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The New Port Richey City Council has initiated the zoning change process for the proposed Villa del Sol development, which aims to construct up to 473 rental units on Marine Parkway. The development will include a mix of single-family townhomes and multifamily apartment buildings, with rent prices tailored to various income levels, addressing local housing concerns.
An employee of Home Plate on the Trail Restaurant in Dunedin was arrested for allegedly stealing over $57,000 since 2021 by canceling transactions and pocketing the cash. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported the incident following complaints from the restaurant's owners. The case underscores significant issues of employee theft and its impact on local businesses.
A 19-year-old bicyclist from Guatemala was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident on SR-674 in Ruskin, as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol. The authorities are currently searching for the driver involved in the incident, highlighting a growing concern over road safety for cyclists in the region.
A man was discovered dead in Clearwater, Florida, prompting an investigation by the Clearwater Police Department. The incident occurred in the 21000 block of U.S. 19 N early Sunday morning, highlighting public safety concerns in the area.
A Hillsborough County deputy fatally shot a man who brandished a gun during a traffic stop in Tampa on Saturday night. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, which occurred after the deputy pulled over the man for an obscured license tag. Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the deputy's duty to protect the community when faced with a deadly threat.
Oldsmar has entered an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County to streamline debris removal and home inspections following hurricanes Helene and Milton. This collaboration aims to save costs for the city while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and enhancing resilience against future natural disasters.
The human head discovered on a Key Biscayne beach has been identified as belonging to 19-year-old Victor Enrique Castaneda Jr., who went missing after a swimming incident off Miami Beach. His disappearance occurred while he was swimming with his younger sister, who was rescued. The Miami Beach Police Department confirmed the connection between the two cases and expressed condolences to Castaneda's family.
Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, has been appointed as the new energy secretary by former President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in energy policy direction. Wright is known for his strong support of the fossil fuel industry and is expected to advocate for oil and gas development at a national level.
Daggs Sandwich Co. in Largo, Florida, quickly mobilized to prepare 500 sandwiches for cleanup crews following Hurricane Helene, showcasing community engagement. Owner Chad Davis emphasized the unique appeal of his "chopped sandwiches" as he aims to establish the shop as a local favorite. This act of goodwill not only supports recovery efforts but also boosts the shop's visibility in the area.
A Bradenton woman was arrested for attempting to file a fraudulent hurricane assistance claim, falsely claiming she had received Botox. The arrest highlights ongoing issues surrounding disaster assistance fraud in the region, prompting local authorities to remain vigilant against such activities.