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The Charge

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.
The Charge •

Trump’s executive order on transgender military service impacts UCF community

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 27 that aims to ban transgender individuals from serving openly in the military. This decision has directly impacted UCF students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.With no official response from the university, many fear the consequences of voicing their concerns, raising questions about inclusion and support for transgender students on campus. 
Phoebe Cook, a transgender woman and sophomore materials science and engineerin...
The Charge •

Sparks Magazine spreads light on the Asian community

A student-run magazine is providing a community for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American students and expanding UCF students into their culture. UCF Sparks Magazine is a small publication that covers local and international topics that are related to the Asian community. Topics in Sparks have included fun topics, issues and triumphs that the community experienced. 
According to UCF Facts 2023-2024, the university has a total of 5,203 Asian students, which is only 7.5% of the student popu...

Strike Magazine

Strike Magazines •

C is for Confidence: The Rise of Vitamin C — Strike Magazines

This vibrant, citrus-scented ingredient has become a staple in many beauty routines, promising everything from a brighter complexion to reducing the signs of aging. Let’s dive into the benefits of incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine, along with some reasons why it might not be the best choice for everyone. Embrace the Rise of Vitamin C:Who wouldn’t love to have that sun-kissed glow all year round? Vitamin C is like a shot of espresso for your skin, instantly enhancing your complex...

FOX 35

FOX 35 Orlando •

Florida's Back to School Sales Tax Holiday: These items will be tax-free starting July 29

ORLANDO, Fla. - School starts in less than 30 days, which means the tax-free season is right around the corner. The 2024 Back to School tax season applies to in-store and online orders.  All retail and small businesses will offer tax exemptions on the qualifying tax-exempt items.  Here's everything you need to know for the 2024-2025 holiday:  The Back to School 2024 Sales Tax Holiday is from July 29-August 11.  According to the Florida Department of Revenue, learning aids are" flashcards, or oth...
FOX 35 Orlando •

1 person killed, another injured in Lake County crash: FHP

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A 32-year-old Umatilla man was killed in a crash in Lake County on Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on County Road 450A and Pine Street around 6:11 a.m. According to the incident report, the man was driving his 1996 Honda Civic westbound on County Road 450A approaching Pine Street when a 2008 Toyota Tacoma failed to yield and came into the direct path of the Honda Civic.  The front side of the Honda Civic collided with the left side...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Winning lottery ticket worth over $64,000 sold at Florida Publix

PALM BAY, Fla. - Someone in Brevard County is more than a thousand dollars richer.  A winning Fantasy 5 ticket was sold at a Publix located at 3450 Bayside Lake Boulevard SE in Palm Bay, according to the Florida Lottery.  The winning ticket was worth $64,444.81.  RELATED: Lottery ticket worth $35K sold at Publix in Polk County Saturday evening's winning numbers were 13-16-91-25-31.  Another Fantasy 5 player in Tallahasee also matched five numbers. That winning ticket was a Quick Pick ticket and...
FOX 35 Orlando •

2 Florida cities among the most walkable in the world study finds

ORLANDO, Fla. - Traveling is so expensive, especially transportation. Some solutions include buying a rental car, taking the bus or walking. AllClear Travel Insurance conducted a study of walkable cities around the world.  A recent AllClear Travel Insurance study ranked the world's most walkable cities, and four US cities ranked in the top 20. Two of those cities were in Florida.  The report determined Miami as the ninth most walkable city in the world, ranking Tampa as No. 5.   Amsterdam holds...
FOX 35 Orlando •

4 juvenile's busted in burglary operation: Sanford Police

SANFORD Fla. - A burglary prevention operation led by Sanford Police arrested four juveniles for allegedly breaking into vehicles.  With the recent increase in vehicle burglaries in the City of Sanford, the Sanford Police Neighborhood Response Unit and Criminal Investigations Section conducted a burglary prevention operation on Friday evening.  Police said investigators noticed four males outside an apartment complex past midnight, who ran off once they realized they were being watched.  RELATED...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Winning lottery ticket worth over $64,000 sold at Florida Publix

PALM BAY, Fla. - Someone in Brevard County is more than a thousand dollars richer.  A winning Fantasy 5 ticket was sold at a Publix located at 3450 Bayside Lake Boulevard SE in Palm Bay, according to the Florida Lottery.  The winning ticket was worth $64,444.81.  RELATED: Lottery ticket worth $35K sold at Publix in Polk County Saturday evening's winning numbers were 13-16-91-25-31.  Another Fantasy 5 player in Tallahasee also matched five numbers. That winning ticket was a Quick Pick ticket and...
FOX 35 Orlando •

2 Florida cities among the most walkable in the world study finds

ORLANDO, Fla. - Traveling is so expensive, especially transportation. Some solutions include buying a rental car, taking the bus or walking. AllClear Travel Insurance conducted a study of walkable cities around the world.  A recent AllClear Travel Insurance study ranked the world's most walkable cities, and four US cities ranked in the top 20. Two of those cities were in Florida.  The report determined Miami as the ninth most walkable city in the world, ranking Tampa as No. 5.   Amsterdam holds...
FOX 35 Orlando •

4 juvenile's busted in burglary operation: Sanford Police

SANFORD Fla. - A burglary prevention operation led by Sanford Police arrested four juveniles for allegedly breaking into vehicles.  With the recent increase in vehicle burglaries in the City of Sanford, the Sanford Police Neighborhood Response Unit and Criminal Investigations Section conducted a burglary prevention operation on Friday evening.  Police said investigators noticed four males outside an apartment complex past midnight, who ran off once they realized they were being watched.  RELATED...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Florida Highway Patrol seeking repeat victory in annual 'best looking cruiser' contest

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol plans to zoom past the competition this year to win the "best looking cruiser award."  On Monday, the Florida Highway Patrol entered the 2024 American Association of State Troopers (AAST) Best Looking Cruiser contest with hopes of becoming back-to-back champions.  Last year, FHP made history by taking home the title for the first time. using a photo of the agency's signature black and tan vehicle with an alligator from Gatorland. FHP received over 180,0...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Submit your best shot: How Flagler County residents can have their 'stormy' photos featured in a calendar

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - Flagler County is looking for photographers to submit their images for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) 2024-2025 calendar contest.  The theme of this year's contest is "Stormy Skies" and it focuses on different weather conditions. This contest provides photographers with an opportunity to display their skills at capturing the beauty of stormy weather. Submissions can range from "the gentle swirl of clouds to the delicate dance of the lighting," according to the F...
FOX 35 Orlando •

The 10 best vacation destinations in Florida: report

ORLANDO, Fla. - Choosing where to vacation in Florida is a challenge because there is so much to see and do! Florida is known for having a wide range of attractions, including theme parks, beach towns, bike trails, and kayaking. Whether it's a girls' trip, family vacation or weekend getaway, the Sunshine State offers something for everyone.  From upscale shopping in Naples and exploring the historic streets of St. Augustine to surfing in Anna Maria Island and horseback riding on the beach in Ame...
FOX 35 Orlando •

You'll live longer in these Florida counties, report says

ORLANDO, Fla. - Many things can affect how long someone lives, like their genes, any illnesses and how they take care of themselves. But, there are other important factors that determine whether someone lives for a short or long time, including environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, education and even the county they choose to live in.   Stacker found out which Florida counties have the shortest and longest life expectancy. Average life expectancy in the U.S. is just over 77 years old,...
FOX 35 Orlando •

National Lottery Week: Here’s how Floridians can win a $200 gift card

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Lottery and lotteries across North America celebrate National Lottery Week July 15-19 to "raise awareness of the positive impact and critical roles lotteries play in the communities they serve," according to the Florida Lottery.  "From enhancing educational opportunities for students to supporting local businesses and promoting responsible gameplay, our efforts positively impact lives throughout the state", said Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis. "We look forwar...
FOX 35 Orlando •

63-year-old Florida man hit by a car in crash along Palm Coast Parkway: FHP

FLAGLER COUNTY, FLA. - A Flagler County man was hit by a car on Monday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.  Troopers said the crash happened on Palm Coast Parkway and Leanni Way around 1:18 p.m. According to the incident report, an SUV stopped at a stop sign to turn left onto Palm Coast Parkway just east of Leanni Way. The vehicle turned left onto Palm Coast Parkway when the 63-year-old man ran across the roadway directly in front of the vehicle. The driver of the SUV had no inju...
FOX 35 Orlando •

These are the best downtown areas in Florida: Did your city make the list?

If you are a Floridan or a tourist looking for something to do besides going to a theme park or the beach, then you may want to check out these downtown areas.   According to WorldAtlas, the Sunshine State has some of the best downtown areas that "deliver great vacation and getaway experiences."  RELATED: Orlando is the best US destination for a staycation: report "From ritzy shopping in Naples and Palm Beach to wandering the historic and well-preserved streets of St. Augustine and Micanopy, eac...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Altamonte Springs public library closing for good after 64 years

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - The City of Altamonte announced Monday evening that the city's public library will be closing this fall after 64 years of service.  It wasn't an easy decision, the city said in a Facebook post, which also revealed why the longtime library is shutting down for good.  "With budget constraints, rising costs and five quality Seminole County libraries around us, we have made the hard decision to close the doors and consolidate resources," the City of Altamonte said.  The Alt...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Florida first responders rescue endangered sea turtle

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. - On Monday morning, it took a village to rescue an endangered loggerhead sea turtle that got itself in a sticky situation.  The sea turtle went ashore to lay her eggs. When she tried to go back into the water, she got stuck between two rocks, between Santa Lucia Beach and the House of Refuge in Martin County.  According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, the turtle became weak after trying to free herself.   RELATED: Florida zoo elephants cool off with help from firefigh...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Fireworks spark house fire in Seminole County

LONGWOOD, Fla. - Used fireworks are to blame for a house fire that displaced several residents at a Seminole County home on the evening of the 4th of July, officials said.  The Seminole County Fire Department said it happened Thursday night at a home located at 2416 Alqua Drive in Longwood. Many people were inside the home at the time of the fire. No one was injured. RELATED: 5 Central Florida fire stations hit by burglars while firefighters are on shift Authorities said the fire was most likely...
FOX 35 Orlando •

What is a rip current? Here's how to escape safely if you ever get caught in one

ORLANDO, Fla. - Amid rising concerns over beach safety, knowing how to react if caught in a rip current could mean the difference between life or death. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe.  If you've never seen a rip current, it looks like an unsuspecting shallow body of water that is on the surface of the ocean — but don't let that fool you.  Rip currents are a string of water channels that simultaneously move quickly away from the shore.  FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Jessica Dobs...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Teen girl goes missing on the Fourth of July from Daytona Beach , police say

DAYTONA BEACH, Flla. - A 17-year-old girl has gone missing from the Daytona Beach area, said police.  Heaven Bonner was last seen on Thursday leaving the Ocean Deck at 10 p.m wearing a pink bikini and black sandals with an unknown white male, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department. RELATED: Man breaks into woman's Daytona Beach home, assaults her, after she declines to buy his phone: Police Bonner can be described as a black girl who is 5 feet and 6 inches tall.  She has black hair wit...
FOX 35 Orlando •

Volusia County Sheriff's Office searching for man accused of burglarizing restaurant

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help with identifying a man.  Volusia County deputies are searching for a man accused of burglarizing a restaurant in the middle of the night.  The man is accused of burglarizing Taquería Los Consentodos on 303 N. Center St., Pierson at 1 a.m. on June 15.  He appears to have a distinct neck tattoo in a photo that the sheriff's office recently released.  RELATED: Volusia County road rage shooting suspect at large,...
FOX 35 Orlando •

26-year-old motorcyclist killed in South Daytona crash, police say

SANFORD Fla. - A 26-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash in South Daytona on Wednesday afternoon, according to police. The crash happened shortly after 8 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue. The motorcyclist was identified as Luke Tyle Smith of DeLand.  RELATED: 1 dead after car wedged under tractor-trailer hauling boats on I-75 in Marion County: officials According to a police report, Smith was driving in "a careless manner" and lost control of his bike.  At some point, he was thro...
FOX 35 Orlando •

9 Florida healthcare workers, business owners accused in national healthcare fraud scheme: DOJ

Ten people, including nine from Florida, are facing criminal charges for their alleged involvement in a national healthcare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.  The charges filed in the Middle District of Florida are a two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants for their alleged participation in healthcare fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.75 billion in alleged false billings. The s...
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