Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

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Convicted felon caught with fake license plate during traffic stop in Polk County, troopers say

A traffic stop in Polk County led to the arrest of Jerome Jermaine Fox, a 41-year-old man found driving erratically with a fictitious license plate. The Florida Highway Patrol discovered that Fox had a suspended driver's license and a history of felony convictions, along with a firearm in his possession.

Tampa Police Make Arrest in Deadly Shooting

Tampa Police arrested 30-year-old Jerome Parker on murder charges following a shooting incident in Copeland Park last month. The shooting, which occurred on August 9, 2024, resulted in the death of a young male victim who succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a hospital.

Ex-CIA officer from Tampa, others had raised concerns about Trump assassination suspect

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.

Critics see DeSantis double-standard in Florida abortion petition case

Critics are questioning Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's handling of a petition fraud investigation linked to a donor, suggesting a double standard in his approach to abortion-related issues. The article highlights the contrasting responses to similar allegations, raising concerns about political motivations affecting law enforcement actions.

Two dead in wrong-way crash on Suncoast Parkway, troopers say

Two drivers lost their lives in a wrong-way crash on the Suncoast Parkway in Hernando County early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The collision involved a Volkswagen Jetta and a Honda Odyssey, resulting in both vehicles flipping over. Two passengers in the Honda sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Forecasters still watching Gulf for potential tropical system

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.

Tampa police make arrest in fatal shooting at Copeland Park

Tampa police have arrested 30-year-old Jerome Parker in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at Copeland Park last month. The incident, which arose from a dispute over a package of socks, left a man in his early 20s dead. Parker now faces a first-degree murder charge.

Orlando man took off on foot after crashing into SUV while trying to evade troopers: FHP

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.

Lane of South Armenia Avenue in Tampa closed due to water main break

South Armenia Avenue in Tampa is closed due to a water main break being repaired by the Tampa Water Department. All travel lanes were shut down on Saturday, with plans for normal traffic patterns to resume by Tuesday evening, although further work may be required later. Drivers are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Moderate, conservative forces square off in Pinellas school board race

The Pinellas County school board race has intensified in the wake of a close primary election, with candidates Stacy Geier and Katie Blaxberg engaging in a heated exchange on social media. Geier accuses Blaxberg of fiscal irresponsibility, while Blaxberg labels Geier an extremist, highlighting the divisive nature of the campaign.

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