ReportWire

Tag: Human Interest

  • Former Pinellas film commissioner goes full circle as movie maker

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Former Pinellas County Film Commissioner Tony Armer has gone full circle as head of production for Talon Entertainment Finance and he wants to film movies in the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tony Armer was the Pinellas County Film Commissioner for more than eight years 

    • Armer was the Dallas Film Commissioner for less than two years when he was offered the position with Talon Entertainment 

    • Armer wrote a feature film called “Terminal Kill,” which he plans to shoot in the Tampa Bay area next year

    • Earlier this week, Armer was shooting the short proof of concept for the film in Tampa and Clearwater


    “The opportunity to be a film commissioner was amazing. I absolutely love the job and I do miss it,” he said. “Now, I get to be back to my true passion, which is making movies.”

    Armer and his production crew were filming action scenes at Coachman Park in Clearwater on Tuesday for a short proof of concept for a feature film he wrote called “Terminal Kill.”

    “We’re calling this short film ‘The Choice,’” he said. “The mom has to make a choice to do something bad in order for something good to happen to take care of her son.”

    Clearwater Police officers were on hand for the scene because it involved a shootout with blanks. Armer said the feature film is about a terminally ill single mom who’s recruited by this mysterious former government agent to assassinate the head of a human trafficking ring.

    “So this is based off a comic book series, graphic novel that I created called ‘Terminal Kill,’ just released at the end of last year,” he said. ”It was a screenplay before that that we were going to shoot in 2020. Then COVID happened.”

    Armer said the plan is to shoot the full length feature film next year in the Tampa Bay area. He just bought a house in Clearwater and said Talon Entertainment CEO Steve Demmler is based out of Tampa.

    “It’s exciting to make projects at home,” he said. “While we also make projects in other parts of the country and around the world as well.”

    He was the Dallas Film Commissioner for less than two years when he was offered the position with Talon Entertainment, which has produced some big box office movies.

    “Talon is a producer on ‘Oh, Canada’ starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman that premiered at the Cannes Film Fest last year,” he said. “’Bookworm,’ starring Elijah Wood, ‘Rabbit Trap,’ starring Dev Patel, which premiered at Sundance this year.”

    Armer said they shot some dialougue scenes in Tampa on Monday for the short film. He plans to send it to festivals and said eventually the short will be on YouTube.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Angeline Farm staff asking for public’s help after six hens were stolen

    [ad_1]

    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Workers at a Pasco County farm are asking the public for help in finding chickens they say were stolen from their coop last week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Workers at Angeline Farm say six hens were stolen in the middle of the night last week

    • Farm staff say they got a call from café staff on-site saying chickens were running outside of their coop
    • Angeline Farm is the first agrihood in the Tampa Bay area, acting as an agriculture amenity to the community with its vegetables and flowers
    • Staff on the farm are asking the public for their help in bringing the hens home


    Six hens were stolen in the middle of the night from Angeline Farm, and now farm staff members say they are hoping the hens return home. The coop holds a special place in the local community.

    “You can see we have a summer squash here. These are growing super fast now, so we’re really harvesting these every day,” said lead farm educator Bobby Dileo.

    Along a row of greens on Angeline Farm, Dileo plucks some of the fresh vegetables.

    “This is a full-time job,” Dileo said. “We’re out here everyday weeding, planting, taking care of the chickens and also doing community events.”

    It’s a full-time job that requires plenty of patience and care. But what happened at the farm’s chicken coop was something completely unexpected.

    “You can see right where they cut it,” said Dileo of the coop. “They cut it on three separate sides so it was almost like a door.”

    Dileo said the hens were just days away from laying their first eggs.

    “I got a call from one of the cafe staff members on-site saying the chickens were running loose out of the coop,” he said. “So I came up here and there were some out of the coop, but then we were also missing six hens.”

    Angeline Farm is the first agrihood in the Tampa Bay area. Acting as an agriculture amenity to the community with its vegetables and flowers. Its produce stays local and is primarily used at the on-site cafe, including the eggs.

    “It’s never going to be a major egg producer,” said Dileo. “It’s really more of just an educational aspect for the community. But it’s a really big part of the community. We have kids that come up here every day — they ride their bikes up here. We have retired people come up and walk their dogs. Everybody loves the chicken coup.”

    As far as motive for the crime, Dileo said rising egg prices could have played a part.

    “I know it’s hard for a lot of people to afford groceries these days, but I’m not really sure why someone would’ve come in and stolen just six chickens,” he said.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Drift-in AMI reopens after being closed for 6 months due to Hurricane Helene

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — The Drift-In AMI in Bradenton Beach celebrated its grand reopening Friday after being closed for six months because of damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Drift-In AMI is a bar on Anna Maria Island that was closed for six months

    • The bar has been open for 100 years, but closed due to hurricane damage

    • Employees say they are excited to get back to work

    It’s a bar that’s been on Anna Maria Island for 100 years. It’s made a comeback after being closed for six months because of damage from last year’s hurricanes.

    With each pour, bartender Heather McNeal is making up for lost time, and so are the customers.

    “I love the people,” McNeal said. “As you can see, everybody is always happy, smiling. We’re like a big family here.”

    But it was a family she hadn’t seen in six months. After Hurricane Helene’s storm surge forced the Drift-In to shut down, it took months of hard work to reopen.

    “Well, we had people lined up down Bridge Street when we opened this morning,” McNeal said.

    The establishment is also a piece of history on the island. This year, the bar is celebrating its 100th year of service.

    “It is absolutely beautiful. Everything has been made brand new,” McNeal said. “This building’s been here since 1925, so there were a lot of upgrades to be made.”

    McNeal has worked at the Drift-In for years, but while the bar was closed, she said it wasn’t as simple as just finding another job.

    “Nobody really took me serious about needing employment,” she said. “Everybody pretty much said, ‘Oh, you’re going back to work at the Drift?’ But we had no idea when we’d be open. So it was trying for me. Some friends in town gave me work where they had something available to do. But every day was like holding tight.”

    Things were a little shaky for a while, but now members of the staff say they are ready to bounce back and lean on each other to get back to normal.

    “We missed an entire season, so we are ready,” McNeal said.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Easter events ‘egg’-spected to take place across Tampa Bay for 2025

    [ad_1]

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa

    UPDATED 12:05 PM ET Apr. 03, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM ET Mar. 12, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:51 PM EDT Mar. 12, 2025

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Crystal River named among HGTV’s 50 ‘Most Charming’ small towns list in the U.S.

    [ad_1]

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — This small town has been declared one of the “Most Charming” in America.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River has been recognized by HGTV as one of the “Most Charming” small towns in America

    • The new designation is bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, along with the best in what it has to offer
    • According to Crystal River officials, Citrus County sees more than 1.6 million visitors a year
    • It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton


    Recently, HGTV released a list of the 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America. One Florida small town, located along the Nature Coast, made the list.

    The new designation is making waves for Crystal River and the Nature Coast.

    Along the shores of Hunter Springs Park, dozens can be seen enjoying nature.

    “This is one of the prettiest small towns I’ve ever lived in, and I love it very much,” said Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts.

    “A designation like this just puts our name out nationwide,” Curts added. “More people from the United States, more people from outside our country will come here and visit and see the wonders of Crystal River. It’s just a wonderful thing for supporting the local economy here.”

    It’s a designation that comes as no surprise to Curts and tourism director Auvis Cole. They get to enjoy what this small town has to offer every day.

    “The cool thing about it: This was something that was not voted on,” said Cole. “We were selected.”

    In their eyes, it’s bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, and brings out the best it has to offer.

    “People want to relax,” said Cole. “People want to enjoy the nature — the natural and original beauty of Florida. And when they come here, they’re able to unwind a little bit and get away from the hustle and bustle.”

    It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But now, with spring in the air, tourist season is in full-swing.

    “We welcome over 1.6 million people a year annually,” said Cole. “To some, that may be a lot, but the cool thing about it is it pumps a lot of financial benefits into our local economy and our businesses, our tour operators, our restaurants, our hotels — our residents. We can all take part in that.”

    And as more flock to the area, Cole says he hopes it will open travelers’ eyes to what else this small town has to offer.

    “You talk about the culinary scene, you talk about the shops,” Cole said. “Again, the people, the parks — we have things like different centers, like the refuge wildlife centers, which are amazing.”

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Bay area hairstylist uses her psychology degree to help clients

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Bay area hairstylist is using her talent of doing hair and her mental health degree to help people in the most vulnerable communities. 

    The loud sounds of a blow dryer, or the creaking noise of a salon chair being raised up to just the right height are therapeutic for stylists like Talia Davis, the owner of ToTheTee Styles & Co.

    Her recent training now has her listening for something a little different with her clients.

    What You Need To Know

    • ToTheTee Styles & Co. Owner Talia Davis is using her talent of doing hair and her mental health degree to help people

    • She’s using her master’s degree in forensic psychology to provide that help

    • Davis is focusing on how haircare impacts vulnerable communities like foster children and people in domestic violence shelters

    “I love that I found a program called PsychoHairapy because it helps hairstylists understand the mental health part,” she said.

    Davis also just got her master’s degree in forensic psychology. She’s focusing on how haircare impacts vulnerable communities like foster children and people in domestic violence shelters.

    “A lot of the times some of the trauma they go through, the stylist is the first person to know what they’re going through; we can talk to their parents about it or their caregivers about it because they feel comfortable with us,” Davis said. “They spend a lot of time with us in the chair.”

    It gives a new meaning to haircare, and she’s hoping to offer more people.

    “I started a fundraiser,” Davis said. “I was able to raise $3,500 so that I could start a hair trailer, that way I could be mobile and not only offer it for myself but have other stylists be able to rent out that trailer and go to group homes to serve the community.”

    She’s still a long way away from her $60,000 goal that would help buy and renovate that mobile trailer. But she said the cost of not doing this project far outweighs that price tag.

    “I hear the statistics of how heavy sex trafficking is, how many kids there are in foster care that don’t have placement, that don’t have anywhere to go, and why not have a safe haven for them?” she said.

    It’s an environment she’s creating every day for all of her clients.

    “Me knowing that I’ve changed some part of the community in some way. It’s not about the money. It’s about impacting the world to me,” Davis said.

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • Hundreds of mobile home park residents sent substantial damage letters

    [ad_1]

    Pinellas County, Fla. — Pinellas County recently mailed hundreds of substantial damage letters to mobile home park residents stating that their property exceeds FEMA’s 50-percent threshold, which requires the home to be elevated or replaced in compliance with FEMA’s standards.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Residents in Pinellas County received letters notifying them of substantial damage

    •  The homes in question are in mobile home parks that were damaged in hurricanes

    •  The letters require the homes to be replaced or elevated


    The majority of Gateway Mobile Home Park residents, 235 of the total 333 residents, received the letters in mid-March causing frustration, confusion and disbelief, according to longtime resident Connie Aguero.

    “This was really a surprise to everybody this late in the game after we’re finally feeling like we’re in a recovery mode,” said Aguero.

    “They’ve frightened everybody. The letter told everybody they have until June 1st to get out of here to resolve this issue. Well, that’s two months away. So, they took five and a half months to hit us with this, and they’re giving us two months to deal with this life altering, scary business,” she added.

    During the Pinellas County Commission Meeting held on March 25, the Building & Development Review Services (BDRS) director said that 78% of the 1,407 mobile homes they evaluated were deemed substantially damaged, and county staff members were being pro-active by hosting in-person meetings with mobile home communities to answer questions and help guide residents through the next steps.

    “We’ve met with five communities to date and we have another one tomorrow,” said BDRS Director Kevin McAndrew.

    “These have been really emotionally charged meetings. In almost every case, when we delve down into exactly what the inspection shows, there has been some degree of damage. Maybe not water inundation inside the unit, but there’s been damage to the undercarriage of the unit where there’s been ductwork and insulation,” he continued.

    In order to assist residents claiming they had no damage or minor damage, Pinellas County started deploying inspectors to perform re-inspections. Residents must first request a re-assessment of the substantial damage initial determination.

    “We’re also advocating that if they have an elevation certificate, we can rerun the model and potentially reverse those findings, and we’re also looking at engaging licensed surveyors that can go out and take additional elevations in these communities where we’re making every effort we can to work with these residents,” said McAndrew.

    Aguero said her private insurance already covered $14,000 for a new AC unit and other minor repairs.

    “The real issue is that people got letters that do not have substantial damage. They had none or very little damage,” Aguero said.

    [ad_2]

    Erica Riggins

    Source link

  • Lakeland man who rescued child from burning car receives Carnegie Medal

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland man who rescued a 3-year-old boy from a burning car in November has received North America’s highest award for civilian heroism.

    What You Need To Know

    • AJ Slater, a Lakeland man, received the Carnegie Medal for rescuing a 3-year-old boy from a burning car on Nov. 7

    • Slater, who was severely burned in the rescue, now uses his experience to encourage others to take action in emergency situations and refrain from driving under the influence.

    • Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail


    While 30-year-old AJ Slater is thought to be the first person from Polk County to be honored with a Carnegie Medal, he still carries the scars from last year.

    “I think about it all the time, but I try not to think about it, but there are worse times than others when I do break down. I do get emotional,” he said.

    Slater kept his composure as he recounted the tragic car accident on Nov. 7 that injured mother Logan Deines’ 3-year-old son, Walker, and killed her 5-year-old daughter, JoLynn.

    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the two children were in the car with their father, 30-year-old Kody Wills, when he crashed into a wooded area at the intersection of Broadway Street and Lake Parker Drive East. According to a toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, Wills’ blood alcohol content was 0.25 — three times the legal limit. He now faces several charges, including DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse, and is awaiting trial.

    Wills’ car collided with a tree, causing it to catch on fire. Slater says he jumped into action after hearing cries for help just blocks away from his home. That’s when he reached into the burning car and pulled out Walker first. He tried to rescue JoLynn, but she didn’t survive.

    “It’s a heartbreak for me. It will always be,” Slater said.

    Since being treated at Tampa General Hospital for second and third-degree burns, Slater has developed a strong bond with Deines and Walker. He’s also been recognized for his heroism. His most recent award, the Carnegie Medal, was given to people living in the U.S. and Canada who risk their own lives to save or attempt to save the lives of others.

    Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail.

    “I’m very grateful, I’m very thankful for it. All these awards are reminders of JoLynn to me. I know I could save Walker, but I could never let go of the fact that I wasn’t able to save both children,” he said. “Being considered a hero, thank you. I’m thankful, I’m grateful, but to me, I’m just a normal person.”

    Now, Slater encourages others to save a life too, whether it’s refraining from getting behind the wheel while under the influence or stepping in the next time seeing someone else in need.

    Along with the Carnegie Medal, each recipient will receive a $7,500 prize. Slater says he plans to use the money to pay off his medical bills.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • St. Pete childcare expert credits great-grandmother for her career

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When it comes to women making history, for one family, all they have to do is look at the children in their neighborhood to see it.

    That’s because a St. Pete woman born in 1918 dedicated her life to making sure children in the Tampa Bay area had access to quality childcare. And now, her legacy is living on through her great-granddaughter and the families she served.

    What You Need To Know

    • Making sure her classroom is ready with the right amount of educational décor is important. But for Tricina Rucker, it’s not the main thing

    • Her passion was instilled in her by her hero, her great-grandmother, Pauline Russell

    • MORE: Women’s History Month stories


    Making sure her classroom is ready with the right amount of educational décor is important. But for Tricina Rucker, it’s not the main thing.

    “It’s rewarding. You get to invest in the children, and you get to see your investment,” Rucker said.

    For her, this is personal.

    “I was raised in the childcare environment,” she said. “But it became a passion.”

    It’s a passion instilled in her by her hero, her great-grandmother, Pauline Russell.

    “This is my great-grandmother. My father’s father’s mother. And she raised me from birth,” she said.

    Her great-grandmother led by example.

    “She opened up the New Hope Daycare with Reverand J. L. Fennel who was the pastor at that time in 1977, the year that I was born,” she said.

    When her grandmother helped open another preschool in Lakeland, Rucker was old enough to see the process and be inspired by it — especially after learning more about Russell’s early life.

    “She couldn’t read,” she said. “She was born in 1918 in Lanier County, Ga., and she could not go to school. She had to work in the fields.”

    She said her grandmother didn’t let that get in the way of opening daycare centers and becoming a realtor.

    “She again couldn’t read but she kept taking that real estate test and kept taking it and failing it, but she didn’t stop,” she said. “She kept going until she passed it and she became a licensed realtor and helped a lot of the Black families in South St. Petersburg become homeowners.”

    Russell accomplished a lot in her 95 years, but there is one thing Rucker said she wishes she would have been able to see.

    “I went and got my child development associate’s degree as well as my director’s credentials. The director’s credentials for me were big because she didn’t have that,” she said.

    It’s an accomplishment she happily shares with her late great-grandmother. It’s an accomplishment that will benefit her along with the children and families in St. Petersburg, just as her great-grandmother had hoped.

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • Dunedin food bank worried about federal funding cuts

    [ad_1]

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — Federal spending cuts to the Department of Agriculture for food programs have some food pantries concerned.

    What You Need To Know

    • President Trump and DOGE have cut USDA programs that help food insecure people 

    • Florida received around $46.4 million from the USDA before cuts

    • Dunedin Cares provides food for 50 to 75 families on any given day 


    Florida received around $46.4 million from the USDA through the local food purchase assistance program established under the Biden Administration in 2021. President Trump and DOGE cancelled that program.

    Dunedin Cares is a food pantry in Dunedin that provides food for 50 to 75 families on any given day. Executive Director Kristina Garcia says it’s vital for so many families in need.

    “We are what you call a choice food pantry, which is kind of unique, so our guests come in and they get a number, and they literally shop with a cart,” Garcia said.

    Garcia says that some of the items come from donations, but a big portion comes from Feeding Tampa Bay.

    With the federal cuts, she is worried about the future.

    “We don’t know yet to be honest, we will have to see, if the USDA loses funding, that’s who funds Feeding America which funds Feeding Tampa. Feeding Tampa Bay funds all the agencies, that’s what we are considered, an agency,” Garcia said.

    There may be some relief in Florida as the state Senate’s proposed budget is allocating $50 million for food bank grants.

    If passed, it includes two grant programs through the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

    One is for $12 million to expand food banks in rural areas and the other is $38 million to help food banks buy products from Florida farmers.

    However, while food insecurity is addressed in the Senate budget, the House Agriculture proposal doesn’t include either program.

    For Garcia, she is worried about future funding.

    “We hope to be able to continue to keep our donor base and that would be allow us to purchase some of those items but there is no way we will be able to keep up with the supply and demand, its just not going to be possible,” Garcia said.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Van Sant

    Source link

  • Turning Points in Bradenton celebrating its 30th year this month

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Turning Points is celebrating its 30th year of service this month, and a lot has changed with the nonprofit over the years.

    In celebration of the milestone, Turning Points is hosting the 30 Acts of Kindness Challenge, where anyone in the community can take part in doing something good for others.

    What You Need To Know

    • Turning Points celebrating 30th year

    • The nonprofit has been here since 1995 in Bradenton and last year helped more than 9,000 men, women and children

    • Turning Points is hosting the 30 Acts of Kindness Challenge, where anyone in the community can take part in doing something good for others
    • Turning Points is located at 701 17th Avenue West in Bradenton; the phone number is (941) 747-1509

    Working hard and making a difference is what Kathleen Cramer knows best.

    “’24 and ‘25 have been as busy as ever,” she said.

    She has been the executive director of Turning Points in Bradenton for the last five years. She also has years of experience in charitable work with nonprofits.

    “I have been in nonprofits for 26 years all over the country. Every single day, we are helping people and changing lives,” she said.

    Executive Director of Turning Points, Kathleen Cramer (Spectrum News)

    A wall showcases the lives Turning Points has impacted through The Smiles Project — a little to no cost dental program for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Manatee County, just one of the many resources the nonprofit offers to help people.

    “It changes people’s lives. We had a mom who had been hiding her smile for many, many years, and when she got her dentures, she said, ‘I’m going to be a better mom because I’m going to teach my daughters not to fade into the background like I was doing before,’” she said.

    But when Turning Points first opened in Bradenton in 1995, it didn’t have all of these programs.

    Cramer says a lot has changed since then.

    “We’ve just kept growing. We’re giving out over $2 million every year to keep people housed,” she said.

    “When Turning Points started, our focus was really on rental assistance — making sure people could get into places. And now, we have six core programs here at Turning Points,” she said.

    Just last year, the nonprofit served more than 9,000 men, women and children in need — and they hope to serve even more soon.

    “We’re ready to start moving off campus. Instead of asking people to come to us, we’re going to be doing more programming out in the community. And we are just working on a new pilot program with the Manatee School District,” she said.

    From establishing roots in Bradenton to developing more community outreach programs, Kathleen is excited to help change more lives.


     

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Increased need for more counseling services in the LGBTQ+ community

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A nonprofit in Manatee County is making strides with mental health in LGBTQ+ youth.

    ALSO Youth recently received a grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation that will fund more counseling services for the LGBTQ+ community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Advocacy Leadership Support Outreach Youth — better known as ALSO Youth. The nonprofit helps LGBTQ+ community members aged 10 to 24 through various programs, including counseling

    • According to ALSO Youth this year there has been more than a 40% increase in the need for counseling services

    • A $32,433 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation will help increase the number of available counseling sessions

    Drawing allows Attacus Massmann to express creativity.

    “I like art because it helps me express myself a lot,” he said.

    It’s an activity Massmann does during his therapy sessions at Advocacy Leadership Support Outreach Youth — better known as ALSO Youth. The nonprofit helps LGBTQ+ community members aged 10 to 24 through various programs, including counseling.

    “My entire life, I have been surrounded by a lot of people who did not accept who I was as a person,” he said.

    He says he always felt different.

    In 2019, when he was 15 years old, he came to the realization that he identified as a transgender man. But even before that, bullying was a common occurrence.

    “I started feeling suicidal in eighth grade. So that was 2018. My first attempt at my life was also in 2018,” he said.

    In 2024, 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals ages 13 to 17 reported being bullied, according to The Trevor Project. Additionally, 39% of LGBTQ+ people ages 13 to 24 have contemplated suicide in the last year.

    Massmann still struggles with suicidal ideation but says therapy sessions have helped him.

    “It helped me a lot because I didn’t have stable housing, and I was barely able to afford food or anything like that. And obviously, we all deal with mental health issues to some degree, and not having therapy for a long time really negatively impacted my mental health,” he explained.

    Mel Gosselin, the executive director of ALSO Youth, says that this year there has been more than a 40% increase in the need for counseling services.

    “Bullying is still a problem in schools. Sometimes families don’t know how to deal with situations, or some youth are homeless because they’ve been kicked out of their family unit,” she said.

    More data from The Trevor Project shows that 84% of LGBTQ+ young people wanted help, yet nearly 50% couldn’t get it. One of the top reasons was cost.

    A $32,433 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation will help increase the number of available counseling sessions.

    “We’re getting more and more inquiries. We are grateful — without these services, we would see kids engaging in self-harm or worse,” Gosselin said.

    After receiving help from the nonprofit, Massmann now wants to pay it forward and has become a camp counselor.

    This is their spring camp, called “Camp True Colors.”

    “Having a space to provide for the kids where they’re able to be themselves and socialize — I really like that aspect of it,” Massmann said.

    As Massmann continues his healing journey, he is eager to help others in the LGBTQ+ community do the same.

    According to ALSO Youth, the organization served more than 2,000 people between Manatee and Sarasota counties. Currently, the organization is looking for a new location in Sarasota to continue serving LGBTQ+ individuals in need, as their former Sarasota location was damaged by last year’s hurricanes.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Nonprofit founded by Central Florida woman fills critical needs in Four Corners

    [ad_1]

    CLERMONT, Fla. — Hands of Hope America founder and chief executive officer Evelisse Bookhout’s history as an at-risk youth led her to start the nonprofit in the Four Corners community to fill the critical needs of residents.

    She created Hands of Hope America in 2019 after discovering gaps in needs like childcare, education and food security in the Four Corners area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hands of Hope America founder Evelisse Bookhout is a veteran who grew up as an at-risk youth 

    • For that reason, she said she wants to help advocate for youths in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties

    • The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to offer mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes

    • Bookhout said Hands of Hope seeks to bring together governments, nonprofits and community leaders to work across county lines to provide critical services to residents

    The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to provide wraparound services like free mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties.

    Now the organization serves thousands of families from its centralized location in Clermont, seeking to empower low-income families.

    She said her heart is with the children.

    “Being the example out in the community, being able to advocate for what we believe our community needs,” Bookhout said.

    Hands of Hopes’ needs assessment, which will be released this month, showed there is a lack of collaborative funding and efforts across county lines, leaving many residents without critical services, Bookhout said. 

    Pressing concerns across all four counties include major gaps in housing, food security, healthcare, employment services, education and transportation, the assessment revealed.

    She and her team of interns discovered public transportation times are limited, and they don’t connect from one county to another. 

    “Right now, we are calling for collaborative partners to be able to work together to continue to serve the need here in this community,” Bookhout said.

    A centralized community center to link families with an after-school program and bigger space for kids also is needed, she said.

    Right now, children play in the building’s parking lot. 

    “There isn’t much for the kids to do, so we have a lot of violence and drug use within our youth in our community, and I think it’s because parents need to work. They have to provide, and so parents are not around when kids get home from school,” said Rose Sterling, a case manager at the nonprofit.

    Sterling learned about Hands of Hope’s services through one of its food distribution events.

    “We have three boys, and kids weren’t really playing outside. My son is on the autism spectrum, and he was really struggling mentally,” Sterling said. “He needed friends.”

    She brought her son to one of the nonprofit’s summer programs, and he immediately started building leadership skills and making friends. 

    “Being able to give back to not only the community, but the place that gave me so much hope,” Sterling said.

    Next steps for Bookhout and the organization include more advocacy for those who need a hand.

    Bookhout, who didn’t have a lot of as she was raised by a single mom, said the community’s needs fuel her work.

    “Those experiences have truly shaped my passion for serving the community, and it’s something I’ll continue to do as long as I can,” Bookhout said.

    To help meet those needs, Bookhout said a unified vision, clear communication and resource sharing is required. She said she and the organization will work to bring together county governments, nonprofits and leaders to meet the needs of the growing population.

    [ad_2]

    Maria Serrano

    Source link

  • Artist expresses love of study and freedom

    [ad_1]

    On The Town with Shelly Steck-Reale, creator of the “Banned: And Still I Rise” exhibit at Brenda McMahon Gallery in honor of Women’s History Month

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Manatee receives results of Lake Manatee Dam and Hurricane Debby study

    [ad_1]

    SUMMERFIELD, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners recently heard the results of a study conducted by a third-party firm on last year’s flooding after Hurricane Debby and the water that was released from the Lake Manatee Dam.

    However, there is still disagreement about the source of the flooding between the county and some Lakewood Ranch residents.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County received the study results from a third party regarding the flooding in our area that occurred during Hurricane Debby

    • The county says the results show some of the areas in Manatee County like Summerfield were flooded as a result of rainfall and not the water released by the Lake Manatee Dam

    • According to the county, by the end of the month, targeted maintenance activity is likely to begin in watershed areas, which will hopefully prevent flooding in the future

    Jill Sauchinitz lives in the Summerfield neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch.

    “Well, I’ve never been more of a true believer in the saying, ‘There’s no place like home.’ This is my home. Things are different inside,” she said.

    Spectrum News

    That’s because her family spent more than $100,000 fixing up their home after it flooded in August. They were displaced for nearly four months.

    “We had to get new floors, new walls, new furniture, new cabinets — basically, everything you see in here is brand new,” she said. “It had to be replaced. Everything in here was destroyed. It was a very stressful, long process.”

    It all started on Aug. 5, 2024, when Hurricane Debby impacted the Bay Area. Sauchinitz said her family had to be rescued after her entire home was flooded with 17 inches of water.

    “It’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy,” she said. “It was a horrible day. It was a horrible experience.”

    Manatee County officials say there was record rainfall during Debby, but Sauchinitz believes her home was not flooded by the rain. She thinks the 18 billion gallons of water released from the Lake Manatee Dam led to the flooding in her neighborhood.

    (Spectrum News)

    “Our neighborhood was swallowed by the Braden River,” she said. “The water was coming from the east, and it was overwhelmed.”

    Tom Gerstenberger, the Stormwater Engineering Division Manager for Manatee County’s Public Works Department, said a study completed by an environmental and water resource consulting firm shows that the flooding in Summerfield and other areas in the county was not caused by the water released from the Lake Manatee Dam.

    “If we’re actually looking at the distance in the riverine system and the Manatee River and then back upstream on the Braden River, you can ultimately see how long of a distance that even if it was possible for that runoff to have affected Summerfield, it could not have, based upon the timing involved in the release of the floodwaters from the reservoir to the time in which the flooding was observed,” he said.

    (Tom Gerstenberger)

    Gerstenberger also said that other areas, such as Gamble Creek, Summerfield, Shadybrook, and the Centre Lake subdivision, all have histories of flooding. The Summerfield neighborhood previously flooded in 1997. Gerstenberger said that in November 1997, Summerfield received 7 inches of rain within six hours.

    He also said the county is working on several solutions to prevent flooding in the future.

    “County staff is further investigating revisions to stormwater regulations,” he said. “Staff has also identified debris removal projects, which will address blockages and drainage systems prior to the upcoming 2025 hurricane season.”

    (Manatee County, Florida)

    But Sauchinitz lives less than half a mile away from the Braden River. She believes cleaning up the debris could potentially help, but says more needs to be done now.

    “The most important thing right now, with storm season being so close, is that we need to get the Braden River cleaned up,” she said. “It’s got to be cleaned up. The water cannot flow.”

    While Manatee County officials say they are moving forward with a solution, Sauchinitz is still concerned about future storm seasons.

    According to the county, by the end of the month, targeted maintenance activity is likely to begin in watershed areas, which will hopefully prevent flooding in the future.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Zephyrhills helps residents reconnect with nature at new Hercules Park

    [ad_1]

    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A new park has opened in the city of Zephyrhills, marking the city’s first public park to open in 40 years.

    Underneath a patch of green shade, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe takes in the view of the city’s newest addition.

    “I think that this is the best park in east Pasco,” he said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hercules Park is the first public park in 40 years to open in the city of Zephyrhills

    • Opened in mid-February, the 12-acre park is designed to help meet the recreational needs of its residents while paving the way for other future developments
    • Costing $7.5 million to build, Hercules Park is now one of nine parks located throughout Zephyrhills
    • Plans for more parks and recreation are on the way, with a parks master plan workshop taking place Wednesday, March 19


    Hercules Park was opened in mid-February after five years of planning by the city. The 12-acre park is designed to help meet the recreational needs of its residents while paving the way for other future developments.

    From walking trails to a splash pad area for kids along with a jungle gym, there is plenty to offer for families.

    “There are other things that we hadn’t thought of that citizens ranked high,” Poe said. “So we used that information to build a park that we’re standing in today.”

    Hercules Park is now one of nine parks located throughout Zephyrhills. It cost $7.5 million to build. Poe said the city had been looking at building the park for the last five years.

    “It’s all about creating amenities so that our residents want to stay here,” he said. “They want to stay and enjoy Zephyrhills, specifically, and so to be able to have a park like this so they don’t have to drive to Lakeland or Tampa to experience — a lot of families are just able to walk here.”

    The park is also honoring the city’s history, including elements inspired by the Hercules Powder Company, which once operated on the site more than 70 years ago.

    “It’s just a great place with a lot of different opportunities for families to be able to come out and enjoy each other, and it’s all free,” Poe said.

    It is also inspiring talks for what else can be done, recreationally, throughout the city.

    “Now we’re looking at our entire park system and how we improve each of those parks to add that many more amenities for our citizens,” Poe said.

    There are more plans on the way for parks throughout Zephyrhills. A parks master plan workshop will take place to discuss improving the city’s park system. That meeting will take place on March 19.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Interdisciplinary artist interprets American West for James Museum show

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay area artist Ya La’ford traveled for months throughout the western United States for her show “Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection” at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg.

    What You Need To Know

    • “Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection is an art desplay in St. Petersburg

    • The display is located at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

    • The exhibit is open through May 18


    Her abstract study of interconnected lines and geometric shapes continues.

    This abstract show is a first for the James.

    “We loved her idea of going west and experiencing mountains and canyons and deserts,” said museum Curator Emily Kapes. “So having a Florida artist go west and bring that back here in her own way, from her new perspective, was really something important we wanted to share.”

    One piece interprets the Teton Mountain Range in Wyoming after La’Ford saw the Tetons after driving through Yellowstone National Park.

    “And out of the clouds, it’s almost surreal, what you are looking at, so I decided to make a painting to depict that moment, that space, and take you to that spot,” La’Ford said.

    This immersive piece is a creation of 50 unique erupting geysers. And it’s also a no phone zone.

    You can enjoy La’Ford’s abstract interpretation of the West until May 18.

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Medical Sales College sees surge in applications and plans to expand

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the demand for more medical professionals grows, so does the need for medical sales reps.

    According to research, by 2025, the medical device industry is projected to bring in $190 billion.

    A St. Petersburg college specializes in teaching its students about medical equipment and how to sell to surgeons.

    The school’s chief commercial officer, Rich McKillop, says they’ve seen an increase in interest.

    What You Need To Know

    • In 2024, Medical Sales College had more than a 40% increase in applications and placed 550 students in the industry 
    • Medical Sales College has 16 campuses throughout the United States and plans to expand to a total of 20–25 campuses over the next few years
    • Recently, the Medical Sales College also expanded its program to college campuses

    “Just last year, we actually saw an increase in applications by over 40%, and we placed a little over 550 students in the industry in 2024,” he said. “So we’ve seen that growth we talked about — we’re seeing it in real time every year.”

    Knowledge is power, and Medical Sales College student Juhmal Eastland is becoming more powerful.

    “So far, it feels pretty good,” Eastland said. “There are a lot of steps to learn, trying to make sure I get all the steps in the correct order.”

    The 54-year-old is a former business owner who is now enrolled at Medical Sales College.

    The school offers a 12-week program dedicated to medical devices, different surgeries and how to sell to surgeons.

    This week, the class is learning about reconstruction and trauma.

    Eastland is performing a total knee arthroplasty.

    “It will open a door — getting in and actually knowing what’s going on in surgery,” he said.

    Juhmal Eastland (right) working with another student performing a total knee arthroplasty (Spectrum News)

    He understands the significance of the procedure because he has undergone orthopedic surgery himself.

    “I’ve had an acetabulum replacement, and I’ve been able to continue doing the things I love,” he said. “I want to be an example for people.”

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care jobs are projected to grow faster than many other industry, with nearly 2 million job openings expected each year over the next decade.

    Officials at Medical Sales College say they believe there is a higher demand for sales reps because there are more medical procedures.

    Eastland sees the job as a way to fulfill a need.

    “I believe a lot of people like to help others,” he said. “It’s a sense of gratification, helping people first. Then they may have other reasons, but I believe that’s the main one.”

    Eastland said he hopes this training will help him land a job as a medical device sales representative.

    “My hope is to work in trauma. I enjoy trauma. I enjoy fast-paced situations — things that are unexpected,” he said. “That gets me going, and that’s what I love.”

    Eastland is proving it’s never too late to start a new career — learning as much as he can now so he can set himself up for success.

    Medical Sales College has 16 campuses throughout the United States and plans to expand to a total of 20 to 25 campuses over the next few years.

    Recently, the Medical Sales College also expanded its program to college campuses.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Bealsville native starts farmers market to keep his family history alive

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — One farmer in Bealsville is keeping the history of the small town alive.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sylvester McCloud started Bealsville Farmers and Flea Market earlier this month to continue his family’s long history in farming

    • McCloud says farming in his family started with his great-great-grandmother, Mary Reddick, and her son, Alfred Beal, whom Bealsville is named after
    • He says Reddick was one of 12 slaves who were freed in 1865

    • Sylvester is also working on a newspaper that will focus on the history of Bealsville, which he hopes to launch in March

    Bit by bit, Sylvester McCloud is farming, pulling what he knows from his roots.

    “When I was eight years old, Dad had us in the backyard doing this,” he said. “It’s been in the family for over two hundred years.”

    But this is new.

    He just opened the Bealsville Farmers and Flea Market earlier this month.

    Sylvester McCloud’s family helping with harvesting for the farmers market. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    It operates on the honor system: people come, pick their crops, and leave cash behind.

    “I got collard greens, I got mustards, I got turnips, I got cabbage,” he said.

    It’s a business that he’s growing from the heart.

    “It feels natural. It feels good that I can do something my ancestors did,” McCloud said.

    He says farming in his family started with his great-great-grandmother, Mary Reddick, and her son, Alfred Beal, whom Bealsville is named after.

     

    McCloud says Reddick was one of 12 slaves who were freed in 1865.

    “They did that for the overseer, then the overseer said, ‘I can’t pay you, but we can sharecrop.’ So they got their land, and they sharecropped,” he said.

    Now, he’s carrying on the family legacy, but with the help of modern technology.

    McCloud has a Facebook Marketplace page, where he lists his produce.

    “We are getting busy,” he said.

    He’s also getting smarter and thinking about what this food market could bring to the community.

    “I hope to get some of the youngsters out here to take an interest,” he said.

    Much like the rain fuels the soil, McCloud hopes that the history of his family in farming fuels continued growth for his new business.

    McCloud is also working on a newspaper that will focus on the history of Bealsville, which he hopes to launch in March.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Federal cuts being felt at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

    [ad_1]

    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Concerns are mounting when it comes to job security at a Citrus County wildlife refuge.

    What You Need To Know

    • Staff and employees with the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are fearing the elimination of their jobs amid federal spending cuts

    • Two positions, a visitor services specialist and volunteer coordinator, were eliminated last week

    • In 2015, there were 12 employees on staff at the refuge, but following funding cuts in 2018, 2020 and now, only six remain


    Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge employees are fearing the elimination of jobs amid federal spending cuts. This isn’t the first time they’ve gone through staff and funding cuts and now are doing what they can to be prepared.

    At the water’s edge of King’s Bay, proudly stands the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

    For years, the hub has operated as a window to nature for visitors of all ages. But recently, some forceful changes had to be made. 

    “Historically, anytime there are governmental cuts, unfortunately, U.S. Fish and Wildlife is one of the most vulnerable agencies, so we tend to feel the blow a little bit more than some of the other agencies in federal government,” said K.C. Nayfield, president of Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

    Funding and jobs are being cut at the federal level, and the wildlife refuge and its visitor’s center were included, with two positions being eliminated last week.

    “We lost our visitor services specialist and our volunteer coordinator,” Nayfield said. “These were two positions that were vital to make sure this refuge funs smoothly, efficiently and effectively. It’s going to be very difficult to function without them.”

    The visitor center coordinator is responsible for education programs, and he said it’s a significant loss that will impact their operation, including field trips.

    “These volunteers put in between 25 and 30,000 hours per year and they save U.S. Fish and Wildlife hundreds of thousands of dollars per year with the work they do out here in Three Sisters and in King’s Bay,” said Nayfield.

    While the impact from those cuts is being felt immediately, Nayfield said he is remaining optimistic.

    “It’s just going to take a little while to adapt and hopefully, maybe, we can get these guys back and fill these positions at some time in the future,” he said.

    And he is hopeful that the refuge will be able to continue educating people for years to come.

    This is not the first time the refuge has had to deal with cuts. In 2015, there were 12 employees on staff, but following cuts in 2018, 2020 and now, only six remain.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link