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Tag: VOD

  • 75-year-old Clearwater physical therapy tech has no plans to retire

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — With physical therapy you get out what you put in. Sonny Harriel, 75, doesn’t just tell his patients that, the physical therapy tech lives it in his career.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sonny Harriel has worked at BayCare’s Morton Plant Hospital for 51 years. He is a physical therapy tech

    • The average that Americans have worked at their current job is four years. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics that is the lowest tenure average in more than 20 years

    • Harriel says he has no plans to retire anytime soon

    • To see more Black History Month stories, click here


    He has put in a significant amount of time during that career.

    “I felt so good. I wouldn’t have thought that I would be in the hospital, or anywhere working for 50 years. But once I got 20 and 30, I said, that is it. I am not going anywhere,” said Sonny.

    51 years now at BayCare’s Morton Plant Hospital, and it’s a place that has shaped his life in many ways.

    Sonny Harriel has his own parking space at BayCare Morton Plant Hospital dedicated to his over 50 of service. (Spectrum News/Erin Murray)

    Sonny even found love at the hospital.

    “I said no for a couple of weeks, I kept saying, no, no, no. Then finally he kept being so insistent,” said Janice Harriel.

    “It was it was 4:20, right outside the door at 4:20 we started talking,” said Sonny, who remembers the place and time he first talked to his now wife.

    The pair married in 1991. Like Sonny, Janice has worked at the hospital a long, long time. 

    “This year is 45 years for me. From a child, to now 62 years old. This is my only place I have worked,” she said. 

    Janice smiles when she reminds everyone, she was born in this hospital, on the day former President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. 

    For many African Americans, career longevity at one place of employment has proved more difficult. It is well documented that workforce challenges and discrimination have been a big part of history for Black Americans. 

    For Sonny and Janice, that was not the case. They both say it was the acceptance from their first day working at Morton Plant that played a role in both staying so long. 

    “Patients come up to us, they will come up to Sonny, and they will say you worked with me in therapy, and they will say, I remember you, you prayed for me,” said Janice. “And it’s such a good feeling, giving back to our patients in our community to let them know we love what we do here at Morton Plant hospital.”

    Combined these lovebirds have worked 96 years for Morton Plant Hospital. 

    They don’t plan to retire soon either. 

    “People ask me, when do you retire? I told them they shredded my paper, so I don’t have retirement paper. That’s a trick I play on people, because I like having fun and I just enjoy working here and I don’t know anyone leave, right? No plans,” said Sonny. “As long as I can walk, I’m coming to work.”

    Sonny is actually not the longest tenured employee at Morton Plant. A clinical nurse that started in 1973 has two years more on Sonny. 

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    Erin Murray

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  • Ongoing water crisis in Yanceyville impacts Caswell County school calendar

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    YANCEYVILLE, N.C. — Caswell County Schools leaders are hopeful they can get back to a normal schedule next week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Caswell County Schools is preparing for children to return to in-person classes after canceling classes Friday and operating remotely Wednesday and Thursday due to their ongoing water crisis

    • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction allows for five remote learning days, and Caswell County Schools used their other three during the winter storm 

    • Administrators in the district say water is back at all schools but with usage restrictions and quality concerns remain they are making plans to adjust their school calenders



    The district used its last two remote learning days Wednesday and Thursday after Yanceyville issued a Water Supply Emergency Declaration.

    Interim Superintendent Lance Stokes said water is back at all schools in the county, but usage restrictions and quality concerns forced the district to hold off on allowing students to return to classes Friday.

    “The information that we received from our Emergency Management System is that the systems need to flush and clear the line so we are looking to have clear water when we get those reports back,” Stokes said. 

    Caswell County Schools use the second-most amount of water in the county.

    “Some parents were questioning why not just send them to school with a bottle of water, but you have to understand there is a water shortage. Most of our systems operate off of boilers for the heat and the HVAC,” Stokes said.

    The state gives all school districts five days in the calendar year to operate remotely for unforeseen times like these.

    Stokes said Caswell County used two this week and the others during the winter storms.

    “We utilized three of our remote learning days during the inclement weather. It is very crippling when you have two systems coming back-to-back,” Stokes said. 

    Now that all the remote days are gone, Stokes said he will need to speak with the school board about ways to adjust their calendar.

    “We would have to either amend the school day or the calendar or the very unpopular one — we would have school during spring break. That isn’t an option that we’ve had to explore yet, but it could be a possibility looking to take some instructional days and put them into spring break if we have any more inclement weather,” Stokes said. 

    He said they are adhering to local guidelines, providing water and working with agencies across the county to make sure students return to safe schools.

    “When you have these types of crises, particularly in a rural area, you have to pull through it. We’re not one of the larger districts with more resources, so all of our agencies have to pull together and support our community,” Stokes said.

    Stokes said their goal is for students to return to class Monday.

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

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Police in N.C. investigate two cases of suspected political violence

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    MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Two police departments in North Carolina are investigating two separate incidents with political ties, as early voting for the primary elections is underway. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Huntersville police are investigating gunshots fired at the house of Mecklenburg County Commissioner candidate Aaron Marin

    • No one was injured, but damage is visible on Marin’s vehicle, tree and basketball hoop

    • Aberdeen police are also investigating the explosion of a handmade flash-bang-style device near an early voting site

    • Police science expert Michael Bitzer said political violence cases stem from the political divide and partisan polarization


    One of them happened outside of the house of Mecklenburg County Commissioner for District 1 candidate Aaron Marin in Huntersville on Monday night. 

    Huntersville police said they received multiple calls reporting gunshots on Greenfarm Road, and upon arriving to the scene, officers found spent casings on the road and several vehicles with gunfire damage in the driveway. 

    Gunfire damage was also visible Friday on a basketball hoop and a tree.

    Marin, his wife and their two children were inside the home when the shooting happened and no one was injured.

    “Our family has gone through a lot of trauma. We don’t feel safe in Huntersville anymore. We cannot spend time in our driveway any more. Our kids cannot play any more here,” Marin said. 

    The Republican candidate is running unopposed in the primary, and safety is one of his top campaign priorities.

    “In the last week, we have seen, and feel in our own flesh, the real need Huntersville is having,” Marin said. 

    Detectives say the incident was targeted, noting that Marin is a candidate in a local political race.

    “The FBI is now involved in this case and we’re letting them do their job so we can understand clearly where this is coming from,” Marin said. 

    In Moore County on Wednesday afternoon, Aberdeen police responded to a call near an early voting site. Witnesses told police they heard a loud noise and saw a small explosion. 

    Police said they found a handmade flash-bang-style device near the voting site and called the situation an isolated incident. According to 30 witnesses, someone threw the device from a moving vehicle, police said. 

    No one was injured and no property damage was reported, but a political science expert called these incidents concerning. 

    “These are things that in addition to what we saw here in Mecklenburg is concerning and should be denounced in the strongest terms possible,” Catawba College professor of politics and history Michael Bitzer said. 

    Bitzer said political violence may come from the intense political divide and partisan polarization. 

    “This us-vs.-them mentality is very much prominent in American politics and I think here in North Carolina as well, but we have to remember, we’re talking about fellow human beings,” Bitzer said. 

    He said North Carolina is more susceptible to political violence due to competitive elections. 

    “Most Americans strongly condemn the use of violence. We would we prefer the use of ballots over bullets,” Bitzer said. 

    Marin said he’s not deterred from the incident outside his home and his campaign will continue. 

    Huntersville police and the FBI are collecting and analyzing evidence and say they will follow any leads in the case. 

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Huntersville police Detective G. Aaron at 704-464-5517 or garon@huntersville.org or to contact North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous. 

    The Aberdeen police are continuing to investigate the blast and plan to submit evidence for testing to the State Crimel Lab. 

    Authorities urge anyone with information in the Aberdeen explosion to contact Capt. Blackburn at 910-944-4566, send a message through Facebook messenger or leave anonymous tips at 910-944-4561

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

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    Estephany Escobar

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  • Filing taxes? ‘No tax on tips’ provision could affect thousands locally

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — This year when filing taxes, those who receive tips could get more money back in their pocket.

    A study from Yale University says about 2.5% of workers are tipped, but in a vacation destination like Pinellas County, the proportion of workers who make the bulk of their income off tips is likely higher.

    Bay area tax professional Michael Price with Ralph, Price, McAuliffe & Associates, P.A, said he expects those tipped employees who work more than a shift or two a week could see some significant tax savings this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • ‘No tax on tips’ is  an above the line deduction up to $25,000

    • Hospitality, food service likely qualify

    • Applies through tax year 2028

    • Tips must be voluntarily given, properly reported


    “When you start talking about an extra $7,000 – $8,000 potentially of tax savings for people by not having tax on tips, I think it could add up quite significantly if you’re under the appropriate income thresholds,” he said.

    The ‘no tax on tips’ provision that is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill act is a tax deduction, not an exemption. It’s an above the line deduction of up to $25,000 for tips that were properly reported and given voluntarily.

    Price said all the information a tipped worker needs will be on their tax documents.

    “It’s going to be separately reported on their W-2,” he said. “So when they get their W-2 ,they’ll see the extra boxes where they’ll have a code for their qualified tips that they can put into whatever they use to do their tax preparation.”

    Jobs that qualify are those that customarily receive tips, like in the hospitality industry. Jobs like tutoring or fishing charters that received Venmo payments as a ‘thank you’ would not qualify.

    The deduction also doesn’t apply to automatic service charges, or mandatory gratuity.

    The ‘no tax on tips’ provision won’t benefit all tipped workers. Some part-time servers would earn too little to owe federal income tax on their earnings in the first place.

    Staff members at The Frog Pond in downtown St. Pete said they’re filing their taxes and hope they benefit. Owner Raymond Bourque says he hope his staff can get more money back this year given this new provision, and knows his customers prefer their tips going straight to their server.

    “If somebody leaves a $10 tip on a $20-$25 dollar ticket… they want to know that $10 will stay with them and not $7 in their pocket and $3 to the federal government,” Borque said.

    These tax provisions will remain through the 2028 tax season.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Paloma House, a women-centered community, opens in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For a long time, Paloma House owner and founder Sophie Moenter had a goal: create a space where motherhood, wellness, work and connection could co-exist. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Paloma House is a women-centered community in St. Petersburg

    • The idea is for women to have a place to bond over motherhood, wellness and work

    • Sophie Moenter opened the business with her best friend, Melissa Darr, in January 2026

    • While women can participate in day-to-day events and classes, there is a monthly membership for wanting more access


    “This is the non-judgmental zone as well. Your kid has a meltdown. That’s OK. We’re used to it,” said Moenter.

    Moenter and her best friend, Melissa Darr, started small with this dream. 

    “We originally started this concept out of my photography studio, which was 500 square feet,” said Moenter. “And we very quickly realized how much moms and women need community. And it blew up pretty much overnight.”

    It grew into a space in St. Petersburg they named the Paloma House. 

    “We are listening and we are looking for feedback. We’re hoping that this checks boxes for the women in the community. You don’t have to be a mom. You just have to be a woman. You know, someone who’s looking for support,” said Darr, co-founder of Paloma House.

    Inside the large black and white building, there are health and wellness rooms, cozy social meet-up spots, even quiet areas to work. All of this, with the understanding that children are welcome. There is even a play-care area where children can be watched if a mother needs to have time to work in a room nearby. 

    Play-care area at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

    Health and wellness room at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

    “Community. That is mainly why I joined. I literally became a member yesterday,” said new member Nicole Waters.

    “It felt very divine because we’ve just moved down to St. Pete from Boston this past fall, and I was always hoping that by the time I became a mom, something like this would exist,” said Emma Compagna, member. 

    Kids are everywhere, and the chaos that comes with children is embraced. Even Moenter’s son is there in the building. 

    “He’s been the inspiration behind everything here,” said Moenter, smiling at her son, Remy. “I feel very, very lucky that I get to bring him everywhere I go with me, and I wanted other moms to feel, you know, that ability as well.”

    “I have a two-year-old, and this type of environment was not around for me,” said Darr. “And when I kind of started learning more about our vision, it was a no-brainer.”

    But this space is not just for moms or moms to be — it is a place for working women, too.

    “So, as an entrepreneur, this space has been great because there’s a lot of other entrepreneurs here as well. So a lot of like-minded women. It is very community-oriented,” said Compagna.

    Working area at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

    For Moenter and Darr, it is a space for women to pause, breathe and grow in life in a calmer way. 

    “It kind of reminded me who I am again, because I have somewhere to flex my personality. And it’s not just small talk,” said Compagna. 

    Paloma House does have different memberships for those interested. 

    On Sunday, February 22, there is a grand opening celebration. It is happening at the Paloma House at 10787 Oak St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33716 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

    Moenter said it is free for families to attend, including dads.

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    Erin Murray

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  • N.C. toy store owner says impact of Supreme Court tariff decision is unclear

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal.

    A toy store owner in Charlotte says after the past year’s tariffs, “you kind of become numb to it.”

    “You have to run your business,” Dan Weiss, owner of Harper and Skyler’s Toys and Sweets, said. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal

    • It’s unclear what the ruling means for local businesses that had to deal with the tariffs 

    • The owner of Harper and Skyler’s Toys and Sweets in Charlotte sells a variety of items other than toys in order to keep his business afloat 

    • Regardless of the ruling, owner Dan Weiss says he’s keeping a level head about the future 


    Weiss says it’s unclear what this ruling could mean for his business or the industry in general. Over the last year, he absorbed most of the extra costs due to tariffs.

    “Some prices I kept the same. I again, 20% of the stuff in the store might have went up in price, but for the most part, we ate a lot of it. We kept our pricing the same and we tried to not burden the customer,” he said.

    The justices ruled that the president does not have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but other Trump duties, including on goods such as aluminum and lumber through the Trade Expansion Act, were not part of the case considered by the Supreme Court and still remain.

    Trump responded to the Supreme Court ruling in a press conference Friday afternoon, saying, “Their decision’s incorrect, but it doesn’t matter because we have very powerful alternatives that have been approved by this decision. You know they’ve been approved by the decision, for those that thought they had us.”

    Weiss has dealt with surcharges from companies and discontinuation of some items because of tariffs, but in the short term, he said, “You’re not going to get money back. I’m not going to see money back.”

    “And if it happens, it’s going to be years down the road,” Weiss said. “Today and tomorrow mean nothing.”

    That’s why he’s focused on the day to day of his business.

    “I have to run my business the way I run it. I have to order the way I order. I have to get products. The way I get products, whether they’re 10% more, 20% more, or I’m getting a check back next week, it doesn’t affect what I do day to day,” he said. 

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

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    Melody Greene

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  • Caregivers receive night of relaxation through sound healing

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Caregiving is a demanding job. In fact, according to an AARP report, more than 60% of caregivers say that responsibility increases their level of stress and worry.

    A North Carolina woman is volunteering her time and expertise to give a group of caregivers a night of peace and relaxation using sound.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 60% of caregivers say caregiving increases their level of stress and worry, according to an AARP report

    • Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses sound bowls and instruments to help provide sound healing

    • One caregiver said she could “feel the colors” during the sound bath and meditation

    • The Gladys Love Project helps coordinate nights of relaxation and provides regular events for caregivers


    Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses various instruments like wind chimes, an ocean drum and crystal sound bowls to provide what she calls sound healing.

    “All of the bowls are tuned to different frequencies, which actually work in harmony with different parts of the body,” Washington said.

    Those receiving this kind of healing sit in chairs or lay on the ground for what may be the only hour of peace they have all day. They’re all caregivers, and Washington says this sound bath and meditation allows them to focus on their own needs for a moment.

    “With so many people relying on them, it’s just really important that we offer some space focused on their wellness as they are focusing on making sure that other people are well and have what they need,” Washington said.

    Dayna Wade takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease and says the sessions have worked for her.

    “I actually felt the colors when she was playing the instruments,” she said. “And I felt peaceful. I felt present in my body, and it was just a beautiful experience.”

    Kym Motley of the nonprofit, the Gladys Love Project, helped coordinate this night of relaxation. She says the community you can gain from events like this is also key.

    “I would say that community is so important, and that will counter the effects of senior isolation, which does lead to early death and caregiver burden, the enormous amount of stress that caregivers are under,” Motley said.

    Washington does this for a living but offers it up to groups like this from time to time because she believes everyone should have access to the benefits.

    “This allows us to create an environment where hopefully those caregivers have an overflow that they can now pour from instead of pouring from an empty cup,” Washington said.

    The Gladys Love Project offers regular events like this for caregivers.

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

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    Britni McDonald

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  • Council hears recommendations from advanced air mobility task force

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — They’re being called a potentially transformative change to transportation in Tampa Bay.

    While it’s uncertain when advanced air mobility aircraft (AAM) will start carrying passengers in the region, St. Petersburg is one of the municipalities getting ready for them. 

    “You want to be ready for the latest technology. You want to be prepared. You don’t want to be reactive when something kind of comes on the horizon,” said Ed Montanari, chair of St. Petersburg’s Advanced Air Mobility Task Force.

    During an interview at Albert Whitted Airport, Montanari pointed out a model of the first commercial airliner. A sign on the display says it took off from downtown more than 110 years ago.

    “A lot of people don’t know this, but the airline business started right here in St. Petersburg in 1914, and this is the newest airborne transportation system that’s coming along,” said Montanari.

    A report from the task force describes AAM as “an emerging sector of the aviation industry that enables the quick and efficient transport of passengers or cargo over short distances.”

    While the report says this encompasses different kinds of aircraft, the most common kind being developed is the electric vertical take off and landing aircraft, or eVTOL.

    Montanari said they haven’t been approved by the FAA yet, but that could happen later this year or early next. Thursday, he told city council what can be done to prepare.

    “I think it’s going to be transformative to transportation throughout the region, and the state, and around the world,” he told Spectrum News.

    Improvements to Albert Whitted Airport were among the recommendations. They included creating AAM parking spots and installing electrical charging stations and fire safety systems in the next three years. It says one or more vertiports — or takeoff and landing sites — should be built in the next decade.

    “I see the first place these aircraft are going to operate out of would be right here at the airport,” said Montanari. 

    He also said there’s a potential for standalone vertiports in different areas of the city, like downtown. He compared those sites to helipads on the tops of tall buildings in New York City. Montanari said AAMs would first operate out of the airport.

    Council Member Brandi Gabbard said a critical part of getting the introduction of AAMs right will be cooperation beyond St. Pete.

    “I think we can look at our transit today and note that if there had been regional collaboration decades ago, we would be in a much different place,” Gabbard said during the meeting.

    The task force’s report does recommend working with regional planners to develop flight corridors to link Whitted with Tampa International Airport and other facilities. 

    “We also want to capture the jobs that might come with these new vehicles, the education, the training, and then the manufacturing,” said Montanari. “We’re going for it all right here. We really wanted to plant the flag of — this is the home of commercial aviation, we want to keep it the home of commercial aviation.” 

    Montanari said next, a study is needed to determine where at Whitted the infrastructure and landing spots should be.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • New $59M state appeal courthouse opens in St. Petersburg

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new $59 million Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday, along with a tour for community leaders.

    What You Need To Know

    • A ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Bernie McCabe Second District Court of Appeal courthouse in downtown St. Petersburg will be held on Saturday

    • The three-story courthouse along Mirror Lake in downtown St. Petersburg cost $59 million

    • It serves six counties: Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto

    • The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years, before his death in 2021


    “This is a way for us to recognize all of the partners who have helped us along the way to make this happen,” said Chief Judge Matt Lucas. “A way for us to formally announce to everyone, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re open for business, we’re part of this community and we’re excited to get to work.’”

    Lucas said staff began moving into the courthouse in December, with the first oral arguments held last month. Construction at the site, located at 525 Mirror Lake Drive North, began in 2023. The appeal courthouse opened on budget and on time, according to Lucas.

    The 59,000 square-foot building features a single courtroom, suites for 15 judges and workspace for 96 staff members. Lucas said the community room, which the court provides as a meeting space for local bar associations, has become very popular.

    “I will tell you, my phone has been ringing off the hook,” he said. “I had no idea there was so much pent up demand in St Petersburg, but we’re thrilled it’s getting used.” 

    The courtroom is the crown jewel of the three-story building featuring the latest technology and sound absorbing acoustic panels on the walls. Attorney Kevin Hayslett said it’s the envy of most judges in the state.

    “It is pristine. It’s the talk of every appellate judge in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the best courtroom in the state right here in St. Pete.”

    Chief Judge Matt Lucas in the new courtroom. (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas)

    A panel of three appellate court judges serve the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco counties), the 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County) and the 12th Circuit (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). Lucas said the state chose to build the courthouse in St. Petersburg because of its centralized location.

    “Being right in the center downtown, it’s fitting. It makes sense,” he said. “It’s a place where everyone, when they walk by, whether they have business here or not, they know, yeah, the second DCA is doing the work that they’re supposed to be doing for the people in our district.”

    Before moving into the new courthouse, the judges and staff were working out of the Stetson Law Center in Tampa and a leased building in Lakeland. In 2016, the second DCA had to abandon its courthouse in Lakeland due to structural and air-quality issues.

    Lucas said while everything in the courtroom is brand new, they did bring a few pieces of the past to honor traditions.

    “These oak tables are the original council tables from the Lakeland courthouse,” he said. “We have the original gavel up on the bench there.”

    The courthouse is named after Bernie McCabe, who was the State Attorney for Pinellas and Pasco Counties for nearly 30 years. He died on Jan. 1, 2021, at the age of 73. Hayslett worked as a prosecutor under McCabe. He said naming the courthouse after McCabe honors his legacy of public service.

    “When you think about Bernie McCabe, you think of a person that he believed in law and order,” Lucas said. “He believed in the right of law and people to appeal their sentences even when it didn’t go their way. That’s Bernie McCabe.” 

    Lucas said a modern courthouse must have two important functions to fulfill, security and technology.

    “Keeping up with technology and leaving room for new technology,” he said. “This building has numerous security features and layered security features.”  

    Having an office overlooking Mirror Lake makes it really easy to work at the courthouse, Lucas said, and he’s not looking to leave anytime soon.

    “We are here to stay,” he said. “I have every intention of being here for as long as the people of Florida will have me.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Bradenton River Regatta back with more high-speed racing

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — The biggest event of the year for the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto kicks off Friday evening with a high-energy start before a weekend packed with world-class racing, family-friendly events and an expected crowd topping 100,000. 

    The 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta begins with “Friday Night Flash” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, entertainment and a drone show that will light up the sky over the Manatee River.

    What You Need To Know

    • Bradenton Area Regatta to feature Formula 1 and tri-hull boats this year

    • Race gets underway at 10 a.m. Saturday 

    • The Green Bridge will be closed to traffic Saturday that spans the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto  

    • Friday Night Flash kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. with live music and food vendors, followed by a drone show over the Manatee River 


    But this year’s regatta is being described as a turning point for the event — thanks to major additions on the water.

    For the first time, Formula 1 powerboats will headline the races, replacing Formula 2 boats. The difference is speed.

    Formula 1 boats can top 150 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in under five seconds. At peak speed, the boats skim so lightly across the surface that they are barely touching the water.

    Another new category will feature tri-hull boats, capable of reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

    Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown says with new racing categories, the more than decade-old regatta feels like year one all over again.

    “This is kind of year one. Because when you think about it, going into the 11th year, with bringing in the new boats and really having 40 boats, that is going to change the dynamics of what is happening,” said Brown. “But without the sponsorships, without all the city staff, with everybody over the 11 years, we wouldn’t be anywhere where we are.”

    The regatta will also host the first-ever Florida Formula 1 Championships.

    While high-speed racing is the main attraction, the weekend will see several community events on and off the water, including the LECOM 5k Run and the DeSoto Little Anglers Fishing Tournament. 

    Brown says the event has grown significantly over the past decade and helped define the area.

    The races begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. The best viewing location is the Green Bridge, which spans the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto.

    However, the bridge will be closed all day Saturday during the races.

    Organizers say there will be plenty of parking available on both sides of the river.

    With a drone show Friday night, faster boats on the water and tens of thousands expected to attend, this year’s regatta is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Salisbury officals, firefighters respond to staffing worries

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    SALISBURY, N.C. — A Salisbury firefighter said staffing shortages are straining crews and contributing to increased overtime for workers, while city leaders said they take staffing concerns seriously and remain committed to maintaining reliable emergency response for residents. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  A North Carolina fire department union is voicing major concerns about staffing 

    •  A worker said crews are facing burnout due to repeated overtime shifts 

    •  The union is asking to meet with city leaders one-on-one to address solutions for the staffing concerns 


    Ethan Chirico is a Salisbury firefighter and union board member with the Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Local 2370.

    Chirico has been working for the Salisbury Fire Department for eight years, and said staffing has been a growing issue during his time with the department.

    He said the city’s growth has increased demand for emergency response, including medical calls and fires, requiring crews to staff stations and be ready to respond around the clock.

    “Since COVID, we have been pushing over 6,000 calls. Last year, we ran nearly 10,000,” Chirico said. 

    “We have to respond to every emergency that comes out, and that’s fire departments everywhere,” Chirico said. “Except, Salisbury is growing rapidly. The number of people, that increases our number of medical calls, increases our numbers for fire.” 

    He believes challenges worsened as demand for services increased, further stating the environment can make it difficult to retain newer firefighters as call volume and workload continue to rise. 

    “If you’re starting to feel like this job is dragging on you in the first five years, that’s a major problem,” Chirico said. “People get burned out way sooner than they need to.”

    Chirico said the department wrote a letter to city council leaders in 2021, expressing impending staffing challenges. 

    “We knew the writing was on the wall,” Chirico said. 

    Chirico’s concerns were amplified on Feb. 13, when he said the department’s Ladder 3 was temporarily taken out of staffing service because of a shortage of firefighters available to safely staff the apparatus. 

    “It went back in service that evening because someone responded from home,” Chirico said. “That is asking somebody to leave their family on their off day.” 

    Chirico said there are five stations in the city with seven frontline trucks. He said to safely operate the apparatus, they need 22 firefighters, one being a battalion chief, ready for call response. 

    When staffing numbers aren’t being met, Chirico said they must go through a process to fill in the gaps. 

    This includes the battalion chief asking for hirebacks, which is an employee working an additional 24-hour shift voluntarily. One of the last options Chirico said, is requiring mandatory shifts to keep citizens safe. 

    “The city has to follow through with that support. They’re asking enormous amounts from us,” Chirico said. “Not a single shift right now because of injuries and vacancies can staff a full 22 firefighters.”

    In a written statement to Spectrum News 1, City of Salisbury Community Engagement Director Anne Little said temporary removal of an apparatus from service is “a common and necessary practice in fire operations when staffing levels require adjustment,” and said the decision was made to protect firefighter safety and ensure appropriate staffing on active equipment. 

    Little said personnel were reallocated, mutual aid agreements were in place, and other apparatus remained available for response. Little further stated that operational decisions are made routinely across fire departments nationwide and are part of responsible resource management. 

    Chirico said when an apparatus is taken out of service routinely in fire departments, it is typically for training, maintenance, or scheduled operational needs, not staffing.

    “Unstaffed, there’s no people,” Chirico said. 

    The city said discussions about staffing and resources should be grounded in complete and accurate information. Their statement further said the narrative being presented does not reflect the full context of the situation and “risks creating unnecessary concern among residents.”

    Little said the city remains committed to supporting firefighters, responsibly managing staffing challenges, and maintaining reliable emergency response for residents.

    Little also said that at no time was the community left without emergency coverage and that the city remains committed to responsibly managing staffing challenges while maintaining reliable emergency response for residents. 

    The firefighters’ union said the truck has been unstaffed multiple shifts since December, citing department records.

    The union also said mutual aid is meant to supplement, not replace, a fully staffed department. 

    Chirico said that when an apparatus is out of service, response coverage dependent on mutual aid can delay operations at incidents.

    “If one’s out of service, we’re waiting on a response from a mutual aid service,” Chirico said. “That is going to delay the overall safety of the fire ground.” 

    Concerns about staffing and retention are being raised in other parts of North Carolina, according to statements from municipalities and firefighter organizations. 

    The International Association of Fire Fighters, a labor union representing professional firefighters and emergency medical and rescue workers across the United States and Canada, has said staffing levels are a key factor in fireground safety and response effectiveness. 

    The union advocates for standards and policies aimed at improving recruitment and retention. 

    Scott Mullins, president of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina, which is affiliated with the IAFF, said he is concerned about Salisbury’s staffing situation and its impact on recruitment and retention. 

    “Salisbury has a lot of structure fires,” Mullins said. “Unfortunately, the way they’ve handled staffing, and the firefighters’ pay is a big reason why firefighters are leaving.” 

    Mullins said staffing levels at fire scenes directly affect emergency operations and outcomes. 

    “The science continues to share with people what is most important is staffing and how many firefighters are placed on scene to mitigate an incident,” Mullins said. “The National Institute of Standards and Technology says that four-person crews are most effective at mitigating hazardous incidents.”

    Chirico said Salisbury currently staffs a minimum of three firefighters per truck and said the department is operating below what he believes is needed to meet growing demands. 

    “National standard is four firefighters per truck so already we’re behind,” Chirico said. “We are floating between 60 and 70 ready to work firefighters, and we need closer to 90 ready to work firefighters. That would put 28 firefighters on the shift plus a battalion.”

    Salisbury Mayor Tamara Sheffield addressed staffing during a recent city council meeting, saying the city takes public safety seriously and has secured a federal SAFER grant to fund the hiring of six firefighters who are currently in rookie school. 

    “The city takes public safety and fire safety very seriously,” Sheffield said during the meeting. “I support them all and I think my track record proves that this city is an awesome place to serve. Our citizens are awesome.”

    Sheffield also said the city remains focused on strengthening staffing levels while continuing to support firefighters and maintain emergency services for residents.

    Although the addition of six workers is a step in the right direction, Chirico said the department is still short of staffing levels he believes are needed to support operations. 

    “We do not keep people long enough to retire them,” Chirico said. 

    Firefighters said pay plays a significant role in recruitment and retention efforts for stations. 

    Reports from IAFF state compensation and staffing levels are closely tied to recruitment and retention challenges in departments across the country and have highlighted cases where low wages contributed to vacancies. 

    Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2024, the median annual wage for firefighters was $59,530. 

    Chirico said pay levels can affect retention as costs rise and other departments increase compensation. 

    “For Salisbury, the average firefighter is making low 50s,” Chirico said. “That on its own is not a problem, except that inflation is running away from us and other cities are responding to that [issue].”

    The city tells Spectrum News 1 it has started the fiscal year 2027 budget process, during which the city manager reviews compensation for all city employees.

    Spectrum News 1 asked the City of Salisbury if an-in person meeting is being scheduled with the Salisbury union to further discuss staffing and operations. 

    Little said the city manager meets regularly with employees and is encouraging workers to “meet regularly with their supervisors and department directors.”

    Chirico said the union is inviting and working to secure a meeting with city leaders, focused on long-term staffing solutions and retention improvements. 

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

     

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    Jennifer Roberts

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  • NASA sets March 6 as earliest moon mission opportunity

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    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — NASA’s Artemis II team says that after a successful test launch countdown Thursday night, they can press on with the moon mission no earlier than March 6.

    What You Need To Know

    • If a Flight Readiness Review next week goes well and a launch date is set, the crew will head from Houston to KSC not long after

    • RELATED coverage:

    A key will be the Flight Readiness Review at the end of next week.

    The team conducted a successful wet dress rehearsal on Thursday, a full simulated launch day countdown including fully fueling the Space Launch System rocket at Kennedy Space Center.

    They say the liquid hydrogen seal issues that plagued the first wet dress rehearsal performed well.

    The replacements revealed just a 1% leak rate, far within specifications and not concerning.

    The team says that the rehearsal was a success, as it is continuing to work through the challenges revealed during the first test earlier this month.

    “The hardware was talking to us, so we listened, and the mediation activities we took turned out really well,” said John Honeycutt, Chair, Artemis II Mission Management Team.

    NASA also says it has addressed the ground systems communications issue that it had during the rehearsal.

    It has back-up radios if needed, should the problem come up again.

    The team says after the successful test, the reality of going back to the moon gets stronger.

    “Every night I look at the moon, and I see it, and I get real excited, because I can really feel she’s calling us, and we’re ready,” says Lori Glaze, Acting Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems.

    If the Flight Readiness Review goes well and a launch date is set, the crew will head from Houston to Kennedy Space Center not long after.

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    Greg Pallone

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  • Gulfport Senior Center expansion to be considered by city council

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    GULFPORT, Fla. — An expanded Gulfport Senior Center may soon become a reality. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gulfport Senior Center was built in 1983

    • The center sees three times the amount of traffic in 2026 compared to 2013 

    • Preliminary designs will be shown at the March 3 city council meeting 


    Preliminary concepts for an expansion will be unveiled at the council chambers on March 3. 

    City leaders have been talking about the project since 2014, but there have been multiple delays.

    Senior Center Supervisor Rachel Cataldo started working at the center in 2013. She said they serve at least three times more people compared to when she started.

    “At that time, we were seeing about 200 people a day,” she said. “Now we’re seeing 600 to 800 a day.” 

    There have been challenges that have arisen because of that growth. 

    Cataldo said there are programs they can’t offer at the center because there’s no room.

    “I would say about ten programs that we cannot accommodate here at this space,” she said. “Taichi class that has 80 people in it, we would not be able to support that here at the center.” 

    For 65-year-old Karen Peterson, the senior center is like a second home. She’s been coming for seven years and plays in the center’s harmonica club band. 

    Peterson sees the potential expansion as a chance to make the center even better. 

    She even has a few things on her wish list.

    “Probably expand the rooms for activities, or the weights, or the multi-purpose room,” she said. “I’d love to see Gulfport have a municipal pool.” 

    Cataldo said the council has committed to covering 50% of the cost. However, the total cost is not yet known. 

    She said that it would likely be announced at that meeting.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Rainbow laser lights to illuminate 50 blocks of St. Pete’s Central Avenue

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For three nights, 50 blocks of Central Avenue in St. Pete will be illuminated with a rainbow of laser lights.

    The lights will project off the roof of the Mari Jean Hotel and end at a vacant building in South Pasadena. The lasers will cover a more than 2-mile stretch of Central Avenue.

    Depending on viewpoint, the lights could appear in a rainbow arch or shooting straight into the sky. At other angles, they may appear flatter and more parallel to the ground.

    What You Need To Know

    • Global Rainbow will be in St. Pete from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21

    • The laser art installation is in response to the state’s decision to get rid of street murals

    • Laser lights will be projected from the roof of the Cocktail building to South Pasadena  

    • Show is funded by donations to Winter Pride St. Pete
    • MORE: Winter Pride St. Pete


    “The rainbow is like sacred geometry… it just works together,” said artist Yvette Mattern. “That’s why it’s such a powerful symbol.” 

    Mattern created the Global Rainbow art installation over two decades ago. Equipped with large cases that house custom rainbow lasers, Mattern has traveled the world lighting up landmarks in Berlin, London, Belfast, São Paulo and many American cities.

    Winter Pride reached out to Mattern following the FDOT ruling to get rid of street murals across Florida.

    Local street murals that were painted over last summer following the state decision included the “Back the Blue” mural near the Tampa Police Department, the “Black History Matters” mural by the Woodson Museum in St. Pete, and the large rainbow crosswalk in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.


    When the rainbow crosswalk was painted over, Winter Pride St. Pete organizer Rob Hall said he wanted to do something big. Hall says after coming out as an adult, the rainbow crosswalk pushed him to move to St. Pete.

    “When I saw that, I felt accepted right away,” Hall said, speaking of the former crosswalk. “Now we need to find things and ways to show our community, no matter who you are… visiting, local, where you’re from, that this is a safe space.”

    Hall connected with Mattern and arranged for her Global Rainbow to spend three nights in St. Pete during the annual Winter Pride week. The show is funded by donations to Winter Pride St. Pete. 

    Mattern said the laser art installation can be seen up to 60 miles away, depending on visibility.

    Global Rainbow begins at dusk on Thursday, Feb. 19. It will run from nightfall until 3 a.m. through Saturday night.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Florida Wildlife Corridor Day highlights projects helping Florida’s waterways

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Earlier this week, Florida Wildlife Corridor Day took place at the State Capitol.

    The main event was an exhibit provided by Save Crystal River, highlighting how state-funded projects are helping Florida’s waterways and communities. The group says there are currently three iniatives: continuing the planting of seagrass, opening of spring vents and the placing of exo-forms which would help break waves.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Wildlife Corridor Day took place earlier this week in Tallahassee, with Save Crystal River showcasing an exhibit

    • That exhibit highlighted how state-funded projects are helping Florida’s waterways and communities

    • Conservation efforts to save Florida’s waterways are taking stage in Crystal River, with groups like the Friends of the Crystal River Wildlife National Refuge doing their part

    • Their goal is to ensure the survival of the waterways and those who call it home


    “It’s not a series of problems that are unique just to Crystal River and Citrus County,” said Lisa Moore, President of Save Crystal River. “All up and down the coast there have been places where those exo-forms would be useful to try to protect your shoreline.”

    And those conservation efforts to save Florida’s waterways are taking stage in Crystal River.

    Along the water outside the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Lace Blue-McLean and K.C. Nayfield take in a spectacular view.

    “Our main mission is literally to support the Crystal River refuge complex- Chassahowitzka, Crystal River, and Three Sisters Springs,” said Blue-McLean.

    The two are the president and vice president of the Friends of the Crystal River Wildlife National Refuge. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to protecting these waterways, which are at risk, they say, of pollutants and other threats.

    “We’re loving it to death,” said Blue-McLean. “It’s just the management of finding that balance … of tourists that come and enjoy this wonderful area without destroying it at the same time and overusing it.”

    The group is working to protect the refuge and partnering with Save Crystal River. They’re raising funds for platforms and a manatee rescue ramp at Three Sisters Springs. The goal is to ensure the survival of the waterways and those who call it home.

    “Three Sisters Springs is a key place for releasing manatees back into the wild,” Blue-McLean said. “This ramp needs to be spruced up a little bit. So with that, with the platforms and the fishing pier we just added on that ramp, it’s up to $400,000 and we’re almost there.”

    “Once Three Sisters is done, we have some other ideas with improving access to some of the other parts of the refuge with boardwalks and viewing towers elsewhere,” said Nayfield. “So our work is never going to be done.”

    It’s a tireless effort, Nayfield says. One that goes beyond preserving, as education also plays a key role. That can be seen inside the visitor center. 

    “We need to keep it up. Keep providing the public with access to learn about nature, why we have the nature, of course, and why it’s worth preserving and seeing these beautiful creatures that inhabit the property and realizing they need to be conserved and preserved as well,” Nayfield said.

    So that others may enjoy nature like this.

    “People come to the Nature Coast for all of the natural resources that we have here in Citrus County, which is the largest in the state of Florida by the way,” said Blue-McLean. “We want to continue to protect that because once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

    A view worth protecting for future generations.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pinellas County schools add ‘pay to play’ fee for athletics

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    LARGO, Fla. — Students in Pinellas County Schools will have to pay a fee to play school sports. The school board made the decision at Tuesday’s board workshop, and school officials say it’s to help expand offerings to student athletes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The fee will be $50 per sport, with a max of $200 per family. 

    • The schools athletic director says other school districts have implemented similar fees to keep up with rising athletic costs.

    • Parents say they hope some of the money from the fee is used to support current sports as well, and not just going towards new programs.


    It is $50 per sport, with a max of $200 per family. Parents who talked to Spectrum Bay News 9 say they support school sports, but the price to play keeps rising and they worry some families won’t be able to afford it.

    “I mean, if my daughter wants to play sports, I’m going to find a way, but I think for some families it might be a little bit harder,” said Katrina Piparo.

    Piparo’s daughter, Alyvia, cheers and plays flag football for Hollins High School. She says she loves participating in both sports, but admits, even without the new $50 fee, per sport, it can be pricey.

    “For example, flag football, you have to buy your cleats, you have to buy your gloves. There’s a lot of purchases that need to be made for sports once the kids get started,” she said.

    While she feels it’s money well spent, she worries the added fee to play may be more than some families can afford. But Marc Allison, who is the athletic director for Pinellas County Schools, says there will be help for families who need it. 

    “We know that our athletes, students that get involved and are engaged in school in any way, shape or form, have a greater academic success story.  They have better connections, less behavior challenges, and those kinds of things, and by continuing to offer more and more opportunities, we are able to reach out to kids that might not have had these opportunities other ways,” he said.

    Allison says the district will use the money from the fees to add sport programs to both middle and high schools. He says other school districts have implemented similar fees to keep up with rising athletic costs.

    “As we continue to expand and offer opportunities we know that there’s rising costs already with the cost of officials, the cost of transportation, uniform costs, all those things rise, and we don’t want to sacrifice the excellence that’s already occurring in our schools,” said Allison.

    Donna Munera’s son is 15 and is on the track and swim team at his high school. She says she understands the budget restraints school districts are facing, and, personally knowing what a difference sports can have on your life, she is willing to contribute.  

    “It’s so much more than just playing a game, and I know it needs funding, and I personally am willing to help with that funding, I hope the community is,” she said.

    Parents say they hope some of the money from the fee is used to support current sports as well, and not just going towards new programs. Munera mentioned that her son’s track team can’t afford to pay for a school bus to take them to meets, and it often falls on parents and coaches to make up for things the teams are lacking.

    Pasco and Polk County schools both have participation fees, similar to what Pinellas is implementing. Hillsborough County Schools only has a participation fee for lacrosse, and Citrus County Schools is considering adding a fee — they say they will decided over the summer. 

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Historic Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse demolished

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    ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday after being substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • The historically designated Pass-a-Grille shuffleboard clubhouse was demolished on Thursday

    • The 90-year-old structure was substantially damaged by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 

    • The historic building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920s 

    • The budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and is expected to be a pavilion type structure 


    “We had hoped more than anything it could be saved,” said Bonnie Gustafson, club member. “The city did the research and just decided it was the best choice.”

    The 90-year-old building was originally a beach shelter in Gulfport, before being moved by barge to St. Pete Beach in the late 1920s. A demo crew contracted by the city for $9,000 used a backhoe to tear down the historical building, which had pink exterior walls, two bathrooms, air conditioning, storage space and a cedar plank ceiling.

    “It’s just sad because we just thought it would always be here,” said Carla Kegel, club member. “It’s just been a big part of our life.”

    Pass-a-Grille Shuffleboard Club President John Gustafson managed to take out a few items from the clubhouse before the demolition began.

    “We salvaged this nice window. The plan is to put a number of photos, memorabilia and stuff from the shuffleboard club in here,” he said. “When they build a new structure, we’ll be able to have some memorabilia in the new building.”

    Last May, city leaders said the historical clubhouse was part of the character of Pass-a-Grille and considered restoring it before learning it would cost $192,000 and exceed the budget. The city then explored moving a 100-year-old Pass-a-Grille home to the site to serve as the new clubhouse.

    Those plans were scrapped in December because it too was going to cost too much money at an estimated $475,000, even though the house was going to be given away for free.

    City Commissioner Jon Maldonado, who represents Pass-a-Grille, said that demolition was the only fiscally responsible thing to do with the damaged historic structure.

    “It’s bittersweet. We know that we needed to do it. It wasn’t something that we wanted to do,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it was what was necessary. So it’s an emotional day for the community.” 

    Public Services Director Camden Mills said feedback from community meetings showed club members wanted the new clubhouse to be a shade structure with storage for shuffleboard equipment and restrooms. It’ll be similar to a pavilion type structure.

    Rendering of the new clubhouse

    “The commission is excited to hear what that’s going to look like,” said Maldonado. “We have not voted on it.”

    Mills said the budget for the new shuffleboard clubhouse is $166,000 and the city will be advertising a request for bid. The public services director expects to present it to city commissioners for approval in about 6 months.

    “I’m just happy that the city realizes the significance and the importance of having a shelter,” said Bonnie Gustafson. “It breaks our heart that it’s not keeping the original.”

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    Josh Rojas

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  • After a year of work to clear Helene’s destruction, Lake Lure filling back up

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    LAKE LURE, N.C. — After working for a year to clear mountains of debris and sediment dumped in Lake Lure by Helene, the Army Corps of Engineers crews have packed up, and the lake is slowly starting to fill back up.

    Flooding from Helene sent tons of debris down the Broad River and into the mountain reservoir southeast of Asheville. 

    “I just think people are finally starting to breathe a sigh of relief,” Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett said.

    What You Need To Know

    •  When Helene hit western North Carolina, Lake Lure was filled with debris and sediment that rushed down the Broad River

    •  After a year of help from the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has now been cleared of debris and sediment

    •  The Town of Lake Lure has now finally started to refill the lake

    •  They hope to have the lake filled to its normal level by May



    Pritchett said when Helene first hit, the once peaceful lake was unrecognizable with so much debris. It took the Army Corps of Engineers a year to clean it all from the lake. 

    Now, the town has moved on to the next phase, refilling the popular lake. 

    “If you look at the lake, the water’s not all the way up,” Pritchett said. “But the lake is ready to receive the water. We don’t have a marina, but we can see them building it out there. So everything is just moved to a whole different category.”

    Pritchett said the lake is much more than just a pretty view, especially for business owners. 

    “This is critical for us. It truly is critical,” she said. “That is the whole basis of our economy here. So, you know, as I said, I don’t think a lot of people could have made it just hanging on there again.”

    With the lake set to reopen hopefully by May, Pritchett said everyone in town is feeling the excitement.

    “Everybody was so patient, and they had so much resilience,” the mayor said. “To finally know we are going to be able to make it so it puts everybody in a different place, and people are just more relaxed.”

    As for Pritchett, she said she can’t wait for the lake to be full with water, and people enjoying it, once again.

    “Just to be able to look out and see the serenity of it. And you’re away from the hustle and bustle and everything else. It’s just a wonderful place to be.”

    The mayor said that while they have been able to get some things fixed in the town since the storm, the Town of Lake Lure is still a far way away from full recovery. 

    Still, they are hoping to have rowing teams back on the lake at the beginning of march for practice. Their goal is to have the full lake open to the public by Memorial Day Weekend.

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    Courtney Davis

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  • St. Pete Mayor Welch delivers State of the City

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch delivered his State of the City address on Wednesday.

    He took a look back at storm recovery, affordable housing challenges and the ongoing issues with trying to redevelop Tropicana Field.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mayor Ken Welch delivered St. Pete’s State of the City Address Wednesday
    • Welch said the community continues to rebuild from 2024’s storms and that 2025 was a year of recovery
    • In 2026, Welch said residents can look forward to more major projects including sewer upgrades, redevelopment of the Manhattan Casino and Municipal Marina

    Welch said the community continues to recovery from the blow of 2024’s hurricanes.

    “2025 was a year of recovery,” he said. “How we recover defines who we are.”

    Welch said continued investments in smart infrastructure will aid the community. He highlighted a $600-million infrastructure stormwater and coastal protection project, along with engaging with residents in flood-prone neighborhoods.


    This is also an election year, and Welch has already announced he’s running for a second term.

    Affordable housing also remains an issue, Welch said, adding he planned on continuing a variety of affordable housing programs.

    Meanwhile, safe and healthy neighbors are key to the city, Welch said. The mayor said the city saw 10 homicides in 2025, the lowest since 1967.

    Also, the mayor stressed the importance of investments in walking, biking and traffic calming projects.

    In 2026, Welch said residents can look forward to more major projects including sewer upgrades, redevelopment of the Manhattan Casino and Municipal Marina. He said investments also would continue into education and investments in non-profits and youth programs. 

    And yes, Welch touched on continued talks about the Historic Gas Plant District. 

    “We have planned extensively,” he said about the ongoing discussions about what to do with the 86-acre Tropicana Field site. “Community conversations have focused on the Gas Plant District.

    “I recognize and respect the city council’s part in this proposal. Our team is working to identify next steps.”

    “In the year ahead, we will continue to do the work that matters most: Creating opportunity, protecting neighborhoods and strengthening infrastructure.” 

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    Josh Rojas

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  • NCDOT focuses on putting EV charging stations in rural areas

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    Charlotte, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation is shifting gears when it comes to electric vehicles.

    What You Need To Know

    • NCDOT plans to prioritize installing electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas
    • The department will focus on 16 locations, such as along I-26 in western North Carolina and U.S. 74 in Anson County
    • North Carolina received $109 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration to build out a fast-charging network across the state


    The department announced plans to scale back the number of EV charging stations it had initially committed to build along interstates and highways.

    Instead, it’ll put more of the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds toward infrastructure in communities, rural areas and highways “where less coverage exists.”

    Tatiana Pisarski and her husband are among 140,000 North Carolina drivers who’ve pulled the plug on gas-powered travel, according to NCDOT registration data from Oct. 2025.

    “It was something new and different,” Pisarski said. “We wanted to try it out and haven’t looked back since then.”

    Pisarski believes more charging stations are needed to help meet demand.

    “We’ve noticed most of [the chargers] are stationed around highways, major intersections,” Pisarski said. “And I think for those that live outside the big cities, it would be good for them to have access to charging stations as well.”

    North Carolina received $109 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration to build out a fast-charging network across the state.

    NCDOT originally planned to build 50 stations along major highways in so-called “Alternative Fuel Corridors.”

    But, NCDOT says that new federal guidance allows them flexibility to focus on areas where fewer chargers exist.

    As a result, NCDOT says it’s scaling back to 16 locations in rural towns and along highways, such as I-26 in western North Carolina and U.S. 74 in Anson and Richmond counties.

    “Right now, there are some charging stations, but having more would give us different options,” Pisarski said.

    As the state moves in a new direction, Pisarski believes building more EV stations in rural communities may help convince other drivers to make the switch.

    “Based on my personal experience, once you switch over, I have not seen people back to gas cars,” Pisarski said. “Most people love it, and stick to EVs, and you know, only driving EVs, such as my family.”

    NCDOT says it plans in late March to issue a request for proposals for businesses interested in applying for NEVI funds to build and operate charging stations in those rural areas.

    The NEVI Program provides up to 80% reimbursement for private companies building these stations for a five-year period. After five years, the charging stations will continue to operate without government support, according to NCDOT.

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    Nick Buffo

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