Latest news with #Sabatino
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
St. Thomas Aquinas barrels its way into the Class 6A state baseball final
Teams can sometimes succumb to jitters when it's their first time playing at the state final four. Not St. Thomas Aquinas' baseball team. The Raiders were itching to get on the field Friday at Hammond Stadium. And when they did, they barely stopped hitting. Aquinas unleashed an offensive barrage in its first trip to state since last winning a championship in 2018, and routed Valrico Bloomingdale 15-0 in four innings in a Class 6A semifinal. The Raiders (28-6-1) will next take on Gainesville Buchholz in the 6A state championship game on Saturday at 2. Aquinas is seeking its fourth state title all-time. 'We looked to this game with anticipation,' Aquinas coach Joey Wardlow said. 'We had a long last week after that regional final and during the week as we ramped up, we could feel the adrenaline. 'When we stepped out in that first inning, it went well on defense and well on offense and it took away any jitters we might have had.' Junior center fielder Nico Sabatino was the tone-setter for the onslaught, roping a leadoff double to left off Bloomingdale starter Hayden Porter to start a five-run first inning. Sabatino would later hit his eighth home run of the season on a solo blast to right field. 'My job is to get the team going,' Sabatino said. 'I saw that fastball and I took it. I was just in that flow state and now the offense is ready to go.' Aquinas' power was a major reason it made it to Fort Myers this season as it hit 67 home runs entering the state final four. 'We kind of look at baserunners and barrels,' Wardlow said. 'If we get baserunners, somebody is gonna barrel up a ball. If they stay in the middle, they'll open it up. If we can get out front and just stack up one and another, we can hold teams down.' Cole Lasher, who has seven homers this season, went 2 for 2 with a double and three RBI. Andrew Alvarez, who has 13 home runs, went 3 for 3 with two doubles and two RBI. And Zack Malvasio, who has hit a team-high 16 home runs, went 2 for 4 with two RBI. 'We just had to put it on them early and not let up,' Alvarez said. 'We had to keep that type of energy and not let up.' Senior Thomas Giltner did the rest as he gave up two hits over four shutout innings and struck out two, sparing Aquinas from having to use any more pitchers before Saturday's final.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INNOVATION: Luzerne County officials see transformation
Apr. 27—Luzerne County has been undergoing a transformation, said county council Chairman John Lombardo. "There are these hotbeds of economic activity and revitalization that are putting Luzerne County at the precipice of what I've been calling a renaissance," Lombardo said. "We're just at the precipice of being able to say that the results are countywide." Council Vice Chairman Brian Thornton sees a similar change, saying there is proof in a recent recognition of Northeastern Pennsylvania as one of the top locations in the country for economic development projects. In its prestigious annual Governor's Cup Awards, Site Selection Magazine ranked the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region in the top 10 for both the number of economic development projects and projects per capita. "I think the people of the county should be proud of that," Thornton said. County Councilman Jimmy Sabatino said the county is now on the radar of major developers because it is along both Interstates 80 and 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. "I think people are starting to realize how important we are for transit," he said. As warehouses and distribution centers have multiplied, efforts have been shifting to concentrate on drawing more tech and manufacturing employers, Sabatino said. "We're in a prime spot for logistics, but we have to bring the focus on other development to get us to the next level," Sabatino said. County Manager Romilda Crocamo said she believes government officials and leaders throughout the county are increasingly working together to advance recreational, infrastructure and social service projects that all play a role in economic development. "The collaborative efforts of our community members and organizations foster an environment where opportunities flourish, resulting in sustainable growth and prosperity," Crocamo said. Smart growth While new development is a priority, the council members and county manager all stressed the importance of preserving the natural resources, history and cultural influences that make the county unique. Crocamo views the county as a "testament to resilience" and said the county's strength is "undeniably found in its people." "Together, we build a prosperous economy, a supportive social environment, and a rich cultural landscape that showcases the best in humanity," she said. "Our strength is found in each other." She believes the county is a "vibrant hub of artistic expression and heritage." "Our diverse cultural events, festivals and institutions reflect the unique identities of our residents, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. From local artists to cultural organizations, it is the passion and creativity of our people that breathe life into our community, making it a place where traditions are honored and new ideas are embraced." Lombardo said the county's natural landscape and network of trails are "such a big draw." "That has brought not just a lot of development but also more pride in place," he said. "The development of parks and recreation is making people want to stay here, invest here and open businesses here. As that happens, it's kind of a runaway train effect," Lombardo said. He and Thornton envision future use of the county rail line for passenger excursions. "My personal slogan is we're looking to thrive, not just survive," Thornton said. "We're moving in that direction. I have a very positive vision of where we're going over the next four to eight years." Sabatino said part of the county's transformation stems from economic development and reclamation projects that have erased eyesore culm banks and other remnants of coal mining. "We're on our way to almost being healed from it," Sabatino said. Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
End of an era for Hazleton pizzeria
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's the end of an era for a beloved local restaurant that's been around for decades. The business closed on Saturday after 50 years of serving its community. Vesuvio's Pizza in Hazleton said its goodbyes: A bittersweet night for owners, staff, and customers alike. There have been roughly 2,600 Saturdays that Vesuvio's Pizza has served customers in Hazleton. But this one is different. It is the last Saturday for the business that opened in 1975, the product of Italian immigrants, fresh off the boat. 'My grandparents' legacy isn't just a building. It's us as their grandkids and what we're still doing in the community,' Vesuvio's Pizzeria & Ristorante Co-Owner Donald Sabatino said. The three-generation restaurant managed to stay in the same family, quickly becoming a staple of downtown Hazleton, and in more recent years expanding to locations in Wilkes-Barre and Drums. Glitz on display for annual fundraiser to help abused children Vesuvio's co-owner, Donald Sabatino, says letting his grandparents' shop go isn't easy. He recalls memories from his own childhood, working in the kitchen with his grandparents and helping to make Vesuvio's what it is today. 'Spending time with the family. It was almost like, this is what we did, we didn't know anything else. We would go to work in the morning, we'd be here all day, and that's all we did,' Sabatino explained. He says the shop saw generations of school children stopping by for lunch or a snack after Friday night football, something one long-time customer remembers well. 'In the years past, it was really very popular, especially after high school games,' Hazleton resident Andrea Preputnick said. Another customer was one of those kids. He says he's been coming to Vesuvios for pizza since junior high, making one final visit Saturday afternoon. 'A lot of good Friday nights here after football games at the stadium and stuff, and coming down and spending some time with the family. They've become friends over the years and, you know, just happy to be able to support them here one last time,' Matt Balliet from Drums said. But the Vesuvio's legacy runs deeper than just this building, something Sabatino says influenced the decision by him and his two siblings to sell. While they still have their two other locations, what was created here in Hazleton is irreplaceable. 'Just the memories that were here. We built a lot of friendships, a lot of memories that came out of this place. Yeah,' Sabatino added. Sabatino says the Hazleton building already has a buyer, and he says the sentimental photos at the shop will be displayed at the Vesuvio's restaurant in Drums. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International baggage screening goes remote for 'secure, streamlined travel'
April 9 (UPI) -- A new and faster way to screen international baggage at U.S. airports could help passengers make their connecting flights. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday it will begin testing a new remote screening process that will allow passengers arriving in the United States from foreign airports to go straight to another gate or terminal, without having to re-check their luggage. Instead, CBP personnel will review checked baggage X-ray images remotely, from security images taken at international airports of origin, before the plane lands. Only those bags referred by CBP for further inspection will be pulled. "This proactive approach enables CBP to assess potential security risks more effectively and expedites the processing of arriving flights," the agency said. "As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel," added Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino of CBP's Office of Field Operations. CBP is currently testing its International Remote Baggage Screening initiative with American Airlines' daily flight from Sydney International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. If all goes according to plan, the new process will be expanded to other routes and airlines in the future. The new international screening process does not change current Transportation Security Administration screening requirements or how bags are checked onto flights. And while security protocols at foreign airports will also remain the same, the new CBP process is expected to reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers who need to make connecting flights. "The International Remote Baggage Screening initiative is a significant step forward in modernizing our processes," added Sabatino, "and providing a secure and seamless experience for international travelers."
Miami Herald
09-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
International baggage screening goes remote for ‘secure, streamlined travel'
April 9 (UPI) -- A new and faster way to screen international baggage at U.S. airports could help passengers make their connecting flights. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday it will begin testing a new remote screening process that will allow passengers arriving in the United States from foreign airports to go straight to another gate or terminal, without having to re-check their luggage. Instead, CBP personnel will review checked baggage X-ray images remotely, from security images taken at international airports of origin, before the plane lands. Only those bags referred by CBP for further inspection will be pulled. "This proactive approach enables CBP to assess potential security risks more effectively and expedites the processing of arriving flights," the agency said. "As part of our innovation efforts in air travel, CBP is leveraging technology to enhance baggage inspections to further secure and streamline travel," added Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane Sabatino of CBP's Office of Field Operations. CBP is currently testing its International Remote Baggage Screening initiative with American Airlines' daily flight from Sydney International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. If all goes according to plan, the new process will be expanded to other routes and airlines in the future. The new international screening process does not change current Transportation Security Administration screening requirements or how bags are checked onto flights. And while security protocols at foreign airports will also remain the same, the new CBP process is expected to reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers who need to make connecting flights. "The International Remote Baggage Screening initiative is a significant step forward in modernizing our processes," added Sabatino, "and providing a secure and seamless experience for international travelers." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
