Latest news with #Palmetto
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Company develops service that will install solar panels on your home for no money down — here's how it works
Homeowners interested in going solar can get panels installed without the cost of investment. Solar energy company Palmetto is helping consumers save money on clean energy through its leasing program. While the initial price tag for solar installation can dissuade some homeowners, the LightReach energy plan aims to minimize costs upfront. Palmetto described LightReach as "an innovative approach to home energy management for those who value the financial and environmental benefits of rooftop solar but want the ease of an affordable monthly plan." With LightReach, potential savings are calculated, and a specific solar plan is designed for home installation. The plan can be tracked through a personal solar dashboard. Installing solar panels provides many benefits for homeowners. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar panels can lower monthly utility bills and increase home value. In fact, one study showed that solar increased the value of a home by about $15,000 on average. There's also the environmental impact. Solar panels, in addition to other home upgrades like smart home technology, significantly reduce heat-trapping pollution. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are more than 200 gigawatts of cumulative installed solar electric capacity in the United States. That's enough to counteract more than 222 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. In the r/solar subreddit, a solar advocate initiated a discussion about owning versus leasing through companies like Palmetto. "Let me start by saying ownership and leasing a solar system are both excellent ways to go solar," the original poster prefaced before listing pros and cons for both options. In the dozens of responses, many Redditors shared their own experiences with going solar. Some mentioned that their solar decisions were based on a variety of factors, including availability and price. "All kinds of buying/leasing solar have their positives and negatives," one commenter wrote. "The main thing I would say to keep in mind, is that you need to do your due diligence and figure out what is best for the specific situation." If leasing isn't the right move for homeowners, EnergySage has free tools that provide estimates on buying and installing panels. It's a helpful resource that makes it easy to compare quotes. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Miami boys' volleyball all-star game celebrates 20th anniversary. Plus softball and track
The North came from behind to edge the South 3-2 (20-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 15-10) in the 20th anniversary of the Miami-Dade High School Boys' Volleyball All-Star Game at Barry University in Miami Shores. The event, organized by Daniel Benitez, features the top high school senior boys' volleyball players in the county. The North showcased Roman Garcia (Barbara Goleman), Nico Delgado-Gonzalez (Coral Gables), Mariano Beytia (Coral Gables), Dante Munecas (Columbus), Joseph Gonzalez (Miami High), Carlos Miranda (Miami High), Evan Alcron (Miami High), Nicholas Navarro (Hialeah), Giovanni Gonzalez (Hialeah-Miami Lakes), Ibrahim Perez (Mater Lakes), Elayan Soto (Mater Lakes), Diego Cobena (Ronald Reagan Doral), Yeison Gonzalez (Ronald Reagan Doral), Santiago Lopez (Divine Savior), Ernesto Alvarenga (JC Bermudez), Lucas Barragan (LaSalle), Christian Bagshaw (LaSalle), Head Coach Josh Garavito (Ronald Reagan Doral), Honorary Coach Camilo Guerci (Columbs - 2006 All-Star). The South showcased Gabriel Perez-Malo (Braddock), Alvaro Perez (Ferguson), Oliver Cerna (Homestead), Jake Bedoya (Palmetto), Lucca Santana (Palmetto), Dereck Ocasio (Southwest), Jaime Dominguez (Southwest), Luke Diaz (Belen Jesuit), Max Klemick (Belen Jesuit), AJ Garrido (Belen Jesuit), Jose Santos (Felix Varela), Luke Ieremia (Felix Varela), Makquiel Velez (Sunset), Uziel Chaparro (Sunset), Head Coach Sebastian Abreu (Felix Varela), Honorary Coach Matthew Kanakis (Palmetto - 2015 All-Star). To celebrate this historic match, 20-years-old, some former all-stars attended, including 2014 - Johnny Benitez - Florida Christian School; 2017 - Daniel Thews - SLAM Miami; 2017 - Alejandro Escobar - Palmetto; 2022 - Charlie Oriana - Felix Varela; 2023 - Thomas Santos - Miami High; 2023 - Elio Martin - Hialeah-Miami Lakes; 2024 - Yusdel Martinez - Felix Varela; 2024 - Lucas Perez-Malo - G Holmes Braddock; 2024 - Matthew Webb - Hialeah-Miami Lakes; 2024 - Seth Bohler - Palmetto. College coaches in attendance included: Pedro Davila (Warner University men's volleyball coach); Imanol Davila (Oakland City men's volleyball assistant coach); Charles Norman (Barry University men's volleyball coach); and Breno Ertty (St. Thomas University men's volleyball coach). Event photographers were John Benitez (@Johnnybenitez_) and Dania Montejo (@themontejos). North d. South 20-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 15-10: Yeison Gonzalez 14 Kills, 7 Digs, 1 Ace; Carlos Miranda 7 Digs; Nico Delgado-Gonzalez 3 Digs; Giovanni Gonzalez 1 Dig, 2 Assists; Ibrahim Perez 2 Kills, 2 Digs, 1 Assist, 3 Blocks; Santiago Lopez 1 Kill; Elayan Soto 1 Kill, 1 Block; Marianno Beytia 1 Dig, 9 Assists; Diego Cobena 5 Kills, 3 Digs, 1 Ace, 1 Block; Nicholas Navarro 4 Digs, 2 Aces; Ernesto Alvarenga 1 Dig, 5 Assists; Roman Garcia 1 Kill; Christian Bagshaw 1 Kill, 1 Block; Evan Alcron 1 Dig, 2 Blocks; Lucas Barragan 2 Assists; Dante Munecas 3 Kills, 9 Blocks; Jose Santos 1 Dig, 6 Assists; Luke Diaz 3 Kills, 4 Digs, 5 Assists, 1 Ace; Lucca Sant'anna 1 Kill, 4 Digs, 3 Assists; Derek Ocasio 5 Kills, 2 Digs, 2 Blocks; Gabriel Perez-Malo 9 Kills, 1 Dig, 2 Aces; Luke Ieremia 5 Kills, 3 Digs, 2 Aces, 1 Block; Jaime Dominguez 2 Blocks; Max Klemick 2 Blocks; Jake Bedoy 3 Kills, 1 Dig, 1 Block; Oliver Cerna 2 Kills; AJ Garrido 2 Digs; Uziel Chapparo 2 Digs, 4 Assists; Alvaro Perez 1 Kill. State track awards The Florida Diary Farmers announced the state's classification winners for FHSAA boys' and girls' track & field. Each is eligible for Mr. and Miss Track & Field honors, respectively, representing the best of the best. Coach of the Year recipients were also announced. They are eligible for the state's overall Coach of the Year accolades. Here are locals who won classification honors. ▪ Class 3A Girls' Track Athlete of the Year: Tyra Cox, Senior, Miami Northwestern: The 2024 Florida Miss Track swept the 200-meter (22.99) and 400-meter (51.44) state titles for the second consecutive year. Her time of 51.44 in the 400 meters was the second fastest among USA high school runners in 2025. Signed with the University of Florida. ▪ Class 2A Girls' Track Athlete of the Year: Arianna Garcia, Junior, Carrollton: Swept the 100-meter hurdles (14.09) and 400-meter hurdles (58.97) championships. ▪ Class 3A Girls' Track Coach of the Year: Davidson Gill, Dillard: Led his team to its second straight state title with a 96-85.5 point victory over Miami Northwestern. ▪ Class 2A Girls' Track Coach of the Year: Dylan Hermelee, Carrollton: Led his squad to the school's first state title, edging 2024 champion Montverde Academy by a narrow 65-64.5 point margin. ▪ Class 4A Boys' Track Coach of the Year: Danny Areces, Miami Columbus: Led Columbus to its second straight state title with 74 points. ▪ Class 3A Boys' Track Coach of the Year: Victor Arrieta, Belen Jesuit: Led his team to the state title with 69 points, finishing ahead of runnerup Niceville (67). State softball nominees The Florida Dairy Farmers announced the list of nominees for FHSAA top state softball honors, and the stellar group includes some local athletes and coaches. They are: ▪ 7A: Krystal Martinez (Hialeah Gardens) Sr C .722 BA, 11 2B; 2 3B, 4 HR, 30 R, 31 RBI, 21 SB; Ali Solo (Western) Sr P 18-4, 2.10 ERA, 153 IP, 175 K; .298 BA, 4 HR, 17 RBI; Chloe Junco (Coral Reef) Jr INF .387 BA, 19 R, 28 RBI, .933 Fielding %; Coach John Bradshaw (Western) 20-6 State Final Four; Coach Kyle Davis (West Broward) 18-8 Regional Finalist; Coach Zach Segal (Coral Reef) 20-7. ▪ 6A: Megan Villazone (Doral Academy) Sr P 26-1, 0.63 ERA, 145 IP, 261 K, 39 BB ; .475 BA, 45 RBI; Coach Willie Viruet (Doral Academy) 31-1 State Champion; Coach Robyn Handler (South Plantation) 14-12 Regional Finalist. ▪ 5A: Victoria Brunette (St. Thomas Aquinas) Sr INF .341 BA, 8 2B, 3 HR, 20 R, 22 RBI; Summer Givens (St. Thomas Aquinas) Sr INF .346 BA, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 18 R, 26 RBI; Coach Bryan Baucom (St. Thomas Aquinas) 16-13 State Final Four. ▪ 4A: Lyric Rodriguez (American Heritage) 8th P 14-2, 1.26 ERA, 100 IP, 91 K, 26 BB; Sienna Garcia (Archbishop McCarthy) Sr P 9-5, 2.17 ERA, 113 IP, 169 K, 43 BB; 3 HR, 17 R, 19 RBI; Coach Jason Garcia (Key West) 16-8 Regional Finalist; Coach Sergio Fernandez (American) 15-9; Coach Samantha Banister (American Heritage) 23-3 State Runner-Up; Coach Jean Ferrier (Archbishop McCarthy) 15-8. ▪ 3A: Lydia Berent (Cardinal Gibbons) Jr P 20-6, 1.11 ERA, 157 IP, 243 K, 26 BB; .500 BA, 11 2B, 3 HR, 39 R, 12 RBI, 20 SB; Gio Gurgel (Coral Springs Charter) Jr C/3B .494 BA, 11 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 26 R, 35 RBI; Taylor Rebhan (Somerset Academy Silver Palms) Jr INF .430 BA, 7 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 36 R, 24 RBI, 19 SB; Coach Mark Montimurro (Coral Springs Charter) 23-4 Regional Finalist; Coach Gator Rehban (Somerset Academy Silver Palms) 24-6 State Champion. ▪ 2A: Kinsey Cerda (Palmer Trinity) Soph SS .508 BA, 7 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 29 R, 15 RBI, 24 SB; Gigi Khoury (Westminster Christian) Sr 3B .519 BA, 16 2B, 5 HR, 27 R, 26 RBI; Coach Nic Varsi (Westminster Christian) 20-8 State Final Four; Coach Stephen Hager (Florida Christian) 19-9 Regional Finalist. ▪ 1A: Camila Holguin (Miami Christian) Sr P/OF .453 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 24 R, 30 RBI; 3-1, 3.08 ERA; Mia Gonzalez (AIE) Jr SS/P .608 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 32 R, 27 RBI; 4-3, 2.12 ERA; Coach Henry Laurido (Schoolhouse Prep) 15-10 Regional Finalist; Coach Kelly Gonzalez (AIE) 10-8; Coach Pio Herrera (Miami Christian) 16-9 State Final Four. Send sports results For high school and middle school athletes in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have summer sports results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@ They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online. New athletic directors, coaches For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade, if you have new sports administration and/or coaching hires to announce, email hssports@ --- Roundup compiled by Jim Varsallone jvarsallone@
Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Well-connected Westminster Christian advances to state beach volleyball final
At every opportunity, Westminster Christian's beach volleyball players yelled 'together' or 'connected.' Those have been the buzzwords that have helped carry the Warriors (18-0) within one win of their first official state championship as well as an undefeated record. On Friday morning in Tallahassee, the Warriors defeated Episcopal School of Jacksonville, 5-0, in a Class 1A state semifinal. Westminster Christian, the No. 1 team in the state, will play third-ranked Tampa Berkeley Prep (21-0) for the title on Saturday at 8 a.m. Warriors coach Sylvia Guso – a former volleyball standout at the University of Miami – said it was hard to find fault with any of her players regarding their performance on Friday. 'We played great,' Guso said. 'We've been working on a lot of things in practice such as defense and attacking, and our girls really executed.' Westminster Christian's first four pairings all won in straight sets. In order, one through four, that's: Zoey Matias and Gigi Artiles; Alex Washington and Lia Gonzalez; Alyana Cadavid and Cassie Thomas; and Coco Garcia and Dani Arroyo). At No. 5, Westminster's Frenchie Pazmino and Lauren Palczynski won in three sets: 21-7, 17-21, 15-8. 'The whole idea is that we're playing for something bigger than just ourselves,' Guso said, 'and that's where the words 'together' and 'connected' come from.' THIS AND THAT ▪ The Palmetto Panthers, who won a state title in flag football last year, lost on Friday night, 7-0, to Alonso in a Class 4A state semifinal in Tampa. Palmetto (16-4) allowed a touchdown on the opening drive by Alonso (19-2). After that, however, Palmetto's defense came up with four interceptions – two by Bianca Pacheco-Perez and one each by Francesca Lara and Canai Moore. 'Our defense played lights out,' Palmetto coach Kevin Mujica said. 'But we struggled to make plays on offense, and we took a lot of sacks.' ▪ St. Thomas Aquinas lost to Jupiter 3-0 in the Class 3A beach volleyball state semifinals on Friday night in Tallahassee. Jupiter (15-1) is ranked fourth in the state. Aquinas, ranked 13th, ended its season with a 19-5 record. ▪ In boys' basketball, Miami High's five starters and two top reserves have earned college scholarships. The list includes: Romari Robinson (Sacramento State); Aaron Richard (Chipola); Joseph Jean (Eastern Wyoming); Absalon Cortes (Holy Trinity); Joseph Murillo, Miguel Charles and Eddy Bonilla (Florida Memorial).
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Hialeah Gardens' Peralta and Palmetto's Slazas are Dade Badminton Players of the Year
All-County Sports Hialeah Gardens' Peralta and Palmetto's Slazas are Dade Badminton Players of the Year Miami Palmetto High School's Katarina Slazas won the Greater Miami Athletic Conference badminton girls' singles championship at Braddock High School in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. adiaz@ Palmetto's Katarina Slazas dominated the badminton scene in Miami-Dade County for all four years of high school. It was fitting Slazas, a senior, capped her career with a fourth consecutive GMAC girls' singles championship. Meanwhile, Hialeah Gardens' Joshua Peralta gradually overcame a longtime nemesis to secure his first GMAC boys' singles championship. As such, Slazas and Peralta are the Miami Herald's Badminton Players of the Year. Slazas, who also played soccer during her career at Palmetto, wins the award for the fourth consecutive season after dominant victories throughout the season as she went unbeaten once again and helped the Panthers win their fourth consecutive GMAC team title. Slazas beat Hialeah Gardens' Annabelle Calles 21-5, 21-1 in the final and None of her opponents in this year's tournament reached double-digits in points against her. Slazas, who lost her first match and then was never beaten since, became one of the most dominant players in the sport in recent memory. She was one of three division champions for Palmetto. 'I can't believe it's over,' said Slazas after winning her GMAC title. 'I'm really grateful to coach (David) Zarco. I couldn't have made it this far without his help.' Hialeah Gardens High's Joshua Peralta won the Greater Miami Athletic Conference badminton boys' singles championship at Braddock High School in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@ Peralta, meanwhile, had lost the past two major tournaments to Coral Park's Leandro Villalobos, a former GMAC champion who beat Peralta at this year's Youth Fair tournament. But Peralta flipped the result at GMAC, beating Villalobos in three sets, 18-21, 21-11, 21-11. Peralta said after winning GMAC that the loss at the Youth Fair tournament was a turning point for him. 'Last year, I lost and got second place and was very disappointed with myself and unmotivated,' Peralta said at GMAC. 'But I kept on playing and training and even though I lost to him at Youth Fair, I had another battle I had to go through. I won, but I feel like it was bittersweet. I hope I can come back and win it again next year.' COACH OF THE YEAR As Palmetto won its fourth consecutive GMAC title, its coach David Zarco was grateful to see how his team responded from a tough challenge from runner-up Coral Park at this year's meet. Palmetto finished with 17 points and only six points ahead of the Rams. In recognition of that triumph, Zarco is once again the Miami Herald's Badminton Coach of the Year. Miami Palmetto High School's badminton coach David Zarco speaks with athletes Katarina Slazas, at left and Frederick Landsea, at right, during the Greater Miami Athletic Conference badminton finals at Braddock High School in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@ Zarco has maintained a high standard for the Panthers, which has kept them as the top team in Miami-Dade County in recent years. Andre C. Fernandez Miami Herald Go to X Email this person Andre Fernandez is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Miami Herald and has covered a wide variety of sports during his career including the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami athletics, and high school sports.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Homestead should be dangerous in first trip to state flag football final four
Miami-Dade High Schools Homestead should be dangerous in first trip to state flag football final four Courtesy of Homestead flag football Edison's flag football team has been to the state semifinals before. Palmetto has been there, too. In fact, the Panthers won their first flag football state championship last year. Then there's the Homestead Broncos. Coached by Jamahr Carter, the Class 3A Broncos (16-4) will be making their first-ever appearance at the state semifinals on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. in Tampa, which is the site for all of Florida's final four flag football games. Homestead will face Tallahassee Chiles (14-4) with the hopes of advancing to the 3A final on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. 'We're making history,' Carter said when asked about Homestead's season. Indeed, Carter, 37, is 33-7 in his two years coaching Homestead. This is Carter's alma mater – he played basketball for the Broncos, graduating in 2006. Now he's coaching a veteran team that returned all but one starter from the 2024 Broncos squad that reached the state quarterfinals. The core of the team includes three seniors who made All-State last year: quarterback Jerniyah Fowles; wide receiver/linebacker Kelis Durham; and wide receiver/safety Caitylyn Gibson. Carter said his quarterback is the niece of retired basketball superstar Sylvia Fowles. Jerniyah, at 5-6, is one foot shorter than Sylvia Fowles. Jerniyah, who has signed to play flag football next year at Life University, throws a 'pretty' ball, according to Carter. 'She's in full control of our offense,' Carter said. 'As a four-year starter, she understands where the ball needs to go.' Fowles has completed 72.1 percent of her passes this season for 4,407 yards, 47 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 18 games. Durham, who has signed to play for two-time national champion junior-college team Florida Gateway College, has caught 84 passes for 869 yards and 10 TDs. 'She's one of the best flag-pullers in Florida,' Carter said. 'Not much she can't do.' Gibson, who has signed to play for Andrew College, is a game-breaker with 82 receptions, 1,112 yards and 24 TDs. 'She has hands like Jerry Rice,' Carter said. The Broncos also have a talented junior in Zakieria Cobb, who has leads Homestead in rushing yards (561) and rushing average (8.8). From scrimmage, she has 1,506 yards and 13 TDs from scrimmage. 'She may be the best junior running back in the nation,' Carter said. With all that offensive talent, Homestead should not be disregarded. In fact, the Broncos went 2-1 against the other Miami teams who made it to the state semifinals in flag football this year, splitting two games against Palmetto and beating Edison. Since a 12-6 overtime loss to Palmetto in the GMAC final, Homestead has won seven straight games. In the other two games involving Miami teams at state: ▪ In Class 4A, Palmetto (16-3) will play Alonso (18-2) on Friday night at 8:30. Palmetto is led by senior quarterback Ashley Alvarado, who has completed 58.1 percent of her passes for 2,249 yards, 30 TDs and 10 interceptions. ▪ In Class 1A, Edison (17-1) will play Florida State University High School (15-3) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Edison is led by junior quarterback Rakyia Louis (73.2 completion rate, 4,705 yards, 78 TDs, nine interceptions); senior wide receiver Poetry Auguste (72 catches, 1,189 yards, 21 TDs) and junior wide receiver Malayisa David (73 catches, 1,002 yards, 18 TDs).
