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Tag: local-politics

  • Florida marijuana amendment in spotlight heading into November

    Florida marijuana amendment in spotlight heading into November

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Both sides on Amendment 3 are reaching out to voters and ramping up their campaigns to reach voters in the Sunshine State.

    It comes as former president Donald Trump threw his support behind the measure – which could legalize marijuana in Florida for adults over the age of 21.

    What You Need To Know

    • Both sides on Amendment 3 are reaching out to voters and ramping up their campaigns to reach voters in the Sunshine State

    • Republican State Senator Joe Gruters also supports the amendment saying it’s “long overdue”

    • Dr. Jessica Spencer with Vote “No” on 3 – says it’s a bad idea, worrying about the fact the amendment allows smoking anywhere and that it wouldn’t allow for home growing


    Trump wrote in a “Truth” post online over the weekend saying, “Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the voters, so it should be done correctly.”

    Republican State Senator Joe Gruters also supports the amendment.

    “Its silly, it’s long overdue – and I think if you do it the right way, it’s a winner,” Gruters said.

    He says it can be a strong revenue driver and in turn – that money could be used to boost law enforcement and drug prevention and treatment programs.

    “How can we make it safer and to me it was really about getting the product out of these legacy markets – first and foremost – trying to make sure we have a safer product that’s regulated,” Gruters said.

    But those against it worry that Amendment 3 – which would be a constitutional amendment – is too vague in its language. Dr. Jessica Spencer with Vote “No” on 3 – says it’s a bad idea.

    “This amendment allows smoking anywhere. There are no provisions that say you can not smoke in apartment buildings or condos or restaurants or areas of children’s play,” Dr. Spencer said.

    She also worries that it would allow a person to carry upwards of 85 grams of marijuana. Also, that it wouldn’t allow for home growing. She says it’s only to boost major corporations and could have negative impacts on people’s health.

    “We are already seeing the influx of marijuana edibles and the increase of youth exposed to these edibles and our ER visits go up in other states that have legalizations,” Dr. Spencer said.

    Senator Gruters disagrees – saying all of this can be worked out in the legislature. He supports home growing and banning smoking in public places. He thinks it will pass – especially with Trump throwing his support behind the measure.

    “We’ve had numerous conservations on this and look, he wants to see this done right – he knows Florida can do it right and at the end of the day it’s about common sense reforms that’s really broad in nature,” Gruters said.

    Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris has previously voiced her support for legalizing marijuana as well. Both sides plan to continue pushing their points and at the end of the day – it’ll be up to the voters to decide.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Meetings next week: Manatee County residents still dealing with flooding

    Meetings next week: Manatee County residents still dealing with flooding

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Some Manatee County residents are still mopping up after Debby. They say flooding continues, and now they are appealing to the county for solutions. An upcoming meeting is planned to address the problem.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County residents are still getting flooding from rainfall and other factors

    • On Saturday, September 7, residents are holding a meeting to discuss the flooding problems it will be held at the Parrish United Methodist Church and starts at 5 p.m. 

    • Then, on Tuesday, September 10, Manatee County commissioners are expected to discuss this topic at their regularly scheduled meeting

    Dalton Nelson, who has lived near Jim Davis Road in Parrish for more than 20 years, has seen many storms come and go, but he says he hasn’t seen anything like the water left by recent storms.

    “We have seen water before, but not this bad,” he said.

    Nelson owns more than 50 acres of land near Jim Davis Road, and most of it is flooded.

    “The developments and all the rain, I mean, look at the water. It’s saturated; there’s nowhere for it to go,” he said.

    He says that whenever it rains, the area floods.

    A flyer created by Michele Schmacker and Carol Feltz advertising the community meeting. 

    “Amazing that it was just a one-day storm, not even a couple of hours, and this was the result,” he said.

    He’s had to board up his horses, cows, and other animals since Debby because the ground is so saturated.

    “This area right here is normally dry after a major storm. Maybe a couple of days, and it’s dry. It’s super horrible,” he said.

    At the height of the storm, the water was really high, and he’s worried it could happen again.

    “When you see the bottom box of this feeder, it was all the way at the top—it was at my chest. The water was at my chest,” he said.

    The flooding has cost him more than just the displacement of animals.

    “That’s at least $20,000. And the tools and everything else are probably creeping up to $30,000 or $40,000, somewhere in there, depending on, you know, every day prices now. Everything’s so expensive. It’s horrible,” he said.

    He’s hoping the county will do something about runoff from developments and the Lake Manatee Dam.

    “I tell everybody—I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but if we don’t talk about these issues, if we don’t have real conversations, we’re all going to lose. We’re not going to win this fight,” he said.

    Nelson says he’ll continue pushing for solutions while waiting for the water to recede.

    On Saturday, September 7, residents are holding a meeting to discuss the flooding problems. It will be held at the Parrish United Methodist Church and starts at 5 p.m. Then, on Tuesday, September 10, Manatee County commissioners are expected to discuss this topic at their regularly scheduled meeting.

    Going back to August 27 Manatee County commissioners meeting the County’s Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker responded to the issues with the Lake Manatee Dam, saying this:

    “My answer to all this is 17 inches of rain. I don’t mean to reduce the anger and suspicion that the Manatee River somehow created a backwater effect on the Braden River but it’s absolutely untrue it did not,” he said.

    The Deputy County Administrator Evan Pilachowski addressed both flooding and the Lake Manatee Dam during Tuesday, August 27 Manatee County Commissioners meeting.

    “First, I do want to really reinforce we are fully sympathetic and we know there is real suffering for many other residents who experience flooding throughout the storm and subsequent rainfall events I do not want to minimize that if there is anything I said during videos or in person with anyone that has caused offense or interpreted as gaslighting I sincerely apologize for that,” Pilachowski said.

    “It is not a flood controlled structure. It is a flow of river water supply reservoir for the majority of the drinking water for Manatee County residents and part of Sarasota County. It is a 6 billion gallon reservoir,” he continued.

    “During all of Hurricane Debby we released 18 billion gallons of water that flowed through the reservoir so the 6 billion gallon reservoir is simply not big enough to act as both the water supply reservoir and a storm retention reservoir there is no way to put 18 billion gallons into a 6 billion gallon container so In those cases we have no choice but to allow the water to flow through and protect the infrastructure of the dam so we make sure the counties continue to have water supply.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Riverside Village Estates homeowners win 40-acres of green space, but at a cost

    Riverside Village Estates homeowners win 40-acres of green space, but at a cost

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Homeowners at the Riverside Village Estates in Pasco County say they are rejoicing after winning a decades-long battle to preserve more than 40-acres of land in their community.

    The discussion of turning a wooded area into a multi-story development has ended after county commissioners and homeowners reached an agreement.

    What You Need To Know

    • Riverside Village Estates in Pasco County won their fight to keep 40 acres of land in their community from being developed

    • According to information from Pasco County, the deal will cost each resident $143 a year for the next 15 years, and then $25 a year after that, to keep the green space
    • The money during the first 15 years will go toward paying back the $3 million purchase price of the land, plus 0.05% interest; the $25 per year thereafter will fund overhead costs estimated to be around $43,000 per year

    • Original plans for developing housing were struck down after dozens of residents spoke out against the idea

    Pasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to approve a plan to keep the property undeveloped, but it will cost the residents in the area to keep the green space.

    Miriam Butler, the president of the Riverside Village Estates Homeowners Association, said she has been fighting to keep a 40-acre plot of land untouched for more than 10 years.

    In her home, she reflects on fighting for a piece of nature outside her front door.

    “That natural area — the conservation area — it really enhances the neighborhood and the quality of life that we have,” Butler said. “It’s quieter than it would be if it was fully developed.”

    Original plans for a housing development on the property were struck down after dozens of residents spoke out against the idea.

    “We see people from all the surrounding neighborhoods that do come into this neighborhood to walk and walk past the field and forests over there and some of them walk in it, too,” she said.

    The land will now stay in its natural state, but it will cost each resident around $143 a year for the next 15 years, and just shy of $25 a year after that. According to information from Pasco County, the money collected will go toward paying off the $3 million purchase price of the land, with 0.05% interest, over 15 years.

    The approximately $25 per year after that will fund overhead costs for maintaining the property, which are estimated to be around $43,000 per year.

    Butler said it’s a price she’s willing to pay.

    “Well worth it not to have the additional traffic, the cars going faster,” she said. “All the problems that could’ve come in with more congestion. And we had drainage issues.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • TECO set to ask state to approve rate rike

    TECO set to ask state to approve rate rike

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tampa Electric Company officials are meeting with the Florida Public Service Commission Monday to request a raise in utility rates.

    According to TECO, the customers’ utility bills would increase about $20 a month in 2025. 

    There are slightly more than 800,000 TECO customers spread across Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas counties. 

    TECO officials said they need the extra income to meet growing demand, prepare for extreme weather and potential cyber attacks.

    Monday’s meeting is at 1 p.m.

    A decision from the PSC is expected by November.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Final vote on Citizens Insurance rate hike proposal

    Final vote on Citizens Insurance rate hike proposal

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    FLORIDA — More than a million Floridians could face a major increase in the price of their homeowners insurance.

    Citizens Property Insurance proposed raising its rates by about 14% to reduce the amount of insurance holders by the end of the year — which could increase average prices for policy holders by more than $500.

    The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will meet Monday to decide on whether to approve the proposed rate hike for all personal lines policies.

    That includes homeowners, condominium unit owners, renters, and mobile homes.

    Some insurance companies left the state as rates soared, forcing people to use Citizens — the state insurer of last resort.

    The company says the new rate would be within 20% of private carriers, making some people no longer eligible for Citizens, which would reduce financial risks.

    According to the National Association of Realtors, the state has the highest rates in the nation at nearly $11,000 a year — that’s four times the national average.

    “Secondarily, as those prospective homeowners are facing an even tighter challenge, you look at, say, pre-pandemic monthly costs have more than doubled in just about any fashion. So this only exacerbates the challenges that prospective homeowners face,” said Colin Rice, a Land Use & Real Estate Attorney with Older Lundy.

    The Citizens’ governing board passed the recommendation in June, and it now needs approval by state regulations.

    If approved, the rates would go into effect for renewal policies after Jan. 1, 2025. 

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    Destiny Wiggins

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  • Final decision on Citizens Insurance rate hike expected Monday

    Final decision on Citizens Insurance rate hike expected Monday

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A deadline looms in that more than a million Floridians could face a major increase in the price of their homeowners insurance.

    Citizens Property Insurance is proposing raising its rates by about 14 percent to reduce the amount of insurance holders by the end of the year. This could result in an average price increase for policy holders by more than $500.

    What You Need To Know

    • Citizens Property Insurance could see close to a 14 percent rate increase      

    • The increase could average out to more than $500 more 

    • This could affect more than 1 million Floridians 
    • The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is meeting Monday to decide on approving the hikes


    Some insurance companies left the state as rates soared, forcing people onto Citizens — the state insurer of last resort. The company says the new rate will be within 20 percent of private carriers, making some people no longer eligible for Citizens and to also reduce financial risks.

    Colin Rice, a homeowner in south Tampa and an attorney involved in land use, says this could create a ripple effect across the economy.

    “We’ve got existing homeowners that will see their purchasing power diminish, so that has a knock-on effect with the economy — discretionary spending, restaurants, movies, things with your kids — you have less available, so something has to go and you can’t leave your home,” Rice said.

    He also said it could hurt developers, affecting the construction of new homes. 

    “If supply isn’t catching up yet, the purchasing power of perspective owners is also diminished. It’s less incentive to build more, it kind of feeds upon itself,” Rice said. “That makes me a little worried for our market.”

    For Rice, he is worried about the future and what this will mean for the housing market in Florida. 

    According to the National Association of Realtors, the state has the highest rates in the nation at nearly $11,000 a year – that’s four times the national average.

    The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is meeting Monday to decide on approving the hikes. 

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Florida delegate returns home from DNC excited, optimistic

    Florida delegate returns home from DNC excited, optimistic

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Democratic National Convention may have wrapped Thursday, but the experience is sticking with Florida delegates, including USF professor Judith Ann McLauchlan. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The experience of the Democratic National Convention is sticking with one Florida delegate

    • It was the eighth DNC Judith Ann McLauchlan has attended, but the first as a delegate

    • McLauchlan said the atmosphere at this convention was much different from years past


    She said the four-day is experience is something she’ll never forget.  

    Returning to her Madiera Beach home Friday night, she described each day of the convention as better than the last, not just because of her duties as a delegate, but because of the people she got to see and hear speak from Oprah Winfrey to Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris. 

    “I have never experienced the energy and the enthusiasm and the unity behind a nominee as we felt for Kamala Harris and Coach Walz,” she said. 

    This was McLauchlan’s eighth convention, and she said it’s unlike any she’s been to in years past. 

    Since President Biden dropped out of the race, McLauchlan said she’s throwing her support behind Harris with full commitment. 

    “The energy in that area, thousands of delegates from across the country, it was just electrifying,” she said. “I’ve never experienced anything like that in all the other conventions I’ve been to. We always will say this is the most important election in our lifetime and mean it at the time … but this truly is the most important election in my lifetime.” 

    With all the mementos she brought home and the lingering energy from the convention, McLauchlan said she is hopeful for what the future holds.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Residents get second chance tax holiday heading into peak storm season

    Residents get second chance tax holiday heading into peak storm season

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    OLDSMAR, Fla. — It’s been a few weeks since several parts of the state saw impacts of Debby. Residents can prepare for the rest of storm season by stocking up and preparing emergency kits now.

    Saturday kicks off the second chance to take advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

    It might be bright and sunny this Saturday, but when it’s not, Cameron Day knows it’s best to be prepared for severe weather.

    “What I usually do is get a bin, and I’ll put all the stuff in the bin and then that’s in the garage, so I know all my stuff is in there and I collect the flashlights,” he said.

    He’s been living in Pinellas County for four years now and knows the dangers hurricanes can bring.

    Day is taking advantage of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and stocking up on items like batteries, lights and more.

    ACE Hardware in Oldsmar they’re keeping residents like Day informed.

    They’ve set up a table with items that fall under the sales tax holiday.

    “We have our flashlights, we have our flood barriers, our window and door protection kits, extra batteries, gas cans,” says Herb Dell, floor manager for the store.

    Dell said the items that go fast in any emergency are flashlights and batteries, but he says it’s also important to think about your pets.

    Pet carriers, cat litter and dog food all fall under the tax-free items this holiday. 

    Dell also says the biggest mistake anyone can do this hurricane season is to wait until the last minute to purchase items.

    “When the hurricane gets closer, you see more people come in and again, it’s a last-minute thing, but we want to make sure we have a good amount of hurricane supplies in,” he said.

    Dell said the first tax holiday season that happened earlier this year brought a lot of families into their store.

    Now, a few weeks after Debby, he encourages more people to stock up now.

    For Day, shopping for items also comes with a lot of planning.

    “There’s a lot of things here and a lot of good ideas, and (it) helps me out and that’s what I like to do,” he said.

    Rain or shine, Day is prepared and hopes others will take the time to do the same.

    This disaster preparedness sales tax holiday runs until Sept. 6.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Florida Primary races to watch in Tampa Bay

    Florida Primary races to watch in Tampa Bay

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Tuesday is Primary Day in Florida, and we are following a number of races locally and statewide.

    Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer says the early and mail-in vote so far is on pace with the 2020 primary. But he says unlike four years ago, Tuesday could decide several non-party races that will appear on both Republican and Democratic registered voter ballots.

    “This primary election, we are going to chose a public defender, we are going to chose at least two judges and we have the possibility of choosing four school board members at this primary election.,” said Latimer. “So if you think, ‘I’ll just wait around to the general and vote on these, you are going to miss.’”

    Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m..

    Spectrum News will have team coverage of the vote count as it happens.

    Below are a number of races to watch:

    Florida Senate Democratic Primary

    Who will face Sen. Rick Scott in November? Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is running against former attorney Brian Rush, Navy veteran tanley Campbell and Rod Joseph, an Army veteran.

    Mucarsel-Powell appears to have the most support, even speaking during a recent Joe Biden visit to Tampa before he dropped out of the race.

    Scott also faces two opponents Tuesday, but both he and Mucarsel-Powell are expected to score easy wins.

    Congressional District 13 Democratic Primary

    Candidates for U.S. House District 13 gathered for a community conversation about the economy, abortion, Social Security, immigration, and national security — hosted by Spectrum Bay News 9 anchor Holly Gregory and Tampa Bay Times political reporter Kirby Wilson.

    The candidates are vying to compete in November against Republican Anna Paulina Luna. 

    Hillsborough State Attorney Democratic Primary

    For Hillsborough County District Attorney, Suzy Lopez is running to retain her seat.

    She was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after the governor fired Andrew Warren in 2022.

    Warren is running against Lopez to win his job back.

    Also running against Lopez and Warren is Elizabeth Strauss, a third generation trial attorney from Tampa.

    Hillsborough School Board District 1

    Incumbent Nadia Combs, a former Hillsborough public school teacher, is opposed by Layla Collins and Julie Magill. Collins cites her volunteer activity and substitute teaching when called open. Magill was born and reared in Tampa Bay.

    The candidates recently answered a number of questions posted by Spectrum Bay News 9. You can read the questions and answers here.

    Hillsborough School Board District 3

    The incumbent, Jessica Vaughn was elected to the board, representing District 3, in 2020. Her opponent Tuesday, Myosha Powell, is originally from New York and moved to Tampa in 2005.

    The candidates recently answered a number of questions posted by Spectrum Bay News 9. You can read the questions and answers here.

    Hillsborough County Commission District 4

    Christine Miller is the Republican incumbent and will be opposed Tuesday by Michael Owen and Cody Powell.

    Running for the Democratic nomination are Jonathon T. Chavez and Nicole Payne.

    Congressional District 14 Republican Primary

    The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Kathy Castor advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 14.

    Her November opponent will be determined Tuesday. Ehsan Joarder, Neelam Perry, John Peters, and Robert Rochford are running in the Republican primary. 

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Local races highlight Primary Election Day

    Local races highlight Primary Election Day

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Residents will turn out across the Bay area Tuesday to cast votes on Primary Election Day.

    The only statewide race on the ballot is for the Senate seat held by Republican Rick Scott, who will learn who he’ll face in November.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Florida

    • Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday 

    • What You Need To Know: Bay News 9 Voter’s Guide

    But plenty of local races will be the main motivator to get people to the polls, including school board seats, judges, commissioners and local representatives.

    At the voter deadline for the primary, Republicans outnumbered Democrats 5.3 million to 4.3 million in Florida, with 3.5 million voters choosing not to register with a party.

    In the Bay area, Hillsborough County had the biggest turn out of early voters. It’s the largest county in the area and more than 25,000 people cast their ballots early.

    Pasco had more than 9,000 people vote early and Pinellas had the fewest, with 4,000.

    Residents can still cast ballots Tuesday.

    Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Manatee County delegate heads to Democratic National Convention

    Manatee County delegate heads to Democratic National Convention

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The 2024 presidential race has been interesting, to say the least.

    President Joe Biden decided against running for second term, thrusting Vice President Kamala Harris to the front — but this move has fired up the base.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago     

    • Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially become the Democratic nominee for president     

    • Manatee County resident and Florida Delegate Patricia DeVilliers said the Democratic base is fired up for Harris 


    One person excited about the upcoming convention is Patricia DeVilliers. She is a delegate for Florida, representing Manatee County. 

    “I think it’s very important to hear what Kamala Harris has to say, what her platform is going to be,” DeVilliers said as she packs up to head for the convention.

    She said there is a sense of enthusiasm in the Democratic Party with a new face like Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket.

    “I think the Democratic Party is in a revival mode,” DeVilliers said.

    DeVilliers became a U.S. citizen in 2001. She joined the Hispanic Democratic Caucus of Manatee County and eventually became its president. She said she loves the democratic process and looks forward to the convention set to begin on Monday, Aug. 19 in Chicago.

    “I am very excited, because I have come a long way since I moved to the United States and I feel very proud of what we have accomplished,” DeVilliers said.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area

    Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s primary election is Tuesday and there’s only a couple days left to avoid the lines on Election Day.

    Early voting ends this weekend in all of the Bay area counties.

    What You Need To Know

    • Early voting ends this weekend in the Bay area 

    • Voters in Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Citrus and Hernando counties have until the end of the day Saturday to get their ballot in early
    • Early voting in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties continues through Sunday

    • Bay News 9 Voter’s Guide

    Voters in Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Citrus and Hernando counties have until the end of the day Saturday to get their ballot in early.

    Early voting in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties continues through Sunday.

    Also, the presidential election is ahead in November but there are a couple other important races voters will see on the Florida primary ballot.

    In the U.S. Senate race Democratic primary, four candidates are on the ballot: Stanley Campbell, Rod Joseph, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Brian Rush.

    In the Republican primary, Senator Rick Scott faces two challengers: John Columbus and Keith Gross.

    Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 20.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Manatee County installs trash bag dispensers at beaches and parks

    Manatee County installs trash bag dispensers at beaches and parks

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County is installing trash bag dispensers throughout its parks and beaches to keep trash out of the environment.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County has invested $1,500 from the parks and recreation budget to install seven trash bag dispensers at local beaches and parks

    • The county is the first to install trash bag dispensers from Be a Better Human Project, an eco-friendly company

    • The county says it will measure the success of the program by how many of the bags are in the trash cans and how empty the dispensers are

    • According to the owner of Be a Better Human Project, the two gallon bags are compostable

    Katherine Hillabrand is a supporter of the measure. She visits Coquina Beach once a week with her granddaughter, Izabella.

    The two enjoy finding seashells.

    “It reminds me of my childhood, when I used to come out here as a young teen and in high school,” she said. “There are a lot of fond memories, and we make more memories as I come out here with my grandkids now.”

    But in 2019, Hillabrand realized their favorite activity was being impacted by trash.

    “These small things can harm our wildlife. The sea turtles mistake them for food. The birds mistake it for food. And that has a big impact on our ecosystem and our wildlife,” she said.

    Incidents like that are what Manatee County hopes to reduce. They have partnered with “Be a Better Human Project,” an eco-friendly company.

    The initiative will install trash bag dispensers at county beaches and parks. The two-gallon bags being used are biodegradable. The county says seven dispensers are already in operation, including one at a Lakewood Ranch park.

    David Charmer is the parks and grounds operations manager for Manatee County and says it is a great investment for the county.

    “It’s a great program for Manatee County to start saving the environment, keeping trash from, you know, getting in the water, getting in the mangroves, out of the beaches,” he said.

    After their beach day, Katherine and Izabella clean up their trash.

    “It’s very convenient. I really like this idea because it keeps things contained. It’s just simple, and you can fit quite a bit in it,” she said.

    A dispenser at Coquina Beach was installed in June. Hillabrand believes it will make a difference.

    “They see the bags, maybe put two and two together, take it with you, and remember to drop it off when you leave. Even if you just put it in the bag, it’s better than leaving it scattered on the beach,’ she said.

    She hopes everyone will do their part to preserve the environment so her family can continue enjoying the beach life.

    The county says they will measure the success of this new program by how many of the bags are in the trash cans and how empty the dispensers are.

    The seven dispensers cost the county just $1,500 from the parks and recs operations budget.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Tampa Bay school board candidates share their views on issues

    Tampa Bay school board candidates share their views on issues

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    The general election is on Nov. 5, 2024.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Early voting begins in Central Florida

    Early voting begins in Central Florida

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    The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters in Orange and Osceola counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Aug. 18 to cast their ballots early.


    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, Aug. 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be receiving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.

    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 Aug. 5. 

    • Brevard County early voting opens Aug. 10, and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Flagler County early voting opens Aug. 10 through Aug. 17, with offices open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Lake County early voting begins August 8 and closes Aug. 17. Offices will be open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Marion County early voting begins Aug. 10 and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Orange County early voting starts Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 18. Offices are open from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.
    • Osceola County early voting begins Aug. 5 through Aug. 18, with offices open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
    • Seminole County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
    • Sumter County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
    • Volusia County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

    After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on Nov. 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before Oct. 7, and early voting will take place from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Organization helps veterans find jobs after military career

    Organization helps veterans find jobs after military career

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A new Florida law appointed the nonprofit Veterans Florida to help veterans start businesses and train for jobs once they leave the military.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Veterans Florida said House Bill 1329 will allow them to help more veterans each year

    • Omar Fuentes said without the assistance of Veterans Florida, his company wouldn’t be where it is today

    • Veterans Florida estimates around 200,000 people leave the military every year


    Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino said with the passing of the law, they’ll be able to help around 5,000 veterans and their spouses a year.  

    “The signing of HB 1329 allows us to better align veteran training and educational resources towards the state’s workforce strategy of making sure Floridians have industry certifications and licenses that are marketable and transferable that they can take anywhere within their career,” he said. 

    One business Veterans Florida has helped is accel-EQ. The Tampa-based company’s co-founder, Omar Fuentes, said the transition out of military life was not an easy one.

    Without Veterans Florida, he said his company wouldn’t be where it is today. 

    “They started putting me in touch with quite a few resources to do that and even giving me access to mentors,” he said. “In a community to other veterans that said, ‘Hey, we want to do something as well.’” 

    Now, three years into the business, Fuentes said his company has evolved from the idea of helping doctors write notes to machine learning. 

    With House Bill 1329 now signed into law and allowing Veterans Florida to assist more veterans and their spouses, Fuentes is hopeful more people like him will get the direction they need. 

    “I struggled for 12 years regaining my purpose again because when you’re in the military, you’re serving something that’s much greater than yourself,” he said. “Then when you get out, you want to continue to fulfill that purpose. I think Veterans Florida and their programs that they have and seeing this law into place now is going to be a humongous benefit to us.” 

    Veterans Florida estimates around 200,000 people leave the military every year.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Clearwater unanimously votes to move forward with study to replace Duke

    Clearwater unanimously votes to move forward with study to replace Duke

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater City Council unanimously voted to move forward with a feasibility study to consider dropping Duke Energy as the city’s power company.


    The study will cost about $504,000.

    The mayor says at the end of the day, they just want to do the study to see what’s best for the residents.

    “It’s not about us, it’s not about Duke or us as a council. It’s about our citizens and what electric service is the best for them,” said Mayor Bruce Rector.

    Duke Energy issued a reply after the news that the city voted for the study.

    “Duke Energy Florida has a right to serve in Clearwater through the Florida Public Service Commission. It’s not granted through franchise agreements. The current agreement does not have a purchase clause and none of Duke Energy Florida’s service area is for sale, including the system that serves Clearwater and the surrounding areas,” stated Ana Gibbs, Duke’s communications director.

    Rector did admit that Duke owning the infrastructure will be a big “hurtle”.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Duke Energy responds to Clearwater idea to start own utility company

    Duke Energy responds to Clearwater idea to start own utility company

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater City Council is set to vote Thursday to fund a study about the future of its utilities.

    Clearwater has been in a 30-year agreement with Duke Energy, but it expires in December. Some city officials want to look at other options.

    “We had staff look at it, and it’s a good time for us to just consider the possibility that we might own our own electric company,” Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector said.

    The City Council will vote Thursday on a proposed $504,000 study to see if it is possible to drop Duke Energy and create its own utility service.

    “This is entirely citizen focused. We aren’t out to attack Duke Energy. We aren’t out to go after anybody. We’re just looking at what makes sense for our citizens,” Mayor Rector said.

    Winter Park broke from Duke Energy in 2005, and city officials say bills are lower for customers and that the city-run utility is making a profit.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to Duke Energy about the Clearwater proposal for a study, and the utility said:

    “Duke Energy is building the smarter, cleaner energy future our communities deserve. We are there for customers when they need us most; with an army of resources from across the country to combat the most powerful storms. We have the latest technology to reduce outages. During hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Idalia, recently installed self-healing grid technologies helped to automatically restore service to customers who experienced outages and saved more than 200 million minutes of total lost outage time.”

    “When it comes to rates, Duke Energy Florida has already reduced rates twice this year with reductions in January and June. Residential customers are paying approximately $17 per 1,000 kWh less today, compared to one year ago. Additionally, Duke Energy Florida, consumer representatives and business groups reached a comprehensive agreement that increases reliability and advances the clean energy vision for the state, while focusing on ways to assist and pass on savings to customers. Based on current projections, Duke Energy Florida expects a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours to see a decrease in their January 2025 bill of $8.26, a 5% decrease when compared to December 2024. The agreement still needs to be approved by the Florida Public Service Commission.”

    “It’s important to understand, franchise agreements are related to how Duke Energy Florida builds, operates and maintains electric infrastructure within municipal easements, rights-of-ways and associated permitting processes. Duke Energy Florida has a right to serve in Clearwater through the Florida Public Service Commission. It’s not granted through franchise agreements. The current agreement does not have a purchase clause and none of Duke Energy Florida’s service area is for sale, including the system that serves Clearwater and the surrounding areas.”

    “Duke Energy prides itself in supporting the vitality of the communities we serve. We look forward to answering any questions the city has regarding the value of our service and continuing our longstanding relationship with the city of Clearwater.”

    City officials say there is no guarantee that one day the city will part ways with Duke Energy, and that it is too early to say what the future might hold.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • With a sense of relief, now the work of creating a new stadium lies ahead

    With a sense of relief, now the work of creating a new stadium lies ahead

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Now that the Rays ballpark and Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment have been approved, what comes next?

    Pinellas County commissioners gave the final stamp of approval on the stadium deal, voting 5-2 in favor of the project and the county agreeing to contribute $313 million through a bed tax, or tourist tax, to the $1.3 billion project.

    This follows the City of St. Petersburg’s support as well, after they approved their portion of the project earlier in July.


    At a news conference Wednesday morning, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch thanked members of the Rays, the development county Hines and members of his staff he said worked tirelessly on the deal.

    Now, the decades-long odyssey to create a permanent home for the Rays is finally done and visible proof and progress of the deal will follow in the coming months.

    Finishing the bond process for project funding, along with completing the design and permitting process will be next up, Welch said.

    Rays President Matt Silverman said construction on the ballpark will begin in January, with a groundbreaking coming in the second or third week of the new year.

    “It hasn’t sunk in,” Silverman said of the completed deal. “Just walking in the building this morning, there’s a sense of relief but more so euphoria.”

    The new stadium will be built just east of Tropicana Field, in the current stadium parking lot.

    The ballpark alone will cost $1.3 billion.

    About $700 million will come from the Rays, with an additional $287 million from the city and the final $313 million from the county. The county’s portion will come from the tourism bed tax.

    The surrounding Historic Gas Plant redevelopment, including retail and office space, hotel rooms, housing, green space and a museum will rise around the stadium over the next two decades. The full project totals 86-acres and ultimately will cost $6.5 billion.

    “Having worked with the Rays for almost 20 years now, Hines is committed to this public/private partnership with the Rays, city and the county,” said Lane Gardner, Hines’ Managing Partner.

    Gardner added Hines’ goals with the project include:

    • Honoring the Gas Plant District
    • Creating well-paying jobs and careers
    • Creating new spaces for the local community and business owners
    • And attracting visitors from the Tampa Bay region and beyond

    Members of the development team, as well as Rays officials and local lawmakers said the collective sigh of relief will now be replaced by a sense of purpose and plenty of work.

    “This project with the city and county and organization that we’ve been working on so long is going to become a reality,” Silverman said. “It means the team is here to stay.”

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    Rod Gipson

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  • Palladium Theater requests $2.5M in bed tax money for renovations

    Palladium Theater requests $2.5M in bed tax money for renovations

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The nearly 100-year-old building which is home to the Palladium Theater has been in need of costly renovations that include replacing all of the seats along with improving sightlines and acoustics, according to Executive Director Paul Wilborn.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Palladium Theater has requested $2.5 million from the Tourist Development Council for the $12 million project

    • The Tourist Development Council has seven other capital funding project requests and will make a decision in September 

    • The Palladium officials want to replace all the old seats in the main hall along with the ceiling 

    • The Palladium has already raised $4.5 million in private donations and $1.8 million in state grants


    “It’s just a building that we’ve made the most of, but it wasn’t designed for what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re trying to make it more into a theater than a church.”

    Last year, the renovations were expected to cost $10 million but Wilborn said partly due to construction price increases, the cost has since grown to $12 million. The Palladium has already raised $4.5 million in private donations and $1.8 million in state grants, according to Wilborn.

    “We’re getting close to our goal,” he said. “Fortunately, the project keeps getting a little more ambitious and a little more expensive.”

    To reach their goal, officials at the Palladium Theater, which is owned by St. Petersburg College, have asked the Tourist Development Council for $2.5 million in bed tax money from its capital funding projects program. In order to qualify, the theater must show it draws visitors and puts heads in beds.

    “We funded a $50,000 study that showed our economic impact. It showed bed nights,” said Wilborn. “I mean, real numbers not numbers we made up and how many people, over 50% of our audience, comes from outside of Pinellas County.”

    Wilborn appeared before the Tourist Development Council at its July 17 meeting to update board members on the request.

    “This is a piece that’s going to put this project together,” he said. “The plans are already finished with the architects. So, it’s really exciting.”

    Board member Chuck Prather voiced his support for the project.

    “There’s very worthwhile causes in here. We’ll just use the Palladium Theater as an example,” he said. “We said that we’re going to support the arts more and that, in my opinion, is one that’s very much worth considering and discussing.”

    Board member Copley Gerdes, who’s also a St. Petersburg City Council member, said the city has pledged a minimum of $1 million to the Palladium for the design and construction phase. Wilborn said the biggest renovation they want to make is replacing the ceiling to improve the acoustics.

    “Take this ceiling out. It’s a plaster ceiling and above it we’ve got 12 feet of attic and steel beams that are just in incredible shape,” he said. “We’re going to drop in sort of what would look like a ceiling from an opera house and the sound will be able to rise up into that attic.”

    The plan calls for raising the stage by about one foot, removing 50 of the 800 seats in the main hall to improve sightlines and replacing all the remaining chairs.

    “These seats are from 1925 and they’re actually in pretty good shape. Except, people are bigger and people want more comfort,” said Wilborn. “These seats after about an hour start to get pretty hard on certain parts of your body. So, we’re going to go with some new more cushioned seats. A little wider.”

    Wilborn believes the Palladium can raise another $1 million from a seat naming campaign.

    “People will be able to put their name on the back of one of those new seats,” he said. “That’s how we’re going to kind of wrap up the campaign.”

    Wilborn said the Palladium Theater has been the community’s professional and affordable venue.

    “We’re the community’s performing arts center,” he said. “We open our doors to everybody and we’re really a place where the arts organizations and the artists in our community come to perform.”

    The TDC has seven other capital funding project requests and is expected to make their recommendations to county commissioners in September, who will approve the decision in October.

    The Palladium Theater groundbreaking is planned for July 2025 and is expected to reopen the summer of 2026, coinciding with the building’s 100th anniversary.

    “It’s actually about making the building work better for what we do,” he said. “It’s going to sound better, it’s going to look better, and it’s going to be more fun to come and see a show here.”

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    Josh Rojas

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