Beyond the News WFLA Interviews

Clearwater Beach hosts the annual Sugar Sand Festival beginning Friday (March 27th) and running through Sunday, April 12th at Pier 60. Eighteen artists from around the world will create sand sculptures in a 24,000 square foot enclosures. We speak with the Festival's Chief Operating Officer, Charissa Shatanoff, about this year's event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legoland Florida has rolled out its new LEGO Galaxy and its new ride, the Galacticoaster. We speak with Legoland Ambassador Julie Estrada and Merlin's project director Tom Storer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tampa dyes the Hillsborough River green again Saturday (14th), as part of a daylong celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There's also a parade, Irish music, Irish dancing, kid-friendly features, and Irish beer. for the grownups. We speak with Ivy Lupco of the Tampa Downtown Partnership about the River O' Green Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Small Business Administration is offering loans for economic damage suffered as a result of recent freezes and frosts that hit much of Florida earlier this year. The low-interest loans are not available for crop losses (except for aquaculture). But the loans can cover other losses such as lost sales or payroll. We speak with Sharon Dooley, a Public Affairs Specialist with the SBA, about what's covered and how to apply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S.-Israeli joint military operation against Iran has left Americans stranded in various locations across the Middle East that are targets or potential targets. A Tampa-based nonprofit funded by private donations is moving to assist those who say they need to get out. We speak again with Bryan Stern, an Army and Navy veteran with Special Operations experience, founder and chairman of Grey Bull Rescue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.