Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

Money, politics and insurance, oh my! The sad saga of fixing the Trop

The article discusses the challenges facing Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which damaged the stadium's roof. As city officials consider a substantial investment for repairs, they grapple with broader implications for the Tampa Bay Rays and future redevelopment plans. This situation highlights the intersection of sports, local politics, and financial considerations in the region.

Tests show some Florida hemp products are potent, have pesticides

Testing reveals that several hemp products sold in Florida contain illegal levels of THC and harmful pesticides. These findings raise concerns as voters consider legalizing recreational marijuana, highlighting the risks associated with the state's unregulated hemp industry.

Wesley Chapel to get its first Hooters restaurant next summer

Wesley Chapel is set to welcome its first Hooters restaurant in the summer of 2025, strategically located next to the Wesley Chapel Harley-Davidson dealership. This new 4,500-square-foot restaurant will mark the third Hooters location in Pasco County, joining existing establishments in Port Richey and Odessa.

UCF student among 2 killed in downtown Orlando mass shooting

A mass shooting in downtown Orlando early on November 1, 2024, resulted in the deaths of two men, Timothy Schmidt Jr., a 19-year-old University of Central Florida student, and Tyrek Hill, 25. The incident occurred during a Halloween celebration attended by thousands, where nine individuals were shot, leading to significant community distress and a GoFundMe campaign for Schmidt's family.

Invest 97L disturbance in Caribbean likely to become tropical depression within next few days

A developing weather disturbance in the southwestern Caribbean Sea is expected to strengthen into at least a tropical depression in the coming days, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. This situation raises concerns for those in the affected regions, particularly in areas prone to tropical weather events.

In this St. Petersburg neighborhood, climate inequity is on full display

In St. Petersburg, climate inequity starkly contrasts as residents like Aracelly Graffer face devastating impacts from hurricanes while new, affluent homes remain unscathed. Despite offers from investors to buy her damaged property, Graffer is determined to stay in her neighborhood, highlighting the broader issues of wealth disparity and vulnerability to climate change in the area.

As marijuana arrests become less common in Miami-Dade, one city’s approach stands out

Marijuana arrests in Miami-Dade County have decreased significantly since 2019, following a decision by State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle not to prosecute minor possession cases. However, the Miami Beach Police Department continues to enforce strict measures, resulting in more misdemeanor marijuana arrests than all other departments in the county, except the Miami-Dade Police Department. This approach reflects the city's efforts to reshape its reputation and maintain law and order.

St. Petersburg’s new fire chief is ‘here to serve a purpose’

Keith Watts has been appointed as St. Petersburg's first African American fire chief in 117 years, succeeding former Chief James Large. With over 30 years of public safety experience, Watts emphasizes his commitment to innovation, safety, and community engagement, striving to serve a purpose beyond his historic appointment.

USF hosting Celebration of Life for Abdur-Rahim Saturday morning

The University of South Florida (USF) is honoring the legacy of their late basketball coach, Rahim Abdur-Rahim, by hosting a Celebration of Life event on Saturday morning. This gathering underscores the significant impact Abdur-Rahim had on the USF community and the basketball program.

Subtropical Storm Patty forms, 2 other systems with chance of development in Caribbean

Subtropical Storm Patty has formed in the northern Atlantic, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, while the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two additional systems in the Caribbean with a high chance of development. These systems could bring significant rainfall to areas such as Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing hurricane season.