Thomas Becnel
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Articles by Thomas Becnel
Alabama News Center
Charlotte Pence, director of the Stokes Center for Creative Writing at the University of South Alabama, has a new title and a fresh direction for writing poems and celebrating poetry. Last month, Pence was named Mobile’s first-ever poet laureate, providing her a new platform for sharing poems and leading programs that enrich life and language in the Port City. “This position, in particular, will allow me to focus on poetry, which is my first passion,” Pence said.
Alabama's ‘Queen of Southern Resorts’ boosts careers as well as vacations
Virginia Arata left Mobile after high school, then returned to the University of South Alabama for a degree in hospitality and tourism management. Now she’s starting her career on Alabama’s Eastern Shore as a beverage supervisor at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. Family history plays a part in her career path.
Psychology graduate traces connections in Africatown documentary
Tiffany Pogue describes her life as a journey and her education as a process that pulls her in different directions. She’s an artist and a poet. She’s a voting rights advocate who hosts open mic nights for local nonprofits. She’s critiques conventional wisdom in business, politics and culture. “I’m definitely rebellious,” she said.
Snake, Rattle and Role: Student finds niche in reptile research
On hot summer nights in West Texas, with her eyes wide and heart racing, Grace Coppinger learned how to capture rattlesnakes. She joined Dr. Jason Strickland, a biology professor at the University of South Alabama, and two graduate students on a field trip near Big Bend National Park. After sundown, they drove through the desert looking for snakes crossing the road. Using tongs or a pole with a hook, the South researchers eased the snakes into a sack.
‘Picking Up the Torch:’ The women who govern South
When Kim Lawkis looks at Arlene Mitchell and Camille Bonura, she recognizes the long line of women students, professors and administrators who helped build the University of South Alabama. Mitchell is the first woman to serve as chair pro tempore for the USA Board of Trustees, while Bonura is the fifth female in a row to be elected president of the Student Government Association.
Engineering Ingenuity: Concrete canoes and lightweight bridges at Gulf Coast Symposium
The Gulf Coast Student Symposium challenged more than 400 engineering students from 15 universities with everything from concrete canoe races and surveying tests to construction, transportation and coastal erosion projects. One event – the bridge-building competition – had special significance for Dr. Eric Steward, associate dean in the College of Engineering at the University of South Alabama.
USA nursing student follows in footsteps of father, grandmother
After two years of classroom work in the College of Nursing at the University of South Alabama, Alli Boudreaux can’t wait to begin clinical courses and gain practical experience. “I feel like my nursing education is just starting,” she said. “Until now, it’s been strictly bookwork. I’m just getting to the part where it’s hands-on.” Boudreaux has more family support than most nursing students. Her grandmother, Anita Sirmon, is a retired nursing manager who earned her bachelor’s degree from South.
South accounting students help prepare free returns
Margaret Bradford, a graduate student in accounting at the University of South Alabama, looks forward to tax season. That’s when she and other students help people file electronic tax returns. They’re part of a nationwide program called VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Students gain accounting experience, while clients get free help with their forms. Bradford, the site coordinator for VITA at South, remembers helping a fellow student during her first year.
South awarded $2 million STEM educators grant
The University of South Alabama will be awarded up to $2 million from the Alabama STEM Council to make it easier for students pursuing STEM majors – those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – to earn teacher certifications and begin careers in education. The UTeach South program will target a shortage in mathematics and science teachers with special scholarships, training and internships.
University of South Alabama: New host for hospitality
Dr. Khaldoon Nusair, the new department head for Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of South Alabama, made his reputation as one of the most-cited marketing scholars in the world. He taught and did research in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, one of the largest programs in the country.
USA researchers to study vaccine hesitancy, social media link
University of South Alabama researchers began work this semester on a three-year study that examines the relationship between social media use and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among African American communities in Alabama. South students and faculty will do interviews and surveys in Mobile County, while their counterparts at Tuskegee University will be doing the same in Macon County east of Montgomery.
Folklore meets film in Africatown documentary 'Descendant'
Dr. Kern Jackson, director of the African American Studies Program at the University of South Alabama, served as co-writer and co-producer of “Descendant,” the Africatown documentary that has won fans and wowed audiences at film festivals across the country. He appears in the film, too, but those aren’t his favorite scenes.
South Alabama marine sciences professor wins $3.1M water quality grant
Dr. John Lehrter and the University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences will play a lead role in a $3.1 million project to study water and sediment quality along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The three-year program will be funded by the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council with money from the BP oil spill settlement. After federal approval from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, water and sediment testing should begin in 2023.
University of South Alabama grad makes mark with retro signs, bold murals
Andy Scott hadn’t even graduated from the University of South Alabama (USA) when he started his first graphic design business, Identity Signs. He worked from the back of his dad’s car lot in Mobile. Even then, doing computer-generated signs and banners, he admired the old-fashioned craft of lettering by hand. “It’s not perfect, you know?” said Scott, a 39-year-old artist, father and surfer.
Tuberville slams Biden eviction moratorium, accuses him of 'being controlled by the far-left of the Democratic Party' - Yellowhammer News
Tuberville slams Biden eviction moratorium, accuses him of ‘being controlled by the far-left of the Democratic Party’ U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) appeared on Fox Business Network’s “Kudlow” on Thursday to discuss an array of issues, including President Joe Biden’s unilateral executive action to extend the eviction moratorium ban and the potential for a revote to unionize Bessemer’s Amazon Fulfillment Center.
South Alabama pilot nurses a dream - Yellowhammer News
Angelo Bautista always wanted to become a pilot, even as a little boy growing up in the Philippines, but he studied nursing at the University of South Alabama. “It was my dad’s idea,” he said. “He said you’re going to need a bachelor’s degree anyway, so why not get something as a backup?” Bautista graduated in 2009 and worked at a Mobile hospital before going to flight school. He went on to become a flight instructor and pilot for regional carriers and then a major airline.
Home-based food businesses can now thrive in Alabama
Home-based food businesses can now thrive in Alabama To help make ends meet for her family during the pandemic, Melissa Humble started selling French macaroons and other goodies she baked at her home in Headland, Alabama. She branded her business HumbleBee Bakes and was regularly selling out of sweets. Then the cottage industry (a term for home-based food businesses) hit a regulatory roadblock, a state law banning direct sales of home-cooked goods or shipping them to customers.
Trachte plans expansion at Alabama facility, creating 70 jobs in Vernon - Yellowhammer News
Trachte plans expansion at Alabama facility, creating 70 jobs in Vernon VERNON, Alabama — Trachte Building Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of steel self-storage systems, announced plans to expand its Roof Mart facility in Northwest Alabama with a project that will create 70 jobs in Vernon over the next three years.
Republican Rick Pate to seek second term as Alabama Ag commissioner - Yellowhammer News
Republican Rick Pate to seek second term as Alabama Ag commissioner Commissioner Rick Pate (R-AL) on Monday announced that he will seek reelection in 2022 leading the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Pate is currently serving his first term as commissioner of Agriculture and Industries after being elected as a conservative outsider and businessman in 2018.
7 Things: Cease-fire declared between Israel and Hamas, feds say Alabama prisons are still bad, BCA's Britt could be ready to enter Senate race and more ... - Yellowhammer News
7 Things: Cease-fire declared between Israel and Hamas, feds say Alabama prisons are still bad, BCA’s Britt could be ready to enter Senate race and more … 7. Ivey signed the yoga bill; Literacy Act delay still out there It’s now legal for schools to allow yoga after Governor Kay Ivey has signed the bill that ends the ban that was adopted by the State Board of Education in 1993. Schools can start offering yoga in the 2021-2022 school year.
To protect and solve: Saudi criminal justice major at Univ. of South Alabama readies for nontraditional role - Yellowhammer News
To protect and solve: Saudi criminal justice major at Univ. of South Alabama readies for nontraditional role Raghad Sultan came to Mobile all the way from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but her family forms a long line of Jaguars at the University of South Alabama. Eleven years ago, her brother, Mohanned, graduated in electrical engineering. One of her sisters, Rahaf, studied respiratory therapy, while the other, Moroj, majored in marketing.
RSA buildings in Montgomery to recognize Earth Day on Thursday night - Yellowhammer News
RSA buildings in Montgomery to recognize Earth Day on Thursday night For the second consecutive year, the lights at four Retirement Systems of Alabama buildings in downtown Montgomery will shine green and blue Thursday night in celebration of Earth Day, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced this week. “Earth Day is always a big day for us here at ADEM,” stated ADEM director Lance LeFleur.
U.S. Senators Richard Shelby, Tommy Tuberville cosponsor Death Tax Repeal Act - Yellowhammer News
U.S. Senators Richard Shelby, Tommy Tuberville cosponsor Death Tax Repeal Act U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are cosponsoring the Death Tax Repeal Act, which was introduced by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) last week. The legislation would repeal the federal estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Research from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has shown that 44% of small business owners view the estate tax as a very important issue.
South Alabama sophomore solves cold cases using DNA, forensic genealogy - Yellowhammer News
South Alabama sophomore solves cold cases using DNA, forensic genealogy From a Grand Bay bedroom decorated with posters from forensic TV shows such as “Bones” and “Dexter,” Olivia McCarter spends long hours on her laptop working to identify people and solve crimes. Though just a sophomore at the University of South Alabama, where she’s studying anthropology and criminal justice, the 19-year-old is a senior intern with a Massachusetts company called Redgrave Research Forensic Services.
Sensible rail regulation works for Alabama - Yellowhammer News
Sensible rail regulation works for Alabama The freight rail industry plays a key role in the Alabama economy, providing an existing and reliable transportation mode for many of the state’s key industries. From the growth in the state’s southern ports to the continued recovery in Alabama’s vibrant auto manufacturing sector, private freight railroads are helping spur economic growth.
South Alabama dives into Galapagos research - Yellowhammer News
South Alabama dives into Galapagos research When Dr. Ronnie Baker returns to the Galapagos Islands as part of ongoing research project with the University of South Alabama, he’ll bring along a dozen underwater cameras and a plan for surveying the waters surrounding one of the most remote and unique ecosystems on the planet.
Local philanthropists pave the way to expanded healthcare in Baldwin County - Yellowhammer News
Local philanthropists pave the way to expanded healthcare in Baldwin County On a glorious fall afternoon — their favorite time of the year — Louis and Melinda Mapp pull up a pair of rocking chairs on the front porch of their Fairhope home. They sit down to trace a family history that begins with business roots in Mississippi and ends with hospital philanthropy in Alabama. Both of them are volunteers as well as donors. They have the easy rapport of a couple who have been married 61 years.
Alabama’s Waymond Jackson knows of loss, life through family - Yellowhammer News
Alabama’s Waymond Jackson knows of loss, life through family For Waymond Jackson Jr. and his family, July 13 was always a sad anniversary. July 13, 1985, was the date his father, Leondras Waymond Jackson Sr., died in a motel swimming pool. For 34 years, Jackson and his mother and sister saw the date pass and it reminded them of loss. Now, the date celebrates new life and legacy. That’s because Jackson’s daughter, Kai, was born on July 13, 2020.
Alabama holiday sales predicted to meet or slightly exceed 2019’s $13.25 billion - Yellowhammer News
Alabama holiday sales predicted to meet or slightly exceed 2019’s $13.25 billion Alabamians, like the rest of the nation, have already begun their holiday shopping to ensure they can get the gifts they want and that those gifts arrive on time. Through September, Alabama consumers had spent almost 8% more than they did in 2019, based on Alabama Revenue Department reports on all state-taxed sales. That growth came despite the business disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Jennifer Rominiecki will shape the future of Selby Botanical Gardens
The Gardens' CEO has a new 10-year contract that will see her through a $67 million construction project Jennifer Rominiecki stands tall — 5-foot-11 in flats — but visitors to Selby Botanical Gardens often hear the president and CEO before they see her. Her voice is as loud as the gardens are quiet, with a punctuating laugh that verges on a cackle. Friends call Rominiecki a “dynamo” who wins support with pure enthusiasm and tireless goodwill.
University of South Alabama graduates bring artistry to Mobile Carnival
The Mardi Gras traditions of Mobile include a talented group of University of South Alabama artists who build, shape and paint the fanciful floats that roll through downtown parades. The story begins with Steve Mussell, class of 1981, who’s been building parade floats for more than 40 years. He grew up in Mobile, which has the oldest Carnival tradition in America. He enjoys the artistry of papier-mâché construction that blends glue, paper and cardboard.
Schwarz to lead Sarasota Orchestra in ‘Classical Romance’ concerts
Gerard Schwarz is the second of nine guest conductors in the Sarasota Orchestra’s year-long search for a new music director ‘Classical Romance’: Gerard Schwarz leads the Sarasota Orchestra in performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 77 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets start at $35.
Top arts events in the Sarasota area: Oct. 31-Nov. 4
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer Jay Handelman Arts Editor Thursday Oct 31, 2019 at 11:33 AM New plays and classics, music, opera, visual art and more in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice and Tampa Bay ‘Rigoletto’ returns to Sarasota Opera Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” one of his most popular operas, returns to the Sarasota Opera Friday for the first time since 2012.
- Entertainment - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota, FL
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer Tuesday Oct 29, 2019 at 12:08 PM For the "Gumbo Tribe," also known as the class of 2021 at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, the challenges of "Antigone" provide a classical rite of passage. All of them have theatrical training, but most are new to Greek tragedy. Together, they’re learning the words of Sophocles. They form a chorus of drama students from across the country. In a group e-mail, Bonita Jackson gave their tribe a name.
‘Rigoletto’ returns to Sarasota Opera with familiar cast
Sarasota Opera’s fall season features a new production of one of the company’s most produced operas Seven years after singing the title role in “Rigoletto” for the Sarasota Opera, Marco Nistico will return to the tragic part of a hunchbacked court jester with a beautiful daughter, a licentious patron and a fateful curse. Things will be different this time. “I am different, in many ways,” says Nistico. “That was my first time in ‘Rigoletto’ and I was still discovering this role.
Graziano looks forward - and back - in Sarasota Ballet retrospective
Sarasota Ballet opens a new season by highlighting work by resident choreographer and dancer Ricardo Graziano Just seconds into a rehearsal of the “Shostakovich Suite,” the very first dance he created for the Sarasota Ballet, Ricardo Graziano stops the music. “Let’s do that again,” he says, demonstrating a fluid sweep of the arm for a stage full of ballerinas. “We’re not dolls here.” The music begins, again, and the dancers start sweeping their arms more gracefully.
Top 10 reasons to celebrate the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer Thursday Oct 17, 2019 at 2:01 AM The Ski-A-Rees, formed in 1957, are the second-oldest performance ski team in the country. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees will flip, skip and jump in the waters off City Island near Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. The fall show season is underway and continues through Nov. 10. So this is good time to look at reasons to appreciate their weekly performances on Sarasota Bay. 1. They’re good — really good.
Key Chorale, Westcoast join voices for ‘Gospel Experience’ concerts
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Sunday Oct 13, 2019 at 2:01 AM The program is part of the choral ensemble’s ongoing ‘American Roots’ series Collaborations between performing arts organizations provide new opportunities for the artists and different experiences for the audiences who favor one group or another.
Top arts events for the Sarasota area Oct. 10-16
Music, theater, dance, Oktoberfest, nature and more in Sarasota are venues Sarasota Orchestra offers Chamber Soirees Chamber Soirees and Great Escapes this month for the Sarasota Orchestra will include programs such as “Titans of Two Centuries,” “Life Affirmed” and “Great Escapes: Salute to Arthur Fiedler.” Beethoven and Prokofiev are the “Two Titans” whose chamber music will be performed at 5:30 p.m. today.
EcoClear wins Ringling College innovation award from Sarasota Council for Economic Development
Sarasota High grad leads EcoClear Products to more than $20 million in annual sales When Christopher Stidd tells the story of EcoClear Products, which have topped $20 million in annual sales, he starts with the idea — the idea that launched his business and changed his life. Poison-free pesticides that are safe for people, pets and wildlife. Stidd, who had been a salesman for Central Garden & Pet, worked with chemists to develop a targeted rodenticide called RatX.
Selby Orchid Show to feature ‘Blossoms of Asia’
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Sunday Oct 6, 2019 at 2:01 AM Botanical garden focuses on plants from the Far East for annual exhibit of tropical favorites The annual Orchid Show at Selby Botanical Gardens usually focuses on New World plants and specimens from its collections on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Planning Board backs Selby Gardens garage in Sarasota
For months, garden supporters and neighborhood opponents have debated a $92 million Selby project that includes a controversial five-story parking garage with a rooftop restaurant. SARASOTA — After weeks of hearings and hours of debate, the Planning Board voted late Wednesday night to support a comprehensive plan amendment and a $92 million Selby Botanical Gardens construction project that includes a controversial five-story parking garage and rooftop restaurant.
Top 5 reasons October marks best time of the year in Sarasota-Bradenton
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Wednesday Oct 2, 2019 at 12:55 PM Cool weather and more reasons October is the best time to be in Sarasota and Manatee counties In the same way that northerners worship spring, after the bitter cold of a long winter, people in Sarasota-Bradenton should welcome fall, after the cruel heat of an endless summer.
Planning Board backs Selby Gardens garage
For months, garden supporters and neighborhood opponents have debated a $92 million Selby project that includes a controversial five-story parking garage with a rooftop restaurant. SARASOTA — After weeks of hearings and hours of debate, the Planning Board voted late Wednesday night to support a comprehensive plan amendment and a $92 million Selby Botanical Gardens construction project that includes a controversial five-story parking garage and rooftop restaurant.
Selby supporters, opponents await Planning Board vote
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Wednesday Oct 2, 2019 at 9:30 PM For months, garden supporters and neighborhood opponents have debated a $92 million Selby project that includes a five-story parking garage with a rooftop restaurant. SARASOTA — For the third Wednesday in a row, a Planning Board public hearing on Selby Botanical Gardens ran late into the night, leaving garden supporters and neighborhood opponents awaiting a decision.
Sarasota’s enSRQ will open season with ‘Frequent Flyers’
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Friday Sep 27, 2019 at 7:23 AM Sep 27, 2019 at 1:16 PM ensembleNEWSRQ expands programming for its fourth season The fourth season of ensembleNEWSRQ will feature challenging solos and adventurous chamber pieces in Sarasota and two concerts in St. Petersburg. Last season ended with a trombonist performing in clown makeup, which is a pretty tough act to follow, even for the avant garde of contemporary classical music.
Top arts events for Sarasota area: Sept. 26-Oct. 2
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Thursday Sep 26, 2019 at 2:01 AM Area debuts in theater, history and music with a touch of Beethoven and Dean Martin Venice Theatre hosts ‘Bikinis’ beach party Grown-up members of a girl group called “The Bikinis” — Laurie Colton, Rebecca Cross, Tamara Solum, and Joy Tancey — will lead a ’60s musical revue in the Venice Theatre’s Stage 2 Series.
Sarasota Planning Board puts off Selby garage vote
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Wednesday Sep 25, 2019 at 10:35 PM After hours of discussion, meeting on controversial ‘Sky Garden’ is continued to Oct. 2 SARASOTA — After hours of discussion, with hundreds of people awaiting a decision, the Planning Board decided late Wednesday night to extend a public hearing on a controversial master site plan at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Discussion will continue — and a vote may happen — at the board meeting Oct. 2.
Asolo Rep's ‘Romeo and Juliet’ will tour Florida schools
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Sunday Sep 22, 2019 at 2:01 AM Local shows include an Oct. 17 performance at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center in Sarasota Tyler Dobrowsky, who has adapted several Shakespeare plays into 45-minute productions for an Asolo Rep school program, says “Romeo and Juliet” wasn’t that tricky. He focused on the main characters. Young love and loss. A winning formula.
Sarasota singers bring ‘Rat Pack’ swagger to ‘That’s Amore’ at FST
Thomas Becnel Staff Writer @thomasbecnel Saturday Sep 21, 2019 at 7:07 AM Florida Studio Theatre opens its cabaret series lineup with a musical tribute to Dean Martin When “That’s Amore” opens Wednesday at the Florida Studio Theatre, blending Dean Martin cool with “Rat Pack” swagger, the cast will be ready to play. Ready to play with the music and songs. Ready to play with the nightclub story and setting.
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