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A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast as a tropical system is expected to intensify into a major hurricane by Thursday. Meteorologist Kyle Hanson will host a live chat on Tuesday to answer questions regarding the weather impacts in the local area. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm, and sandbag locations are open throughout Tampa Bay.
A state of emergency has been declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis for 61 Florida counties in anticipation of a tropical storm expected to make landfall later this week. The emergency declaration allows for immediate resource allocation for rescue and evacuation efforts. The storm is projected to reach maximum strength as a category 2 or 3 hurricane.
Florida's Gulf Coast is bracing for a significant hurricane threat as forecasters predict the development of a powerful storm in the Caribbean. With winds expected to extend across the peninsula and potential storm surge reaching up to 8 feet, residents are urged to prepare for possible impacts, even if the storm's track remains west of Tampa Bay.
School districts across the Tampa Bay area are closing in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, with significant cancellations in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas counties. The closures include all classes and extracurricular activities for the affected days as safety measures are put in place ahead of the storm.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have secured midfielder Ben Bender on loan from Charlotte FC as they aim for a deep playoff run in the USL. This strategic acquisition highlights the Rowdies' commitment to strengthening their squad and enhancing performance for the upcoming matches.
The City of Tampa is proactively preparing for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene by opening sandbag distribution sites starting September 24 at 8 a.m. This initiative aims to help residents safeguard their properties against severe weather.
The City of Tampa, in collaboration with the Junior League of Tampa, is launching a diaper donation drive for local families in need, starting with a flag-raising ceremony on September 23. This initiative coincides with National Diaper Need Awareness Week, highlighting the critical need for diapers among many families in the area.
Los Chapos Tacos, a restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, offers authentic Mexican cuisine, having evolved from a food truck to a full-scale restaurant. Owner Christopher Rodriguez and chef Jonathan Reyes, who brings culinary inspiration from Mexico City, aim to deliver exceptional flavors and customer satisfaction through their diverse menu of tacos and other dishes.
Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident in Hernando County, Florida, on Sunday. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 22-year-old woman driving a Honda Accord collided with a 70-year-old man riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at an intersection. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Tennessee has moved up to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 college football rankings following a victory over Oklahoma, while Texas remains at No. 1 for a second consecutive week. Boise State has also entered the rankings for the first time since 2020. The rankings reflect the ongoing shifts in college football as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.