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Tampa Police arrested a 15-year-old female student, Anabella Fuentes, for possessing a loaded handgun at Middleton High School on March 13, 2025. The incident was reported by a vigilant student, prompting a swift response from the School Resource Officer. Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the importance of safety on school campuses and commended the collaborative efforts that led to the quick resolution.
The Internal Audit Department of Tampa has released Audit 25-08, focusing on the operations of the Water Credit, Collections, and Call Center. This review aims to enhance consumer services, allowing customers to contact the Distribution and Consumer Services Division for utility assistance. The full audit report is available on the official Tampa government website.
The City of Tampa is set to host its 43rd Annual Senior Day in the Park on March 14, 2025, inviting over 400 seniors and 45 vendors to Macfarlane Park for a celebration of healthy living. The event will feature a 1-mile walk, live entertainment, and various activities promoting wellness and community engagement. This long-standing tradition, active since 1982, emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyles among seniors.
Noe Bautista, a health advocate in Tampa, is addressing the rising concerns among immigrant farmworkers who are hesitant to seek medical help due to fears surrounding immigration policies. Through his mobile health unit, he provides essential checkups and works to educate families about their rights. His efforts aim to alleviate anxiety and promote well-being within the community amid changing immigration landscapes.
Habitat for Humanity is set to build approximately 60 new homes in the Lealman neighborhood of Pinellas County, Florida, following approval from local commissioners. CEO Mike Sutton emphasizes the importance of creating affordable housing options in response to the growing demand for homes in the area. The project aims to support families in need, with similar developments already underway in Clearwater.
Evelisse Bookhout, a former at-risk youth, founded Hands of Hope America in Clermont, Florida, to address critical community needs such as childcare, education, and food security. The nonprofit has evolved from a food pantry to a multifaceted organization providing services like mental health counseling and after-school tutoring, impacting thousands of families in the Four Corners area. Bookhout emphasizes the importance of collaboration among local governments, nonprofits, and community leaders to better serve residents.
Five years post-pandemic, many individuals continue to suffer from long COVID, a condition marked by lingering symptoms that can persist for months or years. Julie Talamo, a long COVID patient, shares her experience of chronic shortness of breath and lung scarring following her COVID-19 infection in 2022. The CDC is actively researching long COVID to understand its long-term impacts and who is affected.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence, specifically a program called BaxterBot, is enhancing the educational experience at Pepin Academies in New Port Richey, Florida. Teachers are leveraging AI to assist with lesson planning, data collection, and student engagement, making learning more accessible. The initiative exemplifies how technology can support both educators and students, especially those with learning difficulties.
A 12-year-old student from Wesley Chapel, Josh Patrick, has proposed a $1.75 million sidewalk project to improve safety for students walking and biking to Weightman Middle School. Noticing dangerous conditions along a busy 2-mile stretch of Curley Road, Patrick presented his plan to Pasco County commissioners, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. The project may receive funding through a proposed state grant and county contributions.
The May-Stringer House in Brooksville, Florida, offers ghost tours that delve into its haunted history, featuring reports of paranormal activity and eerie sightings. Guided by paranormal researcher Jesse Lisk, visitors can explore the Victorian-era home, which is said to be haunted by spirits, including a young girl and her mother. The tours take place every Friday and Saturday, inviting brave souls to experience the intersection of history and the supernatural.