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Tag: Matt Lackritz

  • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park hosts its grand opening this weekend

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    PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park is hosting its grand opening this weekend after years of planning. 

    The complex has six baseball and softball fields, a field hockey rink, a playground and more.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is home to baseball and softball fields, a multi-purpose field, a field hockey rink and more

    • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park General Manager Michael Nielsen said the park will bring in 160,000 people a year

    • The baseball and softball fields are booked every weekend through the end of 2026

    Baseball coaches like Sean Rodriguez are thrilled that the kids they coach will have the opportunity to play at the park. 

    “To say they got to experience their youth on fields like this, it’s going to make it that much more memorable,” he said. 

    Rodriguez is a co-owner of R3 — With God No Fear. 

    He had a 13-year major league baseball career, including spending 2010 through 2014 with the Rays.  

    Rodriguez said they’ve been looking for fields where they could consistently practice for three years. 

    This sports park is giving them exactly what they’ve been looking for. 

    “I was walking and just messing around with some of my parents, and they were like, man, this is beautiful,” he said. “I was like, yeah, I’m trying to find Jesus because this has got to be heaven.”

    Pinellas Park Community Development Administrator Nick Colonna said the park will be an anchor for the city.

    “We offer good food,” he said about the city. “We offer great manufacturing base. We offer a lot of great retail. We offer farms. We offer a lot. Now, we offer a regional sports complex that brings in people that have never seen the region and the city.” 

    Sprowls Horizon Sports Park General Manager Michael Nielsen said the park will bring in 160,000 people a year. 

    The park is already booked every weekend through the end of 2026.

    “With tournaments every single weekend, including national and regional, and local tournaments, you have people coming from Delaware, Colorado, California, all to see this wonderful city, but also highlighting something for the local community and bringing in people from Tampa or even Lakeland to enjoy the site,” he said.  

    There will be a ribbon-cutting on Saturday to recognize the opening of the park. 

    The park will open at noon every day. 

    Nielsen said rental for the baseball and softball fields is $90 per hour.

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  • Veteran students hope for changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Logan Cappelli is a Coast Guard veteran and also a student at St. Pete College in Pinellas County and thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, Cappelli has had the financial support he needed to attend SPC since 2024.  

    What You Need To Know

    • HR 1965, better known as, The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, was introduced to legislation in early March 2025 

    • The bill would raise stipend amounts to $1,400 for books and supplies. The program is estimated to assist almost 1 million participants with $13.4 billion in benefits 

    • The amount of money provided through this stipend has not changed since 2009; the new stipend raise will respond to changing inflation and costs for tuition

    • Current Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations require veterans to take at least one in-person class to receive full benefits, a rule veteran students like Logan Cappelli find outdated as programs shift online


    Focused on providing needed benefits to eligible service members and veterans who served on or after the events of September 11, 2001, it supports veterans by paying tuition, offering a book stipend, and a living expense stipend.

    “It definitely pays for a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to pay for,” Cappelli said.

    However, the GI Bill isn’t perfect, and Capelli said many parts feel outdated or tied to regulations that aren’t realistic anymore. That includes the requirement to take at least one in-person class to keep GI benefits.

    Many of Cappelli’s classes for his major are offered virtually online.

    “I ran into a problem in the summer where I couldn’t take any classes because none of them were going to be in person,” said Cappelli. 

    Additionally, Cappelli thinks stipends for education support need to provide more money to keep up with rising costs.

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend has stayed at $1,000 since 2009. But with an inflation increase of over 50 percent the last 17 years, that money is now worth a total of $1,500.

    “One textbook could be $300 or more just for one textbook,” Cappelli said. “So, I definitely don’t think that it’s kept up with modern times. Nor do I think I’d be able to afford my Wacom tablet with it.”

    That’s what New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez wanted to target when he introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act in 2025. The new legislation would raise the book and supplies stipend to $1,400 and tie future adjustments to inflation.

    He sent Spectrum News the following statement:

    “Currently, the GI Bill’s annual book stipend no longer reflects today’s costs and falls woefully short of meeting the financial needs of our veterans today. At a time when millions of veterans are already working to make ends meet, Congress should not allow outdated policy to become yet another barrier to their success.”

    SPC Veteran Student Advisor, Trevor McGilvery, said a vast majority of veterans at the college in Pinellas County use the GI Bill for education assistance.  

    He said this potential increase could make a big difference for many veterans or service members looking to go back to school.

    “The last thing I want any of my students to have to do is take out a loan to pay for books or a computer or any of their mandatory educational supplies when the GI Bill, its original purpose was to ensure that they didn’t have to do that,” McGilvery said. 

    Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs as well. They directed us to their testimony to the House committee last summer, which stated:

    “While this stipend has remained constant since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was initially enacted in 2009, the cost of books has increased every year. Thus, VA fully supports an annual adjustment to the stipend, similar to the adjustments that are made for tuition and fees payments.”

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  • Surplus food from the St. Pete Grand Prix to be distributed to those in need

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the festivities around the St. Pete Grand Prix come a lot of food, but not all of it gets prepared and served.

    That’s where Positive Impact St. Pete steps in. They’ll be taking the surplus food and getting it to those in need.

    Executive Director Karen Rae said that before the partnership, much of the food her organization now collects would have been thrown away.

    “It’s such a blessing to be able to take food that otherwise would go to waste and provide it to our neighbors who may not have food on their dinner tables if not for this partnership,” she said.

    Rae said this is the third year they’ll collect the extra food and that they’ll be able to serve hundreds more families than they’re typically able to in the immediate days after the race.

    Still, she hopes the community understands the need is constant.

    “It’s one of our biggest weekends, but food insecurity affects families year-round,” she said. “So we are out here every single week, year-round, ensuring our neighbors have groceries.”

    This is a relationship Rae hopes continues for many years to come.

    The organization distributes food every weekend at Tangerine Plaza in St. Pete.

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  • Protesters march in support of Ukraine as four year anniversary approaches

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Protesters gathered in downtown St. Petersburg on Sunday to call for an end to the war in Ukraine. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Protesters marched from the Dali Museum to the St. Pete Pier 

    • Protesters said the demonstration is to remind the community the war is still ongoing 

    • Tuesday marks four years since the war started


    Tuesday marks four years since the war started, when Russia invaded Ukraine. In an Associated Press article, the reason why Russia invaded Ukraine, “(Russian President Vladimir Putin’s key goals remain what he declared when Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022: Ukraine must renounce joining NATO, sharply reduce the size of its army and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.”

    Yuriy Tymoshemko is one of the dozens of protesters who marched from the Dali Museum to the St. Pete Pier. 

    He was born in Ukraine and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

    “We have to remind, to say, this is one of the biggest crises to happen in the world right now,” he said.  

    He’s not the only one who feels this way. 

    Tetiana Chupryna said the fight must continue until there is security for their country. 

    “Ukraine fights for survival,” she said. “We fight for our language. We fight for our country. We fight for existing.” 

    Chupryna is with the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. 

    She helped organize the protest. 

    She said the goal is to make sure nobody forgets about the war.

    “It’s not time to be silent, and that’s why we’re all here,” she said. “We are raising our voices and we don’t want the world to forget the word to forget about Ukraine. Ukraine is still fighting for its democracy.”

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  • Vets organization aims to bring in younger veterans

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Leaving the military and adjusting to civilian life can be difficult for veterans. 

    That’s why organizations like Club 214 Land & Sea try to host different kinds of events, bringing vets together. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Club 214 Land & Sea host events in Tampa Bay  

    • The organization is making efforts offer events to younger veterans  

    • They host events for veterans of all ages 


    Saturday, they hosted an event at Par Bar in St. Petersburg. 

    Paul Keys, the founder of the organization, said they host events that suit veterans of all generations. However, they’re making an effort to bring in younger veterans.

    “They’re looking for a sense of connection, a way for the organization to help them with any needs they have, he said. “But I think the biggest thing is just being accepted, being brought in, and finding that connection with other younger veterans and their families.” 

    Deep Dabhi didn’t think he would join an organization like this when he left the Army. Now 30 years old, he served for seven years and left the Army in 2021. 

    Dabhi said the experiences he’s had with other veteran organizations made it seem like they weren’t for those his age.

    That changed with Club 214 Land & Sea. 

    “We’re playing mini-golf and hanging out with normal people. There’s nothing different about that,” he said.

    Keys said it doesn’t matter how old you are, what branch, or anything else.

    They’re trying to provide experiences that suit all vets. 

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  • Gulfport Senior Center expansion to be considered by city council

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — An expanded Gulfport Senior Center may soon become a reality. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gulfport Senior Center was built in 1983

    • The center sees three times the amount of traffic in 2026 compared to 2013 

    • Preliminary designs will be shown at the March 3 city council meeting 


    Preliminary concepts for an expansion will be unveiled at the council chambers on March 3. 

    City leaders have been talking about the project since 2014, but there have been multiple delays.

    Senior Center Supervisor Rachel Cataldo started working at the center in 2013. She said they serve at least three times more people compared to when she started.

    “At that time, we were seeing about 200 people a day,” she said. “Now we’re seeing 600 to 800 a day.” 

    There have been challenges that have arisen because of that growth. 

    Cataldo said there are programs they can’t offer at the center because there’s no room.

    “I would say about ten programs that we cannot accommodate here at this space,” she said. “Taichi class that has 80 people in it, we would not be able to support that here at the center.” 

    For 65-year-old Karen Peterson, the senior center is like a second home. She’s been coming for seven years and plays in the center’s harmonica club band. 

    Peterson sees the potential expansion as a chance to make the center even better. 

    She even has a few things on her wish list.

    “Probably expand the rooms for activities, or the weights, or the multi-purpose room,” she said. “I’d love to see Gulfport have a municipal pool.” 

    Cataldo said the council has committed to covering 50% of the cost. However, the total cost is not yet known. 

    She said that it would likely be announced at that meeting.

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  • St. Pete Sunday Market returns at new location

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete’s Sunday Market is back. 

    After taking a short hiatus in January, the market opened Sunday morning at its new home at USF St. Pete downtown. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Pete Sunday Market returned after a short hiatus 

    • It opened at a new location at the St. Pete USF campus 

    • The market is open the third Sunday of every month

    • Kody Roussert, who started the market, said he expects it to remain at the spot through the end of the year


    Since starting in 2023, the market has built a reputation for giving local businesses a chance to thrive. 

    One of those businesses is CBbees, which is from Lake Placid. 

    Owner Joanne McDaniel said she’s been beekeeping for 12 years. 

    Without markets like this, she said, it would be difficult for customers to find them.

    “We don’t have a brick and mortar yet, and it also helps us educate consumers (about) the difference between pure raw honey and store-bought honey and stuff like that,” she said.  

    Providing that kind of exposure is why Kody Roussert started the market. 

    Sunday’s market has dozens of vendors.

    Roussert said the goal of the market is to support as many businesses as possible.

    “We went to Fergs at the beginning of last year, and then we moved into the Museum of History, which was another downscale,” he said. “So it’s really nice to be scaling back up, and again, have more space to give people the opportunity to get their goods out there, get known by everybody here, and show them why they’re super cool.” 

    The plan is to be at the new location throughout the rest of the year. The market is open the third Sunday of every month.

    McDaniel said she has a good feeling about the spot.

    “I think this is going to be a great market,” she said. “Great atmosphere and looks like a lot of foot traffic, and I think everybody in the area is really happy to have a market here on Sundays.” 

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  • Protesters rally in opposition of cruise port proposal

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Protesters met on Terra Ceia Island Saturday morning to speak out against a proposed cruise terminal.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Protesters gathered Saturday at Terra Ceia Island 

    • Many spoke of concerns about the nearby preserve 

    • The cruise port proposal is still in the pre-application phase 


    This is a response to a national cruise terminal operator that has proposed a large-scale port at the northwest tip of Manatee County. 

    If built, the port would allow for larger ships to use the Tampa Bay area as a port of call.

    Monika Beard was one of the dozens of attending protesters.

    “I would hate to see one less natural area for Floridians to enjoy,” she said.  

    Thousands of signatures have already been collected in support of this cause, but Beard took an additional step. 

    She wrote a letter to Manatee County commissioners.

    “This environment is what makes Tampa Bay inviting,” she said. “It makes people want to come here and spend time and money. So, I think it’s a long-term investment keeping this place how it should be.”

    Nell McPhillips, the president of the Terra Ceia Village Improvement Association, said her group is one of the many to take part in the protest. 

    She said the widespread support from various organizations is what it will take to stop this port.

    “We’re not fighting this alone as the 400 lonely residents of Terra Ceia,” she said. “We’re working together with everybody because this is something that’s going to affect everybody in Manatee County.” 

    A Manatee County spokesperson said that because the cruise terminal proposal is in the pre-application phase, they can only comment on the process. 

    “A pre-application request allows staff to provide preliminary feedback to an applicant but does not authorize construction or constitute project approval. Should a formal application be submitted, it would undergo the standard public review process, including opportunities for community input.”

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  • Bay area schools weigh adding 2% and whole milk as options

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    TAMPA, Fla. — When President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in January, it paved the way for 2% and whole milk to return to schools after a nearly 15-year absence.

    What You Need To Know

    • School districts have the option to bring back 2% and whole milk as options

    • No Bay area school district has committed to having these milks as options but are considering them

    • M&B Products said it will work with schools on what they need 


    The Obama administration originally removed those milks in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

    Now, school districts will once again have the option to provide a wider range of milk options. 

    Dale McClellan, the President of M&B Products, a Bay area dairy company, has been working with schools since 2004. 

    The majority of the milk they supply is low fat, but now school districts have more options.

    So far, the response has been limited. 

    “There’s been a little bit of a handful of phone calls from systems wanting to know, do we plan on doing a bigger variety of butterfat percentages? And we’ve told them we would entertain anything that makes sense,” he said.

    Christie Roberts, the Director of Patient Nutrition Services at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, said more options may encourage children to drink more milk.

    “If you’re a child that doesn’t like skim milk and then you have the option of a 2% or whole, then it’s going to increase your consumption of milk,” she said. 

    No matter the type of milk, Roberts said children should have between two and three servings of milk a day.

    “Younger children, we do recommend the more full or fat options for their growth and development,” she said. “But as they get older and they’re trying to work towards a healthy, lean physique and health, then the lower-fat options might be good.” 

    Spectrum News reached out to local school districts to find out if they are considering adding 2% and whole milk as options. 

    No districts have committed to adding the products, but are considering it.  

    Most provided statements that were similar to this from Hillsborough County Schools:

    “We are exploring how we might add whole milk and 2% milk to our offerings, as these products are not part of our current contracts with our dairy vendor.”

    Sarasota County Schools provided this statement:

    “If it is ultimately determined that Sarasota County Schools will move forward with offering 2% and whole milk as part of the National School Lunch Program, the earliest anticipated implementation would be the 2026–2027 school year.”

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  • Phillies begin unpacking equipment in preparation for spring training

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers will report for their first workouts for Major League Baseball spring training starting Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pitchers and catchers start reporting for spring training in Florida this week

    • Phillies staff members are already unloading trucks with the supplies the team will need

    • They are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring

    • Spring training games begin Feb. 20

    Florida is home to baseball’s Grapefruit League, and thousands of fans will flock to the Tampa Bay area to watch their favorite teams because seven of the franchises call the Tampa Bay area home during spring training, bringing a huge economic impact. Throughout Florida, more than 1.4 million fans visited for spring training in 2025, generating about $687,000 annually for the state and creating more than 7,000 jobs, according to data from the Florida Sports Foundation and studies of the Grapefruit League.

    That means teams like the Philadelphia Phillies have to start getting ready.

    When the equipment trucks start pulling into Baycare Ballpark, it marks the unofficial start to spring training in Clearwater.

    Phillies staff members like clubhouse attendant Tim Schmidt wait months for the trucks full of gear and supplies.

    “It’s been on my calendar for a while, so yeah, it’s nice that it’s here, and I’m excited to get it underway, and I’m ready to see the guys,” Schmidt said.

    Filled to the brim, it takes the whole staff, as well as some help from a forklift, to unload all the supplies needed for spring training.

    The Phillies are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring, Schmidt said.

    Among all the people who helped unload the trucks was Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector.

    He said it’s a day he looks forward to every year.

    “Our sign of spring is the Phillies equipment truck arriving,” Rector said. “That’s a little bit more predictable than the groundhog.”

    Spring training has been in Clearwater for about 100 years, including the Phillies here for most of that time, Rector said.

    “Such a strong connection with our citizens,” Rector said. “They’ve been here for 80 years. It’s almost like seeing family come home.”

    Schmidt said it was going to be a long day because there is a lot to unpack before the players arrive.

    Still, the work isn’t an issue.

    He’s ready to focus on the season.

    “Once we get down here, it’s go time,” Schmidt said. “We don’t really stop until the playoffs are over.”

    The seven teams that will be in the Tampa Bay area for the next few weeks, honing their skills before the regular season begins, are the Phillies, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves.

    Spring training games begin Feb. 20, and tickets are on sale now.

     

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  • EKG to be required for Florida high school athletes starting in July

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A medical test will soon be required for all Florida high school student-athletes, thanks to new state legislation called the ‘Second Chance Act‘. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Evan Ernst, the Co-founder of the non-profit Who We Play For, said they can detect 95% of the conditions that can cause cardiac arrest with the procedure 
    • An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is a non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity

    • The legislation officially goes into effect for the 2026 school year on July 1


    An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is a non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity. 

    The test aims to prevent kids from going into cardiac arrest. 

    Evan Ernst, the co-founder of the non-profit Who We Play For, said they can detect 95% of the conditions that can cause cardiac arrest with the procedure.

    “There’s 23,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every single year in America,” he said. “For the kids who have underlying heart conditions, this will catch most.” 

    Thanks to the non-profit, more than 70 students between the ages of 10 and 25  got an ECG at the Galen College of Nursing in St. Petersburg on Saturday.

    This includes 16-year-old Hadley Stenberg. 

    She attends school in Tampa, and while she’s never gotten this test before, she wasn’t worried and wants others to feel comfortable. 

    “It’s cool to see what your heart is doing,” said Stenberg. “No pain at all. It was quick and easy, maybe took two minutes for them to do everything.” 

    The procedure tests for multiple conditions that 1-300 kids may have. 

    Evan lost one of his childhood friends on the soccer field because of cardiac arrest.

    With the Florida legislature passing the act in 2025, he said this will prevent other kids from having to go through the same thing. 

    “This becoming the standard of care for Florida kids is absolutely massive,” he said. “It’s one of the biggest accomplishments in children’s health care in this country in decades.” 

    The legislation officially goes into effect for the 2026 school year on July 1. 

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  • Fruit farmer says cold weather is causing damage to Florida crops

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    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Farmers are working to protect their crops from the cold temperatures that have been affecting the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida farmers are taking measures to protect their crops from freezing temperatures

    • One farmer says his lemon trees are already showing signs of damage while strawberry crops are being protected with ice

    • The cold weather impact may affect next year’s crop yields


    Don Balaban, the Owner of Balaban Farms, grows many different fruits.

    The condition of his lemon trees was not promising.

    “It’s soft,” he said. “It’s not good.”

    A farmer for 20 years, Balaban grows everything from oranges to macadamia nuts.

    He’s dealt with tough weather before, but when it gets this cold, the weather wreaks havoc.

    “God willing, I should have some fruit this year, but it won’t be what it would have been,” he said.

    For the trees that already sprouted blossoms, there’s nothing that can be done.

    However, for their strawberries, Farm Manager Matias Bueno is creating a layer of ice.

    That actually helps protect the berries from frost burn.

    “I was out here since 10 p.m. (Saturday night) taking a look at the temperature,” Bueno said.

    It’s all hands on deck with this weather.

    While Bueno is doing what he can, it won’t be known what the damage really is for at least a couple of days.

    “We’re hoping we got enough coverage to not see that much damage,” he said.

    This is not typical Florida weather, but Balaban said it hasn’t been too long since they had weather like this.

    Four years ago, he said there was a 100-year freeze.

    To have something similar is not something any Florida farmer wants to see.

    “This time it’s wearing us out because it’s been going on for weeks,” he said. “Started in November, December was warm, and now the last two weeks we’ve been hitting 26 (degrees) a few times. Last night, 24 out here.”

    Balaban said no matter what the weather is like in the coming days, Florida farmers are already impacted.

    He said the impact of this weather will be felt in next year’s crop.

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  • Century-old Clearwater Beach restaurant Palm Pavilion gets new owners

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Palm Pavilion in Clearwater Beach is just a few months away from celebrating 100 years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Palm Pavilion is being taken over by new ownership

    • The Hamilton family has run the restaurant since 1964

    • Dozens of patrons spent Sunday at Palm Pavilion and thanked the current owners


    However, that birthday will be under new ownership.

    Sunday is the last day the current owners will be running the bar and grill.

    Dustin Denunzio said Palm Pavilion has been one of his favorite places in the area for a long time.

    “History in Florida is not that deep compared to New York or Boston, and some of these other cities,” he said. “This is as historic as it gets.”

    Co-owner Hoyt Hamilton said his family has owned the place since 1964, but it’s been going strong since 1926.

    He said there are a lot of emotions when moving on from a place he and his siblings have spent so much time running, but added that now is the right time for them to move on.

    “I hope the people of Clearwater and from all over the world that have come here understand and remember us. Thank you so much,” Hamilton said.

    Beachside Hospitality Group will be the new owner.

    The restaurant will be closed for a few days while the group makes a few changes.

    According to the Tampa Bay Times, the company has 15 different restaurants across the state, including three in the Tampa Bay area.

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  • Tampa protesters decry ICE shooting of Minneapolis man

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer in Minnesota has sparked protests across the country, including one in Tampa.

    What You Need To Know

    • Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis

    • Demonstrators in Tampa gathered to show solidarity

    • Organizers demand accountability from ICE


    Dozens met outside Tampa City Hall on Saturday evening in response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

    Demonstrator Mauricio Vasquez said ICE needs to take responsibility.

    “This country has always been based on the respect of human rights, so that’s what we want. Respect for us,” Vasquez said.

    Saturday’s protest was not something that had been planned weeks ahead of time.

    Organizer Joe Nohava said this is a direct response to Saturday morning’s shooting.

    “We’re going to continue to fight no matter what,” Nohava said. “We’re not, you know, gonna leave Minneapolis to fight this fight alone.”

    Nohava said he was at home making breakfast when he found out what happened.

    He said the emotions of another person shot by ICE is what led to the protest, and they want to stand in solidarity with demonstrators in Minneapolis.

    Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation and fired “defensive shots” after a man with a handgun approached them and “violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him.

    In bystander videos of the shooting that emerged soon after, Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand but none appears to show him with a visible weapon.

    DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference later Saturday that Pretti had shown up to “impede a law enforcement operation.” She questioned why he was armed but did not offer detail about whether Pretti drew the weapon or brandished it at officers.

    The officer who shot the man is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Indian Rocks Beach Library readies for grand re-opening after hurricane damage

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    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — After being destroyed by hurricanes in 2024, work has been going on for more than a year to reopen the shuttered Indian Rocks Beach Library.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Indian Rocks Beach Library grand re-opening is scheduled for Saturday  

    • Of the 22,000 books and materials in their collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after Hurricane Helene

    • Roughly $300,000 in renovations were made to the building 


    After a $300,000 renovation, librarians are ready to reopen and share their love of books with the community. 

    Set to launch with a grand re-opening on Saturday morning, librarian Lee Miller is thrilled that the day has come. 

    “I really didn’t know whether or not the library would be open again,” Miller said. 

    Miller has worked at the Pinellas County library for the last eight years and is passionate about her job. But after the storm surge from Hurricane Helene, she says the future seemed bleak.

    The memories of walking back into the building for the first time after the storms are still with her No power, water lingering on the carpet and books fallen off the shelves. 

    Of the 22,000 books and materials in the library’s collection, only 7,000 could be salvaged after the storm.

    “We had to remove everything from inside the building,” Lee said. “And that required filling dumpsters of wet books and hauling them out.”

    The journey to recovery has been slow, but the renovations were made possible with the help of insurance and community donations.

    Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Denise Houseberg said the library is an integral part of the community.

    “It took a lot of people, a lot of manpower, and a lot of volunteers to pull this beautiful library back together,” she said. “It is something the community really adores.” 

    The library’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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  • Air Force band traveling and performing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — The United States Air Force Band of the West is traveling to Tampa. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The band is performing five times in western Florida between Jan. 11 and Jan. 15

    • The band will perform in Tampa on Jan. 15th at the Tampa Convention Center 

    • Clearwater native Ross Hussong is proud to continue his music career as a member of the Air Force  


    They performed in Bradenton on Wednesday night and are performing in Tampa Thursday night.

    The band is made up of talented service members, including Clearwater native Ross Hussong, who has been serving in the Air Force for more than three years. 

    His love for music, and specifically drums, began not only at a young age, but from a popular franchise.

    “I was a huge Star Wars nerd,” he said. “I had lightsabers, and I started drumming with toy lightsabers to the Imperial March, and my parents got so annoyed with it, they were just like, we got to get him some actual drumsticks.” 

    Studying music in high school and through college, Hussong said he didn’t know that playing in a band for the Air Force could be an option. 

    When the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate.

    “To do something like this is already so rare, but to be able to do it and wear the uniform, it’s really a distinct honor that I never thought I would have,” he said.  

    Commander and Conductor David Regner said this tour takes on extra significance as it’s to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. 

    Thursday night’s performance will be the fifth Florida performance in five days.

    David said they’re looking forward to connecting with all who come. 

    “There are over 200 different career fields and jobs that someone can do in the Air Force,” he said. “Surely if we can do what we love as musicians and still serve our country, for anyone who also feels that they need to serve, there’s certainly a place for them in the Air Force.” 

    The band will perform at the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday night at 9:15 p.m.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Business owner worried about elimination of free beach access parking

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    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — The city of Indian Rocks Beach has had free parking at its beach access points for years.

    However, that may soon change. 

    On the agenda at the City Commissioner Meeting Tuesday evening is the first reading of an ordinance that could introduce paid parking to some areas. 

    City Manager Ryan Henderson said that with 182 free public spots at the access points, the money generated would make a major impact.

    “This is an opportunity for us to be able to create a dedicated revenue source that goes directly back into the community,” he said. “It goes back into infrastructure, goes back into stormwater projects.” 

    However, others are worried this could create problems. 

    Joanne Hanson has been running Indian Rocks Cafe Deli & Market for more than a year. 

    They share a plaza with eight other businesses, but there are fewer than 20 parking spots in their lot. 

    With so few to go around, Hanson said it’s frustrating when people park but immediately head to the beach.

    “We try to tell them, ‘Hey guys, you can’t park here,’” she said. “It’s private parking, that’s for this plaza only. Now I can tell them there’s free parking across the street. If it passes, then I won’t be able to say that anymore.”

    There will not be a final decision made on paid parking at Tuesday’s meeting.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Church leaders bless the fleet ahead of Epiphany

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Epiphany is ingrained in the identity of Tarpon Springs. 

    However, before the events begin, the Blessing of the Fleet comes first. 

    Divers like Michael Tezza are thrilled to be a part of this. 

    “I’ve been waiting for my whole life, pretty much,” he said. 

    Michael is a first-time diver at 16 years old. 

    However, he knows Epiphany is about much more than retrieving the cross.

    “It’s just huge, he said. “You learn about it growing up, and you don’t realize how big and important it is until you actually are experiencing it like I am right now.”

    Athanasios Haros, the Dean at St. Nicholas Cathedral, said the Blessing of the Fleet is about making sure those who make their living on the ocean are safe.

    “All of these are working fishing boats, so we ask God to bless the very boats that will go out into the ocean and provide not only life source, food, but also material resources,” he said. “The families make their living.”

    One hundred and twenty years strong, this is a tradition like few others.

    From the blessing to the dive, this week’s festivities highlight heritage and the celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

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    Matt Lackritz

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Still, they shared this statement:

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

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Farmers Feeding Florida program brings seafood to food banks and markets

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    TAMPA, Fla. — At Feeding Tampa Bay’s market, a partnership with the Feeding Florida Program is bringing clams to its freezers.

    The program is Farmers Feeding Florida, which partners with farmers, ranchers, and more to distribute extra or unmarketable products to those in need.

    Co-owner of Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms, Timothy Solano, is the supplier of the clams. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Co-Owner of Cedar Key Aquaculture Farms, Timothy Solano, is working with Feeding Florida to bring clams to food banks across the state

    •  The Farmers Feeding Florida program was launched last summer 

    • Feeding Tampa Bay has been supplied with 30,000 pounds of clams so far


    Solano said he’s thrilled to be a part of the program and added that Farmers Feeding Florida offers a much needed safety net for his own farm business.

    “This is giving us the support line, knowing that we have another sale coming as soon as these holidays turn off, that we’re going to still be able to sell product,” Solano said. “I’m not going to have to tell my guys, hey, we’re actually gonna have to cut back hours again as soon as we get done with the holiday season.” 

    Solano’s farm employs around 20 people. However, last summer, their major customer told them they no longer needed their products.  

    Solano said it left a major hole in their farm sales, and a big gap in what to do next.

    “We found out in June that they gave us about a month’s heads up that we were going to be having to find a new customer,” he said.  

    This led to laying off some employees and cutting back on work hours for others.

    While Solano was working hard to find new customers, he got a call from Feeding Florida about Farmers Feeding Florida. 

    President and CEO Thomas Mantz said this is the first time they’ve been able to bring in frozen clams and meet that supply.

    “There’s a place for canned peas, but more importantly, there’s a better place for fresh, healthy products, and clams are one of those,” Mantz said. 

    Feeding Tampa Bay has been supplied with 30,000 pounds of clams so far. That’s equal to 25,000 meals. 

    Of Farmers Feeding Florida’s entire $28 million budget, $700,000 is set aside for seafood. 

    That seafood budget includes clams, shrimp, and salmon, while looking into the future of providing mullet and tilapia seafood as well. 

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