Issue #272: Pinellas County Damage Appeals Open | Florida Launches AI Emergency Radios | Heartwarming 'North Pole' Adventure | Amputee Teen Rock Climbs with Shriners' Support

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WEATHER

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— (of interest to affected Pasco home owners) — Pinellas County Homeowners Urged to Appeal 'Substantial Damage' Determinations

Of Interest

— Florida Debuts AI-Powered Emergency Alert Radio System

— 'North Pole' Journey Lifts Spirits of Terminally Ill Children

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— Shriners Helps Quadruple Amputee Teen Reach Rock Climbing Dreams

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Pinellas County Homeowners Urged to Appeal 'Substantial Damage' Determinations

After recent hurricanes, Pinellas County is moving to label over 1,000 homes as "substantially damaged". Under FEMA’s 50% Rule, these homes may require significant elevation, demolition, or relocation to comply with floodplain management regulations.

Homeowners like Heather Wendt, whose Crystal Beach home was flooded during Hurricane Helene, are grappling with the designation. Despite minimal interior damage—about a foot of floodwater—her home was labeled substantially damaged based on external high-water marks.

Officials acknowledge the assessments are not precise and encourage homeowners to request reassessments. These reviews involve submitting photos, documents, and expert evaluations to challenge the determination.

Read More: abcactionnews.com

Info for substantial damage homeowners in Pasco Cnty: pascocountyfl.net

Florida Debuts AI-Powered Emergency Alert
Radio System

Florida officials have unveiled an innovative tool designed to enhance emergency communication during crises. 

Known as BEACON (Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communications Operations Network), the system uses artificial intelligence to deliver critical updates via radio.

BEACON employs text-to-speech technology to broadcast official alerts from agencies like the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Florida’s EM Director Kevin Guthrie highlighted the reliability of radio, noting that broadcast towers have withstood numerous hurricanes without failing. The BEACON system was launched in Gainesville this week and is slated to expand to 13 radio stations statewide in 2025.

This new tool aims to ensure that Floridians, especially those in underserved regions, receive accurate and timely information during emergencies.

Read More: wmnf.org

'North Pole' Journey Lifts Spirits of Terminally Ill Children

A group of 40 children facing severe and terminal illnesses, along with their parents, took an unforgettable journey on Wednesday: a special flight to visit Santa Claus at the "North Pole."

Departing from Detroit Metro Airport, the children were treated to a magical experience made possible by the Silver Liners Motown Chapter, a group of retired airline employees, in collaboration with Delta Air Lines. Upon landing, the group was greeted by Santa himself, bringing joy and a temporary escape from their medical struggles.

For Lisa Auge and her 3-year-old son Wesley Johnson, the day was a welcome break from the ongoing battle with ATRT, a rare form of spinal cancer. Diagnosed in 2023, Wesley has endured extensive treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy.

Yet on this day, Wesley focused on his Christmas wish: a big stuffed dinosaur, leaving behind thoughts of hospitals and treatments for a moment of holiday cheer.

Read More: abcactionnews.com — warning: video could produce tears

Shriners Helps Quadruple Amputee Teen Reach Rock Climbing Dreams

Grace Braswell, a 16-year-old from Longwood, Florida, is redefining resilience. Born without hands or feet and with renal failure, she defied a 50/50 survival prediction as an infant. At just two, she underwent a kidney transplant and began her journey with prosthetics through Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, which has since crafted dozens of devices to support her goals.

This past June, Grace embraced a new passion: rock climbing. With the help of a prosthetic attachment called the Sky Hook, she has excelled at scaling walls, showcasing determination and strength. Despite her visual impairment, Grace’s father helps her refine her skills by photographing climbs to guide her movements.

Grace’s determination extends beyond climbing. Recently, she attended her school’s homecoming dance in silver prosthetic high heels, a milestone she had long aspired to achieve. Looking ahead, she dreams of working with animals, crafting prosthetics, and even skydiving—all while continuing to inspire others.

Read More: mynews13.com

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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

The Arts
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series

Theater
-NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
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- Carrollwood Players Theatre

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For Kids (Nov-Dec)
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