Latest news with #Fling
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay tree-planting programs lose federal funding in DEI purge
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Efforts to plant trees using federal dollars in Tampa Bay could be at a standstill. The Trump Administration is looking to eliminate environmental justice programs under the premise of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). There were 183 trees planted in Childs Park in St. Petersburg. And $19,000 from the federal government's U.S. Forest Service was used to accomplish it. Hurricane-damaged hotel in St. Pete Beach receives $34K internet/cable bill The same government agency cancelled the funding for a nationwide tree planting program because it no longer aligns with the agency priorities regarding DEI. 'It's hard to believe that trees have anything to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion. I mean we need trees everywhere,' said Pat Fling, the co-chair of the Sierra Club political committee. They advocate for a clean environment and say trees contribute to it. Fling said not having this funding can hurt some areas. 'It'll be hard for those residents who can't afford to plant trees on their own. Lower income neighborhoods might be closer to commercial businesses which are generating pollution, so trees can help mitigate some of that,' Fling said. This has been a focal point for Jabaar Edmond. He is the former president of the Childs Park Neighborhood Association. 'The tree planting is an investment for the future more so than an investment right now,' Edmond said. 'We're still battling air quality emissions from factories in our industrial corridor.' He said it's going to be up to the city and state to fill gaps left by the federal government. 'The reality is sometimes we have to be the ones to issue the grant and not be the ones receiving it,' Edmond said. The nonprofit Take MAR (More Action for Regeneration) plants trees across Tampa Bay. They say on average, planting one tree can cost between $1,000 to $2,000. 'Trees are expensive, not just for the planting, but also to maintain, and they require labor cost of trees, mulching, fertilizing, etc. So with cities that have more affluent neighborhoods, they have more funding for certain things, so we are also looking at the importance of planting and underserved communities,' said Michelle Ellena, the Co-Founder of Take MAR. 'Looking at communities that trees might not be their first priority but are very necessary in order to, yeah, help with storm protection, flood mitigation air and water quality, and urban heat reduction.' The Sierra Club mentioned how their organization and others are still counting the number of tree's lost during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These groups hope people realize the need for newly planted trees and are willing to pay for it. 'It almost feels like a defeat sometimes, but at the same time, trees are resilient, so we're going to be resilient,' Ellena said. It's unclear where Governor Ron DeSantis stands on federal funding being cut for programs to plant trees. But the governor has been vocal about assessing state spending and bringing in government efficiency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ECP gears up for busy spring break season
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is gearing up for an active Spring Break season. 'Every year, we welcome the energy and excitement that comes with spring break travel. The team is fully staffed and ready to assist passengers throughout this busy season, ensuring they reach their destinations as smoothly as possible,' Chair of the Airport Board of Directors Mark Sheldon said. Support local artisans at Panama City Beach Spring Fling sale ECP officials also announced two new nonstop flights to New York City and Austin, providing more travel options for locals and visitors this summer. 'We are thrilled to introduce our first-ever nonstop flight to New York City and new nonstop service with Delta Air Lines to Austin,' Sheldon added. 'Partnering with Delta Air Lines to offer these new services will provide our passengers with more convenient travel options and enhance connectivity between these vibrant cities and the beautiful beaches of Northwest Florida. We are proud to bring these exciting services to our Region and look forward to welcoming travelers from the Big Apple and Austin.' ECP officials remind travelers to pack their patience and extend courtesy to fellow passengers and airport staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Women's health care made easy at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf's new center
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women's Diagnostics Center was constructed with women's privacy and comfort in mind. Ascension's staff hopes the one-way windows, dressing rooms, and spa-like ambiance will encourage women to prioritize their health. 'When you don't have to drive an hour, it's a little easier to get to an appointment or to the doctor. And I would really encourage people, we are seeing cancer in younger and younger ages. And so that screening, that annual screening, is really important,' Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Administrator Kelly Beach said. The facility stands out for a number of reasons. 'We have been at work towards a diagnostic women's center at Sacred Heart Gulf, Port St Joe, for about three and a half years, fundraising. And the beautiful gift of the women's center is that it's 100% community funded. And we're the only Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Florida that is community funded for its Women's center,' Beach said. Support local artisans at Panama City Beach Spring Fling sale Of the 69 donors that made the center possible, Beach says four made major contributions. 'We felt that this deserved the biggest donation that the Murphy Family Foundation has ever done. And we're really proud to see today come to fruition. Women don't have to go as far all the way to Panama City,' Murphy Family Foundation founder Brendan Murphy said. 'Women put their their testing and their care on the backburner for the rest of the family. And I'm sure there are lots and lots of people who didn't have their mammogram every year because it was just too far to go. So this is a big deal in this little town,' added Cindy Murphy. The Murphy's say the standard of care they've personally received at the hospital made it a quick decision to help expand its outreach. The mammogram room isn't the only space to receive a major upgrade. The ultrasound room was previously a quarter of the size. Now, there is a lot more space to perform vital services, like general imaging for women and breast biopsies. 'So procedures are done in a team approach like these two fine young ladies we have here, Rebecca and Meghan, they're part of it. They're part of the team that when you come in through the door, we work together on making sure that you're comfortable, that we can do our procedure safely, and we can do it accurately. It's always the right patient, the right procedure, and done at the right time. And having more room, having more facilities, upgrading computer equipment and upgrading machines allows us to accomplish all of that in a safe and effective manner,' Chief Medical Officer & Radiologist Dr. Kunal Jani said. The overall funds raised for the Women's Center came in at around $500,000. For more information on the services provided, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
