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Some time ago, I was an adjunct professor at the Askew School, teaching graduate and undergraduate classes. I think I was paid between $2,500 and $3,000 per semester of classes. At the time, this was the current rate, and it is probably slightly higher now. I didn’t teach for money. It was very fulfilling to be able to share my experience and knowledge with students who are about to find a job, as well as many students who are already employed. I have a professional role where I can teach and frankly I have gotten as much out of it…

In the modern world of engineering and planning, aerial photography has become one of the most powerful tools for transforming the way infrastructure projects are conceived, designed, and executed. From highways to bridges, urban development to utility networks, seeing the big picture from above is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to drive efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. Revolutionizing planning and site selection One of the first advantages of aerial photography is planning and location selection. Traditionally, engineers and planners rely on geotechnical surveys and 2D maps to assess land features and constraints. High-resolution aerial imagery now provides a comprehensive…

In response to a historic freeze, widespread drought, and an increase in wildfires, Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson announced he has issued an emergency order to assist farmers, ranchers, and producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will immediately suspend site visits for certain Best Management Practices (BMP) programs to ensure that agricultural producers are properly implementing BMPs. The combined effects of the recent freeze, drought, and increased wildfire activity have made on-site verification of BMPs impractical or impossible for many producers. “This emergency order is a practical way to help farmers, ranchers, and producers who are…

Sterling Fibers President Jim Hagelot traveled to Tallahassee to testify on local bill HB 4053. This bill aims to reduce the cost of fire evaluations, which were increased by legislation enacted in 2024. Hagerott told the House Ways and Means Committee that his company’s taxes on the Avalon Beach-Mulatto Fire District have increased from about $7,000 a year to more than $107,000. Fire and rescue rating rates vary by county. Money raised from fee assessments is used for regular department expenses and operations. If passed, HB 4053 would provide relief to business owners in Santa Rosa County by exempting churches…

“Bōshi wasn’t a business plan,” says Ian Russell, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef turned master of Smoke and Donut BBQ in Orlando’s Milk District. “It was something I felt I had to build on.” Now about to enter “Session 12,” Bōshi Bar is a music-driven experience created around vinyl records and, of course, food and drink, with a growing Friday night presence within the barbecue joint, featuring a curated menu of ramen and other Japanese snacks (along with a meat-heavy menu of smoked & donuts). But as the above sentence suggests, this is a music-first endeavor. “My father was…

Gatorland is the most popular roadside attraction in the U.S., according to a new study that weighed TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram posts and Google searches from around the world. The Orlando animal attraction, which has been in operation since 1949, topped Memphis, Tenn.’s Sun Studio in a ranking released by Betway Casino, which analyzed statistics for more than 80 roadside attractions in the United States. Gatorland features hundreds of reptiles and other animals, as well as alligator wrestling, a zipline course that navigates through breeding wetlands, off-road attractions, Old Florida charm, and an iconic entrance that invites visitors to walk between…

One of Osceola County’s “longest and most cherished traditions” returns this weekend, captivating the community with bull tapping and fast-paced horseback riding. The 156th Annual Silver Spurs Rodeo will be held in Kissimmee this weekend, bringing families to seven classic rodeo events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. Dating back to 1944, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River celebrates the legacy of farming at Osceola Heritage Park with three nights of events Friday through Sunday. What began as a way to support the efforts of the U.S. military…

Lake County’s rolling hills will soon resemble a Scottish landscape as the annual Mt Dora Scottish Highland Festival returns. The sound of bagpipes floating in the air echoes. The 13th annual celebration of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture will be held Saturday and Sunday at the city’s Donnelly Park and Elizabeth Evans Park. Guests can explore clan and cultural heritage, browse the food stalls, watch Highland athletics and get a taste of Scotland through food and sounds. Chris Carson, director of cultural and special events for Mount Dora, helped launch the festival more than a decade ago and has seen…

As an urban community that proudly displays public sculptures and murals, Lake Nona celebrates its art-centric nature in every aspect. That’s especially true this weekend when the Lake Nona Art Festival returns for its second annual event, showcasing the talent and work of 100 outstanding artists from across Florida and beyond. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday at Lake Nona Town Center and will feature art including pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry and more. Lake Nona’s primary developer, Tavistock Development Company, approached festival organizers Brian Young and Janet Gamache about hosting the event at Lake Nona after hearing about…

A new poll by Fox News, Quinnipiac and others shows a common thread. Voters are telling pollsters that affordability is a top issue heading into the 2026 election. But what part of rising costs is of greatest concern to Americans? Medical expenses, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Recent data shows that 66% report feeling worried about their and their family’s ability to pay for health care costs. Medical expenses rank higher than food, groceries, utilities, housing, and gas. 55% of respondents reported to KFF that their medical costs increased in the past year. However, cost affordability extends beyond…