ReportWire

Tag: local-politics

  • Driver’s license exams only in English starting Friday

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Beginning today, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will only offer driver’s license knowledge and skills tests for drivers in English. 

    Previously, the exams have been offered in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese.

    “This is not a decision made by the tax collector’s office,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This was made by the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is also known by many as the DMV. They make these decisions. We are an agent of that department, and we have to follow their policy, their rules.”

    What You Need To Know

    • FLHSMV says starting Feb. 6, driver’s license knowledge and skills tests will only be offered in English

    • Tax collector’s offices administer the exams and say they’re currently available in a range of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese

    • FLHSMV did not give a reason for the change, but said in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring safe roadways “by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior”

    • One man, who works to connect members of the Hispanic community who are new to Tampa Bay with resources, says the change will be a major hurdle for those who don’t speak English and can impact other areas of their life, including holding a job


    Fasano said normally with a change as drastic as this, county offices would get notice weeks in advance. This time, they had just a week to try to get the word out to the public.

    Tax collectors aren’t the only ones who were surprised.

    “Number one — I was in shock. Number two — I was angry, because it became personal for me,” said Itamar Martinez.

    Martinez is now the one Hispanics who are new to Tampa Bay come to for help through his business, Centro De Ayuda Hispano. 

    “It’s a little bit of everything,” Martinez said. “People call looking for a job. They’re just moving to the city and they don’t have contacts.”

    Martinez said he gets 1,800 calls a year from people asking for everything from a legal referral to enrolling kids in school. He estimated 70% of his clients speak only Spanish.

    “Especially if you look at someone that’s only been here for five years, yeah — they’d rather speak in their language to be understood,” he said.

    But it was once his family who needed guidance. He said they immigrated from Cuba to Portugal and, finally, to the U.S. in 1989. When they arrived, his mother needed a driver’s license.

    “My mom is 85 years old today, and she’s been driving all those years. If she had to take that test in English, she wouldn’t be able to be a productive member of our society,” Martinez said.

    FLHSMV said in a statement, “Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.”

    “This comes as a surprise because translations in administering road tests or skills tests have been in place for decades,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

    According to Millan’s office, it administered more than 13,000 skills tests in languages other than English in 2025. That’s about 37% of exams given that year.

    “I know that there’s a lot of barriers when you first come into this country, especially when you’re at an age where another language was your first language,” said Millan, the daughter of Cuban immigrants. “I believe that everyone should, in America, should speak English, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

    Millan said tests have been offered in multiple languages, including Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and Chinese. 

    “We have many of our road testers who speak several languages, and it has been extremely helpful for those who are taking road tests,” Fasano said.

    Fasano also said his offices provide many services to non-U.S. citizens who are in the country legally, as well as others whose primary language isn’t English.

    “Many of them are U.S. citizens. Many of them come from Puerto Rico, who are U.S. citizens, by the way. It’s going to have a big impact on them,” he said.

    Martinez said he’d like to see people given more time — potentially by being able to take their initial tests in the language of their choice, then taking an English only test after they’ve had more time to learn the language.

    “Just telling someone cold, telling someone, ‘As of next week, if you don’t know English, you’re SOL’? That’s not fair,” he said.

    FLHSMV declined a request for comment.

    It didn’t give a reason for the change, but its statement concludes, “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Pause or move forward? St Pete City Council to mull next move for Gas Plant site

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch expressed his interest in moving forward with selecting a developer for the Historic Gas Plant District site, a city council member is asking the administration to pump the brakes.

    St. Pete City Council member Brandi Gabbard filed a resolution asking the city administration to pursue a ‘planning-first framework’ before choosing a developer. The item will be discussed by city council members during Thursday’s meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • City council member asks for ‘planning-first framework’ before moving forward with choosing Gas Plant site developer 

    •  Mayor Ken Welch issued a memo stating now is the time to move forward

    •  Rays reaffirm commitment to move to Tampa

    • As of now, the Rays lease expires after 2028 season 


    In response to the resolution, Welch issued a memo asking city council members to stay committed to action and progress.

    “There are some who believe we should continue to further delay this development, but I want to be clear as I reaffirm my position — we should move forward to fulfill the decades-long promise of equitable and beneficial development of this site. The time for action is now,” Welch wrote.


    Welch referenced at least four different rounds of proposals and community input sessions over the last decade, dating back to the HKS Master Planning in 2016, which took place under a former administration.

    “With respect to timing, pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted — risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred. St. Pete, including the families and descendants impacted by the original displacement, has already waited generations for meaningful progress. I do not believe further inaction serves them or the City,” Welch continued.

    Welch has family ties to the Historic Gas Plant District, as does City Council member Corey Givens Jr., who supports what he calls a planning-first — not proposal-first — process.

    “I have no problem telling the developers what we want to see at the Historic Gas Plant site — I don’t think it should be the other way around,” he said. “I care about honoring the history of that site, and I think we have to be intentional. Part of honoring the history of the site means taking a community-driven approach to doing so. That doesn’t mean proposal first, it means planning first, and we need the community to be a part of that process.”

    The city of St. Pete has received 9 new proposals from groups that wish to redevelop the 86-acre site. 

    A discussion regarding the resolution is set to take place during Thursday’s city council meeting, which is set for 9 a.m.

    A spokesperson for the city says it is in the administration’s purview to select a developer. But in order to get a funding vote to pass later down the line, the mayor would need city council support.

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    Angie Angers

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  • FLHSMV says driver’s license exams will only be offered in English

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that starting on Friday, February 6, it will only offer driving knowledge and skills tests in English. 

    “This is not a decision made by the tax collector’s office,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This was made by the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is also known by many as the DMV. They make these decisions. We are an agent of that department, and we have to follow their policy, their rules.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  FLHSMV says starting February 6, driver’s license knowledge and skills tests will only be offered in English

    •  Tax collector’s offices administer the exams and say they’re currently available in a range of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Portuguese

    •  FLHSMV did not give a reason for the change, but said in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring safe roadways “by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior”

    • One man who works to connect members of the Hispanic community who are new to Tampa Bay with resources says the change will be a major hurdle for those who don’t speak English and can impact other areas of their life, including holding a job


    Fasano said normally with a change as drastic as this, county offices would get notice weeks in advance. This time, they have just a week to try to get the word out to the public. Tax collectors aren’t the only ones who are surprised.

    “Number one – I was in shock. Number two – I was angry, because it became personal for me,” said Itamar Martinez.

    Today, Martinez is the one Hispanics new to Tampa Bay come to for help through his business, Centro De Ayuda Hispano.

    “It’s a little bit of everything,” Martinez said. “People call looking for a job. They’re just moving to the city and they don’t have contacts.”

    Martinez told Spectrum News he gets 1,800 calls a year from people asking for everything from a legal referral to enrolling kids in school. He estimated 70% of his clients speak only Spanish.

    “Especially if you look at someone that’s only been here for five years, yeah – they’d rather speak in their language to be understood,” he said.

    But it was once his family who needed guidance. He said they immigrated from Cuba to Portugal and, finally, to the U.S. in 1989. When they arrived, his mother needed a driver’s license.

    “My mom is 85 years old today, and she’s been driving all those years. If she had to take that test in English, she wouldn’t be able to be a productive member of our society,” Martinez said.

    FLHSMV said in a statement, “Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.”

    “This comes as a surprise because translations in administering road tests or skills tests have been in place for decades,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

    According to Millan’s office, it administered more than 13,000 skills tests in languages other than English in 2025. That’s about 37% of exams given that year.

    “I know that there’s a lot of barriers when you first come into this country, especially when you’re at an age where another language was your first language,” said Millan, the daughter of Cuban immigrants. “I believe that everyone should, in America, should speak English, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

    Millan said tests have been offered in multiple languages, including Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, and Chinese. 

    “We have many of our road testers who speak several languages, and it has been extremely helpful for those who are taking road tests,” said Fasano.

    Fasano also said his offices provide many services to non-U.S. citizens who are in the country legally, as well as others whose primary language isn’t English.

    “Many of them are U.S. citizens. Many of them come from Puerto Rico, who are U.S. citizens, by the way. It’s going to have a big impact on them,” he said.

    Martinez said he’d like to see people given more time – maybe be able to take their initial tests in the language of their choice, then take an English only test after they’ve had more time to learn the language.

    “Just telling someone cold, telling someone, ‘As of next week, if you don’t know English, you’re SOL’? That’s not fair,” he said.

    FLHSMV declined a request for comment. It didn’t give a reason for the change, but its statement concludes, “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Madeira Beach wants resident ideas for waterfront land development

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    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — The city of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings next week to gather ideas from residents on how to move forward with developing more than four acres of waterfront land the city purchased last October.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings on Feb. 3 and Feb. 7 

    • Madeira Beach wants ideas from residents on how to develop waterfront property the city purchased last October 

    • The city paid $18M for 4.6 acres at 555 150th Avenue  

    • Some ideas from residents include green space, wet slips and a restaurant 


    “The possibilities are super exciting,” said resident Caitlin Beaird. “It’s going to be really nice to see something we can all be really proud of as we cross over into our lovely city.”

    The city paid $18 million for 4.6 acres of vacant property located at 555 150th Avenue, which is also named the Tom Stuart Causeway. Madeira Beach held the first round of town hall meetings last November.

    At that time, some ideas from residents included a lot of green space, similar to Coachman Park in Clearwater or the St. Pete Pier. Other ideas inlcuded a fishing area, wet slips for boats, a water playground, a parking garage and restaurants.

    Resident Pam Koewing-Rasmussen said she plans to attend the upcoming town hall meetings and agrees a parking garage should be a priority with a nice restaurant on top.

    “We’ve got all the ground surface parking we need in Madeira Beach. We can’t get much more,” she said. “Let’s go up two or four stories… So you have a good view.”

    Koewing-Rasmussen said she wants to see development which generates revenue for the city to recoup the money the city paid for it.

    “Something like a John’s Pass North or West or whatever you want to call it, with a boardwalk kind of decor and development,” she said. “I would like to see that go all the way under Tom Stuart and over to Patriot Park.” 

    Beaird said she would like to see a museum which honors the city’s fishing village history, which she believes is becoming more of a fishing resort town these days.

    “I really would like to see some type of museum exhibit,” she said. “Featuring the maritime history of the area and the ecology of the area.”

    Both Koewing-Rasmussen and Beaird would like green space to be a part of the development plan with a walkway along the waterfront. Beaird said a restaurant on Boca Ciega Bay is needed too.

    “Of course, waterfront dining,” she said. “There’s other beach towns up and down that have restaurants on the waterway that we can pull our boat right up to. And we don’t have that yet in Madeira Beach.”

    The town hall meetings have been scheduled for Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at Madeira Beach City Hall.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • St. Pete looks to give area under I-275 a major makeover

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    ST. PETE, Fla. — The city of St. Pete is helping construct a plan to transform the four-block area under I-275 near the heart of downtown.

    The area, dubbed Trails Crossing, spans from 1st Avenue North to 3rd Avenue South. The stretch of I-275 has historically divided a number of growing neighborhoods like the Edge District, Historic Gas Plant District, Grand Central District and Warehouse Arts District.

    Trails Crossing would essentially link together the neighborhoods.

    Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager for the city of St. Pete, said her team has been working closely with the community group Friends of Trails Crossing to create a plan for the space. Early concepts show the area could be turned into a mix of performance and art areas, parks, a spot for an outdoor market and outdoor recreation areas.

    Right now, it’s primarily used for parking, but Stacks said due to the location, it’s underutilized.

    What You Need To Know

    • Community meeting set for  6 p.m. Thursday at the President Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium located at 3745 9th Ave. N.

    • City will show latest concept designs, ask for feedback at meeting 

    • Trails Crossing still in planning stages 

    • CLOSER LOOK: Concept designs of Trails Crossing


    “The area is a little complicated because it’s under I-275,” she said. “So it is important for us to understand what people want to do with that space, but also compare it to what is physically possible and what is allowable from a regulatory standpoint.”

    Stacks said they’re working closely with FDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to make sure to follow all safety guidelines.

    The community is invited to a public meeting regarding the project set for 6 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the President Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium located at 3745 9th Ave. N. There, the city plans to show the latest renderings for the project and ask for community feedback.


    Chris Arnold, Executive Director of the Grand Central District Association, says the neighborhood has evolved so much over the last decade. What started as a few antique shops and tattoo parlors has boomed into a vibrant and fun neighborhood full of things to do.

    “It’s just that one piece in the middle that we haven’t fixed yet, and that’s why we’re so excited about the Trails Crossing project,” he said.

    Arnold said it’s the final piece of the puzzle needed to really connect the city together.

    “If you told someone that they would be able to walk from downtown to 23rd, 24th, 25th St, even 10 years ago… you would have never thought it was happening,” he said. “Now we can walk all the way downtown because it’s connected the entire way. The only spot that’s not is underneath the overpass.”

    Jon Dean, owner of Balance House Studio & Cafe, says more connectivity only means good things for the growing neighborhood.

    “It’s not super built out yet, but I see it — I see the action moving this way,” he said. “I think connecting the neighborhoods is a positive for most of the businesses.”

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    Angie Angers

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  • St. Pete company tracks ships trying to avoid detection around the globe

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Working out of the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in St. Petersburg, Pole Star Defense managing director Alex Field said the company is using innovative technology to track large cargo ships and oil tankers around the globe — including vessels trying to avoid detection.

    “Primarily, we track large commercial vessels across the world,” he said. “We currently support the U.S. Coast Guard.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Pole Star Defense is based out of the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub in St. Petersburg

    • According to managing director Alex Field, the company uses innovative technology to track large cargo ships and oil tankers around the globe, including vessels trying to avoid detection

    • Pole Star Defense has been monitoring a growing number of illicit ship-to-ship transfers in the middle of the ocean 


    The International Maritime Organization passed regulation after 9/11 mandating commercial vessels share their location with their flag states and other countries as the ships enter those waters. Pole Star Defense is part of that large global data-sharing operation.

    “The vessels will send their vessel position and other vessel data up to the satellite,” said Field. “That satellite will then send it to us as an ASP (application service provider) and then ultimately we send it to what’s called a national data center for that flag registry.”

    Field said some vessels, which include sanctioned oil tankers, go to great lengths to spoof or hide their location. Field said a growing problem the defense maritime company has been monitoring is illicit ship-to-ship transfers in the middle of the ocean.

    “What you ultimately see is one vessel coming from a sanctioned port, doing a ship-to-ship transfer in the middle of the ocean to another one,” he said. “Then that vessel will also take it to another vessel that then can go off to another port and they’ve blended product to that point. All these are bulk carriers and so now what’s Iranian oil versus what’s Venezuelan oil?”

    Senior Solutions Engineer Richard Aguilar said he has been investigating an oil tanker which caught his attention on Jan. 9, when it stopped off the coast of Guyana, near Venezuela, and conducted a ship-to-ship transfer with two other ships. Aguilar said an STS is common with two vessels, but three raises suspicion.

    “When you start seeing more than two, then it becomes, ‘Why?’” he said. “Especially in different areas where it’s known to have sanctioned or illicit activity occurring.”

    Field said Pole Star Defense played an adjacent role to the U.S. blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, referred to as the dark fleet, which began last December.

    “We’re helping gather information around what’s going on. Much of those vessels go dark,” he said. “Tracking all the vessels that we could coming out of Venezuela, coming into Venezuela and where they were going. As each of those vessels, I think it’s up to seven now, have been seized by U.S. Coast Guard.”

    Field said the U.S. Coast Guard is his company’s primary customer and the reason it chose to locate its U.S. headquarters in St. Petersburg. The company also supports 65 other countries. Pole Star Defense is a subsidiary of Pole Star Global, a company based in the U.K., with about 20 years of experience in the maritime business.

    Pole Star Defense is one of the first companies which moved into the Hub when it opened nearly five years ago. Field said he expects the company — which began with three employees but has now grown to a 24/7 operation with nearly 50 — to be in St. Petersburg for the long haul.

    “The area is great. The ecosystem in St. Pete, lots of other small businesses focused on maritime space,” he said. “We’ve got the Coast Guard right next door here, which is our primary customer.” 

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Senate President Ben Albritton was taken to the hospital early Sunday after experiencing chest pain, his office said Monday.

    “Physicians in the Emergency Room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital discovered a small blood clot in his lung,” a statement from the Office of the Senate President said. “The President remained in the Emergency Room overnight and is currently under observation, awaiting further testing.”

    Albritton’s office said he is “in good spirits and has been in frequent communication with staff via phone and email yesterday and today.”

    “All previously scheduled Senate business will proceed as planned this week,” the statement added.

    Albritton’s office said he hopes to return to work later in the week.

    “The President and Mrs. Albritton would be very grateful for your prayers,” the statement said. 

    No other information about Albritton’s hospitalization and current condition was immediately released.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Advocates push for city to take over troubled apartment complex in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg Tenants Union is calling on the city to take over The Morgan Apartments. That’s the property that was in danger of having its water shut off last summer because the city said the property owner wasn’t paying its bills. 

    At Thursday’s council meeting, SPTU Organizer William Kilgore told members the concern is that foreclosure proceedings could lead to the building being sold at auction.

    Rather than have another corporate landlord come in, he said a city acquisition could offer residents of the troubled complex some stability.

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Petersburg Tenants Union told city council members Thursday that residents want the city to take over The Morgan Apartments

    • The city warned tenants last summer that a water shut-off was possible to The Morgan and another complex owned by Lurin Real Estate Holdings because the company was thousands of dollars behind on its water bill

    • A tenants union organizer says the concern is that the foreclosure process could lead to the building being sold at auction to another corporate landlord

    • The city says there are no plans to acquire The Morgan, and a Lurin spokesperson says the company doesn’t believe that step is justified


    “The city has a responsibility to step in,” Kilgore told council.

    “The city needs to take care of its residents,” said another speaker. “The out-of-state landlords do not care about us.”

    Nat Pudlak didn’t attend the meeting. She said she’s lived at The Morgan for three years and describes her time there as not the worst, but also not the best.

    “I had a pipe bust on me,” she said. “Then, my ceiling caved in because of a pest problem that we had. So, they had a rat infestation.”

    From shuttered pools to mold, Pudlak said The Morgan has its share of issues. So, when she heard about the push to get the city to take over the property, she wasn’t against it.

    “We are fixed income. So, being owned by the city at least has that security for a lot of us,” said Pudlak. “Originally, when the water was going to get shut off, I didn’t have a backup plan.“

    St. Petersburg Public Information Officer Samantha Bequer said in a statement, “At this time, the city does not have plans to acquire the Morgan property. Right now, our focus is on collecting the remainder of the outstanding water services balance and providing assistance and information to residents wanting to relocate from the property.”

    “They do have the money. They do have the ability. It’s a matter of political will, is what it is, and they don’t have the will to do it,” said Kilgore.

    Kilgore praised city staff for the help provided to residents so far, but he said more needs to be done for tenants.

    “I agree with exactly where they’re coming from,” said Councilmember Richie Floyd. “I think when the private sector fails, the public sector needs to step in.”

    According to Floyd, codes staff visited The Morgan frequently to address issues. He said he’s supported a possible city takeover at past council meetings.

    “I think we definitely need to be involved in this process, even if the administration’s not interested in going the direction I am,” he said. “But I would love to continue the conversation any way I can.”

    As for Pudlak, she said of the residents who lived at the complex when she moved in, she’s one of the few who remain — but not for long.

    “Nope. No. Instant no,” she said when asked if she planned to stay. “As soon as my lease is up in October, I’m personally moving over to Bradenton.”

    Lurin spokesperson Ed Cafasso said in a statement that The Morgan is operating normally, and the company is working to strengthen its longterm financial stability. It reads in part, “While we understand the demand by some residents for the city to seize the property, we do not believe such an unusual step is justified or in the community’s best interest.”

    Bequer said the city is monitoring the potential foreclosure of the property and is working through the litigation process related to unpaid water bills.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Some Florida bills could impact seniors

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The legislative session is underway, and many Bay area seniors hoping for lawmakers to address affordability are watching closely. 

    Financial security is a top priority for the aging population. 

    What You Need To Know

    • In a recent AARP survey of Floridians over 45, many said that adequate Social Security benefits are a top concern

    • There are bills in both the House and Senate that would establish a “Florida Retirement Savings Task Force”

    • Another bill would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units

    • There’s also a bill that aims to protect people from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud


    Kathy Donovan, 83, said she doesn’t qualify for food stamps, so she goes to the Love Thy Neighbor food pantry and other food banks throughout the month.

    “Groceries have doubled, taxes and insurance have doubled,” Donovan said.

    In a recent AARP survey of Floridians over 45, nearly all respondents said that having adequate Social Security benefits and enough income to retire are extremely important or very important concerns.

    “If I had to just live on Social Security, if I didn’t have food banks, after I pay my bills, food would be tight,” she said.

    AARP Florida said financial security is one of its priorities during this legislative session. There are bills in both the House and Senate that would establish a “Florida Retirement Savings Task Force.” They would develop recommendations to expand access to retirement savings for residents who lack employer-sponsored retirement plans.

    “How do we set up people for when they retire, they retire comfortably, can continue to own or rent in the state of Florida, afford the cost of living, but also be comfortable,” said AARP Florida Senior Director of Advocacy Zayne Smith.

    AARP is also tracking a bill that would require, instead of authorizing, local governments to adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units, or granny flats, in certain areas.

    “That’s going to open up availability, not only for smaller places, for a lot of times our seniors, or our loved ones to move into, but it also allows for people that are caretakers or maybe seasonal workers that don’t need a big home,” Smith said.

    Donovan is concerned about housing and retirement options for her kids and future generations.

    “Something needs to be done; legislation needs to be done. People get to be a certain age, and they should have a decent place to live. You shouldn’t be homeless, you should have fresh fruits and vegetables and things like that,” Donovan said.

    While she needs the food she gets from the pantry, she also always makes sure to give back by buying something from their thrift store.

    “Live like you’re living in the Depression, live within your means, buy something at a thrift store. Before you buy something, make sure you really need it,” Donovan said.

    AARP is at the State Capitol advocating for seniors.

    Another bill they are watching aims to protect people from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. 

    The bill would require a fraud warning on the kiosk before a transaction can be made. 

    Under the legislation, new customers could only make transactions up to $2,000 a day. 

    AARP said this would empower law enforcement and protect potential fraud victims. 

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Bay Area county committee passes ICE response plan for future enforcement operations, bans agency from county property

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    Saying they were spurred by the shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, an Alameda County Board of Supervisors committee has passed two proposals to establish a Bay Area regional response in the event that federal immigration agents launch a new operation locally.

    “We have to move very quickly,” Alameda County District 5 Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas told Bay Area News Group before the Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday before the Together For All Committee vote. “Since the Minneapolis killing – more than ever – it is incredibly dangerous for people to enter the immigration system.”

    During a surge of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot Minneapolis resident Renee Good in the head while she was driving away. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was posthumously labeled as a “domestic terrorist” by Vice President JD Vance and Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, whose defense of Ross’ actions ignited furor among Minnesota residents who have taken to the streets in protest.

    The incident evoked memories of last October when Border Patrol agents launched an operation in the Bay Area that led to a protest at the entrance to Coast Guard Island. During the standoff, a U-Haul truck driven by Bella Thompson reversed and accelerated toward officers. Thompson was shot by federal officers before she could strike them and was charged with one count of assault of a federal officer. She was released on bail in November and remanded to her parents in Southern California while attending a mental health program pending trial.

    In the lead-up to the October incident, Bas said she had drafted a proposal to strengthen the county’s response to immigration enforcement operations. The first of these proposals calls for a coordinated regional response to federal immigration raids, following the example set by Santa Clara County, with public outreach plans and staff trainings on how to protect residents accessing the county’s social services, courts and health care facilities.

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    Chase Hunter

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  • The long and winding road of the Rays stadium pursuit

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The winding road that has been the Tampa Bay Rays pursuit of a new stadium in the Bay area, specifically St. Petersburg, reached one conclusion when Stuart Sternberg announced he “cannot move forward” with the previously agreed upon deal. 

    A team sale followed before Jacksonville-based businessman Patrick Zalupski and his group purchased the team for a $1.7 billion sale.

    After spending the 2025 season playing outdorrs in Tampa, the Rays will be back at the repaired Tropicana Field for the 2026. 2027 and 2028 seasons. 

    Beyond that, the team’s future remains to be seen but news of serious talks of a move to Tampa’s HCC site continues to progress. 

    So…how did we reach this point? A quick look:

    January 2026 

    The Tampa Bay Rays’ quest for a new ballpark took a step forward when the Hillsborough College board of trustees voted Tuesday to unanimously approve a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the team for a redevelopment of the school’s Dale Mabry campus that would include a baseball stadium.

    A non-binding memorandum of understanding lays out some of the terms as the Tampa Bay Rays consider the Hillsborough College site as a spot for a new baseball stadium.

    The school’s six-member board of trustees held a meeting Tuesday to hear from the Rays and gave its unanimous support to the plan.

    A parking lot on the southwest corner of the property, which faces North Lois Avenue, is where Hillsborough College will build a new tower.

    On the southeast corner – directly across the street from Raymond James Stadium – is where college buildings will be demolished to make room for the new baseball stadium.

    December 2025 

    The last ofthe new Tropicana Field roof panels was installed in December. 

    The last roof panels were replaced late last month, and now some finishing touches are taking place on the field, in the stands and around other areas of the venue.

    Crews are working on drywall and painting the seats, and the air conditioning and lights are working.

    A new stadium sound system will be installed this month and tested in January. 

    Flooring on the Viva deck will also be installed this month, along with backstop netting.

    Officials said there was mold and mildew to contend with as part of repairs. The city is working with Greenfield Environmental, and the Rays also have an industrial hygienist.

    A remediation company has also been on site.

    November 2025 

    Crews with the city have completed the installation of the final roof panel on Tropicana Field Stadium, with city leaders saying the work was done ahead of schedule. 

    The roof was damaged by Hurricane Milton last October. 

    All stadium repairs, including inside, are currently scheduled to be complete by April 2026.

    “This project was a massive undertaking, but we have an outstanding team working on it and making sure we’re prepared for opening day. We look forward to completing the remaining repairs and welcoming fans back for the 2026 season,” said Mayor Ken Welch.

    Internal repairs will include projects like turf installation, audio visual repairs and replacement, sports lighting and more.

    City Council has approved a total of about $60 million for Tropicana Field remediation and repair expenses.

    April 2025 

     St. Petersburg City Council has approved funding to fix the hurricane-damaged roof at Tropicana Field.

    The council voted 7-1 to approve $22.5 million in funding to repair the stadium’s torn-off roof. Councilman Richie Floyd was the lone no vote.

    The city was contractually obligated to make repairs to the facility.

    The council will still have to vote on additional repairs to walls, panels, tiles and electronics inside the stadium.

    March 2025 

    Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Rays officials had not been clear about their intentions. City and officials had encouraged the team to follow through on the previous stadium deal and Historic Gas Plant redevelopment.

    The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP called on the city to honor and move forward with the Gas Plant District redevelopment plan.

    This latest news on the years-long Rays stadium saga comes as multiple groups have come forward in recent days saying they are prepared to purchase the team and pursue a local stadium deal.

    The latest group is being led by Dex Imaging CEO Dan Doyle Jr., who reportedly pulled out of a previous process to buy the Rays in 2023. Attorney Carter McCain is representing another group of investors mostly outside of Florida and former New York Yankees minority owner Joe Molloy is leading a Tampa-based group, according to our partners at the Tampa Bay Times.

    Gas Plant District rendering from Hines-Rays team. Plans are for a new domed stadium to open in time for the 2028 season. (Hines-Rays)

    February 2025

    Mayor Ken Welch spoke about the deal during his State of the City address in February, blaming the holdup entirely on the Rays.

    “The only thing we need to move forward … is for the Rays to honor the agreement that we signed just six months ago,” Welch said. “I remain hopeful that that will happen. I also believe in transparency, so to the citizens of St. Pete, let me be clear: As I’ve stated throughout this process, this plan can only be successful with partnership.”

    December 2024

    Tampa Bay Rays officials say they would like a repaired Tropicana Field being their home for the 2026 season.

    In a Dec. 30 letter to St. Petersburg City Administrator Rob Gerdes, Rays president Matt Silverman said that the team had been open to considering a settlement that would buy the city out of its obligation to repair the ballpark.

    In mid-December, Pinellas commissioners approved bonds to finance a new stadium for the Rays.

    The 5-2 vote unlocks $312 million in funding the county had pledged for the new ballpark. This was the third time the Rays bond vote has gone before the commission since October.

    Dec. 12: St. Pete OKs pre-construction costs for damaged Tropicana Field; County commissioners hold workshop on deal

    Early December:  Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred met Monday with Pinellas County Chairwoman Kathleen Peters and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch to express his desire to resolve recent disputes and keep the team in Tampa Bay.

    the team released a statement in the wake of that meeting.

    “We anticipate that the Pinellas County Commission will authorize the bonds at their next meeting. As we stated in our letter three weeks ago, we remain ready to work with all key stakeholders to fill the funding gap their delay has created,” Rays president Matt Silverman said.

    A look at the Trop damage from Hurricane Milton from inside the stadium. (Courtesy Hennessy Construction Services)

    November 2024

    The Tampa Bay Rays, without Tropicana Field available next season because of Hurricane Milton damage, will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

    A damage report released this week indicates repairs would run past $55 million and not be completed before the 2026 season.

    Nov. 25: ‘Categorically false’: County pushes back against the Rays’ claims and demands a decision

    Nov. 22: ‘This deal doesn’t work anymore:’ Rays future in St. Pete takes more hits with city council votes

    Nov. 21: Rays president says new park deal is dead; St. Pete Council then reverses course on Trop repairs

    Nov.18: PHOTOS: Rays release post-Milton photos of inside Trop

    October 2024

    Oct. 31: City approves $6.5M to clean up and protect Rays stadium after Hurricane Milton

    Oct. 9: Tropicana Field roof damaged by Hurricane Milton

    Aug. 2024

    Citing ‘unintended response,’ St. Pete mayor rescinds bonuses given after Rays deal

    July 2024

    Pinellas County commissioners agree, by 5-2 vote, to help fund new Rays stadium

    2023

    Sept. 19, 2023: ‘Major League Baseball is here to stay’: Rays announce new stadium

    A decade-long odyssey involving the Tampa Bay Rays, the City of St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Major League Baseball and even Montreal, among other parties, appears to be nearing an end. The Rays, joined by officials with the city of St. Pete and Pinellas County, announced on Tuesday plans for a new stadium to be built near the current Tropicana Field. 

    St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch speaks during a Sept. 2023 stadium announcement. (Angie Angers/Spectrum Bay News 9)

    Early 2023

    Former St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman said that he previously allowed the Rays to search for sites in Hillsborough County because he was confident St. Pete was the best place for a new ballpark and he wanted Sternberg to come to that conclusion too.

    “I felt like a deal couldn’t have gotten done until the Rays believed it too,” he said. “It has been a long road but we’re at the point now because we had to go through that with (Rick) Baker, Foster and me.”

    Former Mayor Bill Foster was the mayor in 2010 when the Rays were pushing for a new waterfront stadium at the Al Lang Field site along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. The former mayor said they never had a term sheet because Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg would not commit to a dollar amount.

    “Mr. Sternberg was non-committal when it came to how much he would pay for a stadium in St. Pete,” he said. “This whole idea with the redevelopment of Al Lang trying to fit this Major League Baseball stadium in five acres where there’s no transportation, no parking, no infrastructure, that was a disaster.”

    2022

    The Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed plan to split the season between Florida and Montreal has been rejected by Major League Baseball.

    Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg announced the news on Thursday.

    “Today’s news is flat-out deflating,” Sternberg said.

    The idea of playing in both the Tampa Bay area and Montreal has been discussed over the past several years after attempts to build a new full-time ballpark locally failed.

    2021

    St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman announced that Midtown Development has been selected to redevelop the 86-acre Tropicana Field site.

    This came after years of talk, rumors and speculation about stadium sites at a variety of locations in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco counties and even some mentioning Orlando.

    July 2019

    The Tampa Bay Rays have been given permission by Major League Baseball to explore splitting future seasons between Tampa Bay and Montreal.

    2018

    July: The Rays announced they would vacate Tropicana Field and relocate to the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, between 15th Street and Channelside Drive from east to west, and between Fourth Avenue and Adamo Drive from north to south.

    By December, the project was called off.

    2009

    May: The idea of a waterfront stadium at the Al Lang site quickly came and went.

    The sail-designed stadium targeted for the Bayshore Drive/1st Street South area was supposed to have a sail style design with an open air  vista down left field to center field. 

    2005

    Since Stuart Sternberg took control of the Rays in October 2005, the once-struggling franchise has been a success on the field but not at the box office.

    Despite reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2020, the Rays have ranked annually near the bottom in attendance. The Rays averaged about 9,500 for home games last season, 28th in the majors and ahead of only Miami and Oakland.

    Sternberg purchased controlling interest in the Rays in May 2004 from original owner Vince Naimoli. He became managing general partner in October 2005.

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    Rod Gipson

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  • Pinellas Supt. gives update on possible school closures, consolidations

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County Superintendent Kevin Hendrick gave his recommendations on possible school consolidations and closures during a school board workshop Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know


    The workshop began at 9:30 a.m. at the district headquarters, which included a presentation and discussion led by Hendrick. He provided an overview of Planning for Progress and gave recommendations, which have been months in the making.

    Earlier this year, the district shared that they have been losing students at a steadily declining rate over the last 20 years. Pinellas County Public Schools has just over 3,600 fewer students enrolled this year compared to the start of last school year, which includes a 9% drop in kindergarten enrollment.

    Recommendations from Hendrick:

    Bay Point Elementary and Middle combined to make a K-8 school

    • Beginning 2027-2028, consolidating two sites into one
    • Housed at the middle school campus 
    • Elementary school would remain a magnet school
    • Looking at potentially leasing elementary campus, potentially child care
    • Elementary school has 302 students, 47% utilization rate. Middle school has 35% utilization rate. Combining raises to 60%.
    • Opened as a K-8 in 1962 before splitting
    • Savings in $2.8 million per year 
    • Leasing elementary campus could increase revenue for district 
    • This was done at Walsingham Oaks last year

    Expand Oldsmar Elementary into a K-8 school

    • Beginning 2026-2027
    • 53% utilized currently
    • Add one grade per year 
    • Students who live in Oldsmar Elementary’s zone can stay for middle school or attend another zoned middle school
    • The city of Oldsmar made a resolution to support this plan 

    Expand employee child care program to McMullen Booth Elementary

    • Expand employee child care program in 2026-2027
    • No other change or impact to school

    Cross Bayou Elementary closing

    • Close at the end of May 
    • 245 students pre-K through 5
    • Includes Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing program, which would relocate 
    • 40% utilized campus 
    • West side of zone to Bardmoor Elementary, east side to Pinellas Central
    • The building is older and needs millions in upgrades to keep it going. Looking to sell or lease property as is.

    Disston Academy closing

    • Close at the end of 2025-2026
    • Has 52 students in person 
    • 52 students reassigned to other academic programs; more like 38 students. Could go to a number of different schools 
    • Needs $2 million in renovations 
    • At 17% capacity 
    • $1.9 million in savings annually

    A final vote is set for a Feb. 24 school board meeting. Multiple smaller school meetings at affected schools will happen before then.

    Last fall, the district held five community meetings they called “Planning for Progress.” In all, roughly 275 parents attended. Each meeting included a debrief from district staff that included data on declining enrollment, and also gave parents the chance to leave written feedback on what’s important to them when it comes to a school community.

    The district compiled the written feedback into a 33-page document of recommendations. It’s not clear how the district plans to use that information when making decisions about school closures or consolidations.

    Reagan Miller has an eighth-grade student and says the lack of clarity from the school district on what the possible changes could be has created a lot of fear for parents.

    “Everyone thinks their school is on the chopping block,” she said. “Because of the declining birth rate and because there are fewer students in the schools… everyone’s wondering, ‘Is it me? What’s going to happen?’ Everyone is trying to plan and prepare for that.”

    Pinellas County operates 116 schools, not including charter schools.

    At a school board workshop earlier this year, Hendrick said the district is looking at building capacity, current utilization and improvements a school building might need, as they assessed the next best steps.

    “I think it’s made people look at alternatives. Is there stability outside of the public school system?” Miller explained. “Which is unfortunate, because we have great public schools here in Pinellas County and I think the uncertainty is scaring people, and they’re looking for stability and reassurance from the district that their school is going to be around and exist in its current state.”

    Tuesday’s workshop will be followed by a formal school board meeting set for Jan. 27.

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    Angie Angers

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  • New Skyway Lofts open in South St. Pete

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday for the second phase of Skyway Lofts in St. Petersburg, adding 66 new units of affordable housing to the Skyway Marina District.

    Public and private leaders say as the Skyway Marina District continues to grow, preserving housing for people earning less than 80 percent of the area median income is critical. 

    According to the builders, the mid-rise development consists of two buildings and offers 131 thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. Each apartment features multiple energy-efficient elements, including modern kitchens, bathrooms and ample storage closets.

    One resident says the $24.9 million development in the 3900 block of 34th Street South has given him stability in the neighborhood where he grew up.

    “When I see people who are homeless, I’m grateful to have a roof over my head,” said resident Terrell Reynolds.

    Skyway Lofts Phase Two is at full occupancy, but there is a waitlist available for future renters.

    Use the video link above for more from Spectrum Bay News 9’s Fadia Patterson.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Lakeland’s new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley settles into first week

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Just over a week into her term, Lakeland’s new mayor is hitting the ground running.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sara Roberts McCarley is Lakeland’s first woman elected mayor, marking a historic milestone for the city

    • In her first week, she has focused on settling into office, assigning commissioners, and understanding city operations

    • McCarley is emphasizing infrastructure—both in the city at large and within City Hall


    Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley made history as the first woman elected to the position, after serving on the City Commission for about seven years. She won the mayoral election with over 50% of the votes, beating out Cedric Valrie at 19%, Kay Klymko with 17%, and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer at 13%. She raised over $91,000 during her political campaign.

    From settling into her new office to assigning commissioners to their new committees, McCarley says the first few days in office have been dedicated to getting ahead of the curve.

    “Not so much relying on an agenda study to get up to speed on what’s happening in the city, but really being here, being present as often as possible, as daily as possible,” she said.

    Like any new role, McCarley says the highest seat in city government is an adjustment. She believes the city was on the right path under former Mayor Bill Mutz, but she says she’s also looking for areas where improvements can be made. One of the first items on her agenda is infrastructure—both across Lakeland and inside City Hall.

    “When I say infrastructure within City Hall, it is those frameworks of how we tackle issues, but also how we cheerlead,” she said. “How do we talk about our city and the amazing things that happen? How do we provide good services? And if someone calls and has an issue, how do we get to the bottom of the issue and really unearth the best way to help them?”

    In order to lead the city effectively, McCarley says much of that work happens behind the scenes—something she says women often do well.

    “We do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to make things happen that people might not recognize,” McCarley said. “So we have to have discussions about the nuts and bolts of running a city and then (about) what does it takes. And I think that’s something that I’m very interested in, in doing that behind-the-scenes work to make sure it is taken care of.”

    Ultimately, her focus is on nurturing the city from the inside out.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Gulfport Mayor: Lions Club building is coming down

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — After spending nearly 60 years at its clubhouse located at the Gulfport Marina, the Gulfport Lions Club is moving out and the building is coming down.

    The clubhouse was built in 1967 and has been the home of hundreds of fundraisers, events and parties. The Lions Club hosted its biweekly meetings out of the large brick building for decades. The building holds a long history of camaraderie and fond memories for the hundreds of Lions Club members who spent time there over the last few decades.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lions Club owns its building, city of Gulfport owns the land

    • Following input from community meeting, city plans to knock down the building and use land as green space and boat launch area with public access

    • Lions Club let lease expire, moved to 49th Street Center

    President Tommie Bixler says the Gulfport chapter is down to a few dozen members, and he and his wife, Kat, are working hard to bring in new faces to help grow and continue the Lions Club legacy.

    “We’ll still exist, we just have a lot of older members now. We just need to figure out how to do some more fun things… so it’s not just work, work, work,” Bixler said.

    Due to the dwindling membership, Bixler said paying to keep the large building on the waterfront property running wasn’t feasible anymore. In December, the Lions Club let its most recent five-year lease expire and relocated to a shared space at the 49th Street Center.

    The Lions Club property is in a unique situation. The city of Gulfport owns the land that the building sits on, while the Lions Club owns the physical building.

    Gulfport Mayor Karen Love said that per the lease agreement the city is getting an MAI appraisal for the building. Once the appraisal comes back, they will buy the building and knock it down.

    “It’s coming down,” Love said. “It was damaged by the floods, and it’s a year and half later and there really hasn’t been repairs made to it. I did do a walk through and even though it’s a large building… you could smell mold.”

    Bixler said that in an inspection following the 2024 hurricanes, the building was deemed not to be substantially damaged. He was hoping the city would continue to use the building as an event space.

    Love said that will not be happening, and the city is moving forward with plans to make the area into a green space that allows small boat and kayak access from the beach area.

    “Let’s let the public start using it,” Love said. (And) get rid of the pavement and let some of the green space start developing naturally,” Love explained.

    At a community meeting last Thursday, roughly 25 residents shared their feelings about what they wanted the area to look like. Love said the consensus was the community wanted a green space, with beach access for boat launching, as well as public restrooms.

    She says no formal decisions have been made, and details will be discussed at city council.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Manatee County resident voices concern about trash pickup

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

    • The next community clean up event will be in April

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Duke Energy announces early removal of customers’ storm-related charges

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – Duke Energy announced Wednesday it is dropping storm recovery charges for customers a month earlier than originally scheduled.

    The utility company said storm cost recovery charges were results of costs associated with the company’s approximately $1.1 billion response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

    What You Need To Know

    • Duke Energy announces early removal of storm recovery charges for customers
    • Duke said storm cost recovery charges were results of costs associated with the company’s response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton

    • Customers can expect a $33 reduction on the monthly bills to start

    Residential customers can expect an approximately $33 reduction on their monthly bills, when compared to January, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity they use.

    Commercial and industrial customers’ monthly bills will be lowered between 9.6% and 15.8%, also when compared to January, though the specific impact will vary depending on several factors.

    “We understand all of our customers have been affected by the rising costs of living, many may be facing financial challenges, and some are even having to decide which bills they can afford to pay every month,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It was important to us that our customers get this significant rate relief as soon as possible while we continue to deliver the safe, reliable power they expect and deserve.”

    Duke officials also said additional savings are on the way.

    In March, residential customers will experience another approximately $11 decrease (per 1,000 kWh) on their monthly bills, creating a total $44 decrease.  

    Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across 13,000-square miles in west central Florida, including Orlando, St. Peterburg and Clearwater. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New Skyway Lofts open in south St. Pete

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday for the second phase of Skyway Lofts in St. Petersburg, adding 66 new units of affordable housing to the Skyway Marina District.

    Public and private leaders say as the Skyway Marina District continues to grow, preserving housing for people earning less than 80 percent of the area median income is critical. 

    According to the builders, the mid-rise development consists of two buildings and offers 131 thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. Each apartment features multiple energy-efficient elements, including modern kitchens, bathrooms, and ample storage closets.

    One resident says the $24.9 million development in the 3900 block of 34th Street South has given him stability in the neighborhood where he grew up.

    “When I see people who are homeless, I’m grateful to have a roof over my head,” said resident Terrell Reynolds.

    Skyway Lofts Phase Two is at full occupancy, but there is a waitlist available for future renters. 

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • DeSantis to outline key goals in State of the State Address

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to give his final annual State of the State address in the Florida House Chamber Tuesday around 11 a.m.

    In that address, the governor is expected to outline his goals for the 2026 legislative session, including his plans for two proposed special sessions.

    The governor, like the duties of the president, is tasked with providing a message at the start of each regular legislative session. This message should include information about the condition of the state, any proposals to reorganize the executive branch, and to recommend measures in the public interest, according to Article IV, Section 1, Subsection e in the Florida Constitution.

    In last year’s address, the governor touted the state’s economic performance, but he also took care to highlight his desire for lawmakers to act on insurance reform in the state. 

    So far, he has outlined a few things he would like lawmakers to tackle in this year’s legislative sessions. 

    AI Bill of Rights

    DeSantis announced in December he wanted to establish an artificial intelligence bill of rights for Floridians.

    The governor says there could be benefits to AI, but also warned about the potential dangers of the technology.

    “I think there is a technology that can enhance a worker’s productivity, enhance a business’s efficiency in ways that would be valuable, but I also think there are some who view it as a way to simply be able to have less people employed,” DeSantis said in December.

    The governor said Florida needs to protect young people from what AI can do to them, including so-called deepfake images and videos.

    DeSantis said he also wants to limit where AI data centers can be built in the state, and limit utility companies from raising rates to pay to power those data centers.

    The State Budget

    DeSantis announced the details of his last budget proposal last month. The proposal calls for $117 billion in spending, an increase of $2.2 billion from last year’s $115.6 billion in proposals.

    The governor highlighted expenditures for education, including $1.56 billion for teacher pay increases across the state, which is up slightly from the $1.5 billion DeSantis proposal for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.

    Other educational line items included $30.6 billion for the overall K-12 budget — up from $29.7 billion in the previous budget proposal — with an additional $1.7 billion earmarked for early childhood education, which is down slightly from the 2025-2026 proposal of $1.76 billion.

    DeSantis also announced a plan to spend $4 billion on the state’s university system, which is up slightly from his $3.9 billion proposal for 2025-2026.

    Additionally, he highlighted planned pay increases for state law enforcement, and said he hopes to extend the current recruitment bonus program, which pays out $5,000 for new recruits.

    DeSantis is proposing $118 million for pay increases for law enforcement and firefighters, which is slightly less than the $118.3 he proposed last year.

    For transportation, DeSantis outlined $15.4 billion for the Department of Transportation, as well as $14.3 billion for the state transportation work program. 

    DeSantis also outlined spending for health care across the state. The governor is seeking to spend $8.6 million for improvements to the State Veteran’s Nursing Homes, and $36.6 million for child welfare system funding that will help foster parents, caregivers, and community-based services. 

    Additionally, DeSantis is seeking to provide $159 million for behavioral health services, including preadmission diversion and discharge services. 

    DeSantis’ first budget proposal in 2019 was $90.98 billion. 

    Property Tax Reform

    The Florida House advanced a series of proposals designed to cut non-school property taxes through its first committees this past fall, a move that could change how local governments fund services and manage local finances.

    The proposals include a measure to eliminate the taxes immediately, and another to phase them out over 10 years.

    “This is about returning money to hard-working Floridians,” said Coral Gables Republican Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera.

    Another proposal would eliminate non-school property taxes exclusively for homeowners 65 and older.

    “This is a targeted approach to help those who need it the most,” said Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras. “Our most vulnerable communities, those who have built the cities and counties, the areas that we all represent.”

    The proposals include a police mandate that would require local governments to leave law enforcement budgets untouched.

    “I did not support defunding the police in 2020, and I am not going to support it today,” said Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Christine Hunschofsky.

    It would require a constitutional amendment to alter the state’s property taxes. If passed by the Legislature, the proposal will go to voters in 2026 and would require at least 60% approval.

    “We should not be afraid to let the voters of this state, the same voters who elected each and every one of us, make the decisions for themselves, for their communities and for the state,” said Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf.

    Democratic lawmakers on Thursday voiced concern over the effort to slash property taxes, which are the primary revenue source for local governments. The Florida Policy Institute estimates $43 billion would be needed to maintain current services if the House proposals are enacted.

    “We should not be putting our local governments in a situation where we’re taking away tools, only to have them shift that burden in some other way. That is actually going to have the most adverse impacts on the people who need our help the most,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa lawmaker.

    The Senate has not filed any companion legislation, leaving the House to move forward alone.

    DeSantis has criticized the idea of putting multiple tax proposals on the 2026 ballot, calling it a poor approach.

    Congressional Redistricting

    The Florida House Committee on Congressional Redistricting met in December for the first time to consider redrawing congressional maps before the next census. 

    On the board is Orlando Democratic Rep. Johanna Lopez, who represents District 43.

    There have been mixed reactions after DeSantis announced his plan to call a special session next year, as early as March, so lawmakers can redraw Florida’s map.

    In order for a redistricting to happen, though, he still needs approval from the House and Senate, as the timing of his announcement would allow the Sunshine State to watch the U.S. Supreme Court, which is reconsidering parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

    Voting rights advocates from the American Civil Liberties Union worry that this move could unlawfully benefit one party over another. Civil‑rights groups and voting‑rights advocates warn that a new round of redistricting could collide with Florida’s own constitutional limits.

    “To be perfectly clear, in Florida, it’s illegal and unconstitutional to draw districts to benefit one party over another,” said Abdelilah Skhir of the ACLU during a press conference at the Florida Capitol in early December.

    Meanwhile, some Republican leaders frame the push as part of a broader national battle over the congressional map. At least six other states are already revisiting their lines, and allies of President Donald Trump are urging Republican‑controlled legislatures to follow suit. Trump first made the call over the summer.

    “It will end in two very partisan draws in red and blue states, I would imagine,” said Florida GOP Chair Evan Power. “But that’s what they’re trying to do in California. That’s what they’ve done in Massachusetts. That’s what they’ve done in New York. That’s what they’ve done in Illinois.”

    Critics in Florida describe the governor’s plan as political, discriminatory, and potentially unlawful. They point to the state’s “Fair Districts” amendments, which ban maps that favor a party or an incumbent.

    “To the Legislature: Your constitutional duty could not be more clear,” said Jonathan Webber of Southern Poverty Law Center. “You can obey the Constitution or bow to political pressure, but you cannot do both.”

    Meanwhile, the Florida Senate has yet to formally publish an opinion, and unlike the House, Senate President Ben Albritton has not assembled a panel to brainstorm redistricting.

    DeSantis and Albritton met to discuss the plan, according to Florida Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta.

    “The Governor reiterated to the President what he has stated publicly — that the timeline for addressing redistricting should be next Spring,” Betta wrote. 

    State of the State History

    DeSantis has a history of using the speech to outline the successes of his administration in the state of Florida. During his State of the State speech last March, the governor outlined several statistics in the beginning moments of his address.

    In prior years, he used the power of the podium to advocate for his top issues, including improving education in the state, as well as tackling the high level of state spending, something that Florida House Speaker Danny Perez said he also wished to tackle in his acceptance speech in November.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Winter Haven responds to AG’s claims over public camping law violations

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — In response to a violation notice sent by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office last week, Winter Haven city leaders said in a formal response that they have been following the rules when it comes to enforcing homeless encampments.

    Uthmeier’s violation notice accused the city of not enforcing public camping and sleeping laws. The letter included photos of individuals sleeping on picnic tables, by trees, in tents, and at the bottom of playground slide.

    What You Need To Know

    • The city of Winter Haven has formally responded to a violation notice sent by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office last week

    • Uthmeier’s notice accused the city of not enforcing public camping and sleeping laws
    • City officials, though, say police have been following the law, which includes prohibiting people from setting up tents or shacks for overnight camping
    • PREVIOUS STORY: Florida AG accuses Winter Haven of not enforcing public sleeping law

    The letter alleges that encampments and people sleeping on sidewalks and in parks are making public spaces unusable. The AG’s office asked the city to respond to his letter within five business days.

    On Friday just before close of business, the city’s attorney sent the AG’s office a formal response.

    The letter from the city states homelessness in Polk County was reduced by almost 39% in 2025, according to the 2025 Council on Homelessness annual report. The letter states that over the last eight months, the Winter Haven Police Department has cleared 25 unlawful campsites.

    At the local level, they say police have been following the law in Winter Haven, which includes prohibiting people from setting up tents or shacks for overnight camping. Local laws also ban people from lying on publicly owned sidewalks during daylight hours, or in entryways of public buildings.

    “Winter Haven accepts this responsibility and is pleased to report to you and the Attorney General that when City police observe, or receive notification of, a potential or an alleged public camping situation, police officers take immediate action to address the issue, including removing the person or the persons from the property and scene, clearing any litter that may be left behind, and sanitizing the site for the safety and health of the general public,” the letter stated.

    The 2024 Florida law regarding public sleeping states that public sleeping and camping sites should be designed in each county, but include rigid requirements, like 24-hour security, access to mental health and medical care, running water, bathrooms and moving the site every year.

    In its formal response, the city said it is not aware of applications to DCF to designate public spaces in Polk County for public camping or sleeping. The letter states that only county commissions have the capability to do that.

    “The 2024 public camping and sleeping law does not allow cities, like Winter Haven, to file applications with DCF for public camping and public sleeping,” the letter states.

    The formal response also states that homeless itself is not a crime.

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    Angie Angers

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