Author: Owen E. Richason IV
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Facing more frequent and severe storms, St. Petersburg is pushing forward with $614 million in accelerated stormwater upgrades — but without a fully developed plan to fund them. The city’s current utility revenues are enough to maintain day-to-day operations, but not the scale of upgrades needed. With many residents already feeling the pinch of recent…
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Following catastrophic flash flooding in Texas that claimed the lives of at least 120 people, emergency officials in the Tampa Bay Area are urging residents to sign up for local emergency alert notifications. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor took to social media Wednesday with a clear message: don’t wait until it’s too late. “We are not…
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Hezekiah Walters was a 14-year-old eager to play football at Middleton High School in Tampa. He had no known heart issues when he collapsed during summer conditioning drills in June 2019. Minutes into the workout, he suffered cardiac arrest and died—his death was later linked to undiagnosed heart conditions and heat-related complications. Now, Florida has…
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Colorado State University has slightly lowered its hurricane season forecast but continues to project a busier-than-normal year for tropical activity. In its latest update released Wednesday, CSU’s tropical meteorology team now predicts 16 named storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Of those, eight are expected to become hurricanes, with four likely to reach Category…
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No tropical activity is expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next seven days, but meteorologists are monitoring the Gulf of Mexico for a low chance of tropical development between July 16 and July 22. July is a historically active month for tropical formation in the Gulf and just off the U.S. East Coast, largely…
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Google recently launched its AI-powered Weather Lab, offering forecasters a new tool better to predict the path and strength of tropical cyclones. Traditional hurricane models rely on physics-based numerical weather prediction, which involves solving complex equations using supercomputers. These simulations can take hours to generate a single forecast. In contrast, AI models developed by Google…
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The Florida Department of Education has released the 2024–2025 school year grades, and just two Tampa Bay districts—Pinellas and Sarasota—earned an overall ‘A’ rating. “This is another proud moment for Pinellas County Schools,” said Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. “Earning a district grade of an ‘A’ shows the strength and commitment of our students, teachers, and staff,…
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Recent deadly flooding in Texas is prompting Florida officials to renew warnings about the dangers of rising rivers during hurricane season. Emergency management leaders in Hillsborough County and across Florida are urging residents to stay alert to river conditions, especially during heavy rainfall. The Alafia River surged 23 feet after Hurricane Helene — its highest…
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An Allegiant Air flight was forced to return to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport on Sunday after a passenger allegedly made a bomb threat mid-flight. Flight 1023 departed at 2:03 p.m. en route to Roanoke, Virginia, but quickly turned around after two passengers got into a verbal altercation. During the argument, one of the individuals reportedly…
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Three months after Pinellas County updated its short-term rental ordinance—targeting platforms like Airbnb—some residents say the changes have done little to address their concerns. The revised ordinance, approved in March, aimed to improve neighborhood quality of life by increasing property owner accountability, ensuring guest safety, and preserving community standards, according to a county memo. Key…
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Florida’s new “Super Speeder” Law, officially House Bill 351, is now in effect as of July 1—and law enforcement agencies say it could make a serious impact on road safety. The law imposes steep penalties on drivers caught going more than 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit or exceeding 100 mph anywhere…
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As Tropical Storm Andrea passed by Florida last month without causing major damage, it served as a reminder that a busy hurricane season may lie ahead. To help residents stay better informed and prepared, a new app called Beacon 24/7 is now available. Powered by artificial intelligence and backed by top weather researchers across Florida,…
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Florida drivers can now be fined for speeding through flooded streets and creating hazardous wakes, thanks to a newly signed bipartisan law. The “no wake” provision was added to Senate Bill 462—a broader transportation package—by two Pinellas County lawmakers: Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, and Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg. The pair introduced the…
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Among more than 100 new laws that took effect Tuesday, two aim to ease financial and logistical burdens for Florida condo owners, particularly when it comes to making buildings more hurricane-resilient. One of the major changes comes through House Bill 393, which updates the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot Program. Originally launched in the 2024–2025…
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A low-pressure system may develop near Florida by the Fourth of July weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters at the NHC say a stalled and weakening frontal boundary off the southeastern U.S. coast could give rise to an area of low pressure by the weekend. The system could form over Atlantic waters off…
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A major waterfront rebuild is set to begin in Safety Harbor, marking a significant step in the city’s recovery from the devastating hurricanes of last year. The Fire Marshal Dick Brock Memorial Pier—once a lively spot for fishing, sunset views, and community gatherings—was destroyed during the storms, leaving only its pilings behind. Beginning July 7,…
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Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday approved a sweeping $1.6 billion tax relief package that eliminates a key business tax and offers sales-tax breaks on items ranging from school supplies to outdoor gear and ammunition. The new law (HB 7031), which takes effect Tuesday, includes permanent sales-tax exemptions on hurricane-preparedness items like batteries, generators, and tarps.…
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The Tampa Bay area is gearing up for a soggy week as forecasters predict persistent showers and thunderstorms through the Fourth of July holiday and into the following week. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa and local meteorologists, an upper-level low-pressure system and a stalled front over the Gulf of Mexico are…
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Walt Disney World may eventually welcome a fifth major theme park—though not anytime soon. A newly released planning document from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the board responsible for land use and development at the resort, outlines the potential for significant future expansion. According to the district’s comprehensive plan, up to 500 acres have…
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An EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 90 mph touched down in Largo on Wednesday, catching residents off guard and raising questions about why no warning was issued. Susan Haas was at home in the Bay Ranch Mobile Home Park when her dog Ollie began to tremble violently — a sign something was wrong. Moments later,…
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Florida’s traditional hurricane preparedness tax holidays are no more, but some emergency items will now be permanently tax-free. The $115 billion state budget approved by lawmakers eliminates the two annual disaster preparedness sales tax holidays typically held in June and late summer. Instead, the state is shifting to year-round tax exemptions on select hurricane supplies.…
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Citizens Property Insurance Corp. saw its policy count dip to 777,592 last Friday—the lowest total for this time of year since June 2021—as Florida’s state-run insurer continues efforts to shrink its footprint and return to its original role as an insurer of last resort. The drop is part of a broader “depopulation” initiative designed to…
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Several Pinellas County communities are set to benefit from millions in state funding aimed at boosting hurricane recovery and long-term storm resiliency, thanks to allocations in Florida’s newly approved budget. State Sen. Nick DiCeglie played a key role in securing funding for infrastructure and recovery projects in areas hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
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Earlier this month, Google DeepMind and Google Labs unveiled a new AI-powered hurricane forecasting model — and they’re making bold claims about its performance. According to Google, this AI system delivers more accurate predictions than some of the world’s most trusted traditional models, both in terms of storm track and intensity. But how well do…
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Tropical Storm Andrea has officially formed in the Atlantic, marking the first named storm of the 2025 hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center reports that Andrea is expected to weaken and dissipate by Wednesday as it remains over open water. The system poses no threat to land, and no coastal watches or warnings have been…
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Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez has proposed a novel Home Insurance Relief Property Tax Credit to ease the financial burden on homeowners facing skyrocketing property insurance costs. The plan, which would offer tax credits to offset home insurance premium increases of 15% or more for owner-occupied homes with household incomes below $150,000, comes as…
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Hurricane Idalia rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm in under 24 hours before striking Florida’s Big Bend in August 2023—a phenomenon that’s becoming more common in the Gulf of America. Now, researchers at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus say freshwater from rivers may be playing a surprising…
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Like a toddler on the move, child care costs continue to rise—both across the nation and here in the Tampa Bay area. For many working families, two incomes are essential just to stay afloat. But with both parents employed, reliable child care becomes a necessity—and an increasingly expensive one. Kenneth and Kimberly Norton, parents of…
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Florida’s latest state budget is finalized — and property tax relief didn’t make the cut. Gov. Ron DeSantis had pushed for a property tax rebate during negotiations, saying, “We’re working with the Senate on the budget on getting that through.” But as the legislative session closed, the proposal failed to gain enough traction. Still, legislative…
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Pinellas County is reinforcing traffic signals ahead of hurricane season by replacing older span wire systems with stronger mast arms at key intersections. Crews are currently working at 30 intersections across the county to complete the upgrades. Unlike span wires that can twist and fail in high winds, mast arms offer a sturdier, more storm-resistant…
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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is well underway, and early forecasts suggest it could be another above-average year for storm activity — much like the hyperactive 2024 season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its annual outlook the end of May, predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of…
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New couples should avoid this counterproductive parenting style, arguably created by Gen X and unfortunately perpetuated by Millennials… A new study conducted by the Westinghouse Corporation through YouGov reveals Gen Z cannot perform some of the most basic household chores. In fact, nearly 50% of respondents admitted they’re totally unprepared for everyday household chores, and…
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St. Petersburg residents can expect 8–9% utility rate increases as the city confronts escalating infrastructure costs, compounded by the aftermath of a historic hurricane season. City administrators presented their proposed utility rate adjustments for fiscal year 2026 during Thursday’s Budget, Finance, and Taxation Committee meeting. If approved, the changes would raise typical monthly utility bills…
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Understanding the true cost of a medical procedure before it happens is often difficult — and for many patients, the final bill is far higher than expected. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching an investigation into hospital billing practices, aiming to hold providers accountable for a lack of price transparency. “I had to pay…
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Since the opening of the new Howard Frankland Bridge span in March, crashes have increased near the bridge’s Tampa-side entry point, raising concerns among drivers and transportation officials. Many incidents have occurred in the curved section of I-275 southbound, creating major traffic delays and prompting questions about the road design. “It’s very concerning,” David Alonso,…
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The St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved a sweeping $159.8 million federal disaster recovery plan to help the city rebuild from the devastating 2024 hurricane season. The vote came June 12 after a thorough discussion and public hearing on the “Sunrise St. Pete” initiative, which aims to address $1.68 billion in unmet storm-related needs.…
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The St. Petersburg City Council has officially approved a six-year, $159.9 million disaster recovery plan aimed at helping residents rebuild and fortify their homes after recent hurricanes. “This plan does two major things,” said Council Chair Copley Gerdes. “It injects funding directly into single-family and multifamily homes for mitigation, resiliency, and even reimbursement for storm-related…
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When Hurricane Helene tore through Hudson, Florida last year, Steve Papola’s home was no match for the floodwaters. Seven feet of storm surge devastated the property—warping wood floors, soaking drywall, and frying the electrical system. Determined not to relive the destruction, Papola is now rebuilding with resilience in mind. Helene became the deadliest U.S. hurricane…
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After hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Florida last year, countless Tampa Bay residents found themselves caught in a maze of delays—waiting for permits, answers on substantial damage letters, and direction on who was responsible for getting them back in their homes. Eight months later, many of those same homeowners are still displaced, stuck in limbo.…
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As hurricane season ramps up, most Floridians know to stock up on essentials like water, batteries, and nonperishable food. But financial experts warn that one crucial part of storm preparation is often overlooked: safeguarding your financial documents. Michael Esposito, Tampa Bay Market President for Bank of America, says homeowners and renters should gather key financial…
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Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that he’s continuing to push for a property tax rebate for Florida homeowners this year — even as legislative leaders say no formal proposal has been presented. Earlier this year, DeSantis floated the idea of giving up to $1,000 back to every homeowner who qualifies for a homestead exemption, positioning…
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Walmart is bringing its drone delivery service to Florida for the first time, with Tampa and Orlando set to pilot the program. Previously limited to Dallas, Texas, and Bentonville, Arkansas, the service is now expanding to several new cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston. Walmart says it’s the first major retailer to scale up drone…
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Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort, has seen its policy count fall below one million for the first time in over two years—largely due to private companies selecting its most attractive policies. After a volatile hurricane season, Citizens has transferred nearly 500,000 policies to private insurers since January 2024. While that…
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Just days into the 2025 hurricane season, Tampa International Airport officials say the facility is ready to respond swiftly if tropical weather threatens the region. Much of this year’s preparedness is based on lessons learned from last year’s double blow by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which tested the airport’s emergency protocols. Coordinating closely with weather…
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