Stay informed about government news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced an investigation into the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, asserting state jurisdiction over the case. DeSantis expressed skepticism regarding the objectivity of federal investigators and emphasized the importance of state law in this matter.
Fort Lauderdale has introduced a new feature in its FixIt FTL app that allows residents to report homelessness concerns in response to a state law banning unauthorized camping on public property. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and provide a means for city officials to address these issues more effectively.
Heavy rains in Bradenton, Florida, have overwhelmed the city's wastewater treatment system, causing partially treated wastewater to be discharged into the Manatee River. City officials have confirmed that the discharges have stopped and are currently implementing millions of dollars in improvement projects at the Water Reclamation Facility.
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has doubled down on false claims that Haitian migrants in an Ohio community are abducting and eating pets, despite local and state officials stating there is no evidence supporting such allegations. Vance's remarks come amid a backdrop of rising tensions and concerns within the Springfield community, which he claims to represent.
A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Ivan Clark, is recovering in the hospital after being struck by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign in Ruskin, Florida. The driver, Uriel Garcia Nestor, was arrested for DUI and other charges after the crash flipped Clark's patrol car multiple times. This incident underscores the dangers posed by impaired driving in the community.
Florida's current six-week abortion ban includes some exceptions, contrary to claims made by proponents of Amendment 4, which seeks to enshrine broader abortion access. The law allows for abortions in cases of health risks and for rape or incest, although critics argue that the requirements for these exceptions are cumbersome. The ongoing debate is intensified by a statewide campaign led by groups including Planned Parenthood to expand abortion rights.
Waterfront property owners in Redington Beach are appealing a federal court ruling that upheld a 2018 ordinance protecting public access to "dry sand areas" of the beach. The owners argue that the ordinance constitutes an unconstitutional taking of their private property, while the court found that it recognizes customary use rights for the community.
A driver lost control of his vehicle and collided with a Florida Highway Patrol patrol car on US-19 in Tarpon Springs on Saturday afternoon. Both the driver and the trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Disaster assistance is now available for Pinellas County residents affected by Hurricane Debby. Eligible individuals can apply for help with temporary lodging, home repairs, and other expenses incurred due to the disaster. More information and application details can be found online.
Pinellas County officials are releasing 911 calls from Hurricane Idalia to raise awareness about the flooding dangers during hurricane season. The recordings aim to emphasize the importance of evacuation orders to protect residents from life-threatening situations. Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins highlights the risks associated with flooding and the uncertainty of water levels.