A wildfire burning in Lake County near Kelseyville prompted evacuation orders and warnings on Friday afternoon.
Cal Fire said the Peter Fire is holding at about 47 acres off Adobe Creek Road, west of Carder Road. Crews reported a moderate rate of spread and short-range spotting. The fire was threatening multiple structures, firefighters said.
As of 7:30 p.m., the fire was 50% contained.
An evacuation order was issued for Adobe Creek Road, Zone KEL-E150. That was downgraded around 6:45 p.m. to an evacuation warning. The other evacuation warnings were lifted.
UPDATE 08/29/2025 1:05 PM
EVACUATION WARNINGS for zones:
Cal Fire requested 15 engines, six dozers, five water tenders, two crews, fire air tankers, three helicopters and one air tactical aircraft to the scene.
The Lake County Plan Commission has ordered all work to stop on a parcel of land Donald Trump Jr. presented to St. John last month because the company he represented isn’t registered with the state.
Planning Commission Director Ned Kovachevich, in a letter sent to RBCP Investments dated August 18 that the Post-Tribune obtained, ordered the entity to “cease and desist any activity related to the development of the property.” The stop work order is for “illegal activity” at a parcel of land on or about 12863 State Line Road in Cedar Lake. The property is not contiguous to St. John and was transferred to RBCP on July 2, according to the Lake County Assessor’s Office.
“The illegal activity involves the construction of commercial/industrial well-digging and siting by a potentially unlicensed well-digging contractor on the approximate 166.55 acres, more or less, in the unincorporated areas of Lake County,” Kovachevich wrote in the letter. “This type of activity is unacceptable and violates several sections of the Unincorporated Lake County Unified Development Ordinance.”
Donald Trump Jr. visited Portage and St. John July 23 in connection with a pair of projects with which he’s involved. He received a standing ovation from a full St. John Town Hall chamber for his work in securing an easement and water rights agreement for land the town is believed to have annexed, the Post-Tribune previously reported.
Kovachevich’s letter lists an address for RBCP in Covington, Indiana, but a check of the Indiana Secretary of State website reveals that RBCP Investments LLC was registered on August 20 to Stephen Jarzombek, of St. John. When reached Tuesday, Jarzombek declined to comment.
St. John Town Manager Bill Manousopoulos said Tuesday he would respond to the Post-Tribune’s questions by deadline but didn’t. The Post-Tribune asked whether town officials new RBCP wasn’t registered with the state, among other things.
Kovachevich, in the letter, said the town has 15 days to respond to his letter; if it doesn’t, the County Plan Commission “may seek an injunction seeking immediate cessation of any activity and fines and penalties commensurate with the work that has been done.” He told the Post-Tribune Tuesday that he’s been approached by several residents in the area and is curious as to what’s going on with the parcel.
“The County doesn’t regulate well digging because those contractors are regulated by the state,” he said. “We’re looking forward to talking with St. John and finding out what they’re doing.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
LEESBURG, Fla. — A beloved Leesburg shuffleboard court may be no more after the city commission voted on a proposal to donate the land to a nonprofit working to support homeless teens and foster youth in the county.
This comes after dozens of residents and even non-residents using the courts spoke out during the meeting.
What You Need To Know
Leesburg City Commission moved to donate land they own, including shuffleboard courts, to Forward Paths Foundation to build 10 tiny homes for homeless teens
Leesburg Shuffleboard Club has spent weeks gathering signatures to keep their courts and say they were able to get more than 1,000 signatures
In a 4-1, Leesburg City Commissioners felt the need to offer stable housing for youth outweighed the need for the historical Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and their courts
Forward Paths has 2.5 years to complete the project but supporters of the shuffleboard courts say they’re not going down without a fight and may take legal action
A lot of the city commissioners focused on the need. In a 4-1 vote, the majority felt the need to offer stable housing for youth outweighed the need for the historical Leesburg Shuffleboard Club and its courts, which has major ties in the city.
“They celebrated their 100-year anniversary back in 2013,” said Leesburg Shuffleboard Club (LSC) member Rick Tallman.
The club has been playing at the site on Palmetto Street for 54 years.
The city of Leesburg owns the property, but the LSC has been running and operating the courts and even hosts tournaments there.
But the future of the property is now in jeopardy with the Leesburg City Commission moving to donate land, including the shuffleboard courts, to a nonprofit foster youth called Forward Paths Foundation.
“Somebody decided that this was a property to offer forward paths,” Tallman said. “We don’t know who that somebody was.”
Forward Paths Foundation stated the donation of the land would go towards building 10 tiny homes that would house 20 youths who are aging out of the foster care system or at risk of homelessness.
Foundation officials spent time at the meeting sharing their history of success stories as they now house 42 youth with more on the waiting list.
Those in support of the program showed up to speak at the meeting but the majority of public speakers were in support of keeping the shuffleboard courts.
The shuffleboard supporters shared that they had more than a 1,000 signatures combined with handwritten and online petitions to keep the courts.
Despite this, the commission moved forward with the donation of the land, which came with mixed reviews.
“Well, we won. But it’s always hard when others leave with hurt feelings,” explained Forward Paths Foundation Executive Director Denise Burry. “So, that’s not a good feeling but it’s my job to look out for our at-risk youth aging out of foster care and in need in Lake County. That’s what I did and luckily we came out on top.”
“It’s very disappointing. This isn’t the end. It’s really the beginning because now the lawsuit comes,” Tallman shared. “What they’ve done is very wrong. Very wrong, they didn’t listen to the people.”
And while this has brought some divide in the City of Leesburg, the Forward Paths Foundation hopes the community can embrace this project just as the town of Eustice did after completing a similar project there.
“I hope people will see the good that it brings to these youth and hopefully they’ll come around us and support us,” Burry said.
The Leesburg City Commission also voted to give Forward Paths Foundation two and a half years to finish the project as opposed to five. Burry says she believes they can accomplish it.
But supporters of the shuffleboard court say they’re not going down without a fight and say they have already filed a claim against the City of Leesburg with the Florida Commission on Ethics.
A wildfire in Lake County forced evacuations on Sunday afternoon.
The fire broke out in the area of Sky High Ridge Road and Morgan Valley Road shortly before 3 p.m. Cal Fire said the fire burned about 19 acres and is 80% contained.
Crews reported the fire was spreading at a moderate rate and that additional resources were requested.
The fire forced evacuation orders in zones LOW-E133 and LOW-E162, but those were lifted around 6:20 p.m.
The fire was located about nine miles southeast of Clearlake.
Her WNBA journey looked about finished for the 2025 season until the Valkyries gave her an opportunity just after the All-Star break after a plethora of injuries left the expansion team shorthanded. Now, the Valkyries can’t imagine a rotation without her.
On Sunday, she had her best game of the season as she locked up former teammate and rookie of the year candidate Paige Bueckers while tying a career-high 16 points in a 90-81 win over the Wings.
“I think it was a full circle moment,” Charles said after Sunday’s win. “I started the season here, and to be cut was sad, but it also gave me the opportunity to get film and get picked up by the (Valkyries). So even though it didn’t work out here like I wanted to, it gave me another opportunity where I fit in a little bit more.
“So it just shows that everything happens for a reason, and I’m really glad that I was able to win with my team and do well and help them.”
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) loses control of the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Kaila Charles during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
When the Valkyries first signed Charles on Aug. 1, the former University of Maryland standout was tasked with learning a new system and teammates on a team that’s in the midst of trying to make a playoff push.
On the morning she joined the team, Charles boarded a plane to Chicago and had a few hours to learn the Valkyries’ playbook before a 7 p.m. tipoff against the Sky. The Valkyries coaching staff quickly briefed Charles before the game and the shooting guard was immediately in the rotation that night.
That night against, Charles played 17 minutes, scored five points, grabbed five rebounds and closed the fourth quarter in her first game with the team.
“Sometimes it’s on the fly,” assistant coach Landon Tatum told this news organization in a recent interview about how they fit players like Charles into their rotation the day of a game. “We know this person can do this really well. So, let’s see if this works. I wouldn’t necessarily say we know ahead of time going into games this is going to for sure work, but I think because we do a solid job of knowing what players do well, we can kind of plug and play specific people with certain people.”
Since then, Charles has been a rotation regular. She’s played in every game and been a valuable piece off the bench for Nakase as a defensive stopper and consistent catch-and-shoot player.
In her first start with the Valkyries on Sunday, Charles was tasked with guarding Bueckers, who came into the game with a streak of 30 consecutive double-digit scoring games.
Charles shadowed Bueckers for every minute she was in the game. Her active hands bothered the rookie star and her quick feet kept Bueckers away from the basket.
Charles held Bueckers scoreless in the first half and eventually limited her to just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.
“Credit to Kaila for coming and doing what she does,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “Locking people up, and also on the offensive end, just being confident in her shot making. She makes quick decisions, taking it hard to the basket. Credit to Kaila because she’s really only had two practices with us.”
With the injuries the Valkyries have, Charles’ role will only get larger in the coming weeks as the Valkyries try to secure a playoff spot.
Golden State is currently in eighth place with a half-game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks for the final playoff spot. The Valkyries are also a half game behind the sixth-place Indiana Fever and seventh-place Seattle Storm with matchups against both franchises in the coming weeks.
The battle to make the playoffs makes Charles’ presence, and her ability to step in when her team needs her most, all the more valuable.
“I think some people may limit or not understand the challenge that can come from being cut, but her ability to come in and affect everything, not just offensively but also defensively, says a lot about who she is as a person.” Valkyries point guard Veronica Burton said of Charles after Sunday’s win.
“It’s a major testament to come in, back to the team that waived you this season and play 35 minutes and impact the game.”
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 24: |Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries and Kaila Charles #6 celebrate the team’s win over the Dallas Wings following the game at College Park Center on August 24, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Micah Koppang, a 2025 Valparaiso University graduate, has been selected for a Fulbright scholarship.
Koppang, a Spanish major with a minor in political science who previously studied in Chile, is expected to go to the Asunción metropolitan area of Paraguay to be an English teaching assistant from February to December 2026, according to a release.
Koppang is among a select number of U.S. citizens who earned opportunities to study, conduct research and teach abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as a record of service and leadership in their respective fields, the release said.
Low back pain subject of clinical trial
Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute has been selected as one of the 45 U.S. sites for a new clinical study evaluating the use of mesenchymal precursor cells (a type of stem cells) in subjects with moderate to severe chronic low back pain, a release said.
The study involves seven visits to Dr. Dwight Tyndall’s office. Participants who complete all the study-required assessments can receive up to $1,575 as a reimbursement for time and travel for the study, the release said.
Those interested in seeing if they qualify for participation can contact Tyndall’s office at 219- 250-5035. Information regarding the clinical trial and eligibility criteria can be found at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06325566).
Innovators announce ‘25 awards lunch event
Registration is open for the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators 2025 Innovators Awards Luncheon, starting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, a release said.
Now in its 20th year, the annual awards focus on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana, the release said.
The 2025 Innovators Awards winners will be officially recognized and inducted into the Society of Innovators during the event. Registration is open. Individual tickets are $50 and table sponsorships of 10 may be purchased for $600. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information and to register, visit www.pnw.edu/soi or contact Jason Williams at jawilliams@pnw.edu.
YWCA of NWI to host October gala
The YWCA of NWI will host its annual Circle of Friends Gala at 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana at 5400 W. 29th Ave. in Gary, according to a release.
Samantha Chatman of ABC 7 Chicago will again serve as the celebrity host. Keeping with Circle of Friends tradition, organizers will honor several individuals who have shown support to the YWCA of NWI and their community. The YWCA of NWI honor distinguished awardees including Judge Deidre Monroe, Circle of Vision Award; Shelice Tolbert, attorney, Women who Lead Award; Denise Dillard, Safe Futures Award and Susan Watkins, YWCA NWI Longevity Award.
In addition, organizers will present the Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award, in honor of the late former state senator and YWCA board member emerita, to Chelsea Whittington, CEO of C WHITT PR and longtime publicist for the YWCA of NWI.
Tickets to the Circle of Friends Gala are available for purchase as well a variety of sponsorship opportunities which can be found at https://2025ywcanwicof.swell.gives/
Franciscan to host doula workshop in Crown Point
Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a DONA International Birth Doula workshop over two weekends in October, according to a release.
Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman’s birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide the general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks, the release said.
The $600 doula workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 18-19 at Franciscan Health Crown Point, 12750 St. Francis Drive. Participants must be 18 years old or older and attend all four days of classes to receive a certificate of completion.
Registration is available online and must be completed by Sept. 22. For more information, call 219-746-9134.
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith (far right) and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb (far left) recently presented a Hoosier Homestead Award to the Oldendorf family of Lake County, who were recognized for their farm reaching its sesquicentennial, a release said. The farm was started in 1851. (Photo courtesy of Indiana State Department of Agriculture)
95 family farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Award
Longevity is paying off for family farms in Lake and Porter counties with the Hoosier Homestead Award.
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb presented 95 farming families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture recently at the Indiana State Fair, a release said.
In Lake County, the Oldendorf farm, which was started in 1851, was honored for reaching its sesquicentennial. The Kuehl farm in Porter County, which was started in 1874, also received its sesquicentennial designation.
Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership. Eight Indiana farms received the Bicentennial Award.
Merrillville preschool program accredited
The Merrillville Community School Corp’s. Preschool/Head Start Program has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a release said.
The NAEYC Accreditation is the mark of quality in early childhood education, demonstrating that the preschool program meets rigorous standards in areas such as curriculum quality, teaching practices, family engagement and health and safety, the release said.
NAEYC accreditation is a voluntary process that involves a comprehensive review of program quality, including classroom observations, staff qualifications and program policies. Only programs that meet all of NAEYC’s criteria are awarded accreditation, which is valid for five years. For more information, contact Christine Waugh at 219-756-5940.
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith (far right) and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb (far left) recently presented a Hoosier Homestead Award to the Kuehl family of Porter County, who were recognized for their farm reaching its sesquicentennial, a release said. The farm was started in 1874. (Photo courtesy of Indiana State Department of Agriculture)
Kouts wins $10K national grant
The Kouts Volunteer Fire Department was among seven volunteer departments in Indiana to receive a $10,000 grant from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, according to a release.
Funding will be used for equipment to help keep the emergency personnel safe and protect their communities. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received the grant, including seven departments in Indiana.
In Indiana, other departments receiving the grant include: Jennings Township Volunteer Fire Department, Austin; Manilla Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Township Cowan Volunteer Fire Department, Muncie; Owen Township Volunteer Fire Department, Norman; Palmyra Fire Department and St. Anthony Volunteer Fire Department.
PNW awarded $1.8M fed funding
Purdue University Northwest has received $1.8 million in renewed federal funding that will support resources for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students living with disabilities, through its TRIO Student Support Services program, according to a release.
The program assists eligible PNW students with comprehensive services that support their college journeys through graduation and preparation for entering the workforce or graduate school. Approximately 200 PNW students are served through TRIO SSS at the university, the release said.
A substance leaking out of two inactive BP lines in the Cobblestones neighborhood of Munster Wednesday appears to be harmless, but the Munster Fire Department is calling for caution just the same.
Munster Fire Chief Mark Hajduk told the Post-Tribune Wednesday evening that residents called the department Tuesday for an odor and then a sheen near the area of the odor August 19. Munster Fire contacted BP as soon as it determined there were pipelines, he said.
BP then sent out response crews, which set up equipment — including air monitoring — to collect the material. As of right now, there is no elevated reading of any kind, Hajduk said.
“We’re collecting the material and will be out here for the next 24 hours, but at this time, there’s no imminent danger,” Hajduk said. “The safety of our responders, the community and the environment remain our highest priority, and updates will be issued as more information becomes available.”
Residents in the area should nevertheless not touch the substance and follow instruction of the response personnel, he added.
Residents with concerns should reach out to BP Pipeline at 1-800-548-6482 or the Munster Fire department at 219-836-6960.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
A judge gave a Gary man five years in prison Wednesday for a string of burglaries.
Christian Felkamp, 24, of Gary, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of burglary.
He admitted breaking into Robert Henry Corporation’s property on Jan. 25 in the 2100 block of Southlake Mall in Hobart and stealing a trailer with four spools of NIPSCO wire.
In a separate incident, he admitted to sawing through the roof of Fantasy Gentleman’s Club, 3850 179th Street in Hammond on Nov. 22 to try stealing cash from the ATM.
As part of the deal, he has to repay nearly $7,000 to the Robert Henry Corporation, $2,300 to the strip club, $1,000 to Midwest PGM Recycling, and more than $28,000 to NIPSCO.
In court Wednesday, Judge Salvador Vasquez asked why he had done “so many burglaries.”
Maybe it was “out of opportunity, boredom,” the judge said.
In exchange for the plea deal, Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Adam Martin agreed to dismiss several other theft charges.
Defense lawyer Chris Stidham said after the hearing he argued that Felkamp had no prior criminal history, had a tight-knit family, but made “poor decisions.” It was a period where he was dealing with “life stresses.” His client was working for the Robert Henry corporation, a NIPSCO subcontractor, he said.
Felkamp has four other pending burglary and auto theft cases in Porter County.
GROVELAND, Fla. — Retired veteran and educator Jim O’Neil and Air Force veteran Michael Jaycox edged out incumbent Judith Fike Tuesday to move on in the race for Groveland’s District 4 City Council seat.
O’Neil came out in front with 50.2% of the vote, with Jaycox coming in second with 35.7%. Fike trailed the pair significantly with only 14.1%.
Fike had been appointed to her seat in 2024, and drew a lot of attention in July when she was suspended by the council over a social media scandal.
She was later reinstated by a judge, who ruled that neither the city’s charter, nor its ethics policy, gave the council the power to suspend her for that reason.
O’Neil and Jaycox will face off again on Nov. 4 in a municipal election.
Editor’s note: The original version of this story reported the outcome of this race incorrectly. The information now reflects the results accurately.
CLERMONT, Fla. — Hands of Hope America founder and chief executive officer Evelisse Bookhout’s history as an at-risk youth led her to start the nonprofit in the Four Corners community to fill the critical needs of residents.
She created Hands of Hope America in 2019 after discovering gaps in needs like childcare, education and food security in the Four Corners area.
What You Need To Know
Hands of Hope America founder Evelisse Bookhout is a veteran who grew up as an at-risk youth
For that reason, she said she wants to help advocate for youths in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties
The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to offer mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes
Bookhout said Hands of Hope seeks to bring together governments, nonprofits and community leaders to work across county lines to provide critical services to residents
The nonprofit started with a food pantry and has grown to provide wraparound services like free mental health counseling, after-school tutoring and adult English classes in Lake, Polk, Osceola and Orange counties.
Now the organization serves thousands of families from its centralized location in Clermont, seeking to empower low-income families.
She said her heart is with the children.
“Being the example out in the community, being able to advocate for what we believe our community needs,” Bookhout said.
Hands of Hopes’ needs assessment, which will be released this month, showed there is a lack of collaborative funding and efforts across county lines, leaving many residents without critical services, Bookhout said.
Pressing concerns across all four counties include major gaps in housing, food security, healthcare, employment services, education and transportation, the assessment revealed.
She and her team of interns discovered public transportation times are limited, and they don’t connect from one county to another.
“Right now, we are calling for collaborative partners to be able to work together to continue to serve the need here in this community,” Bookhout said.
A centralized community center to link families with an after-school program and bigger space for kids also is needed, she said.
Right now, children play in the building’s parking lot.
“There isn’t much for the kids to do, so we have a lot of violence and drug use within our youth in our community, and I think it’s because parents need to work. They have to provide, and so parents are not around when kids get home from school,” said Rose Sterling, a case manager at the nonprofit.
Sterling learned about Hands of Hope’s services through one of its food distribution events.
“We have three boys, and kids weren’t really playing outside. My son is on the autism spectrum, and he was really struggling mentally,” Sterling said. “He needed friends.”
She brought her son to one of the nonprofit’s summer programs, and he immediately started building leadership skills and making friends.
“Being able to give back to not only the community, but the place that gave me so much hope,” Sterling said.
Next steps for Bookhout and the organization include more advocacy for those who need a hand.
Bookhout, who didn’t have a lot of as she was raised by a single mom, said the community’s needs fuel her work.
“Those experiences have truly shaped my passion for serving the community, and it’s something I’ll continue to do as long as I can,” Bookhout said.
To help meet those needs, Bookhout said a unified vision, clear communication and resource sharing is required. She said she and the organization will work to bring together county governments, nonprofits and leaders to meet the needs of the growing population.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
Homeowners and renters with losses from Hurricanes Milton and Helene may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.
What You Need To Know
FEMA announced Tuesday an additional $76 million in aid funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures for Bay area and Central Florida residents
Deadline for Floridians to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton and Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025
And just as the deadline has been extended, FEMA announced Tuesday an additional $76 million in aid funding for debris removal and other emergency protective measures for Bay area and Central Florida residents.
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362.
To date, FEMA Public Assistance has provided $820.9 million for Hurricane Milton, $370.4 million for Hurricane Helene and $102.2 million for Hurricane Debby.
The money reimburses the state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.
The additional funds made available for aid include:
$2,833,717 for the city of Oldsmar for debris removal
$29,176,400 for the city of Tampa for debris removal
$2,907,349 for the city of Holmes Beach for debris removal
$1,038,219 for the city of Bradenton Beach for debris removal
$2,331,111 for the city of Dunedin for debris removal
$2,872,284 for the city of Largo for debris removal
$1,357,200 for the city of Daytona Beach for debris removal
$2,494,914 for Lake County for debris removal
$31,188,560 for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to reimburse the state for its non-congregate sheltering program
If you had damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for both disasters and provide the dates of your damage for each.
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362.
Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Election Day is less than a week away, and there are concerns about keeping mail-in ballots safe. Following incidents of ballot drop box fires in Oregon and Washington and a mishap in Miami-Dade, supervisors of elections across Central Florida say they have plans put in place to keep people’s votes secure. “I treat ballots and votes like money. You don’t want to give it to anyone else. You want to make sure it’s secure,” said Lisa Lewis, Volusia County Supervisor of Elections. “Somebody who has ill intent like that couldn’t get into our offices and pull off those tricks,” said Alan Hays, Lake County Supervisor of Elections.Lewis says the only time people can drop off their mail-in ballots is during their voting hours. “They are manned, and we have someone who stands with them. Then that person stamps them, and they check to make sure people have signed it,” Lewis said. She said the mail-in ballot box is brought in every night. “Our box is kind of small, so we have two cameras on it, as well as someone standing there next to it,” Lewis said. Alan Hays, the Lake County Supervisor of Elections, says his office follows the same protocols. “We never leave voted ballots in a polling place overnight; they are always returned to our office,” said Hays.RELATED: Orange County leaders making historic safety enhancements after ballot box fires around US Florida law mandates that drop boxes at early voting sites be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another way to track your mail-in ballot is by going to your county election’s website. You click on BallotTrax and enter your information. All mail-in ballots are due by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
, Fla. —
Election Day is less than a week away, and there are concerns about keeping mail-in ballots safe.
Following incidents of ballot drop box fires in Oregon and Washington and a mishap in Miami-Dade, supervisors of elections across Central Florida say they have plans put in place to keep people’s votes secure.
“I treat ballots and votes like money. You don’t want to give it to anyone else. You want to make sure it’s secure,” said Lisa Lewis, Volusia County Supervisor of Elections.
“Somebody who has ill intent like that couldn’t get into our offices and pull off those tricks,” said Alan Hays, Lake County Supervisor of Elections.
Lewis says the only time people can drop off their mail-in ballots is during their voting hours.
“They are manned, and we have someone who stands with them. Then that person stamps them, and they check to make sure people have signed it,” Lewis said.
She said the mail-in ballot box is brought in every night.
“Our box is kind of small, so we have two cameras on it, as well as someone standing there next to it,” Lewis said.
Alan Hays, the Lake County Supervisor of Elections, says his office follows the same protocols.
“We never leave voted ballots in a polling place overnight; they are always returned to our office,” said Hays.
The 2024 presidential race is well underway. The general election is coming soon, and voters in Tampa Bay and Central Florida counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Nov. 3 to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Central Florida Early Voting
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
Brevard County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Flagler County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. with offices open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Lake County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will be open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Marion County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Orange County early voting starts Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily.
Osceola County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
Seminole County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Sumter County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Volusia County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Tampa Bay Early Voting
Residents of Tampa Bay looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
Hillsborough County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. Offices are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pinellas County early voting opens Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. with offices open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Pasco County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will be open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Polk County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 3. Offices are open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Manatee County early voting starts Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. daily.
Osceola County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.
Hernando County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices will open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Citrus County early voting begins Oct. 21, and ends Nov. 2. Offices open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, centered on suburban Jefferson County, hasn’t had a Republican in the seat since Bob Beauprez left Congress nearly 20 years ago.
But Sergei Matveyuk, an antiques repairman from Golden and the GOP contender for the seat in the Nov. 5 election, urges voters not to count him out in his battle with incumbent Brittany Pettersen. The first-term Democratic congresswoman is seeking reelection.
“People are hurting economically,” Matveyuk, 57, told The Denver Post. “They want someone who feels the pain.”
He’s running in a once-battleground district that has turned decidedly blue in the last decade or so, with Democratic former Rep. Ed Perlmutter winning election eight times running, until his retirement announcement in 2022 ushered in an open race.
Pettersen, 42, a former state lawmaker from Lakewood, won the 2022 election by 16 percentage points over Republican Army veteran Erik Aadland. The bulk of the district’s electorate calls left-leaning Jefferson and Broomfield counties home, while redder areas in the district — such as Teller, Custer and Fremont counties — simply don’t have the populations to give Matveyuk a sizable boost.
As of Sept. 30, Pettersen had raised more than $2.2 million this cycle, compared to about $35,000 collected by Matveyuk, according to campaign finance filings. There are two minor party candidates on the ballot this time: Former state lawmaker Ron Tupa is running on the Unity Party of Colorado ticket, while Patrick Bohan is running as the Libertarian candidate.
Matveyuk, a political neophyte, said that as a small business owner, the historically high inflation of the last two years has hurt those like him who are particularly sensitive to escalating prices. But it’s his personal story that he thinks will resonate with voters in the current political climate, in which border policy has taken center stage. Matveyuk, who is of Polish descent, and his family left the Soviet Bloc in the late 1980s after experiencing life under communist rule and immigrated to the United States.
“As an immigrant myself, I know how hard it is to start a new life — but it has to be legal,” he said.
Matveyuk doesn’t echo former President Donald Trump’s calls for mass deportations but says migrants who “are hurting our people and committing crimes need to be deported, for sure.”
“We need immigration reform — 40 years ago we had a regulated border and now we have a porous border,” he said.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data through August, there have been more than 8.6 million migrant “encounters” at the southern U.S. border since President Joe Biden took office in 2021. That influx has prompted many big city mayors across the country, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, to cut city services to pay for migrant housing and plead for help from the federal government.
Pettersen acknowledged that the U.S. asylum system is “absolutely outdated.” But many of the arriving migrants are filling jobs that businesses in the district, like nursing homes, are desperate to staff, she said.
Making people wait years before getting work permits is an unworkable policy, Pettersen said.
“We don’t have the people in the U.S. to meet our economic needs,” she said. “We need legal pathways based on economic need.”
Though Pettersen is in the minority party in the U.S. House, a bill she sponsored was recently signed into law by Biden. It directs the federal government to study and report on illicit financing associated with synthetic drug trafficking.
Last month, she introduced a bill that seeks to incentivize more states to offer substance use treatment through Medicaid, six years after she sponsored a bill in the state House requiring Colorado to provide that care. Pettersen has often spoken publicly of the struggles her mother faced battling opioid addiction.
If reelected, she said in The Denver Post’s candidate questionnaire that she would work to protect abortion rights and to address the opioid epidemic. Her top priority would be “modernizing our tax code to rebuild the middle class.”
“We need to lower costs by reinvesting in access to affordable housing, childcare, health care, and higher education,” she wrote.
FLORIDA — Hurricane Milton is expected to approach from the southwest Wednesday, potentially making landfall somewhere close to Tampa Bay or Sarasota late Wednesday night.
Our worst impacts locally will be felt from 7 p.m. Wednesday into Thursday morning, but timing will adjust with the movement of Milton.
Our Spectrum News 13 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
FLORIDA — Applications for Federal Financial Assistance are now open. If your home or business has been damaged by Hurricane Milton, you are now able to apply for help from FEMA.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – With 16,000 resources and many crews working day and night, Duke Energy Florida has released estimated times of restoration for customers impacted by Hurricane Milton.
While some customers will have their power restored earlier than others, the majority of affected homes and businesses are expected to be restored by the following days/times:
Sunday, Oct. 13 by 11:59 p.m. / Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties
Tuesday, Oct. 15 by 11:59 p.m. / Pasco and Pinellas Counties
“We want to alleviate our customers’ concerns and reassure them that they’ll have their power back on within days – not weeks,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “We thank our team for their hard work and commitment to meeting these estimated times of restoration, our local officials and first responders for their support and our customers for their continued patience.”
Customers can report power outages four different ways:
Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play).
Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.
Additionally, customers who cannot receive power as a result of damage to the property’s meter base, breaker panel or customer-owned electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance. Inspections may be required after repairs are complete.
The most up-to-date information about power outages can be accessed on Duke Energy’s Outage Map or by enrolling in Outage Alerts.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Milton is expected to bring wind and rain to Central Florida and that will likely cause delays and cancellations at area airports.
Orlando International Airport announced Monday afternoon that the airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning in advance of Hurricane Milton.
Operational Update/3 – Hurricane Milton Our airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning, in advance of Hurricane Milton. This move was made in coordination with our partners. We will resume commercial operations as soon as it is safe. ➡️ https://t.co/VAiO6KFJfYpic.twitter.com/3VwhV4MVvm
Many Floridians are preparing for Milton, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.
With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:
Has Fuel & Power
Has No Power
Limited Fuel Options
Has No Fuel & Power
Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.
