Board of Governors approves Fletcher District
Original reporting by Eric Charpentier
USF’s public golf course, The Claw, permanently closed in 2023. Now, the Florida Board of Governors has approved for it to be torn down.
Micheal DiLeonardo, a long-time Claw employee, reflects on the change.
“I understand there is a desire for something else, but at the same time I don’t think they gave the claw you know a true go in this era of the school,” DiLeonardo said.
The Fletcher District will include a new hotel and conference center, academic building, retail and restaurants and housing for students, faculty and staff. USF student Elisa Hernandez says it will be a positive change.
“I think it’s going to give a lot of opportunities to businesses and companies that want to come in there, a lot of foot traffic for the students in the area as well,” Hernandez said.
Construction on the first phase of the Fletcher District is set to start in spring 2026. It’s expected to be completed in July 2028.
Local farm provides turkeys
Original reporting by Kieran Konopka
Originally, farmer Travis Malloy was an electrical engineer. When realizing he was doing more harm than good to the environment, he pivoted to farming.
“I can work on electric cars, make the super efficient make them run on a pint of water. But all that would cause is more traffic, more trouble, and more roads. I kept coming back to organic food,” Malloy said.
Malloy originally started TrailBale Farm in Temple Terrace with pigs, chickens and goats. But, when customers needed a turkey for thanksgiving… He wanted to provide an organic option.
“I basically just wanted to raise food, to keep the food a little bit more local, a little healthier,” Malloy said. “I think its important to produce your own food in your own area.”
Families even have the chance to start a new tradition.
Malloy invites customers to come out to the farm, pick their turkey and even harvest it themselves.
Anchor: Cameron Churillia
Teleprompter: Seth O’Neil
Producer: Kieran Konopka
Floor Director: Gio Robinson-Santiago
CG: Emma Brockman
Tech Director: Eric Charpentier
Social Media Reporter: Aiden Poff
Audio: Jayden Fernandez
Camera: Madison Gotham
Web Editor: Noah Vinsky
Editor: Luana Schneider
Socials: Giovanna Chitto
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson
Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara