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Pinellas County homeowners have until Monday at 11:59 p.m. to apply for the Homestead Exemption, which provides a $50,000 reduction in assessed home value for tax purposes. Property Appraiser Mike Twitty highlights the benefits of this exemption, particularly the Save Our Homes Cap, which limits assessed value increases, ensuring long-term savings for homeowners.
Kroger's CEO Rodney McMullen resigned amid an investigation into personal conduct unrelated to business operations, as confirmed by the grocery chain. Ronald "Ron" Sargent has been appointed as interim CEO while a search committee is formed to find a permanent replacement. The board emphasized that the concerns did not affect Kroger's financial performance or involve any associates.
Immanuel Quickley's strong second-half performance helped the Toronto Raptors secure a narrow 104-102 victory over the Orlando Magic, who are now grappling with the news of guard Jalen Suggs undergoing knee surgery. Quickley's 24 points, alongside RJ Barrett's 22, proved crucial in overcoming the Magic, who struggled with injuries to their key players. The Raptors' win comes as they aim to turn around a challenging season.
Crews are actively combating wildfires across North and South Carolina, where dry conditions and strong winds have led to evacuations in several areas. South Carolina's Governor declared a state of emergency to enhance response efforts, while North Carolina continues to contend with multiple wildfires, including one at Uwharrie National Forest. The situation remains critical as authorities work to contain these blazes and ensure public safety.
Tampa International Airport is gearing up for an unprecedented travel surge during the spring break period, expecting an average of 91,000 passengers daily from March 1 to April 6, 2025. With additional flights increasing daily operations to 600-650, officials recommend travelers arrive two hours early to navigate potential delays. March 15 is projected to be the busiest day, with over 101,000 passengers anticipated.
A Haines City man, Willie Pierce, was arrested after fleeing from a traffic stop, crashing his truck, and attempting to escape before being tased by police. During the incident, officers discovered nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine and over $23,000 in cash in his possession. Pierce is now facing serious charges, including drug trafficking and violation of probation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is preparing to outline his agenda as lawmakers reconvene in Tallahassee to address hurricane recovery efforts. The meeting marks a critical moment for state officials to discuss strategies and allocate resources to support affected communities. This timely update highlights the ongoing priority of disaster recovery in Florida.
SpaceX's eighth test flight of the Starship was recently scrubbed due to a booster issue, leaving the timeline for the next launch attempt uncertain. This development highlights ongoing challenges in the ambitious space program aimed at revolutionizing interstellar travel. Local residents and space enthusiasts in the Tampa area are keenly watching these advancements as they unfold.
Residents of Plant City are advocating for the installation of a new traffic light at the intersection of Baker Street (U.S. 92) and Whitehurst Road, particularly as traffic surges during the Florida Strawberry Festival. This request highlights ongoing safety concerns at a busy intersection that becomes increasingly congested during local events.
Positive Impact St. Pete has partnered with the Firestone Grand Prix to ensure that leftover food from the event is donated to families in need, successfully providing support to around 700 families last year. This initiative highlights the community's commitment to reducing food waste while addressing hunger in the Tampa Bay area.