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Tag: local-politics

  • Ohio running mate choices signal campaign focus

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing insight into each campaign’s political strategy and priorities ahead of the 2026 election. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing early insight into their campaign strategies

    • Democrat Amy Acton selected former state senator David Pepper and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy chose Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as their running mates

    • Political experts said lieutenant governor selections rarely determine election outcomes but indicate how candidates intend to govern

    Democrat Amy Acton picked David Pepper, and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy picked Rob McColley, signaling the qualities they value in potential governing partners.

    Political science professor David Niven of the University of Cincinnati said the choice of a lieutenant governor typically has little effect on the outcome of a statewide race.

    “It really doesn’t matter who you put on the ticket as lieutenant governor. People are paying attention to the name on the top of the ticket, and the lieutenant governor is almost like the assistant candidate,” Niven said.

    Niven added that while lieutenant governor selections may not sway many voters, they are carefully chosen to complement the candidate’s message and experience. 

    “The very first rule of lieutenant governor choice is, do no harm, you know, the very first rule. Pick folks who aren’t going to cause scandals and stories that distract from the ticket,” he said.

    Former state senator Lou Gentile said Acton’s selection of Pepper brings statewide connections and experience navigating difficult periods, a combination he said could help Democrats make their case for change.

    “He also brings to the ticket, I think, the ability to raise money, to reach out to voters across Ohio. He’s been traveling across the state, and I think it’s really important when you’re selecting somebody, the two candidates really have to be comfortable with each other,” Gentile said.

    Republican strategist Amy Natoce said Ramaswamy’s selection of McColley strengthens his campaign by combining private-sector and government experience.

    “He’s really bringing in somebody who has extensive experience working with the legislature, passing a state budget, working with the governor’s office. So he really brings in that knowledge of how to navigate government relationships,” Natoce said.

    Gentile said Acton’s decision reflects her focus on leadership and governing experience.

    “You have somebody who has local government experience, particularly in a really difficult time during the 2008 financial crisis. David was in public office in Hamilton County and helped steer them out of that. He’s done a lot as it relates to property tax reform, affordability, public safety as a public official,” Gentile said.

    Natoce said the combination appeals to voters concerned with everyday issues.

    “He’s really appealing to the Republican base and also swing voters who are looking for some new leadership and people who have done the hard work of passing a budget, passing tax cuts, those things that really matter to Ohio families,” she said.

    Political experts said a candidate’s choice of lieutenant governor reflects their priorities, their goals for office, and what voters can expect if they are elected. In Ohio, they said selecting the right balance helps candidates connect with a wide range of voters.

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    Saima Khan

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  • What Maduro’s removal could mean for Trump’s foreign policy around the world

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — The Trump administration’s recent actions in Venezuela sparked reactions from leaders of countries all over the world, including countries President Donald Trump says the U.S. could take action against in the future.

    That’s left many wondering what that means for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Trump administration’s recent actions in Venezuela sparked reactions from leaders of countries all over the world, including countries President Donald Trump says the U.S. could take action against in the future

    • The developments with Venezuela come just as the U.S. seemed to be close to brokering a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia 

    • UCF associate professor and political analyst Aubrey Jewett says Trump’s actions send a clear message to world leaders, with the potential of emboldening some world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin 

    • Olena Stone, a Ukrainian who moved to the U.S. 20 years ago, says she’s initially encouraged by the United States’ actions to take out an anti-democratic leader in Venezuela, a country with longtime ties to Russia 


    Olena Stone moved to the U.S. from Ukraine 20 years ago. She said she’s initially encouraged by the United States’ capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    “It’s some good news as those who fight for democracy to know what human rights are, and that freedom is very fragile, as is democracy. I’m happy to see. I’m hopeful,” said Stone.

    The developments with Venezuela come just as the U.S. seemed to be close to brokering a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. 

    Shortly following Maduro’s capture, Trump was asked about Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

    “I’m not thrilled with Putin. He’s killing too many people,” he said.

    Stone is encouraged by potential U.S. influence in Venezuela. The country, to this point, has been an ally of Russia.

    “That gives hope to Ukrainians that (there will be) less influence of Russians in the Western Hemisphere. More progress will be made in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and that will give us that advantage and leverage,” said Stone.

    UCF associate professor and political analyst Aubrey Jewett said Trump’s actions send a clear message to world leaders.

    “I think for a lot of world leaders of every stripe, they’re basically saying, ‘This is the United States under President Trump’s leadership, you don’t know for sure what they’re going to do,’” he said.

    But Jewett believes it’s a message that could embolden some world leaders, like Putin.

    “When the U.S. acts unilaterally to remove a leader of another country, it opens up questions of, ‘Can other nations do that?’” said Jewett. “And so, for instance, maybe Russia says, ‘We did the same thing with Ukraine, we invaded for good reason.’”

    Because of differences in military strengths, like nuclear capabilities, Jewett said even if it wanted to, the U.S. could not take similar actions against other world leaders.

    “The United States has to show restraint with some countries and some world leaders because those countries have the ability to punish us pretty severely,” said Jewett.

    “The Ukrainian community is very cautious with what’s happening,” said Stone. “I’ve talked with some of my friends and colleagues, and they express such an opinion such as Ukrainians should not legitimize the way the United States administration invaded Venezuela — that is what they are saying, because we are definitely against that, the way it was done.”

    But Stone is hopeful. She believes Trump is committed to achieving peace in her home country.

    “The recent developments, again, give us hope,” said Stone. “And we see that Trump is ready to take steps — he’s capable of doing that — and we just want to make sure while doing that they remember who’s another dictator in this world, and that’s Russian President Vladamir Putin.”

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    Jeff Allen

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  • Florida bill takes aim at paper straws

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida bill is taking aim at paper straws.

    A bill has been introduced in both the House and Senate that would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper.

    The bill claims that paper straws are harmful to the environment and human health.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Florida bill thats been introduced would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper

    • The city of St. Petersburg has already banned single use plastic straws

    • If the bill passes, St. Petersburg Councilwoman Gina Driscoll said the city would add an amendment for paper straws to its plastic straw ban

    • Many businesses in downtown St. Petersburg are already using paper and plastic straw alternatives


    The city of St. Petersburg has already banned single use plastic straws. Many businesses in downtown St. Petersburg are already using straws made of different materials.

    The Wooden Rooster on 2nd Avenue is knowns for its crepes. If you want a drink with your crepe, the straw options have changed over the years. The city of St. Petersburg prohibited plastic ones in 2018, so the Wooden Rooster switched to paper. But when customers didn’t like them, they switched to green biodegradable straws.

    “Paper straws were a big thing. They (customers) were like, ‘Please tell me that you have regular straws.’ We have the biodegradable straws, which they’re happy with because they’re not the flimsy paper, or soggy paper straws,” said Melissa Phillips, general manager of The Wooden Rooster. 

    A Florida bill was introduced that would require jurisdictions with straw laws to allow options other than paper. The bill said if a local government enacts a straw law, it must require that they’re renewable, home compostable, industrial compostable and marine biodegradable.

    “Our planet is important, the sea animals are important, specifically the turtles. I’m definitely not opposed to that,” Phillips said.

    A study published in the journal “Food Additives and Contaminants” said out of five straw materials, paper had the most forever chemicals known as PFAS.

    “The more we learn about PFAS chemicals, the more we want to ensure that we’re minimizing the exposure that humans have to that,” said St. Petersburg 6th District Councilwoman Gina Driscoll.

    If the bill passes, Driscoll said the city would add an amendment to its single use plastic prohibition to include paper straws.

    “We’ve got such a wonderful waterfront, our marine life is sacred to us and being a healthy community is extremely important. So, this could be really good news for a city like St. Petersburg,” Driscoll said.

    As for The Wooden Rooster, they’ve already made the change not only for straws, but for cups too.

    “It’s important to do our part,” Phillips said.

    The Florida legislative session starts on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

    In 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning federal use of paper straws, meaning that paper straws can’t be served in federal buildings.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail Closure: Major culvert repair underway

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A popular stretch of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Hillsborough County has been closed as crews begin a major, long-term repair to a damaged culvert. 

    The culvert failed during hurricanes Helene and Milton, and while the county made temporary repairs to keep the trail safe, officials say permanent work is now underway and it won’t be a quick fix.

    What You Need To Know

    • Upper Tampa Bay Trail is closed for major culvert work between West Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road

    • Channel Park Trailhead remains open, however it is recommended you use alternate trailheads if you are walking or biking more than one-mile

    • Work on the culvert damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton is expected to be complete by mid-February

    • For more information on trailhead locations and construction updates, visit the project’s website

    The trail is closed between West Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road, a heavily used section where thousands of cyclists and pedestrians pass through each month.

    County officials expect the closure to last until mid-February.

    The construction site is located about 1 mile from the Channel Park Trailhead. Crews have brought in heavy equipment and are excavating a 14-foot embankment along Channel A.

    The failing culvert beneath that embankment will be removed and replaced. 

    Complicating the project is a 30-inch water main that runs through the area, which must remain pressurized and operational throughout construction.

    Upper Tampa Bay Trail Park Supervisor Paul Cook said the work zone is dangerous and urges people to avoid the area until construction is complete.

    “I know people are very motivated to do what they want to do, but I would recommend people use some of our other trailheads or even access our northern section of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road,” he said. “That’s 4.5 miles and connects to the Suncoast Trail — you could ride all the way to Citrus County if you wanted to.”

    The Channel Park Trailhead remains open for shorter trips, about 1.5 miles toward Hillsborough Avenue or one mile toward the construction site, where access stops.

    Public Works will still need to address a washout along the embankment of Channel A caused by the hurricanes. 

    There is no timeline yet for that project, and officials say it is not expected to begin immediately.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • St. Pete Gas Plant proposal window opens, critics want citizen-driven plan first

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg officially opened its 30-day proposal window this past Sunday to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, as some community members have urged city council to reject the process and plan for the project first.

    What You Need To Know

    • The window for Gas Plant redevelopment proposals opened this past Sunday

    • Ark Ellison Horus has been the only team to officially submit

    • At least a half dozen other developers reportedly plan to submit proposals before the Feb. 3 deadline

    • City Council member Corey Givens Jr. said he wants to see a citizen-driven plan completed first


    “The way it’s being handled now is going to cost the city more than $1 billion and permanently surrender control,” said Ron Diner, Home Runs Matter founder. “This is a gold mine for developers, and this is our gold… not theirs.”

    Diner is a former Raymond James executive who wants a city-led plan completed before any of the 86 acres of prime downtown land can be redeveloped.

    “The city should plan first,” he said. “They should form a community advisory council, hire national planners, and then lay out the property and then have the developers come in and buy the land parcel by parcel at fair value.” 

    Instead, Mayor Ken Welch has decided to go with a master developer approach where all the land is acquired first. The process has not been rushed but is responsible, according to Welch. The mayor also wrote that the city will move deliberately, guided by the principle that redevelopment must serve all, including those once left behind.

    Ark Ellison Horus has been the only team to officially submit a proposal during the current open window. It’s the team that triggered the process with an undisclosed proposal last October. At least a half dozen other developers reportedly plan to submit proposals before the Feb. 3 deadline.

    City Council member Corey Givens Jr. said he agrees with Diner’s approach and will vote down any of the development proposals that come in this month. Givens said putting the cart before the horse is bound to fail.

    “I want a citizen-driven plan. I think what happens first is the citizens need to decide what they want,” he said. “But we also need to bring in experts, advise us. A lot of times you’ve got to go outside of St. Pete to find out what will work best in St. Pete.”

    Diner spoke out at the St. Pete city council meeting on Thursday, telling members he wants them to draw the line on the proposal-first approach.

    “What I challenged the city council to do today was to stand up and say that we will not approve of a developer proposal first process if any is brought before us,” he said. “We insist the city do a planning process first.” 

    This is the city’s third attempt to find a Gas Plant developer in the past six years.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • New car prices climb as safety technology fuels debate

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    TAMPA, Fla. — New car prices are proving hard to stomach for many Americans, driven by inflation, lingering supply chain issues, and increasingly sophisticated safety technology built into today’s vehicles.

    Modern cars now resemble smartphones on wheels, packed with advanced systems designed to prevent crashes and save lives.

    But those features come at a cost – one that’s now fueling a political debate over affordability.

    What You Need To Know

    • New safety features in vehicles are contributing to rising vehicle prices 

    • Republican lawmakers want to make some of the features optional to help bring down prices 

    • Car prices and monthly payments still remain very high 


    “You know, in this day and age, man, these cars are getting so expensive, and it’s breaking people’s budgets,” said Martindale McLymont, an auto broker who works with busy professionals looking to avoid dealership negotiations.

    McLymont said prices and monthly payments remain high across the market. He points to advanced safety features as one factor pushing costs upward, noting that technologies like pre-collision detection, lane departure warnings, and steering assist are now standard on many models.

    “When you add safety features, you’ve got to pay for it,” McLymont said. “Try explaining to a mother with children why a car doesn’t have those features.”

    Beginning in 2029, automatic emergency braking will be required in all new vehicles. In November, 10 Senate Democrats sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urging full implementation of safety provisions outlined in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.

    Republicans, however, argue that mandates for advanced safety technology are contributing to higher vehicle prices. Senator Ted Cruz has scheduled a January 14 hearing focused on auto affordability.

    “I definitely think it should be an option,” said Billy York, a longtime defensive driving instructor. “I don’t think you should force it on people.”

    York supports safety advancements but warns drivers not to rely too heavily on technology. “Technology can fail,” he said. “At some point, a human made it — and humans make mistakes. I’m not a big fan of self-driving vehicles either. I don’t think the technology is quite there yet.”

    As more vehicles come equipped with built-in safety systems, McLymont said making some features optional rather than mandatory could help consumers already struggling to afford new cars.

    For now, the debate continues — balancing safety, affordability, and how much technology drivers should be required to buy.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • Lakeland new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley sworn in

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is welcoming Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, the first woman to hold the position in four decades and the first ever elected directly by voters. 

    What You Need To Know

    • McCarley was sworn into office Monday

    • She is Lakeland’s fourth serving woman city mayor, but the first chosen directly by voters

    • McCarley won 50.3% against three opponents, with close to 6,000 votes


    McCarley was sworn into office on Monday. 

    She served on Lakeland’s SouthWest District City Commission since 2019. 

    McCarley 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. Summary election votes show 19% of Lakeland residents voted. 

    McCarley said she plans to focus on infrastructure development first, putting emphasis across the city and inside City Hall.

    “So, maybe some changes in how we service our residents and our businesses. How does that look? How do we embrace a feeling of curiosity when people have issues? Like, how do we help further, really get to the crux of what the issue is? And I think that’s one thing I’m really going to work diligently on – customer service,” McCarley said. 

    McCarley is Lakeland’s first female mayor voted into office directly by residents. Before 1988, the Lakeland City Commission would select a mayor from among themselves for a one-year term. These women were selected as mayor throughout the years: Lois Quinn (1965), Peggy Brown (1976, 1984), and Carrie Oldham (1980).

    Four municipalities in Polk County held elections on November 4: Auburndale, Fort Meade, Winter Haven, and Lakeland. 

    The previous mayor of Lakeland, Bill Mutz, was in office since 2018 and did not run for re-election, making McCarley’s entrance the first major change in eight years.

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    Kiara Velez

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  • Proposed legislation could help autistic drivers in Florida interact with police

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Many people who have autism are still able to drive, including Eric Kaiser. However, stressful situations, like being pulled over by police, can make him uncomfortable.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Peace Envelopes provides information to officers about drivers with autism

    • It includes the driver’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and more

    • Eric Kaiser said the envelope could make traffic stops less stressful for drivers like him


    He hopes the Florida Legislature passes a new law that will allow for the use of a Blue Peace Envelope.

    “It’s just to give that sense of calm in a tense situation,” he said.

    The envelope includes a copy of one’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal and more.

    Kaiser said this lets an officer immediately know more about a person on the spectrum.

    “Some people just freeze up. They don’t talk. They can’t talk,” Kaiser said. “Some of us would rather just write stuff down.”

    Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said he met Kaiser through their Autism Awareness Program.

    After learning about the program from Kaiser and seeing similar programs in other states, he’s throwing his support behind the legislation.

    “If it’s not obvious to the person that you have a disability, it can lead to misunderstandings in all areas of life, including with law enforcement,” he said.

    The Tampa Police Department said it doesn’t comment on pending legislation.

    Still, they shared this statement:

    “We remain committed to a proactive approach in building strong, supportive partnerships with our community and providing officers with the tools and information necessary to interact safely and effectively with all residents.

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Florida politicians react to U.S. operation in Venezuela

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    FLORIDA — The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country in an extraordinary nighttime operation that was accompanied by a flurry of strikes following months of escalating Trump administration pressure on the oil-rich South American nation.

    It was not immediately clear who was running the country, and Maduro’s whereabouts were not immediately known. Trump announced the developments on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET. Under Venezuelan law the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, would take power. There was no confirmation that had happened, though she did issue a statement after the strike.

    “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said. “We demand proof of life.”

    The White House did not immediately respond to queries on where Maduro and his wife were being flown to. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on “narco-terrorism” conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York.

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro was indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.” Flores also has been indicted, Bondi said.

    Maduro last appeared on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas.

    For months, Trump had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs. Maduro has decried the U.S. military operations as a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power.

    Florida Republicans, Democrats react

    Florida Republicans praised President Donald Trump on Saturday for what Trump said was a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela leading to the capture of its president. 

    Florida GOP:


    Speaker of the House Daniel Perez:
     


    State Sen. Danny Burgess:


    Rep. Jimmy Patronis: 
     


    Attorney General James Uthmeier:


    Rep. John Rutherford:

     

    Democratic lawmakers argued the strikes were not warranted, and that Trump lacked the authority to order them because he did not receive Congress’ approval. 

    Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried:


    Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:


    Rep. Darren Soto:

     

    President Donald Trump provided an update on the operation at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach on Saturday, where he stated that the U.S. government would run the country at least temporarily and would tap Venezuelan’s vast oil reserves to sell “large amounts” to other countries.

    Watch the full news conference in the video player above.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Planning board blocks Talbot House plan to relocate

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries may soon need to find a new location for its proposed homeless shelter and social services campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board denied Talbot House Ministries’ proposal to relocate its homeless shelter and social services campus to Memorial Boulevard after months of community opposition

    • Nearby residents cited concerns about neighborhood impact and school proximity, saying the project could disrupt the character and safety of the area

    • Talbot House has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Lakeland City Commission, and its attorney warns the denial could raise federal Fair Housing Act concerns


    Lakeland’s Planning and Zoning Board recently blocked the organization’s plan to relocate to Memorial Boulevard after months of pushback from the community. The campus would have served up to 390 people and provided long-term housing, job training and health care.

    While there is still a long process ahead, residents living on Edgewater Drive say the board’s decision brought them one step closer to preserving the neighborhood they know and love.

    “When we initially moved into this neighborhood, it was a very quiet and close-knit community,” longtime resident Wanda Avery said.

    Avery said that she and her neighbors have worked to maintain that atmosphere over the past 20 years.

    “They love this community, but they also want to protect our livelihood, our way of life here, our feeling of community,” she said.

    Avery said that Talbot House Ministries’ plans to build its campus nearby could have had a negative impact. She said she was concerned about the proximity to homes and nearby schools.

    “Nothing is protected. They have nothing in place to protect the five schools in the area,” Avery said. “If you count feet from the corner of Ingraham to Memorial, you’re 60 feet across the street from the opening to the school.”

    City leaders said they took residents’ concerns into consideration during the most recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting. Despite the organization making several changes to its plans — including moving the building farther from homes and rotating the entrance to face North Ingraham Avenue — board members still voted to deny the proposal.

    Talbot House’s attorney, Tim Campbell, warned that the decision could violate federal civil rights laws.

    “It is discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act for a local government to deny a land-use approval based upon the use of the property for services which assist the homeless and disabled,” Campbell said.

    However, Avery said it is also important to consider the rights of nearby residents.

    “We just can’t imagine, honestly, that this has anything to do with the betterment of this community,” she said.

    Talbot House has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Lakeland City Commission, which would make the final decision after a public hearing.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Pinellas County strengthens retail pet store regulations

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pinellas County’s Board of Commissioners has voted to strengthen oversight of retail pet stores.

    In December, commissioners voted unanimously to pass an ordinance after years of discussions and workshops.

    It comes after officials with Pinellas County Animal Services said a retail pet store in the county lost its license and closed. An investigation revealed that nearly 200 puppies were living in unsanitary conditions.

    Investigators said they also found that the store had not reported more than 70 puppy deaths over two years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to strengthen oversight of retail pet stores

    • The ordinance will double unannounced permit inspections to twice a year, at least half of the kennels must have solid flooring, and puppy deaths will need to be reported in three days instead of 15
    • People who violate cruelty and neglect regulations can face citations and a seven-day permit suspension with an officer follow-up within three days

    • In six months, the Board of County Commissioners will discuss the effectiveness of the ordinance


    With a record number of adoptions, it’s been a busy year for the nonprofit Friends of Strays.

    “We’re the oldest no-kill shelter. We take in cats and dogs, mostly from low resource shelters across the state to prevent euthanasia,” said Mo Eppley, chair of the board of directors for Friends of Strays.

    While they were busy finding homes for animals, Eppley said they’ve been a voice for more oversight in local retail pet stores.

    “A lot of the puppies that come in from the puppy mills where they’re purchased from the businesses, they don’t receive that care there,” Eppley said. “So when any puppy needs boosters, they need medical care. Parasites are easily transmitted.”

    But now, Pinellas County commissioners passed an ordinance that Pinellas County Animal Services said will strengthen oversight of retail pet stores.

    The ordinance will double unannounced permit inspections from once to twice a year, and facilities will have to have solid flooring for at least half of the kennels.

    Puppy deaths will need to be reported in three days instead of 15, among other changes.

    “For now, the animals that are in their care to make sure they’re not being neglected and dying needlessly, then these new safety measures and the new inspections will help that,” she said.

    Retail pet store, All About Puppies, said they are fully prepared to take on the new rules, but managers want to see forms developed by the county that explain what the expectations are. 

    Cruelty and neglect violations can face citations and a seven-day permit suspension with an officer follow-up within three days.

    “We love what we do, and we are extremely proud of the work that we do,” All About Puppies manager Alexandria Julian said at the commission meeting. “We stand behind our puppies, we stand behind out customers, our breeders, and most of all our word.”

    While the ordinance won’t impact Friends of Strays, Eppley said it’s a positive change for animal welfare.

    “So, the welfare and the health and safety of the animals, I think should be the most important thing that everyone should care about,” Eppley said. “And now, these businesses have to have those inspections.”

    In six months, the Board of County Commissioners will discuss the effectiveness of the ordinance.

    During that meeting, they also plan to explore if more retail pet stores should be allowed to open in the county.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Pinellas County strengthens retail pet store regulations

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pinellas County’s Board of Commissioners has voted to strengthen oversight of retail pet stores.

    In December, commissioners voted unanimously to pass an ordinance after years of discussions and workshops.

    It comes after officials with Pinellas County Animal Services said a retail pet store in the county lost its license and closed. An investigation revealed that nearly 200 puppies were living in unsanitary conditions.

    Investigators said they also found that the store had not reported more than 70 puppy deaths over two years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to strengthen oversight of retail pet stores

    • The ordinance will double unannounced permit inspections to twice a year, at least half of the kennels must have solid flooring, and puppy deaths will need to be reported in three days instead of 15
    • People who violate cruelty and neglect regulations can face citations and a seven-day permit suspension with an officer follow-up within three days

    • In six months, the Board of County Commissioners will discuss the effectiveness of the ordinance


    With a record number of adoptions, it’s been a busy year for the nonprofit Friends of Strays.

    “We’re the oldest no-kill shelter. We take in cats and dogs, mostly from low resource shelters across the state to prevent euthanasia,” said Mo Eppley, chair of the board of directors for Friends of Strays.

    While they were busy finding homes for animals, Eppley said they’ve been a voice for more oversight in local retail pet stores.

    “A lot of the puppies that come in from the puppy mills where they’re purchased from the businesses, they don’t receive that care there,” Eppley said. “So when any puppy needs boosters, they need medical care. Parasites are easily transmitted.”

    But now, Pinellas County commissioners passed an ordinance that Pinellas County Animal Services said will strengthen oversight of retail pet stores.

    The ordinance will double unannounced permit inspections from once to twice a year, and facilities will have to have solid flooring for at least half of the kennels.

    Puppy deaths will need to be reported in three days instead of 15, among other changes.

    “For now, the animals that are in their care to make sure they’re not being neglected and dying needlessly, then these new safety measures and the new inspections will help that,” she said.

    Retail pet store, All About Puppies, said they are fully prepared to take on the new rules, but managers want to see forms developed by the county that explain what the expectations are. 

    Cruelty and neglect violations can face citations and a seven-day permit suspension with an officer follow-up within three days.

    “We love what we do, and we are extremely proud of the work that we do,” All About Puppies manager Alexandria Julian said at the commission meeting. “We stand behind our puppies, we stand behind out customers, our breeders, and most of all our word.”

    While the ordinance won’t impact Friends of Strays, Eppley said it’s a positive change for animal welfare.

    “So, the welfare and the health and safety of the animals, I think should be the most important thing that everyone should care about,” Eppley said. “And now, these businesses have to have those inspections.”

    In six months, the Board of County Commissioners will discuss the effectiveness of the ordinance.

    During that meeting, they also plan to explore if more retail pet stores should be allowed to open in the county.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Animal cruelty database goes online, listing animal abuse offenders online

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A statewide animal cruelty database is set to launch today. 

    It’s the newest phase of Dexter’s Law, named after a 4-year-old black and white bulldog mix. He was adopted from Pinellas County Animal Services and then, days later, found brutally killed in Fort De Soto Park.

    Dexter’s Law allows judges to increase penalties in animal cruelty cases. That part went into effect back in July. But today, the part of the law requiring the state to create and maintain a public database of abusers goes into effect. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The State of Florida is launching an animal cruelty database on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website today as part of Dexter’s Law

    • Dexter’s Law went into effect in July, allowing judges to increase penalties in animal cruelty cases
    • Those who have either been found guilty, pleaded guilty or no contest to animal cruelty charges will be listed in the database
    • If your name is placed in the database, it will stay there for ten years- with re-offenders placed back in the databse for another ten years


    Those people who have either been found guilty, pleaded guilty or no contest to animal cruelty charges will be listed in the database. This database will take public records and pull them onto the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website.

    It’s designed to help shelters and pet rescues that screen applicants before the adoption process is complete. It will also help pet owners looking to re-home their pets and even law enforcement and investigators as they work cases.

    Debbie Darino is the founder of Dexter’s Law along with Ponce Animal Foundation. She says she hopes it will add better protections for animals.

    “I’m hoping that the animal shelters, the rescues, law enforcement, animal control- they’re the first people on the front line when it comes to getting an animal adopt it out,” said Darino. “Then your average person wanting to rehome their pet, for whatever reason, they can just go look in the database.”

    And Darino says a few countys have a registry of animal abusers. But some of those, she says, were having issues keeping track of those on the list that may have moved to a different state. This database, she says, will help troubleshoot those issues.

    If your name is placed in the database, it will stay there for ten years. But if you re-offend at some point, your name will go back into that databse for another ten years.

    Darino says she’s also working on making Dexter’s Law a federal law.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • The Anna Maria City Pier expected to be open to public by fall of 2026

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — After months of work, the Anna Maria City Pier is showing signs of progress.

    Visitors and residents are starting to see poles sticking out of the water where the boardwalk once was.

    Part of the pier was washed away during the 2024 hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Repairs are underway at The Anna Maria City Pier….that work just started in November

    •  The pier is expected to be open to the public fall of 2026.

    Cruising along on Anna Maria Island is how Alex Lucero likes to get around.

    “What is it like to work in paradise? I mean, it’s pretty great,” she said.

    It’s also how a lot of visitors like to get around too.

    Alex handles booking rentals like bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and paddleboards at Beach Bums Island Attitude.

    “I get to work with people who are on vacation,” she said.

    She added business is going well since the hurricanes, despite the island being left without one of its main tourist attractions — the Anna Maria City Pier.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Lucero said the pier is a big draw, and the damage has had an impact.

    “Beforehand, the ferry used to make a stop there, so people would come over and rent bikes from us and come by our store. It’s going to be so exciting for people to come back,” she said.

    City officials say they are making progress with pier repairs.

    The white poles sticking out of the water are cement pilings that will later form the walkway.

    Crews recently started installing them.

    “The walkway calls for 130 pilings to be put in, and they are at about number 90 right now,” he said.

    Mark Short, the mayor of the city of Anna Maria, said once all the pilings are complete, crews can move on to the next phase of rebuilding the walkway.

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    The pier is expected to be open to the public in the fall of 2026. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    However, there is still more work to be done on the building at the end of the pier.

    “There are repairs required to the buildings at the end, and those are in the plans. We’ll be doing those a little later,” he said.

    In the meantime, nearby businesses will continue to push ahead,

    looking forward to the day when repairs are complete.

    “I definitely hope we’re going to be super busy. I hope to see all of our bikes off the property. I hope to be sold out of everything,” she said.

    The mayor says the city anticipates the Anna Maria City Pier project will be complete and open to the public by fall of 2026.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Statewide database of convicted animal abusers coming to Florida

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Starting January 1, a new law will create Florida’s first public database of convicted animal abusers.

    The database will take public records and pull them into an easy-to-search database that will be available on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website.

    People who have been found guilty, or pleaded guilty or no contest to animal cruelty charges, will be included in the database.

    What You Need To Know

    • Statewide database will be on FDLE’s website 
    • Database will go live by January 1 and be accessible to the public 
    • Florida one of few states to have similar database
    • Read more: CS/HB 255: Aggravated Animal Cruelty

    The new law – also called Dexter’s Law – is named after the dog that was adopted and then days later was brutally killed and left in Fort De Soto Park.

    The database will assist shelters and pet rescues that vet potential owners before the adoption process is complete. It will also assist pet owners looking to re-home their pets, and even law enforcement and investigators are they work cases.

    Fluff Animal Rescue in Pinellas Park travels around the state to shelters that are at capacity, to rescue and rehab animals and prepare them for adoption. Rescue Manager Angela Schab says they check each potential new owner using county records, but a statewide system would make a big difference to streamline the process.

    “This will give us a broader range to all counties and really help centralize that information,” she said. “If for example, if somebody moved into a new county… it’s possible we missed them in the registration so this will help centralize it and be really amazing for us.”

    There’s only a few states with similar statewide databases.

    The law also increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty convictions and in many cases increases jail time for offenders. This part of Dexter’s Law took effect on July 1.

    “I think in general people see a lot but don’t say something,” Schab said. “This is not only bringing awareness but helping a community feel heard and increase reporting.”

    State law outlines that the database should be accessible on FDLE’s website starting January 1.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Florida black bear hunt ends Sunday

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    FLORIDA — Today marks the final day of a statewide black bear hunt. It’s the first one in Florida since 2015.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) only issued about 170 bear hunting permits.

    The commission says it set this limit to restrict the bear population from growing.

    Even if hunters had 100% success this year, FWC said it believes the population would be stable and not decline in the future.

    Hunters are not required to bring harvested bears to manual check stations, they only need to call FWC and report their results.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa Bay families react to DHS reunification program decision

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Experts say thousands of immigrants currently in the U.S. will be affected when the Department of Homeland Security ends family reunification programs for seven countries, citing fraud and security concerns.

    What You Need To Know

    • DHS is ending Reunification Parole Programs for immigrants from seven countries

    • DHS officials say they’re ending the programs due to poorly vetted immigration process

    • Catholic Charities officials say many people impacted are looking for other pathways to remain in the country

    • Attorney Ricardeau Lucceos says many Haitians are feeling the impact, and he’s hoping to help


    Ricardeau Lucceos moved to the U.S. from Haiti with one goal, to look for a better life. He’s been living in Tampa since 1998, and many people know him as a community lawyer.

    Lucceos says he works closely with the Haitian community through his business as a personal accident attorney, and through his community service.

    Recently, he said he’s been hearing about concerns regarding the end of the family reunification parole program.

    And he says he’s seeing the impact firsthand.

    “It becomes a strain on the families who come here,” he said. “And it’s a bigger problem for them, too, because before they come here, they run looking for safety and now they have to go back to nothing.”

    The program reunited families from countries like Haiti, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador and more.

    “The program was a legal pathway for many to immigrate to the U.S.,” said Jose Fernandez, an immigration counselor with Catholic Charities. “It gives them the opportunity to migrate and be here with their family, to wait here and apply here, that was the purpose of the program.”

    Fernandez said the program was a success for the families his organization serves, and helped reunite loved ones who haven’t seen each other in years.

    “Some have mentioned that they want to return, and others are looking for another legal pathway to stay,” he said.

    Officials with the Department of Homeland Security say the department is returning parole decisions to a case-by-case basis. They say abuse of the parole system allowed poorly vetted immigrants to enter the country.

    While Lucceos says the termination of the program will impact families, he said it also could lead to something else — re-building elsewhere.

    “We, as immigrants, need to start making some decisions in terms of rebuilding our home rebuilding our nation where we come from,” he said.

    Lucceos is working to help more families stay in Haiti by creating Prehacopa, a business prioritizing national development for the country.

    He hopes U.S. leaders will come together to help, too.

    Ricardeau said that while ending the family reunification parole programs might be a setback for some in Tampa, he’s hopeful it will also encourage Haitians to work to bring change back to their own country as well.

    Those who are under the reunification parole program have until Jan. 14 to either leave or find another pathway to stay.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Indian Rocks Beach considers paid beach access parking

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    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — The city of Indian Rocks Beach has had free parking at its beach access points for years. However, a new pilot program is looking to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Indian Rocks Beach has offered free parking at beach access points for years but is considering a paid system

    • The proposed rate is $4.50 an hour, potentially generating over $1 million annually

    • There is no set start date this change would begin


    City Manager Ryan Henderson said the conversation surrounding paid parking began in 2023.

    He believes the revenue can make a big difference in their community.

    “My recommendation and staff’s recommendation to the commission was as this revenue comes in through paid parking, we put it back into the community,” Henderson said. “We put it back into our infrastructure, we put it back into our maintenance.”

    Henderson said there is no set date for when paid parking could start.

    With 182 free public spots at the access points, Henderson said the money generated would make a major impact, especially for a city of its size.

    They’re looking at $4.50 an hour.

    “We’d be generating around $800,000 to $900,000 a year, but we think that’s a very conservative number,” Henderson said. “We think we’ll be well over $1 million.”

    Christine Anderson said there has been free parking for the 17 years she’s lived in Indian Rocks Beach and that talk of these changes caught her off guard.

    “I was a little surprised, but I think times have changed and maybe there is a need for this city to recoup some of the money,” she said.

    Richard Griffin, a part-time resident for 15 years, is hoping that more information comes out about the changes.

    “I have some sort of mixed emotions until I get more details as to what the final price will be and how long you can park and that type of thing,” he said.

    Henderson said there would be no time limit on parking.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • One Bay Area city tried an innovative program to deal with its abandoned shopping cart problem. Here’s what happened.

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    Earlier this year, San Jose politicians announced they were targeting the thousands of abandoned shopping carts clogging creeks and blighting streets. Now the first data on a pilot program aimed at curbing the problem is in, and the city must decide whether the results justify the financial cost of expanding it.

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    Devan Patel

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  • Florida bishops ask for immigration enforcement pause over holidays

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Catholic bishops in Florida are asking for a pause on immigration enforcement for the holidays. They sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis with the request.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops made an appeal to the president and governor to pause immigration enforcement during the holidays

    • Eight bishops from around Florida, including St. Petersburg and Orlando, signed the appeal

    • They argue the border is secure and enforcement efforts are now leading to the arrest of immigrants who haven’t committed crimes

    • A White House spokesperson has said President Trump is keeping his promise to deport criminal illegal aliens


    “A pause during this holy season can lower the temperature within our partisan divisions, ease the fear and anxiety present in many of our immigrant and even non-immigrant families and allow all of us to celebrate with greater joy the advent of the Prince of Peace,” the appeal reads.

    Eight bishops from around Florida, including St. Petersburg’s Gregory Parkes and Orlando’s John Noonan, signed it. It’s a move that’s being praised by religious leaders in St. Petersburg.

    “I’m thrilled with what they did,” said Rev. Ben Atherton-Zeman of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg. “I stand side by side with my Catholic brothers and sisters on many issues, and this is one of them.”

    But the White House is showing no signs of backing down. A spokesperson told the Associated Press via e-mail, “President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And he’s keeping that promise.”

    The letter from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops argues that enforcement operations are now leading to the arrest of people who aren’t criminals.

    “It’s not asking them to reverse their policies, which we hope they would, but we’re just asking them for a pause so that we can get beyond the Christmas holidays without people being paralyzed by fear,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami.

    The DeSantis administration has not yet indicated if they will be changing enforcement protocols during the timeframe requested in the letter.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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