The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Hunks in the running for Emmy Awards

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TAMPA – “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes,” the short documentary highlighting heroes of last year’s back-to-back storms, has been nominated for four Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards.

The film premiered at the Tampa Theatre, where Mayor Jane Castor and community leaders celebrated the city’s spirit of service and sacrifice. The documentary features interviews with Castor and meteorologist Denis Phillips, and spotlights the efforts of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving crews, who worked around the clock to remove storm debris and support neighbors, even while dealing with personal losses.

“We were spared so many times in the past, but this, Helene and Milton, got everyone’s attention,” Castor said in the film. “To see everyone come together to do whatever it took to get our city back up and running, I think that was amazing.”

Co-produced by Brick Creative, Outbound.com and College HUNKS co-founder Nick Friedman, “HUNKS vs. The Hurricanes” highlights Tampa’s resilience and community spirit. The film is now available on YouTube.

“We wanted to capture the spirit of service and sacrifice we witnessed,” Friedman said.

The documentary features College HUNKS employee Mario Martinez, who lost his home in the floodwaters yet never stopped helping neighbors. 

“I had nothing left, but I knew my neighbors needed me,” Martinez said. “Helping them helped me heal. That’s what being part of this community and this company is all about.”

The nominations come as College HUNKS celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and has grown into a national brand with nearly 200 franchises. The Regional Suncoast Emmy Awards will take place on Dec. 6.

 

Explore Benchmark International Arena at open house

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TAMPA BAY – Vinik Sports Group, in partnership with Benchmark International, will welcome the Tampa Bay community to Benchmark International Arena for a three-day open house celebration, starting Oct. 17. 

The arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning and a hub for world-class entertainment, will host free events designed to connect with the community and showcase the arena’s offerings.

“Benchmark International Arena belongs to Tampa Bay,” said Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group. “This open house is about inviting everyone across the Bay Area to experience what makes this building and our community so special.”

Festivities begin Oct. 17 with a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party as the Bolts take on the Detroit Red Wings at 6 p.m. Fans can gather in the arena to cheer on the Bolts on Lightning Vision. Guests can also enjoy Oak View Group’s Taste of Tampa, a culinary showcase highlighting arena food partners and local flavors from OVG’s in-house culinary team.

On Oct. 18, Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris headlines the weekend, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the arena for a free concert at 7 p.m.  

On Oct. 19, families can lace up their skates for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate on the same ice as the Lightning, beginning at 9 a.m. The weekend concludes that afternoon with a community movie screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” at 4:30 p.m.

Organizers say the family-friendly pricing on food and drink, as well as open access to the arena, demonstrates Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International’s intent to make events accessible and enjoyable for the community.

 

Events Schedule

  • Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. – Tampa Bay Lightning watch party + Taste of Tampa
  • Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Maren Morris concert
  • Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. – Public skate
  • Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m. – “Inside Out” movie screening

Free tickets for each event are available now at gofevo.com/group/openhouseweekend. Advance parking passes can be reserved through ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com/openhouse or call 813-301-2500 for details.

 

Pasco County Schools is focused on middle school success

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ODESSA – A seventh-grader from Starkey Ranch K-8 School has been named one of 30 national finalists for the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. 

Arshiya Ghosh will be headed to Washington, D.C. from Oct. 24 to 29 to compete for scholarships worth up to $25,000. Judges will consider student research projects and how finalists perform on STEM challenges.

With an interest in pursuing a career in oncology, Ghosh focused her research project on colorectal cancer treatment. She tested four compounds against a specific protein in the body in hopes of weakening biofilm to allow cancer treatment to work better. 

“Her achievement is a powerful example of how our students are elevating to national recognition,” said Marcy Hetzler-Nettles, an assistant superintendent for Pasco County Schools. 

Hetzler-Nettles specifically works with middle schools in the district. She explained to the school board on Sept. 23 how staff is working to raise student achievement. 

Students at every grade level showed gains in English language arts, according to Progress Monitoring One data. Middle school students exceeded last year’s scores and this year’s state averages. 

Results for middle school mathematics were mixed. Eighth-graders exceeded last year’s scores and state averages. Sixth-graders improved over last year’s scores but fell below state averages. Seventh-graders scored below last year’s numbers and this year’s state averages.

“School teams have engaged deeply in school improvement planning, increasing their technical understanding of student data and progress,”  Hetzler-Nettles said. “This strategic approach is helping us tailor instruction and support to meet the needs of every learner.”

She said leadership at middle schools is trying to build cultures of accountability and achievement. 

“We are actively working to refine instructional strategies, enhance intervention systems and provide professional development to elevate math achievement across all middle schools,” Hetzler-Nettles said. “This work is critical to ensure every student has the tools and support needed to succeed in mathematics.”

 

Thoughts on new school

Marcy Hetzler-Nettles, assistant superintendent for Pasco County Schools also weighed in on Skybrooke K-8, a new school that opened in Land O’ Lakes for the 2025-26 school year.

“The Bobcat campus launched with enthusiasm and purpose,” she said. “From house sorting traditions to our All Pro Dads chapter, Skybrooke is already building a strong foundation of school spirit and academic ambition, setting the stage for long-term success.”

 

Main Street Zephyrhills preps for major end-of-year events

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Main Street Zephyrhills shared updates with the city council on Sept. 23 as the organization prepares to close out the year with major events like Halloween Howl, Veterans Day Parade and Festival of Lights. 

Antwon Gildon, Main Street director and coordinator, said the organization has received great response from promoting its events on water bills. 

“I noticed it,” Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson said. “I wrote a note that said, ‘Whoever thought of this is a genius’ because I never thought about it before. That was great.”

Gildon said he wished he could take credit for the idea.

“Without having a local newspaper, we’re having to be as creative as possible,” Gildon said. “It’s just one of those things where it may not reach everyone but it’s going to reach someone that something else may not reach.”

Main Street Zephyrhills has accumulated 17,000 followers on Facebook with more than 256,000 page views over the past 90 days. The organization also has 1,800 followers on Instagram.

“I just recently found out if you don’t comment or like when you see a post, it will not stay high on your algorithm,” Gildon said, encouraging followers to engage with their content to ensure future updates aren’t buried. 

The organization’s promotions committee is trying to get companies along U.S. 301 to promote upcoming Halloween and Christmas events on their signs. 

The design committee has been working on the look of 2025 Halloween Howl bags. Gildon said the design will be unveiled in a few weeks on social media. Expect a bag that is a bit smaller than last year’s orange ones.

Gildon told the council to expect some more updates on the Historic Home Theater after Halloween. He said Main Street staff met with architects to review the demo package for the theater. 

The venue will be used for Halloween Howl’s Haunted Theater theme. That event takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25 with food trucks, hayrides, games and a haunted area at the theater. 

The organization’s economic vitality committee has worked with downtown building owners to fill vacancies. Members have reached out to companies about locating shops and restaurants to downtown.

“It has been a very successful reemergence of downtown,” Gildon said. “There’s only a few spaces that remain available and the majority of those spaces that remain available are due to size and some limitations that the new owners may take over. But every smaller location that can be re-leased has actually been re-leased pretty quickly.”

Main Street Zephyrhills also plans to roll out a community engagement series.

“We’re going to take Main Street outside of the district and go and talk with the community and just see some of the things that they’re looking forward to seeing in the downtown district,” Gildon said. 

The organization committee has raised nearly $8,000 for its investor drive. He feels confident Main Street Zephyrhills can reach its $20,000 goal by the end of the year. 

Wilkeson recommended anyone wanting to support Main Street Zephyrhills to sign up for its investor program, in which they can get updates on events and other perks. There are investor levels for individuals and businesses. 

The organization has also secured more than $8,500 in title sponsors for upcoming events. Gildon expects more to come in once they secure a Festival of Lights title sponsor. The theme of this year’s festival will be “Christmas in Toyland.”

 

Upcoming Main Street Events

  • Oct. 25: Halloween Howl, 4-9 p.m.
  • Nov. 8: Veterans Day Parade, 10 a.m.
  • Nov. 16: Paulie Palooza, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Nov. 24: Christmas Tree Lighting, 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 6: Festival of Lights, 4-9 p.m. 
  • Dec. 6: Christmas Parade, 7 p.m.

 

Deconstructing the pumpkin spice craze

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Shari Bresin

Now that we’re officially in pumpkin spice season, it made me wonder … what is the history of pumpkin spice?  

How did this seasonal staple come about in the first place?  

And what makes it so embedded in “fall culture?”

While the craze took off after Starbucks debuted the pumpkin spice latte in 2003, the pumpkin spice blend itself is over 200 years old, with two spice-filled pumpkin pie recipes found in the 1798 cookbook “American Cookery.”

By the 1930s, spice manufacturing companies combined the ingredients into a single product, so people no longer had to buy the separate spice ingredients – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are the core components.  

Its purpose is to enhance the flavor of pumpkin. It doesn’t contain any actual pumpkin.  

While this might be common knowledge to many, Reddit threads tell us otherwise, as there are people on there that are shocked to learn that there is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice, similar to how there is no hamburger in Hamburger Helper.  

Pumpkin itself is bland; you wouldn’t even want your latte tasting like actual pumpkin.  

It is mostly made of water (up to 90%), and so the pumpkin spice is needed to make it more appetizing in various pumpkin dishes.

These days, however, pumpkin spice anything (latte, donuts, cookies, cream cheese, yogurt, etc.) have more sugar than authentic pumpkin, if it has any at all, and may have some, all, or none of the spices of pumpkin spice.  

Basically, food companies make pumpkin spice products to remind you of pumpkin pie, which we usually have positive associations with (Thanksgiving, family time, cozy nights, cooler weather, etc.).  

Because we like joy and happy memories, food that reminds us of this (plus the scarcity effect that it’s a limited time) prompts us to buy it.  

The high sugar content also makes us come back for more.  

Some food companies simply put caramel coloring in the product to make it look like pumpkin, and various preservatives to give it a look and taste of pumpkin pie without actually putting pumpkin or pumpkin spice in it, solely to capitalize on the pumpkin fad during this time of year.  

More marketing than pumpkin goes into it.  

In fact, you may recall the outrage over a decade ago when Starbucks customers learned that there wasn’t any pumpkin in the pumpkin spice latte, leading Starbucks to change the recipe and add pumpkin puree to the pumpkin spice flavored syrup in 2015.  

But based on the popularity of it before then, it’s clear that pumpkin wasn’t even necessary taste-wise, but people demanded it based on principle.  

So, are your pumpkin spice foods really made with pumpkin, just the spices or just flavoring agents and preservatives?  

You will have to read the ingredients list to find out.

And it’s not just food.  

Pumpkin spice candles, air fresheners and hand soaps are also popular this time of year.  

The scent is just as powerful as the taste in evoking comforting memories.  

Have you ever had a pumpkin-spice product during the other months of the year?  

It just doesn’t have that same comforting effect.

So whether you love or hate this pumpkin phrenzy, it’s safe to say this fall tradition is here to stay.  

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

News Briefs (9/17/25): Tampa to observe Bay of the Holy Spirit Day

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Tampa proclaims Sept. 20 as Bay of the Holy Spirit Day

TAMPA – The City of Tampa has agreed to make Sept. 20, 2025, Bay of the Holy Spirit Day. 

That is also the day that 12,000 Catholics from across the region will attend a religious event at the Benchmark International Arena known as the Eucharistic Encounter. Organizers say this gathering represents an opportunity to honor the city’s historical roots and spiritual heritage while fostering unity and understanding among residents.

The Eucharistic Encounter, billed as the largest gathering of Catholics in the history of the Tampa Bay area, will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20 at Benchmark International Arena (formerly known as Amalie Arena), 401 Channelside Drive.

The city’s declaration raises awareness for the original name of Tampa Bay. Many people might not realize that Tampa Bay was first called Bay of the Holy Spirit or La Bahia de Espirito Santo. That was the name selected by Spanish missionaries and explorers who first came to this area in the 16th century.

Bay of the Holy Spirit was used until English map makers changed the name in the 1760s when Great Britain acquired Florida from Spain. At that time, the British began to Anglicize Florida place names and Espirito Santo became Tampa Bay.

 

Festival to bloom with gardening fun

WESLEY CHAPEL – Join UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County for its ninth annual UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Master Gardener Volunteers’ Gardening 365 Festival & Plant Sale.

The free event includes a large selection of plants for sale, engaging seminars, educational resources and “Florida-friendly” gardening information.

The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel.

This event includes a variety of activities including butterfly walk-thru experience, food and drinks, garden decor, kids zone, ladybug sales, live demonstrations, retail vendors and touch-a-truck. Educational booths and hands-on activities for children will be available.  

Organizers request that only ADA-compliant service animals attend.

On the web: mypas.co/2025FestivalPlantSale

 

Hillsborough transfers $13M to Tampa for intersection upgrades

TAMPA – Many of Hillsborough County’s busiest roads and intersections are inside Tampa city limits. 

To improve safety at those intersections, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners transferred $13 million to the City of Tampa for design and construction improvements at more than a dozen intersections.

The projects range from redesigning intersections to signal improvement projects. The money was transferred at the end of August. The funding for these projects was collected from countywide ad valorem taxes to support intersection improvement projects on county-owned roads located within the city limits.

Three of the intersections will undergo design and construction for safety improvements. 

The other 10 are designated for design and construction for pole replacement and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades that will make intersections safer for all users.

A full list of the intersections is as follows:

Design and construction for intersection safety improvements

  • Columbus Drive at Rome Avenue  
  • Bayshore Boulevard at Swann Avenue  
  • Bayshore Boulevard at Euclid Avenue

Design and construction for pole replacements and ADA upgrades

  • Manhattan Avenue at Bay to Bay Boulevard
  • Howard Avenue at Cypress Street  
  • Armenia Avenue at Cypress Street
  • Henderson Boulevard at San Rafael/Lois Avenue traffic signal upgrade  
  • Habana Avenue at Columbus Drive  
  • Lincoln Avenue at Columbus Drive
  • Himes Avenue at Gandy Boulevard  
  • MacDill Avenue at Gandy Boulevard
  • Manhattan Avenue at El Prado Boulevard traffic signal upgrade  
  • Church Avenue at Bay to Bay Boulevard

Scott leads Distirct 5 seat election 

TAMPA – Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer posted unofficial Election Night results for the City of Tampa Special Municipal Election at VoteHillsborough.gov on Sept. 9. 

Unofficial results for the City Council District 5 seat are as follows: 

  • Thomas Scott: 1,457 (27.07%)
  • Naya Young: 715 (13.29%)
  • Fran M. Tate: 545 (10.13%)
  • Ariel Amirah Danley: 522 (9.70%)
  • Thomas DeGeorge Jr: 522 (9.70%)
  • Juawana Colbert: 440 (8.18%)
  • Alison A. Hewitt: 405 (7.53%)
  • Elvis Piggott: 266 (4.94%)
  • Melony Williams: 178 (3.31%)
  • Audette Bruce: 115 (2.14%)
  • Carroll “Carrie” West: 105 (1.95%)
  • Albert Cooke: 55 (1.02%)
  • Darrell Ashley Dudney: 45 (0.84%)
  • Write-in: 12 (0.22%)

In City of Tampa municipal elections, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote or that race will proceed to a runoff election.

Results included Vote By Mail, Early Voting and all Election Day precincts. Provisional ballots and mail ballots pending signature cure were not included. The 1st Unofficial Results were scheduled to be certified on Sept. 11.

On Sept. 12, Official Results were scheduled to be certified Sept. 12.

 

Habitat foreperson gets keys to new home

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Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, welcomes Becca Gaschler to her new home. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough
Becca Gaschler reacts to a care package from John Doran, executive director of Publix Charities. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough

TAMPA – When Becca Gaschler graduated from the University of Central Florida and returned home to Tampa, she was ready to kickstart her career. But like many young professionals, she found few affordable housing options, renting a room from a friend and then moving back in with her mom.

Becca, 25, had studied clinical psychology and political science, but was inspired by the craftsmanship of things her grandfather had built. She decided to try her hand at construction and soon found a job with Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, steadily rising from apprentice to construction site foreperson to help build affordable homes for families who need them.

While working alongside volunteers and future homeowners, Becca saw firsthand the opportunity that homeownership creates. She asked herself: Could I become a Habitat homeowner, too?

“That was the biggest part for me, seeing the stability it brought to so many people, hearing their stories, meeting their kids and families, and seeing the widespread effects homeownership had for their communities,” Becca said. “Now, to finally get my own house. It’s like a dream for me, honestly.”

Like other Habitat homeowners, Becca put in long sweat equity hours, this time on her future home. One Habitat tradition that touched her: before the walls were finished, workers and volunteers wrote personal messages and good wishes on the framework – later hidden beneath the paint, but forever part of the house’s foundation.

“I think it’s pretty powerful, walking in and knowing all the love that went into it,” Becca said.

Tuesday, friends, family, coworkers, volunteers and Habitat leaders, along with representatives of major financial sponsor Publix Charities, joined Becca for a home dedication celebration. Becca was handed her keys and the crowd cheered, “Welcome home!” She got to tour her new East Tampa house, which has a yard for her rescue dog, Scout.

“Homeownership is a building block for strong and thriving communities,” said John Doran, executive director of Publix Charities. “We’re very proud to support this foundation for a better future.”  

Through Habitat’s program, families invest hundreds of volunteer hours and get affordable mortgages that do not exceed 30% of their income.

“Home isn’t about how many people live under one roof or what that household looks like. It’s about safety, stability and dignity. Whether someone lives alone, with children, extended family, with roommates or a partner, every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said Tina Forcier, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. “That’s the mission of Habitat, alongside our generous community partners like Publix Charities, one home at a time.”  

Becca agreed: “Habitat doesn’t exist without the help of the volunteers and sponsors. I’m just super grateful on all fronts.”

“My life is forever changed,” she said. “I can actually plan for my future now.”

 

Local Wildlife (9/17/25): Duck parenting

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Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks

You think you’re busy? Consider the growing pains of raising a family of 11 like this black bellied whistling duck. Oh stop, with the whistling, ducklings. Momma is trying to find some snails. 

Health & Wellness (9/17/25): BayCare keeps burnout at bay

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BayCare recognized for keeping burnout at bay

CLEARWATER – BayCare has earned the bronze-level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine organization. 

The recognition honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. 

“We take tremendous pride in prioritizing the well-being of our physicians,” said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, chief physician executive at BayCare. “This milestone is a clear reminder that wellness-focused leadership is critical. When we focus on the well-being of our physicians, they can focus on the joy of providing compassionate care that is aligned with their talents and our mission, vision and values.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to a recent study. But with system-level efforts to address burnout, the national physician burnout rate declined to 45.2% in 2023. 

“Joy in Medicine-recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” AMA President Bobby Mukkamala said. 

 

Hospital to hosti Women’s Health Expo

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a free Women’s Health Expo on Oct. 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Discover the wide range of services available at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, with a special highlight on women’s health including mental health, breast health, pelvic floor care, skin care and fitness. 

Learn about the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center and take advantage of free health screenings including glucose, blood pressure and BMI. Shop for unique items at curated pop-up shops, enjoy light refreshments and have fun at a festive photo booth.

Walk-ins are welcome but registration is encouraged at this free event. Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing  “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Oct. 6 class listing. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

Call -855-269-4777 for details about the event.

 

BayCare releases reports on physicians

CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System released Vital Impact, its 2024 Physician and Provider Annual Report. 

The report highlights the work of BayCare’s physicians and clinical teams serving West Central Florida.    

Among the notable milestones in 2024:

  • For the Provider as Customer Survey, a 4.35 engagement score places BayCare at the 79th percentile nationally, reflecting a highly committed workforce.  
  • Year-over-year growth in engagement signals improvement and a commitment to provider satisfaction.  
  • Collaboration with its physicians helped 10 of BayCare’s eligible acute-care hospitals receive an “A” grade from Leapfrog, the patient safety group’s highest rating.  
  • The launch of our BayCare Clinical Institutes.  

BayCare is continuing to expand its academic medicine and research programs. BayCare is also on track to expand its graduate medical education residency positions to more than 650 by 2029, to continue bringing top-notch physicians to the region.  

 

AdventHealth to expand emergency care access in Punta Gorda 

PUNTA GORDA – AdventHealth is bringing a state-of-the-art emergency department to Punta Gorda.

Located at the southeast corner of Jones Loop Road and Mac Ever Street, the new facility will provide 24/7 emergency care, advanced technology and whole-person care minutes away for families across Charlotte County.

This project comes at a critical time for the community. After recent hurricanes damaged and closed a local hospital, many residents have faced longer travel times to receive emergency treatment. 

“We want families in Punta Gorda and surrounding areas to feel confident that help is close by in an emergency,” said Adam Johnson, president/CEO of AdventHealth Port Charlotte. “This new emergency department is the first step in a long-term commitment to bringing more health care services back home to this community.”

 

Florida marks fifth straight year of clean air

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Florida has met all federal air quality standards for the fifth consecutive year. 

Florida is the most populous state in the nation to achieve this distinction.

The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six criteria air pollutants that can harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution and sulfur dioxide. Florida’s industrial emissions have declined 78% since 2000, and ozone levels – the most widespread air pollutant – have fallen by nearly half over the past 20 years.

Florida maintains one of the nation’s most comprehensive air quality monitoring networks, with 180 monitors at 90 sites across the state. The network meets or exceeds federal requirements and ensures accurate, real-time data for residents and communities.  

Floridians can track daily Air Quality Index conditions in their area through floridadep.gov or AirNow.gov.

 

The Battle In The Bay to feature FSU & Texas A&M

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TAMPA – Tampa Bay will be the epicenter of college basketball as Florida State University and Texas A&M University face off in The Battle in the Bay.

The marquee non-conference matchup, organized by Russ Potts Productions Inc., will take place at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

The Florida State Seminoles, representing the ACC, will go head-to-head with the SEC’s Texas A&M Aggies in a showdown that’s sure to be a must-see for fans of both schools and college hoops.

Zach Franz, president of Russ Potts Productions, said his team is grateful to work with partners like Benchmark International Arena, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Vinik Sports Group and both universities to deliver an exciting day of basketball. 

“Our community is excited to welcome back the upcoming edition of NCAA Men’s March Madness and this event will help our community partners prepare so that we’re ready to put our best foot forward in March,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. 

The matchup features two head coaches leading their programs in their first season: Luke Loucks of Florida State and Bucky McMillan of Texas A&M. Here is what each coach had to say about the game: 

 

Luke Loucks, Florida State Seminoles coach

We’re working tirelessly to build a championship-caliber program for our great Florida State fans. Every game we play against a quality opponent helps us grow and become a better basketball team. 

Playing Texas A&M is great for us in so many ways. They were ranked in the Top 15 nationally, a No. 4 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament and finished fifth in the SEC, making this matchup a powerful test for us. 

Playing in Tampa also gives us the chance to showcase our team in one of Florida’s largest cities, home to a vibrant community of Seminole supporters. 

This game strengthens our program and provides our players with valuable experience as we prepare for the rest of our non-conference slate and the upcoming ACC schedule.

 

Bucky McMillan, Texas A&M Aggies coach

“We’re looking forward to participating in the Battle in the Bay in Tampa this November versus a strong basketball program in Florida State University. 

I have great respect for their athletic accomplishments and am excited to be starting this series. 

I think this year and next year’s games will be something that both fan bases can rally around. I just hope our fans leave happier than theirs.”