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A foster home employee, Katherine Sticklin, has been arrested and faces felony charges for engaging in sexual acts with a teenage resident. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that Sticklin sent explicit images to the teen and pressured him into further sexual activity. Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned her actions as "vile and cruel."
A driver with a blood-alcohol level of .087, above New Jersey's legal limit, has been charged with the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were biking. The incident occurred just before the brothers were to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding. The suspect, Sean Higgins, has a history of road rage and has been ordered detained until trial.
Newsome High School in Lithia was placed on lockdown due to a reported threat, prompting a significant response from law enforcement. After several hours of investigation, students were dismissed on time, with no credible threat found. The incident follows a worrying trend of false threats in the area since a recent school shooting in Georgia.
Disaster assistance is now available for Pinellas County residents affected by Hurricane Debby. Eligible individuals can apply for help with temporary lodging, home repairs, and other expenses incurred due to the disaster. More information and application details can be found online.
Urban planner Steven Fernandez from the University of South Florida expresses concern over recent flooding in Tampa Bay, highlighting that sea levels have risen eight inches in the last 50 years. He notes that even long-term residents are now experiencing flooding, emphasizing the need for better drainage solutions in low-lying areas.
A new ordinance in Bradenton is being considered to change the last call for alcohol to 2 a.m. in response to recent violent incidents that occurred after bar closing times. Local leaders aim to enhance safety for residents, visitors, and law enforcement amid growing concerns over public disturbances.
Pinellas County officials are releasing 911 calls from Hurricane Idalia to raise awareness about the flooding dangers during hurricane season. The recordings aim to emphasize the importance of evacuation orders to protect residents from life-threatening situations. Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins highlights the risks associated with flooding and the uncertainty of water levels.
A lawsuit filed by Republican candidate Thomas Feiter alleges that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other GOP officials conspired to run a sham candidate, Seth Hyman, in the Orange-Osceola state attorney's race to benefit DeSantis' appointee, Andrew Bain. The lawsuit claims election fraud and seeks to invalidate the GOP primary results, asserting that Hyman's candidacy was a deliberate ploy to eliminate competition.
U.S. stocks concluded their best week of the year, driven by a rally in major technology companies and growing anticipation of an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average approached their all-time highs, buoyed by easing Treasury yields and optimism in the bond market.
Laura Loomer, a controversial figure in Florida politics known for her Islamophobic remarks, has recently been spotted as a travel companion of former President Donald Trump. Despite her divisive rhetoric and a history of failed political campaigns, Loomer's connection to Trump raises questions about her role in the current political landscape. The article explores her background and the implications of her association with Trump.