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Tag: Sarah Blazonis

  • TPA among airports nationwide to see delays in the wake of winter weather

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    TAMPA, Fla. — According to the flight tracking web site Flight Aware, more than 9,000 flights across the U.S. were delayed or canceled Friday as winter weather impacted parts of the country.

    At Tampa International Airport, passengers faced 260 delays and 38 cancellations as of 9 p.m. out of a total 632 flights. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Friday was expected to be Tampa International Airport’s busiest day of the holiday travel season

    •  The airport expected nearly 82,000 people to fly through on Dec. 26

    •  Winter weather snarled travel nationwide, with Flight Aware showing a total of more than 9,000 delays and cancellations

    • TPA was also impacted, with more than 250 delays and dozens of cancellations


    Among the passengers spending more time at the airport than expected was the Jones family from Cincinnati, Ohio. They were trying to get back home after their annual holiday cruise.

    “The bad part about it — we got off the cruise at 8 (a.m.) this morning,” Danielle Jones said. “So, we already had to wait until 7 (p.m.) to fly, and now we’ve got to wait until 9-something and don’t get home until after midnight.”

    The Joneses were making the best of it. Several family members performed a dance near what will be the shuttle to the new Airside D.

    Mya King said she teaches line dancing and her family is always up to learning new routines.

    “They are, always — I grew up line dancing,” King said. “I got it from them.”

    “We’re the Jones family. We just dance everywhere, just try to keep everything positive,” said 22-year-old Jamari Tolbert.

    Raymon Jones, Sr., said the family spent the day at a nearby mall and the movies before heading to the airport.

    “It’s just tiring to see a delay, but we’ve gotta make something out of it, you feel me? We’re always hanging with family, kicking it,” said Tolbert.

    That’s what many passengers were doing in the days before they wound up at the airport. Friday was expected to be TPA’s busiest day of the holiday season, with nearly 82,000 passengers flying through. The airport’s communications manager, Beau Zimmer, said the holidays are always an all-hands-on-deck situation — from restaurants to shops to the guest experience team.

    “They’re handling it good,” 19-year-old Rayzier Jones said. “They’re doing the best they can.”

    “It’s the holidays,” said Rayanuna Jones, 20. “They’re here working and stuff, and they’ve still got a smile on their face.” 

    As for the Joneses, they said it’s all about perspective.

    “Just giving us more time to spend with each other,” said Danielle Jones.

    “Yeah, that’s it,” agreed Raymon Jones, Sr. “Family is everything for us, you know? The good and the bad. Everything’s not always great, but you work through it and you just have fun, like the kids said.”

    “Delayed, but never denied,” said Rayanuna. “We’re going to get there.”

    TPA recommends passengers check directly with their airline about their flight status before heading to the airport. Zimmer suggested passengers arrive two hours ahead of any domestic flights and three hours early if they’re flying internationally.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Florida bishops ask for immigration enforcement pause over holidays

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Catholic bishops in Florida are asking for a pause on immigration enforcement for the holidays. They sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis with the request.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops made an appeal to the president and governor to pause immigration enforcement during the holidays

    • Eight bishops from around Florida, including St. Petersburg and Orlando, signed the appeal

    • They argue the border is secure and enforcement efforts are now leading to the arrest of immigrants who haven’t committed crimes

    • A White House spokesperson has said President Trump is keeping his promise to deport criminal illegal aliens


    “A pause during this holy season can lower the temperature within our partisan divisions, ease the fear and anxiety present in many of our immigrant and even non-immigrant families and allow all of us to celebrate with greater joy the advent of the Prince of Peace,” the appeal reads.

    Eight bishops from around Florida, including St. Petersburg’s Gregory Parkes and Orlando’s John Noonan, signed it. It’s a move that’s being praised by religious leaders in St. Petersburg.

    “I’m thrilled with what they did,” said Rev. Ben Atherton-Zeman of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg. “I stand side by side with my Catholic brothers and sisters on many issues, and this is one of them.”

    But the White House is showing no signs of backing down. A spokesperson told the Associated Press via e-mail, “President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And he’s keeping that promise.”

    The letter from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops argues that enforcement operations are now leading to the arrest of people who aren’t criminals.

    “It’s not asking them to reverse their policies, which we hope they would, but we’re just asking them for a pause so that we can get beyond the Christmas holidays without people being paralyzed by fear,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami.

    The DeSantis administration has not yet indicated if they will be changing enforcement protocols during the timeframe requested in the letter.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Pinellas beach nourishment project nears completion

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Pinellas County announced it’s wrapping up its beach nourishment project.

    The $125 million effort started in September to add sand back to the county’s shoreline. It followed serious erosion caused by last year’s hurricanes. The county originally said the work was expected to take six months.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County said Sunset Beach in Treasure Island is the last of nine beaches that will get sand through next week as part of its nourishment project

    • Vegetation will also be planted on dunes to make the beaches more resilient against future storms

    • The assistant manager of Caddy’s of Treasure Island said foot traffic does seem to be picking up as people hear the project is nearing completion

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pinellas County kicks off $125M beach renourishment project


    “The team really strapped up their boots, and they got it done in record time,” said Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack.

    Lowack credited the county’s public works and environmental staff working with barrier island municipalities and the commitment from county commissioners for the swift progress.

    From a tourism perspective, Lowack said the timing is perfect. Visitors are expected to increase every week until peak spring break season, which is good news for communities still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

    Among those enjoying Sunset Beach on Monday afternoon were Gulfport residents Louann and Sean Collins.

    “We love the beach here. I don’t think we can beat it,” said Louann.

    In a county with miles of beautiful beaches, the Collinses said that beach just has a certain something.


    “It’s just a different vibe and a different feel,” said Sean.

    Both said the nourishment not only widened the beach, but also improved the quality of the sand.

    “The sand is just so nice. It was a little rougher before,” said Sean.

    “It’s so soft,” said Louann. “It’s powdery and a little cool, actually.”

    That part might not be so unique. According to Pinellas County, Sunset Beach is the last of nine along its coast to get new sand as part of its nourishment project.

    “Throughout the beaches, over 2.5 million cubic yards of sand, which is — fun fact — enough to fill The Dali Museum over 40 times with sand,” said Lowack.

    Lowack said it’s the boost businesses that rely on tourism can use going into the new year. He said the region did see a slight dip in tourism in 2025, with just fewer than 15 million visitors compared to last year’s 15.4 million. While Lowack said spots like Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Dunedin had great years for tourism, beach nourishment can help extend that.

    “Where our work’s really going to focus on are the southern portions of the beaches in the county where they were hit a little bit harder,” Lowack said.

    “People aren’t seeing it as accessible. They just see it as being closed,” said Evan Bradish, assistant manager of Caddy’s of Treasure Island on Sunset Beach.

    Bradish said the restaurant and bar had a front-row seat to the nourishment project. Staff have been serving customers from a semi-permanent space as their building undergoes hurricane repairs.

    “We had to completely vacate the beach, actually take down part of our operation and close down for a few days. Luckily, they’ve opened up our area,” Bradish said.

    He told Spectrum News there’s now significantly more beach and more foot traffic as people realize work is wrapping up. Bradish said he’s looking forward to what’s to come in the new year.

    “Being excited about everything coming together. We’ll be back in our building, so many other places are opening back up. It’s time to be on the beach. It’s the perfect time,” he said.

    Lowack said some areas of the beaches have new dunes and after the first of the year, crews will plant vegetation in those spots to try to strengthen the beach and make it more resilient against future storms.

    According to the county, a $13 million state grant helped pay for the work, but most of the money is coming from tourist development tax dollars. Lowack said the region is one of just a few in Florida to collect more than $90 million in TDT funds four years in a row, even after the hurricanes, highlighting the role tourism plays in local communities.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Pasco Fire Rescue among first in Tampa Bay to offer prehospital blood program

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    LAND O LAKES, Fla. — Pasco County Fire Rescue launched its prehospital blood transfusion program on Dec. 17. The department said its emergency medical service is among the first in Tampa Bay to carry equipment on its ambulances that will allow paramedics to perform transfusions on trauma patients. Chief Ryan Guynn said medical calls make up 83% of incidents PCFR crews respond to, and he expects the kits to be used regularly.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County Fire Rescue’s prehospital blood transfusion program launched Dec. 17 

    • The program will allow paramedics to give transfusions to trauma patients before they get to the hospital

    • Chief Ryan Guynn said the program can increase survival rates for patients in need

    • One set of transfusion equipment will be on hand in each of the county’s four zones


    “If you think of any traumatic injury where there’s a significant blood loss, whether it’s a penetrating wound, a car accident, lacerations or medically induced bleeding incidences,” Guynn said of situations where the equipment will be useful. “So, we anticipate using the program quite frequently.”

    EMS Supervisor Justin Crook said it’s been a long time coming.

    “It sounds like kind of a nerdy thing to say, but we were definitely so stoked to hear about it, and we cannot wait to actually help our citizens with it,” said Crook.

    That’s why Crook said he got into EMS nearly 30 years ago — to help people. He’s now one of those trained to give transfusions through the new program. 

    “Blood goes through the life gun,” Crook said, referring to a device that resembles a water pistol with tubing connected to it. “It will actually go from the bag into the life gun and into the warmer. That warmer will actually bring that cold blood closer to a body temperature so that the blood is actually readily absorbed.”

    Pasco County Fire Rescue launched its prehospital blood transfusion program. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    Crook said one kit will be on hand in each of the county’s four zones.

    “It’s something that we, as field medics, have always wanted to see to get and increase that survival time for our patients, especially the injured, until we can get them to a surgeon,” said Crook.

    A study published this year in the journal “Transfusion” says that getting blood before getting to the hospital significantly lowered mortality risk for patients in hemorrhagic shock. It found the procedure could’ve potentially saved more than 21,000 lives nationwide from 2020 to 2023 if it was widely available. According to the study, about one percent of EMS services around the country have prehospital blood programs. The Prehospital Blood Transfusion Coalition lists reimbursement limitations and local regulations that vary from state to state as some of the barriers to making the initiative more widespread. Guynn said the costs for Pasco’s program fits within its operating budget. In Tampa Bay, Manatee County EMS and the Sarasota County Fire Department have similar programs.

    “It’s life-saving,” said Guynn. “So, with our new medical direction and with our new EMS team, we’ve realized that we need to be on the forefront of new technology and new resources that are available to us.”

    Guynn said PCFR will be supplied with blood through a partnership with Tampa General Hospital’s AeroMed.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Rents at longtime affordable St. Pete apartment complex expected to jump

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Tenants Union calls it an increasingly rare happening in the city: apartments that rent for less than $1,000 a month.

    For residents of the Greenland Apartments on Seventh Avenue North, that was the reality for decades.

    But now, they’re bracing for rent increases as new ownership takes over.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Pete’s Greenland Apartments residents are looking at monthly hikes of anywhere from $600 to a little less than $1,000

    • The highest rent at the complex was $780.

    • “Unfortunately, to keep the current market rent, it is lower than 50% of what the value for market rent in this neighborhood is,” said Greenland Property Manager Tim McGinnis, who said improvements to the complex are underway

    Residents are looking at monthly hikes of anywhere from $600 to a little less than $1,000.

    The highest rent at the complex was $780.

    According to the apartment’s new property manager, prices had to be raised to account for planned improvements and rising costs.

    Some tenants said the increased costs will push them out.  

    “I concluded he (manager) kind of kept it below market rate because I assumed he preferred long term tenants than a constant turnover,” said Tracy Gayton, a Greenland resident. “You know, he got ’em. He got people to stay here a long time.”

    Including Gayton, who lived at Greenland for 11 years.

    Property Manager Tim McGinnis said rents at Greenland ranged from $600 to $830. The increases will create a new range of $1,250 for a studio to nearly $2,200 for a two-bedroom. (Spectrum News image)

    He said as he watched rent prices rise around town, his one-bedroom apartment never got above $760 a month. When Urban Core Properties bought the family-owned complex last month, he expected an increase.

    “I have to confess,” he said. “It went up more than expected. I wasn’t expecting, I think it’s a 128% increase in my case.”

    Gayton says his new rent would be just more than $1,700.

    Meanwhile, Property Manager Tim McGinnis said rents at Greenland ranged from $600 to $830. The increases will create a new range of $1,250 for a studio to nearly $2,200 for a two-bedroom.

    “Unfortunately, to keep the current market rent, it is lower than 50% of what the value for market rent in this neighborhood is,” said McGinnis, who added that improvements to the complex are underway. “The tax increases, as well as the cost of insurance, as well as construction for those renovations, has almost tripled in the last three years.”

    William Kilgore with the St. Petersburg Tenant Union says prices like Greenland’s are pretty much unheard of in the city, and recent years have been challenging for renters.

    “Supposedly, the rent prices have kind of stabilized,” said Kilgore. “But they’re still 30% higher than what they were before the pandemic. So, people have been squeezed. People who are paying are still paying over half their income on rent.”

    Gayton said he’s moving out next month, even though he can afford the increase.

    That’s not the case for some of his neighbors, who are seeing rents go up from $780 to nearly $1,600.

    Meanwhile, McGinnis said he expects about half of Greenland’s 18 units will be vacant next month.

    He said tenants who choose to stay are being offered up to $1,800 in discounts to sign an 18-month lease term. Rent increases are expected to take place gradually during the first quarter of 2026.

    According to Zillow, the average rent in St. Petersburg is $2,200 a month. Apartments.com said it’s about $1,700 and Rent Cafe said $2,000.

    All of those prices fall within or very close to Greenland’s new range.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Chabad of St. Petersburg says light of Chanukah needed after attack

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People around the world are reacting to this weekend’s shooting in Bondi Beach, including the Bay area.

    Rabbi Alter Korf of Chabad of St. Petersburg said the organization has increased security for this week’s Chanukah events, but he said it’s even more important now to move forward with celebrations.

    What You Need To Know

    • Chabad of St. Petersburg’s Rabbi Alter Korf said it was difficult to wake up Sunday to news of the Bondi Beach attack

    • Rabbi Korf said security will be increased at this week’s Chanukah celebrations, but that he also thinks it’s more important than ever for people to come out and celebrate

    • Korf said the attack was meant to intimidate and frighten the Jewish community worldwide and Chanukah is a time to fight back against the darkness

    • Chabad will hold its Car Menorah Parade on Wednesday


    “I think for the Jewish community around the world, everybody felt like it’s their family,” said Rabbi Korf.

    For him, Korf said it actually was family. He said he’s related to Rabbi Eli Schlanger by marriage, who was one of more than a dozen people killed in the Bondi Beach attack.

    “Australia is the first to welcome Chanukah, and then all the communities around the world follow,” he said. “It was intended to send a message — a message of fear, a message of retreat.”

    It’s a message Korf said, is having the opposite effect in St. Pete. He said Sunday’s Chanukah in the City event drew an even bigger crowd than usual.

    “People came to make a statement: We are here. We’re not disappearing. We don’t retreat from darkness,” Korf said.

    According to an Anti-Defamation League report released in April, the U.S. saw a 5% increase in antisemitic events last year compared to 2023. Korf said Tampa Bay is a friendly region to the Jewish community, but vigilance is still important. He said it’s also important not to live in fear.

    “We have to be present, we have to be in the public, and make sure that every Jew in our community feels comfortable, feels proud,” he said.

    On Wednesday, Chabad is holding its Car Menorah Parade. Korf said the parade will have a police escort and end with a menorah lighting in Vinoy Park.

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  • Clearwater weighs options after ruling on abortion clinic buffer zone

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — A buffer zone is still in effect at a Clearwater abortion clinic following a court’s ruling last week that it shouldn’t be enforced. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A federal appeals court ruled Dec. 4 in favor of a preliminary injunction on the city of Clearwater’s buffer zone around Bread and Roses’ driveway

    • The city passed an ordinance creating the buffer in 2023

    • Police said at the time that gatherings of protesters created safety concerns, including for cars trying to get in and out of the property

    • The nonprofit Florida Preborn Rescue filed a complaint, claiming a violation of First Amendment Rights


    The city of Clearwater passed a law in 2023 that prohibited pedestrians from entering or crossing the driveway of the Bread and Roses Woman’s Health Center. Police said they had safety concerns for cars coming and going when protesters gathered at the site.

    The nonprofit Florida Preborn Rescue filed a complaint. While their request that the buffer not be enforced was originally denied, an appeals court just reversed that. 

    “The district court denied the motion, holding that the plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed on the merits. We disagree,” the opinion from the U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reads. “We hold that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their First Amendment challenge and that the district court therefore abused its discretion in denying the preliminary injunction on that ground.”

    “What the city of Clearwater did was so extreme and so strange, frankly, that we sort of knew that it would get struck down eventually,” said Florida Preborn Rescue Director Scott Mahurin.

    The buffer zone comprises five feet on either side of Bread and Roses’ driveway. Video shown during a first reading of the ordinance highlights why. The woman who brought it to council’s attention said it was recorded at the clinic. It shows protesters standing and walking in the clinic’s driveway, shouting at people, and approaching cars. 

    “The city of Clearwater felt that, in the interest of public safety, regardless of anybody’s viewpoint on any of these issues, it would be good to simply say, ‘Whatever your viewpoint is, you have the right to express it on five feet of either side of the driveway,’” said special counsel for the city of Clearwater, Luke Lirot. “That way, the cars pulling in will get in without having to block traffic, that there won’t be people walking up to the windows where drivers would have their views obstructed.”

    The buffer zone comprises five feet on either side of Bread and Roses’ driveway. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Sarah Blazonis)

    Mahurin said his group wasn’t part of those encounters.

    “Our group is peaceful. I train my volunteers to engage peacefully, not to break any laws or trespass or provoke any confrontations,” he said.

    According to Mahurin, members go to Bread and Roses to offer women information about resources like crisis pregnancy centers, housing and jobs.

    “When you take that five feet away, it may not seem like a lot, but if you look at the pictures or you drive by there, that’s the difference between me looking at you as you enter the facility and me having to shout at you over a fence,” Mahurin said.

    “Even though there were many other locations in the area that they’d be allowed to do that five feet outside of the driveway, they felt that that restriction impeded their First Amendment rights,” said Lirot.

    According to Lirot, the appeals court’s ruling didn’t go into effect immediately. He said the courts allow time for the city to weigh its legal options.

    “Even though the court reversed the lower court’s decision, there’s never been any goal of the city to do anything but be fair to everyone and just simply try to keep that whole area safe, regardless of what your viewpoint is,” Lirot said. 

    Spectrum News reached out to Bread and Roses for comment but didn’t hear back.

    Lirot said a motion for a rehearing would need to be filed later this month. If no action is taken, he said this latest ruling could take effect early in the new year.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Shore Acres residents skeptical of chances at securing storm recovery dollars

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When the Sunrise St. Pete application process opens December 15, residents will have the chance to request a share of nearly $160 million to help them recover from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene.

    However, people who live in the Shore Acres neighborhood said they’re doubtful it will provide their community some much-needed relief due to income requirements. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

    A city spokesperson told Spectrum News that HUD specifies that no less than 70% of those funds must go to help low-to-moderate income residents. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Applications for the Sunrise St. Pete program open December 15

    •  The federally-funded program can provide financial assistance to help residents recover from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene

    •  Money can go toward home rehab, rebuilding, and elevation, as well as repair reimbursements

    • While Shore Acres was hit hard by both storms, people who live in the neighborhood tell Spectrum News they’re skeptical the program will provide them relief due to income requirements


    “They’re income-based. So, they’re not going to qualify for everybody,” said resident Barry Rubin.

    Rubin said Helene marked the first time his home flooded in the nearly 30-years he’s lived in the flood-prone Shore Acres. 

    “Everything is brand new. It’s actually a new house on a very old house shell,” he said of the state of his house today.

    According to Rubin, “everything” includes the walls, floor, paint, fixtures, and electricity – to name just some of the work done to his home.

    Sunrise St. Pete is meant to make at least part of recovery easier for residents. It offers financial assistance to rehab, rebuild, and elevate their homes, as well as reimbursements for repairs.

    A city spokesperson said that per HUD requirements, households that earn up to 80% of the area median income will be given priority. For a family of four, that works out to a yearly income of about $83,000. Some help will also be available for those earning up to 120% AMI, which comes out to about $125,000 for a four-person household.

    Because of that, Shore Acres Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf said he thinks the program will have very little impact in the neighborhood, despite it being hit hard by both storms. Batdorf said the more than 1,200 homes that flooded in Shore Acres during Idalia made up 82% of the total flooded properties in the city during that storm, and residents are still recovering from Helene. Erin Knight said she and her husband were finally able to get back into their home after it was inundated by up to five feet of floodwater.

    “We literally were in a camper. It was a 21-foot camper. It was my husband and me and two dogs from January until about a month ago,” Knight said.

    Knight told Spectrum News she was planning to apply for Sunrise St. Pete but was discouraged by news of the income requirement.

    “We still had to fork out $20,000 on top of around $100,000 out of our own pocket to rebuild this house and then put up flood gates, but yet somehow, we don’t qualify for any of the help,” she said.

    Both Knight and Rubin, along with other neighbors, said they still planned to apply just in case there’s a chance they could see some funding.

    “I’m cautiously, cautiously optimistic, but ‘cautious’ is the main word,” said Rubin.

    While he realizes Sunrise St. Pete is funded by HUD dollars and not city funds, Rubin said he’d like to see the St. Pete work with the federal government to let them know many in hard-hit coastal areas won’t meet income requirements.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital says flu cases are up 300% from last year

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital said it’s seeing a big increase in respiratory illnesses.

    According to the hospital, cases of some illnesses, like the flu, have jumped by more than 300% from this time last year. One pediatric emergency medicine physician said there’s not one clear reason for the spike.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital said it’s seeing a steep increase in respiratory illnesses from this time last year

    • According to the hospital, flu cases are up by 322%, RSV cases jumped by 114% and other respiratory illnesses have increased by 244%

    • Emergency medicine physician Dr. Ebony Hunter said multiple factors are likely behind the spike, including a dip in immunizations

    • Hunter said it’s not too late in the cold and flu season for kids and adults to get vaccinated


    “Kids being a little bit more social, drop in immunization rates — I think there are multiple things contributing to the contagion this year,” said Dr. Ebony Hunter.

    One of Hunter’s recent patients in the emergency department was 2-year-old Jace Paner. His mother, Karina Paner, said the symptoms that brought him to the hospital started a few days before and included sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.

    “He started having breathing issues last night and this morning. So, we went over to the pediatrician’s office, and then he wasn’t responding to Albuterol treatment,” she said. “They sent us over here.”

    Hunter said she’s seeing more and more cases like Jace’s in the emergency room.

    “Jace is here for viral URI symptoms, and his oxygen got low,” Hunter explained as she examined Jace.

    “It’s always distressing when the child is in distress, and it’s that time of year,” said Karina.

    According to the hospital, cases of the flu are up 322% from this same time last year, and RSV cases have jumped by 114%. Other respiratory illnesses have increased by 244%.

    “I will say our admission rates are through the roof right now,” said Hunter. “We’re doing a lot of holds in the ER, and the hospital is full to capacity. We are trying our best to service the community during this time.”

    Hunter said the severity of individual cases depends on the illness and the age of the child. Younger children have a higher risk of being hospitalized because with smaller airways, congestion can make it harder to breathe. Jace and his mom were waiting on a X-ray and test results early Friday evening.

    “We’re still kind of waiting on answers, but he’s doing a little bit better since we left the pediatrician’s office. So, hopefully we’re on the mend soon,” said Karina.

    To stay healthy, Hunter recommends both kids and adults wash their hands and wear a mask. She also said anyone who’s immunocompromised or not vaccinated should stay away from others who are sick. She also noted that it’s not too late to get vaccinated for the flu and RSV.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • As Treasure Bay improvements continue, neighbors hope for restored golf course

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Commissioners took the next step Tuesday in revitalizing Treasure Island’s 17-acre recreation complex.

    The board approved funding to make repairs to the Treasure Bay clubhouse, giving the OK to spend $95,000 on interior fixes. They also discussed whether to approve $167,000 for new windows and doors but instead asked staff to come back with a lower quote for that part of the work.

    What You Need To Know

    • Treasure Island commissioners approved spending $95,000 on repairs to the inside of the Treasure Bay clubhouse 

    • Improvements are already underway at the recreation complex, which was damaged during last year’s hurricanes

    • People who live in nearby communities, including Village of Paradise Island, have said one change they’d like to see is for Treasure Bay’s nine-hole golf course to be rebuilt

    • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Changes taking shape at Treasure Bay


    The future of Treasure Bay is something people who live nearby are watching closely, with some saying they want to see a former longstanding feature restored.

    “This is what we get with golfers. See the little dings there?” said Pat Patterson, motioning to rounded, golf ball-sized indentations in the wall of his neighbor’s balcony. “The last time we painted, I had 29.”

    Patterson said he’s accumulated other souvenirs at his own place at Village of Paradise Island, just off of what was the ninth hole of Treasure Bay’s golf course.

    “I have five gallons of golf balls, and I’ve taken five gallons up to Pennsylvania to give to my family,” he said.


    That’s not a complaint. Patterson said he knew what he was getting into when he moved next door to the course, but it looked a little different 15 years ago.

    “It was a golf course that was not as green as it could’ve been,” he said. “It was somewhat in neglect. It wasn’t irrigated that well, but it was an active, nine-hole golf course.”

    Patterson said he’d like to see it active once again. 

    Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez told Spectrum News that Hurricane Helene took out what was left of the course. Work is underway on improvements at the site, but as of now, there are no concrete plans for golf to return.

    “Not necessarily going back to a full golf course like it was before because it was old and it was very, you know, it was a small group of people. So, we definitely want to attend to them,” Vasquez said.

    Both Vasquez and Mayor John Doctor said at a workshop last month that the full course didn’t get enough use, and a PopStroke-like feature might be a better option. Patterson and other neighbors pointed to survey results from past efforts to learn about what residents want to see at Treasure Bay. One from 2024 found nearly 75% of respondents, or 1,087 people, wanted to see the golf course reconstructed, while 25 percent, or 363 people, did not. 

    “The type of course that’s out here is extremely popular with families and groups because they can play it quickly. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re good or bad,” Patterson said.

    Commissioners didn’t talk golf Tuesday night, but they did approve those funds for interior fixes. When it came to the cost of hurricane windows, commissioners asked staff to report back on the price of regular windows instead.

    “Putting money into a non-conforming building that has structural issues, is likely to get demolished in the future, is a waste of taxpayer money,” said Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon. 

    Patterson said he hopes commissioners listen to taxpayers when it comes to Treasure Bay’s — and the golf course’s — future.

    “It was considered the gem of Treasure Island, and I don’t see a reason why you can’t continue that and preserve green space and other activities, too,” he said.

    The city hasn’t made any definite decisions regarding golf, and Vasquez has said the city will have additional meetings before commissioners give the seal of approval. Patterson said it was disheartening to think there could be another round of workshops ahead when he said residents have already told commissioners what they want to see done.

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  • Right on schedule: With roof fixed, cleanup continues inside the Trop

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Spectrum News got an inside look Wednesday inside Tropicana Field, with officials saying work is on track to wrap up in time for Opening Day in 2026.


    The Trop, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was badly damaged in October 2024 by Hurricane Milton, with the roof panels being ripped off and damage happening inside.

    The last roof panels were replaced late last month, and now some finishing touches are taking place on the field, in the stands and around other areas of the venue.

    Beth Herendeen, the city’s managing director for development administration, says that, in essence, the building is dried-in, protected from the elements.

    Crews are working on drywall and painting the seats, and the air conditioning and lights are working.

    Herendeen said an extra 30 days were built into the schedule in case of storms like last year’s, but the quiet hurricane season of 2025 helped move things along.

    “We would have been on schedule anyway. That was built in, but it’s allowed us to get a little bit ahead of schedule. A project of this size, there are unknowns and unforeseen things, so we’ll take that time,” she said.

    A new stadium sound system will be installed this month and tested in January. 

    Flooring on the Viva deck will also be installed this month, along with backstop netting.

    Officials said there was mold and mildew to contend with as part of repairs. The city is working with Greenfield Environmental, and the Rays also have an industrial hygienist.

    A remediation company has also been on site.

    Based on recommendations from those experts, they’re either cleaning and encapsulating or removing and replacing any areas with damage.

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  • Clean Up DEBRIS Act aims to ease storm recovery for private communities

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hurricane season ended on Nov. 30, but a Florida congressman has introduced a bill that aims to help residents recover from future storms.

    Rep. Greg Steube, along with Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter, introduced the Clean Up Disasters and Emergencies with Better Recovery and Immediate Support Act —  or, the Clean Up DEBRIS Act. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Congressman Greg Steube introduced the Clean Up DEBRIS Act

    • The bill would allow FEMA to issue reimbursements for work done to clear debris in private communities like mobile home parks and condominiums

    • Dawn Bauman, CEO of the Community Associations Institute says right now, FEMA can deny reimbursements to localities that clear private roads

    • Bauman said private roads are often accessible to the public, and if cars and emergency vehicles can’t use them, it can create a public safety issue


    It’s meant to make sure that work to clear debris from private communities, like condominiums, manufactured home parks, and HOA communities, is reimbursed by FEMA.

    According to Steube’s office, FEMA can currently deny reimbursements to cities or counties that remove debris from private roads in those communities. Dawn Bauman, CEO of the Community Associations Institute, which supports the bill, said just because a road is considered private doesn’t mean it’s not an access point.

    Bauman said if residents and emergency vehicles can’t get in and out, that creates a public safety issue. She said CAI heard from communities that Florida localities did try to help in the aftermath of last year’s storms, telling private communities that if they dragged debris to a public right of way, they would remove it.

    “So, clearly, people trying to navigate a bureaucratic system that shouldn’t exist and shouldn’t be a barrier to homeowners, residents, and others trying to recover from a devastating hurricane,” Bauman said. 

    Bauman said that after last year’s hurricanes, some private communities saw either a delay in debris removal or local governments simply refused to remove debris. According to Steube’s office, residents can be left to handle the bill themselves in those cases.

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  • Changes taking shape at Treasure Bay

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Treasure Island is looking to the future of 17 acres of waterfront property. Treasure Bay is a city-owned recreation complex that was hit hard by last year’s hurricanes. Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez said even before the storms, it was in rough shape.

    What You Need To Know

    • Recent changes to the Treasure Bay recreation complex in Treasure Island include the construction of a new walking path, a new kayak launch and improvements to tennis courts

    • Talks about making improvements began years before Hurricane Helene damaged the site last year

    • Commissioners discussed possible future improvements at a workshop earlier this month

    • Some residents said they’d like to see the site’s golf course restored, but the mayor and vice mayor were among those who said while a golf feature may be added down the road, bringing back the course in its former state doesn’t make sense


    “It has been in talks for years,” Vasquez said of efforts to revitalize Treasure Bay. “Our parks and rec department has been amazing. We’ve gotten grants for a living seawall, which is, environmentally, just amazing.”

    A city staff member said during a Nov. 4 workshop that work on the seawall was expected to wrap up by the end of the month. Construction is also underway on a walking path, there’s a new kayak launch, and improvements are being made to the tennis courts. Commissioners also discussed possible future amenities for the site. Vasquez said that could include expanding the playground and adding a splash pad and waterfront band shell. A number of residents at the workshop told commissioners they want to see the restoration of Treasure Bay’s former golf course.

    “Many of our residents want that golf course. It’s part of our heritage,” said Commissioner Arden Dickey.

    “Both in 2017 and 2021, interested citizens participated in meetings and expressed their will to restore the golf course. Both times, staff and commission did not choose to listen,” said resident Pat Patterson.

    (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

    Vasquez and Mayor John Doctor were among those who said they didn’t think bringing back the course in its former state made sense, saying they want the site to get more use than was seen at the course.

    “Not necessarily going back to a full golf course like it was before because it was old and it was very, you know, it was a small group of people. So, we definitely want to attend to them,” Vasquez told Spectrum News.

    She said that could mean the addition of a Pop Stroke-like feature. 

    Others were concerned about parking problems additional amenities could cause, as well as what kind of events would be hosted at a band shell.

    “That’s the one thing that I do have a question about is the concerts and noise and what time it would be done,” one resident said.

    Vasquez said those are all issues that can be discussed before the city moves forward with anything. For now, she said it’s good to see change finally taking shape.

    “It’s progress, and if there’s one thing we need in Treasure Island as a whole, it’s progress,” she said.

    (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

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  • Father and son recount ordeal they faced after boat capsized

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — On Thanksgiving Day, a Polk County father and son said they were thankful to be alive after a 20-hour ordeal that left them stranded in the gulf. It happened after their boat capsized Monday. 

    “You’re thinking, ‘Is this it?’” said Cris Harding, Sr. “And to have your son on the boat with you is the worst feeling in the world.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Cris Harding, Sr. and Jr. were two of the men rescued by the Coast Guard from a capsized boat this week

    •  Eighteen-year-old Cris Jr. was released from the hospital Wednesday, one day after his father. They say the two other family members on the boat, Clarence Woods, 90, and Dennis Woods, 70, were still hospitalized but expected to be okay.

    •  The Hardings said enduring wind, waves, and the cold overnight was the hardest part of the ordeal, with both questioning if they would survive

    • Father and son praised the Coast Guard and said they were grateful they all made it back to land


    Eighteen-year-old Cris Harding, Jr. was released from the hospital Wednesday. He and his father said they were doing well and that two other family members on the boat, great uncle Clarence Woods, 90, and father-in-law and grandfather Dennis Woods, 70, were still hospitalized but expected to be okay.

    Cris Sr. said Monday started out as the perfect day, not unlike many of his family’s past fishing trips.

    “We got out there, started catching some big fish,” he said. “I caught a shark. I landed the shark, and literally not even ten, 15 minutes after, the boat flipped.

    The Hardings said by the time they noticed the boat was taking on water, it was too late. They tried using a pump, but the boat ended up capsizing. The four men climbed on top of the overturned boat, surrounded by water, with no land in sight.

    “I was never put in a position like that before, so it didn’t really feel real because I’d never been in a life-threatening situation like that where I was alive but had no way to actually know that I was gonna live,” said Cris Jr.

     


     

    But father and son said they weren’t thinking about that at first. In fact, they told Spectrum News that after they all climbed on top of the boat, Cris Jr. joked about it happening on a big day for his grandfather, Dennis Woods.

    “I think my son said something about, ‘And it’s your birthday,’ and he said, ‘I didn’t get no birthday cake or nobody sing me happy birthday.’ So, we all just started singing him happy birthday on the boat,” said Cris Sr.

    They said the hard part came after dark.

    “It was pretty brutal,” said Cris Jr. “I mean, right before the sun started setting, the water was really calm, and then night came. It just got really rough.”

    “It was freezing, and the waves were just knocking us all over. We kept slipping and falling and trying to hold on,” said Cris Sr. 

     


    They said it was a huge relief to see that a Coast Guard plane spotted them the next morning.

     

    “It was like, ‘Thank you, God.’ Happy to know you’re going home to see your loved ones again, and you know your son and your father-in-law and everybody’s gonna be okay,” said Cris Sr.

    “I felt unbelievable relief,” said Cris Jr. “I was really happy. I kind of enjoyed it for a second, being out on the boat. It was refreshing to realize that I was going to be home, safe, with my family.”

    The men were hospitalized, with Cris Sr. telling Spectrum News he and his son suffered from injuries and hypothermia. He said an experience like theirs puts things into perspective.

    “You tend to forget about the little things until something like that happens. You appreciate everything – especially land,” he said.

    The Coast Guard ended up finding the men 26 miles offshore from Clearwater. They credit their faith with helping them make it through, saying they talked about their favorite Bible verses. Cris Jr. said as he searched the sky for a plane or helicopter searching for them, he saw something else that gave him hope.

    “I saw a perfect cloud, shaped like an angel. It was amazing. I don’t know if that was God trying to tell me that I’m going to be fine, we’re all gonna make it through,” he said.

    Cris Sr. said he’s not sure what went wrong with the boat but is grateful that it didn’t sink after capsizing. He said that’s something that could’ve led to a different outcome for his family. 

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  • St. Pete launches holiday challenge to boost small businesses

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This week marks the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

    On Tuesday, St. Petersburg launched a program aimed at driving shoppers to local businesses.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg launched its Holiday Biz Bingo in the ‘Burg challenge on Tuesday

    • Shoppers can pick up bingo cards at participating stores and get credit for visiting different types of spots and taking part in activities. People who get five stickers in a row can win city-branded prizes

    • Mayor Ken Welch said the challenge was created to help businesses struggling with post-hurricane and economic difficulties

    • The marketing, tickets, and promotion manager with Daddy Kool Records said she thinks the program is a good idea to support local businesses, which she says will benefit the community as a whole


    “These are probably our biggest weeks of the year,” said Ashley Griffith, marketing, tickets, and promotion manager for Daddy Kool Records. “I mean, we have Record Store Day in April, which is very, very big for us, but a lot of our store just relies on Christmas and holiday sales.”

    Daddy Kool is one of the businesses participating in Holiday Biz Bingo in the ‘Burg. Shoppers can pick up Bingo cards at participating businesses and mark off activities and items at places they visit. The goal is to get people to stop at as many local spots as possible. Griffith said they could use the help.

    “We’ve had a difficult year, some may say. We kind of all have in St. Petersburg,” she said.

    Griffith said the store’s relocation from Central Avenue to The Factory St. Pete on Fairfield Avenue South impacted foot traffic, but it faced other challenges as well.

    “You have the ease of Amazon, you have the ease of Target, you have the ease of all these bigger corporations who are kind of affecting and hurting the local business economy,” she said.

    Mayor Ken Welch and Rep. Kathy Castor were among the elected officials who visited Daddy Kool and other participating businesses to launch the challenge. Welch said struggles facing local establishments sparked the creation of Biz Bingo.

    “We’re a year into the recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and a lot of our small businesses are still recovering,” he said.

    On top of that, Castor said tariffs, the rising cost of living, and the potential for increased health insurance costs are other hurdles businesses face.

    “In St. Pete, we know small businesses are the backbone of the economy,” Castor said. “We don’t have a lot of large corporations, Fortune 500 companies. What makes our economy go are the small business owners who hustle every day.”

    As for what kind of boost the holiday shopping season can provide, predictions are mixed. The National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 187 million people will shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. That would be an all-time record. A Deloitte consumer survey also found more people are expected to shop but that spending will be down by about four percent.

    Griffith said one reason shoppers should choose local rather than big box stores or online retailers — it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

    “All of the money we make here, it goes into our hard-working staff, it goes right back into the local music scene, and it stays within the St. Pete economy,” she said.

    Castor also noted that $68 of every $100 spent locally stays local.

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  • Bill aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Doctors have been sounding the alarm for years that colorectal cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in people younger than 50.

    Now, legislation has been introduced at the federal level aimed at increasing early detection.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act was recently introduced by U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens and Tim Burchett

    • The bill aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer 

    • According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the under 50 age group is the only one to see an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses

    • This new legislation would provide a funding path for states to pay for screenings for high-risk people, education campaigns, and more


    Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said the nonprofit worked closely with lawmakers to introduce the bill.

    “Colorectal cancer is the number one leading cause in cancer-related deaths for men under 50 and the second for women under 50. So, this Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act is vital to keep Americans healthy,” Sapienza said.

    When Christen Pedigo, 34, first noticed symptoms four years ago, she never thought she’d end up at Moffitt Cancer Center.

    “It was always something like, ‘Oh, it’ll be Crohn’s or UC or something similar.’ They didn’t even bring it up. So, when they gave me the diagnosis the day of the procedure, it was very shocking,” said Pedigo.

    She learned the unexplained weight loss, digestive issues, and fatigue she’d been dealing with were signs of colorectal cancer. Christen was diagnosed with stage 4 last year at just 33 years old. 

    “It’s been a really rough year, just from dealing with everything from the treatment to the emotions around the effects to just seeing how it changes your friends, your family,” Pedigo said.

    In her case, Pedigo began experiencing symptoms when she was 29 years old. Her case is part of a disturbing trend. According to the CCA, about 10 percent of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. are people younger than 50. That age group is the only one seeing an increase, with diagnoses going up one-to-two percent every year. It’s something one of Pedigo’s doctors has seen firsthand.

    “It’s very concerning,” said Dr. Tiago Biachi de Castria, a medical oncologist with Moffitt.

    Biachi de Castria said about 20% of the hospital’s colorectal cancer patients are younger than 50.

    “Unfortunately, we’re still seeing all those patients coming in with late diagnosis or with more advanced disease,” he said.

    The American Cancer Society says screening is lowest among the 45-49 age group. The Colorecal Cancer Early Detection Act aims to change that. The bill from U.S. Reps. Haley Stevens and Tim Burchett would allow states to apply for grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can be used to pay for screenings for people younger than 45 who are at higher risk, provide referrals for medical treatment, public education campaigns, and more.

    “Anything that can help to have access to this ideal care, it’s important for these patients,” said Biachi de Castria. “The interval between a polyp to a cancer is 10years, so we have time to act. This is the perfect disease to prevent, usually using screening procedures.”

    Pedigo said before coming to Moffitt, chemo and radiation didn’t have a big effect on her tumor. She’s started a more aggressive treatment and hopes to see improvement soon. The legislation is something she said can go a long way toward letting people know screening is important — no matter their age.

    “I think it’s so needed because after getting the diagnosis, you learn just how many people are experiencing it. I mean, there’s celebrities that are experiencing it,” she said. “We’re fighting a battle that we don’t have any information on. We’re so young, and it’s not a thought.”

    Emily Blasi, senior director of communications and public relations for the CCA, said the bill has been introduced and Stevens’s and Burchett’s offices are actively looking for support for it.

    According to CCA, symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, weakness and/or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, but there may be no symptoms in the early stages. It’s yet another reason the alliance says it’s important for people to get screened once they turn 45.

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  • Commissioner deny request for taller rebuilt Thunderbird Beach Resort

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    PINELLAS COUNTY. Fla. — Treasure Island city commissioners denied a request this week from owners of the Thunderbird Beach Resort to allow them to build back taller.

    The landmark hotel has been closed since Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Treasure Island city commissioners denied a request this week from owners of the Thunderbird Beach Resort to allow them to build back taller

    • The owners of the historic site said that damage from Helene and Milton was catastrophic and that 80 percent of the property has substantial damage

    • Nearby residents asked commissioners not to allow the Thunderbird to increase its height and density

    The owners of the historic site said that damage from Helene and Milton was catastrophic and that 80 percent of the property has substantial damage. The waterfront property spans nearly two acres along Gulf Boulevard.

    Resort owners said earlier this year they planned to demolish it and build a new resort. Nearby residents asked commissioners not to allow the Thunderbird to increase its height and density.

    Some residents said they wanted the city to craft a new master plan before making such changes.

    Ricky T’s General Manager Joseph Roth, located across the street from the hotel, said he is looking forward to the hotel reopening someday. Roth said this year’s “Sanding Ovations” festival, which starts today, will test the impact of the Thunderbird’s closure on surrounding businesses.

    “Being here for 15 years, I had the flow of people pretty down pat where I could tell you on a dime exactly what we’re going to do,” Roth said. “Now, we’ve got to re-evaluate what we’re doing and what the business flow is going to be, see how much of an impact that’s really going to be on the island and on our business itself, being right across the street.”

    Meanwhile, Treasure Island Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez requested the city put out a request for qualifications for a master planner.

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  • Treasure Island commissioners discuss tackling overgrown lawns, pests

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    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Nov. 26 will mark 16 months since Hurricane Helene flooded Pinellas County communities with several feet of storm surge.

    Now, the city of Treasure Island is looking at changing a city ordinance to deal with an issue some say has gotten worse since the storm. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Treasure Island commissioners have discussed changing the city’s lawn-mowing ordinance

    • Changes could include specifying that grass 10 inches or longer is a nuisance, and hiring a new employee to help with the caseload

    • The city’s code compliance supervisor says there are about 200 overgrown lawns in the city

    • Residents and city leaders say this is a public health concern since rats and other pests have taken up residence at some of the problem sites


    At a Tuesday workshop, commissioners discussed the city’s mandatory lawn-mowing program. Treasure Island’s code compliance supervisor said at the meeting that there are about 200 overgrown lawns in the city. It’s an issue that has come to the forefront as homes sit vacant following Helene, with officials and residents saying the properties are creating health and safety issues.

    “Nhora, I don’t even know where this water’s coming from. Here’s the hallway,” Timothy Vanek can be heard saying in a video he sent to his wife during Helene.

    He rode out the storm in their Isle of Palms home. The footage shows water pouring into their home between the baseboard and wall.

    “This is how much water’s outside the front door. The streets have flooded. Probably got three feet of water,” Vanek continued as the video shows the water rising outside a window.

    When the water subsided, repairs began.

    “We all worked very hard to get our homes rebuilt after the storm, after the hurricane,” said Vanek. “It took us seven months. That’s pretty much 14 hours a day for seven months.”

    The Vaneks said they had to deal with another challenge post-hurricane at a property near their home.

    “Pretty bad to where the grass was probably two feet or higher. Then, you have rats. We’ve had rats that come over,” he said. “At first, I thought it was a cat. So, they’re pretty big.”

    “It’s an issue because of safety and health when we’ve got snakes, when we’ve got rats,” Mayor John Doctor said. 

    The city’s code compliance supervisor said he and two other employees have a current workload of 401 cases. Eighty-one of those involve landscaping violations, while 80-100 are landscaping along with additional violations.

    Doctor said a number of the properties are homes bought by investors and developers after Helene who aren’t maintaining them. He told Spectrum News that can create additional issues.

    “Once you see a yard that’s going from six, and all of a sudden to 10 inches … people that are coming by are actually dumping bricks and debris and everything else,” he said.

    The city commission discussed proposed changes to the mowing ordinance. Changes could include specifying that grass 10 inches or longer is considered a nuisance, streamlining case timelines, and hiring a new employee to help carry out the program. There could also be additional costs for owners who don’t maintain their lawns. 

    Vanek said he is in favor of tougher penalties.

    “I understand it’s traumatic for everybody, but it’s been a year now,” he said. “I think it’s time you either gotta bulldoze your house, sell it, or cut the grass, because it affects all of us and our property values.”

    The commission decided it wants to move forward with possibly changing the ordinance. Doctor said it will appear before the board for additional readings before anything is finalized.

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  • Government shutdown impacts Hillsborough non-profit

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    TOWN ‘N’ COUNTRY, Fla. — People around the country who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are waiting to find out if they’ll get that money to buy groceries in November.

    The USDA Secretary has said the program will run out of money at the end of October due to the government shutdown. One Hillsborough County non-profit said its ability to process SNAP has already been impacted by the shutdown but for a different reason.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sweetwater Organic Community Farm says it’s been unable to process SNAP benefits for weeks and hasn’t been able to work through the issue with the USDA due to the government shutdown 

    •  The farm’s general manager said quite a few customers use SNAP benefits and that she’s also concerned that they could lose SNAP altogether if the shutdown continues into November

    •  The Florida Dept. of Children and Families administers SNAP benefits and says benefits will not be issued for November if federal funding is not restored

    • Read previous coverage here


    “This is our sign. It says, ‘EBT SNAP accepted,’ right here,” said Cindy Casterlin.

    Casterlin, general manager of Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, said it’s what quite a few customers use to pay for fruits, vegetables, and more.

    “That’s one of the draws of the farmer’s market. It’s local food, local farmers – at least, our farmer’s market, specifically, is definitely that,” Casterlin said. “And then, it’s fresh foods.”

    Casterlin said shoppers can double their nutritious haul through the Fresh Access Bucks program. Shesaid whatever they spend on their EBT card, they can get that same amount in produce, seeds, or plants for free. But that all stopped at Swetwater at the end of September.

    “It’s a timing thing, really,” Casterlin said.

    She said Sweetwater’s EBT readers weren’t allowing them to process cards. They found out their contract number with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wasn’t being recognized as that of a valid merchant. Casterlin said they renewed last year and that contract hasn’t expired. According to her, the farm was working to contact the USDA to work through the issue when the shutdown began.

    “So, now all you get is, if you try to contact them, is that red message that blasts up that they’re shut down and you can’t do anything until they come back online,” she said.

    That means customers with SNAP benefits are out of luck, and Sweetwater and its farmer’s market vendors are out that revenue.

    “It’s not just an inconvenience,” Casterlin said. “We’re really concerned as this shutdown moves forward.”

    She said she’s concerned for the people who rely on those benefits.

    Anna Archambault, public relations manager for the Florida Dept. of Children and Families (DCF), which administers SNAP benefits, said benefits won’t be issued for November until federal funding is restored. 

    “The Department is monitoring the federal government shutdown closely and is committed to resuming benefits as quickly as possible once funding is restored,” Archambault said via e-mail.

    “In some cases, that’s all they have. It’s a lifeline,” said Asheena Moses, statewide outreach and advocacy manager for Florida Impact. 

    Moses said the statewide anti-hunger organization is getting questions from SNAP recipients and food banks but have been told by DCF that the department isn’t issuing guidance until they know for sure whether the shutdown will continue into November.

    “So, you’re running into a situation where families are losing SNAP money, food banks are losing funding to put more food in the bank,” said Moses. “We don’t even know where families will go for food.”

    Casterlin said many of Sweetwater’s neighbors are still recovering from last year’s hurricanes, and a possible loss of SNAP benefits will impact the community’s most vulnerable.

    “You’re going to have to pull that resource from somewhere else. Is it going to come out of your rent money? Your landlord’s not going to be happy. Is it going to come out of your utility bill? Because the rest of your bills don’t go away,” she said.

    Archambault said there’s not expected to be any impact to October benefits and DCF is still processing applications and renewals.

    She said SNAP recipients may get notices about their eligible benefit amount for November, but that money won’t be issued until funding is restored. She said those who’ve already submitted applications or renewals don’t have to reapply, and any existing benefits remain available to use.

     

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  • Trooper the dog’s new owner upset over dropped charges

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    TAMPA, Fla. – Charges have been dropped against a Hillsborough County man who was accused of leaving a dog tied up as Hurricane Milton approached the area last year, leaving his new owner upset.

    What You Need To Know

    • Charges have been dropped against a Hillsborough County man who was accused of leaving a dog tied up as Hurricane Milton approached
    • Trooper’s new owner, Frank Spina, said he is “disgusted” to learn that the charges have been dropped
    • The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence
    • “Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation

    The dog, “Trooper,” was found attached to a fence in rising floodwaters while Hurricane Milton approached last year. A new family later adopted Trooper.

    Trooper dealt with some health issues within the past year but is now doing “fantastic”, Trooper’s owner, Frank Spina, said.

    Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin was facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty after he admitted to leaving his dog on the side of the road. The charges were dropped after State Attorney Suzy Lopez’s office said that there is not enough evidence to prove that Trooper was intentionally tied to the fence.

    Frank Spina adopted Trooper after the storm. (Spectrum News)

    Spina told Spectrum News he was “disgusted” to hear that the charges had been dropped.

    “To find out a year later that they’re going to withdraw the charges because they lack evidence? There’s clearly something wrong with this picture,” he said.

    A spokesperson said that the FHP trooper who found the dog recently said during the deposition process that he found the dog stuck to the fence by its collar.

    With nothing found at the scene, like a rope or chain, that Trooper would’ve been tied up with, the office could not legally move forward with the case.

    As a result of Trooper being abandoned during the storm, “Trooper’s Law” was made. “Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation.

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    Sarah Blazonis, Spectrum News Staff

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