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  • Pasco County Schools to offer flexible education classes for homeschool families

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County Schools will launch a new flexible education program next school year aimed at students who are homeschooled or attend private schools.

    The Flexible Education program will allow students to take up to three classes at a Pasco County Public School in addition to their homeschooling using the Step Up for Students Scholarship.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County Schools is launching a flexible education program, allowing homeschool students to take up to three classes at a public school using the Step Up for Students Scholarship

    • Superintendent Dr. John Legg said, “It’s not a money maker, but it allows us to break even and bring in some of that revenue in order to offer more courses to more families”

    • Pasco County Schools surveyed over 6,000 homeschool families to gauge interest in the program


    Angela Sarabia’s family has always done homeschool. She says they love the freedom and flexibility homeschooling provides, allowing her to tailor each of her kids education.

    “We ended up doing a lot of stuff like organizing our legos, and learning math concepts through hands on stuff, and that really worked for him. I think had he been in the school environment, he really would’ve had a tough time,” Sarabia said.

    Around 6,000 Pasco County homeschool families received a survey from Pasco County Schools gauging interest in taking classes at a public school for the new Flexible Education program.

    “We’ve seen historically here in Pasco and also throughout the state of Florida over the past three years the number of homeschool students is growing exponentially and we want to provide those services, the coursework, that would interest them in a traditional school environment,” said Superintendent Dr. John Legg.

    Dr. Legg says Pasco Schools will be part of a small handful of districts offering flex-ed next school year, utilizing the Step Up for Students Scholarships, which most homeschool families receive.

    “It’s not a moneymaker, but it allows us to break even and bring in some of that revenue in order to offer more courses to more families,” he said.

    Denise Mestanza-Taylor also homeschools her 15-year-old son, Liam. They are recipients of the Step Up for Students Scholarships, and she says she has concerns about flex-ed.   

    “That money is going to be taken from recipients and put back into our public school in some way, that’s why I’m concerned. I want to know what are the stakes here, for me, for my son. I don’t want to lose that money and it not serve my son in the capacity that he needs,” she said.

    Mestanza-Taylor and Sarabia say they provided their feedback and are interested to see what the district offers, although, they say it’s important to stay true to their homeschool roots. 

    Dr. Legg says they’ll be reviewing the data from the surveys over the summer and plan to offer a dozen or so classes to homeschool families, based on interest. They expect to see a lot of interest in higher-level classes and electives like ROTC. He says they’ll expand the program as interest grows. 

    Fallon Silcox

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  • Areas throughout Pasco County seeing significant population boom

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — It’s no secret that in recent years Pasco County has seen a population boom.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County’s population is projected to be about 680,000 people this year, compared to about 495,000 people 10 years ago

    • Construction and development have been on the rise for new homes and businesses, while families are moving to the area
    • Wesley Chapel has seen a rise in population, cementing itself as one of the largest populated areas within Pasco County
    • Elsewhere in the county, Zephyrhills is seeing a similar boom, with officials crediting the city’s sense of community and location as being a key factor


    It is projected the population this year will be about 680,000 people. Compare that to about 495,000 a decade ago. Construction and development have been on the rise for new homes and businesses, while families are moving to the area.

    So, what is causing so many to decide to call the area “home?”

    “It is really a hub of economic and educational growth,” said Chad Emory.

    Inside their office, Chad and April Emory are working to keep up with demand.

    “It’s really growing in such a way that people want to move here because of the things that are offered,” said Chad Emory, broker & owner of Emorys Rock Realty. “It’s really great and centrally located for getting down to Tampa, which has all of the entertainment and sports and things like that. It’s a great location.”

    The husband-and-wife duo have called Wesley Chapel home for 22 years. Owning their real estate agency, Emorys Rock Realty, they have an insight on real estate throughout Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Lutz. They understand why homeowners are flocking to the area.


    “One of the first things that families ask about is the schools,” said April Emory. “So, we have an amazing school system in Wesley Chapel, and we were very happy when the colleges came to the area as well. My son had gotten his bachelor’s degree here so that was such a blessing for him.”

    Elsewhere in the county, Zephyrhills has been experiencing a similar population boom. City manager Billy Poe says it is a feeling of community that’s drawing in people.

    “As a city, we’re obviously trying to control growth and grow smartly but also have that community and hometown feel that I think draws a lot of people to our area,” said Poe.

    In fact, just two years ago, the city had to impose a moratorium. A pause was placed on new housing developments within city limits. While that moratorium is still in place, businesses like Bauducco Foods have broken ground in the area.

    “There are businesses looking at this area, which is a great thing for Zephyrhills and east Pasco as a whole,” said Poe. “Just being able to provide jobs here in Pasco County so our residents don’t have to drive to Hillsborough, Polk, or Pinellas counties. They’re able to work, live and play right here in Zephyrhills.”

    As for what future population trends look like, the Emorys say things are looking quite steady.

    “Every community is just growing and growing with everything they offer within their communities, like shopping and dining,” said April Emory. “So, I think we’re going to continue to see it be a destination location.”

    An area with plenty to offer, working to make sure there are places for people to live and do business.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Sean Sweat runs Lake Hollingsworth with flags to honor veterans

    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland man is a beloved familiar sight around Lake Hollingsworth. Sean Sweat stands out for a patriotic reason.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sean Sweat is a firefighter and Army veteran

    • He has been running around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland with a flag for 15 years to honor veterans

    • Sweat starting running with the flag to honor his old platoon leader who was killed by an IED in Afghanistan

    • Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here.


    For the past 15 years, Sweat has been running around the lake with a big American flag. Sometimes he also runs with the flags for the various branches of the military. He does it to honor veterans.

    Sweat said he starting his flag runs around Lake Hollingsworth to honor his old platoon leader, Capt. Josh Byers, who was killed by an (improvised explosive device) IED in Afghanistan.

    “The freedoms we have in this country, people take for granted. They don’t realize the price that is paid,” he said.

    Sweat will be making his way around Lake Hollingsworth on Memorial Day. But he will have to walk instead of run because he is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

    He is determined to keep up his tradition despite the temporary physical setback.

    “It goes back to my time in the service. Especially with my old platoon sergeant,” he said. “He would always tell us, ‘You know, if you can still feel pain, you can still move. Which means you can still finish the mission.’”

    Sweat says he mostly gets very positive responses to the flags as he runs.

    “I’ve had some people hanging out of the windows screaming. Some of the college students and I actually have some of the locals. I’ve had people hang out of their cars waving at me,” he said.

    Sometimes folks walking around the lake strike up a conversation with Sweat. That’s what Shanti Waite did. She is especially enthusiastic about honoring veterans because she has three female cousins serving in the military.

    “Anytime I see anyone willing to serve the country, show that dedication and patriotism and acknowledge. It is always something that I honor and respect,” she said.

    Sweat has also developed friendships with people who admire what he does. That includes retired Navy Cmdr. Charles Waldron, who would salute Sweat from his house across the street from the lake as Sweat ran by.

    Rick Elmhorst

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  • New memorial highway marker & interactive kiosk

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County unveiled two new dedications for the community to remember and honor Gold Star families and their loved ones who have fought for our freedom.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County officials installed a highway marker called the “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway,” which is installed on Buckeye Road

    • With a new kiosk, people will be able to search for fallen heroes who served in any of the wars and were born in Manatee County
    • The kiosk will be permanently placed in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building

    Stefenie Hernandez lost her son, Patrick L. Lay II, in August 2011.

    He served as an Army Specialist and died in Afghanistan. He was an infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division.

    “As the weeks, months, and now years have passed, I’ve come to truly grasp what our freedom has cost. I am humbled and overwhelmed—not only by my family’s loss, but by the sacrifices of so many others,” she said.

    Other Gold Star families in the room and community members stood to honor and support Stefenie.

    Now, the county has invested in a new way to never forget—with a highway marker called the “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway,” which is installed on Buckeye Road.

    “I think it’ll be a great reminder on the highways, as people pass by, of the sacrifices that others have made. It brings it more to the forefront for them,” she explained.

    And with a new kiosk, people will be able to search for fallen heroes who served in any of the wars and were born in Manatee County.

    “What a meaningful and powerful way to say we honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice the men and women made for our freedom,” she said.

    The kiosk will be permanently placed in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building.

    With the touchscreen, Stefenie was able to search for her son and know that members of the community will learn about him and others who have died for our country.

    Julia Hazel

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  • Weather Explained: What is Saharan dust layer?

    Saharan dust plays a big role in tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. Strong winds pick up the dust from the Sahara Desert and transport it thousands of miles across the Atlantic. This layer of dust is known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL).

    Tropical cyclones need specific ingredients to form, and one of them is moisture. As you would expect, the Saharan Air Layer over the Atlantic is relatively dry and contains 50% less moisture than the typical tropical air mass. This will limit any development or intensification of tropical cyclones.

    Saharan dust events pick up in June and carry into mid-August. During these times, large plumes of dust are lofted into the atmosphere and carried by strong upper level winds across the Atlantic. Often, the dust reaches the U.S. coast, and it can even cause a beautiful sunset.

    Watch the video above to learn more on the relationship between Saharan dust and tropical systems.

    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Citrus County officials monitoring rapid population growth to ensure stability

    LECANTO, Fla. — Citrus County’s population is seeing some growth.

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county saw a 2.45% surge in its population in the past year. But as the county grows, so too are concerns about whether roads and other infrastructure can keep up. Plans are being made to help ensure stability.

    What You Need To Know

    • With population growth spreading throughout Citrus County, concerns are also growing over whether roads and other infrastructure can keep up

    • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county saw a 2.45% increase in its population in the past year
    • County officials say an additional 22,000 residents have come to Citrus County in the past 10 years


    It’s often described as one of those places off the beaten path.

    “Citrus County is one of those places that is super special,” District 4 Commissioner Rebecca Bays said.

    And Citrus County has seen its fair share of growth in recent years, with new roads and other infrastructure projects being a visual representation.

    “I know it upsets some,’ Bays said. “They think it’s happening a little too fast, but we believe that we’re controlling it.”

    Bays understands that sentiment a little more than most. There has been some recent pushback as to whether the county is sustainable for a larger population.

    But Bays said work is being done.

    “The planning that we’re doing now is really on the front edge,” Bays said. “We’ve worked with a company to do a growth-modeling component, and it is telling us exactly what’s happening in our county in real time.”

    It’s showing where in the county growth is happening, giving Bays and others insight on housing and what’s needed to accommodate it.

    “It tells us exactly where people are moving, how we need to bring in the commercial, how we need to bring in the industrial, and we have some shovel-ready projects,” Bays said. “Our Inverness airport has an industrial park that is basically shovel ready. We’re ready for the first tenant to go in there. It’s an opportunity to create those higher-wage jobs.”

    Bays said there has been an additional 22,000 residents in Citrus County in the past 10 years. And it all comes back to location.

    “We want our kids to have a home that if they decide to go away and get their education, we want them to come back, and we want them to live here and have that good job so that we have that multigenerational family unit here in Citrus County,” Bays said.

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County warns residents about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors

    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A recent rise in unlicensed contract work is raising attention within Citrus County, and officials say it’s been a growing concern since the last hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • With another hurricane season around the corner, Citrus County officials are reminding the public not to hire unlicensed contractors

    • Cases involving homeowners hiring unlicensed contractors to make home repairs have risen this past year, according to county officials
    • This type of activity, they say, increases after any kind of event that damages a lot of structures, such as a severe weather event
    • A few tips to avoid hiring an unlicensed contractor include asking for a copy of that person’s license and making sure every contract has their license number


    They say there are ways for homeowners to protect themselves and their homes. 

    Within the walls of her family’s business, Circle T Sod Farms, Katrina Leturno is hard at work.

    “There’s a greater need for renovation services and things to be fixed on your home,” she said.

    With the rainy season ahead, Leturno said she is seeing an increase in customers.

    “Started out as just a little family-owned small company,” said Leturno. “We’re glad to be in this community.”

    She said there has been some recent trouble, though: A growing amount of unlicensed work is being performed in the county.

    “Any time that there is a higher demand for something, you’re going to see a rise in unlicensed contractors coming and trying to have the opportunity to work on those projects as well,” Leturno said.

    Aside from her business, Leturno is also the president of the Citrus County Building Alliance. She advocates for the building industry and trades within Citrus County, working alongside Kayla Carroll and Gaston Hall.

    “That activity occurs all the time,” Hall said. “But once you have any kind of event that damages a lot of structures, then you have a very big uptick in unlicensed, unpermitted activity.”

    Hall is a retired certified general contractor, and said he has seen his fair share of repair work done the right way. There are red flags you can look for when a homeowner is concerned about someone posing as a licensed contractor.

    “Make sure you’ve got a copy of their license,” he said. “Make sure you’ve got a copy of their insurance. Make sure that every contract has their license number on there and that you can call and make sure that license is active.”

    It’s these small, but important details Hall and Leturno are trying to pass along, before it’s too late. 

    “You also run the risk of losing your home insurance because you’ve had uncontracted work done that isn’t up to today’s standards,” Leturno said. “There’s a lot of risk on the homeowner, and they need to understand that when they’re choosing to go with somebody who is unlicensed.”

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Winter Haven to launch nation’s first digital remote tower

    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Winter Haven Regional Airport is looking to become the first in the nation to launch a digital remote air traffic tower.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven Regional Airport is aiming to become the first in the nation to launch a digital remote air traffic tower

    • The $1.2 million system, along with a dedicated radio frequency, is awaiting FAA approval

    • The digital tower will go through a testing phase by the end of the year and is expected to be fully operational in 2026

    The $1.2 million system is fully funded by the Department of Transportation.

    As the airport becomes busier, Director Troy Heidel has searched for new ways to increase safety for pilots.

    “A couple of things — initiatives we take out here — we hold regular safety meetings. We’ve developed what’s called enhanced operating procedures that, in partnership with our flight schools here, help make some of our traffic more predictable. Everybody’s doing the same thing and communicating the same way,” he said.

    The Tampa Bay native expects air traffic to improve even further once the airport launches its digital remote tower, which will be housed at Bartow Airport. Currently, Winter Haven is an uncontrolled site and shares a frequency with four other airports. Over the past few years, Heidel and his team have urged the FAA to dedicate a frequency to the city.

    The digital tower will go through a testing phase by the end of the year and is expected to be fully operational in 2026. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

    “So we don’t have so much congestion on our frequency, because out of those five airports, here at Winter Haven we account for 40% of that traffic in the sky, and we’re doing 80,000 operations annually,” he said.

    Both the new frequency and the remote tower still need to be cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration. Once approved, Heidel believes the airport will be better equipped to help prevent incidents like the tragic mid-air collision it experienced in 2023.

    “When you’ve got a controlled tower out here, and you’ve got somebody that’s stationed solely on the ground or in a remote facility monitoring your airspace and making sure that collision avoidance and safe separation are maintained, it’s always a helpful benefit to have,” he said.

    The tower, which will be made up of an array of cameras, will go through a testing phase by the end of the year. Heidel hopes the system will be fully operational in 2026.


    Alexis Jones

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  • Crowded airport, busy roads expected across Bay area during holiday weekend

    TAMPA, Fla. — Memorial Day Weekend is here.

    And Bay area roads will be crowded for the holiday weekend, along with Tampa International Airport.

    In fact, AAA said this weekend could be the busiest Memorial Day Weekend on record for travel.


    Tampa airport officials said they expect the holiday weekend to kick off what could be a record-breaking amount of traffic at the facility.

    Meanwhile, on the roads, AAA spokesperson Andre El Khouri said AAA is expecting 2.6 million travelers in Florida alone this weekend and of those 2.6 million, almost 2.3 million are going to use their cars.

    In total, El Khouri says approximately 45 million people will be traveling this weekend across the U.S. And of those 45 million, 40 million will be using their cars.

    Bay area drivers can expect congestion on I-4, I-275 and I-75 throughout Memorial Day weekend.

    El Khouri advises drivers to take precautions:

    • leaving early to avoid congestion
    • adding extra travel time
    • checking your tires/battery, especially for electronic vehicles
    • respecting speed limits while on the highway

    Bay area beaches will also be crowded this holiday weekend.

    AAA is also activating its Tow To Go program for Memorial Day weekend as a way to get drunk drivers off the road.

    From Friday to Monday, those who may find themselves too impaired to drive can get a free ride from AAA to a safe location that is within 5-miles.

    And drivers may want to fill up their vehicles.

    Right now, Florida’s average gas price is substantially lower this year as it is at $3.12 compared to last year, which stood at $3.55.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Project Weather: Spectrum Bay News 9 announces 2025 winners

    Spectrum Bay News 9 is proud to present the Project Weather Scholarship Contest winners for this year.

    A $1,000 check will be awarded to six high school seniors in public, private or parochial schools who excel in science.

    The scholarship is granted as a part of Spectrum Bay News 9’s commitment to educating children about science and weather.

    We’ll provide information about the 2025-26 program at a later date.

    This Year’s Winners

    Pinellas County | Giselle Uvieghara, Palm Harbor University High School

    Hillsborough County | Roham Farhadi, Freedom High School

    Manatee County | Joyce Chen, Braden River High School

    Pasco County | Karolina Porcelli, J.W. Mitchell High School

    Polk County | Syed Rob, Haine City High School

    Hernando County | Andrei Rivera, F.W. Springstead High School

    Citrus County | Joshua Sevilla, Lecanto High School

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • FWC ups staffing, prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Teams of officers from Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission will be out on the water this Memorial Day weekend for what they say is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.

    Capt. Matt DallaRosa said all of their staff that can be working will be working. The agency canceled days off for some officers so they can be out on the waters of Tampa Bay patrolling in full force.

    What You Need To Know

    •  FWC asks you watch tides and weather patterns before boating Memorial Day weekend

    •  If boating at night, you must have red/green lights on front of boat and white on back

    •  New Boater Freedom Act takes effect July 1

    • More: Boater Freedom Act


    “Our officers when they’re out patrolling are always looking for those probable cause based violations,” he said. “Ultimately we’re trying to keep boaters safe. We want to make sure speed zones are being abided by and that significant careless and reckless boating isn’t occurring.

    “If those things are seen by our officers they’ll address them as appropriate under state law.”

    DallaRosa said the best way to be sure to have a safe and successful boating weekend is to create a plan. That includes checking tides before you go out, checking in consistently on weather updates, making sure the proper safety equipment is on board, and telling someone on land where and when you plan to return.

    Memorial Day weekend also marks the last major holiday before the state’s new Boater Freedom Act goes into effect.

    Until the new law takes effect on July 1, FWC and local law enforcement are within their legal right to pull over and board a boat without probable cause of suspected violation. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the purpose of the bill was to ‘right a wrong’ on how people are approached on the water by law enforcement.

    During the announcement earlier this week, DeSantis compared it a situation where if a person is walking down the street, they cannot be stopped and searched without probable cause. He believes the same rules should apply on the water.

    “To go in without any basis is not the way we want to do it in the State of Florida,” he said. “I think it’s unnecessarily created friction between the boating community and some folks in law enforcement.”

    Dallarosa said while the new law has not formally taken effect, FWC is already aligning with the philosophy.

    Angie Angers

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  • What to know about Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s new theme park

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents and visitors will be flocking to Orlando beginning Thursday for Universal Orlando’s highly-anticipated grand opening of its fourth park, Epic Universe.

    💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:

    The park will feature five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

    If you’re one of the many thrill-seekers about to experience Universal’s latest installment, here’s what to know before heading out.

    • Plan ahead
      There are bound to be large crowds with the park’s opening, as well as long wait times for rides and attractions. Map out everything you want to experience first before heading out, and take advantage of Universal’s Express Pass option.
    • Hydrate!
      The park is opening just before the summer break season gets underway for Florida. Be sure to drink water so that heat exhaustion and dehydration don’t ruin your day.
    • Wear comfortable clothing
      Epic Universe is built on 750 acres of land, so be prepared to do a lot of walking!
    • Establish meeting places
      Cell phone service may be limited due to the number of people at the park, or if you and your group split up on wanting to do different activities, it’s important to have a place where you can all meet back up at afterward.
    • Be courteous
      Many people are looking forward to experience Epic Universe for the first time. Be respectful to other attendees, as well as the Universal Orlando Team Members, to ensure a good time for all. 
       

    Staying Cool at the Park

    Here are a list of items that will help you beat the heat! Spectrum News did not receive any compensation for the mentioning of these items below. We put together the list to give visitors ideas on what they might want to bring to the park during the hot summer months.

     

    “Beyond this gate, find gardens green

    And epic worlds to fill your dreams…”


     

     

    The Five Worlds

    Celestial Park 🌌✨☄️

    Adventurers will begin their journey at Celestial Park. At the entrance of the gate stands The Chronos, a device that is keeping the portals to the other four worlds open. Directly across from the entrance stands Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a resort that’s inside of Epic Universe. It has a dedicated entrance into the park itself and can be seen throughout all areas of Celestial Park. With an interstellar theme and orchestral music heard throughout the area, guests will be able to enjoy a serene environment before they explore the worlds. For those looking to dive into some excitement beforehand, Stardust Racers is a dual-track roller coaster that emulates the movement of a comet zooming through the cosmos. For more of a relaxed atmosphere, guests can ride on Constellation Carousel, or cool off from the Florida heat in Astronomica, an interactive water play area.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Celestial Park

    Highlights of Celestial Park at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers and Pizza Moon. (Spectrum News)

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🍄⭐🎮

    Another world of Epic Universe includes a widely-known video game franchise. Super Nintendo World is filled with vibrant colors and loads of nostalgia. If you’re a fan of the Super Mario World series, you’ll be able to spot notable landmarks from the games, such as Princess Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle. Guests will be able to roam around the Mushroom Kingdom, interacting with the yellow “?” Blocks while listening to the iconic game audio tracks playing in the background, almost as if they were in a video game themselves.

    Fans of the Mario Kart racing games team up with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to face off against Team Bowser in “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” With the help of special goggles, guests can collect coins and launch shells as they navigate through different landscapes. Guests can compete either individually or as a team member, interacting with their favorite Super Mario characters on the ride. If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, you can hop on the back of Yoshi and search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom aboard “Yoshi’s Adventure.”

    Super Nintendo World also brings the world of Donkey Kong to life with a lush, jungle theme and its own interactive experiences. Guests will be able to join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a quest to protect the golden banana on “Mine Cart Madness.” Riders will board a coaster designed like a mine cart and zip through the track at high speeds with motifs from the video game.

    And staying true to its theme, Super Nintendo World offers opportunities for guests to play interactive games in the form of Power-Up bands, which are available for purchase at various retail spots in Universal Studios Hollywood as well as inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory store. Wear a Power-Up band featuring your favorite Super Ninendo character while playing games and collecting digital keys to defeat Bowser Jr. to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom for Princess Peach. And just like in your favorite video games, you can also use your Power-Up band to collect digital coins.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Super Nintendo World

    Highlights of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Princess Peach’s Castle, themed merchandise and Mine Cart Madness. (Spectrum News)

    Dark Universe 🌕🦇🧛

    Discover a world of myth and mystery as classic Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Werewolf come to life in Dark Universe. With gothic designs throughout the area, guests can venture into the village of Darkmoor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s monstrous experiments roam freely. In “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,” guests can venture into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s experiments. The ride gets you up close to iconic monsters in the form of animatronics, like The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, and more.  As she attempts to control the power of these monsters, Dracula breaks free, enraged and seeking vengeance.

    If you survive the manor, you can learn about the origin of The Wolf Man on “Curse of the Werewolf.” Guests will enter the wagon camp of The Guild of Mystics, where they will be greeted by the guild’s all-knowing seer. She warns that you carry the mark of the werewolf, and after boarding a wagon, the ride then takes guests on a high-speed adventure through a forested track as you try escaping other werewolves lurking around. 

    If you feel that the rides might be too intense for small children, kids can still get in on the monstrous fun with the “Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.” Guests will have the opportunity to transform into their favorite Universal Monster with the help of special effects artists. You can also opt for temporary tattoos instead of full makeup. You can book a makeup appointment on Universal Orlando’s website. Prices start at $45 for the “Experiment” ticket, which features face makeup, and $169 for the “Transformation” ticket, which includes face makeup and matching accessories.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Dark Universe

    Highlights of Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and The Manor Storehouse. (Spectrum News)

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic 🧙‍♂️🦉🪄

    This world brings the third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas featured in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The world at Epic Universe brings themes from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” series through a shopping district called Place Cachée in 1920s Paris.

    Guests will be able to use the Métro-Floo to travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the featured attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.” You can explore the departments within the ministry while the trial of Dolores Umbridge is about to get underway. The trial doesn’t go exactly as planned, however, as Umbridge plots to escape before being brought to justice. Guests will team up with the series’ beloved main characters — Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger — to stop Umbridge aboard an omnidirectional lift while also avoiding Death Eaters and other evil creatures.

    And don’t forget to get your wands ready! Like Universal Orlando’s wizarding worlds in its other theme parks, this world features numerous new interactive wand experiences throughout the area, where guests can cast spells in various locations and witness the magic come to life. You can also use your wands to interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique offers wands available for purchase, designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.

    After an action-packed wizardly adventure, guests can unwind and enjoy a live stage show at Le Cirque Arcanus, a circus featured in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Ringmaster Skender steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase — which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe — in an attempt to restore the circus to its former glory. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures from Skender in a mix of live performances, puppetry and special effects.

    Tip: Le Cirque Arcanus contains a preshow, which is standing room in a circus tent. This can tend to get hot and crowded, especially during the summer months.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

    Highlights of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Le Cirque Arcanus, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and K. Rammelle. (Spectrum News)

    How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk 🐲🪓🗡️

    Explore a world filled with Vikings and dragons alike from the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series. The Isle of Berk features iconic characters such as Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and more. The world features many family-friendly rides, such as Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Guests can experience what it’s like to fly on a dragon with the help of a winged contraption created by Hiccup. The ride reaches speeds of up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet through the air as you soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless.

    There are also opportunities to hang out with Hiccup and Toothless during a meet-and-greet at the Haddock Paddock. Visitors can pet and interact with Toothless, and see him respond in a friendly manner.

    Park goers can also expect to see other Vikings and dragons roaming around Berk.

    At Fyre Drill, guests can join in on some playful competition with Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut on an interactive boat ride. Families can use water cannons aboard their boat to shoot at flame-like targets — and other boats.

    Guests can also do mid-air acrobatics and barrel rolls on Dragon Racer’s Rally. The ride elevates guests in the air up to 67 feet with the help of Viking-crafted, dragon-riding trainers to practice the abilities of a champion dragon racer.

    And Berk isn’t short of live entertainment — The Untrainable Dragon is a heart-warming, family-friendly show that features characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid as they solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. It’s filled with numerous musical performances, elaborate sets and larger-than-life dragons – including the fan-favorite Toothless who soars over the audience, spanning nearly 27 feet.

    Little Vikings can hone their skills in an interactive play area called Viking Training Camp. The area includes an agility course, musical drums and chimes, an interactive sheep launcher game and multiple towers to climb and explore.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

    Highlights of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless, as well as rides such as Dragon Racer’s Rally. (Spectrum News)

    New Epic Universe Hotels 🏨🛎️🌴

    Universal Orlando opened three new hotels adjacent to its Epic Universe park — Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort.

    Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the “crown jewel” of Universal’s hotels, is the newest hotel to open. The 500-room hotel overlooks Epic Universe, and has a Mediterranean-inspired feel. It offers rooms with views of the theme park, as well as a dedicated entrance to the park for ticket holders — which is just steps away.

    The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located at Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla. (Spectrum News)


    READ MORE:     New Universal Helios Grand Hotel welcomes its first guests

    Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort offer space-themed rooms and proximity to Epic Universe as well, at an affordable price point. Both hotels feature a variety of cosmic-themed dining options and numerous amenities.

    _______________

     

    You can plan your vacation, purchase Express Passes, shop for merchandise and get additional information on Universal Orlando’s website.

    Whether you’re attending the park’s grand opening or going on a later date, Epic Universe features interactive experiences that are bound to immerse guests into their own epic adventures.

     

    “You wonder next which path to chart

    The answer lies within your heart.”

     

    Meet the Insiders

    DeJanae Phillips

    DeJanae Phillips is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. A born and raised Tampa native, she joined the company in 2022 and covers Florida attractions. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

    Anna Wronka

    Anna Wronka is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. She joined the company in 2022, and currently focuses on coverage of Florida attractions. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

    DeJanae Phillips, Anna Wronka

    Source link

  • What to know about Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s new theme park

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents and visitors will be flocking to Orlando beginning Thursday for Universal Orlando’s highly-anticipated grand opening of its fourth park, Epic Universe.

    💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:

    The park will feature five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

    If you’re one of the many thrill-seekers about to experience Universal’s latest installment, here’s what to know before heading out.

    • Plan ahead
      There are bound to be large crowds with the park’s opening, as well as long wait times for rides and attractions. Map out everything you want to experience first before heading out, and take advantage of Universal’s Express Pass option.
    • Hydrate!
      The park is opening just before the summer break season gets underway for Florida. Be sure to drink water so that heat exhaustion and dehydration don’t ruin your day.
    • Wear comfortable clothing
      Epic Universe is built on 750 acres of land, so be prepared to do a lot of walking!
    • Establish meeting places
      Cell phone service may be limited due to the number of people at the park, or if you and your group split up on wanting to do different activities, it’s important to have a place where you can all meet back up at afterward.
    • Be courteous
      Many people are looking forward to experience Epic Universe for the first time. Be respectful to other attendees, as well as the Universal Orlando Team Members, to ensure a good time for all. 
       

    Staying Cool at the Park

    Here are a list of items that will help you beat the heat! Spectrum News did not receive any compensation for the mentioning of these items below. We put together the list to give visitors ideas on what they might want to bring to the park during the hot summer months.

     

    “Beyond this gate, find gardens green

    And epic worlds to fill your dreams…”


     

     

    The Five Worlds

    Celestial Park 🌌✨☄️

    Adventurers will begin their journey at Celestial Park. At the entrance of the gate stands The Chronos, a device that is keeping the portals to the other four worlds open. Directly across from the entrance stands Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a resort that’s inside of Epic Universe. It has a dedicated entrance into the park itself and can be seen throughout all areas of Celestial Park. With an interstellar theme and orchestral music heard throughout the area, guests will be able to enjoy a serene environment before they explore the worlds. For those looking to dive into some excitement beforehand, Stardust Racers is a dual-track roller coaster that emulates the movement of a comet zooming through the cosmos. For more of a relaxed atmosphere, guests can ride on Constellation Carousel, or cool off from the Florida heat in Astronomica, an interactive water play area.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Celestial Park

    Highlights of Celestial Park at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers and Pizza Moon. (Spectrum News)

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🍄⭐🎮

    Another world of Epic Universe includes a widely-known video game franchise. Super Nintendo World is filled with vibrant colors and loads of nostalgia. If you’re a fan of the Super Mario World series, you’ll be able to spot notable landmarks from the games, such as Princess Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle. Guests will be able to roam around the Mushroom Kingdom, interacting with the yellow “?” Blocks while listening to the iconic game audio tracks playing in the background, almost as if they were in a video game themselves.

    Fans of the Mario Kart racing games team up with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to face off against Team Bowser in “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” With the help of special goggles, guests can collect coins and launch shells as they navigate through different landscapes. Guests can compete either individually or as a team member, interacting with their favorite Super Mario characters on the ride. If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, you can hop on the back of Yoshi and search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom aboard “Yoshi’s Adventure.”

    Super Nintendo World also brings the world of Donkey Kong to life with a lush, jungle theme and its own interactive experiences. Guests will be able to join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a quest to protect the golden banana on “Mine Cart Madness.” Riders will board a coaster designed like a mine cart and zip through the track at high speeds with motifs from the video game.

    And staying true to its theme, Super Nintendo World offers opportunities for guests to play interactive games in the form of Power-Up bands, which are available for purchase at various retail spots in Universal Studios Hollywood as well as inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory store. Wear a Power-Up band featuring your favorite Super Ninendo character while playing games and collecting digital keys to defeat Bowser Jr. to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom for Princess Peach. And just like in your favorite video games, you can also use your Power-Up band to collect digital coins.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Super Nintendo World

    Highlights of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Princess Peach’s Castle, themed merchandise and Mine Cart Madness. (Spectrum News)

    Dark Universe 🌕🦇🧛

    Discover a world of myth and mystery as classic Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Werewolf come to life in Dark Universe. With gothic designs throughout the area, guests can venture into the village of Darkmoor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s monstrous experiments roam freely. In “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,” guests can venture into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s experiments. The ride gets you up close to iconic monsters in the form of animatronics, like The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, and more.  As she attempts to control the power of these monsters, Dracula breaks free, enraged and seeking vengeance.

    If you survive the manor, you can learn about the origin of The Wolf Man on “Curse of the Werewolf.” Guests will enter the wagon camp of The Guild of Mystics, where they will be greeted by the guild’s all-knowing seer. She warns that you carry the mark of the werewolf, and after boarding a wagon, the ride then takes guests on a high-speed adventure through a forested track as you try escaping other werewolves lurking around. 

    If you feel that the rides might be too intense for small children, kids can still get in on the monstrous fun with the “Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.” Guests will have the opportunity to transform into their favorite Universal Monster with the help of special effects artists. You can also opt for temporary tattoos instead of full makeup. You can book a makeup appointment on Universal Orlando’s website. Prices start at $45 for the “Experiment” ticket, which features face makeup, and $169 for the “Transformation” ticket, which includes face makeup and matching accessories.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Dark Universe

    Highlights of Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and The Manor Storehouse. (Spectrum News)

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic 🧙‍♂️🦉🪄

    This world brings the third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas featured in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The world at Epic Universe brings themes from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” series through a shopping district called Place Cachée in 1920s Paris.

    Guests will be able to use the Métro-Floo to travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the featured attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.” You can explore the departments within the ministry while the trial of Dolores Umbridge is about to get underway. The trial doesn’t go exactly as planned, however, as Umbridge plots to escape before being brought to justice. Guests will team up with the series’ beloved main characters — Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger — to stop Umbridge aboard an omnidirectional lift while also avoiding Death Eaters and other evil creatures.

    And don’t forget to get your wands ready! Like Universal Orlando’s wizarding worlds in its other theme parks, this world features numerous new interactive wand experiences throughout the area, where guests can cast spells in various locations and witness the magic come to life. You can also use your wands to interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique offers wands available for purchase, designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.

    After an action-packed wizardly adventure, guests can unwind and enjoy a live stage show at Le Cirque Arcanus, a circus featured in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Ringmaster Skender steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase — which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe — in an attempt to restore the circus to its former glory. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures from Skender in a mix of live performances, puppetry and special effects.

    Tip: Le Cirque Arcanus contains a preshow, which is standing room in a circus tent. This can tend to get hot and crowded, especially during the summer months.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

    Highlights of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Le Cirque Arcanus, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and K. Rammelle. (Spectrum News)

    How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk 🐲🪓🗡️

    Explore a world filled with Vikings and dragons alike from the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series. The Isle of Berk features iconic characters such as Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and more. The world features many family-friendly rides, such as Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Guests can experience what it’s like to fly on a dragon with the help of a winged contraption created by Hiccup. The ride reaches speeds of up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet through the air as you soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless.

    There are also opportunities to hang out with Hiccup and Toothless during a meet-and-greet at the Haddock Paddock. Visitors can pet and interact with Toothless, and see him respond in a friendly manner.

    Park goers can also expect to see other Vikings and dragons roaming around Berk.

    At Fyre Drill, guests can join in on some playful competition with Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut on an interactive boat ride. Families can use water cannons aboard their boat to shoot at flame-like targets — and other boats.

    Guests can also do mid-air acrobatics and barrel rolls on Dragon Racer’s Rally. The ride elevates guests in the air up to 67 feet with the help of Viking-crafted, dragon-riding trainers to practice the abilities of a champion dragon racer.

    And Berk isn’t short of live entertainment — The Untrainable Dragon is a heart-warming, family-friendly show that features characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid as they solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. It’s filled with numerous musical performances, elaborate sets and larger-than-life dragons – including the fan-favorite Toothless who soars over the audience, spanning nearly 27 feet.

    Little Vikings can hone their skills in an interactive play area called Viking Training Camp. The area includes an agility course, musical drums and chimes, an interactive sheep launcher game and multiple towers to climb and explore.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

    Highlights of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless, as well as rides such as Dragon Racer’s Rally. (Spectrum News)

    New Epic Universe Hotels 🏨🛎️🌴

    Universal Orlando opened three new hotels adjacent to its Epic Universe park — Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort.

    Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the “crown jewel” of Universal’s hotels, is the newest hotel to open. The 500-room hotel overlooks Epic Universe, and has a Mediterranean-inspired feel. It offers rooms with views of the theme park, as well as a dedicated entrance to the park for ticket holders — which is just steps away.

    The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located at Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla. (Spectrum News)


    READ MORE:     New Universal Helios Grand Hotel welcomes its first guests

    Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort offer space-themed rooms and proximity to Epic Universe as well, at an affordable price point. Both hotels feature a variety of cosmic-themed dining options and numerous amenities.

    _______________

     

    You can plan your vacation, purchase Express Passes, shop for merchandise and get additional information on Universal Orlando’s website.

    Whether you’re attending the park’s grand opening or going on a later date, Epic Universe features interactive experiences that are bound to immerse guests into their own epic adventures.

     

    “You wonder next which path to chart

    The answer lies within your heart.”

     

    Meet the Insiders

    DeJanae Phillips

    DeJanae Phillips is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. A born and raised Tampa native, she joined the company in 2022 and covers Florida attractions. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

    Anna Wronka

    Anna Wronka is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. She joined the company in 2022, and currently focuses on coverage of Florida attractions. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

    DeJanae Phillips, Anna Wronka

    Source link

  • Long lines, fun, and Florida heat: Universal’s new Epic Universe finally opens

    ORLANDO — For the first time in 25 years, another major theme park has opened in Orlando.

    And with it, are long lines in the Florida heat.


    Fans showed up before dawn to enter the new attraction. But only 30 minutes after the official opening, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry climbed to a whopping 5-hour wait.

    Later in the afternoon, wait times dropped, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at about 3 and a half hours.

    Here are some of the wait times as of around 4 p.m. on Thursday:

     

    Other rides saw wait times of 30 minutes or more.

    Guests got a major head start, getting through the entrance at 6:30 a.m.

    Some of the first guests sprinted straight to the attraction they’ve been thinking about for years.

    Others meandered by the Chonos portal for a family picture.


    Spectrum News noticed a few families who are already die-hard Dark universe fans, even dressing the part.

    “To have a land that is dedicated to that genre honors Halloween Horror nights, but in a family-friendly way, but still captures the edge of horror nights, I’d say was a unique achievement,” said fan Alexander Yates.

    Bethany Brown of Spring Hill said: “We are definitely heading straight to Dark Universe once we get in there! And then take it all in and meander around Celestial Park and just take in the atmosphere. Because, again, we’ve been waiting for so long.”

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • They ‘got the bug:’ VW fans bring Volkswagen show to St. Pete

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg is bringing back a Volkswagen show.

    The city approved “VDubs on the Pier,” a celebration of all things VW.

    Organizers say you can expect more than 100 classic or custom Volkswagen vehicles, along with music, food and merchandise.

    “It was almost a pipe dream to bring it back,” said co-event organizer Joe Person. “We’re gonna go down in history with this awesome event.”

    The event is happening on Saturday from noon until 5:00 p.m.

    The show will happen at Spa Beach, located at 600 2nd Avenue NE in St. Petersburg.

    Jeff Butera

    Source link

  • Local barista reacts as U.S. Senate unanimously passes “No Tax on Tips Act”

    PALMETTO, Fla. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end taxes on tips Tuesday. The plan would exclude a certain portion of workers’ tips from federal taxes.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Trump’s campaign promise of “No Tax on Tips”

    • It would establish a new tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips and expand the business tax credit for employers

    • The House still needs to vote on their version of the tax break bill

    • Under the Senate’s bill, the new tax deduction is limited to cash tips received from a job where tipping is customary and reported for purposes of payroll tax withholding

    Hailee Ryan has worked as a barista at Tenth Street Coffee for nearly two years and she says there’s one thing that makes a big difference when it comes to her paycheck.

    “Tips are definitely a very big part of my check,” she said. “I do work full time — I work five days a week — so tips are definitely very important to me.”

    And having built a loyal customer base, she receives tips often.

    “I love our customers here. I love our regulars,” Ryan said. “They’re always so generous with their tips, and they never skimp out.”

    The Senate version of the bill would establish a new tax deduction of up to $25,000 for tips and expand the business tax credit for employers. The House still needs to vote on their version of the tax break bill.

    If that passes the House, then the differences between the two plans would need to be reconciled and passed again in both chambers.

    Under the Senate’s bill, the new tax deduction is limited to cash tips received from a job where tipping is customary and reported for purposes of payroll tax withholding.

    Ryan, who said she’s neutral on the issue, is still seeking clarity on how it would impact her pay.

    “What’s it going to look like when we get that back? Is it going to affect us? Are we going to owe more? Are we going to owe less? Are we going to get more?” she said.

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Trump hosts NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators at the White House

    WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump honored the 2025 NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators at the White House on Wednesday, proclaiming that “lesser teams would have crumbled” during its nail-biting title game victory.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Gators basketball team were honored by President Donald Trump on Wednesday at the White House 

    • Trump heralded the players for winning some close games, saying, “esser teams would have crumbled” 

    • The East Room ceremony included Trump administration leaders from Florida and U.S. senators

    • The team gave Trump an autographed basketball and a No. 47 jersey with his name on the back

    “It was looking bad,” Trump said, noting that Houston led by as many as 12 points in a game Florida rallied to win 65-63 in San Antonio during April. ”Did you think you were going to win?”

    Florida (36-4) delivered four come-from-behind victories in six wins during the NCAA Tournament. The Gators led the finale for a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a contest that was in limbo until the final sequence.

    Trump recounted guard Alijah Martin making two free throws to put the Gators ahead to stay with 46.5 seconds left and asked Martin if he was nervous.

    “Lesser teams would have crumbled,” the president said.

    Florida secured the program’s third title in basketball, and Trump noted that it is the only school to have a trio of NCAA titles in that sport and in football. After the Gators basketball team won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007, they visited then-President George W. Bush at the White House.

    Wednesday’s East Room ceremony featured top Trump administration leaders from Florida, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mentioning Rubio, Trump said there’s “no bigger Florida fan.”

    Also on hand were Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, as well as assorted House members from the state and former Florida football standout Tim Tebow. Trump described Tebow “as a college player, maybe the best ever” and said he was a big fan despite Tebow having spent part of his professional career with the NFL’s New York Jets.

    The team gave Trump an autographed basketball and No. 47 jersey with his name on the back. The president also hailed the Gators’ 39-year-old coach, Todd Golden, as “great” and “young” while joking, “Boy, would I like to be his agent.”

    Last year, then-President Joe Biden held a joint ceremony honoring the 2024 NCAA men’s and women’s basketball winners, honoring South Carolina and Connecticut.

    Since taking office in January, Trump has hosted a series of championship teams, including the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. His April ceremony in the Rose Garden with the NCAA football champion Ohio State Buckeyes is best remembered for Vice President JD Vance — an Ohio State graduate and Buckeye fan — fumbling the team’s championship trophy.

    Associated Press

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  • Bucs rookie Desmond Watson plays larger than life

    TAMPA, Fla. — You couldn’t miss Desmond Watson at the Bucs Rookie Camp if you tried. He literally stood out.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Tampa Bay Bucs signed Desmond Watson as an undrafted free agent

    •  Watson starred on the football field for the University of Florida and Armwood High School

    • Down more than 30 pounds from his weight during the Florida Gators 2025 Pro Day, he is still the heaviest player in the history of the NFL, but says he doesn’t want to be defined by his size


    One of the Bucs’ newest players was head and shoulders above the other newbies on the team. When you are 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weigh a little over 430 pounds, you’re going to stand out.

    Watson gets it. He knows people are talking about his size, but soon, he wants them to be talking about his play on the field.

    “I don’t want that to be my narrative and things like that,” he said. “I want to be known as a football player, and good football player at that.”

    Watson is working hard to bring his weight down, and he already has from the 464 pounds he weighed at the Florida Gators 2025 Pro Day. He said he would like to get down to his playing weight when he starred on the football field for the Armwood Hawks.

    His high school coach, Evan Davis, recalled how Watson took over games. How he towered over offensive linemen. How he looked like a man amongst boys. But mostly, he remembered how much fun Watson had on the football field.

    “He’s one of the smartest football players,” Davis said. “Even though he plays in the interior on the defense, he can tell you what the safety and the cornerback’s doing. He knows the offense, it will allow him to play even faster. And obviously, he’s just a force of nature physically.”

    In the Armwood weight room where Watson put in a lot of hours, his mom, Deonzia Woullard, watched video of him practicing with the Bucs for the first time. She couldn’t help but beam with pride. Watson’s No. 1 fan also happens to be a lifelong Tampa Bay fan. His dad rooted for the Pittsburgh Steelers, resulting in Watson dressed in Steelers colors as a baby. But it was his mom who dressed him in Bucs red days after he was born to celebrate the team’s first Super Bowl win.

    “He knows what he has to do to get there, and he’s working hard to get there,” Deonzia said. “He knows he’s not entitled. He knows it’s not just going to be given to him. And he’s just doing what he needs to do to get there.”

    The NFL is going to be a different challenge for Watson.

    And his weight isn’t the only number he’s changing. At Armwood and Florida, he wore No. 21. For the Bucs, he’ll wear No. 56. But 21 will always be his motivational number. It’s the number his younger brother Dyson wore when he played youth football. Dyson’s playing career ended when he suffered a stroke at the age of 5. He’s been confined to a wheelchair ever since. Watson said he plays in his honor.

    “In honor of him not being able to play anymore,” he said. “I guess I can use that number and be in the spotlight and get my number called just to put a smile on his face.”

    Katherine Smith

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  • Florida Southern fights to preserve historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure

    LAKELAND, Fla. — Over the hills of Florida Southern’s campus, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel stands as the cornerstone of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Southern is working to preserve the historic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, a 1941 Frank Lloyd Wright structure that has suffered water damage over time

    • The college filed a lawsuit against Tremco CPG, claiming the roofing materials and installation from a 2011 project led to significant leaks

    • Restoration efforts are ongoing, with most of the chapel repaired using modern materials

    “This is an example of probably the best block work in his career,” resident Architect Jeffery Baker said.

    Baker says the chapel, built in 1941, is a testament to Wright’s ability to design extraordinary structures that can withstand Florida’s weather. But over time, he says, parts of the building have become difficult to maintain.

    “One of reasons is because he designed architecture… was very avant garde. It was something that was completely different and he was constantly testing the limits of materials,” Baker said. “As a result, the quality control wasn’t fantastic and so therefore some of these buildings are difficult to keep water out of at least at the ground level, especially through those textile blocks that you’re seeing behind me.”

    Crews repair the ceiling of the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel following damage from Hurricanes Milton and Debby. (Florida Southern College)

    After Hurricanes Milton and Debby last year, water from surrounding areas flooded toward the chapel, damaging the floors. Heavy rain also caused parts of the ceiling to chip away. Terry Dennis, vice president of finance and administration, says the school spent well over six figures in repairs. While crews worked inside, staff had to find other locations to host scheduled events.

    “If there was a very large event that was scheduled for here, we probably moved it out because the balcony is where we had the most challenge to cosmetically go in and repair the things that might’ve been plastered, beginning to drip, etc.,” Dennis said.

    Since then, Baker says they’ve been able to restore most of the chapel using modern materials, but there’s still more work to be done.

    “What’s left to be down here would be the skylight. A little bit of steel repair needs to happen up there too. Not structural steel, but more decorative steel around the skylight up above,” he said.

    Architect Frank Lloyd Wright at work on the design of the iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. (Florida Southern College)

    As long as the repairs are done properly, Baker is confident the building will withstand this upcoming hurricane season—and many more to come.

    In February, Florida Southern filed a lawsuit against Tremco Construction Products Group for its role in installing the chapel’s roof system back in 2011. The complaint claims Tremco supplied the roofing materials and oversaw the installation, which later led to water leaks.

    School officials declined to comment on the lawsuit. In a statement, Beaman & Brown PLLC, the firm representing Tremco CPG, said:

    “Tremco provided materials for the roof at Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, which were installed by a roofing contractor. Tremco issued a long-term warranty to the University, and Tremco intends to stand behind that warranty, as it always does. Consistent with that, when we became aware of this lawsuit, we reached out to the University’s counsel and expressed Tremco’s desire to work with the University to come up with a solution for any water intrusion issues at the Chapel, some or all of which may not relate to the roof. To develop that solution, Tremco plans to conduct a thorough inspection of the Chapel in the next month. We certainly understand the cultural significance of the Chapel and hope to partner with the University to repair and/or improve the Chapel’s exterior (consistent with the terms of our warranty).”

    Alexis Jones

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  • Eckerd senior wants sailing to be for everyone

    TAMPA, Fla. — Lily Schwartz has been around sailboats most of her life.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Lily is part of the Eckerd Sailing team that made nationals this year.

    •  Lily is part of a leadership program at Eckerd

    •  She has been sailing since she was five

    • Lily is trying to change the stereotype that surrounds the sport of sailing


    Hesitant at first, it didn’t take very long for the Ohio native to fall in love with the sport.

    “It’s pretty cool, I’m out here on a boat by myself, there’s nobody around, nobody telling me what to do”.

    That was the beginning of a competitive sailing career that landed her here at Eckerd College where she is a skipper for the Tritons sailing team.

    For the last three years Lily has been part of a leadership program at Eckerd where she has been chasing a bigger goal.

    She wants to make the sports of Sailing more assessable to everyone.

    “Sailing is such a sport that has kind of a mono-culture in it, you know it’s mainly a white a wealthier sport and I wanted to get kids in boats of all socio-economic backgrounds, all races” .

    Part of Lily’s leadership program included a trip abroad, so she took three of her best friends on a 48 hour sail from her hometown in Sandusky, Ohio to Canada.

    Lily will graduate in May with the hope that her past three years of work, helps to make a difference, changing the sport she loves.

    “I think the future of sailing needs to look a little bit different than the past and I’m ok saying that because I would like to see a more diverse group of sailors and I would like to see just more people on boats in general”.

    And she is chasing that dream, one wave at a time.

    Mike Cairns

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