Author: stpeteclearwatersun
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A new law taking effect this school year bans cell phone use for all Florida middle school students and places restrictions on high schoolers, requiring school districts to adopt stricter policies on personal devices. Pasco County schools were ahead of the curve, implementing one of the state’s toughest phone rules last year in anticipation of…
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Tropical Storm Dexter continues to strengthen as it moves east-northeastward in the Atlantic, while forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are also monitoring two other disturbances that could develop in the coming days. Tropical Storm DexterAs of 5 a.m., Dexter was located about 405 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The storm is moving east-northeast…
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A year after Hurricane Debby brushed past Tampa Bay, Gulfport is still reeling from the impact of what local officials have called a “triple threat” storm season. Debby brought widespread flooding to the small waterfront city, damaging hundreds of homes and overwhelming infrastructure. It was the first in a string of storms—followed by Hurricanes Helene…
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Florida is one of a dozen states approved to tighten restrictions on what items can be bought using SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Earlier this year, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that states can now apply to ban SNAP purchases of sugary drinks like soda. The decision follows years of…
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The My Safe Florida Home grant program is now accepting new applications, but high demand has already caused some users to experience website outages. This popular state-run initiative provides free wind mitigation inspections and up to $10,000 in matching grants for storm-resistance upgrades like impact-resistant windows, doors, and reinforced roofs. Funded by taxpayer dollars, the…
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As the new school year begins, Hillsborough County Schools are rolling out updated security protocols to align with recently passed state laws. A major statewide change includes the implementation of the “Locked Door Policy,” aimed at enhancing campus safety during the school day. Hillsborough County Chief of Security John Newman recently guided Spectrum Bay News…
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Millions of federal student loan borrowers are at risk of defaulting this summer, which could lead to wage garnishment and seized tax refunds if they don’t act soon. Roughly 3 million borrowers could fall into default by August, with another 2 million on track by September, according to credit bureau TransUnion. After the pandemic-era pause…
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Tropical Storm Dexter has formed off the U.S. East Coast, while the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is also tracking two other potential systems in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm DexterDexter is forecast to remain over open waters, moving away from the U.S. and staying north of Bermuda, according to the NHC. The storm is currently moving…
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A disturbance in the north-central Gulf of Mexico is producing scattered showers and thunderstorms as it drifts west-northwest, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters say the area of low pressure could move inland over southeastern Texas or western Louisiana by this weekend, which would end any potential for tropical development. While the system may…
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Plans to redevelop the long-closed Toytown landfill in Pinellas County are gaining momentum, thanks to a $15 million state grant that will kickstart long-awaited environmental cleanup efforts. The site, located just off I-275 and Roosevelt Boulevard, has sat unused since its closure by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1990. After three years of…
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As hurricane season ramps up, so does a push to provide safer, affordable housing for families in storm-prone communities. Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on Windhorst Commons, a new 23-home development in Brandon designed to withstand hurricanes and offer long-term security for families still recovering from disasters like Hurricane Milton. For future homeowner Michelle…
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A new law known as the Second Chance Act (SB 1070) aims to protect Florida’s high school athletes by requiring heart screenings before they take the field. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Florida will become the first state in the nation to mandate electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings for all student athletes in grades 9-12 before…
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As the Tampa Bay Rays continue their season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa this season, repairs are ramping up speed at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Team officials have said they expect to return to the Trop for the 2026 season. Tropicana Field sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton. Eighteen of the ballpark’s 24 fabric…
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Emergency rooms across the Florida peninsula and down through the Keys are reporting a sharp rise in injuries from electric bikes and scooters, with teenagers making up a growing share of the cases. Dr. Harold Gomez, an emergency physician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, says he now treats multiple patients each week for serious injuries…
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Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law took effect on July 1, imposing tougher penalties on drivers caught going more than 50 miles per hour over the speed limit or exceeding 100 mph. Since then, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has arrested three drivers under the law—including one in Altamonte Springs clocked at 155 mph this past Sunday.…
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Most roads in St. Petersburg remain in satisfactory or good condition, but city officials say they’re falling behind in efforts to keep up with long-term deterioration — a challenge made worse by recent storms. When the city conducted its first pavement condition assessment in 2019, 37 roadway segments were deemed failed. In 2024, that number…
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The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a small area of low pressure about 900 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles, which has shown increased signs of development. Forecasters say the system is moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph, with environmental conditions expected to support some additional development over the next day or so. However,…
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Major investments and new leadership are advancing long-planned initiatives to transform Williams Park and launch St. Petersburg’s first Downtown Improvement District. A nonprofit organization has secured $800,000 in state funding to upgrade the city’s oldest park, established in 1888. The city previously committed $1.2 million to restore the park’s historic bandshell, designed by architect William…
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The City of Tarpon Springs and Pinellas County joined forces Saturday to host a Storm Mitigation Expo aimed at helping residents gear up for hurricane season. Experts were on hand to share practical advice for storm prep, from sandbag placement to post-storm cleanup. “Don’t tie the sandbags too tightly—leave a little space between the sand…
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Plans to replace Clearwater’s aging downtown bus terminal are advancing, with a modern, accessible transit center set to take its place. The current Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) station on Park Street has long been criticized for its deteriorating conditions, including a leaking roof and broken pavement. Riders say it’s no longer safe or functional,…
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University of Florida researchers say artificial intelligence may soon give Florida farmers a faster, easier way to assess hurricane crop damage. In January, UF researchers told the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee that three hurricanes in 2024 led to as much as $975.8 million in agricultural production losses. But pinpointing storm damage can take days or…
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A newly signed Florida law is changing how law enforcement operates on the water, but not all boaters are on board. The Boater Freedom Act, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this month, now requires that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and other local agencies have probable cause before stopping…
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Health officials in Hillsborough County, Florida, have confirmed multiple deaths linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous flesh-eating bacterium. The Florida Department of Health reported a rise in infections, particularly following recent coastal flooding and hurricanes, which may have increased exposure to the bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish waters and can infect…
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As storm season ramps up, experts are urging residents to go beyond boarding up windows by preparing their homes, finances, and critical documents before disaster strikes. While much of the focus has been on protecting flood-prone areas, many residents in neighborhoods that rarely see major storm damage still lack the tools and knowledge to prepare…
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Pinellas County is launching a $125 million beach renourishment project to restore eroded shorelines along Treasure Island, Sand Key, and Long Key-Upham Beach, aiming to better protect homes and infrastructure from future storms better. The project, which begins in September, will place 2.5 million cubic yards of sand dredged from the Gulf of America onto…
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Drivers who speed through school zones in Tampa could soon be caught on camera. Beginning August 11, the City of Tampa will activate speed enforcement cameras at 10 schools as part of a new initiative to enhance student safety. During the first month of the program, violators will only receive warning notices. But starting September…
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Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg may finalize a deal to sell the team as early as September, according to a report by The Athletic. The sale, valued at approximately $1.7 billion, would transfer ownership to a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski. The prospective buyers reportedly intend to keep the Rays in the…
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St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) hit a major milestone in June, welcoming more than 300,000 passengers — the highest monthly total in the airport’s history, according to a recent report from PIE. So far this year, passenger traffic is up 10% compared to the same period in 2023, fueled in part by the airport’s nonstop…
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Starting Monday, law enforcement agencies across Florida—including the Florida Highway Patrol—are ramping up efforts to reduce speeding through a coordinated, week-long campaign called Operation Southern Slow Down. The crackdown isn’t limited to Florida. The initiative spans multiple southeastern states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Its primary goal is to cut down on speed-related…
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The City of Tampa is holding its final two storm resiliency meetings this week, with events scheduled for Monday evening at Adum K-8 Magnet School in South Tampa and Tuesday at the TPD Rich House in Tampa Heights. These meetings offer residents updates on the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce flooding during heavy rains and…
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The original Howard Frankland Bridge is now on its way out. This week, crews began the careful and lengthy process of dismantling the decades-old structure. With traffic now fully shifted to the new span, work is underway to take the old bridge apart piece by piece. On Friday, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invited…
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St. Petersburg officials are preparing to formally end their stalled stadium deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and move forward with new redevelopment plans. The original $1.3 billion stadium proposal collapsed when the Rays chose not to proceed, letting a key agreement expire on March 31. Though that automatically voided other elements of the deal,…
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Brightline is accelerating plans to expand its high-speed rail service to Tampa, announcing a $400 million bond sale to help finance the long-anticipated Orlando-to-Tampa extension. The Florida-based rail company says the new line will be a key step in its mission to link the state’s major metropolitan areas, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach,…
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Treasure Island city leaders held a public meeting Wednesday night to share details about an upcoming beach renourishment project that’s already received final approval. But not everyone is on board. More than 130 homeowners have yet to sign the necessary easements, with many expressing concerns that the last renourishment effort failed to deliver results. “I’m…
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Pinellas County is launching a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving emergency response during storms. Officials announced the county has secured $750,000 to help elevate traffic signal cabinets along Gulf Boulevard—equipment essential for managing traffic lights at key intersections. Last hurricane season, dozens of these cabinets were destroyed after being submerged in saltwater. “Water and…
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Largo residents impacted by last month’s EF-1 tornado may now qualify for low-interest federal disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially recognized the June 25 storm as a qualifying federal disaster, according to a news release from city officials on Wednesday. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that experienced property damage or…
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The City of St. Petersburg is strengthening its Southwest Water Reclamation Facility as part of a $13 million thickening expansion project designed to enhance efficiency—and withstand future hurricanes. The move follows last year’s storms, which exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s wastewater infrastructure. During Hurricane Helene, four out of five generators failed at the Northeast facility,…
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Pinellas County officials are holding a series of public meetings to outline a one-time, $125.7 million emergency beach renourishment project aimed at restoring sand dunes damaged during last year’s hurricanes. The large-scale effort will bring more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sand to eroded stretches of Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Upham Beach. Funded…
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Drivers crossing the Howard Frankland Bridge into Tampa will notice a major change starting Wednesday. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is moving northbound traffic onto the former southbound bridge, which was constructed in the 1990s. That span has remained unused since March, when the new southbound bridge officially opened. Crews have since been preparing…
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For the first time in over two decades, the City of St. Petersburg is developing a new master plan to revitalize the underutilized Port of St. Pete. Unveiled at a public open house on June 25, three early concept plans outline potential improvements to the aging facility and 4.4 acres of nearby land just south…
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Sarasota County Commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on a $10 million investment aimed at overhauling the county’s aging stormwater infrastructure—a move spurred by the flooding impacts of last year’s hurricanes. For many residents, the vote can’t come soon enough. Some say they fear flooding every time it rains, and claim years have gone by…
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A waterspout was spotted off Clearwater Beach late Monday morning as storms moved through the area. According to the National Weather Service, the funnel formed at 11:20 a.m. and remained offshore. The brief phenomenon was included in a preliminary storm report released by the NWS. Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google,…
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The City of Tampa is inviting residents to weigh in on local flooding concerns through a series of upcoming public meetings. City officials say this effort follows a recent vulnerability assessment that identified heavy rainfall—not hurricanes—as Tampa’s most pressing flood threat. Already this month, intense rain events have highlighted the system’s limitations. Mayor Jane Castor…
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