Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

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How DeSantis beat the abortion and marijuana ballot initiatives

Ron DeSantis successfully campaigned against two significant ballot initiatives on abortion and marijuana in Florida, leveraging his influence to ensure their failure. This article explores the strategies employed by DeSantis and the Republican Party, which led to a notable victory in the recent elections, reflecting a larger trend of Republican dominance in the state.

New College of Florida offers course in ‘Woke’ movement

New College of Florida is introducing a course on the 'Woke' movement for the first time in its history, set to commence in January 2025. The course, taught by conservative commentator Andrew Doyle, critiques the movement as “a kind of cult” and aligns with recent changes in the college's leadership towards a more conservative agenda.

Pinellas County saw increased flooding during Milton because of faulty water pumps

Pinellas County experienced severe flooding during Hurricane Milton, primarily due to malfunctioning water pumps, significantly impacting local neighborhoods, especially the Spanish Oaks area in Palm Harbor. The unprecedented flooding raises concerns about infrastructure reliability and community safety in the Bay Area.

School threats carry consequences, Florida reminds students, parents

Florida's education officials are reminding students and parents of the severe consequences of making threats against schools, following a series of incidents this fall. The Orange County school district has rolled out an online training course to ensure understanding of the state's zero-tolerance policies regarding such threats. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz emphasized that all threats will be taken seriously and may lead to arrest, restitution, or expulsion.

New College of Florida offers course in ‘Woke’ movement

New College of Florida is set to offer a course on the 'Woke' movement in January 2025, marking a significant shift in its curriculum. The course, described as addressing the movement as "a kind of cult," comes after recent changes to the school's leadership aimed at steering it in a conservative direction. Led by comedian Andrew Doyle, the class is part of a broader statewide trend pushing back against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education.

Pinellas School Board honors former superintendent with building name

The Pinellas School Board has honored former superintendent Mike Grego by naming a new leadership center after him, recognizing his decade-long contributions to the district. Additionally, the board named a new early learning and child care center after retired educator Bette Ra Ivey. These actions highlight the board's commitment to honoring impactful leadership within the community.

Here’s how debris collection is going in Tampa

In the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Tampa is facing a massive debris collection effort, with estimates of over a million cubic yards of waste remaining on city streets. City crews and contractors are working tirelessly to clear the debris within a 90-day window to ensure full reimbursement from FEMA, while challenges remain in coordinating the collection across various neighborhoods.

Signs of progress: boat removal continues in Sarasota after Helene and Milton

Boat removal operations are ongoing in Sarasota, Florida, as crews work to clear vessels left scattered along the coastline due to Hurricane Helene and Milton. The article highlights the progress made in the cleanup effort, emphasizing the impact on the local community and environment.

Hillsborough deputies investigating Sun City Center homicide

Hillsborough County deputies are investigating a homicide in Sun City Center, where a man was found dead with gunshot wounds late Sunday night. Authorities are seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation as they identify persons of interest but have yet to make any arrests.

Meet Thomas Brown, the man on a mission to help every homeless veteran in Tampa

Thomas Brown is dedicated to assisting homeless veterans in Tampa through his non-profit organization, Tampa Homeless Outreach. His efforts involve daily outreach to provide support and resources, showcasing a significant local initiative addressing veteran homelessness.

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