Tag: Tampa Bay
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Gulfport residents are raising alarms about significant changes reshaping their community while they struggle to recover, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their town. When floodwaters surged from the Gulfport Marina, the district neighborhood suffered widespread damage. More than twelve weeks later, longtime resident Marie Lamarre says many of her neighbors have yet to…
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St. Pete Beach is calling for volunteers to help alleviate a backlog that’s preventing storm victims from rebuilding their homes. Blue tarps and sandbags cover numerous rooftops in the Bahia Shores neighborhood, a stark reminder of Hurricane Helene’s impact last fall. The remnants of destruction are still visible as residents await their permits, three months…
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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum suffered significant damage to several invaluable artifacts due to floodwaters from Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. The museum’s board is now evaluating each artifact while also focusing on repairing the building itself. “This place is a mess, but it’s where we’re keeping the treasures we’ve managed…
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Numerous St. Petersburg residents have reported receiving shockingly high water bills in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “I was absolutely shocked when I saw the bill was around $4,500,” exclaimed St. Pete local Miles Hitchcock. Details: Following the hurricanes, Hitchcock was slapped with a water bill of $4,500, which was roughly 20 times…
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Even months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the psychological impact on children could still be significant, according to Dr. Steve O’Brien, a Clinical Child Psychologist in Tampa Bay. “Children really grasp that this is now a part of their reality, and unfortunately, they’ll see these events as even more likely than they might have before,”…
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to terminate its transitional shelter assistance for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, effective Tuesday. This decision affects those who FEMA has determined no longer qualify for the program. Details on Affected Individuals: Approximately 47,000 residents of Florida have been residing in hotels and motels since…
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After Hurricane Milton forced the City of St. Petersburg to shut down two major sewer treatment plants proactively, officials have taken steps to strengthen the city’s wastewater infrastructure against future storms. The city has approved a $600,000 investment to purchase an AquaFence to safeguard a critical lift station near Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St.…
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As Gasparilla events kick off later this week, Tampa’s law enforcement will be patrolling on foot, on the water, and by air. Tampa police highlight that the aviation unit, which provides a bird’s-eye view of areas year-round, will be active during Gasparilla as well. Tampa Police Chief Pilot Chris Shepherd stated that aircraft will monitor…
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Indian Rocks Beach officials revisited the contentious issue of short-term rental regulations during a meeting, continuing a years-long debate. In 2023, city commissioners enacted an ordinance aimed at regulating vacation rental properties, commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The ordinance required rental owners to register with the city, capped occupancy at 10 guests…
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As work begins on the Westshore Interchange, drivers are eager to see if the project will alleviate the traffic problems in the area. The Westshore Interchange is a crucial juncture where the Veterans Expressway, State Road 60 (Memorial Highway/Kennedy Boulevard), the Howard Frankland Bridge, and I-275 converge near Tampa International Airport. Sean O’Flannery, who drives…
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The City of New Port Richey has issued a stop work order on four apartment units for violating city ordinances for repairs done after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. WFTS reporter Michael Paluska first investigated this story following a tip from a tenant. When he initially met with Justin Kearns at his apartment, they noticed buckets…
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St. Petersburg is set to commence repairs on Albert Whitted Airport, over three months after Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the publicly owned facility. On January 9, City Council members unanimously approved a $1.2 million contract to start the demolition and removal of damaged hangars. Crews are scheduled to begin constructing the 2025 Firestone…
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Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) is urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to expedite the reopening of two post office locations in her district that have remained closed for months following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Rep. Castor called for action to restore operations at the Ruskin…
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The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a health alert following the detection of red tide near Skyway Beach. Water samples collected on January 8 confirmed the presence of red tide in the area. Residents and visitors are advised to check for posted signs at public beaches or visit the “Protecting…
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More than 100 days after Hurricane Helene displaced hundreds of Gulfport residents, many are still unable to return to their homes, with most yet to receive permits to begin rebuilding. Frustration has mounted, with residents expressing their dissatisfaction to city leaders this week. “Take action and do something to help people. Get these damn permits…
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Thousands of families remain displaced following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To help these residents secure temporary or permanent housing, the city of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair. This event will serve as a one-stop resource, connecting families with local housing providers.…
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The Tampa City Council is poised to review a $3 million initiative aimed at supporting hurricane victims, including residents like Belina Trask, who has been struggling to restore her home in Forest Hills since the hurricanes hit. In 2025, Trask recounted her ordeal to WFLA News, “Half the house flooded.” Like many others, Trask turned…
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Over 100 days after Hurricane Helene struck, many Pinellas County residents remain displaced, with some living in damaged, unfinished homes while awaiting permits to rebuild. Local news channel WFLA brought these concerns to federal officials, but the responsibility appears to be shifting back to the county. As colder months set in, homeowners are growing frustrated…
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As drones become increasingly prevalent worldwide, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has launched a new exhibit aimed at introducing both children and adults to this exciting technology. “Our role is to ensure we’re introducing and staying current with what’s happening globally,” said Janet White, MOSI’s Director of Education. The exhibit, titled Flight Club…
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A slice of the Big Apple is coming to the Sunshine State as H&H Bagels, the iconic New York institution, prepares to open its doors in Tampa this January. The legendary bagel shop will make its Florida debut at 1155 South Dale Mabry Highway, with doors expected to open within the next four weeks. A…
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Municipalities along Tampa Bay’s coast are still grappling with the damage assessment process, and in some cases, homeowners are receiving conflicting letters. Earlier this week, Spectrum Bay News 9 also spoke with a St. Pete Beach resident who received contradictory letters, and now an Indian Rocks Beach resident is facing the same issue. Storm surge…
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Kim Zetta claims she received only $52,000 for her insurance claim, despite a public adjuster estimating the damages to exceed $300,000. The struggle to return home after Hurricanes Helene and Milton continues for many in the Tampa Bay area, including a St. Petersburg resident who feels her insurance company has underpaid her claim. She contacted…
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St. Petersburg is set to receive over $160 million to bolster its resilience against future storms, aid local businesses, and assist residents still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. However, Amy Foster, the city’s housing and neighborhood services administrator, indicated during a city council committee meeting on Thursday that the disbursement of these funds could…
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Aid might soon be available for Tampa residents still reeling from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During Thursday’s meeting, the Tampa City Council is set to discuss updates on funding that could assist with mortgage payments, insurance deductibles, and other recovery expenses. Councilman Luis Viera highlighted that this aid would be particularly beneficial for residents in…
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Parents with young children may soon have more flexibility throughout the day. Florida state senator Lori Berman has introduced new legislation to extend voluntary Pre-K programs from four hours a day to eight. Currently, parents must pick up their children after four hours or pay for the second half of the day. “Right now, if…
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Tampa General Hospital has agreed to a $6.8 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from a May 2023 data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 2.1 million individuals. Eligible individuals who received written notification of the breach can file claims to recover documented losses or opt for a lump sum payment…
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In a close 4-1 vote on Tuesday evening, the Gulfport City Council approved the first reading of a resolution to initiate a preliminary engineering study focused on the drainage issues around Wood Ibis Park and adjacent areas. Residents along 27th Avenue S. and 58th Street S. have been facing persistent flooding concerns during even moderate…
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When Hurricane Milton struck Palm Harbor, it damaged 15 screens at Dave Hoffmann’s home. In early December, he and his wife hired Steve Bourget Rescreening to fix the damage, with assurances the work would be completed the following week. However, they were required to pay a 50% deposit upfront, totaling $750, which Hoffmann paid by…
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Thousands of Tampa Bay area residents are still navigating the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, grappling with significant challenges, including confusion over damage assessment letters issued by local municipalities. These letters are critical because if a home is deemed more than 50% damaged, the homeowner is typically required to either demolish or elevate the…
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Families hit hard by the storms face yet another major setback. Many have not been able to return to their homes, and now a looming deadline could force them to pack their bags once again. Hurricanes Helene and Milton’s surge left several Treasure Island communities in shambles. The City of Treasure Island is dealing with…
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The deadline to apply for FEMA aid for hurricane relief is today, January 7. Residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton need to submit their applications before the end of the day. FEMA representatives have been assisting residents through the application process for months. According to FEMA representative Belinda Borrero, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) offer…
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Tampa Bay Rays officials now state they “support and expect” the City of St. Petersburg to complete repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day of the 2026 season. In a letter to City Administrator Robert Gerdes, Rays President Matthew Silverman outlined the organization’s revised stance, emphasizing the importance of the city…
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Travelers at Tampa International Airport (TPA) faced disruptions on Monday as winter storms across the country caused delays and cancellations. As of Monday morning, 117 flights were delayed, and 22 were canceled, adding to a weekend of widespread travel challenges. The severe weather’s impact extended beyond commercial flights. Notably, the Kansas City Chiefs experienced delays…
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Currently, Tampa Bay residents are enjoying comfortable temperatures in the 70s, but a dramatic shift is approaching. A powerful cold front will sweep through the area Monday afternoon, bringing precipitation, gusty winds, and a sharp temperature drop by evening. Tuesday morning will usher in the season’s most frigid temperatures yet, with some locations plunging into…
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Determination, dedication, and debris removal. Coastal communities are on the mend, and a dedicated group of volunteers is addressing the incessant issue of debris that arrives with each tide. In Pinellas County, a new wave of environmental activists is on the rise, led by 16-year-old Caymus Maxson, who is turning local beach cleanups into a…
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In Hillsborough County, innovative technology is now tracking vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at intersections in real-time. This system delivers crucial data to traffic engineers within minutes, enhancing traffic management. If you’ve experienced a traffic light that always seems to catch you at red or stays red too long, relief might soon be on the way.…
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After dealing with flooding fatigue, a Madeira Beach couple, Phillip Ragan and Mary Barker, have become experts on raising their house to mitigate the constant threat of flooding. The couple moved into their dream home in 2002, but after years of dealing with flooding, they decided to explore raising their house in 2020. They began…
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The forecasted temperature drop might be an inconvenience for some, but it’s a recipe for disaster for an entire industry right here in Florida. A slight drop below 28°F for just a few hours can cause significant damage to citrus, leading growers to consider emergency harvesting. In the Tampa Bay area, including Dade City, citrus…
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The financial toll from the unprecedented hurricane season in the area is staggering, equivalent to spending $100,000 daily for nearly 67 consecutive years. Cathie Perkins, emergency management director for Pinellas County, provided preliminary year-end cost estimates, reporting a total damage bill of $2.434 billion from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. However, Commissioner Kathleen Peters expects…
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As the new year begins, Treasure Island residents continue grappling with challenges left in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Months after the storms, many homeowners are still awaiting permits to repair their damaged properties, while others face an even more frustrating hurdle: inaccurate damage assessments. Residents have raised concerns about substantial discrepancies in…
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The north and south Coquina boat ramps in Anna Maria are once again open to the public. The north end of the ramps just reopened this Tuesday. Manatee County officials stated that hurricanes Helene and Milton significantly impacted both ramps. The county has completed repairs to the ramp infrastructure to ensure safety and usability. Scott…
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As we step into 2025, fresh perspectives on Tampa Bay’s housing market are emerging. Local agents and analysts have shared with WTSP that this year might present the best buying opportunities in recent times. Nick Gerli, CEO of Reventure App, a tool for real estate analytics, commented, “The significant insight is that the Tampa housing…
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To qualify for a $30,000 grant aimed at hurricane-related home repairs, Pinellas County homeowners must submit their claim to FEMA by January 7. The Hurricane Home Repair Program, designed to assist with storm damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, has no application deadline itself but requires homeowners to have processed their insurance claims and…
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Clearwater residents have recently raised concerns about an unpleasant odor emanating from the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility. City officials have attributed the issue to the failure of an anaerobic digester at the plant. In a social media update, the City of Clearwater acknowledged the situation and reassured residents that efforts are underway to address and…
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