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Construction on the new Howard Frankland Bridge is progressing well, with the project expected to be completed soon. This new span of Interstate 275 will connect Tampa and St. Petersburg, and it is set to be the largest bridge in Florida by square footage, enhancing traffic flow in the region.
The City of Tampa has been awarded a $1 million Technical Assistance Grant from the US Department of Transportation to support its public transit needs, a decision made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding marks a significant step towards improving transit and housing infrastructure in the city.
An 18-year-old in St. Petersburg was hospitalized with serious injuries following a hit-and-run accident on Thursday afternoon. The police are actively searching for the driver of the sedan involved in the crash, which occurred at the intersection of 54th Avenue North and 12th Street.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has provided an update on the Howard Frankland Bridge replacement project, highlighting significant progress made over the years. With 84% of the bridge decks completed, officials anticipate connecting both sides of the bridge by the end of 2024.
Manatee County's G.T. Bray Park is undergoing significant upgrades aimed at improving water quality and restoring natural habitats. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has led the effort by removing invasive plants and creating wetlands, which will benefit local wildlife.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested three women and is searching for a fourth suspect involved in a liquor store theft that was allegedly organized as a birthday celebration. The incident, which involved $100 worth of stolen alcohol, was captured on surveillance video showing some of the suspects engaging in playful antics during the theft. The authorities are urging anyone with information about the remaining suspect to come forward.
Hillsborough County leaders are set to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis during a meeting where residents will voice their concerns regarding a proposed $10 million funding allocation. The funding, part of the county's FY 2025 budget, has previously supported the construction of 1,700 housing units but faces opposition from those who believe the funds should be redirected toward infrastructure projects.
President Joe Biden, during a speech at the Economic Club of Washington, highlighted significant economic progress made under his administration, attributing it to a "new economic playbook" developed in response to challenges inherited from former President Trump. He emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still much work to do, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has committed to providing relief for condominium owners facing financial difficulties due to new building safety regulations set to take effect on January 1. During a recent roundtable meeting in Pinellas Park, he assured that legislative action would be taken within the next three and a half months to address the challenges faced by condo associations.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed with a ceremony at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in Pinellas County, Florida, honoring those who have been prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The event highlighted the ongoing plight of nearly 1,600 Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, as shared by veteran David Miller, who organized a missing man table to symbolize the sacrifices made.