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  • Florida’s ‘Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday’ kicks off July 1

    Florida’s ‘Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday’ kicks off July 1

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    FLORIDA — Starting July 1, Florida residents will not have to pay sales tax on certain items for the entire month.

    This is part of the state’s Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday.

    It covers outdoor recreation equipment, including fishing supplies and pool essentials, as well as admission to state parks and museums.

    Some of the items include dollar limits.

    The tax holiday lasts until the end of July.

    Get the full details from the Florida Department of Revenue below. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida’s ‘Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday’ kicks off July 1

    Florida’s ‘Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday’ kicks off July 1

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — Starting July 1, Florida residents will not have to pay sales tax on certain items for the entire month.

    This is part of the state’s Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday.

    It covers outdoor recreation equipment, including fishing supplies and pool essentials, as well as admission to state parks and museums.

    Some of the items include dollar limits.

    The tax holiday lasts until the end of July.

    Get the full details from the Florida Department of Revenue below. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The business of bowling is on the rise in the U.S.

    The business of bowling is on the rise in the U.S.

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Private equity firms and large companies in the United States are investing in bowling alleys.

    The activity that once had massive popularity in the mid-20th century is seeing a modern resurgence to the point where it’s one of the most played activities in the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bowling is seeing a modern resurgence to the point where it’s one of the most played activities in the country

    • The sport, which saw a large growth in popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s, saw some concern with the pandemic forcing closures in 2020

    • According to the Financial Times, revenue has risen in the U.K. for companies running bowling alleys, with the United States Bowling Conference saying bowling has become the top sport people play at least once a year in the U.S.

    • Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater stays busy every week, whether it’s bowling leagues or families gathering to have fun


    For years, the activity has been Riley Engelhardt’s happy place.

    “I know everyone here, so they’re all very friendly to me. I got to know them well,” he said.

    Engelhardt is a bowler and has competed in the sport for years now.

    He spends about three days a week practicing at Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater.

    He’s tried numerous sports, but there’s something about this one that keeps him coming back to the lanes.

    “You can set your own pace and it fits the user more than you trying to match up with everyone else,” Engelhardt said.

    To him, it’s a special activity, which is why he continues to hone his craft at this 60-year-old bowling alley.

    The sport, which saw a large growth in popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s with weekly programs on television, saw some concern with the pandemic forcing closures in 2020.

    But at spots like Maple Lanes, those concerns didn’t last long.

    “A lot of businesses in this area didn’t survive COVID,” said Kenny Kerner, a desk person at Maple Lanes. “They couldn’t wait to get back here.”

    Kerner has been working at Maple Lanes for a few years now because this place, and this activity, means a lot to him.

    “It brings back memories of me and it brings back memories of me learning the bowling alley when I was a child,” Kerner said.

    According to Kerner, Maple Lanes stays plenty busy every week, whether it’s bowling leagues or families looking to beat the heat in a fun and eclectic environment.

    “Birthday parties, workplace gatherings — we have everything here,” Kerner said. “We have every kind of function comes here.”

    That type of business is partly why bigger companies and private equity firms are investing money into national bowling alley chains.

    According to the Financial Times, revenue has risen in the U.K. for companies running bowling alleys, with the United States Bowling Conference saying bowling has become the top sport people play at least once a year in the U.S.

    Many of the alleys of today are filled with high-end restaurants and lounge-like atmospheres for people who still wind up wearing those eclectic shoes.

    “All the major companies are promoting bowling,” Kerner said. “It’s big. It’s really big. And it’s fantastic to see it come back.”

    For Maple Lanes, the popularity has been here for a long time for families and competitive bowlers, like Engelhardt.

    They like staying involved in the community while having things like a bar, an arcade and even a robot waiter to serve bowlers.

    Even as larger chains look to expand, local spots like Maple Lanes will keep knocking down pins and welcoming anyone looking for a strike.

    When businesses opened back up in 2020 in Florida, Maple Lanes incorporated some social distancing practices, so people felt safe enough to bowl in their alley.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Villas at Carillon residents say HOA tabled vote on $60,000 special assessment

    Villas at Carillon residents say HOA tabled vote on $60,000 special assessment

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People who live in the Villas at Carillon townhome community said a planned vote on a $60,000 per household special assessment was tabled Thursday evening.

    “I’m happy because it bought us some time. I’m sad that it had to come to this,” said resident Nancy Radde. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Villas at Carillon residents say a vote on a $60,000 special assessment was tabled Thursday night
    • A letter sent to neighbors earlier this month said the assessment was needed to pay for capital improvement projects
    • Some who live in the townhome community said they wanted the vote tabled to give the community time to come up with more cost effective solutions
    • Documents sent to residents say the community put off fully funding reserves for 20 years

    Radde was one of the residents in the community’s 165 townhomes to receive a letter earlier this month from property management company Management & Associates.

    The letter said a special homeowners association meeting would be held to vote for the special assessment, which would upgrade or repair things like roofs, garages, drainage, etc. for the entire neighborhood.

    It included a limited proxy ballot that listed four options residents could choose from to pay the assessment: pay $60,000 by July 1, 2025, in four quarterly installments of $15,000; pay $60,000 in 32 quarterly installments of $1,875 over eight years; pay $11,650 in four quarterly installments of $2,912.50 by July 1, 2025, for immediate repairs; and increasing HOA monthly dues from $575 to $1,200 for eight years, beginning in October.

    Documents said the option to pay $11,650 could mean homeowners would be assessed $48,000 to do the remainder of the work at a later date.

    “My reaction right away was, ‘Oh, my goodness, most people can’t afford that,’” said Radde.

    “I was in shock,” said resident Tammy Rodeffer. “I started texting all my neighbors, ‘Did you get this?’”

    Management & Associates told Spectrum News their lawyers advised them not to comment to media.

    Information included in the documents sent to residents says: “Our community has a 20-year history of waiving the decision to fully fund the Villas of Carillon Reserves. The Association is now at a critical point with respect to capital improvement projects requiring community-wide balcony repairs and waterproofing, garage flat roof replacement, and painting.”

    It said the association also needs to start raising money for barrel tile roofs.

    “We’ve been told that we need a new roof because we may not be able to get insurance,” said Rodeffer. “So, it’s kind of a couple of different things coming together all at once, but I don’t feel comfortable enough yet from the letter to make this type of decision yet.”

    Rodeffer and Radde said they wanted to see the measure tabled so the community could look into ways to bring down the cost of repairs.

    “The numbers quoted to come up with this amount, we believe, includes replacing the roof with the same type of roof we have today. So, we would like them to explore different types of roofs,” said Rodeffer.

    Spectrum News was not allowed inside Thursday’s special meeting, but it was packed.

    Residents lined up down the hallway outside the meeting room at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.

    According to Radde and Rodeffer, 110 residents signed a petition asking that the vote be tabled. Radde said that’s what ultimately happened at the meeting, and the vote was not immediately rescheduled. She said the next step is for residents to get to work.

    “The first thing we’re going to do, unfortunately, is try to come up with a new board — to terminate this one, dissolve this one,” Radde said. “Come up with a new board, come up with several committees. We have some really great talent — people who know engineering, people who know finances.”

    She said neighbors have already talked about ideas for reducing costs and decreasing that $60,000 special assessment.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Richey Suncoast Theatre approved for $100k grant to help with renovations

    Richey Suncoast Theatre approved for $100k grant to help with renovations

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A local landmark in Pasco County is getting a financial boost. 

    The Richey Suncoast Theatre — known to passersby via its beautiful golden dome roof — has recently been approved for a grant. Help will be received in the form of a $100,000 grant from the New Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency.

    It’s helping bring life back to a once forgotten art form.

    What You Need To Know

    • A $100,000 grant has been approved for the Richey Suncoast Theatre, courtesy of the New Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency

    • Recent renovations have been made at the theatre over the years, but with the new grant, the once prominent, cultural meeting ground will be getting a makeover
    • Funding arrives at a promising time as attendance numbers, according to theatre board members, have been on the rise
    • Plans include updating the theatre’s air conditioning units as well as replacing its roof

    Just a block from New Port Richey’s Main Street proudly stands the iconic Richey Suncoast Theatre.

    “It was the center of culture for the area,” said actor and president of the Board for the Richey Suncoast Theatre, Angela Sarabia. “People came down just to cool off, to see a film, and it was really a cultural touchstone.”

    The theatre’s exterior is impressive but, according to Sarabia, it’s inside where the magic happens.  

    “It really is iconic because of that dome. It really stands out,” said Sarabia. “But I meet people every day who say they see it from the road, but have never been inside. But once they come inside, they are really impressed with it.”

    A once prominent, cultural meeting ground is getting a makeover. Recent renovations have been made at the theatre, including LED lighting fixtures and soundproofing.

    Originally built in 1925, the theatre wasn’t converted into a community one until 1972. Seating just under 300 people, with 295 seats in the vicinity.

    “We’ve upgraded that sound quality so that when you walk in, you’re really getting a professional level of audio quality to the experience. There are music acts coming in and booking to be on the stage and they’re loving that the sound that their patrons are hearing from them is a professional quality sound,” Sarabia said.

    More upgrades are planned, thanks to funding from the New Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency and their $100,000 grant. The funding arrives at a promising time, with attendance numbers on the rise.

    “During our season last year, I was thrilled to be getting updates from the board about our amazing sales every day, as well as our concession sales,” said Kate Connolly, board member for Richey Suncoast Theatre. “We definitely see the trickle-down effect within the community and the different businesses come to us after a big show, and they say they’re so happy to see all of that opportunity right after the show lets out.”

    And with a growing audience, the theatre’s upgrades will be that much more impactful.

    “Our hope is to continually be a community space, but to have more and more upgrades to the overall experience, and we’d like to increase our inclusivity,” Sarabia said.

    Ensuring the theater continues offering entertainment for future generations.

    And those with the theatre said with this new grant, a few upgrades can be made on existing air conditioning units. They also say it may also mean the theatre can replace its roof next year.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Trop and Gas Plant redevelopment plan takes next step forward

    Trop and Gas Plant redevelopment plan takes next step forward

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a step forward for the redevelopment of Tropicana Field and the Historic Gas Plant District. Thursday night, St. Petersburg City Council members voted 5-3 to schedule the second reading of an ordinance that would approve a development agreement for the site. They also gave the OK for a second reading of an ordinance on rezoning and a public hearing on increasing the Intown Redevelopment Plan’s redevelopment program budget. All are scheduled to take place on July 11.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg City Council approved a number of measures Thursday that move the Rays/Hines deal for the Trop and Gas Plant District redevelopment forward

    • Members could take a final vote on July 11

    • Dozens of residents spoke both for and against the plan at Thursday’s meeting

    • Read previous coverage here

    Before the meeting began, groups including Sierra Club Florida and Faith in Florida held a rally outside city hall, asking the council to “pump the brakes” on making a decision on the plan.

    “It’s ignoring the will of the people,” said Bishop Manuel Sykes, one of those who spoke at the rally.

    Speakers said they weren’t asking council to scrap the Rays/Hines deal, but they do want to see changes made to the plan. Among their concerns were environmental impacts and the project timeline when it comes to features meant for the community, like affordable housing.

    “We’re talking about getting a stadium done in a matter of three years, and everybody else’s concerns may be addressed over the next 27 years,” Sykes said.

    Inside, dozens addressed council during public comment.

    “Fundamentally, this is rotten,” said William Kilgore, an organizer with the St. Petersburg Tenants Union. “This is our money. This is public wealth, and we’re giving it to a private corporation.”

    The $1.3 billion project would see St. Petersburg contribute $287 million, while Pinellas County and the Rays would put in $312 million and $770 million, respectively.

    Supporters told the council the project is the chance to bring new opportunity to the area with mixed use development.

    “That million-and-a-half square feet of office space — if we don’t do this deal, that office space will not come,” said one speaker.

    Others said the deal is the best chance to fulfill past promises made to Gas Plant residents, which was razed to make way for the Trop.

    “If Rays/Hines is not approved, who is going to ensure that the efforts to fulfill those promises are going to be made?” one speaker asked members.

    A sticking point for some council members was that they haven’t received finalized documents on the plan and have been working with drafts.

    “It is our duty to do our due diligence, and we can only do that appropriately with final documents and not being rushed through this process,” said council member Lisset Hanewicz. 

    Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders noted members had previously decided they needed to have final documents two weeks before making a final decision.

    “I’m going to vote for the motion as is, but if we don’t have those documents, we cannot really discuss them on July 11. It’s a given. We voted on that,” said Figgs-Sanders.

    Officials said if members didn’t have final documents two weeks before the July 11 meeting, they could push the items back to July 18.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Short-term rental bill continues to draw criticism

    Short-term rental bill continues to draw criticism

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A short-term rental bill that would give the state more power of regulating the industry instead of local governments has been in the works in Tallahassee. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Short-term rental bill narrowly passed at the end of 2024 legislative session 

    •  It would give the state more power of regulating the industry instead of local governments 

    •  Some mayors continue to fight against it

    The bill would cap the number of occupants allowed and would require owners to pay a registration fee.

    It also calls for someone to be available to address complaints and lets local governments suspend a rental’s registration if rules are continuously broken.

    However, the bill is still getting push back from some local governments across the state.

    Republican State Sen. Nick DiCeglie is the sponsor of the bill.

    “This bill is about balance. This bill is about identifying what is currently going on locally, not so much with violations but what local governments are currently doing,” DiCeglie said while defending the bill during the 2024 session.

    Redington Beach Mayor David Will says the bill isn’t needed.

    “The short-term rental bill removes the current legislation — the 2014 legislation — which actually struck the balance which allows short-term rentals in residential communities but also allows those communities to regulate the short-term rentals, and to be able to distinguish between a single family home and a vacation rental,” Mayor Will said.

    While Gov. DeSantis has not voiced his opinion on the bill yet, Mayor Will plans to continue to advocate against it.  

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • St. Pete officials want more time to digest Trop redevelopment details

    St. Pete officials want more time to digest Trop redevelopment details

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Petersburg city leaders have postponed the second meeting focusing on the new stadium agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays.

    That could push final votes on the proposal to July, about a month later than expected.


    According to the city, the second meeting is being pushed back so city council members can have more time to consider what’s in front of them. Officials did not release a date yet for the second meeting.

    City officials released a statement, reading in part:

    “These are complex agreements, and the additional time will allow the team to complete the meeting documents and allow city council ample time to review the agreements prior to their discussion.”

    Here’s a recap of what was discussed Thursday:

    The latest plan between the Rays and the Hines development group includes more than 5,000 residential units, 600 of them for seniors and over 1,200 would be affordable and workforce housing.

    Plans also include 750,000 square-feet for retail space, including spots for small businesses, a grocery store, and a 4,000 to 6,000-seat entertainment venue.

    That’s in addition to the office, conference and meeting space and 750 hotel rooms.

    This rendering shows St. Petersburg’s proposed $6.5 billion Historic Gas Plant District development, including a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. (Hines/Rays rendering)

    The Rays and Hines group will also pay $50 million for the Woodson African-American Museum, minority business development and workforce training.

    There was a bit of back and forth during yesterday’s meeting, which was only the second time the council has met publicly on the project.

    Some council members raised concerns about whether the amount of affordable housing was too low.

    Council members also asked for more specific details and recommended some adjustments, which is why the city said they need more time before they hold another meeting, which was supposed to happen on May 23.

    “We appreciate all of the time and effort Mayor Welch, his administration and the City Council have devoted to this agreement, and we look forward to making a positive impact in the city we love, our home,” said Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld. “The approach to placemaking, to community gathering, to the environment, to workforce development and job creation, to intentional equity are all best in class; the product of some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and caring people in the world working together to do something special.” 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • D’s Breakfast & Burgers in Palmetto offers a hearty country style skillet dish

    D’s Breakfast & Burgers in Palmetto offers a hearty country style skillet dish

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — D’s Breakfast & Burgers in Palmetto offers a skillet recipe for a hearty meal.

    D’s Skillet may cook quickly, but there is a lot of prep that goes into it.

    The potatoes alone are a multi-day event.

    D is the proprietor of D’s Breakfast and Burgers Restaurant in downtown Palmetto.

    She’s offering a touch of her Turkish homeland as she creates an American dish.

    First a skillet, country style — everything all together in one dish of collective goodness.

    Then, Turkish coffee served with a piece of Turkish chocolate.

    It’s time for breakfast.

    Step One:

    Crisp your hash browns. D boils potatoes and chills them before shredding them for browning on their flat top grill.

    Step Two:

    Saute two ounces each of the following meats and vegetables in olive oil.

    • Ham
    • Sausage
    • Bacon
    • Tomatoes
    • Green Pepper
    • Onions

    Step Three:

    Cook eggs made your favorite way (over easy!)

    Step Four:

    • Build your dish by putting a bed of hash browns on a plate.
    • Then add the sauteed meats and vegetables.
    • Next, add 2 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese.
    • Finally, top with your eggs and enjoy.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Hope Services in Pasco County expanding with new programs for students

    Hope Services in Pasco County expanding with new programs for students

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — A Pasco County nonprofit is helping those with disabilities live independently.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hope Services, a Land O’ Lakes nonprofit, is expanding their operation with new programs on the way

    • The nonprofit teaches students life skills and offers vocational programs with training in areas like culinary arts, as well as construction and hospitality

    • It’s also giving those who volunteer and work at the center a sense of purpose

    Hope Services was founded more than 20 years ago but recently added a new program to its curriculum.

    Last year, the nonprofit opened its very own training center to teach students life skills and offering vocational programs with training in areas like the culinary arts as well as construction and hospitality.

    Executive Director Cindy Bray said they are learning everyday life skills.

    “Everything in our center is centered around not only teaching them life skills but also vocational skills,” said Bray. “So they leave us learning how to live on their own and also to become employed.”

    Bray said they are in the process of finishing a retail training room, which will be a big addition to their program.

    The program is already helping shape students’ lives. For inside one culinary classroom, students are getting a taste of food prep.

    “It’s like, ‘Oh my gosh — I’m doing cooking class!’” Cheyenne Stoltz, a student at Hope Services, said. “I don’t get to cook at home, so it’s a lot of fun for me.”

    Stoltz has been taking classes like this for the last year, honing her culinary skills and making delicious meals, like chicken stir-fry.

    “It’s fun to get to know people and have that feeling that you’re doing something good,” she said.

    It’s all under the watchful eye of chef and teacher Brent Belcher, a local business owner taking time to teach these eager students.

    “It’s kind of flexing a muscle that I don’t get to use on a daily basis in the kitchen,” Belcher, assistant director of Culinary Operations at Hope Services, said. “As far as like teaching and breaking things down and showing someone who is totally green to the industry, the baby steps to getting involved. That’s been very rewarding and challenging at the same time.”

    And the impact Belcher’s lessons have on his students is clear.

    “The teachers are amazing. They’re really kind and respectful,” said Stoltz. “They’ll help you out if there’s a problem and me taking this class here was amazing. It was life changing for me.”

    The nonprofit provides them with the necessary life skills to live independent lives.

    “These classes are changing my life and it’s a lot of fun, like I said,” Stoltz said. “I would do it again if I could.”

    All while making lasting memories and lifelong friends.

    You can learn more about Hope Services and their available classes on their website.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Celebrate Mexican cuisine at the 3rd Annual Tacos Fest in Manatee County

    Celebrate Mexican cuisine at the 3rd Annual Tacos Fest in Manatee County

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — It’s a dish so beloved it’s got its own day of the week — we’re talking tacos!

    What You Need To Know

    • 3rd Annual Manatee Taco Fest on Saturday, May 4, from noon to 7 p.m.

    • The event is at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto 

    • Los 3 Carnales food truck is a return vendor

    Now, people are coming together to celebrate tacos not just on Tuesdays, but on a Saturday too!

    The 3rd Annual Manatee Taco Fest is happening on Saturday, May 4, from noon until 7 p.m.

    Edith Gopar of Los 3 Carnales food truck is a returning vendor.

    Gopar opened her food truck in Bradenton right before last year’s taco fest.

    It was a success — so she’s bringing a second truck with fruit offerings.

    Gopar said she loves to cook her family’s food in the United States and came from Mexico almost 30 years ago.

    “People like Mexican food. And like tacos and everything you know? So that’s why I like it,” she said.

    The festival started as a way to bring vendors and patrons together during the pandemic.

    Now, it’s become an annual event, with more than 4,000 patrons in attendance, organizer Millie Abreu said.

    “I love the fact that I am helping the vendors and the community, right?” she asked, saying the festival is an opportunity to grow community.

    Gopar is ready to squeeze the most out of the festival, with a full menu of Mexican food favorites.

    “Tacos, sopes, gordida, quesadillas,” Gopar said as she squeezed lemons for fresh lemonade.

    Gopar said she’s grateful the people of Manatee County enjoy the dishes of her homeland and she can share this part of her culture.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Manatee County tourism tax increase could be voted on by residents

    Manatee County tourism tax increase could be voted on by residents

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Manatee County could decide if the county’s tourist tax increases from 5% to 6%.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents in Manatee County could decide if the county’s tourist tax increases from 5% to 6%

    • According to county officials, they anticipate the vote to take place in November, and if it passes, it could bring a minimum of $6 million to the county

    • According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s newspaper partner the Tampa Bay Times, 11 other counties in Florida, including Hillsborough and Pinellas, impose a 6% on short-term living and sleeping accommodations like hotels

    Commissioners sought to vote on the increase Tuesday, but were notified by the Florida Department of Revenue that it must be passed through a referendum following new statutes implemented in 2023.

    According to officials, the county is the first in the state to work through this change.

    According to county officials, they anticipate the vote to take place in November, and if it passes, it could bring a minimum of $6 million to the county.

    That money would be used for marketing attractions, such as museums and beaches. But at the same time, it will also help businesses.

    Special event facilities such as Urban Loft at Manatee Central are just one of many that would get marketing from the extra revenue.

    It’s an event space people can book.

    “We host special events, weddings, birthday parties, corporate parties, you name it, we do it,” said sales and event manager Julia Linnenbrink. “We get a lot of our business from out-of-towners, you know, destination weddings and these types of events. It will help us directly by making the area more marketable.”

    She says they average about four events every month, but more marketing could help boost their business.

    “We are a smaller-scale venue, so we don’t have a huge budget for marketing. The majority of our business comes from word of mouth,” said Linnenbrink. “I’m excited for the extra revenue to be reinvested back into the community to help all of the local businesses, small businesses, to increase their revenue and visibility.”

    It’s Linnenbrink’s passion to turn people’s ideas of an event into a reality. She hopes she can give more out-of-towners the same experience.

    According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s digital partner, the Tampa Bay Times, 11 other counties in Florida, including Hillsborough and Pinellas, impose a 6% on short-term living and sleeping accommodations like hotels.

    That percentage is the most allowed by state law.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Florida Farm Finder group connects people with local farms around the state

    Florida Farm Finder group connects people with local farms around the state

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    BARTOW, Fla. — A woman in Polk County is helping connect people across the state with local farms in their area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Farm Finder is a Facebook group that connects people with local farms in the state

    • One of its users, S&S Micro Farm, says they’ve been able to extend their reach, in part, because of Florida Farm Finder

    • As a result of using the group, farms have been able to save money on marketing and let people know of the different events they have going on

    It’s all on a Facebook group called Florida Farm Finder, and farmers say the page has brought tons of business to them, saving them loads of money in marketing.

    Sam Longster’s farm, S&S Micro Farm in Bartow, has rows of fresh blueberries with many of them ripe for the picking.

    “I like the sort of big fat round ones. The dark blue makes some really sweet,” Longster said. “I just really, really enjoy this time of the season. Just being out here and meeting people.”

    But when she and her husband, Scott, first bought this farm, this time of year wasn’t always kind.

    They purchased the land in August 2019 and blueberries bloom in February and March.

    So, right as they were about to sell their berries in 2020, things took a turn.

    “The first week of us realizing we were ready to go, and we had all these blueberries, the whole planet shut down,” Longster said.

    Rather than sticking with wholesale markets, she and Scott converted the farm to a “u-pick” model, where people can come to the farm in person to pick their own berries.

    “We really had to pivot quickly or else we were going to go broke,” Longster said.

    But getting the message out to the public wasn’t easy until Jillian Childs came into the picture.

    “It just kind of clicked that there was this huge disconnect,” Childs said.

    According to Childs, she saw during the height of the pandemic in 2020 that fresh produce was tough to come by, especially since millions of pounds of things like blueberries are imported from other countries, like Peru.

    So, she started Florida Farm Finder to let people know about local farms in the state where they can pick their own fruits and vegetables.

    “At that time,” Childs said, “I was like, ‘yeah, this is great for emergencies.’ And we thought, you know, it would die down and slow down, but it never really did.”

    Four years later, they have 70,000 members and 500 farmers regularly participating on the page, including Longster.

    “We really wouldn’t have the confidence to do only, you know, commercial if it wasn’t for Jillian’s site,” Longster said.

    Especially with inflation doubling the cost of fertilizer and diesel fuel, she said having thousands of people see the latest events and activities at S&S has been beneficial.

    “Jillian really helped us connect with the public on that. So, she was a great help,” Longster said.

    It’s a partnership that’s proven to be fruitful.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Palm Harbor boutique holds workshops to highlight local artists

    Palm Harbor boutique holds workshops to highlight local artists

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    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A landscaping company in Palm Harbor is running a small boutique in its backyard where local artists can host workshops for the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Earthscapes Garden Room in Palm Harbor has a boutique in its backyard called Fancy Plants

    • The boutique, along with providing people plants to purchase, holds regular workshops with local artists in the Tampa Bay area

    • Despite numerous businesses struggling during and after the pandemic, the founder of Fancy Plants says the boutique, along with Earthscapes, has been able to thrive under the conditions that began four years ago

    The boutique is called Fancy Plants, and it gives a platform for those artists, while also selling exotic plants in a creative setting.

    It’s amazing to think what can happen with a bit of copper wiring, if you have the vision.

    For decades, Elizabeth Mason has had that creativity.

    “I’ve been actually creating jewelry for about 20 years and teaching classes for the best part of 10 years now,” Mason, owner of EJM Designs, said.

    For Mason, it can be more than just jewelry.

    It can be art for her, or for the people who take her classes.

    “It’s amazing to me that they started with the same template and end up with something completely different that’s uniquely yours,” Mason said.

    That’s the best outcome for EJM Designs.

    While she used to have a store in Dunedin, she now works from home and goes around the Bay area teaching classes in making some eclectic jewelry.

    She’s been all over but very few places, she says, compared to the place she’s teaching the class in Palm Harbor.

    “It’s just a beautiful, beautiful setting,” Mason said. “Just fabulous surroundings surrounded by the plants and the people, and it’s just a gorgeous, shaded porch, too. So, it’s comfy and very pleasant working.”

    Mason’s class is on the porch of Fancy Plants.

    “We like to make it an experience here. It’s much more than just a boutique,” said Terra Schmidt, the chief operating officer of Earthscapes Garden Room and founder of Fancy Plants.

    According to Schmidt, when this space in the backyard of Earthscapes Garden Room opened up, the owner asked her to come up with something to put here.

    So, she came up with a sort of “Do It Yourself” boutique.

    “You come in with the mindset that you’re going to like, the mindset that you’re going to create something,” Schmidt said. “You know, it’s not just, ‘Come in and buy a plant and go.’”

    People pick the pots, the plants and the accessories that come with it.

    Schmidt says this business, as well as the landscaping side of things, has — pardon the pun — “grown.”

    Part of that growth is adding workshops, like the one Mason is leading on the porch.

    It brings in additional income for the boutique and gives local artists a chance to make money and showcase their work.

    Most weekends, Fancy Plants has customers coming inside to find their precious potted plant, while folks on the outside are learning new artistic techniques from someone in their neighborhood.

    Ultimately, planting a sense of community.

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    Nick Popham

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  • Myakka City rancher produces movie to bring more filmmakers to Florida

    Myakka City rancher produces movie to bring more filmmakers to Florida

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Why aren’t more movies filmed in Florida? Our state was at the top of the list for film locations, but since Florida no longer gives incentives, there have been fewer movies filmed in the Sunshine State.

    The film industry was at one time wildly successful in Florida. State data shows the industry generated $3.9 billion of revenue way back in 2000.  

    But the decision to end film incentives in 2016 has led moviemakers to leave the state.

    Film Florida estimates in the last ten years, Florida has lost at least 100 major film and television projects because of the lack of incentives.

    They estimate those projects would have created:

    • Close to $2 billion in money spent
    • 150,000 cast and crew jobs
    • And 300,000 hotel or short-term rental room nights

    What You Need To Know

    • Film Florida estimates in the last ten years, Florida has lost at least 100 major film and television projects because of the lack of incentives

    • Mark Pentecost wants to bring more filmakers to Florida

    • He says with his new movie “Florida Wild” it will show the public what Florida was like back in the 1880s and how vital ranching is for our lives

    Mark Pentecost is in love with what Florida offers.

    “I love it out here. This is my favorite place,” he said.

    He moved to Myakka City in 2011 from Michigan to start his own ranch, and since his initial purchase, his property has grown from 300 acres to 10,000 acres.

    “We got 1,200 beef cows and probably 7 or 800 calves on the ground right now. We feed so many of America, and people don’t realize that we do that in Florida,” he said.

    He’s wanted to be a cowboy for years, not just in real life but also on the big screen.

    “When I was a little kid, we would go to my grandpa’s on Saturdays and watch westerns. I’m doing this in his honor. Only in America, I believe if you have a big dream, you can go after it,” he said.

    So he brought the big screen to his ranch, producing a western movie called “Florida Wild” that takes place in the 1880s. Mark has invested more than $10 million to film the movie on his property.

    “It was my dream to do this movie here on our ranch. What I didn’t realize is that Florida has one of three states with zero incentives — no incentives to do movies here. We got 250 people on set every day and 100 people locally working on set. We are putting money back into the economy,” he said.

    He says if he had shot the movie in Georgia, he would have gotten 30% back in incentives, a $3 million rebate. But he was determined to film at his home despite the cost.

    “It’s a pricey endeavor, but it makes me laugh. I’m pioneering like they did in the old days to try to get more movies brought back to Florida. So hopefully,” he said.

    Mark also hired local residents to replicate a real western town and build about 10 structures like a jail, a saloon, and stores. He aims to show what ranching was like in Florida in the 19th century.

    “This is real Florida back after the Civil War. So many people moved to Florida and started new lives, and I want to show that, that’s where legacy comes from, and ranches. If we don’t bring attention to that and our ranches, we will close that like our citrus,” he said.

    Mark’s goal is to show people a different side of Florida.

    “Westerns really originated here. The Spanish brought horses and cattle here first. We are really trying to bring that to life and not let that be forgotten in a day of building so many developments, condos, and golf courses. We want them to remember what Florida was really about,” he said.

    He’s honoring the heritage of the state and hoping it inspires moviemakers to return to Florida.

    Mark says he plans on hosting field trips to his ranch to show students what a movie set looks like to inspire young minds to think about going into the movie industry. Mark says he anticipates the movie to be in theaters by 2025.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Growing trend of more women-owned businesses

    Growing trend of more women-owned businesses

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — More women are becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own businesses. In fact, research shows almost 40% of businesses are women-run.

    What You Need To Know

    • More women are becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own businesses

    • Research shows almost 40% of businesses are women-run

    • Lindsay Keyser and her sister, Brooke Yobo, co-own a restoration service company called DRYmedic Lakewood Ranch

    Lindsay Keyser and her sister, Brooke Yobo, co-own a restoration service company called DRYmedic Lakewood Ranch.

    Keyser says emergency calls make up the majority of their work. Research shows that only 19% of all restorative technicians are women.

    “It feels pretty empowering being in a male-dominated industry. It’s definitely something that can be unique and stand out,” she said.

    Their dream began when they were young. They watched their dad operate his own business. Now they hope to inspire their own children.

    “We get to show our kids as moms we can do hard stuff and do things that seem difficult,” she said.

    Keyser and her sister opened their business in February and are part of a growing trend of women-owned businesses.

    According to the National Women’s Business Council, from 2019 to 2023, the percentage of businesses owned by women rose from about 25% to 39%.

    “I think it’s awesome more women are owning more businesses just showing they can do it just as much as men can. I see that there is a lot of value in men and women,” she said.

    Keyser said almost all the calls they receive are from other women.

    “Obviously, you are calling in a lot of men when you are calling service providers in the day we live in. It makes you feel hesitant. The fact that we can show up even if they have kids running around, that is nice to know we can help people feel comfortable when feeling stressed,” she said.

    She has a vision for the future of her business — it’s a future focused on helping others.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Manatee County cattle rancher gets creative to fight inflation

    Manatee County cattle rancher gets creative to fight inflation

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    MYAKKA CITY, Fla. — As the price of meat continues to increase and affect Florida residents, one rancher in Myakka City is getting creative with using the natural resources on his land.

    What You Need To Know

    • As inflation has increased, Florida cattle ranchers have seen the cost to raise and sell cattle increase

    • Manatee County rancher Jim Strickland says Florida is currently seeing the lowest cattle herd numbers in the last 50 to 75 years
    • To help offset increasing costs, Strickland said he has started using other resources on his land to make money, including honey, wood or heart of palm

    Raising cattle takes a lot of hard work, but when you’ve been in the industry as long as Jim Strickland has, it’s a lifestyle.

    “I love being outside, I love being in the woods, and I love cattle,” he said.

    But he says it’s gotten more expensive for ranchers to meet USDA standards, so to offset costs, Strickland said he has turned to selling natural resources on the ranch like honey, wood or heart of palm. He also uses invisible fences for his cattle to cut down on costs and labor time.

    As a sixth-generation cattle rancher, Strickland said being a cowboy is in his blood — he’s been at it since he was a kid, helping his dad and grandfather.

    Since then, Strickland said he’s experienced many changes to the meat industry over the years.

    “The price of meat is supply and demand,” he said. “Right now, we are at the lowest cattle herd numbers in the last 50 to 75 years. Inflation has a point in our bottom line — certainly other things have a point in our bottom line.”

    Strickland said a lot goes into bringing meat to the table, and recently it’s become more expensive to do that.

    “We have to pay the trucker, we have to pay the veterinarian, we have to pay the processor,” he said. “Then the processor takes it to the distribution facility — we have to pay the distribution that drives to the retailer. There are seven or eight hands in this meat product.”

    Strickland’s raising more than a thousand head of cattle on about 17,000 acres spread out between the eight ranches that he owns or manages. But he says with more people moving to Florida, the amount of available land has decreased.

    “It’s actually shrunk,” he said, noting that he used to lease as many as 40,000 acres. “Now we are down to where we are, less than 20,000 acres scattered around.”

    That’s why Strickland said it was important to better utilize the land he has by producing other goods to sell.

    “We do everything we can to monetize what we are doing on this ranch to be able to hang on this ranch,” he said. “This is going the same way across America. The exact same way.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Pasco County seeing a surge in amount of small business applications post-2020

    Pasco County seeing a surge in amount of small business applications post-2020

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Small business applications are seeing a boom in Pasco County. Specifically, when it comes to the amount of businesses opened post-2020.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County is seeing a surge in the amount of small business applications post-2020

    • According to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, a little more than 1,600 small business applications were filed in 2023

    • Between 2021 and 2024, there have been a total of over 4,800 new businesses in Pasco County

    According to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, a little more than 1,600 small business applications were filed in 2023. So far, this year has seen 581 applications. It’s a trend indicating that business in Pasco County is here to stay, some say.

    “The primary thing for me is being local,” said Kelly Hackman, a local business owner.

    Standing inside one of her three Pasco County businesses, Hackman greets guests at her first store: the White Herron Tea & Gifts.

    “It was very important to me to share what my love is with the broader community and so,” said Hackman. “When we looked at openings of business, downtown New Port Richey was really the only place we looked to do that.”

    Hackman, born and raised in New Port Richey, says she knew from a young age she wanted to live and work in the city.

    “I’ve always had this vision of what downtown New Port Richey could be. We have beautiful shops, beautiful buildings, we have beautiful parks, we have a gorgeous river. It’s kind of like a picturesque setting for what you would consider a hallmark movie or a movie set,” she said.

    It’s also home to three of her businesses. From the tearoom to her latest addition, Coastline Salt Room opened in 2021.

    “Opening a business post-pandemic is a lot different than opening one prior to,” she said. “And that was one of the things that we learned.”

    Hackman said she needed to alter her approach when she launched this enterprise. People’s shopping habits had changed, and she had to learn what her clientele wanted.

    “What could we do?” she said. “Where does our expertise or what can we learn about and then bring to the community to utilize? And that’s why we decided to do a salt room.”

    It’s been a learning curve, she said. But she’s found the recipe for success for her own business and believes in her vision for the community.

    “We need to have a variety,” Hackman said. “Everybody has a different perspective of business, everybody has a different view of what they want their business to be and I think that’s really important when we’re building a complete, well-rounded community.”

    A healthy business model that may help Pasco County continue to grow. Between 2021 and 2024, there have been a little more than 4,800 new businesses in Pasco County.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Orange County’s TDT collections rise in January from a year ago

    Orange County’s TDT collections rise in January from a year ago

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Tourist Development Tax collections in Orange County reached $30,493,100 during January and marked the first monthly year-over-year increase since September 2023, Comptroller Phil Diamond announced Wednesday. 

    Collections in January 2024 were up 5%, or $1.4 million, from January 2023, Diamond said. They were up $647,000 from December 2023.

    The TDT, also referred to as a resort tax or bed tax, is an extra fee added to stays of less than six months at hotels and other lodgings. Funds from the tax have been used to partially fund projects such as the construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Kia Center and for renovations to Camping World Stadium — where major events such as the Citrus Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl games, concerts and Monster Jam are held. 

    Major sporting events helped boost tourism during the month. The 2024 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium featured a matchup between Iowa and Tennessee on Jan. 1. In addition, athletes started coming to town to prepare for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials that were run in downtown Orlando on Feb. 3.  According to Visit Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center also hosted several major events, such as the PGA Show and the Veterinary Meeting and Expo.

    TDT Renewal and Replacement Reserves, however, declined by $740,304 in January to $62.7 million. Those funds are used to offset the costs associated with recently approved projects, such as the convention center’s 5A expansion, Camping World Stadium renovations, the UCF football stadium tower project and some additional arts funding.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • MLB Spring Training boosts economy in Lakeland

    MLB Spring Training boosts economy in Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — MLB Spring Training is in full swing in Florida with the first week of games already underway.

    It’s an economic boost in the Bay area for towns near the beach, but spots further inland are seeing the benefit of baseball fans’ business, too.

    Good luck getting a table inside Charlie’s Family Restaurant by Dee a couple hours before the first pitch of a Detroit Tigers game in Lakeland.

    It’s packed in here, and if Delicia Ebare, who’s the ‘Dee’ in the name of the restaurant, doesn’t stay clocked in, things can get overwhelming.

    “We’ve been staying on top of it this morning, more so,” she said. “But if you breathe the wrong way, you’ll get behind.”

    Charlie’s has been right across the street from TigerTown since 1996, where the Detroit Tigers’ spring training facility is located.

    It’s Ebare’s 27th year serving Tigers fans and says it’s pretty much like this daily for the two months major league baseball is here.

    “Usually, around the beginning of February, we’ll start getting people coming and going over to the stadium,” Ebare said.

    Whether it’s Detroiters or folks supporting the visiting team, the important thing for spots like Charlie’s is the money they bring with them.

    According to previous reports from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, spring training brings in over $50 million to the city’s economy.

    It creates must-stop shops like Charlie’s for people looking for a bite before teams take the field.

    “It brings a lot of revenue for the whole area, and it gets us seen,” Ebare said. “Like I said, traffic gets backed up and we’re in a small area, you know, shopping center. So, people get to see us when they’re stopped at the lights.”

    Not to mention, with more people moving to Florida, having the Tigers take the field in Lakeland for the 88th straight year adds even more to do in this growing part of the state.

    “Lakeland is growing, so we’re catching up with the rest of the surrounding cities,” Ebare said.

    Loading up the local economy is creating as much excitement for folks in Lakeland as it does for Tiger fans when their team loads up the bases on the field.

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    Nick Popham

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