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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.
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency as Sarasota and Manatee counties prepare for the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Nine. This storm follows the recent flooding caused by Tropical Storm Debby, leaving residents still in recovery.
Jeff Fuller assists residents in the Tampa Bay area in preparing their homes for potential storm impacts, utilizing his experience from last year's flooding. With a high demand for his services, Fuller aims to help homeowners quickly implement fixes to protect their properties against severe weather.
Clearwater Beach lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of millions of tourists flocking to the area each year. With record-breaking tourism numbers in 2020 and the spring of 2024, these lifeguards are on duty year-round, facing numerous challenges in their efforts to protect beachgoers.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 100 people and over 400 injuries, marking the deadliest day since the conflict began in October. The Israeli military targeted 300 sites in southern Lebanon, with plans to expand the offensive against Hezbollah. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the casualties amidst escalating tensions in the region.
Hillsborough County School Board will hold a meeting to discuss the recent performance grades of charter schools in the county, with seven schools receiving D grades and one an F. The board plans to hear from school officials about improvement strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
Barbara Haselden, a known critic of public transit initiatives in Pinellas County, is set to join the board of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. Her appointment raises concerns among transit advocates, given her previous opposition to transit tax measures and bus service expansions.
A vigil was held for 16-year-old Peter "PJ" Hyman, Jr., who was fatally shot outside the Citrus Park Town Center mall in Tampa earlier this month. The event brought together family and friends to honor his life following the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect charged with second-degree homicide.
Four people were killed and 17 others injured in a targeted mass shooting that occurred in Birmingham, Alabama's nightlife district. Authorities believe the shooting was a premeditated attack aimed at one of the deceased, prompting a search for the shooters involved.
One person was killed, and six others were injured in two separate vehicle crashes in Polk County, Florida, on Sunday night. The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported the incidents occurred just 15 minutes apart, with one crash involving multiple vehicles and the second involving a vehicle that hit a tree. Both crashes are currently under investigation.