ReportWire

Tag: local-politics

  • St. Pete city leaders discuss stadium deal ahead of first official votes

    St. Pete city leaders discuss stadium deal ahead of first official votes

    [ad_1]


    There was no opportunity for public comment, but the city encouraged anyone who would like to watch the discussion to do so online. During the meeting, city council members reviewed the multiple proposed agreements related to the stadium and Gas Plant District and the city’s financial involvement.

    On Thursday, a St. Pete City Council meeting set for 4 p.m. could end with members taking their first official votes on the project. In order to be in favor, five city council members must vote yes. A tie would mean the deal would not move forward as it stands now.

    The agreement states the City of St. Pete would contribute $287.5 million towards the new stadium and an additional $142 million for the surrounding infrastructure. The proposal also states the city would agree to sell public land needed for the project at below appraised value.

    On Wednesday, City Administrator Robert Gerdes talked about his memories of downtown and how that has changed with the Rays.

    “You know, I have been here all my life. I remember what downton was like in the 1980s, I remember what Kenwood was like, I remember what Old North East was like. Now people may say MLB (Major League Baseball) had nothing to do with the renaissance in this city. I’m not so sure about that.”

    In addition to the ballpark, the latest plans from the Rays-Hines development team include 5,400 residential units with roughly 1,250 to be designated as affordable or workforce housing. It also includes a $50 million investment from Rays-Hines for a new Woodson African American History Museum, spots for retail, restaurants, conference centers, offices, and an outdoor space for gatherings.

    Council member Brandi Gabbard shared her concerns about the project and cited hurricane activity in the area.

    “We are a costal community, we see that hurricane season, we have a lot of vulnerabilities around that potential for a major catastrophe to happen in our city,” Gabbard said. “And when you are building an asset of this size, you have to look and see how it could correlate to response.”

    She added, “I have a lot of concern around verbiage that I am not seeing here in this agreement. Specifically there is a lot of glass on this particular (proposed) building, and can you tell me what category that would be rated?”

    Council member Lisset Hanewicz cited feedback from residents.

    “We get questions. And I get questions definitely about whether or not it’s appropriate to put that much money and whether it’s necessary on the public end,” Hanewicz said.

    During a community meeting Tuesday, St. Pete residents voiced their concerns about the makeup of the current plan. Many who attended the meeting felt the deal wasn’t fair to taxpayers, that more attention needs to be paid to infrastructure, and that the needs of those nearby are getting overlooked.

    “I see how this translates into opportunities for business owners, for corporations,” said Brian Peret, president of the Campbell Park Neighborhood Association. “But I don’t see how it translates to small business owners or local individuals or people who make at or below 80% of the AMI and my concern is without significant incentives or requirements to make that happen, it’s not going to happen.”

    Mayor Ken Welch openly backs the plan and during the last meeting on the Gas Plant District in May, stated he feels the proposal strikes a good balance for everyone involved.

    “Having lived this experience I believe the set of agreements that we have developed with input and extensive community engagement are the key to completing this journey in a manner that’s fiscally responsible, equitable, and honors the promises of jobs and inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.

    A formal and final vote on the plan is currently scheduled for July 11. Pinellas County commissioners will have to hold a similar vote on whether to approve their share of the costs. No date has been set for that vote.

    [ad_2]

    Erin Murray

    Source link

  • Pinellas school board unanimously approves new cell phone policy

    Pinellas school board unanimously approves new cell phone policy

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — Pinellas County School Board members unanimously approved a cell phone policy that creates a standard set of guidelines for all students in the school district. The policy is set to take effect in August.

    Until now, it was up to the discretion of each individual principal to determine school cell phone rules.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County School Board members approved a district-wide cell phone policy

    • To date, it’s up to the discretion of each individual principal

    • The policy is set to take effect in August

    The new policy states that elementary school students must keep phones and other similar devices in the ‘off’ position and stored away during the school day. Phones can be used once the day concludes to coordinate transportation.

    Middle school students have the same guidelines as the elementary schools, but may additionally use phones before school.

    Meantime, high school students can leave their phones on silent but may only use them before and after school, during lunch, and when transitioning between classes. Phones cannot be used in ways that violate academic integrity, in restrooms, locker rooms, or swimming areas. Photos or video recordings cannot be taken while at school without prior consent.

    All rules for cell phones for each age group also apply to smartwatches, the policy states. They must be turned to silent mode during the day and removed during district and state assessments.

    Earlier this year, the school district surveyed more than 8,000 students, parents, and teachers and gathered information on what they felt the best way to enforce the new policy would be. Area Superintendent Dywayne Hinds told school board members during an April meeting that after the policy gets approved, the district will create a plan for how it will be rolled out to teachers and students and create guidelines for students who violate policy.

    “When we did the survey, we did include questions on the survey that gave us some information about what are reasonable consequences of the specific policies related to cell phones,” Hinds said. “So these are things we’ll also be sharing with our administrators when it comes to best practices as they roll this out in their schools.”

    [ad_2]

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Several meetings will focus on Trop redevelopment this week

    Several meetings will focus on Trop redevelopment this week

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This is a big week for the future of the redevelopment efforts for the Gas Plant district in St. Pete and to replacing Tropicana Field.

    Several meetings are planned, beginning with a town hall on Tuesday:

    • Tuesday, June 11: Town hall meeting at the Sunshine Center at 6 p.m., a registration and survey form can be found here.
    • Wednesday, June 12: The St. Petersburg City Council will host a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting to discuss the Stadium Agreements for the Historic Gas Plant District Development. It will be at 9 a.m. in St. Petersburg City Hall Room 100. Due to limited seating, the public is encouraged to watch the meeting live on SPTV at www.stpete.org/tv or on Spectrum channel 641.
    • Thursday, June 13: St. Petersburg City Council first reading on an agreement that lays groundwork for Historic Gas Plant redevelopment deal and rezoning.

    Ryan Kessler, a St. Pete resident, said Tropicana Field is one of his favorite areas. 

    “It’s a great location for teams and for the kids to be able to get some support from the community,” he said.  

    Kessler spent Sunday afternoon fundraising for his son’s baseball team and said he’s eager to see what comes out of upcoming meetings. 

    “We were happy to hear that there’s going to be the opportunity to stay within St. Pete,” he said. “Looking at the renderings and some of the ideas they have for the surrounding area, that’s exciting.”

    However, not everyone is in favor of the proposed stadium. 

    NoHomeRun, a local organization against the proposal, said on their website the deal is unfair to taxpayers because of the Rays rent, the plan to buy development rights at below market, and more. 

    A final vote by the St. Petersburg City Council on the potential redevelopment is set for July 11.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Voters will decide if school board elections will become partisan

    Voters will decide if school board elections will become partisan

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — School boards in Florida have been non-partisan for more than 24 years.

    But in recent years, politics have crept in and in some cases, board meetings have become the front lines in the culture war.


    Now, voters will be able to vote on Amendment 1, which would allow the races to be partisan again.

    Paul Rader, a non-partisan political analyst and author, says school board meetings will become more contentious if the legislation passes and put into law in 2026.

    “Right now, I believe its 41 states that have nonpartisan elections,” Rader said. “So Florida would become one of the odd ones out in that regard.”

    Carol Cook, who has been on the Pinellas County School Board for the past 24 years, said that she has watched a dramatic change in the past few years.

    “The atmosphere has changed a little bit,” Cook said. “In the past we would go to the legislature and say, ‘Here are things we need in Pinellas County that will help us make progress.’ ‘Here are some things that will help us statewide.’ We had our legislative platform, bow its sort of turned the legislature is saying this is what you will do.”

    She believes the role of politics is growing within the boards.

    “If you are an R or if you are D, I am going to vote for all the Ds and I am going to vote for all the Rs — that doesn’t help us in the school system. Children are nonpartisan,” Cook said.

    Cook is retiring from the board in November. However, she will continue to fight against partisanship outside of the board as she is a leadership development consultant for the Florida School Board Association.

    “We go around the state and work with school boards and superintendents and work with them on skills that will help them become a strong leadership team,” Cook said. “And in some cases, we have to go in and work through the political divides that are there.”

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Van Sant

    Source link

  • Tampa area school districts and nonprofits working to end summer hunger

    Tampa area school districts and nonprofits working to end summer hunger

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Many Tampa Bay area families struggle to put food on the table year-round, but with local schools out for the summer months, which eliminates daily breakfast and lunch on campus for kids, it will be even tougher to confront child hunger.

    The critical need is evident every Saturday morning in St. Petersburg with more than 700 people waiting in long lines for free groceries at the old Tangerine Plaza. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Families needing help with free groceries, along with free meals for children and teenagers, can visit food distribution sites

    • Positive Impact Ministries distributes free boxes of groceries to help struggling families survive

    • The Summer BreakSpot federal food service program for children and teenagers starts June 3

    Positive Impact Ministries distributes free boxes of groceries to help struggling families survive.

    “It helps me out a lot because it’s hard to get food,” said Nicole Willingham, a St. Petersburg mother who depends on Positive Impact to help feed her 3-year-old son. “It really helps me to be able to come here every Saturday to get food.” 

    Willingham is one of the many walk-ups, along with hundreds of cars that span several city blocks, relying on food assistance and these huge boxes of groceries to make ends meet.

    Nearby, the Pinellas County School District is counting its own boxes of food at its warehouse in Largo. 

    The district receives approximately 750 cases of food daily at the Walter Pownall Service Center to ensure hot meals, both breakfast and lunch, are free and available during the summer months for every child between the ages of 5 and 18-years old.

    “They (families) want access to healthy, nutritious meals and we’re here to provide that for them,” said Samantha Marina, the assistant director of food and nutrition for Pinellas Schools. “You’ll come to the school. They’ll invite you in with open arms to make sure you’re going to get that meal. It’ll be fun and exciting, and you’ll be able to pick out that breakfast or pick out that lunch the child will be able to eat.”

    This summer, Marina expects to reach at least 50,000 kids in Pinellas County at more than 90 school campuses as part of its Summer Break Spot program. Approximately 400,000 breakfast and lunch meals were served throughout the county last year.

    Positive Impact Ministries stated it saw similar statistics in 2023 with food assistance reaching thousands of families and two million meals distributed during the 12-month time frame.

    “It’s a real good blessing to provide for my family,” said Willingham as she carried her box of groceries filled with essential items, including bread, fruit, vegetables and milk.

    Positive Impact Ministries holds its free grocery distribution every Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in St. Petersburg. 

    The Summer BreakSpot federal food service program for children and teenagers starts June 3. To see the closest school campus or food site near you, including operating hours, click here and enter your zip code. 

    All school-aged children in Spectrum Bay News 9’s viewing area are eligible for free breakfast and lunch this summer.

    [ad_2]

    Erica Riggins

    Source link

  • Bradenton attorney gets Latinos involved in the voting process

    Bradenton attorney gets Latinos involved in the voting process

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — Several organizations and community members are working to increase the numbers of people voting amongst Hispanics. It comes as the demographic is falling behind other ethnic groups when it comes to heading to the polls.

    What You Need To Know

    • There are more than 30 million Hispanics eligible to vote, up almost 4 million from 2020

    • The Pew Research Center reports younger Hispanics are more active when it comes to voting

    • Christopher John Czaia is an injury and accident attorney in Bradenton

    • Czaia believes in helping educate Hispanics to help them get out to the polls

    Attorney Christopher John Czaia is one of those people encouraging the Hispanic community, saying “democracy is a very fragile thing, we could have it today and lose it tomorrow.”

    Czaia has formerly run for political office in Manatee County and Pinellas County, to name a few. Although he’s not seeking office now, his political work hasn’t stopped.

    What he saw as an elected official motivated him to start his own accident and injury law firm.

    “When I started out, I found myself in a community that didn’t have attorneys representing Latinos, particularly the Mexican community,” said Czaia. “We had a lot of people here doing agriculture here working in the fields.”

    Czaia says the limited representation opened his eyes to the need for education and it’s the reason he started a weekly podcast talking about recent pieces of legislation.

    “We try to educate what exactly is the law, in order to have a democracy that functions we need to be educated,” he said.

    Czaia is also pushing for Latinos to be involved in the voting process.

    Right now, there are approximately 36 million Hispanics who are eligible to vote in the 2024 election. That’s almost four million more than 2020, according to the Pew Research Center.

    Czaia says it’s particularly important to target young adults.

    “If we participate, we see change. If we don’t participate, nothing changes,” he said.

    [ad_2]

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Tent ban upsets Redington Beach residents

    Tent ban upsets Redington Beach residents

    [ad_1]

    REDINGTON BEACH, Fla. — Redington Beach officials are stepping up enforcement of the use of tents on their shoreline.

    What You Need To Know

    • Redington Beach officials are working to amend an ordinance to prohibit tents on the beach

    • The proposed changes also would ban animals and tobacco on the beach

    • Local residents argue tents can help keep people safe in the sun

    City leaders said keeping tents off the beach is not new, but those who live by the beach say the enforcement is new.

    Luci Hart said despite living next to the beach, she didn’t realize having a tent wasn’t allowed until the police stopped by.

    “One, I didn’t know about the ordinance the first time,” she said. “Secondly, I’m not aware of any beach that bans tents, so it was enlightening to know, but I’m a little challenged about the reasoning.”

    In the last week, Hart said the police cited her three times for having a tent up.

    She added the police were polite and didn’t fine her, but believes the recent enforcement is happening because some neighbors don’t want to see tents on the beach.

    “Saying my tent behind my property was blocking (the neighbor’s) view and there’s no way my tent would block his view but the police had to respond,” said Hart.

    Tara Wexler also lives next to the beach and said she’s frustrated by the recent enforcement.

    She said the language of the current ordinance is confusing and changes need to be made.

    “It’s very vague on whether or not I can put up a tent on my own or a canopy on my own property versus someone who’s coming to the beach for the day,” said Wexler. “I think they want to clarify that, but it’s going to be a ban for everyone.”

    Officials say there is a proposal to amend the current ordinance on June 5.

    If approved, it would ban tobacco, animals, and the erection or use of tents, with exceptions given to parks.

    Both Hart and Wexler said this proposal is not a solution and have signed a petition in opposition to the ban.

    “You can say the tents have to be open air tents, and all beach equipment have to be removed at dusk,” said Hart. “I mean, there are things you can do to be more reasonable about it instead of just a blanket ban on tents.”

    The June 5 meeting discussing the ordinance is open to the public.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Manatee County private school bans cellphones for all grades

    Manatee County private school bans cellphones for all grades

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — As several counties in the Tampa Bay area weigh the pros and cons of using cell phones in classrooms, one private school in Manatee County has already banned cell phones for students in kindergarten through 12th-grade.

    What You Need To Know

    • Educational Harbor Christian School banned cell phones on May 1

    • If a student goes against these rules, there will be a one-day suspension

    • There are special allowances depending on the students’ needs

    The principal and founder of Educational Harbor Christian School Stacey Mayo said that at first, they told students to leave their phones in their bags, but the devices were still too much of a distraction, so the school enforced the cellphone ban on May 1.

    “Our overall goal actually isn’t just academic. Although there are academic benefits, I’ve read studies where having the cell phone in the room can affect their GPA and their attention. Just having the notifications close by them or on vibrate is enough to pull their focus away from their studies,” she said.

    Educational Harbor Christian School is a private K-12th grade school in Manatee County.

    One pastor and teacher in favor of this new policy is Ryan Akers, who teaches math and science.

    “They are able to focus on what we are doing at the time without being distracted, and they are able to be on task a whole lot more,” he said.

    With more than 20 years of teaching experience, he’s seen a lot change over the years.

    “Well, when I started teaching, hardly anybody had a phone, especially the teenagers. There just weren’t very many. As we’ve gotten more and more used to phones in culture, they’ve come inside the classroom. It’s really hard to set down your phone,” said Akers.

    Those distractions led school administrators to ban cellphones for all students.

    When students arrive, they put their phones in this cubby that’s later locked by school staff, but for special circumstances the rules can change depending on the students’ needs. But every student will get their phone back at the end of the school day.

    Educational Harbor Christian School’s phone locker. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Akers says he’s already seen a positive impact on the students.

    But not all parents are on board with this new rule. Denise Musso is against the cell phone ban that impacts her 11-year-old daughter. Her main concern is safety.

    “If something were to happen, it would be very nerve-wracking. I think having phones locked up and not on their persons can cause a lot of anxiety. I think that you have to look at it case-by-case,” she said.

    And the school does. There are some exceptions for students, like those with an Individual Education Plan. This family wants the school to change the policy for everyone.

    “I hope that they will have good procedures in place and really get the parents involved and let them have some kind of a say on moving forward,” she said.

    And her daughter likes to stay connected in the classroom. She wishes the rule would change too.

    “I like having the phones more than not having them,” she said.

    But Akers said limiting phones allow him to push his students to reach higher.

    “The biggest hope is for the students to start to achieve their peak level,” he said.

    It’s a new rule for students, but parents and school leaders agree — the goal of education remains unchanged.

    If students don’t abide by the new rules, they will be suspended for one school day.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Clearwater City Council postpones vote on major Drew Street project

    Clearwater City Council postpones vote on major Drew Street project

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Clearwater City Council members voted unanimously Thursday night to postpone a vote on a project meant to improve safety along Drew Street.

    People both for and against the plan packed last night’s council meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearwater city council pushes back vote on major Drew Street changes 

    • Members decided to hold off on a decision to give themselves time to meet with Forward Pinellas and FDOT

    • Changes would reduce Drew Street from four to two lanes between Keene Road and Osceola Avenue, and add a center turn lane 
    • FDOT Drew Street corridor study

    Members decided to hold off on a decision to give themselves time to meet with Forward Pinellas and FDOT to get any questions answered and possibly come up with compromises.

    The sticking point is that the plan involves reducing Drew Street from four to two lanes between Keene Road and Osceola Avenue, and add a center turn lane.

    Council members questioned whether it would actually ease congestion on this major artery to downtown.

     

    Nathaniel Chason, who said he drives Drew Street every day, said his commute can be challenging.

    “When you have to stop and cars are turning left, it basically stops traffic, you know? Twenty cars behind you sometimes,” he said. “And then, also, you have to worry that you’re not. Some people turn their kind of wheel into the traffic. You have to make sure your front panel isn’t kind of off into the next lane.”

    Forward Pinellas’ Executive Director Whit Blanton said the nearly $20 million project is mostly funded by federal dollars.

    Those have to be allocated by June 10.

    If the council doesn’t approve the project by then, that money could go to other projects in the county.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Duette Fire & Rescue chief says no to consolidation

    Duette Fire & Rescue chief says no to consolidation

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Could Manatee County fire departments be consolidating? That was the talk during one commissioner’s meeting after a volunteer fire department requested more resources. Commissioners said in order to achieve that, Duette Fire and Rescue Station would need to merge with a station that already has those services.

    The Duette Fire Rescue District encompasses 200 square miles of northeastern Manatee County. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Commissioners tossed around the idea of Duette Fire and Rescue merging with another station to receive more resources

    • Manatee County Commissioners said that the fire station does not meet the bare requirements for an Advanced Life Support Permit
    • In order for the fire station to use their life saving equipment they must get the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COCPN) from the commissions
    • Once they have the COCPN, they can then apply for the Advanced Life Support Permit with the state and then the state will decide.

    The Duette Fire and Rescue team are trying to get a Certificate of Public Convenience from Manatee County commissioners. Once the fire station has that, they can make a request to the state for their Advanced Life Support Permit.

    However, at the April 23rd meeting, County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said they don’t meet basic requirements.

    “It came up again this time because Duette was wanting to achieve ALS status, but they are unable to meet the bare minimum qualifications to meet that. If Duette were to merge, they would achieve the same thing,” said Van Ostenbridge.

    VIDEO: County commission meeting about consolidation of fire districts

    According to county commissioners, they have no say or any part of decision making if the fire stations are going to or can consolidate. The commissioners say it’s entirely up to the fire departments.

    “We have no power. We aren’t a charter county. We can’t do anything up here other than try to facilitate anything that is in your best interest to do it,” said Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.

    Spectrum News did reach out to Commissioner Kruse for comment and he told us that he doesn’t want to comment any further on the matter.

    Fire Chief Rocky Parker has been with the Duette Fire and Rescue station in Duette for 7 years, and a chief since 2023. He is against the consolidation and says that he doesn’t believe that this is a true conservative approach.

    The Duette Fire & Rescue Station has 7 paramedics in a volunteer team of 40.

    One of the recent investments Parker has made in technology was the purchase of defibrillators that cost the station $80,000.

    He says he purchased this equipment, among other things, in order to use during calls.

    The department had these devices for two years now, but is unable to use them because the county hasn’t given them a permit to apply for their Advanced Life Support permit.

    “The county kind of declared that we weren’t even barely qualified to provide this service. That’s not true; the state really determines that,” he said.

    The fire chief has put out everything that the Duette Fire Rescue Station has provided for the ALS permit according to the Manatee County Ordinance 17-041 on their Facebook page:

    That’s when county commissioners offered up the idea for Duette to merge with another fire station. That would give them the ALS resources they need. So the chief hosted his own town hall meeting on April 30th to see what the residents in their coverage area wanted. “It was no on cosolidation,” said Parker. “True conservative values lies within local people deciding their own destiny, their cost and the level of service that they want and this is what our citizens want.”

    Parker has been a paramedic and firefighter for decades. He knows how important it is to respond quickly to a call, especially in this rural area. But when they can’t use their ALS equipment, he says it puts lives at stake.

    “We will wait for an ambulance up to 20 to 40 minutes. There’s not a thing we can do with advanced life support. It keeps happening over and over and over again,” he said.

    Parker says he’s going to continue asking the county for a Certificate of Public Convenience, in order to request an ALS permit from the state.

    “We’ve have some of the worst car crashes out here in the county; it’s nothing for us to have 4 or 5 people that are critically injured, and having just one paramedic on the scene is just not enough. We fill that gap for people that need it,” he said.

    Despite the county telling the chief that they don’t meet the requirements, Parker says they have already invested $80,000 on Advanced Life Support equipment and already have an ALS rescue vehicle.

    He’s pushing forward with a mission to give people more help and will be meeting with Senator Jim Boyd to talk about what more can be done so his station can use this life saving equipment.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Manatee lawmaker displays opposition to Pride month colors on Skyway Bridge

    Manatee lawmaker displays opposition to Pride month colors on Skyway Bridge

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Sunshine Skyway Bridge often is illuminated to highlight local and national holidays, events and celebrations.

    But Pride Month apparently won’t be one of them this year.

    According to the Tampa Bay Times, a Manatee County commissioner has expressed disapproval of requests for light displays honoring Pride and Gun Violence Awareness Day.

    The Florida Department of Transportation regularly receives requests to light up the bridge. Recent examples saw the bridge lit in yellow and blue for Ukraine support, blue and white for Israel support and special colors for breast cancer, autism and mental health awareness.

    Because the Skyway touches Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, the FDOT has made it policy that light displays have to be approved by all three county commissions.

    According to the Times, Manatee Commission Chairman Mike Rahn expressed opposition for lights celebrating Pride month, saying in a February email he “will not be approving lighting of the Skyway for Pride Month or National Gun Violence Awareness Day.” 

    Instead, the state will have three months of patriotic lights on the bridge it is calling “freedom summer.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pinellas school board moves forward on referendum on tax increase

    Pinellas school board moves forward on referendum on tax increase

    [ad_1]

    LARGO, Fla. — The Pinellas County school board unanimously passed a referendum that could appear on the November ballot and lead to an increase in property taxes.

    The referendum would increase property taxes throughout the county, from 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value up to $1 per every $1,000.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas school board unanimously passed a referendum that could appear on the November ballot and lead to an increase in property taxes

    • Referendum would increase property taxes throughout the county, from 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value up to $1 per every $1,000

    • Referendum now goes to the supervisor of elections to be put on the November ballot

    The district says this rate would put Pinellas in line with surrounding counties.

    Now that it’s been approved by the school board, the referendum goes to the Supervisor of Elections office to be put on the November ballot.

    Then it is up to the voters to approve.

    Several residents spoke during public comment both for and against the referendum.

    Meanwhile, school board members largely spoke in favor, saying it’s necessary to invest in teachers and staff.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Don CeSar residents want more flood control action from city

    Don CeSar residents want more flood control action from city

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — St. Pete Beach residents who live in the lowest lying neighborhood on the island plan to voice their concerns at a city commission meeting on Tuesday about frequent tidal street flooding which remains unaddressed, according to Don CeSar Property Owners Corporation board member Kathy Garchow. 

    “Our message really is simple,” she said. “We just want to have passable roads on an everyday basis.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents plan to voice their concerns at Tuesday’s city commission meeting 

    • Don CeSar Property Owners Corporation board member Kathy Garchow said they want passable roads on an everyday basis

    • FDOT will be replacing backflow preventers at the bottom of the Bayway Bridge

    • Public Works director Mike Clarke said his agency has been actively engaged in a dozen flood mitigation projects

    Garchow said she wants to see fewer studies and more action. Last week, she wrote a letter to city leaders outlining her concerns for the Don CeSar neighborhood which include flex valve maintenance, repairing spillway seawalls and working with the Florida Department of Transportation to address street flooding issues caused by the Bayway Bridge.

    “I have personally experienced severe flooding, with impassable roadways 4 times in the last 8 months… We MUST insist you address our neighborhood immediately,” she stated. “This cannot wait. It is not a luxury to maintain infrastructure and roads, but a basic necessity of living in this city.”

    Other residents plan to write letters and speak out during the public comment section of the city commission meeting, according to Garchow. The DCPOC board member pointed out the city completed a study 4 years ago which called for many of the same flood mitigation ideas which have not yet been fully implemented.

    “We’re in 2024 and there has been no implementation or action plans,” she said. “Turn it into some action plans that we can start implementing in a phased approach based on affordability.”

    Garchow said residents are upset they’re entering into another hurricane season with a leaky spillway which fills the intersection at E. Maritana Dr. and 36th Ave. with seawater during high tide. Resident Roger Steel wrote an email to Public Works Director Mike Clarke about the spillway.

    “Can we have a honest answer of when construction will actually start and what the hold-up really is?” he asked. “We have been waiting for these fixes for many years and there always seems to be something that holds things up and it’s not the budget.”

    Director Clarke responded, stating the design permit was not approved by the State Department of Environmental Protection. Modifications are being done and it will take at least 8 months to go through the state permitting process.  

    “We have absolutely no control over their timelines,” he stated. “Bottom line, we are going through another hurricane season without the wall being replaced.”

    FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson said the agency will be replacing backflow preventers at the bottom of the Bayway Bridge and moving them further inland. Carson said the current backflow preventers have been likely stuck in the open position.

    “The plans are about ready to be implemented for Barcelona and Granada. These streets are lower in elevation than the mean high tide,” she stated. “We have been designing this project with the City of St. Pete Beach. It should start late summer.”  

    Clarke said Public Works has been actively engaged in a dozen flood mitigation projects which he plans to reveal during a District 3 town hall meeting on May 22.

    “We’ll have some graphics and we’ll have some explanations and we’ll have some timelines and we’ll have the total picture,” he said. “Twelve different projects that are actually going on simultaneously and where we are with all of those projects and how they come together to raise the elevation of protection for the entire neighborhood.”

    Clarke said the Don CeSar neighborhood will continue to flood until all of the seawalls have been raised up to 5 feet.

    “Seawalls are the key, getting them up to 5 feet. There’s no way around it,” he said. “Our elected officials have great challenges to face. We’re looking at $100 million. Across the city just to start.”

    The Public Works director said some items the department is working on for the Don CeSar neighborhood include new flex valves, modifying existing structures, building new outfalls, a living shoreline and designing the first storm water pump station.

    “We are actively engaged every single day,” he said. “We are actively building next year’s budget right now. So, the conversation, it’s the perfect time to have it.”

    Clarke did warn the budget is limited.

    “Where are we going to find $50 million for the design of the Don CeSar neighborhood? Well, we’re not going to do that anytime soon,” he said. “So, we have to have this conversation about what are our other options? And that’s where our elected officials and our citizens need to be engaged and work with the city government to try and figure out what those solutions are.”

    Clarke also happens to be a Don CeSar Place resident whose home was flooded by Hurricane Idalia.

    “I got flooded out in August and I am still not back in my house,” he said. “So, I’m engaged.”

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • Lakeland leaders to discuss preparing for population growth during retreat

    Lakeland leaders to discuss preparing for population growth during retreat

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — City leaders in Lakeland are spending the next two days at the RP Funding Center to go over some big picture ideas they have for the city.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland officials are going to a two-day retreat at the RP Funding Center

    • They plan on discussing a variety of big picture topics for the city moving forward

    • Some topics include public safety, infrastructure, transportation and economic development

    This two-day retreat kicks off Monday at 8 a.m.

    It’s not only big ideas they’re looking to discuss but also some problems the city may face as it continues to grow, and that they feel need to be addressed.

    Polk County and Lakeland are growing fast and it is partly why they are looking to do some improvements around town.

    Last year, Lakeland’s mayor said officials expect the population to double by 2035, so they know they must work now to meet the incoming demand of a booming population.

    “We’ve had unprecedented growth and unprecedented growth puts strains on your infrastructure, your parks, your roads, your sewage system, all things city services,” said Kevin Cook, Lakeland’s director of communication. “So, it’s a way to envision the future and plan for that growth.”

    According to its itinerary, officials plan on focusing on things like economic development, infrastructure, transportation and affordable housing Monday, while talking about public safety, finances and what the future might look like for this Polk County community Tuesday.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Popham

    Source link

  • St. Pete officials want more time to digest Trop redevelopment details

    St. Pete officials want more time to digest Trop redevelopment details

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg city leaders have postponed the second meeting focusing on the new stadium agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays.

    That could push final votes on the proposal to July, about a month later than expected.


    According to the city, the second meeting is being pushed back so city council members can have more time to consider what’s in front of them. Officials did not release a date yet for the second meeting.

    City officials released a statement, reading in part:

    “These are complex agreements, and the additional time will allow the team to complete the meeting documents and allow city council ample time to review the agreements prior to their discussion.”

    Here’s a recap of what was discussed Thursday:

    The latest plan between the Rays and the Hines development group includes more than 5,000 residential units, 600 of them for seniors and over 1,200 would be affordable and workforce housing.

    Plans also include 750,000 square-feet for retail space, including spots for small businesses, a grocery store, and a 4,000 to 6,000-seat entertainment venue.

    That’s in addition to the office, conference and meeting space and 750 hotel rooms.

    This rendering shows St. Petersburg’s proposed $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District development, including a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. (Hines/Rays rendering)

    The Rays and Hines group will also pay $50 million for the Woodson African-American Museum, minority business development and workforce training.

    There was a bit of back and forth during yesterday’s meeting, which was only the second time the council has met publicly on the project.

    Some council members raised concerns about whether the amount of affordable housing was too low.

    Council members also asked for more specific details and recommended some adjustments, which is why the city said they need more time before they hold another meeting, which was supposed to happen on May 23.

    “We appreciate all of the time and effort Mayor Welch, his administration and the City Council have devoted to this agreement, and we look forward to making a positive impact in the city we love, our home,” said Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld. “The approach to placemaking, to community gathering, to the environment, to workforce development and job creation, to intentional equity are all best in class; the product of some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and caring people in the world working together to do something special.” 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pasco Schools may tighten cell phone usage for students

    Pasco Schools may tighten cell phone usage for students

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Pasco County School Board is holding a workshop to discuss tightening cell phone rules for students.

    New rules were approved last year for this school year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco Schools holding workshop to discuss tightening cell phone rules for students

    • Proposed changes: Middle school students can’t use their phones at all unless a teacher allows them to and high school students would only be able to use their phones during lunch

    • PREVIOUS STORY: New rules were approved last year for this school year

    Currently, both middle and high school students can use their phones during lunch and when given permission by a teacher, and high schoolers can also use them in between classes.

    The proposed changes would make it so middle school students can’t use their phones at all unless a teacher allows them to and high school students would only be able to use their phones during lunch.

    There aren’t any proposed changes for elementary school students who can’t have cell phones out during the school day.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Florida joins antitrust lawsuit challenging NCAA’s NIL rules

    Florida joins antitrust lawsuit challenging NCAA’s NIL rules

    [ad_1]

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida on Wednesday joined an antitrust lawsuit filed by the states of Tennessee and New York, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia that challenges the NCAA’s rules restricting how athletes can commercially use their name, image, and likeness and prohibiting compensation for recruits.

    What You Need To Know

    • The state of Florida on Wednesday joined an antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA

    • The lawsuit challenges the name, image and likeness restrictions of the college sports governing body

    • The original lawsuit was filed Jan. 31 by Tennessee, New York, Virginia and the District of Columbia

    • The legal case said the rules hurts the states’ economies and the welfare of their athletes

    The lawsuit says the restrictions are anticompetitive and violate the Sherman Act. It says enforcement of the rules harms “the states’ economies and the welfare of their athletes, and should be declared unlawful and enjoined.”

    Florida is joining the lawsuit, originally filed on Jan. 31, after reports in January that the NCAA was investigating Florida over its recruitment of class of 2023 quarterback Jaden Rashada, who signed with Florida in December 2022 but never enrolled and later enrolled at Arizona State. The NCAA also announced Level II sanctions against Florida State during the same month, accusing its athletic program of using NIL payments to entice recruits. The NCAA said it sanctioned Seminoles assistant coach Alex Atkins and an unnamed booster for impermissible recruiting activity and facilitating impermissible contact with a NIL-related booster.

    The lawsuit says the NCAA changed its rules to permit college athletes to earn certain types of compensation from their NIL. “But, after allowing NIL licensing to emerge nationwide, the NCAA tried to stop that market from functioning” by allowing NIL compensation for current athletes but enforcing its rules for prospective athletes, including those in the transfer portal.

    In a statement, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It appears no one could ever comply with these ever-changing and unfair regulations that limit the ability of student athletes to negotiate in good faith. I am taking legal action to reverse the unlawful restrictions the NCAA has placed on Florida universities and our collegiate athletes.”

    The NCAA restrictions prohibit prospective student-athletes from discussing NIL opportunities with schools and collectives prior to enrollment, including: 

    • Negotiating with collectives, 
    • Reviewing NIL offers prior to making enrollment decisions,
    • Learning about the full scope of NIL-related services schools might offer upon enrollment. 

    In late February, U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker in the Eastern District of Tennessee issued a preliminary injunction that bars the organization from enforcing its rules prohibiting NIL compensation for recruits, but that ruling covered one district. If the NCAA appeals, the case would go to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overseeing Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Florida is part of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Corker’s ruling undercut what has been a fundamental principle of the NCAA’s model of amateurism for decades: Third parties cannot pay recruits to attend a particular school.

    The judge wrote the NCAA’s stance likely violates antitrust law because Congress so far has been unwilling to give the association an antitrust exemption. The judge said athletes with a limited recruiting window are hurt by not being able to know their true value before committing to a school.

    The NCAA said it would review the ruling and talk with its member schools about possible policy changes. But the NCAA said turning rules supported by its members “upside down” will only make an already chaotic situation worse and lessen protections keeping athletes from being exploited.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Run-off election to be decided in Haines City

    Run-off election to be decided in Haines City

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Voters in Haines City will head to the polls for a run-off election.

    They’ll decide who will be the next city commissioner.

    The race is between Clarence Daniels and Kim Downing as neither candidate secured a majority during the municipal elections earlier this month.

    There are two polling locations where voters can cast their ballots.

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

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Today is also the first day candidates can file to run for a vacant commission seat in Tarpon Springs.

    The city will hold a special election to fill the seat in conjunction with the primary election in August.

    Filing ends next Wednesday, May 8.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • New Polk County Waste contract will increase fees by 63%

    New Polk County Waste contract will increase fees by 63%

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Solid Waste and Recycling hopes to make some changes to help with the trash collection process, but it will lead to a 63% increase in costs for residents.

    Just last year, the county went through a competitive bid process to select a contractor that would serve two areas of the county. Now those plans are being finalized.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Solid Waste and Recycling raising its cost 63% with a new contract

    • The contract will require three different companies to service three portions of the county

    • It will be a 5 year contract and will have three one-year extension periods that will require approval by county commissioners

    • Once the budget is finalized it will go to commissioners to approve and if approved the contract will kick off in October

    Under the new contract, three different companies would service three portions of the county.

    • FCC Environmental will collect in service area number 1

    • GFL Environmental will collect in service area number 2

    • Polk County will service area number 3

    The director of Polk County’s waste division, Dale Henderson, says the changes are needed because the county is rapidly growing.

    It also means more state-of-the-art equipment will need to be purchased.

    As far as how much this new contract will change the cost of pickups, Henderson says it was calculated by using the number of units and the rate per unit in the different service areas.

    The rate came out to $337.33 for the one year proposed annual assessment.

    “That rate is unilateral throughout the entire county, so for all unincorporated resident homeowners, they will pay the same rate no matter where you’re located,” Henderson said.

    As for the disposal component, they’ve been lucky enough to not raise costs per ton, since the county has their own landfill.

    The five-year contract will have three one-year extension periods that will require approval by county commissioners.

    Henderson says that as prices continue to rise, they also have to meet demand.

    “The solid waste industry does a really good job at trying to keep costs down by creating efficiencies,” he said.

    For 40 years Henderson’s goal has been keeping communities clean and free of trash, and that’s his hope as this new contract takes effect.

    The finalized budget contract will be presented to county commissioners in September, with the goal will be to start collection under the new contract on October 1.

    [ad_2]

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Manatee County tourism tax increase could be voted on by residents

    Manatee County tourism tax increase could be voted on by residents

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Manatee County could decide if the county’s tourist tax increases from 5% to 6%.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents in Manatee County could decide if the county’s tourist tax increases from 5% to 6%

    • According to county officials, they anticipate the vote to take place in November, and if it passes, it could bring a minimum of $6 million to the county

    • According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s newspaper partner the Tampa Bay Times, 11 other counties in Florida, including Hillsborough and Pinellas, impose a 6% on short-term living and sleeping accommodations like hotels

    Commissioners sought to vote on the increase Tuesday, but were notified by the Florida Department of Revenue that it must be passed through a referendum following new statutes implemented in 2023.

    According to officials, the county is the first in the state to work through this change.

    According to county officials, they anticipate the vote to take place in November, and if it passes, it could bring a minimum of $6 million to the county.

    That money would be used for marketing attractions, such as museums and beaches. But at the same time, it will also help businesses.

    Special event facilities such as Urban Loft at Manatee Central are just one of many that would get marketing from the extra revenue.

    It’s an event space people can book.

    “We host special events, weddings, birthday parties, corporate parties, you name it, we do it,” said sales and event manager Julia Linnenbrink. “We get a lot of our business from out-of-towners, you know, destination weddings and these types of events. It will help us directly by making the area more marketable.”

    She says they average about four events every month, but more marketing could help boost their business.

    “We are a smaller-scale venue, so we don’t have a huge budget for marketing. The majority of our business comes from word of mouth,” said Linnenbrink. “I’m excited for the extra revenue to be reinvested back into the community to help all of the local businesses, small businesses, to increase their revenue and visibility.”

    It’s Linnenbrink’s passion to turn people’s ideas of an event into a reality. She hopes she can give more out-of-towners the same experience.

    According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s digital partner, the Tampa Bay Times, 11 other counties in Florida, including Hillsborough and Pinellas, impose a 6% on short-term living and sleeping accommodations like hotels.

    That percentage is the most allowed by state law.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link