ReportWire

Tag: traffic and transit

  • What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Toll booths are becoming a thing of the past in Florida, with many roads now using toll-by-plate.

    But what becomes of those buildings no longer in use?

    What You Need To Know

    • Many toll roads across Florida are now cashless, yet toll booths are still there 

    • The Suncoast Parkway used to have working toll plazas but went to toll-by-plate in 2020 

    • The state says there are currently no plans to remove or replace the Suncoast toll booths 


    Viewer Rocky Perkins asked Real Time Traffic Expert Tim Wronka that question in this week’s Traffic Inbox.

    Perkins drives on the Suncoast Parkway several times a year to visit family up north. He says he often prefers the quieter route to taking a busier one like I-75.

    “I really enjoy it because it’s very relaxing, very rural,” Perkins said. “Once you get out of north Tampa, set your cruise control and off you go.”

    The Suncoast Pkwy starts at Veterans Expressway at the Hillsborough/Pasco County line and goes to State Road 44 in Lecanto, then onto County Road 486.

    It used to have three working toll plazas. In 2020, they all went cashless. Now drivers don’t even have to stop to pay. 

    When Perkins took the Suncoast over the holidays, he noticed something as he passed the old toll plaza north of State Road 50.

    “As I was driving through, I noticed the last couple of years, they’ve been abandoned,” Perkins said. “There’s no one here or no one comes through here normally.”

    And that’s why he has been wondering if the buildings could be used for something else, like a rest area?

    The Florida Turnpike Enterprise, which runs toll roads like the Suncoast, said the buildings are currently in use by the operations teams. There are currently no plans to remove them.

    Perkins hopes the state considers making them a future stop.

    “Why couldn’t they repurpose some of these? Or put in some restroom facilities or put in some vending machines. Or a place for people to take a break. The lanes are here already,” Perkins said.

    Do you have an idea or question for Traffic Inbox? Let Tim know here!

    Tim Wronka

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  • St. Pete-Clearwater Airport adds 3 new routes, ranked 2nd-most affordable

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Allegiant Airlines operating out of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will add three new non-stop routes over the next couple of weeks, which will contribute to its record-breaking growth.

    What You Need To Know

    • Three new Allegiant routes added: Atlantic City and Trenton, N.J., along with Huntsville, Ala.

    • PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation, according to Kayak

    • The average round-trip fare costs $161

    • New $60M parking garage with 2,000 spaces is expected to open in late 2027


    “Allegiant is our primary carrier, and so they are excited about their continued growth,” said Michele Routh, PIE spokesperson. “We have so many different destinations that we fly to nonstop, and they’re all low cost.”

    The new service to Atlantic City, N.J., began last Friday. Service to Trenton, N.J., begins on Feb. 20 and Huntsville, Ala., on March 5, which brings the total non-stop destinations from PIE to 63.

    The top two most popular routes from PIE are to Knoxville, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C., according to a presentation Interim Airport Director Mark Sprague gave to the Tourist Development Council last month. The ranking is thanks to travelers like Audrey Howell, who said she makes about a dozen trips from Asheville to Clearwater every year to see her best friend.

    “It’s convenient, it’s economical,” she said. “If you know what I mean. Read: cheap.”

    According to Kayak, PIE is the second-most affordable airport in the nation. The average round-trip fare costs $161. Those cheap non-stop flights on Allegiant are one reason the airport has been seeing some big time growth over the years.

    The airport has experienced record-breaking growth over three of the past four years, with nearly 2.8 million passengers in 2025. Only 2024 was slightly down because of hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Routh.

    “We were just ascending, ascending, ascending. I mean, from 2014 to 2024, almost 200% increase in passengers,” she said. “COVID was the one little blip year where we didn’t break a record and then record-breaking again.” 

    The busiest month at the airport is July followed by June and March, according to Routh. Another reason passengers enjoy flying from PIE is because it’s easier to navigate than larger airports.

    “Love this airport simply because it’s smaller,” said Scott Cooper, Delray Beach resident. “Don’t have to wait on as many lines. Much easier to get in and out of.”

    Last year, the airport’s parking lots were completely full during some holidays. To ensure it stays easy, Pinellas County will spend $60 million to build a new four-story parking garage with 2,000 spaces. The parking garage will be constructed on the Strawberry economy lot just west of the terminal and is expected to open in late 2027.

    “Prioritizing the parking garage, very important to us,” said Routh. “Designing it this year, building it next year. So we’ll be ready in a couple of years to be able to grow even further.” 

    Allegiant plans to continue growing by acquiring Sun County Airlines. The sale is expected to be closed this summer. Sun Country currently flies a seasonal route to Minneapolis, Minnesota from PIE, with year-round service from Tampa International Airport.

    Sprague said once the sale is finalized, he foresees Sun Country leaving TPA and flying full-time out of PIE.

    The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is in the early stages of planning for a new terminal with a $110 million budget, according to Routh. PIE’s first terminal was built in 1956.

    Josh Rojas

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  • Driver’s license exams only in English starting Friday

    TAMPA, Fla. — Beginning today, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will only offer driver’s license knowledge and skills tests for drivers in English. 

    Previously, the exams have been offered in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese.

    “This is not a decision made by the tax collector’s office,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “This was made by the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which is also known by many as the DMV. They make these decisions. We are an agent of that department, and we have to follow their policy, their rules.”

    What You Need To Know

    • FLHSMV says starting Feb. 6, driver’s license knowledge and skills tests will only be offered in English

    • Tax collector’s offices administer the exams and say they’re currently available in a range of languages, including Spanish, Haitian-Creole and Portuguese

    • FLHSMV did not give a reason for the change, but said in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring safe roadways “by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior”

    • One man, who works to connect members of the Hispanic community who are new to Tampa Bay with resources, says the change will be a major hurdle for those who don’t speak English and can impact other areas of their life, including holding a job


    Fasano said normally with a change as drastic as this, county offices would get notice weeks in advance. This time, they had just a week to try to get the word out to the public.

    Tax collectors aren’t the only ones who were surprised.

    “Number one — I was in shock. Number two — I was angry, because it became personal for me,” said Itamar Martinez.

    Martinez is now the one Hispanics who are new to Tampa Bay come to for help through his business, Centro De Ayuda Hispano. 

    “It’s a little bit of everything,” Martinez said. “People call looking for a job. They’re just moving to the city and they don’t have contacts.”

    Martinez said he gets 1,800 calls a year from people asking for everything from a legal referral to enrolling kids in school. He estimated 70% of his clients speak only Spanish.

    “Especially if you look at someone that’s only been here for five years, yeah — they’d rather speak in their language to be understood,” he said.

    But it was once his family who needed guidance. He said they immigrated from Cuba to Portugal and, finally, to the U.S. in 1989. When they arrived, his mother needed a driver’s license.

    “My mom is 85 years old today, and she’s been driving all those years. If she had to take that test in English, she wouldn’t be able to be a productive member of our society,” Martinez said.

    FLHSMV said in a statement, “Language translation services will no longer be permitted for knowledge or skills examinations, and any printed exams in languages other than English will be removed for use.”

    “This comes as a surprise because translations in administering road tests or skills tests have been in place for decades,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

    According to Millan’s office, it administered more than 13,000 skills tests in languages other than English in 2025. That’s about 37% of exams given that year.

    “I know that there’s a lot of barriers when you first come into this country, especially when you’re at an age where another language was your first language,” said Millan, the daughter of Cuban immigrants. “I believe that everyone should, in America, should speak English, but it’s not something that happens overnight.”

    Millan said tests have been offered in multiple languages, including Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and Chinese. 

    “We have many of our road testers who speak several languages, and it has been extremely helpful for those who are taking road tests,” Fasano said.

    Fasano also said his offices provide many services to non-U.S. citizens who are in the country legally, as well as others whose primary language isn’t English.

    “Many of them are U.S. citizens. Many of them come from Puerto Rico, who are U.S. citizens, by the way. It’s going to have a big impact on them,” he said.

    Martinez said he’d like to see people given more time — potentially by being able to take their initial tests in the language of their choice, then taking an English only test after they’ve had more time to learn the language.

    “Just telling someone cold, telling someone, ‘As of next week, if you don’t know English, you’re SOL’? That’s not fair,” he said.

    FLHSMV declined a request for comment.

    It didn’t give a reason for the change, but its statement concludes, “FLHSMV remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior.”

    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Raleigh driving instructor provides tips on driving during the winter

    RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is in the winter weather season. With sleet and/or freezing rain coating the roads, that makes driving dangerous.

    One expert shares some tips on how you can stay safe if you have to drive in the elements.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sleet or freezing rain coating the roads makes driving dangerous

    • Drive slower than posted speed limit when roads are slippery

    • Highway Patrol said they responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide early last year


    Savannah Gregory trains drivers for safety and success.

    She is the director of Drivers of the Future, a driving school based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Gregory dedicates over 30 hours each week to instructing drivers who are beginners, anxious, or new to the state’s laws.

    “The issue in North Carolina is not that it’s unpredictable. It’s that it’s unfamiliar,” Gregory said.

    This week, the driving instructor is preparing everyone for the roads that come along with winter weather.

    “In this area in particular, we have some of the most adverse winter weather conditions in the sense that roads are not treated as aggressively as they are up north,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said a major concern during the winter weather months — black ice.

    Related: Icy roads cause a 10-13 car pile-up in Winston-Salem. How to stay safe

    It’s slippery, but it’s also virtually undetectable. Gregory said it’s best to take it slow and be careful on highways, especially near bridges and overpasses.

    She also said to leave a space between you and other drivers.

    “You’re following distance. It’s going to increase from 2 to 3 seconds to somewhere around 9 to 10, potentially,” Gregory explained.

    In addition, Gregory said braking and accelerating should be smooth, not abrupt.

    She said drivers should be going slower than the posted speed limit during this time.

    “And keep in mind that traction is your currency when it comes to winter weather, and once you spend it, it is no longer there,” Gregory said.

    Slippery roads caused a series of crashes on I-40 in Orange County, involving more than 50 vehicles early last year.

    The State Highway Patrol said it responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide around the same time.

    Gregory, unfazed, stated that driving in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat, often leads to dangerous situations or unforeseen delays.

    “Sometimes it’s the safest choice to not drive at all,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said during her five years of operating, she’s heard some of the most dangerous stories of drivers being hurt or injured are due to slippery road conditions.

    She thinks it’s best to play it safe.

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

    Jatrissa Wooten, Spectrum News Staff

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  • More than 11,400 flights canceled Sunday across the U.S.

    NASHVILLE — A massive winter storm made for a brutal travel day Sunday, with widespread cancellations and delays at some of the nation’s busiest airports.

    What You Need To Know

    • Widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain threatened nearly 180 million people — more than half the U.S. population — in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, the National Weather Service said Saturday night

    • After sweeping through the South, the storm moved into the Northeast Sunday, and was expected to dump about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston

    • Aviation analytics firm Cirium said that as of Sunday morning, the storm is the highest experienced cancellation event since the pandemic
    • New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had 466 flights canceled, about 80% of flights, according to FlightAware

    Widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain threatened nearly 180 million people — more than half the U.S. population — in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, the National Weather Service said Saturday night. After sweeping through the South, the storm moved into the Northeast Sunday, and was expected to dump about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston.

    More than 11,400 flights were canceled on Sunday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Aviation analytics firm Cirium said that as of Sunday morning, the storm is the highest experienced cancellation event since the pandemic.

    By Sunday afternoon, the majority of flights were canceled at busy airports in the Northeast and elsewhere. LaGuardia Airport in New York closed Sunday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency said on its website the busy Queens airport grounded flights until 8 p.m.

    In Philadelphia, 94% of flights, 326 flights, were canceled. Ninety-one percent of flights, 436 flights, were canceled at LaGuardia Airport in New York. New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport had 466 flights canceled, about 80% of flights, according to FlightAware.

    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport said on its website that all airlines had canceled departing flights for the day, about 421 flights.

    Significant disruptions also hit major airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta, home to the nation’s busiest airport.

    Allan Lengel of Detroit planned to return Monday from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the temperature has been in the 80s. But he’s staying until Wednesday after Delta suggested he change his reservation because of the weather impact on flights.

    “Can’t say I’m disappointed. Frankly, I had been thinking of returning later because of frigid weather,” Lengel, 71, said, referring to conditions in Michigan.

    American Airlines had canceled over 1,790 flights for Sunday, about 55% of its scheduled flights for Sunday, according to FlightAware. Delta Air Lines reported over 1,470 cancellations and Southwest Airlines reported over 1,340 cancellations for the day, while United Airlines had about 1,016. JetBlue had more than 590 canceled flights, accounting for roughly 72% of its schedule for the day.

    Vikrant Vaze, a Dartmouth professor specializing in commercial aviation logistics, said recovery from the storm cancellations and delays will take days if not longer. And even for travelers who aren’t in areas that were directly affected by weather, cascading delays could still affect their travel plans.

    “Because there are so many different airlines involved, I think it’s going to come down heavily to the individual airline’s network structure, the extent of hit that each of them has had, and just the intrinsic capacity of the airlines to handle these massive disruptions,” he said.

    My flight was canceled, now what?

    If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.

    Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.

    Can I get booked on another airline?

    You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then, it can be a hit or miss.

    Am I owed a refund?

    If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.

    The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.

    Associated Press

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  • St. Petersburg earns Trail Town designation

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg was recently designated an official Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its significant investments in the Pinellas Trail.

    What You Need To Know

    • The FDEP designated St. Petersburg a Trail Town on Dec. 17

    • St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town

    • The FDEP has a program which will promote the Pinellas Trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants 

    • St. Pete earned the designation for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront


    “We’ve made those investments in our community,” said Cheryl Stacks, Transportation Manager. “We really see it as an opportunity to kind of improve the quality of life, improve the economy for our residents.”

    Stacks presented the city council with the designation last week for the portion of the Pinellas Trail which runs through four Arts Districts from 31st Street South to the downtown waterfront. St. Petersburg joins 22 other cities that are recognized as a Trail Town.

    “I think it’s a big deal for the city. I think it’s kind of a long time coming,” she said. “So it’s great to be able to have this recognition.”

    St. Petersburg received the designation for having emergency markers, trail courtesy reminders, access to restaurants, retail, bike racks and public restrooms. Andrea Osorio, owner of Carupano Kitchen in the Foodie Labs, said she welcomes riders to use their facilities.

    “These are people that have been riding for minutes, hours and then they stop by,” she said. “They get a bite to eat, they use our bathrooms, they get something to drink and just rest for a little bit with the AC.”

    Part of the trail winds through council member Corey Givens Jr.’s district, who said riders enjoy the murals and help boost the local economy.

    “You can really support small businesses. The trail, it’s along the Warehouse Arts District,” he said. “So you have minority-owned businesses there, women-owned businesses there that can really utilize that support. And people don’t have to drive to get there.”

    Stefan Koch said he traveled from Michigan to ride his bicycle on the Pinellas Trail.

    “I’ve spent the last two days riding on this trail,” he said. “I just rode down to the end at the St. Pete harbor there and now I’m on my way back to Clearwater. I think it’s a lovely trail.” 

    Koch said he supports the organization Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is how he learned about the Pinellas Trail, and believes the FDEP designation is well-deserved.

    “The trail has a lot of great infrastructure and is well-maintained,” he said. “So I congratulate St. Pete for being a Trail Town.”

    Due to the recognition, the FDEP has a program that will promote the trail to boost eco-tourism and help the city pursue grants. Stacks said St. Pete is currently working on a permitting process which would allow businesses east of 34th Street to develop private access points along the Pinellas Trail.

    Josh Rojas

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  • N.C. may lose $50M in federal funds over flawed immigrant trucker licenses

    North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t revoke commercial driver’s licenses from immigrants who aren’t qualified to hold them after an audit uncovered problems, the U.S. Transportation Department said Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Transportation Department says North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t revoke commercial driver’s licenses from immigrants who aren’t qualify to hold them

    • North Carolina is the ninth state to be targeted since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched the nationwide review last year to make sure only qualified drivers hold licenses to drive semitrailer trucks or buses

    • The issue started to generate headlines after a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people in August

    • An audit of 50 commercial driver’s licenses that North Carolina had issued to immigrants found that there were problems with more than half of them


    North Carolina is the ninth state to be targeted since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched the nationwide review last year to make sure only qualified drivers hold licenses to drive semitrailer trucks or buses.

    The issue started to generate headlines after a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people in August.

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reviewed 50 commercial driver’s licenses that North Carolina had issued to immigrants in its audit and found problems with more than half of them. That’s what prompted the threat to withhold funding if the state doesn’t clean up its licensing program. Records show that 924 of these kind of licenses remain unexpired in North Carolina.

    “North Carolina’s failure to follow the rules isn’t just shameful — it’s dangerous,” Duffy said.

    In a statement to Spectrum News 1, North Carolina DMV spokesman Marty Homan said, “The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) is aware of the letter from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding non-domiciled commercial driver licenses. NCDMV is committed to upholding safety and integrity in our licensing processes. We have been collaborating closely with our federal partners for several months to resolve these matters that are impacting many U.S. states.”

    Duffy has pulled nearly $200 million from California over concerns about that state’s licensing practices and its decision to delay the revocations of more than 17,000 invalid licenses. Duffy also said that California isn’t enforcing English proficiency requirements for truckers.

    He also previously threatened to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Texas, South Dakota, Colorado, and Washington after audits found significant problems under the existing rules, including commercial licenses being valid long after an immigrant truck driver’s work permit expired.

    Separately, Tennessee announced Thursday that it launched its own review of commercial driver’s licenses and will be notifying about 8,800 of the state’s 150,000 commercial driver’s license holders that they need to provide proof of citizenship or a valid visa if they want to keep their licenses.

    Russell Shoup, who is assistant commissioner of Tennessee’s Driver Services Division, said the state is working to make sure all the licenses the state has issued meet current state and federal standards.

    The federal crackdown on commercial driver’s licensing has been praised by trucking groups. The industry said that too often unqualified drivers who shouldn’t have licenses or can’t speak English have been allowed to get behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound (about 39,916 kilograms) truck. They have also applauded the Transportation Department’s moves to go after questionable commercial driver’s license schools.

    But immigrant groups say that some drivers are now being unfairly targeted. The spotlight has been on Sikh truckers because the driver in the Florida crash and the driver in another fatal crash in California in October are both Sikhs. So the Sikh Coalition, a national group defending the civil rights of Sikhs, and the San Francisco-based Asian Law Caucus filed a class-action lawsuit against California over that state’s plan to revoke thousands of licenses.

    Immigrants account for about 20% of all truck drivers, but these non-domiciled licenses immigrants can receive only represent about 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses or about 200,000 drivers. The Transportation Department also proposed new restrictions that would severely limit which noncitizens could get a license, but a court put the new rules on hold.

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

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • New road data shows Citrus County behind in road repairs

    INVERNESS, Fla. — A recent study shows that Citrus County is behind when it comes to road repairs.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to a recent study, Citrus County is behind when it comes to road repairs

    • About 600 miles of roadway are classified as very poor, with another 350 miles in poor condition

    • Data has been collected by a new software developed by engineering consultant Mott McDonald, showing the county is carrying a road repair backlog of more than $700 million

    • Repairs are currently on-going, with funds coming from the American Rescue Plan Act


    About 600 miles of roadway are classified as very poor, with another 350 miles in poor condition. But plans are being made within local government to make necessary repairs.

    “I’m just glad that they’re paying attention to Beverly Hills, in general,” said Ashanti Negron.

    For 11 years, Negron has called Beverly Hills home. It’s also where she owns her salon, Bobbi Pinz.

    “In the last three years since COVID, people have been migrating here in droves,” said Negron. “People are moving from South Florida, they move from up north, so we have more traffic.”

    That traffic, she says, is noticeable from outside her shop. With the local roadways taking a beating.

    For 11 years, Ashanti Negron has called Beverly Hills home. She has noticed the traffic and road issues. (Spectrum News/Calvin Lewis)

    “Some of these side roads really get neglected,” Negron said. “What happens is you get big fissures in the side. The main road looks nice and everything’s done new. But then you go off into the side street and if that’s where your house is, then you’ve got a dip. It would be nice if they went into that a little more.”

    Negron is not the only one noticing, either.

    Citrus County recently completed a road study. It analyzed data collected by new software developed by engineering consultant Mott McDonald.

    Citrus County maintains 1,844 paved miles of road every year. That data shows almost 600 miles of roads are classified as very poor. Another 350 miles fall into the poor category.

    “The roads don’t seem bad when you’re driving through the county,” said Citrus County Commissioner and Chair Diana Finegan. “But when you get into some of our residential areas, you’ll find that much road work is needed.”

    Finegan says repairs are already being made. This new software, she says, will also be accessible to residents to see which roads may be next on the list.

    “They’ll be able to go online, look at how much money the board has put aside for regular servicing for the year and they can see which roads are coming up,” she says.

    It’s good news for residents like Negron, who says she embraces the repairs and the traffic that may come with it.

    “It’ll be good,” she said. “And more people is always better, to me. But I did grow up in Manhattan!”

    The recent data shows the county is carrying a road repair backlog of more than $700 million. Funding, Finegan says, will be coming from the American Rescue Plan Act.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Proposed legislation could help autistic drivers in Florida interact with police

    TAMPA, Fla. — Many people who have autism are still able to drive, including Eric Kaiser. However, stressful situations, like being pulled over by police, can make him uncomfortable.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Peace Envelopes provides information to officers about drivers with autism

    • It includes the driver’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal, and more

    • Eric Kaiser said the envelope could make traffic stops less stressful for drivers like him


    He hopes the Florida Legislature passes a new law that will allow for the use of a Blue Peace Envelope.

    “It’s just to give that sense of calm in a tense situation,” he said.

    The envelope includes a copy of one’s license, emergency contacts, tells an officer if the driver is verbal or non-verbal and more.

    Kaiser said this lets an officer immediately know more about a person on the spectrum.

    “Some people just freeze up. They don’t talk. They can’t talk,” Kaiser said. “Some of us would rather just write stuff down.”

    Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said he met Kaiser through their Autism Awareness Program.

    After learning about the program from Kaiser and seeing similar programs in other states, he’s throwing his support behind the legislation.

    “If it’s not obvious to the person that you have a disability, it can lead to misunderstandings in all areas of life, including with law enforcement,” he said.

    The Tampa Police Department said it doesn’t comment on pending legislation.

    Still, they shared this statement:

    “We remain committed to a proactive approach in building strong, supportive partnerships with our community and providing officers with the tools and information necessary to interact safely and effectively with all residents.

    The Florida Legislature returns on Jan. 13.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Fares resume for HART Bus Route 1 on Monday

    TAMPA, Fla. — Riders of the HART bus between downtown Tampa and the University of South Florida will start paying for that trip starting Monday.

    While the Tampa City Council did not approve extending the fare-free system permanently, community organizers say the push wasn’t wasted — because it helped secure new funding to make the system faster and more reliable.

    During the most recent budget cycle, the Tampa City Council approved about $1.3 million to improve Route 1 service, including plans for 15-minute frequency from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 20-minute service in the evenings and on weekends.

    Transit advocates say that investment comes directly from lessons learned during the pilot — which showed just how many people rely on Route 1 daily.

    “Ridership did increase by over 50% and the on-time performance increased month after month,” said Dayna Lazarus with Transit Now Tampa Bay. “One of our bigger goals was to get people on the bus and just show that there is a demand. If you take away some of the barriers for people who haven’t ridden before, they can give it a try — and that obviously worked out very well.”

    Advocates say that while fare-free service may be gone for now, the investment in reliability is a major win for one of Tampa’s busiest routes.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa bike ordinance fails amid concerns including racial profiling

    TAMPA, Fla. — A proposed Tampa ordinance centered around bikes would’ve lowered speed limits, banned wheelies and more, but it was voted down at the last city council meeting.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa’s proposed bike ordinance included speed limits and banning wheelies, but was voted down

    • Concerns were raised about racial targeting and other issues during public comment

    • The council plans to revisit the issue in 2026


    The goal was to make it safer for people walking on paths like the Tampa Riverwalk for visitors like Cat and Nick Virca, who worry about bikers along the path.

    “(Nick) was almost hit today by somebody riding without their hands and very quickly,” Cat said. “So for us, it’s not just the bikers and the e-bikers. It’s also the scooters and the bladers.”

    The ordinance drew strong reactions during public comment, including concerns about police targeting people of color.

    Yvette Lewis, president of the local NAACP branch, said during public comment that the ordinance worried her.

    “My concern is with this: if it starts here on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, how do I know or how can I trust y’all that it won’t continue over into my neighborhood?” she asked.

    Paula Flores with Walk Bike Tampa raised additional concerns during public comment.

    She told the city council the ordinance would affect all city trails, including long-distance bike paths.

    “While these changes appear focused on the Riverwalk and Bayshore, their impacts would extend far beyond those locations without effectively reducing conflicts where congestion actually occurs,” she said.

    City council members plan to revisit a potential ordinance in 2026, as police said they continue to get complaints from those who walk at places like the Riverwalk.

    Other concerns people shared included how this could push some bicyclists off safe trails and onto busy roads.

    Some city council members also felt the language of the proposal was too vague for officers to enforce.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Indian Rocks Beach considers paid beach access parking

    INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — The city of Indian Rocks Beach has had free parking at its beach access points for years. However, a new pilot program is looking to change that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Indian Rocks Beach has offered free parking at beach access points for years but is considering a paid system

    • The proposed rate is $4.50 an hour, potentially generating over $1 million annually

    • There is no set start date this change would begin


    City Manager Ryan Henderson said the conversation surrounding paid parking began in 2023.

    He believes the revenue can make a big difference in their community.

    “My recommendation and staff’s recommendation to the commission was as this revenue comes in through paid parking, we put it back into the community,” Henderson said. “We put it back into our infrastructure, we put it back into our maintenance.”

    Henderson said there is no set date for when paid parking could start.

    With 182 free public spots at the access points, Henderson said the money generated would make a major impact, especially for a city of its size.

    They’re looking at $4.50 an hour.

    “We’d be generating around $800,000 to $900,000 a year, but we think that’s a very conservative number,” Henderson said. “We think we’ll be well over $1 million.”

    Christine Anderson said there has been free parking for the 17 years she’s lived in Indian Rocks Beach and that talk of these changes caught her off guard.

    “I was a little surprised, but I think times have changed and maybe there is a need for this city to recoup some of the money,” she said.

    Richard Griffin, a part-time resident for 15 years, is hoping that more information comes out about the changes.

    “I have some sort of mixed emotions until I get more details as to what the final price will be and how long you can park and that type of thing,” he said.

    Henderson said there would be no time limit on parking.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Dunedin Freebee pilot program coming to an end

    DUNEDIN, Fla. — A Dunedin pilot program that gives residents and tourists free rides in downtown is coming to an end.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Freebee loop service pilot program launched in 2023 and was funded by American Rescue Plan Act money

    • Drivers for Freebee, like Patrick Stout, went to city council to try and keep the service running

    • December 14 is the last planned day for rides


    The Freebee loop service pilot program launched in 2023.

    Originally funded by American Rescue Plan Act money, the city said, “With no additional grant money or advertising revenue generated, it’s time for the program to end.”

    Freebee driver Patrick Stout said the service is well-known in the city, stopping at hotels, parks, city hall, and more Dunedin locations.

    “Freebee is very important, not only to me, because I love this job, but for the residents,” he said.

    Stout said he sees how the service helps the community — not only for tourists, but for those who live in the area and want to visit downtown.

    “It alleviates some of the traffic down here,” he said. “Especially on Friday and Saturday nights, it can tend to get congested, and this way we do the driving and the residents don’t.”

    Former Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski told Specrum News in 2023 that this program was introduced to address the city’s limited parking.

    However, in a statement from the city this week, they said:

    “After reviewing ridership data, the City determined that the cost of continuing the program cannot be justified with City funds. As a result, the City will allow the pilot program to conclude when the current contract expires on December 17.”

    Despite this, Stout is trying to keep the program alive.

    “All four of us drivers have been going door to door through all the restaurants, reaching out to our contacts through social media, saying, ‘Hey, this is what the city is trying to do to us,’” he said. “We need your voice and your help to save Freebee.”

    Despite this, Dec. 14 is the last planned day for rides.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Agencies taking latest steps to bring back rebranded ‘Tampa Bay Ferry’ service

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The latest step in the return of the ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and Downtown Tampa happened Wednesday, as the PSTA Board of Directors unanimously approved the new plans. 

    A ferry that crosses Tampa Bay is expected to replace the former “Cross Bay Ferry” service, which ended operations in April. It’s not clear what the new, rebranded name will be. PSTA is currently using “Tampa Bay Ferry” as a placeholder.

    What You Need To Know

    • The latest step in the return of the ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and Downtown Tampa happened Wednesday 
    • A yes vote from the PSTA, which happened in an 11-0 vote, cements a five-year contract with the option to extend the service for another five years 
    • The new Tampa Bay Ferry could be up and running by spring/summer 2026  
    • RELATED STORY: Family of Hubbard’s Ferry to take over ferry operations

    In November, both the city of St. Pete and the city of Tampa voted on their part of an agreement that would secure a new cross bay ferry service, with each city giving its approval. The interlocal agreement included adding up to $350,000 a year in funding for the new ferry. 

    Under the agreement, PSTA would oversee ferry operations. Pinellas County’s public transit provider is using part of a $4.8 million federal grant to buy at least one boat that would be used for the new ferry service.

    “Every mode has its start, I don’t know why exactly it hasn’t built up until now,” said Brandon Campbell, the Interim Mobility Director for the city of Tampa. “I think we have good partners in place now to make this a success.” 

    The Cross Bay Ferry service was terminated in April after the previous operator, HMS Ferries, wanted to swap out the ferry with a slower boat. That boat would’ve taken twice as long to cross the bay, which violated their agreement with Hillsborough County.

    Hillsborough County commissioners then terminated the agreement with HMS Ferries in mid-April.

    Supporters of the new plan say it is much more financially stable than the last. 

    “Of course you have financial concerns, and all of those were addressed,” said St. Pete City Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders. “PSTA did everything they needed to do to accommodate those concerns as well and we’re going to do everything to ensure that this project is more successful than the one before.”

    The U.S. Department of Transportation earlier approved a transfer of a nearly $5 million grant from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

    The PSTA Board of Directors voted Wednesday on approving Hubbard’s Ferry as the operator of the new ferry service. Captain Dylan Hubbard’s family owns Hubbard’s Ferry, a Pinellas County staple that has operated passenger boats and fishing tours for decades in Madeira Beach.

    A yes vote from the PSTA cements a five-year contract with the option to extend the service for another five years.

    The new Tampa Bay Ferry could be up and running by spring/summer 2026.

    Angie Angers

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  • Amtrak expects record Thanksgiving ridership as travelers seek alternatives

    TAMPA, Fla. — Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge.

    Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving. Tampa Union Station saw more than 150,000 departures, making it one of Florida’s busiest Amtrak stations.

    With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge

    • Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving

    • With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers


    Why travelers are choosing the rails

    Many riders boarding trains in Tampa this week said they were looking for a change — and relief from the holiday travel stress that comes with flying or long drives.

    Price was a major factor for rider Bruce Hilsheimer.

    “The Greyhound stops more places and costs twice as much — it’s a no-brainer for me,” he said.

    For others, safety and comfort drove the decision.

    Linda Colon said she’s avoiding the airport this year.

    “There are so many concerns people are dealing with right now, and they really don’t feel like getting on an airplane,” she said.

    Some passengers chose the train for more productive travel time.

    Dana Diaz said train travel allows her to keep working throughout her trip.

    “I have to work, and sitting on the train allows me to get my work done,” she said.

    And for some, rail travel brings back a sense of nostalgia and calm.

    “I saw (trains) a lot in the movies… it’s very romantic,” said rider Susan Roscoe.

    Passengers traveling through Tampa Union Station this week were headed everywhere from Chicago to shorter regional trips to Lakeland, West Palm Beach and Miami.


    More riders seeking alternatives amid travel uncertainty

    Bob O’Malley, senior vice president at the Orlando Economic Partnership, says congestion at airports — and concerns during the recent government shutdown — pushed more people toward rail.

    “Some people will always fly or drive, but people are looking for other ways,” O’Malley said.

    He added that expanding options like SunRail and Brightline could open more rail alternatives across the state.

    Book early, Amtrak warns

    With demand climbing quickly, Amtrak is encouraging riders to book tickets early to secure their travel times.

    Colon said the ease of boarding is a major plus.

    “I took an Uber here — I didn’t have to arrive two hours before departure,” she said.

    And for many travelers, the slower pace of train travel is part of the appeal.

    “It’s convenient. It’s slower than flying, but sometimes that’s relaxing,” Roscoe said.

    Fadia Patterson

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  • AAA projects another record-breaking holiday travel season for North Carolina

    RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s the holiday travel season again. Millions of travelers will either travel by car, plane or public transit this Thanksgiving to spend it with their loved ones. 

    What You Need To Know

    • AAA projects we will see an increase of 1.6 million travelers this Thanksgiving 

    • Over 2 million North Carolinians will travel by car

    • Over 100,000 will travel by plane 

    • AAA projects gas prices will be similar to last Thanksgiving at an average $2.87 per gallon


    “There’s going to be a record number of North Carolinians traveling 50 miles or more or less away from home this holiday season,” said Carolina’s Public Affairs Director for AAA Tiffany Wright.  

    And although flights are back to normal after the government shutdown, travelers are still worried about air travel. 

    “There was concern with cancellations and delays. We saw over the last, I would say, week and a half, a lot of people changing their plans because they were nervous. So a lot of people have opted to drive to their destinations versus flying,” Wright said.

    According to AAA’s holiday travel projections, we will see an increase of 1.6 million travelers this Thanksgiving, still making it the busiest traveled holiday of the year. 

    With most travelers taking the roads, we can expect around 73 million Americans traveling by car. That includes over 2 million North Carolinians. AAA also projects over 100,000 North Carolina residents will be traveling by air. Stephanie Hawco with Raleigh-Durham International Airport says skeptical air travelers shouldn’t worry about their holiday travels next week.

    “We’re confident that things will be back to normal in the next week and a half. We really hope that travelers will have a nice, smooth experience here at RDU when they’re traveling to see family and friends next week,” said the media relations director for RDU, Stephanie Hawco.

    Hawco says the airport starts to see traffic pick up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She says make sure to arrive extra early before your flights and you can also book your parking online ahead of time to get the best rate and a guaranteed spot.

    “We did see some ripple effects here at RDU from those flight restrictions with some delays and cancellations, but we feel good about the idea that things will be back to normal next week and everybody will have smooth travels,” Hawco said.

    AAA also projects gas prices will be similar to last Thanksgiving at $2.87 and recommends filling up your tank the night before and checking your battery and tire pressure. 

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

     

    Kennedy Chase

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  • 4.2 million Floridians to hit the road this Thanksgiving

    SANFORD, Fla. — Millions across the country are gearing up for the busiest travel period of the year.

    This year, AAA is projecting that there will be 4.2 million Floridians traveling by car for Thanksgiving, which is up by 2% compared to last year.

    Florida Highway Patrol officials say this is because people are changing their plans following recent airline disruptions caused by the government shutdown.

    As officials brace for the upcoming travel period, safety remains top of mind.

    What You Need To Know

    • 4.2 million Floridians expected to hit the road during busy Thanksgiving travel period this year

    • FDOT and FHP officials are reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind this next week

    • Busiest travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving


    FDOT officials are reminding drivers to avoid any distractions and to be prepared.

    “Buckle up every time you get behind the wheel. Make sure that you are avoiding distractions. You don’t need to look at your text messages while you’re driving. You can wait until you stop, until you pull over at the next rest area,” FDOT District 5 Public Information Director Cindi Lane said.

    Lane said distracted driving attributed to 43% of last year’s road fatalities.

    In the event of a roadside emergency, whether it’s an accident or a flat-tire, drivers are being reminded to call the *FHP or *347 number for roadside assistance.

    Road Ranger Program Manager Garrett Popovich warned, “Be prepared. You’re going to encounter traffic. There’s no way around that. Plan your trip. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel — your tires are properly inflated.”

    Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase the number of state troopers on the roads to keep an eye out for reckless drivers.

    “The number one cause of crashes and fatalities here in Florida is reckless driving, so that’s making sure that you put that GPS in before you start driving. Give yourself plenty of time before you hit the road so that you have that extra buffer of time so you’re not tailgating, you’re not speeding,” FHP Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tara Crescenzi explained.

    Crescenzi also urges drivers to call *347 if they see reckless driving on the road.

    AAA expects the busiest road travel days to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

    Sasha Teman

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  • Tampa International Airport expecting big Thanksgiving crowds

    TAMPA, Fla. — Thanksgiving is growing closer, and Tampa International Airport is expecting more than 900,000 travelers from Nov. 20 through Dec. 1.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa International Airport estimates more than 900,000 passengers over a 12-day period 

    • Nov. 30 is the day they’re expecting to be the busiest

    • TPA officials say they’re expecting the number of passengers coming through the airport to be close to the same as last year


    “We’re expecting approximately 80,000 passengers a day,” Vice President of Operations Benjamin Robins said.

    Alan Moss is one of the passengers.

    He and his family flew into Tampa on Nov. 13, a day after the government shutdown ended.

    They flew in for a cruise and wanted to make sure they didn’t run into any issues.

    “It’s actually been really good,” he said. “We were a little worried about the government shutdown, so we actually booked our flight a day early. Our biggest concern was just missing that connection because our first flight may have been delayed.”

    That kind of concern is still felt among those working.

    Kirk Skinner, the Federal Security Director for Greater Tampa Bay, said the shutdown has created stress for everyone despite it being over for nearly two weeks.

    “We work and we get compensated,” he said. “Well, that fell through for six weeks. I don’t think I can say that stress is gone. I mean, it was almost a traumatic experience. For some folks, it was.”

    TPA said they’re expecting the number of passengers coming through the airport to be close to the same as last year.

    Matt Lackritz

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  • Cincinnati airport expects more than 200,000 Thanksgiving travelers

    HEBRON, Ky. — The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport urged travelers to pack their patience ahead of one of the year’s busiest travel periods. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 200,000 travelers are expected to pass through the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for Thanksgiving

    • Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 30 are expected to be the busiest days

    • All passengers are advised to arrive in the TSA line at least two hours before a flight within the U.S. and three hours before an international flight

    • AAA said more than 1 million Kentuckians are expected to travel 50 miles or more between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1


    More than 206,000 passengers are expected to travel through CVG between Sunday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 30, according to an airport release, with Wednesday, Nov. 26 and Nov. 30 expected to be the busiest days. 

    The airport recommended the following tips for travelers to ensure as smooth a travel experience as possible:

    • All passengers are advised to arrive in the TSA line at least two hours before a flight within the U.S. and three hours before an international flight.
    • Check TSA’s website for is allowed through security.
    • The security checkpoint now offers CLEAR eGates, speeding up the security screening process through biometric software matching the traveler’s facial image to their identity document and boarding pass.
    • Expected TSA wait times, parking availability and food options can be found by visiting the airport’s website.
    • Passengers needing special assistance, such as wheelchair assistance, should contact their airline in advance.
    • The airport offers parking reservations in CVG Terminal Garage, CVG ValuPark and CVG Economy Lot. Spots can be reserved online.
    • Those who are picking up someone at the airport should wait in the Cell Phone Lot. Drivers will not be able to wait at curbside; it’s reserved only for active loading and unloading.

    CVG said it’s offering more than 950 flights during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period to more than 50 nonstop destinations. Among the most popular spots include Orlando, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas.

    The busiest time for departures is expected to be between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., with arrivals remaining steady from mid-morning through 11 p.m. 

    According to an AAA release, more than 1 million Kentuckians are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1, an increase of about 1.6% from last year. 

    Connor N. Smith

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  • Bill would impose stiffer penalties for drivers not disclosing identifying info

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bill is currently in Ohio House committee that would include stiffer penalties for drivers who refuse to give officers their name, address and date of birth when it is requested.

    What You Need To Know

    • House Bill 492 is currently in the Public Safety committee

    • The bill would introduce stiffer penalties to those who refuse to give their name, address and date of birth to an officer during a traffic stop

    • It would become a fourth-degree midemeanor

    The bill’s primary sponsors are Rep. Sharon A. Ray, R- District 66, and Rep. Cindy Abrams, R-District 29.

    If the bill would become law, refusing to disclose your name, address or date of birth when requested by an officer during a traffic stop would be considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

    “If someone fails to identify themselves at a traffic stop the charge is an unclassified misdemeanor, which is a fine-only offense,” Ray said in a press release. “By enacting House Bill 492 and changing it to a misdemeanor of the fourth degree it carries a possibility of a maximum of 30 days in jail and more importantly a fourth-degree misdemeanor gives jails the authority to fingerprint and identify the person before they are let go. In some cases, these people have warrants out for their arrests for dangerous crimes and without being able to identify them, whether at the traffic stop or the jail, there is no way to know.”

    The bill is currently in the Public Safety Committee after having been introduced on Oct. 1.

    “Law enforcement across the state and nation are put in an unsafe situation during a traffic stop when some people believe that they do not need to identify themselves to law enforcement,” Abrams said in the release. “Our law enforcement face risks each day they put their uniforms on and start their shift. House Bill 492 provides our law enforcement with an extra tool in the toolbox as they work to keep our communities safe.”

    You can view the full version of the bill here:

    Spectrum News Staff

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