Craig Handel
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Health and wellness and sports reporter for The News-Press. One day I'll write about cancer, another I'll do a video on a CrossFit athlete. Gardener, swimmer.
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Articles by Craig Handel
St. Pete swimmers make waves on world stage
ST. PETERSBURG — Jay Hansen coaches the swim teams at St. Petersburg High. He also happens to be raising three of the country’s fastest young open-water swimmers. Hansen’s oldest daughter, Karrington, now swims at Kentucky. Daughter Brinkleigh is being recruited by Ohio State and Texas, among others. Son Sawyer is a sophomore. All three, along with St. Pete freshman Ansley Bess, represented the United States at the World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Argentina.
Largo cross country standout chasing state’s best
LARGO — Isaiah Howdeshell doesn’t mince words about what it will take to run down Belen Jesuit’s Marcelo Mantecon and Armando Cruz for a state cross country championship. “To beat them, you definitely have to go through a ton of pain,” the Largo High School runner said. “I just have to go harder than anyone.” He has already closed a lot of ground.
Blind and unbowed, Snyder chases a fourth Paralympics
ST. PETERSBURG — When beginning Paralympians and Special Olympians train at North Shore Aquatic Complex on Tuesday and Thursday nights, they are encouraged to stop at the plaque honoring Brad Snyder. If they can’t see it, that’s fine. Neither can Snyder. The inscription is also in braille. Snyder, who lost his eyesight to a buried bomb in Afghanistan in 2011, has won gold at three straight Paralympic Games. He is chasing a fourth at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The comeback started Aug.
She chose the grades most teachers dread
ST. PETERSBURG — Courtney Bennett turns 22 this month, but she has already spent more time in a middle school classroom than most first-year teachers. Bennett started teaching math Aug. 11 at Tyrone Middle School, and she landed there by choice. Elementary and high school never appealed to her. “There was a negative reaction when I talked about teaching middle schoolers,” she said. “It was like, ‘Ew, why do that?’ But I think middle schoolers are an overlooked group.
It’s all in the family for Largo High football
LARGO — When Marcus Paschal came home from college and pro football, he went back to what he knew best: coaching. Thirteen seasons later, the former University of Iowa star still runs the Largo High football program — and his roster keeps looking more like a family reunion. He has coached sons Myles and Maison. And nephew Andrew. And brother Bari William. And daughter Mikayla. “I was born and raised here,” Paschal said.
Your guide to the 2026 Pinellas high school football season
Boca Ciega Coach: Kelvin Smarwt, third season Last season: 4-7 District: Class 2A-6 Schedule: Aug. 21 vs. Zephyrhills Christian Academy; Aug. 28 at St. Petersburg; Sept. 11 at Lakewood; Sept. 18 vs. Countryside; Sept. 25 vs. Calvary Christian; Oct. 2 at Groveland South Lake; Oct. 9 at Tampa Catholic; Oct. 16 vs. Clearwater Central Catholic; Oct. 23 at Berkeley Prep; Oct. 30 vs.
Your guide to the 2026 West Pasco high school football season
Coach: Jason Schmachtenberger, third season Last season: 1-9 District: 3A-11 Schedule: Aug. 21 vs. Tenoroc; Aug. 28 vs. Fort Myers Gateway Charter; Sept. 4 at Bishop McLaughlin; Sept. 11 vs. Seminole; Sept. 18 at Fort Myers Canterbury; Sept. 25 at Countryside; Oct. 9 vs. Gibbs; Oct. 16 at Dunedin; Oct. 23 at Tarpon Springs; Oct. 30 vs. Citrus.
Chamber honors Seminole agent who turns homes into getaways
Danielle Lower has spent six years with the Greater Seminole Chamber of Commerce, serving twice as chairwoman and stepping in once when another officer could not finish a term. The chamber recently recognized that work, naming Lower the winner of its 2025 Merit Award. “I can’t say I was totally surprised, but I am so honored,” she said. “Seminole is one of those few places, maybe in the state, definitely in Pinellas County, that’s generational but it’s still young.
Golf superstore in St. Pete bets on a game that keeps growing
ST. PETERSBURG — Customers walk in and stop. The 29,600-square-foot PGA Tour Superstore that opened here in June is big enough that shoppers tend to comment on it before anything else. A putting green sits behind the checkout counter, and clubs run the length of the floor. “Oh yeah, definitely, it’s usually the first thing that’s brought up,” general manager Eric Reiher said. “They’re just shocked at the size, and we’re one of the smaller ones.
Suncoast Family Medical bucks the corporate trend, earns Business of the Year
LARGO — As corporations swallow up local medical practices, Suncoast Family Medical Associates has become something of an anomaly, a family-owned center that keeps growing. The Largo practice was recently named 2025 Business of the Year at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce’s 61st annual Mr. and Mrs. Seminole event.
Two lives, one mission: St. Pete mentor earns golf hall honor
ST. PETERSBURG — Bill Darling has packed so much into his life that it almost seems he’s lived two. One unfolded over a professional career in which a friend called him “a computer whiz.” The other began in retirement, when he volunteered with First Tee of St. Petersburg, a program that introduces inner-city youths to golf while teaching them to become contributing members of society.
For Bohnet, the measure wasn’t the grades
SEMINOLE — The accomplishments principal Michael Bohnet has overseen at Osceola Fundamental High School are many: • An “A” school every year since 2012 • A graduation rate of nearly 100% • More than 25 AP and Cambridge courses • More than 150 seniors this year with a 4.0 grade-point average and nearly 300 with a GPA of 3.25 or higher • Nearly 3,000 industry credits earned through its Center for Technology, Entertainment and Design (CTED) Academy • A culinary program with two chefs Now, after...
Pinellas teacher retires from the classroom she helped build
PALM HARBOR — Susan Adams is a bit of a pioneer. When Lake St. George Elementary opened in 1988, she became one of the school’s first teachers. In her 46 years with Pinellas County Schools, she has never been afraid to try something new. Now, after nearly five decades in the classroom, she is retiring. This year — her last — marked Adams’ first teaching second grade. Through a practice called looping, she moved up with many of the students she had taught the year before.
46 years of last-day fun in Seminole
SEMINOLE — As a grade-schooler, Steve Nickse remembers spending the last day of school at Seminole City Park. He played with friends, ate hot dogs, drank lemonade, snacked on cold treats and won prizes. In sixth and seventh grade, he dressed as Mr. Peanut while volunteering at the end-of-school celebration.
A toast, a QR code and an Amazon climb
ST. PETE BEACH — The champagne flowed and the cheers rang from every corner of the Hotel Zamora’s top floor on May 7 as author Kelly Moser kicked off the launch of his new book, “Move Your BUT!” But this wasn’t a typical book signing. It was a book-buying exercise. At 6:50 p.m., guests clicked a QR code that sent them to Amazon, where they could purchase Moser’s book in real time. “We want to wake up the algorithm,” he said. It worked.
North Shore quartet outreads the field
LARGO — The ticking clock didn’t faze the four members of the North Shore Elementary Novelist Knights. Binders open, fourth-graders Mia Auld and Charlotte Johnson and fifth-graders Sylvia Ellis and Evelyn Morales whispered together, building consensus on each answer. More often than not, they were right. The Novelist Knights won by a comfortable 25 points, topping nine other elementary schools at the Pinellas County School District’s Battle of the Books on April 30.
A young author lights up a Dunedin classroom
DUNEDIN — The questions came fast for author Liliana Dimitrova. "What inspired you?" "Did you use AI?" "Your book is so good. I could picture it in my head." As Liliana sat for an interview with Luciana "Lucy" Statile and read from her book, the event had the feel of a press conference. In reality, a group of third graders in Ms. Geronimo's class at Garrison-Jones Elementary School was interviewing the 9-year-old author.
Brothers bring Philly diner know-how to St. Petersburg Original
Philadelphia is known as “The City of Brotherly Love.” John and Paul Hazakis have brought their own brand of brotherly love — honed in diners across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania — to Hot Spot Diner at 4045 Tyrone Blvd. Hot Spot opened in February, replacing First Watch. Having worked with their father at diners that were open around the clock, John and Paul are equally comfortable serving breakfast dishes at lunchtime and lunch fare for breakfast.
Make-A-Wish recipient gets a year of boat rides on Boca Ciega Bay
GULFPORT — As she cruised around Boca Ciega Bay with her family, listening to Bruno Mars and taking in gentle breezes on a warm March day, Stephanie Evers' smile grew larger and larger. The Make-A-Wish recipient, who turns 20 in July, put up one thumb, then another when asked about her experience at Mariners Cove. Her wish was to have boat rides like this. Why? "To find treasures," she said. What's been the best treasure she's discovered so far? "Seashells," she said.
Brothers bring Philly diner know-how to Tyrone Boulevard
ST. PETERSBURG — Philadelphia is known as "The City of Brotherly Love." John and Paul Hazakis have brought their own brand of brotherly love — honed in diners across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania — to Hot Spot Diner, 4045 Tyrone Blvd. Hot Spot opened in February, replacing First Watch. Having worked with their father, George, at diners that were open around the clock, John and Paul are equally comfortable serving breakfast dishes at lunchtime and lunch fare for breakfast.
Back under original ownership, this Seminole steakhouse is getting a second act Original
A possible rebranding. Jazz nights. A revitalized speakeasy with new flooring and decor. High-end cocktails alongside the traditional, signature cuts of beef. A total of 32 domestic and international beers. A pursuit of quality ribs. Jim Reeves, wife Denise and daughter Joanne Chiappone have been formulating new ideas for Big Jim’s Famous Steaks in Seminole, which they repurchased nearly a year ago. “Without them, I couldn’t do it,” he said.
Big Jim’s 2.0: Steaks, speakeasy and a second act
SEMINOLE — A possible rebranding. Jazz nights. A revitalized speakeasy with new flooring and decor. High-end cocktails alongside the traditional, signature cuts of beef. A total of 32 domestic and international beers. A pursuit of quality ribs. Jim Reeves, wife Denise and daughter Joanne Chiappone have been formulating new ideas for Big Jim's Steakhouse, which they repurchased nearly a year ago. "Without them, I couldn't do it," he said.
Fisher named Ms. Seminole at 61st annual chamber awards
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH — Marianne Fisher had gotten hints that Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce directors chose her as Ms. Seminole. It didn’t quite sink in. Even when last year’s Mr. Seminole, George Bessler, announced the president and CEO of Safe Harbor Elder Care Services as the winner March 7 at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, it took husband Dr. David Moore to nudge her along. “My husband said, ‘He’s talking about you, Marianne,’” Fisher recalled.
Seminole’s Ryan Leach went from a 12-year hiatus to the St. Petersburg Grand Prix
ST. PETERSBURG — Getting a big-name sponsor. Dominating the Gridlife Rush Series in 2024 and 2025. After not racing competitively for 12 years, Ryan Leach's career has taken a sharp turn. The sudden passing of his father, Steve, led to a life-changing decision to return to his passion. This week, the Seminole High graduate will race in the Mazda MX-5 Cup as part of the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. "It's super exciting," Leach said. Adding to the excitement is the imminent birth of a daughter.
South Pasadena teen is racing toward IndyCar
ST. PETERSBURG — From the time his parents put him in a NASCAR toddler's booster seat, Nikita Johnson has been seated and ready to move. Johnson began kart racing at age 5. By 8, he started competing in Europe. By his teens, he was posting top speeds at different levels of formula racing. And now, at just 17 — he's already graduated from high school with honors — he's one step from IndyCar racing.
Aggressive Huskies challenge Red Sox in traditional spring training opener
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Northeastern University’s baseball team showed early signs of upsetting the Boston Red Sox for the first time ever Friday afternoon. Then the Red Sox literally hit the Huskies with a power display before more than 6,300 fans at JetBlue Park. Boston beat Northeastern, 18-3, as the Red Sox had 14 hits, five for extra bases, including a solo homer by catcher Ronald Rosario.
DeLand’s Daniel Dye posts strong weekend at Daytona
TALLADEGA87, CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ZOOM ZOOM — Daniel Dye during driver intros at Phoenix Raceway in 2021. Top-four finish in the ARCA Menards Series highlights three-race NASCAR weekend. Daniel Dye, a DeLand native, had an exhausting but successful weekend in Daytona. After finishing No. 17 in Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250, Dye returned to the track Saturday for the ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona. He finished fourth in his No. 24 Ford […]
Gibbs High celebrates century of legacy with new museum
ST. PETERSBURG — Ozzie Mitchell taught high school for 52 years, the first eight in Polk County before moving to Gibbs High. "I enjoyed every minute of it," she said. So she was thrilled when fellow retirees and current teachers like Dennis Zuercher decided to start the Jonathan C. Gibbs High School Museum. The museum will showcase the school's academic achievements, athletic triumphs and alumni contributions to the city and beyond.
Warrior Hockey and Service Dogs Helped Andrew Einstein Find a New Purpose
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Every morning when Andrew Einstein doesn’t wake up on time, he’s greeted by wet licks from his service dog, Cassidy. Einstein can’t hear on his right side due to war injuries. He takes his cochlear implant off before going to bed, and he can’t use an alarm system since the buzzing likely would lead to him having a migraine. “She comes right up and plants kisses on my face and lays on me,” Einstein said. “She won’t leave until I physically get up.
Loss becomes legacy at Seminole Middle
SEMINOLE — When Jayden, Ke'vatae, Kason, Zayden and Jameire walked into a Seminole Middle School classroom, mentor Steven Sorrells greeted each with a handshake and hug before their lunch-and-learn session. For six years, Sorrells, a ministry director at Young Life, has volunteered as a mentor to students. When his wife, Telitha, a paraprofessional at Ridgecrest Elementary, died of colon cancer seven years ago, Sorrells channeled his grief into helping young people.
High school huddle: Unselfish play pays off for Boca Ciega’s Brown
ST. PETERSBURG — For any basketball player, the dream is to hit the last-second shot. The clock winding down, all eyes watching as you dribble toward the basket. You make a move, pull up and release … That's the chance Boca Ciega's Anthony Brown had at the Sun Bash Tampa powered by The Hoop Vibe at Northside Christian on Jan. 2. Boca Ciega trailed Tampa Prep 73-71 with 10 seconds left but had the ball. Brown, a junior who already had made three 3-point shots earlier, could have ended it with another.
Gladiators grounded by reality
ST. PETERSBURG — For Gibbs High School boys basketball fans accustomed to victories and state tournament appearances over the past four years, the past two weeks have been jarring. Playing in tournaments in North Carolina, South Carolina and St. Petersburg, the Gladiators (7-5) have lost five of their seven games during the winter break. All five defeats were by five points or fewer, two in overtime. "Around the city, I see people doubting us," point guard Brandon Perskins said.
St. Pete Science Center expansion gets underway with AI at its core
ST. PETERSBURG — From the day he saw an Alka-Seltzer tablet fizz in a glass of water at age 3, Damian Rouson was hooked on science. That fascination led him to build rockets and learn computer programming in middle school through programs at the St. Petersburg Science Center.
This woman changed Florida's golf trajectory (and married rich twice)
GOLF Craig Handel Fort Myers News-Press Dec. 16, 2025, 8:00 a.m. ET Tootie McGregor Terry was a beloved philanthropist in early 20th-century Fort Myers. She fulfilled her first husband's vision by turning a cow pasture into the Fort Myers Yacht and Country Club. The club, which featured Fort Myers' first golf course, opened in 1908 but ultimately failed by 1914. Despite its failure, her contributions are considered foundational to the city's development.
Coach Kara Lawson’s message helps New Heights Elementary reach the top
ST. PETERSBURG — As she walked around New Heights Elementary School on Nov. 20, Duke women's basketball coach Kara Lawson stopped to talk with students and teachers. Sensing her warmth, the children — even the grandmother volunteers — ran up and hugged her spontaneously.
Cross country coach runs his own race against Stage 4 cancer
TAMPA — As he chatted with freshman runner Aaron Tallbacka after his race at the 3A District 5 Meet at Al Lopez Park, Seminole High cross country coach Dan Bordeaux looked at him with a smile and offered some advice. "Have some fun in high school," Bordeaux said. "It's a fun time in your life." Diagnosed with brain cancer — a malignant melanoma that has reached Stage 4 — Bordeaux has lived by those words.
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Audi Crooks and Addy Brown both scored 18 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Marquette 84-73 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. Jada Williams added 15 points and Sydney Harris had 13 for the Cyclones. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
NASCAR driver with autism finds his lane
ST. PETERSBURG — As Armani Williams spoke with media, fans and those involved with Creative Clay's Good Folk Fest at The Coliseum on Nov. 16, it was hard to imagine the 25-year-old race car driver ever having difficulty making friends. But he did. In middle school, Williams' parents, Del Williams and Irena Politano, explained that part of his challenge in making friends was autism, which creates difficulties in social communication and interaction.
Audi Crooks, Iowa State outgun Indiana, Oklahoma bests FSU at Coconut Hoops
A roundup of the second and final day of the Coconut Hoops women's basketball tournament at Alico Arena on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. A shootout occurred between Audi Crooks and No. 12 Iowa State and Shay Ciezki and Indiana in the Blue Heron Division Championship in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Sunday at Alico Arena. Advertisement The Cyclones won both. While they topped the Hoosiers 106-95, Crooks scored a school record 47 points. She topped her previous record of 43 on Nov. 12 vs. Valparaiso.
No. 11 Michigan State beats East Carolina 89-56 in Fort Myers Tip-Off
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jaxon Kohler and Divine Ugochukwu each scored 16 points to lead No. 11 Michigan State's balanced attack as the Spartans beat East Carolina 89-56 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Tuesday. Michigan State, which entered the game with four players averaging double-figure points, also got 13 from Coen Carr and 10 from Carson Cooper. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
No. 11 Michigan State beats East Carolina 89-56 in Fort Myers Tip-Off
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jaxon Kohler and Divine Ugochukwu each scored 16 points to lead No. 11 Michigan State's balanced attack as the Spartans beat East Carolina 89-56 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Tuesday. Michigan State, which entered the game with four players averaging double-figure points, also got 13 from Coen Carr and 10 from Carson Cooper. kAm%96 $A2CE2?D We\_X 925 be A@:?ED :? E96 A2:?E[ bd A@:?ED 7C@> :ED C6D6CG6D 2?5 b` A@:?ED @77 ac t2DE r2C@=:?2 EFC?@G6CD]k^Am kAm|:49:82?
FSU, Oklahoma, Iowa State, Indiana women win at Coconut Hoops event
A roundup of Day 1 of the women's GEICO Coconut Hoops tournament at Alico Arena on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. With Florida State’s losing streak in danger of growing to four, the Seminoles’ top player came up clutch. Advertisement Sole Williams scored five key points in the last 103 seconds, and FSU held off Missouri State 85-75 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. The Seminoles (4-4) felt just as relieved as happy after beating Missouri State for the second straight season.
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks and Addy Brown both scored 18 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Marquette 84-73 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. Jada Williams added 15 points and Sydney Harris had 13 for the Cyclones. Iowa State (8-0) outrebounded Marquette (4-2) by a 44-26 margin. The team had 17 offensive rebounds.
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks and Addy Brown both scored 18 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Marquette 84-73 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. Jada Williams added 15 points and Sydney Harris had 13 for the Cyclones. kAmx@H2 $E2E6 Wg\_X @FEC63@F?565 |2CBF6EE6 Wc\aX 3J 2 cc\ae >2C8:?] %96 E62> 925 `f @776?D:G6 C63@F?5D]k^Am kAmx@H2 $E2E6 ;F>A65 @FE E@ 2?
Jeremy Fears Jr. leads No. 11 Michigan State to victory over No. 16 North Carolina with 19 points
Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 19 points and No. 11 Michigan State pulled away to beat No. 16 North Carolina 74-58 In the Fort Myers Tip-Off ByCRAIG HANDEL Associated Press November 27, 2025, 7:09 PM Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) dunks against North Carolina forward James Brown, second from left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) The Associated Press FORT MYERS, Fla.
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73
Latest Opinions on YourValley.net Councilmember Anna Hernandez deserves praise for defending police K-9s, who are subjected to merciless training and thrust into hazardous, violent and often deadly situations. She’s … George Kriplean watched our Sun City Senior Softball Club games from his driveway in his wheelchair for five years, too shy to come to the ballfield.
Jeremy Fears Jr. leads No. 11 Michigan State to victory over No. 16 North Carolina with 19 points
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 19 points and No. 11 Michigan State pulled away to beat No. 16 North Carolina 74-58 In the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Thursday. Fears, who came in leading the nation in assists at more than 10 per game, added seven assists. Carson Cooper had 14 points, Cam Ward 11 and Jaxson Kohler 10 along with 11 rebounds for his third double-double of season.
Jeremy Fears Jr. leads No. 11 Michigan State to victory over No. 16 North Carolina with 19 points
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 19 points and No. 11 Michigan State pulled away to beat No. 16 North Carolina 74-58 In the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Thursday. Fears, who came in leading the nation in assists at more than 10 per game, added seven assists. Carson Cooper had 14 points, Cam Ward 11 and Jaxson Kohler 10 along with 11 rebounds for his third double-double of season. kAmr2=63 (:=D@?
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73
Posted 11/28/25 FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks and Addy Brown both scored 18 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Marquette 84-73 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. Jada Williams added 15 … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Audi Crooks and Addy Brown lead No. 10 Iowa State over Marquette 84-73 - West Plains Daily Quill
Posted 11/28/25 FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Audi Crooks and Addy Brown both scored 18 points and No. 10 Iowa State beat Marquette 84-73 in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Friday at Alico Arena. Jada Williams added 15 … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
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