ReportWire

Tag: tampa

  • Curfew could be coming for Manatee County teens, if commission approves

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A curfew for Manatee County teens could be on the horizon if approved Tuesday by county commissioners.

    A public hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center, located at 1112 Manatee Ave in Bradenton. Following the hearing, county commissioners are expected to vote on the ordinance.

    As proposed, the curfew would prohibit teens under 17 from being in public from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and from midnight to 5 a.m. on weekends. Exceptions to the ordinance include teens who have a late-night job, school event or are with a parent or guardian.

    What You Need To Know

    • Curfew would prohibit teens under 17 from being in public from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and from midnight to 5 a.m. on weekends.

    • Exceptions include being with a parent or guardian, returning from or going to work, or attending a registered/supervised event

    • Some residents worry this could disproportionately affect minority groups 


    • MORE: Read the full ordinance


    Teens caught breaking curfew will get a warning and a police escort home on the first offense. If they are caught a second time, they could receive a $50 fine. Parents could also incur a separate $50 fine.

    Commissioner Amanda Ballard proposed the ordinance earlier this year, after she was contacted by residents in the county’s urban core who have been dealing with property crime like car break-ins. Ballard said some of those crimes were committed by teens in the middle of the night.

    “I’ve heard some people say they’re a little afraid teens with be targeted,” Ballard explained. “But I’ve heard a lot of residents also say please provide a little accountability because I don’t feel safe in my own neighborhood. So there’s a little bit of a balance there, but ultimately this is going to keep the community safe and provide a little accountability.”

    Ballard said this also will aid law enforcement in how they police crime late at night.

    “This is really another tool in their tool belt to prevent those property crimes because when they see those teens on the street and they have a feeling something might be going wrong, they don’t have the ability to intervene and step in until the negative thing has happened,” she explained.

    NAACP President Tracey Washington says she supports the idea of a curfew, but has a number of concerns.

    “We have to look at who is being affected,” she said. “I want to keep our children safe. The people who are affected the most is probably the African American and Hispanic communities. What happens to our children when they see law enforcement and they’re fearful? They’re going to run. We know this. But what happens when they run?”

    Washington said she wishes the county would have asked for community input before drafting the ordinance.

    “I’m just afraid of what will happen if a child is out there by themselves … and something goes wrong,” she stated.

    Angie Angers

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  • Better Together looking for host families in Bay area

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Erin Murray

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

    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.”

    Dalia Dangerfield

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jorja Roman

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  • Falcon 9’s first-stage booster for Starlink launch has impressive history

    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — At the moment, Mother Nature is giving SpaceX a pretty nice forecast for its Starlink launch on Tuesday evening.

    And that is good news for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, which has a very impressive launch resume.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Starlink 6-94 mission will take off from Space Launch Complex 40
    • This Falcon 9’s first-stage booster has an impressive history

    SpaceX stated it will send up its Falcon 9 rocket with the Starlink 6-94 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:12 p.m. ET. 

    The launch window will open from 6:29 p.m. ET to 10:29 p.m. ET, meaning the California-based company has during this time slot to send up its Falcon 9 rocket.

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 95% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule.

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    A solid dozen?

    If all goes well, this will be the 12th mission for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster called B1085.  

    It has an impressive resume, from first launching the Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station, to sending up two commercial companies’ lunar landers — with Firefly Aerospace being the first company to successfully land on the moon — to taking up four people in the civilian Fram2 mission to explore Earth’s polar regions.

    1. Crew-9 mission
    2. Starlink 6-77 mission
    3. Starlink 10-5 mission
    4. RRT-1
    5. Blue Ghost and HAKUTO-R
    6. Fram2 mission
    7. Starlink 6-93 mission
    8. SXM-10 mission
    9. Eumetsat MTG-S1 mission
    10. Starlink 10-20 mission
    11. Starlink 10-27 mission

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket should land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, which will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites will head to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there once deployed.

    SpaceX owns the Starlink company, where the satellites provide internet service to many areas of the round Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been recording Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell documented the following:

    • 8,994 are in orbit
    • 7,716 are in operational orbit

    Anthony Leone

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

    •  Pasco Schools began the program in March of 2025

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    More details are available here.

    Jason Lanning

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  • Sanding Ovations returns to Treasure Island after last year’s cancellation

    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Sanding Ovations returns for its 17th year after 2024’s hurricane season canceled the popular sand sculpting festival.

    Sculptors make their own molds, and by compacting sand and water, they make their own building blocks — or “sandstone.”

    “It’s pretty basic,” said Meredith Corson-Doubleday, festival co-founder. “It’s construction work.”

    Corson-Doubleday knows many in her barrier island community who remain displaced.

    “But they are all here. I’ve seen so many of them that are staying in condos, staying in hotels just so they can be here for this weekend,” she said. “They’re not gonna miss it because their house isn’t ready. They’re not gonna miss it.”

    This year’s theme – a museum vibe, where one could walk through a gallery of sculptures and contemplate the art.

    Enter The Dali Museum, as an event partner.

    “The sculptors are going to go to the museum Thursday night. They are so excited to go,” said Corson-Doubleday.

    Dali also inspired the centerpiece — where each of the dozen sculptors depicts Dali’s artistic idea blooming from his head.

    “You’ll see some melted clocks, long-legged elephants, pyramids,” said Corson-Doubleday.

    And as Sanding Ovations returns, Corson–Doubleday hopes visitors see a reflection of a rebuilding and recovering community in their work.

    “It’s art. It’s art — just a different form,” said Corson-Doubleday.

    Look for a beer garden, Saturday night fireworks, touring bands and kite flying showcases.

    And dozens and dozens of vendors, from boutique beachwear to mini donuts.

    Virginia Johnson

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  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

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

    Meteorologist Nathan Harrington

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  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

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

    Meteorologist Nathan Harrington

    Source link

  • Woman to be sentenced for falsely accusing astronaut wife of space crime

    HOUSTON — Federal prosecutors say a case that was widely reported to be the first case of “space crime” has come to an end after a 50-year-old Kansas woman pleaded guilty to falsely accusing her now ex-wife of illegally accessing an online bank account from the International Space Station in early 2019.

    What You Need To Know

    • In March 2019, Summer Heather Worden, 50, accused her “estranged spouse,” NASA astronaut Col. Anne C. McClain, of illegally accessing her bank account from the International Space Station

    • At the time, the case was widely reported to be the first case of “space crime”

    • In April 2020, Worden was indicted on charges of lying to federal officers in the case, and on Nov. 13, she pleaded guilty to one of the charges as part of a plea deal

    According to a plea agreement in the case, Summer Heather Worden had accused NASA astronaut Col. Anne McClain (identified in court documents as “Person A” and as an “estranged spouse” in a U.S. Attorney’s Office statement) of illegally accessing her bank account twice in January 2019 while she was serving aboard the ISS.

    Worden told investigators on March 19, 2019, that McClain had “guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account,” one she had opened in September 2018, “to prevent (McClain) from accessing her accounts.”

    “However, Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office statement said. “Both parties had accessed it until January 2019, when Worden changed the credentials.

    “The investigation revealed Worden had granted her spouse access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.”

    In an Aug. 24, 2019, post on Twitter (now X), McClain said that there was “unequivocally no truth to these claims. We’ve been going through a painful, personal separation that’s now unfortunately in the media.”

    She concluded by saying she had “total confidence in the (NASA Office of the Inspector General) process.”

    Court records in Travis County, Texas, show that Worden and McClain divorced in early 2020.

    As part of the plea agreement, Worden faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 

    She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2026, and information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas says she will remain free on bond until that hearing.

    Mark Boxley

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  • Pinellas school officials host meeting about declining enrollment

    LARGO, Fla. — Pinellas County community members got to hear from the school district Monday night at Largo High School. 

    This is one of the meetings they’re hosting to address declining enrollment.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County saw enrollment decline by 3,651 students from last school year to the current school year

    • Attendees got the chance to leave feedback for the school district

    • The next meeting is on Dec. 2 in Dunedin


    From shrinking enrollment to possible uses for empty school buildings, Jennifer Dull, the Chief Operations Officer for Pinellas County Schools, gave a presentation to address parents’ questions and provide them with an opportunity to weigh in.

    “We’re trying to be really thoughtful about what is happening in our community and also taking into consideration and being thoughtful about what our community is really looking for as we go through a long-term planning process,” Dull said.

    According to the school district, enrollment has gone from nearly 78,000 last school year to just over 74,000 this school year. The official decrease is 3,651.

    Dull said with enrollment not expected to increase in future years, that’s why they’re hosting these meetings.

    No questions were taken during the meeting, but the district wants to make sure they hear people’s concerns.

    Boards were set up in the back, and attendees wrote dozens of posted notes, leaving suggestions for what they want to see.

    “That feedback is important to our board and to our superintendent that our school community really comes forward and kind of helps us determine as we make recommendations for what Pinellas County Schools looks like in the future,” Dull said.

    This is not the last of these meetings the school district is hosting.

    While the presentation won’t change, there are still three meetings to give community members across Pinellas County a chance to listen.

    The next one is in Dunedin on Dec. 2.

    Matt Lackritz

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

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

    • Read more TRAFFIC INBOX stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tim Wronka

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  • Bear hunt protest, Florida ACA costs

    Bear Warriors United protests Florida’s upcoming bear hunt, and a new report outlines the impact of ending ACA subsidies for Florida residents.


    Local groups hold protest in Tallahassee against Florida’s upcoming bear hunt

    Activists held a large demonstration on Monday in Tallahassee to protest Florida’s upcoming bear hunt.

    They are urging state leaders to rethink the state’s upcoming bear hunt.

    The bear hunt will last for 23 days, starting on Dec. 6 and ending Dec. 28. It’s been more than a decade since the last statewide bear hunt.

    More than 100 people gathered outside the Florida Capitol to call the state’s upcoming hunt both unsound and unneeded.

    “The FWC was entrusted to protect wildlife, to protect it, for the people to manage it,” Bear Warriors United Attorney Raquel Levy said. “And it’s destroying the very thing it’s entrusted to protect.”

    Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission argue the hunt will help manage the bear population and salvage the habitat, too.

    “While we have enough suitable bear habitat to support our current bear population levels … we will not have enough habitat at some point in the future,” the agency said in a statement.

    Under the rules of the hunt, 172 bears are planned to be taken across 31 Florida counties. Bows, guns and traps have all been approved in the hunt.

    “Sierra Club isn’t against all hunting,” Sierra Club of Florida Senior Managing Organizer Cris Costello said. “We’re against hunting that isn’t part of a sane, science-based management policy.” 

    The last hunt lasted only two days and hunters killed roughly 295 black bears.

    Bear Warriors United has sued to stop the hunt, and a hearing on the matter is scheduled for next week.

    New report outlines which Florida districts will be hardest hit after ACA subsidies end

    Some congressional districts in Florida will be among those hardest by the expiration of the enhanced federal subsides to pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

    Florida has the most Affordable Care Act enrollees in the country with an estimated 4.7 million enrollees.

    A non-partisan research group, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, recently released an analysis of how the end of enhanced subsides to pay for ACA coverage will affect residents of each congressional district in the state.

    Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Gainesville, and South Florida districts will be some of the hardest hit districts in the country. In the 3rd Congressional District, a 45-year-old making $32,000 per year would see a nearly $1,500 annual increase in premiums if the enhancements go away. One reason for the differences among congressional districts is that health care costs vary from community to community.

    “It’s more just local health care costs vary a lot, just in small areas, even from hospital to hospital,” CBPP Senior Fellow Gideon Lukens said. “And, so, different districts, you’ll have greater, smaller health care costs, and you also have, like, local markets where insurers and providers are negotiating different rates.” 

    The enhanced ACA tax credits will expire at the end of the year if Congress and the president do not extend them. Experts say their disappearance will likely make health insurance too expensive for some Americans.

    “There’s five districts where over 30% of the population is enrolled in marketplace coverage, and in every district in Florida, over 10% is enrolled,” Lukens said. “So this is like, you know, a lot of people around you have marketplace coverage and are going to be looking at these big increases if the extensions, the enhancements are expected.”

    According to Lukens, the higher premiums will hit small businesses and the self-employed especially hard.

    “I think they make up about a quarter every year of  marketplace coverage,” he said. “So it’s particularly important for those groups.”

    As part of the short-term government funding deal that passed last week, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune committed to holding a vote next month on extending the subsidies, though it’s not clear if it has enough Republican support to pass. And in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson has not promised to take up the bill. 

    Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Phillip Stucky, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Applications open for Tampa’s $2 million hurricane recovery program

    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa residents seeking assistance with hurricane recovery can now apply for the city’s Homeowner Hurricane Assistance program. 

    Applications opened Monday morning for the new city program that awards up to $30,000 to eligible homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton. Homeowners in the hardest-hit zip codes, including Forest Hills/North Tampa, Palmetto Beach and South of Gandy, will be prioritized. 


    The city of Tampa has $2 million from the city’s general fund they plan to use for this new program. Residents who still need to make home repairs or want to be reimbursed for prior hurricane-related repairs are encouraged to apply. 

    To be eligible, you have to be a homeowner with homestead status living within Tampa’s city limits. Household income cannot exceed 140% of the area’s median income, though the city is willing to accept applications for those who make up to 10% more. That means the cap sits at roughly $128,500 for two-person households and just over $160,000 for a four-person household. 

    Forest Hills resident April Self said many of her neighbors are still trying to repair their homes and are at varying stages of recovery.

    “I know so many people… including us, to keep things moving we had to tap into our 401K and IRA,” Self said. 

    She added that her home flooded with a mix of rainwater and sewer water. She says the city’s storm pumps failed to turn on when the power went out, a separate issue the city is currently working on. 

    In July, the city confirmed they will rent eight backup generators for hurricane seasons to ensure storm pumps will remain running when the grid loses power. 

    Looking at the income restrictions of the new Tampa program, Self says she and some of her neighbors in need won’t qualify for the funding. 

    “When you actually see the numbers you’re deflated again,” she said. “Everything we’ve applied for we’ve been denied… we’ve only been able to get a little help from FEMA and we had to take out a second mortgage that’s higher than our first mortgage.” 

    She’s hoping the city takes a second look at property values in the area and how they compare to income requirements. 

    Those looking to apply for funding or see if they quality can do so through the city of Tampa directly.

    Angie Angers

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  • Paul Mazzapica brings joy to assisted living center residents through karaoke

    TAMPA, Fla. — A Pinellas County man has made it his mission to lead a group of church volunteers to be a blessing to their community. Paul Mazzapica’s joyful spirit really shines as he leads his team.

    Mazzapica said he was meeting with some fellow members of Countryside Christian Church seven years ago when they came up with the idea for a volunteer team called Operation Influence. That grew to include giving blessing baskets to local businesses, bags filled with necessities to homeless people, handing out hundreds of wood crosses and recently something called Shine Your Light.

    What You Need To Know

    • Paul Mazzapica leads the Shine Your Light team from Countryside Christian Chuch.  

    •  The team sings karaoke songs with residents of the Collier’s Assisted Living facility. 

    •  Mazzapica and other church members started Operation Influence seven years ago. 

    • Operation Influence does a number of good works in the community. 


    Shine Your Light team members go to assisted living centers to sing karaoke with residents. On a recent evening at Collier’s Assisted Living, Mazzapica was setting up his karaoke gear inside a large meeting area. There was a computer for streaming music and some large speakers.

    “We wanted to put our faith into action. So, we said what better way to do that than to share love. And there’s no better place to do that than this place, Colliers,” said Mazzapica. A few minutes later Mazzapica was playing some music and gathered residents were clapping to a song.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. “We are here to love on you and let you know you are not alone. God has us. God has you,” he said.

    The idea behind the karaoke night is the bring joy from the outside world to the residents who might feel forgotten. Team member Bob Elliot kept the energy going with leading much of the singing.  It’s a fun filled experience for everyone.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. (Spectrum News/Rick Elmhorst)

    “I’ve seen them dancing. I’ve seen them singing along,” said Mazzapica. “One thing I see is a lot of smiles.”

    Resident Eileen Mcaulay said the karaoke sessions bring residents out of their rooms at night, and everybody has a good time.

    “The whole idea of operation influence is to get out and be the hands and feet. That’s what we want to be,” said Mazzapica. “Not just sitting there in church wanting to do it. We do it.”

    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Senior cannabis use hits all-time high

    RIDGE MANOR, Fla. — A new study suggests that cannabis use among seniors is at an all-time high.

    Research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal shows a significant increase in older adults using cannabis.

    What You Need To Know

    • Research in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that cannabis use among seniors is increasing
    • The data shows that cannabis use among older adults increased by 46% between 2021 and 2023
    • A Hernando County senior said he uses cannabis for chronic pain
    • Cannabis use remains federally illegal and the CDC said cannabis use can have health risks


    For many seniors, going to a cannabis dispensary is like picking up a prescription.

    “You get it when and how much you need,” said O,Gary Stein, senior.

    Stein said he started using cannabis in high school and has used it on and off ever since.

    “Since the 1970s, I guess that makes me an OG, or at least just an O” he said.

    The now 68-year-old said he recently picked it back up for medical purposes. He goes to the dispensary as often as he needs to treat his chronic depression and pain.

    “I rather use this than opiates or things of that sort. Even Tylenol eventually becomes toxic to your liver, whereas this is a much healthier alternative,” Stein said.

    Stein isn’t alone. The number of seniors using marijuana is growing. According to a new study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal, the number of seniors using cannabis has increased by 46% between 2021 and 2023. 

    “I know a lot of senior citizens who are sick and tired of taking all the pills that their doctors are constantly prescribing for them and having to deal with all the side effects that a lot those pills cause and they prefer a natural solution,” Stein said.

    Dr. Deepa Verma at Synergistiq Wellness has been a licensed medical marijuana prescriber for about eight years. She said she’s written thousands of prescriptions, and lately, a lot more for seniors.

    “Because cannabis is more socially acceptable and with the legalization and people are just more open about seeking other ways to get healthy, they don’t want to be caught in that traditional health care system,” said Verma.

    However, cannabis use remains federally illegal. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for the treatment of any disease or condition. 

    No matter how marijuana is used, the Centers for Disease Control said marijuana has brain, heart, lung and mental health risks and can cause cannabis use disorder or unintentional poisoning.

    At home, Stein said he’s weighed other treatment options. He believes cannabis is a great option for seniors wanting a natural remedy. 

    “The best thing to do is to find out what is best for you. The dosage is up to you, and the method of use is up to you,” he said.

    Now that Stein’s prescription is filled, his chronic pain is manageable.

    Researchers also found that people with multiple chronic conditions are more likely to use cannabis. 

    The study said clinicians should consider screening and educating older patients about potential risks of cannabis use.

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • FAA ends commercial space launch-limit times

    Daytime and early-evening launches resume nationwide.

    Anthony Leone

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

    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

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • With FAA orders lifted, Tampa International traffic resuming regular schedule

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed at 40 major airports during the country’s longest government shutdown.

    Early Monday, traffic is back to normal at Tampa International Airport.

    What You Need To Know

    • FAA lifts restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major airports, including Tampa, Orlando and Miami 
    • Airlines can resume regular flight schedules on Monday at 6 a.m. EST
    • The restrictions were due to staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the government shutdown 
    • Traffic flowing smoothly at Tampa International as of Monday morning 
    • TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Flight status

    Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country.

    Impacted airports included the major facilities in Florida: Tampa, Orlando and Miami.  

    The flight cuts started at 4% and later grew to 6% before the FAA on Friday rolled the restrictions back to 3%, citing continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing since the record 43-day shutdown ended.

    The FAA statement said an FAA safety team recommended the order be rescinded after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”

    Cancellations hit their highest point Nov. 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights because of the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages and severe weather in parts of the country. But conditions began to improve throughout the week as more controllers returned to work amid news that Congress was close to a deal to end the shutdown. That progress also prompted the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases.

    Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period after the FAA lifted its order.

    According to AAA, six million people are expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.

    However, that number could end up being lower because of the recent flight disruptions.

    Florida remains the most popular domestic destination this year, with Tampa being in the top ten.

    Spectrum News Staff via CNN

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  • Bradenton Convention Center completes $54 million project

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A recently completed Manatee County project is expected to bring in up to $40 million a year to the local economy.

    A two-year, $54 million improvement project at the Bradenton Area Convention Center significantly expanded the facility.

    Business owners like James Schumacher hope the project brings an increase in foot traffic to his location.

    “It’s all made in house,” he said of Papa’s Pizzeria, which he has owned and operated in Palmetto for two years. Everyone calls him Papa Jimmy.

    “I like being around people,” Schumacher said. “I used to be in the mortgage business, and I used to be in the restaurant business years before that. And I like the restaurant business.”

    Now his main goal is trying to grow his customer base and eventually expand his business. One possible path to seeing more people buy his pizzas is through an increase in foot traffic from events held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, located less than two miles from the pizzeria.

    The convention center just completed a capital improvement project, adding 30,000 square feet of space to the building, including a grand ballroom, breakout rooms, meeting rooms and other additions. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    “From the gun shows to the Comic-Con and all these different things that they’ve got going on over there, they are popping in here,” he explained.

    The convention center just completed a capital improvement project, adding 30,000 square feet of space to the building, including a grand ballroom, breakout rooms, meeting rooms and other additions.

    Elliott Falcione, the executive director for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, explained how this addition to the convention center will help.

    The first event at the Bradenton Area Convention Center will be this Wednesday. It will host the Florida Sports Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    The first event at the Bradenton Area Convention Center will be this Wednesday. It will host the Florida Sports Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    “We needed that second mass assembly room. That is needed to be able to bring in conventions to our community. So we’re at a 95,000-square-foot convention center. That is the biggest from Saint Petersburg to Naples,” he said.

    He said the convention center is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy.

    “(By) 2027 mid and beyond, this facility should be stimulating the economy by $30 to $40 million a year,” he said. “As you know, Bradenton and Palmetto are going through an extensive redevelopment process. You need assets like this to feed the small business community 12 months a year.”

    The expanded convention center provides a new platform for the community — one that business owners hope will help them grow.

    The first event at the Bradenton Area Convention Center will be this Wednesday. It will host the Florida Sports Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony.

    Julia Hazel

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