Water Department Makes Inventory of Service Lines Available Online

The Tampa Water Department has launched an online inventory of service lines, complying with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirement. This initiative aims to inform residents and businesses about the materials of their service lines, enhancing transparency regarding the quality of drinking water. The department reassures customers that lead has never been used in its service lines, and additional resources are provided for lead exposure reduction.

Tampa Solid Waste Department Continues Residential and Commercial Collection on Veterans Day

The City of Tampa will observe Veterans Day by closing its offices on November 11, 2024, while maintaining residential and commercial solid waste collection services. Residential customers can continue to use the Tampa Trash and Recycling tool for collection schedules and reminders. For any inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center.

Dunedin commission moves plans forward for downtown parking garage

The Dunedin City Commission has moved forward with plans for a new downtown parking garage at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Scotland Street, estimated to cost between $10 million and $12 million. This decision aims to address the increasing need for parking in the area, particularly as existing parking options diminish. Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski emphasized the importance of the garage for the city's economic vitality.

Port Richey faces $3M bill for cleanup work after hurricanes

Port Richey is facing a significant $3 million cleanup bill following the devastation of back-to-back hurricanes. City Manager Matthew Coppler reported that cleanup crews are working diligently, collecting debris at a rate of 505 cubic yards daily, but the city is struggling to meet a self-imposed 45-day deadline for completion.

Contractors raise prices for hurricane debris removal in Seminole

Contractors in Seminole have raised prices for hurricane debris removal, prompting the City Council to amend agreements with Pinellas County and AshBritt Inc. The increase in fees, from $9 to $14.98 for vegetation and from $9.50 to $18 for construction debris, raises concerns about potential reimbursement from FEMA.

St. Petersburg’s new fire chief is ‘here to serve a purpose’

Keith Watts has been appointed as St. Petersburg's first African American fire chief in 117 years, succeeding former Chief James Large. With over 30 years of public safety experience, Watts emphasizes his commitment to innovation, safety, and community engagement, striving to serve a purpose beyond his historic appointment.

City approves $6.5M to clean up and protect Rays stadium after Hurricane Milton

The city of Tampa has approved a $6.5 million budget to clean up and protect Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, following significant damage caused by Hurricane Milton. This funding aims to ensure the stadium's safety and continued operation in the wake of the natural disaster.

Haines City CRA to spend $3M on refreshing residents' homes via new rehab program

The Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is launching a new Residential Rehabilitation Program, allocating $3 million to assist residents with home renovations. This initiative aims to improve housing conditions in the area, making it particularly relevant for local homeowners in need of renovations. Interested residents are encouraged to apply for the program to benefit from this funding.

Tampa Solid Waste Update Hours of Vegetative Debris Sites for Daylight Saving Time

The City of Tampa Department of Solid Waste is adjusting operating hours for vegetative debris sites due to daylight saving time, effective November 3, 2024. Residents can access two citizen drop-off locations for hurricane vegetative debris from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, seven days a week. For assistance, residents can use the Tampa Trash and Recycling tool or contact the City Utilities Call Center.

St. Pete is betting millions that Tropicana Field can be salvaged

St. Petersburg city officials have approved up to $6 million in emergency funding to waterproof Tropicana Field and protect it from further damage after Hurricane Milton severely compromised the stadium's roof. Council members expressed concerns over the stadium's future viability but agreed that immediate mitigation efforts were necessary to secure insurance claims and prevent additional losses.