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The Orlando Police Department is investigating the use of force by its officers during a pro-Palestine protest at Lake Eola Park, which resulted in eight arrests. Body-worn camera footage reveals a physical confrontation between an officer and a demonstrator, raising concerns about police conduct during peaceful assemblies.
A tropical storm named Helene is projected to form in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, making landfall on the Gulf Coast by Thursday evening. Residents of Tampa Bay can expect rain and wind impacts starting Wednesday, with potentially dangerous storm surge conditions. Meteorologist Kyle Hanson will host a live chat on Tuesday to answer questions about the storm's impact.
Pinellas County commissioners are convening an emergency meeting to consider declaring a State of Local Emergency in response to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. Preparations are underway across the county to mitigate potential impacts from the storm.
Residents in Ruskin, Florida, are increasingly worried about potential flooding as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Debby and recent heavy rainfall. The community, familiar with past hurricanes, is taking precautions for the upcoming storm system.
Tampa and Hillsborough County officials are actively preparing for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine by monitoring pumping stations and opening sandbag sites. The city will initially provide sandbags to seniors and those needing assistance before opening to the general public.
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 former deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, who also served as a youth group pastor, has been arrested on charges of child molestation. Authorities are investigating the possibility of additional victims associated with the suspect, prompting community concern and outrage.
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.
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.
The Tampa community is mourning the loss of Ruth Hodges, affectionately known as "Mother Hodges," who passed away at the age of 97. A dedicated missionary and educator, Hodges impacted many lives through her work in East Tampa and over 40 years of service in Haiti. Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn called her a "true servant and icon" of the community.