ReportWire

Tag: local-politics

  • Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings files to run for Florida governor

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has thrown his hat into the ever-widening pool of candidates seeking to become Florida’s next governor.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced his run for mayor last week

    • For more than three decades, Demings has led the Central Florida community through triumph, tragedy and tough times

    • He started with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department before making his way to City Hall

    For more than three decades, Demings has led the Central Florida community through triumph, tragedy and tough times.

    The Orlando native and Jones High School and Florida State University graduate spent two decades with the Orlando Police Department. In 1998, Demings became the city of Orlando’s first Black police chief.

    “With the help of the men and women of the Orlando Police Department, I will dedicate myself to keeping Orlando a safe city, with livable neighborhoods,” he said in 1998.

    Demings retired from the Orlando Police Department in 2002, but his lifelong service to Central Florida was just ramping up.

    He spent six years as Orange County’s public safety director, which included serving as director for the Orange County Jail.

    And in 2008, he ran for Orange County sheriff and won, becoming the first Black sheriff in the county’s history.

    “If you are doing crime in Orange County, look forward to dealing with Jerry Demings and the entire Orange County Sheriff’s Office,” he said in 2008.

    On what was Demings’ 57th birthday, he found himself responding to the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub during one of Orange County’s darkest days after 49 people were killed in what was at the time, the worst mass shooting in United States history.

    Demings transitioned from law enforcement to county government in 2018, when he successfully ran for Orange County mayor. And in 2020, when the world came to a grinding halt as the coronavirus pandemic emerged, Demings led the county’s response to the pandemic, and pushback to mask mandates.

    Throughout his two terms as Orange County mayor, Demings has unsuccessfully pushed for a penny sales tax to pay for transportation costs, a measure that voters have so far rejected.

    But it’s state of Florida DOGE audits and questions into Orange County government spending, as well as demands for local cooperation with state immigration enforcement, that have sparked perhaps the most contentious political remarks we’ve heard from Demings, including this response to state Attorney General James Uthmeier.

    “I find it somewhat ironic that the 37-year-old attorney general is attacking me personally, attacking our board. I’ve spent more years on the streets of Florida patrolling our streets than he’s been alive,” Demings said.

    Demings eventually signed an agreement that allows Orange County jail staff to transport state immigration detainees. He said it was his only choice. “Yes, I signed the damn thing because we really had to. We were put in a tough spot. I can’t let our entire board of county commissioners and myself be removed from office,” Demings said.

    It’s a political tug of war that will likely come up in his run for Florida governor.

    Records from the Florida Division of Elections show that Demings filed the paperwork to kick off his candidacy on Oct. 31.

    A Democrat, Demings would have to make it through a primary before making it to the 2026 General Election.

    Republicans lost no time in responding to the news. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is also running for governor from across the aisle, said that Demings was “weak” in a released statement. 

    “Jerry Demings is the candidate the radical Florida Democrat party has been dreaming of,” Donalds said. “As police chief, Demings pushed weak-on-crime policies. As Orange County Mayor, he refused to work with ICE to deport criminal illegals and pushed radical ideas like allowing grown men in girls’ locker rooms and men to compete in girls’ sports.

    “And as a candidate, his entire campaign will be about fighting President Trump and his policies that are making Florida safer and stronger. Jerry Demings is weak. He’s woke. And he’s wrong for Florida.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • People aging out of foster care get help thanks to new law

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    ST PETERSBURG, Fla. — “Yes, in God’s backyard.” That was the push for a bill that recently went into effect this summer.

    It allows churches to use their property to develop affordable housing, regardless of zoning restrictions.

    A local nonprofit is using that model to tackle the issue of homelessness and affordable housing for young people aging out of foster care.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nonprofit organization Spring Zone St. Pete is using the Yes in God’s Backyard house bill as the model to tackle the issue of homelessness and affordable housing for young people aging out of foster care

      •  

    • They will be providing housing on the land of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist in St. Pete

    • The project is expected to be completed within the next two years and some of the people who will live in the units will also get a chance to help with the building and construction process

    • RELATED: ‘Yes, In God’s Backyard’ bill part of proposed affordable housing solution


    Graduation, homemade desserts and a culinary career in the making are what 20-year-old Lexi Allison does have. But it’s what she’s had to face after aging out of foster care that’s always top of mind.

    “Homelessness, unemployment, a mental battle, jail. Like I know a lot of people just struggling and constantly going to jail. That’s another thing that not having somewhere stable can cause,” Allison said. “One thing I realized when I didn’t have nowhere to go it was either hard to keep a job, it’s hard to think about your next step when you’re not even in the place you want to be, or be in a place you want to live in or feel comfortable at.”

    That’s the kind of information Christopher Warren with the nonprofit, Spring Zone St. Pete, said they took into account when they came up with a plan to help solve the housing issue for young people.

    “The Yes in God’s Backyard house bill that passed has been a tremendous blessing in this effort. The ability for us to be able to provide housing, but provide housing on church property, is amazing. It’s essential to success because what we need is community,” Warren said. “When it’s fully developed, we’ve got ten units with two young people in each unit. They each have their own room, which was something I wanted to make sure they had, because in the foster system they can be three, four, five — sometimes six to a room.”

    He said each unit will be equipped with the comforts of home and a house of worship on the same property.

    Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Senior Pastor G. Gregg Murray said his church is excited about leasing their land for this housing.

    “Here at Mt. Zion, we want to make sure that whatever we do with our land, we be about ministry,” Murray said.

    At Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist in St. Pete, Murray said their focus is on ministry that makes a difference in the lives of their members and members of a community that’s often forgotten.

    “For foster children who have aged out of the program between the ages of 18 to 23, and we know that’s a time they get displaced and somehow, they disappear into the community, they’re no longer getting services,” he said.

    Pastor Murray is also a social worker. And for his wife, Pauline, working with foster children is part of her life’s work.

    “Working with foster children for pretty much all my life and supervisor of a foster care program here in Pinellas County,” Pauline said. “When you get a child that’s aging out of foster care and coming into an independent living program, they need a lot of wrap-around services. They need a lot of love and attention — you’re their parent. And the same thing you would do with your children, you do with those children.”

    A handful of other churches have also signed on to help with the affordable housing crisis hitting this vulnerable population. It’s something Allison says she can only be thankful for.

    “Yeah, that’s all God’s work,” she said.

    The project is expected to be completed within the next two years. Some of those young people who will live in the units will also get a chance to help with the building and construction process.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Gigglewaters has food for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

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    SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — While the uncertainty around SNAP benefits remain, restaurants in the bay area are making sure kids are getting fed.

    Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor has free lunches for kids in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gigglewaters has free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

    • The restaurant started giving out  “GiggleBags” on Saturday

    • They gave out about 25 bags on the first day

    • “GiggleBags” will be available every day until SNAP is back in Florida


    The restaurant is making as many bags as they need.

    “Today, we’re doing Uncrustables, apples, juice boxes, granola bars,” said Rachel Fine Wilson, owner and founder of Gigglewaters.

    “GiggleBags” are free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits. The founder and owner Wilson said no purchase is necessary.

    “I don’t know if it’s going to be busy or steady, but we’re committed to making sure everybody has one,” she said.

    Wilson was inspired by her own life experience. She said that when she was a young adult, she was on food stamps for several months, which is why she said she wanted to help.

    “I was embarrassed to use those, that felt awful, but I was hungry and I will never forget that feeling and I don’t want anyone else, especially kids, to have to feel embarrassed or hungry,” Wilson said.

    Saturday was the first day of “GiggleBag” distribution, and Wilson said they handed out about 25 bags.

    “It’s an easy decision, I know this is a complicated situation, but feeding a hungry kid isn’t complicated, give them food,” she said.

    Gigglewaters has a history of giving back during times of need, but Wilson said this is the first time that about two dozen other restaurants were inspired to take part.

    “It is an honor; it’s making me emotional, honestly. If you think you can do a little bit of good, you might be able to inspire other people to do the same and then the movement grows,” Wilson said.

    No matter how long the SNAP disruption lasts, Wilson said they will find a way to keep kids full.

    If a “GiggleBag” will help feed your child, Wilson is encouraging pick-ups between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. but she said they are accommodating other times.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Metro Ministries assisting more people, says public need is rising

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    TAMPA, Fla. — With the federal government shutdown ongoing, Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising.

    Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time, according to the agency.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Metropolitan Ministries is sounding the alarm that the number of people in need is rising

    • Families who previously were able to get by are now experiencing food insecurity for the first time

    • MORE INFORMATION: Metropolitan Ministries

    The organization is now serving double the number of households per month in its food markets.

    In response to the expanding needs of seniors, working and homeless families, and now government workers in need of assistance, Metropolitan Ministries has launched the following six key initiatives for the community to access as needed: 

    • Expanded outreach and prevention programs by doubling access for government workers to pantry food boxes.
    • Increased the number of community meal sites to 54 locations throughout Tampa Bay where hot meals are available — a 13% increase in hot meals, with over 57,000 hot meals served in September alone.
    • Through partnership with TECO and an additional $500,000 in board-approved reserves, utility and rent assistance programs are being expanded.
    • Within the past year, emergency shelter beds in Pasco and Pinellas have been expanded to keep children safe and families from sleeping in their cars — a 30% increase in family shelter units.
    • With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, the number of holiday tent sites has expanded to four standup tents and four additional pop-up sites to help 30,000 families. Over 49% of the Thanksgiving assistance slots are already filled, a strong indicator of need.
    • Metro’s Counseling and Resiliency Center is offering six free counseling sessions to federal workers as they navigate difficult circumstances

    “As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of children, families, and seniors in our community, I know that Metropolitan Ministries is only able to make a real difference because of the compassion and generosity of our neighbors,” said Dr. Sarah Combs, President/CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. “Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay — supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”

    Met Ministries lists several root causes of the increase in need.

    The rising cost of living — food, housing and utilities now account for 60% of a household budget; affordability pressures; and elongated economic instability from the pandemic and recent hurricanes.

    Additionally, if SNAP benefits are paused in November and federal workers go without paychecks, Metro anticipates an even greater surge in demand to as many as 4,000 families a month seeking help with food, quadrupling demand.

    “Every donation directly helps those struggling right here in Tampa Bay,” said Combs. “Supporting kids, parents, and seniors who need us most.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Polk County Sheriff’s Office tops local agencies in immigration enforcement

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has reported more immigration-related encounters than any other local law enforcement agency in Florida. That’s according to the state board of immigration enforcement.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has reported over 400 immigration-related encounters since August

    • Sheriff Judd explains the increase is due to daily operations and access to new warrants

    • The state board of immigration enforcement was created to help deport individuals without legal status

    The Polk County Sheriff’s office polices around 850,000 people, and its goal is to keep everyone safe.

    “We’re not out here going to job sites, going to businesses, going to agriculture fields. We’re just bumping into people as we do our normal daily business,” Sheriff Grady Judd said about the office’s immigration enforcement.

    Since August, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has had more than 400 immigration encounters, second in line after the Florida Highway Patrol. That’s according to the state board of immigration enforcement.

    The board was created in February by Gov. Ron DeSantis to help deport people without legal status.

    Judd says it’s part of their mission to help.

    “I know it’s uncomfortable for a lot of wonderful people who are in this country illegally, but the bottom line is they’re here in violation of the federal law,” Judd said.

    He says he was surprised to see the agency ranking higher than most, and it brought about questions.

    Judd says they’re not doing anything different. Instead, he believes access to warrants that were once under ICE and now in the National Crime Information Center is allowing them to expand their reach to immigrants who are here illegally.

    “Now anytime we stop a vehicle and do a warrants check, then we see those warrants. We didn’t see them before,” Judd said.

    He also believes state and federal funding that is helping pay for training and reimbursing local law enforcement to help ice is aiding in those efforts.

    “We put resources to make sure we met the duties and requirements under the law,” Judd said. “I think you’ll see some of the other agencies catching on as they learn the process.”

    Other agencies in Polk County that reported encounters were the Winter Haven Police Department and the Lakeland Police Department.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Feeding Tampa Bay expanding its efforts as shutdown goes on

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    TAMPA, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, Feeding Tampa Bay is expanding its efforts to support thousands of local workers and families who are struggling without paychecks.

    The organization has extended hours at its Causeway food market, opening its doors specifically for federal employees to shop for groceries and essential items.

    But the help doesn’t stop there. Through partnerships with community organizations, Feeding Tampa Bay is also assisting with bill payments and extensions for those facing mounting financial strain.

    What You Need To Know

    • Feeding Tampa Bay is expanding its efforts as shutdown goes on 

    • Feeding Tampa Bay is also assisting with bill payments and extensions for those facing mounting financial strain

    • A critical deadline looms on November 1, when SNAP benefits are set to expire, potentially impacting about 250,000 people across the Tampa Bay area

    “With the shutdown continuing and no end in sight, the needs in our community are growing,” said Shannon Hannon-Oliviero with Feeding Tampa Bay. “If you could donate, one dollar equals five meals for us, and we are going to have a lot more people in our care. We do right now with government workers, but if SNAP is cut, it is going to be a lot of people in need that are already at a critical time in their lives.”

    A critical deadline looms on November 1, when SNAP benefits are set to expire, potentially impacting about 250,000 people across the Tampa Bay area who rely on that assistance each month.

    Feeding Tampa Bay is urging the public to step up with donations and volunteer support, especially if the shutdown continues past the SNAP deadline.

    Those wishing to help can visit FeedingTampaBay.org/governmentshutdown for more information on how to donate or volunteer.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Children’s Home Network Celebrates Major Renovations

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    TAMPA, Fla. — One of Tampa’s oldest and most impactful organizations is entering a new era of care.

    The Children’s Home Network, which began its mission in 1892, has unveiled a series of major renovations designed to enhance the lives of the foster children it serves.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Children’s Home Network provides socials services to 7,000 kids and adults every year across Florida 

    • Established in 1892, the Children’s Home Network has seven locations across Central Florida  

    • Hillsborough County awarded a $688,000 block grant for the organization to make renovations at its main campus in Tampa

    • Upgrades include new AC units for the gym, a new roof, renovated bathrooms and an outdoor pavilion 


    This week, the nonprofit celebrated the completion of upgrades at its main campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The improvements focused on Kids Village, a residential area where up to 54 children live and recover from experiences of neglect and abuse.

    Thanks to a Community Development Block Grant of nearly $700,000 provided by Hillsborough County, the renovations included a new roof, improved lighting, updated bathrooms, new windows, a covered pavilion, and new air-conditioning units for the gym.

    “We want it to be a place where they feel comfortable, where they can experience joy, where they can experience healing from past trauma in their lives,” said Taylor Cheeseman, Executive Vice President of the Children’s Home Network. “Having all of these facilities available to them is a really important part of that.”

    The upgrades mark a significant investment in creating a nurturing and stable environment for children in foster care.

    While the recently renovated main campus remains the heart of the organization’s operations, the Children’s Home Network also runs six additional locations across Central Florida, providing social services to children, teens and families throughout the state.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • N.C.’s ever-changing election maps cause confusion for voters

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    North Carolina’s new congressional map, passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, is the latest in a series of redistrictings the state has had in recent years.

    The constant redrawing of district lines can leave voters confused about who represents them in Congress.

    Dennis Mersereau has called the Greensboro area home for 15 years and in that time he’s had a lot of different people representing him in Congress.

    “I think I’ve had five or six different representatives. It’s hard to keep track of them because they keep shifting us around so much,” Mersereau said.

    He lives in Reidsville outside Greensboro, a city that’s been ground zero in the state’s shifting congressional district lines.

    North Carolina has had five maps used in elections over the past 15 years and that’s not counting two that were struck down before they could be used. This week the Republican-controlled General Assembly pushed through a sixth map. 

    “Reidsville shouldn’t be in the same district as Greensboro because Greensboro is its own distinct community,” Mersereau said. 

    Former Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning used to represent Greensboro before Republican state lawmakers approved a map that carved up the heavily Democratic city into three districts, each with more Republican voters than Democrats.

    Manning decided not to seek reelection in 2024 because she thought it would be too difficult to win.

    “We have three different people in Congress who are supposed to represent Guilford County and Greensboro and they don’t represent the values that the vast majority of people in my former district hold,” Manning said.

    Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of gerrymandering in North Carolina and around the country. But with so many different maps in North Carolina in recent years, with changes to the congressional delegation, there are concerns voters may not even know who their member of Congress is.

    “Every time they do a round of redistricting, I have to learn who our representative is and it’s a pain in the butt,” Mersereau said.

    The shifting maps are also a challenge for lawmakers and their offices, which spend lots of time focused on district-specific issues.

    “I think it’s very difficult on the representatives themselves. They want to know the districts they represent. They want to represent the people in the best way they can,” Manning said.  

    “Surely this is dizzying for not only the voters but also the representatives,” said Princeton Gerrymandering Project Director Sam Wang. “That bond between voters and their representatives breaks in a situation like North Carolina where the map gets redrawn every two years.”

    Spectrum News found people on both sides of the aisle who say the current system where maps are drawn by elected officials isn’t working.

    “The independent redistricting question is something I think we should have,” Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican, told Spectrum News. “I do believe it should be subject to a political vote by the legislature.”

    “The founding fathers envisioned that there would be a political decision process in redistricting, but that’s not going to happen in this political environment,” Tillis said.

    Many states have independent redistricting commissions that are supposed to take politics out of the process. But in California and Virginia, Democrats are moving to take control of the process to counter President Donald Trump urging Republican states to redraw district lines to benefit the GOP.

    In North Carolina, it would fall to the General Assembly to create a commission, something not likely to happen.

    “I don’t care who started it, you know it’s wrong. Both parties are going to have to decide, in the long run this is not good for the country, and we need to stop the political, the partisan gerrymandering,” Manning said.

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    Reuben Jones

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  • Tampa WOW! gets approval from city council, clearing way for work

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s proposed “Wheel Over Water” was approved by city council on Thursday after a second public meeting on the project.

    What You Need To Know

    • The proposed Wheel over Water will stand 250-feet tall and be located next to The Florida Aquarium   

    • Channelside residents are voicing concerns about added traffic and parking issues should the project move forward

    • In a statement, The Florida Aquarium voiced its support of the project

    • The developer says the city will bear no financial burden for the WOW! 
    • On Thursday, Tampa City Council approved the project


    The 250-foot observation wheel, dubbed Tampa WOW!, will be built on the parking lot between Port Tampa Bay and The Florida Aquarium.

    Thursday’s action by the council clears the way for site preparations to begin in the coming weeks.

    Supporters said it could become a new family-friendly attraction for the city’s waterfront but many nearby residents are worried about the impact on parking, noise and traffic in an already congested area

    “It is extremely exciting that people want to invest $20 million in my neighborhood,” one resident said during the first public meeting earlier this month. “But I will remind you this is 40 feet taller than Gwazi, it is illuminated, and it is less than 1,000 feet from my home.”

    Another resident voiced similar concerns about congestion near the port.

    Developer Tony Miller said he wants to build the Tampa Wow!, or Wheel Over Water, just north of the Florida Aquarium. (Tampa WOW! rendering)

    “Have you ever been down there when the ships are in? It’s a cluster down there,” the resident said. “People are already searching for parking spaces. This is going to add more problems for us.”

    City council members also raised questions about financial responsibility. The developer behind the project has pledged to cover all costs and assume full risk if the venture fails.

    Despite community concerns, The Florida Aquarium, located next to the proposed site, has voiced its support. In a statement, CEO Roger Germann said:

    “The vision behind Tampa WOW! — Tampa’s Wheel Over Water aligns with the bold ideas set forth by our founders and city, business, and community leaders when we first opened our doors. The Florida Aquarium supports this unique opportunity to bring a new family-friendly experience to Tampa.”

    The $20 million project could open by the fall of next year.

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    Matt Lackritz, Jason Lanning

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  • City leaders push for Urban Land Institute study for Gas Plant

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved having a committee discuss hiring the Urban Land Institute to study the best way to develop the 86 acres Historic Gas Plant District as more proposals are expected to arrive next month.

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Pete City Council unanimously approved having a committee discuss hiring the Urban Land Institute to study the best way to develop Gas Plant

    • The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce offered to help pay for the $135,000 study

    • The Urban Land Institute studied the waterfront district in 2013 

    • This month, the city has received two unsolicited proposals to develop the Gas Plant District


    “This is to really to give city council some guidance as it pertains to what is the best use of this property,” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard. “How can we really get the biggest return on our investment?”

    Gabbard brought the motion last Thursday to refer the ULI proposal to the Housing, Land Use and Transportation Committee because she wants the council to have an unbiased, professional study.  

    “They’re not here to make money off of this property,” she said. “They are here to give us guidance so that we make sure that we make the best deal, the best negotiation possible for the residents of the City of St. Petersburg.”

    The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Steinocher also urged the city council to pay for the ULI study.

    “What did we learn from getting the best master developer in Hines and the Rays that walked away from us?” he said. “What did we learn from that and what can we do differently?”

    The city council unanimously approved referring the ULI study to the committee, a date has not yet been set. Steinocher said the chamber would be willing to help pay for the $135,000 study.

    “We’re willing to raise money for that at any point, because I really believe in a public-private partnership,” he said. “If everybody uses the same studies, if everybody uses the same data and everybody hears the same opinions and same presentation, it’s easier to get everybody on the same bus to get going forward.”

    Steinocher pointed out the ULI did a study on the waterfront district in 2013 and many of the proposals have been implemented. For example, the study called for building a new pier, enhancing the 7 mile long waterfront park system for public use, no private development and creating an Innovation District.  

    “They leave you with a report that allowed us to build the waterfront master plan that guides us today,” said Steinocher. “I’m hopeful that same kind of opportunity or ideas come through, if we are able to do that for our Gas Plant area.”

    The Urban Land Institute states it sets the standards of excellence in development practice by utilizing its oldest and largest network of cross-disciplinary experts in the world.

    This month, the city has received two unsolicited proposals to develop the Gas Plant District from ARK Ellison Horus and the Pinellas County Housing Authority. On Tuesday, the city said it would open a 30 day window for more proposals in mid-November.

    “Honoring the promises made to our community, including the residents of the Historic Gas Plant District, has been a top priority of my administration and we continue to explore ways to pursue impactful outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents,” said Mayor Kenneth Welch. “I intend to ensure that any redevelopment reflects the values and priorities of our entire community – honoring our history while creating pathways for inclusive progress and a thriving future for all in our city.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Early voting begins Thursday in Tampa’s District 5 city council race

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Early voting kicked off Thursday for the Tampa City Council District 5 runoff election.

    The race is down to two candidates: Former city council member Thomas Scott and newcomer Naya Young. 

    They’re running to fill the seat left vacant by the late Gwen Henderson. Voters can cast their ballots at any of these locations: 

    • C Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
    • Fred B. Karl County Center
    • Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center
    • West Tampa Branch Library

    Those early voting locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    The early voting period runs through Sunday, Oct. 26 and Election Day will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

    The election is only for voters who live in District 5 in Tampa, which covers the downtown area, Ybor City, Channelside and parts of West Tampa. 

    Meanwhile, as early voting begins for Tampa’s District 5 City Council runoff, community activists are encouraging residents to stay focused on the election.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • SNAP benefits may stop for millions, if government shutdown continues in Nov.

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    Pinellas County, Fla. — The ongoing government shutdown may soon have a direct impact on 42 million people, including 2.8 million Floridians, receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. 

    Starting November 1, SNAP recipients may experience delays in receiving money to purchase groceries due to federal funds running out at the end of October.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ongoing government shutdown may soon have a direct impact on 42 million people, including 2.8 million Floridians, receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP

    • Starting November 1, SNAP recipients may experience delays in receiving money to purchase groceries due to federal funds running out at the end of October

    • Access Center and Healing Tampa Bay


    “SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored.

    You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time” according to an “Important Message for Florida SNAP recipients” posted on the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website.

    Serving Pinellas and Pasco counties, the Access Center and Healing Tampa Bay helps hundreds of Tampa Bay area residents every month with SNAP recertifications and initial enrollments, along with Medicaid, cell phones and many other federal benefits.

    “For the next several days, tens of thousands of members of our community are really waiting to see what happens; if they’re going to have any food, or how they’re going to fill in that gap, and that creates unbelievable levels of anxiety, stress, fear,” said Healing Tampa Bay president and founder Chris Keto.

    “Last year alone, we injected about $12 million dollars of SNAP benefits in Pinellas County, and that’s your lifeline. The average SNAP benefit we’re doing is around $ 150 to $200 per individual and they’re on incomes that are sometimes less than $1,000. So, this is a main source of someone sustaining themselves, functioning and giving hope. We have countless people that come in and we’re very blessed to be able to help out,” Keto continued.

    The steady flow of residents seeking help at the non-profit’s Pinellas County office included John Sirois, a senior citizen recently diagnosed as legally blind.

    “My hours were drastically reduced at my place of employment, and, right now, I’m in quite a situation needing some extra help in every way possible, especially EBT and utilities,” said Sirois who fears the devastating consequences of losing food assistance.

    “A friend of mine was stricken with ALS, as an example, and everything fell apart. Another person I know suffers from dementia and lost their legs. These are situations that came out of nowhere and could happen to anyone,” Sirois continued.

    DCF administers Florida’s SNAP benefits, but the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a federal agency affected by the government shutdown.

    Healing Tampa Bay and DCF stress that their organizations are still processing and accepting SNAP applications this month.

    Keto underscored the critical importance of filling in the gap and being able to have a bridge to efficiently get people the proper benefits to help them survive.

    “One of my favorite success stories came from our partnership with the Largo Police Department. They brought an individual to us who had recently been released from jail and was on probation. We got them a cell phone, food stamps, and health insurance. They were able to go on an interview, get a job, and then they became a manager at a local restaurant in the area. This demonstrates the impact and why these benefits are necessary to get people back into community and thriving.”

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    Erica Riggins

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  • Palladium Theater awarded $2.5M from Pinellas bed tax fund

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Palladium Theater was recently awarded $2.5 million from Pinellas County’s tourist development tax fund, when the capital project request was unanimously approved by commissioners, allowing the St. Petersburg venue to move forward with major renovations.

    “That was the last money we needed to really start this project,” said Paul Wilborn, Palladium Theater executive director. “So it’s very exciting.” 

    What You Need To Know

    • Palladium Theater awarded $2.5M from Pinellas bed tax fund on Oct. 7

    • The capital project request was unanimously approved by Pinellas commissioners 

    • The Palladium has raised $10.8 million to begin renovations next year  

    • All 815 seats will be replaced, sightlines will improve and a new acoustic ceiling will be installed


    Wilborn said money granted from Pinellas County on Oct. 7, combined with grants from the State of Florida, the city of St. Petersburg and private donations, total $10.8 million for the renovation project, which is expected to begin in late summer next year.

    “We’ve raised over $7 million, almost $8 million, in private donations. So we’ve got more still to come,” he said. “I think it just shows that we’ve stayed with our mission of being this community-focused venue that really works with local people in our community. And that’s paid off for us.”

    The renovations include completely replacing all 815 seats, which will have a new configuration to improve sightlines, re-raking the balcony and removing the plaster ceiling for better acoustics.

    “We’re dropping in an acoustic ceiling,” said Wilborn. “There’s 12 feet of attic above the current ceiling, and that’s going to let sound rise up in there and have some curtains that we’re able to drop when we’re doing amplified music.”

    Due to rising costs, Wilborn said they had to remove a few items from the renovation list, which include an orchestra shell and raising the performance stage. He hopes to raise more money in the future to complete those projects.

    “We still think there’s going to be things we want to do additionally,” said Wilborn. “So we’ve got more still to come.”

    The Palladium was built in 1925 as a Christian Science church and is on the Register of Historic Places. Since 2007, the theater has been owned and operated by St. Petersburg College.

    Wilborn said he expects the renovations to begin next August and the Palladium will go dark for about one year until the work is complete.

    “We very likely will close the whole theater for eight to 12 months,” he said. “We might do some satellite projects. We’re still debating that.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Government shutdown impacts Hillsborough non-profit

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    TOWN ‘N’ COUNTRY, Fla. — People around the country who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are waiting to find out if they’ll get that money to buy groceries in November.

    The USDA Secretary has said the program will run out of money at the end of October due to the government shutdown. One Hillsborough County non-profit said its ability to process SNAP has already been impacted by the shutdown but for a different reason.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sweetwater Organic Community Farm says it’s been unable to process SNAP benefits for weeks and hasn’t been able to work through the issue with the USDA due to the government shutdown 

    •  The farm’s general manager said quite a few customers use SNAP benefits and that she’s also concerned that they could lose SNAP altogether if the shutdown continues into November

    •  The Florida Dept. of Children and Families administers SNAP benefits and says benefits will not be issued for November if federal funding is not restored

    • Read previous coverage here


    “This is our sign. It says, ‘EBT SNAP accepted,’ right here,” said Cindy Casterlin.

    Casterlin, general manager of Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, said it’s what quite a few customers use to pay for fruits, vegetables, and more.

    “That’s one of the draws of the farmer’s market. It’s local food, local farmers – at least, our farmer’s market, specifically, is definitely that,” Casterlin said. “And then, it’s fresh foods.”

    Casterlin said shoppers can double their nutritious haul through the Fresh Access Bucks program. Shesaid whatever they spend on their EBT card, they can get that same amount in produce, seeds, or plants for free. But that all stopped at Swetwater at the end of September.

    “It’s a timing thing, really,” Casterlin said.

    She said Sweetwater’s EBT readers weren’t allowing them to process cards. They found out their contract number with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wasn’t being recognized as that of a valid merchant. Casterlin said they renewed last year and that contract hasn’t expired. According to her, the farm was working to contact the USDA to work through the issue when the shutdown began.

    “So, now all you get is, if you try to contact them, is that red message that blasts up that they’re shut down and you can’t do anything until they come back online,” she said.

    That means customers with SNAP benefits are out of luck, and Sweetwater and its farmer’s market vendors are out that revenue.

    “It’s not just an inconvenience,” Casterlin said. “We’re really concerned as this shutdown moves forward.”

    She said she’s concerned for the people who rely on those benefits.

    Anna Archambault, public relations manager for the Florida Dept. of Children and Families (DCF), which administers SNAP benefits, said benefits won’t be issued for November until federal funding is restored. 

    “The Department is monitoring the federal government shutdown closely and is committed to resuming benefits as quickly as possible once funding is restored,” Archambault said via e-mail.

    “In some cases, that’s all they have. It’s a lifeline,” said Asheena Moses, statewide outreach and advocacy manager for Florida Impact. 

    Moses said the statewide anti-hunger organization is getting questions from SNAP recipients and food banks but have been told by DCF that the department isn’t issuing guidance until they know for sure whether the shutdown will continue into November.

    “So, you’re running into a situation where families are losing SNAP money, food banks are losing funding to put more food in the bank,” said Moses. “We don’t even know where families will go for food.”

    Casterlin said many of Sweetwater’s neighbors are still recovering from last year’s hurricanes, and a possible loss of SNAP benefits will impact the community’s most vulnerable.

    “You’re going to have to pull that resource from somewhere else. Is it going to come out of your rent money? Your landlord’s not going to be happy. Is it going to come out of your utility bill? Because the rest of your bills don’t go away,” she said.

    Archambault said there’s not expected to be any impact to October benefits and DCF is still processing applications and renewals.

    She said SNAP recipients may get notices about their eligible benefit amount for November, but that money won’t be issued until funding is restored. She said those who’ve already submitted applications or renewals don’t have to reapply, and any existing benefits remain available to use.

     

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • State lawmakers to vote on Republican redrawn district map

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    North Carolina state senators say they will vote Tuesday on a redrawn congressional map that would give Republicans an opportunity to gain an extra seat in the U.S. House.

    What You Need To Know

    • North Carolina lawmakers are considering a redrawn congressional map intended to help Republicans unseat a Democrat

    • The map would change the state’s 1st District, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, by adding more conservative counties and removing liberal-leaning ones

    • Congressional maps are typically only redrawn once every 10 years after the census 

    • Texas started the national redistricting battle and approved its own new map and California responded with its own gerrymandered map proposal 


    State Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican, said his chamber gave the new map tentative approval Monday and will take a final vote Tuesday before sending it to the state House. 

    The state Senate was divided along party lines over new boundaries for two eastern North Carolina districts in a move aimed to thwart the reelection of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, one of the state’s three Black members of Congress. The vote followed a committee meeting in which dozens of speakers from the public sharply accused Republican lawmakers in the ninth-largest state of bowing to Republican President Donald Trump.

    The plan’s chief author was direct about the map’s intent to help his party in the 2026 midterm elections.

    “The motivation behind this redraw is simple and singular — draw a new map that will bring an additional Republican seat to the North Carolina congressional delegation,” said GOP Sen. Ralph Hise, who shepherded it through his chamber. If Democrats take back the House, Hise said, they will “torpedo President Trump’s agenda.”

    The proposed map reconfigures the 1st District, which is currently represented by Davis, by adding more Republican-leaning counties along the coast and removing more liberal-leaning ones inland. Greene County, Davis’ home county, is among several that would be removed from the 1st District and instead become part of the 3rd District. 

    The new map would help Republicans flip Davis’ seat in next year’s elections. That would mean 11 of the state’s 14 House representatives would be Republicans, up from the current 10-4 split. Under a map used in 2022, the state had a 7-7 seat split.

    If the map is approved, Davis would run in the 1st or 3rd District, according to a spokesperson.  

    After a Senate procedural vote Tuesday, the proposed map will head to the House, which is expected to give it final General Assembly approval later this week.

    The state Democratic Party plans an outdoor rally Tuesday to oppose it. But Democrats are the minority in both chambers, and state law prevents Democratic Gov. Josh Stein from using his veto stamp on redistricting action. 

    “This is an attack on Black voters,” Sen. Kandie Smith, an African American legislator who represents a county in Davis’ current district, said during Senate floor debate. “It’s about stealing elections by design, so that the outcomes are predetermined and accountability becomes optional.”

    Redrawing the districts is typically only done every 10 years after the census, but North Carolina is not the first state to propose a new map five years earlier than usual.

    Texas led the trend when its governor, Greg Abbott, signed a new map into law in August that could add five Republican seats. California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by announcing his own redistricting plan, which California residents will vote on whether to approve.

    The practice of redrawing maps to favor a political party is known as gerrymandering. The term dates back to the early 1800s when Massachusetts’ state Senate election districts were redrawn under Gov. Elbridge Gerry. An article in the Boston Gazette compared the shape of one district to a salamander, and the “Gerry-mander” was born.

    Gerrymandering has long been a feature of North Carolina’s politics. The Supreme Court case Rucho v. Common Cause in 2019 was a result of the state’s congressional map redrawn to favor Republicans after the 2010 census. The court’s decision effectively ended federal oversight of the redistricting process, opening the door nationally for more gerrymandering.

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    Caroline King, Associated Press

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  • Lakeland Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley enters race for mayor

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland City Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley has joined the 2025 race for mayor. 

    What You Need To Know

    • City commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley is one of the four candidates seeking to become Lakeland’s next mayor

    • If elected, McCarley said she plans to work alongside fellow commissioners to build on efforts toward accessibility, budget transparency and community involvement

    • Having served on the City Commission since 2019, she says her familiarity with city departments and local partnerships would make for a smooth transition


    She was the first candidate to announce her bid following Mayor Bill Mutz’s decision not to seek another term.

    McCarley, who has represented the city’s Southwest district since 2019, said humility and consistency of character are what define a good leader.

    “Because if you’re willing to tell the truth and be like, ‘Hey, I didn’t know that. I got that wrong.’ That’s really important. I think that builds sincerity and trust with the people around you,” she said.

    The Lakeland native often shares that message with students across the area. She says it’s something that has guided her since leading Polk Vision, an organization focused on community priorities, local partnerships and accountability in Polk County. She maintained that philosophy after joining the City Commission.

    “I love serving, and I love getting my hands dirty, and working in different segments of our community, with schools, and with the business community,” McCarley said. 

    McCarley hopes to continue serving the community, but in a different capacity. If elected mayor, she said she plans to work alongside fellow commissioners to build on what she describes as ongoing efforts toward accessibility, budget transparency and community involvement.

    “Community service continues to be a big opportunity for us to engage more voices in the process, and that’s something I like to do from day one,” she said.

    With years of experience at City Hall, McCarley believes the start of her term would be a smooth transition.

    “My learning curve is shorter, and I can ramp up quicker,” she said. “I know the departments, and I know the constituencies outside of City Hall, which I think is really important. And I feel like bridging those conversations is something that I do well.”

    McCarley said she hopes to bring those strengths into a new role as mayor while encouraging future leaders to do the same.

    Lakeland residents will elect their next mayor on Nov. 4. Other candidates in the race include Kay Klymko, Kaitlin Kramer and Cedrick Valrie.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • They said it: Making peace with housing on Berkeley’s People’s Park

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    “We have to live with it forever, so I felt like maybe we should give input on what we like and do not like. Maybe the wolf will pull off her head and it will actually be grandma. That’s not going to happen, but I like to grab onto some optimism.”

    — Lisa Teague with the People’s Park Council, a community group that advocates for protecting Berkeley’s iconic park, on working with UC Berkeley and a landscape architecture company to honor the park’s legacy as a hub of political activism as it is developed for student housing.

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    Bay Area News Group

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  • ‘No Kings’ marchers united in Charlotte, calling for change

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Uptown Charlotte was filled with chants, flags and handmade signs Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings 2” rallies, protesting policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

    What You Need To Know

    •  “No Kings” rallies took place Saturday across the nation

    •  Several organizers led events in North Carolina

    •  In Charlotte, demonstrators marched through Uptown voicing their concerns about the Trump administration



    House Speaker Republican Mike Johnson criticized the national protests, calling them “hate America” rallies

    “I’m not sure how anybody can refute that,” Johnson said.

    Dozens of cities across North Carolina saw marches and rallies, including Raleigh and Charlotte.

    Indivisible Charlotte and community partners organized a march from First Ward Park through Uptown.

    Hardin Minor is the founder of Charlotte Earth Day. Minor is singing and showing his love for America ahead of the “No Kings” rally at First Ward Park. (Spectrum News 1/Jennifer Roberts)

    Organizers said the focus was on peaceful expression and unity, where participants could safely exercise their First Amendment rights.

    “We want people to come and feel safe in the environment of speaking out and being heard, taking [an important] part in their community,” said Tony Siracusa, the group’s media director.

    Siracusa said the organization worked with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police for nearly two months to ensure the events occurred safely and peacefully. 

    Organizers also estimated growing turnout since the first “No Kings” rally in June.

    Siracusa said more than 3,000 people registered online for the previous event, with an estimated 7,000 attending.

    He said registration for this weekend’s march was up 33%.

    “There’s no telling how sizeable the crowd can be,” Siracusa said.

    Among those marching was Hardin Minor, founder and director of Charlotte Earth Day.

    Minor said one reason he joined the march is concern over environmental decisions made by the current administration.

    “It just seems a little bit backward thinking to me for some of the actions that are taking place,” Minor said.

    Minor was seen proudly dressed in red, white and blue, holding signage that read “We love America.”

    Minor hopes the nationwide marches encourage more people from all backgrounds and political affiliations to unite for the greater good of the country.

    “The American eagle needs two wings to fly, a right wing and a left wing, and a strong center. That’s what it’s all about. We need each other and we want to connect with all of you in America with our positive message of let’s support our country and our democracy together,” Minor said. 

    Indivisible Charlotte organizers said that aside from a few health-related responses, there were no major disruptions during the event.

    The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not yet released information about crowd size or emergency calls tied to the rally.

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    Jennifer Roberts

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  • ‘No Kings’ protest held along Capital Boulevard in Raleigh

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — Protesters lined Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on Saturday afternoon as part of a “No Kings” protest, part of a series of demonstrations across the United States on Saturday by critics of Republican President Donald Trump and his administration. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A “No Kings” protest took place Saturday on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh

    • Charlotte and other cities across the United States saw similar demonstrations

    • Organizers of the “No Kings” protests express opposition to what they see as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian policies



    “I was out here for the first one and I couldn’t wait to be out here for the second one,” said Jackie Alces, a protester. The rally Saturday is the third mass mobilization and the second “No Kings” protest since Trump was elected to his second term as president.

    “It is energizing to see like-minded people,” Alces said. “I tried to get more of my like-minded people to come out and they were hesitant. They’re afraid that something’s going to happen. Like we are peacefully protesting, we are not here to cause problems.”

    Car horns and other noisemakers filled the air while protesters waved signs and chanted messages along the busy street. One woman who is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors says it was important to be out there.

    “People here are saying it’ll never happen, but it’s happening,” said Catherine Tabor. “I have my mom and grandma’s passport. When you first walk in my house, that’s the first thing you see. I have it in a shadow box right by the front door. And I think about them all the time.”

    Not everyone who was there was in favor of the protest. Some stopped by to see what was going on. 

    “It made me curious,” said Rex Caesar, who stopped by the protest. “I wanted to see some people’s opinions on why they’re anti-Trump, and we’ve been able to talk to a few people. It’s definitely cool to hear people’s experiences and what they feel about Trump and really just hear them out.”

    Others say they were there to make their voices heard.  

    “I feel that if we don’t put our voices out there, we’re complicit with … what they’re doing, and I’m not happy with what they’re doing,” said Alces.

    Republican supporters of Trump have dubbed the protests “Hate America” rallies, and the North Carolina GOP on Saturday called on Democrats to end the federal government shutdown.

    “Far-left radical Democrats shut down the federal government to brag at these events they shut down the government to stop President Trump,” Matt Mercer of the N.C. GOP said in a statement. “Democrats must stop holding the government hostage at the expense of military service members, low-income families, and federal law enforcement.”

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Editorial: Vote no on Santa Clara County Measure A sales tax increase

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    The Medicaid cuts in President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will squeeze Santa Clara County health care funding. But raising local taxes is not the solution.

    Instead, county supervisors should stem their rapidly escalating spending, which has doubled in the past eight years and ranks highest per capita by far of the 10 largest California counties.

    And voters should reject Measure A, the five-year sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 special election ballot that has been in the planning stages since long before Trump won reelection.

    The measure would add another five-eighths of a cent to each dollar of taxable goods, pushing the total rate to 10% or more in most of the county.

    State data indicates that the average person in the county currently pays at least $1,700 a year in sales tax, which is distributed between state and local governments. Measure A would increase that by at least $113 annually.

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    Mercury News Editorial

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