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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.
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.
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.
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.
Sandbag locations are opening across the Tampa Bay area in response to the anticipated impacts of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to help mitigate flooding risks as the storm approaches.
Florida schools are adapting to increasing curriculum demands by integrating social studies and reading through a newly implemented humanities block. This approach aims to alleviate the pressure on teachers and students, as they often struggle to cover essential topics due to stringent reading requirements.
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.
A 42-year-old man from Brooksville tragically lost his life after being struck by an SUV while riding an electric bike in Hernando County. The incident occurred on the Nature Coast Trail when the rider failed to stop at a posted stop sign. An unidentified woman riding with him sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.
Floridians are urged to prepare as forecasters predict a tropical system near Central America could develop into a storm that may impact the state later this week. With an 80% chance of development, meteorologists warn of uncertainty regarding the storm's trajectory and strength. Residents along Florida's west coast and northern Gulf coast are advised to stay alert and plan accordingly.
Starting September 2024, Americans can order up to four free COVID-19 nasal swab tests delivered to their homes as part of a federal program. This initiative aims to enhance testing accessibility ahead of the holiday season when gatherings are expected to increase. The program's reopening follows recent FDA approvals for updated vaccines targeting current virus strains.