Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
FEMA officials are facing scrutiny after allegedly instructing disaster response teams to avoid homes displaying Donald Trump flags or signs. This decision has sparked demands for accountability and clarity regarding the agency's response protocols in politically sensitive situations. The controversy comes amid ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Florida.
A new tropical wave has developed just east of the Bahamas, coinciding with Tropical Storm Rafael's movement through the Gulf of Mexico, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. The article highlights the potential impact of these weather events on the region and provides timely updates for residents and weather enthusiasts.
A FEMA employee was fired after reportedly instructing her team to avoid homes in Florida displaying signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. This incident raises significant concerns about impartiality in disaster relief efforts and governmental actions in politically charged environments. The story has garnered attention due to its implications for FEMA's operational integrity.
The 36th Annual Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival is a significant event for the local community, marking the first major gathering since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The festival, which runs through the weekend, has heightened importance for residents and business owners still recovering from the storms.
A mobile home fire in Brooksville resulted in the tragic deaths of two dogs and displaced several residents on Saturday night. The incident emphasizes the risks associated with mobile home living and the urgency of fire safety measures in such communities.
Chris and Jennifer Wright successfully restored their Little Free Library in Temple Terrace after it was damaged by Hurricane Milton, embodying community spirit and resilience. The couple received appreciation from their neighbors as they rebuilt the library, which serves as a vital resource for the neighborhood.
A man was fatally shot by a Polk County deputy after violently attacking his wife with a hammer on Saturday morning, as reported by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence and police response in the region.
Duke Energy Florida anticipates storm-related restoration costs from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton could reach up to $1.3 billion, with plans to seek approval to pass these costs to customers as soon as March. The utility’s parent company, Duke Energy, reported these figures in a recent SEC filing, highlighting the significant financial impact of the storms on the utility’s operations in Florida.
Florida high school football coaches are advocating for improved pay amid the changing landscape of college athletics influenced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. The Florida Coaches Coalition has proposed a $15 per hour minimum wage, significantly lower than salaries in states like Georgia and Texas, prompting concern over retaining top coaching talent.
A Daytona Beach tattoo shop, Studio 21 Tattoo, is offering free tattoos to veterans on an upcoming Veterans Day event. This initiative aims to provide therapeutic benefits through tattoo art for those who have served in the United States Military. The event underscores the significance of supporting veterans in the community.