ReportWire

Tag: Pasco County

  • Farmers ready to showcase this year’s bounty at 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A local community is not only home to several sweet potato growers, but also what’s believed to be the state’s only sweet potato festival. 

    What You Need To Know

    • New Port Richey will be hosting the 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup this Saturday, showcasing the dedicated work of local growers

    • Tucked away under the trees along Sawgrass Alley is East Madison Gardens — a network of residential and community gardens
    • The community garden will serve as a main source for sweet potatoes that will be on display at this weekend’s Sweet Potato Roundup
    • The event takes place from 11 a.m.  to 1 p.m. in the New Port Richey Public Library Courtyard off Main Street


    New Port Richey will be hosting the 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup this Saturday, showcasing the dedicated work of local growers.

    “You just kind of dig around a little bit and then you find this guy,” says Dell deChant, director of New Port Richey FarmNet. “That’s the beauty.”

    Tucked away under the trees along Sawgrass Alley, there sits a secret garden, growing an abundance of life’s richest vegetables.

    “We have kale here,” says deChant. “We have some tomatoes. That’s a loquat and one of the season food festivals that we do is the loquat festival. The mockingbird, the state bird of Florida, especially love these beauty berries. And they are disappearing from the state. So we’re doing everything we can to reinstall them wherever we have or wherever we have gardens. And that’s another part of the project.”

    East Madison Gardens is a network of residential and community gardens in the East Madison neighborhood of New Port Richey. It’s led deChant.

    “A city, residential lot that’s been transformed into an agroecological learning center and food production center,” says deChant. “We’ve been doing this in this particular area, the East Madison area, for about 12 years.”

    It’s also a main source for sweet potatoes that will be on display at this weekend’s Sweet Potato Roundup, planted with love and handpicked with care by deChant and volunteers.

    That includes Amanda Zborek, joined alongside her daughter Lilly.

    “That’s our biggest goal is to bring people in and to teach them about growing their own food,” said Zborek, regional outreach director of New Port Richey FarmNet. “Different ways that you can prepare food that grows very well here and has high yields and just getting really creative with it.”

    For years the event has showcased the hard work of local growers, displaying how sustainable food can come from just about anywhere — like residential areas.

    “Once I was introduced to gardening and farming and having them fresh off the stalk, there’s nothing like it,” says Zborek. “They’re good. Your body notices the nutrition that it’s receiving and the love and care that’s put into growing them yourself.”

    Aside from the sense of accomplishment one gets from growing these beautiful vegetables, there might be one feeling that tops it all.

    “Tasting the food,” said Lilly and Zborek. “Absolutely tasting the food and bringing the community together.”

    Coming together for the love of food.

    The event takes place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is in the New Port Richey Public Library Courtyard off Main Street and is free to attend.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel shows off $92 million upgrades

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel unveiled its new $92 million renovation on Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jeff Mayers, managing editor of the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, said that a new 13-acre golf driving range is just part of the resort’s renovation

    • 8 new pickleball courts have been added, and all 451 guest rooms were renovated

    • A ribbon cutting to unveil the $92 million project was held Thursday


    Those upgrades touch nearly every corner of the property known for its golf and tennis.

    The Pasco County tourism director expects the renovations to draw bigger groups to the area.

    The newly-renovated lobby now offers an elevated welcome to Saddlebrook, which blends modern sophistication with sports training.

    Managing Director Jeff Mayers said that a new 13-acre golf driving range is part of the resort’s renovation.

    “On the other side, the far side down the driving range is actually for our students and those that are pros that are long-ball hitters as well,” Mayers said. “So it really creates a multi-faceted use of the driving range.” 

    The renovations also include eight new pickleball courts.

    Last year, the Professional Pickelball Registry moved its global headquarters to Saddlebrook.

    Mayers said all the landscaping and amenities surrounding the 500,000-gallon super pool is all new. The resort has 451 guest rooms, which were all renovated.

    “It had been probably 10 to 15 years since the last renovation. So that was very important,” he said. “The feedback from the customers, they came and stayed with us, was about the condition of the units.”

    Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Management acquired the resort in 2022, with a long-term commitment to its revitalization.

    Wednesday’s ribbon cutting celebrated the three-year achievement with Pasco County community leaders. 

    Mayers says the resort’s 95,000 square feet of renovated meeting space is drawing more business.

    “We’re already seeing our lead volume increase,” he said. “We’re seeing definitely the group segment. New groups are looking at us to come in and hold their meetings because they’ve seen the new Saddlebrook and are very excited to be a part of hosting events here.”

    Adam Thomas, the Pasco tourism director, expects the Saddlebrook renovations to draw more visitors and boost the county’s bed tax, which totaled $7.6 million this past fiscal year.

    “Our number one resort coming back to its heyday and allowing us to go after further groups for their clients that we normally don’t go after, and allows us to basically elevate our profile as a destination,” Thomas said.

    Mayers called it a rare large-scale reinvestment in Wesley Chapel’s tourism infrastructure. 

    The reopening is expected to drive staff growth, likely 75 to 100 new hires as the resort heads into the busy season.

    More development is coming to the Saddlebrook property with a forthcoming town center, a 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial space.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Better Together looking for host families in Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — For the last year, Shelevia Dawson has volunteered with Better Together to mentor and open her home to families in crisis. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Better Together is a statewide nonprofit that works to keep families together and out of the foster care system

    • It is facing a critical shortage of volunteers in the Tampa market, which includes Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties

    • In Tampa Bay, Better Together urgently needs 33 host families and 41 mentors to meet the current demand

    • These volunteers provide short-term care for children while parents work through crisis situations, as well as one-on-one mentorship and community support to help families restore stability


    Dawson’s first mentee was a young mother of two named Danaee. 

    “It’s been a wonderful journey,” said Dawson. “We still keep in contact, even though the mentorship is only three months. She wanted to just maintain a relationship afterward. So we still keep in contact and, you know, touch base from time to time.” 

    Better Together, a statewide nonprofit, and Dawson helped Danaee navigate through some tough times and helped her find stability in new housing. 

    “I was there when she got her keys and got all settled in,” Dawson said. “So that was a wonderful experience to see the progress that she made from being homeless in a homeless shelter to now having a space for her and her daughters to share with their own beds and their own rooms.”

    Better Together’s mission is to help before families require the foster care system. The nonprofit offers professional support, resources and a network of trained volunteers to help families in crisis find stability.

    The organization said it has served thousands of children statewide, preventing family separation and building stronger, more resilient communities.

    “Individuals who maybe are experiencing job loss or medical emergencies or incarceration or homelessness, we try to step in and be able to provide a community for those individuals to help prevent foster care and to just help them navigate their way outside of that crisis,” said Joy Harris, executive director of Better Together Tampa.

    This year, Better Together is facing a critical shortage of volunteers in the Tampa market, which includes Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. 

    Harris said this year in the Tampa Bay area, Better Together has served 310 children through hosting and mentoring. 

    “And that can’t happen without an army of volunteers,” said Harris. “Right now, unfortunately, the need is really urgent. We only have approximately seven families who are able to step in and host children in Hillsborough County, and about 15 mentors who are able to step in and provide mentoring support to families.”

    Better Together needs 33 host families and 41 mentors to meet the current demand. 

    Hosts provide short-term care for children, while the parents work through crisis situations. Mentors work one-on-one with families to restore stability. 

    “Better Together is a great start. And again, you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have the perfect home setup. You know, like, it just needs to be a safe space,” said Dawson. 

    Dawson wants those interested to know, she also was provided with training before she began hosting and mentoring. 

    Families in need do not pay Better Together for this help — everything is free. 

    For those interested, they will need to go through a level two background check and home study to make sure their living space is safe. 

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    Erin Murray

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  • A+ Teacher and her family dedicated to education in Pasco

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Kelly Rutherford has been a teacher for 35 years.

    She helps her students grow academically and socially while instilling a love for learning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kelly Rutherford is a career teacher who has worked in Pasco for 35 years 

    • Currently, she teaches kindergarten at Cotee River Elementary and she’s also the color guard instructor at Gulf High School

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    “That to me is the best feeling in the world, that you’ve made a difference in a child’s life, that you’ve given them access to things they didn’t have access to before and now they can communicate in different ways,” said Rutherford.

    She’s experiencing that in a district she loves. Rutherford and her family members have always attended Pasco County schools.

    “Grew up here, went to school here, my father grew up here, my grandmother grew up here, my children have grown up here. We’ve all been in Pasco County schools our whole lives,” said Rutherford.

    Rutherford teaches kindergarten at Cotee River Elementary. She’s also the color guard instructor at Gulf High School, which is her alma mater. She was also in the color guard when she was in high school.

    “The kids motivate me to come here, to see a finished show, to see the growth every time we come to band practice and we fix something or something gets better,” said Rutherford. 

    Rutherford’s husband is the band director at Gulf High, and their children help out too. The Rutherford family is committed to helping students reach their full potential.

    “Whether they’re 5-year-olds or they’re 16 or 17-year-olds, everybody has a chance to be involved in a group and to learn and to love to learn and be a part of something bigger,” said Rutherford.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • Pasco Schools to approve new funding for Heroes in the Classroom

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The Pasco County School Board is expected to give final approval Tuesday for dedicated funding that will support Heroes in the Classroom, an incentive program designed to bring retired first responders and military veterans into Florida’s teaching workforce.

    Launched in 2023, the state-backed initiative offers a $4,000 first-year bonus to eligible veterans and former first responders who transition into education. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Heroes in the Classroom was approved by Florida Legislators in 2023, and administered by the Florida Department of Education

    •  Pasco Schools began the program in March of 2025

    •  Teachers are required to show service records and hold a valid teaching certificate 

    • Recipient teachers receive a $4,000 bonus in their first year on the job 


    District leaders say the incentive is already helping address teacher shortages while bringing uniquely skilled professionals into local classrooms.

    One of the program’s early success stories is Taylor Liamero, a 28-year-old Air Force veteran who spent nearly six years on active duty. 

    Straight out of high school, Liamero served in the Middle East, Europe, and later at a base in Virginia — experiences she says shaped her desire to continue serving her community in new ways.

    Now, instead of military missions, her daily assignments involve coaching and teaching students at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel.

    “It’s something I always wanted to do,” Liamero said. “I’ve always loved coaching and athletics — from my time in the military and even before that as a young athlete. It just felt like something I needed to take a shot at.”

    District leaders say Heroes in the Classroom is part of a broader effort to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention.

    Kelly Smith, program coordinator for Teacher Pathways with Pasco County Schools, said the district has made major progress in reducing vacancies.

    “When I first came on as a recruiter many years ago, we were in the triple digits starting the school year,” Smith said. “We’ve been very low in our vacancy count, and year over year we continue to make improvements.”

    Smith says incentives like the veterans program help set Pasco apart from other districts competing for new educators.

    For Liamero, the initiative gave her the chance to begin a career she now says feels like the right long-term fit.

    “Now that I’m doing it,” she said, “I can’t imagine doing anything else—ever.”

    To participate in Heroes in the Classroom, applicants must provide proof of eligible military or first-responder service and hold a valid teaching certificate or meet certification requirements

    More details are available here.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Land O’ Lakes drivers looking for fix at busy intersection

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Land O’ Lakes business owner says the increasing congestion in Pasco County is making it hard for customers to get to and from her salon.

    Jennifer Gregory owns Sage Salon, which is in the Publix shopping center on U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.

    When she first opened the salon in 2007, the area looked a lot different.

    What You Need To Know

    • Increasing congestion in Pasco County is making it hard for customers to get to and from Land O’ Lakes salon owner’s business

    • Jennifer Gregory owns Sage Salon, which is in the Publix shopping center on U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway

    • Read more TRAFFIC INBOX stories

    “We used to have one road north, one road south. Lot of cows. And that’s all we had. Now we have a bustling area that seems like there is a lot more people than we can handle now,” Gregory said.

    Now U.S. 41 is four lanes and busier than ever, especially during the afternoon rush.

    “Even just coming up 41, just the traffic from school, from work. If there’s one car broken down, it backs up for miles,” Gregory said.

    And that can lead to a lot of issues for drivers trying to get in and out of the shopping center.

    Salon manager Leah Feeney describes what it’s like when trying to make a left turn onto Pleasant Plains Parkway to get to U.S. 41, where drivers have to make a U-turn.

    “When you’re getting out of this parking lot and you’re trying to get into that original U-turn lane, it’s already backed up,” Feeney said. “So you can’t leave the parking lot until that’s cleared. Once it’s cleared, you have to wait for traffic to get through and then get in the U-turn lane and then wait for three light cycles for people to let you in.”

    And that’s because drivers are also trying to get to and from the Connerton neighborhood using just two lanes in each direction, where homes are continuing to be built.  

    “Like when I’m booking appointments, I want to stay away from the 4 o’clock, 5 o’clock, because it’s just so difficult to navigate the traffic,” Feeney said.

    Pasco County officials say the traffic management team is aware of the issue. They are exploring options there, like adding a left turn lane to 41 or modifying the existing lanes to help traffic move through the area better.

    Gregory says she’s been trying to get Pasco County to look at the intersection to see if there’s anything that can be done and hopes they consider making changes.

    “Now we have two lanes coming north and two lanes going south. Like do we need more than that? Seems like a lot for this area but maybe that’s what we need with all these new neighborhoods coming in,” Gregory said.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Where to get a free Thanksgiving turkey in the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA — The combination of continued storm recovery, rising grocery prices, the government shutdown and the short-term disruptions in funds for SNAP has many Tampa Bay area families looking for some extra help to put a Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year. 

    The following turkey giveaways are planned in the Tampa Bay area leading up to the holiday, with as many details as could be found about eligibility to receive them.

    In many cases, advanced registration may be required, or you may need to plan to arrive early to get in line because of high demand.

    B.J.’s Wholesale Clubs — Members who spent $150 or more in a single transaction on Nov. 1-10 can get a free turkey coupon. Bring the coupon in their app or on their BJs.com account between Nov. 15 and Nov. 26 to the wholesale club.

    Hillsborough County

    Pinellas County

    Pasco County

    Polk County

    Manatee County

    Sarasota County

    Hernando County

    Citrus County

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pioneer Florida Museum and Village to hold Civil War reenactment

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City will host a Civil War reenactment on Saturday.

    But there is more going on than just witnessing a battle.

    There will be living history presentations such as traditional blacksmith and carpentry demos.

    It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Spectrum Bay News 9’s Roy De Jesus previews the event above.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Work continues on the Orange Belt Trail in Pasco County

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Work is moving along on the Orange Belt Trail in Pasco County.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Orange Belt Trail is a planned multi-use trail that will connect with other trails from Trinity to Trilby

    • It’s named for the old Orange Belt Railroad, which ran from St. Petersburg through Pasco County in the 1800s

    • Officials say the design of the western portion along Trinity Boulevard is nearly done, with construction expected to begin next year

    • Pasco County is currently studying how the trail will connect in east Pasco, from U.S. 41 to Dade City


    It’s a planned multi-use trail that will connect with other trails from Trinity to Trilby.

    It’s named for the old Orange Belt Railroad, which ran from St. Petersburg through Pasco County in the 1800s.

    “The Orange Belt Trail began as a concept within the county to see if there was a way we could utilize this amazing corridor that exists,” said project manager Erin Swanson.

    Swanson says the design of the western portion along Trinity Boulevard is nearly done, with construction expected to begin next year.

    Pasco County is also currently studying how the trail will connect in east Pasco, from U.S. 41 to Dade City, where there are several options.

    Map provided by Pasco County

    “When done, it’s going to be amazing,” Swanson said. “It’s going to allow folks to travel through our really great county towns and cities, like San Antonio, St. Leo, Dade City and cycle all the way down to the Trinity area. It’s going to be really nice.”

    The Orange Belt Trail will have connections to the Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail, Withlacoochee Trail and also to Florida’s Coast to Coast Trail, which could make Pasco County even more of a biking destination.

    Swanson says the study of the eastern connection of the trail should be done next year and the first portion along Trinity Blvd is expected to open in 2027.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Army veteran shares how Semper Fi & America’s Fund has supported him

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — This Veterans Day, Spectrum News wants to recognize those in our community who have served our country like Army Veteran Carl Moore.

    Injured in the line of duty, the Land O’ Lakes vet and Purple Heart recipient said he hopes other veterans and military families can access resources like he has. 

    Moore joined the Army in 2008. 

    He said he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.

    During his second deployment, he was trapped on a dirt road with no cover. 

    “I was on the ground, firing back from the prone, and it felt like something blew up, like a cinnamon firecracker,” he said. “I don’t know why I smelled cinnamon, but when I tried to get off the ground, I couldn’t.” 

    Unable to walk, Moore pulled himself to safety with just his arms.  

    He would later find out that a bullet had clipped his T-10 vertebrae, among other injuries. 

    He didn’t know what life would be like moving forward, but with support from his wife and the nonprofit Semper Fi & America’s Fund, he has come a long way.

    “Any time I have reached out, they’ve been there, period,” he said.

    Michelle Hall, the director of case management for the nonprofit, met Moore in 2013. 

    The organization has helped with more than just his injuries. 

    His house was struck by lightning a few years ago, destroying every electrical item in his home. 

    Semper Fi & America’s Fund provided support as Moore waited for his homeowners’ insurance to come through.

    “It’s a lifelong relationship,” Hall said. “We meet them at bedside. We follow them through the whole recovery, and we stay with them even in the end. We say it’s today together. Today, tomorrow, together.” 

    Moore said his relationship with the nonprofit is something he values and he hopes others in situations like his know that there are organizations here to help.

    “We answered the call of our nation,” he said. “And you know, there’s a lot of us out here that deal with challenges every day because of it, and a lot of those challenges can be mitigated with support.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Cold shelters open across Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. – As cold temperatures have moved into the Bay area, multiple counties have opened their cold shelters.

    In Tampa Bay, lows will be in the mid 30s to low 40s but it will feel colder with the wind chill in the mid 20s to mid 30s Tuesday morning. 

    Record low temperatures are possible on Tuesday.

    Additional locations will be listed as information becomes available.

    CITRUS COUNTY

    A cold-weather shelter opened Monday night in Citrus County.

    The shelter will be open on Nov. 10 and 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 5113 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, FL 34446.

    HERNANDO COUNTY

    The city of Brooksville opened a warming center Monday night.

    The center will be at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601.

    The center will be open from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday.

    PASCO COUNTY

    Cold-weather shelters will be open Monday and Tuesday night. The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the next day.

    Shady Hills Mission Chapel
    15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill, FL
    Questions? Call 727-856-2948

    First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills
    6151 12th Street, Zephyrhills, FL
    Questions? Call 615-483-4356

    POLK COUNTY

    The Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland will be open as a cold shelter.

    Effective Monday, November 10th, we will keep individuals in-house 24/7 to ensure safety, warmth, and hope during this period of time. Every blanket, warm clothes, meal, and prayer counts more than ever.

    Talbot House is asking the public for donations of food, canned goods, milk, snacks, and pantry staples. Financial support also is accepted.

    www.TalbotHouse.org

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    For more information on these locations, visit pinellashomeless.org/coldnightshelters

    Clearwater:

    First United Methodist Church of Clearwater
    411 Turner St, Clearwater, FL 6pm – 6am
    PSTA Route #52A

    Pinellas Park:

    First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park
    9025 49th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 6pm – 6am
    PSTA Route #49

    St. Petersburg:

    Unitarian Universalist Church
    100 Mirror Lake Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 6pm – 6am
    PSTA Routes #9, 20, 24, SunRunner
    *This location requires the use of stairs

    Salvation Army
    310 14th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 6pm – 6am
    PSTA Route 4A or B

    Tarpon Springs:

    Boys & Girls Club of Tarpon Springs
    111 W Lime St, Tarpon Springs, FL 6pm – 6am
    PSTA Route #19

    Families:

    Call First Contact (211) for Referrals to Family Shelters

    *Based on availability

    Additional Information:

    • All sites provide a warm place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal.

    • Guests will be advised if the shelter will be open on additional nights as conditions warrant.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Hillsborough’s cold weather shelters have been activated for Monday night and Tuesday night for those who need adequate heat and are unable to find other accomodations.

    Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park
    107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606

    Hyde Park United Methodist Church
    500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606

    Tampa Bay Mission of Hope
    110 Parsons Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511

    Amazing Love Ministries
    3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605

    Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries
    2104 Mud Lake Rd. Plant City, FL 33566

    The Portico
    1001 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602

    MANATEE COUNTY

    Salvation Army
    1204 14th Street West

    • Individuals seeking shelter must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian.  
    • Intake begins each night at 6 pm and ends at 8 pm or when capacity is reached.   
    • Emergency shelter clients must depart at 6 am (Women/Families) or 7 am (Men).   
    • Manatee County residents receive seven free nights of shelter.   
    • Non-Manatee County residents with a state-issued ID receive three nights.   
    • A fee of $15/night will be charged for anyone entering the shelter after the free nights have been used. 

    Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) will provide transportation beginning at 5 p.m. from the following pickup locations:

    • Turning Points – 701 17th Ave W, Bradenton
    • MCAT Bus Depot (DeSoto Station) – 820 301 Blvd W, Bradenton
    • Under One Roof – 407 57th Ave E, Bradenton
    • Palmetto Police Department – 1115 10th St W, Palmetto

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Veterans Day events in the Tampa Bay area

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    There are a number of events taking place on Veterans Day in the Bay area. We’ve compiled some of them below.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    LARGO

    Join the City in honoring local veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be inside the Central Park Performing Arts Center, located at 105 Central Park Drive.

    The ceremony will feature live music, readings, and presentations by local veterans, offering a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude for their service. Attendees can also engage with various service and veteran groups. For more information, please contact 727-587-6740 Ext. 5014.     

    GULFPORT

    One year after the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration was canceled due to the back-to-back hurricanes of 2024, the beloved community tradition returns. The event will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Gulfport’s waterfront Veterans Park, located at 5350 31st Avenue South.

    The Foundation invites the entire community to gather in honor of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation.

    The program will include:

    • Military tunes by New Horizons Band
    • Welcome by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation
    • Color Guard by Boca Ciega High School JROTC
    • National Anthem performed by Catherine Basset
    • Message to Our Military by a JROTC cadet
    • Address by Gulfport Mayor Karen Love
    • Invocation by Rev. Jon Scott
    • Moment of Silence & Taps by New Horizons Band
    • Retirement of the Colors

    Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served, offering an opportunity for attendees to mingle and share stories. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair for seating comfort.

    For more information, please contact the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation office at 727-893-1244.

    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

    Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa.

    The annual event salutes Veterans of all eras and military branches with a family-friendly celebration that is free and open to all. 

    The outdoor Veterans Day Tribute will feature: 

    • JROTC color guard and patriotic music 
    • Veterans Council Awards and special guests 
    • A variety of resources for Veterans and military families 
    • Free refreshments after the ceremony 
    • A kids’ craft area with take-home creations 

    For the ninth consecutive year, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum to its list of official Regional Veterans Day Sites, a recognition of excellence for patriotism and honor to our nation’s military. The park is free and open daily from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to tour its many monuments, including the new Gold Star Family Memorial. 

    For information about the 61st Annual Veterans Day Tribute or Veterans Memorial Park, visit HCFL.Gov/Veterans or call (813) 635-8316. 

    ZOO TAMPA

    ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host a special Veterans Day pinning ceremony on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Zoo’s Saunders Pavilion. The event aims to honor local military veterans for their service and sacrifice.

    The ceremony will feature remarks from leaders of both organizations and will publicly recognize veterans from all branches of the military. Each honoree will receive a commemorative lapel pin and a letter of appreciation.

    PASCO COUNTY

    NEW PORT RICHEY

    The City of New Port Richey invites you to come together in celebration and gratitude at the Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday at 5 p.m. around Orange Lake near Sims Park in Downtown New Port Richey.

    Honoring the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform, the parade will feature local veterans, active military units, marching bands, community organizations, and civic groups. 

    Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend, wear red, white, and blue, and show their support from along the parade route. All are welcome to participate in this memorable celebration of patriotism and community spirit.

    The Downtown Area Roundabout Trolley (DART) will be operating for this event. For more information on the event, click here.

    SARASOTA

    The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m., Tuesday in downtown Sarasota. The parade will begin at Orange Avenue and Main Street.

    Several road closures and vehicle tow-away zones will be in effect for the parade beginning at 3 a.m., Tuesday.

    The road closures are:

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Main Street closed from Links Avenue to Bayfront Drive

    3 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Osprey Avenue closed from Ringling Boulevard to Second Street

    Vehicles not removed by the posted time of 3 a.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Places around Tampa Bay offering free groceries, meals to residents in need

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    TAMPA, Fla. — As uncertainty with the government shutdown continues, food pantries, restaurants and county services have been helping residents in need with food assistance in Tampa Bay.

    Here’s a list of places residents can go to get fresh food and a hot meal.

    Hillsborough County

    Some Hillsborough County’s Health Care Services will host three events this month where residents can receive free groceries. 

    The food packages, provided in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, generally include fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and other staples. There are no income restrictions to receive the food. The County’s Healthy Living Program and Feeding Tampa Bay typically hold 16 food pantry events throughout the year: Once a month for 10 months, with an additional three food pantries in November before Thanksgiving and another three in December. 

    Hillsborough County residents can pick up free groceries at the following times and places in November: 

    For more information on the food giveaways, call Hillsborough County Health Care Services at (813)-272-5040, Option 7.  

    Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa will allow kids to eat free all day Thursdays through Sundays until SNAP benefits are restored. The offer is for dining in only, and no takeout options are available.
     

    Pinellas County

    Pia’s Trattoria in St. Petersburg is offering a “Government Shutdown To Go” special starting Nov. 1, for all families who need it. It’s a free meal featuring pasta pomodori, bread and salad. Pickup is available from Wednesday – Sunday, 5 – 6 p.m. Go to the hostess stand at the veranda between and order the “Government Shutdown To Go” special. 

    Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor is providing free lunches for kids who need them. Starting Nov. 1, stop in and ask for a “GiggleBag,” which is a bagged to-go lunch for children who are hungry. One for every child with you every day, no purchase necessary until SNAP benefits are reinstated in Florida.

    Jack Willie’s Bar, Grill & Tiki in Oldsmar will provide free kids’ meals for as long as the shutdown is going.
     

    Polk County

    United Way of Central Florida has a full list of food drop sites in cities such as Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales and more. 
     

    Pasco County

    Pasco County Continuum of Care has a full list of food pantries in cities such as Land O’Lakes, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. 
     

    Hernando County

    Manatee County

    Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Nov. 24 and a holiday meal giveaway on Dec. 22.

    Citrus County

    Crackers Bar and Grill in Crystal River will provide free kids meal specials — either grilled cheese or chicken fingers with applesauce to go — for children in need. 

    Other Resources:

    GoPuff is offering $50 in free groceries for SNAP customers who add their EBT card number in the app, with the company committing up to $10 million total. EBT customers can also get a $25 credit and free delivery with promo codes SNAPRELIEF1 (use Nov. 1-15) and SNAPRELIEF2 (if the shutdown continues Nov. 16-30). 

    Last week, Instacart started offering active SNAP customers 50% off their next grocery order, up to a $50 discount. All eligible customers who used EBT SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered via Instacart in October also received an individual discount code, committing up to $5 million in direct relief for SNAP households. Instacart also offers discounted memberships for SNAP recipients and no delivery fees on orders over $35.

    DoorDash also announced it would waive service and delivery fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November. The company also promised to deliver 1 million meals from food banks for free. More than 2.4 million DoorDash customers have a SNAP/EBT card linked to their account, according to the company.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Near record cold possible for the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday

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    A strong cold front will come through late Sunday and into Monday morning, bringing well below normal temperatures.

    What You Need To Know

    • Highs will struggle to make it into the 60s in some spots

    • Morning lows on Tuesday will be in the 30s and 40s

    • Milder air returns Wednesday afternoon

    A few showers will be possible late Sunday ahead of a cold front.

    Showers will clear the area by mid-morning on Monday, then winds will pick up out of the northwest.

    Winds could gust over 30 mph at times during the day on Monday, with gusts of 20 to 30 mph Monday night and into Tuesday.

    The chilly north to northwest wind will keep highs in the 60s on Monday.

    Temperatures will continue to drop Monday night.

    By Tuesday morning, temperatures in Tampa will be near its record low for the day of 40 degrees. Wind chills could be in the low to mid-30s. 

    Morning lows in the 30s seem likely north of Tampa, with a low chance of temperatures near freezing in parts of Citrus and Hernando counties.

    Highs on Tuesday may struggle to break 60 degrees north of Tampa.

    Wednesday will start chilly once again, but afternoon highs will reach the 70s as abundant sunshine returns. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Pasco Schools set to unlock AI for student use on Dec. 1

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As artificial intelligence (AI) tools continue to shape classrooms and workplaces, Pasco County Schools is preparing to embrace the technology, while also setting clear boundaries for its use.

    District teachers are already using Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant similar to ChatGPT, to help create lesson plans and develop guided tutorials for students.

    Beginning Dec. 1, high school students in the district will gain access to the tool as well.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco Schools to unlock AI for use by students in high school on Dec. 1

    • The district is currently drafting guidelines for the use of AI by students 

    • Pasco teachers have been using AI tools for lesson plans and student tutorials 

    • Pasco students will be allowed to use Microsoft Copilot in a limited capacity 


    Copilot functions like an advanced search engine. It can draft essays, answer questions and summarize research materials in seconds — tasks that could otherwise take students hours to complete. With such powerful capabilities, district leaders say they are focused on balancing innovation with responsibility.

    During a recent school board meeting, Superintendent John Legg emphasized that Pasco’s AI guidelines will need to evolve alongside the technology.

    “The one thing that I have heard — and I am not an AI expert — but in working with people who are, is the day we publish this is the day it is obsolete because it is emerging that quickly,” Legg said. “We will be constantly revisiting this, probably for the next few years.”

    The district is planning one more round of revisions to its AI guidelines before officially releasing them to students.

    While Pasco moves forward, other nearby school districts — Hillsborough and Pinellas, for example — are also drafting or refining their own policies around AI. Pasco officials say they’ve reviewed those guidelines closely to ensure consistency across the region.

    So far, there have been no statewide directives in Florida regarding the use of AI in schools. For now, each district is deciding how best to prepare students for a future where AI is part of everyday learning.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Pasco school leaders drafting AI guidebook for students, teachers

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County schools are working to incorporate artificial intelligence into their classrooms and creating guidelines to keep students safe while using the powerful tool.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County schools, along with many others across the Tampa Bay area, are debating policies surrounding artificial intelligence in the classroom 

    • PCS leaders are drafting guidelines for students and teachers, set to take effect on Dec. 1

    • Pasco high schoolers older than 13 will have access to Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant, for use on their work

    • SEE ALSO: Pasco Schools set to unlock AI for student use on Dec. 1


    Gone are the days of slamming lockers. Now, students are slamming a keyboard.

    “AI is everywhere. AI is embedded in almost all the technology and, talking to students, the students are asking for the rules and guidelines,” said Superintendent John Legg.

    Talk about a sign of the times. Legg admits his students, even as young as elementary school age, are using artificial intelligence.

    He said it’s high time for his district to set guardrails on how to use it.

    “It’s not a policy, it’s a guideline of best practices. We looked at other school districts and universities to see what are their recommended best practices for AI, and we’re giving it to the teachers for them to decide how they best want to use it,” Legg said.

    Instead of an “all or nothing” approach, Legg said the district will start slow.

    This December, high school students older than 13 will have access to Microsoft Co-Pilot, an AI-powered assistant, that helps by answering questions, writing and even creating images.

    In the 19-page draft guidelines, the district suggests students use AI to help “brainstorm ideas, research topics, practice writing or giving feedback. Ultimately, the district is clear in the document: “AI should help you learn — not do the work for you.”

    “Twenty-five, 30 years ago, we thought it was the end of the world having computers,” Legg said. “And then they slowly emerged into the classroom, and now they’ve become part of our daily life that we use, along with any technology. (AI) is the next evolution of technology in the classroom.”

    Pasco school leaders are also making an effort to promote ethical use of AI. Teachers have access to AI writing detection tools and are being told to document instances of students using AI for the wrong reasons.

    But Legg acknowledges that whatever guidelines they publish will likely need constant updating as the technology continues to advance.

    “Students are using it now. They’re just using it without our assistance, they’re using it without our controls. And we’re providing those guidelines to maximize the advantage in our classrooms,” Legg said.

    To stay current with all the advances in AI, Legg said the district has a standing work group dedicated to addressing concerns around the policy and shaping it for years to come.

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    Andy Cole

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  • Early introduction drops peanut allergies in children nationwide, research says

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — It has been known for a decade that giving babies highly allergenic foods young, in small amounts, can cut their allergy risk immensely.

    In October, a new study released findings showing this practice over 10 years has dropped the peanut allergy rates in kids by 43%. 

    What You Need To Know

    • New research shows peanut and other food allergies in children decreased when they were introduced to those foods as infants

    • Previous guidelines from the early 2000s had encouraged parents not to introduce children to hyperallergenic foods until toddler years. That all changed in 2015, when new guidance was released

    • Harper Wash is one, and her parents did introduce her to peanuts, eggs and other more allergenic foods young

    • Allergists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg say giving kids those foods daily or multiple times a week between six and 11 months is a good practice


    “Come on Harper, let’s go play,” said Alyssa Wash, taking her 1-year-old daughter outside. 

    Wash always wanted to be a mother, and when she and her husband had Harper, they were over the moon. 

    They did what many new parents do — they read the baby books and tried to do all the things the experts recommend. 

    Once Harper hit four months, they started introducing her to highly allergenic foods. 

    “I did it four to six months. I gave her peanut butter. Yeah, little bits at a time,” said Wash. 

    The hope was for Harper to avoid developing food allergies. 

    “I never batted an eye after she never had a reaction, until she did,” said Wash. 

    After turning one, Wash gave Harper a single peanut from a trail mix. After a few minutes, Harper became itchy, got red bumps around her mouth and hives.

    The Washes called their pediatrician, who told them to get to the hospital. Harper was OK after receiving care, but their doctor suggested they do a nut allergy panel.

    “Her back had all these little dots, little red marks. But then there were two huge welts that were both peanuts,” said Wash. 

    Harper was diagnosed with a mild peanut allergy. 

    Harper is an outlier though, with more and more parents not getting this news. 

    “So, the study results show that when we introduced peanut proteins very early, when the infants are young, like four to 11 months old, actually the chance of them having food allergy is much less,” said Johns Hopkins All Children’s Food Allergy Clinic Allergist and Medical Director Dr. Panida Sriaroon.

    In the new study, peanut allergy rates fell by 43% and there was an overall child food allergy decrease by 36%. 

    Eggs are now the most common food allergen. It is no longer peanuts. 

    Sriaroon says if you give those foods early, it increases the chances of a child avoiding those allergies. 

    “The earlier we have the baby exposed to foods orally actually the chance of them having allergies to that food, it becomes lower because the body is used to that allergen,” said Sriaroon. 

    For Harper, her parents are working with an allergist and now have an EpiPen just in case. 

    Wash maintains she is glad she gave Harper those small food amounts early. 

    “I am happy that I know. It still is very scary,” said Wash. 

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    Erin Murray

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  • American Legion Post 118 raising money towards repairing historic Gar Hall

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — An American Legion Post is looking to raise some funds to help save an iconic building.

    What You Need To Know

    • American Legion Post 118 is raising funds to help repair and preserve its historic building, Gar Hall

    • Built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans, Gar Hall has witnessed plenty of history, serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center
    • A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with ceiling, flooring, kitchen and porch repairs 


    American Legion Post 118 has a long history in the area, thanks to its building, Gar Hall. Years of neglect and a few natural causes have warped the building over time, but work to preserve the historic landmark is underway.

    “It’s been here a long time,” says Gary Douglas, financial officer of American Legion Post 118. “It’s been a central part of the Zephyrhills community.”

    At American Legion Post 118, visitors can find a window to the past. A past shared with the City of Zephyrhills.

    “This is the front porch, which we hope to have completely rebuilt,” says Douglas. “We need new steps to make them a little bit more accessible. These are kind of tough for people to get up. Although we do have a handicap ramp off to the side that comes up to the back, but this is all going to be redone hopefully with our restoration project.”

    Douglas is the post’s financial officer. He and his wife, Sandy, got involved with the American Legion this year. Saying they fell in love with the building and wanted to help.

    “We love the old architecture and stuff,” he said. “We saw this, and we came in, and this is just amazing, it really is. When we found out this building and that there was possibly going to be a change of regime, that was going to be really into fixing the building up and, of course, helping the veterans is a little treat to go along with that, too. It’s a two-fer.”

    The building, famously known as Gar Hall, was built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans. Serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center. A structure that has seen history.

    “We were worried about different things that we saw- leaks in the roof and holes in the floor — and we’re going how are we going to take this?” said Douglas. “We’re doing the best we can. And then, of course, with Senator Burgess’ submittal for the grant and the subsequent approval, it’s going to take a big load off our shoulders.”

    A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with repairs.

    “The building with the grant has the opportunity to preserve a lot of the historic character of the GAR and American Legion as well as the City of Zephyrhills,” said William McCaw, historic preservation specialist for the City of Zephyrhills.

    Gar Hall is one of 129 properties within the city’s historic district. An important factor, McCaw says, to preserving the area’s history.

    “They tell the story of the history of the city as much as any person would,” said McCaw. “You can look at the buildings, the newspaper articles, and what was the purpose of the building? How did it serve the community over the years and how will it continue serving in the future?”

    It’s that future that Douglas and the rest of the current American Legion post members want to help shape. Bringing the hall back to its former glory.

    “We want this place to not only be a historic thing for the city and for the community, but also for our veterans,” said Douglas. “Our main goal is to have a nice, friendly, calm place to come in and relax.”

    For those interested in getting involved in helping the American Legion Posts’ building, Douglas says you can make a donation in person.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Tour some spooky Halloween Homes around Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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    The Halloween season is here, and lots of homes are decked out with all sorts of spine-chilling decorations.

    Spectrum News got the chance to check out some of the best and scariest in Central Florida and around Tampa Bay.

    🔼 Check out the creepy compliation above! 

    And we’d love to see your home, too! Just fill out a form for Central Florida or Tampa Bay.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Food lines growing as SNAP Benefits set to expire Saturday

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — What began as a small community effort ten years ago has grown into a critical lifeline for hundreds of local families.

    The Bay Chapel Food Pantry, run out of two shipping containers in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church of Tampa Bay, is now serving record numbers of people each week.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Bay Chapel Food Pantry is preparing for SNAP Benefits to expire on Saturday

    • The need was growing weeks before the shutdown happened 

    •  Bay Chapel Food Pantry expects to help at least 600 people this Saturday

    • To help, visit www.baychapelfoodpantry.org


    “Six months ago, we were at 340,” said pantry director Lee Schielka. “Then it started spiking — 400, 395, 421, 495 — and then last Saturday, we hit what the volunteers called a world record: 541.”

    The pantry partners with Feeding Tampa Bay and local donors to provide both fresh and canned food to families in need. Photos from recent weekends show the food line stretching out to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, with cars and people waiting for assistance.

    Schielka says the demand was already growing before the recent government shutdown, but with SNAP benefits set to run out this Saturday, he expects the crowds to be even larger.

    “Feeding Tampa Bay has called and warned me — be prepared, it’s coming,” Schielka said. “We’ll probably do 600-plus this Saturday. They’ve been great about sending extra food. We’re trying to deal with this the best we can. And if this truly does happen, we’re hoping and praying it won’t — but if it does, we’ll open sometime during the week to give some relief to the community and those affected.”

    As the need grows, Schielka says there are several ways the community can help — by donating food, money, or time. Volunteers are always needed to help run the food lines and distribute items to families.

    For more information on Bay Chapel Food Pantry, or how you can help visit baychapelfoodpantry.org

     

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    Jason Lanning

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