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Tag: Tyler O'Neill

  • ‘Giving Machine’ in Clearwater to help people in need

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — People in the Tampa Bay area have a new way to donate to charity.

    Outside Crumbl Cookies at the Clearwater Mall there are vending machines with charitable items called “Light the World Giving Machine.”

    All purchases are actually donations that will help local and global charities.

    What You Need To Know

    • “Light the World Giving Machine” is in the Tampa Bay area for the first time

    • The machines work like vending machines, but instead of buying snack you make a donation to charity

    • Donations can be school supplies, food, bedding or even a baby goat

    • 100% of the donations goes to the participating charities


    Members of the Steed family were the first to use the giving machines.

    “This is our chance to give back at a local level and at a global level. And what’s great about it as well is that these donations go 100% to these charitable organizations,” said Garret Steed, owner of the Crumbl Cookies Clearwater franchise.

    The Giving Machine is like a vending machine. They’re placed at businesses, like the Steed’s Crumbl Cookies store. But instead of buying a snack, people can pick an item to donate to a charity.

    The Steeds donated one of everything in the machine.

    “I think that this is a very tangible way our kids can see, like, oh, we’re giving a goat, we’re giving a sewing kit for someone to start a business, or we’re giving a dental hygiene kit,” said Kylie Steed.

    The initiative supports five local charities, including Metropolitan Ministries, Premier Community Healthcare, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Casa Pinellas and the Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs.

    VP of Metropolitan Ministries communications Justine Burke said donations will help them supply food and holiday gifts for people in need.

    “The need is significant this year … since the hurricanes last year, people are struggling still. Affordability, affording that rent, affording food, affording just all those extra things in life,” said Burke.

    All the donations go directly to the charity selected at the machine. The operating cost is covered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

    “It feels really good to give back to the community. There’s a scripture that says: ‘where much is given, much is required.’ We’ve been given so much that it’s really a nice opportunity for all of us to be able to give back and help those that are less fortunate,” said Sarah Watson, Site Director for Giving Machine Tampa.

    The Giving Machine will be in Clearwater until Jan. 3, 2026.

    They operate at all hours.

    Since 2017, The Giving Machine has raised more than $50 million around the world, providing hundreds of thousands of items and services to people in need.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Motorcycle toy run gathers over 2,000 gifts for children in need

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Hundreds of people fell just short of smashing a Guinness World Record in Pinellas County on Sunday, but helping kids in need was the real motivation.

    Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson hosted its ninth annual motorcycle toy run on a mission to break the record for being the largest ever, which was set in 2014 in the United Kingdom.

    What You Need To Know

    • 1,200 people participated in Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson ninth annual motorcycle run 

    • More than 2,000 toys were collected and will be donated to Lealman Fire District to be distributed to kids in need

    • Participants were hopeful to break the Guinness World Record for the largest motorcycle toy run, but were short on toys

    • Thousands of dollars were also raised to support veterans and first responders


    1,200 motorcycles took part in the massive event.

    Donna Henry brought lots of holiday cheer with her festive attire and motorcycle decked out in tinsel and lights.

    “This is decorated more than our house is,” Henry said about her motorcycle. “Biggest turnout I’ve ever been to and I’ve been doing these for quite some time.”

    The riders brought more than 2,000 toys to be donated to Lealman Fire Rescue. They will get them to kids in need. It’s the most toys this motorcycle run has ever collected.

    To break the record, all the toys had to stay strapped down to the motorcycles for the entirety of the ride across Pinellas County. The ride was roughly 15 miles, and it took about two hours to complete.

    “It makes this year even more special because not only with our ninth annual, but it’s a chance to really hit something big for the whole world. For the USA to get a world record for giving toys to kids, what a cool thing, it’s the greatest,” said Bert King, owner of Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson.

    They’ve gotten close to the record over the years, but this is the first time a Guinness adjudicator was there to take down the official count of participants and toys.

    “I’d love to be where the kids are when they get these gifts. I’d love to see the smiles on their faces, that means a lot to me,” Henry said.

    They were short 49 toys to break the Guinness record.

    They also raised more than $17,000 for Bert’s Barracuda Charity, which supports veterans and first responders.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Affordable senior housing proposed in Historic Gas Plant District

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg is taking proposals to redevelop a section of the Historic Gas Plant District. 

    The city has already received an unsolicited proposal from the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) to build affordable housing for seniors.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) sent an unsolicited proposal to the city to build affordable senior housing

    • PCHA said the need for senior housing has significantly grown

    • The city will take alternative proposals for the Historic Gas Plant District site 

    • Mayor Ken Welch said he will ensure that any redevelopment reflects the values of the entire community


    PCHA has been working with seniors to get them affordable housing.

    Yvette Feazell moved into her new home at Heritage Oaks several weeks ago.

    “I was living with my daughter and my son-in-law and their four grandchildren, and I love them, but, I think it was just a little more crowded,” Feazell said.

    But finding an affordable housing option for herself was difficult.

    The 64-year-old said she spent nine months tracking down a place she could rent on a fixed income. 

    “I was very eager and determined and diligent and trying to find an affordable place.”

    She heard about PCHA’s new facility in Largo and checked the website every day to get on their waiting list because the housing authority is seeing a significant increase in demand.

    “It is extensive as extensive can be, we have people coming into our lobby every single day asking us if we have any availability, and we try to help them as quickly as we can,” said PCHA Mackenzie Dufresne, Communications and outreach manager.

    Dufresne said the housing authority is focusing on senior housing. To help with the demand, PCHA sent an unsolicited proposal to the city of St. Petersburg to build new apartments in the Historic Gas Plant District. 

    “Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations right now here in Florida just because they’re getting priced out of their homes left and right. So, we really want to give them the opportunity to have a safe, affordable place to live,” Dufresne said.

    The proposal would turn one of the parking lots across from Tropicana Field into a seven story 80-unit apartment building. Low-income seniors with ties to the Historic Gas Plant District are the primary targets.

    “We would actually have preference for individuals that used to live in the gas plant district, to have an ability to live in this, and we would do that by partnering with St. Pete, figure out who actually did live here, if they did want to apply.”

    She said if the proposal were to get the stamp of approval, then more seniors like Feazell could potentially get a new apartment at a rate they can afford. 

    “I don’t feel like I’m being a burden on my family now. Heritage Oaks, because it’s income based, allows me to have that opportunity,” Feazell said.

    With her newfound independence, Feazell is grateful for her new home and hopeful others will get a similar opportunity.

    The city is now accepting alternative proposals for the Historic Gas Plant District site.

    St. Petersburg will publish the notice for alternate proposals on Jan. 4, 2026.

    Those responses will then be due Feb. 3, 2026.

    Mayor Ken Welch said in a press release that he’ll ensure any redevelopment reflects the values of the entire community.

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

    • More than 350 vendors have filled the park

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

    • The event runs all weekend long


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

    Gopali Imports is one of the hundreds of businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Hundreds line up to get in Tampa’s Bass Pro Shops on Black Friday

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    TAMPA, Fla. —  Today is Black Friday, and it could be slower than last year.

    The National Retail Federation forecasts that nearly 187 million people, will shop online or in stores between Thanksgiving and Monday.

    That’s fewer than the near-record number it reported in 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Hundreds of people were lined up outside of Bass Pro Shops to get a mystery gift card

    •  People lined up as early as 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving

    •  Going to Bass Pro Shops on Black Friday has been a tradition for many families


    However, right here in Tampa Bay people have been lining up outside some stores to get Black Friday deals. 

    Managers at the Bass Pro Shops in Tampa said it’s one of the biggest turnouts the store has had on Black Friday in the last several years.

    Hundreds of people piled into the store when it opened at 5 a.m..

    The line to get in was wrapped around the building to the backside. Managers have estimated there were between 200 and 400 people.

    Almost everyone in line got here early this morning in hopes of getting a $500 gift card. The store gave out mystery gift cards to the first 250 people. The cards were valued between $10 and $500.

    Everyone in line had high hopes that they would be the lucky grand prize winner.

    People lined up as early as 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving to make sure they secured their card.

    “We are out here trying to get a $10 gift card at Bass Pro … we thought he would be one of the first people, it’s wrapped around the building, so we figured it’d be popular,” said Haily Schultz, Black Friday Shopper.

    Shoppers were bundled up in blankets and hoodies to try to stay warm.

    When people finally got into the store, there were shouts of excitement. Shoppers opened their gift card envelopes to see how much they got.

    For many shoppers, coming to Bass Pro Shops on Black Friday is a long running tradition and for others this was the start of a new one.

     

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • Study shows eating ultra-processed foods can increase risk of colorectal cancer

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    TAMPA, Fla — Registered dietitian and nutrition coach Brooke Sobh makes her family a big balanced breakfast every morning, making sure they are getting the right amount of protein, carbs, fats, fiber and omega-3s.

    What You Need To Know

    • Research published in JAMA shows women who eat ultra-processed foods could be at a greater risk of colorectal cancer

    • The study looked at nearly 30,000 women and found that those who ate the most ultra-processed foods were at a 45% higher risk for early-onset colorectal cancer

    • Experts said ultra-processed foods are often considered convenience food and they don’t contain much nutritional value

    • The Moffitt Cancer Center said colorectal cancer could become the second leading cause of cancer death for young women by 2030


    “I want to keep their bellies full. I want to give them a lot of fiber. I don’t want to give them a lot of sugar in the morning because it doesn’t start the day off very good,” she said. “Adding more fruit to the diet, adding more vegetables, adding more fiber, reducing saturated fat, and doing that in combination with whatever else they are looking for.”

    A new study published in JAMA, which looked at nearly 30,000 women under 50, found that those who ate the most ultra-processed foods were at a 45% higher risk for early onset colorectal cancer. 

    “So all these convenience foods that are super sugary, or just in a package, don’t have the real good stuff in it, fiber, omega-3s, protein, that is probably what’s causing them to be sick later in life,” Sobh said.

    A nutrition scientist and registered dietitian at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa said ultra-processed foods can cause inflammation in the body, disrupting the gut microbiome and causing precancerous lesions in the rectum or colon.

    “This is a modifiable lifestyle factor; diet and exercise are typically thought to be modifiable lifestyle factors, so it’s things that we have in our control that could potentially prevent cancer,” said Dr. Sylvia Crowder, assistant member in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at the Moffitt Cancer Center.

    That’s why Sobh prioritizes high-nutrient foods like egg and avocado toast for breakfast. She said not only does it prevent cancer, but it also boosts energy and stabilizes the moods of her two- and four-year-olds. 

    “So I want to keep their bodies nourished so they can learn better and grow up thinking this is how I’m supposed to eat,” Sobh said.

    The Moffitt Cancer Center said colorectal cancer could become the second leading cause of cancer death for young women by 2030.

    For men, it’s projected to be the leading cause of cancer death also by 2030.

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

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

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

    What You Need To Know

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Demand for artificial trees is still high this year.

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

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  • Senior cannabis use hits all-time high

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    RIDGE MANOR, Fla. — A new study suggests that cannabis use among seniors is at an all-time high.

    Research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal shows a significant increase in older adults using cannabis.

    What You Need To Know

    • Research in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that cannabis use among seniors is increasing
    • The data shows that cannabis use among older adults increased by 46% between 2021 and 2023
    • A Hernando County senior said he uses cannabis for chronic pain
    • Cannabis use remains federally illegal and the CDC said cannabis use can have health risks


    For many seniors, going to a cannabis dispensary is like picking up a prescription.

    “You get it when and how much you need,” said O,Gary Stein, senior.

    Stein said he started using cannabis in high school and has used it on and off ever since.

    “Since the 1970s, I guess that makes me an OG, or at least just an O” he said.

    The now 68-year-old said he recently picked it back up for medical purposes. He goes to the dispensary as often as he needs to treat his chronic depression and pain.

    “I rather use this than opiates or things of that sort. Even Tylenol eventually becomes toxic to your liver, whereas this is a much healthier alternative,” Stein said.

    Stein isn’t alone. The number of seniors using marijuana is growing. According to a new study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal, the number of seniors using cannabis has increased by 46% between 2021 and 2023. 

    “I know a lot of senior citizens who are sick and tired of taking all the pills that their doctors are constantly prescribing for them and having to deal with all the side effects that a lot those pills cause and they prefer a natural solution,” Stein said.

    Dr. Deepa Verma at Synergistiq Wellness has been a licensed medical marijuana prescriber for about eight years. She said she’s written thousands of prescriptions, and lately, a lot more for seniors.

    “Because cannabis is more socially acceptable and with the legalization and people are just more open about seeking other ways to get healthy, they don’t want to be caught in that traditional health care system,” said Verma.

    However, cannabis use remains federally illegal. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved a marketing application for cannabis for the treatment of any disease or condition. 

    No matter how marijuana is used, the Centers for Disease Control said marijuana has brain, heart, lung and mental health risks and can cause cannabis use disorder or unintentional poisoning.

    At home, Stein said he’s weighed other treatment options. He believes cannabis is a great option for seniors wanting a natural remedy. 

    “The best thing to do is to find out what is best for you. The dosage is up to you, and the method of use is up to you,” he said.

    Now that Stein’s prescription is filled, his chronic pain is manageable.

    Researchers also found that people with multiple chronic conditions are more likely to use cannabis. 

    The study said clinicians should consider screening and educating older patients about potential risks of cannabis use.

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  • Pinellas teens sleep outside to learn about homelessness

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a harsh reality, but several people in the Tampa Bay community are spending their night on the street.

    Nearly 2,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County in a single night, according to the Pinellas County Point in Time Count. 

    What You Need To Know

    • At St. Raphael Catholic Church, about 20 teens slept outside with minimal shelter to learn what it’s like to be houseless

    • The kids could only bring three items. Some brought boxes, pillows, and tarps

    • Guest speakers, like Pinellas Hope representatives, talked to teens about the issue

    • They also made donations to shelters


    On Saturday night, dozens of teens slept outside without shelter to get a glimpse into the life of a person experiencing homelessness.

    Out in a field behind the St. Raphael Catholic Church, about 20 teens slept outside with almost nothing.

    “I slept in a cardboard box,” said Hudson Maphet, a teen participating in the program.

    They were only allowed to bring three items. Maphet brought a pillow a blanket and deodorant. It’s all part of the homeless retreat where teens from five churches are learning what it’s like to be houseless.

    “I’m kind of used to the cold, so it didn’t hit me too hard until I decided to walk around in socks in the cold, wet grass. It was not it,” Maphet said.

    Participants heard from experts about the issue. The director of the temporary emergency shelter, Joe Pondolfino of Pinellas Hope, spoke to the group Saturday night. He said he was hoping to clear up any misconceptions the teens had.

    “It’s not about just looking at somebody on the street corner and saying, ‘Oh, what did they do wrong?’ It’s really what happened to them. So it’s really important to look at each person individually and it’s important for the next generation to help us tackle this problem,” said Pondolfino.

    And the problem is not going away. Pondolfino said Pinellas Hope is seeing about 20 new people a week.

    “It tells me that the problem still exists. It’s not gotten much better at this point, even though we do have some great successes. It’s something that we can’t take our eye off the ball,” he said.

    After hearing from Pondolfino and sleeping in the wet grass, Maphet said even though they are teenagers, there are little things they can do to make a difference.

    “Just a conversation, just a ‘How are you?’ A handshake — something, something of acknowledgment, because most of those people out there, they feel like they’re invisible and they’re very much so seen,” Maphet said.

    It was more than an experience, it was also an outreach event.

    Teens packed up lunches along with hygiene products that will be distributed to shelters like Pinellas Hope.

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  • Free camp helps kids learn how to cope with the loss of a loved one

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Kids who are dealing with the recent loss of a loved one are getting free support this weekend.

    The bereavement camp, Camp Kangaroo, is in Tampa through Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Camp Kangaroo helps kids cope with the loss of a loved one

    • About 30 kids participated in the Tampa event this weekend

    • The camp was also held in Hernando and Pasco counties last month


    11-year-old Samuel Velez is back for a second year after losing his mom. He will go through eight support sessions over the weekend learning about different layers of loss with the help of music and pet therapy.

    “Last year, I had a lot of fun. There were dogs, and they had this volleyball, and they bounced it with their snout, and they would come around to us and let us bounce it too,” he said.

    About 30 kids are at this weekend’s camp. The volunteer coordinator said many of them are dealing with a traumatic loss. Counselors will teach them tips and tricks to deal with their emotions in a healthy way.

    “Death is not going to go away; everyone we know is going to pass. This certainly won’t be the first loss in their life. So this is a unique opportunity that they get to learn about death, which will follow them forever,” said Kimberly Glem, Volunteer Coordinator for AccentCare Hospice in Pinellas County.

    Glem said one of the biggest advantages of the annual event is kids can meet other kids who are also dealing with grief.

    “When camp starts, and they realize that camaraderie and they feel less alone, they do open up and they engage in their activities,” Glem said.

    Although the dogs were a highlight for Sam, he made relationships that could last a lifetime.

    “I made like one really good friend,” Sam said.

    Guardians will participate on Sunday to continue the conversation when camp ends. 

    Camp Kangaroo is hosted in partnership with AccentCare Hospice. The camp is held all over the country.

    Last month it made stops in Hernando and Pasco counties.

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  • St. Petersburg food pantry opens new location to better serve the community

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As uncertainty with SNAP continues, the Love Thy Neighbor food pantry and thrift shop in St. Petersburg is seeing a significant increase of people in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • As uncertainty with SNAP continues, the Love Thy Neighbor food pantry and thrift shop in St. Petersburg is seeing a significant increase of people in need

    • The nonprofit is serving double the number of people it usually does — going from 1,000 per month to 2,000 per month

    • The organization celebrated the grand opening of its brand new location at 5th Avenue North in St. Petersburg on Saturday

    • RELATED: Tampa Bay area food pantry rescued by local moving company

    The nonprofit is serving double the number of people it usually does — going from 1,000 per month to 2,000 per month.

    The organization celebrated the grand opening of its brand new location on Saturday, and says this new building, located at 5th Avenue North, is three times the size of the old one and is four blocks away.

    With the larger space, organizers say they can sell more out of their thrift shop and serve more people in need.

    The money they make from the thrift shop goes to the food pantry.

    Since September, owner Joanne Braccio says many of her patrons have recently lost a job or have lost SNAP benefits.

    “I was really panicked when it first happened, but when they started talking about SNAP and then you see all these things about restaurants and everybody else doing and I’m like, oh my God, my shelves are going to be wiped out within a week. What am I going to do?”

    Braccio says the St. Pete Free Clinic recently partnered with them to help keep up with demand.

    The nonprofit is looking for donations, accepting food and clothes. They are also looking for volunteers.

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  • Alleged street racer loses control and crashes, TPD says

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    YBOR CITY, Fla. — Four people are dead and 11 others are injured after a car crashed into a bar in Ybor City early Saturday morning, Tampa police said.

    Officials say the alleged driver was 22-year-old Silas Sampson. They say he was speeding before he hit multiple people at Bradley’s, a bar on 7th Avenue.

    Tampa police say that at around 12:45 a.m., Tampa Police Air Service saw a car speeding on I-275. Police believe that this was one of the vehicles they saw racing earlier.

    When the driver got off the interstate, police attempted a pit maneuver and failed. When they got close to 7th Avenue, they disengaged due to the danger of doing a pit maneuver in the area.

    Authorities said the driver then driver lost control and crashed into a Bradley’s and hit over a dozen people. A witness says the victims were on the bar’s patio.

    Three people died at the scene and one died in the hospital, and 11 others were injured.

    “What I can tell you is all the victims were over 20. They were all adults. And we had four that were here that tragically lost their lives. They were out in Ybor, having a good time, expecting to go home safely. And a careless, reckless driver takes everybody’s lives in his hands and just ended this night in a situation that’s never going to be the same for these individuals,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.

    Tampa police say the alleged driver is in custody.

    Florida Highway Patrol says the alleged driver is being charged with vehicular homicide and other felony charges are expected to follow.

    This remains as an active investigation.

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  • Florida bill would require public schools to teach cursive writing

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — If a bill submitted to the Florida House passes, public elementary school students would be required to learn cursive writing in grades two through five.

    House Bill 127 would go into effect on July 1, 2026, which means the requirement would start in the 2026-2027 school year.

    What You Need To Know

    • If a Florida House bill is passed, students in second through fifth grade would be required to learn cursive writing

    • The bill would require students to be proficient in cursive writing by the end of fifth grade

    • The interim dean for the College of Education at the University of South Florida said teaching handwriting is important

    • If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026, meaning the requirement would start in the 2026-2027 school year


    The bill would require students to be tested by the end of fifth grade to prove that they are proficient in cursive writing.

    Jenifer Schneider, the interim dean for the College of Education at the University of South Florida, said studies have shown that teaching handwriting is important for students.

    “There is science behind it,” said Schneider, who is also a professor of literacy studies at USF. “There’s research behind it that it shows that it’s beneficial for students to learn letter formation and to do it quickly so that they can ease up their brain power for the things that matter.”

    Schneider said cursive is another tool for students to get their ideas down on paper. Whether it’s print or script, Schneider said, the cognitive benefits of handwriting are similar, but noted that learning cursive adds a cultural benefit.

    “You could read an old document. You could read handwritten notes from different generations,” Schneider said. “So, there’s the ability to read cursive writing, if you learn cursive letters.”

    While instruction on cursive writing is currently required by Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts for grades three through five, there is no requirement to test students’ proficiency, which would change if House Bill 127 is passed.

    The bill, which was filed by state Reps. Toby Overdorf and Dana Trabulsy, is now in the Florida House’s Student Academic Success Subcommittee.

    The regular legislative session begins in January.

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  • Gigglewaters has food for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

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    SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — While the uncertainty around SNAP benefits remain, restaurants in the bay area are making sure kids are getting fed.

    Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor has free lunches for kids in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gigglewaters has free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

    • The restaurant started giving out  “GiggleBags” on Saturday

    • They gave out about 25 bags on the first day

    • “GiggleBags” will be available every day until SNAP is back in Florida


    The restaurant is making as many bags as they need.

    “Today, we’re doing Uncrustables, apples, juice boxes, granola bars,” said Rachel Fine Wilson, owner and founder of Gigglewaters.

    “GiggleBags” are free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits. The founder and owner Wilson said no purchase is necessary.

    “I don’t know if it’s going to be busy or steady, but we’re committed to making sure everybody has one,” she said.

    Wilson was inspired by her own life experience. She said that when she was a young adult, she was on food stamps for several months, which is why she said she wanted to help.

    “I was embarrassed to use those, that felt awful, but I was hungry and I will never forget that feeling and I don’t want anyone else, especially kids, to have to feel embarrassed or hungry,” Wilson said.

    Saturday was the first day of “GiggleBag” distribution, and Wilson said they handed out about 25 bags.

    “It’s an easy decision, I know this is a complicated situation, but feeding a hungry kid isn’t complicated, give them food,” she said.

    Gigglewaters has a history of giving back during times of need, but Wilson said this is the first time that about two dozen other restaurants were inspired to take part.

    “It is an honor; it’s making me emotional, honestly. If you think you can do a little bit of good, you might be able to inspire other people to do the same and then the movement grows,” Wilson said.

    No matter how long the SNAP disruption lasts, Wilson said they will find a way to keep kids full.

    If a “GiggleBag” will help feed your child, Wilson is encouraging pick-ups between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. but she said they are accommodating other times.

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  • City of St. Petersburg updates community on its “Imagine the Deuces” project

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — The City of St. Petersburg said it’s working to revitalize South St. Petersburg

    That includes what the city is calling “transformative” projects on the city’s 22nd Street South Corridor, also known as “the deuces”.

    Thursday night the city updated the deuces community on the project. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of St. Petersburg said it’s working to revitalize South St. Pete.

    • Construction is underway for affordable housing and the Manhattan Casino

    • The St. Petersburg mayor said the development won’t force out the people who live and work there

    • The city hosted a community update on the project Thursday night


    Construction has started on some of the affordable housing projects.

    The mayor reaffirmed that the new development will be affordable for people who live there. 

    And the Manhattan Casino is also undergoing its renovations. 

    The Catalyst on the Deuces has been on 22nd Street South for a couple of years.

    “When we were starting it we were thinking about a speakeasy, and fortunately the community made it what it wanted to make, it organically grew,” said Jeffrey Copeland, Owner of The Catalyst on the Deuces.

    Copeland has lived in the deuces neighborhood his whole life. His restaurant and lounge now employs 54 people, he said they serve 9,000 people a week.

    “This street, the deuces, has not seen that many numbers since probably the 80s,” he said.

    The City of St. Petersburg said it’s revitalizing the area with affordable housing, new parks, and improving the Manhattan Casino event space. Copeland said he feels the city should have asked for his input. 

    “This would be kind of a place that you would come to say, ‘hey listen, you guys getting 9000 people a week, what do you think we should put here? What do you think should go? What’s going to work?’,” he said.

    The city held four workshops this year to get feedback from residents and businesses for the future of the warehouse arts district and the deuces live district.

    “We do extensive community outreach, community conversations reimagining the deuces we’ve been out, talking to everyone. The vast majority of folks want affordability, they want something they can be proud of in their community,” Mayor Welch said.

    Thursday night the city gave an update on the revitalization project. Mayor Welch said the development won’t push out residents. The housing will be available for people who make average or below average salaries. 

    “We kept our word when we said this will be inclusive progress that won’t push out folks that make an average salary,” Welch said.

    While Copeland supports some of the revitalization project, he wants the area to stay true to itself. 

    “We always want better for ourselves, but what we don’t want to do is give up our culture for something that may not stay as long as it should stay,” Copeland said.

    The city said it’s working to preserve the deuces history while investing in the community’s future.

    Officials said they are hoping to have the Manhattan Casino open in July 2026.

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  • Social Security payments to slightly increase in 2026

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    CLEARWATER, Fla — If you’re receiving Social Security benefits your check will be slightly larger in 2026. 

    The Social Security Administration announced a 2026 cost of living adjustment of 2.8%. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Social Security and supplemental security income benefits for 75 million Americans will increase by 2.8% next year

    • The increase is part of the cost of living adjustment

    • An expert said the cost of living adjustment is in line with inflation

    • One clearwater senior said the adjustment means nothing at all


    Pauline Giakoumakis is 85 years old and has been receiving Social Security benefits for nearly 20 years. 

    “It’s a good benefit, very good,” the senior said.

    While she said she planned for retirement and is in an OK financial situation, when her husband died, she said she had to live off of Social Security for several years. 

    “I’m sure there are people that live from paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “It must be rough, I can’t imagine”

    The Social Security Administration announced that its social security and supplemental security income benefits for 75 million Americans will increase by 2.8% in 2026.

    “$20, just nothing, so it means nothing to me at all,” Giakoumakis said.

    The increase is one of the smallest in the last five years. 2022 and 2023 saw historic adjustments. A University of South Florida economics professor said the adjustments are in line with inflation rates. 

    “We know inflation is going up because the social security, cost of living adjustments are going up. The only way those the Social Security payments go up is if inflation is going up,” said Michael Snipes, Professor at USF.

    The primary driver of inflation Snipes said is tariffs, which he said has resulted in price increases for many essentials including food. 

    “A lot of those price increases are just going to be really just going to eat away from any benefits that we see in Social Security,” Snipes said.

    While Giakoumakis said, her financial situation is OK she said Social Security is very important to her and her peers.

    “A lot of people I know are okay, but a lot of people aren’t. So, it means a lot, it really does. It means a lot to a lot of people,” Giakoumakis said.

    Earlier this year the Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ report said the Social Security’s trust funds won’t be able to pay full benefits by 2034. 

    At that time, Social Security would only be able to pay out about 80% of its benefits.

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  • Clearwater nonprofit helps houseless get resources

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health estimates this year that nearly 30,000 people are houseless in Florida.

    That number has slightly decreased from last year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hydrate the Homeless helps the houseless with food and water



    • It serves meals at The Refuge in Clearwater on Tuesdays and Fridays



    • The nonprofit started with two neighbors and a wish to help



    • According to the 2025 Point in Time Count, more than 1,800 people are houseless in Pinellas County




    The Pinellas County Point in Time Count has shown a similar trend.

    Hydrate the Homeless, a nonprofit, is helping to make sure people in need are cared for.

    “It’s always a struggle trying to figure out how many people we’re going to have coming,” said Carla Mogan, president and founder of Hydrate the Homeless.

    The effort began three years ago when Mogan and her neighbor, Mel Swartout, were looking for a way to give back. They started by walking around Largo Central Park, where they found people in need. 

    “I took out my cooler and I started yelling, ‘Lemonade, ice cold lemonade!’ And they all started coming over,” Mogan said.

    Years later, the nonprofit is serving warm meals and distributing clothes and hygiene products with the help of about 15 volunteers.

    “I love it. It’s as much for me as it is for them,” Mogan said. “I’m not going to lie. I get a lot out of it.”

    And the need in Pinellas County is there. According to the 2025 Point in Time Count, which tracks the number of people experiencing homelessness, more than 1,800 people are houseless. That’s the lowest for the county since the count began, but Mogan thinks that total is miscalculated.

    “Now I know for a fact we didn’t count all of them, because I know where some of them where that didn’t get counted. So I think you could almost double that number,” she said.

    With three different outreach events every week, Mogan said they serve more than 200 people.

    Janet Muharay was houseless for two years and is now giving back to the nonprofit that helped her. 

    “A lot of them want that chance to take a shower, to get food, clothing. We need to have more places like this for that, because I was there, I know what it felt like,” Muhary said.

    Mogan said she wants to see Hydrate the Homeless continue to grow and expand to every city in the county.

    “It’s nice to be able to come together and just have time when we’re just people and people enjoying each other’s company,” Mogan said.

    Hydrate the Homeless has three different outreach events every week.

    They serve meals at The Refuge in Clearwater on Tuesdays and Fridays.

    On Wednesdays, they make and deliver sandwiches for distribution at the Crossroads Church in Largo.

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  • USF studies environmental impact of pollutants like pharmaceuticals in Tampa Bay

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — University of South Florida scientists are studying how contaminants like flushed or thrown away pharmaceuticals impact Tampa Bay, hoping to mitigate future environmental damage.

    What You Need To Know

    • USF is studying pollution from contaminants like pharmaceuticals

    • Previous research has detected PFAS, known as forever chemincals, and medications in Tampa Bay

    • Research aims to understand sources and distribution of these chemicals

    • The five-year study will come to end in 2028, but researchers are hoping to extend the project


    As part of the Tampa Bay Surveillance Project, USF scientists placed 17 racks around Tampa Bay for barnacles to grow on.

    “We’re interested in what contaminants they may be actually filtering out and contained within their bodies,” said Steve Murawski, professor at USF’s College of Marine Science.

    Murawski said previous research has detected PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in the bay. He said research has also shown the presence of anti-depressants, heart medicine, illicit drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

    “The majority of them are passing through people first before they actually get in the bay. So, the fact that we can detect them in concentration is very impressive and what that basically says is it’s primarily coming from the wastewater treatment system,” Murawski said.

    The Tampa Bay Surveillance Project aims to characterize the distribution of what’s called contaminants of emerging and known concern.

    “We’re trying to understand what the sources are of these chemicals that are entering the environment and also how they might spread out,” he said.

    Because these pollutants impact more than just the environment.

    “Many of these chemicals can mimic estrogen, for example. So, they potentially can disrupt reproductive facilities, not only in the fishes, but in people as well and so that’s why it’s quiet problematic,” Murawski said.

    The concept for the research began years ago when USF was studying the impacts of the Deep Horizon oil spill. When that projected ended Murawski said the Tampa Bay Surveillance Project was the next logical step.

    The five-year study will come to end in 2028, but researchers are hoping to extend the project to answer more questions about the bay.

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  • New bill aims to eliminate tariffs on coffee

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If your cup of coffee costs more than usual this morning, some U.S. House Representatives are trying to change that. 

    Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced a bill to remove tariffs on coffee imports. 

    What You Need To Know

    • U.S. House Representatives have introduced a bill to remove tariffs on coffee

    • One of the owners of Gypsy Souls Coffeehouse said tariffs have increased their cost of goods 

    • The coffeehouse said it had a stockpile of beans, but with the supply running out, it had to raise prices

    • The White House has said the president imposed tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy and to protect American workers


    Gypsy Souls Coffeehouse is known for its sandwiches and of course, its coffee.

    “We have people coming from all over to get our coffee,” Dena Gasic, co-owner of Gypsy Souls Roasters, said.

    The family-owned coffeehouse has been open in St. Petersburg for seven years. Gasic does all the cooking.

    “I’ve been cooking all my life,” she said.

    While the sandwiches are homemade, their coffee is imported. According to the National Coffee Association, more than 99% of America’s coffee is imported because there are only a few places in the country where coffee beans can grow. 

    “Columbia, Brazil, Indonesia, we use Kenya, the Malabar — we have a lot of customers that are using that. They have their own espresso machines,” Gasic said.

    Gasic said their coffee brokers had to increase prices because of tariffs. 

    “If we didn’t have the tariffs in place, we would have been able to buy 800 more pounds of coffee,” she said. “That’s a lot of coffee.”

    Because of the increases, Gasic said they aren’t buying as large of a selection of beans because she said it’s gotten too expensive. 

    “The cost of the goods is impacting our ability to do business and to stay in business,” Gasic said.

    The coffeehouse had bought a stockpile of beans while they could, but with the supply running out, they said they had no other choice but to raise their wholesale and retail prices. 

    “We talked about it and talked about it, and then finally we said we can’t do this anymore,” she said.

    Bipartisan U.S. House Representatives introduced the “No Coffee Tax Act” to remove tariffs on coffee imported from countries the U.S. has normal trade relations with. 

    Gasic said that if that became law, they would roll back their recent increases. 

    “So, our customers would pay less than they’re paying, we would pay less, hopefully, when we bought the green coffee, and then that would help all of us,” she said.

    Gasic is hoping those changes get brewed up.

    President Donald Trump has said that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency. The White House has said the president imposed tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy and to protect American workers.

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  • Dunedin coin dealer nearly out of gold amid record demand

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

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Gold prices have continued to increase significantly

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

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

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


    BGatorCoins has been extremely busy for the last couple weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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