ReportWire

Tag: local-politics

  • Four candidates vying for mayor’s post in Lakeland

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    The mayor’s spot, along with two commission seats, will be determined on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Hundreds of N.C. National Guard members go without pay during federal shutdown

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    More than 800 members of the North Carolina National Guard did not get their regular paychecks this week because of the federal government shutdown, according to Gov. Josh Stein.  

    What You Need To Know

    •  The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 after Congress did not pass a new budget

    •  Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay

    •  In North Carolina, more than 800 members of the National Guard did not get their paychecks this week

    •  In previous shutdowns, federal workers have received back pay after Congress passed a new federal budget


    The federal shutdown began on Oct. 1 after Republicans and Democrats in Congress could not agree on a new federal budget. Each party blames the other and demands their own changes to the proposed federal budget. The main sticking point for Democrats in the Republican-majority U.S. House is funding for health care subsidies and Medicare.

    But while members of Congress argue over the budget, hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay, according to the Associated Press. 

    “North Carolina National Guard members are essential to keeping our state and our country safe. Today 841 NC National Guardsmen did not receive their scheduled paychecks and must continue work without pay through the federal government shutdown,” the North Carolina governor said. “That’s unacceptable.” 

    “We need our federal government to support our National Guard, protect our health care, and make sure families can put food on the table,” Stein said on X.

    In previous federal shutdowns, workers received back pay after Congress passed a new budget. 


     

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    Charles Duncan

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  • Appeals court judge Jill Lanzinger announces candidacy for Ohio Supreme Court

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    OHIO — Judge Jill Lanzinger of the Ninth District Court of Appeals announced she will run for a position on the Ohio Supreme Court.

    What You Need To Know

    • Judge Jill Lanzinger announced her candidacy for Ohio Supreme Court 

    • Her experience as a victim of stalking sparked her interest in the position  

    • She has held a position as a appellate or trial judge for over a decade in the state

    The Republican judge has served on either an Ohio trial or appellate court for over a decade. She was elected to the Ninth District Court of Appeals in 2022 and serves as the presiding judge of the court currently.

    Lanzinger’s experience as a victim of stalking, which was perpetrated by a defendant in her courtroom, has inspired her to run for the position on the state’s highest court.

    “My campaign will emphasize the judiciary’s role in safeguarding our constitutional rights. In Ohio, victims have a constitutional right to have a voice in the justice system. Marsy’s Law was passed in 2017 as an Ohio Constitutional amendment,” Lanzinger explained. “Marsy’s Law is supposed to give ‘crime victims meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused.’ Too often, victims are left in the dark about hearings. They are not given the opportunity to speak. Their safety and dignity are not being prioritized. And yet, no one is held accountable for failing to uphold what the Ohio Constitution demands. In Ohio, victims of crime should not be an afterthought.”

    Lanzinger has multiple canditates she will be jockeying with for votes, but she hopes the Republican Central Committee will support her candidacy.

    “There are presently five announced candidates in this race,” Lanzinger noted. “It is my sincere hope the State Central Committee will make an endorsement so our resources can be reserved for defeating the incumbent Democrat.”

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • Tampa Honors Racial Reconciliation Committee

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa honored its Racial Reconciliation Committee Thursday night with an official commendation — even as the group prepares to dissolve following a recommendation from the city attorney.

    During a city council meeting, members were recognized for more than two years of work focused on addressing racial inequities and strengthening relationships between the city and its residents.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Tampa honored its Racial Reconciliation Committee Thursday night with an official commendation — even as the group prepares to dissolve following a recommendation from the city attorney

    • In a memo, the attorney cited executive orders issued under former President Donald Trump that restrict federal support for programs that could be viewed as discriminatory on the basis of race or gender

    • While the city has closed one chapter on reconciliation, those who served on the committee say their work toward a more inclusive Tampa is far from finished

    • Without the constraints of a formal city committee, members say they can now meet freely and continue the conversation on their own terms


    The city attorney recently advised the council to dissolve the committee, warning that its continued operation could risk federal funding.

    In a memo, the attorney cited executive orders issued under former President Donald Trump that restrict federal support for programs that could be viewed as discriminatory on the basis of race or gender. The City Council accepted the legal advice, formally ending the committee’s tenure.

    Despite the decision, several members say the mission won’t end with the committee’s dissolution. They plan to continue meeting as private citizens to carry forward their efforts toward unity, equity, and reconciliation.

    “No, it doesn’t stop it for us,” said committee member Jarvis El Amin. “We continue to work. We get together. We work on issues. We put forward a partial report. It’s not a final report, but it’s a document that’s a starting point for us to build upon.”

    Formed after the 2020 racial justice protests, the Racial Reconciliation Committee was tasked with recommending policy changes in economic opportunity, education, affordable housing, and community policing.

    Its final report — though incomplete — outlines steps members hope the city will still consider in future planning and policymaking.

    Without the constraints of a formal city committee, members say they can now meet freely and continue the conversation on their own terms.

    While the city has closed one chapter on reconciliation, those who served on the committee say their work toward a more inclusive Tampa is far from finished.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Lawmakers respond to judge pausing intoxicating hemp ban

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    OHIO — Ohio’s lawmakers are now responding to a judge’s ruling to temporarily lift the governor’s ban on intoxicating hemp products.

    Governor Mike DeWine recently banned those products for 90 days, but a Franklin County judge has put that ruling on hold for two weeks.

    The Republican speaker of the Ohio House said when it comes to intoxicating hemp he’s concerned with two things: where it can be purchased and the dosage. On the other side, Democratic leaders are hoping to pass a bill that takes a middle-of-the-road approach.

    But for now, Ohioans can continue to buy hemp gummies and drinks from any store in the state that wants to sell them.

    What You Need To Know

    • The judge temporarily paused the governor’s ban on intoxicating hemp products in response to a lawsuit filed by three businesses.
    • There’s bipartisan support to regulate Hemp when it comes to keeping children safe.

    • Stores need guidance as this ban and lifting it is causing uncertainty as to what they’re supposed to do with their products and staffing.

    The judge temporarily paused the governor’s ban on intoxicating hemp products in response to a lawsuit filed by three businesses. 

    But in his ruling – he specifically urged lawmakers to regulate hemp and to do so without delay.

    House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D) joining lawmakers from both parties in agreeing that legislation needs to be put in place.

    “We already know how to do it we do it for tobacco, we do it for alcohol,” Isaacsohn said “So, we have to also do it for intoxicating hemp for marijuana there’s clearly an opportunity for a bipartisan compromise here.”

    It’s something House Speaker Matt Huffman (R) expects will get done in the next few weeks – but he said figuring out the details seems to be what’s holding it back.

    “Everyone sort of starts off with a comment, ‘we don’t want Delta eight products being sold to children in stores,’ that’s of course everybody agrees,” Huffman said. “There’s a lot of other details that need to be worked out, so I think that perhaps that a 14 day TRO only muddies the water, worse than it was before.”

    Over in the senate, Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D) said she wants to make sure there’s clear guidance for the stores that sell that product while protecting children.

    “I’m hoping some of my other colleagues are hearing from business owners who are saying ‘what am I supposed to do? how do I follow the law? what do I do with my product?’” Antonio said. “I got a call from someone ‘do I have to lay off my staff? I don’t know what to do.’”

    The judge has scheduled a hearing for October 28 to decide whether the governor’s ban will go back in place.

    But for all the lawmakers Spectrum News 1 spoke — including Senate President Rob McColley – they said protecting Ohio’s children should be the top priority.

    “Just for the safety of children generally, we need to make sure that we put some very basic protections in place,” McColley said. “To make sure that it’s truly, if we’re going to allow this to be sold it’s only adults that are purchasing this and it’s not in containers that a child, children can get into.”

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    Chrissa Loukas

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  • 24-year-old restaurant manager runs for mayor of Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — At the age of only 24, Kaitlin Gracie Kramer has become one of the youngest candidates to run for mayor in Lakeland.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kaitlin Gracie Kramer, 24, is one of the youngest candidates ever to run for mayor of Lakeland

    • The USF graduate and restaurant manager says her experience in the service industry has taught her skills needed to be mayor

    • If elected, Kramer said she plans to focus on water quality, financial literacy programs and improving infrastructure
    • Follow Kaitlin on Facebook / Instagram



    The recent college graduate joined this year’s four-way race, where she faces candidates Klay Klymko, Sara Roberts McCarley and Cedric Valrie. Kramer said she decided to enter after noticing a need for a fresh perspective in local government.

    The Lakeland native recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and currently works as a manager at Hooters. While some may question her age and experience, Kramer said her work as a manager has helped her hone the soft skills needed to be mayor.

    “One, you learn how to manage money. Two, you learn good people skills,” she said. “I feel like I have great interpersonal skills.”

    Kramer said those skills have allowed her to hear directly from the community.

    “People come in and sometimes they tell you great stories,” she said. “Sometimes they tell you the things that haunt them in the middle of the night. They tell you the things that they’re afraid of. They tell you the things they think are wrong in the community.”

    “You listen to that for so long and you realize, like, I want to make this a better place for everybody. I want to make this a safe space for everybody.”

    If elected, Kramer said she plans to prioritize fixing water quality issues, developing financial literacy programs and improving the city’s infrastructure.

    “I think that goes far beyond the general issues of making sure we fix our potholes, making sure that we fix our sinkholes, making sure that the roadways are safe for people to drive on,” she said. “That also means fixing our issues with traffic.”

    As the city continues to grow, Kramer said it’s important for young adults like her to speak up and share their ideas — something she hopes to inspire in others her age.

    “I think my youth will bring something new to this community,” she said. “I think that it will help inspire a new group of leadership to take over eventually, and it will help people who currently feel like they aren’t being represented understand that they do have a seat at the table. Understand they do have a position in government.”

    Kramer will host a campaign rally Thursday at Hooters on U.S. Highway 98 North starting at 6:30 p.m. Lakeland residents will have the chance to vote for their next mayor on Nov. 4.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Revamped Cross Bay Ferry’s return moves a step closer

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    PINELLAS COUNTY – The Cross Bay Ferry is a step closer to returning.

    The service, which ferries passengers between Tampa and St. Pete’s downtowns, could return with a new local operator and new boats.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cross Bay Ferry service moves closer to returning 

    • PSTA has recommended the Hubbard’s Marina group to take over ferry operations

    • Votes with Tampa and St. Pete city councils remain, along with PSTA contracts that need to be approved
    • A new ferry service could begin service by next summer

    The Cross Bay Ferry service was terminated after the previous operator wanted to swap out the ferry with a slower boat. That boat would’ve taken twice as long to cross the bay, which violated their agreement with Hillsborough County.

    Hillsborough County commissioners then terminated the agreement with HMS Ferries in mid April.

    The U.S. Department of Transportation earlier approved a transfer of a nearly $5 million grant from the Hillsborough Area Reginal Transit Authority to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

    Now, after company bids to take over the service, the PSTA has recommended the Hubbard’s Marina group to take over ferry operations. The selection was unanimous among transit leaders.

    The Hubbard family owns Hubbards Ferry, a Pinellas County staple that has operated passenger boats and fishing tours for decades in Madeira Beach.

    Captain Dylan Hubbard’s family owns Hubbards Ferry, a Pinellas County staple that has operated passenger boats and fishing tours for decades in Madeira Beach. (Spectrum News image)

    “We’re very blessed and very honored,” said Captain Dylan Hubbard of the recommendation. “And looking forward to our relationship with PSTA growing and the relationship with our cities, Tampa, Saint Pete and the local, transportation boards. It’s, definitely an exciting time.”

    However, several steps remain the process before the service could resume. The PSTA plans to use the federal grant to purchase two vessels. Then, final approval would be needed from city council members in both Tampa and St. Pete, along with the PSTA board.  

    A 5-year operating agreement from both cities also would have to be approved by the PSTA.

    Tentative votes are scheduled for Nov. 6 in both Tampa and St. Pete. PTSA’s full board has a final vote scheduled for Dec. 3.

    A revamped ferry service, rebranded Tampa Bay Ferry, and planned to run year-round for the first time, could be up and running by next summer.

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    Erica Riggins

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  • Hillsborough school board terminates Walton Academy charter

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    TAMPA, Fla. — More than 100 students at a Tampa charter school will have to report to new schools in the coming days.

    Hillsborough County Public Schools board members voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate the charter for Walton Academy for the Performing Arts.

    It came at the recommendation of Superintendent Van Ayres, and both Ayres and the board said the decision was all about safety. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Hillsborough school board voted to terminate Walton Academy for Performing Arts’ charter at Tuesday’s meeting

    •  Safety was cited as the reason for termination, with both state and district inspections recently finding security issues 

    •  Problem areas highlighted include an open gate, malfunctioning alert systems, and unmarked safe areas

    • A district spokesperson said the termination is immediate, and Walton’s 117 students are expected to attend other schools starting Wednesday


    The district received a letter from the Florida Department of Education last week saying a recent inspection of Walton identified a number of safety concerns. About 20 parents, teachers, and former students asked that the school be given time to correct issues, but board members said they couldn’t risk students’ wellbeing.

    “This school’s not just about classrooms and hallways. It’s a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where children are not only educated, but truly cared for,” one woman told the board.

    One after another, speakers addressed board members during public comment to explain what Walton means to its students.

    “It’s where my daughter discovered her voice – literally and figuratively – through performing arts,” said WAPA parent Ashley Anderson. “It’s where she learned to collaborate, to lead, and to believe in herself.”

    But both the state and district are raising security concerns about the charter school.

    A letter from the department of education to Ayres dated October 9 outlines a number of issues. They include unmarked safe areas in classrooms, a non-functioning Alyssa’s Alert system, and lack of emergency drills. A letter to the school from attorney Jeffrey W. Gibson with the firm Gray Robinson dated October 10 listed similar concerns – among them, that a district inspection found an unlocked front gate and staff who were unable to use the Raptor system to communicate with first responders. That letter says Walton has been warned about security issues multiple times since the school year started, but its principal said those have been tackled.

    Hillsborough County Public Schools board members voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate the charter for Walton Academy for the Performing Arts. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    “The concerns outlined by the district and state have been fully addressed, corrected, and documented. There are no ongoing safety and health issues at Walton Academy,” said Principal Tanika Walton. 

    One woman who told the board she was fired from her teaching job at Walton earlier this year was the lone speaker in favor of closing the school.

    “I have several videos and pictures of the school being in horrible condition, from rat poop, ceiling leaking, and floor dismantled,” she said.

    In the end, the board’s decision was unanimous, minus a vote from member Patti Rendon, who was absent. 

    “The protection and the security of our students is first and foremost to me,” said member Karen Perez.

    Member Nadia Combs said she has other concerns, as well, pointing out that large percentages of Walton students aren’t performing at grade level in reading and math.

    “We have 236 schools in Hillsborough County, and not a single one has an administrator that doesn’t have administration background or a teaching background. Since 2004, this school has been run by somebody that doesn’t have an education background,” said Combs.

    Principal Tanika Walton, as well as multiple parents and others connected with the school, declined to comment to Spectrum News after the vote. Board Attorney Jim Porter said during the meeting he was told the school will be appealing the decision.

    A district spokesperson said Walton’s 117 families were contacted Monday and Tuesday to let them know a charter termination was possible. It takes effect immediately, and students will have a few options moving forward. They can attend their neighborhood school or use school choice to enroll in others nearby, including Muller and Shore Elementary Magnet Schools that focus on performing arts. 

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Clearwater group wants voter approval for public road sales

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    CLEARWATER, Fla.  — A community coalition with the goal of stopping the Church of Scientology from purchasing public roadways says they’re reaching a critical deadline.

    The group Save the Garden has been working to collect signatures for a ballot initiative that would keep the City of Clearwater from vacating a public street without putting it to voters through a referendum.

    “The Save the Garden initiative will put something on the ballot that would say voter approval is required for the vacation of downtown right of ways,” explained Brooks Gibbs, one of the group’s leaders. “That means if anybody wants to buy a street or takeover a street… the people have to decide at the ballot box.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Save the Garden says deadline for signature collection is Tuesday 

    •  Community group wants voter approval if public roadway is to be purchased 

    •  Church of Scientology previously submitted application to buy South Garden Avenue 

    • City says they have not receieved a new application 


    This started after the Church of Scientology submitted an application to the city earlier this year to buy part of South Garden Avenue. The stretch of road is located directly in ront of the church’s flagship building. Plans include making the road into a walkable space with a large park and performance hall.

    Save the Garden has been canvassing door-to-door with a group of 90 volunteers as well as collecting signatures outside of St. Petersburg College Library’s Clearwater Location. To date, the group has collected roughly 5,000 signatures.

    Gibbs says in order to make it on the next ballot, 7,100 valid signatures need to be collected by the end of day on Tuesday. That would equal the necessary 10% of registered voters needed for the initiative to make the March 11 ballot.

    Joelle Castelli, spokesperson for the City of Clearwater, says as of Tuesday there is nothing scheduled to be on the March 2026 ballot.

    If there is no March election or the group doesn’t gather the necessary signatures needed by end of day Tuesday, they will aim for the following election.

    “I think it’s important for the Church of Scientology – which is a welcome member of our community – to know that they’re not the only member of our community,” Gibbs said. “If they try to have an imbalanced domination of our land… they’re going to see resistance from the people.”

    In May, Sarah Heller with the Church of Scientology made a rare appearance at a City of Clearwater workshop when the vacation of South Garden Avenue was discussed.

    When pressed by council members, she stated that the church was looking to buy the roadway and couldn’t move forward with plans without it.

    “It is a large single project, and you would not have a road go through the middle of it,” Heller said. “Just with the amount of people going in and out of the hall, it wouldn’t be safe.”

    Shortly after the May meeting, the Church of Scientology pulled their application. They plan to resubmit.

    Castelli says as of Monday afternoon, the city is not aware of any new application submissions regarding South Garden Avenue.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Small businesses could soon feel strains of government shutdown

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    TAMPA, Fla. — As the government shutdown continues, an immediate concern for many Americans is the furloughed federal workers who are not receiving their full paychecks or, in some cases, any pay at all. 

    However, there’s another group facing serious challenges: small businesses that depend on federal support programs. 

    While the shutdown directly impacts government employees, its ripple effects are being felt across various sectors, particularly among small businesses that rely on government funding.

    What You Need To Know

    • The last government shutdown happened in 2018 and lasted 35 days

    • In 2018-19, the GDP only saw minimal impacts from the extended shutdown 

    • Uncertainties remain for small businesses that rely on funding from the federal government for various programs

    • Congress is expected to take another vote to end the shutdown on Tuesday


    These businesses, some of which do not have an emergency fund to sustain them during periods of disruption, are at risk of facing tough times ahead.

    Steve Ribble with Guardian Accounting Group says small businesses without adequate financial reserves could be forced to make cutbacks.

    “For businesses that can’t weather the current storm, cutting back could be the only option,” Ribble said.

    This situation may result in increased unemployment, which could then strain state unemployment funds. If layoffs become a reality, states will have to pay out more in benefits, further stretching budgets and creating additional financial pressure.

    Despite the immediate concerns, Ribble doesn’t believe the shutdown will drastically impact the overall gross domestic product (GDP) or cause a recession.

    However, he cautions that the shutdown will only add to the financial pressures that were already affecting the economy prior to the government closure. “We were already seeing strains before the shutdown,” Ribble notes, referring to existing economic vulnerabilities.

    Beyond the shutdown’s effects, many Americans are already grappling with significant personal debt.

    Currently, Americans carry over $1.6 trillion in auto loan debt, with delinquencies reaching a 14-year high. Additionally, credit card delinquencies are at record levels, and even subprime mortgage holders are seeing an increase in late payments.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Pinellas unveils hurricane recovery programs for vulnerable residents

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pinellas County will launch its People First programs next week which will prioritize vulnerable residents with lower incomes who have been struggling to recover from last year’s hurricanes.

    “if you qualify we want to get money in your hands,” said Brian Scott, Pinellas County Commission Chair. “This is going to be a huge economic lift for this county.”

    The programs have been funded by the largest federal storm recovery grant awarded to any local government in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Pinellas County. A total of $813 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The HUD grant also applies to damage from Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

    “I really think the program for mobile homes, I think that’s really going to be impactful,” said Scott. “So if you live in a mobile home community and you are affected highly, highly encourage you to apply.”

    The first two programs residents will see benefits from are Disaster Relief Reimbursement and Homeowner Reimbursement. Residents earning 80 percent of the area medium income can get up to $15,000 in storm related expenses in the Disaster Relief Reimbursement program.

    “If they were paying a mortgage and also rent at the same time, if they had utility expenses, things that were not covered by any other form, FEMA, insurance, anything,” said Matthew Spoor, Pinellas County Assistant Administrator. “We know a lot of low to moderate income individuals, especially in our barrier island communities, lost their jobs, didn’t have jobs for a while. So those things would be covered up to $15,000.”

    Residents earning 120 percent of the AMI can get up to $50,000 for code-compliant repairs already completed in the Homeowner Reimbursement Program.

    The next two programs to come online are Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction and Local Landlord program. Owners who qualify can get up to $375,000 to completely replace their home or rental property. Landlords must agree to rent income-qualified tenants.

    “For repairs or rehabilitation that have not occurred on the property,” said Spoor. “That could include up to replacing the home.”

    The last program will be Homebuyer Assistance, which will provide up to $80,000 for closing costs to purchase a safer home outside flood zones for income eligible residents. The HUD grant calls for 70 percent of the money to be spent on residents with low to moderate incomes. One person earning $58,450 per year qualifies as 80 percent AMI, while another person earning $87,600 qualifies as 120 percent AMI.

    “Once we can prove that we’ve satisfied an unmet need in those particular income brackets,” said Scott. ”Then we can apply for waivers because that may not fit everybody.”

    Scott said Pinellas County stood up the program quickly and he hopes they can cut checks to residents by Christmas.

    “We did this in lightning speed as well. I’ve really got to take hats off to staff and my fellow commissioners,” he said. “If you look down south of us, in Lee County, it took them almost two years to get money in the people’s hands. And we’re doing this in just over a year.”

    The People First program is not available to St. Petersburg residents because the city will soon launch its own program called Sunrise St. Pete. All other residents in Pinellas County can begin applying on Oct. 20 at recover.pinellas.gov or by calling 727-606-3307.

    Residents can meet with case managers at 2600 McCormick Dr., suite 100 in Clearwater or 5000 Park St., suite 4 in St. Petersburg. Case managers will also be visiting community centers and other locations countywide at pop-up sites in the coming months to help residents apply for the programs.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Hard-fought battle over Alameda County ethical investment policy comes to a mixed resolution — and a muted response

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    The debate over Alameda County’s investment policies has been raging since December, when Alameda County Treasurer Henry Levy sold the county’s holdings in Caterpillar Inc. as the company faced accusations of supporting illegal Israeli settlements amid the political firestorm over Israel’s war in Gaza.

    The Board of Supervisors directed Levy to create an ethical investment policy for its $10 billion investment portfolio. Alameda County, which previously boycotted apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s, has not been shy about stepping into the political fray. Meanwhile, supporters of the policy have lobbied hard for it, and opponents have just as vehemently claimed that it is not actually about avoiding companies that do business with human-rights violators around the globe, but specifically a tool to punish Israel for its ongoing military assault on Gaza.

    That’s why it was a strange scene when the Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to adopt the policy, with silence from the scores of pro-Palestinian activists in the room who had demanded it. Their ambivalence stemmed from the supervisors’ motion to seek a peer review of the policy that would delay its implementation for months.

    Ultimately, for both the policy’s supporters and opponents, the results of the Oct. 3 meeting were a mixed bag. Israel supporters like Oakland resident Ofra Pleban, a representative of the Oakland Jewish Alliance, had argued the policy would foment antisemitism in the community, unfairly single out Israel and harm future yields from the county’s portfolio.

    “It’s driven by anti-Israel activists and could lead to blacklisting companies simply for doing business with Israel,” Pleban said at the meeting. “Policies like that only make things worse, legitimizing efforts to demonize Israel and creating a more hostile environment for Jews.”

    But Palestinian supporters, many of whom identified as Jewish, said the county had a moral responsibility to approve the policy. Supporters said it did not single out any one country, but offered a universal standard for the county. Berkeley resident Cynthia Papermaster, who said she had lost family members in the Holocaust, encouraged the supervisors to adopt it.

    “I do not speak for all Jews, and I very much resent the Jewish people in this room who are turning this issue into one about antisemitism. It has nothing to do with antisemitism. It has only to do with ethical investing,” Cynthia said. “I urge you to vote yes on this policy to make us proud and take a historical step in favor of justice.”

    Levy said he was proud to have started what he considered a necessary discussion on the county’s principles when investing, despite the polarizing effect of the proposal.

    “People took what they wanted to mean from that, that I’m part of (the Boycott, Divest, Sanction movement against Israel), and I did it for personal reasons,” Levy told the Board of Supervisors. “I’m proud – I’m glad I did it. I feel like this discussion about ethical investment policy wasn’t going to happen unless I got rid of the one sort of sore point.”

    Supervisor David Haubert pushed Levy on the impacts of the ethical investment policy on the county’s coffers and its relevance to Israel’s war in Gaza. He brought up examples of human rights violations in China against Uyghers, a Muslim ethnic group subjected to mass surveillance, detainment and religious persecution by the Chinese government.

    “Essentially, slave and imprisoned labor in China doesn’t rise to the level of wanting to get out of an investment? All the other genocides that happened there? None of that seemed to matter?” Haubert said. “It just seems again and again and again like (the ethical investment policy) was made for this particular situation and not another.”

    Levy defended the policy, arguing it wasn’t about the Gaza conflict, but to provide a new standard for the county’s investments. But Haubert and Supervisor Nate Miley remained skeptical and said they worried that the ethical investment policy could lead down a slippery slope, inhibiting the county from achieving its financial benchmarks.

    Miley then made a motion to approve the policy, subject to independent peer review. Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas voted against the peer review, calling it “disheartening and disappointing” to delay the policy’s implementation. The Board passed the vote 4-1, with Bas voting against the measure.

    Though Levy questioned the validity of the peer review, he said the policy carries on the county’s long tradition of standing for human rights which goes back to boycotting the apartheid regime of South Africa in the 1980s and divesting from Burma in the 1990s.

    “This is not about a single issue we face today, but a long-term commitment to Alameda County stakeholders to incorporate their values into decisions made about how their money is invested,” Levy said.

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    Chase Hunter

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  • Opinions vary on Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel proposal

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    TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa residents got their first chance to respond to the proposed 250-foot Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel for the Channel district Thursday night.

    And there were plenty of opinions about the idea.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa residents got their first chance to respond to the proposed 250-foot Tampa WOW! Ferris wheel for the Channel district Thursday night

    • The $20 million wheel will take visitors up 250-feet and show views of Downtown Tampa. The wheel would have 27 gondolas 
    • The city council will hold a second public hearing on the Ferris wheel proposal on Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

    “It is a cluster down there,” said Bob Harrington, who was against the idea. “People looking for parking. Living in a condo across the street, we frequently have people coming in from the ships looking for parking spaces. This is going to add more problems for us.”

    The proposed site for the “Tampa WOW!” Ferris wheel is next door to the Florida Aquarium.

    The $20 million wheel will take visitors up 250-feet and show views of Downtown Tampa. The wheel would have 27 gondolas.

    The project is privately funded, but the city would receive a portion of profits once a certain amount of money is made for the year.

    Tampa resident Joe Robinson discusses the Tampa WOW! ferris wheel proposal Thursday night during a public hearing about the proposed attraction. (City of Tampa TV)

    Developer Tony Miller said he’d like to have the project completed by fall of 2026. Miller also told city council members that the wheel would not be intrusive in the community, not cause traffic issues and would be “whisper quiet.”  

    While there were positive responses, multiple residents speaking at the meeting suggested otherwise.

    “The thing about this is that it creates a destination,” said resident Joe Robinson. “You got all of these people down there; you got families that are coming down.

    “This is not your carnival Ferris wheel at the Florida State Fair. This is a major engineered wheel.”

    The city council will hold a second public hearing on the Ferris wheel proposal on Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m.

    Watch the City meeting on the wheel:


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • $1 million bond for longtime N.C. legislator charged with child sex crimes

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    A longtime state legislator from Guilford County facing multiple charges related to indecent liberties with a minor has allegedly attempted to contact and locate the victim using his political status, according to court documents.

    A judge set a $1 million bond for Rep. Cecil Brockman Friday.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Court records show Rep. Cecil Brockman, a six-term Democratic lawmaker from Guilford County, was arrested on charges of statutory sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a child

    • Court documents say he attempted to contact and locate the victim 

    • A judge set a $1 million bond for Rep. Cecil Brockman Friday

    • The alleged crimes involved a 15-year-old


    Brockman, a Democrat representing part of Guilford County, has served six terms in the North Carolina House. He is charged with two counts each of taking indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said.

    He was jailed without bond.

    A magistrate’s order says Brockman is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a 15-year-old twice and is twice alleged to have committed “a lewd and lascivious act” upon the juvenile. The alleged victim in each felony count was identified by the same initials.

    Court documents say he made attempts to locate the juvenile in the hospital and tried to use his state legislator title to get access to information about the victim’s whereabouts.

    After Brockman’s arrest was announced on Wednesday, several other state legislators, including North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton who was speaking on behalf of the state’s Democratic Party, called for his resignation.


     

    State Republicans leaders also have called for Brockman to immediately step down.

    “If true, there is no place in public service now or in the future for someone accused of these heinous crimes,” the N.C. GOP stated in a tweet. 

    The leader of the state House, Republican Rep. Destin Hall, urged Brockman to resign so the charges would not be a distraction for his chamber. 


     

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    Justin Pryor, Caroline King, Associated Press

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  • Tampa City Council’s Racial Reconciliation Committee will be dissolved

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    TAMPA, Fla. — After years in the making, the Tampa City Council’s Racial Reconciliation Committee will be dissolved.

    On Thursday Oct. 9, 2025, the city council unanimously voted to terminate the committee.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa City Council’s Racial Reconciliation Committee will be dissolved

    • The decision came after the city’s attorney recommended it in a memo to city council

    • The city’s attorney said President Trump’s executive orders could withhold federal funding to recipients with programs that discriminate on race or gender 

    • Some committee members said they will continue making recommendations to the city 


    After less than a year of work, Tampa’s Racial Reconciliation Committee has been stopped.

    “I am very angry, I’m very frustrated to the fact that is no longer continuing,” said Daryl Hych, former member of the Racial Reconciliation Committee.

    Daryl Hych was one of the 13 members on the committee. They were working on recommendations to give to the city on issues surrounding housing, economic development, entrepreneurship and recidivism. Dr. Jeffery Johnson was also on the committee.

    “To look at what is the problem when it comes to economic development? What’s the problem when it comes to affordable housing? Identify those needs, address those issues, and make the necessary changes through the city government and administration,” said Dr. Jeffery Johnson, former committee member.

    In September, the city’s attorney, Andrea Zelmam, sent a memo to the city council recommending that the racial reconciliation committee be eliminated. In the memo, Zelman said one of President Trump’s executive orders requires federal funding recipients to not have programs that discriminate on race or gender. 

    “We understand we have to follow federal regulations. But now, in our mind, we’re saying, ‘Is the city of Tampa still going to address the hurt, the plight, the disenfranchisement that people of color have experienced for so many years?’,” said Johnson.

    The committee was supposed to turn in its recommendations to the city in June, but ultimately asked the city for more time and support. The city had said it provided all resources that were requested.

    “It wasn’t just about this 13-body board. It wasn’t just about this short period of time. It was about a lifetime of wrongs that we are committed to making sure that we bring a right to these wrongs,” Hych said.

    Now, both members say the committee will continue its work of making recommendations to the city. 

    The committee was formed more than three years after the city council passed Resolution 568.

    That resolution addressed the injustices experienced by African American residents.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital unveils plans for rehab pavilion

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    SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is planning a new, $82.5 million Rehabilitation Pavilion at its Venice campus.

    The new medical rehab center will be located on the Venice hospital campus. Hospital officials said the expansion will ensure a seamless, more convenient transition from the hospital to the new inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is planning a new, $82.5 million Rehabilitation Pavilion in Venice

    • Hospital officials said the expansion will ensure a seamless, more convenient transition from the hospital to the new inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility

    • Construction is set to start in 2026 on the 83,000-square-foot facility

    Construction is set to start in 2026 on the 83,000-square-foot facility. The pavilion opening is scheduled for patient care in early 2028.

    The four-story pavilion will feature 50 private inpatient suites, advanced therapy gyms, mobility-training areas, and spaces designed to replicate real-life environments for recovery and independent living.

    The first floor will house outpatient therapy and administrative offices, with a shelled fourth floor reserved for future growth.

    “This pavilion reflects our long-term commitment to providing comprehensive rehabilitation for people of our community,” said Maria DeCarlo, SMH Vice President of Post-Acute & Rehabilitation. “It will mirror the nationally recognized programs and amenities at our Sarasota campus while offering care closer to home to residents in the growing south county community.”

    Levels two and three will be dedicated inpatient rehabilitation units with private patient suites.

    The Rehabilitation Pavilion at SMH-Sarasota has been operating at or near full capacity since it opened in 2017 and was expanded from 44 to 54 beds in 2018 and to 60 beds in 2022.

    During the summer of 2025, the hospital board also approved $5.6 million to expand the Sarasota campus rehabilitation pavilion again by seven more beds, bringing the total to 67.

    That expansion will begin next spring with the new wing opening in early 2027.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • DeSantis announces over 9,400 law enforcement recruitment bonuses since 2022

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    PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Speaking in Panama City, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the law enforcement recruitment bonus program has awarded over 9,400 bonuses to new officers in the state.

    According to the governor, the one-time $5,000 bonus incentives the younger generation to start a career in law enforcement, while also encouraging recruitment from jurisdictions outside of Florida.

    In addition to the bonus, the governor’s office said “benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.”

    The latest round of bonuses went to law enforcement serving the Panhandle region, with another 734 distributed to LEOs across the state of Florida, DeSantis said.

    “Today in Panama City, we welcomed new law enforcement recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties and awarded them $5,000 recruitment bonuses,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Many new officers across the state moved to Florida from soft-on-crime jurisdictions, where prosecutors allow crime to run rampant and local politicians denigrate law enforcement. Here in Florida, law enforcement officers are supported and appreciated — and criminals are held accountable.”

    Out of the 9,400 bonuses, DeSantis said 2,000 have come from other jurisdictions. The bulk of the bonuses are young recruits starting out in law enforcement, he said.

    Since the launch of the program in 2022, DeSantis said the total awarded has been $63 million.

    For more information about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment, visit here.  

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Treasure Island leaders revise building height plan

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Treasure Island officials are rethinking the language in a plan that would allow for taller buildings in the city.

    What You Need To Know

    • Treasure Island commissioners are reconsidering their building height plan

    • The new proposal would limit 80-foot buildings to the west of Gulf Boulevard

    • The revision still provides Thunderbird Beach Resort the opportunity to build taller


    Three weeks ago, commissioners voted 3-2 to allow taller buildings on both sides of Gulf Boulevard, the first of two needed votes.

    However, at a workshop on Tuesday night, that changed.

    Mayor John Doctor says commissioners are proposing a new plan that will allow buildings to be built to 80 feet only to the west of Gulf Boulevard.

    “What we found out in this workshop is that the folks up here, the five commissioners, wanted to make some changes,” Doctor said. “It just basically means that we are going to have to pull (the first ordinance) back and send a separate one in two weeks.”

    The initial discussion began with the Thunderbird Beach Resort wanting to build up.

    The revised ordinance would still allow Thunderbird the same opportunity.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Pinellas officials calling for safe removal of lithium batteries from public

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    PINELLAS COUNTY , Fla. — Pinellas County leaders are making an important reminder for the rest of hurricane season.

    County waste officials are reminding people to properly dispose of anything with lithium batteries they no longer use.


    According to state officials, after hurricanes Helene and Milton, there were more than 80 local fires directly attributed to the batteries, which are found in everything from cell phones to lawn equipment.

    The batteries can burst into flames if they’re punctured, damaged, or come into contact with salt water.

     Pinellas County officials recommend looking around for any battery powered items that aren’t being used anymore.

    And getting rid of them before they become a problem.

    “We’re certainly not seeing as many rechargeable batteries coming into our facility as we know that are out there,” said Jasmine Scott, the county’s environmental outreach specialist. “And your home, I mean, you can look around your home and think of at least ten things that are rechargeable, including your electric toothbrush.”

    The public can return lithium batteries for free at the household hazardous waste facility in St. Pete. 

    The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection program is for Pinellas County households only. Businesses, hobbyists, haulers, and nonprofits should visit the Business Collection Events page.

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    Erica Riggins

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  • Fans hope for answers on ballpark plans from new Rays owners

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    TAMPA, Fla. — There’s more questions than answers surrounding the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, but fans hope that ends when the Rays new ownership group speaks Tuesday for the first time since sealing the deal.

    Tampa Bay Rays Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove, and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby plan to speak at a news conference set for 11:30 a.m. at Steinbrenner Field.

    Zalupski and his team are expected to field questions regarding plans for a new stadium, how much they plan to invest in a new stadium, and how much they plan to invest into the team itself.

    The Rays lease with the city of St. Pete to play at Tropicana Field runs through 2028.

    The Rays are scheduled to return to the hurricane-damaged Trop for opening day of the 2026 season, should the brand new roof and extensive repairs be completed by early April. After that, it’s unclear where the new ownership group plans to build a new ballpark.

    Possible locations still include the Tropicana Field site in St. Pete, a location in Tampa, or somewhere else altogether. Nothing has been publicly ruled out by the Rays new owners.

    “It’s great having football, baseball, and hockey in Tampa and to see baseball leave would just be really disappointing,” said fan Jennifer Adams. “We’ve built a really good following and I think it’s just good for the market.”

    Roof repairs continue at Tropicana Field, with a goal of it being ready for the 2026 regular season. (Sky 9)

    Other questions Zalupski and his team are expected to be faced with Tuesday include how much they plan to invest into the stadium and the team itself. The former ballpark deal negotiated by past-owner Stu Sternberg included getting $600 million from Pinellas County and the city of St. Pete to go toward a $1.2 billion ballpark.

    That deal fell apart after Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off Tropicana Field and a series of delayed votes within county and city government.

    “Hopefully the group that purchased them puts some money into the team,” said baseball fan Shawn Molnar. “It’s good for the Tampa Bay area and the economy.”

    The news conference is set for 11:30 a.m. You can watch it live on Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online or the Spectrum News app.

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    Angie Angers

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