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Clearwater city leaders will hear a counter-proposal from Reconnect Clearwater against the Church of Scientology's bid to purchase South Garden Ave. The grassroots group offers $1.5 million to keep part of the street open for public use and create a park, in contrast to the church's plan to close the street and build an auditorium. A council vote on the sale could occur as early as Thursday.
Tampa General Hospital launched a mental health program to assist mothers during pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum. The CDC indicates that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with mental health issues being a significant factor. Community support is available through the #TGHmovement4MOMS initiative.
Manatee County seeks community input on spending $252 million in federal disaster relief funds after extensive damage from hurricanes. A meeting on May 13 will allow residents to express unmet needs and suggestions for rebuilding efforts. This initiative aims to address lingering recovery challenges from recent storms.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Highway Patrol can now conduct immigration operations independently of the federal government. More than 100 state troopers were sworn in as special deputy U.S. Marshals, allowing them to execute federal warrants and remove criminal aliens from communities. A plan for military judge advocates to serve as immigration judges is under consideration, pending federal approval.
The National Association of Letter Carriers hosted the 33rd Annual 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive in Tampa Bay, collecting non-perishable items for local food banks. Over 44 million Americans face food insecurity, making this event critical as summer donations typically decline. Hope Villages of America reported collecting more than 80,000 pounds of food during the drive.
A University of Miami football player, Adarius Hayes, sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a crash that killed two children and one woman in Largo. The collision involved Hayes, 20, and 78-year-old Gail Price, who died along with 10-year-old Jabari Solomon and 4-year-old Charlie Solomon Riveria. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, which they do not believe involved alcohol.
Stormy weather continues in Florida as the Tampa Bay Area braces for heavy rain over the next two days. Meteorologists predict 1–3 inches of rain, with gusty winds and possible hail, following tornadoes in the panhandle. Flooding may occur in isolated areas, with storm coverage increasing to 80% on Monday.
Trae Ward, 33, faces a homicide charge following a deadly shooting in Sarasota. Reginald Graves, 45, succumbed to a gunshot wound shortly after the incident on May 1. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities seek public assistance.
The Sarasota Toy Museum closes every Monday to allow the Sarasota Bay Model Railroad Society to work on its train layout featuring four loops and one end-to-end track. Club members have dedicated months to refurbishing the layout, aiming to enhance its realism for museum visitors. Viewing the Vermont Train Layout is included in general admission to the museum.
The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary has undergone significant rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, thanks to the support of Greater Good Charities. With over $600,000 in damages, the sanctuary relied on volunteers and specialized construction teams to restore its vital facilities for rehabilitating injured birds. This collaboration highlights the importance of community support in preserving wildlife rehabilitation efforts.