Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

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.

Hurricane center tracks Tropical Storm Gordon, 2 more systems

Tropical Storm Gordon is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center as it develops in the Atlantic, with no immediate threat to Florida. The storm is expected to slightly strengthen before weakening, while other systems in the Caribbean and near the southeastern U.S. coast are also under observation.

Tropical Depression Francine Brings Heavy Rainfall to the Deep South

Tropical Depression Francine, which recently made landfall in Louisiana, is bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to the Deep South. As it weakens, it poses continued threats of flash flooding and tropical storm-force winds. The storm is expected to dissipate by Friday.

Florida schools explore grade configurations as choices expand

K-8 schools are experiencing a resurgence in Florida as districts respond to declining enrollment and the competition from charter and private schools. Experts suggest that while the model has potential benefits, its effectiveness largely depends on implementation strategies.

DeSantis puts state forces behind Amendment 4 abortion fight

Governor Ron DeSantis is intensifying efforts to defeat Amendment 4, which seeks to broaden abortion access in Florida, by utilizing state resources and launching a state-sponsored website that claims the measure jeopardizes women's safety. Critics argue that his actions blur the lines between campaign politics and state responsibilities, leading to potential legal challenges.

U.S. Filings for Unemployment Benefits Increase Slightly but Remain Historically Low

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits increased slightly to 230,000 for the week ending September 7, 2024, according to the Labor Department. Despite this uptick, layoffs remain historically low even after two years of elevated interest rates. The four-week average of claims also rose, but overall jobless claims continue to be low compared to historical standards.

Hillsborough Schools Launches School Bus Camera Enforcement System

Hillsborough County Schools has officially launched a camera enforcement system on 1,000 school buses to enhance safety by capturing drivers who fail to stop when stop arms are active. Starting Thursday, violators will receive citations costing $225 each, with funds generated used to support the camera program. Over 10,000 warnings have already been issued during the initial testing phase.

Georgia Republican Leader Seeks Changes After School Shooting, but Democrats Demand More

Georgia's state House speaker, Jon Burns, announced plans to introduce new policies aimed at enhancing student mental health and gun safety following a tragic school shooting that resulted in four fatalities. However, the proposed measures fall short of Democratic calls for more stringent gun control, such as universal background checks and red flag laws.

Hillsborough County wants to add a lot more shade to its parks

Hillsborough County is seeking to enhance the shade in its parks by proposing the addition of manmade shade structures if voters renew the Community Investment Tax in the upcoming November ballot. The initiative aims to improve the comfort and experience for park visitors, especially families and seniors, by providing respite from the Florida sun.

Decision 2024 updates: Harris, Trump hit the campaign trail after debate

After a recent presidential debate, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump resumed their campaign efforts across the country. The political landscape is further complicated by Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris, which has reportedly spurred a significant increase in voter registration.