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Tag: Pasco County

  • A+ Teacher shares classroom experiences with parents

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Avery Ortiz teaches first grade at Moon Lake Elementary. She has been teaching there for four years.

    Before graduating from St. Petersburg College, she started at the school as an instructional assistant and then became an intern. She says she was hired as a teacher after graduating.

    What You Need To Know

    • Avery Ortiz teaches first grade at Moon Lake Elementary. She has been teaching there for four years

    • Ortiz started at the school as an instructional assistant and then became an intern – all before being hired as a teacher
    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? 🍎 Click here

    “I love watching the kids grow throughout the entire year. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how much they can learn in one school year and getting to watch kids learn how to read is the most rewarding journey,” said Ortiz.

    “I love being here. It’s my favorite part of my day.”

    Ortiz faced a challenge earlier this school year when she broke her leg and had to miss some days in the classroom. She said she couldn’t wait to get back.

    “I couldn’t imagine not being with them. For two weeks, especially first-graders, that’s a really long time to be without them. And the entire time I kept thinking, they need me and I need to be back,” said Ortiz.

    A parent nominated her to be featured as an A+ Teacher, saying her child is now happy to be at school thanks to Ortiz.

    “I do it all for the kids and honestly just making sure that they feel loved and safe in the classroom is my biggest job. And I’m glad to know that I am doing that for the kids,” said Ortiz.

    Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher for a future story? Click here and fill out the submission form.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • Cold weather shelters to open across Tampa Bay

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A cold front on the way could bring overnight temperatures to the 30s during the early part of the week.

    Counties are once again preparing to open up cold weather shelters for people in need of a warm place to sleep.

    What You Need To Know

    • A cold front on the way could bring overnight temperatures to the 30s during the early part of the week

    • Counties across Central Florida are opening cold weather shelters for people in need 

    • Monitor the conditions with our Weather Experts


    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    These shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22, 23 and 24, unless they reach capacity prior to that time. 

     

    MANATEE COUNTY

    Manatee County will open cold shelters on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24. 

    Transportation to both locations will be available through Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) at 2:30 p.m. from Turning Points, located at 701 17th Ave. W. in Bradenton. Turning Points will also be open to provide warmth and coffee during the cold weather.

    For more information on cold weather safety and shelter updates, visit mymanatee.org/cold.

     

    PASCO COUNTY

    Pasco County will open cold shelters Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24. The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day.

     

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Monday night, Feb. 23, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    The following cold weather shelters are available to adult men and women:

    Tarpon Springs

    • St. Timothy Luthern Church
      • 812 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs
      • PSTA Route #19

    Clearwater

    • First United Methodist Church of Clearwater
      • 411 Turner Street, Clearwater
      • Allows leashed/contained pets
      • PSTA Route #52A

    Pinellas Park

    • Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park
      • 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park
      • PSTA Route #74
    • First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park
      • 9025 49th St. N, Pinellas Park
      • Allows leashed/contained pets
      • PSTA Route #49

    St. Petersburg

    • Unitarian Universalist Church
      • 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
      • Requires the use of stairs
      • PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, SunRunner
    • Salvation Army
      • 1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg
      • Requires valid ID for entry
      • PSTA Route #4A or B
    • Allendale Church
      • 3803 Haines Rd. N, St. Petersburg
      • PSTA Route #16, #38

    Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.

    Monitor the weather conditions with our Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather Experts.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New $59M state appeal courthouse opens in St. Petersburg

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday, along with a tour for community leaders.

    What You Need To Know

    • A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday

    • The three-story courthouse along Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg cost $59 million

    • It serves six counties: Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto

    • The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years, before his death in 2021


    “This is a way for us to recognize all of the partners who have helped us along the way to make this happen,” said Chief Judge Matt Lucas. “A way for us to formally announce to everyone, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re open for business, we’re part of this community and we’re excited to get to work.’”

    Lucas said staff began moving into the courthouse in December, with the first oral arguments held last month. Construction at the site, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, began in 2023. The appeal courthouse opened on budget and on time, according to Lucas.

    The 59,000 square-foot building features a single courtroom, suites for 15 judges and workspace for 96 staff members. Lucas said the community room, which the court provides as a meeting space for local bar associations, has become very popular.

    “I will tell you, my phone has been ringing off the hook,” he said. “I had no idea there was so much pent up demand in St Petersburg, but we’re thrilled it’s getting used.” 

    The courtroom is the crown jewel of the three-story building featuring the latest technology and sound absorbing acoustic panels on the walls. Attorney Kevin Hayslett said it’s the envy of most judges in the state.

    “It is pristine. It’s the talk of every appellate judge in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the best courtroom in the state right here in St. Pete.”

    Chief Judge Matt Lucas in the new courtroom. (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas)

    A panel of three appellate court judges serve the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), the 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County) and the 12th Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). Lucas said the state chose to build the courthouse in St. Petersburg because of its centralized location.

    “Being right in the center downtown, it’s fitting. It makes sense,” he said. “It’s a place where everyone, when they walk by, whether they have business here or not, they know, yeah, the second DCA is doing the work that they’re supposed to be doing for the people in our district.”

    Before moving into the new courthouse, the judges and staff were working out of the Stetson Law Center in Tampa and a leased building in Lakeland. In 2016, the second DCA had to abandon its courthouse in Lakeland due to structural and air-quality issues.

    Lucas said while everything in the courtroom is brand new, they did bring a few pieces of the past to honor traditions.

    “These oak tables are the original council tables from the Lakeland courthouse,” he said. “We have the original gavel up on the bench there.”

    The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years. He died on Jan. 1, 2021, at the age of 73. Hayslett worked as a prosecutor under McCabe. He said naming the courthouse after McCabe honors his legacy of public service.

    “When you think about Bernie McCabe, you think of a person that he believed in law and order,” Lucas said. “He believed in the right of law and people to appeal their sentences even when it didn’t go their way. That’s Bernie McCabe.” 

    Lucas said a modern courthouse must have two important functions to fulfill, security and technology.

    “Keeping up with technology and leaving room for new technology,” he said. “This building has numerous security features and layered security features.”  

    Having an office overlooking Mirror Lake makes it really easy to work at the courthouse, Lucas said, and he’s not looking to leave anytime soon.

    “We are here to stay,” he said. “I have every intention of being here for as long as the people of Florida will have me.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Interactive Map: Track Florida Wildfires

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida dry season usually runs from November through May, and with that comes fire danger. This is usually due to low humidity and reduced rainfall. 

    Due to the enhanced fire danger, burn bans are in effect for the Tampa Bay area. A burn ban prohibits burning outdoors as well as fireworks, sparklers and fire pits. Outdoor grilling is allowed as long as flames are contained within a grill and the fire is constantly attended. 

    Here are some safety tips to prevent fires:

    • Remove fuels that can lead flames to your home or that can be ignited by windblown embers.
    • Clear away dead grass, leaves, twigs, and branches from structures, roofs, rain gutters, decks, and walkways.
    • Store firewood at least 30 feet from occupied structures.
    • Plant landscaping that retains moisture and resists ignition, such as native, fire-resistant vegetation.
    • Help emergency responders find your home faster by making sure that street numbers are easy to read.
    • Know where the closest firefighting water source is to your home or building.
    • Dispose of cigarette butts properly.
    • Pick up light-refracting metal items, such as soda cans, that can spark a fire.     
    • Don’t park vehicles over high grass that could come into contact with hot engines and other components.

    INTERACTIVE MAP: LATEST WILDFIRES

    Click/tap on the fire icons to get more information on that particular fire.


    If the map does not load, try this link

    Florida Wildfire Resource Links:

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Toll booths are becoming a thing of the past in Florida, with many roads now using toll-by-plate.

    But what becomes of those buildings no longer in use?

    What You Need To Know

    • Many toll roads across Florida are now cashless, yet toll booths are still there 

    • The Suncoast Parkway used to have working toll plazas but went to toll-by-plate in 2020 

    • The state says there are currently no plans to remove or replace the Suncoast toll booths 


    Viewer Rocky Perkins asked Real Time Traffic Expert Tim Wronka that question in this week’s Traffic Inbox.

    Perkins drives on the Suncoast Parkway several times a year to visit family up north. He says he often prefers the quieter route to taking a busier one like I-75.

    “I really enjoy it because it’s very relaxing, very rural,” Perkins said. “Once you get out of north Tampa, set your cruise control and off you go.”

    The Suncoast Pkwy starts at Veterans Expressway at the Hillsborough/Pasco County line and goes to State Road 44 in Lecanto, then onto County Road 486.

    It used to have three working toll plazas. In 2020, they all went cashless. Now drivers don’t even have to stop to pay. 

    When Perkins took the Suncoast over the holidays, he noticed something as he passed the old toll plaza north of State Road 50.

    “As I was driving through, I noticed the last couple of years, they’ve been abandoned,” Perkins said. “There’s no one here or no one comes through here normally.”

    And that’s why he has been wondering if the buildings could be used for something else, like a rest area?

    The Florida Turnpike Enterprise, which runs toll roads like the Suncoast, said the buildings are currently in use by the operations teams. There are currently no plans to remove them.

    Perkins hopes the state considers making them a future stop.

    “Why couldn’t they repurpose some of these? Or put in some restroom facilities or put in some vending machines. Or a place for people to take a break. The lanes are here already,” Perkins said.

    Do you have an idea or question for Traffic Inbox? Let Tim know here!

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Strong storms possible later today

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A line of thunderstorms will move through our area between 5 p.m. and midnight tonight.

    Winds will be gusty out ahead of this line, and brief gusts of 40 mph or greater are possible as the line comes through.

    Strong wind gusts are the primary concern, but a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out in some of these thunderstorms.

    Showers and storms exit the area after midnight, giving way to a breezy, cooler, and drier Monday.

    BE WEATHER AWARE

    Watch Spectrum Bay News 9 LIVE anytime on our website and our app for the latest updates. Scroll down for the latest important weather information and the latest watches and warnings for the Tampa Bay area.

    We encourage everyone to download the Spectrum news app and enable weather alerts to be notified when severe weather is in your area. Be sure to check in with Klystron 9 throughout the day.

    Manage your weather notifications in the Spectrum Bay News 9 app.

    LATEST WATCHES/WARNINGS

    Click/tap on the warning areas on the Klystron 9 map for more information on watches/warnings. Turn on the Klystron 9 layer to track storms. More watches/warnings information below the map.

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  • Decision approaching on possible Tampa Bay MPO merger

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thirty-five years after it was first discussed, a decision on merging three of Tampa Bay’s metropolitan planning organizations may be on the horizon. 

    “We would be the largest metropolitan planning organization in the state of Florida, and with size comes some funding,” said Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas. “A lot of the federal funding is based on formula: based on population, based on transit ridership, things like that.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Metropolitan planning organizations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties could learn in the next few months whether they’ll merge into a regional MPO

    • Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton said the idea of a merger was first brought up in the early 1990s, but it was thought at the time the counties were too different for the move to make sense

    • Blanton said creating a larger organization could make it easier for Tampa Bay to secure federal dollars for transportation projects

    • The MPOs could vote on whether to merge in March or April. The county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to give their approval


    Forward Pinellas, the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, and the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization are the groups that could merge. Blanton said initial talks happened in the 1990s, but it was thought the counties were too different for a merger to make sense.

    For instance, Pasco County was just starting to grow. Now, he said the time is right and the move would be in the best interest of the region.

    “So much funding for capital projects, like the big interstate projects or the big transit projects, is competitive, and you’ve got to show strong regional support to be competitive with Seattle or San Diego,” said Blanton.

    He said a merger could help Tampa Bay compete at that level.

    “We would be a mega MPO, and with that would come so much more opportunity for funding,” said St. Petersburg City Council Member Gina Driscoll.

    Blanton updated council members on the effort at Thursday’s meeting, telling them the latest effort began in 2023. That’s when state lawmakers passed legislation requiring the MPOs to study what a merger would mean. Details are still being worked out, but Blanton said a 25-member board seems to be the preference.

    He said federal law requires the number of representatives from each county to be based on population. He also said Florida statutes require tax revenues to be distributed equitably among counties based on population.

    “So, even though Hillsborough County, City of Tampa may be larger, they would not be able to take down all the transportation dollars, nor would they have a majority of the votes,” said Blanton.

    “It’s going to take a lot of political will across the region to bring this together,” said City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard.

    Gabbard said MetroPlan Orlando, the MPO for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, is an example of how local governments can work together to benefit a region.

    “What they’re accomplishing is phenomenal,” said Gabbard. “Because right now, those dollars are not coming to us the way that they should be, and this is really the only way to make that happen.”

    Blanton said a workshop is being held Friday to talk about the details of the governing board and what the structure of the organization would look like.

    He said the MPOs will likely vote on whether to merge in March or April. Next, the three county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to approve it. Blanton said that could happen by June, and the merger could be complete in 2027 or 2028.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Classes canceled in New Port Richey due to brush fire smoke

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Lingering smoke from a brush fire in the Starkey Road area has canceled classes in the New Port Richey area.

    Pasco County Emergency Management advised that smoke has not cleared and continues to linger from the Starkey Preserve area near River Ridge High and Middle schools.

    What You Need To Know

    • Classes at two New Port Richey schools canceled due to lingering smoke from nearby brush fire 
    • Smoke has not cleared from classroom buildings as quickly as anticipated

    • Brush fire is 100 percent contained as of Tuesday night; crews said smoke may linger

    • Pasco County Schools

    The Florida Forest Service responded to two fires in that area on Tuesday. The 45-acre brush fire in the Starkey/New Port Richey area was 100 percent contained as of Tuesday night, but crews said smoke may linger today. 


    River Ridge school officials posted this Wednesday morning: 

    As we continue to assess the smoke conditions in our area this morning, we believe it is necessary to cancel school today to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

    The smoke has not cleared from classroom buildings as quickly as anticipated. After evaluating the conditions on campus, we determined that canceling school is the safest decision. All afterschool activities and events are canceled as well.

    At this time, we anticipate that school will resume as normal tomorrow and will provide any updates if conditions change.

    We understand that this may create inconvenience for families, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our school community.

    Thank you for your continued partnership.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pasco County voters may be asked to extend school tax

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — In November, Pasco County voters may have a decision to make: Continue paying a school tax referendum, or let it expire. 

    In 2022, Pasco voters approved a referendum to support school employee salaries, but it expires in June 2027. The school board voted last week to ask taxpayers for a renewal.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco school board voted last week to ask taxpayers for a renewal of a school tax referendum 

    • The tax money is used to supplement pay for both instructional and non-instructional positions, including bus drivers, teachers, custodians, and other school support staff

    • Superintendent John Legg the referendum is a needed source of income that helps the school district keep up with other districts

    • What is millage? One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. It’s how the taxing authorities calculate your property tax. Want to know more about millage rates? Visit the Pinellas County Tax Collector website.


    The tax money is used to supplement pay for both instructional and non-instructional positions, including bus drivers, teachers, custodians, and other school support staff.

    Without it, Superintendent Dr. John Legg said it’ll be tough for Pasco to compete with neighboring districts, which have referendums.

    “What this referendum does is it continues the pay we’ve been doing the last several years,” Legg said.

    Legg said since voters approved the initial tax referendum in 2022, classroom vacancies decreased by nearly 83%, and without it, “If the voters say no to this, it would mean a drastic cut in our teachers’ pay. 

    “It would drop our teacher pay by 12% on average.”

    The Pasco County School Board is seeking a renewal of its one mill property tax. 

    If passed, nothing would really change for Pasco County homeowners; they would continue paying the same tax, which Dr. Legg says is $300 per year for the average homeowner.

    A Pasco school bus driver and teacher, both in their professions for over 18 years, said both they’ve personally noticed positive changes since receiving the referendum.

    “The morale of faculty members has increased,” said James Washington, a Pasco County teacher. “The idea that we’ve got a community that supports us, there was a lot of vitriol in the news for months and months and months four years ago, and now it’s starting to swell in the opposite direction where people validate what teachers are again.”

    Bur driver Mary Ann Brini said the referendum has made a difference.

    “It’s very important to keep new staff moving in,” Brini said. “If we don’t have this, in my personal opinion, I don’t know what will happen down the line.”

    Critics of the referendum say teachers and school staff shouldn’t have to rely on voters to maintain their raises. 

    Michelle Mandarin, a parent who hosts an education podcast, said teachers need sustainability in their salaries.

    “We knew it was coming,” said Mandarin, who also is running for the District 5 school board seat. “But we did warn the board that it’s not a sustainable way to increase the pay of our teachers. We really feel like there is a way we can restructure the budget and put it into the core budget.”

    Meanwhile, Legg said he is confident Pasco County voters will continue supporting education. 

    “The people of Pasco County value education and believe that education is important and essential for our thriving economy so I’m confident that our voters will re-affirm what they’ve already said.”

    The next step is for the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to vote on whether to put this on November’s ballot. Legg said he plans on meeting with them and he doesn’t expect any issues. 

    The vote may happen as soon as March.

    The referendum adds from around $3,000 to $5,500 per year for staff, depending on their position.

    Hillsborough and Pinellas County schools both have referendums that voters approved in recent years.

    Polk County voters will be deciding on a school tax referendum in November. 

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Pasco County Schools planning to create first K-8 campus in East Pasco

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Pasco County School officials are looking at creating a new K-8 school campus.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County School officials are looking to combine Pasco Elementary and Pasco Middle to create a new K-8 school campus

    • The district hinted at the possibility in December when the school board named Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd as the half-time principal of both campuses
    • Unlike other K-8 mergers in the district, those with the district say this move is not related to efficient use of space but rather for academic reasons
    • The school board could vote on the proposal as early as next week during a meeting on Feb. 17


    This would combine Pasco Elementary School and neighboring Pasco Middle School into one school, creating the first K-8 school in East Pasco County.

    Employees at both schools first learned of the proposal in January. The district hinted at the possibility in December when the school board named Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd as the half-time principal of both campuses. If approved, she would become the principal of the K-8 school.

    Unlike other K-8 mergers in the district, those with the district say this move is not related to efficient use of space, but rather for academic reasons.

    Superintendent John Legg says ongoing behavior and course performance concerns at Pasco Middle are a motivating factor. District data shows the school as having one of the highest levels of student absents of all 20 schools with middle school students.

    “It gives them better opportunities in the upper grade divisions,” said Legg. “So what we see is we see it as a win-win for parents, a win for students, and really a win for faculty as well in order to help those students achieve their goals.”

    Meanwhile, parents Spectrum Bay News 9 spoke to seem pretty split on the proposal. Some say they would welcome the change, while others see it negatively impacting their child’s education and would rather explore other methods of teaching.

    “As long as my kids are getting the education that they need and deserve, that’s really all I’m concerned about,” said Eric Rondo, a parent of two students at Pasco Middle School.

    “The thoughts scream louder that there’s definitely reasons why enrollment is dropping and that, in and of itself, makes me want to explore options that might be better for my kids,” said parent Amanda Bookman.

    Legg says there will be no changes in enrollment or service boundaries. He says the proposal will allow for more flexibility and innovative programs at that campus.

    The school board could vote on the proposal as early as next week during a meeting on Feb. 17.

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    Calvin Lewis

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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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    Matt Lackritz

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  • New Port Richey museum searches for larger home as collection outgrows space

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science in New Port Richey is looking for a new place to call home. It has been housed on the campus of Wendell Krinn Technical High School for the past five years. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The museum has been on the campus of Wendell Krinn Technical High School for the past five years

    • Leaders say they need at least 35,000 square feet to properly store, preserve and display the items — and to expand educational programs

    • Right now, the museum is considering several possible locations, but officials say none can be shared publicly yet

    Its collection has grown so large, the museum simply doesn’t have enough room anymore.

    Inside the current building, Executive Director Charles Zidar walks through tightly packed display rooms and storage areas filled with artifacts from around the world.

    “We have really packed it in here, and the collections continue to grow,” Zidar said.

    The museum houses everything from dinosaur fossils to ancient cultural artifacts. Among the collection are excavated hadrosaur bones — a duck-billed dinosaur — including a tibia, rib and vertebra recovered in Wyoming.

    There are also artifacts from ancient South America, Roman and Greek items, and even objects recovered from famous shipwrecks.

    “We have a lot of objects from famous shipwrecks, including a Titanic spoon,” Zidar explained.

    But the vast collection has created a major challenge: space.

    The museum currently occupies about 5,000 square feet. Leaders say they need at least 35,000 square feet to properly store, preserve and display the items — and to expand educational programs.

    Staff and volunteers are still cataloging pieces that have been sitting in boxes for decades.

    University of South Florida student Melissa Abbruzzese has spent years documenting artifacts and placing them into a digital archive.

    “Right now I’m taking all the artifacts out of these boxes so I can verify which piece is which and put them into a digital archive,” she said.

    Many of the boxes she opens have not been touched in years.

    “This one is from Colombia and dates to about 750 to 1500 A.D.,” she said while examining a newly opened artifact.

    She hopes one day visitors will be able to see all of it on display.

    “That would be a dream come true. I’ve been in this little room for years now and I’m still seeing artifacts for the very first time,” Abbruzzese said.

    The museum regularly hosts hands-on events for children and families, and leaders say a larger facility would allow them to expand those programs.

    “We know this is going to be huge, and we want to be there for Tampa Bay — so we need the location to do it,” Zidar said.

    Right now, the museum is considering several possible locations, but officials say none can be shared publicly yet.

    Their goal: a space large enough to bring more people in and allow visitors to see, touch and learn about the history of the world.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • LILLY Learning Center offers students new direction on path of education

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A Pasco County entrepreneur is changing the perception of homeschooling.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lexa Duno opened the LILLY Learning Center in 2024 as an alternative teaching method for students with learning disabilities

    • With a smaller atmosphere focused on helping students with learning disabilities, the center differs from your average school
    • Now, already two years in existence, Duno is noticing a positive trend among students and parents


    Lexa Duno opened the LILLY Learning Center as an alternative teaching method for students with learning disabilities. The learning center is helping shape the young minds of tomorrow.

    Hard at work inside a classroom are students, including mother and daughter duo Dacia and Julia Mitchell.

    “She’s an incredibly gifted child,” said Dacia of her daughter, Julia. “Both of our kids really are.”

    The center differs from your average school. It’s a smaller atmosphere focused on helping those students with learning disabilities.

    “As a mom of six, I find that there’s a learning environment for every child and every child is different,” said Dacia.

    Dacia said it was a struggle to find the right fit for her children — a struggle many parents go through.

    “We’ve done public school, private school, homeschool, we have two in boarding school — I mean, literally, you name it. If there’s a school out there, we’ve given it a go. I think that a lot of parents are finding the same frustrations that there is not necessarily one right way,” she said.

    Something that founder Duno realized while working as a literary specialist.

    “I work with a lot of kids who need reading interventions and, at that point in time, I was getting a lot of kids who were homeschooled in the area,” said Duno.

    That’s when she decided to open up LILLY, with the help of SMARTstart Pasco Incubators. It’s helping students who might need a little help on their path to education.

    “A diagnosed learning disability or maybe because they, for some reason, aren’t fitting socially or emotionally in the traditional school system and their families are looking for a really small, safe environment beyond the school system for them to grow and thrive and to be able to learn amongst their peers in a social learning environment,” said Duno.

    Now, already two years in existence, Duno is noticing a positive trend.

    “We have parents who think (their) child is probably not going to interact or participate,” she said. “And then, in a short amount of time, they come and they’re able to just thrive, which is amazing.”

    It’s changing the lives of Dacia and her daughter, and helping these students reach their full potential

    “It’s just a great place for you to learn who your child is and for them to learn who they are, about themselves and really grow into that,” Dacia said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Lawn watering restrictions in effect for the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — We have had cold weather this year, but we have not had a lot of rain. So, starting Sunday, water restrictions will be in effect.

    According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, our area has a rainfall deficit of more than a foot. This is because of the drier than normal rainy season we had last summer.

    In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s order will reduce lawn watering to one day a week.

    If you’re wondering what day you can water, it will depend on the last number of your address. 

     
    DAY OF THE WEEK ADDRESS ENDING IN
    MONDAY 0 or 1
    TUESDAY 2 or 3
    WEDNESDAY 4 or 5
    THURSDAY 6 or 7
    FRIDAY 8 or 9

    Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

    Watering hours will be reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. If your property is less than one acre in size, you may only use one of the those time windows.

    If you have a low-volume watering system (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) used for watering plants and shrubs, not lawns, you are allowed to water any day and any time.

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District is also asking you to check with your local government for allowable hours or whether there are stricter hours.

    These restrictions will be in place until July 1.


    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage FAQ

    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage Fact Sheet

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New Port Richey to build 2 coastal cottage homes in flood prone area

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The City of New Port Richey is moving forward with a plan to build two coastal cottage homes in the Edgewater Gardens subdivision.

    What You Need To Know

    • Two coastal cottage homes will be built in New Port Richey’s Edgewater Gardens subdivision

    • Construction of the homes is part of a bigger initiative to develop new housing that aligns with the city’s goal of building resilient neighborhoods
    • The neighborhood is within the flood zone classification AE, which indicates an elevated risk of flooding
    • The coastal design of the homes will feature an elevated floor plan with a garage or carport on the ground level, allowing living spaces above so that they are protected from flooding


    Both homes will be built on two lots that are currently owned by the city. Those lots are within the flood zone classification AE, which indicates an elevated risk of flooding.

    This subdivision flooded during hurricanes Helene and Milton, forcing many of its occupants to leave. The project is being over-seen by the city’s economic development director, Dave Gammon.

    Gammon says construction of the homes is part of a bigger initiative to develop new housing that aligns with the city’s goal of building resilient neighborhoods.

    “We cannot produce the same neighborhood again,” said Gammon. “These were built decades ago. They’re not sustainable, they’re not safe, they’re not resilient. What we can do with coastal cottage is change that, and if we can figure a way to make it affordable for the residents here and new residents, that’s what the aim is or the goal.”

    The coastal design of the homes will feature an elevated floor plan with a garage or carport on the ground level, allowing living spaces above that so that they are protected from flooding.

    Gammon says they are still in the process of hiring a builder. As for a timeline, he says they hope to have the two homes finished by early 2027.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pasco County schools turn to truancy petitions over attendance issues

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — The Pasco County School District is taking a tougher stance on student absences, and some families may find themselves answering to a judge.

    The district is filing truancy petitions against families when kids miss too many days.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pasco County school superintendent says truancy has been a big problem in schools since the pandemic

    • Families who receive truancy petitions will have to go before a judge and explain why their child missed so much school

    • Superintendent Dr. John Legg called it a last resort but said students need to be in the classroom 


    Superintendent Dr. John Legg says truancy petitions are a last resort. So far, the district has only filed about a dozen petitions. But still, some families say the policy is concerning.

    “Attendance is crucial. When our students miss school, they miss the knowledge, they miss the activities, they miss the learning from the other students, and they fall behind,” Legg said.

    He says truancy has been a big problem in Pasco County schools since the pandemic. Right now, 1,200 students are considered truant, meaning they’ve missed more than 15 days of school in 90 days, all unexcused. So the district had to buckle down, sending out truancy petitions.

    “What we’re looking at are those most severe cases where we have students that are absent 40, 50 days out of 90 days, bringing these before the court to get their assistance in order to help these students get to school so they can get the education they deserve,” he said.

    Families who receive truancy petitions will have to go before a judge and explain why their child missed so much school. The judge will decide the action to take. 

    Jessica Silber, owner of Elevate Advocate & Learning Co., says the policy has some of her clients concerned.

    “I think there can be some great intentions sometimes behind guidelines but not always considering the needs of all students,” said Silber.

    Silber works with families who have children with special needs, like autism. She says while therapy appointments are excused absences, these families sometimes deal with other challenges, like anxiety or behavioral problems, that may not always come with a doctor’s note.

    “If there is something impacting their attendance outside of your control, then let’s go for an evaluation, let’s get it documented, in case something does come up and you have to go to court,” she said.

    Legg says ultimately the goal is support, not punishment, and keeping kids in class.

    “Those are all the things our social workers and schools work with our families on to make those excused absences and to work with families. What we’re talking about are those chronic absenteeism where parents simply do not bring their children to school,” he says.

    Legg says there are about 350 students whose absenteeism is excessive and warrants a truancy petition. The district will chip away at filing those petitions to help the courts keep from getting backed up.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Ladies first jiu-jitsu helping women find strength and purpose

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The reasons for learning a sport are endless.

    For some, it is to get stronger and faster. For others, it is all about feeling better, healthier, or more confident.

    In some cases, like with jiu-jitsu, some want to learn to feel safer.

    What You Need To Know

    • She-Devil Jiu-Jitsu was founded by Michele “Bella” Milo. She is a black belt in jiu-jitsu

    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still a male-dominated sport, but Milo met women who were not comfortable because of past trauma training with men

    • Michele Milo, founder of She-Devil Jiu-Jitsu, firmly believes women deserve consistent, reliable training spaces where they can learn and grow alongside other women

    • She-Devil Jiu-Jitsu is located at: 4051 Madison St STE 7, New Port Richey, FL 34652. Phone: (727) 504-8414


    “I do think it’s really important for girls in particular to learn jiu-jitsu. It’s a ground grappling sport and it can help you. It can save you,” said Amanda Gambone, She-Devil Jiu-Jitsu student.

    Gambone trains at the New Port Richey studio called the Den alongside her daughter.

    “It’s really important to know how to defend yourself. There’s predators everywhere,” said Eveeana Cortez, 13.

    The teen spars with women double and sometimes triple her age.

    Inside the Den, it is about more than just sport or defense. The women who take the classes say it is a safe place for women.

    “It’s hard to find a women’s-only class or even women in a class,” said Michele “Bella” Milo, founder of She-Devil Jiu-Jitsu.

    Milo opened the dojo in June 2025 after a conversation with a woman who was interested in jiu-jitsu, but was uncomfortable with the idea of training.

    “I met a woman who was watching her child’s class, and she just wouldn’t start. She said, ‘It looks so much fun, but I have been in a domestic violence situation and I don’t think I would ever feel comfortable doing that with a man,’” said Milo. “And so then the light bulb went off and I was like, this is something that a lot of women need.”

    The Den is a place that puts women first. Women like Ren Lee.

    “It really saved my life coming here, to be honest,” said Lee.

    She lives with ADHD and Autism and admits she struggles to regulate her emotions.

    “This has been my saving grace, especially for things where I don’t feel like I should be talking or I feel like I don’t really fit in anywhere. I can always come here,” said Lee.

    Milo says men are not excluded, with co-ed classes available. But there is an understanding that women come first here.

    “I kind of found a found family here,” said Lee.

    This month there is a Galentine’s Grappling Weekend. It is two days of ladies-only training with eight local female black belts. To sign up, click here.

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    Erin Murray

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  • 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City postponed due to high wind forecast

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — The 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City has been postponed due to high winds forecasted for Saturday, officials with the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday morning.

    Officials issued the following statement:

    “Due to high winds forecasted for tomorrow and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, the 29th Annual Kumquat Festival will be postponed. A new event date will be announced this afternoon.”

    The kumquat festival is a popular event celebrated every year, typically on the same date as Tampa’s Gasparilla pirate fest, where attendees can celebrate the “little gold gem of the citrus industry” with treats inspired by the unique fruit along with a children’s activity area, classic car show, craft kumquat beer and wine, and activities for all ages.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New blood transfusion program within Pasco County Fire Rescue helping save lives

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Paramedics with Pasco County Fire Rescue are getting some help when it comes to performing life-saving blood transfusions.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new blood transfusion program within Pasco County Fire Rescue is helping save lives

    • Since it started in December, those in the department say they have helped perform five transfusions with much success
    • Currently, the department has four EMS supervisors on-staff with plans to hire another this October
    • Pasco County Fire Rescue will hold a blood drive Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Station 38


    We told you how the department launched its prehospital blood transfusion program in December. Now, six weeks in, the new program is already helping save lives.

    Aboard an EMS truck at Pasco County Fire Rescue headquarters and nestled inside packs are life-saving supplies used by EMS Supervisor Justin Crook.

    “The sooner that we can get this blood on board, our patient outcomes are much better,” says Crook. “In an emergency situation, when it’s time to give it, I will assemble all the new, clean and sterile equipment. We assemble that, put the warmer in place, get the bag attached and start infusing that blood and get that to the patient in a nice, controlled manner.”

    The supplies are part of the department’s new blood transfusion program. It allows paramedics, such as Crook, to perform life-saving blood transfusions at emergency scenes and helps almost double a patient’s chance of survival.

    “It aids and assists us getting them to the surgeon where they can get definitive care,” Crook said. “Better recovery is our main goal here with the blood program.”

    Since it started in December, they have helped perform five transfusions.

    “Every minute that goes by that someone needs blood doesn’t get blood, there’s an 11% increase in mortality,” says Gregory Pollock, Division Chief of EMS for Pasco County Fire Rescue. “So that’s what we’re trying to do — we’re trying to lower that number significantly.”

    The department has four EMS supervisors. They’re already planning to hire another this October.

    “The more people we have that can carry and administer blood, it’s obvious, the more people we can get to,” says Pollock. “There’s going to be geographical limitations based on their locations, it’s just not possible to get to every single call that may need this resource. So our goal is to get as many of those people as physically possible.”

    While Crook says he hasn’t had the opportunity to deliver blood just yet, he’s ready for when the time comes.

    “With our medical direction and our chiefs, we’ve upped the game in the Tampa Bay area, and I’m very glad to be a part of that,” said Crook.

    Helping lead the way toward saving lives.

    Pasco County Fire Rescue will hold a blood drive on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Station 38. Blood collected at the drive will go toward the transfusion program.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Drivers want change near a busy New Port Richey intersection

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Making a turn onto a busy road without a traffic light can be a bit stressful.

    What You Need To Know

    • One area in particular is concerning drivers in New Port Richey

    • That struggle is waiting for a break in traffic in both directions of Embassy Boulevard near Little Road

    • The issue has gotten worse in recent years due to traffic from the schools in the area


    But one area in particular is concerning drivers in New Port Richey.

    Debi Hassan has lived near Embassy Boulevard and Little Road for the past 12 years, a very busy intersection.

    “This is a never-ending, constant day-to-day struggle,” Hassan said.

    That struggle is waiting for a break in traffic in both directions of Embassy, especially when exiting her neighborhood from Morehead Lane, which is just past Little Road.

    “You can’t go anywhere because of all of this coming through here,” Hassan said.

    Hassan says the issue has gotten worse in recent years due to traffic from the schools in the area.

    That’s especially a problem during the morning and afternoon rush as drivers try to get to and from Little Road, a major Pasco County route.

    “The traffic coming in bringing kids to school as well as picking up from school, it’s crazy. You have to pack and choose your times you go somewhere,” Hassan said.

    She’s hoping Pasco County will consider adding a three-way stop or traffic light at Embassy and Morehead in hopes it can help keep drivers safe.

    “It’s dangerous, really dangerous. And again, something can be done. Just a matter of who can make it work and make it happen. I’m hoping this helps,” Hassan said.

    Pasco County officials say there are no planned changes at the intersection for now, however, drivers with concerns should use their traffic request form.

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    Tim Wronka

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