Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

New Howard Frankland Bridge construction moving along; Spectrum News gets a tour

Construction on the new Howard Frankland Bridge is progressing well, with the project expected to be completed soon. This new span of Interstate 275 will connect Tampa and St. Petersburg, and it is set to be the largest bridge in Florida by square footage, enhancing traffic flow in the region.

Mexican president blames the U.S. for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has blamed the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa, which has resulted in at least 30 deaths over the past week. The violence is attributed to a power struggle between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, exacerbated by the recent capture of a key cartel leader.

State moves for more control over university presidential searches

A proposed policy change from Florida's Board of Governors aims to enhance oversight of presidential searches at the state's public universities. Supporters argue that the change will provide necessary structure amid new confidentiality laws, enabling the Board to select additional members for search committees.

Threats of violence vex Florida schools as parents seek greater security

Florida schools are facing an increase in threats of violence, prompting parents to demand enhanced security measures. School officials, including Pinellas County superintendent Kevin Hendrick, are taking these threats seriously and are reviewing each one individually. The situation reflects broader concerns about student safety in the wake of recent tragic events.

Tampa Awarded $1 Million USDOT Grant for Transit and Housing Needs

The City of Tampa has been awarded a $1 million Technical Assistance Grant from the US Department of Transportation to support its public transit needs, a decision made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding marks a significant step towards improving transit and housing infrastructure in the city.

18-year-old seriously injured in St. Pete hit-and-run crash

An 18-year-old in St. Petersburg was hospitalized with serious injuries following a hit-and-run accident on Thursday afternoon. The police are actively searching for the driver of the sedan involved in the crash, which occurred at the intersection of 54th Avenue North and 12th Street.

FDOT shares progress on years-long Howard Frankland Bridge project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the Howard Frankland Bridge replacement project, highlighting significant progress made over the years. With 84% of the bridge decks completed, officials anticipate connecting both sides of the bridge by the end of 2024.

N.C. Gov. candidate Mark Robinson vows to stay in race despite report showing disturbing comments on pornographic website

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has vowed to remain the Republican nominee for governor despite a CNN report revealing disturbing comments he made on a pornographic website's message board. Robinson denied the allegations, claiming the comments do not reflect his character. The controversy has raised questions about his candidacy as he continues his campaign.

Hillsborough County Schools seeks to reassure parents after threats

Hillsborough County Schools is reassuring parents about safety measures in light of recent school shooting threats. The district utilizes the Centegix crisis alert system, allowing staff to quickly call for help when needed. This proactive approach aims to enhance security and maintain community trust.

College football Week 4: As conference play ramps up, more mismatches are on the slate for top teams

College football Week 4 features notable matchups, including the highly anticipated game between No. 24 Illinois and No. 22 Nebraska. Top-ranked teams such as No. 1 Texas, No. 3 Ohio State, and No. 5 Mississippi are expected to dominate their overmatched opponents. As conference play intensifies, this weekend promises to deliver exciting action for college football fans.

News Topics