ReportWire

Tag: local-politics

  • Report: Almost half of statewide storm insurance claims have been denied

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Driving around the Bay area coast, it’s clear last year’s hurricanes wreaked havoc, causing billions of dollars in damage.

    Now, there’s a better way to understand the magnitude of the damage.


    New numbers show more than 329,000 statewide residential property insurance claims since the storms.

    But those same numbers indicate less than half those claims have been paid out, per the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR).

    According to a Realtor.com report, 42% of the claims have been paid. But more than 40% were denied, indicating it was either something the policy did not cover, or the damage fell below the deductible.

    As for the claims still open, 7% of them are still in the evaluation process, according to state regulators.

    Overall, according to FLOIR, residential property insurance policies have paid out $2.4 billion in claims related to Milton, and $500 million for Helene.

    Excluding federal flood insurance, total payments for the two hurricanes in Florida during 2024, including commercial and auto policies, have topped $5.7 billion.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Proposal to address dentist shortage in Florida faces mixed reaction

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Florida is facing a shortage of dentists with 65 of the 67 counties designated as dental deserts – where there are too few dentists to meet the needs of the public.

    Some Florida lawmakers are proposing new legislation that might address the shortage by using dental therapists.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida is facing a shortage of dentists with 65 of the 67 counties designated as dental deserts

    • Some Florida lawmakers are proposing new legislation that would establish a dental therapist certification – which can be achieved in three years

    • These dental therapists would be licensed to do basic dental work like filling cavities and basic tooth extraction


    The legislation would establish a dental therapist certification – which can be achieved in three years – compared to 8 years of study to become a dentist. These dental therapists would be licensed to do basic dental work like filling cavities and basic tooth extraction.

    Frank Catalanotto is the President of Floridians for Dental Access. He says therapists would be employed at dental practices, dealing with routine dental work while more complex procedures would be performed by a dentist.

    “They have exactly the same qualifications as dentists do but for a limited scope of procedures,” Catalanotto said.

    He says dental therapists could help to cut down on the shortage of dentists.

    “We are convinced that all the data says that dental therapists are high quality, they provide safe care and they provide cost effective care,” he said.

    Some dentists say it’s the wrong approach.

    Dr. Zack Kalarickal, who has been a dentist for 25 years and runs Wesley Chapel Dentistry, says the focus should be on expanding training for dental hygienists and dental assistants.

    “Why not invest the money in those programs and make it easier for students who participate in those programs instead of creating another model that doesn’t have any track record of being successful anywhere,” he said.

    He is concerned that dental therapists would lack proper experience to participate in irreversible surgeries like a tooth extraction.

    Matching bills in the Florida House (CS/HB 21) and Florida Senate (SB 82) are pushing for dental therapists.

    One just passed 14-1 in the House Health Professionals and Programs subcommittee.

    Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article stated an incorrect number of counties in Florida. This has been corrected.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Sheriffs Judd, Gualtieri appointed to new state immigration council

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Two familiar Bay area faces will help lead the newly formed State Board of Immigration Enforcement Council.

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri were appointed to those roles on Monday.

    According to Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the sheriffs will meet with law enforcement officials across the state. They will coordinate with the Trump administration to help carry out federal immigration enforcement.

    Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell also were appointed to the council.

    The sheriffs will serve in an advisory role on immigration and report to the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bartow lawmakers hosting community forum on fluoride

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

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


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

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

    Most toothpastes and mouthwashes already contain fluoride.

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

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

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

    An effort to remove it in Hillsborough County recently failed.

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

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    Jason Lanning

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  • New ‘Boater Freedom Initiative’ would end vessel safety inspections

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    HOLIDAY, Fla. — A new proposal is making waves when it comes to boating in the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced the Boater Freedom Initiative earlier this week

    • Part of the proposal looks to end random vessel safety inspections without probable cause
    • The proposal would also prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources
    • Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    It’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Boater Freedom Initiative announced earlier this week. Part of that effort includes an end to random vessel safety inspections without probable cause.

    One local marina is taking a dive into the potential impact these proposals could have on the boating industry.

    Resting at the mouth of the Anclote River sits the Anclote Village Marina.

    Recently reopened after back-to-back hurricanes, marina staff are on standby, like general manager Noah Rouse, ready to welcome back visitors to the water.

    “It can be a pretty big inconvenience when you’re trying to get out on the water for the day and you’ve made sure you’ve done everything right and now you’ve got to stop and prove to someone that you have,” said Rouse.

    But that may be changing, after DeSantis announced what he calls a Boater Freedom Initiative this week. Part of that effort would eliminate law enforcement use of safety inspection as a probable cause to pull over a boater.

    “It really seems no different from what we’ve got going on out on the roadways,” said Rouse. “If we don’t have a reasonable reason for a stop, then there shouldn’t be one implied. Obviously, people have the freedom to travel along the waterways as they please and if they’re not doing anything that is against written law, I don’t think there should be any reason for a stop.”

    The proposal would also prevent bans on gas-powered boats.

    “They are pushing the battery-powered and operated boats pretty heavily,” Rouse said. “Not everyone should have to go eco-friendly, which we do understand. We all love the environment, just as everyone else. We’ve got people fishing every day and if the fish are dying, then we won’t have any fish to catch.”

    While the bill may not have a direct impact on his marina’s day-to-day operations, Rouse says he believes it will improve boating experiences.

    “Obviously, if someone is doing something they shouldn’t be, they need to be addressed by the FWC. But if we’re out there complying with the law, I think everyone should be able to have a good time,” he said.

    Ensuring a more relaxed time out on the water.

    Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that the boater is maintaining proper safety requirements.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Insurance, repairs and market slump driving some condo owners to the brink

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The 2021 Surfside Condo collapse spurred the Florida legislature into action, in an effort to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

    Laws passed have increased scrutiny on maintenance and forced residents to make much larger financial commitments to reserve funds, so that condo associations can make repairs when needed.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida condo market is in a massive slump 

    • Condo regulations are driving up costs for many owners 

    • Condo unit owner Ronni Drimmer’s building is covered by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance; she says its threatened cancelation unless the building got a new roof and the cost per resident will drive some owners out

    However, there is a growing concern among condo owners that the legislation has led to an unsustainable increase in costs, even to the point of being priced out of their homes.

    Ronni Drimmer, a condo owner in Clearwater, has lived in her home for 20 years.

    “I do like living here because I have a lot of friends,” Drimmer said.

    She is retired and supposed to be enjoying retirement, but she says that is getting harder. Insurance rates continue to rise for the 55-plus community she lives in.

    “We were with citizens, because they were the only ones that would take us,” she said. “I was originally told that it was because we were an older building.”

    After the 2021 Surfside building collapse, the state legislature passed multiple laws aimed at improving the safety of condo buildings. One law added regulations on how much a condo association must keep in reserve to fund future repairs.

    Drimmer is president of her condo association and said those regulations have and will continue to lead to climbing costs for condo owners.

    “My maintenance would have gone up immediately to about $850 a month from $500 a month and then go up every year,” Drimmer said.

    She said recent building inspections found no structural issues, but maintenance fees are expected to increase by a third next year along with a spike in insurance rates and a recent $500,000 special assessment to replace the roof. Her portion of the assessment alone cost $7,200. She said it’s tough when you are on a fixed income.

    “I worked all my life,” she said. “I had my own small business, and I put away money. I have retirement money, that’s it, I have no way to make income.”

    Drimmer’s building is covered by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance and she says it threatened cancelation unless the building got a new roof and the cost per resident will drive some owners out.

    According to Florida Realtors, condo and townhouse listings are up 65 percent in the past year, and sales have slumped 20 percent.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • New changes to Manatee County school speed zone cameras

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Voting to enforce school zone speed limits at the beginning and end of every school day, instead of all day long, Manatee County commissioners have agreed to reduce the length of the time that drivers can be ticketed for speeding in a school zone.

    What You Need To Know

    • The speed detection cameras will only be on at the beginning and very end of the school day this new policy went into effect Wednesday, February 5
    • Drivers will still be fined $100 if they go 10 miles over  the limit

    • Manatee commissioners also approved a universal 20 mph school zone speed limit that has not gone into effect until a date is given by the county

    • According to county officials, residents will still have to pay existing speeding tickets 

    “Right now, I’m looking at $300 dollars,” Liz Gabrick said, who received three citations in 24 hours last month.

    She said it was in the middle of the day, and the school zone lights were not flashing.

    “They said that the school zone speed limit is 30, and one I was going 40, another 44, and one at 46,” she said.

    And it’s left a negative impact.

    “Is it going to hurt my pocketbook? You bet it is. I’ve spent sleepless nights, a lot of time, and went to the commissioners’ meeting,” she said. “And if I try to fight this in court, it’s thousands of dollars and time off work. It’s a hardship.”

    It’s a hardship that other residents can speak to as well, which is why commissioners changed the school zone policy after receiving several complaints from residents about receiving tickets.

    Manatee County Commissioner Bob McCann said the overall idea is to protect school children, not punish speeders.

    “We got rid of the red light cameras for that purpose,” he said. “We aren’t there to monitor or change behavior. What we are there for is to protect the child’s safety during a school zone, period.”

    The Manatee County Board of Commissioners voted to enforce school zone violations for a one-hour period — 30 minutes before the first bell, and 30 minutes after the last bell. County officials also voted to enforce a universal 20 mph school zone speed limit, rather than varying speeds at different schools. 

    They were all moves that Gabrick said she agreed with.

    “I’m the first one to believe in child safety, but be transparent with us,” she said.

    Driving on Linger Lodge Road East, where Gabrick was ticketed while driving past Tara Elementary School, she said one big issue is the lack of a speed limit sign when driving from Tara Preserve Lane to Linger Lodge Road East.

    “What I don’t like about driving through there is if there was such a concern about speeding through the school zone, there should have been a speed limit sign there,” she said.

    Many residents have asked if they still have to pay for the tickets they received before the new rule change on the Feb. 4. The simple answer from the county is: Yes, drivers still have to pay for existing tickets.

    As for the universal 20 mph school zone speed limit, the county did approve it, but there is no set date when that will go into effect.

    Manatee County officials addressed the issue in a statement:

    “At this time, a specific date has not been determined; however, staff will begin developing a plan for the fabrication and installation of the new signage. Additional details will be shared with the community as they become available.

    Individuals who received a School Speed Zone Camera Notice of Violation (NOV) prior to the policy change approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners on February 4 are still required to pay the assigned penalty. For any questions regarding an NOV, please contact the Public Safety Department at code.enforcement@mymanatee.org or call Red Speed customer service at 888-213-0715.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Polk County leaders put new road closure regulations in place

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Extended road closures are no longer allowed in Polk County without approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County staff originally granted a developer  220 days to close West Lake Marion Road for the construction of a roundabout

    • They later shortened the closure to 113 days following criticism from county commissioners and residents

    • Commissioners voted to block the closure on Tuesday, so the developer will need to present an alternate proposal


    Commissioners adopted the resolution Tuesday after county staff granted a developer 220 days to close West Lake Marion Road for the construction of a roundabout at the entrance of a new subdivision.

    They later shortened the closure to 113 days following criticism. However, residents and commissioners were still displeased.

    Yakeline Pottle lives across the street from the planned 425-home Groves at Grenelefe subdivision. She says her family moved to the area in 2010 for a quiet place to enjoy wildlife, but on Friday, she fought back tears as she shared how much had changed.

    “I saw so many deer, turkeys running from this thing (construction),” she said. “They scared them away. That killed our hearts.”

    Pottle said the construction is also damaging her health. She says she can no longer step outside without the air quality affecting her asthma.

    “I have to get more medicine in my body because, look, you don’t see? There’s smoke every day,” she said. “And the dust and everything never happened. We were happy the way we were.”

    Thankfully, Pottle says she no longer has to worry about a lengthy road closure — one that would have made her life harder to navigate.

    “How would we go to work? What time would I have to leave? Like 11 o’clock? How are we going to avoid the detours?” she said.

    This is why Polk County Commissioner Michael Scott said officials unanimously blocked SHD Properties’ plan to build a roundabout and implemented a resolution requiring that closures longer than five days be approved by the commission.

    “The residents did not like the fact of not having a voice in a road closure that would impact their neighborhood, and this certainly gives them that ability,” Scott said. “Because, if it comes before the board, it allows residents or business owners to come and likely be heard.”

    Now, SHD Properties will need to present an alternate proposal for the subdivision’s entrance. One Scott said would have to be completed in a reasonable amount of time and with fewer detours.

    “There are alternatives to roundabouts. Roundabouts aren’t the only type of intersection improvement,” he said. “There are certainly a number of different ways to approach it from a project satisfaction perspective, to meet the requirements of regulating traffic flow and making it a safe intersection.”

    Pottle agrees with the commissioner. However, she said there’s only one alternative she would like to see.

    “I’d be happier if they stopped the construction,” she said.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Following contractor default, once-abandoned Pasco fire station nears completion

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — After nearly four years of delays and complications, Pasco County Fire Rescue’s state-of-the-art Station 17 on Seven Springs Boulevard is preparing to open.

    According to Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, the new fire station is expected to become operational in January.

    When the groundbreaking took place in June of 2021, it was estimated to take nine months to complete. In the meantime, many firefighters were relocated to different stations and some have been sleeping in dorms while they wait for the new construction to finish.

    Fire officials and county representatives said upon completion, it would be one of the largest and best fire stations in the area. The new construction is two stories, has four large bays, a sleeping quarters and is over 18,000 square feet.

    The structure is also designed to have unique warm and cold zones which aim to reduce firefighter cancer rates.

    When the station was about 75% complete, construction came to an abrupt stop. Weeds started to overtake the partially-done building and people were using the bays and open doors as camping spots. The ground became littered with trash, leaving residents who live nearby to wonder what happened.

    “It was just sitting there. It was an eyesore…and we were just wondering what is going on?” said Shirley Beltz, who lives in a 55+ community just across the street.

    Beltz and many of her neighbors in Veterans Villas missed having their first responders just yards away.

    “I felt very comfortable with them being like right across the street,” Beltz said. “We have a lot of elderly people in here so minutes is valuable to us when we get sick.”

    According to a spokesperson with Pasco County government, the original contractor defaulted on the project. Signs on the property back in November 2023 show the contractor was Orlando-based R L Burns.

    Blackwater Construction then bid on the proposal to take over the work, but the process of picking the construction back up wasn’t quick.

    In early 2024, neighbors were excited to see work beginning once again. Now headed in to 2025, the building appears to be almost completed.

    Pasco County has not yet announced a formal opening date.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Recapping the Top 10 General Election races to watch in Tampa Bay

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s Election Day races have been called, and we followed a number of them locally, statewide and nationally. 

    Spectrum News will continue to have coverage and analysis of all the local races. 

    Get the latest election results for the Tampa Bay area.

    Florida Senate

    Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott easily defeated former Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to win a second term Tuesday, and he will now look toward running for Senate leadership.

    In the race, Sen. Rick Scott had raised nearly $30 million from 2019 through October 2024, according to the most recent campaign filing released October 15. Comparatively, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell earned just over $25 million from 2017 through October 2024. 

    Scott easily cleared a primary challenge, earning 84.4% of the vote against challenger Keith Gross. Mucarsel-Powell’s primary race was closer, but not enough to make the race a nailbiter. She earned 68.6% over three other Democratic contenders. 

    The race centered on several key issues, including the economy, immigration, and abortion, a key issue in the state due to the Constitutional Amendment also on the ballot Tuesday.

     


     


     

    ABOVE: Our Election Night analysts discuss Rick Scott’s victory.

    Florida Amendment 3 – Legalize Marijuana

    FAILED: Legalize recreational marijuana use

    Amendment 3 fell short of the 60% required to become part of the constitution, so recreational marijuana will remain illegal in Florida.

    Medicinal use of marijuana is already legal in Florida.

    Under the amendment, people 21 and older would have been legally allowed to possess three ounces of marijuana at a time.

    Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would have been authorized to sell the marijuana. The state would’ve controlled the process of licensing other entities to cultivate, process and sell marijuana.

    Supporters believed marijuana does not need to be outlawed like other substances, would allow law enforcement to focus on stopping more deadly drug use and create an additional tax base for Florida.

    Opponents argued legalizing marijuana might create a smell in public, hurt quality of life and unfairly benefit certain corporations.

    Florida Amendment 4 – Right to Abortion Initiative 

    FAILED: Protect abortion rights up to “viability”

    Voters defeated a measure to add abortion rights to the Florida state constitution on Tuesday

    Most voters supported the Florida measure, but it fell short of the required 60% to pass constitutional amendments in the state.

    The result was a political win for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that will keep in place the state’s ban on most abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy.

    If the amendment passed, it would have protected access to abortion up to “viability.”

    Viability is not defined in the amendment, though most doctors suggest it would’ve been the 23-24 week mark.

    Supporters believed the Florida legislature went too far with its six-week abortion ban, and that the government should not be involved with these decisions.

    Opponents argued the amendment is misleading, too vague and the life of the fetus should be protected.


    U.S. House District 13 

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna won the race for Florida’s 13th congressional district, defeating Democratic challenger Whitney Fox.

    Democratic challenger Whitney Fox won her party primary in August, beating out four challengers with 58.1% of the vote at the time. 

    In terms of fundraising, Luna raised over $3 million  by the October 15 filing deadline. In comparison, Fox raised just under $3 million.

    Luna first won the seat in 2022, after defeating Democratic challenger Eric Lynn with 53% of the vote. The seat was previously held by former Gov.. Charlie Crist.

    U.S. House District 15

    Rep. Laurel Lee won reelection in District 15 Tuesday, defeating Democratic challenger Pat Kemp.

    Lee won her party primary in August, beating out two other challengers with 72.3% of the vote at the time. 

    In terms of fundraising, Lee had raised over $2 million by the October 16 filing deadline, and spent $1.3 million of that. In comparison, Kemp raised just under $500,000 and spent $285,000.

    The seat is currently held by Lee, who held the seat since 2022. The seat was held by Republican Rep. Scott Frankllin before that.

    Hillsborough State Attorney

    Suzy Lopez will retain her State Attorney seat, defeating former State Attorney Andrew Warren. 

    Lopez was appointed to the role after Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Warren from office in 2022.

    Warren has released a statement after it appeared he would lose his race to Republican Suzy Lopez. Warren said that the best side doesn’t always win, and pointed to his suspension by Gov. Ron DeSantis after he was previously elected twice.

    “I’m proud of the race we ran,” Warren said in a statement. “The best candidate doesn’t always win, especially when the other side cheats — illegally suspending you, then spending millions of dollars lying about you.”

    In a bid to win his job back in November, Andrew Warren won his Democratic primary for Hillsborough County State Attorney. 

    Hillsborough County Referendum 1

    County voters approved this referendum to renew the current half-cent Community Investment sales tax from December 1, 2026, through December 31, 2041, which will fund infrastructure for transportation, public safety, public works, public facilities, and schools. Revenue from the tax will be shared between the county, municipal governments, and the school board. 

    Hillsborough County Referendum 2

    Voters approved this referendum to authorize the Hillsborough County School District to create an ad valorem tax to fund teacher and staff salaries, as well as academic programs. Funds will also be used for charter schools. If approved, this tax will last until June 30, 2029.

    Florida Amendment 1 – Partisan School Board Elections

    Failed: Would have made school board races partisan

    Voters shot down Amendment 1, deciding by a margin of 54 percent to 45 percent that school board candidates will not run with party affiliation.

    Currently, a candidate for school board in Florida does not have to say whether they are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, nor does party affiliation appear next to their name on the ballot.

    Florida Amendment 2 – Right to Fish and Hunt

    Pass: Enshrine a right to hunt/fish in Florida’s constitution

    Voters passed Amendment 2, meaning hunting and fishing would be preserved in the state’s constitution and stand as a blocker to any future challenges to hunting and fishing.

    Supporters believe that’s valuable. Opponents argue it’s unnecessary and might hinder attempts to protect animals from barbaric forms of hunting or fishing.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Early voting turnout numbers across Central Florida

    Early voting turnout numbers across Central Florida

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Florida

    UPDATED 12:00 AM ET Nov. 04, 2024
    PUBLISHED 10:39 AM ET Oct. 22, 2024
    PUBLISHED 10:39 AM EDT Oct. 22, 2024

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • IVF’s impact on voters ahead of election

    IVF’s impact on voters ahead of election

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    TAMPA, Fla. — There are many issues this election cycle that voters are paying attention to.

    For some voters like Allison Freeman, one of the most important is in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    What You Need To Know

    • Allison Freeman struggled to get pregnant before having her daughter  

    • An attorney who works with those going through IVF, Freeman said her clients worry about the safety of their embryos

    • 1 in 8 couples have infertility issues and can’t have children naturally, according to IVF treatment specialist Dr. Daniel Duffy


    Becoming a mom was not an easy journey for Freeman, but after years of struggle, it was thanks to IVF that she was able to have her daughter.

    “I remember seeing how strong the heartbeat was on the ultrasound and thinking, my gosh, this worked,” she said.  

    It’s been five years since Freeman gave birth, but Freeman’s journey with IVF didn’t end after her daughter was born.

    As an attorney, she began working with clients who were going through IVF treatments.

    Even as a lawyer herself, she says there were times she wishes she had her own legal help during her treatments.

    “There are so many times I would stay up at night and be like, why can’t I get pregnant?” Freeman said. “Why am I having to use IVF? This is exhausting. It’s a lot. And one day I was like, maybe this is why I went through IVF, and I happened to be a lawyer, so that I could help other people on their journeys.” 

    This election cycle, IVF has garnered a lot of attention.

    Earlier this year, the Alabama State Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children and those who destroy them can be held liable.

    This led to multiple IVF providers in Alabama temporarily pausing services.

    Both presidential candidates have since voiced support for IVF, but some of Freeman’s clients raised concerns about the safety of their embryos.  

    “I’ve had clients reach out and say, ‘Hey, I’m in this state or that state,’” she said. “’Should I be moving my embryos to a different state? Should I be seeking a clinic that’s in another state?’ And those are thoughts they never had before.”

    Freeman doesn’t consider herself a one-issue voter, but her connection to IVF means she’s keeping that issue in mind when she votes this year.

    Dr. Daniel Duffy, who specializes in IVF treatment, said around 1 in 8 couples have infertility issues and can’t have children naturally.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

    St. Pete temporarily waives utility late fees in wake of hurricanes

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch on Friday announced a temporary waiver of late fees and notice fees for utility accounts in the wake of the recent hurricanes.

    He also announced a temporary suspension of water meter lock-offs caused by non-payment.

    The suspension of fees will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024, though the city said that date could change.

    Additionally, lien filings and business tax late fees have been suspended temporarily.

    City leaders said the goal of the decisions was to help residents recover from Helene and Milton.

    “The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has caused a variety of challenges to citizens and businesses citywide,” said Mayor Welch. “When the city is able to do so, we strive to lessen the economic hardship facing our utility customers.

    “Waiving late fees and suspending water meter lock-offs for those unable to make timely payments on their utility bills is one way we can provide financial relief during this difficult time,” he said.

    According to a news release from the city:

    • The waiver of fees and lock-offs applies to any utility bill for which payment is due on or after Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
    • If able, utility customers are encouraged to continue paying their bills to prevent their accounts from falling behind.
    • Utility customers having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call the Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341 to make payment arrangements. The Utility Customer Service Call Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pinellas County down 12 polling places for election day

    Pinellas County down 12 polling places for election day

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    LARGO, Fla. — Election day is right around the corner, but in Pinellas County depending on where residents live, they may be voting in a different building.

    What You Need To Know

    • Recent hurricanes damaged polling locations in Pinellas County

    • There were originally meant to be 168 polling places in Pinellas County, now there is 156

    • The supervisor of elections has contacted voters affected by the change in polling place locations


    According to the Supervisor of Elections in Pinellas County Julie Marcus, there will be 12 fewer polling places on election day than planned due to the recent hurricanes.

    County officials shared a statement that said:

    “The Supervisor of Elections has made extensive efforts to ensure voters are well-informed about polling place changes. We sent polling place change notices to all affected voters. Additionally, we are publishing updates in the newspaper and on our website.”

    Democrat and Republican organizations in Pinellas County are reaching out to affected voters as well.

    “This is a … unprecedented event here in Pinellas County and our hearts go out to them,” Pinellas Republican Chair Adam Ross said. “But also at the same time, we know they want to vote. So, of course, we’re going to do our job to give them information on how and where to vote.”

    From texting to phone calls, everyone is going about making people aware of the changes slightly differently, but the ultimate goal is to make sure voters know that can still vote without issue.

    “Some of them are very large locations like Lake Vista in South St. Pete.” Democratic Chair Jennifer Griffith said. “That’s one of our primary locations and that has been moved to Boyd Hill Hammock Hall. So I would really like people who know that area to know because that is typically one of Pinellas’ busiest polling locations.”

    All these groups are planning to continue the push out to affected voters, but there are other ways to vote such as early voting which is underway across Florida.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Orange County launches interactive polling wait time map

    Orange County launches interactive polling wait time map

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County continues its trend with historic early voting numbers, with some 95,000 people casting ballots over the past four days.

    Another 87,000 voters have done the same by mail.

    At a press conference on Friday, the county announced some enhancements to early voting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean says his office has launched an interactive map that gives the wait times, in real time, at 22 polling locations

    • Plans are underway to expand voting locations and will be posted on the Supervisor of Elections website
    • Get voting information with our guide

    • View the interactive map below


    Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean says his office has launched an interactive map that gives the wait times, in real time, at 22 polling locations.

    This way, voters can decide on where they want to vote depending on lines.

    Officials say voters should have wait times no longer than 15 – 30 minutes when going to vote.

    There have been some polling locations where voters had to wait an hour-and-a-half to cast their ballot, and the county wants to prevent that as Election Day draws near. Plans are underway to expand voting locations.

    “We have seen an unprecedented amount of turnout over the past four days,” said Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean. “And my office, I’m using the powers under the executive order to expand multiple sites across Orange County.”

    Those 10 new sites are expected to be announced soon and will be posted on the Supervisor of Elections website.

    View the interactive map below:

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pumps installed to help with flooding near Lake Bonny

    Pumps installed to help with flooding near Lake Bonny

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installed pumps in Lake Bonny Wednesday to help ease flooding in nearby neighborhoods.

    Homes in the area were still underwater two weeks after Hurricane Milton dropped massive amounts of rain on the area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pumps installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are meant to move water from Lake Bonny to a tributary of the Peace River

    • The goal is to reduce flooding to neighborhoods near Lake Bonny, where some homes were still underwater as of Wednesday

    • One resident said he’ll be happy to see water levels drop, but noted the move was too little, too late for some people whose homes were badly damaged

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘We have nowhere to live’: Lake Bonny residents voice frustrations over flooding


    “Purpose for this is to lower the lake so that the water that’s currently impacting the community will recede back into Lake Bonny and take those water levels down to where they can begin their recovery process,” said Major Matthew Westcott, deputy commander of the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    Westcott said the corps received a call Tuesday from the Southwest Florida Water Management District asking for help in the area. He said pumps will move water from the lake to a tributary of the Peace River about 9,000 ft. away.

    “There’s a lot of water here to move. I brought the biggest pumps that I have on stock here. That should be enough to start moving that water as quickly as possible,” Westcott said.

    “It’s a huge relief to be able to do something as drastic as necessary,” said Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, who came out to watch corps members work Wednesday afternoon. 

    Mutz said the effort was made possible through collaboration among city departments and other partners, including City Manager Shawn Sherrouse, Public Works Director Heath Frederick and his team, and Florida Rep. Jennifer Canady.

    “What we have happening here is a solution that everybody’s weighed in on and says, ‘This can happen. This can work, and we can not threaten something else downstream,’” Mutz said.

    For some impacted by the flooding, the arrival of the pumps brought up mixed emotions.

    “I’m grateful for the response that the city did make. However, the other side of me standing in front of my house that’s still sitting in water — we’re on day number 13 here, okay? And I’m sorry, but too little, too late,” said Chad Smith.

    Smith and his wife, Pamela, told Spectrum News Milton left their home near Lake Bonny uninhabitable, filled with flood water and sewage. They were among the residents who pleaded for help from leaders at a city commission meeting Monday. 

    “There are no words to verbalize to your friends, family and loved ones to say exactly how it’s like,” Smith said.

    He said his family found out Wednesday their homeowners insurance claim was denied. They don’t have flood insurance, and Smith said he’s not sure what comes next.

    “I got that woman right there and that daughter right there that I have to provide for,” he said, gesturing to his family. “I have to be the man of the house and say, ‘Look, it’s horrible circumstances, horrible situations, but I need to find a way to find a home for my family and figure out how to rebuild this one.’”

    The Smiths said they’re also frustrated the city didn’t respond sooner to concerns about an emergency pump in the area. Commissioners previously told Spectrum News a pump moving water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker was working, just not as effectively as needed. Going forward, Smith said he’d like to see the city come up with a more solid solution for flooding and make other changes to help neighbors.

    “How about we let the citizens know that topographically, you are going to flood in a catastrophic event? And that means you should carry flood insurance and you should be in a flood plain,” Smith said. “If we would have known that as citizens, we would have been better prepared for this tragedy.”

    Westcott said residents should begin to see results from the pumps on Thursday or Friday.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Flood policy exclusion surprises many multistory homeowners

    Flood policy exclusion surprises many multistory homeowners

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — Many multistory homeowners whose lower level was flooded by Hurricane Helene have been caught off guard when they learn most of their damage is not covered in a standard flood policy, according to the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate.

    What You Need To Know

    • A standard flood policy doesn’t cover much damage on the lower level of a multistory home

    • Many multistory homeowners whose lower level was flooded by Hurricane Helene have been surprised by the exclusion  

    • Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate recommends reviewing your policy to understand what’s included and excluded

    • Homeowners who have damage which is not covered should contact FEMA and consider applying for an SBA loan


    “That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you are reviewing your policy and you understand what’s included and what’s excluded,” said Tasha Carter, Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate. “So that you are fully informed and protected as much as you possibly can be.” 

    St. Pete Beach resident Phil Smithies said Helene surged more than three feet of seawater into his garage, damaging drywall, five doors, a staircase and a freezer. Smithies said he has paid his Wright Flood policy for 35 years and recently learned not much was covered when he filed his first claim.

    “There’s virtually nothing except for the ‘mucking out’ that they call it, which is like sanitizing and a freezer. That’s it,” he said. “It’s all out of pocket, which I’m on Social Security these days.”

    Smithies said he’s fighting to get his staircase covered and admits he did not read the fine print on his policy.

    “My declaration page is what I went by and I thought I was covered… I may be dumb, but these guys (neighbors) are all the same,” he said. “I’ve spoken to dozens of people in the last three weeks, and nobody has heard about this multistory-single story thing.”

    That includes Al Johnson, the former mayor of St. Pete Beach, who has read many legal documents during his six years in office. Johnson said he had 29 inches of seawater inside his garage and also learned much of the damage will not be covered.

    “I’ve been told that they won’t cover any drywall and the only thing they say they’ll cover is the what they call ‘mucking out’ of the garage,” he said. “I think they should cover, at least enclosing your access to your home, which I always thought they did.”

    Johnson said because his living quarters are on the second floor, he does pay a lower rate than single story homeowners. Still, in his community, he said there’s 55 townhomes with garages and all the owners were surprised by the flood policy exclusion.

    “It’s the old fine print routine. I think there ought to be some sort of a better disclosure because you ought to be able to cover the stuff you’d normally have in your garage,” he said. “Give me bullets here. This is covered, this is covered, this is not and maybe throw some options together as to what you can add to it if you need to.”

    Carter said oftentimes homeowners don’t know what’s covered under their insurance policy and what’s excluded until they file a claim. Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate recommends homeowners should contact FEMA who have damage which is not covered and consider a low interest loan from the Small Businesses Administration.

    “For homeowners who have insurance and your insurance is not going to cover the extent of your damage, you may have an option to contact FEMA to request additional financial assistance through disasterassistance.gov,” she said. “If you are not eligible to obtain assistance directly through FEMA, you may be eligible to obtain financial assistance through the Small Business Administration.”

    The SBA loan program offers a 30-year term interest rate for as low as 4 percent for small businesses and as low as 2.8 percent for homeowners and renters. Last week, the Biden-Harris administration added a new incentive for Helene and Milton storm victims, which includes up to 12 months of zero interest and no payments.

    Smithies said he’s reviewing all of his options, but if he’s forced to take out a loan, it will be tough to pay back on a fixed income.

    “It’s extremely worrying at my age,” he said. “Payments now not good.”

    Smithies predicts the exclusion in the flood policy will force some seniors out of their homes and said he knows of one lady who’s leaving.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Early voting turnout numbers across Tampa Bay

    Early voting turnout numbers across Tampa Bay

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    Voters have until Sunday, Nov. 3, to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Walz to rally with Obama in Madison next week

    Walz to rally with Obama in Madison next week

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    MADISON, Wis. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will quickly return to the Badger State next Tuesday, Oct. 22 after visiting the state this last Monday, according to the Harris Campaign.

    He’ll be joined by former President Barack Obama for a rally in Madison at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. In the evening, Walz will also travel by himself to Racine and deliver remarks at a rally around 6:45 p.m.

    The visit coincides with the start of early voting in Wisconsin. The purpose of the visit will be to encourage voters to cast their ballot early for Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz, as well as other Democrats, according to the campaign.

    It will be Walz’s sixth visit to Wisconsin.

    Obama is the only presidential candidate in the past six elections who has won Wisconsin by more than a percentage point.

    On the day before the 2012 election, Obama held a rally in Madison that attracted about 18,000 people. Another Obama rally in October of that year drew about 30,000 people.

    Officials did not share any further details on the visit. 

    This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • N.C. campuses educating young people about voting

    N.C. campuses educating young people about voting

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Millions of Gen Z-ers could end up shaping this presidential election, particularly in swing states like North Carolina. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Millions of young people ages 18-27 could be casting their votes during this presidential election

    •  History shows the youngest ages 18-19 aren’t voting at higher rates 

    •  N.C. campuses are taking the initiative to educate more young people about voting 


    Data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows over 40 million members of Gen Z, ages 18-27, are eligible to vote. Nearly 8.3 million of them are newly eligible since the 2022 midterm election. 

    But history shows the youngest ages, 18-19, don’t show up to the polls at high rates.  

    In 2022, CIRCLE reports just 18% of that age range voted in the midterms. This was only 6% higher than voters ages 20-29.

    But as election day gets closer and the polls remain close, these young voters could be the deciding factor in tight races. 

    N.C. colleges and universities are taking steps to ensure more young people are educated and informed about the voting process. 

    In partnership with WFAE, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte hosted Beauty and Barbershop: A Conversation About the 2024 Elections.

    The nonpartisan event aimed to engage young people, specifically those of color, in discussions about the election.

    Local businesses like barbers and estheticians provided free services to students, creating a safe and open environment to talk about the elections. 

    The director of initiatives for academic excellence and engagement at Queens University, LaDarius Thompson, says the event was in response to the needs of the students. 

    “We got a lot of feedback from our first-year students that they were not sure where to get their information, not sure where to ask questions,” Thompson said. “So we wanted to create a space, particularly for our BIPOC community, to come in and ask those questions and share their thoughts.”

    “That’s where the concept of this beauty and barbershop came from, a space that is unique to the BIPOC community to come and gather and build community among themselves,” he said, referring to an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color.


    Student Jazzie Lee is a civic and community engagement fellow at Queens University.

    A Gen Z-er herself, Lee is ensuring young people know the power of their vote. 

    “Through hosting events, to encouraging voter registration, helping a lot of students that are possibly first-time voters get informed and know what’s going on in this 2024 election,” Lee said. “Young voters may not feel as though their voice is seen in this election. Gen Z is here and we have a voice and our voice is powerful.”

    Less than an hour’s drive away, students at Davidson College are working to ensure Gen Z is able to vote. 

    Senior Sophia Ludt is president of the Center for Political Engagement at Davidson College. 

    Davidson College student Sophia Ludt is helping other students register to vote. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)

    Her team helped dozens of students get registered ahead of the elections.  

    Ludt says she’s dedicated to this cause and making sure her classmates are ready to cast a ballot. 

    “We want to have a say in what happens in our government,” Ludt said. “It’s really important for young people to be aware of what’s going on and hopefully be inspired to go out and vote your values and let your local politicians know what you want.”

    Lyric Bailey, 20, a junior at Davidson College, just registered to vote at the campus. 

    “I think it relieves a lot of anxiety and stress we have as students around all these pressing issues, like we can’t do anything,” Bailey said. “The school just brought an oppotunity straight to us to get involved and make a change, and that’s very liberating.”

    “I think my generation is going to be the change that affects generations to come,” she said. “We’re going to be the change.”


    Early voting is underway now in North Carolina through Nov. 2.

    Election Day is Nov. 5.

     

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    Jennifer Roberts

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