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Pinellas County homeowners must apply for the Homestead Exemption by Monday at 11:59 p.m. This deadline is crucial for homeowners seeking property tax benefits and is expected to impact many residents in the area.
The city of Lakeland has unanimously voted to discontinue the addition of fluoride to its drinking water, a decision influenced by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo's concerns regarding fluoride's negative effects on children's health. This move reflects a growing trend among communities reassessing fluoride's role in public water supplies.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to unveil his legislative agenda during the 2025 State of the State address, focusing on key issues relevant to residents. With significant implications for local governance and policy, this address will provide insight into the governor's priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to outline his agenda as lawmakers reconvene in Tallahassee to address pressing hurricane recovery efforts. The political program "Political Connections," airing nightly at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News, focuses on local, state, and national political developments impacting the Tampa Bay area.
Residents of Plant City are advocating for the installation of a traffic light at the busy intersection of Baker Street (U.S. 92) and Whitehurst Road, particularly during the Florida Strawberry Festival, which exacerbates traffic congestion. Local officials are considering the request, highlighting community concerns over safety and accessibility in this high-traffic area.
Plant City residents are advocating for a new traffic light at the intersection of Baker Street (U.S. 92) and Whitehurst Road to enhance safety during the Florida Strawberry Festival, which significantly increases traffic in the area. The local community voices concerns over the busy intersection, hoping for a solution to manage the heightened congestion.
Florida State University (FSU) and Clemson have reached a proposed settlement with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to end a legal dispute, which, if approved, will adjust revenue distribution among member schools based on TV ratings. This change aims to benefit schools with higher viewership, potentially increasing their payouts significantly.
Lakeland, Florida, city commissioners unanimously voted to cease adding fluoride to the drinking water, following recommendations from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who cited potential negative impacts on children's IQ. Despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsing fluoridated water for its dental health benefits, growing concerns about fluoride's safety led to this decision, reflecting a broader trend of municipalities reconsidering water fluoridation.
A woman was hospitalized after an alligator bit her elbow while she was paddling at Tiger Creek Canal in Polk County. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has contracted a nuisance alligator trapper to remove the animal, emphasizing precautionary measures for safely coexisting with alligators. Residents are urged to keep a safe distance from alligators and follow guidelines to prevent conflicts.
A Missing Child Alert for 16-year-old Jewel Blackwell in Tampa has been canceled after she was found safe, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Previously reported missing since February 27, Blackwell was last seen wearing a grey sweater and sweatpants in the Gibson Avenue area of Tampa. Authorities urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact local law enforcement.