Category: News
-
A family has been awarded an $8.15 million verdict in a lawsuit against Busch Gardens Tampa Bay after a child sustained serious injuries at the theme park. In September 2022, the child attended a Howl-O-Scream event. According to Morgan & Morgan attorneys Paul Fulmer, Grant Gillenwater, Bora Kayan, and Megan Tiralosi, the doors to the…
·
-
Residents in unincorporated Pinellas County will soon receive letters regarding their property’s substantial damage determination. Those living in a flood hazard area who are awaiting their letters can still apply for permits to repair their homes. If residents have a permit application ready and live in the unincorporated part of the county, they are eligible…
·
-
Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance. This extension offers more time for homeowners and renters to seek financial aid for displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. RELATED: FEMA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Aid Applications…
·
-
Flight cancellations can turn the best-laid travel plans into a chaotic scramble. Imagine gearing up for a long-awaited trip, only to learn hours before your departure that your flight has been cancelled. This reality affects countless travelers across the country, leaving many unsure of their rights. Given the frequency of such disruptions, understanding what rights…
·
-
Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. has issued a recall for hundreds of bags of “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” dog treats over potential salmonella contamination. The voluntary recall affects 16-ounce purple-and-black bags distributed to Hollywood Feed stores across 19 states and through the company’s online retailer. The specific lot number at risk is 20051324L2, with…
·
-
The 2024 hurricane season is drawing to a close, bringing a sense of relief to Tampa Bay area residents after a year marked by relentless storms. This season produced 18 named storms, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton delivering the greatest impact on the region. “These were major events for us,” said Mark Wool, a meteorologist…
·
-
The City of St. Pete may have cleared the 49-story hotel-branded condominium Waldorf Astoria in early November, but that was more of a formality than an obstacle. The real challenge is gaining approval at the federal level for the much-touted project, which is tentatively located at 150 2nd Avenue South in downtown St. Pete. The…
·
-
The concept of financial success varies widely depending on whom you ask—and, perhaps unsurprisingly, on their generation. According to new research from financial services company Empower, the average American believes financial success means earning $270,000 annually and having a net worth of $5.3 million. The study, based on responses from over 2,000 U.S. adults, reveals…
·
-
In Citrus County’s Floral City, the River Bend Cattle Company is a place where tradition meets innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of ranching while honoring its past. First-generation cattle rancher Billy Bevers, who manages the company with his wife Megan, opens the gates of their operation to visitors, encouraging them to learn more…
·
-
Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters has forcefully rebutted claims by the Tampa Bay Rays that the county derailed plans for a new baseball stadium, calling the accusation “categorically false.” In a public letter sent Monday to Rays executives Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, Peters requested that the team clarify their intentions regarding the $1.3…
·
-
The site at 5805 Park Blvd. in Pinellas Park, once a manufacturing facility, is set to undergo a major transformation into a mixed-use complex, led by Mastry’s Brewing Co. The project, known as Park Junction, will include a 5,000-square-foot brewery and a 36,000-square-foot market house. The market house will feature office space, studios, event areas,…
·
-
Following back-to-back hurricanes, Category 4 Helene and Category 3 Milton, programs serving the homeless in the Tampa Bay area are witnessing a significant increase in the number of people needing assistance. Yvonne Morales, the Homeless Program Section Chief at Bay Pines VA Hospital, noted a substantial rise in veterans seeking help. “Our calls to the…
·
-
Amid Rising Gas Prices, AAA Predicts 4.1 Million Floridians Will Still Hit the Road for Thanksgiving
AAA projects that over 4.5 million Floridians will travel this Thanksgiving week, with 4.1 million opting for road trips. Drivers should anticipate higher costs at the pump this year. Florida’s average gas price rose to $3.12 on Sunday, up from an average of $3.01 per gallon last week. AAA reports that crude oil prices increased…
·
-
Pinellas County Commission Chair Kathleen Peters has pressed the Tampa Bay Rays to declare their intentions regarding the $1.3 billion stadium project by December 1, 2024. In a letter sent Monday to Rays Presidents Brian Auld and Matthew Silverman, Peters called for clarity on whether the team plans to proceed with the agreement amid stalled…
·
-
The holiday travel season is here, and this year, Thanksgiving travel is poised to break records. According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel nationwide this week, including approximately 4.5 million Floridians. “There’s going to be a lot of people out there on the roadways leading up to Thanksgiving and, of course,…
·
-
Florida residents impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance. Eligible homeowners and renters may receive financial aid for displacement, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related expenses that are uninsured or underinsured. How to Apply: For accessible instructions on applying, visit FEMA’s YouTube…
·
-
As Thanksgiving week approaches, known for record-breaking airline travel, rough weather is expected in various parts of the country, potentially causing travel delays. The Midwest and Great Lakes regions are forecasted to receive snow early in the week, while the East Coast faces weather concerns on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. For the first time this…
·
-
The deadline to apply for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for damage caused by Hurricane Helene is Wednesday, November 27. These loans help bridge the gap between what insurance and FEMA cover and what homeowners and business owners can afford, according to SBA spokesperson Julie Garrett. They can also cover insurance deductibles.…
·
-
Two months after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tampa Bay’s coastline, the City of Largo hosted a community meeting on Friday to help residents navigate the rebuilding process. “Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help neighbors rebuild in compliance with state, local, and federal regulations,” said Largo City Manager John…
·
-
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed Fort Myers Beach on probation from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), causing concern among residents. “Really, really unfair. Extremely unfair. You know, we should all be treated equally,” said Fort Myers Beach resident Kevin Mahoney. Officials stated that FEMA will also downgrade the town’s Community Rating…
·
-
On Friday, 10 Tampa Bay got an exclusive look at the debris clean-up process with CrowderGulf, one of the area’s largest debris-hauling contractors. CrowderGulf Disaster Recovery & Debris Management is handling debris collection in several locations, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and parts of Hillsborough County. According to CrowderGulf Senior VP Reid…
·
-
In an effort to strengthen school safety, Florida has introduced new measures to address a troubling rise in false school threat reports, many stemming from misuse of the FortifyFL app. Designed to allow students to anonymously report suspicious activity, the app has inadvertently caused a surge in fake tips, overwhelming law enforcement and school administrators.…
·
-
The Florida real estate market, initially ignited by the pandemic, remains active—albeit at a steadier pace. Limited housing inventory continues to fuel competition among buyers, pushing up prices for affordable homes. In October, the median home value in the U.S. reached $360,385, reflecting a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. While rising mortgage rates…
·
-
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s be honest, spending. For households in the Tampa Bay area, budgeting for the holidays is an important task. According to recent data, the average Tampa Bay household is expected to spend around $1,423 on holiday-related expenses this year. This figure includes gifts, decorations, food,…
·
-
Following the devastation from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, far too many Florida homeowners are grappling with property insurance claim issues. Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis urges those affected to contact his office before seeking outside help for their insurance claims. For Kris Yarborough, the aftermath of the storms has meant seeing decades of hard work and…
·
-
During a meeting on November 7, City Commissioner Moe Freaney shared a lighthearted moment involving her niece’s daughter, who found joy in watching a video of a claw truck picking up storm debris. “She thought that was the coolest thing,” Freaney remarked, contrasting the child’s reaction with those who found the video distressing. Freaney commended…
·
-
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has issued new guidelines urging cities and counties across the state to discontinue adding fluoride to public drinking water. Speaking at a news conference in Winter Haven—where officials recently decided to end water fluoridation by year’s end—Dr. Ladapo described the practice as “public health malpractice” based on current research.…
·
-
St. Petersburg is set to vote on a bond issuance to finance the city’s contribution to a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium, but it might not make a difference. Before the delayed bond vote on Tuesday evening, the Rays sent a stern letter to Pinellas County commissioners. Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman stated…
·
-
Fort De Soto Park suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with storm surges flooding nearly the entire park. Despite the extensive destruction, Pinellas County officials are diligently working to clean up the park and prepare it for reopening. The park is currently bustling with contractors, volunteers, and employees, all dedicated to restoring the…
·
-
Pinellas County reports its contractor is on track to complete the first pass of storm debris collections in unincorporated areas before Thanksgiving. Following the holiday, the contractor will begin its second and final pass. Once a road is cleared, a separate monitoring contractor will take photos. If no debris remains, the County will consider the…
·
-
The 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Pinellas County, with many property owners facing significant damage. As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and ensure you’re prepared for any future storms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help Pinellas property owners brace for the upcoming season.…
·
-
Snowcat Ridge, the Tampa Bay area’s only alpine snow park, officially returns today, November 22, bringing a winter wonderland to Dade City. Snow Tubing Adventures The park’s main attraction, Snowy Slopes, is a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill. Guests can choose between single, tandem, or group tubing for up to 10 people. The slopes come…
·
-
Frustration reached a boiling point in St. Pete Beach this week as residents and business owners demanded city leaders accelerate the permitting process for storm-damaged properties after suffering huge losses from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the gathering at city hall on Tuesday night wasn’t labeled a protest, it was clear that attendees came with…
·
-
Demonstrating unsurprising demand, the “My Safe Florida Condo” pilot program, designed to help Florida condo associations fortify their buildings, reached its application capacity within just three days. Allocated $30 million as part of the broader “My Safe Florida Home” initiative, the program allows each condo association to receive up to $175,000. This means approximately 170…
·
-
Thanksgiving break has arrived, providing the perfect opportunity to take a pause and create cherished family memories. The St. Pete area is brimming with activities for all ages, whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or just a delightful escape from home. Gather the kids and enjoy these local Thanksgiving break highlights! 1. Unchant: A…
·
-
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude, love, and delicious food. But for pet owners, sharing holiday treats with your furry friends could result in an unexpected trip to the vet. While 1 in 3 pet parents admit to slipping their pets a little something from the dinner table, these well-meaning gestures can be harmful—or…
·
-
As if the cold weather weren’t enough, there’s another reason to think twice about heading to the beach: red tide persists in the Tampa Bay area, particularly in Manatee and Sarasota counties. This week, high concentrations of the toxin were detected near the 10th Street Pier in Bradenton and the Longboat Pass boat ramp. Further…
·
-
The Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium situation has created significant tension in St. Petersburg, with employees and local businesses anxiously awaiting resolution. Michele Dyson, a 10-year Tropicana Field employee, embodies the human impact of the ongoing stadium drama. “It’s more than just a stadium; it’s a home for a lot of us,” Dyson explained to WFLA,…
·
-
A heartwarming homecoming recently unfolded, as dozens of coral species have been safely returned to the Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach after being evacuated ahead of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These vital organisms, essential to Florida’s ecosystem and economy, are now back under the care of biologists eager to continue…
·
-
The housing market in Florida is facing challenges, and Tampa is no exception, according to a new report from Redfin. Released on Tuesday, the report reveals that the five U.S. cities with the biggest decrease in home sales are all in Florida. In Tampa, home sales dropped by 7.2%, while Fort Lauderdale saw a 15.2%…
·
-
Great news for Florida drivers: Circle K Fuel Day is back! On Thursday, November 21, Circle K locations across the state that sell gas will offer a special promotion with a significant discount on fuel. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., customers can enjoy a savings of 40 cents off every gallon of gas at…
·
-
Florida’s largest property insurer, Citizens Property Insurance, closed 50% of its claims without payment in 2023, according to a report by Weiss Ratings, an independent Florida-based ratings agency. The report revealed that Citizens denied payment in approximately 17,000 cases last year, resulting in a non-payment rate of 50.4%. This rate surpasses private insurers such as…
·
-
Good news for those preparing for the holidays: the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner will be lower this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings for ten people is estimated to cost $58.08, a 5% decrease compared to 2023. Now in its 39th year, the federation’s…
·
-
Hurricane recovery efforts dominated discussions at the Madeira Beach City Commission workshop and regular meeting on November 13. The city’s October meetings were canceled due to ongoing recovery efforts following recent storms. Damaged Jetty Sparks Debate City Manager Robin Gomez reported significant damage to the John’s Pass jetty, which had been battered first by Hurricane…
·