http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:50:05 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/city-launches-snow-angels-shoveling-program/stories/20260929089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/city-launches-snow-angels-shoveling-program/stories/20260929089#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:34:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/city-launches-snow-angels-shoveling-program/stories/20260929089 The city of Toledo is giving older residents and people with disabilities help during the winter through its 2026 Snow Angels shoveling program. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/toledo-recognized-for-safe-firearm-storage-practices/stories/20260930084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/toledo-recognized-for-safe-firearm-storage-practices/stories/20260930084#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:35:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/30/toledo-recognized-for-safe-firearm-storage-practices/stories/20260930084 The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized the city of Toledo for its commitment to promoting safe firearm storage practices. Toledo Police Sergeant Joseph Okos demonstrates how to use a gun lock outside of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's downtown branch on April 22, following a press conference announcing the distribution of free gun locks at area libraries. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/29/toledo-city-council-questions-use-of-city-s-remaining-arpa-dollars/stories/20260929116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/29/toledo-city-council-questions-use-of-city-s-remaining-arpa-dollars/stories/20260929116#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:37:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/29/toledo-city-council-questions-use-of-city-s-remaining-arpa-dollars/stories/20260929116 Time is running out for Toledo to spend federal money received through the American Rescue Plan Act, but as the mayor’s administration looks to get creative with the remaining dollars, city council members are raising questions. Director of Economic Development Brandon Sehlhorst announces the selection of 18 Vibrancy Initiative projects expected to spur $21.6 million in investment across the city in Toledo on May 29, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/22/toledo-council-approves-audit-of-flock-camera-use/stories/20260922119 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/22/toledo-council-approves-audit-of-flock-camera-use/stories/20260922119#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:12:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/22/toledo-council-approves-audit-of-flock-camera-use/stories/20260922119 Toledo City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to audit the city’s use of Flock Safety cameras while allowing the cameras to remain in operation during the review. Toledo City Council voted Tuesday to request an independent audit of the city’s use and oversight of Flock Safety cameras. The cameras will remain in operation while the audit is conducted. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/20/lucas-county-event-grants/stories/20260915086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/20/lucas-county-event-grants/stories/20260915086#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2026 11:11:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/20/lucas-county-event-grants/stories/20260915086 Amid a budget deficit, Lucas County commissioners have awarded $800,000 to companies and nonprofits for community events — despite having no formal application process and little enforcement of reporting requirements. People walk around early on during the Lucas County Fair in Maumee on July 19. A kid throws candy from a Jeep during the Jeep Fest Parade in Toledo on Aug. 8. A group of Jeep enthusiasts drive by during the 21st annual African American Festival Parade in Toledo on July 18. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/18/toledo-residents-press-city-over-flock-cameras-privacy-concerns/stories/20260917114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/18/toledo-residents-press-city-over-flock-cameras-privacy-concerns/stories/20260917114#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/18/toledo-residents-press-city-over-flock-cameras-privacy-concerns/stories/20260917114 Toledo residents urged city officials to reconsider the city’s use of Flock Safety cameras, citing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse. Baldemar Velásquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, speaks at a Toledo City Council public safety committee meeting about his concerns with the Flock Safety cameras on Thursday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/17/whitney-manor-house-chronically-homeless/stories/20260917102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/17/whitney-manor-house-chronically-homeless/stories/20260917102#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:08:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/17/whitney-manor-house-chronically-homeless/stories/20260917102 John Keiser was walking down North Cove Boulevard on Thursday, glancing at Whitney Manor as he passed the renovated brick building that will provide 20 apartments for the chronically homeless. “It’s good to hear it will be helping people like me,” said Mr. Keiser, who said he Members of Unison Health, city officials, and other supporters stand together during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. Jeffrey R. De Lay, president and CEO of Unison Health, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. An attendee looks inside one of 20 housing units at Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. Elise Brooks, a case manger for Unison Health, sits on the steps of Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. Jeffrey R. De Lay, president and CEO of Unison Health, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. Senghor A. Manns, president and chief executive officer of Lucas Metropolitan Housing, looks inside one of 20 housing units at Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Attendees get a first look inside of Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. Attendees get a first look inside of Whitney Manor, a new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. A November 1927 Blade article written when Whitney Manor first opened is displayed inside the now renovated, new permanent supportive housing community for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness in Toledo on Sept. 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/15/council-introduces-proposed-audit-toledos-flock-cameras/stories/20260915108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/15/council-introduces-proposed-audit-toledos-flock-cameras/stories/20260915108#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:50:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/15/council-introduces-proposed-audit-toledos-flock-cameras/stories/20260915108 Toledo City Council is requesting an independent audit of the city’s Flock Safety cameras to ensure that the technology is being used appropriately. A Flock Safety camera sits at the corner of West Central Avenue and Auburn Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/organizers-promote-electric-vehicle-innovation-summit/stories/20260914096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/organizers-promote-electric-vehicle-innovation-summit/stories/20260914096#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:29:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/organizers-promote-electric-vehicle-innovation-summit/stories/20260914096 In the face of recent cuts in funding, organizers of the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit are making sure the public knows EVs are here to stay. Chris Price, right, and Hesham AlBahri talk about what to expect when EVIS America comes to Toledo Nov. 3-5 and the potential for long-term business, investment and visibility opportunities for the region during the Rotary Club meeting on Monday. Chris Price, right, and Hesham AlBahri talk about what to expect when EVIS America comes to Toledo Nov. 3-5 and the potential for long-term business, investment and visibility opportunities for the region during the Rotary Club meeting Monday. Attendees listen as Chris Price and Hesham AlBahri talk about what to expect when EVIS America comes to Toledo Nov. 3-5 and the potential for long-term business, investment and visibility opportunities for the region during the Rotary Club meeting. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/toledo-council-members-hope-add-local-oversight-hotels-motels/stories/20260914097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/toledo-council-members-hope-add-local-oversight-hotels-motels/stories/20260914097#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:53:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/14/toledo-council-members-hope-add-local-oversight-hotels-motels/stories/20260914097 Members of Toledo City Council hope to strengthen local oversight on problematic hotels and motels within the city of Toledo. One Government Center on Dec. 26, 2018. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/11/northwest-ohioans-recall-being-thrust-into-action-on-9-11-and-its-aftermath/stories/20260908090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/11/northwest-ohioans-recall-being-thrust-into-action-on-9-11-and-its-aftermath/stories/20260908090#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:02:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/11/northwest-ohioans-recall-being-thrust-into-action-on-9-11-and-its-aftermath/stories/20260908090 From 911 dispatchers fielding a flood of calls to fighter pilots guarding Chicago’s skies, northwest Ohioans were thrust into action on Sept. 11, 2001. Fire response dispatcher Tammy Ray works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Jen First, manager of law operations at the Lucas County 911 Regional Council of Governments, works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Lt. Col. Kent Ernsberger, pictured in 1999, was pressed into duty by the Ohio Air National Guard on 9/11, protecting the skies over Chicago. Fire response dispatcher Tammy Ray holds up a picture of her family from 2001 as she works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Fire response dispatcher Tammy Ray works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Fire response dispatcher Tammy Ray works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Jen First, manager of law operations at the Lucas County 911 Regional Council of Governments, works at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Fire response dispatcher Tammy Ray, left, and Jen First, manager of law operations at the Lucas County 911 Regional Council of Governments, work at the Regional Council of Governments 911 building on Sept. 9 in Toledo. Lt. Col. Kent Ernsberger in about 2002. Lt. Col. Kent Ernsberger in pictured in 2002 with an F-16 jet like the one he flew on Sept. 11, 2001. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/toledo-plan-commission-backs-landmark-status-2-churches-over-diocese-objections/stories/20260910103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/toledo-plan-commission-backs-landmark-status-2-churches-over-diocese-objections/stories/20260910103#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:50:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/toledo-plan-commission-backs-landmark-status-2-churches-over-diocese-objections/stories/20260910103 The Toledo City Plan Commission has recommended landmark status for two former churches over the objections of the Diocese of Toledo, which owns both properties. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo is owned by the Diocese of Toledo. Gary Lenhart, community coordinator for One Voice for East Toledo, spoke in favor of designating two churches as local landmarks at a Toledo City Plan Commission meeting on Thursday. Good Shepherd Catholic Church in East Toledo is owned by the Diocese of Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/blade-journalists-recall-covering-9-11-as-tragedy-unfolded/stories/20260909053 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/blade-journalists-recall-covering-9-11-as-tragedy-unfolded/stories/20260909053#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:59:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/10/blade-journalists-recall-covering-9-11-as-tragedy-unfolded/stories/20260909053 Blade City Editor Jim Wilhelm thought he had an ordinary workday ahead of him at the newspaper’s iconic building in downtown Toledo as he prepared to leave his Perrysburg Township home on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. The front page of The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001. Reporters and editors work in The Blade's newsroom on Sept. 11, 2001. The front page of The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, featured the banner headline “DAY OF HELL” over photographs of the World Trade Center in flames. Yahya Daoud of Ann Arbor watches TV coverage of the terrorist attacks in the Best Buy store on Monroe Street in Toledo on Sept. 11, 2001. He said he worked in Toledo and had come to the store to buy a radio to listen to the coverage at work. Two-month old James Jablonski watches his aunt Tiffany Jablonski cast her vote at the East Toledo Family Center on Sept. 11, 2001. There was some talk about postponing the city’s primary election, but election officials ultimately decided to let voters cast their ballots. That election drew a 25 percent voter turnout. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. Reporters and editors work in The Blade's newsroom on Sept. 11, 2001. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. Jack Ford awaits results in Toledo’s mayoral primary election on Sept. 11, 2001. Mr. Ford advanced to the general election against Ray Kest and defeated him in November to become Toledo’s mayor. Reporters and editors work in The Blade's newsroom on Sept. 11, 2001. The Blade's longstanding building downtown. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. A plaque near the front entrance of The Blade's longstanding building downtown. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. Inside pages from The Blade’s special Extra edition published on Sept. 11, 2001, show the newspaper’s coverage as the terrorist attacks unfolded in New York, Washington, and western Pennsylvania. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/09/senior-homeowners-can-get-a-450-bonus-credit-on-property-taxes/stories/20260909093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/09/senior-homeowners-can-get-a-450-bonus-credit-on-property-taxes/stories/20260909093#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:30:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/09/senior-homeowners-can-get-a-450-bonus-credit-on-property-taxes/stories/20260909093 Lucas County’s auditor is urging adults older than 65 to apply for next year’s homestead property tax exemption, which comes with an extra $450 this year thanks to the state legislature. Flanked by Ohio Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, left, and Ohio Representative Erika White, right, Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline kicks off her annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. Justin Moor, President/CEO of the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. speaks during a kick off event for the annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. From left, Ohio Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson, Ohio Representative Erika White, and Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline kick off the annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. David G. Oravecz, Executive Director of the Veterans Service Commission, speaks during a kick off event for the annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. From left, Ohio Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson talks with David G. Oravecz, Executive Director of the Veterans Service Commission, and Ash Lemons, Executive Director of the Ability Center, during a kick off event for the annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. Ash Lemons, Executive Director of the Ability Center, speaks during a kick off event for the annual “Helping with Homestead” tour to assist senior citizens and other property owners eligible for the Homestead Exemption on Sept. 9 at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/toledo-city-council-debates-pausing-flock-cameras/stories/20260908100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/toledo-city-council-debates-pausing-flock-cameras/stories/20260908100#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2026 01:26:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/toledo-city-council-debates-pausing-flock-cameras/stories/20260908100 Toledo City Council is debating whether to pause the use of its Flock Safety cameras amid privacy concerns from residents. A Flock Safety camera sits at the corner of West Central Avenue and Auburn Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 20. Councilman John Hobbs listens during a Toledo City Council agenda review at the One Government Center in downtown Toledo on Sept. 1. Councilman Mac Driscoll listens during a Toledo City Council agenda review at the One Government Center in downtown Toledo on Sept. 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/possible-final-edition-of-blade-announced-company-explores-possibility-of-sale/stories/20260908076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/possible-final-edition-of-blade-announced-company-explores-possibility-of-sale/stories/20260908076#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:21:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/08/possible-final-edition-of-blade-announced-company-explores-possibility-of-sale/stories/20260908076 Block Communications has announced its intention to explore a sale of The Blade’s assets, which, if unsuccessful, will result in the final edition of the newspaper being published Dec. 31. The Blade's former offices in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/4-friends-9-11-birthday-turn-25/stories/20260905012 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/4-friends-9-11-birthday-turn-25/stories/20260905012#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:33:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/4-friends-9-11-birthday-turn-25/stories/20260905012 Korey South was in St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee on Sept. 11, 2001. She had just been induced to begin labor when she noticed images from New York City on the television. Colby McDonald, Bradley South and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together at Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school, in Toledo on Sept. 2. Gracie Tate, Bradley South, Colby McDonald, and Presley Woodbury on their 10th birthdays on Sept. 11, 2011. Gracie Tate holds a Sept. 11, 2001, edition of The Blade on her first birthday on Sept. 11, 2002. Shelby Adams Simpson, her daughter Avery Smith, and Corey Simpson pose for a photo together on Aug. 30. Presley Woodbury will soon turn 25 years old on Sept. 11. Gracie Tate, Bradley South and Colby McDonald, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together in front Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school, in Toledo on Sept. 2. Bradley South, Colby McDonald and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together at Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school, in Toledo on Sept. 2. Colby McDonald, Bradley South and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, walk and update each other on their lives at Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Gracie Tate, Colby McDonald and Bradley South, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together in front Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Colby McDonald, Bradley South and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together at Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Bradley South, Colby McDonald and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together in front Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Colby McDonald, Bradley South and Gracie Tate, all born on Sept. 11, 2001, stand together in front Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Jennifer McDonald and her son, Colby; Korey South and her son, Bradley; and Mari Tate and her daughter, Gracie, stand together in front of Shoreland Elementary School, where they attended school in Toledo on Sept. 2. Colby, Bradley and Gracie were all born Sept. 11, 2001. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/former-site-fulton-school-senior-housing/stories/20260903108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/former-site-fulton-school-senior-housing/stories/20260903108#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/05/former-site-fulton-school-senior-housing/stories/20260903108 What once was the site of Fulton Elementary School in central Toledo could become affordable housing units for senior citizens. The proposed site plan for the Addie Joss Village on Fulton Street includes 45 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/04/toledo-eyes-landmark-designations-more-than-100-buildings/stories/20260903106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/04/toledo-eyes-landmark-designations-more-than-100-buildings/stories/20260903106#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:19:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/04/toledo-eyes-landmark-designations-more-than-100-buildings/stories/20260903106 Toledo City Council plans to work its way through a list of nearly 150 buildings and designate them as local landmarks — a status that would prevent exterior changes without approval. The Overland smokestack at Overland Industrial Park is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation. The original Tony Packo’s in the Birmingham neighborhood of East Toledo is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation. The Manor House at Wildwood Preserve Metropark is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation, even though the property is in Sylvania Township. The Manor House is pictured during the Park in a Day trail challenge on March 22, 2025. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation. The church is pictured Sept. 2. Hope Lutheran Church is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation, even though the church is in Ottawa Hills. The clubhouse at Inverness Club is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation. Good Shepherd Catholic Church in East Toledo is among nearly 150 properties Toledo City Council is considering for local landmark designation. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/03/city-apologizes-produce-pop-up-rollout-vows-vendor-outreach/stories/20260903089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/03/city-apologizes-produce-pop-up-rollout-vows-vendor-outreach/stories/20260903089#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 01:25:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/09/03/city-apologizes-produce-pop-up-rollout-vows-vendor-outreach/stories/20260903089 While Toledo officials tout the Swayne Field Pop-Up Produce Market as a win for fresh food access, local farmers and advocates say they were shut out of the bidding process. Sonia Flunder-McNair, owner of SONIA Organics and president/founder of Urban Wholistics, center, prepares the ribbon during the partner ribbon tying and fall harvest festival event in celebration of the urban farmer pilot project at Tatum Park by Urban Wholistics in Toledo in 2024. Rosalyn Clemons, left, and Sonia Flunder-McNair continue their conversation following an official meeting at One Government Center on Sept. 3. Rosalyn Clemons and Sonia Flunder-McNair continue their conversation following an official meeting at One Government Center on Sept. 3. Sonia Flunder-McNair now owns Tatum Park and the surrounding land, turning once-leased ground into a permanent home for urban farming on Feb. 6 in central Toledo. Rosalyn Clemons and Sonia Flunder-McNair continue their conversation following an official meeting at One Government Center, joined by community activists Alexicia Sims and Harold E. Mosley II of Community United on Sept. 3.