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.

Firefighters gain ground on 3 huge Southern California blazes

Firefighters in Southern California have made significant progress against three major wildfires, aided by cooler temperatures. The largest blaze, the Bridge Fire, has burned 81 square miles, leading to the evacuation of 10,000 people and the destruction of several homes and cabins.

Youth counselor at Hillsborough group home performed sex acts on minor, deputies say

Katherine Sticklin, a 28-year-old youth counselor at A Kid's Place in Tampa Bay, was arrested for allegedly performing sexual acts on a minor in her care. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported that Sticklin pressured the child into sexual activity, using social media to send explicit images and continuing her advances even after being blocked. She faces serious charges, including lewd or lascivious touching and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Trump vows mass deportations would begin in Ohio, Colorado cities

Donald Trump announced plans for mass deportations targeting Springfield, Ohio, and Aurora, Colorado, during a news conference in California. His claims about these cities being overrun by criminal migrants have been disputed by local officials. Trump's remarks have raised concerns about their potential impact on community safety and school threats.

New Law Requires Locked Doors at Schools

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.

Driver charged with killing NHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother had .087 blood-alcohol level

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.

Workers who assemble Boeing planes are on strike. Will that affect flights?

A strike by approximately 33,000 Boeing machinists has halted production of key aircraft models, including the 737 Max, following the rejection of a contract offer. While commercial flights are not immediately affected, prolonged disruption could lead to significant financial losses for the company.

Bay Area civil rights activist claims rough arrest, HCSO responds

A Bay Area civil rights activist, Carl Soto, is alleging police brutality following his arrest, which was recorded on a Hillsborough County deputy's bodycam. The sheriff's office has stated that the deputy involved did not violate any policies during the incident.

Laura Loomer’s history in Florida politics, explained

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.

Pasco libraries ‘suppress’ more than 100 children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes

Pasco County's library system has removed 130 children's books featuring LGBTQ+ themes for review following a county commissioner's concerns about their appropriateness. This decision reflects a larger ongoing debate in Florida regarding the availability of such literature in public schools and libraries. The situation has drawn attention to the challenges faced by libraries amid political pressures and community responses.

Lawsuit alleges plot to run sham candidate so DeSantis appointee can win election

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.

News Topics