy Ross, the kitchen is where he is most comfortable.

    “My slogan is trust and respect,” says Ross. “I just want a good work environment.”

    For the last seven months, Ross has been working as a prep cook at Bubba’s 33 in Wesley Chapel. Chopping up lettuce and other varieties of vegetables. 

    “It’s good working for them. I can finally be myself when I’m working.”

    Ross has ADHD and an intellectual impairment. But just because he has a disability, it doesn’t mean his work is impaired. 

    “He has a harder time learning how to do tasks,” says Catalina Fernandez, Jeremy’s mom. “More of your school life things like reading and math and things like that were always more difficult for him to process because of his disability.”

    Ross learned of his love for the culinary arts in a special program in high school. A five-year culinary program at the Vaughn Occupational High School in Chicago.

    “A high school that he went to in Chicago had a culinary program for our students, all of which were students with disabilities,” said Fernandez. “And he loved it.”

    That passion for working with food followed Ross when he and his family moved to the Tampa Bay area. He found work at a local restaurant until they closed. But then an opportunity knocked at Bubba’s. Ross found the opportunity thanks to a disability employment service called ‘employU.’

    “From the very beginning, we knew that we would hire him and bring him on just because he really grasped what he was doing right away,” said Abby Fletcher, manager at Bubba’s 33 in Wesley Chapel. “He worked really well with the management team and the other employees who were working cold prep.”

    And now Ross can continue his pursuing his passion and love for cooking.

    “It feels really good for me to do that because I always go to my serious work because I always have to focus on my work,” said Ross. “I’m going to do the best I can.”

    Showing how nothing is holding him back.

    ’employU’ is a non-profit, disability employment service based in the Orlando area. Helping those with disabilities get in the workforce by offering employability training to make sure clients are job-ready. You can learn more about their adult employment services online here.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Medical foster mom in Tampa reopens her home after adopting four foster kids

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Kadesha Stewart knew one thing her whole life.

    “I always wanted five children,” said Stewart.

    She had a son, LaShawn. But that was it. In her heart and in her home in Tampa, she never stopped yearning for more little feet.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kadesha Stewart is an adoptive mom of 4 kids that she previously fostered, and three of them have special medical needs

    • She is a specialized medical foster parent through Children’s Home Network, and has received training and a special license to care for kids at their most vulnerable, whose birth parents cannot care for them

    • After helping over 30 kids, Kadesha closed her foster home to new fosters when she adopted her fourth child, but is now getting re-licensed through CHN and is reopening her home for more medical foster children

    • Medical foster parent(s) are needed. To learn how to become one, join a virtual information session with the Children’s Home Network


    She decided to become a foster parent, and through her training decided she would be a medical foster parent.

    “These babies, they need more than just medication. They need love. They need stability,” said Stewart. “And they just need someone who can have the patience to care for them.”

    She went through training and opened her home. It quickly began to fill.

    With foster care, reunification with the child’s biological family is always the goal. But in some cases, that doesn’t work out.

    So Stewart became mother to more than one, adopting Teryonna first. Then, she adopted Lucas. Then Emma.

    “Then the opportunity comes for you to adopt now your fourth child, and your answer is?” asked Spectrum Bay News 9 anchor Erin Murray.

    “Yes,” said Stewart with a huge smile.

    Graciyanna became adoption number four.

    In total, Stewart has fostered more than 30 kids — most with medical needs.

    With LaShawn, Teryonna, Lucas, Emma and Graciyanna, Stewart’s dream is now complete. She is the mother of five children.

    “So five is enough for me because, you know, it’s just me,” said Stewart with a smile.

    Or that is what she thought.

    “If I have the space and the help, which is my mom, to do it, you know, I just want to continue to be a blessing to a child,” said Stewart.

    Fostering is part of her purpose, she said.

    The Children’s Home Network hopes more people will consider becoming medical foster families.

    “In Hillsborough County, there’s only about 15 medical foster homes,” said Paul Penhale, Out-of-Home Care Senior Director, Children’s Home Network in Tampa. “It’s never enough, right? We’re actively recruiting.”

    Penhale said while they are making it work with those 15 families in Hillsborough, Children’s Home Network is always looking for the next generation of foster moms and dads.

    “We believe that regardless of the child’s medical condition, they still deserve to be in a family-like setting. They don’t need to be in the hospital if they’re medically ready for discharge. But they do need more than a traditional foster parent can provide care,” said Penhale.

    Stewart hopes others will see her family and give fostering a chance.

    “These children need a home, and it would be a blessing for more families to open their home to medical children,” said Stewart.

    A full home that always has room for one more foster child.

    “I’m not going to say no,” said Stewart.

    Children’s Home Network said all medical foster parents are given medical training and they have a team of resources available to help them 24/7.

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    Erin Murray

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  • Woman who lost her ability to speak due to ALS got it back in an unexpected way

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    KCCI EIGHT NEWS AT TEN. A NORWALK WOMAN WHO LOST HER VOICE TO ALS GOT IT BACK IN AN UNEXPECTED WAY. KCCI ABIGAIL CURTIN SPOKE WITH HER THIS EVENING. ABIGAIL, TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER STORY. WELL, THIS IS A PRETTY INCREDIBLE STORY, AND THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT PEOPLE CAN STRUGGLE WITH WHEN THEY HAVE ALS. MUSCLE WEAKNESS. DIFFICULTY EATING, EATING, AND COMMUNICATING. THOSE CAN BE HARD. AND THOSE ARE JUST SOME OF THE STRUGGLES THAT ROBIN LEEPER HAS HAD TO OVERCOME SINCE SHE WAS DIAGNOSED BACK IN 2023. BUT NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN ABLE TO EASE SOME OF THAT STRUGGLE AND GIVE HER A PART OF HERSELF BACK. WHEN ROBIN LEEPER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ALS IN 2023, IT WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST MOMENTS OF HER LIFE. BUT WHEN SHE LOST HER ABILITY TO TALK, IT WAS EVEN HARDER. I CRIED, AND FOR THE FIRST YEAR I COULDN’T EVEN SAY ALS WITHOUT CRYING. AT THE TIME, SHE WAS THE PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF NORWALK. FOR A WHILE, SHE TRIED OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION LIKE TEXT TO SPEECH, SOFTWARE OR SIGN LANGUAGE. BUT THAT’S WHERE THE CITY’S MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST, TY LUE, CAME IN. WE HAVE FIVE SWIMMING POOLS. SHE COMBED THROUGH HOURS OF PUBLIC MEETINGS, RECORDS ISOLATING CLIPS OF ROBIN SPEAKING FROM WHEN SHE STILL COULD. FROM THERE, SHE UPLOADED THEM INTO AN AI SOFTWARE TO RECREATE ROBIN’S VOICE, WHICH SHE USED TO ACCEPT. NORWALK CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD. I AM TRULY, DEEPLY HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL FOR THIS RECOGNITION. IT SOUNDED AS IF SHE WAS JUST STANDING THERE SPEAKING ON HER OWN. IN FACT, I HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE SAY I DIDN’T REALIZE THAT SHE WAS PLAYING A RECORDING OF HER VOICE. BUT FOR LEEPER, IT WASN’T JUST EXCITING TO BE ABLE TO HEAR HER OWN VOICE AGAIN. IT WAS A CHANCE TO FEEL LIKE HERSELF AGAIN. IT’S YOUR IDENTITY. PEOPLE CAN HEAR YOUR VOICE WITHOUT SEEING YOUR FACE, AND THEY KNOW THAT’S YOU. AS FOR WHAT’S NEXT, SHE’S GOT A NEW PRIORITY. FINDING A CURE. BOXHOLM. LIKE I SAID, A PRETTY INCREDIBLE STORY. AND SPEAKING OF FINDING A CURE, LEEPER WILL BE AT THIS SATURDAY’S WALK TO DEFEAT ALS IN ALTOONA. FOR MORE DETAILS ON THAT WALK AND HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT LEEPER. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS STORY ON KCCI.COM. FIRST OF ALL, AN AMAZING EXAMPLE OF THE GOOD THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN DO. ABSOLUTELY A CREDIT TO EVERYBODY WHO HELPED THIS HAPPEN. AND ROBIN, YOU KNOW, WE’RE THINKING OF YOU AND ADMIRE YOUR STRENGTH. AND I KNO

    Woman who lost her ability to speak due to ALS got it back in an unexpected way

    Updated: 4:02 AM PDT Oct 11, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    An Iowa woman who lost her ability to speak due to ALS got it back in an unexpected way.Robin Leaper was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2023. Since then, she’s struggled with muscle weakness and difficulty eating, and she’s no longer able to speak. It’s been an adjustment, to say the least.”For the first year, I couldn’t even say ALS without crying,” she said. When she was diagnosed, she was the Parks and Recreation director for the city of Norwalk.Since then, she’s tried to communicate in other ways, like text-to-speech software or sign language, but neither one has allowed her to use her own voice.Until the city’s marketing and communications specialist, Tai Lieu, came in.Lieu combed through hours of public meeting recordings in which Leaper spoke, isolating her vocals and uploading them to an AI voice recreation software.That software allows Leaper to type her words, which are then read aloud in her own voice.”It sounded as if she was just standing there, speaking on her own,” Lieu said of Leaper’s first attempt at using the software when she won Norwalk’s Citizen of the Year Award last year. “I had several people say, ‘I didn’t realize she was playing a recording of her voice.’”But for Leaper, the AI recreation does more than allow her to use her own voice; it allows her to feel like herself again.”It’s your identity,” she said. “People can hear your voice without seeing, and they know it’s you. It gave me back a little piece ALS stole from me.”As for what’s next, Leaper says she has a new priority: finding a cure.She plans to start with Altoona’s Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday.

    An Iowa woman who lost her ability to speak due to ALS got it back in an unexpected way.

    Robin Leaper was diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2023. Since then, she’s struggled with muscle weakness and difficulty eating, and she’s no longer able to speak.

    It’s been an adjustment, to say the least.

    “For the first year, I couldn’t even say ALS without crying,” she said.

    When she was diagnosed, she was the Parks and Recreation director for the city of Norwalk.

    Since then, she’s tried to communicate in other ways, like text-to-speech software or sign language, but neither one has allowed her to use her own voice.

    Until the city’s marketing and communications specialist, Tai Lieu, came in.

    Lieu combed through hours of public meeting recordings in which Leaper spoke, isolating her vocals and uploading them to an AI voice recreation software.

    That software allows Leaper to type her words, which are then read aloud in her own voice.

    “It sounded as if she was just standing there, speaking on her own,” Lieu said of Leaper’s first attempt at using the software when she won Norwalk’s Citizen of the Year Award last year. “I had several people say, ‘I didn’t realize she was playing a recording of her voice.’”

    But for Leaper, the AI recreation does more than allow her to use her own voice; it allows her to feel like herself again.

    “It’s your identity,” she said. “People can hear your voice without seeing, and they know it’s you. It gave me back a little piece ALS stole from me.”

    As for what’s next, Leaper says she has a new priority: finding a cure.

    She plans to start with Altoona’s Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday.

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  • A look back at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s inspiring recovery efforts

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    ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — The Center of Anna Maria Island became the central hub for recovery in a community battered by back-to-back storms.

    The damage Helene and Milton left behind, you can still see today.

    During the time shortly after the storms passed, The Center also became a symbol of community and inspiration.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Center of Anna Maria Island turned into the community’s recovery hub

    •  Christopher Culhane is the center’s Executive Director and said the yearlong efforts to get back to normal have been tough

    •  The Center has been providing youth sports and other activities for the community which relied on it for hurricane relief


    The Anna Maria Island community suffered major impacts twice, however, the place most residents consider a home base also became a beacon of hope.

    Holmes Beach resident Brooke Svoboda said she has lived on the island for years and The Center on Anna Maria Island became an integral part of the days after the storms.

    “And then the supplies started coming in and it was a home. You got a smile when you started coming in, warm food, supplies,” said Svoboda. “They know it’s the heartbeat of this community and they know the island would not be the same without it.”

    A year later, the community center’s children are scoring big during the center of youth soccer league games, which started back up for the fall season a couple of weeks ago.

    Ironically, that league start would put it on the same timing as the storms arriving a year ago.

    “The hurricanes damaged a little bit of everything on the island,” said The Center of Anna Maria Island Executive Director Christopher Culhane, as he started talking about his recollection of the storms. “Pretty dramatic. All of the tennis court. All of the higher fencing, all of it got blown over. The scoreboard we lost as well. “

    A newly installed scoreboard is now up. And what caused all of this is a bad memory for most residents in the Bay area.

    From fires bursting from downed power lines to rushing water over submerged streets, the moments right after the hurricanes were incredibly challenging and a chaotic scene.

    The double impact of hurricane winds and flooding devastated Anna Maria Island and anything on it.

    But Culhane also said something else happened soon after.

    “The Center stepped up with many other organizations and started a volunteer effort to put the island back together,” he said.

    Neighbors were in need, such as Svoboda, who relies on The Center for her family’s youth activities.

    A year ago, she relied on them even more.

    “We did stay on the island. We didn’t evacuate,” she said. “And after the hurricane hit, we came to The Center, we got supplies. It was like our home when everything was chaos and destroyed.”

    And more started to happen.

    The Center would then help plant almost 30,000 plants to renourish the beaches.

    They also held a relief concert last November with Lynyrd Skynyrd, raising more than $400,000 for temporarily unemployed AMI hospitality workers.

    The Center being so close to the water, like everything else on Anna Maria Island, also faced its challenges.

    It has been a yearlong effort to get back. The sod on the soccer fields had to get redone. The fencing and tennis courts are not fully restored.

    Nevertheless, they are playing on them today.

    The Center and its staff got recognition for all the arduous work they did over the year, and following their social media one can see how much.

    As well as the efforts continue even today to inspire others like Svoboda’s son, Parker.

    “We started a little business, and we thought it would be good to donate some back to the Center,” said Parker. “And we’ve done it enough to get to have our jerseys.”

    Proceeds from Parker’s printing business is going back to The Center to help in other ways.

    Because the kind of teamwork you see on the field during the youth games is also what happens on Anna Maria Island, according to Culhane.

    “This community steps up,” he said. “The Center wouldn’t be here without the community. And the community always stands strong with events like this past year.”

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Judge shares thoughts about Hispanic Heritage Month

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Myriam Irizarry was appointed as the first Hispanic judge in Pinellas County in 2015 and served in her position until 2020.

    What You Need To Know

    • Myriam Irizarry was the first Hispanic judge in Pinellas County 

    • She said Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to celebrate achievements and add to what makes our country great

    • Irizarry still serves as a senior judge


    She then retired but still serves as a senior judge. That means she serves part-time when the courts need help.

    “The judicial system should represent the makeup of their community. And so, although I was the first, I hope not to be the last,” Irizarry said.

    Now she is using her free time for some of her other passions like writing poetry.

    Irizarry is currently writing a book with her daughter, “The Fragrance of Jesus.”

    “Jesus, my Lord, your fragrance revives my soul and purifies my heart,” she said while reading from her notes. “Your essence fills me with your presence from which I shall never part.”

    It means a lot to Irizarry that she was able to reach her goals and credits her mother for believing in her.

    She wrote her first book, “The Power of Perseverance,” about growing up in a shack in Puerto Rico, hardships in New York City, and eventually becoming a lawyer, then a judge.

    Irizarry said her mother raised her and her siblings with a dream for each of them to achieve.

    “Her tenacity, her grit, her faith in each and every one of us, we were able to overcome,” she said. “So this is a tribute to her as well.”

    Though Irizarry is retired, she sees Hispanic Heritage Month as a way to celebrate achievements and add to what makes our country great.  

    “We get to bring out our culture in such a way that we can showcase how we integrate into the American culture and the richness in our diversity, what it brings to this country,” she said.  

    Irizarry hopes that her story can inspire others to follow their dreams and achieve what they desire.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Volunteers pack 126,000 meals in Central Florida food bank in 24 hours

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Second Harvest of Central Florida Food Bank took on a first-of-its-kind challenge, staying open for 24 hours straight to fight hunger in the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Second Harvest of Central Florida stayed open for 24 hours for the first time in its history

    • More than 300 volunteers rotated through three-hour shifts to pack food

    • The event’s goal was 100,000 meals, but volunteers exceeded it with 126,000

    • Leaders say the event highlights that hunger never takes a break

    “I started volunteering here in 2016,” said Alfred Delio, a longtime Second Harvest volunteer.

    At four o’clock in the morning, while most of Central Florida is asleep, Delio was already stacking boxes inside the food bank.

    “It makes me feel good inside. I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he said.

    Delio was one of more than 300 volunteers who signed up for shifts during the relief marathon, called Hunger Never Sleeps. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, teams rotated every three hours, sorting, packing, and sealing food boxes with the goal of creating 100,000 meals.

    “It’s making such a positive impact on lives in Central Florida. We’re feeding hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens every ship. It’s almost biblical. Multiplying the efforts of our volunteers here,” Delio said.

    Second Harvest’s President and CEO, Derrick Chubbs, emphasized that the event was about more than just numbers.

    “1 in 7 Central Floridians do not know where their next meal is coming from. 1 in 6 are children that are food insecure. We just want to be here to try to bridge that gap,” Chubbs said.

    Organizers also highlighted the significance of the 24-hour effort.

    “In 43 years of the food bank’s history, we’ve never been open overnight. For the community to step forward with that ask is pretty significant,” Chubbs said.

    As the final hours ticked down, Delio said the lack of sleep was worth it, because the impact would last long after the lights turned off.

    “I really want to be a part of that. It sounds amazing,” he said.

    Second Harvest exceeded its original goal, packing 126,000 meals that will soon be distributed to families across Central Florida.

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    Ashley Engle

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  • Feather Sound resident spreads hope a year after Helene

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A year ago on Sept. 26, Tampa Bay area residents woke up to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

    Some of our neighbors are still facing challenges.

    Some still rebuilding and some trying to make it better for the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lisa Crawford, who lives in the Feather Sound neighborhood of Clearwater, is still working on her home rebuild after Helene a year ago

    • Crawford’s contractor started the work in May

    • Crawford is spreading positivity by handing out wristbands with messages of hope


    Lisa Crawford experienced the same uncertainty that came after the storm.

    Her contractor is still nailing down the final changes to her home.

    “Everything is coming out great,” she said. “The paint just needs some touch-ups.”

    The contractor, Alex Erazo, worked on the crown molding finishes of the project earlier this September.

    Crawford had to wait until May to get started on her rebuild.

    She retold her experience from that night in late September of last year.

    “When’s it going to stop? Like we didn’t know if it was going to be three inches or three feet,” she said. “We truly did not know that, and we sat on the stairway and watched as the water started to rise.”

    She lives in the Feather Sound community of Clearwater, on the edge of Old Tampa Bay.

    What she saw out her window that night was what was supposed to be a golf course.

    But it had become something different.

    “We watched furniture, little furniture floating by and we sort of giggled about it because we didn’t know what else to do,” she said.

    She confessed it was no laughing matter.

    At daybreak, she had about a foot of water inside her home. The entrance to her neighborhood was underwater.

    She said her story is like other recollections from that morning.

    The wooden floors of her home had to be ripped out. Some of the rooms and walls on the lower level of the house had to be gutted.

    Crews tossed out the furniture to the curb, while piles of debris soon covered driveways.

    Today, the recovery work is ongoing.

    Erazo, who is working on Crawford’s home with the rebuild part of the project, said he started the cleanup phase a week after Helene passed through at other homes in the area.

    One year after Crawford’s kitchen got wrecked, it is just now starting to measure up to her expectations.

    Meantime, Crawford is also building up her community. She started an effort to share positivity.

    “Just to spread the message,” Crawford said. “Let’s stay strong, we’ve got each other’s back. We’re here, all you have to do is ask.”

    She created hundreds of wristbands with messages of hope and is handing them out.

    “As devastating as it feels, you do get to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

    She wants other communities to spread the message too and is accepting requests from people who contact her through the Nextdoor app.

    She admits it does take a long time to recover, and others have had it worse. She said though to stay positive through the process.

    And Helene is only half of her story.

    She evacuated before Hurricane Milton which impacted the Bay area a couple of weeks after Helene. She came back to find more damage to her home such as a hole in her bathroom.

    Like the Trop in downtown St. Pete which had its roof torn apart, Crawford’s pool cage got ripped apart too.

    But even on a cloudy day, she still believes there is a rainbow after every storm.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Young A+ Teacher gives her all for a ‘fun, learning environment’

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Our A+ Teacher this week is Hailey Cosby from Samoset Elementary School in Bradenton.

    Cosby is only in her third year teaching, but her colleagues say she goes above and beyond for her students, and stands above the rest. Cosby’s fifth grade class is a calming, fun place to learn.

    “I do what I can to make it fun for them,” Cosby said. “So my classroom is the way it is. I spend weeks preparing and setting it up, I give them prizes and snacks, and make sure they have the necessitates they need, but also these kids deserve to have fun, a fun learning environment just like everybody else.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Hailey Cosby teaches 5th grade at Samoset Elementary School in Bradenton

    • Cosby is only in her third year teaching but said it’s important to her to be a trusted adult in her students’ lives

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here.


    Students worked on their math skills this day, which can be challenging, but luckily, they have Ms. Cosby guiding them every step of the way. 

    She says it’s important to her to be a trusted adult in her students’ lives.

    “Seeing that lightbulb turn on for them, especially if they haven’t had anyone in the past who believed in them, or was able to help push them where they needed to be, being able to be that for some of them is really amazing,” she said.

    Hailey Cosby is this week’s A+ Teacher. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)

    Samoset Elementary School is a title one school, which can present more challenges for teachers, challenges Cosby happily faces head on.  She also interned here before she started teaching here three years ago, and she says there’s no where else she’d rather be.

    “If you’re passionate about it, and I truly am, then it’s what you’re meant to do, and I really feel it’s what I’m meant to do and where I’m meant to be,” she said.

    Cosby said she puts her whole heart into teaching and in turn her students put their whole heart into learning.

    If you would like to nominate a teacher who is making a difference, you can find the A+ Teacher nomination form on our website.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Comics artist inspires kids with his Marvel-ous work

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    >> NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. SOME HAVE A PENCIL, TALENT AND A CREATIVE APPROACH TO GET KIDS EXCITED ABOUT MATH. GULF COAST NEWS BRIT SHOWS US HOW IT ALL ADDS UP IN TONIGHT’S STORY TO SHARE. >> AND THEY KNOW WHO THIS GUY IS GOING TO >> INSIDE THE DIMENSIONS OF A HERO IN THE MAKING JERRY TO CARE LIGHTS THE PAGE WITH PASSION. YOU PUT SO MUCH WORK INTO IT. YOU’RE SO GOOD AT IT. NOW THAT IT’S IN ITS COMES TO. SO NATURALLY, IT IS JUST FUND. THAT’S THE POINT YOU WANT TO GET PUT THROUGH MARVEL’S UNIVERSE AND CHANCES ARE YOU’LL MARVEL AT HIS WORK. EXCELLENT FOR WOLVERINE PUNISHER CONE IN NICK FURY, AGENT SHIELD HAWKEYE DEAD POOL. >> EVEN TIME, CAMEOS OF DR. STRANGE IRONMAN. >> WHO ELSE? >> BELIEVE IT OR NOT, HIS DRAWINGS WEREN’T ALWAYS COVER WORD THE THIS BUT BUT I DON’T MEAN TO BUT THIS IS GARBAGE. BUT AFTER 4 YEARS OF STUBBORN, PERSISTENCE AND SKETCHES, HE WAS OFFERED TO DRAW ON X MEN ANNUAL SERIES. AND I SAID THE >> SHE COULD YOU GIVE ME A FANTASTIC 4 INSTEAD AND I’M THE GUY GOES, LISTEN, I’LL GIVE IT TO SOMEBODY ELSE. YOU KNOW, AND I SAID TAKE IT. YOU WITH MORE THAN 10 SUCCESSFUL MARVEL COMICS UNDER HIS BELT, HIS FAVORITE AUDIENCE ISN’T AT COMICON ANYMORE. YOU CAN DROP YOU IN THE CYLINDER FROM PRETTY MUCH YOU KNOW, BELIEVE THAT A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE, YOU CAN IMAGINE YOU CAN DRAW ANYTHING. HIS WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES ACROSS AMERICAN MIX. MARVEL WITH MATT. THEY THINK SUPERHEROES A COOL LITTLE THING. MATHIS TO COOL. SO WHEN YOU COMBINE THOSE 2 THAT KIND OF ALL OF A SUDDEN MATHIS KIND OF COOL, WHICH IS WHAT THE MATH TEACHER WANTS FOR THEM. >> WHILE JERRY LOVES DRAWING MUSCLES LIKE THE NEXT COMIC. HIS WORK IS ABOUT STRENGTHENING CONFIDENCE. YOU KNOW SOMETHING TO BE AWARE TO JUST SET YOURSELF APART RIGHT FROM SUPERHEROES TO STUDENTS. HE’S TEACHING NEXT GENERATION THEIR OWN KIND OF SUPERPOWER THAT CAN DO. YOU CAN LOOK REALLY GOOD. AND SO I KN

    Sketching the outlines of a hero in the making, Jerry DeCaire lights the page with passion.”You put so much work into it that you’re so good at it now,” said DeCaire. “And it comes so naturally that it’s just fun, that’s the point you want to get to.”Flip through Marvel’s comics universe, and chances are, you’ll marvel at his work.X-Men, Thor, Wolverine, Dr. Strange, Iron Man — these are just a few comics he’s worked on.Believe it or not, his drawings weren’t always cover-worthy.”He says, ‘Hey buddy, I don’t mean to break your heart, but this is garbage,’” said DeCaire, describing what his mentor, comics legend John Buscema, told him when he was starting out.But four years of stubborn persistence and sketches later, he got an offer to draw an X-Men annual series.Now, with more than 10 successful Marvel comics under his belt, his favorite audience isn’t at Comic-Con anymore.”If you can draw a cube and a cylinder from pretty much any angle you can imagine or perspective you can imagine, you can draw anything,” said DeCaire.His workshops in schools and public libraries across America mix Marvel with math.”They think superheroes are cool. They don’t think math is too cool. So, all of a sudden, math is cool — which is what the teacher wants,” said Jerry.While DeCaire loves drawing muscles like the next comics artist, his work is about strengthening confidence.”Sometimes just being weird and setting yourself apart, right?” said DeCaire.

    Sketching the outlines of a hero in the making, Jerry DeCaire lights the page with passion.

    “You put so much work into it that you’re so good at it now,” said DeCaire. “And it comes so naturally that it’s just fun, that’s the point you want to get to.”

    Flip through Marvel’s comics universe, and chances are, you’ll marvel at his work.

    X-Men, Thor, Wolverine, Dr. Strange, Iron Man — these are just a few comics he’s worked on.

    Believe it or not, his drawings weren’t always cover-worthy.

    “He says, ‘Hey buddy, I don’t mean to break your heart, but this is garbage,’” said DeCaire, describing what his mentor, comics legend John Buscema, told him when he was starting out.

    But four years of stubborn persistence and sketches later, he got an offer to draw an X-Men annual series.

    Now, with more than 10 successful Marvel comics under his belt, his favorite audience isn’t at Comic-Con anymore.

    “If you can draw a cube and a cylinder from pretty much any angle you can imagine or perspective you can imagine, you can draw anything,” said DeCaire.

    His workshops in schools and public libraries across America mix Marvel with math.

    “They think superheroes are cool. They don’t think math is too cool. So, all of a sudden, math is cool — which is what the teacher wants,” said Jerry.

    While DeCaire loves drawing muscles like the next comics artist, his work is about strengthening confidence.

    “Sometimes just being weird and setting yourself apart, right?” said DeCaire.

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  • VIDEO: Polar bear in Alaska gets root canal to repair a broken tooth

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    Polar bears cranberry and Kova have long been favorites at the Alaska Zoo. Best buddies, they share an enclosure filled with toys and treats and *** large pool where Kova in particular likes to take her morning swim, but it wasn’t so long ago this normally playful four year old was feeling under the weather. Kova is *** very interactive and busy bear, and she just seemed kind of off. She was pawing at her mouth *** little bit. Good girl. Curator Sam Lavins suspected an issue with *** tooth. Kova open, so she asked Kova to give her *** closer look. We could see that she had broken one of her canines, and there’s any number of ways she could have done that. Just to give you an idea of what we’re talking about, this is *** replica of *** polar bear skull, and the tooth in question is this one. It’s the lower left canine. This one is her broken tooth. X-ray confirmed the diagnosis and what needed to happen next. We did consult with *** uh specialist, *** veterinary specialist outside of Alaska, um, sent him the X-rays, got some good advice, and then we went with *** local doctor to do the work. And endedonist who normally operates on humans was part of the large team that performed. Root canal on the fully sedated 450 pound bear. Everybody knew ahead of time what their role was and what to do and where to be, and it was, it was so well planned out and everybody worked so well together. The procedure, she says, went as smooth as butter, and Kova, she feels so much better, is clearly back to having fun.

    ‘She feels so much better’: Young polar bear gets a root canal

    Updated: 5:49 AM EDT Sep 20, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Polar bears Cranbeary and Kova have long been favorites at the Alaska Zoo. They share an enclosure filled with toys and treats and a large pool where Kova likes to take her morning swim.But it wasn’t so long ago that this normally playful 4-year-old was feeling under the weather.”Kova is a very interactive and busy bear, and she just seemed kind of off. She was pawing at her mouth a little bit,” Alaska Zoo curator Sam Lavin said.Lavin suspected an issue with a tooth, so she asked Kova to give her a closer look.”We could see that she had broken one of her canines, and there’s any number of ways that she could have done that.” An X-ray confirmed the diagnosis and what needed to happen next.”We did consult with a veterinary specialist outside of Alaska, sent him the X-rays, got some good advice, and then we went with a local doctor to do the work,” Lavin said.An endodontist who normally operates on humans was part of the large team that performed the root canal on the fully sedated 450-pound bear.”Everybody knew ahead of time what their role was and what to do and where to be, and it was so well planned out. and everybody worked so well together,” Lavin said.The procedure, she says, went as smoothly as butter — and Kova is back to having fun.

    Polar bears Cranbeary and Kova have long been favorites at the Alaska Zoo. They share an enclosure filled with toys and treats and a large pool where Kova likes to take her morning swim.

    But it wasn’t so long ago that this normally playful 4-year-old was feeling under the weather.

    “Kova is a very interactive and busy bear, and she just seemed kind of off. She was pawing at her mouth a little bit,” Alaska Zoo curator Sam Lavin said.

    Lavin suspected an issue with a tooth, so she asked Kova to give her a closer look.

    “We could see that she had broken one of her canines, and there’s any number of ways that she could have done that.”

    An X-ray confirmed the diagnosis and what needed to happen next.

    “We did consult with a veterinary specialist outside of Alaska, sent him the X-rays, got some good advice, and then we went with a local doctor to do the work,” Lavin said.

    An endodontist who normally operates on humans was part of the large team that performed the root canal on the fully sedated 450-pound bear.

    “Everybody knew ahead of time what their role was and what to do and where to be, and it was so well planned out. and everybody worked so well together,” Lavin said.

    The procedure, she says, went as smoothly as butter — and Kova is back to having fun.

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  • All Veterans Center works to feed the community and prevent veteran suicide

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The All Veterans Center works to make a difference in the community through its free food program, homeless prevention program, and suicide prevention program. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The All Veterans Center started in 2017

    • They operate in six counties, including Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough

    • Since starting, they estimate to have fed 360,000 people


    Centered in Polk County but active in others, they’ve helped feed numerous people and say their efforts have prevented eight veteran suicides. 

    Chief Operating Officer Harvey Engle and others in the organization have been helping vets for years.

    Eight years ago, they decided to start their own nonprofit in the All Veterans Center. 

    “We just started taking care of veterans, doing things that they said, ‘You can’t do that,’” he said. “Yeah, we can, you watch.” 

    Harvey served in the Air Force. After he retired, he sought a way to support other veterans. 

    Collecting and distributing food is one of the ways his group does that.  

    “Today we should be able to feed at least 300,” he said. “We’ll top 360,000 since we started in 2017.” 

    When their organization began, they set out to specifically help veterans. 

    They’ve since grown.

    In 2018, they started including veterans’ family members, and in 2020, they expanded to help everyone.

    “We ask how many are in the family,” he said. “We ask if there’s any veterans in the family. Aside from that, we don’t really ask any questions because we don’t care about incomes or where you live. It doesn’t matter. You come here, you want food, we’re going to give it to you.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • South Carolina teen dressed as Spider-Man saves 2 people stuck on waterfall

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    No. They say with great power comes great responsibility, at least that’s what this Greenville Guardian says. If you’ve been downtown over the last few months, or online. Everything’s looking good. No fires. You’ve probably seen this web slinging wonder. Greenville Spider-Man on patrol. Since obviously I can’t swing around the buildings being small and I don’t have *** car. So why is an 18 year old dressing like *** superhero and wandering downtown? Is he *** Spider-Man or *** spider menace? Well, after we spoke with Greenville police, he is just your friendly neighborhood spider. Just recently, he rescued two people in the falls at the Reedy River. So I saw one of them slip. Fall and I was like this is, this is time to go and I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there and thankfully there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up and then they grabbed my wrist and I pulled them up. When the spectacular spider isn’t making rescues, picking up litter, meeting fans, or just hanging out. So I turn on my EMS scanner and I listen for anything going on and I have notes of which street. I should be on the look for. The CPR certified social media star listens for people having breathing problems running to help until EMS arrives. My intention is to help the people of Greenville and protect and honestly spread kindness along the way. The social media sensation set to protect the city he loves, or at least make friends along the way. You know, it usually is friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, I guess this would count as more like *** friendly downtown Spider-Man. Now I know what you’re thinking, and we have the answer. That costume is dry clean only. In Greenville, I’m Peyton Frita, WYFF News 4.

    South Carolina teen dressed as Spider-Man saves 2 people stuck on waterfall

    Updated: 3:24 AM PDT Sep 14, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Greenville Spider-Man, an 18-year-old local superhero in his South Carolina town, recently rescued two people stuck on the waterfall at a downtown park, demonstrating his dedication to serving the community. Known for patrolling downtown and interacting with fans, he was in the right place at the right time to help those in need.Greenville Spider-Man explained his actions during the rescue. “I saw one of them almost slip and fall, and I was like, alright, this is time to go. And I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there. And thankfully, there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up. And then they grabbed my wrist, and I pulled them up,” he said.When not rescuing people, Greenville Spider-Man spends his time picking up litter, meeting fans and listening to his scanner. “I turn on my EMS scanner, and I listen for anything going on, and I have notes of which streets I should be on,” he said.Certified in CPR, he listens for people having breathing problems and runs to help until EMS arrives. “My intention is to help the people of Greenville, protect and honestly spread kindness along the way,” he said.The social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok, who describes himself as a “friendly downtown Spider-Man,” has been busier than ever lately, especially after a recent Lululemon robbery and reports of fights downtown. He says after those incidents, he’s shifted most of his patrols downtown to nighttime.

    Greenville Spider-Man, an 18-year-old local superhero in his South Carolina town, recently rescued two people stuck on the waterfall at a downtown park, demonstrating his dedication to serving the community.

    Known for patrolling downtown and interacting with fans, he was in the right place at the right time to help those in need.

    Greenville Spider-Man explained his actions during the rescue.

    “I saw one of them almost slip and fall, and I was like, alright, this is time to go. And I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there. And thankfully, there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up. And then they grabbed my wrist, and I pulled them up,” he said.

    When not rescuing people, Greenville Spider-Man spends his time picking up litter, meeting fans and listening to his scanner.

    “I turn on my EMS scanner, and I listen for anything going on, and I have notes of which streets I should be on,” he said.

    Certified in CPR, he listens for people having breathing problems and runs to help until EMS arrives.

    “My intention is to help the people of Greenville, protect and honestly spread kindness along the way,” he said.

    The social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok, who describes himself as a “friendly downtown Spider-Man,” has been busier than ever lately, especially after a recent Lululemon robbery and reports of fights downtown.

    He says after those incidents, he’s shifted most of his patrols downtown to nighttime.

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  • South Carolina teen dressed as Spider-Man saves 2 people stuck on waterfall

    [ad_1]

    No. They say with great power comes great responsibility, at least that’s what this Greenville Guardian says. If you’ve been downtown over the last few months, or online. Everything’s looking good. No fires. You’ve probably seen this web slinging wonder. Greenville Spider-Man on patrol. Since obviously I can’t swing around the buildings being small and I don’t have *** car. So why is an 18 year old dressing like *** superhero and wandering downtown? Is he *** Spider-Man or *** spider menace? Well, after we spoke with Greenville police, he is just your friendly neighborhood spider. Just recently, he rescued two people in the falls at the Reedy River. So I saw one of them slip. Fall and I was like this is, this is time to go and I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there and thankfully there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up and then they grabbed my wrist and I pulled them up. When the spectacular spider isn’t making rescues, picking up litter, meeting fans, or just hanging out. So I turn on my EMS scanner and I listen for anything going on and I have notes of which street. I should be on the look for. The CPR certified social media star listens for people having breathing problems running to help until EMS arrives. My intention is to help the people of Greenville and protect and honestly spread kindness along the way. The social media sensation set to protect the city he loves, or at least make friends along the way. You know, it usually is friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, I guess this would count as more like *** friendly downtown Spider-Man. Now I know what you’re thinking, and we have the answer. That costume is dry clean only. In Greenville, I’m Peyton Frita, WYFF News 4.

    South Carolina teen dressed as Spider-Man saves 2 people stuck on waterfall

    Updated: 6:24 AM EDT Sep 14, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Greenville Spider-Man, an 18-year-old local superhero in his South Carolina town, recently rescued two people stuck on the waterfall at a downtown park, demonstrating his dedication to serving the community. Known for patrolling downtown and interacting with fans, he was in the right place at the right time to help those in need.Greenville Spider-Man explained his actions during the rescue. “I saw one of them almost slip and fall, and I was like, alright, this is time to go. And I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there. And thankfully, there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up. And then they grabbed my wrist, and I pulled them up,” he said.When not rescuing people, Greenville Spider-Man spends his time picking up litter, meeting fans and listening to his scanner. “I turn on my EMS scanner, and I listen for anything going on, and I have notes of which streets I should be on,” he said.Certified in CPR, he listens for people having breathing problems and runs to help until EMS arrives. “My intention is to help the people of Greenville, protect and honestly spread kindness along the way,” he said.The social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok, who describes himself as a “friendly downtown Spider-Man,” has been busier than ever lately, especially after a recent Lululemon robbery and reports of fights downtown. He says after those incidents, he’s shifted most of his patrols downtown to nighttime.

    Greenville Spider-Man, an 18-year-old local superhero in his South Carolina town, recently rescued two people stuck on the waterfall at a downtown park, demonstrating his dedication to serving the community.

    Known for patrolling downtown and interacting with fans, he was in the right place at the right time to help those in need.

    Greenville Spider-Man explained his actions during the rescue.

    “I saw one of them almost slip and fall, and I was like, alright, this is time to go. And I booked it over there and I jumped over some rocks to get over there. And thankfully, there was an indent to where I could put my feet like this and prop myself up. And then they grabbed my wrist, and I pulled them up,” he said.

    When not rescuing people, Greenville Spider-Man spends his time picking up litter, meeting fans and listening to his scanner.

    “I turn on my EMS scanner, and I listen for anything going on, and I have notes of which streets I should be on,” he said.

    Certified in CPR, he listens for people having breathing problems and runs to help until EMS arrives.

    “My intention is to help the people of Greenville, protect and honestly spread kindness along the way,” he said.

    The social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok, who describes himself as a “friendly downtown Spider-Man,” has been busier than ever lately, especially after a recent Lululemon robbery and reports of fights downtown.

    He says after those incidents, he’s shifted most of his patrols downtown to nighttime.

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  • Seminole High volleyball player with prosthetic inspires self confidence

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    SEMINOLE, Fla. —  Seminole High School JV volleyball player Shaleigh Hirtzel is working on her dream of playing at the collegiate level. 

    She is also an inspiration not only for her moves on the court, but also for the drive and determination it took for her to get there.

    Shaleigh gets a lot of attention when playing.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Shaleigh Hirtzel, who plays with a prosthetic, made the Seminole High School JV volleyball squad

    •  Shaleigh hopes her story inspires other student athletes to overcome their obstacles

    •  Teammates and coaches say her positive attitude is great


    For one thing, she is quite vocal, pushing her teammates to do their best in every play.

    In turn, her teammates love her.

    But really, it is the way she plays and that is with a prosthetic.

    “Obviously, every time you try something new, it’s going to be hard,” Shaleigh said. “And I’ve never had a forearm before, and this is basically acting like that.”

    As Shaleigh explained, she was born with a limb difference.

    How she is similar to other young athletes is in the desire to be the best.

    Her coach at Seminole High said it is her attitude on and off the court that has resulted in great improvements in her game.

    “I love her determination to get better,” said coach Chad Mowrey. “She wants to improve every aspect of her game regardless of if it’s a difficult task or an easy task.”

    More specifically, it is her positivity.

    Shaleigh is a 10th-grader, and she has only been playing for about three years.

    “And I think that shows everybody else, if she can do it, so can others,” said coach Mowrey.

    She is serving up a lesson in confidence to kids facing adversities.

    “Kids that are like me, I want to be able to inspire them,” Shaleigh said. “And show them, even though you’re different, you can still do it.”

    She also has a message for others.

    “Then, also help the kids out who don’t have a limb difference understand it better,” she said.

    No matter the challenge, she is overcoming it and having fun while doing it.

    Shaleigh has big plans and aspirations.

    She would like to get the attention of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.

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    Roy De Jesus

    Source link

  • Seminole High volleyball player with prosthetic inspires self confidence

    [ad_1]

    SEMINOLE, Fla. —  Seminole High School JV volleyball player Shaleigh Hirtzel is working on her dream of playing at the collegiate level. 

    She is also an inspiration not only for her moves on the court, but also for the drive and determination it took for her to get there.

    Shaleigh gets a lot of attention when playing.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Shaleigh Hirtzel, who plays with a prosthetic, made the Seminole High School JV volleyball squad

    •  Shaleigh hopes her story inspires other student athletes to overcome their obstacles

    •  Teammates and coaches say her positive attitude is great


    For one thing, she is quite vocal, pushing her teammates to do their best in every play.

    In turn, her teammates love her.

    But really, it is the way she plays and that is with a prosthetic.

    “Obviously, every time you try something new, it’s going to be hard,” Shaleigh said. “And I’ve never had a forearm before, and this is basically acting like that.”

    As Shaleigh explained, she was born with a limb difference.

    How she is similar to other young athletes is in the desire to be the best.

    Her coach at Seminole High said it is her attitude on and off the court that has resulted in great improvements in her game.

    “I love her determination to get better,” said coach Chad Mowrey. “She wants to improve every aspect of her game regardless of if it’s a difficult task or an easy task.”

    More specifically, it is her positivity.

    Shaleigh is a 10th-grader, and she has only been playing for about three years.

    “And I think that shows everybody else, if she can do it, so can others,” said coach Mowrey.

    She is serving up a lesson in confidence to kids facing adversities.

    “Kids that are like me, I want to be able to inspire them,” Shaleigh said. “And show them, even though you’re different, you can still do it.”

    She also has a message for others.

    “Then, also help the kids out who don’t have a limb difference understand it better,” she said.

    No matter the challenge, she is overcoming it and having fun while doing it.

    Shaleigh has big plans and aspirations.

    She would like to get the attention of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.

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    Roy De Jesus

    Source link

  • New community market opening this weekend in Palmetto

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — A new community market is opening in Palmetto, and organizers hope it will attract more people to the downtown area.

    What You Need To Know

    • The North River Market will have more than 70 vendors

    • Market organizers hope to bring more people to downtown Palmetto, leading to more foot traffic for local businesses

    • The North River Market will be located in “The Yard,” just outside of the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    That’s one of the goals of Mayor Dan West, who said this new market will help both vendors and the downtown business district.

    Ella’s Sweet Spot is just one of the many vendors who will be there on Sunday.

    Baking has always been in Emily Zollner’s heart. That love first came from her family.

    “I was around four years old. I have a grandma who was kind of my daycare growing up, and a mom who loved to bake and aunts who loved to bake. So I just sort of caught the bug,” she said.

    Those are memories she has never forgotten, and they motivated her to switch careers — from pharmacy manager to business owner. She opened Ella’s Sweet Spot in 2022.

    “We are making our pumpkin spice whoopie pies, which is one of our favorites this time of year,” she said.

    But the business hasn’t always been sweet.

    “So we are, you know, kind of living paycheck to paycheck as we go. It’s a struggle. Things are tight when you’re trying to start your business and grow it and things like that. So for us, growing the business would mean a huge improvement in quality of life,” she said.

    She believes Ella’s Sweet Spot is about to grow with the help of the new community market that will debut this weekend in Palmetto. The North River Market will have more than 70 vendors.

    The first market will be held this Sunday. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    The first market will be held this Sunday. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Zollner said she desperately needs the boost, since her business is her only source of income.

    “It also gives us a chance to get out into the community and gain new customers,” she said.

    She said the only marketing for the business is done through social media. But this new community market will be the biggest they have ever participated in, and she believes it will bring in more money.

    “I really would love to see our business grow to the point where financially, we can be more comfortable,” she said.

    Zollner knows there is power in community, and she hopes to use this new exposure as a way to increase sales and spread some sweet love.

    The North River Market will be located in “The Yard,” just outside of the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • From homeless to peer specialist of the Year, Coast Guard vet shares his story

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Every year in the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, a Peer Specialist of the Year is chosen in recognition of their work.

    What You Need To Know

    • Matt Labitzke is the Peer Specialist of the Year in the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

    • He was chosen from the region representing veteran hospitals and clinics across Florida, south Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

    • Labitzke hopes that when other veterans see his story, they can see that if he can do it, so can they


    That position helps facilitate groups that can talk about anything from PTSD, substance abuse, mental health, and more.

    This year’s winner is Matt Labitzke.

    It’s a job he didn’t initially think about after he finished his service in the Coast Guard.

    These days, he has a hard time thinking about doing anything else.

    “It’s my goal to give back to other veterans that are dealing with the same issues that I dealt with,” he said.

    He has helped veterans with their struggles for the past five years.

    One way he does this is through his story.

    “Before I came here, I was homeless,” he said. “I was addicted to alcohol and other substances. I was living on the streets. I had nothing.”

    Labitzke was named the Peer Specialist of the Year in a region representing veteran hospitals and clinics across Florida, south Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    These facilities serve over 1.4 million veterans.

    Labitzke didn’t get to where he is now without help.

    He’s a peer specialist for many people, but Eileen Nelson was one for him.

    Now retired, Nelson has always been one of Matt’s biggest supporters.

    “I didn’t hear it, I saw his picture on the monitor, and I was like, ‘Oh man, Matthew made it,’” she said.

    Labitzke hopes that when other veterans see his story, they can see that if he can do it, so can they.

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    Matt Lackritz

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