Mike Schneider

Census: Latino growth fastest in Tampa exurbs

Published on June 22, 2017 in The Bay and the 'Burg by Mike Schneider

Florida’s Latino population grew fastest last year in counties in the exurbs of Orlando and Tampa, according to U.S. Census figures released Thursday. The new figures also showed strong Latino growth rates in counties outside Jacksonville, but those areas had comparatively small Hispanic populations to start with. Among counties with more than 100,000 residents, St. Johns County near Jacksonville led the state in Latino population growth rate from July 2015 to July 2016. The county’s Latino population grew 7.5 percent,…

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Father of toddler killed by alligator at Disney World reached into animal’s mouth to try and free his son

Published on August 22, 2016 in Apolitical/Top Headlines by Mike Schneider

The father of a Nebraska toddler killed by an alligator at Walt Disney World last June reached into the animal’s mouth in an attempt to free his son’s head from the reptile’s jaw, according to a final report on the death released Monday by Florida’s wildlife agency. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report said that the 7-foot alligator bit 2-year-old Lane Graves‘ head as the boy bent down at the edge of a lagoon gathering sand for a…

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FBI releasing conversations between gunman and police

Published on June 20, 2016 in Statewide/Top Headlines by Mike Schneider

Federal investigators promised to provide more insight as to what was happening inside the Pulse nightclub after a gunman started a deadly assault that was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The FBI was releasing on Monday a printed, partial transcript of the conversations between the gunman within the Pulse gay nightclub and Orlando police negotiators, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. The release is coming a day after tens of thousands of people held a candlelight vigil…

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With orca changes, SeaWorld must live without iconic Shamu

Published on March 19, 2016 in Apolitical/Top Headlines by Mike Schneider

SeaWorld built its brand on a leaping and splashing killer whale named Shamu. She was part of its logo, gave her name to stadiums in the theme parks and was the inspiration for rides. The orca image sold T-shirts and soft, stuffed animals for the kids to take home. With the company phasing out its killer whale program, it is forced to ponder the question: What is SeaWorld without Shamu? “The orcas were their most powerful engagement tool,” said Allen…

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