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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is embarking on a $32 million multi-year expansion plan aimed at enhancing its facilities and adding new habitats for various marine species. The aquarium is seeking $9.8 million in tourist development tax funds from Pinellas County to help finance the renovations, which could significantly boost visitor attendance.
Residents and Eagle Scouts rallied in Brooksville, Florida, to protest the potential sale of a portion of the Sand Hill Scout Reservation. The property, a 1,400-acre area gifted to the Boy Scouts in 1978, is under scrutiny as local advocates push for its preservation.
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has doubled down on false claims that Haitian migrants in an Ohio community are abducting and eating pets, despite local and state officials stating there is no evidence supporting such allegations. Vance's remarks come amid a backdrop of rising tensions and concerns within the Springfield community, which he claims to represent.
The City of Tampa has announced the acquisition of a new paving machine, effectively doubling its in-house paving capacity with the addition of eight new team members. This initiative aims to improve road conditions while reducing costs for taxpayers. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the city's commitment to addressing residents' requests for better streets.
Florida hospitals have begun asking immigrants about their legal status, a measure that has sparked fear among patients seeking medical care. Texas is set to implement a similar law on November 1, reflecting the states' ongoing challenges to federal immigration policies. The laws have raised concerns regarding access to healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Daniel Coley, 41, has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge following the discovery of his girlfriend Amanda Browning's body near a dumpster in St. Petersburg. Browning, 40, was found with visible stab wounds, prompting police to take immediate action. The couple reportedly shared an apartment together.
Classes at Newsome High School in Lithia will resume on Monday with increased security measures following a series of threats, including a potential bomb threat and a threat to shoot a teacher. Students will undergo searches and metal detector screenings upon arrival to ensure safety.
An apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida, raising serious concerns about his safety during the presidential campaign. U.S. Secret Service agents fired upon the suspected gunman, who was found pointing an AK-style rifle at Trump. This incident marks the second such event in two months, prompting questions about the adequacy of Trump's security measures.
A California inventor is seeking to introduce innovative tools designed for the deaf and hard of hearing community to Florida, particularly benefiting the area's significant population of over 800,000 individuals. This initiative coincides with Deaf Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness of the needs of this community. The tools could enhance accessibility and communication for many residents in the Tampa Bay area.
The Inverness City Council is set to vote on changes to the city's alcohol ordinance, which currently restricts outdoor alcohol consumption to beer and wine. Business owners advocate for allowing liquor sales to enhance revenue, while the city manager argues that the existing rules have not led to negative outcomes. A public forum will precede the vote on Tuesday.