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  • N.C. business feels impact of tariff increases before holidays

    CARRBORO, N.C. — Businesses and customers may be feeling a pinch this holiday season from the Trump administration’s decision earlier this year to raise taxes on imported goods.

    What You Need To Know

    • The National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast predicted retail sales growth of about 4%

    • The organization said people would still spend money – just at higher prices

    • The owner of Ali Cat Toys has said 70% of the products in his store are made in China


    The owner of Ali Cat Toys, Bipin Shah, welcomes each customer. He’s been doing this faithfully for two years now.

    When he first purchased the toy store, Shah said it was a no brainer, although he knew it would come with challenges.

    “The prices of almost everything has increased, I would say, from 10% to 15%,” Shah said.

    That’s because the Trump administration advocated for higher taxes on foreign goods earlier this year.

    Small businesses like Ali Cat are feeling the impact.

    “Anywhere from 90% to 95% of our items have been impacted by the tariffs,” Shah said.

    Shad in an August interview said 70% of the products in his store are made in China.

    This week, he said 85% of the products in the store come from overseas.

    He said the price increases are still up at least 10%, as they were in August.

    “So that is really something that we have to deal with right now,” Shah said.

    Ali Cat Toys has been a community staple for nearly 40 years.

    Shah recently opened a Morrisville location.

    To help his customers, Shah said he’s been trying to use American manufacturers — that way he can keep his products at a reasonable price.

    “If we can get some items that are made in the U.S., we would prefer that. Given that, we do not have to pay the tariff, and then if we do not have to pay the tariff, then we don’t have to increase the prices of those items,” he said.

    Shah said whatever the federal government does regarding small businesses, he will try to be prepared.

    He said Ali Cat Toys will be around for another decade or more.

    The National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast predicted retail sales growth at around 4% this season, even with tariffs causing price uncertainty.

    The report predicted that people would still spend money – just at higher prices.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Hundreds of vendors take over Vinoy Park for the Shopapalooza Festival

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Shopapalooza Festival is taking over Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Shopapalooza Festival is taking over Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg for its 15th year

    • More than 350 vendors have filled the park

    • Business owners said the event is a great way to meet new customers and gain exposure

    • The event runs all weekend long


    350 businesses and tens of thousands of people filled the park’s 11 acres on Saturday.

    Gopali Imports is one of the hundreds of businesses.

    Alex Gopali is the owner, and he started the business 13 years ago. That same year, he had his third open-heart surgery for a heart transplant to help his cardiomyopathy.

    “My doctor told me to get the perfect match heart like that either has to come from my sister or twin brother or something like that, that’s how perfect the body match was,” said Alex Gopali, owner of Gopali Imports.

    For nearly just as long as Gopali has had a new heart, he’s been coming to Shopapalooza in Vinoy Park. He says it’s a great way to stay in touch with the community and his regular customers. 

    “This really helps to keep the local vibe and local shopping alive,” he said.

    The event happens annually on Small Business Saturday, which was started in 2010 by American Express. American Express said small business owners it surveyed are expecting 20% of their annual revenue to come on Saturday.

    “Vendors will say of the two days of Shopapalooza I was able to make more money than I have in the last six months of doing other festivals. That means a lot, that means we’re doing something right,” said Shopapalooza spokesperson Pat Largo.

    Gopali Imports hopes to continue to stay busy the rest of the year because of the exposure from Shopapalooza, an event that Gopali is grateful to be a part of.

    “Very lucky to be alive, don’t you think?” Gopali said.

    It’s the community support and Gopali’s second chance at life that keeps him coming back year after year.

    Shopapalooza Festival will continue on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Despite shift to online shopping, many still head to stores for Black Friday

    GREENSBORO, N.C. — Despite the national unemployment rate hitting its highest level in four years, 4.4%, shoppers are projected to set another record.

    What You Need To Know

    • Adobe Analytics shows overall online spending rose 5.3% year-over-year to $6.4 billion on Thanksgiving, and that’s just the start of a period that’s expected to be record breaking

    • According to the National Retail Federation, a record 189 million consumers will shop from Thursday through Cyber Monday

    • The federation reports that more people have shopped online than in person for more than 5 years, with online consumers outnumbering in-person shoppers by more than 5 million in 2024

    The National Retail Federation projects 189 million people will shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. That would be an all-time high. 

    The federation also projects that most sales will be online. But many people still got up early Friday to take part in the customary Black Friday shopping experience.

    Connor Sexton joined a few dozen others waiting for Walmart’s doors to open at 6 a.m. 

    “Waking up at 5 a.m. and coming out, it’s just kind of unbeatable,” Sexton said while standing in line at the supercenter’s Wendover Road location. 

    The day is a family tradition, and over the years he said he has been able to score some great deals with his family.

    “I think there’s like an experience behind it, and I love it. As things shift towards online, I want to kind of keep a tradition of going in person, because I think it’s a different experience and one that people need,” he said.

    Across the street, on South 40 Drive, Daniel Collins visited the Best Buy in search for a deal on an Apple watch. 

    “I’ve come here before, just like to kind of people watch, but I never went inside because my parents were like, ‘Be careful. Don’t get run over,” Collins said.

    This year, Collins said there were no large crowds, and he was able to get in and out within just 15 minutes of it opening. 

    “If you come back here in 2010, we’d be still waiting in that line right there to go inside,” he said. 

    As more people choose to shop on the internet, employees said the once-overwhelming lines have died down. 

    According to the retail federation, online Black Friday shoppers outnumbered in-person shoppers by more than 5 million in 2024. 

    There are also many shoppers like Stephan Hamad who shop sales online and in person.

    “If there’s something that you didn’t get on Black Friday, there’s things that are specific that they didn’t sell in the store, you can still find it, still get a good deal on it,” he said. 

    Hamad bought his son a four-wheeler online earlier this week and a PS5 in person at Best Buy on Friday.

    Adobe Analytics is expecting global Black Friday sales to top $80 billion, with $11 billion of that projected to be online.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    Sasha Strong

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  • Report shows potential drop in shopping ahead of holiday season

    GREENSBORO, N.C. — This weekend typically marks the start of the holiday shopping season. A nationwide report shows there might be a dip in holiday spending this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • A WalletHub survey finds nearly two in three Americans think the economy will make the holidays less fun this year

    • About 85% of consumers say they’ll spend the same amount or less this year holiday shopping than last year

    • The Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic is back in Greensboro this Friday through Sunday


    “We need to support the people that literally make their own product,” said Sheila Putnam, owner of SCP Collectibles in South Carolina.

    This holiday shopping season may not be merry for some small business owners who worry they may see a decline in sales. 

    A WalletHub survey finds nearly two in three Americans believe the economy will make the holidays less fun this year. About 85% of consumers say they’ll spend the same amount or less this year holiday shopping compared with last year.  

    Nearly 300 small-business owners will have booths at the 52nd Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic in Greensboro over the coming days. Some vendors are from North Carolina, while others traveled from out of state.

    Josh Miller sells custom furniture in Pennsylvania. He has attended this craft show for more than 20 years.  

    “This has always been a great show for sales,” said Miller, owner of North Crate & Co. 

    Miller believes quality, not quantity, will be a priority for customers when buying products and gifts this year.  

    “My furniture costs a little bit more upfront, but, per year, it’s something you can hand down to your kids and grandkids,” Miller said. “It’s actually the best way for a family to survive on harder financial times.”

    Organizers expect 15,000-25,000 shoppers over the weekend. Vendors like Putnam are hoping they’ll get as much business as in years past.  

    “My product is very affordable, too, where everybody can use it and give it as a gift, so no, I’m not concerned about [consumers potentially spending less],” she said. “I’ve done all my other shows and have been relative about the same. I’m happy if we can hold on to what we did last year.”

    Zach Tucker

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  • Number of launches from Space Coast expected to soar in coming years

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — While the number of Space Coast launches in 2025 already has surpassed the old record, space industry leaders say they expect that number to triple in the coming years.

    What You Need To Know

    • The number of launches from the Space Coast are expected to continue to increase

    • 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman says 100-120 launches are planned for 2026

    • There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, industry leaders say

    • The Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to Brevard County to reshape the current infrastructure to support more future launches

    In fact, there could be more as soon as next year.

    “100 to 120 is what we are planning for right now for calendar year 2026,” said 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman, who assumed command in June.

    The U.S. Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to the Space Coast to restructure the spaceport of the future and reshape the current infrastructure to support launch capabilities to the 2035 and 2040 time frame.

    There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, with about a half-dozen smaller companies joining the large operations already in Brevard County, industry leaders say.

    On Nov. 20, a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying Starlink satellites blasted off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A — marking the 100th launch from the Space Coast this year.

    Just six launches before that, the 94th liftoff broke the old record.

    In early November, three commercial space companies launched off four different pads in less than 36 hours — SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin.

    Six more launches still are planned from the Space Coast by the end of the year — five by SpaceX and one by ULA.

    Greg Pallone

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  • Despite hurricanes, Pinellas 2025 bed tax collection only slightly down

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Visit St. Pete-Clearwater released its fiscal year 2025 Pinellas County bed tax collection last Wednesday which showed it was only down $4 million from the previous year despite the back-to-back hurricanes that devastated the area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fiscal year 2025 Pinellas County bed tax collections were $92.5 million 

    • Clearwater and St. Petersburg were the leading producers of the bed tax  

    • The 2025 bed tax was 4.4% or $4 million lower than in 2024 

    • September visitor numbers were 14.4% higher than the previous year and helped to boost the annual total


    “We were down 4.4 percent,” said Eddie Kirsch, VSPC Digital and Data Director. “Considering we just went through two massive hurricanes this past year, it shows the resiliency of our area that I think is really worth noting.”   

    The fiscal year runs from October 2024 to September 2025. Kirsch said the September visitor numbers were higher than the previous year and helped to boost the annual total.

    “September development tax was… over 14-and-a-half percent above 2024,” he said. “That’s great numbers. We had about $4.8 million in collections.”

    The leading bed tax producing cities for 2025 were Clearwater, which brought in about $27 million and downtown St. Petersburg, which collected about $13 million, according to VSPC. The total bed tax collections for fiscal year 2025 was $92.5 million. Collections in 2024 were $96.7 million, 2023 was $98 million and 2022 was $95 million.

    “There’s not a whole lot of destinations out there that collect over $90 million annually,” said Brian Lowack, VSPC Pres. and CEO. “We’ve done it four years in a row, which is remarkable given last year’s event.”

    Lowack credited the newer infrastructure on Clearwater Beach for those hotels bouncing back faster, compared to older construction in south county areas like St. Pete Beach, which still have a few big hotels closed for repairs from the storms.

    “Some of the folks who would typically come down… maybe in the southern portion of the county,” he said. “Maybe they tried out a different destination on Clearwater Beach or St. Pete this year.”

    The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach General Manager Seth McDaniels said Hurricane Helene sent 6 feet of water into the basement of the hotel, causing multi-million dollars in damage, but luckily none of the front-facing guest areas were affected. McDaniels said the Wyndham reopened about a week after Hurricane Milton passed.

    “As soon as the bridge opened, I think it was seven days later, we were able to open the hotel up for business,” he said. “That was great for the community, for our team, to get back to work.”

    McDaniels said the hotel bounced back better than expected.

    “We recovered in a strong way, especially on occupancy,” he said. “We really only lost from 2024 three months out of the year. Everything else… we exceeded our occupancy expectations and year over year.”

    The general manager credits his staff and the VSPC “Still Shining” campaign for helping to get the word out after the storms that the area was open.

    “I think the biggest piece of it was really just kind of informing and giving confidence to our guests that we’re open for business,” he said. “Our team did an amazing job… We had drone shows. We put lists of all the restaurants in the area, bars, that were open.”

    The Pinellas County bed tax is used to market the area to visitors. It’s also used for capital projects that draw visitors, like beach renourishment or remodeling the Palladium Theater.

    Josh Rojas

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  • Tampa Christmas tree seller sees steady prices as artificial trees face hikes

    TAMPA, Fla. — Fancy Fir Christmas Trees is back open in Tampa for its 18th year as we shift into the holiday season.

    Tom Daly owns the business and runs it with his family.

    What You Need To Know

    • Economic experts said that some decorations and gifts could be more expensive this year because of tariffs 

    • A USF professor said artificial trees face tariffs, so prices will be higher this year

    • Fancy Fir Christmas Trees said its real trees are the same price as last year

    • The American Christmas Tree Association said of the households putting up a tree, most will pick artificial


    “People have driven up all day saying, ‘we’ll be in later today, we’ll be in tomorrow or whatever, can’t wait’,” said Daly. “I do it because I love it — it’s great.”

    Ten years before the pandemic, Daly said prices were steady, but around 2020 Fancy Fir had to increase its prices for the first time.

    “They got to a point where there’s an imbalance where there was a much greater demand for real trees… So, the growers knew that,” he said. “It’s sort of leveling off now.”

    This year the good news is prices for real trees at Fancy Fir haven’t changed year-over-year, but the business is absorbing a small increase from one of its growers.

    “Pricing is all dependent upon the grower. If you’ve got a grower that’s very reasonable, you can pretty much depend upon steady, consistent pricing,” Daly said.

    Artificial trees are a different story. University of South Florida associate professor of economics Michael Snipes said most fake trees are imported and face tariffs, which he said will raise the price of those trees.

    “A lot of it is due to the tariffs. This would be the year where going with the natural tree might actually be the best way to go,” Snipes said.

    Anything that is imported, Snipes said, will likely have higher prices this year, including many gifts and holiday decorations; but, he said, companies are starting to meet shoppers where they’re at.

    “Costs are going to be higher, and we might be able to afford less than we did in previous years, but I don’t think that there’s necessarily any reason to kind of be overly worried about prices starting to explode,” Snipes said.

    Prices at Daly’s shop come down to tree type and height. The veteran owner said the weekend after Thanksgiving will be their busiest time.

    “They trust that we’re going to give them a good product and not take advantage of them, and we take that seriously,” Daly said.

    Demand for artificial trees is still high this year.

    The American Christmas Tree Association said that of the households putting up a tree, over 80% of them will choose an artificial one.

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Booming agritourism business helps small Florida farms

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • New entrance breaks ground at Whispering Pines Park to help traffic and business

    INVERNESS, Fla. — A new entrance to Whispering Pines Park has officially broken ground on the outskirts of the park. 

    It’s located off U.S. Highway 41, an area that just saw renovations to its road. An Inverness official said the new entrance to the park is expected to impact traffic and local business.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new, second entrance to Whispering Pines Park has broken ground 

    • An Inverness official says the new entrance to the park is expected to impact traffic and local business, with the aims of improving both

    • Across the street, staff at Copper State Tackle, which also recently celebrated its grand opening, say the added traffic may help improve their business

    • Construction of the new entrance cost $1 million and is expected to be finished in a year

    “We’re excited to see this safer, much more modern entrance that will allow us to have more flexibility at the park for bringing people in and out in a more organized and safe manner,” Inverness City Manager Eric Williams said.

    “We want more people to come to Whispering Pines, see it and use it, and enjoy what is a gem in our community,” Williams said.

    This entrance off US-41 is now the second entrance into Whispering Pines. The park is owned by the State of Florida and subleased by the city of Inverness. Recently, there’s been talk of an RV campground coming to the park.

    “It’s not something that’s galvanized or is guaranteed to happen, but it’s a conversation that’s out there,” Williams said. “We’ve expressed that conversation to the state and talking with them about cooperative funding, but there’s still some — I know we’re on a road today — but there’s still some miles to travel with that.”

    Across the street, Robbie Anderson stocks the shelves of Copper State Tackle, which recently celebrated its grand opening.

    Construction of the new Whispering Pines entrance cost $1 million. It’s expected to be finished in a year.

    “We just had our grand opening Saturday, turned out fantastic,” Anderson said. “So the timing’s really kind of neat.”

    Anderson said staff at the tackle shop already have noticed traffic patterns. 

    “When they come from Whispering Pines, they’re looking right at us,” he said. “So that’s a fantastic part of it. Negatives could be the traffic, but I don’t think that’s a negative when you’re driving a business.”

    With an entrance into Whispering Pines just across the street, more eyes may focus on the shop.

    “The community is growing,” Anderson said. “We do have new interstates and toll roads coming in that’s dropping traffic into our community. It’s a benefit. It has some benefits, and there’s some negatives to it, of course. We’re used to no traffic, but the God-honest truth is if you have a business, you need the traffic to drive the business.”

    Calvin Lewis

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  • 13 Italian-made pastas that may soon face a 107% tariff

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Commerce is proposing an unprecedented 107% tariff on some Italian-made pastas coming into the country, accusing 13 companies of what’s called “dumping.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The Commerce Department is accusing 13 Italian-made pasta brands of selling their products cheaper than American counterparts, a practice called “dumping”

    • To counteract, the department has proposed a 107% tariff to be placed on more than a dozen Italian pasta brands set to take effect in January

    • Local Italian markets say they’re prepared for possible tariff, buying more items in advance in case of limited supply


    Mazarro’s Italian Market has been around for nearly 25 years, and has quite a few options.

    “This is our fresh pasta department right here, with all of our fresh sauces. In house, handmade, fresh pasta,” said Bradley Simons, buyer and manager at Mazarro’s. “I had a hard time believing it, and I still think it’s not going to be 100 percent tariff.”

    In a September report in the Federal Register, officials accuse 13 foreign companies of “dumping.” That’s when they sell their products in the U.S. cheaper than their American counterparts, effectively undercutting domestic brands. A full list of brands affected can be found below.

    Set for January, the Trump administration is considering a 107% tariff on 13 brands; nearly 92% because of the dumping probe, on top of the 15% tariff tacked onto anything coming from the European Union.

    “We haven’t really heard much from our distribution or import partners on it, because everyone is optimistic it’s going to be resolved before it turns into what’s being talked about now,” Simons said.

    Across the 20-foot self-described “pasta wall,” Simons says they carry only a couple of the brands impacted by this possible tariff. Just in case, Simons says Mazzaro’s has already bought more Italian-made pasta ahead of the tariff.

    “We use over 30-40 pasta brands currently. So, if 10 of those go away, yeah, it could be an issue for us, but it wouldn’t have a widespread effect on our market or operations,” said Simons.

    Despite the threat of tariffs, Simons says he’s focused on delivering fairly priced items with exceptional taste. As for the current 15 percent tariff on EU goods, Simons says he and his distributors have absorbed the cost, keeping prices steady across the board.

    “Rest assured, if there is one missing, I have dozens of others that I can point you in the right direction of, and you’ll be super happy with it,” Simons said.

    For now, Mazarro’s is just waiting until January to see if that tariff threat becomes reality

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to the White House and the Commerce Department for comment, but didn’t hear back.


    Brands impacted by possible 107% tariff:

    • Agritalia
    • Aldino
    • Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano
    • Barilla 
    • Gruppo Milo 
    • La Molisana
    • Pastificio Artigiano Cav. Giuseppe Cocco
    • Pastificio Chiavenna
    • Pastificio Liguori 
    • Pastificio Lucio Garofalo
    • Pastificio Sgambaro
    • Pastificio Tamma 
    • Rummo

    Andy Cole

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  • Plant City Chamber offers Ag tours for people to learn about the industry

    PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is immersing people into agriculture. Its Ag tour provides an inside look into the industry and the importance of preserving it.

    What You Need To Know

    • Each location provided an insight of the industry and how it supports the agriculture economy in Plant City


    Farming is a way of life for Marc Sewell. He shares his love for agriculture with people during Ag tours hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

    “It’s very gratifying knowing that we started it from the dirt and we’re putting something on somebody’s plate,” he said.

    He’s a fifth-generation farmer who harvests watermelons, green beans and, of course, strawberries.

    It’s a process that starts early on. “We started planting for this crop last spring. I had to put my initial plant order in March,” he said.  

    He owns 75 acres of land he harvests conventionally, and most recently he’s purchased 40 acres, which he will harvest organically.

    It’s not the only change he’s had to make. Like many other farmers, he’s making the move to continue farming but in more southern areas like Manatee and Hardee counties.

    It’s an industry that’s changing as more people move to Plant City. The Chamber of Commerce wants to preserve that while educating more people on this Ag tour.

    Wesley Joyneris, the Chair of the Agribusiness Committee, says there have been a lot of changes and they want to provide an insight to that.

    “They’ve had to buy property in other places because of development but that’s also happening so that they can stay sustainable and to grow your food,” he said.

    The Ag tour is giving people the chance to learn where their food comes from and the impact it has on other industries.

    Florida has more than 40,000 farms and ranches that continue to produce a wide variety of food products. In Hillsborough County there have been more than 700 million agriculture products sold, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

    The tour also gave insight to the machinery used on farms.

    David McKeeman, the VP of Grove Equipment service, says he’s seen the change firsthand in the customers they serve.

    “We’ve transitioned a lot towards homeowners with acreage, so 2 to 15, 20 acres is the biggest market now,” he said.

    They’re working to keep families fed for years to come.

    The next Ag tour will take place in the spring.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Here are the 2025 holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS, FedEx

    With Christmas not too far away, millions of people are making headway on their holiday shopping lists.

    The three largest carriers in the U.S. — The United States Postal Service, UPS and FedEx — released their deadlines for shipping this year to make sure people get their gifts on time.

    Here are dates to keep in mind to get gifts by Christmas Day:

    For the lower 48 states:

    • USPS ground advantage service: Dec. 17
    • First-class mail service: Dec. 17
    • Priority mail service: Dec. 18
    • Priority mail express service: Dec. 20

    For Alaska and Hawaii:

    • USPS ground advantage service: Dec. 16
    • First-class mail service: Dec. 17
    • Priority mail service: Dec. 18
    • Priority mail express service: Dec. 20
    • UPS ground: Use this calculator
    • UPS three-day select: Dec. 19
    • UPS second-day air: Dec. 22
    • UPS next-day air: Dec. 23
    • FedEx express saver: Dec. 20
    • FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM: Dec. 22
    • FedEx 3Day: Dec. 18
    • FedEx first overnight, FedEx priority overnight, FedEx standard overnight: Dec. 23
    • FedEx SameDay: Dec. 24

    Lydia Taylor, Aly Prouty

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  • SeaPort Manatee handled a record number of cargo in 2025

    PALMETTO, Fla. — SeaPort Manatee is making waves, moving more cargo than ever before.

    The 55-year-old port handled nearly 12 million tons of cargo in fiscal year 2025, which concluded at the end of September.

    What You Need To Know

    • SeaPort Manatee handled 11.85 million tons of cargo in the 2025 fiscal year

    • This is an all-time record

    • Troy Layton, the Director of Operations and Maintenance at SeaPort Manatee, says there was new business this year that contributed to that record number

    It starts with customers like Carlos Diaz, the COO of World Direct Shipping.

    The international company uses four ports, but Seaport Manatee is its only American trade hub.

    “We concentrate on the Mexico–U.S. trade,” Diaz said.

    World Direct Shipping is one of SeaPort Manatee’s largest customers.

    “From Mexico, we’re shipping a lot of produce, a lot of appliances. There’s a lot of different fertilizer, phosphates, different chemicals,” he said. “We also ship lava, rocks for gardening. There’s just a whole host of things. And then from the United States, we’re shipping a lot of paper products.”

    As part of SeaPort Manatee’s 20-year vision plan, the facility will continue to expand its infrastructure to keep up with demand. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    Troy Layton, the Director of Operations and Maintenance at SeaPort Manatee, says there are several products that helped the port reach that record cargo amount this year — including produce and construction materials, along with two other high-volume products.

    “We’ve gotten a lot of new business recently with our bulk liquid and fuels — those have dramatically increased,” Layton said.

    A planned expansion has officials thinking even bigger for next year.

    As part of SeaPort Manatee’s 20-year vision plan, the facility will continue to expand its infrastructure to keep up with demand.

    SeaPort Manatee handled 11,855,828 tons of cargo in the 2025 fiscal year. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    SeaPort Manatee handled 11,855,828 tons of cargo in the 2025 fiscal year. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    “We’re looking to expand our container operations because we see that more cargo is moving toward containerization. So we’re going to build Phase Three of our container operation, and that’s another 16 acres to add to our tenants. We can bring in a higher volume of containers,” Layton said.

    As SeaPort Manatee continues to expand and grow, businesses like World Direct Shipping are excited for the future.

    Layton said they anticipate another increase in business when their container operation is complete. As they create more space, there will be more room for containers.

    Julia Hazel

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  • 3 Brothers Boards brings visitors face-to-face with wildlife on Silver River

    MARION COUNTY, Fla. — For more than 10,000 years, humans have been drawn to the serene waters of the Silver River near Ocala — a place where Florida’s ancient past still lingers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 3 Brothers Boards offers guided paddleboard tours on the Silver River, showcasing its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife

    • Visitors frequently encounter manatees and rhesus macaque monkeys, making it a unique eco-tourism destination in Florida

    • The company was founded 17 years ago by Justin Murray and his brothers, who began building their own high-quality paddleboards

    • Each board features the signature of their late brother Jason, honoring his memory and keeping him part of every journey

    When mastodons and giant ground sloths roamed the peninsula, the river was already a source of life.

    While those prehistoric giants have long disappeared, Silver River has become home to a new, unexpected variety of creatures that continue to awe visitors.

    “This river just has a wow factor,” said Justin Murray of 3 Brothers Boards, a Daytona paddleboard outfitter and tour company.

    The water is so clear that few of its aquatic inhabitants can remain hidden — including the gentle manatees often seen grazing beneath the surface.

    “So, the manatees eat hundreds of pounds of grass every single day,” Murray explained.

    Every week, Murray and his team guide guests through this pristine spring-fed waterway, using custom-made paddleboards — some with transparent bottoms offering an unmatched view of the river bottom below.

    “Being able to see them on the paddleboard is definitely way easier than when you’re lower to the water in a kayak,” he said.

    Murray and his brothers began their journey 17 years ago, inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them and a growing need for quality paddleboards.

    That idea launched 3 Brothers Boards.

    “This is the largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. We have over 550 million gallons of water come out of this spring — every single day,” Murray said.

    Though his younger brother Jason has since passed, his legacy lives on in every board.

    “If you look at the bottom of every board we’ve ever made, we have his handwritten signature that we got off his schoolwork just so he can be part of making the boards and part of that process. Like to think he’s with us every time we hit the water,” Murray said.

    The wildlife visible along the trip on the river is abundant — including deer, birds and pigs.

    In addition to manatees and birds, one unexpected group steals the spotlight: rhesus macaque monkeys. About 400 of them roam the area — descendants of monkeys accidentally released in the 1930s, contrary to the myth that they were part of Tarzan film productions.

    “The monkeys that we have here are rhesus monkeys. And for many years, people believed that the monkeys were here from the Tarzan films,” Murray said. “However, after looking into every Tarzan film that was filmed here, there was never any rhesus monkeys used in those films.”

    For Murray, the river is more than just a tour destination — it’s a sanctuary of natural wonder.

    “Most people who even live in Florida (in) their entire lives have never seen such a diverse array of wildlife in one spot,” he said.

    The 3 Brothers Boards store is located in Daytona Beach.

    For more on its paddleboard adventures, visit 3 Brothers Boards.

    Randy Rauch

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  • Agriculture industry experts discuss challenges, future in Polk County

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Discovery Flight gives everyone the chance to fly a plane over Orlando

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands in the United States have earned their private pilot’s license, often after four to eight months of training — but you don’t need any of that to experience the thrill of flying a plane.

    What You Need To Know

    • Discovery Flights let people of any age, even without a license, take control of a small aircraft with an instructor
    • A 12-year-old named Simon recently flew over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando during his hands-on aviation experience
    • The flight also includes a full pilot pre-check, teaching participants about safety and aircraft controls
    • Orlando Flight School offers these one-hour flights near the Orlando Executive Airport as part of an introductory flying program


    At Orlando Flight School, anyone can sign up for a discovery flight, which is a one-hour experience that lets you take the controls of a real aircraft, no license required.

    Flight instructor Parker Mayhorn recently helped 12-year-old Simon Rodriguez Gasca do just that.

    “I’m about to let a 12-year-old fly a plane,” Mayhorn said just before takeoff.

    Simon’s discovery flight began like any other — with safety checks and instructions through a headset.

    The two took off from Orlando Executive Airport, and shortly after, Simon was at the controls.

    “Some get a little bit nervous, but once you’re in the air for a good five minutes, you get used to it. And you know not many people can say they flew in a plane,” Mayhorn said.

    Simon piloted the plane over Lake Apopka and downtown Orlando, enjoying the view while learning to steer, turn and stay on course.

    “Flying the plane, there are some bumps that give you little goosebumps, but it’s actually very easy fun,” Simon said.

    Before ever getting off the ground, participants learn everything a licensed pilot does before takeoff.

    That includes checking fuel levels, control surfaces and safety protocols.

    “Take the flaps and put it all the way down. You remember how to check the quantity? Good. So right now, we’re taking a sample of the fuel to make sure we have the correct type of fuel and that there’s no contaminants,” Mayhorn said while instructing Simon during the pre-check.

    “You have to check everything to keep the plane and ourselves safe,” said Gasca.

    While flying may seem intimidating, Mayhorn says the controls of a small plane are actually simple to understand.

    “For example, over here you have your airspeed, which shows you how fast you’re going. Your altimeter, which shows you how high you are,” Mayhorn said while pointing to the control panel inside the plane.

    For Gasca, the experience was unforgettable.

    “I guess everybody should do it because it feels amazing,” he said.

    Orlando Flight School is next to the Orlando Executive Airport.

    For more information about discovery flights, visit Orlando Flight School.

    Randy Rauch

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  • New tariffs impact High Point Furniture Market

    HIGH POINT, N.C. — Over the next five days, 75,000 people are expected to visit “The Furniture Capital of the World,” High Point, for the Fall Furniture Market. 

    “This is the most important furniture show in the world,” said Eduardo Perez, president and CEO of Adriana Hoyos. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 75,000 people are expected to attend the High Point Furniture Market

    • It has a $6.7 billion impact on North Carolina’s economy

    • There’s a 25% tariff on imported vanities, kitchen cabinets as well as upholstered chairs, seats and sofas


    It’s considered to have the biggest economic impact of any event in North Carolina. 

    “$6.7 billion comes​​ to our state economy as a result of this show being here twice a year,” said Tammy Covington, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “It’s great for our city. Market is in High Point’s DNA. We love to welcome our furniture friends back to High Point.”

    The semiannual event gives furniture industry leaders the chance to network with and collaborate with their peers and clients. Attendees can visit showrooms, learn key insights from industry experts and check out the latest home furnishings and trends. 

    “It’s about the brand,” Perez said. “It’s about the lifestyle. It’s about presenting what we think overall, that design is about. It’s about creating spaces, it’s not only about product.” 

    The fall market comes at an interesting time for the furniture industry. President Donald Trump recently imposed tariffs on specific wood products and components, citing national security and foreign trade practice concerns. Currently there’s a 25% tariff on imported vanities and kitchen cabinets as well as upholstered chairs, seats and sofas. Those tariffs could increase in the new year. 

    “Challenges are part of life,” Perez said. “It is what it is. We’re going to be very creative. In order to handle the tariffs, we manufacture in Ecuador as a fact. We are a vertically integrated company, perhaps like no other. We even have the forests. We grow our own trees. What we’re thinking now is also complementing our manufacturing here in the states.”

    “Retailers are exploring their options in terms of what’s out there and really understanding how our exhibitors are responding to the tariff issue,” Covington said. “The great thing about High Point is we’re where those conversations happen.”

    Industry leaders remain optimistic during this time of uncertainty. 

    “I really like that we can cooperate and give to the American market the best possible furniture as it used to be, the best quality,” Perez said.

    “I don’t anticipate it having any issues for April because folks really need to have exposure to this product,” Covington said. “They need to know what their options are in terms of sourcing, and High Point is where you do that.”

    Zach Tucker

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  • Parc Center helps employees with disabilities thrive long-term

    TAMPA, Fla. — October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the U.S. Department of Labor is shining a light on this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

    What You Need To Know

    • National Disability Employment Awareness Month has an official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent”

    • Parc’s Supported Employment Services program has helped nearly 100 people with disabilities find competitive employment

    • Success stories like Michelle Burger show the long-term impact and benefits of supportive employment


    It’s an impactful mission that Parc Center for Disabilities strives to accomplish all year long with its Supported Employment Services program, which champions nearly 100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities out in the community with competitive employment.

    “With Supported Employment, it’s truly a win-win for the person we’re supporting and the business or employer,” said Brian Rothey, the Assistant Vice President of Adult Community Programs at Parc. “The employer is receiving someone who is going to show up happy every single day to their shift and stay on the job a whole lot longer than their non-disabled peers. They’re highly motivated and a pleasure to work around.”

    Michelle Burger, one of their success stories with nearly 25-years on the job at the VA’s Patriot Café, credits her long-term success in the workforce to the partnership between Parc and the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

    “It’s great having this job – helping the canteen and helping customers – if they need help,” said Burger who serves as a Veterans Canteen Service Associate at the Patriot Café. “It’s wonderful and they help me out, too, if I need it. I have good friends and a lot of buddies out here.”

    Veterans Canteen Service Associate Michelle Burger preparing to serve a veteran at the VA’s Patriot Cafe. (Spectrum News/Erica Riggins)

    In 2001, Burger was looking for a job to live with independence and prove that she was more than capable of doing the work; and decades later, Burger’s drive and dedication are still paying off professionally and personally.

    “She’s 100% fully integrated in the community. She lives independently. She has a lifelong partner. She was able to purchase her own home, which for a lot of us is a very big deal,” said Rothey.

    Veterans Canteen Service Chief Michelle Florida also describes Burger as a standout employee who consistently exceeds all job expectations.

    “She loves her job every day, loves her co-workers and is happy to be here,” said Florida. “In fact, there was small talk about her possibly retiring, but she declined because she enjoys working here.”

    Parc’s Supported Employment Services program also provides weekly career coaching to help encourage and assist Burger on the VA’s campus in St. Petersburg.

    “There’s this whole hidden population and talent pipeline within the community that we can tap into and provide. One of the biggest ways that our community and employers can support our mission is through partnerships and collaboration; any opportunity to have our voices heard and offer employment to the people that we serve is what we’re seeking this month and all year long,” said Rothey.

    Erica Riggins

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  • Dunedin coin dealer nearly out of gold amid record demand

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — Gold prices continue to increase dramatically and hit new all-time highs. 

    Since the beginning of the year, gold futures have gone up by about 50%, and it’s now valued at more than $4,000 per ounce. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Gold prices have continued to increase significantly

    • BGatorCoins, a Dunedin coin dealer, is nearly sold out of gold

    • A University of Tampa economics professor said as the dollar loses value and economic uncertainty increases, people are looking for alternative assets that will hold long-term value

    • The U.S. Commodity Futures Trade Commission has warned that gold and other precious metals are highly volatile


    BGatorCoins has been extremely busy for the last couple weeks.

    “I’ve been in the industry for 19 years, and I have never ever seen anything remotely approaching this level of demand,” said Zane Sturgeon, CEO of BGatorCoins.

    Sturgeon took over the Dunedin business from his dad last year.

    “It’s great, I get to interact with new people, I get to see a lot of interesting things,” he said.

    Lately, Sturgeon said he has seen a lot of new people, and many of them are gold buyers. On Saturday alone, BGatorCoins sold half a million dollars worth of gold.

    “Things got so busy that we did more business in a day than we did in the previous month, and that has been the case every day since two weeks ago, roughly,” Sturgeon said.

    University of Tampa economics professor John Dorrell said that it’s not that gold is getting more expensive, but the U.S. dollar is getting weaker. 

    “As they print more and more dollars, the value of the dollar decreases, the assets around it are valued in dollars. Gold is increasing in price because the dollar is decreasing in value,” he said.

    Dorrell said that as the dollar loses value and economic uncertainty increases, people are looking for alternative assets that will hold long-term value.

    “Nothing goes up or down in a straight line, but gold in the long term has an excellent track record of preserving economic value. That’s why gold is the ultimate store of value asset,” Dorrell said.

    That’s part of the reason why coin dealers, like Sturgeon, are almost sold out of gold and having a hard time getting it back on the shelf.

    “Most of the gold I have already is spoken for, and I’ve just been asking every other local coin dealer in the area that if they get any gold that they want to unload to please bring it to me,” Sturgeon said.

    The U.S. Commodity Futures Trade Commission has warned that gold and other precious metals are highly volatile. It said past performance is not a good predictor of future returns.

     

    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Tarpon Springs approves boutique hotel to boost downtown growth

    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Tarpon Springs is taking new steps to attract more business and visitors to its downtown area. The city has already spent millions on a marketing campaign designed to bring more shops and foot traffic—and now, it’s finalizing plans for a new boutique hotel.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new boutique hotel will be built in downtown Tarpon Springs 

    • The hotel could have as many as 24 rooms and two to three stories tall

    • Final plans for the hotel are still in the works

    City leaders say one of the biggest complaints they hear is that there aren’t many places to stay in Tarpon Springs. Most hotels are located along U.S. 19, away from the city’s downtown. Officials hope the new hotel will give visitors a convenient place to stay and encourage more downtown spending.

    For the past 17 years, an empty lot in the heart of downtown has gone unused. That will soon change, with the city approving plans for a boutique hotel that will also include retail space. It will be located at 144 E. Tarpon Ave. 

    “It’s going to be right across the street, so we have the welcome mat out,” said Sara Rudd, manager at The Healing Hedge Witch, a nearby shop. “I think it’s excellent—it’s so good for the town. We need rooms right in town, and it will be walkable for people. It’s going to be a wonderful addition to our downtown district.”

    The planned hotel will total about 10,000 square feet and could be two or three stories tall, featuring up to 24 rooms and 4,600 square feet of retail space.

    “It’s a place for people to stay so they don’t have to be on 19, which has been somewhat of a complaint,” said City Commissioner Michael Eisner. He added that the entire city commission voted in favor of the project with no opposition. “We’re just going to iron out the small details and look forward to having it built probably in a year to two years.”

    City Manager Charles Rudd, who has led the push to bring more investment into Tarpon Springs, said the hotel represents an important step for the community.

    “It’s exciting for me, particularly with a $4 million investment in our downtown,” Rudd said. “Investment always attracts more investment, so I think it’s a great project.”

    The final design for the hotel is still being developed, but officials say it will fit in with the look and character of downtown Tarpon Springs.

    Jeff Van Sant

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