ReportWire

Tag: Jason Lanning

  • GoPasco launches $20 student summer pass

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As summer gets in to full swing for Bay area students, Pasco County is launching a new program to help kids get around even if their parents are at work.

    GOPASCO has launched its summertime “Haul Pass” for its bus service.  


    The pass costs $20 and is good through Aug. 31, on any GoPasco bus route.

    GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said Pasco County has offered summer passes for years for students and added it’s not only to help kids stay active but also helps busy parents during the summer months.

    “Right now we just made changes to our routes, so it’s better schedules, easier routes,” said Elkin. “They will be able to go on the busses and go wherever they need to go. Parents don’t have to take them anymore and be bringing them back and forth to their friends’ house or to the mall or library. They can just go to the closest bus stop.”

    The Summertime Haul Pass can be purchased at any GoPasco Office, County Clerk Officer or public library.

    Students just need to show a valid school ID.

    College students are also welcome to us the Haul Pass.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Pasco County Public Works to discuss 15 major stormwater projects

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County Public Works will release details about 15 major stormwater projects at a meeting Tuesday night in New Port Richey.

    The projects are part of the county’s five-year, stormwater master plan that Public Works has been working on for months.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County saw significant flooding during hurricanes Helene and Milton 

    • Pasco County Public Works will present its five-year master plan during a meeting tonight in New Port Richey 

    • The master plan includes 15 major projects as well as 140 smaller projects

    • County commissioners still need to vote on the plan before it is officially adopted 
    • Tampa Bay’s complete guide to Storm Season 2025


    Aside from the 15 high-priority projects, Public Works says it has an additional 140 projects planned that will impact smaller areas of the county.

    Public Works Director Jason Mickel is still accepting public input during the meeting where it will present the master plan.

    “Citizen-specific information, something we have missed about a neighborhood or about a project or about water shed that maybe we weren’t aware of and the community can bring it to our attention,” said Mickel. “But mainly we want to inform people about what we are doing and let them know what path we are on.”

    Tuesday night’s meeting will be held at the West Pasco Government Center, located at 8731 Citizens Dr. in New Port Richey.

    A second meeting will be held next Tuesday night in Dade City for residents in the eastern part of the county. 

    Public Works said it will present the master plan to county commissioners individually, before commissioners vote to adopt the plan.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • A new superintendent tops to-do list for Manatee school officials

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — The school year is ending for students and teachers, but Manatee County school officials will be busy this summer.

    The school board’s first order of business is finding a new superintendent.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Manatee County School Board is looking for a new superintendent 

    • Last week, the board voted 3-2 to terminate the contract of former Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong

    • The Manatee School District is home to 42,000 students and continues to see significant growth

    Last week, in a meeting that caught several members of the school board off guard, the board voted 3-2 to terminate the contract of former Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong.

    Despite praise about increased graduation rates and improvements in educational metrics across the board, even from board members who ultimately voted for his removal, complaints about poor communication from Wysong won out.

    Wysong was hired in May 2023.

    The school board has scheduled a meeting Thursday to begin discussing the future of the position. Right now, current District Chief of Staff Kevin Chapman is serving as interim superintendent.

    Chapman said despite the shake up, it’s still business as usual as the school year comes to an end.

    “The school board is talking about starting that search here soon,” he said. “Probably get a new permanent superintendent in by the start of school by August. But for right now we are plugging right along, finishing strong. Finishing the school year strong.”

    “And spending the summer doing all the work of planning a budget, summer school, getting our schools ready to get back to school.”

    And among the challenges that await the new superintendent are redistricting and transportation complaints.

    The Manatee district is home to 42,000 students and continues to see significant growth.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • A new kind of housing for those in need

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Bay area’s affordable housing crisis impacts a variety of people across the region.

    According to Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) President Melissa Larkin-Skinner, 31,000 people in Florida experience homelessness. And about a quarter suffer from some kind of mental health issue.

    The goal of a new housing development in Winter Haven is to ease those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bay area’s affordable housing crisis impacts a variety of people across the region
    • A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday at Jersey Commons, Polk County’s newest affordable living community
    • Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) President Melissa Larkin-Skinner said this type of housing and services can help with several issues

    A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday at Jersey Commons, Polk County’s newest affordable living community.

    Tri-County Human Services, in partnership with Blue Sky Communities and CASL, is opening its new 68-unit apartment community in Winter Haven. Fifteen of those units are designated for high-need indviduals. 

    The other 53 units will be home to others for those experiencing homelessness or living with disabling conditions. 

    Larkin-Skinner has been in the behavioral health treatment field for 30 years. She said this type of housing and services can help with several issues.

    “People can’t fully take advantage and thrive with the services, the mental health treatment services, when they don’t have a safe place to be, or live or lay their head and they are constantly wondering, ‘Where am I going to spend the next night? When I am going to eat again?’” said Larkin-Skinner.

    Get more information on Jersey Commons by visiting its website.

    Jersey Commons is Polk County’s newest affordable living community. (Spectrum News/Fadia Patterson)

    [ad_2]

    Fadia Patterson, Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — As temperatures warm, more motorcycle riders are hitting the road. 

    That’s why May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

    Spectrum News visited the Rider Academy at Harley Davidson in Brandon this week as a class of students were learning skills and working toward their motorcycle endorsements.

    What You Need To Know

    • May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

    • Riding Academy Manager Tom Holden says slow maneuver and tight quarter skills are a big focus for riders, along with wearing safe gear

    • The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study on motorcycle accidents in Florida

    Riding Academy Manager Tom Holden says slow maneuver and tight quarter skills are a big focus for riders learning to handle a motorcycle for the very first time.

    “Part of the things we teach here is in terms of being a smart thinking, smart motorcycle rider is paying attention to what is going on around you,” Holden said. “So you take that reaction time around you and you are turning it into a decision time. There is a reaction involved here, but we teach you about giving yourself some space, a little bit of a buffer so you can make those decisions.”

    Just as important as riding skills is the gear a motorcyclist chooses to wear.  

    Holden recommends bright colored clothing that is resistance to rips and tears in an accident, as well as boots that cover the ankles and a helmet.

    “You’ve got to be wearing a helmet here,” he said. “You smack your head on the ground here, you got some major problems here. Helmets are very important. Now the variation is, what happens when it is hot out? Half-helmets aren’t a bad deal, they are fine. As long as they are DOT approved, you are putting some protection on your head. Obviously those full-face helmets or those modular helmets. That’s fine if you are comfortable with that.”

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study after Florida changed it helmet law in 2000.

    It found that in 1,000 accidents, the number of fatalities increased from 30 to 38, and it says those riders that don’t wear a helmet are 25% more likely to die in an accident.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • School lunch prices set to jump in Pinellas, Pasco county schools

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Two school districts in the Bay area are set to raise school lunch prices as a result of inflation and the impending impacts of tariffs.

    Pasco and Pinellas school districts are set to increase school lunch prices.

    What You Need To Know

    • Two school districts in the Bay area are set to raise school lunch prices

    • Pasco and Pinellas school districts say the increase is a result of inflation and the impending impacts of tariffs

    • Students that can’t afford school lunches can apply for a free meal plan, district officials said 
    • PASCO FREE Summer Lunch Program

    Pasco County Schools voted to increase school lunches by 5 percent at a meeting earlier this week. The cost of a school lunch will increase by 10 to 15 cents as a result.

    Pasco Schools said students that can’t afford school lunches can apply for a free meal plan, if they are not already enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP or Head Start.


    “Other families can apply for the free and reduced meal application,” said Pasco School Director of Food and Nutrition Services Stephanie Spinal. “And that’s based on the federal poverty guidelines and goes through the USDA, and they can then be set to get free and reduced meal prices.”

    Pinellas County Schools is also increasing its school lunch prices for the school year beginning this fall.

    The price for an elementary school meal will increase by 50 cents to $2.75. The price of a middle school meal will increase by 40 cents to $3.15. And the price of a high school meal will increase by $1 to $4.50.

    Hernando, Citrus and Polk County schools are all enrolled in the USDA’s Community Eligibility Program and students don’t have to pay for school lunches.

    Hillsborough County Schools said it will not be raising school lunch prices for the current school year, or next school year. 

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Saint Leo University celebrates first graduating class of nurses

    [ad_1]

    ST. LEO, Fla. — Saint Leo University is celebrating its first graduating class from its new nursing program on Wednesday.

    Twelve students will walk the stage and receive their diplomas, and most will quickly begin work in local hospitals after passing the State Board NCLEX exam.

    What You Need To Know

    • Saint Leo University is celebrating it’s first graduating class from its new nursing program

    • Twelve students will walk the stage and receive their diplomas

    • Most will quickly begin work in local hospitals after passing the State Board NCLEX exam  
    • Saint Leo University nursing

    Nathanael Allen will be the first of 12 to receive his diploma, and says he decided to get in to nursing because of his family.

    His mother is a teacher, and he was raised to help others.

    “Being a part of a program that just is going to grow and grow as the years go by, and to be remembered as the first class is really special,” said Allen.

    Associate Professor of Nursing Paige Porter said Saint Leo began its nursing program because of the statewide shortage of nurses.

    She said Saint Leo partnered with AdventHealth in order to give nursing students hands on experience in local hospitals, and also help them develop contacts that could lead to jobs in the Tampa area.

    “A lot of the nursing students have chosen to stay local and work at Advent Health,” Porter said. “And they’ll be working right alongside their preceptors, and at the same time addressing our mission to help impact the nursing shortage locally.”

    Saint Leo University plans to expand its nursing program in the coming years with more instructors as well as more classroom space on campus.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • After long ordeal, Marcus Button claims bill awaiting governor’s signature

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Marcus Button claims bill has been approved by legislators in both the Florida Senate and House, bringing to close a nearly two-decade fight for a Bay area family. 

    Marcus Button was 16 when the car he was riding in was struck by a Pasco County School Bus.

    The accident happened in 2006, but only a small portion of the $1.6 million judgement was paid to Button because of a state law capping the amount of money Pasco Schools was required to pay.

    What You Need To Know

    • Marcus Button suffered severe brain injuries after the car he was riding in was struck by a Pasco County School Bus in 2006

    • Button was awarded a $1.6 million settlement as a result of the accident, but until now has only received $160,000 for his medical care

    • The Pasco County School Board reached a settlement agreement with the Button family last year amounting to $1.2 million, which paved the way for the claims bill success 

    • The Marcus Button claims bill has been before Florida legislators for more than 10 years during the regular sessions, and up until now has never made it through both chambers of the state legislature 
    • PREVIOUS STORY: Pasco schools approves settlement payment for Marcus Button


    The claims bill sought to bypass the legislative cap, but for several years it never made it through Florida’s regular legislative session. The claims bill passed its final vote earlier this week, and is now awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.

    The vote brought relief for Marcus, who still carries medical issues and physical limitations.

    “It haunts me,” he said. “I don’t like being by large trucks, buses, semis, large trailers. I’m nervous on the road all the time.”

    Button was just days away from taking his behind the wheel examination for his driver’s license when the accident happened.

    Now, at 34 years old, he will never drive a car again.

    He is on more than a dozen medications to help control his mood, temperament as well as to help with memory issues.

    At his home in the Carrollwood area, his mother, Robin, has notes taped up all over the house with little reminders to help with daily household tasks.

    Robin lost her husband to cancer, and since then has been the sole caretaker for Marcus.

    “Learning how to be more independent self,” Robin said of her son’s future. “Learning to take care of his household. Maybe learning to take care of his bills and so on and so forth. Because I am not going to be there.”

    Although the Marcus Button claims bill has been approved by legislators, the family will have to wait a little longer for the settlement.

    Lance Block is an attorney and the lobbyist that represented the family in Tallahassee for years.

    In a statement, he said: ”Usually it takes a few weeks after the Legislature adjourns before the Governor signs the bill. I cannot recall a claim bill ever being vetoed by a Governor, and I have represented clients, like the Buttons, before the Legislature for more than thirty years. “

    Although the Button family says a settlement was delayed, the Pasco County School Board approved the settlement last February, which paved the way for the claims bill’s success this year.

    Pasco County and many other school districts across Florida do not carry insurance for bus fleets, which means in the event of an accident, in most cases a state law capping the amount of a lawsuit is set at $200,000.

    The Button family says Marcus’ medical bills in the first week of the accident had already topped $1 million.

    Robin Button said she plans to work with a financial adviser to save and invest the settlement amount so it can last Marcus’ lifetime to fund his ongoing care and treatment.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Other campuses stepping up security in wake of FSU shooting

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — After Thursday’s fatal shooting at Florida State University, other universities are stepping up on-campus security, including in the Bay area.

    Leaders at the University of South Florida in Tampa and Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland are now working to make sure students feel safe on campus.

    That includes maintaining a noticeably enhanced police presence for the time being.

    USF President Rhea Law released a statement Thursday saying: “We’re (USF) ensuring our UPD officers remain visible throughout campus.”

    Florida Poly issued a similar statement, adding: “We’re keeping a vigilant presence in congested areas of campus and monitoring information of any threats.”

    University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando issued a statement as well, adding: “At UCF, your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Our UCF Police Department remains fully operational 24/7 and is actively patrolling campus to ensure your safety. You may notice an increased presence of officers. Please continue to be vigilant, and if you see something concerning, say something immediately by dialing 911 so police can respond.”

    UCF is reminding students of its counseling and psychological services that offer mental health support through appointments and walk-ins.

    A 24/7 crisis hotline is also available for those needing more immediate support.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Hillsborough County terminates contract with Cross Bay Ferry

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The immediate future of the Cross Bay Ferry was decided during the Hillsborough County Commission meeting on Wednesday.

    The service that runs between Tampa and St. Pete’s downtowns will end April 30, after commissioners voted to end the deal with the ferry’s operator.

    What You Need To Know

    • The future of the Cross Bay Ferry has been decided during Hillsborough County Commission meeting

    • Commissioners voted to end the deal with the ferry’s operator

    • The service will end April 30

    The ferry service, which previously ran from October to July, was in its initial campaign to operate year-round and was scheduled to operate until Sept. 30. The ferry’s current operating agreement is in its fourth and last year.

    The service will now end April 30.

    City officials said the operator of the ferry service, HMS, defaulted on their agreement with Hillsborough County and would not be able to provide an equivalent replacement vessel moving forward.

    According to St. Pete’s Transportation Director, Evan Mory, the reason the service is ending five months early is because operators wanted to swap out the ferry for a slower boat that would have taken twice as long to cross the bay.

    In that memo, Mory states Hillsborough County notified the Cross Bay Ferry operators, HMS Ferries, that its plan to use the slower boat violated their agreement.


    HMS missed a deadline last week to remedy the situation.

    The decision to terminate would save $102,000, said Mory.

    The Cross Bay Ferry is operated regionally between Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Transportation, the city of Tampa, the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.

    It has been in operation since 2021.

    St. Pete officials have suggested they would likely request proposals for a new ferry service provider.

    At a county commission meeting last month, Commissioner Harry Cohen talked about the company and the commissioners decision to void the contact.

    “My understanding is that this probably is more related to the general health of the company itself,” Cohen said. “I believe that they may have gone through a bankruptcy and an ownership change. So I’m not really entirely sure what was behind their decision to change out the vessel.”

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Florida’s Tax Day deadline pushed back due to storms

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Today is April 15, which means tax returns are due.

    But for filers in Florida, the deadline has been pushed back to May 1 due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    What You Need To Know

    • IRS has pushed the deadline back to May 1 for those directly impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton
       
    • Taxpayers get the extra time without having to ask for it
    • IRS.gov has a variety of information to help disaster victims navigate common situations in the aftermath of disasters

    IRS.gov has a variety of information to help disaster victims navigate common situations in the aftermath of disasters. The IRS also has a special hotline specifically dedicated to taxpayers with disaster-related tax questions; disaster victims can call the agency’s disaster hotline at 866-562-5227.

    Here is a rundown on tax help available from the IRS.

    More time to file and pay

    The IRS automatically gives taxpayers whose address of record is in a disaster-area locality more time to file returns and pay taxes. Taxpayers get the extra time without having to ask for it.

    • Currently, taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia, who received extensions to file their 2023 returns have until May 1, 2025, to file. Tax-year 2023 tax payments are not eligible for this extension. In addition, May 1 is also the deadline for filing 2024 returns and paying any tax due.

    The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.

    This page also provides disaster updates and links to resources, and information is usually available on the IRS Twitter (now X) account as well.

    Disaster payments usually tax-free

    Qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income. In general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude from their gross income amounts received from a government agency for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses, as well as for the repair or rehabilitation of their home, or for the repair or replacement of its contents. See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for details.

    What else is different this year?

    The IRS has expanded a program that allows people to file their taxes directly with the agency for free. The federal Direct File program, which permits taxpayers to calculate and submit their returns without using commercial tax preparation software, is now available to taxpayers in 25 states, up from 12 states that were part of last year’s pilot program.

    The program allows people in some states with very simple W-2s to calculate and submit their returns directly to the IRS. Those using the pilot program in 2024 claimed more than $90 million in refunds, the IRS said in October.

    What if I have a tax liability?

    For those that have a tax liability and don’t have the money to cover the tax bill, ignoring the tax filing deadline of May 1st could bring punishing late filing fees and interest.

    The IRS offers a number of options for those that can’t cover tax liabilities, including short and long-term payments plans with interest rates starting at 7% here https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements.

    On the flip-side of owning taxes, the IRS has just released its unclaimed tax returns from the 2021 tax season.

    The IRS says it is currently holding more than $1-billion-dollars in unclaimed returns nationwide, with $61-million-dollars of it being owed back to around 70-thousand Floridians.  For more information on unclaimed returns, visit here https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/more-than-1-billion-in-2021-tax-refunds-still-unclaimed-taxpayers-should-act-now-to-see-if-they-are-eligible.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Morris Bridge Road now getting the attention of Tampa City Council

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera is set to propose the city begin working with leaders in Hillsborough and Pasco counties to make improvements to Morris Bridge Road.

    Viera will discuss the effort during Thursday’s city council meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera will ask the city on Thursday to collaborate with Hillsborough and Pasco counties on improvements to Morris Bridge Road

    • Later this year, a $2 million safety improvement project will happen on Morris Bridge Road

    • Residents have complained for years about traffic backups and a high number of accidents on the rural road that sees thousands of cars each day

    • A widening project for Morris Bridge Road is not currently being proposed


    Morris Bridge Road is located in Hillsborough County, and is one of two main north-south routes for people in Pasco County and North Tampa to access I-75.

    Dozens of accidents a year, on top of flooding, shut the road down frequently, creating miles-long traffic backups on I-75, Cross Creek Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

    Viera said Morris Bridge Road is no longer a rural road and it shouldn’t be treated that way.

    “There’s so much privity and intersection between Morris Bridge Road, the city of Tampa, Hillsborough County and our friends in Pasco County,” Councilman Viera said. “Because of all the different communities there and etcetera, we can’t just go, ‘Oh, this is a county road,’ and just leave it alone. I think that sort of attitude and disposition to Morris Bridge Road will no longer work.”

    The city of Tampa last week approved $650,000 in funding to update pumping stations for Morris Bridge Road, and Hillsborough County will begin work on a $2 million safety improvement project later this year.

    It will include re-striping lane markings with reflective paint, adding more visual no passing zone signs, adding speed feedback signs as well as curve warnings and flashing beacons at intersections.

    Many residents believe widening Morris Bridge Road and increasing its speed limit is the solution to problems on that road.

    A widening project, so far, is not on the table.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Pasco County 12-year-old proposes $1.75 million sidewalk project

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A 12-year-old from Wesley Chapel has spearheaded a construction proposal totaling $1.75 million and aims to keep students safe heading to school.

    Weightman Middle School student Josh Patrick says he noticed safety issues along Curley Road as students walked and biked to school along a busy 2-mile stretch of Curley Road near Wells Road.

    What You Need To Know

    • Middle school student leading proposal for sidewalk near Weightman Middle School

    • Weightman Middle School student Josh Patrick says he noticed safety issues along Curley Road as students walked and biked to school 

    • Patrick appeared before Pasco County commissioners to present a 2-mile, $1.75 million sidewalk project

    “We are going along Curley Road and I see a bunch of students walking in drainage ditches and grass,” Patrick said. “And trying to ride their bike on the side of the road, almost getting hit.”

    But now the lack of sidewalks within a 2-mile boundary of three Wesley Chapel schools has gotten the attention of Pasco County commissioners. Patrick appeared before lawmakers with a PowerPoint presentation and his own personal account about what he has seen while going to school.

    Weightman Middle School student Josh Patrick says he noticed safety issues along Curley Road as students walked and biked to school along a busy 2-mile stretch of Curley Road near Wells Road. (Spectrum News)

    “There’s a lot of distracted drivers on that road and there are a lot of students,” he told commissioners.

    But building a sidewalk isn’t a cheap proposition.

    Pasco County doesn’t have funding for the project, but State Sen. Danny Burgess has proposed a $1.5 million grant, and coupled with $250,000 from Pasco County, the sidewalk could get a funding green light during the current legislative session. 

    Patrick is hoping the sidewalk can be built before 2027.

    If you would like to vote where the sidewalks should be extended, scan the QR code below.


    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Manatee County schools consider boundary changes

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — The final public meeting about school boundary changes in Manatee County is scheduled for Wednesday night at Southeast High School.

    The school district has held a series of public meetings addressing overcrowded schools due to explosive growth in the past few years.

    According to the district, the student population in Manatee tops 56,000 students with an increase of 5,000 students since 2020.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County school district currently has 16 schools at or over capacity 

    • Student enrollment has increased by 5,000 students since 2022

    • Boundary changes would impact some students more than others

    • Any changes made to the school boundaries map wouldn’t go into effect until the 2026-27 school year 
    • Manatee County Schools


    School Board District 5’s Richard Tatem said due to rapid growth and three to four new schools opening in the coming five years, a total school boundary redraw is needed.

    “The neighborhoods are being built,” Tatum said. “The county commissioners have approved the plans and the houses are going up, and so we want to have the schools in place so they are ready to go when the students show up. 

    “We don’t want to have overcrowded schools with a bunch of portables trailers out back. That’s not optimal for the kids for their learning environment, so we are trying to get ahead of the game.”

    It has been years since Manatee County did a total redraw of its school boundary map.

    Like in neighboring counties, the redraw will impact some students more than others.

    Currently, 14 schools in Manatee County are at or over capacity.

    Some of the biggest boundary map changes could impact students at Harvey Elementary School, Sugg Middle School and Parrish Community High School.

    Wednesday’s public meeting runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • New I-75 ramps opens Thursday at U.S. 301 in Ellenton

    [ad_1]

    ELLENTON, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is opening two major interstate ramps in Manatee County Thursday and Friday, that will reduce commute times and lead to fewer accidents. 

    The U.S. 301 and Interstate 75 interchange has been reconfigured with two new ramps to reduce traffic backups and shorten merge lanes that have been difficult to navigate as the area has grown.

    What You Need To Know

    • New southbound entrance ramp to I-75 from U.S. 301 opens Thursday

    • New northbound ramp opens on Friday

    • 100,000 cars travel the ramps daily

    • New ramps will lead to smoother traffic flow and fewer accidents according to the DOT


    On Friday, the new exit ramp from northbound Interstate 75 to U.S. Highway 301 will open.

    The DOT on Thursday is opening the southbound entrance ramps to I-75 from U.S. 301. The DOT is warning drivers the new southbound ramp will require a left-hand turn off U.S. 301, not a right turn on to the now closed loop ramp.

    Alex Ruiz, a DOT Senior Project Engineer, said the construction project has been four years in the making.

    “The merging area was so short, with the current one that we are getting rid of, there was a lot of weaving, people changing lanes,” Ruiz said. “So now you have 4 miles if you want to get off on the ramps. It also helps with the speed because people can get going a little faster because there isn’t so much weaving, so that also helps minimize accidents.”

    The ramp entrance is located a mile south of the old one, with the DOT building a new bridge over the Manatee River to keep through traffic separated from exiting traffic.

    Despite the new ramps opening, construction on U.S. 301 will continue as the DOT builds new sidewalks, repaves and re-stripes the road.

    The ramp entrance is located a mile south of the old one, with the DOT building a new bridge over the Manatee River to keep through traffic separated from exiting traffic. (DOT image)

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Bartow lawmakers hosting community forum on fluoride

    [ad_1]

    BARTOW, Fla. — The city of Bartow is hosting a community forum Tuesday to continue talks on whether fluoride should be removed from the city’s drinking water.

    State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and American Fluoride Society President Dr. Johnny Johnson will join the forum to discuss pros and cons of the practice, that for years was believed to improve dental health.


    The forum happens tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.

    In December, leaders considered recent guidance from Ladapo. He has spoken out against the long-held practice after Winter Haven commissioners voted 3-2 to remove fluoride from its water supply.

    Most toothpastes and mouthwashes already contain fluoride.

    Opinions are mixed in the city of Bartow about the removal of Fluoride from the citi’s water supply, and that’s why Mayor Trish Pfeiffer says Tuesday’s forum will help better inform city leaders and the public.

    “The biggest thing that I am hoping comes out of this is, do you really know what this is? And here it is. I think it is going to be pretty enlightening for people to see the safety data sheet,” said Pfeiffer. “That’s what I am looking at. And it’s pretty compelling.”

    Winter Haven recently voted to remove fluoride from its drinking water supply.

    An effort to remove it in Hillsborough County recently failed.

    In Manatee County, commissioners have drafted a motion to remove fluoride from the drinking water, but a vote is still pending.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Late USF basketball coach Abdur-Rahim to be honored Thursday night

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The American Athletic Conference is honoring the University of South Florida’s late basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim. 

    Abdur-Rahim is being awarded Honorary Coach of the Year honors.


    As part of the award, the AAC will donate $15,000 to Abdul-Rahim’s favorite charity, the Future Foundation.

    Abdur-Rahim was 43-years-old when he passed away in October 2024, a huge loss the Bulls’ basketball program that was finding recent success.

    USF Athletics Senior Writer Joey Johnston, also the school’s radio broadcast analyst, spent more time with Coach Abdur-Rahim than most, traveling with the team every game.

    “It was kind of just a master class in him teaching us all how to be connected and use our talents in the best way, and how to be accountable and responsible,” said Johnston.

    Johnston said Abdur-Rahim made it priority to give his players lessons in life, and he says those messages translated to on court play. Johnston mentioned a defining moment for him shortly after Abdur-Rahim became USF Bulls Basketball coach.

    It was on a trip out of town for a game.

    “As we had a team meal inside the hotel ballroom, he said nobody picks up your plate,” Johnston said. “When you’re done with your food you take your plate. You don’t have anyone serve you, don’t have anybody take your plate.

    “So that became a big thing where everybody protects their plate, they didn’t want anybody to take their plate, none of the servers. So he wanted to make sure these kids were humbled, that they knew how to work, they knew how to properly conduct themselves, and that was the start of it.”

    Abdul-Rahim’s family will accept the honorary Coach of the Year award on Thursday night during the game against Temple.

    Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at Yuengling Center on campus at USF.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • DAV and RecruitMilitary hosting Tampa job fair for veterans

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will hold a veterans job fair on Thursday at the Tampa Convention Center, featuring more than 70 employers from hospitals and law enforcement, to trades and tech sector jobs.

    More than 500 veterans have already preregistered for the event.


    Executive Vice President of RecruitMilitary Chris Stevens served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, and for the past 25 has worked as a job recruiter for veterans.

    He organizes more than 90 hiring events nationwide annually and says although veterans face challenges of entering the civilian workforce, their work ethic can set them apart from other job applicants.

    “Corporate America can’t get their hands on those veterans because, once again, it’s a lot of those soft skills, right? Coming to work on time, drug free, not leaving till the job is done, and their civilian peers don’t necessarily bring that to the table as well,” said Stevens.

    The national unemployment rate for veterans edged down in December 2024 to 2.8%.

    Florida’s veterans unemployment rate was at 2.5%.

    View more information about the veterans job fair and learn more about veteran resources for civilian employment.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Bay area shelters house hundreds from the cold temperatures

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Hundreds of people are taking advantage of the cold weather shelters Bay area counties opened up this week.

    In Hillsborough County, Hyde Park United Methodist Church is one of four shelters open.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hundreds of people are taking advantage of the cold weather shelters Bay area counties opened up this week

    • Shelters in Hillsborough County opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday

    • LIST OF SHELTERS: Cold weather shelters open across Bay area

    Shelters in Hillsborough County opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday.

    Hillsborough County also offers a voucher program for motels during cold weather events. The shelters are only open for adults and motels are open for families with young kids.

    Patrons have to pre-register for a motel voucher.

    In Pinellas County, eight shelters opened this week.

    Victoria Kelly with the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas said a partnership with PSTA is helping get people to shelters that have no transportation options.

    “PSTA is providing free transportation to and from shelters tonight and tomorrow morning,” Kelly said. “So if you need to get to a Pinellas cold night shelter, just have to hop on a bus.” 

    Meanwhile in Citrus County, officials reported at least 50 people at its Nature Coast Church shelter. Officials also said they had an urgent need for blankets, cots and volunteers. 

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • ReliaQuest Bowl expected to bring thousands to Tampa

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Michigan Wolverines at 12 p.m. Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl.

    The game will bring in thousands of people to Tampa from Alabama and Michigan.


    It will cap off another record-setting year for tourism in the Tampa area.

    Florida — a great winter destination for Alabama and Michigan fans that are looking to root on their teams — and enjoy a few days in the sun.

    Players have been in town for a week enjoying events at Busch Gardens and Clearwater Beach.

    As the year ends with the big game, the Tampa Bay area is looking back at another record-breaking year in tourism.

    Early estimates show Tampa area hotels will generate more than $1 billion in taxable revenue, up by more than $100 million compared to last year.

    [ad_2]

    Jason Lanning

    Source link