Ahfachkee students to attend high school, college simultaneously this fall Education Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 Ahfachkee’s dual enrollees take a break from registering for college at Florida SouthWestern State College in the Big Cypress library June 24. From left to right are Curtis Smith, Curmya Smith, Aiyana Crespo and Shakur Williams. (Beverly Bidney photo) BIG CYPRESS — Four Ahfachkee students will attend the Ahfachkee School and
Cypress Billie completes Harvard program Education Top Story by Beverly Bidney - August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 Cypress Billie with his certificate. (Courtesy photo) Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum educator Cypress Billie recently completed the Project Zero program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where he learned more teaching methods he can integrate into the tours he gives at the museum. “It was an honor to be sent to
Doc Native creates short action film, joins cast of two feature films Arts & Entertainment News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 Doc Native, dressed as the character he plays, appears in a promotional piece for the short film “Ghost.” (Courtesy photo) In addition to his music career, the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Doc Native has been busy living the “Hollywood” life. He wrote and starred in a short action film and recently
2025 grads return to Pemayetv Emahakv Education Top Story by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 From left to right, Preslynn Baker, Merlelaysia Billie, Willo James, Neela Jones and Lason Baker enjoy their return to PECS. (Beverly Bidney) BRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School welcomed back 15 alumni for the school’s annual grad walk May 22. The former students returned to their K-8 alma mater as high
PECS students learn status of local wildlife Education by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Brighton Community Culture advisor Johnnie Jones talks to PECS students May 16 about the importance of respecting wildlife and growing up Seminole during the wildlife workshop presented by the Conservation and Environmental Resources departments. (Beverly Bidney) BRIGHTON — Students may have been aware of the many species of wildlife on the
Ahfachkee celebrates 2025 graduates Education Top Story by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 The Ahfachkee School class of 2025 celebrates after receiving diplomas May 21. From left to right are Xzavion Tommie, Sarah Robbins, Ian Hernandez-Osceola, Gilbert Guerrero, Aaliyah Billie and Jody Cabral. (Beverly Bidney) BIG CYPRESS — Six Ahfachkee School seniors crossed a threshold in their lives when they walked down the aisle
Tribe partners with FGCU Water School Community News by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Brian Bovard, left, and Greg Tolley. (Courtesy photo) The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Council recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers to work together on projects related to water and the environment on the reservations. “The MOU was
Apolonia Nunez qualifies to be Florida General Contractor Community News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Apolonia Nunez and her father, David Nunez, attend a groundbreaking for a playground in Okeechobee in 2018. (Courtesy photo) Apolonia Nunez is about to become a rare young woman in the field of General Contractors in Florida. She passed the state exams in April and is about to receive her license.
‘Beautiful and Proud’ Miss Florida Seminole exhibit opens at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum News Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 A large montage featuring Miss Florida Seminoles greets visitors as they enter the new 'Beautiful and Proud' exhibit that opened May 28 at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. (Kevin Johnson) BIG CYPRESS — Since the Seminole Tribe of Florida was recognized by the U.S. government in 1957, the matriarchal tribe has celebrated its
Animal incidents mar May in SWFL News Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 Florida panther. (Courtesy photo) May was a tough month for panther, bear and human encounters in Southwest Florida. By May 6, four panthers, one man, a dog and three bears were killed during those confrontations. PanthersAccording to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation’s (FWC) Panther Pulse database, vehicle collisions were responsible