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Tag: Polk County

  • Clearwater police, Coast Guard searching for missing boaters

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater Police and the U.S. Coast Guard are searching for four missing boaters who failed to return from a fishing trip Monday.

    The four, who are from Mulberry in Polk County, left from the Seminole Street Boat Ramp at about 9:30 a.m. Monday in a 25-foot green-and-white catamaran called “Money Well Wasted.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearwater Police, Coast Guard searching for missing boaters

    • 4 people left from the Seminole Street Boat Ramp at about 9:30 a.m. Monday in a 25-foot green-and-white catamaran called “Money Well Wasted.”

    • Coast Guard started search Monday night and will resume its efforts at daybreak

    They were supposed to return at about 4 p.m., according to family members.

    Relatives became concerned when they hadn’t returned and contacted the Clearwater Police Department just before 8:30 p.m. Monday.

    Officers found the truck and trailer still at the boat ramp, with no sign of the boat or boaters.

    The Coast Guard conducted a search Monday night and will resume its efforts at daybreak. The fishermen usually travel 25 miles offshore.

    The missing boaters are identified as Dennis Woods, 70; Clarence Woods, 90; Cris Harding Sr., 42; and Cris Harding Jr., 18.

    Clearwater Police are asking any boaters heading out on the water today to report any sightings to (727) 562-4242.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Marc Rimes appears as the ‘Hulk’ to support children

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County man is devoting a lot of his time to appearing as “The Incredible Hulk” at local events. Most of the appearances are for charities. Underneath that huge Hulk outfit is a man with a big heart for kids. Marc Rimes has a couple of reasons for that big heart.

    What You Need To Know

    • Marc Rimes appears as the “Hulk” at Bay area charity events. He also works to promote autism awareness

    • Rimes’s son Chance, who is on the autism spectrum, appears with Rimes as Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies

    • Rimes often appears at events with Superheroes for Hire characters

    • Rimes grew up in foster care and boys’ homes and has a special heart for children who need to feel loved


    On a recent Saturday evening, Rimes appeared as the “Hulk” at the Auburndale Speedway. Lots of small children wanted to give his massive Hulk character a hug. Rimes said he loves seeing the smiles and children’s faces when they see him.

    “I don’t do it to get recognized. I don’t do this for recognition,” said Rimes. “I do this to put a smile on someone’s face.”

    Rimes’ girlfriend Candice Holiday is a big believer in Rimes’ efforts. “It’s mostly the lower-class kids who need that extra boost in life,” she said. “That’s what we do. We come out and put smiles on faces.”

    Rimes said he grew up in boys’ homes and foster care, so he is sensitive to a child needing to feel love. “I grew up in a life where I fought to be loved. And I want to be there for a kid who needs a smile or a hug. I want to be there to give hope,” he said.

    Rimes has a son named Chance who is on the autism spectrum. Chance appears with Rimes at events dressed as the character Groot from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. Rimes is dedicated to autism awareness. “Everybody needs the awareness. Everybody needs to know we can include our children. Not one child is the same on the spectrum. But they don’t have to be treated differently,” he said.

    Rimes has a sports car decked out with superhero logos and autism awareness messages that he takes to his events. “When you see it come down the road you can’t miss it. It also has my son dressed up as one of the superheroes on the side of the car.” Rimes said his car is part of the Cars Racing for the Dream organization.

    Rimes often appears with other local residents who dress up superheroes. They are called Superheroes for Hire. The group held parades for a terminally ill boy named Braxton Criss. Braxton passed away. At the Auburndale Speedway event, Chance dressed as Groot presented Braxton’s mom Jessica Criss with one of his previous Groot outfits.

    Criss is thankful for what all the superheroes did for her son before he died. “Honored that they gave us memories that we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and they made Braxton’s last moments incredibly special,” she said.

    Rimes was also hailed as a hero recently for running to a neighbor’s home that was on fire and using a garden hose to fight the flames before firefighters got there.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Florida SNAP benefits officially resume, officials say

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — After weeks of waiting, SNAP recipients across the Bay area should soon see their benefits.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida officials say all delayed November SNAP benefits have now been issued, following delays caused by the government shutdown

    • Some recipients, including Hannah Hendry, say the Propel app showed conflicting information, leaving many unsure whether benefits would arrive before Thanksgiving

    • State officials advise residents not to reapply for benefits, noting that doing so will slow processing


    The Florida Department of Children and Families recently announced that all previously scheduled benefits that were delayed due to the government shutdown have now been issued.

    The mother of three, Hannah Hendry, keeps up with the latest SNAP benefit updates through Propel — an app for recipients. While Hendry says some of the information has been discouraging, she has kept a brave face for her daughters with help from family and local pantries.

    “This was food bank. That was food bank. All of this was food bank,” Hendry said, pointing at the food in her cabinets.

    Over the past few weeks, in addition to her own trips to food banks, Hendry says she has also shared a lot of the food she received with her neighbors. She says many of them are still without their benefits.

    “So I’m hoping my food stamps come on time, especially if theirs still hasn’t so I can grab some sides for Thanksgiving,” she said.

    According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, all November SNAP benefits have been issued to eligible recipients as of last week. Residents scheduled to get their benefits after Nov. 14 will receive them on their normal date. However, Hendry says she and her neighbors received different information through the Propel app.

    “The most recent update said that it would probably be November/December,” she said. “So I hate to say it, but I don’t find it surprising that it might be after Thanksgiving.”

    With that said, Hendry plans to hold on to faith that she’ll receive her benefits before then. If anything changes, she says she’ll be one of the first to know.

    Florida SNAP benefits are released between the first and the 28th of each month, depending on your case number. State officials say if you’ve already submitted an application or renewal, there’s no need to reapply. Doing so will slow down the process.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Bonnet Springs Park postpones annual light show

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Bonnet Springs Park hit pause on its annual holiday light show this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bonnet Springs Park is postponing its popular Light Up BSP event this year due to major parking and traffic issues seen during last year’s crowds

    • The park is building two new parking lots with nearly 400 additional spaces to help handle the surge in visitors for future events

    • Light Up BSP is expected to return in 2026

    Light Up BSP is one of the park’s most popular events, bringing in thousands of visitors. It’s the one event CEO Josh Henderson says takes the longest to prepare.

    “We start putting the lights up in November,” Henderson said. “It’s a huge event. We have about a third of a mile of lights that go through the Ag America Heritage Gardens as well as the Crenshaw Canopy Walk.”

    Light Up BSP also includes festive music and food. But with the number of people the free event drew last year, Henderson says parking became a hassle. He says his team decided to postpone it this year after hearing from residents.

    “The guests said how hard it was to get into the park last year. We had huge attendance growth, and the local area — the roads were backed up for an hour and a half to two hours every night,” he said.

    To prevent that from happening again, the park is building two new parking lots that will add nearly 400 spaces. Phase one is already underway just across the street from the Family Welcome Center.

    “We’re really looking forward to getting that open,” Henderson said.

    Henderson expects construction to be complete just in time for Light Up BSP 2026. In the meantime, he says not all is lost. Staff will be sprinkling holiday cheer throughout the park.

    “But there’s not going to be lights and major decorations,” he said. “We are getting in the spirit; we’re just not holding a major event this year.”

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Booming agritourism business helps small Florida farms

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — More farmers and ranchers are embracing agritourism opportunities on their properties. It’s a way to incorporate recreation and educational experiences. The agritourism industry has helped generate billions in Florida alone, according to the latest census of agriculture.

    What You Need To Know

    • Farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in agritourism in the U.S. in 2022, the latest Census of Agriculture
    • Fancy Farms was started in 1974, and its market opened six years ago
    • The market, open October through June, is located at 5204 Drane Field Rd. in Lakeland


    What started as a strawberry farm has now transformed into a spot the community can enjoy.

    Kristi Grooms Barnes is the president of the Fancy Farms Market. She and her brother Dustin Grooms opened the market six years ago to continue to share their parents’ legacy and her family’s homemade goods.

    She says something they pride themselves on is sharing things she and her brother grew up with. “We have branded this after my mother DD, as Fancy Dee’s preserves, jams and relishes,” Barnes said.

    The market has since expanded to serve lunch, and recently they decided they would open two months earlier than prior years.

    They consider the market a form of agritourism for the farm.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes agritourism as a commercial enterprise that links agricultural production with tourism.

    For Fancy Farms, this concept has been a plus. “It’s another revenue stream for our farm, and we’re able to get more people to the farm,” she said.

    The latest Census of Agriculture reports that about 57% of U.S. counties reported agritourism income.

    Barnes said the farm is a member of the Florida Agritourism Association, and the family serves on the board, because they see the growing demand.

    “We’ve seen a shift in this agritourism, and people want to get outside. They want to see where their food comes. They want to connect with the land,” she explained.

    Simon Bollin is the Agribusiness Development Manager with UF IFAS extension.

    He said agritourism has increased on small to medium-size farms, rather than on large-scale properties.

    “It does definitely help out local farms. It gives them another source of income and direct to retail, direct to consumer ability to market,” Bollin said.

    Barnes said agritourism is helping shape the future of farming, making more people aware of what goes on behind the scenes.

    “The education side is really important to us to show people there’s a lot more that goes into farming than it just showing up on your plate at dinnertime,” she said.

    Sharing what the farm has to offer so that everyone can enjoy it.

    The menu at Fancy Farms Market changes to incorporate new flavors, and in December, they will kick off the strawberry season.

    The market is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Viva Polk magazine makes transition to being bilingual

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Viva Polk magazine is giving readers the opportunity to learn English through its pages. This year, the magazine made the transition to become a bilingual magazine, while still preserving Spanish stories.

    What You Need To Know

    • Both languages are offered in the same article side by side
    • The magazine also underlines words that are similar in both English and Spanish so that readers can learn


    Teresa Martinez is an educator at heart. That passion to teach is evident within the pages of her magazine, Viva Polk.

    As the editor-in-chief and publisher, she says the magazine is a source of education for many.

    “An informed community is an educated community; it is a better community,“ she said.

    The first edition was printed in 2019. She says the magazine shares the stories of Hispanics in Polk County.

    Originally, it was tailored to the Spanish speaking community. 

    They recently made a change, though. The free magazine now offers readers two versions of the same article — they appear side by side.

    Martinez says it’s a way to immerse more readers in a new language — either English or Spanish.

    And it takes a lot of time to get it done. “We start working on the next issue as soon as one comes out because we put a lot of love into it and a lot of thought.”

    She says it can’t be done without a team. Michelle Peña Shoe is the graphic designer for the magazine. She says the switch has been positively received by the community. “When we publish in two languages, we are addressing and uniting the community,” she said.

    Martinez believes her magazine is helping preserve her native language, while introducing others to a new one. “This is my legacy to Polk County,” she said.

    Bridging language barriers, so that more people are inspired to learn.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Polk commissioners vote to add teacher pay tax referendum to ballot

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — County commissioners have approved a tax referendum for the 2026 ballot.

    The referendum will let voters decide on giving teachers and school staff a raise by paying an extra $1 in property tax for every $1,000 their property is worth.

    The funds would generate an estimated $76-$82 million annually to boost teacher and staff pay and fund programs like school safety, arts, career/technical education and early learning.

    A significant salary gap exists between Polk and neighboring counties, contributing to recruitment and retention issues. The additional funds would cost the average homeowner about $260 more per year.

    If the referendum passes, the tax would go into effect July 1, 2027, and last until June 2031.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • 50-cent thrift store book nets special find for veteran’s family

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A simple purchase at a thrift store turned into a very special find for one veteran’s family.

    Theresa Sutton was putting books away at a thrift shop in Lakeland when a book caught her eye. It was an aviators log book, dated 1945, during World War II.

    “It’s just so unique,” Sutton said. “So interesting.”

    Sutton paid 50 cents to buy the book. Then, she spent five years trying to find out who that book belonged to.

    She was excited when she was able to finally pinpoint someone who could help at the American Legion in Lake Wales.

    “I looked so long,” Sutton said as she wiped away tears. “Sorry. I looked so long for the right person to hand it to. It made me feel better.”

    The book was dated 1945, during World War II. (Spectrum News/Dalia Dangerfield)

    With the help of Kathryn Gates-Skipper with the American Legion of Lake Wales, they found out more about the veteran. His name was Sgt. Henry Hajenian. He was a Marine stationed in Cherry Point, N.C.

    Sgt. Hajenian served two years. The flight book belonged to him.

    Recently, Skipper and Sutton delivered the book to his daughter, Katia Moore. She lives in Tampa.

    Moore said she didn’t know a lot about her dad, who died when she was just 8 years old.

    “There’s not a lot I have of his,” Moore said. “It’s very sparse.”

    Having the book gives her something to treasure.

    “I love it,” Moore said. “It’s amazing. It’s wonderful.”

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    Dalia Dangerfield

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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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  • Lakeland to hold public meeting for Lake Bonnet drainage basin

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The City of Lakeland is taking steps to reduce flooding near Lake Bonnet.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland is addressing flooding risks in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin with a new project

    • Residents say flooding has long affected the May Manor Mobile Home Park, especially during major storms like Hurricane Milton

    • A meeting on the project will be held Thursday, Nov. 13

    City leaders plan to hold a public information meeting to update residents on their Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin Hazard Mitigation Project on Thursday. They say the project will reduce the risk of future flooding in the May Manor Mobile Home Park and surrounding areas.

    For as long as Mark Argenzio has lived in May Manor, he says flooding has always been an issue. Argenzio keeps photos on his phone of flood events dating back to 2015. He says the worst was Hurricane Milton last year, which left him and his late wife with several inches of water inside their home.

    “We had to stay here and ride right through it, so it was rough. I mean, it was only about six inches of water in the house, but it was enough, you know?” he said.

    The New York native says he knew his home was in a floodplain when he moved to the 55-plus community. It’s just a few feet away from Lake Bonnet’s drainage basin, which he says he’s glad is finally getting some attention.

    “It’s been discussed for a long time, and after Irma, they assured us they were going to do something about it,” Argenzio said.

    The purpose of the project is to restore the wetlands around the project corridor, remove excess sediments that have accumulated in the lake, and improve the conveyance system in the Lake Bonnet Drainage Basin. The project also aims to enhance the overall well-being of the community and the natural environment of the area.

    Spokesperson for the City of Lakeland, Jamin Smith, says the city secured $42.9 million in funds from the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) to help with improvements.

    “So from that, we’re working with an outside organization to figure out the best way to implement that within the community,” Smith said.

    If you’d like to attend the mitigation project meeting, it will be held this Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Well from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will also be streamed live via GoTo Webinar. Residents must register online to attend.

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    Alexis Jones

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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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  • Winter Haven bakery providing free meals to SNAP recipients

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — One bakery is expanding its support efforts as the government shutdown impacts food access for many families.

    What You Need To Know

    • Honeycomb Bread Bakers in Winter Haven is offering free meals to SNAP recipients.

    • Owner Benjamin Vickers says the process is meant to be simple and judgment-free — customers just need to show their benefit card to receive a meal.

    • The initiative will continue for the duration of the shutdown.


    For the past four years, Honeycomb Bread Bakers has been serving up coffee, pastries and meals to folks in Winter Haven. No matter people’s economic situation, owner Benjamin Vickers says he feels a great responsibility to continue serving his community.

    Vickers says ensuring that no one goes hungry is part of the bakery’s core values. So when he learned that SNAP benefits would be impacted by the shutdown, he says he knew he needed to act.

    “Our commitment is if you are a SNAP recipient, you can order off our regular menu, you can feed your whole family if you need, you can get coffee, you can get loaves of bread, you can get a hot breakfast and that meal will be comped if you’re a SNAP recipient,” Vickers said.

    He says all customers have to do is show their benefit card to an employee. The goal is for the process to be simple and judgment-free.

    “Because they are normal guests to us and the only difference is that through donations from our community, we’re able to offer that at no cost,” he said.

    Vickers says the initiative will last for the entire duration of the government shutdown. While it may come at a cost to the shop, he says it’s a price he’s willing to pay to be a good neighbor.

    “We should all be looking at our neighbors and thinking what do we owe each other, and I’m really proud to be able to do this. It’s a shame it’s up to me, though,” he said.

    Vickers says the initiative’s only stipulation is that SNAP recipients take part once a day — but if families need more food, they’ll still be taken care of.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Angela Davis leads Polk County Toys for Tots with focus and a big heart

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County’s Toys for Tots director is spending up to 70 hours a week this time of the year to make sure many kids in need have a great Christmas.

    Angela Davis took over the volunteer position several years ago after former director David Waller passed away.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Angela Davis runs Polk County’s Toys for Tots organization.

    •  The program will provide gifts to 15,000 less fortunate children in Polk. 

    •  Davis took over Polk Toys for Tots when former director Dave Waller passed away. 


    Davis had been a volunteer for the organization when Waller called her as she was preparing to play a round of golf.

    He told her to put away her clubs and to come see him in the hospital. When she got to the hospital, he told her about the brain tumor that would soon claim his life. He asked her to take over the Polk Toys for Tots program.

    “How can you say no?” she said. “Look at what this program does. The impact it makes. How could you say no?”

    Davis took the bull by the horns and got aggressive with fundraising and organizing. The program operates out of a huge warehouse in Auburndale. Toys for Tots will provide presents to more than 15,000 children from low-income families this year.

    “All right, guys. That one’s full already. Goodness. You are good,” said Davis to some volunteers on a recent morning as they were filling up boxes with stuffed animals. “They are preparing stuffed animals that we will give out to all children between two and seven,” she said.

    Each child gets a set of gifts based on the application that is filled out by their parent or guardian.  

    David grabbed one of the “shopping lists” and headed out to the tables filled with gifts based on categories. Her list was for a boy.

    “He’s nine years old. This is appropriate for a child eight plus,” she said as she held up a board game. “And based on what the child told me, this might be a good match for this young guy.”

    Literacy is a year-round effort by Toys for Tots, so children will also get a book with their gifts.

    Dozens of volunteer shoppers gather up gifts based on the lists and place them into black garbage bags with a label. That way, if a child is with their parent or guardian when they pick up the gifts, the child hopefully won’t be aware that the bag is full of gifts for them.

    Davis said she is hyper-focused on every detail of Toys for Tots. Her family tells her she becomes a little OCD.

    “You must be into the details. We are trying to serve these families,” said Davis. “We don’t want to make a mistake. We want to give these kids something special on one of the best days of the year. So of course, I have to be OCD.”

    However, she can have a softer side when approaching her work, getting emotional as she talked about the kids.

    “You know, they say there is something about the impact of doing something for a stranger and the impact it makes on you,” she said. “And I have all these wonderful people who have come in to help me make a change in a child’s life.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Lakeland voters approve raising term limits for city leaders

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    LAKELAND Fla. — City commissioners will soon be able to serve in office for much longer. 

    Voters approved modifying term limits so that elected officials are no longer limited to three complete terms.

    The move has received praise from local leaders, including former Lakeland Mayor Howard Wiggs, who said he knows firsthand how it feels to be rushed out of office.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland voters passed Amendment 2, allowing city leaders to serve up to 20 years — 12 as commissioner and eight as mayor.

    • Former Mayor Howard Wiggs backed the change, saying short term limits made it difficult for leaders to complete their agendas.

    • Former Congressman Dennis Ross noted that 80% of registered voters didn’t participate, raising concerns about voter apathy.

    “I was at least one example of folks who were termed out and couldn’t serve but one term as mayor,” he said.

    Wiggs was term-limited back in 2018. He says during his four years as mayor, he felt pressured to hurry through his agenda.

    “You can’t cram everything in a four-year term, and so when you try to do that, I think it’s the citizens that really suffer the most,” he said. “You don’t have the leadership that you need, you’re trying to do more things than you probably should try to do because you just don’t have enough time.”

    That’s why he says he supported modifying Lakeland’s term limits. Currently, leaders can serve a total of three terms, equaling 12 years. Amendment 2 will increase that to 20 years — 12 as commissioner and eight as mayor.

    Some argue the change could cause city officials to lose touch with voters the longer they’re in office. But college professor and former congressman Dennis Ross says that concern wasn’t reflected at the polls.

    “Eighty percent of registered voters didn’t care, and that’s what’s disconcerting to me,” Ross said. “I believe term limits should be at the polls, and I think the only effective way of having good term limits is getting more people out to vote. And this is representative of why we probably need to have term limits, because people aren’t interested in voting.”

    As for Wiggs, he believes more people will eventually support the extended terms. He said it’s not about what’s best for leaders “but rather doing what’s best for the citizens,” he said.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Florida Poly, local tech firm launch student-powered cybersecurity center

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A local tech firm and Florida Polytechnic University are teaming up to teach students how to protect against cyberthreats.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Polytechnic University partnered with tech firm Sittadel to launch a student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC)

    • Students are learning to detect and defend against cyberattacks, starting with email security

    • Currently, only four students work in the SOC, but the university plans to expand the program and add more students

    The two launched a new student-powered Security Operations Center (SOC) on the university’s campus. When Oscar Lin, a senior software engineering student, heard about the center, he said he immediately applied for a position.

    “I wanted to go more into the IT side and really understand how computers function,” he said. “Cybersecurity was one of those routes that let me stay high level but also get closer to how computers work.”

    The idea for the student-powered center started as an initiative to assist university staff. The school later partnered with Lakeland-based cybersecurity company Sittadel, giving students real-world experience combating digital threats.

    “Right now, the students are primarily working with email security. That’s one of the best entry points for new analysts, especially in the work we see. Email is the first line of defense for all organizations,” Garrett Poorbaugh, Sittadel’s principal architect, said.

    Poorbaugh and Florida Poly’s head of information security, Jack Trainer, agree that learning these skills will prepare students for the growing cybersecurity workforce and empower them to come up with new solutions.

    Currently, only four students work at the SOC, but the goal is to expand, add more students and eventually include the center in the curriculum.

    “I wish I had less school and more of this. That sums it up, I think,” Lin said.

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    Alexis Jones

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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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  • Lakeland residents invited to shape redevelopment districts

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland residents are getting the opportunity to weigh in on what they want the future of three of its redevelopment districts to look like.

    The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency has launched what it calls ‘Restore the Core.’

    What You Need To Know

    • Restore the Core in Lakeland will focus on supporting local businesses, economic growth and more

    • The plan will focus on redevelopment of Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland

    • There will be a series of public engagement opportunities through the spring of 2026


    From Downtown to Midtown to Dixieland, city leaders are looking to keep up with a growing community, to make it a place for residents to thrive and to keep calling Lakeland their home.

    Stephen Debats is a collector of all thing’s history. “I love Lakeland postcards, anything to do with Lakeland history,” he said.

    It’s a passion that’s grown into a business, as he’s the owner of Lloyds Lakeland Antique shop.

    He bought the property in 1997, but the shop has actually been in the heart of downtown since 1976.

    Over the years, Debats says he has seen downtown change.

    “In the downtown area, you got enough stuff that you can be walking and find some stuff that you didn’t know you needed to see,” he said.

    He says more business means more foot traffic. He hopes that push will continue, but also that there will be ways to preserve the area’s rich history.

    Ideas like that are what Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is looking for with “Restore the Core.”

    They want feedback from residents about what they love and what needs to be improved in the three main districts — Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland.

    Valerie Vaught, the manager of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency, says there are a few things they have been looking at.

    “We have housing demand that’s changing, we have aging infrastructure in very different ways, so we certainly want to accommodate the change in times,” she said.

    CRA leaders say they want to explore plans that would have a long-term impact on those three areas.

    These are key priorities that can be found on the CRA’s website about the plan.

    • Support for local business and economic growth
    • Improved streetscapes, green spaces and walkability
    • Expanded housing options through mixed-use and infill development
    • Historic preservation and cultural district enhancement
    • Safer, more connected transportation networks

    Debats said infrastructure is top of mind for him, to ensure businesses like his continue to thrive.

    “We are not in a downcycle right now, we are in a upcycle and if they’re going to go from here up, let’s do it,” he said.

    He plans to keep his door open for anyone who wants to purchase their own piece of history.

    The CRA held an open house to launch the plan at the RP funding center on Thursday, and plans more events over the next six months.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Veterans from Polk assemble floats for annual Orlando’s Veterans Day Parade

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of Central Florida veterans is working on a special project together — assembling floats for Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando’s 26th annual Veterans Day Parade is Saturday, Nov. 8

    • This year, the parade is relocating to Lake Nona from downtown and steps off at 11 a.m.

    • Festive Floats, based in Polk County, has a group of veterans who works on floats for the parade


    Bob Collins spent 22 years in the Navy. He enlisted in September 1971 and worked as a boiler operator before retiring in March 1993.

    Collins works for Festive Floats, a company based in Fort Meade in Polk County. This week, he worked on wiring electrical boxes for a float so speakers and lights can get plugged in.

    “After my military days, I’ve been a stationary engineer now for about the last 25 years working in hospitals, doing basically the same thing I was doing in the military,” Collins said.

    This year, Festive Floats co-owner Billy Attix said his team is working on floats for Commissioner Jim Gray and the Orlando Veteran Affairs office.

    “We’ve been working on the Veterans Parade for about three weeks,” Attix said. “We’re customizing some of our floats to make it military-based to honor those who have served, those who have lost their life.”

    The parade is a long-running event for residents to remember and honor those who served our nation.

    “We’re able to give back to the good, give back to humanity, bring that smile that somebody needs. Just an escape for five minutes of your normal life,” Attix said.

    Collins said he enjoys pulling the floats and seeing people have a good time, while connecting with other veterans along the way.

    “It’s kind of an honor, it really is, especially driving in the parade with the veterans on it and the Wounded Warrior people,” Collins said. “They do a lot of good work for the veterans.”

    The long-standing tradition is moving from downtown Orlando to Lake Nona for the first time.

    This year’s Veterans Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday. The route starts at Laureate Park Elementary School and will finish at the Lake Nona Town Center.

    A ceremony and more activities for families will follow.

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    Emma Delamo

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  • Agriculture industry experts discuss challenges, future in Polk County

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida has over 9 million acres of agricultural land, and according to the Florida Farm Bureau, over 300,000 of those acres are in Polk County.

    On Wednesday, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce hosted farm owners and agriculture experts to discuss the future of farming in the county. Industry leaders discussed challenges and ways to evolve farming methods.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland Chamber of Commerce held a chamber connection breakfast and expo about agribusiness and economic development

    • The chamber connection brought together agriculture industry leaders to talk about the future of agriculture in the county

    • Patsy Rogers owns ‘My Tiny Greens’ and spoke about challenges she faces as a small farmer


    Pasty Rogers, a small farm owner, was there and shared her experience.

    “There are challenges at every level,” she said. “The regulations that I struggle with as a small farm, they struggle with them on the large farm, but there are resources out there to help us.”

    Rogers grows vegetables indoors using a method known as microgreening. She started this during the pandemic, and like many great ideas, it started with a question.

    “If we only had rice and beans to eat, what could we grow ourselves that grows quickly and is nutrient dense,” Rogers said.

    Her business, “My Tiny Greens,” has grown from harvesting the greens for family members to now selling them to local businesses.

    It’s a journey that she says has proven to have a lot of benefits. “Microgreens have 4 to 40 times the nutrients as the adult plant,” she said.

    While her business isn’t as large as some farms in Polk County, she said it’s an industry that is growing.

    The latest Census of Agriculture reported that small farms accounted for 85% of all U.S. farms. It’s a number that local farmers are hoping to preserve.

    Industry leaders spoke Wednesday about agricultural challenges, including increased development and citrus greening. One big issue some large farm owners are trying to navigate is labor challenges.

    John Bedell, the president of H Visa Solutions, said it’s a big part that drives production.

    “What a lot of people don’t understand is as these people come in and there’s new regulations that change, seems like every year, you need someone in human resources that understands the three-quarter guarantee that’s required for the H-2A workers,” he said.

    While there are challenges in the industry, it also comes with economic benefits and the opportunity to immerse young growers into careers in agriculture.

    For Rogers, it’s an industry she believes will continue to grow and evolve over time.

    “I think there’s a need for small farmers,” she said. “I think we’re going to see more people doing container gardening, more indoor hydronics’.”

    Learning new methods to keep her community fed right from her home.

    The chamber connection also brought together Farm Credit of Central Florida, Fancy Farms Market and Polk State College educators to speak more on the agricultural growth in the area.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • McCarley wins Lakeland mayoral race; Election results from around the Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The quad of candidates vying to be the next mayor of Lakeland came down to previous political experience.

    Sara Roberts McCarley, a city commissioner who was the first candidate to announce a bid, won the mayoral race with 5,970 votes (50.3%). Cedrick Valrie placed second while Kay Klymko and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer placed third and fourth, respectively.

    McCarley said she plans to work alongside fellow commissioners to build on efforts toward accessibility, budget transparency and community involvement. Having served on the City Commission since 2019, she says her familiarity with city departments and local partnerships would make for a smooth transition.

    In other Polk County races, Sean Levy won the Auburndale City Commission 3 seat. In Fort Meade, the City Commission 3 seat was claimed by Jim Watts and the Seat 5 post went to Candic Filyaw Lott.

    Lakeland voters also decided on three charter amendments:

    AMENDMENT 1: Proposed charter amendment modifying Commission district boundaries to be as equal in population as practicable.
    Shall the Lakeland City Charter be amended to modify City Commission district boundaries to be as equal in population as practicable consistent with State law?

    AMENDMENT 2: Proposed Charter amendment modifying term limits applicable to City Commissioners and Mayor.
    Shall the Lakeland City Charter be amended to modify term limits applicable to City Commissioners and Mayor, other than members in office on January 1, 2020, from the current term limits of no more than 3 complete terms in any combination of the positions of Mayor and Commissioner to new term limits of no more than 3 complete terms as a Commissioner and 2 complete terms as Mayor?

    AMENDMENT 3: Proposed Charter amendment eliminating obsolete provisions; renumbering sections; amending other miscellaneous provisions.
    Shall the Lakeland City Charter be amended to eliminate obsolete provisions; specify that mayor or commissioner elected to fill vacancy shall take office upon receiving election certificate; authorize any commissioner to call special commission meeting; require neighborhood posting of special assessment notices rather than newspaper ad; provide that ordinances subject to referendum petition shall not be suspended pending referendum and petitions shall be voted on at regular elections; conforming civil service provisions to current practices?

    In Manatee County, voters in the city of Holmes Beach elected Steven Oelfke, Jessical Patel and Terry Schaefer for City Commission.

    You can find the complete results from across the Bay area here as well. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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