Beyond the News WFLA Interviews

It's a new life for a history-making vessel. The SS United States, which set the record for the fastest ocean liner in 1952. The age of Atlantic crossings ended, and the SS US couldn't find a new purpose on the sea. But it's about to set an undersea record when it becomes the World's Largest Artificial Reef. Hundreds of boaters and thousands or more virtual spectators will watch as it's set to be sunk Thursday (12th) in the Gulf off Destin-Fort Walton Beach. We speak with Nick Tomecek of Okaloosa County about what the project means for the ship, tourism, fishing, diving and the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday (Nov 1st) Florida and most of the nation go back to standard time, setting clocks one hour earlier. For years, safety experts and fire departments have reminded us to "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. But the message is different now, as newer smoke alarms hit the market. We speak with Public Safety Chief Rob Herrin of Hillsborough Fire Rescue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland burnishes its reputation on the cutting edge of technology. Florida Poly's university police department says it's the first in the nation to use an electric vertical takeoff and landing (E-VTOL) patrol vehicle. Flying car technology is already being tested nearby at the SunTrax site in Auburndale. We speak with University Police Chief Aaron Murray about how the aircraft will be used in law enforcement and education.  (Photo: Florida Polytechnic University.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pinellas County is the latest Tampa Bay area to go to helicopter spraying targeting larvae of the mosquito species implicated in the recent outbreak of locally transmitted dengue fever. Spraying could begin as soon as Friday (10-23), depending on aviation and weather factors, using a helicopter from Lee County. County public information officer Brian Pellerin explains why they use that type of helicopter, how to find out if your neighborhood is being sprayed, and why the solution they're spraying isn't harmful to adults, children or pets but very damaging to the skeeters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early voting begins Monday (19th) in many Florida counties. Others begin on the 22ndand by law they could start as late as the 24th. Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer has advice for those voting early in person, by mail, or on Election Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.