PLUGHITZ Live Presents (Video)

One of the best things about covering GCMC is having the opportunity to see all of the new ideas that these wonderfully creative artists/crafters/entrepreneurs come up with. There are new and exciting ideas every single year. Kyle Nurminen from #SeedRegion1 not only recognizes how inspiring this creativity can be, but has come up with a way take it to the next level by involving the local community and businesses and then to attract larger companies to invest and potentially even come to the area.

He noticed that more and more people were becoming intrigued by the idea of these maker spaces and wanted to explore what they have to offer, but did not know where to find them. So, they started off by developing a web site to map out all of the maker spaces in the area and highlighting the unique vibes with each space. But they didn't stop there.

Their concept is meant to showcase talent and demonstrate to larger companies that we indeed have a community that not only supports their business, but also has the ability to strengthen it. Building upon the Maker Space atmosphere, SeedRegion1 is creating a platform for makers to connect with the resources they need to turn their visions into reality.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

As the maker community continues to grow, in both size and diversity, one of the most needed support issues is equipment. Many people are not capable of owning the equipment needed because of space and cost. Because of this we have seen a sharp rise in the number of makerspaces in the community. Makerspaces give people the ability to use equipment that they would otherwise be incapable of interacting with in a common location. Many have CNC machines, drill presses and other large machines that would be cumbersome at home or in a small workshop.

We talk with Brandon Mead of MakerVenture, a very new makerspace project in North Tampa. This new space is working on building their space, acquiring the equipment and starting classes. Right now the classes are taking shape, and the MakerSpace and Maker's Market are coming soon.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Thanks to companies like Tesla, electric vehicles have become part of the popular culture once again. Whenever something becomes that popular, it is inevitable that it will become a popular part of the maker community as well. We speak with Nick Brothers from Electrathon of Tampa Bay about how their organization fits in. This group produces races for 3 and 4 wheel electric vehicles that are produced by small teams.

Unlike some other engineering clubs, Electrathon vehicles are relatively inexpensive, meaning that the barrier to entry is lower to create a new team. Teams do not have a lot of limitations, meaning just about anyone can participate. The largest challenge posed by the competition is energy efficiency, since batteries are pre-determined and vehicles must survive an entire hour of racing.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

We always have so much fun when we get to speak with Jason Rawley of Fireblade Comics and Suncoast Ghostbusters. He brings his witty, fun and energetic nature to everything he does. This is his 3rd GCMC and we've been lucky enough to catch up with him again this year.

He and his team are having a good time not only displaying but playing with the various movie props they brought along with them. They really enjoy an event like this to be able to fire things up and show them off. When asked about how they come up with their designs, Jason explained that they use just about anything and mostly junk. They look at things in a different way, seeing basic shapes and then breaking them down and turning them into something new. It's the finishing touches that really bring them to life, from the paint job to the weathering and final details. And sometimes, the dirtier the better, when it comes to these types of props.

Of course we had to discuss the much anticipated upcoming release of the new Ghostbusters movie. Like us, he is reserving his initial opinions regarding what he has seen about the film so far, as he wants to see the film first. They are also waiting to start on any prop replicas until they get a chance to take it all in, and in context. We look forward to meeting with him again to see the new items they come up with and discuss this new take on this classic fan favorite.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

The University of South Florida is becoming a popular location for engineering students of all types. From mechanical engineering to software engineering, the university has a program to fit many needs. Representatives from USF Students in STEAM brought some of their engineering projects to show off.

First, Kaitlin Lostroscio, a senior in mechanical engineering, showed off an asteroid chipper. As part of a NASA challenge, she and her team built the device to chip part of an asteroid and collect it in an isolated container. This allows for collection without cross contamination.

Second, Kevin Martinez, a senior in mechanical engineering, showed off a custom-built treasure chest from The Legend of Zelda. Inside is a sensor which detects when it is opened, and the machine determines the color and type of rupee, which is then displayed on a screen on the front, along with a tally of your total collection.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

FIRST Looks isn't the only time we get to talk to FIRST Robotics Competition teams. As students who create robots, they are definitely a big part of the maker community, in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Phoebe Mitchell from Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) spoke to us about her team, her role on the team and how it has inspired her.

Most FIRST students whose career decisions are made because of the program tend to consider mathematics, engineering and the like. In this case, her career goals are in medicine because of an experience through the program where she helped someone who was hurt and felt positive about what she had done.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Remote controlled quadcopters and drones have become one of the biggest trends over the past few years. Whether you're a hobbyist who purchases one at your local toy store, or a maker who has built one from scratch, there is a lot about both quadcopters and drones to keep people interested.

Joshua Newby is the organizer of Tampa Drones, a group that gets together specifically to challenge and inspire one another with their technology. He showed us several pieces of hardware, including a custom quadcopter built using 3D printing and carrying a Polaroid Cube. In addition, it has a first person camera that transmits to a pair of flying goggles.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Several of the events we are involved in every year are organized or sponsored by the Eureka! Factory, including this one. Chuck Stephens works with the organization in putting on these events, as well as other activities, such as library makerspace projects and training.

In addition, Chuck helps to mentor a FIRST Robotics Competition team, the Edgar Allan Ohms. Based in Land O' Lakes, the team is the first and only known library FRC team in the country. This has provided unique challenges for Chuck and the team, but has also given them unique capabilities, as well.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

A newcomer to GCMC this year caught our eye with his artistic talent and fresh take on fan art.

By mixing techniques such as charcoal, colored pencils, water colors and acrylic paints, Marc's artwork comes to life right off the page. His portraits are so much more than a simple profile. They capture the emotion and essence of the subject. Marc believes that the artwork that he creates is relatable to his audience. He is influenced by the human condition and his more personal pieces reflect the extreme side of emotion.

Another aspect of his growing portfolio is Fan Art. Whether it's a cute and whimsical cartoon character, or a detailed and imaginative action hero, his Fan Art exhibits his true love of comics, movies and anime. He is able to take the pure enjoyment he gets out of these mediums and relate them directly into fantastic renditions for others to enjoy. He is also venturing out and creating his own original characters, as well as contributing his artwork to other artists to use within their own mediums, as we saw with fellow artist, Barbara Lancaster with Sir Bentley Freckles and Associate.

As Marc is getting his name out there and developing an increasing fan base of his own, he is excited to enter into the world of Cons & Fairs to be able to exhibit his unique take on the art of illustration. This year's GCMC was only the beginning for him. He's looking forward to many more conventions in the future.

Check out Marc's artwork on Instagram @Marcustorresart13 and feel free to reach out to request an existing or newly commissioned piece.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Funky, Cool and Unique, Creative... Sir Bentley Freckles & Associate is all of this and more.

Brand new to the exhibit scene is Barbara Sapp Lancaster with Sir Bentley Freckles & Associate. Barbara (aka: The Dali Baba) takes her love and appreciation of musical instruments, along with her passion for art and combines it all into treasures that are truly one of a kind.

Barbara creates her pieces using assorted materials to decorate objects that she finds interesting. She finds it amusing, therapeutic and very fulfilling to make something fun and unique out of ordinary items such as beads, paper, glue and recycled items.

"I love art and cannot even draw a stick figure," she says. "I like being creative and making something that will last, be interesting, unique and colorful." Her artwork appeals to those out there that like something cute, a little quirky and different. Lately, she has been fascinated with Steampunk and is looking forward to expanding into this genre.

Barbara gets her inspiration from her surroundings and those around her. Ideas flow from seeing pictures, objects and from meeting new people.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Daniele is a student at Florida Polytechnic University who is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLuGHiTz Live Special Events and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.