The Tampa City Council approved $952,000 to purchase more than 600 body cameras for the Tampa Police Department on Thursday, a move Police Chief Brian Dugan says many members of his force may not like, but if they don’t like it, “then I suggest that you turn your badge in.”Continue Reading
During the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group meeting Thursday afternoon, Hillsborough Commissioner Sandy Murman discussed the recent in coronavirus cases as testing has risen during recent weeks. Murman warned that the George Floyd rallies and protests could further the spike, stating they “are like incubators for the virus.’’ “I’m pretty concerned,’’Continue Reading
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about several people who burglarized a jewelry store during the George Lloyd protests in Tampa last week, stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise. Check out the photo supplied by authorities below. Among the four images capture, one shows a suspect without aContinue Reading
As the rallies and protests descended into violent riots and looting, one Tampa pharmacist’s business was targeted by thieves: Health Matters Community Pharmacy. Dr. Vondalyn Wright said that criminals broke into her pharmacy on Sunday, describing the hurt and recovery in an new interview with Bay News 9. “They ransackedContinue Reading
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the recognized leader in fast artisanal pizza, today announced that it would be opening a third location in the Tampa area on Monday, June 1st. The new restaurant, located near the University of South Florida (USF) at Fowler Avenue and North 51st Street, will provide an upgraded pizzaContinue Reading
The reopening of the world economy is largely reliant on easy and accessible COVID-19 screening. Kaligia Biosciences, a medical device company, is working with major Florida medical institutions to develop a portable, saliva-based device that can produce results in less than three minutes. Kaligia Biosciences is starting clinical trials of theContinue Reading
In response to COVID-19, CareerSource Tampa Bay’s (CSTB) Young Talent of Tampa Bay program is holding live virtual informational sessions this month. The live virtual sessions will be held for graduating high school seniors and youth interested in gaining career advice, practical work experience and other career guidance. The informationalContinue Reading
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity released the Sunshine State’s unemployment, a tragic stat which hit a record high in April, at 12.9 percent. The state’s unemployment rate tripled from 4.3 percent in March to 12.9 percent in April. Gov. Ron DeSantis hopes the state re-opening can bring some ofContinue Reading
OPINION The Tampa Bay Times editorial board took aim at Gov. Ron DeSantis, circling the wagons around Rebekah Jones, calling the incident a “smear job by DeSantis’ office” to elevate Jones beyond her credentials and actual contributions. “Gov. Ron DeSantis loves to share praise from Washington about Florida’s handling ofContinue Reading
Starting next Tuesday, May 26, Hillsborough County officials will reopen many of its larger conservation parks on Tuesday, May 26, according to an announcement today. In early May, the County opened most nature preserves, and neighborhood parks reopened earlier this week. The following conservation parks, trails, and boat ramps willContinue Reading
In a follow-up on the arrest of The River at Tampa Bay Church pastor, Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, Friday it was announced that the criminal misdemeanor charges have been dropped. The Notice of Termination states, in part: “Having reviewed the charge(s) contained in the Criminal Report Affidavit and/or Notice to Appear, theContinue Reading
Tampa Bay Rays star Blake Snell says he will not play this season for a reduced salary, especially because the risk of coronavirus, the potential lifetime damage, is “just not worth it.” Snell posted to social media yesterday about Major League Baseball’s reported proposal of a 50-50 revenue split withContinue Reading
The Florida Aquarium opened today after nearly two months, welcoming a smaller crowd of guests with a smaller staff of masked employees, with a message: “Welcome back, the animals missed you.” Reopening the aquarium is one of the first large attractions in the Sunshine State as the ‘Safer-at-home’ ordered endedContinue Reading
Sun Works Plastics has switched from serving clients such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Macy’s to delivering plastic protection shields and sneeze guards to doctor and veterinarian offices. “Some of our customer base is Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Macy’s Tiffany & Company,” said Brian Myregaard, President &Continue Reading
Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be featured in five prime time games as well as four “games of the week” in the 4:25 p.m. time slot for the 2020 season. Tom Brady’s arrival into Tampa has elevated the team to the national spotlight by luring Rob Gronkowski out of retirement asContinue Reading
The American Royal is pleased to announce the Barbecue Hall of Fame® 2020 Top 9 Semi-finalists from this year’s nominees. William (Bill) Arnold, Washington, MO Joe Don Davidson, Stillwater & Broken Arrow, OK Aaron Franklin, Austin, TX Meathead Goldwyn, Chicago, IL John Markus, London, OH (past) & Manhattan, NY (present)Continue Reading
As our state, county and city begin initial phases of reopening, ZooTampa at Lowry Park received approval to move forward with a detailed modified operations plan highlighting new guidelines and protocols designed to help ensure public safety while also restoring the community benefits of sensibly reopening businesses and outdoor spaces.Continue Reading
The Florida Aquarium announced this week that it will reopen to the public on Friday, May 15th. The Aquarium will operate with strict limits on attendance and programming and is implementing new standard operating procedures and enhanced health and safety measures to safeguard guests, staff, and animals. “After nearly eightContinue Reading
COVID-19 testing Hillsborough County Emergency Management Director Tim Dudley announced Monday that the county is expanding its point-in-time testing for COVID-19 coronavirus in order to get a clearer picture of how many residents may currently have the virus. Previously, pre-screening was required of persons wishing to be tested at oneContinue Reading
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) plans to hold a virtual town hall meeting to explore the challenges and initiatives for restarting the Tampa economy. The meeting will also focus on some of the frequently asked questions coming into the CSTB contact center. Where do we go from here? What challenges doContinue Reading
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) reported today that a deputy was injured and transported to the hospital early Sunday morning following a crash on I-275. At approximately 2:10 a.m., the deputy was sitting inside a marked Ford Explorer blocking a lane of traffic on I-275 South, just before E Floribraska AvenueContinue Reading
