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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.
Pinellas County school officials are grappling with the implications of a new state law requiring later start times for middle and high schools by 2026. The changes necessitate significant logistical adjustments, including transportation and school choice programs, and the district seeks input from parents on their preferences.
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.
A new study by Dr. Dipayan Biswas, a marketing professor at the University of South Florida, finds that sampling healthy foods may lead consumers to make less healthy choices later. This phenomenon is attributed to "moral licensing," where individuals feel justified in indulging after engaging in positive behavior. Biswas encourages consumers to consider the relationship between sampled foods and their intended purchases.
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.
Fort Lauderdale has introduced a new feature in its FixIt FTL app that allows residents to report homelessness concerns in response to a state law banning unauthorized camping on public property. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and provide a means for city officials to address these issues more effectively.
A Florida sheriff is combating a surge of false school shooting threats by publicly posting the mugshots of offenders on social media. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his frustration over the disruptions caused by these hoaxes and urged parents to take responsibility for their children's actions.
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.
Heavy rains in Bradenton, Florida, have overwhelmed the city's wastewater treatment system, causing partially treated wastewater to be discharged into the Manatee River. City officials have confirmed that the discharges have stopped and are currently implementing millions of dollars in improvement projects at the Water Reclamation Facility.