Tampa resident spreads holiday cheer

Tampa resident Jeremy Hildreth has been spreading holiday cheer for the past three years with his spectacular Christmas light show.

Many tiny lights synchronized to festive music turn the Hildreth’s front yard into a Christmas wonderland every evening with the push of a button. This light show can attract a crowd from all over the neighborhood and beyond.

“A lot of people get together and bring their family over and come and check out the show,” Hildreth said.

Christmas lights drawing a Christmas tree.
Photo by Malia Knight

Making this wonderland come to life takes effort and perseverance. Over 15,000 lights and a lot of dedication are used to create pixels on Pathfinder. It can take up between two to three weeks to just build the hardware for the show. Additionally, it can take a month or two to synchronize the songs to the lights.

“I enjoy doing it,” says Hildreth. “It’s a love-hate relationship sometimes, but I really do enjoy looking outside and seeing kids laugh and smile.”

Taco Bell brings customers to the Super Bowl big screen

Participating in a Super Bowl commercial can be as easy as ordering tacos.

Photo by Taco Bell

Fans can place an order at the Live Más Drive-Thru Cam at the Wauchula Taco Bell for a chance to participate in Taco Bell’s Super Bowl commercial. This opportunity is open from Dec. 17 through the 19 and customers can go anytime from 2 to 10 p.m.

To participate, go to the Wauchula Taco Bell at 116 W. Rea Road. After placing your order like you normally would, drive up to the Live Más Drive-Thru Cam at the end of the lane. There, you will have to scan a QR code and give the camera your best smile. You will get six pictures from both the driver and passenger side. Make sure to be a member of Taco Bell Rewards and the pictures will be sent to the email linked to your account. If you want to be considered for the Super Bowl commercial opt-in through the email.

The commercial will air during the third quarter of the game Feb. 9, 2025.

Credits

  • Anchor: Fallon Crowell
  • Editor: Melissa Baldelomar and Paula Sanchez
  • Reporters: Malia Knight and Marissa Stiff
  • Web Editor: Luciana Cordero
  • Audio: Marissa Stiff
  • Tech Director: Valeria Maldonado
  • Producer: Ava Jochims
  • Graphic Designer: Sofia Reyes
  • Social Media: Marla Rodriguez
  • Teleprompter: Samantha Allen
  • Camera: Victoria Harris
  • Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara
  • Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson