Our journalists present their favorite local stories of 2024

We asked some of our journalists to think back and send us some of their stories that were either their favorite, most memorable or most impactful from 2024.

Cait McVey
Multimedia Journalist

Bay area man's band helps him find peace with Alzheimer's diagnosis

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that slowly robs people of their memories. As Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month comes to an end, one Pinellas County resident shares his story of perseverance and friendship in the face of the debilitating disease.

Crystal River couple helping sponsor family from Ukraine as they look to start new lives in America

"A Crystal River couple is opening their home to a family from Ukraine. Thanks to that sponsorship, the Kebap family have come to live and work in the U.S., offering a fresh start to their lives. This is one of my favorite stories this year because, to me, it showcases the best of human beings. An encounter on a cruise ship led to a Crystal River couple befriending a Ukrainian family and, ultimately, opening their home to them as they look to restart their lives."

Oldsmar community comes together to help provide Thanksgiving meal for residents

"As many celebrated Thanksgiving, plenty gathered over a hot meal. But some needed a little help with that. A few local organizations came together in Oldsmar to make that possible. Another one of my favorite stories from this year simply for the fact that no matter where people came from, their backgrounds or social status, here they are sharing a meal with one another on a holiday that encompasses that very essence. Another showcase of the kind, human spirit during a time of gathering."

Boat that saved Danish Jews from Hitler now in Pinellas County

"Have you ever heard about the miraculous rescue of 90% of the Jewish population in Denmark during the Holocaust? I hadn't, until I told this story. It's about the plot to quietly smuggle Danish Jews to safety on boats, away from Hitler's wrath. It's also about the push by two descendants of those Danish Jews to bring one of the boats to the Bay area, so others could learn the story too. I'll never forget it. "

Venice community rescues lost memorial bench after Hurricane Milton

Maria Gibbs thought her mother's memorial bench was destroyed by Hurricane Milton, but it was eventually found and pulled out of the water under the Albee Road Bridge.

Widespread flooding from Helene destroys several homes in Bradenton

Manatee County Resident Deborah Garber and her family members lived in her brother's home, which now has to be gutted due to high floodwaters.

Heart of the team: Hudson High senior delivers plays and inspiration

Cobras head coach Timothy Hicks can't kick off until he's taken the handoff from Hudson senior Dakota Schull with the list of winning plays.

Dakota works hard on those plays. He meticulously writes each one down on a piece of paper. And even though he's never played a down of football, he knows the sport. And he'd give anything to be able to play it. But Dakota suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a disorder that affects his physical and mental development.

Paralympian Paul Schulte going for the gold again

Paul does more than represent the United States as a member of Team USA's wheelchair crew. He represents hope to anyone with a disability. A car accident at the age of 10 paralyzed him from the waist down. Soon after, Paul discovered wheelchair basketball. And he discovered his why.

Enterprising Latinas providing grant help to businesses impacted by recent hurricanes

"This story was post back-to-back hurricanes when several small businesses in Wimauma had to close because of damages to their mobile units. This story showed how Enterprising Latinas and an educational center continued to help businesses after the storm. The owner of Louie Beans received a grant to help set her on the path to recovery."

Wimauma facility making it easier for Hispanics to understand, access occupational therapy

"This is a story I did before the hurricane season focused on helping bridge gaps among the Hispanic community. Luz Gaona, as a product of Hillsborough County, is giving back by being the only bilingual therapy location in South Hillsborough County. Her passion shines through in what she does. Truly an inspiring and awesome story."

Matt Lackritz
Multimedia Journalist

Tampa organization connects homeless veterans with resources

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban development, there are just under 2,300 homeless veterans in Florida. The Resource Empowerment Center in Tampa is one organization trying to lower that number.

Popular Polk County YouTuber opens mobile barbershop for free haircuts

"I've done a few stories on Travis Settineri and some of the awesome work he's doing in Polk County and this is just one of the latest things he's doing to help people in need!"

Manatee County's Marsha Davis donates a kidney to neighbor Andy Goetz

A Manatee County woman did something remarkable to help one of her neighbors. Marsha Davis donated one of her kidneys. Doctors at Tampa General performed the kidney transplant in April, and it was a success!

Looper bus driver Terrence Brown is a beloved figure in downtown St. Petersburg

Terrence Brown drives a free trolley-style “Looper” bus and has a reputation for going out of the way to make people feel welcome in downtown.

Pasco County elementary teacher Stefanie Bozurich saves student from choking

Fourth grade Trinity Oaks Elementary teacher Stefanie Bozurich was teaching her class in February when student Ben Perkins ran up to her desk waving his hands in a panic and then putting his hands around his neck to let her know that he was choking.

Tampa salvage business offers a peek into the past

"I love meeting people from around Tampa Bay and hearing their stories. Schiller's is such a cool place, with pieces of local history mixed in with unique finds from around the globe. To get a tour from Larry and hear the story of how he got into the salvage business was a real treat."

Introspection and impact: Spectrum Bay News 9 journalists present their favorite local stories of 2024