Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Starting September 2024, Americans can order up to four free COVID-19 nasal swab tests delivered to their homes as part of a federal program. This initiative aims to enhance testing accessibility ahead of the holiday season when gatherings are expected to increase. The program's reopening follows recent FDA approvals for updated vaccines targeting current virus strains.
Floridians are urged to prepare as forecasters predict a tropical system near Central America could develop into a storm that may impact the state later this week. With an 80% chance of development, meteorologists warn of uncertainty regarding the storm's trajectory and strength. Residents along Florida's west coast and northern Gulf coast are advised to stay alert and plan accordingly.
The Tampa community is mourning the loss of Ruth Hodges, affectionately known as "Mother Hodges," who passed away at the age of 97. A dedicated missionary and educator, Hodges impacted many lives through her work in East Tampa and over 40 years of service in Haiti. Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn called her a "true servant and icon" of the community.
Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a short-term spending bill to fund federal agencies until mid-December, averting a potential government shutdown. The deal follows a failed attempt by House Speaker Mike Johnson to include voter registration requirements, highlighting internal divisions within the Republican party as they approach the November elections.
Los Chapos Tacos, a restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, offers authentic Mexican cuisine, having evolved from a food truck to a full-scale restaurant. Owner Christopher Rodriguez and chef Jonathan Reyes, who brings culinary inspiration from Mexico City, aim to deliver exceptional flavors and customer satisfaction through their diverse menu of tacos and other dishes.
Sarasota police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday afternoon near the 1800 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Way. Officers discovered a deceased adult male at the scene, and the area has been closed off as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
An Orlando man, Jason Christopher Smalls, was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop and crashing into a Jeep Grand Cherokee while driving recklessly on I-275. Both occupants of the Jeep sustained minor injuries, and Smalls faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Concerns were raised by an ex-CIA officer from Tampa and others regarding Ryan Routh, a man allegedly plotting to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. The article highlights the troubling behavior of Routh, who was in Ukraine during the early days of the war, and the actions taken by those who reported him to authorities.
Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center are monitoring a weather system in the Gulf of Mexico that may develop into a tropical depression by mid-next week. As of Saturday afternoon, the likelihood of this system forming is estimated at 60%, with a focus on areas from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to near Louisiana.
In Pasco County, Florida, educators are innovatively integrating English and social studies to enhance learning, ensuring that essential subjects like civics and history receive the attention they deserve. This approach addresses previous concerns that these subjects were being overlooked in favor of mandatory reading instruction. The initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more holistic educational experience for students.