Bodycam Footage Released in Epic Universe Roller Coaster Death, Family Reaches Settlement The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage documenting the response to a medical emergency at Universal’s Epic Universe in September 2025. The incident involved Kevin Zavala, who tragically died following injuries sustained on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. Initial Confusion … Read more
Stranded by War: The Rising Risks of Travel in a Turbulent World Dr. Stephanie Reynolds, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, recently experienced a vacation turned ordeal when the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East disrupted her family’s return flight from the Maldives. Her story, involving five extra days, 36 … Read more
The Rise of the High School Athlete: Beyond the Scoreboard The story of Eamon Carman, the star forward for Land O’ Lakes High School, isn’t just a local sports highlight. It’s a microcosm of a larger trend: the increasing focus on high school athletics, not just as a pathway to college scholarships, but as a … Read more
Tampa Bay Real Estate: From Boom to Balance – What’s Next? Tampa’s commercial real estate market, a star performer in recent years, is entering a new phase. The breakneck speed of expansion is moderating, replaced by a more discerning approach to deals. While growth continues, it’s no longer a simple story of rising tides. Experts … Read more
Florida’s Animal Abuser Database: A National Trend in the Making? Today marks a significant step forward in animal welfare in Florida with the launch of a statewide database of animal abusers, a key component of Dexter’s Law. But this isn’t just a Florida story. It’s a bellwether for a growing national movement to hold animal … Read more
Beyond the Purple Star: How Colleges are Evolving to Support Veteran Students St. Petersburg College’s recent designation as a Purple Star Campus – a recognition awarded to institutions demonstrating a commitment to supporting military families – isn’t an isolated event. It’s a signal of a larger, evolving trend in higher education. Colleges and universities across … Read more
The Housing Market’s Balancing Act: Where Are Prices Headed in 2026? After a period of rapid growth fueled by the pandemic, the housing market is undergoing a noticeable shift. While a dramatic crash like 2008 isn’t on the horizon, the days of double-digit price increases are firmly in the past. Recent data indicates a cooling … Read more
Protecting Our Children: The Future of Allergy Awareness and School Safety As a journalist covering health and safety, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing urgency surrounding childhood allergies and the critical need for proactive measures. The story of Alicia Smith, a Florida teen who bravely manages a severe coconut allergy, underscores this perfectly. Her experience, and … Read more
The Rise of Custom Vehicles: Trends Shaping the Future The world of automotive customization is booming, and the upcoming Discovery Channel show “Truck Dynasty,” featuring SoFlo Customs, is a testament to this trend. But what’s driving this surge in demand for bespoke vehicles, and where is it all heading? As a journalist who has spent … Read more
Florida’s Financial Future: New CFO, New Directions The appointment of Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer marks a pivotal moment for the state. His predecessor, Jimmy Patronis, departed to pursue a congressional seat, leaving a vacancy now filled with a focus on fiscal responsibility and property tax relief. But what does this mean … Read more