Latest news with #NicoleRogers
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Independent consulting firm almost done investigating 2024 Hillsborough County flooding
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An independent consulting firm is almost done investigating why so many areas in Hillsborough County flooded during last hurricane season. Consultants expect to provide county commissioners with a summary of their recommendations within the next month and a half. Thomas Goethe Jr. lives in Valrico, and as he heads into the next hurricane season, he has one question for the county. 'I'd like to know what are they going to do,' Goethe Jr. said. Sherri Allen's Forest Hills home, which is in flood zone X, flooded the morning after Hurricane Milton hit. Allen did not have flood insurance because of the flood zone. 300+ without power after car crashes into utility pole Independent consulting firm almost done investigating 2024 Hillsborough County flooding 'Not a good sign': Tampa Walmart customers react to possible price increases from tariffs Now, Allen is preparing for yet another hurricane season, this time with fear, uncertainty, and $50,000 in debt. 'I'm scared because I don't know that it's not going to happen again,' Allen said. 8 On Your Side brought her concerns directly to the county. News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked Hillsborough County Flood Protection Engineering Manager Mikhal Moberg, 'What would your message be to residents who feel that we're 7 months after the storms and they don't have answers or really any tangible next steps?' 'We understand that there was a significant flooding that many people witnessed and they had to endure unjust hardships, but the reality is, this was a historical event,' said Moberg. 'We are doing the best we can, given the resources that we can.' Last year, Hillsborough County hired an independent consulting firm, Black & Veatch Corporation, to figure out why so many people flooded during last hurricane season. It's now up to them to get answers. 'How much rain fell, how high the rivers, ponds, and lakes came up, where it flooded, how deep it flooded,d and for how long,' Regional Water Resources Lead Jon Dinges said, listing off the areas he's looking into. 'What sort of timeline are we looking at for when the investigation will be complete?' News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked. 'We started in December, the first couple of months, there was a lot of collecting data, and we're getting close to finishing our first high-level assessment, so in the month of June, we're planning to make recommendations to the county commission,' Dinges said. Dinges plans to update county commissioners on where the investigation stands Wednesday. He anticipates having a summary of his findings and recommendations ready for commissioners in mid-to-late June, and the full analysis completed by July or August. From there, it will be up to county commissioners to decide how much they want to spend. Residents can give their input by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents get first-time look at newly renovated Phil Chacon Park
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A popular park in the International District has been brought back to life, as city officials unveiled the new Phil Chacon Park this weekend. 'Good morning, Albuquerque. Welcome back to Phil Chacon Park!' exclaimed Dave Simon, Director of Albuquerque's Parks and Recreation Department. For three years, the park has been closed as the city worked to make some major improvements. 'The tide is turning in District 6,' said Nicole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor for the area where the park is located. Community members say they've been waiting for this announcement. 'It's pretty nice, good for the kids,' said Chris Tobal Carrera, a visitor at the park. 'It has them active instead of being indoors.' Hundreds pack Albuquerque park for May Day Rally 'I like doing BMX because it's fun and it entertains me and stuff, and I've [been] riding for like eight years now,' said Hannah, a bike rider who tried at the new BMX pump track. The multimillion-dollar transformation includes new amenities like two new softball fields, a new playground, and much more. 'I think it's fun for kids to be out and running around on their bike,' said Liliana, a visitor at the park. The park was closed back in 2022 after the city decided to give it a facelift. At one point, it had become a point of contention, after parents in the area reported that homeless people were going onto the nearby Van Buren Middle School Campus from the park. They also raised concerns about the amount of trash and needles at the park. New study ask for feedback to improve 8th Street & Robinson Park in Albuquerque Officials are confident their new approach will keep the park safe. 'All three watches have been directed by myself that they are going to be doing foot patrols through here, so they'll be parking, walking over to the substation, going through the park at various times every day of the week,' said Josh Richards, Commander of Albuquerque's Southeast Area Command for Albuquerque's Police Department. Though law enforcement involvement will play a big part in keeping the park safe, officials are asking community members to help keep the park clean. 'If you're here and your dog goes number two in the park, pick it up,' Councilor Rogers said. 'If you're here and you're having a picnic and there's trash, pick it up.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Don't let your offender beat you': FSU shooting survivor shares recovery journey
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Madison Askins is back home in Pasco County after spending five days in a Tallahassee hospital. She was one of the eight people shot by a gunman at Florida State University a couple of weeks ago. Passengers on Jeff Knight's boat describe fatal ferry crash: 'Where the f*** were their lights?' On Friday, Askins shared her story of perseverance with News Channel 8. 'You always think it won't happen to you, it won't happen to your family members, and then you get shot,' she said. From the day Askins toured Florida State University, she fell in love with the campus. News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'What does it mean to you to be a Nole?' 'Well, right now, after going through all this, I'd say, definitely unconquerable,' she responded. Askins graduated from FSU with her bachelor's degree last year but decided to take her education a step further. She returned to Florida State to get her master's degree, and in the midst of her time as a graduate student, the unthinkable happened. 'You're going to lunch, you're minding your own business and then, all of the sudden, you hear gunshots,' Askins explained. Askins said the bullet went through her buttocks and into her L5 vertebrae. She explained that's where it remains today. Looking back, Askins believes she's alive because of something her parents, both retired Marines, told her growing up. 'When it comes to a shooting, play dead,' she explained. 'I mean, none of these are foolproof, they're not foolproof, but at the same time, these things will increase your chance of survival.' 'They are hard conversations that I hate that we have to have in the world, but they're very much necessary,' Askins continued. News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'Do you think it's because of those things your parents taught you that you're here today?' '100%,' she responded. 'I fully believe if I was moving, he would've shot me again.' But her story doesn't stop there. The perseverant FSU student said she will be back in August. 'Good news is, I'm off the walker so I'm on the cane now,' Askins said. As her journey of recovery continues, she wants the world to know, life doesn't have to end after a tragedy. 'Don't let your offender beat you,' she said. 'Whatever he took from you, go get it back.' 'Keep going, keep moving forward, don't let them win,' Askins continued. 'Also, to everybody watching: life is short, eat a cookie.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
13-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
BGE explains reasons for major rate hikes of gas and electric bills
BALTIMORE -- BGE customers are frustrated over the rising cost of their gas and electric bills this winter. Some told WJZ their bills are double what they were last year. BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos says the average customer is using 19% to 22% more energy compared to last year. "It was an especially cold January and it takes a lot of energy to heat your home," Alexopulos said. However, that's not the only reason customers are paying more this winter. Why have the rates increased? BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos says three key costs go into the overall total of your bill. The first, according to Alexopulos, is the distribution cost, which is the main part of the bill that goes directly to BGE. That rate is regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission. BGE hiked up their rates starting Jan. 1. The utility company increased the average gas bill by 9% and electric bill by 7%. But that's just part of the reason why your bill is higher. Gas customers saw a spike in the supply section of their bill which is the cost of the actual natural gas they used, according to BGE. "In January of this year, the actual price of natural gas was 30% higher than it was January a year ago, so if you take all of these into account, plus increased usage, it's led to bills that are high," said Alexopulos. The third component is the increase of costs to "Empower Maryland" set by the state, which funds efficiency programs. Baltimore leaders take action While BGE stands by its rates and says it offers ways to help customers, like waving late fees and suspending disconnections for non-payments, that's not enough for Maryland and Baltimore lawmakers. Baltimore's City Council recently introduced legislation to formally investigate these rising utility costs. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen highlighted that in 2023, the council adopted a resolution that called on the Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject BGE's multi-year rate plan and argued ratepayers should not have to pay for BGE's gas line replacement project. PSC, which regulates BGE at a state level, granted the company the rate case, despite opposition from city leaders. "The city council will stand with the ratepayers of this region, not the shareholders of the gas and electric company," Cohen said. "We stand with our people over their profits. We stand with workers, residents, restaurant owners and religious leaders, not a utility that holds a monopoly and has seen record returns." Utility robocalls BGE customers say they are receiving robocalls about the rising utility rates. "This is an important message from BGE about your utility service," the call says. "Due to unanticipated high bills driven by extreme cold weather, meaningful increases in the cost of electric and gas has increased." Exelon Corporation confirmed that they have been doing a lot of customer outreach and predictive dialer initiatives for customers. They claim to have been in touch with customers regarding many different customer needs. Customers' utility concerns BGE customers have had to turn up the heat a little more in their homes because of this colder winter. Nicole Rogers, who is on disability along with her husband and lives in Section 8 housing, said her $700 bill grew to over $5,000. "Most recently, it was $700 for one month," Baltimore resident Nicole Rogers said. "I have a one-bedroom house with a dent, that's it." Rogers said, "And they had cut off our gas and electric when it was below 30 degrees, so we were in our home freezing, having to wear three layers of clothes and there was no assistance, like no matter how many times I called." Matthew Oetting, the chef and owner of Marta Fine Foods and Spirits in Butcher's Hill, told WJZ his utility bills have increased by more than $1,000 over the past few months. "Yeah, I could look at my October or November bill of 2024 and compare it to my most recent bill of February 2025, and it's over $1,000 difference," Oetting said.
