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In 2021, around 1100 manatees died, a record year for manatee deaths in Florida. This is nearly double the five-year average of manatee deaths. Since then, manatees have continued to experience higher mortality rates compared to previous years. The primary cause for this surge in fatalities is attributed to starvation as the amount of seagrass has decreased. Manatees rely heavenly on seagrass as their primary food source, consuming between 100 to 200 pounds of it each day. As seagrass performs photosynthesis, it holds sediments, produces oxygen and fixes carbon, which keeps the ocean clean. Max Chesnes, an environmental journalist with the Tampa Bay Times, explained “When you have a lot of manatees in areas where there is no seagrass, manatees starve because they have no food source to replace seagrass. When it becomes cold and the manatees are already weak, they end up dying.” Before joining the Tampa Bay Times, Chesnes worked as a reporter covering the environment on the east coast of Florida. In 2021, when the concerning rise in manatee deaths became apparent, Chesnes was involved in the government’s decision to feed manatees, which had never been done before. Thomas Chesnes, a biology professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and uncle to Max Chesnes, said that water quality is the main cause of seagrass loss. Poor water quality along Florida’s East Coast results from various factors including slots of nutrients from houses, golf courses and agriculture. “We have seen some really substantial declines of seagrass. I have seen areas that were once very thick seagrass meadows that are now absent,” Thomas Chesnes said. He further explained that the loss of seagrass disrupts the foundation of the ecosystem, causing a ripple effect leading to the starvation of all species reliant on seagrass for survival. “It is definitely scary when you see this level of loss so quickly. I do not think the solution is to plant seagrass right now because it is not going to grow. The environment around it is not healthy enough for that,” Max Chesnes added. He explained we must turn around the water quality and reduce pollutants before seagrass can be planted. Anne Messer, the executive director at Friends of Manatee Lagoon, emphasized that Floridians can make a significant impact by minimizing or eliminating any type of fertilizing, helping with seagrass projects and getting educated about the importance of seagrass to the environment. Friends of Manatee Lagoon is a nonprofit organization in Palm Beach County that mostly focuses on the safeguards and protections of manatees. Their mission is to educate the community about the challenges manatees counter. “We need to protect our beautiful beaches and land, and to do that we have to keep our waters clean from pollution by being mindful and careful with what chemicals we put into the grounds as they go into our water system,” Messer said. Messer said that Friends of Manatee Lagoon began exploring ways to safeguard seagrass last year. This initiative led to the establishment of a seagrass nursery, the installation of a seagrass aquarium and the creation of a seagrass wall featuring several varieties of seagrass. Thomas noted that PBA has been actively engaged in scientific research and monitoring regarding seagrass on the coast since 2010. “We are a coastal campus and what we do here affects what goes on right there in the water. We have to be aware of our location and address environmental issues,” Thomas Chesnes added. Max Chesnes said the story of manatees dying is an example of what can happen when decades of pollution go unchecked. He urged humans to consider the plight of manatees as a warning signal, emphasizing the importance of caring for the natural ecosystem surrounding us. “We should really pay attention to what is happening to these species so we can learn from it and prevent it from happening again,” Max Chesnes added. By Hedda Jarhall

Beauty should be accessible to everyone, yet many products currently available still lack inclusivity. In recent years, numerous brands have taken steps to ensure their products cater to diverse gender identities, skin tones, and body types. However, the beauty industry conversation has largely overlooked the needs of the disabled community, constituting one in four American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Depending on your vision, mobility and agility, many of us in the disability community need help with things like makeup and personal care routines – mostly because the products have not been made with us in mind," said Casey Titus, a Sephora employee with cerebral palsy. In 2020, Selena Gomez launched her first makeup brand, Rare Beauty, specifically designed to be user-friendly for individuals with upper body disabilities like arthritis. Gomez, who struggles with Lupus, faced challenges in applying and opening products herself, leading her to create a brand with rounded tops for ease on joints. “Arthritis can make opening jars seem like an impossible dream, there are many assistive devices to help you get a grip, but the ball tops on the Rare beauty blush, for example, makes it so much easier to open,” Gomez mentioned on Rare Beauty’s website. Inclusive designer Christina Mallon, living with dual-arm paralysis, emphasizes the importance of one-step application products, easy-open packaging, various product sizes for differing strength levels, and multi-use items like a blow-dryer-and-brush hybrid. Mallon shares her experience using such tools, enabling her to achieve a salon-like look despite her condition. "As a person with no use of their arms, I'm able to hold the device between my knees and glide it through my hair for that 'just out of the salon look,’'' explained Mallon when describing one of her go-to accessible styling tools. Sarah Kovac, the accessibility editor at Reviewed, who has arthrogryposis, requires products with smaller handles that fit between her toes, one-foot-friendly options, lightweight choices, products without the need for precision and long-lasting formulations to minimize touch-ups. Some products, like Glossier's Body Hero exfoliating bar, are designed with disabilities in mind, featuring easy grip and one-step functionality. A Proctor and Gamble study revealed that only 4% of companies actively create accessible products, despite 13.7% of U.S. adults having a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, as per the CDC. Sarah Desouza was diagnosed with amblyopia, also known as a lazy eye. “It finally made sense why my eyeliner was never quite aligned. Suddenly, my lazy eye became my biggest insecurity and struggle when applying any eye makeup,” she said. Sarah Desouza, although not categorized as disabled, shares her struggle with amblyopia, emphasizing the importance of inclusive products for everyone. The beauty industry should consider actual people with disabilities and talent to represent the community, Titus suggests, fostering a more inclusive standard of beauty. Titus expresses gratitude for the progress some companies have made but desires true representation in the beauty industry. Featuring individuals with disabilities in campaigns can inspire inclusivity and help people see themselves by beauty standards, Titus concludes, noting the positive impact on children, and showing them that disabilities do not define their potential. By Luiza Desouza

West Palm Beach community members claim a city ordinance enacted on March 23 is preventing efforts to feed those in need. This new ordinance requires a permit to feed a group of over 25 people, and failure to procure it may result in a $500 fine or 60 days for a first offense. Ashton Rogg works with the Give Back Community, a global movement of millions of people whose mission is to inspire one another and live generously through their actions. Their ultimate goal is to help those in need. College students started the organization to feed the homeless population in West Palm Beach. Previously, the Give Back Community would meet on the Clematis Street lawn. However, due to this new ordinance, Rogg said the organization had to relocate. She explained that the first time the police were involved, they asked the organization to leave and even threatened to arrest its leaders. This forced the organization to vacate its spot on Clematis for an entire month. “It made me feel scared. We didn't think we were doing anything wrong. We just wanted to help people but the police treated us like criminals,” Rogg said. In July, the organization returned to Clematis, and Rogg explained that the cops surrounded them and stated they could only distribute clothing and material items -- not food. “Some of the homeless people told us they hadn’t eaten in two days, and they knew we had food to give them but didn't understand why we couldn't give it to them. It left us with such a hopeless feeling,” Rogg said. Advocates argue that this regulation interferes with their efforts to help the community. At the same time, city officials feel that it is necessary to address sanitation and long-term solutions for keeping the area safe. Organizations and individuals distributing meals without proper authorization may face penalties, including fines and potential jail time. “The police said that there was a high increase in crimes due to more homeless people so they want to discourage homeless people from being around -- they want to push them away,” Rogg said. City officials defend the ordinance by citing concerns over litter, unsanitary conditions and the need for comprehensive solutions beyond providing food assistance alone. They argue that well-intentioned groups may leave behind a trail of debris, further burdening the city and its residents. By requiring permits, the city aims to promote coordinated efforts that address not only immediate needs but also long-term solutions related to housing, mental health support and substance abuse assistance. “We don't want to support gathering a bunch of homeless people here. We want this to be a nice street, a clean street, and unfortunately, because of all of the homeless people around, the crime has increased. I know it's not all of them but one ruins it for everyone,” said a Palm Beach County officer. The organization has moved from its spot on Clematis Street to Curry Park, where they helped people like Tony Merritt, who has been living in the park for some time due to medical bills after a car accident forced him onto the streets. Currie Park is home to Meritt. “It's not easy. We get a bad image -- but I didn't choose this life,” Merrit said. There are days when it is hard for him to get a meal. However, Merritt says that thanks to organizations like The Give Back Community, he is able to eat. By Luiza Desouza

This fall, your assignment may have been to listen to the Beatles' “I Feel Fine." This specialized music course only offered every couple of years, is instructed by Professor Michael O’Conor and delves into the iconic British rock band. O’Connor has always had a deep passion for music as a whole. He majored in music education at Tennessee Tech University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. At PBA, he teaches multiple music courses and directs various musical ensembles on campus. “I (established) and direct the Early Music Ensemble and the World Music Ensemble, which includes Irish Traditional Music, Salsa, Bossa Nova and even a polka band," said O’Connor. “I also (oversee) the brass ensemble.” When O’Connor contemplated creating a new special-topic music class, the idea for the Beatles course quickly emerged. “I’ve done other classes. I did an entire class on rock music in 1971,” said O’Connor. “But I thought about the Beatles because I grew up with them. I discovered them as a teenager.” O’Connor’s enduring affection for the Beatles is apparent in his teaching. In the class, he shares his admiration for the Beatles through his expertise, various video clips and the textbook titled "The Gospel According to the Beatles." Despite the controversial history of the Beatles, O’Connor’s class proposal did not receive much pushback. “I imagine there were some who raised an eyebrow at the idea,” said O’Connor. “I think the provost at the time kind of questioned the idea.” O’Connor believes, as Christians, it is necessary to be knowledgeable about the outside world, without endorsing or supporting the values. The class is more than listening to their music -- it is also an in-depth look at the change as the Beatles grew, and their impact on culture at the time. Naturally, the course focuses on the musical aspect of the Beatles, but also the societal and psychological impact of the band. The course dives into the Beatles' songs and how their style transformed the music landscape. From their early “skiffle” sound to their later folk sound, students gain insights into every aspect of their musical journey. “At first I was going to touch on every single Beatles song. I quickly found that was not going to happen,” said O’Connor. “Now, it is the ones that help tell their story -- from both a social and musical journey.” O’Connor is not the first university professor to teach a course devoted to a musical group. The University of Rochester has a virtual Beatles course and The University of Pittsburgh has a Led Zeppelin Course. Melody Thomas, one of the students enrolled in O’Connor’s course sheds some light as to why these courses are so popular. “I really like the class because I get to learn more about a band that used to be well-known and still is,” said Thomas. “At first I didn’t know any of the members. Now I know them, their history and their music history. I find this class really fun to learn.” Professor Sean Radford, the coordinator of the popular music program, reiterates this opinion. “To study the music of The Beatles academically is really to study a major turning point in contemporary music, sort of like the Renaissance,” said Radford. Radford also associates aspects of music today, such as forms of songs, as having been inspired by the Beatles’ music. This course not only contributes to your academic grade but can also count as a "Faith, Roots and Reason" course credit, as stated in the email announcing the course's return this fall. Even though the course is not offered every fall, students will likely still have the chance to take it before graduating from PBA. “About every three years, the course is offered,” said Professor O’Connor. “So every PBA student has at least one opportunity to take it.” By Savannah Carr

In our busy world of human relationships, friendships stand out as vibrant threads woven through the fabric of our lives. Best friends, in particular, are the master weavers, intricately crafting patterns of support, love and resilience. “Typically, friendship is considered an aspect of social support. Social support has a lot of evidence in building resilience, so the idea of people who have friends or people they're close to do better with stress and are less prone to physical illness,” said Dr. McCulloch, a local psychologist and beloved professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. An article from the American Psychological Association by Zara Abrams echoes this statement by stating, “Loneliness among people who lack quality friendships increases our risk for heart attack, stroke and premature death.” Another important point from Abrams is that “loneliness increases the risk of early death as much as 26%.” Friendships, as Dr. McCulloch suggests, can be compared to emotional vitamins, nourishing our mental and physical health. Drawing upon a diverse collection of perspectives, ranging from biblical insights to personal stories, it is clear that the importance of friendship is profound and complicated. “Even Jesus is described as a friend who sticks closer than a brother, sometimes family relationships can be difficult but if you choose friends that offer social support they can help,” said Dr. McCulloch. Proverbs 18:24 says, “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” These words help to instill the timeless truth that friendships can often provide the comfort and understanding that familial relationships may lack. Sometimes family dynamics can be difficult, but choosing friends who offer social support is a step in the right direction. “Romance can be a meaningful part of life – the benefits of friendships should not be overlooked,” Abrams said. Stephan de Lange, Julia Kirk and Micah Rohan, paint a portrait of friendships as lifelines in difficult times. Their accounts reveal the important impact of best friends on mental well-being, personal growth and emotional stability. De Lange’s journey illustrates the transformative power of friendship during times of emotional rollercoaster, showing that true friends are not just witnesses to our struggles but active participants in our healing. “A few years ago when I felt like I was at my lowest point, my two best friends picked me up and took me to dinner, then to church, and that not only helped me mentally but also strengthened my faith in Jesus,” he shared, recalling a challenging period in his life. De Lange highlighted the positive influence on his mental health, stating, “My best friends know I often struggle with mental health but it has improved tremendously just by them being there for me.” All of these individuals emphasized the importance of qualities such as honesty, acceptance, respect, forgiveness, dependability and kindness in a best friend, explaining how these qualities have shaped their relationships for the better. De Lange's story showcases the profound impact of genuine friendship and the power of understanding, acceptance and support in overcoming life's challenges. Abrams believes, “Having a close friend or confidant is undeniably good for us, but psychologists have found that interactions with acquaintances, even strangers, can also give our mental health a boost.” Bliss Archer’s story is a testament to the unconditional love and guidance that can flow between generations, highlighting that friendships do not have to be with peers but can also be from family relationships. Archer shares thoughts about the bond she has with her mom, reflecting on their deep connection. “She has been there for me my whole life. She's not just my mom; she's my best friend. She gives the best advice and is always right when it comes to school and even other friends.” Archer acknowledged the important role her mother plays in her life by saying, “My life would be different because I wouldn't have my mom. She raised me and loves me so much. My mom gave me so many best friends including God, my three other sisters and my dad.” “My mom is my best friend, and my love for her is eternal. She's not just my mother; she's my forever best friend. She comforts me and gives me advice to help whenever I need it,” Archer added. Julia Kirk’s story describes the beauty of acceptance and love, proving that true friendships accept us in our entirety, flaws and all, showing a sense of belonging and self-worth. Kirk opened up stating, “I was feeling really low after not getting cast in a show I desperately wanted to be in. My best friend stayed on the phone all night, reminding me that no matter what, I was enough. Their support pulled me through.” When discussing essential qualities in a best friend, Julia emphasizes care, love and understanding -- “Someone who loves you like Jesus loves you -- and someone who understands you are a flawed human, not perfect.” These qualities have impacted her relationship with her best friend tremendously, fostering a positive and supportive connection. Micah Rohan’s narrative brings attention to the spiritual and emotional dimensions of friendships, illustrating that friends can serve as guides in matters of the heart and soul. “Without her, I wouldn't have someone to turn to for spiritual and emotional advice.” Despite the physical distance, friendship has been important in dealing with mental health challenges. "She helped me navigate my mental health when we lived together, and even though we're in different states now, we still check in every few weeks," Rohan explained. Rohan simply stated, "It is what it is," acknowledging the natural differences that make their friendship genuine and impactful. These narratives are not formed without challenges, disagreements and differences. They are natural aspects of friendships. Learning to navigate these differences with open communication, understanding and forgiveness is key. Kirk’s approach of talking it out and embracing each other’s flaws highlights the view of many others. True friendships are not about perfection but about acceptance and growth, even in moments of conflict. “You can choose your friends wisely but you can’t choose your family,” stated Dr. McCulloch. In this chaotic world, human relationships and friendships emerge as the brilliant, enduring strokes of color that fill our lives with meaning. They are not just social bonds; they are the mirrors reflecting our joys, the safe places sheltering our vulnerabilities and the guiding stars to light our paths. Best friends are not just companions; they are the architects of our emotional landscapes, shaping the very walls of our hearts. In a world often taken by social media and division, these stories of friendship show a spark of hope, reminding us of the profound connections that make us human. As we celebrate the impact of best friends, while also recognizing the potential within us to be best friends, not forget to listen, support and uplift. In these important bonds, we find not just happiness but the meaning and purpose of what it means to be alive. By Bella Archer

How about those Sailfish? With their recent victory in the Jay Jennison tournament, the Palm Beach Atlantic Men’s Golf team continues to demonstrate their dominance. However, hitting a ball far is just one aspect of the game. After Andrew Riley’s breakout championship season last year, Coach Craig Watson has good reason to believe that the best is yet to come for his team of talented golfers. He holds them in high regard not only for their skills on the course but for the content of their character. As an example of the team’s aforementioned exceptional integrity, Coach Watson described the pride he felt when observing the genuine celebration displayed by the men who did not attend the Jay Jennison when they welcomed back their teammates who did compete last week. It was a heartwarming scene that Coach Watson described, with a smile in his eyes, “a terrific thing.” Coach Watson also shed light on the mental side of golf. He heavily attributed his team’s success to their adoption of a proper mindset going into each match. “You go into every competition with a desire to win [but] you don’t win the National Championship week one,” Watson explained. “Your thoughts control your actions.” Additionally, Coach Watson stressed the importance of mentally recovering from unfavorable shots during matches and noted that, unlike most other sports, the opponent in golf is “old man par.” Sophomore player, Justus Verge, who competed in the Jay Jennison Invitational and the Nova Shark Invitational this past week, additionally emphasized the importance of keeping a level head while golfing by stating that “Golf is such a process-oriented sport”. Verge expressed his pride towards his teammates, and extended his congratulations to teammate, Trey Tesiero, for winning his first individual match this weekend. Tesiero was also named the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week. Both Coach Watson and Verge emphasized the close relationship between golf and faith, noting how recognizing that relationship can not only boost a player’s performance on the course can also enhance his faith “Golf, life and faith run in parallel lines…” Coach Watson stated. “I focus on the spirituality of the team – we know who we’re playing for,” Verge shared. He also mentioned the team’s recent participation in group devotionals, a bonding practice that he believes is a key factor in the team’s heightened state of play. By Jake Swad

On a September evening, a woman stood in front of hundreds of fellow audience members at River Church of West Palm Beach and testified that her hearing had been healed. She proceeded to walk without her walker and attributed further physical healing to the power of Jesus Christ. This woman was joined by a line of people with similar accounts of healing, all led and performed by the Evangelist Ankit Rambabu. “The Lord spoke to me and told me this week that Palm Beach has been plundered by the devil for a very long time, but we’re taking it back,” Rambabu preached that evening. “It’s gonna be a city of revival in the name of Jesus.” Rambabu is not the only one discussing revival in America. Christians all over the country see a shift happening in the American church. With events like the Asbury revival in February, 2023, in particular, has caused a rise in conversations surrounding spiritual revival. The possibility of revival in the American Church is exciting for many. Others have concerns about the authenticity of these spiritual environments. Pastor Bernie Cueto, the campus pastor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, cites the Bible as the guide to identifying the authentic work of the Holy Spirit in any context, including the continuous worship at Asbury, or the acts of healing performed by Rambabu at the “Festival of Miracles.” Cueto encouraged caution towards events like the “Festival of Miracles,” not because of a disbelief in miracles and revival, but because of instances where largely-marketed events draw attention to the person performing miracles rather than God. He expressed that Christians are given evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, and should look for it. “The problem is if the ministry contradicts scripture,” Cueto said. “That’s how big the Holy Spirit is. If you seek confirmation, you’ll find it.” Rambabu kicked off a week-long gospel crusade titled the “Festival of Miracles” that night with acts of healing, a prophecy for 2024 and a passionate call for spiritual revival in America. He brought the conference to a close six days later, drawing a full house each night. “If you have never seen miracles in your life then this is the week to come witness it first hand. THE BLIND SEE, THE CRIPPLED WALK, THE DEAF HEAR and the fire of the Holy Ghost made manifest and the power of Christ made manifest,” said Rambabu in a Facebook advertisement in August. According to the website of Ankit Rambabu Ministries, Rambabu was born and raised in India, Rambabu witnessed his father serve as an evangelist at large conferences. He began evangelizing at 13 years old, starting with an audience of over 100,000 people. Since then, according to their website, “Ankit Rambabu Ministries” records 7.25 million salvations which were achieved through 151 “mass crusade meetings.” Rambabu said that he felt called to ministry in America since he was 5 years old. Right before the COVID-19 pandemic, Rambabu heard a call from God to begin a traveling ministry in America that would lead to a revival. “I would see spaces of people, of Americans, coming in multitudes, and giving their lives to the Lord,” Rambabu said about his calling to America. One scenario that may fit Rambabu’s description of a spirit-filled environment is what is known as the “Asbury revival” or “Asbury outpouring’ in February of 2023. Asbury University, a Christian university in Wilmore, KY, drew attention from around the world when a Wednesday morning chapel service turned into an extended period of worship and prayer. It lasted for 144 hours straight, with people traveling from all over the country to join. Cueto claimed that he does not technically see the event at Asbury as a revival, referencing “The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God,” by American theologian Jonathan Edwards as a resource for his conclusions. Edwards argues that something is not a revival merely because it is “unusual and extraordinary” or since it “produces bodily or emotional effects.” Cueto expressed concern for settings in which these characteristics hold too much weight. In these cases, Cueto seeks genuine conversion and the fruits of repentance in order for him to consider the occasion to be a revival. This led him to describe what took place at Asbury as an “outpouring.” Parker Snedecker, a senior at PBA, found himself deeply moved by the reports of Asbury’s continuous chapel service, and spoke highly of the event as an authentic work of the Holy Spirit. “Repentance, prayer and generosity – all the things that were going on in the videos or the live streams that I would watch just seemed very orderly,” said Snedecker. “The Holy Spirit was just in charge in the room.” The service at Asbury excited Rambabu, as he saw this event as evidence of the same kind of revival he pushes for in the ‘Festival of Miracles.” “I believe Asbury was just a glimpse of what is to come,” Rambabu said. “Wherever there is hunger, there is revival.” When discussing events like the “Festival of Miracles'' and the Asbury revival, Cueto argued that the two are different ordeals, with one of the main reasons being their locations. For Cueto, the fact that “Ankit Rambabu Ministries” moved throughout the country raised concern. “It’s kind of a traveling ministry, which should raise a red flag because you go, ‘Why aren’t they under the auspices of a local Church?’” said Cueto. Rambabu expressed a different take on the relationship between his ministry and the American Church, calling for the use of miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. “God’s called me to revive the Church,” said Rambabu. “Not only do we need conviction of sin; we need miracles and signs and wonders, which happen in our ministry.” While expressing belief in the existence of miracles, Cueto’s personal studies of scripture have led him to encourage caution towards the performance of them. “Whenever there’s healings in the New Testament, they always point to God, to Jesus and to worship God,” Cueto said. “Usually when there’s healings in our community or on Youtube, that’s almost never the focus – the focus is the person and his or her ministry.” Reverend D.J. Griffin from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach also expressed hesitancy. He brought up the history of spiritual manipulation by big-name evangelists such as Benny Hinn, particularly through miracle performances. “I find myself skeptical when I see people doing it in the context of drawing large crowds,” said Griffin. “There are literally stage tricks, parlor tricks, that people do and have done for like 200 years, literally in the context of healings in public.” Rambabu, on the other hand, claimed that miracles should be anticipated by Christians as an authentication of God’s power and ongoing work in America. “You can’t just preach about Jesus and then not have the results,” said Rambabu. “People can be as skeptical as possible, but at the end of the day, the miracles settle the debate.” While some audience members at the “Festival of Miracles” jumped and clapped with joy when witnessing Rambabu perform miracles, other audience members experienced uneasiness. Hunter Levinson, a junior at PBA, described her evening at the “Festival of Miracles” as far from reviving. “It was just very impersonal,” Levinson said about Rambabu’s process of healing. “Evangelist was walking around and just touching each person, not even knowing anything about them or their situation at all. It was like this assembly line of healing.” Levinson claimed to see a tendency in America to try and manufacture revival or turn it into a consumer product. Leaders at Asbury were also aware of this tendency during the revival, and worked to keep Jesus at the center of their chapel, even amidst talk of Christian celebrities visiting the site. “As an analytic theologian, I am wary of hype and very wary of manipulation,” Tom McCall wrote for Christianity Today while advocating for the legitimacy of the Asbury revival. “I come from a background (in a particularly revivalist segment of the Methodist-holiness tradition) where I’ve seen efforts to manufacture ‘revivals’ and ‘movements of the Spirit’ that were sometimes not only hollow but also harmful.” Rambabu is assured that spiritual revival is on the rise in America despite any skepticism he may encounter. He claims that God told him Florida is the state in which this will begin, and he plans to visit 12 cities in Florida throughout 2024. “I’ve seen more hunger in America than anywhere else in the world,” said Rambabu. “I see that hunger in Florida.” When discussing the potential rise of spirituality in the American church, Cueto claimed that both the “Festival of Miracles” and the Asbury revival pointed to a universal truth: the human desire for God. Cueto emphasized his belief in an ultimate truth that God will redeem and heal all of humanity in the correct timing. “The common denominator is, you know, people are hungry to encounter God, and that’s nothing new,” said Cueto. “God still heals. He can, by whatever means necessary. Sometimes immediately, usually gradually, but, if you’re a follower of Christ, always ultimately.” By Grace Mackey

The Green Market in West Palm Beach has returned with 30 new vendors and an expanded entertainment lineup. This year's theme is "Here We Grow Again," inspired by its recognition as the "Best Farmers Market" in the U.S., according to the USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice poll. The Green Market is situated along Clematis Street and officially opens on Saturday, October 7th, at 9 a.m. Visitors can enjoy free parking at the City Center Garage and complimentary Circuit rides. With the market's reopening approaching, many vendors are gearing up for the 29th year. One local coffee shop on Palm Beach Island eagerly anticipates Green Market Saturdays' return. Chik Monk, located at 139 N. County Road on Palm Beach Island, has been part of the market for four years since its establishment in 2019. Owned by the husband and wife duo of Nandini and David, the coffee shop aims to revolutionize coffee consumption and raise awareness about sustainable coffee production. "We grow our coffee sustainably and oversee every aspect of the supply chain, from cultivation to transportation, right through to your cup. This coffee travels from our mountains to your cup," Nandini said. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of their job, they emphasized the relationships they build by simply serving a cup of coffee. Their warm and welcoming approach is evident at their main location and the Green Market. "We are particularly thrilled to reunite with all our returning customers after the summer hiatus. Opening day is always the most exciting since we haven't seen our customers for over five months," Nandini added. Strolling through the Green Market, it is evident that every vendor is enthusiastic about being there, aiming to establish personal connections with their customers. "Their produce is consistently fresh, and the staff is friendly, always sparking a conversation with me. I'm looking forward to shopping for new clothes and supporting small businesses," Kamdyn commented. The buzz around campus is palpable, as everyone is eager to fill their Saturday mornings with a sense of community, fresh produce, and a refreshing iced latte. Despite the hot weather, the West Palm Beach community eagerly anticipates the return of the Green Market. Keep an eye out for the first pop-up workshop on October 14th. Participants will have the opportunity to create their genuine Mexican salsa under the guidance of Jerry's Here Farm Fresh, a standout vendor. You'll leave with the best salsa recipe to share with others. The Green Market will host various pop-up workshops, including mastering charcuterie skills, chai preparation at home, cookie decoration, and more. Lauren summed up the sentiment, saying, "The Green Market feels like a taste of home for me. It's the perfect way to welcome fall with friends on a Saturday morning. It represents more than just a market; it embodies community, excitement, and a glimpse into the heart of such a beautiful city." By Estella Collmer

Fluent in English and Spanish, Claudia Ortiz Cantu's journey into the world of language began with a noble purpose: assisting others. Cantu, a senior sales associate at Archer Kia, speaks multiple languages that have not only elevated her career but have also filled her life with diverse experiences. She recalls being 10 years old, accompanying family and friends to various appointments including school enrollment and food stamps, and using her language skills to bridge communication gaps. “I would get paid to translate and make sure they understood everything. I always offer to help without expecting anything in return but sometimes I receive cash and/or lunch in return for translating,” Cantu said. Cantu's dedication to language learning did not stop there. She has plans to become fluent in French. Having skills in multiple languages not only makes individuals a valuable asset in their career or job search but can also open doors to remarkable travel experiences. Mabell Noel, a teacher in Texas who speaks Spanish as her first language and eventually learned English as her second language, chose to devote her time to teaching children the beauty of the language. She highlights how helpful it can be to learn a language, especially when traveling. “Last summer I traveled to Spain, Portugal, France and Italy and was able to communicate with everyone I encountered. It made the experience that much more special,” said Noel. For those aspiring to learn a language, Cantu recommends persistence and practice. Much of this she learned from watching her mother, who learned to speak English from watching television. Noel recommends starting with resources like Duolingo. These two individuals acknowledge the challenges that come with heightened visibility at work but view them as opportunities to stand out. Noel explained that bilingual teachers in Texas often receive additional stipends, emphasizing the financial benefits of being bilingual. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the educational governing body for their state, entry-level bilingual teaching positions start at $35,133 per year, while regular teaching positions begin at $33,660, reflecting a 4.4% entry-level pay differential. According to the Washington Technical Institute, only 20% of individuals in the U.S. have the ability to speak a second language fluently. Cantu's language abilities have transpired into several career benefits. “I know that if you are bilingual you will be more in demand. Anyone will hire you and you will become an asset to anyone. I assist twice as many people as my coworkers,” she said. Her second language not only secured her job but also increased her earning potential since she can assist a broader clientele. Learning a second language can open doors to new job opportunities and higher pay, as Noel highlighted. These two individuals' stories serve as a testament to the professional and personal advantages that come with the pursuit of being bilingual. Cantu and Noel have worked diligently to improve their typical American life by expanding their language skills and experiences. And so far, it has paid off. By Bella Archer

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s campus is indeed nestled in paradise. When Dr. Jess Moody founded the campus in 1968, he dreamed "the impossible dream” as credited on the statue made in his honor. Now, 55 years later, the campus has changed physically — but its culture endures. At the campus establishment date, enrollment was a mere 84 students, a sliver of a university compared to the present population. “Today, PBA has 3,891 students enrolled in West Palm Beach, Orlando and online,” said Registrar Office Aid Kathy Majzner. PBA has once again achieved a personal record for the Fall 2023 entering class this semester alone. “This year’s entering class is of similar size with 852 freshmen and transfer students,” said Nancy Brainard, vice president of enrollment. But how has the campus itself changed both culturally and physically? Alumna Claudia Moore has insights into the changes on campus, having been a member of the first graduating class in the Gregory School of Pharmacy in 2005. Moore came to PBA alongside her mother who was also finishing her bachelor’s degree. Right as Moore was finishing her degree, the pharmacy school opened its doors. “I never really thought about it [being the first pharmacy class],” said Moore. “It was definitely unique.” Campus culture at PBA has only slightly changed, according to Moore who recalled the “surfer vibe,” which the campus still exudes to this day. “Oh, and parking was an issue. There was a rented lot off of Hibiscus and we used a shuttle to get to campus,” Moore added. The changes Moore acknowledges from her time at PBA until now highlight the diversity on campus. “The science department at the time was very male-heavy. All but one of the professors were male and most of my classmates were male,” said Moore. Past alumnus turned faculty, Connor Dennis, had the same sentiments about campus culture. “We were, and still are, a small-knit group who loves the beach,” said Dennis. “When you open yourself up, you find a welcoming atmosphere." Dennis graduated in 2013 and has recently returned to PBA in the university’s advancement department. “We have a vision for the next thirty years of where we are going to be as a campus,” added Dennis. “It starts with the leadership of President Schwinn and Laura Bishop and the construction of the new Rinker School of Business.” Physically, the campus has grown exponentially. According to the campus website, it initially utilized buildings from the First Baptist Church. Now, the university has two locations: the main West Palm Beach campus and the Orlando campus. Even with this physical growth, current students observe that campus culture remains the same. “To me, PBA is more than just a campus,” said Maegan Villacorte, a sophomore nursing student. “It’s an uplifting community where many students with diverse backgrounds may call home.” Villacorte reiterated the same message of a compassionate campus culture that Moore and Dennis also acknowledged. No matter the growth and physical changes at PBA, certain aspects of campus culture remain strong — a Christ-centered mindset, compassion between students and faculty, the beach and the never-ending issue of parking. By Savannah Carr

An event that started in 2019 is now looking to expand through various volunteer opportunities. Cox Science Center and Aquarium, a rapidly growing community, is working to open minds to science and recently launched an initiative to do just that: Sensory Saturdays. Kristiana Holte, the Science Center's director of events and memberships, was driving through her hometown one day and looked at some science centers in the area. She noticed other science centers had a “sensory hour” for people who are on the autism spectrum. She immediately presented the idea to her team. This is where they came up with "Sensory Saturdays." “If they can do it, we can do it,” Holte said. The science center's mission statement is to “open every mind to science,” and they work diligently to make that mission a reality. Sensory Saturdays is a special event hosted on the first Saturday of every month. On this day the science center opens an hour earlier for children on the autism spectrum, along with their families. Kristian Zambrana, director of visitor services, explained that during this hour, the Cox Science Center team and volunteers make this environment comfortable for those with autism. They do this by altering the lighting and noise of some of the activities. The science center started these events in 2019 and partnered with Autism Speaks a couple of years later, allowing them to expand. Autism Speaks sent professionals to walk through the exhibits and identify anything that might be triggering to these children. “These families can come in and experience the science center, which is a place they would likely avoid -- and now, it's a place they look forward to,” said Zambrana. The science center took the idea of having a sensory hour and made it into something helpful for the community of West Palm Beach. Zambrana mentioned expanding this hour into something more and with the help of young minds. Zambrana said that the science center wants to expand Sensory Saturdays to more than just once a month, and this is something they are hoping to do very soon. The community near Dreher Park, where the science center is located, is welcoming of this initiative. And, the Cox staff members seem to love what they are doing for the community. Scott and Celina Billows had great things to say about the community and the activities there. “It was such a fun experience, there was so much to see and do. I really love when a place like this has really warm and welcoming people who are working -- it makes the experience that much better,” said Celina Billows. She added, “We can't wait to come back for the Titanic exhibit. I think I am more excited for that than my kids are." With the expansion of their event and the opening of new exhibits like the Titanic one, the science center is always ready to welcome new faces to their team. Volunteering is also an option. Zambrana mentioned there are many different opportunities for students to get volunteer hours and be a part of their community. Zambrana stated they love to work with college students and see what new ideas they bring to the center. “They really bring a curiosity and a willingness to change what we are doing,” he stated. You can find more information about volunteering and various initiatives at the Cox Science Center here: https://www.coxsciencecenter.org/volunteer By Estella Collmer

Hurricanes have always been a threat to those living in Florida. Now, with human-caused climate change affecting the environment, climate experts are predicting the impacts of hurricanes in Florida to become increasingly devastating. Climate Central, a nonprofit organization, researches and educates people on how the climate is changing in local communities. “Living in Florida carries a particular risk, and part of that risk is that you are in the path of hurricanes and that is going to be true over the long term,” Daniel Gilford, climate scientist at Climate Central, said. Gilford is based in Florida and works with climate attribution, which tries to put numbers on how much a catastrophic event was influenced by climate change. While Gilford tries to figure out the effect climate change has on hurricanes, he considers the role temperature might play as well. “This July and this past summer have been the warmest Atlantic sea surface temperatures in modern human history, and we know that is partly because of human-caused climate change,” Gilford said. He explained that warmer temperatures at the ocean surface give hurricanes more energy to convert into wind which makes them more intense once they are formed. He said that with an increase in temperature, more fuel will be available for hurricanes to intensify. “That can lead to hurricanes intensifying more rapidly and sometimes in less than 24 hours. This was seen with Hurricane Idalia a couple of weeks ago,” Gilford said. David Zierden, a climatologist at Florida State University, said the rapid intensification is alarming if it occurs right before landfall because it creates a big forecasting issue. “Even though the hurricane intensity forecasters are getting better and better each year from the National Hurricane Center, it still presents a big problem in getting that message out and for emergency management to prepare and respond,” he explained. Zierden said despite the changes in the atmosphere and sea level, climate change is not affecting the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. “The number of these tropical cyclones that reach hurricane strength has not seen to change. The studies that look if this might change in the future are today inclusive. However, there are things we can see such as the stronger storms are getting stronger,” Zierden said. He mentioned that the amount of rain from hurricanes will likely continue to increase with a warmer atmosphere, which is able to hold more moisture. “Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas in 2017, was a prime example of how much rainfall can drop and that rainfall is increasing,” Zierden said. Gilford added that on average there has been around 10-15% more rainfall from hurricanes in recent years, which is likely due to climate change. He spoke about a third way in which hurricanes have been affected by climate change. Rising sea levels may create more damage once a hurricane makes landfall. He explained that when a hurricane makes landfall, it generally drags strong winds along with it, creating a phenomenon known as storm surge, wherein the hurricane pushes the ocean up onto the shore. “If you start with an ocean that is already a little bit higher, you are driving that storm surge, and the extra water can make a big difference as far as what the impact can be,” he said. Gilford provided Hurricane Sandy, which struck New York in 2012, as an example of how rising sea levels increase a storm surge. The sea level rose by four or five inches when the hurricane made landfall. Gilford said this led to about $8 billion more damage than what would occur in the absence of sea level rise. Gilford said the world is stuck with the heat in the atmosphere, but a reduction in carbon pollution would reduce the amount of energy in the atmosphere. This could potentially reduce the impact on hurricanes. And, Zierden highlighted that upcoming changes in hurricanes do not mean that living in Florida will be dangerous in the future. He advised Floridians to be aware of these factors and make informed decisions when choosing their places of residence. “Have a plan going into it rather than reacting at the last minute,” he said. By Hedda Jarhall