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Tampa's city council has approved a $1.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes funding to make HART's Route 1 bus service free for one year. The decision was supported by residents during a public hearing, highlighting the benefits for economic, racial, and environmental justice.
A man has been arrested following a statewide missing child alert after a teenager from Plant City left home to meet him. Investigators have placed criminal charges against the individual, ensuring the safety of the missing teen. The incident has raised significant concerns about child safety in the community.
St. Petersburg police will increase their presence on local roads over the coming months to enhance bike and pedestrian safety. The initiative aims to engage with the community rather than enforce penalties, fostering a safer environment for all road users.
A 23-year-old man, Gabriel Gladman, has been sentenced to prison for illegally supplying firearms to juveniles in Tampa. The U.S. Attorney's Office reported that Gladman made false statements to purchase guns, which were later used in violent crimes. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding gun violence and youth safety in the region.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced an investigation into the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, asserting state jurisdiction over the case. DeSantis expressed skepticism regarding the objectivity of federal investigators and emphasized the importance of state law in this matter.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's latest guidance against the new COVID-19 vaccine has been met with criticism from experts, who argue that it is flawed and dangerous. Ladapo's guidance repeats debunked claims about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health and the spread of misinformation.
Hawkers, an Orlando-based Asian street food restaurant chain, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to shield itself from a lender it describes as "hyper-aggressive." Despite the filing, all 15 restaurant locations will continue normal operations while the company seeks to negotiate new loan terms.
Forecasters are currently monitoring two potential tropical systems, including one that may develop over the northwestern Caribbean Sea with a 20% chance of formation. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that these systems could pose varying levels of threat, although one is not expected to impact land. The 2024 hurricane season is projected to be extremely active, with 23 named storms anticipated.
The Wounded Warrior Project is organizing its annual Carry Forward 5k event in Clearwater, Florida, on September 28. Participants are encouraged to show support for wounded veterans by carrying flags, weights, or even people during the race. This event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by combat veterans in the Tampa area.
A 16-year-old boy named Peter Hyman Jr. was shot and killed outside the Citrus Park Town Center Mall in Tampa, Florida, prompting an investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. His mother, Bianca Cooper, is seeking answers regarding the tragic incident that occurred on a typical Saturday evening.