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Tag: Polk County

  • Polk County adding 75 to fire department to reduce burnout

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Polk County Fire Department is looking to fill dozens of new positions after dealing with schedule burnout.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Fire Rescue aims to hire 75 new employees, particularly in field positions, to reduce overtime and improve work-life balance

    • The county spent approximately $14 million on overtime pay last year, and Halman emphasizes that these funds could be better spent on hiring additional staff

    • The Polk County Board of Commissioners recently approved $9.2 million to support staffing


    Joe Halman Jr., deputy county manager for public safety, says his 32 years as chief of law enforcement taught him the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. This is why he and other leaders are working to provide that balance for hundreds of paramedics, EMTs and firefighters.

    “We know being a firefighter is a lot of work. It’s very demanding,” he said. “Number one, they work 24-hour shifts. Number two, they see things that you and I, well not me, but you, probably will never see in a lifetime, and mentally, that can take a toll on you.”

    To reduce high turnover and burnout, Halman plans to fill 75 new positions. Currently, he says Polk County Fire Rescue employs more than 800 people, with 612 of them being field personnel who often work long hours, including overtime, due to a lack of overlapping resources.

    Joe Halman Jr., deputy county manager for public safety, says his 32 years as chief of law enforcement taught him the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

    “So by having 25 extra per shift, that will allow us to basically eliminate most of the overtime,” Halman said.

    Just last year, Halman says the county spent about $14 million on overtime pay. He says that money can go toward hiring more staff, along with the $9.2 million the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved this month.

    “Because we want to be the destination place to work, but we’ve got to make sure our folks are healthy, make sure they’re working in a good environment, and make sure they have the tools they need,” he said.

    “And the Board of County Commissioners has done a great job to ensure that we have good buildings to work out of, good equipment to operate with, and a competitive salary. Now we’ve got to deal with this schedule.”

    Halman and his team expect to address the schedule issue soon, hopefully with new hires who are just as eager as he was when he first started.

    View details to apply for a position with Polk County Fire.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Beloved Bartow artist honored for contributions during Black History Month

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    BARTOW, Fla. — From the melodies he sings to the clothes he wears, the spirit of the Old West still lives within James Camp.

    What You Need To Know

    • James “Lone Star” Camp, 85, is known for his western-themed artwork

    • Because of Camp’s contributions, he received the 2025 Black History Month Champion Award from the city of Bartow

    • Camp credits his success to God and his supporter




    “In school, I used to draw the circus,” Camp said. “Then I started watching westerns and silver saddle and things. Fancy gun belts, silver bullets kind of took my eye.”

    Camp, who goes by the nickname “Lone Star,” dreamed of becoming a western actor as a child. Though the 85-year-old never made it to Hollywood, his love for the era is captured in his artwork.

    “(I) haven’t spilled a drop yet. I’m still good,” he said with a chuckle.

    Camp said he first picked up a paintbrush when he was a teenager. Over the years, he left his mark on the sides of buildings from Polk County to Mississippi, including Treasure Marts in Bartow. Now, people from all over travel to Bartow just to buy one of his paintings.

    “I think of the good Lord when I paint, because he’s the one who gave it to me,” Camp said. “And I’ve done a good job lighting up the city, beautifying it. You’re not playing the part of anybody — you’re playing the part that God wants you to play. And I enjoy doing what I did. I brought a lot of love toward myself and people.”

    Bartow leaders recognized his contributions during a city commission meeting earlier this month, which Camp received wearing his cowboy hat and with a song in his heart.

    “I love me an old western song,” he said.


    While inside City Hall, Commissioner Leo Longworth shared a few words as he presented Camp with the 2025 Black History Month Champion Award.

    “So, we want to present to you and introduce to others, James L. ‘Cowboy’ Lone Star Camp, the man who Hollywood overlooked,” Longworth said.

    Now, Camp is certainly in the spotlight.

    “I feel satisfied,” he said. “I feel like I’m wanted. Like I’m someone.”

    But to the community, Camp is more than just somebody — he’s a legend. And if you ask him, he would say it wouldn’t have been possible without God and his supporters.

    “And I want to thank you all out there, people that I never saw,” he said. “I’m your friend. Regardless of who you are, I’m a friend and I just want you to know that.”

    In addition to being honored this year by Bartow’s City Commission, the city had also previously proclaimed June 10 as James “Lone Star” Camp Day.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • ‘It’s time to leave the country’: Florida sheriffs to tackle illegal immigration

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. —  Sheriffs from across the state are taking steps to address illegal immigration. 

    On Monday, members of the Florida Sheriffs Association gathered in Polk County to announce updates on 287(g) compliance.

    Three programs under this provision will allow local authorities to assist with immigration enforcement — both in jails and on the streets.

    This means deputies and correction officers will be able to make probable-cause arrests, participate in street task forces, and issue warrants.

    Sixty-seven memorandums of agreement have been officially signed for all of Florida’s county jails. This allows staff to issue warrants for undocumented immigrants, notifying ICE when they are arrested and booked.

    “So these people are deported and not released back into the community to commit more crimes,” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.

    Sheriff Gualtieri helped lead the conversation about immigration. The issue hits close to home for him, as a man who was deported twice to Honduras killed one of his deputies in 2022 in a construction incident. Gualtieri says incidents like this are why ICE needs assistance from local authorities.

    “Because it keeps clearly bad people from getting back on the street where ICE has to spend resources, and we have to help them go find these people,” he said. “It’s also safer for the ICE officers to take these people into custody from the jail.”

    To ensure deputies and corrections officers are prepared, Gualtieri says they will undergo four hours of training for the warrant-service program. Other training sessions will take about five days.

    Once the programs are up and running, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the biggest hurdle will be bed space. He says ICE only has 2,000 beds throughout Florida, and they’re all full.

    “There is no capacity in the sheriff’s or the county jails of this state to make any negligible difference. We’ve got to have the federal government make capacity,” Sheriff Judd said. “That’s why we’re here making this statement today, and the federal government knows this. They have to create capacity. We can bring them all the business they can handle and more.”

    In the meantime, Sheriff Judd is leaving undocumented immigrants with two options.

    “It’s time to leave the country. You can leave by yourself or you can leave in handcuffs,” he said.

    The Florida Sheriffs Association expects operations to begin within the next 15 to 30 days. As of now, members say the plan for training will remain fluid.

    Spectrum News talked about that with immigration attorney Danielle Hernandez about the new changes. Hernandez has been on both sides of this issue. She represented the government in some immigration cases and now represents immigrants.

    Hernandez fears that under the updated provision, deputies may stop people simply because of the color of their skin, which she believes violates the Constitution.

    “I don’t know where the probable cause will come from. People need to remember the Constitution of the United States protects every single individual irrespective of their status in this country,” she said. “It does not matter who you are or what your background is. The police need probable cause to just stop you to determine whether you have broken the law or not.”

    Hernandez is afraid that this might lead to people of color in this country legally being harassed by local law enforcement. However, the sheriffs say their focus is on undocumented immigrants who are also committing other crimes.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Spring training to drive economic boost in Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As baseball fans flock to the Sunshine State for spring training games, the director of Visit Central Florida expects the economic impact to increase from last year. 

    Mark Jackson said spring training in 2024 generated $683 million for Florida’s economy. He attributes part of that success to the Detroit Tigers’ 89-year history in Lakeland, making it the longest-running relationship between a Major League Baseball team and its host city.

    “The Tigers’ spring operation is not just the six weeks. That goes all year round with the training, the medical, and all the other things that happen right here in Polk County,” Jackson said. “So we’re better off financially, and our quality of life, of course, is enhanced as well.”

    Joker Marchant Stadium is the spring training home of the Tigers, and nearby businesses are benefiting from the influx of visitors.

    The Tigers have 15 home games on their spring training schedule before the Major League Baseball season begins. 

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Community reacts to bill removing in-state tuition for undocumented students

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Curbing illegal immigration has been a top priority for lawmakers in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill ending in-state tuition for undocumented students.

    The decision is sparking reaction on both sides.


    Going to college was always Diego Dulanto’s dream.

    He received his bachelor’s degree in 2022, but as a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, he said there were challenges.

    “It’s extremely stressful,” he said.

    Dulanto said he had to pay out of pocket because he didn’t qualify for financial aid. Although he was able to get in-state tuition, he says the cost still added up.

    He says now that undocumented students will have to pay out-of-state tuition, it could be a financial barrier.

    “This takes away from people’s dreams of wanting to get a higher education and actually contribute to society,” Dulanto said. “But now we won’t be able to do that.”

    He is currently pursuing his master’s degree and mentors other DACA students.

    “It’s heartbreaking, you know, they come to me for answers, and I don’t know what to tell them because for most, if not all of them, this was their only option,” Dulanto said.

    However, Hunter Branstner, who is vice president of the Polk County Young Republicans, said he sees the change as a step in the right direction.

    “Overall, it’s a pretty good way to tackle illegal immigration,” he said.

    He says ultimately this will help students who are in the U.S. legally.

    “That’s more money, more tools in the tool belt,” he said.

    Supporters of the new policy say the state must remove all incentives that attract illegal immigrants to Florida.

    “It’s not an issue of do we have respect for the people,” Branstner said. “Of course we have respect for people, they’re humans. But where is the respect and where is the humanity for our own Floridians.”

    While undocumented students and their supporters say this decision means Florida is going to lose out on future skilled workers, others say they would like to see additional states look to Florida’s example and work to end in-state tuition for non-citizens as well.

    Under the new policy, only “citizens of the United States” or those here legally qualify for in-state tuition.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Lakeland to redesign dangerous intersection due to design flaw

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Officials are taking a closer look at one of Lakeland’s most dangerous roads.

    What You Need To Know

    • The intersection of Sleepy Hill Road and Kennedy Boulevard is known for many car accidents, prompting officials to reevaluate its design

    • Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby highlights several issues with the road’s design, including a sharp curve

    • Lakeland is allocating $75,000 to redesign the curve and is seeking $1 million in grants to help fund construction costs 


    The intersection of Sleepy Hill Road and Kennedy Boulevard is a known area for car wrecks. When Steven Boutwell isn’t at work, he keeps his ear to the streets nearby.

    “I was just sitting there playing video games, and I just heard ‘errrrr,’ like loud screeches. ‘KAPOW!’ And it was a big, black — I think it was a Ford,” he said.

    That was Boutwell’s description of one of the two car crashes he has witnessed since moving to Sunset Lakes Apartment Complex six months ago. He said it is clear that both wrecks were the result of more than just reckless driving.

    “It definitely has to do with that sharp side right there, especially with those two loopy loops, those turns back to back like that,” Boutwell said. “I don’t know, it’s kind of sketchy. If you’re going at least the speed limit, it still feels like you’re leaning in your car.”

    At Lakeland City Hall, Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby said it is not very often that collisions are caused by a design flaw. However, after taking a closer look at the intersection recently, he said traffic engineers realized it needs to be completely redesigned.

    “We’ve seen some concerns with the minimal radius out there; it’s about 375 feet. That doesn’t comply with Florida Greenbook requirements. The super elevation is about 2.5%, and given the radius, it doesn’t comply with Florida Greenbook requirements,” he said. “Also, there’s kind of a weird reverse curve effect, so it gets drivers going in one direction before it turns in the other direction. All those things compounded together are leading to some crashes off the road.”

    Twenty-five car accidents were reported on the roadway within the past five years, including one fatal accident in 2021, Lazenby said.

    So far, his team has removed two trees from the median to reduce the number of wrecks.

    The city has allocated $75,000 from its current fiscal budget to redesign the curve on Sleepy Hill Road and will seek $1 million in grants to help with construction costs, Lazenby said. 

    In the meantime, Boutwell advises everyone to drive with caution.

    “You got to pay attention. Just pay attention, honestly,” he said. “It’s a very sharp turn. So it’s just kind of one of those things where anything can happen if you’re not looking out for yourself and around.”

    Lazenby said it will take at least a year to finish the new design of the intersection.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Report: Almost half of statewide storm insurance claims have been denied

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Driving around the Bay area coast, it’s clear last year’s hurricanes wreaked havoc, causing billions of dollars in damage.

    Now, there’s a better way to understand the magnitude of the damage.


    New numbers show more than 329,000 statewide residential property insurance claims since the storms.

    But those same numbers indicate less than half those claims have been paid out, per the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR).

    According to a Realtor.com report, 42% of the claims have been paid. But more than 40% were denied, indicating it was either something the policy did not cover, or the damage fell below the deductible.

    As for the claims still open, 7% of them are still in the evaluation process, according to state regulators.

    Overall, according to FLOIR, residential property insurance policies have paid out $2.4 billion in claims related to Milton, and $500 million for Helene.

    Excluding federal flood insurance, total payments for the two hurricanes in Florida during 2024, including commercial and auto policies, have topped $5.7 billion.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Missing swans stolen from Lakeland home found in South Florida

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    WEDNESDAY AM UPDATE:  Alfredo Casanova turned himself in at the Polk County Jail early Wednesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

    He faces felony burglary and grand theft charges.

    Authorities are still looking for Montoya.

    PREVIOUS STORY

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Two black swans that were stolen from a Lakeland home last week are back, safe and sound.

    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that the swans, named “Luna” and “Sturling,” were reported missing last week and that they were taken from a home in the Highland Village neighborhood.

    Detectives got a tip that led them to Miami-Dade County. The birds and their eggs are now back in Lakeland.

    Deputies have issued arrest warrants for two people. Alfredo Casanova, 29, and Jordan Montoya, 27, both of Homestead, are being sought by the sheriff’s office.

    Anyone with information about them can call 863-534-7205 or email tips@polksheriff.org.


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Sheriffs Judd, Gualtieri appointed to new state immigration council

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Two familiar Bay area faces will help lead the newly formed State Board of Immigration Enforcement Council.

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri were appointed to those roles on Monday.

    According to Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the sheriffs will meet with law enforcement officials across the state. They will coordinate with the Trump administration to help carry out federal immigration enforcement.

    Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell also were appointed to the council.

    The sheriffs will serve in an advisory role on immigration and report to the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bartow lawmakers hosting community forum on fluoride

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    BARTOW, Fla. — The city of Bartow is hosting a community forum Tuesday to continue talks on whether fluoride should be removed from the city’s drinking water.

    State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and American Fluoride Society President Dr. Johnny Johnson will join the forum to discuss pros and cons of the practice, that for years was believed to improve dental health.


    The forum happens tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.

    In December, leaders considered recent guidance from Ladapo. He has spoken out against the long-held practice after Winter Haven commissioners voted 3-2 to remove fluoride from its water supply.

    Most toothpastes and mouthwashes already contain fluoride.

    Opinions are mixed in the city of Bartow about the removal of Fluoride from the citi’s water supply, and that’s why Mayor Trish Pfeiffer says Tuesday’s forum will help better inform city leaders and the public.

    “The biggest thing that I am hoping comes out of this is, do you really know what this is? And here it is. I think it is going to be pretty enlightening for people to see the safety data sheet,” said Pfeiffer. “That’s what I am looking at. And it’s pretty compelling.”

    Winter Haven recently voted to remove fluoride from its drinking water supply.

    An effort to remove it in Hillsborough County recently failed.

    In Manatee County, commissioners have drafted a motion to remove fluoride from the drinking water, but a vote is still pending.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Roadway depression on eastbound U.S. 92 closes one lane

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    BARTOW, Fla. – Crews are investigating a depression in the roadway on eastbound U.S. 92.

    The location is about 1,000 feet west of SR 570 (Polk Parkway) in Auburndale.

    The eastbound lane closest to the median is closed until the cause is determined and crews can make repairs.

    The lane closure is expected to remain in place at least through Wednesday.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Dentists weigh in ahead of Lakeland’s water fluoridation discussion

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is the latest city in Polk County to discuss whether to continue adding fluoride to its drinking water.

    City commissioners plan to listen to both sides of the debate during an upcoming public hearing. Initially scheduled for Monday, a public hearing on fluoridation does not appear on the commission’s agenda for that morning.

    While the use of fluoride is up for debate in Lakeland, Dr. Aaron Scheps says he sees every day why the long-held practice should continue.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland is considering whether to continue adding fluoride to its drinking water

    • Dr. Aaron Scheps argues fluoride is crucial for preventing cavities, especially in underserved areas

    • Dr. Andrew Agnini agrees with the benefits of water fluoridation, but calls for a more open discussion

    “Boots on the ground, day in and day out, in a practice, I see kids coming through this door with tons of cavities despite having some fluoride in the water,” he said. “And that might be their only source of fluoride. It’s their only fighting chance of having these cavities not get so bad.”

    For the last eight years, Scheps’ office, Dentistry for Children, has served one of the city’s most underserved communities. He says without fluoride being readily available, the children he treats will be worse off.

    “Guarantee if we take fluoride out of the water, kids are going to get more cavities, they’re going to miss more school, and it’s just going to make this underserved area in more need,” Scheps said.

    At Agnini Family Dental, Dr. Andrew Agnini agrees that fluoridated water is proven to effectively prevent tooth decay. However, the Lakeland native believes the dental community should be more open to hearing other viewpoints.

    “If you look at some of the well-founded studies that are for fluoride, it does list some of those negatives, so you have to always look at any community: does one outweigh the other?” he said. “So, I think that’s where the dental industry falls — the benefits far outweigh the potential negatives, and the argument about cognitive abilities and cognitive health, I think that does have a standing that needs to be looked at.”

    A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that high fluoride exposure can negatively impact children’s developing brains and IQs. However, Scheps says there are just as many studies supporting the mineral as there are against it.

    “And the studies that we do have that show that fluoride is helpful tend to be of a higher level of evidence. A little bit more credible,” he said.

    Which he hopes city leaders will consider before making a final decision.

    Lakeland is one of the five cities in Polk County that still adds fluoride to its drinking water, along with Bartow, Auburndale, Haines City and Lake Alfred.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Florida Polytechnic professor makes discovery with water-walking insects

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Through the doors of Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center, small yet groundbreaking strides are being made.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dr. Daren Watson’s research at Florida Polytechnic University explores how water-walking insects survive rainfall

    • Key attributes like water repellency and buoyancy help insects stay afloat during rain

    • Watson’s findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), advancing insect research and inspiring future studies


    “We usually track the interactions one drop at a time to see how that drop interacts with the microplastics that are on top of the water,” said Dr. Daren Watson, a mechanical engineering professor.

    Watson uses a rain simulator to conduct research. Each droplet mimics actual raindrops, while tiny microplastics serve as stand-ins for water-walking insects, also known as striders.

    “Because of the size of the insects, we see that the study translates well with respect to these microplastics,” he said.

    The Jamaica native began closely studying water striders with his team in 2021. The idea for the research came from a kayaking trip, one of his favorite activities when he’s not in the lab.

    “When I’m kayaking, you can see these small insects gliding along the surface of the water, and the curiosity came. How do these insects survive during rainfall?” Watson said.

    Using a high-speed camera, Watson was able to uncover the secret behind their resilience.

    “What it showed us is that the insects’ morphological features enable them to withstand rainfalls, even those with drops much larger than the insects themselves,” he said.

    Watson says the striders’ key attributes include water repellency, natural buoyancy and a lightweight structure.

    “You can see that protective air bubble around the insect because of its extreme hydrophobicity,” he said. “So, this air bubble here helps the insect in terms of preventing drowning, and they’re able to lock beneath the surface.” 

    Watson’s remarkable discovery is contributing to cutting-edge science. His findings were even published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), one of the world’s top multidisciplinary scientific journals.

    “I was very elated when we got into PNAS, and it just showed the quality work that we were able to accomplish,“ he said.

    Now, Watson is turning his attention to the future. His next area of study involves land-based crawlers.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Veterinarians concerned for Lakeland swans as bird flu cases rise

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — While people typically visit Lake Morton to feed the swans, experts recommend admiring the beloved birds from afar.

    What You Need To Know

    • Veterinarians are concerned about the potential impact of bird flu on Lakeland’s royal swans

    • Precautions, such as hand sanitizing and avoiding direct contact with swans, are recommended to prevent the spread of the virus

    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on a vaccine to help control the spread of bird flu


    As bird flu cases spread across the U.S., Lakeland’s royal swans may be at risk.

    Dr. Price Dickson, veterinarian at My Pet’s Animal Hospital, started caring for the 53 swans at Lake Morton in 2019. However, recently she and other experts have become concerned about their health due to bird flu.

    “Like any flu, it can be fatal and unfortunately bird flu can also affect the nervous system, causing seizures, high fevers, and other symptoms, as well as respiratory effects,” she said.

    Thankfully, Dr. Dickson says swans prefer social distancing, unlike ducks and pelicans. However, they could come into contact with wild birds migrating from other areas. She says this increases the risk of the virus spreading through the swan population and to peoples’ pets.

    “If we’re touching a bird and we get the virus on our hands, and touch mouths, noses, or bring it home and touch a cat or a bird, then that can be transmitted through mucous membranes,” Dr. Dickson said.

    Though no bird flu cases have been reported in Polk County so far, she advises the community to take extra precautions when visiting the lake.

    “If they are doing things like feeding the ducks and then going and feeding the swans, try to use hand sanitizer, or wash their hands in between, or just throw the food on the ground rather than getting them to do beak-to-hand touching,” she said.

    Dr. Dickson recommends people be on the lookout for bird flu symptoms, like their pets sneezing, showing fatigue, or having seizures. In the meantime, she and the city will do their part to keep the swans around for years to come.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also working on a vaccine to stop the virus from spreading.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Work ramps up on new I-4 lanes between Tampa and Orlando

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Construction is now ramping up on a project to help with traffic congestion on I-4 between Tampa and Orlando.

    What You Need To Know

    • Work is now ramping up to relieve congestion on I-4 between Tampa and Orlando

    • Two new lanes will be built east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Drive in Osceola County

    • It’s the start of a larger plan known as “Moving I-4 Forward” to improve congestion and safety on I-4 through Central Florida  


    It’s part of the “Moving Florida Forward” plan that was announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis last June to help improve safety and congestion on major roadways around the state.

    Part of that bigger plan is “Moving I-4 Forward,” which is made up of five major projects to improve traffic on I-4 in Central Florida.

    The first part of that is now underway, which the Florida Department of Transportation is calling the “Accelerated Start.” Two new lanes are being built from east of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Drive in Osceola County, one in each direction.

    The goal is to have these two new lanes open by the end of the year.

    According to FDOT, that 7.5 mile section of I-4 sees an average of 140,000 cars per day.

    Once the lanes are open, work will begin on widening entrance and exit ramps at the ChampionsGate interchange, an area that sees constant congestion.

    And that is all just the beginning.

    While drivers may see relief later this year with the new lanes, FDOT is starting five other projects on I-4 from Polk County to Orange County. That includes widening I-4 from 6 lanes to 12 in some of those areas, plus new interchange ramps and connections.

    That work will happen over the next several years.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Tampa Bay celebrates Black History Month 2025

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    BY

    DeJanae Phillips

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM ET Feb. 05, 2025
    PUBLISHED 5:00 PM EST Feb. 05, 2025

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Bartow Air Traffic Control Academy looks to help industry’s worker shortage

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Following a tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., a Bay area college is working to address the industry’s staffing shortage.

    “We don’t know what the situation really is until the TSB and FAA tell us what happened,” Randy Clayton, control tower operator and instructor, said.

    “We can’t say it’s a manning issue, but what we can say is that the manning shortfalls do put pressure on the system. We need to make sure that, if it was a manning shortfall or stress from overwork, we need to fill those slots and get people in those positions.”

    Clayton is looking to fill those vacancies through Traviss Technical College’s new Air Traffic Control Academy. The 10-month program will be held at the Bartow Executive Airport as part of its partnership with the accredited school.

    “This is where, whenever we’re doing all of our term exams and things like that, this is where our students will be,” he said, pointing to an empty classroom.

    Classes are set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Once students complete the course, they must be verified by a control tower operator examiner, who will determine if they’re qualified for a certificate through the FAA.

    “Then you’ll be able to go to the FCTs and NFCTs that we have associations with,” Clayton said. “They’ll plug you into their system, another rotation, you start to get qualified, and join the community.”

    He says hopefully this will help end the industry’s years-long employee shortage and reduce worker burnout.

    “We really want those people to have longevity when it comes to controlling, and this will help that out so they can get more time off, a better work-life ratio, and you know, all of my friends and family who are controllers will be able to continue doing what they’re doing and actually enjoy life,” Clayton said.

    View information on joining Traviss Technical College’s Air Traffic Control Academy.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland commissioners to vote on restarting police drone program

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland city commissioners will vote Monday on restarting the police department’s drone program.

    The department first started using drones in 2018. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland city commissioners will vote Monday on restarting the police department’s drone program

    • The department first started using drones in 2018

    • Those in favor of restarting the program say it will help enhance observations from the sky, such as searching for a suspect or missing person

    The program was grounded back in 2022 due to mandates from state leaders.

    In 2018, the department began using four DJI Mavic Pro Drones, a small yet powerful drone that will allow the operators to utilize them in emergency situations and keep first responders safe.

    Officials said in the event of a missing endangered adult or suspect who fled on foot, they could deploy the drone and get a bird’s-eye view from 300 feet in the air to help locate them.

    The department’s four sworn operators will be FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certified to operate the drones during emergencies only and they will not be recording video or taking pictures.

    Those in favor of restarting the program say it will help enhance observations from the sky, such as searching for a suspect or missing person.

    If approved, it would be a three-year agreement.


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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Man helping Hispanics navigate AI

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A recent report shows minority-led small businesses are using AI in high numbers, citing an increased ability to level the economic playing field.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sergio Rey founded Mall Digital 360 to help businesses navigate AI

    • Rey hosts session to educate Hispanics about AI and how it can help their business

    • Latino Donor Collaborative found that 14% of Latino-owned businesses currently use AI.


    Sergio Rey is demonstrating how AI can help business owners make conversations between customers easier. It’s part of his lesson on artificial intelligence for Latino entrepreneurs.

    “It’s important to always be educated because we are in a prosperous and abundant country,” Rey said.

    He hosts these sessions to help calm fears and help more people understand how to use it to their advantage. Tuesday was all about how to use AI to scale a business up.

    After migrating from Colombia four years ago, Rey knows how challenging it can be to understand and incorporate something new. Rey went from job to job before creating Mall Digital 360, a platform that helps make connections easier for businesses with the use of AI.

    “For example, if there is a language barrier with AI, we can bridge those barriers. We can compete in a market that isn’t necessarily our country of origin,” he said.

    The Latino Donor Collaborative found that 14% of Latino-owned businesses currently use AI technology compared to 7% of White-owned businesses. This comes at a time when Latinos are graduating in record numbers from engineering schools and other STEM careers.

    Rey says it’s an opportunity to embrace the synergy between AI and the Latino community.

    “It’s important to empower, because a Hispanic Latino person that’s empowered is a person that can contribute with even more tools in their box,” he said.

    He wants Latino businesses to understand this new generation of technology, adding that it’s another way to continue to fill their toolboxes with ways to grow and scale their businesses.

    The next session is being held in April.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Winter Haven theater to help employees affected by Legoland layoffs

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Massive layoffs were announced for one of Florida’s top theme parks, which has prompted members of the Winter Haven community into action.

    What You Need To Know

    • Legoland Florida Resort announced it will lay off more than 200 of its employees

    • The majority of the employees affected are from the theme park’s entertainment department

    • Theatre Winter Haven and the Ritz Theatre plan to host an event to benefit those impacted by the layoffs


    Legoland Florida Resort said it will let go of more than 200 employees in the coming months, mostly from its entertainment department. 

    Just up the road from the theme park, Theatre Winter Haven Executive Director Dan Chesnicka said many of the performers and technicians got their start at the theater. He has continued to root for them, especially during this time of uncertainty. 

    “A lot of folks are concerned of course. It will be a time of transition for everybody, which of course is scary,” he said. “Legoland has been a real part of this community for decades, when before it was Cypress Gardens, so it’s really close to Winter Haven, and we have a real affection for it.”

    As for the employees affected, Chesnicka said the show will still go on.

    “These folks are remarkably talented, and I know all of them are going to land on their feet somewhere,” he said.

    To ensure a smooth transition, Theatre Winter Haven and the Ritz Theatre plan to host an event to help those impacted.

    “So we’ll have a pay-what-you-can event with many opportunities to donate to the various performers throughout the evening, but even more importantly, we’re going to invite a number of agents, talent scouts and casting personnel to come witness the event we put on, where some of those folks will be able to perform and showcase their talents,” he said.

    Chesnicka says several agents from around Florida have already agreed to attend. Though his team is still working to set a date for the event, he assures it will be before Legoland employees say their final goodbyes in March.

    In a statement, a spokesperson for Legoland, Julie Estrada, told Spectrum Bay News 9:

    “At Legoland Florida Resort, we are making operational changes to help us elevate the guest experience in 2025 and beyond.

    The decision to reduce the size of our entertainment team was undoubtedly difficult, but these changes will allow the resort to operate more flexibly and responsively in a competitive market.

    We are supporting employees during this period of change and will do all we can to help them find alternative employment, including sharing audition opportunities within the external global entertainment provider.”

    Legoland layoffs will continue through April 7.

    According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice sent out by the Florida Department on Jan. 24, 234 employees at Legoland have until March 25 to find new employment. This includes managers, technicians and performers. Nearly 75% of the employees are classified as entertainment performers.

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    Alexis Jones

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