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A Florida sheriff is combating a surge of false school shooting threats by publicly posting the mugshots of offenders on social media. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his frustration over the disruptions caused by these hoaxes and urged parents to take responsibility for their children's actions.
Fort Lauderdale has introduced a new feature in its FixIt FTL app that allows residents to report homelessness concerns in response to a state law banning unauthorized camping on public property. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and provide a means for city officials to address these issues more effectively.
The Wounded Warrior Project is organizing its annual Carry Forward 5k event in Clearwater, Florida, on September 28. Participants are encouraged to show support for wounded veterans by carrying flags, weights, or even people during the race. This event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by combat veterans in the Tampa area.
A 16-year-old boy named Peter Hyman Jr. was shot and killed outside the Citrus Park Town Center Mall in Tampa, Florida, prompting an investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. His mother, Bianca Cooper, is seeking answers regarding the tragic incident that occurred on a typical Saturday evening.
North Port police are actively searching for Debahj Grant, a 23-year-old man who allegedly backed into an officer during a traffic stop and fled the scene. The officer was unharmed, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Grant's whereabouts to contact them. This incident has raised concerns about public safety in the local area.
The City of Tampa will honor the legacy of Dr. Walter L. Smith by renaming a portion of N. Albany Avenue in his memory. The street renaming ceremony, hosted by City Councilman Luis Viera, is scheduled for September 17, 2024, and will celebrate Dr. Smith's significant contributions to education as the former president of Florida A&M University.
The Residences at 400 Central in St. Petersburg has officially topped out, becoming the tallest residential building on Florida's west coast. Mayor Ken Welch praised the development as a significant symbol of the city's progress. The 46-story building features 301 luxury condominiums along with office and retail spaces.
A Pinellas County pet resort employee has been charged with animal cruelty after leaving two dogs outside in extreme heat, resulting in the death of one dog from heat exhaustion. The incident occurred at Bay Paws Pet Resort, where the employee reportedly forgot to bring the dogs back inside after a potty break.
The ongoing debate over the appropriateness of certain books for children in Florida has shifted from schools to public libraries, particularly concerning titles with LGBTQ+ themes. Notably, while Nassau County reinstated several books, Pasco County removed over 130 titles after a review prompted by a county commissioner.
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube recognized two heroes, a former U.S. Marine and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, for their heroic efforts in rescuing a man from a submerged car in Nokomis, Florida. The incident took place last December during severe weather conditions, highlighting the bravery and quick thinking of those involved.