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Behind the Product: What Sustainability Looks Like in Beauty Development

Allison
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Behind the Product: What Sustainability Looks Like in Beauty Development

Shoppers are paying closer attention to the products they bring into their homes. They want to know what ingredients are used, how items are packaged and whether the production process includes thoughtful choices. Beauty brands are taking note, and sustainability is increasingly shaping decisions across sourcing, packaging, production, shipping, storage and replenishment.

Responsible product lines rarely come from sweeping change. They are built through smaller, connected choices made throughout development. Packaging, ingredient sourcing and production planning influence how a product performs, how much waste it creates and how sustainably products can be produced.

Consider this beauty sustainability information from Laura Badcock, Chief Operating Officer of NourishUs Naturals.

Why packaging matters beyond appearance

“Packaging is often the first thing shoppers notice,” Badcock said. “It can shape how someone feels about a product before they ever try what’s inside.”

A package should look appealing, though appearance is only part of the equation. It also needs to protect the product, travel safely, store well and hold up through regular use. Once the product is finished, the packaging should allow easy recycling, refilling or responsible disposal.

There is no single packaging option that works best for every beauty product. A lightweight container may reduce shipping weight. A refillable option may stay in use longer. A recyclable material may work well in one area but create challenges in another if local recycling systems cannot process it. Event packaging that appears sustainable can create problems in practice if it leaks, breaks or requires excess shipping materials.

Why ingredient sourcing matters

“Ingredient lists have become an important part of how people evaluate beauty products,” Badcock said. “Shoppers often look for familiar oils, butters, botanical extracts and information about how ingredients were sourced, which plays a major role in the environmental impact.”

A product’s environmental footprint is influenced by many factors, including shipping distance, processing methods, storage conditions and supplier practices.

These factors can also affect product consistency and ingredient availability over time. Beauty brands working with wholesale skin care suppliers or private label manufacturers often need to balance ingredient goals with sourcing reliability and production needs.

How better planning can lead to less waste

“Packaging and ingredients are usually the first things people associate with sustainability, but how much product gets made, stored and discarded matters, too,” Badcock said.

Overproduction is one of the biggest hidden sources of waste in beauty and personal care. Products that sit too long in storage may eventually expire or remain unsold. Excess inventory can also create additional packaging waste, warehousing needs and disposal costs.

Smaller batch sizes give producers more room to adjust as trends or demand shift, and producing closer to expected sales windows helps reduce long storage periods and unnecessary waste. Testing new products in smaller volumes and restocking based on actual demand makes overproduction less likely.

How sustainable beauty choices are connected

Packaging, ingredient sourcing and production planning are closely connected throughout development.

“A packaging choice can affect shipping weight, storage needs and whether a package can be refilled,” Badcock said. “Ingredient choices can influence sourcing timelines and how products need to be stored. Production planning affects how much material gets used and how much product could eventually go unsold.”

Beauty shoppers want more transparency around sustainability claims

Sustainability claims carry less weight when those claims aren’t explained in practice.

This shift is pushing many beauty brands to focus more heavily on traceability, supplier relationships and clearer product information. Transparency is becoming part of the customer experience itself.

More responsible product lines are built over time

Responsible beauty products come together through ongoing choices around packaging, sourcing, production and inventory planning. For shoppers, those choices influence the products they bring into their homes.

“The brands that build sustainability into early decisions tend to have the easiest time maintaining it later,” Badcock said. “Once supplier relationships, packaging formats and production routines are in place, small adjustments are far easier than major changes. Treating sustainability as part of product development from the beginning, rather than something to fix later, is what makes it work in practice.”

Auburndale Woman Facing Animal Cruelty Charges After Allegedly Duck Taping Dogs Muzzle Shut

Carl Fish
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Auburndale Woman Facing Animal Cruelty Charges After Allegedly Duck Taping Dogs Muzzle Shut

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation into animal cruelty began with a photo of a dog on Facebook and ended with the arrest later that day of an Auburndale woman.

The dog had been found with duct tape wrapped around its muzzle by a different woman who posted the photo on the social media page instead of notifying law enforcement or Animal Control about the situation.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office saw the photo online and PCSO detectives immediately began trying to locate the dog and the people involved. 

After locating the woman who posted the photo, they learned that she found the dog under a wheelchair ramp and it appeared to be hyperventilating. The woman said she and her son cut the tape off, and the dog began breathing freely.

Cooper

A detective began canvassing the neighborhood and eventually found the dog’s owner at 100 Chipman Lane, just off Old Berkley Road in Auburndale.

There was no answer at the door, but the detective heard a voice from the back yard. That is where he encountered 57-year-old Tammy Annette Roosa, sitting down, completely naked.

Roosa admitted that the dog was hers and that she taped his muzzle shut the night before because she said that the dog tried to bite her. 

According to the detective, Roosa showed no sign of remorse and refused to accept that what she did was wrong. She surrendered the dog to the PCSO.

The dog, named Cooper, was taken to the PCSO’s Animal Control and examined by Dr. Kerry Jackson. In addition to scarring from the duct tape, Cooper was malnourished and had marks on his neck that indicated he had been tied up for an extended period of time. 

Roosa physically resisted as she was being arrested for animal cruelty but was secured in a patrol vehicle. At that time, she asked the detective to retrieve her purse from inside of her RV. Upon entering the RV, the detective noticed a lot of garbage, roaches, and the strong odor of feces and urine. 

Also inside the camper were seven cats, three fish, two lovebirds, two finches, and a duck. These animals were also taken to Animal Control for examination and treatment.

Polk County Fire Rescue responded to conduct an ammonia level reading due to the amount of urine. They reported there were 100 parts per million of ammonia, which is an extreme level that causes chronic respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other issues.

“Cooper the dog had been treated horribly, but I am happy to report that some good things have come out of this ordeal. Cooper is getting wonderful treatment and care by the great staff at Animal Control, and all of his little animal friends have been freed from their horrible living conditions as well. All of the animals are expected to fully recover. Meanwhile, Tammy Roosa is facing an abundance of criminal charges.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Additional comments by Sheriff Judd on this case can be seen here.

The PCSO’s Agriculture Crimes Unit also responded to the RV location and found multiple piles of garbage, discarded household items, and decaying material in waist-high grass. The septic system and pipes were leaking raw sewage, and there was a large presence of flies and mosquitoes. 

Tammy Roosa was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty (F3), Animal Neglect (M1, 15-counts), Resisting without Violence (M1), Operating an Unpermitted Landfill (M1), and Keeping Nuisance Injurious to Health (M2, 3-counts).

Polk County Code Enforcement, Polk County Health Department, and Polk County Building Division were also notified. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s encourages citizens to contact law enforcement when they witness animal abuse or other criminal activity—not only post something on social media. We applaud the efforts of the person who initially found and recued the dog—including removing the tape covering the dog’s snout. The earlier law enforcement is notified, the earlier we can begin an investigation, and the earlier treatment can be provided to an animal that has been abused. In this case, deputies were also able to locate and rescue a number of other animals confined in horrible conditions.

Creating Fun in Early Childhood Education Helps Young Learners Thrive

Allison
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Creating Fun in Early Childhood Education Helps Young Learners Thrive

Creating Fun in Early Childhood Education Helps Young Learners Thrive

By: Pastor Sherol D. Larkin/Owner of Larkin Little Lambs Academy

Early childhood classrooms are becoming more than places for ABCs and 1,2,3’s Across many schools and childcare centers, teachers are finding that fun, playful learning can help young children build confidence, curiosity, and important social skills.

From singing songs during circle time to using blocks, puppets, art, and movement games, early childhood educators are turning everyday lessons into engaging experiences. Experts say these activities are not just entertaining—they help children learn how to solve problems, communicate with others, and express their ideas.

“When children are having fun, they are more excited to participate,” said a local early childhood teacher. “Play gives them a chance to practice language, teamwork, and creativity in a way that feels natural.”

In many classrooms, teachers use hands-on centers to support learning. A pretend grocery store may introduce counting and money skills, while a sensory table can encourage scientific thinking. Storytelling corners, music activities, and outdoor play also give children opportunities to explore new ideas while developing motor skills and friendships.

Parents can support playful learning at home as well. Reading together, cooking simple recipes, sorting toys by color, or taking nature walks can turn ordinary moments into learning opportunities. As Early childhood Educators the goal is not to make every activity feel like a test, but to help children discover that learning can be joyful.

STEM is another avenue to introduce early childhood learning and a way that the family can have plenty of fun using science, technology, English and Math. STEM in early childhood learners bring tons of fun and allows the family to work together working those mental muscles and strategies and have that family participation that is needed for bonding.

As early childhood programs continue to grow, many teachers believe that fun will remain an important part of the classroom. By combining play with purpose, educators can help young learners develop the skills they need for school and life. At Larkin Little Lambs Academy, where we have been in business for 26 years in the city of Lake Wales we strive to meet the needs our children to develop in the areas of cognitive, physical, social, emotional and language, using Learn Every Day, Frog Street, Marco Polo and Nemours as our curriculums, combined these curriculums work hand in hand to enrich the dynamics of our children.

It is essential as we embark into the journey of Early Childhood Learning, as educators and childcare employees we strive to be sensitive to every child that we encounter and help meet the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards and needs individually and collectively. Lastly as we set forth to accomplish our goals as childhood educators it makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our children and their development that cause our children to THRIVE and grow to be successful individuals in our communities and in their everyday walk of life. I would recommend that parents consider placing their precious jewels in a learning facility that will help cultivate and build social and learning skills at an early age.

In Loving Memory of Donald W. Locke, 85, of Davenport

Allison
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In Loving Memory of Donald W. Locke, 85, of Davenport

Donald W. Locke

Mar 12, 1941 — Jun 18, 2026

Donald W. Locke, aged 85, of Davenport, FL, passed away on June 18, 2026. Born on March 12, 1941, Donald was a lifelong resident of the area and proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Davenport and was affectionately known for his passion for hunting.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Iona Crowe Locke, his siblings Jewel Rooks, Doris Droshea, Carolyn LaChance, Bill, Jimmy, and Leo Locke, and his children, Lisa and Donald. Donald leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Barbara Sue Locke; his children Sherri Travis (Buddy), and Eric Komniey (Patti); his grandchildren Casey Zink, Josie Udstad (Norman), Emily DeLeon (Max), Paige Komniey (Brandon), Mariah Lawhorn (Josh), Abigail Komniey (Dushyant); and great-grandchildren Chason Blocken (Rileigh), Caydence Jenkins, and Tearson Zink.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 11 am, with the funeral service following at 12 pm, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City.

20-Year-Old Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Polk Woman, Throwing Toddler to Ground; ICE Hold Placed

Allison
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20-Year-Old Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Polk Woman, Throwing Toddler to Ground; ICE Hold Placed

The following is a press release by PCSO:

A Guatemalan man was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office early Saturday morning, June 20, 2026, after he violently attacked his pregnant girlfriend and threw her 18-month old child on the ground. 

According to the arrest affidavit, the first deputy to arrive on scene found 20-year-old Gerber Alexander Bamaca Perez standing over the victim with his hands clenched into fists as she was screaming for help. 

Despite some resistance, Bamaca Perez was immediately taken into custody. 

The victim, who is 27 weeks pregnant with the suspect’s child, suffered significant bruising on her face, throat, and torso. In addition to choking the victim and beating her with his fists, Bamaca Perez is also accused of picking up the victim’s child and slamming her down on the ground. The little girl had no visible injuries.  

At one point during the attack, the adult victim attempted to call 9-1-1 for help, but the suspect snatched the phone out of her hand.  

Both victims were taken to the hospital for examination and treatment. 

“This illegal alien brutally attacked a woman and a toddler—he should be defending women and children, not attacking them. We are hopeful that neither of these victims will have any permanent physical injuries. During an interview with detectives from the Special Victims Unit, the suspect admitted to having anger issues, which is a gross understatement.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Gerber Alexander Bamaca Perez was charged with: Tampering with a Victim in a 2nd Degree Felony (FL), Domestic Violence Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim (F1), Abuse on a Child without Great Bodily Harm (F2), Possession of Counterfeit Identification (F2), and Resisting without Violence (F3). 

An ICE hold was placed on Bamaca Perez. 

33-Year-Old Man Arrested in Undercover Child Exploitation Sting, Faces Multiple Felony Charges

Allison
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33-Year-Old Man Arrested in Undercover Child Exploitation Sting, Faces Multiple Felony Charges

Undercover detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lithia man after he arranged for and then traveled to have a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl. 

“The suspect thought he was communicating and negotiating with a man who was going to let him have sex with his daughter for $200. The suspect even asked if it was a trap. Newsflash— it was a trap. And now there is one less dangerous pervert out there preying on innocent children, because we locked him up in the Polk County Jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 33-year-old Perry Thomas Olson answered a fictitious advertisement that detectives placed on a dating app. The ad was for a man who was prostituting his 14-year-old daughter for sex. 

Olson texted the phone number on the ad and it was answered by the undercover PCSO detective. Olson immediately asked the detective about the price, and then proceeded to discuss the girl’s age, and the circumstances of the sexual encounter.

At around 4 pm, Olson texted that he had arrived at a designated meeting place, and he was immediately taken into custody. 

Detectives found that Olson was in possession of $200 cash, two condoms, and a bottle of lubricant. 

Perry Thomas Olson was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and booked-in on the following charges: Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity-Victim under 18 (FL), Traveling to Meet Using a Computer to Solicit a Parent for Sex with a Minor (F2), Attempting Lewd/Lascivious Battery on Victim 12-16 (F2), Use a Computer to Solicit a Parent/Guardian (F3), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F3).

Haines City Hosting Annual Juneteenth Celebration This Week

Allison
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Haines City Hosting Annual Juneteenth Celebration This Week

Haines City Hosting Annual Juneteenth Celebration This Week
by James Coulter
 
This Fourth of July marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence–America’s bold announcement that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the right to freedom.
 
But in 1776, that promise was painfully incomplete, as millions of black Americans were still enslaved, denied both freedom and equality. It would take another 87 years and a Civil War before the Emancipation Proclamation extended that long‑delayed promise, declaring the end of slavery in the United States.
 
Each year on June 19th, we commemorate that moment through Juneteenth, a celebration often described as America’s “second Independence Day.” If July 4th marks freedom from tyranny, Juneteenth marks freedom from bondage, completing the story of American liberty.
 
Haines City is one of many cities across Polk County hosting Juneteenth celebrations. The city is hosting a week of events organized by the Haines City Juneteenth Heritage Coalition.
 
The weeklong celebration will conclude with two major events: the Black Tie Gala at the Lake Eva Event Center on Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m., and the Music Festival at Lake Eva Park on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 4 p.m.
 
The Black Tie Gala will be a formal evening featuring live music, motivational words from guest speaker Dr. Marvin Pits, and an array of food, art, and cultural showcases.
 
The following day’s Music Festival will bring the celebration outdoors with performances from several local bands and artists, capped by a headlining set from Koffie, an international performer born and raised in Haines City. Festivalgoers can also enjoy food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and a fireworks finale to close out the night.
 
Haines City’s Juneteenth celebration was spearheaded by several local non-profits coming together to form the Haines City Juneteenth Heritage Coalition in 2021. Since then, the event has expanded with new festivities added every year, including parades, music festivals, and essay writing contests.
 
President and CEO Cynthia Downing has been with the coalition since its inception and has seen the overall event grow every year. She appreciates being able to help organize an event that brings the community together to celebrate unity and diversity.
 
“We bring people together to learn about Juneteenth, as well as unity about the culture, and different festivities to bring the community together,” she said.
 
Her favorite aspect is the Black Tie Gala, being able to see everyone, especially local officials, in their best formal attire to enjoy an evening of art, culture, music, and food.
 
As with previous events, her expectation for this year is to see the celebration continue to expand with more festivities and even more attendees.
 
“Our expectation is for it to be bigger and better,” she said. “Each year builds upon itself, and so this year, we have a full coalition involved, and we did a little differently, so we are looking for it to be bigger and better and to educate the community about Juneteenth and unity.”
 
Recently, Cynthia Downing appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-86-haines-city-juneteenth-2026-wcynthia-downing

Polk County Repeals Burn Ban

Allison
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Polk County Repeals Burn Ban

After tracking the weather and analyzing the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average, Polk County officials have repealed the May 5 burn ban.

The conversations between Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith, local municipal fire chiefs and Florida Forest Service Lakeland District Manager Pat Keogh said it is safe to repeal the ban as the county moves into the rainy season.

“As we look at weather forecasts and the decrease in the KBDI, it confirms that our numbers are going in the correct direction for a repeal of the burn ban,” said Fire Chief Smith. “As always we will continuously monitor the KBDI and weather in case conditions change and we begin to experience another period of dry weather.”

As of June 16, Polk County’s KBDI average is 455 with 70% of the county under 500.

The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the soil’s moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800).

Despite the lift of the burn ban – if you see a potentially dangerous fire – report it to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 863-298-6200 or call 9-1-1 if life or property is in immediate danger.

Loneliness Affects 1 in 6 People Globally. New Research Reveals the Childhood Experiences That Help Adults Thrive

Allison
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Loneliness Affects 1 in 6 People Globally. New Research Reveals the Childhood Experiences That Help Adults Thrive

Kids have more ways to connect than ever. They can text, scroll, game, comment and chat all before they even leave the house. Yet for many young people, all that connection does not necessarily translate into feeling known, useful or part of something larger than themselves.

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls loneliness a global health threat, and the numbers explain why. With 1 in 6 people affected worldwide, loneliness hits the hardest among teens and young adults ages 13 to 29, where between 17% and 21% report feeling lonely. Young people experiencing chronic loneliness are twice as likely to develop depression and 22% more likely to earn lower grades, according to the WHO. If screens are now built into childhood, what actually helps kids build confidence, purpose and belonging?

New research from Harris Poll, commissioned by Scouting America, examined more than 3,000 U.S. adults, including those who earned the Eagle Scout rank, the program’s highest designation, and compared them with adults who never participated. Conducted for three months beginning October 10, 2025, the survey of 3,178 adults asked for feedback on well-being, civic engagement, leadership and character development. The findings reveal meaningful differences in how those groups describe their relationships, outlook, civic involvement, connection and sense of purpose.

The clearest difference may be loneliness. Just 11% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they frequently feel lonely, compared with 23% of non-participants. Those who earned the rank are also more likely to report a strong sense of purpose, with 78% saying they feel one compared with 60% of those who were never in the program, and 95% describe themselves as happy versus 82% of adults who never took part.

The data does not reduce childhood connection to a single activity. It shows how structured, real-world experiences can give young people repeated chances to be active participants rather than passive ones, working alongside others, taking responsibility, solving problems, serving a community and building confidence over time.

That matters because belonging is not built in theory, it is built through repetition and lived experience. A young person shows up, learns a skill, helps with a project, gets trusted with responsibility and begins to see that their presence matters. From the outside these moments may look small, but over time, they can shape how a person sees themselves and how they relate to others.

Those patterns extend into adult life. The research does not establish that the program causes these outcomes, but the consistency across measures is striking. Some 74% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they have held leadership positions at work, compared with 31% of non-participants. Another 57% say they have spoken up for a cause they believe in or on behalf of others, versus 33% of those who never took part.

The story inside the numbers is not that every child needs the same path. It is that young people need places where they are asked to show up, contribute and be counted on. They need adults who mentor them, peers to collaborate with them and real responsibilities that help them practice who they are becoming.

In a childhood increasingly shaped by digital life, those experiences can be easy to underestimate. But the research shows the long-term value of giving kids something to do, somewhere to belong and a reason to see themselves as capable. For families worried about loneliness, confidence or lack of meaningful connection alongside their digital lives, the takeaway is practical: Look for structured experiences that allow young people to participate, contribute and lead. Connection is not just something kids feel. It is something they get to practice.

Methodology

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Scouting America among 3,178 U.S. Adults ages 18-plus, including 1,549 who were never members of Scouting America (“non-Scouts”) and members of Scouting America (“Scouts”), including 1,067 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout (“Eagle Scouts”) and 562 who did not achieve the rank of Eagle Scout (‘non-Eagle Scouts”). The survey was conducted initially from Oct. 10 through Nov. 17, 2025, and relaunched from Dec. 16, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026.

Aviation Community Mourns Loss Of Young But Experienced Lakeland Pilot Killed In Experimental Aircraft Accident

Carl Fish
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Aviation Community Mourns Loss Of Young But Experienced Lakeland Pilot Killed In Experimental Aircraft Accident

A 23-year-old Lakeland pilot who died in an experimental aircraft crash Monday evening in north Polk County has been identified as Michael “Cole” Robinson, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash occurred shortly before 8 p.m. in a remote, wooded area west of Moore Road near Lakeland. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Robinson’s identity Tuesday afternoon, while noting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

According to information previously released by the Sheriff’s Office and reported by Daily Ridge media partner Eye In The Sky News, Robinson was flying a single-seat experimental aircraft while another pilot was operating a separate aircraft nearby. Investigators said the two aircraft had departed from different locations, with Robinson reportedly taking off from Bartow and the second pilot departing from Lakeland.

Robinson (’24) graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Sciences from Polk State College

The surviving pilot told authorities he observed Robinson’s aircraft come apart, or a portion of it separate in flight, before the aircraft rapidly descended into a heavily wooded area. The pilot immediately called 911 and helped direct emergency responders to the crash site.

Deputies, Polk County Fire Rescue personnel, and other emergency crews located the wreckage in the remote area. Robinson was pronounced deceased at the scene.

While the investigation remains in its early stages, witness accounts cited by Eye In The Sky News suggested the aircraft may have been flying in close proximity while performing aerial maneuvers before the crash. Authorities have not confirmed those reports, and investigators have not released any findings regarding what caused the aircraft to break apart.

Pilots and co-pilots performed a fly-by in honor of first responders back in 2020 at SUN’n FUN . Robinson was among the pilots. Photo: From left to right- Sean Stoltz, Cole Robinson, club director Mike Zidziunas, Nick Poucher, and Layton Bracey. Cole Robinson is a senior at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. Stolz, Poucher, and Bracey are 2020 graduates. (Photo courtesy the Lakeland Aero Club.)

Although only 23 years old, Robinson had already established himself in the aviation community. Social media posts from Seminole-Lake Gliderport and publicly available professional information indicate he had been flying since at least 2018 and was actively involved in multiple aviation roles.

Robinson was a certified flight instructor and had worked as an Airside Operations Technician at Bartow Executive Airport. He also served as a glider tow pilot and had previous experience working at Winter Haven Regional Airport and Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base.

In a tribute posted Tuesday, Seminole-Lake Gliderport described Robinson as one of its tow pilots and noted he had been a member of the Lakeland Aeroclub for several years.

“Cole, you will be deeply missed. Fly high,” the organization wrote.

A 2019 post from the gliderport celebrated Robinson’s first solo glider flight and highlighted his plans to pursue a future in aviation, a goal friends and colleagues say he was actively living out through his work as both a pilot and instructor.

The FAA and NTSB will determine what caused the crash. No additional information has been released.

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