Man picking fruit

Citrus greening disease is a death sentence to most trees and plants that are diagnosed.

The disease puts the future of the world’s citrus at risk. There is no cure for it however, things might be looking up for the citrus of Florida.

Professor Michael Rogers is the director of the Citrus Research and Education Center at the University of Florida. He has been studying citrus greening disease for over a decade. As of late, he believes new methods of fertilizing plants with the disease can lead to short-term solutions.

“We spent a lot of time trying to understand the basics about the disease here in Florida and then finding ways that we can live with the disease short term until long term solutions are developed,” said Rogers.

Citrus greening is transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid insect. infected trees need special treatment to prevent inedible fruits. Rogers believes that by using plant growth regulators, farmers can balance the hormone levels of the infected plants and make up for some of the vitality lost from the disease.

Researchers are currently producing trees tolerant to citrus greening. The next step is to make them fully resistant.

Tampa ranks high in “Worst Drivers” list

Forbes has listed Tampa drivers as the 10th worst in the nation.  

Forbes analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The data highlighted statistics such as fatal car accidents, DUIs, distracted driving accidents, and speeding-related accidents.

USF commuter student Francisco Vazquez says the amount of car accidents they see is frightening.

“I don’t go one day without seeing a car crash, it’s kind of scary sometimes they’re on fire too you know I see the ambulances and firefighters there and it’s just not safe here.” 

Forbes scored Tampa at 77.13 out of 100. 100 being the worst rating a city could receive.

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Source: Forbes Advisor

Leaping toward a better community

It’s a leap year! This means we have 366 days this year. Add Thursday February 29 to your calendars.

Leap of Kindness Day was first started in Saratoga County, New York in 2016. That makes this the third Leap to Kindness Day to happen. Since then, many other communities have joined in the movement such as The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.  

Some opportunities for kindness include organizing a food drive, cleaning up a local park, or writing a letter to a loved one. 

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Source: leapofkindnessday.org

For more information you can visit the South Tampa Chamber’s website.

Credits

Editor – Aviva Kram
Anchors – Ariana Angelo, Joao Victor Ouriques De Souza Pina
Tech Director – Dawson Cordova
Camera – Melissa Baldelomar
Producer – Abigail Papasodero
Teleprompter – Josh Skinner
Graphics – Melissa Baldelomar
Web Editor – Justin Michael
Audio – Abigail Papasodero
Social Media – Jimmy Rosilio
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson