[ad_1]
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — A family-friendly festival of peace and love is taking place Saturday.
Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest is back in the Bay area, taking place at the Sponge Docks.
For nearly 15 years, the festival has celebrated community, live music and the arts with tie-dye activities and a vintage car show.
The event is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In this week’s On the Town, Spectrum Bay News 9’s Erica Riggins takes you on a preview.
[ad_2]
Spectrum News Staff
Source link
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health reports the suicide rate of first responders is more than two times higher than the overall rate of working-age Floridians.
A Manatee County family grieving the loss of their loved one, who died by suicide in 2015, has made it their mission to help support the mental health of law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Heath Perry and his mother, Kathy Perry say they founded Lt. Joe Perry Lives, LLC in honor of their late brother and son to help support those who serve.
One initiative the non-profit supports is Lt. Perry’s Place. The family felt that offering a judgement-free space to retreat to after work, especially after 2nd and 3rd shifts when other establishments are closed, could help first responders unwind and connect after a long and stressful shift.
“This is a space when at three in the morning when they get off work, they can go talk about their day,” said Heath. “They can talk about what happened at the car wreck or a shooting or whatever catastrophe happened and they can let it out and decompress.”
They also have an outlet to release stress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Lt. Perry’s Place is free to first responders.
The space provides:
Recreation rooms filled with: pool table, vintage video games, air hockey, foosball
Music room
Common area
Kitchenette
Gym/CrossFit areas
Free counseling
Lt. Perry served with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office more than twenty years. To Heath, he was a little brother.
“Joseph and I were very close, we fished we did everything together,” said Heath.
Heath wants to extend the bond to Joe’s first responder brothers and sisters by giving them an outlet to focus on mental wellness, where they can connect and heal.
“It took me ten years to come to terms with it and this space is dedicated to him,” said Heath.
“And if I and my mother and we all as a community can save one family from going through what we went through, it’s all worth it.”
The Manatee County location marks the first Lt. Perry’s Place, Heath hopes to open locations in every Florida county and eventually across the nation.
If you or a loved one is struggling, the Suicide and Crisis Hotline is always available at 988.
[ad_2]
Melissa Eichman
Source link
[ad_1]
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Charles Morrison fell for clay as a college junior, using his chops as a defensive end on the football field to pressure clay into shape.
The artist in residence at the Morean Center for Clay uses a coiling technique in his work.
“I just love, you know, making a hand-built pot, throwing some interesting textures on there and putting it in a wood fire,” said Morrison.
Fellow artist-in-residence Nina Samuels grew up near Savannah, and now she’s here.
Coastal life has informed her art. She created brightly colored buoy-type vessels and submerged them long enough for barnacle growth.
In addition to creating in their own professional working spaces, both artists also teach at the center during their time there.
“I like being able to share my passion for the clay with other people,” said Samuels.
“Anytime I can inspire someone to express themselves creatively,” said Morrison. “I feel like I’m doing a good job.”
They enjoy passing on the love of art — like the teachers and artists before them.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link
[ad_1]
LAKELAND, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries in Lakeland is looking to move into a new space off Memorial Boulevard.
The homeless shelter says the proposed new location has much-needed green space. But some people who live and work nearby say they’re concerned about a homeless shelter moving into their backyard.
Since 1979, Talbot House Ministries has served the growing homeless population in downtown Lakeland, offering residential programs, free clinic help, and helping with affordable housing.
Executive Director Maria Cruz said the ministry has started to outgrow the current facility.
“We are at max capacity at our existing facility, and we would like to continue serving the community and have a major impact,” she said.
That concern is why they’re looking to relocate to a new facility off Memorial Boulevard. The plans were proposed during the city’s planning and zoning commission meeting last month.
The change would mean building a brand-new facility, roughly 58,000 square feet, something Cruz said is needed.
“In the new facility, everybody will have a bed, so that is different,” she said. “Right now we are converting every single day our dining room areas to be able to feed and serve as an overnight housing, so in the new facility it will have a designated area.”
Project renderings were presented during last month’s meeting. The move would mean more space for residents inside and more green space outside.
While the project would be a boost for the shelter, people who live near the proposed new location say they have safety concerns.
“The safety statistics — Lakeland has had 127 traffic deaths and 9,000 injuries in the last five years, there’s zero chance that’s going to get better based on this plan,” Lakeland resident Josh Borem said
Several nearby businesses also spoke out against the plan.
Traci Hughes, the owner of Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q, says they are already dealing with a homeless issue in the area. She believes it will make things worse for her business.
“This is going to have unintended consequences for us,” Hughes said. “We don’t want to look like all the vacant lots that are fenced off around the Talbot house now, we want to grow it.”
Talbot House Ministries said it’s taking into consideration the challenges this presents and wants to create a space to help more people get off the streets.
The planning and zoning board will present a decision at its next meeting on Aug. 20.
[ad_2]
Lizbeth Gutierrez
Source link
[ad_1]
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The largest moose lodge in the country is back open, welcoming members to a completely renovated building.
The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge was closed for months after Hurricane Helene, but fully reopened its doors earlier this month.
“Kind of like losing part of your home… part of your family,” said Debra Snook, who has worked there since 2007.
Now the family is back together.
“We are all family. We help each other out,” she explained.
Snook described the damage caused by Helene, with Milton happening two weeks later.
“The water shoved the wall. That all got shoved out. And tables and chairs were piled up with about five feet of sand on the floor,” she said.
The entire building needed to be renovated — almost everything was replaced.
“New beer lines, new water lines, new everything,” Snook said.
The last step in the rebuilding process will be completing the parking lot, which is expected to be open Friday.
“They came in yesterday, and they are here today,” she said.
The patio area opened for the first time Thursday. The staff thinks that will have a positive impact.
“I think that limited our business a little. Not a lot, but it is a slow time of year. But it’s still going pretty good,” she said.
Now that the entire lodge is open, Snook has her eyes set on one mission.
“And I hope this year that we can manage to donate and help out as many people as we did the year before the hurricane, because last year was a little rough. You know, we were closed, what, seven, eight months?” she said.
Overcoming everything Helene and Milton threw at the Moose Lodge was a challenge — but Snook knows that now the customers and employees have returned, that family feeling is back for good.
The Moose Lodge says the Queen of Hearts game is back on.
[ad_2]
Julia Hazel
Source link
[ad_1]
BRADENTON, Fla. — A vigil was held Wednesday in honor of a Manatee High School student who was fatally shot last year.
Jann Michael “JM” Feeney was just 17 years old when he was shot in the backyard of a home at 5912 8th Ave. Dr. W. in March 2024.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Carter Layne, also 17, was playing with a gun he said wasn’t loaded when it fired, killing Feeney.
Layne was charged as an adult with manslaughter with a weapon (firearm) and recently pleaded no contest. His sentencing is scheduled for next month, and at the vigil, those who knew Feeney called for justice.
“JM was super nice. That JM smile was unlike any smile you’ve ever seen,” said Julian Smith, who was a teammate of his with Manatee High wrestling.
“He was energetic, electric,” said Feeney’s wrestling coach, Andrew Gugliemini.
“He brightened my day every day,” said Feeney’s neighbor, Nancy Ambrose. “He had the most beautiful hair you’ve ever seen, and he would come out of the garage I don’t know how many times a day and flip that hair.”
Those were some of the memories of Feeney shared in the shadow of Manatee County’s historic courthouse. Gugliemini said it’s a loss that still stings.
A vigil was held Wednesday in honor of a Manatee High School student who was fatally shot last year. Jann Michael “JM” Feeney was just 17 years old when he was shot in the backyard of a home at 5912 8th Ave. Dr. W. in March 2024.https://t.co/Va0ZAEpLnO pic.twitter.com/GNzH5QhP8Z
— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) July 31, 2025
“I mean, I broke down in tears on the way here,” said Gugliemini. “I just see something or hear something, and I just get teary-eyed. I wish I was coming here to see him rather than coming here to do this.”
Many at the vigil wore the same green T-shirt calling for “Justice for JM”.
“As far as I’m concerned, there will never really be justice served because we can’t bring JM back,” said Ambrose. “But to see Carter Layne in handcuffs and walked out of the courtroom, a little, tiny slice of justice because now, he can’t hurt anybody else.”
Ambrose asked those at the vigil to write letters to the judge in the case.
“There is a chance he could get youth offender status. He is eligible for it. However, the severity of the crime, we don’t feel he should ever receive youthful offender status,” she said.
Layne’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 24.
“I feel bad for the Layne family, too,” said Ambrose. “There’s no winners. I mean, it’s just so devastating for so many people, but it’s devastating for our community because JM was such a vital part of our community.”
Ambrose also urged parents to talk with their kids about guns and encouraged young people to leave any situation where a peer pulls out a gun.
[ad_2]
Sarah Blazonis
Source link
[ad_1]
BRADENTON, Fla. — Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue has brought home more than 7,000 people from dangerous and deadly situations worldwide.
The nonprofit is an international organization, and its mission is to bring Americans home safely.
Recently, a Bradenton couple was among the people rescued from Israel during the country’s war with Iran.
Robyn and Neil Spirtas traveled to Israel to volunteer and planned to stay for two weeks.
However, as they reached the end of their trip, they said everything changed.
“We started getting the warnings about going to the bomb shelter,” Neil said. “We got word that our flight was canceled, that all our flights in and out of the area were stopping.”
At the time, they said the fighting had calmed down, and they felt safe going.
Once they realized they couldn’t go home, the couple called everyone they could think of and were connected with Grey Bull Rescue.
Connecting with Grey Bull was a way to get back home, but it wasn’t an easy trip.
It included a three-day journey of buses and border crossings before a final flight home.
“When the plane touched down and everyone started cheering on the plane and the pilot came on and he said, ‘Welcome to Tampa,’” Robyn said.
“Just very emotional,” Neil said.
It’s not the trip the couple expected, but they’re undeterred and hope to go back and help those in need.
[ad_2]
Matt Lackritz
Source link
[ad_1]
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners will vote next week on the potential purchase of the Mixon Fruit Farms property in East Bradenton. While the farm closed nearly two years ago, its history might continue, according to one county commissioner who already has a vision of what the property could be.
For decades, Mixon Fruit Farms was rooted in the Manatee County community. While their doors closed two years ago, their legacy in local farming may live on.
“Can I get an orange swirl ice cream, please?” a customer asked.
It’s a sweet treat for some — but for Janet Mixon, this is bittersweet.
“We love it, and mostly the stories. This place was a memory maker for people,” she said.
She’s inside the Mixon family’s food truck, which they started operating after they closed Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton in the summer of 2023.
“We tried to make it have everything that everybody loves about Mixons,” she said.
Now, the food truck is a way for locals like Alyssa Gay to experience a little nostalgia and still get a taste of the farm.
“Yep, tastes like my childhood. This is what I remember doing on a weekly basis,” she said.
Soon, the community may enjoy this site once more — but in a new way. Manatee County will vote next week on purchasing the property.
“They want most of the equipment that left here,” Janet Mixon said.
Commissioner Amanda Ballard said there would be plans to create a library and community center, with the hope of hosting more community events. But the farmland would stay as is — to be used as an educational tool for the next generation.
“It kind of lets you know that you really did make memories, and the fact that they could do something with that here — making the library and continuing to have weddings and events,” she said.
The day county commissioners will vote — next Tuesday — also marks exactly two years since the farm closed.
Ballard said, “I am hopeful that my fellow commissioners will see the value in preserving this special piece of land for public use.”
Mixon Fruit Farms has been part of Bradenton since 1939, but Janet believes the new vision for the future of the land will lead to new memories for the community — and for her.
“I’m excited to see what it does,” she said.
Janet hopes to see her family’s legacy continue for years to come.
Ballard also mentions they are looking at possible partnerships with local universities for student internship projects.
[ad_2]
Julia Hazel
Source link
[ad_1]
HAINES CITY, Fla. — There is now a pause on a long battle to enact stricter guidelines on food trucks in Haines City. Instead, it’s back to the drawing board to consider changes.
And while that happens, some food truck owners are taking a wait and see approach about the city’s next steps.
Food is unique to every country, and it all comes down to its ingredients.
Benjamin Bravo said he enjoys cooking because it draws him closer to his native country of Ecuador. When we met him, he was making an encebollado.
“It’s a popular dish, and I think it’s the number one dish in Ecuador,” he said.
Bravo and his wife, Idania Pagan, recently moved to Florida from New York, eventually starting A Otro Nivel.
Their food truck is a new venture for them. “We saw an opportunity here, and that’s why, being the first Ecuadorian food truck in the area, I think it’s bringing a lot of people a lot of attention,” Bravo said.
But Pagan said it wasn’t easy to get up and running.
“It took us a lot of exploring, a lot of asking questions, a lot of looking for these resources,” she said.
They were attracted to Haines City because of the welcoming environment. So, she has some concerns about city officials potentially placing tighter restrictions on the food truck industry.
She said it could deter new business owners.
“They may look elsewhere to want to establish business, but why do that if you can have them contribute into this growing economy,” she said.
Talk about changing the ordinance started when commissioners were told their current ordinance of issuing a license or business tax receipt to food trucks went against state law.
Then the city was looking at limiting new food trucks based on zoning, removing them from residential areas and limiting them one vendor per property.
During a recent city commission meeting, residents and business owners showed up with questions. We reached out to the city, and the Haines City public information officer, Merissa Green, provided us with this statement: “The city commission has not finalized changes to the food truck ordinance. Commissioners directed the city attorney to amend the current ordinance to align with the state statute for consideration during a future meeting.”
Mayor Morris West stated in the meeting that while the ordinance is being reviewed, food truck owners could continue to operate as normal.
Idania said she is hopeful there will be a resolution soon. “I really hope that we can maintain that same growth. It’s healthy growth for Haines City,” she said.
And a way for her and her husband to share a taste of Ecuadorian food with the community.
Any changes made to the current ordinance would need to be presented in a Haines City Commission meeting. It would have to go to a vote.
[ad_2]
Lizbeth Gutierrez
Source link
[ad_1]
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Bumper 8 successfully lifted off on July 24, 1950, at Launch Complex 3, at what was known as the Long Range Proving Ground. That was 75 years ago.
“It’s a momentous day. It all started with Bumper 8,” Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum Director James Draper said.
The first 2 stage rocket set the tone for thousands of launches in the future.
A captured World War II era V-2 rocket served as the first stage.
With Bumper 8’s launch, the space race was born.
“And what were they doing with it, they were testing staging out here. Staging is essential to all the launches that are occurring now from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and this is 1950, and with Bumper 8 they actually had a successful staging at high velocity,” said Draper.
A special display at the Sands History Museum commemorates the first cape launch 75 years ago.
A display commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Bumper 8 launch from the Cape (Spectrum News/Greg Pallone)
Bumper 8 stood just 60 feet tall and 5 1/2 feet in diameter. Some call it a bottle rocket compared to today’s technology.
But despite just a 2-minute, 200-mile downrange flight, Bumper 8 cemented itself in space lore as the first launch from the Atlantic Coast.
“It really wasn’t that long ago, space has advanced so quickly over such a short period of time,” Draper said. “And the way that technology is advancing today, at almost an exponential rate, I can’t even fathom what the next 75 years is going to look like.”
The U.S. government wanted to put a new missile range in California, but the Mexican government wouldn’t permit ground flight stations in their country.
The second choice was Cape Canaveral, where Bumper 8 began 75 years of Space Coast launches so far.
[ad_2]
Greg Pallone
Source link
[ad_1]
OZELLO, Fla. — A new Florida law is raising the bar that police have to clear in order to search boats in waters across the state.
The Boater Freedom Act was signed into law by the Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month. The law prohibits FWC and local law enforcement from pulling over and boarding a boat without probable cause.
While some boaters see this new law as a win, others say those vessel searches can help to catch illegal activity. Meaning not all boating captains are on board with the new law.
Captain Carlos Gutierrez has been fishing the waters near Ozello Keys Marina for more than 10 years and says the new Boater Freedom Act may change what he sees on the water.
“It’s just a tough position to be in where you want the rules to be followed,” said Gutierrez. “But FWC and the sheriff, they get put in a very difficult position when this act is passed because now, without probable cause, you’re not going to be able to just randomly check people.”
The main component of the law will stop random vessel checks and searches, performed by the FWC and local law enforcement.
“Do I foresee some people taking advantage of the situation?” says Gutierrez. “Absolutely. And that could be a detriment to certain species of fish, vegetation, or sponges that are commercially or recreationally harvested.”
Elsewhere at the marina, Kevin Dubicki says he agrees with Gutierrez, believing the new law is a safety concern.
“I think this new law that’s passed is really going to allow people to get away with a lot more,” said Dubicki. “They think that they can’t board my boat anymore, they can’t check my fish anymore because they have not seen me for probable cause for committing a crime.”
As for what these captains will do now, Gutierrez says he will continue best practices. Following boating rules and staying safe.
[ad_2]
Calvin Lewis
Source link
[ad_1]
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — For the 28th year, P.A.C.K. Camp is back in Pasco County.
P.A.C.K. stands for the Pasco Association for Challenged Kids. It’s an annual summer camp that takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t take.
Paula and Barry Cohen started the camp originally for their son Gregory, who is autistic, in 1997.
“The reason we need to keep going is we take the kids who aren’t potty trained. Who aren’t verbal, who can be aggressive, who can run away. So the camp is really for those kids because they really can’t go anywhere else and be safe,” Paula said.
The camp is now held for three weeks at Pepin Academies in New Port Richey. More than 40 campers enrolled this year.
Campers take part in a variety of activities that help them have a fun summer, like any other kid at camp.
P.A.C.K. receives state funding, but due to the rising costs for supplies and activities, they rely on donations to keep costs down for families and to make their budget.
[ad_2]
Tim Wronka
Source link
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is commemorating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776 and establishing the United States of America. It is often celebrated with family and friend gatherings, barbeques, parades and fireworks.
Tampa Bay is ready for the holiday with an array of parades and firework shows for all ages. Here’s a county-by-county list of events that are happening around the area.
All events take place on July 4 unless otherwise stated.
According to our Spectrum Bay News 9 meteorologists, the Bay area will see high rain chances for the 4th of July. Be sure to download our Spectrum News app to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your area and track the weather with our Klystron 9 radar.
[ad_2]
Spectrum News Staff
Source link
[ad_1]
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Tension between leaders at Polk State College is growing as some criticize the school for a lack of transparency.
In May, board trustee Ashley Bell Barnett raised questions about the college’s enrollment and graduation rates. While Polk County’s population continues to grow, Barnett says that growth isn’t being reflected on the college’s campuses.
“In March, there was FTE enrollment numbers. We were in decline by 13.6%,” she said.
Barnett says that number put the college among the lowest in the state for enrollment during the 2023–2024 academic year. She says she and other trustees were unaware until a colleague from another school notified her. This prompted her to bring her concerns to the board and Polk State President Dr. Angela Falconetti.
“May 6 was the first/last time I spoke with her. May 19 was our last board meeting to where I presented these concerns. I haven’t had any answers until now, which has been over a month,” Barnett said.
According to Polk State, the 13.6% decline came from a report designed to project future fundable full-time equivalent (FTE) students. But preliminary data from the college’s submission to the Florida Department of Education shows the school’s enrollment rose just over 2% in the past year. Officials also say graduation rates have remained consistent.
In a statement, spokesperson Madison Fantozzi said:
“Increasing completion rates is a top priority, and efforts are underway across the institution. These include strengthening instructional excellence through ongoing innovation, supporting faculty and staff with meaningful professional development opportunities, enhancing student support services, and implementing a comprehensive, data-informed enrollment management strategy.”
However, Barnett says progress can’t be made without full transparency — and feels the figure provided by the school isn’t much of an increase.
“That still puts us flat. That still puts us at an 18% systemic issue of having low FTE and graduation rates and it also still means that we are still 24 out 28 so even if that number is verified, which it won’t be until July 2nd, there’s some tremendous issues within the accountability system of this college and if I didn’t speak up, I would not be doing my fiduciary responsibility,” she said.
During Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting, some residents and faculty members thanked Barnett for bringing this information to light — while others questioned her motives. But as a donor to the school, Barnett assures she has nothing to gain.
“I only want to see what’s best for the students,” she said. “This is not about me and the administration. This is about me and what’s best for the college.”
[ad_2]
Alexis Jones
Source link
[ad_1]
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Winter Haven city leaders are considering potential plans to significantly raise impact fees.
If approved, it would be the first increase in nearly 20 years.
As more people move to Winter Haven, city leaders say raising impact fees will help meet growing infrastructure demands — including funding for libraries, fire services, and parks and recreation. Helping to preserve and enhance the city’s outdoor spaces has been Marian Ryan’s life’s work. Before becoming president of the nonprofit Friends of the Parks, Ryan says her fondest childhood memories were made in green spaces.
“The places that I hung out was what is now Rotary Park in Lake Martha, also down at Lake Albert, here at Lake Silver where I learned how to swim,” Ryan said.
Ryan says each park has grown over the years, but there’s still more work to be done.
“You really should have a certain number of parks or actually open space acres per resident, and so that number is hard to keep up with, especially when you have really rapid development like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s really neat to have it come to fruition now… hopefully.”
Winter Haven city leaders are looking to raise impact fees on new development by 139%. City Manager Michael Stavres says the fee for a single-family home would increase from just over $2,400 to $5,820. He says the proposed hike follows an “extraordinary circumstances” study conducted by the city.
“When we look at what it costs to expand infrastructure in 2025 and over the next 10 years, and how we’re expected to grow over that same 10 years, it’s a very different scenario than it was in 2006,” he said. “It’s a community that grew from about 26,000 people in 2006 to over 60,000 people today. And we anticipate close to 10,000 new single-family homes in the next 10 years.”
So far, Stavres says city leaders haven’t heard from developers about the potential fees. However, he says residents he’s spoken to are on board with the idea of what he calls “growth paying for growth.”
As for Ryan, she’s looking forward to seeing funding go toward expanding the city’s parks.
“I always like to see open trails and space first,” she said — just one more way to help preserve the quality of life for those who call the city home.
If approved, the fees will take effect on Oct. 1.
[ad_2]
Alexis Jones
Source link
[ad_1]
INVERNESS, Fla. — A Citrus County business is offering a free engineering camp to students.
Though lasting only a week, the camp is teaching them important life skills. It’s bringing a sense of meaning and purpose to both students and teachers.
Under the cool shade of this garage, Citrus County High School students are getting their hands dirty. Working hard and learning a few life skills in the process.
“These are good skills to have and you can use these as you move forward in life,” says Tim Herndon, owner of Tim Herndon Plumbing.
From changing a tire, to building a toolbox, the skills these students are learning are wide-ranging. It’s part of the school district’s summer engineering camp. A week-long program dedicated to working on machinery and life skills. All under the watchful eye of Herndon, who owns the business where the camp is held.
“Not only do we build these things, but we repair vehicles,” said Tim Herndon. “We have repaired small engines this week. Matter of fact, we put an old go-cart together. Got it running, and these boys were so excited when they got to fire up that engine.”
One of those students is rising senior Gabriel Carey. A first-year camper, Carey says his interest is in the automotive industry. What he’s learning here, he says, will help prepare him for that path.
“All of this isn’t taught in school unless you’re in a special academy,” said Carey. “Like the construction academy, it teaches you how to use a tape measure, different tools and stuff. This teaches you responsibility, work ethic, respect. Everything in this academy is not taught in school.”
The camp is also a chance for students to learn from volunteers. And how they pursued their careers.
“We are growing students’ ability to work with different people, to work collaboratively to learn hands-on skills, and to really find themselves and what their passions are,” said Dr. Holli Herndon, with Career & Technical Education for Citrus County Schools.
It’s providing these students with a sense of identity, learning about themselves along the way.
“If you teach somebody on their level, they can learn anything,” said Herndon. “And if you have patience on teaching either children or adults, then everybody can learn. And that’s our goal here.”
Preparing these students for life after high school.
[ad_2]
Calvin Lewis
Source link
[ad_1]
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is helping Bay area residents make their homes more secure for storm season. The nonprofit is partnering with local roofing companies to install roofs that are specifically designed to withstand the force of a storm.
One Sarasota couple discussed the impact of getting a new roof.
“I love it, I love it,” said Johnnie Cantrell.
The smile on Cantrell’s face said more than words can describe.
“They’re doing a good job — I love it,” he said. He’s talking about the crews working on their new roof — something the couple, who has owned their home for 25 years, didn’t think was going to happen.
“It’s just a wonderful thing. And I just thank them, and I thank God for all the blessings and stuff, because not everybody can afford it, you know,” said his wife, Sheila Cantrell.
Rebuilding Together Greater Florida partnered with Red Ladder Roofing Company to install fortified roofs for residents — including the elderly, disabled and low-income households.
Rebuilding Together Greater Florida Interim Board President Anthony Baldo explained, “They are proven to reduce storm damage and help families shelter in place.”
The organization says it has completed work on dozens of homes in Manatee County, and its work throughout the Bay area is ongoing.
“Our community is vulnerable, right? Like, we have a lot of homes that need help. And these types of projects are ones where we can be proactive,” Baldo said.
The Cantrells said they had needed their roof repaired for years — but became desperate after Hurricane Milton damaged it.
“That we’re going to be safer and that we won’t have any major damage to our ceilings and the roof and everything — now that it’s coming together,” Sheila Cantrell said.
The cost to repair their roof was more than $16,000 — a hefty price the family couldn’t afford, but one that was completely covered by Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.
“I’m on disability. In my check, I can barely afford a Coke,” Johnnie Cantrell said.
With a new roof strengthening the Cantrells’ home and helping them feel more secure, they’re hopeful the charity’s work will continue — giving others the chance to be better prepared for storm season, too.
[ad_2]
Julia Hazel
Source link
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Fringe is an event featuring more then 30 acts across more than 100 shows and four stages in Ybor City. The event runs through June 22.
One of the more interesting acts features a duet between a dancer and a coffee grinder.
“I really believe every single one of us is creative. And maybe we just quite haven’t found how to express that yet,” said Julie Leir.
Leir’s Percolate is one of about 30 unique acts at this year’s festival. She combines audience participation with dance interpretation. She adds randomly chosen suggestions to her movement board, and starts making choices on how speak the work in dance.
“From the very first Fringe Festival I ever did way back in 2015, immediately the feeling for me was I’m home,” said Leir.|
Trish Parry runs Fringe Tampa. Her official title is Festival Producer. She says by banding together, artists survive, and so do affordable art experiences.
“I think it’s important because it makes the arts more affordable for artist to put on their own shows,” said Parry, “and for real people to get to go and see shows and take risks on people.”
A lifelong performer, Leir doesn’t just duet with a coffee grinder. When she and the audience finish the performance, it’s time for coffee talk.
[ad_2]
Virginia Johnson
Source link
[ad_1]
LARGO, Fla. — A new exhibit at the Heritage Village is showcasing one of the area’s most influential families.
Pinellas County is celebrating the grand opening of the Turner Bungalow collection, showcasing more than 5,000 personal artifacts from the Turner family. The Turners were one of seven pioneering families in Pinellas County’s earliest history. The new exhibit is taking visitors on a journey through time to old Florida.
“It’s so much better than I remember,” says Amber Turner Shadd, walking through the Turner Bungalow.
Crossing the threshold of an old relative’s home, Jack Turner and Amber Turner Shadd take a walk through time.
“There’s just so many cool things in the house that I get to see now as an adult and go, ‘Wow, that’s a piece of my family’s history,’” Turner Shadd said.
Turner is Turner Shadd’s great-uncle. She said she remembers visiting the house on occasion when she was a little girl.
Built in 1915, the Turner family bungalow was home to Amber Elizabeth Clark and Alfred Cleveland Turner.
“In the 80s, my mom used to help Amber with things around the house. Running errands, that kind of stuff,” Turner Shadd said. “So, even as a little kid, I got to come in the house and be a part of it and see all of the cool old things.”
The bungalow is now the latest addition to Pinellas County’s Heritage Village.
“Heritage Village was, essentially, born in 1976,” said Monica Drake, the historical museum operations manager at Heritage Village. “It was a response to the bicentennial movement, and that was not particular to Pinellas County. It was a nationwide trend that saw a lot of different historical organizations and societies pop up to really collect, preserve and save their local history.”
The Turners were one of seven pioneering families in Pinellas County’s earliest history — and the family still has roots firmly planted in the area.
“This is really unique, because we have one family’s material culture that was donated to us along with the house,” said Drake. “So, this really is a comprehensive view of a family’s life from the 1940s in Pinellas County.”
Heritage Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The village will be turning 50-years-old next year with events planned around the celebration.
[ad_2]
Calvin Lewis
Source link
[ad_1]
TAMPA, Fla. — Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, became a federal holiday after former President Joe Biden signed the legislation on June 17, 2021.
The day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free — two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — which had become official January 1, 1863.
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to reflect and recognize achievements in the African American community. Here’s a look at the festivities that will be taking place around Tampa Bay.
[ad_2]
DeJanae Phillips
Source link