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  • St. Pete wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg City Council committee took the first steps on Thursday to potentially give voters the chance in November to approve an expansion of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

    What You Need To Know

    • A St. Pete City Council committee unanimously approved ballot language for a 25-year lease for Hub 2 on Thursday

    • The city wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub with a new $30M facility

    • Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility which would be mostly funded by grants

    • The next step is a public hearing and council approval of an ordinance, which would trigger the referendum to be on the November ballot


    “Our port is a unique asset,” said Alison Barlow, Innovation District CEO. “We want to capitalize on that.”

    The new facility, Hub 2, would cost $30 million and be constructed on a parking lot just west of the current building at 450 8th Avenue Southeast, which opened in 2022. The city must seek voter approval to lease the land, which is a requirement for public waterfront property development.

    Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility. The current capacity of the Hub is about 32,000 square feet. Hub 2 would feature communal workspaces, a waterfront connection to the Port of St. Petersburg, a rooftop terrace and a lobby with the only NOAA 360 sphere in Florida, according to Barlow.

    “It uses high-tech cameras and shows different weather patterns,” Barlow said. “You can do different storytelling. You can do all kinds of really neat educational programs.”

    The city’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee unanimously approved a 25-year lease for the ballot on Thursday, aligning port facilities with neighboring Albert Whitted Airport. Council Member Gina Driscoll chairs the committee, and the Hub is located in her district. Driscoll called it a tremendous opportunity to expand the marine science sector.

    “This is going to create jobs,” she said. “It’s going to bring new companies here, new research, and it’s going to help the companies that we do have here to be able to expand and stay in St. Petersburg.”

    The average salary for full-time employees at the Hub is $91,500. Driscoll said the City Council must take a few more steps to place the referendum on the 2026 ballot.

    “Next, this item will go to a public hearing,” she said. “If this passes as an ordinance, the ordinance triggers the referendum, and it will be on the ballot in November.”

    Barlow said the Innovation District only plans to ask voters to approve the lease, as she expects to pay for Hub 2 with multiple grants and some tenant investment.

    “That is our goal,” she said. “Maybe some private investment.”

    Peyton Donald and Ashley Player were one of the first startups to move their business, Seven Serpents, into the Hub in 2022. Seven Serpents is just one of 20 businesses packed into the Hub, which includes SubUAS and Pole Star Defense.

    Donald is the president of Seven Serpents, which offers training for special forces in the U.S. military, and said more space is desperately needed

    “It’s a great environment to work. Unfortunately, there’s not enough individualized space for all of the companies,” he said. “There’s not enough facilities here in the St. Pete area. We’ve searched all over the place.”

    Player is the company’s vice president and said it has taken Seven Serpents years to expand into bigger spaces at the Hub.

    “We started out in the co-working space. So hot desking,” she said. “Then we moved into this office, which was a nice change. And we’re about to move into a bigger office.”

    The only space currently available at the HUB is a 10 by 10 office, according to Barlow.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Phillies begin unpacking equipment in preparation for spring training

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitchers and catchers will report for their first workouts for Major League Baseball spring training starting Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pitchers and catchers start reporting for spring training in Florida this week

    • Phillies staff members are already unloading trucks with the supplies the team will need

    • They are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring

    • Spring training games begin Feb. 20

    Florida is home to baseball’s Grapefruit League, and thousands of fans will flock to the Tampa Bay area to watch their favorite teams because seven of the franchises call the Tampa Bay area home during spring training, bringing a huge economic impact. Throughout Florida, more than 1.4 million fans visited for spring training in 2025, generating about $687,000 annually for the state and creating more than 7,000 jobs, according to data from the Florida Sports Foundation and studies of the Grapefruit League.

    That means teams like the Philadelphia Phillies have to start getting ready.

    When the equipment trucks start pulling into Baycare Ballpark, it marks the unofficial start to spring training in Clearwater.

    Phillies staff members like clubhouse attendant Tim Schmidt wait months for the trucks full of gear and supplies.

    “It’s been on my calendar for a while, so yeah, it’s nice that it’s here, and I’m excited to get it underway, and I’m ready to see the guys,” Schmidt said.

    Filled to the brim, it takes the whole staff, as well as some help from a forklift, to unload all the supplies needed for spring training.

    The Phillies are bringing 2,400 baseballs, 140 batting helmets and 1,200 baseball bats this spring, Schmidt said.

    Among all the people who helped unload the trucks was Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector.

    He said it’s a day he looks forward to every year.

    “Our sign of spring is the Phillies equipment truck arriving,” Rector said. “That’s a little bit more predictable than the groundhog.”

    Spring training has been in Clearwater for about 100 years, including the Phillies here for most of that time, Rector said.

    “Such a strong connection with our citizens,” Rector said. “They’ve been here for 80 years. It’s almost like seeing family come home.”

    Schmidt said it was going to be a long day because there is a lot to unpack before the players arrive.

    Still, the work isn’t an issue.

    He’s ready to focus on the season.

    “Once we get down here, it’s go time,” Schmidt said. “We don’t really stop until the playoffs are over.”

    The seven teams that will be in the Tampa Bay area for the next few weeks, honing their skills before the regular season begins, are the Phillies, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves.

    Spring training games begin Feb. 20, and tickets are on sale now.

     

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Fruit farmer says cold weather is causing damage to Florida crops

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    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Farmers are working to protect their crops from the cold temperatures that have been affecting the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida farmers are taking measures to protect their crops from freezing temperatures

    • One farmer says his lemon trees are already showing signs of damage while strawberry crops are being protected with ice

    • The cold weather impact may affect next year’s crop yields


    Don Balaban, the Owner of Balaban Farms, grows many different fruits.

    The condition of his lemon trees was not promising.

    “It’s soft,” he said. “It’s not good.”

    A farmer for 20 years, Balaban grows everything from oranges to macadamia nuts.

    He’s dealt with tough weather before, but when it gets this cold, the weather wreaks havoc.

    “God willing, I should have some fruit this year, but it won’t be what it would have been,” he said.

    For the trees that already sprouted blossoms, there’s nothing that can be done.

    However, for their strawberries, Farm Manager Matias Bueno is creating a layer of ice.

    That actually helps protect the berries from frost burn.

    “I was out here since 10 p.m. (Saturday night) taking a look at the temperature,” Bueno said.

    It’s all hands on deck with this weather.

    While Bueno is doing what he can, it won’t be known what the damage really is for at least a couple of days.

    “We’re hoping we got enough coverage to not see that much damage,” he said.

    This is not typical Florida weather, but Balaban said it hasn’t been too long since they had weather like this.

    Four years ago, he said there was a 100-year freeze.

    To have something similar is not something any Florida farmer wants to see.

    “This time it’s wearing us out because it’s been going on for weeks,” he said. “Started in November, December was warm, and now the last two weeks we’ve been hitting 26 (degrees) a few times. Last night, 24 out here.”

    Balaban said no matter what the weather is like in the coming days, Florida farmers are already impacted.

    He said the impact of this weather will be felt in next year’s crop.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Madeira Beach wants resident ideas for waterfront land development

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    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — The city of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings next week to gather ideas from residents on how to move forward with developing more than four acres of waterfront land the city purchased last October.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Madeira Beach will host another round of town hall meetings on Feb. 3 and Feb. 7 

    • Madeira Beach wants ideas from residents on how to develop waterfront property the city purchased last October 

    • The city paid $18M for 4.6 acres at 555 150th Avenue  

    • Some ideas from residents include green space, wet slips and a restaurant 


    “The possibilities are super exciting,” said resident Caitlin Beaird. “It’s going to be really nice to see something we can all be really proud of as we cross over into our lovely city.”

    The city paid $18 million for 4.6 acres of vacant property located at 555 150th Avenue, which is also named the Tom Stuart Causeway. Madeira Beach held the first round of town hall meetings last November.

    At that time, some ideas from residents included a lot of green space, similar to Coachman Park in Clearwater or the St. Pete Pier. Other ideas inlcuded a fishing area, wet slips for boats, a water playground, a parking garage and restaurants.

    Resident Pam Koewing-Rasmussen said she plans to attend the upcoming town hall meetings and agrees a parking garage should be a priority with a nice restaurant on top.

    “We’ve got all the ground surface parking we need in Madeira Beach. We can’t get much more,” she said. “Let’s go up two or four stories… So you have a good view.”

    Koewing-Rasmussen said she wants to see development which generates revenue for the city to recoup the money the city paid for it.

    “Something like a John’s Pass North or West or whatever you want to call it, with a boardwalk kind of decor and development,” she said. “I would like to see that go all the way under Tom Stuart and over to Patriot Park.” 

    Beaird said she would like to see a museum which honors the city’s fishing village history, which she believes is becoming more of a fishing resort town these days.

    “I really would like to see some type of museum exhibit,” she said. “Featuring the maritime history of the area and the ecology of the area.”

    Both Koewing-Rasmussen and Beaird would like green space to be a part of the development plan with a walkway along the waterfront. Beaird said a restaurant on Boca Ciega Bay is needed too.

    “Of course, waterfront dining,” she said. “There’s other beach towns up and down that have restaurants on the waterway that we can pull our boat right up to. And we don’t have that yet in Madeira Beach.”

    The town hall meetings have been scheduled for Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at Madeira Beach City Hall.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Century-old Clearwater Beach restaurant Palm Pavilion gets new owners

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Palm Pavilion in Clearwater Beach is just a few months away from celebrating 100 years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Palm Pavilion is being taken over by new ownership

    • The Hamilton family has run the restaurant since 1964

    • Dozens of patrons spent Sunday at Palm Pavilion and thanked the current owners


    However, that birthday will be under new ownership.

    Sunday is the last day the current owners will be running the bar and grill.

    Dustin Denunzio said Palm Pavilion has been one of his favorite places in the area for a long time.

    “History in Florida is not that deep compared to New York or Boston, and some of these other cities,” he said. “This is as historic as it gets.”

    Co-owner Hoyt Hamilton said his family has owned the place since 1964, but it’s been going strong since 1926.

    He said there are a lot of emotions when moving on from a place he and his siblings have spent so much time running, but added that now is the right time for them to move on.

    “I hope the people of Clearwater and from all over the world that have come here understand and remember us. Thank you so much,” Hamilton said.

    Beachside Hospitality Group will be the new owner.

    The restaurant will be closed for a few days while the group makes a few changes.

    According to the Tampa Bay Times, the company has 15 different restaurants across the state, including three in the Tampa Bay area.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Manatee County cruise port proposal faces opposition

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — A cruise terminal proposal has generated pushback from Manatee County residents and raised concern from environmental groups.

    What You Need To Know

    • A cruise terminal proposal in Manatee County raises environmental concerns

    • Enironmental advocates say the project could impact coastal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass meadows

    • The proposal is expected to generate significant economic benefits, according to SSA Marine

    Protecting Tampa Bay’s water and wildlife is a passion for Maya Burke, but it’s also her job. The proposal could have a significant affect on her.

    Burke, assistant director for the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, says a spot near the South Sunshine Skyway rest area is ecologically rich.

    “There are important coastal wetlands and mangrove forests, lush seagrass meadows. There’s even hard live bottom out in this part of the bay. So it’s really unique and important habitats, and it would be devastating to lose these,” she said.

    Burke worries about the impact of a large port.

    “If we have a cruise port here, not only would we need to protect things like Rattlesnake Key, which are already here existing in natural state, but we would have to add more beyond that. So we would have to sort of come out with a net benefit for the environment,” she said.

    Because the proposal has not been added to a Manatee County Board of Commissioners agenda, the county has no comment on it. We reached out multiple times to individual commissioners for their opinion. None responded. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau also declined comment.

    But SSA Marine, a national terminal cruise operator, says the proposed port will have a positive economic impact. On the website Knott Cowen Cruise, it says: “We estimate that the construction investment for this proposed project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries directly and indirectly related to the port in the state and region, and boost labor wages by $1.6 billion. In addition, this infrastructure investment is projected to generate more than $5 billion in total economic impact for the state and regional economy.”

    Florida AAA representative Mark Jenkins says the prospect of adding a cruise port in Manatee County is an exciting opportunity.

    “I think this has a direct economic impact on the area as well, because you have travelers who are coming to the area for a cruise, many of them looking to stay a couple of days before and after their cruise where they’re visiting the hotels, the restaurants and different establishments,” he said.

    But many Manatee County residents don’t agree.

    Corey McKeever started a petition a week ago against the port. It already has thousands of signatures.

    “There had to be someone that could stop this, and I guess that person had to be me,” he said.

    He felt the need to lead the movement, as someone who knows these waters. He has owned and operated McKeever’s Marine for 15 years.

    “It will destroy the water. It will destroy the ecosystem bigger. It will destroy all the local businesses because these companies are creating their own businesses. This money is not going to come to us. It’s going directly to the cruise company,” he said.

    And for environmentalists like the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the debate isn’t just about ships or jobs — it’s about what could be lost in waters that can’t easily be replaced.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Duke Energy in early stages of expanding nuclear power to Stokes County

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    STOKES COUNTY, N.C. — Duke Energy is in the early stages of expanding its nuclear power operations in our state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Duke Energy operates the largest regulated nuclear fleet in the nation here in the Carolinas

    • The utility recently submitted an early site permit to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a potential small modular reactor in Stokes County

    • Duke Energy said it plans to add 600 megawatts of advanced nuclear by 2037 and expects the first small modular reactor to come online in 2036

    This week the company submitted an early site permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a potential nuclear power plant in Stokes County, just north of Belews Creek. 

    “We currently have the largest, regulated, nuclear fleet in the nation,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton. 

    He said most people don’t realize how much of their power comes from nuclear energy. 

    “More than half of the power consumed by our Duke Energy customers here in North Carolina are from nuclear plants,” Norton said.

    The company operates 11 nuclear units at six sites across the Carolinas.

    Duke Energy first announced the possibility of a small module reactor nuclear plant in Stokes County in 2023. 

    Norton said for the past two years the utility has been studying the site, environmental and seismic conditions to make sure that the ground is safe. 

    “It’s really a risk mitigation step because building a nuclear plant takes about a decade. It’s a long-term proposition. So what we’ve done with this filing is give the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is the federal regulators, our evaluation of the site,” Norton said. 

    Norton said the next step is for the commission to conduct its review, which will take about 18 months. 

    During that time the North Carolina Utilities Commission will host public input meetings this spring.

    If the plant moves forward, Norton said it will create jobs and help grow industries in the Triad. 

    “We are looking at eight times the growth rate for North Carolina, South Carolina we had for the past 15 years, whether an individual data center comes on online or not,” he said. “In fact, most jobs right now, most investment that’s happening in the state is for manufacturing, such as, you know, the aviation, and battery, plants that are booming there in the Triad area. That’s really what we’re building for.” 

    In the Stokes County town of Walnut Cove, some residents expressed concerns over Duke’s plans for a potential nuclear site. 

    Many are still upset with Duke over coal power operations in the area years ago that saw many need water filtration systems, which Duke Energy provided.

    Duke provided a statement in response to questions about water quality concerns.

    “Belews Lake was created by Duke Energy in the 1970s as a cooling water source for power plant generation — originally for the coal plant, and it would fulfill the same purpose if a future nuclear plant is built, allowing the existing plant to retire. There would be no adverse impact on local water supplies,” the company said.

    According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, a small module reactor is about a third of the size of a conventional nuclear reactor and can go in spaces where conventional reactors would not fit.

    They are also designed to be flexible while providing energy for a variety of different needs.

    In a statement released Tuesday, the company said in part, “While Duke energy has not yet made a decision to build new nuclear units, receiving an ESP (early site permit) provides future optionality for the company’s customers and the communities it serves.”

    The public input sessions are expected to be in spring. 

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

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    Sasha Strong

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

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    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.

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    Jatrissa Wooten

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  • Pasco County entrepreneur opens new spa after turning her life around

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    LUTZ, Fla. — A new business owner is grateful for a new beginning as her dreams of opening a spa come true.

    What You Need To Know

    • Elizabeth Remis is opening Creations Med Aesthetics and Wellness Spa in Lutz

    • Remis overcame addiction and served a year in state prison before turning her life around

    • Only 1.5% of U.S. small business owners have a felony record, according to RAND Corporation

    • Remis hopes to help others find their best selves through her new business

    “It’s very empowering. Like this is really happening for me,” said Elizabeth Remis. “Like, wow.”

    The empowered entrepreneur is getting Creations Med Aesthetics and Wellness Spa ready to open at the beginning of the new year.

    Remis is focusing on rebirth as she continues a 26-year recovery journey.

    “When those steel doors closed in on me in prison, that was like an aha awakening for me that life has to change,” said Remis. “I need to do something different, this is not working out for me.”

    Remis was in and out of the Hillsborough County Jail and served a year in state prison on a felony charge.

    She says she turned to drugs after the deaths of several relatives and surviving sexual assault.

    “(I was) using substances to cope with life and became a very unhealthy individual and did some very unhealthy things,” said Remis.

    She got healthy, got clean behind bars and started concentrating on therapy and healing.

    “There was a time that I would never anticipate that I would have or own a spa,” said Remis.

    This entrepreneur has beat the odds. Just 1.5% of U.S. small business owners have a felony record, that’s according to RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization.

    Allie Markham and Abe Brown Ministries serve up to 350 clients coming out of incarceration. Their job placement program InspHire helps employ people with a history of criminal charges.

    “Breaking down those barriers is a challenge, trying to get employment, housing, a lot don’t even have credit when they come out, so establishing all of that takes time,” said Markham, who is the program manager.

    Time and faith are what Remis has relied on.

    She hopes to help others find their best selves, and she’s getting used to being called an entrepreneur.

    “I’m just really filled with a lot of gratitude today, you know, because life could have been really different for me,” said Remis.

    Grateful for a new beginning in her new spa and safe haven.

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    Melissa Eichman

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

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    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.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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

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    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.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Report shows potential drop in shopping ahead of holiday season

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    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.”

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    Zach Tucker

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

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    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.

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    Greg Pallone

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

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    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.

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    Josh Rojas

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

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    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.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Booming agritourism business helps small Florida farms

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

    What You Need To Know

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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

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    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.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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

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    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

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    Andy Cole

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

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    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.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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

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    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

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    Lydia Taylor, Aly Prouty

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