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Articles by Marc Wright
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Hosts "Frappuccinos with Firefighters" for
Source: Google Street View If you're looking to mix up your midweek routine with a little bit of community and caffeine, look no further. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue is hosting a unique event aptly dubbed "Frappuccinos with Firefighters." Set to take place at the local Starbucks on 3939 4th St N, this gathering invites residents to enjoy a frappuccino alongside the city's bravest, while also picking up potentially life-saving information about fire safety and hurricane preparedness.
PETA Offers $5,000 Reward for Information on Ruskin Dog Abuse Case in
Source: Hillsborough County Government A recent case of animal cruelty has prompted PETA to offer a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for tying up a dog and abandoning it on the side of a road in Hillsborough County. The dog, a small tan and white 2-year-old believed to be a miniature pinscher and chihuahua mix, was found near G-7 Ranch Road and Stephens Road in Ruskin, as reported by WFLA.
Search Intensifies for Missing 66-Year-Old Sandra Linen in Port Richey
The search for Sandra Linen, a 66-year-old woman reported missing, is currently underway in the Port Richey area. Linen, as described by the Pasco Sheriff's Office, stands 5’6” and weighs approximately 230 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Concern has mounted since she was last seen last Friday, as reported on the Pasco Sheriff's Office website.
Tampa Celebrates Four Years of Smoother Rides with Fix-it-Fast
Source: City of Tampa In Tampa, city streets are seeing tangible improvements as the Fix-it-Fast initiative reaches its fourth anniversary. The brainchild of the City of Tampa, the program was tasked with accelerating road repairs, specifically pothole fixes, following a report. Launched back in September 2021, Fix-it-Fast aimed to respond to and remedy street issues within a 72-hour window, a goal it often surpasses.
Tampa Celebrates 100-Year-Old Dance Instructor Judith Baizan for Over
Source: Google Street View The City of Tampa recently paid tribute to a centenarian who has shaped local culture through the art of dance. Judith Baizan, a 100-year-old dance instructor, has been celebrated for her extensive work with the city’s Parks and Recreation centers. Baizan has dedicated over five decades to teaching Scandinavian and other folk dances to the Tampa community, with her classes attracting both the young and the elderly.
Tampa Braces for Week of Thunderstorms and High Rain Chances, NWS
Source: Google Street View The National Weather Service in Tampa, FL, has issued a weather forecast that indicates an active pattern of rainfall and thunderstorms for the upcoming week. According to the NWS detailed forecast, today's weather will include scattered showers and thunderstorms with an 80% chance of precipitation, expected to intensify around noon and later into the afternoon. With the high humidity level sitting at 94%, residents should anticipate a muggy day ahead.
Hillsborough County Seeks Public Input on Proposed Expansion of
Hillsborough County's latest move to expand the local green spaces has caught the attention of the community as officials seek public input on their plan to acquire a small parcel of land adjoining Country Place Park East. In an effort to preserve the valuable open spaces that residents so often seek for relaxation and recreation, the Hillsborough County has set its sights on a 0.23-acre plot at 4619 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, Florida.
Investigation Underway After a Tragic Murder-Suicide Rocks Valrico
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is deep into an investigation of a grim murder-suicide that shocked the quiet Valrico neighborhood. On the morning of Thursday, authorities were alerted to a situation when they received a distressing call from a man claiming to have done something regrettable. When deputies arrived at the scene at a residence on the 1000 block of Crystal Carbon Way, their knocks went unanswered.
Sarasota Announces Permanent Tax Exemption on Disaster Preparedness
Source: City of Sarasota In a recent move that might just take a bit of the sting out of hurricane preparation, many disaster preparedness items are now permanently tax-exempt as of August 1, offering some financial reprieve to those who need to stock up on essential supplies.
Tampa Braces for Showers and Thunderstorms with High Humidity, Advises
Source: Google Street View Residents in Tampa, FL should keep their umbrellas within arm's reach as the National Weather Service forecasts a wet and stormy week ahead. According to the latest advisory by the National Weather Service, Tampa is gearing up for showers and thunderstorms starting this afternoon, with an 80% chance of precipitation.
Hillsborough Deputies Investigate Valrico Murder-Suicide as Sheriff
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a murder-suicide that occurred in a Valrico neighborhood last week. According to WFLA, deputies received a call around 9:22 a.m. on last Thursday from a man claiming that he “did something bad.” When deputies arrived at the home on Crystal Carbon Way, they attempted to make contact but received no response.
Riverview Substitute Teacher Charged for Allegedly Distributing
A substitute teacher from Pepin Academy in Riverview has been arrested after allegedly showing sexual content to students. Tanaya Jordan, 26, was taken into custody on Thursday following an investigation that began with a tip last month. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Jordan’s phone and found explicit material she is accused of sharing with two juvenile students, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Pasco Sheriff's Office Seeks Help to Locate Missing 15-Year-Old
The Pasco Sheriff's Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of Avalynne Lloyd, a 15-year-old reported missing and considered a runaway. She is described as approximately 5'8", 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Avalynne was last seen yesterday around 11:15 p.m. near Luma Drive in Holiday, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, boxers, and black socks, as per the Pasco Sheriff's Office website.
Hernando County Expands Public Transit, Debuts Two New TheBus Routes
Hernando County Transit Services, known as TheBus, has launched two new bus routes, Route 7 and Route 8, to improve public transportation in the area. According to the Hernando County release, Route 7 runs from the Walmart on US 41, stopping at the Suncoast Crossing Hub near the airport, then south to Masaryktown, and west on County Line Road to Publix at Avalon. Route 8 starts at US 19 and Spring Hill Drive, traveling past Medical Blvd.
Tampa Invites Teens to Shape Their Future with Mayor's Youth Corps
Tampa's teens with a penchant for public service and city politics have an open invitation to apply for the Mayor's Youth Corps Class of 2026. This opportunity taps into the potential of local youth, providing an insider's look at government operations, should they wish to participate in shaping their community from City Hall's corridors. Eligibility for the program requires students to be in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, and they must either reside in or attend a school within Tampa's city limits.
Pasco County's Chasco K-8 Clears Controlled Campus Status After
Tension rose at Chasco K-8 in Pasco County today after reports of a possible weapon prompted the school to enact a controlled campus status, limiting movement while classes continued. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office investigated and confirmed the reports were unfounded. According to the Pasco Sheriff's Office, no weapon was found, and deputies assured there was no threat to students or staff.
Tampa Braces for Mixed Bag of Sunshine and Storms as NWS Forecasts
The National Weather Service in Tampa, Florida, forecasts variable weather conditions for the coming days, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected to disrupt the mostly sunny climate. According to the official NWS Tampa website, today's weather includes a 30% chance of precipitation with the possibility of thunderstorms developing mainly after 5 pm, notwithstanding the partly sunny skies and a high that teeters near 91 degrees.
Pinellas County Deputy Lauded for Excellence in Drugged Driving
Last month, the 2025 MADD Florida Law Enforcement Recognition & Training Symposium brought together deputies from across the state to hone their skills in the fight against impaired driving. It was an event both for recognition and progression in the ongoing battle on Florida’s roadways. Pride spread among the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office as Deputy Cameron Churchill received the "Outstanding Dedication to Drugged Driving Enforcement" award.
Manatee County Pushes Forward with Pearce Drain Improvements to
Residents in Manatee County are witnessing some active changes in their neighborhoods as the Pearce Drain Improvements project pushes forward. The local government recently updated the community via social media, detailing the strides taken at work zones A & C. This initiative aims squarely at tackling the challenges that come packaged with the heavy rainfall typical to the region, with a clear objective to enhance stormwater management and provide relief to the affected neighborhoods.
Tampa Residents Brace for Mixed Labor Day Weather with Scattered
Tampa residents should watch the sky during Labor Day. The National Weather Service says it will be partly sunny with some clouds and scattered showers or thunderstorms, especially after lunch. Tonight, the weather will be calmer with a low of around 75°F. The National Weather Service says there’s a 40% chance of rain on Labor Day.
Tampa Braces for Week of Clouds and Showers with Highs in the 90s,
Source: Google Street View Residents of Tampa, FL, can anticipate mostly cloudy skies, high humidity, and scattered showers throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service. As summer continues, thunderstorms are expected to remain common, primarily before the evening hours. Temperatures are forecast to range from the high 80s to low 90s, with high humidity causing the heat index to reach near 90 degrees and occasionally as high as 97 degrees.
Intermittent Lane Closures on Atwater Street in Charlotte County
Charlotte County residents and commuters take note: Atwater Street will be subject to intermittent lane closures until mid-September. The disruptions, which began last Wednesday, continue until September 13, are due to underground power installation by Irby Construction, according to an announcement from the Charlotte County Government. The affected area spans between Peachland Boulevard and Bachmann Boulevard, with closures from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays.
St. Petersburg Man Charged with Child Pornography and Animal Abuse
A St. Petersburg man faces serious charges after the Pinellas Sheriff's Office detectives, working in the Crimes Against Children Unit, arrested him for allegedly possessing and sharing child pornography online. Elias David Elias, aged 43, was taken into custody yesterday, following a tip-off that led to an investigation pinpointing him as the individual behind the cyber trail.
Hernando County Invites Public to Affordable Housing Advisory
The quest for equitable housing solutions presses on in Hernando County as the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee gears up to host its next regular meeting. Scheduled for September 11, at 10:00 a.m., the gathering will take place in the County Commission Chambers (John Law Ayers room) of the Hernando County Government Center. The address is 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, Florida.
Centennial Park Pool in Port Charlotte Closed for Morning Swim Meet on
Early birds looking to take a dip in the Centennial Park Pool in Port Charlotte tomorrow will need to make alternative plans. The pool will be off-limits to the public tomorrow, due to a swim meet. Regular patrons will have to wait until 12:30 p.m. to resume their aquatic activities, according to Charlotte County officials.
Tampa Braces for Scattered Showers and Soaring Heat Index,
The forecast for Tampa, as reported by the National Weather Service, indicates a wave of scattered showers and thunderstorms rolling in after 2 p.m. today, which could bring the heat index up to a sweltering 99 degrees. Winds are expected to pick up slightly, coming from the west at around 6 mph. Despite the mostly sunny skies, the humidity lingers heavily at 79%, making conditions feel far warmer than the actual reading of 81°F, as per NWS.
Riverview Woman Fatally Struck by Vehicle on I-75 Near Gibsonton,
A tragic event unfolded on I-75 when a woman lost her life after being hit by a car. The Florida Highway Patrol announced that a 27-year-old Riverview woman was the victim of the fatal accident which occurred near Gibsonton on the southbound lanes, as reported by WFLA. The incident, which took place around 12:30 a.m., involved the woman standing near her disabled Nissan Altima before she walked into the path of a Kia Sportage.
Rabies Alert Issued in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Residents Urged
Residents in Charlotte County are on alert following an announcement by local health authorities that a raccoon in Punta Gorda has tested positive for rabies. According to the Charlotte County Animal Control, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, the rabies alert is to remain active for 30 days in specified boundary areas that include East: Hidden Valley Circle and West: Grayfox Road, as well as North: Sunset Road and South: Bronco Road regions.
Hillsborough County Announces Public Service Pauses and Facility
Source: Google Street View Hillsborough County officials have announced a pause in various public services and closures of government facilities to mark Labor Day. Scheduled for a shutdown on Monday, Sept. 1, are the administrative offices of the county, as well as a slew of recreational and service-oriented sites, adhering to the official holiday calendar.
Tampa Police Locate Vehicle Involved in Dale Mabry Hwy Hit-and-Run,
In a late-night development, the Tampa Police Department announced the location and impound of the suspect vehicle in connection with the hit and run on Dale Mabry Hwy that injured a bicyclist. The incident, which took place earlier today, resulted in serious injuries for the victim, an adult white male, who is now in stable condition at a local hospital. The investigation led detectives to a silver 2019 Chevy Equinox, found abandoned in the 2200 block of E. 12th Ave.
Tampa Police Seek Driver in Hit-and-Run That Left Bicyclist Seriously
Earlier today in Tampa were marred by a hit-and-run incident that left a bicyclist gravely injured. According to the Tampa Police, at approximately 2:30 am, a silver SUV collided with a bicyclist on Dale Mabry Highway, near Mango Avenue. The aftermath of the collision sent an adult white male to the hospital with serious injuries, his condition now stable.
Man Charged with Attempted Murder for Deliberately Striking Elderly
In a chilling turn of events, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on charges of attempted murder after he allegedly used his vehicle to intentionally strike a 74-year-old individual in South Brooksville. The incident took place near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Josephine Street, according to a recent report by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
Pasco Sheriff's Office Seeks Help to Locate Runaway Teen De’Cordaisa
The Pasco Sheriff's Office is actively searching for De’Cordaisa Lloyd, a 16-year-old who has been reported missing and is believed to be a runaway. Lloyd was described as 5’6” in height, weighing approximately 165 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. The last known sighting of Lloyd was yesterday, around 11:35 a.m. near Gator Ln. in the Land O’ Lakes area, authorities noted Pasco Sheriff's Office.
Charlotte County Gears Up for a Series of Vegetable Gardening
Source: Google Street View Residents of Charlotte County with a keen interest in cultivating their own food are in for a treat as September ushers in multiple vegetable gardening workshops, courtesy of the UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. Emphasizing hands-on, actionable guidance, these sessions are designed to arm amateur gardeners with the knowledge to successfully grow vegetables in their own backyards.
Sarasota Announces Labor Day Service Changes, Trash Collection
Source: Google Street View As Labor Day approaches, Sarasota residents will be experiencing the routine shake-up in municipal services that come with national holidays. Notably, if your trash pickup usually falls on a Monday, you'll need to hold onto your garbage bags for one more day.
Tampa Celebrates Reopening of Joe Abrahams Fitness Center After $1.9
Source: City of Tampa The Joe Abrahams Fitness Center in Tampa is opening its doors once again after an 11-month hiatus caused by severe hurricane damage. The broad community effort to repair city Parks and Recreation facilities has finally reached a conclusion with this long-awaited renaissance of the local fitness hub. According to the City of Tampa's announcement, the restoration encompassed a vast scope of work, with the fitness center itself receiving $1.9 million in repairs.
Lutz Community Breathes Sigh of Relief as Missing Teen Cayson Jinks
The search for 15-year-old Cayson Jinks, which swept through the Lutz community, came to a close today as Pasco Sheriff’s deputies reported that Jinks was found and is now safe. Jinks, described as 6’0”, roughly 135 lbs. with brown hair, was reported missing after last being seen earlier yesterday near Thames Place. Details surrounding Jinks' discovery remain limited, but the relief is palpable.
Tampa Braces for More Rain and High Heat as National Weather Service
Source: Google Street View As Tampa residents brace themselves for a continuation of inclement weather, the National Weather Service in Tampa, FL, has released a detailed forecast anticipating more rain and thunderstorms over the next few days.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputies Seize Meth and Cash in Traffic
In a routine traffic stop turned drug bust, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies apprehended a 64-year-old man found with a sizable quantity of Methamphetamine, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Joseph Perrone was pulled over on Friday, at the intersection of 5th Avenue Southeast and 2nd Street Southeast in Ruskin after a deputy noticed the vehicle's irregularities. The situation escalated when Perrone admitted to the deputy that he was driving without his license or registration.
Tampa Braces for Week-Long Rain Deluge, NWS Forecasts Thunderstorms
Source: Google Street View The National Weather Service in Tampa, FL, has issued a weather forecast for the coming week, with a high chance of precipitation and significant rainfall expected across the region. As reported by NWS, today's conditions include showers and a possible thunderstorm, with a high near 88 degrees and heat index values reaching as high as 97.
Mexican National Charged with Burglary and Drug Offenses in Eloise,
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office A Mexican national has been taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for unlawfully residing in a home in Eloise, Florida. Christian Javier Almanza Rosales, 29, was arrested on Thursday after he was discovered living in a property on 1st Street West without the owner’s consent, according to a statement from Polk County Sheriff's Office News.
Avon Park Corrections Officer Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence
In a sobering reminder that those assigned to uphold the law can also fall afoul of it, a corrections officer from Avon Park has been arrested on charges of domestic violence. As reported by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, 29-year-old Artavis Pierce was taken into custody after deputies responded to a call in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred at Pierce's residence in Lakeland, where an argument between him and the victim escalated into violence.
Tampa Braces for Showers and Thunderstorms Amid Soaring Heat Index
The National Weather Service in Tampa, FL, reports that residents should brace for a wet and potentially stormy period ahead, with the forecast calling for a high chance of showers and thunderstorms over the next several days.
Tampa Weekend Weather Brings Thunderstorms and High Heat as NWS
Residents in Tampa, FL, should be prepared to swiftly adjust their weekend plans as the National Weather Service predicts a series of scattered showers and thunderstorms, which are likely to punctuate the days ahead. According to an update from NWS Tampa Bay, today's weather includes a 70% chance of precipitation, with rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible. High temperatures are set to hover near 92°F, with heat index values peaking as high as 100.
Tampa Firefighter Hospitalized as Crews Battle Major Scrapyard Blaze
A firefighter was hospitalized after battling a considerable blaze at a scrapyard in Tampa's Hillsborough County. According to a news release obtained by WTSP, the firefighter's condition is stable, while the fire at the scrapyard continued to be a challenge for emergency responders, sending a large plume of black smoke skyward that was visible county-wide.
Tierra Verde Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Child Sexual
A Tierra Verde man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for his role in disseminating child sexual abuse material (CSAM), as per the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Andrew Newburg, 41, faced U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber, who handed down a sentence of 10 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Newburg will also be placed on the sex offender registry after his prison term.
Heads Up Race Track Road Closure Near South Mobley Road for Utility
Heads up, drivers and commuters in the area, you’re going to want to reroute your GPS settings for the weekend ahead. Hillsborough County officials have announced that a portion of Race Track Road, just north of South Mobley Road, will see a temporary shutdown beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. and running through the early morning of Monday next week. This closure is needed to complete underground utility work in the area.
Tampa Ramps Up Flood Defense with 'Ditch Grading' Initiative Ahead of
Source: City of Tampa The City of Tampa is making strides in flood prevention with its latest initiative, "ditch grading." As the hurricane season ushers in the threat of heavy rains and potential flooding, city workers are intensively clearing and reshaping drainage ditches to enhance the flow of stormwater and safeguard homes, roads, and public utilities.
Nicaraguan National Charged with Enhanced Offenses after DUI
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office Over the past weekend in Winter Haven, Polk County Sheriff's deputies arrested Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, a Nicaraguan national residing in the United States without legal authorization, after he was involved in a DUI and hit-and-run incident. On the evening of August 16, Sandobal-Lopez allegedly crashed his vehicle into a fenced yard on Spirit Lake Road and then attempted to flee the scene.
Tampa Residents Invited to Engage in Sulphur Springs Neighborhood
Tampa residents have an opportunity to shape their community's future as the City of Tampa pushes ahead with the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan (SSNAP). A second workshop, engaging with locals on improvements and collective vision, is scheduled for tonight at the Sulphur Spring K-8 Community School, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This session builds on initial findings and community feedback gathered in an earlier phase of the project.
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