Local robotics team wins regionals
Original Reporting by Gio Robinson-Santiago, Edited for Web by Aiden Poff
Brook Debartolo High School’s underwater robotics team is making waves in competition.
The Phoenix Robotics Club refines its engineering skills to make ROV’s – remote operated vehicles. This summer they came away with the regional trophy in the MATE ROV competition, but these machines take creativity and countless hours to master.
“Time is always you know catching up to us so it’s really like say we have something like really nature. We work on and say it’s like at least a week for competition. It’s hard that we have to improvise,” robotics student Kristofer Gajadharsingh said.
As they continue to compete at a high level, Coach Eric Fernandez has mentored them and watched how their development has changed along the way.
“The ability to understand what it means to be passionate about what you do, the ability to understand that you see a project through to the end. All of those things are our important skills that they need,” he said.
As the holiday season approaches, the team is focused on improving their ROV design and building on momentum from their region win this summer.
Tampa Ferry Service Approves New Operator
Original Reporting and Web Editing by Aiden Poff
It’s official – the ferry service that runs from Tampa to St. Pete will soon be back in business.
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority unanimously approved Hubbard’s Marina to operate the new Tampa ferry service. The old service was shut down in April after HMS Ferries — the previous operator — wanted to replace the boat they were using with a slower one.
But now, as PSTA Director of Procurement Alvin Burns explained before the vote, they can cut costs and offer better service, From 1.4 million dollars, “to $700,000. And we’d be able to operate 25% more service on a year-round basis — not seven months of the year, but twelve months of the year.”
Officials say they could have the ferry up and running by the spring.
Since they’re still deciding on an official name, PSTA is using “Tampa Bay Ferry” as a placeholder name. Tampa resident and influencer Christian Bonnier says that it’s one of the best things Tampa has to offer.
“It’s the best way to get to St. Pete, it’s a fun time, and it’s affordable, so yeah. I think it’s one of the most underrated aspects of Tampa, when it was in operation. And once it comes back I think it’s going to be a lot more popular.”
PSTA offered Hubbard’s Marina a five-year operating contract with an option to extend for another five.
Credits
Anchor: Eric Charpentier
Teleprompter: Seth O’Neil
Producer: Lia Marsee
CG: Seth O’Neil
Tech Director: Jayden Fernandez
Editor: Gio-Robinson Santiago and Aiden Poff
Reporters: Jada Knobloch and A.J Truscello
Social Media: Giovanna Chitto
Audio: Jada Knobloch
Camera: Grace Ficara
Clock: Cameron Churilla
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara