Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane. This weather event is significant for Florida residents, particularly those in the Orlando region, as it may impact local weather conditions and safety.
The University of Florida abruptly canceled support for an Israel-Palestine symposium, leading to concerns about academic freedom and freedom of speech. Organizers claimed they had received prior approval and funding, raising questions about the university's decision and its motivations, as the event featured pro-Palestinian speakers. The symposium proceeded at a nearby church and via Zoom despite the cancellation.
A 17-year-old suspect, Jaylen Dewayne Edgar, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder following a Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando that left two men dead and several others injured. State Attorney Andrew Bain announced plans to present evidence to a grand jury to potentially upgrade the charges to first-degree murder. The incident, which occurred during a crowded celebration, has raised significant concerns regarding public safety in the community.
Nearly 8.2 million Floridians have already voted in the presidential election, representing 58.7% of registered voters in the state. The turnout has been particularly high among Republicans, while Democratic voters appear to be waiting until Election Day to cast their ballots.
This week in Tampa Bay features a variety of engaging events, including Cyndi Lauper's farewell tour and the free Pops in the Park concert series. Local residents can enjoy diverse cultural activities, highlighting music and entertainment options throughout the region.
Soccer star Lionel Messi is set to play in Tampa, generating excitement among local fans and sports enthusiasts. This announcement signifies Messi's impact on Major League Soccer and the growing popularity of the league in the United States.
Body cam footage has been released by police to shed light on two separate incidents that occurred during the highly watched Florida-Georgia football game. This release aims to provide more context to the viral altercations that took place at the event, reflecting on issues of public safety and law enforcement responses in high-stakes situations.
Political polls leading up to the presidential election reveal a highly competitive race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with fluctuating leads and tight margins in various surveys. In Florida, Trump appears to have a clearer advantage, with several polls showing him ahead by significant margins. As the election approaches, the uncertainty surrounding these polls highlights the challenges in predicting electoral outcomes.
A couple in Town N' Country, Florida, faced a disheartening situation when their flood insurance claim was denied, as their living room was classified as a “basement” not covered by their policy. After twelve years of paying for flood insurance, Jaime Giangrande-Holcom and her husband are now navigating the complexities of insurance claims in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This incident highlights the challenges homeowners can face with flood insurance policies.
A proposal to grant wilderness designation to large portions of Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida has ignited a passionate debate among tribal members, sportsmen, and local officials. This designation, stemming from the Wilderness Act of 1964, could significantly impact the area's traditional land use and conservation efforts.