‘Long overdue’ medical center to rise on Big Cypress Reservation Health by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — With an enormous earthmoving excavator marking the spot, Tribal officials broke ground Jan. 28 on the Big Cypress Medical Center. The nearly 30,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in February 2016. "For me, this is the brightest day ever," Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tiger said. "This will allow
Seminoles shrink 150 pounds during weight-loss challenge Health by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 BRIGHTON — Thirty Tribal members celebrated a collective weight loss of 150 pounds during a community luncheon held Feb. 3 at the Brighton Senior Center. Participants of the Seminole Pathways VII 21 Day Weight Loss Challenge planned to continue their newfound healthy eating habits right after the luncheon, which included treats
Renovated Tampa gym a good fit for health Health by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 TAMPA — A newly refurbished Tampa gym opened Jan. 8 after four months of renovations that have made it an inviting place to work out. Located in a warehouse bay adjacent to the Tampa Field Office, the gym was transformed from a dark, dingy space to a bright, cheerful place
Brighton Youth Council takes on community responsibility Education by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 BRIGHTON — For the first time in more than two years, Brighton high school students have created a youth council to help positively influence their community. Since the first meeting Jan. 13, members have organized projects to raise money and deliver goods to local organizations, and the council’s initial venture brightened
Sixth-grader Valholly Frank stars at Sagemont school science fair Education by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 WESTON — Valholly Frank won first place among sixth-graders recently at Weston’s Sagemont Upper School for her science fair project that explored light pollution. "I chose it because it’s an important subject that most people don’t know about," Valholly, 12, said. "My classmates and my teachers were very surprised how it
Trick horseback rider amazes Brighton Boys & Girls Club Education by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 BRIGHTON — The Brighton Boys & Girls Club enjoyed a performance by trick horseback rider Gena Cox on Feb. 4 at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena. A veteran trick rider with more than 10 years of experience, Cox also performed at Brighton Field Days. The one-hour presentation for the 11 members
Immokalee rodeo corrals crowds Sports by Beverly Bidney - February 27, 2015April 6, 2015 IMMOKALEE — Cowboys and cowgirls from Big Cypress to Montana flocked to the Seminole Youth Ranch Arena Jan. 30-31 for the Immokalee Firefighters Pro Rodeo Classic. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), the fundraising event was sponsored by Immokalee Seminole Casino, Mason
Environmental Protection Agency administrator visits Seminole Tribe Community by Beverly Bidney - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Chairman James E. Billie welcomed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Administrator Heather McTeer Toney to Tribal Headquarters Jan. 14 for a meeting to discuss issues important to the Tribe. It was the first visit for Toney, who was appointed regional administrator in January 2014 by President Barack
Former Miccosukee Chairman Buffalo Tiger passes at 94 Community by Beverly Bidney - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 MIAMI — William Buffalo Tiger, the first Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe who helped his people gain federal recognition in the 1960s, passed away Jan. 6 surrounded by family at his Miami home. He was 94. The Miccosukee trailblazer served for 24 years as Tribal Chairman, helped create United South and
Immokalee sweeps 15th annual Rez Rally Health by Beverly Bidney - January 29, 2015April 6, 2015 IMMOKALEE — They came to Immokalee from every reservation – more than 400 people dressed in team colors, pumped up and ready to win the battle for good health during the 15th annual Rez Rally. Runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchairs navigated the 5K course Jan. 17, and at the end of