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  • The Cortez Stone Crab Fishing Festival cancelling this year; businesses react

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Typically, Florida’s festival scene is vibrant with options.

    But this year, some local festivals are having to make a tough decision as hurricane recovery continues.

    What You Need To Know

    • On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states: “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    • Local vendors rely on the Stone Crab Fishing Festival as it brings in needed revenue
    • Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars

    • In the same Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Fishing Festival says they are planning a mini stone crab celebration this fall

    The Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival announced on its Facebook page that this year’s festival is being cancelled.

    That affects not only festival-goers but also the vendors who serve them.

    Vendors relied heavily on the Cortez Stone Crab Festival every year as it brings in needed revenue.

    But with the festival cancelled, businesses that were already still trying to recover from last year’s storms now find themselves taking another hit.

    For Travis Roy, baking is his business. He co-owns Breezy Bakery in Cortez.

    Last year’s hurricanes left the business without power for days, costing them thousands of dollars.

    “That was money we were never able to recoup,” he said.

    It was a huge loss because of food going bad and a dip in sales from being closed.

    They also saw fewer customers after the storms.

    “And even with the loans, it’s still a loan and we still have to pay that back. So, we are still fighting and struggling,” he said.

    That’s why Roy relies on local events and festivals to ramp up business and income.

    So when he heard the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was being cancelled this year, he says it was disappointing.

    “It helps out. It allows us to live, really. We’re definitely not the most high-volume place, but it definitely gives us a more relaxing month when it comes to the bills and keeping the place going and running,” he said.

    On a Facebook post, the Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival states:

    “After much thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to host the Cortez Stone Crab Festival this year. The aftermath of last year’s hurricanes brought significant challenges to our beloved historic village.”

    But they go on to post about a plan for a mini stone crab celebration this fall.

    “It’s something we love doing, and we love being a part of it,” Roy said.

    So whenever the festival returns, he’ll be there.

    He says that for him, community support goes a long way.

    Last year’s Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival was also cancelled because of the hurricanes.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • BPD invests in new devices to detect card skimmers

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers.

    Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers



    • Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices



    • They also suggest that you regularly check your bank statements and register for alerts from your financial institutions to quickly detect and report fraud



    Bradenton Police Detective Michael Carpenter is tracking down credit card skimmers using new credit card skimming detection devices they received, thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

    “You insert it with a credit card, go. As soon as you get a green light, there’s no skimming device detected. If you had a red light, a skimming device detected, we would continue our investigation,” Carpenter said.

    He said criminals install skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and other payment systems to steal people’s credit and debit card information.

    Carpenter says they investigate a lot of credit card fraud.

    “So far, we’ve done probably 50 different gas stations, ATMs, et cetera. We found one on the first day. We aren’t able to determine if it had information on it, what information it had on it, or who put it there. But we were able to deter anybody else from becoming a victim,” he said.

    He says solving this type of crime can be challenging.

    “We notify the business, but we can’t determine who put it there until we get fingerprints and DNA from the inside of the device,” he said.

    BPD said detectives go out periodically to check payment systems.

    All officers will have access to these devices and will use them if they notice anything suspicious.

    “It gives people peace of mind that the devices they’re using are safer devices,” he said.

    It’s another way for the police department to detect scamming and protect residents from a financial crime.

    The Bradenton Police Department says to avoid becoming a victim, use payment tools like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which encrypt payment data.

    They also suggest checking your bank statements regularly and registering for alerts from your financial institutions so fraud can be detected and reported quickly.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Bay scallop season gets underway in Citrus, Hernando counties

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — July 1 marked the official start to bay scallop season in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    What You Need To Know

    • Today was the official start to bay scallop season in Hernando, Citrus and Levy counties

    • The first day of the season brought out some first-time scallopers, like one family visiting from Orlando

    • Fishing charter captains are expecting a bountiful scalloping season due to the scalloping sorter tool, an initiative that actually started just last year

    • Bay Scallop season runs through Sept. 24 in Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties


    At the end of Pete’s Pier, some of the first batch of freshly caught scallops have made it ashore. This time of year plays an important role in the local economy.

    “This year, it looks really great out there,” said Captain Kim Stibbs, owner of Salty Siren Tours and Charters. “Last year it was hit or miss, but this year people are doing really, really well. We came back in with five gallons and these guys were first-time scallopers.”

    Stibbs and her husband have been running their business for three years. Both are veterans, and they wanted to do something they enjoyed together.

    The first day of the season even brought out some first-time scallopers. Like the Rinow family, visiting from Orlando. (Kim Stibbs)

    “We wanted to do something a little bit different,” she said. “We wanted to have something a little bit more boutique. We only take six people to a tour. Our boats are heated, one of our vessels has a restroom. We have a Keurig on board, so we wanted something a little smaller and more intimate. I feel like that’s much better for the manatees and much better for our customers.”

    The first day of the season even brought out some first-time scallopers. Like the Rinow family, visiting from Orlando.

    “The second location we got to was just awesome,” said Mike Rinow, first-time scalloper visiting from Orlando. “I mean, picking them up and I like how they swim- it’s cool!”

    One of the main reasons why fishing charter captains are expecting such a bountiful scalloping season is the scalloping sorter tool, an initiative that actually started just last year.

    According to Florida Sea Grant, the tool “helps harvesters keep the larger, meatier scallops and to throw back smaller ones to allow those scallops to grow and spawn.”

    “Using the scallop sorters UF/IFAS gives out — it tells you the exact size they should be and if they’re too small, you throw them back,” said Stibbs. “But everybody we’ve talked to- all the other charter captains- everybody’s having a great harvest this year. They’re plentiful. And as long as we don’t over fish them and we stick to those sizes and size limits, we’re going to be great.”

    And with a rough couple of years of hurricanes like Idalia, Helene and Milton, Stibbs says the positive scalloping season outlook is a welcome change.

    “This whole community is very dependent upon the bay and what the bay provides and what the gulf provides,” Stibbs said. “There’s a lot of fishing captains, a lot of charter captains. And I think it’s something unique that really, there’s not a lot of places you can offer this.”

    Bay scallop season runs through Sept. 24 in Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties. The season starts in Pasco County on July 10.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Golden Ridge Grove shares impact of innovative approach to growing citrus

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    ALTURAS, Fla. — While the citrus industry has faced challenges over the last decade, the USDA reports production from the past two years is up by 12%.

    Golden Ridge Groves in Alturas is hoping to continue to be part of that growth as they find new methods to help combat greening in the citrus industry.

    What You Need To Know

    • Golden Ridge Grove harvests citrus under a Citrus Under Protective Screening system (CUPS)
    • CUPS helps to keep the citrus trees free from greening

    • This fall, the owners will establish a farmers’ market to teach people about the system


    The entrance to this citrus grove looks a bit different. That’s because Shane and Katie Bevilacqua said it’s a growing technique unlike any other.

    “Citrus greening has really devastated the citrus industry in Florida, and a cup structure is an innovative new way to be able to grow that quality, world-known fresh Florida citrus,” Shane said.

    The couple co-owns Golden Ridge Groves a new agritourism business inspired by Katies father and uncle who have been growing citrus under cups for nearly 10 years.

    This method of growing was first researched by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at Lake Alfred.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    Katie’s family owns more than 500 acres of citrus trees under CUPS, or Citrus Under Protective Screening systems.

    “What’s so special about it is being grown in this CUPS structure. It gives a tree a chance to grow up and be strong and healthy, just like Florida citrus has always been known for,” said Shane.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    Right now, the red grapefruit is in its blooming season.

    The crop starts with a flower in early spring. By summer, the fruit will start to mature, and by fall, it will be ready to pick.

    This CUPS technique has allowed the family to plant more trees per acre, and Katie said production has been good.

    “We’ve just been able to see incredible benefits to the CUPS structure not only in tree health but also in the fruit that it’s producing,” she said.

    Fruit, they hope to share with even more people as they prepare to open a market right across from one of their citrus groves.

    (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

    “We’d really like to show people a lot of the benefits of not only buying local but buying fruit fresh off the tree off the bush, whatever they’re picking,” Katie said.

    While the market is in its early stages, they want it to be a space families can experience fresh Florida produce through its u-pick and store offerings.

    The couple hopes they’re planting the seed for future farmers to keep the citrus legacy alive.

    Golden Ridge groves will offer tours in addition to its U-pick and market which will open this fall.

    Editor’s Note: A previous version of this stated Golden Ridge Groves has a partnership with the University of Florida. This has since been changed.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Sarasota company that sells drug detection wipes is expanding globally

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    SARASOTA, Fla. — One Sarasota business is expanding its product and going global. Its goal is to help in the fight against explosives and drugs.

    What You Need To Know

    • A team of chemists at Trace Eye-D in Sarasota invented wipes that can detect explosives and drugs like cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine

    • Barry Gorski, director of research and development for Trace Eye-D, said a color change on the wipe can identify the drugs and explosives

    •  CEO Chris Baden said since launching the wipes in early 2023, they are being used by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally


    If there’s one thing Barry Gorski knows about, it’s inventing new products.

    “Then we are going to add the analyte to it,” he said.

    He’s a chemist and the director of research and development for Trace Eye-D in Sarasota.

    He and his team invented wipes that can detect explosives and drugs like cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

    Trace Eye-D CEO Chris Baden said the wipes are by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

    He said you’ll know it when you see the color change on the wipe.

    “It will give you an instantaneous response,” Gorski said.

    Gorski said the wipes save time and are safer than other traditional ways of testing for drugs.

    “And the kits that they use now, where you have to break an ampule and shake it, and you literally have to pick the substance up and put it into a pouch — that’s pretty dangerous,” he said.

    It’s a process that’s taken time to develop.

    “Oh, a number of years now,” Gorski said. “Perfecting everything we started. Like I said, we started off with explosives, and then the drug thing became bigger and bigger.”

    So much so that now they’re selling their product across the world.

    Chris Baden is the CEO. He said since launching the wipes in early 2023, sales have grown by 500%.

    The wipes are being utilized by police, military, and forensics worldwide, along with law enforcement locally.

    “Now, we’ve developed a net dealer/reseller network of over 40 distributors, ranging from Norway, Finland, the United States, Colombia. We’re all over the map. But we have some really strong representation here in the U.S. now,” Baden said.

    As Gorski and his team continue to work, the company continues to expand.

    He says it’s rewarding knowing they’re providing a tool to potentially help the community stay safe.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Frostproof farmer sees avocado grove thrive after switching from citrus

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    FROSTPROOF, Fla. — Florida has more than 200 thousand acres of citrus groves, but one crop has faced challenges in recent years, including greening and the impact of hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mitchell Mclellan owns an avocado farm in Frostproof, one that he started two years ago
    • The farm is made up of 7 acres of 700 trees that produce more than 100,000 pounds of avocados
    • Mclellan made the venture after over 70 percent of his citrus grove got destroyed by Hurricane Ian in Fall 2022
    • Mclellan’s farm is one of the few in Central Florida, as avocado crops are usually grown in southern parts of Florida


    One avocado grove in Frostproof produces more than 100 thousand pounds of avocados per year, but the like the owners say, it’s a labor of love to keep the place thriving.

    They produce one specific type of avocado.

    “A Choquette is a smooth-skin avocado,” said Polk County farmer Mitchell Mclellan.

    Two years ago, Mclellan would’ve never predicted that he’d be known as “The Avocado Man.” That’s because he used to be a citrus farmer, before he made the switch to the green crop.

    “These trees are right at 2 years old. They were a foot-and-a-half tall when we planted them and they’ll get 20 feet to 30 feet tall if I let them,” he said.

    The venture began after over 70% of his citrus grove was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in Fall 2022.

    “Here is a ditch that came down through here and it blew all that soil up around the roots of the citrus tree, which if you bury roots of the citrus tree, it kills it,” Mclellan said.

    He said there is a high demand for avocados in the U.S.

    The crop is usually grown in southern parts of Florida, making Mclellan’s farm one of the few in Central Florida.

    He’s proud of his efforts so far, but also still learning.

    “We have to be diligent,” he said. “We have to stay on top of it and make sure when the product is ready to harvest, we have to harvest it and not labor around.”

    While it means more work, he sees a booming future for his farm.

    “They’re a beautiful tree, they give a good shade, and they produce something that you can eat, and that’s the best part about it,” he said.

    Mclellan took a chance on something new, but he says the roots he’s planted are already paying off.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Citrus County residents expecting busier than usual scallop season

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    OZELLO, Fla. — Scallop season is just around the corner, and an unprecedented number of the small mollusks are already being reported.

    This has Nature Coast businesses preparing for what should be a busy season.

    What You Need To Know

    • With scallop season starting July 1, those who have been out on the water say the number of scallops already being seen is unlike anything they have seen before

    • Captain Gary Bartell, owner of Ozello Keys Marina, says he’s noticed a vast amount of scallops already in the waters off Ozello Key

    • The season dedicated to the popular mollusks plays a major role in the local economy

    • Scallop season in Citrus and Hernando County runs from July 1 to Sept. 24


    “The size of the scallops, the amount of scallops and how close they already are. This is the first time for us that we’ve ever seen this,” said Gary Bartell, who owns Ozello Keys Marina.

    While on a trip last month in the Gulf waters off Ozello Key, Bartell and his son, Brody, noticed bounties of scallops in the beds of seagrass below.

    “There was a dolphin next to us that we were playing with and we noticed that they were just kicking up an abundance of scallops,” said Bartell. “Then we noticed when we looked behind the boat we saw we were kicking up scallops and we were just so shocked being over a month away from scallop season.”

    Bartell credits the promising outlook to a recent initiative that is providing those smaller scallops more time to develop.

    “We would keep those little scallops alive in our live wells and then we’d put them right back at the mouth of the St. Martin’s River, right in front of Ozello so they were untouched all season,” said Bartell. “One scallop, no matter the size, can produce up to a million eggs per day.”

    The method allows those scallops the time to release their babies, which then develop into adults. It’s a cycle, Bartell says, that repeats every three years.

    “One of the major contributors for why it’s so good is the scallop sorter being utilized more- that’s number one,” Bartell said. “Number two is with every bad comes good. We had Hurricane Helene last year that really put an end to all activities on the water, so that gave scallops more time to produce.”

    With an above average season expected ahead, the scallops are sure to play a pretty important role in the local economy as well.

    “From July to mid-August, a lot of people survive off of it. It’s such an economic boom for our area. So we prepare all year for just this month and a half,” Bartell said.

    Scallop season in Citrus and Hernando County starts July 1 and runs through Sept. 24.

    Pasco County’s season begins July 10 and runs through Aug. 18.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s radioactive waste road project

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    MULBERRY, Fla. — A pilot road project years in the making using slightly radioactive waste material is underway in Polk County.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mosaic’s pilot project will use phosphogypsum, a radioactive phosphate mining byproduct, to build a test road at its New Wales facility

    • Environmental advocates warn the project could spread hazardous materials, potentially exposing workers and nearby ecosystems to harmful radiation and toxic substances

    • Despite the EPA’s approval and Mosaic’s assurances of safety, critics argue the move prioritizes cost-cutting over public and environmental health


    The material, phosphogypsum, is a byproduct of phosphate mining that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says could cause cancer. Mining giant Mosaic requested to use phosphogypsum to build a test road at its Mulberry site on March 31, 2022. The EPA reviewed the plan, gave notice of pending approval on Oct. 9 of last year and took public comments for 45 days, then gave Mosaic the green light on Dec. 23.

    Glenn Compton, director of Manasota-88, one of the oldest environmental groups in the state, says mining companies have spent years looking for ways to get rid of phosphogypsum. The latest approach, he says, is what’s outlined in Mosaic’s plan — mixing the waste material into the road base and laying asphalt on top.

    “So instead of putting it into stacks, where we know where the phosphogypsum waste is, they want to spread it around the state of Florida with little to no over-site,” he said.

    Compton says this will lead to a widespread distribution of a hazardous waste, which could harm the environment and those who have to work with it.

    “Anyone who works with it will have an increase exposure to radon and radiation,” he said. “It has high levels of sulfur, it has metals that are very toxic to the environment and if these roads do deteriorate, we can expect that you are going to have pollution of groundwater and surface water in the area where these roads are constructed.”

    Mosaic said the 3,200-foot road will be built entirely within its New Wales facility, several miles from any public access. There will be multiple sections that use different construction materials and areas to serve as a control sample. The trial will last for 18 months, with each section evaluated for performance and effects on the environment.

    In a statement, a spokesperson for Mosaic said quote:

    “Trust the science. A host of regulators are involved throughout the process. Federal regulations require the EPA to perform a rigorous scientific risk analysis when evaluating a request to use phosphogypsum beneficially. The impacts to human health and the environment are the primary focus of that analysis.

    At the end of the day, we welcome robust testing. We want people to know this is a safe and worthwhile resource, not a waste, and we are decades behind others who long ago realized just that.

    We believe there is great value in the principles of a circular economy, whereby materials formerly viewed as wastes can be used or recycled beneficially. PG has value in the right circumstances, and we expect the results of the road trial to reflect that.”

    The EPA stands by its decision, saying “the risk posed by this project to the public and workers is extremely low.” However, Compton says the decision is a reflection of the agency’s inability to regulate.

    “And they are more in tune with what the company wants to do which is get rid of the waste in a cost effective, cheapest manner that they can and have it so that they will have less responsibility to manage it in the future,” he said.

    Like many environmentalists, Compton is urging policymakers to put a stop to Mosaic’s project. If they don’t, he says, the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

    Another environmental group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has already filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for approving this plan. 

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Florida entrepreneur uses artificial intelligence to transform marketing agency

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    VENICE, Fla. — A Florida entrepreneur is using artificial intelligence to help his company work faster and smarter.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarasota County entrepreneur Matt Ackerson has grown his business, Growbo, and saved time and money using Artificial Intelligence
    • He first integrated his own AI format in 2022
    • Ackerson says the integration of AI into Growbo’s operations has saved over 700 hours and $12,000 in four months, significantly increasing traffic and revenue

    In the world of technology, things are always moving fast. And that’s how Matt Ackerson likes it.

    “I’m going to put it in self-driving mode now,” he said.

    Ackerson has spent years thinking about the future.

    “I think as a kid, I would always just see my dad fixing things and programming things, and I was just obsessed with the future and what it would bring, or what it would look like,” he said.

    Technology seemed destined to become a big part of Ackerson’s future.

    Ackerson started Growbo, a marketing agency, in 2010. His company offers a variety of services, including web design and project management. He is the founder and CEO.

    “Started with less than $200 in the bank. I started from my childhood bedroom,” he said. “Being 15 years in business now, we’ve serviced thousands of clients all over the world. We’ve employed hundreds of people. A few years ago, we became a $1 million company for the first time. And then the next year, we became a multi-million dollar company,” he said.

    Going all-in on artificial intelligence has helped him reach new heights.

    “I wasn’t sure if I was actually smart enough to build AI from scratch. So I started doing that and it actually started to work,” Ackerson said.

    He first integrated his own AI format in 2022.

    “What we’re trying to build with Growbo and the Growbo Human + AI platform is something that’s going to be able to help the entrepreneurs and businesses of the future to create and accelerate their marketing success by having a team of both human professionals to guide the AI,” he said.

    On this screen, he shows an example of how his team uses AI.

    “So,let’s say that we want to write a blog article for like a local landscaping or dental company. Basically — similar to how we used to need three or four people and planning involved — we can do it with one person just clicking a button,” Ackerson said.

    Since incorporating AI, he’s calculated the results it’s had on his company.

    “Over 700 hours saved in the last four months, or $12,000. And that’s what we estimated it would have taken a human worker if it was just us doing it the regular old way without AI technology,” Ackerson said.

    And as the saying goes, time equals money.

    “We were able to actually grow our traffic by about 120%, and it’s led to an increase in revenue by about 150%,” he said.

    As fast as technology is evolving, Ackerson knows he needs to stay wired to continue on the path to success.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Don CeSar welcomes overnight guests 6 months after hurricanes

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach welcomed overnight guests back a few days before their scheduled 6 month re-opening of April 1, according to General Manager Barbara Readey.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Don CeSar welcomed overnight guests back on March 28

    • Hurricane Helene sent a 2-to-3 foot storm surge inside the building on Sept. 26, 2024 

    • The reopening of the iconic Pink Palace will boost bed tax collections, which have been down in St. Pete Beach

    • The general manager said 34 of 277 rooms are still out of service but expected to come back in a couple of months


    “We just opened our doors on Friday and people are really wanting to come back,” she said. “They missed us, and the community has really embraced our reopening.”

    Readey said the iconic Pink Palace had been closed for renovations after Hurricane Helene sent a 2-to-3 foot storm surge inside the building on Sept. 26.

    “Our pools were entirely filled with sand. It was incredibly surreal,” she said. “Now we’re more resilient. Our electrical and mechanical are now raised. So the next storm won’t take us down.”

    The Pinellas County Tourist Development Council has been anxious to see The Don CeSar reopen, with its 277 rooms, as data have shown a significant decline in bed tax collections in St. Pete Beach since the storms.

    The December data, released at a TDC meeting in February, showed a 50% decline in Tourist Development Tax collections compared to the same month the previous year.

    “A significant decline still remains in St. Pete Beach. In those more southern beach communities,” said Eddie Kirsch, VSPC Dir. Digital and Data. “One positive note that I do want to point out here is that we’ve been seeing the demand really return at a faster click than the available supply.”


    January data showed a 38.4% decline in TDT collections.

    “We’re still seeing some deflation in our southern beach areas,” said Kirsch. “St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Madeira Beach.”

    At least four more hotels in St. Pete Beach, with a combined 627 rooms, are scheduled to reopen before the end of the year, according to Kirsch.

    “We’re paying close attention to the hotels and the projects that are reopening,” he said. “To make sure that as those start to reopen, we’re focused on driving demand.”

    The Don CeSar already got a jump by hosting a wedding this past weekend when the hotel opened early, according to Readey.

    “Our very first night on March 28, we did 153 rooms. It was at a very high average rate,” she said. “It’s worth every penny because you’re going to love it here.”

    The GM said 34 rooms where electrical lines had to be moved are still out of service but expected to come back in the next couple of months, along with the shops on the ground floor.

    “In mid-May our ground floor partially will open,” she said. “Including four retail stores and Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream and Coffee Shop.”

    Readey said nearly all the hotel staff has returned too.

    “We have the most loyal team members. We had 100 percent of many departments return after 6 months of being closed,” she said. “It’s amazing. I mean, Mother Nature was strong, but our steadfastness was even stronger.”  

    Following hurricane recovery and extensive renovations in 2017, Readey said the Pink Palace has never looked so good in its long storied history.

    “We’re 97 years young, and this is the best we’ve ever looked,” she said. “We are better than ever in product and, most importantly, service.”


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    Josh Rojas

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  • Bealls aids associates with relief fund after hurricanes

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Bealls stores are a familiar sight across the Tampa Bay region.

    They got their start in Bradenton in 1915, and for years, they’ve helped employees get back on their feet after life-changing storms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bealls Inc. has given money to more than 1100 associates across the country for hurricane relief from their R.M. Beall Sr. Foundation Associate Relief Fund

    • According to Bealls officials, this foundation is to help associates when a federally declared disaster takes place

    • Bealls Inc. is celebrating its 110th anniversary in April and according to the retail store, Manatee County commissioners declared March 25 to be Bealls Day

    Bealls gave more than 1,100 associates across the country money after experiencing damages from last year’s hurricanes.

    It is called the R.M. Beall Sr. Foundation Associate Relief Fund.

    “In 2005, we had a pretty significant hurricane season and impact on our associates. And so we started the disaster relief fund that can come to the aid of associates who have experienced loss during any federally declared disasters,” Tianne Doyle, President of Bealls Inc., said.

    Teri Cerri, an associate at Bealls Inc. for about four years in Bradenton, was a beneficiary of those funds.

    Cerri’s home in West Bradenton was impacted by Hurricane Milton.

    “My home was destroyed in all honesty. Then there was a ‘thump, thump, thump, thump, boom,’ which was my roof coming off. And then it started raining in my house,” she said.

    Each associate can send in their application for each federally declared disaster.

    This time around, money ranging from $50 to $3,000 was sent out to associates.

    Bealls Inc. associate Terri Cerri’s home was dealt a blow by Hurricane Milton. (Courtesy: Terri Cerri)

    “I mean, I was amazed,” Cerri said. “I looked at my checking account one day and thought, ‘That’s not right.’ About three weeks later, I got the letter from them telling me about it.”

    She was displaced for five months, so she used that money to rebuild.

    “I had to have new ceilings, new walls, the whole place painted, ceilings textured. I had to replace furniture. It was rebuilding the whole place,” Cerri said.

    Three weeks ago, she was able to come back home.

    “It meant a lot. I was very surprised. I didn’t know they had that and such a quick response. Just, it really amazed me,” Cerri said.

    As she prepares for this upcoming hurricane season, one part she can rest easy on is knowing there are people here to give her a helping hand.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Vacation rentals rebound on Anna Maria Island after 2024 hurricanes

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Business is finally picking up for local vacation rentals.

    It took time to get the buildings repaired, and for visitors to come back to the island after last year’s hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Officials with Prime Vacations say they are getting more momentum and more bookings, especially for the summer months
    • It took time to get the buildings repaired, and for visitors to come back to the island after last year’s hurricanes

    • Officials say they hope everything will be 90% back online by early May

    Eric Pullen, vice president of growth and development for Prime Vacations, says all of the 600 properties on Anna Maria Island that the company manages had to have some kind of work done due to the hurricanes.

    “Post-hurricane was a challenge. Just getting out here, obviously right away, trying to just assess for our owners who are located really all over the world, the conditions that we were facing,” he said.

    Pullen says the company manages 600 properties on Anna Maria Island and 50 in Bradenton. While they are getting more calls to book people, and demand is high now, their numbers are slightly behind. He says that’s due to effects from the hurricanes.

    “January, February was a little bit of a slower start to the year. This March right now, you know, we’re pacing, just over 80% occupancy, which is pretty close to our historic norms. We typically see about 85% for the month of March,” he said.

    He says he’s glad to see the island alive again after a lull season.

    “It’s just great seeing people back on the island. You see people walking, on their bicycles, on the golf carts,” he explained.

    But before there was a slow period where he says they barely had any booking happen in the rentals during October that he attributed to the rental restrictions the island had in place because of the hurricanes. But in the months after that, things began to pick up.

    “We make money when guests are in-house. We share in that commission with our owners. By Thanksgiving, we had about 50% of our inventory back online. By Christmas, we had about 70% of our inventory back online,” he said.

    Now fast forward to this month, he says momentum is growing…and looking ahead toward the summer months, he says June and July reservations are high.

    “We’re pacing very well for 2026, so I think, you know, people are coming down here recognizing that the island’s open,” he said.

    As more people book to enjoy the island, the more Pullen and Prime Vacations work to leave each guest wanting to come back.

    Pullen says they hope everything will be 90% back online by early May.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Spring training to drive economic boost in Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As baseball fans flock to the Sunshine State for spring training games, the director of Visit Central Florida expects the economic impact to increase from last year. 

    Mark Jackson said spring training in 2024 generated $683 million for Florida’s economy. He attributes part of that success to the Detroit Tigers’ 89-year history in Lakeland, making it the longest-running relationship between a Major League Baseball team and its host city.

    “The Tigers’ spring operation is not just the six weeks. That goes all year round with the training, the medical, and all the other things that happen right here in Polk County,” Jackson said. “So we’re better off financially, and our quality of life, of course, is enhanced as well.”

    Joker Marchant Stadium is the spring training home of the Tigers, and nearby businesses are benefiting from the influx of visitors.

    The Tigers have 15 home games on their spring training schedule before the Major League Baseball season begins. 

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    Alexis Jones

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  • New ‘Boater Freedom Initiative’ would end vessel safety inspections

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    HOLIDAY, Fla. — A new proposal is making waves when it comes to boating in the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced the Boater Freedom Initiative earlier this week

    • Part of the proposal looks to end random vessel safety inspections without probable cause
    • The proposal would also prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources
    • Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    It’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Boater Freedom Initiative announced earlier this week. Part of that effort includes an end to random vessel safety inspections without probable cause.

    One local marina is taking a dive into the potential impact these proposals could have on the boating industry.

    Resting at the mouth of the Anclote River sits the Anclote Village Marina.

    Recently reopened after back-to-back hurricanes, marina staff are on standby, like general manager Noah Rouse, ready to welcome back visitors to the water.

    “It can be a pretty big inconvenience when you’re trying to get out on the water for the day and you’ve made sure you’ve done everything right and now you’ve got to stop and prove to someone that you have,” said Rouse.

    But that may be changing, after DeSantis announced what he calls a Boater Freedom Initiative this week. Part of that effort would eliminate law enforcement use of safety inspection as a probable cause to pull over a boater.

    “It really seems no different from what we’ve got going on out on the roadways,” said Rouse. “If we don’t have a reasonable reason for a stop, then there shouldn’t be one implied. Obviously, people have the freedom to travel along the waterways as they please and if they’re not doing anything that is against written law, I don’t think there should be any reason for a stop.”

    The proposal would also prevent bans on gas-powered boats.

    “They are pushing the battery-powered and operated boats pretty heavily,” Rouse said. “Not everyone should have to go eco-friendly, which we do understand. We all love the environment, just as everyone else. We’ve got people fishing every day and if the fish are dying, then we won’t have any fish to catch.”

    While the bill may not have a direct impact on his marina’s day-to-day operations, Rouse says he believes it will improve boating experiences.

    “Obviously, if someone is doing something they shouldn’t be, they need to be addressed by the FWC. But if we’re out there complying with the law, I think everyone should be able to have a good time,” he said.

    Ensuring a more relaxed time out on the water.

    Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that the boater is maintaining proper safety requirements.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez reopens after sustaining damage during Helene

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Despite some setbacks, Slicker’s Eatery is back open after Hurricane Helene flooded and damaged the restaurant.

    Bob Slicker opened his restaurant in Cortez in 2021, but had been closed for the past four months.

    Slicker said he had to start from scratch and replace everything after the storm last year flooded the entire restaurant.

    “Seeing the destruction of the place, I didn’t know if I had the intent of reopening or just getting it cleaned out,” he said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez is back open after being closed for 4 months after Hurricane Helene flooded and damaged the restaurant

    • Bob Slicker acquired a small business loan to get it back up and running again

    • The owner said he’s anticipating Slicker’s Eatery will return to full business hours next week

    After acquiring a small business loan, and with the support of the community, he was able to rebuild and reopen.

    “We know we are never going to make up what we lost, but if we can get ahead, that’s cool,” he expressed.

    Slicker said the closure had a ripple effect.

    “You not only lose your income, but the bills don’t stop coming. We had health insurance, electric, gas, rent for the building…all of that stuff never stops. The four months were very long for us,” he said.

    But now, he has one main goal:

    “Seeing people smile and giving the best product we can give them,” he said.

    Slicker’s Eatery also won the Small Business Award from The Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce. The owner says he’s anticipating Slicker’s Eatery will return to full business hours next week.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Crystal River businessman continues to make Black history

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — The Black community in Citrus County is small, but mighty, and has a pretty extensive history.

    It’s a history many say isn’t widely known, but there’s one lifelong Crystal River resident and Black business owner who wants his hard work to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Oysters restaurant owner William Bunch got his start in Citrus County in the middle of the segregated south

    • Bunch said unlike a lot of cites, there was not a bustling Black business district in Crystal River

    • Bunch said he felt a sense of responsibility to bring order to his community and wants to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs


    If you ask William Bunch, there’s no real recipe for success. There is, however, a secret recipe for the perfect fried chicken.

    “Love. I put love into it,” he said.

    Bunch has been working for a long time.

    “I’ve been working at the age of 13 and I’m 70,” he said.

    He got his start in Citrus County in the middle of the segregated south.

    “I started at the Plantation Inn as a helper, and then I worked my way up to the chef and out the door,” Bunch said.

    He was out of the door there, and into the doors at his very own restaurant in Crystal River called Oysters.

    “I had this Englishman who wanted me to come and work for him, and I said, ‘I won’t come to work for you, but I will buy it from you.’ So, I came in and he made me an offer, and I borrowed a little money and put it down, and we went to work,” he said.

    He’s owned and operated Oysters for the past 29 years and they’re most popular item is — you guessed it — fried chicken?

    That’s right. He said the most popular item isn’t oysters.

    Bunch said his spirit of entrepreneurship dates back even further.

    “Taxi business, we (were) the first taxi people in this area. So, it did good when we first started,” he said.

    There are still remnants on the walls of Oysters of Bunch’s accomplishments.

    Storm damage over the last decade wiped out all of his older photos. He said those lost photos told the story of his landscaping company he started in high school.

    That landscaping company included driving his customers to the airport, which launched his taxi service. The photos were also a reminder of the days he couldn’t pick people up past sundown in sundown towns because he’s Black.

    Bunch said unlike a lot of cites, there was not a bustling Black business district in Crystal River. No Black Wall Street. So, he didn’t have any examples. But he did it anyway, despite adversities.

    “The bad experience I had back in ’93, my brother was killed by the police in ’93, and then when the verdict came out, they said the police had just cause to do what they had done, and the city really wanted to get up in arms, but I told them go home, the verdict is done, my brother is not coming back,” Bunch said.

    Bunch said he felt a sense of responsibility to bring order to his community then, and it’s something he continues to do now. He wants to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by doing the work.

    “You have to be dedicated if you want to do a business. You have good days and you have bad days. So, I wanted to do it since I was a little kid and I had the opportunity and I’ve done it,” Bunch said.

    Bunch said his legacy will continue long after he’s gone. He passed down his landscaping business to his son and he hopes it will continue to honor the family name.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Coquina Beach Cafe reopens after being closed for four months

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A popular place on Anna Maria Island is back in business after being closed since Hurricane Helene.

    Phil Francisco is the shift lead at Coquina Beach Café in Bradenton Beach.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Coquina Beach Café in Bradenton Beach reopened on Saturday 

    • The café had been closed since Hurricane Helene went through Anna Maria Island and was damaged by both hurricanes

    • The Coquina Beach Café is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week

    The Coquina Beach Café reopened last Saturday after being closed for nearly four months due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “We did a soft opening a few days ago, and people have been finding out about it here and there. I have a feeling once we start rolling, it’s not going to stop,” he explained.

    Seeing customer after customer, it’s as if this place didn’t skip a beat.

    “It feels good, you know? After four months of cleaning, drywall tear-outs, removal, and sand shoveling, it feels good being back, serving friends, doing what we like to do here,” he said.

    And Francisco says the staff has picked up right where they left off, as well.

    “Well, we were lucky enough that not only do we have a second location, so we had a spot that we could go that has been open for a few months. But the family that puts this place on the Enoch’s are amazing people. They literally kept us busy, kept us fed, kept us mindful,” he explained.

    All of that hard work shows not just in the appearance, but also in the customer experience.

    “I didn’t realize how important these locations were to everybody’s mental state for 25, 30 years. When people didn’t see the café open, they weren’t doing well. The minute that the Gulf Drive location popped open, we had people stopping in from all over the place — people from all over the world, even. It’s like a spot that’s home,” he said.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Chick-fil-A will soon be available at SeaWorld Orlando

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Guests at SeaWorld Orlando will soon be able to chow down on a Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries while watching Shamu and his sea creature friends.

    Chick-fil-A signs can be seen behind a closed-off barrier in the park near Voyager’s Smokehouse, indicating the fast-food chain is, in fact, coming to SeaWorld.

    While no opening date has been announced, job postings have been listed to fill positions at the new SeaWorld dining location.

    “We’re seeking friendly and energetic individuals to work at our new restaurant location, Chick-fil-A. Your positive attitude and can-do spirit will make all the difference as you help create positive, lasting memories for our guests,” the listing stated.

    According to the job listing, employees will receive:

    • FREE park admission
    • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
    • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
    • Scholarship opportunities
    • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

    Visit here to apply. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • After storms, Ozello residents face dilemma to build back or leave

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    OZELLO, Fla. — Citrus County residents are still feeling the effects from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    In areas along the coast, like Ozello, recovery has taken longer than other parts of the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents in Ozello are still picking up after hurricanes Helene and Milton

    • With insurance claims taking time to settle and mounting pressure from FEMA’s 50% Rule, some homeowners are questioning whether to build back or move out
    • Despite frustrations, some residents say they’re not giving up on their community


    With insurance claims taking time to settle and mounting pressure from FEMA’s 50% Rule, some homeowners are questioning whether to build back or move out.

    Despite frustrations, some residents say they’re not giving up on their community.

    On the ground floor of his business, Ozello Keys Marina, owner Gary Bartell, sands a couple of pieces of plywood. Boards that will serve as new trimming for his business.

    “It’s definitely one of those things that you do not want to take any shortcuts whatsoever,” said Bartell.

    Bartell has had his marina in Ozello for the last seven years. In that time, he, just like many in the area, has seen his fair share of hurricanes.

    “Exactly one year later, after Idalia, we had Hurricane Debby,” Bartell said. “Just a few inches. Nothing crazy. That one took us a couple of weeks to get back open and get all of the moisture out of here. And then we had Hurricane Helene. Five-foot and-a-half inch, exactly.”

    As he works away, repairing his shop, Bartell says not everyone has been as fortunate. With some residents being told they cannot build back because of FEMA’s 50% Rule.

    “When people purchase in these island communities, they understand the risk and the flood risk,” says Bartell. “They should also understand that flood insurance is very valuable, and it can really protect your assets.”

    Bartell says his shop has flood insurance, however, he is still waiting on reimbursement. A minor inconvenience, he says, knowing the risk that lies with his shop’s location.

    “It’s something if you live anywhere in a flood zone or close to a flood zone, trust me on this one and take my word, it is worth every single penny,” said Bartell. “We all complain when we have to pay that annual premium but, after the unknown happens, it’s what insurance is for.”

    In the meantime, Bartell says he’s thankful to be able to start some repairs. With sights set on re-opening in the new year.

    “We miss seeing everyone come through here,” he said. “We miss all of our regulars; we miss meeting new people. You’re kind of going stir crazy not seeing everybody. By January 1, we will be open back up. We might not be fully open with all of the services we offer, but we’ll be open.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River businesses along Citrus Avenue reopening

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Small businesses along Citrus Avenue are reopening their doors to shoppers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Small businesses along Citrus Avenue are re-opening their doors to shoppers after having to make repairs from Hurricane Helene

    • Much of downtown Crystal River sat underwater for a period as a result of the hurricane

    • Store owners, like Deanna Boyer of Salty Girls Beach Shop, have ‘soft launched’ their re-opening, allowing customers to shop

    • Boyer says she is looking to have a grand reopening of her store in January


    Stores along the road were damaged just two months ago by Hurricane Helene, with plenty left to pick up. Now, with the holiday shopping season upon us, store owners are opening up their doors.

    Standing at the counter inside her store Salty Girls Beach Shop, Deanna Boyer helps a customer. A typical activity that may feel a little surreal these days.

    “We’ve been slowly trying to get everything back together, back in place,” said Boyer. “We’re at about 75%. Hopefully, by the end of December, we’ll be ready and full force by then. I’m hoping!”

    It’s taken some time — and elbow grease — to get the shop spruced up in time for the holiday season. An experience they did not have to go thru alone.

    “We’re tough as nails!” said Boyer. “We have a really good community and, I know I’ve said this before, we all fight like siblings and we trash each other but when we have a disaster- and we always do- we all come together. The community comes together. There is, really, no better place to live than Crystal River.”

    If Boyer’s tone isn’t enough of an incentive to visit, maybe the area’s natural residents will help sway peoples’ minds, as manatee season is now in full-swing across the city.

    “Come down to Crystal River!” says Boyer. “The manatees are in, the shops are open, there are great places to eat and swim. Come on and see us.”

    Boyer says she is looking to have a grand reopening of her store in January.

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    Calvin Lewis

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