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Tag: Julia Hazel

  • Anna Maria City Pier set for comeback after $2 million county approval

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners have approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. In total, it’s a $7 to $8 million project.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short said right now, the city is paying for the work, but will soon receive money from FEMA, the state and the county.

    Members of the community can’t contain their anticipation for when the rebuilt pier will be complete.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County commissioners approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier — part of a $7 to $8 million total project
    • The mayor says the pier is coming back stronger built with solid cement pilings and reinforced connections designed to better withstand major storms
    • Local business owners and residents say the pier is a vital landmark and gathering place, and its return will boost both community spirit and local businesses

    Kitchen Manager Michael Rain has been working at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria for 17 years.

    “I love it,” he said. “Love the people I get to meet that work here. They’re fun.”

    What wasn’t fun, he said, was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Right across the street from his restaurant, the iconic Anna Maria City Pier was significantly damaged.

    But now it’s being rebuilt, with help from the Manatee County commissioners’ grant.

    The pier is special to many people in the community, including Rain.

    “I grew up coming out here visiting my cousin, fishing on the pier. So that’ll be exciting,” he said.

    He says a rebuilt pier will also be good for business.

    “I believe so, especially locals from in town,” he said. “You get to come out and it gives them just one more thing to do while out here.”

    Short said they’re not just rebuilding the pier, but it is coming back stronger than ever.

    Short said the walkway this time around is being built with solid cement pilings. The prior walkway, built after Hurricane Irma, was constructed with precast pilings that had a hole in the middle. In addition, they will all be connected by cement bents and stringers.

    He said they’re focused on making this new pier more resilient than the last.

    “Now, there’s never a guarantee,” Short said, adding the rebuilt pier is on track to be completed by the end of the year. “We do believe that this walkway will survive a significant storm.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Lawmakers, residents push to protect Terra Ceia, oppose Manatee cruise port

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    TERRA CEIA, Fla. — A Florida Senate bill that would protect the ecosystem near Rattlesnake Key has passed unanimously.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 302, which includes an amendment to prohibit dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a key environmental protection near Rattlesnake Key

    • A proposed cruise port could still move forward because the House companion bill does not yet include the same dredging ban language

    • Manatee County business owner Corey McKeever of McKeever’s Marine gathered more than 19,000 petition signatures opposing the cruise terminal


    SB 302 includes an amendment from State Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, that prohibits dredging in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

    However, the companion bill in the House does not include that specific provision, meaning a proposed cruise port south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, where larger ships could dock, could still move forward if the House bill is not revised.

    Corey McKeever, owner of McKeever’s Marine, recently took on a passion project to protect that area from a cruise terminal.

    “I knew it would destroy everything about Manatee County,” he said.

    He has lived in Manatee County for decades and has owned the business for 15 years.

    “I do everything on boats. When I was younger, I went fishing every day. I would skip school to go fishing at the Skyway,” he said. “We do 10 boats a week.”

    McKeever believes his petition against the cruise port — which more than 19,000 people signed — has helped the effort to stop the project.

    “It did help. I would think with the amount of outreach people had, reaching out to the commissioners, the senators directly, anyone that could do anything for this,” he said.

    SSA Marine, which submitted the proposal for the cruise port, declined an interview but provided a statement.

    “SSA Marine is committed to environmental stewardship and creating long-term economic opportunities that we are confident will be transformative for Manatee County. We look forward to continuing to engage with residents, officials, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue to discuss a shared vision for the region,” the company said.

    Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique says he supports the amendment that would prohibit dredging in Terra Ceia.

    “I spoke to our delegation and with some members of the State Affairs Committee, which is where it will be going through. I have been told there will be some companion language coming through to match the Senate version,” he said.

    He also says he does not believe the cruise port project would come before county commissioners anytime soon.

    “This is such a massive project, and there are single-family home projects that take a long time to come to us. I would suspect next year, maybe even bleeding into 2028, if this moves forward,” he said.

    For McKeever, if the proposal does not move forward, he says it will be a job well done.

    “I think it’s going to be great for Florida in general, keeping the environment — what we moved here for — to enjoy Florida,” he said.

    McKeever says he believes in protecting the environment and hopes others will continue working with him to preserve Manatee County’s ecosystem.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • FDOT seeks public input on options for Longboat Key Bridge

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — State transportation officials are asking the public for input on the future of the State Road 789 Bridge on Longboat Key — a decision that could significantly affect traffic and businesses on the island.

    The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is holding public hearings next month to discuss several options for the bridge’s future.

    What You Need To Know

    • FDOT is asking for the public’s opinion on the Longboat Key Bridge

    • Public hearings next month will help determine which option on the future design could move forward

    • The in-person hearing is set for March 12 at 5 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, with a virtual option on March 17


    For Harvinder Mirchandani, customer service is everything.

    She has owned Longboat Resort Wear in Longboat Key for 37 years, but her commute from Bradenton can be unpredictable.

    “The traffic in the season keeps us here sometimes at night ’til 8 o’clock, and still we have to sit in traffic for half an hour more,” she said.

    One major factor is the drawbridge openings on the Longboat Key Bridge, she said. When the drawbridge is raised for boat traffic, cars can quickly become backed up in both directions.

    FDOT is moving into the design phase for a possible replacement. Options include a low-level drawbridge, a midlevel drawbridge, a high-level fixed-span bridge, or a no-build option.

    Mirchandani said she prefers a fixed-span bridge.

    “Fixed span, then we don’t have to wait for the bridge to go up and down every 15 to 40 minutes,” she said.

    Heather Rippy, owner of Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, said the current drawbridge is part of island life.

    “Yes, there’s traffic on the bridge, but it’s part of living on the island,” she said. “The bridge seems to be working fine. It doesn’t bother me.”

    She said she also wants to preserve walkability and the character of the area.

    Meanwhile, other business owners, like Irina LaRose, who is the owner of Design 2000, said traffic backups are costing them.

    “Well, it’s pretty frustrating because for us as a business, we have clients that are coming for an appointment. So we start getting phone calls from clients who are sitting in traffic saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m running late, but I’m sitting in traffic. I could walk here faster than I’m driving’,” she said.

    In a statement, FDOT said that regardless of which option is selected, the new bridge will include roadway shoulders and enhanced pedestrian features to improve safety.

    Public hearings next month will help determine which option moves forward.

    The in-person hearing is set for 5 p.m. March 12 at Christ Church of Longboat Key, with a virtual option on March 17.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • New Cortez Bridge construction to start in June; some businesses concerned

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Crews are set to begin construction this summer on a new Cortez Bridge.

    It’s a $128 million project to replace the span connecting Bradenton to Anna Maria Island.

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction for the Cortez Bridge Project is to begin in June 2026.

    • According to FDOT, it will take four years for the new Cortez Bridge to be completed.

    • Officials say regular repairs are no longer an effective or long-term option. Instead, crews will begin building a four-lane bridge this summer.

    Change can happen fast or slow.

    But for this area in Manatee County, a new Cortez Bridge has been years in the making.

    For the businesses and workers rooted in this historic Cortez Village, like James Gowett with the Star Fish Company, construction is a concern.

    “You know, it’s going to affect business. People just won’t be able to get here,” he said.

    James has been working there for 25 years and knows how busy traffic gets, especially during the busy season. He hopes when construction begins this summer, it won’t interfere with customers coming in.

    “We are going to wait and see,” he said.

    FDOT says, “We are going to be working and coordinating with the locals in the area and the businesses to try to ensure that they still have access to their businesses and their homes. We’ve had coordination with them during the design process as well.”

    FDOT tells us the Cortez Bridge was built in the 1950s and connects Cortez to Anna Maria Island. Officials say regular repairs are no longer an effective or long-term option. Instead, crews will begin building a four-lane bridge this summer.

    “Cortez Bridge has to be replaced,” he said.

    John Chappie, the mayor of Bradenton Beach, agrees the new bridge will help reduce traffic.

    “The bridge is going to help traffic off the island, I think, a lot more than it will coming onto the island,” he said.

    “It’s safer because traffic will be able to flow easier, with less opportunity for people getting upset in traffic,” he said.

    Animation from FDOT’s YouTube page shows the new bridge will have four lanes instead of two and will not include a drawbridge. FDOT says once the new bridge is complete, the old one will be demolished.

    One of the biggest differences between the Cortez Bridge and the new bridge is the height. The current bridge is 22 feet high and must open for boats to pass underneath. The new bridge will be 65 feet high, allowing ships to pass without stopping traffic, which could reduce congestion.

    James worries the new bridge won’t make a difference in regards to the traffic.

    “It gets so backed up because the bridge has to keep going up and down, and it gets really crazy on Cortez Road. I don’t see how that’s going to help because you’re just allowing more and more people to flow over it, which is going to be the same problem,” he said.

    It’s a big change people are preparing for.

    According to FDOT, it will take four years for the new Cortez Bridge to be completed.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • How Myakka Elephant Ranch keeps their elephants warm

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Elephants may be built for the wild, but colder weather still means extra care.

    So animal handlers at the Myakka Animal Ranch in Manatee County are taking extra steps to keep their animals safe.

    “This is so cool,” Finley Martin said while watching the animals in their environment. “You are so cute.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Elephants at the  Myakka Elephant Ranch

    • Petting the elephants brings the experience to a whole new level at Myakka Elephant Ranch

    • During the colder temperatures in Florida the elephants living here in Myakka Elephant Ranch have a unique way to keep them warm
    • There are a total of six elephants at the ranch. Founder Lou Barreda said their response to cooler temperatures depends on where the elephants are from and what their bodies are used to. But he said they’d rather be warm

    Petting the elephants brings the experience to a whole new level at Myakka Elephant Ranch.

    “The skin feels weirder than I thought it would be,” said Martin, who said the experience was everything he and his family had been waiting for.

    “I have been waiting for it for several months. It was everything I hoped it would be,” Jennifer Martin said.

    Finley Martin pets an elephant at the Myakka Elephant Rescue. (Julia Hazel/Spectrum News)

    There are a total of six elephants at the ranch. Founder Lou Barreda said their response to cooler temperatures depends on where the elephants are from and what their bodies are used to. But he said they’d rather be warm.

    “Yeah, we just kind of burn through a lot of diesel during the cold time for heaters for them, and we try to keep their inside temperature around 50 degrees or so, and they really enjoy that,” Barreda said.

    Elephants’ body temperatures are actually similar to ours, but they have a different way to regulate their bodies to keep warm.

    “A lot of people think that the African elephant is not good with cold weather. But if you look at Africa, the continent is huge, so it can be different climates, and especially at night it can get real, real cold,” Barreda said. “So what they do is, during the day, they absorb that heat and regulate it so it lasts throughout the night,” he said.

    So no matter the weather, the team is prepared — and so are the elephants — to meet and greet new faces.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee County to take 5 million gallons of water a day from Peace River in 2036

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Part of Manatee County’s long-term water plan calls for taking drinking water from the Peace River.

    It comes at a critical time, as the county has seen an increase in water consumption because of rapid growth in the area.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to county officials, it’s part of a long-term plan. Starting in 2036, the county would take five million gallons of water a day from the river

    • Other counties already get their drinking water from the Peace River, and because of increased demand, Manatee County moved up its timeline by a year

    • While environmental groups worry about future affects, the county says a new water source is essential to keep drinking water flowing

    Protecting the environment and local waterways is a top priority for Abbey Tyrna.

    “Oh, the environment means everything — not just to me, but to our economy,” she said.

    She is the executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, an organization that protects and restores Florida’s waterways.

    She is concerned about where Manatee County will get its drinking water in the future, as the county plans to tap into the Peace River.

    “It cannot satisfy the growing population. The Peace River will go dry,” she said. “We already see problems in the headwaters of the Peace River. We need to protect the headwaters of the Peace River.”

    Other counties already get their drinking water from the Peace River, and because of increased demand, Manatee County moved up its timeline by a year.

    According to county officials, it’s part of a long-term plan. Starting in 2036, the county would take five million gallons of water a day from the river.

    Currently, the county uses about 50 million gallons of water a day.

    Two-thirds comes from Lake Manatee, and one-third comes from groundwater.

    “Currently, we don’t take any water from the Peace River Authority. But our long-term planning has always had a contingency plan to connect to the Peace River,” said Patrick Shea, the utilities director for Manatee County.

    At the water treatment plant, he says there is plenty of drinking water, but usage has increased over time.

    “Because of growth — recent growth — and the dry season, our annual projections for water use and water demand have increased, moving up that timeline,” he said.

    Abbey says the county should explore other options before tapping into the Peace River.

    “We need to start connecting to reclaimed water and stop using our limited supplies of groundwater for things like irrigation,” she said.

    While environmental groups worry about future effects, the county says a new water source is essential to keep drinking water flowing.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee County cruise port proposal faces opposition

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — A cruise terminal proposal has generated pushback from Manatee County residents and raised concern from environmental groups.

    What You Need To Know

    • A cruise terminal proposal in Manatee County raises environmental concerns

    • Enironmental advocates say the project could impact coastal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass meadows

    • The proposal is expected to generate significant economic benefits, according to SSA Marine

    Protecting Tampa Bay’s water and wildlife is a passion for Maya Burke, but it’s also her job. The proposal could have a significant affect on her.

    Burke, assistant director for the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, says a spot near the South Sunshine Skyway rest area is ecologically rich.

    “There are important coastal wetlands and mangrove forests, lush seagrass meadows. There’s even hard live bottom out in this part of the bay. So it’s really unique and important habitats, and it would be devastating to lose these,” she said.

    Burke worries about the impact of a large port.

    “If we have a cruise port here, not only would we need to protect things like Rattlesnake Key, which are already here existing in natural state, but we would have to add more beyond that. So we would have to sort of come out with a net benefit for the environment,” she said.

    Because the proposal has not been added to a Manatee County Board of Commissioners agenda, the county has no comment on it. We reached out multiple times to individual commissioners for their opinion. None responded. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau also declined comment.

    But SSA Marine, a national terminal cruise operator, says the proposed port will have a positive economic impact. On the website Knott Cowen Cruise, it says: “We estimate that the construction investment for this proposed project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries directly and indirectly related to the port in the state and region, and boost labor wages by $1.6 billion. In addition, this infrastructure investment is projected to generate more than $5 billion in total economic impact for the state and regional economy.”

    Florida AAA representative Mark Jenkins says the prospect of adding a cruise port in Manatee County is an exciting opportunity.

    “I think this has a direct economic impact on the area as well, because you have travelers who are coming to the area for a cruise, many of them looking to stay a couple of days before and after their cruise where they’re visiting the hotels, the restaurants and different establishments,” he said.

    But many Manatee County residents don’t agree.

    Corey McKeever started a petition a week ago against the port. It already has thousands of signatures.

    “There had to be someone that could stop this, and I guess that person had to be me,” he said.

    He felt the need to lead the movement, as someone who knows these waters. He has owned and operated McKeever’s Marine for 15 years.

    “It will destroy the water. It will destroy the ecosystem bigger. It will destroy all the local businesses because these companies are creating their own businesses. This money is not going to come to us. It’s going directly to the cruise company,” he said.

    And for environmentalists like the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the debate isn’t just about ships or jobs — it’s about what could be lost in waters that can’t easily be replaced.

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  • Lido Beach renourishment project to begin Sunday

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Crews were scheduled to start a renourishment project at Lido Beach on Monday, but rough weather forced a delay.

    What You Need To Know

    • The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding

    • A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass

    • The county says signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible

    The work will now begin Sunday, with 300,000 cubic yards of locally sourced sand being brought in. The plan is to rebuild shoreline lost to storms.

    Officials say dredging will begin in New Pass, with crews starting at the north end of the beach and moving south.

    Once a week, Dawn D’Alessio searches for small gifts from the sea.

    “It’s a treasure hunt, really. You never know what you are going to find,” she said.

    For D’Alessio, it’s about the joy that comes with the find.

    “This is how I get rid of my stress — coming to the beach and collecting shells,” she said.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

    She’s walking along Lido Beach, which will soon undergo a restoration project.

    A 50-year partnership between the City of Sarasota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls for renourishment of Lido Beach every five years. This year, around 300,000 cubic yards of sand will be added, all dredged from New Pass.

    “I think it’s a great idea. From all the damage the beaches sustained from the storms, it’ll really help the environment — get more sand here and build up the barriers to protect the residents,” she said.

    The City of Sarasota’s engineer, Sage Kamiya, says the project aims to restore what was lost from recent hurricanes, especially Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.

    “There were areas of the beach that lost up to 80 feet of width, and a lot of that is being put back. I think we’ve averaged about a 50-foot width that will be restored going forward,” he said.

    Crews will start at the north end of the beach near the Lido Beach Pavilion and make their way south to restore 1.2 miles of eroded shoreline.

    But some businesses on the beach, like Lido Island Grill, worry the project could interfere with business.

    “February is when we start to have the full season with our customers, and we’re hoping they won’t be scared of the renourishment and all the work and its impact,” said Christophe Barthe, the manager of Lido Island Grill.

    The county said that signs will be posted alerting beachgoers when areas are temporarily closed, and the plan is to keep the beach as open as possible.

    The beach is D’Alessio home away from home, with renourishment projects ensuring she’ll be able to return for years to come.

    The renourishment will begin Sunday and is expected to be completed in April, before sea turtle nesting season. The $12 million cost for this year’s renourishment is fully covered through federal funding.

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  • First family moves in under Habitat’s Advancing Black Homeownership Program

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Habitat for Humanity has launched a new push to expand Black homeownership. For many families, owning a home has felt out of reach.

    It’s called the Advancing Black Homeownership Program. It started last year, and now its first recipient moved in last week.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Advancing Black Homeownership Program started in 2024

    • The program had an increase in applicants from just 50 in 2024 to 150 in 2025

    • The application period for the Advancing Black Homeownership Program runs from Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, Feb. 17

    She already has the keys to her new home, but today Princess Cummings is volunteering, helping make this house a home for another family.

    “I just closed on my home on Jan. 9 of this year, so I’m super, super happy,” she said.

    Princess is the first person in Manatee County’s Advancing Black Homeownership Program to buy a home.

    “My house is about $317,000, but overall with my mortgage, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes, everything comes out to almost $1,300,” she said.

    The goal of the Advancing Black Homeownership Program is to help more Black families achieve homeownership.

    For Princess and her three children, that help came at a critical time. She says they could no longer afford their rent and had been homeless since March of last year.

    “I lived in a hotel before. I stayed at an extended stay, and I stayed with family before,” she said. “It was very difficult, extremely difficult,” she said.

    Now, moving into a three-bedroom home, she says a weight has been lifted.

    “All the glory to God. I’m super excited,” she said.

    The task force started in 2024 with just 50 applicants. That number grew to 150 the following year. Now, in 2026, officials expect an even bigger increase.

    “We are definitely seeing an increase in applicants due to the affordability crisis,” she said.

    Kaveecia Moore is the director of homeowner services with Manatee Habitat for Humanity. The goal is to have 15 families in homes by 2031.

    “The Advancing Black Homeownership Program is really to address the racial gap in homeownership and to increase involvement in our community,” she said.

    Giving Princess and her family a place to call their forever home.

    The application period for the Advancing Black Homeownership Program runs from Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, Feb. 17.

    Manatee Habitat for Humanity as a whole also saw a 51 percent increase in applicants from 2024 to 2025.

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  • Manatee County resident voices concern about trash pickup

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — As trash piles up, at least one Manatee County resident is raising a stink.

    The county’s Big Bin Advantage program was meant to save the Solid Waste Department time and resources. It provided larger bins, but decreased the frequency of trash pickup

    What You Need To Know

    • The Big Bin Advantage program gave residents 96 gallon bins but only once a week trash pick ups causing frustration, with one resident saying she has overflowing bins and no where to put it
    • The county hosted its first two community cleanup events last weekend as part of the county’s Big Bin Advantage program contract
    • A representative from Manatee County Solid Waste said more than 1,000 cars dropped off more than 100 tons of material during the cleanup

    • The next community clean up event will be in April

    But, according to Amanda Vouglas, that formula is not working.  

    “We have so much trash generated that the trash can is overflowing,” she said.

    Vouglas lives in Parrish in a household of four people and says trash accumulates quickly.

    “By the time Friday comes around, I’m sure we’ll have, like, an extra three or four more bags,” she said of her trash pickup day.

    When the Big Bin Advantage program started in Manatee County last October, it came with a bigger bin — 96 gallons — but pickup was scaled back to once a week.

    Vouglas said the worst experience was this past Christmas, when it took two weeks to get rid of their trash.

    “Every week we put a little bit more in, a little bit more in, and then we sent some with my daughter to put in her trash at home, because it’s just her and her boyfriend,” she said.

    When Vouglas’ trash starts piling up, she said it becomes a problem, because the haulers won’t take trash that isn’t in the bin. She said she relies on friends and family to help get rid of it.

    Jim Renneberg with Manatee County Solid Waste said residents do have other options.

    “One option is to contact the county, and we can coordinate a bulk pickup,” he said. “There is a fee associated with that. For those that would prefer not to take that approach, we have the community cleanup event.”

    The county hosted its first two community cleanup events last weekend. Renneberg said more than 1,000 cars dropped off more than 100 tons of material. He said the county expects to host more events moving forward and hopes they will help prevent illegal dumping.

    “Looking at December compared to previous years, there’s a slight increase, but our team is quick to respond to that,” he said.

    According to the Manatee County Solid Waste Department’s website, residents also have the option to pay a $13.32 monthly fee to receive a second trash bin.

    But Vouglas said less frequent trash pickups create a health concern.

    “It’s sat in my garage,” she said. “Every time we opened up the door to the house — the smell, the heat in the garage. Florida. You know, it’s not really sanitary.”

    She hopes the county will return to twice-a-week trash pickup.

    The next community cleanup event will be in April. The county plans to host the events throughout the year..

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  • Students with intellectual disabilities thrive with Project EDGE class at MTC

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — At Manatee Technical College, there’s a program called Project EDGE that teaches students with intellectual disabilities work skills to increase their independence.

    What You Need To Know

    • It teaches students skills to become more independent

    • Justin’s class graduates in April, and Manatee Technical College said they plan to reapply for the grant so the program can continue

    Inside the classroom, Justin Torres is making significant academic progress.

    “It’s been really great. I have learned a lot in this class,” he said.

    Torres is part of the Project EDGE program at Manatee Technical College. EDGE stands for Empower, Develop, Grow, and Educate. The program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities. Torres has autism.

    “It’s like getting distracted really easily. It’s really hard to keep in one place,” he said. “It’s really been a struggle, but I’ve gone through it and I’m here.”

    The 900-hour class began last August. It teaches students skills to become more independent, which is a goal for Torres.

    “It’ll make me live an independent life like I want to,” he said. “I want to work every day so I can get my own house, start a family, protect my family. That’s my goal.”

    Carrie Walden is the instructor for Project EDGE. She says the program first started in 2024 thanks to a $1.2 million grant. All the graduates from the first year either moved on to MTC’s main campus, other colleges, or found jobs.

    “We work on resumes, interview skills, what to wear to an interview, and what questions might be asked,” she said. “We do a lot of customer service training and how to act when we’re at a job.”

    While Torres already has a job at Culver’s, he has bigger plans for his career.

    “Right now, I’m focused on being a barber,” he said.

    With Project EDGE, he is one step closer to reaching his full potential.

    Torres’ class graduates in April, and Manatee Technical College tells us they plan to reapply for the grant so the program can continue.

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  • Lakewood Ranch High School starts career corner inside library

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lakewood Ranch High School is rolling out the welcome mat for future graduates.

    The school unveiled its new College and Career Center last fall, designed to help students learn more about what comes after high school.

    What You Need To Know

    • This space is filled with job opportunities, college brochures and scholarship information from across the country
    • Staff say principals from other schools have also visited to get inspiration for what they could do at their own campuses

    When it comes to making big decisions, sometimes a little help goes a long way.

    “I’m pretty excited. I mean, if I make it — I don’t know for sure yet — but if I do make it, then I’ll be super, super excited.”

    Ryan Johnson is a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School.

    When it came to choosing which college to apply to, it seemed like a no-brainer.

    “I really wanted to go to the Gators because my grandpa was a Gator, and my mom also went there as well.”

    But he wanted to make sure it was the right choice.

    And the new Career Corner inside Lakewood Ranch High School’s library helped confirm his decision.

    “I mean, there are so many colleges you can choose from and browse through, so I think that’s what helped me choose the Gators.”

    This space is filled with job opportunities, college brochures and scholarship information from across the country.

    “Some people want to learn more about technical colleges in the area, and some want to jump right into a job after school. So all the different aspects of the career center really cater to all types of people.”

    It’s a resource that 12 students helped create alongside the school’s college and career advisor, Vito Bavaro.

    “When I took over this job two years ago, my vision was to create a place where students could come in and find jobs, applications and scholarships all in one spot.”

    He says principals from other schools have also visited to get inspiration for what they could do at their own campuses.

    “And we’ve had a lot of parents say, ‘Wow, we didn’t have this when I was in high school.’ So I thought if we could put all this stuff out here, the kids will come. If you build it, they will come.

    And students have come in since the center opened, giving the seniors who created it a chance to leave a lasting legacy.

    “I think more students will be able to explore all the different colleges. There’s MTC, all the way up to Division 1 schools, so I think they can find whatever suits them.”

    It’s a one-stop shop for students to find their path forward after high school graduation.

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  • Manatee County turning trash into energy with Waste to Worth project

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — In Manatee County, your trash may soon be powering more than just the landfill.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County plans to turn waste into energy through the Renewable Natural Gas From Waste to Worth project.

    • The county has partnered with other companies to make it happen.

    • The county hopes to have the project finished by July 2027.


    The county is moving forward with a project that turns everyday waste into clean energy — and it could change how we think about garbage.

    It’s called the Renewable Natural Gas From Waste to Worth project.

    There’s an old saying: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

    And at the Manatee County landfill, Utilities Director Patrick Shea said he sees potential.

    He took us to the top of the landfill.

    “Every year, as we add more garbage and start to top it off with soil and earth material, we install all these wells. They’re natural gas wells,” he said.

    The wells sticking out of the ground are holding methane gas created by trash.

    “So about 75 percent of the methane is flared, or burned, at this flare station. The other 25 percent is used to power the biosolids dryer,” he said.

    Now, he says the county has an opportunity to profit from that gas by turning waste into energy through the Renewable Natural Gas From Waste to Worth project.

    The county has partnered with other companies to make it happen.

    “There is a financial incentive to it,” Shea said. “It’ll generate between a guaranteed $850,000 a year, give or take, and a maximum of $1.7 million a year in revenue for the utility department. It’ll be a landfill asset, and it’ll generate clean, renewable natural gas right here in Manatee County.”

    This is where they plan to build a plant to process and clean the methane gas. Construction is expected to start in six months.

    “It takes the impurities out and makes it pipeline quality. You could run your gas stove with it,” he said.

    Tina Saldana is the communications coordinator for Manatee County Utilities.

    She said they’ve been working on the project for about two years.

    “With the Waste to Worth renewable natural gas project, we’re taking methane from the landfill, cleaning it, and using it as a natural gas resource. Right now, some of it helps power our biosolids dryer, but this allows us to use our full capacity instead of letting gas go unused,” she said.

    Shea said that once the project is complete, the gas will be added to the natural gas pipeline.

    “The gas in the pipeline right now is what people use to heat their pools or run appliances in their homes. This facility will create that same type of natural gas,” he said.

    He said the mission is not only to create renewable energy but also to profit from what’s already at the landfill.

    The county hopes to have the project finished by July 2027.

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  • Two Largo residents arrested for animal creulty

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Largo police have arrested two people on felony animal cruelty charges after 11 sick dogs — including nine puppies — were abandoned in a park.

    What You Need To Know

    • Today Largo police have arrested two people on felony animal cruelty charges after 11 sick dogs — including nine puppies — were abandoned in a park

    • McKnight owns Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue. All the dogs were brought to the rescue after they were found on December 19
    • McKnight says a couple of days later, another puppy they named Frosty was brought in, he later died

    • The two suspects arrested by Largo police each face 12 counts of felony animal cruelty and could face additional charges

    Largo police say they have arrested two people on felony animal cruelty charges after 11 sick dogs — including nine puppies — were abandoned in a park.

    The dogs were found at Taylor Park on December 19.

    Jamie McKnight owns Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue. All the dogs were brought to the rescue after they were found on December 19. McKnight says a couple of days later, another puppy they named Frosty was brought in. He later died.

    “That was a huge heartbreak,” she said.

    All the dogs had parvovirus.

    Today, Largo police arrested 42-year-old Mary Gamble and 43-year-old Fred Gamble. Officers say they were illegally breeding the dogs and knew some were sick.

    The arrests come just one day after the database under Dexter’s Law went into effect. It is a statewide animal abuser database. Under Dexter’s Law, people can remain in the database for up to 10 years.

    Rescue centers like Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue say the database is a vital part of the law.

    “With Dexter’s Law, I’m hoping it’s going to make an example out of them and be the first huge case to really start to push for stricter consequences,” McKnight said.

    The two suspects arrested by Largo police each face 12 counts of felony animal cruelty and could face additional charges.

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  • The Anna Maria City Pier expected to be open to public by fall of 2026

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — After months of work, the Anna Maria City Pier is showing signs of progress.

    Visitors and residents are starting to see poles sticking out of the water where the boardwalk once was.

    Part of the pier was washed away during the 2024 hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Repairs are underway at The Anna Maria City Pier….that work just started in November

    •  The pier is expected to be open to the public fall of 2026.

    Cruising along on Anna Maria Island is how Alex Lucero likes to get around.

    “What is it like to work in paradise? I mean, it’s pretty great,” she said.

    It’s also how a lot of visitors like to get around too.

    Alex handles booking rentals like bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and paddleboards at Beach Bums Island Attitude.

    “I get to work with people who are on vacation,” she said.

    She added business is going well since the hurricanes, despite the island being left without one of its main tourist attractions — the Anna Maria City Pier.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Lucero said the pier is a big draw, and the damage has had an impact.

    “Beforehand, the ferry used to make a stop there, so people would come over and rent bikes from us and come by our store. It’s going to be so exciting for people to come back,” she said.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs.

    The white poles sticking out of the water are cement pilings that will later form the walkway.

    Crews recently started installing them.

    “The walkway calls for 130 pilings to be put in, and they are at about number 90 right now,” he said.

    Mark Short, the mayor of the city of Anna Maria, said once all the pilings are complete, crews can move on to the next phase of rebuilding the walkway.

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    However, there is still more work to be done on the building at the end of the pier.

    “There are repairs required to the buildings at the end, and those are in the plans. We’ll be doing those a little later,” he said.

    In the meantime, nearby businesses will continue to push ahead,

    looking forward to the day when repairs are complete.

    “I definitely hope we’re going to be super busy. I hope to see all of our bikes off the property. I hope to be sold out of everything,” she said.

    The mayor says the city anticipates the Anna Maria City Pier project will be complete and open to the public by fall of 2026.

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  • New housing program to help youth who have aged out of the foster care system

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A new housing project is taking shape with a mission beyond bricks and mortar.

    A local nonprofit has officially broken ground on a development designed to support young adults aging out of the foster care system.

    The project aims to provide not just housing, but stability and a pathway to independence.

    What You Need To Know

    • Harbor 58 is a nonprofit aimed at helping youth who aged out of foster care 

    • The organization held a ground breaking ceremony last month for its new housing program, which includes six duplexes housing 12 people and a community center
    • The project underway is on the property of Oasis Church on Lorraine Road and organizers hope to finish the housing project by the spring of 2027

    This is a new environment for Airanna Gibbons. But there’s one thing that’s always helped her during times of uncertainty: coloring.

    “It relaxes me and makes me less nervous,” she said.

    For Gibbons, it’s been a coping mechanism as she’s been in and out of foster care since she was four years old.

    “I ended up getting taken away from my biological parents a couple days before my birthday, and it was very stressful. There’s a lot of emotions, but I ended up moving from home to home, and none of them really enjoyed me or liked me. And so, I ended up going through about seven or eight homes before I ended up getting adopted,” she said.

    Around the age of 14, Gibbons said her life changed again.

    “I ended up having some problems, and I ended up going into a mental hospital. My adoptive parents decided that they didn’t want me. Then I ended up going into a group home,” she said.

    Now, the 19-year-old is in a new home.

    It’s an 18-month-long housing program with the nonprofit Harbor 58.

    “I guess it was finally home, I guess, if that makes sense. So, yeah,” she said.

    The mission of Harbor 58 is to help young people aging out of foster care by providing resources and support.

    In Gibbons’ case, that includes the opportunity to learn how to live more independently with the help of a career coach and other resources.

    The goal is for participants to eventually be able to live on their own.

    Alisha Pavacich is the program director.

    “Manatee County has a lot of kids that are in foster care and several that age out every single year. And there’s no real space for those kids to step into,” she said.

    The organization recently broke ground on its new housing complex, which will include six duplexes housing 12 people in total, along with a community center.

    “The statistics for youth aging out of foster care are not great. A lot of kids end up in jail, not graduating high school, or unfortunately, being trafficked. We just want to change that narrative and give them a more supportive and brighter future,” she said.

    Gibbons said she feels included and comfortable in this space. So much so, she said she’s looking forward to one day publishing a children’s book she wrote, inspired by her life experiences, and working towards becoming a child advocate.

    The project underway is on the property of Oasis Church on Lorraine Road.

    Organizers hope to finish the housing project by the spring of 2027.

    Currently, the organization is housing three people and hope to expand that to more when the new facility opens in 2027.

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  • St. Armands Circle businesses get a boost in sales from holiday shoppers

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — Holiday shoppers are delivering a rush of business to end the year on an island where many businesses have been desperate for foot traffic.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Armand’s businesses are getting a boost in sales after more shoppers purchase items on the island

    • The Giving Tree owner says they tripled their sales for the month of December this year compared to December last year

    • The Giving Tree business owners hope to hit 10% growth next year

    One St. Armands Circle business owner says its sales numbers have tripled this month compared to last December.

    It’s a notable difference from last year, when both businesses and residents were still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    Deb Goldberg, who owns The Giving Tree Gallery, said her business has been through many storms, but nothing compared to last year.

    She said 5 feet of water filled the business and ruined $70,000 worth of inventory.

    “It was — we were just on automatic pilot,” she said. “We just went to work and did everything we needed to do, high adrenaline, and cleaned it up and called the contractors.”

    Even though they reopened about a month after the storm, she said the island felt closed.

    “I think the perception that St. Armands was closed and still under water and still struggling was what we battled the most,” Goldberg said. “Because we all really did bounce back fairly quickly. After the first of the year, there were maybe 30% of the stores open.”

    But she said this year brought new life to St. Armands.

    Goldberg said that more people are shopping, and this December’s sales are triple what they were last December.

    “We’re overall, year-over-year better,” she said. “Some days were fantastic — tons of shoppers, tons of sales. And some days, you know, there were hours where people wouldn’t walk in the store.”

    Goldberg said she expects the week between Christmas and New Year’s to be one of the busiest of the year for her store.

    “The fun part is seeing both new people and local people come in,” she said.

    It’s a busy time for stores, and Goldberg said there is a feeling of normalcy for many.

    She said she hopes to hit 10% growth next year at The Giving Tree Gallery.

    “I’m really hoping for at least a 10% year-over-year increase from last year,” she said. “I would be thrilled with that. But I always shoot for the moon, you know, hoping for double that.”

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  • Bay area circus company increases its staff amid industry struggles

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A local circus company says its business is booming, even as the industry struggles.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cirque Italia added 30% more performers this year than it did last year

    • The company added two shows to its portfolio last year and became the largest U.S. touring circus company

    • Publicity director says many circuses are shutting down


    Cirque Italia has hired 30% more performers this year compared to last year and says one of the reasons is because small circus companies are closing.

    Joselina Moine is an acrobat. She is originally from Argentina and has worked in a circus since she was six years old.

    “When you perform, you know yourself. You feel the people you connect with, the people,” she said. “That’s the most important part of our job.”

    But this job with Cirque Italia is fairly new to her. She was hired in February and says she was interested in the position because of the exposure that comes with a bigger circus company.

    “We always try to find jobs in other countries like Europe, United States also. This is a big company. They have seven circus shows, and it is really good for an artist,” she said.

    Moine is one of about 30 new hires this year for Cirque Italia.

    “We’ve seen an increase in performers applying for our company because we have seven touring shows right now,” said Steve Copeland, the publicity director for Cirque Italia. “So there are a lot more shows that are touring, and you can’t really say that for other circus companies in the United States.”

    He says that after adding two shows to their portfolio last year, they became the largest U.S. touring circus company.

    “Lots of circuses are shutting down. Times are hard with all the prices going up and the inflation. So people are very frugal with their entertainment,” he said.

    Performing in the circus is more than just an act — it takes time and practice, a job that Moine knows is worth it.

    Three of Cirque Italia’s tours will be offering shows in the Bay Area over the next two months. Paranormal Cirque Specter is in Palmetto through Dec. 28, and two different Water Circus shows have performance dates in Palmetto, St. Petersburg and Brandon in January and February.

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  • Midnight Pass brings clearer water, potential new opportunities for tourism

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Sarasota County has decided that a waterway reopened by storm surge from last year’s hurricanes will remain open.

    Midnight Pass connects Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. It was originally filled in during the 1980s and stayed that way until the historic storms of 2024. For more than a year, the county studied the impact of the restored channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota County has decided that a waterway reopened by storm surge from last year’s hurricanes will remain open

    • Midnight Pass connects Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf

    • For more than a year, the county studied the impact of the restored channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key

    Helping people make memories is a passion for charter captain Mike Nix.

    “Well, it’s all based on just fun day outings on the water,” he said.

    He started his company, Key Life Charters, in 2016. He takes clients out on Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

    “We do sightseeing, dolphin trips, sandbar stops, snorkeling, paddle boarding, tiki bar crawls by boat—so anything that’s basically fun,” he said.

    Nix is heading toward a special spot—one he’s excited about.

    “This is Midnight Pass. And if you look back to the west, you’ll see where it opens up,” he said.

    Storm surge from Hurricanes Helene and Milton naturally reopened Midnight Pass last year. The channel had been closed since 1983. Mike went out to see it for himself a week after it opened.

    “I loved it. I thought it was fantastic,” he said.

    Storm surge from Helene and Milton naturally opened Midnight Pass (Courtesy: Sarasota County Government)

    The first thing he noticed was an improvement in water quality in Little Sarasota Bay.

    “Immediately, the water cleared up back in here from what it was before—immediately,” he said.

    Water quality is one of the factors Sarasota County studied within Midnight Pass. Others include depth, marine life, and more.

    Rachel Herman is the Environmental Protection Division Manager for Sarasota County. She says they started collecting data just days after Midnight Pass fully opened and have been studying it every week since.

    “We’ve been able to see how it’s changing, and there’s been some seasonal variability with wider, deeper flow volume, as you would expect during the summer. That changes a little bit in the winter, as rainfall decreases,” she said. “There’s a lot of good things that have come out of it. Water clarity is one thing. If you’re in Little Sarasota Bay now, you’ll notice the water is a lot clearer.”

    The impact is more than just scientific data—it’s also becoming a tourist attraction. Mike says he’s seen hundreds of boats and people swimming near Midnight Pass and believes it could help local businesses.

    “I think it’ll be a draw for companies like kayak tour companies. Hopefully, it’ll open up some business restaurant-wise and hospitality-wise on the south end of Siesta Key, because it’s kind of been overlooked,” he said.

    With positive impacts on both the environment and potentially the economy, Midnight Pass has returned to what it once was.

    Ongoing monitoring and studies of Midnight Pass will continue, according to the county. Officials say they’ve partnered with experts, including scientists from the University of South Florida, for continued data collection.


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  • New Goodwill location in Longboat Key

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Goodwill Manasota is expanding its footprint into Longboat Key. The nonprofit opened its first location on the barrier island on Thursday. The store is creating new jobs, while the organization hopes it will become a major donation hub.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new Goodwill location is opening in Longboat Key 

    • Any and all donations are being accepted
    • Goodwill Manasota’s operating hours at the Longboat Key location are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day

    A new store means a new job for Pru Davis.

    “So far, I love it. It’s nice and relaxing,” she said.

    Davis was hired in September as a keyholder for Goodwill Manasota.

    “Everything. Production, which is what I’m doing right now—pricing the books and getting ready to shelve them. We also do shelving and reorganizing the section, alphabetizing, the whole nine,” she said.

    She went through training and will now work full time at the Longboat Key store, which opened today.

    “I’m excited about this new location being out on the key. You never know what’s going to happen, so it’s an adventure for everybody,” she said.

    The location is on Gulf of Mexico Drive at the newly built Brista Commons shopping center. Inside the 3,500-square-foot building are a donation center and a bookstore.

    A Florida TaxWatch report from last year showed Goodwill Manasota was responsible for nearly $150 million in economic output. Donn Githens, the CEO and president, said the new store is in a prime spot that will help increase revenue.

    “So our mission is funded by the donations we collect and the revenues we generate in our stores and our bookstores,” he said. “Donations are driven by convenience, and this location on Gulf of Mexico Drive is just so convenient. People can drive in and drop off.”

    Opening the facility also created seven new jobs. Davis said she is hopeful the store will prosper.

    “That it stays here and that we do exceedingly well,” she said.

    Any and all donations are being accepted. Goodwill Manasota’s operating hours at the Longboat Key location are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

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