1. Walking? You’re risking your life in Bradenton, the 4th deadliest city for pedestrians
Story: The author of the article is
discussing and stating statistics for the number of pedestrian deaths cause by vehicles
in the state of Florida and more specifically the Bradenton/Sarasota area. In
the article, the author discusses how a study showed that the increase and high
number of pedestrian deaths are related to the poor design of the Florida roadways
because they are built to move cars (speed) and not pedestrians or bikes. The article
also goes into slight detail regarding steps that the Florida Highway Administration
is taking to provide flexibility for state and local governments to spend federal
funds to redesign streets and make them safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Problem: There is a safety problem for pedestrians
in the Bradenton/Sarasota area and overall in the state of Florida, in part
because of the design of the roadways.
People: This has an effect on the pedestrian
population in Bradenton/Sarasota and on a larger scale around Florida. In a way
this also has an effect on drivers in Florida.
2. Manatee
County waters remain free of red tide, FWC says. It’s still around in other
counties
Story: The author of the article is
discussing that status of Red Tide (K. Brevis) in Manatee County as well as other
counties along the coast of south Florida. Manatee County is currently clear of
Red Tide while Sarasota, Lee, Monroe, Charlotte, and Collier Counties are experiencing
background to low levels of Red Tide.
Problem: Various levels of Red Tide
(K.Brevis) have been detected in areas along the coast of Florida.
People: This can affect anyone that is
in close proximity or on/in the water in one of the contaminated areas.
3. If shutdown continues, Manatee food
pantries expect more people coming to their doors
Story: The author of the article is discussing
the government shut down and how it could have an effect on the people of
Manatee County. The shutdown could
potentially cause a cut in funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Food
Stamps by the end of February. The author interviewed the local Meals on Wheels
CEO and discussed how a cut in funding would cause an abundance of people
coming to the food bank for help.
Problem: Shutdown of Government due to
budgeting issues could cut funding for government assistance in terms of food
for over 9% of the population in Manatee County. This would result in an
increased demand for the food supply at the Manatee Food Bank.
People: This would affect at least 9%
of Manatee County’s population, local food banks and numerous others. (This
article focuses on Manatee County only, but this would affect over 2.9 million
Floridians).
4.
Wing
not set for takeoff
Story: The author of article is discussing the issues with
the remapping of the school district because of a new high school. The
remapping was going to move close to 400 students to the new high school, but
parents did not want that. Because of the parents, the school district has decided
to keep a few of the neighborhoods in the original school zoning area. Now that
the students are not leaving, the planned expansion of the high school has to
be put on hold because the temporary classroom trailers cannot be moved to accompany
the expansion. The trailers were going to be moved with the opening if the new high
school because of the reduction in students at the existing high school. The
author also went into detail regarding politics of the school board and board
members opinions on the stalled expansion.
Problem: The problem is that the school
had to stall its expansion due to parents not wanting their children to move
schools.
People: This effects students and staff
at the school.
5.
Not
much money remains for algae
Story: The author of the article is discussing
the limited funds ($1.7 mil left of $20 mil) to help fight against Red Tide
(K.Brevis) and blue-green algae in the upcoming warmer seasons (summer). He
also discusses the upcoming legislative year with an uncertainty of the budget for
resource funding. The article talks about new Gov. DeSantis and his campaign promises
to provide for better water quality in Florida.
Problem: The problem is that we are
coming up on warmer weather when the algae and red tide blooms will most likely
return, and the budget is getting low on funds.
People: This will affect anyone located
in the areas of Florida that are susceptible to the red tide or algae blooms.
It's astonishing that Florida is the deadliest state for pedestrians in the United States. I think it's a great idea to start having sidewalks available in areas where people tend to ride bicycles or walk. This is very much needed especially near schools where children must walk or commute on their own.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that the red tide in Manatee county is gone. I have been looking forward to going to the beach, and this had turned me away in the past. Now the cold weather has kept me away but I'm hoping the red tide will be gone for awhile. The few videos and pictures of all the dead sea creatures was very shocking when I first saw it.
Hi Danielle,
ReplyDeleteThe red tide story is very interesting! I am happy that red tide is gone from Manatee county. I visited Indian Rocks beach over winter break and experienced some red tide. It was sad to see one of my favorite beaches in such a condition. It's also important to think of the businesses that could be affected by the red tide. Many people may be less inclined to travel to the beach when it is red tide, causing things to be slower for the businesses in the areas affected.
Hey Danielle!
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely awful that 9% of the people in Manatee County will be needing to take advantage of local food banks due to a lack of funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs because of the government shutdown; not to mention the additional 2.9 million other Floridians. Although unfortunate, it is great that the people in the area have access to a food bank in this time of need.
The possibility that red tide and blue-green algae could return in the upcoming warmer months is frightening. I am from Key West and love my time on the water and in the sun, so this is certainly something I worry about for other Florida residents.