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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.
A new law in Florida mandates that all school doors remain locked while students are present, aimed at enhancing school safety. While the law is intended to protect students, some educators, such as third-grade teacher Tracey McConnell, argue that it hinders learning and suggests that reforming gun laws might be a more effective solution.
NASA astronauts Cmdr. Barry "Butch" Wilmore and pilot Sunita "Suni" Williams expressed their lack of disappointment regarding Boeing’s Starliner issues during a teleconference from the International Space Station. Their mission, initially planned for eight days, has extended to eight months due to complications with the spacecraft, leading them to return home on a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead.
An Uber driver, Steeve Louis, has been found guilty of three counts of sexual battery after assaulting a 20-year-old international student in August 2023. The jury's decision highlights the serious issue of safety for rideshare passengers, particularly vulnerable individuals such as international students.
Tampa Police have charged Estaban Del Valle, a 35-year-old man, with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting at Gorrie Elementary School following his child's suspension. The threat was reported promptly, leading to Del Valle's arrest. Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized that such threats will not be tolerated in the community.
A Boca Raton-based real estate firm has acquired the Pinellas Business Center in North St. Petersburg for $27.2 million, encompassing 206,275 square feet of flex space. This transaction reflects the ongoing demand for commercial properties in the Tampa Bay area, despite challenging market conditions.
Environmental experts and local residents are raising concerns about a recent land swap involving Withlacoochee State Forest, which has been approved by the Florida Cabinet under Governor Ron DeSantis. Critics argue that the deal, which gives forest land to a luxury golf resort in exchange for less biodiverse timberland, undermines conservation efforts and lacks transparency.
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.
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.
Florida Democrats are claiming that the Senate seat currently held by Republican Rick Scott is competitive, despite a significant lack of financial backing from national Democratic organizations. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Democratic candidate, argues that recent issues like reproductive rights will energize voters, but Republicans maintain a substantial advertising advantage.