Tag: Tampa Bay
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Rebuilding efforts for Madeira Beach residents, including Yarisi Valero, remain at a standstill more than a month after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction. Valero’s home, flooded with over three feet of water, now sits gutted to the studs. Although she removed 45 inches of drywall throughout the house, she’s been unable to move forward without…
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Residents of a prominent neighborhood say they warned officials about flooding concerns well before Hurricane Milton, but now dozens of homes have been devastated. “Inside we had 10 inches of water consistently through the entire first floor,” Omyra Rodriguez said as she gave a tour of her home. “We lost kind of everything on [the]…
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Three years after the Florida Supreme Court overturned Hillsborough County’s transportation sales tax, funds collected during that time are now set to be refunded to eligible taxpayers. A judge has granted final approval for the settlement, allowing a court-appointed administrator to begin issuing payments. Background on the Transportation Sales Tax The one-cent transportation sales tax…
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Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) announced a significant multimillion-dollar project on Wednesday afternoon, reaffirming its commitment to remaining near the USF campus. Mayor Jane Castor and other leaders unveiled the project, highlighting it as a major advancement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. The project involves reopening the museum’s iconic Dome…
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The future of the Tampa Bay Rays in downtown St. Petersburg remains uncertain as tensions rise over financing for a new stadium at the Tropicana Field site. A stalemate between the team and Pinellas County has left the project in limbo, raising the question: could the site be redeveloped without the Rays playing there? The…
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John Henry experienced the full impact of Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented storm surge in St. Pete Beach. “I live on the first floor of the condo,” he shared. “I had almost 5 feet of water in there, so it almost wiped everything out.” Now, more than two months later, Henry is eager to rebuild but finds…
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Since September, Diane Burrill has been unable to serve customers at Wahoo’s Bayside Pub and Grill in Redington Shores. “It’s been the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” Burrill said. “I’ve been without a paycheck for two months now.” Like many businesses on Pinellas County’s beaches, Wahoo’s is still rebuilding after Hurricanes Helene and Milton,…
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Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies joined forces with Tampa police and Florida Highway Patrol troopers to clamp down on impaired drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in numerous arrests. Over the holiday weekend, more than 300 drivers were stopped and 39 were arrested as part of “Operation Turkey,” a collaborative, multi-agency effort aimed at preventing impaired…
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State utility regulators have approved a three-year base rate increase for Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), which will raise residential customer bills starting in January. The initial proposal by TECO sought to increase monthly bills by approximately $5 for customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity—a standard industry benchmark. However, TECO is recalculating the exact impact of…
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Santa Claus is making his way to St. Petersburg, and families have plenty of opportunities to see him this Christmas season. Here’s where you can catch the jolly man in red: Special Events with Santa Santa at the Mall Santa will also be greeting visitors at shopping malls: Virtual Visit with Santa Families with children…
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The Tampa Bay Rays’ celebrated deal with the city of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County Commission to build a new stadium may face challenges with the recent election of new Pinellas County Commission members. Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, a longtime advocate for relocating the team to Tampa, sees an opportunity if the Pinellas…
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Some homeowners filing claims through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are discovering that their insurance payouts may fall short of covering all necessary repairs. Andrew Knox of Altieri Insurance Consultants explains that NFIP adjusters often use software to calculate damage repair costs. However, this software sometimes fails to align with industry standards, potentially resulting…
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Pinellas Public Works has begun the second phase of debris collection in unincorporated areas of the county, following the completion of the first round. So far, contractors have removed over 54,000 cubic yards of debris—equivalent to filling more than 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Debris Manager Sean Tipton remarked, “It’s a sense of partial completion. We…
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Residents of several communities say that being without power since Hurricane Helene struck two months ago was inconvenient at first. However, now that temperatures are dipping into the 50s and 40s, they say the situation has become dire as they continue to await power restoration. At some properties, the delay in restoring power involves replacing…
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Tampa’s vibrant events, diverse dining scene, and plentiful recreational options have earned it a spot among the top 20 most fun cities in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub analysis. The study evaluated major U.S. metropolitan areas across numerous factors, including the number of attractions, restaurants per capita, and available recreational activities. Tampa secured…
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After over two months of displacement caused by Hurricane Helene, students at Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 will return to their campus on Monday. This marks the initial phase of the school’s reopening. In a Thanksgiving letter to the school community, Principal Chris Ateek expressed gratitude and optimism: “Gratitude and thanks are the perfect reflection of…
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For Tampa resident Kobi Meares, the poor condition of local roads has become more than just an inconvenience—it’s a financial burden that’s hitting her family hard. After living in the Tampa Bay area for over two decades, Meares has witnessed a significant decline in road quality that’s directly impacting her family’s economic stability. “We’ve had…
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beaches. When hurricanes sweep through, they do more than disrupt a beach day—they leave a chaotic mess that requires a community effort to restore. While cleanup crews tackle the big tasks, there are plenty of ways locals and visitors can pitch in. 1. Clean Up the Right Way After a hurricane, beaches are often strewn…
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After nearly two months of continuous operation, FEMA disaster recovery centers across Florida will modify their schedule as the Atlantic hurricane season winds down. Starting yesterday, these centers will no longer be open on Sundays, shifting to a six-day operational week. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have served as comprehensive assistance hubs for residents impacted by…
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The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in Pass-a-Grille stands as a resilient testament to the barrier islands’ endurance, now navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Located in a building over a century old, the museum has weathered significant challenges, drawing parallels to the historic hurricane of 1921. Christine Oertle, President of the Friends of…
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The holiday season is bursting with festive events across Tampa Bay and Orlando, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages. From theme parks to zoos and aquariums, local attractions are transforming into winter wonderlands filled with dazzling decorations, special performances, and seasonal cheer. RELATED: The Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay…
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Recent flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has inundated virtually every single-story home in St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island, many of which had never experienced such damage since their construction in the mid-fifties. For some residents, this harrowing experience was the final straw, prompting a move to higher ground. Others, determined to stay, are…
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Tampa Bay Rays officials have addressed Pinellas County Commission Chairwoman Kathleen Peters’ inquiry about the team’s intentions regarding the stadium deal. This follows the county and St. Petersburg’s decision to delay votes on bond funding for the stadium. RELATED: County Fires Back at Tampa Bay Rays’ Claims, Demands Clarity on Stadium Deal In a statement,…
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After enduring back-to-back hurricanes, Sweet Life Bistro has reopened its doors, marking a major milestone for owner Sami Salami. The beloved café celebrated its grand reopening on Friday, two months after Hurricane Helene caused severe damage. Behind the counter, Salami crafts one of his signature lattes—a simple yet meaningful task that seemed nearly impossible just…
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Tampa Bay transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, showcasing a vibrant display of Christmas lights illuminating the area. Families and friends flock to this region to celebrate the festive spirit with dazzling displays and joyful activities. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, Tampa Bay’s holiday lights offer unforgettable experiences. Holiday…
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The cleanup following back-to-back hurricanes in Tampa Bay continues, and eSmart Recycling in Tampa is urging residents to recycle their damaged electronics instead of discarding them. eSmart Recycling’s owner, Tony Selvaggio, is seeing an increased volume of electronics needing recycling. “We have the most random electronics you can imagine,” Selvaggio said about the items processed…
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The state of Florida is stepping in to assist beach communities overwhelmed by a surge in permit requests following back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton. State Representative Linda Chaney revealed that nearly 700 requests for state support have been submitted, with 83% already fulfilled and the remainder in progress. St. Pete Beach was one of the…
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Suppose the structure value listed on the Property Appraiser’s website (or FEMA letter) does not meet FEMA requirements for repairing your property. Are there alternatives to getting a private appraisal? Yes, depending on your local regulations and policies, you may have other options. Here’s what you can consider: In any case, it’s a good idea…
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Thanksgiving here in Tampa Bay goes beyond the turkey—it’s about savoring flavors, cherishing togetherness, and creating unforgettable moments. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious dining experience, a delectable take-home feast, or simply need to know what’s open for last-minute errands, our guide has everything you need to plan the perfect holiday. Thanksgiving Day Store Closures and…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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