Leo Govoni fraud: 2 years after $100M trust collapse, families of disabled victims still...
This week marks two years since a St. Petersburg nonprofit that managed trust funds for thousands of disabled clients filed for bankruptcy, triggering a massive fraud investigation. Federal prosecutors accuse the organization’s founder, Leo Govoni, of stealing at least $100 million from more than 1,500 vulnerable...
Increased watering restrictions as drought worsens
Tampa Bay Water announced a Stage 2 drought warning last week after the region recorded an average rainfall deficit of 10.84 inches over the past 12 months. That’s more than 10 million gallons per day. The warning triggered the Water Shortage Mitigation Plan, which imposes watering restrictions to reduce...
Tampa Bay Counties Enforce One-Day Weekly Watering Limits Under Drought Order
The Southwest Florida Water Management District ordered one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions starting Feb. 8 through July 1. Eight counties must follow the new rules. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, Hernando, and Citrus counties all face the modified phase II water shortage declaration....
Caught on Camera: Burglary suspects can’t hide from K-9, air units
CARROLLWOOD, Fla. (WWSB) - A combined effort by air, ground and K-9 units caught two young burglary suspects, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said. On Feb. 6, at about 5:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call reporting a vehicle burglary near Lipsey Road and Carrollwood Drive. The suspects fled...
St. Pete to receive FEMA reimbursement for Tropicana Field, sparking debate among neighbors
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A multi-million dollar reimbursement from FEMA is sparking debate among residents in St. Petersburg. FEMA recently announced the $16.5 million loan repayment for the city to use for Tropicana Field. While some wonder what will happen to the remodeled stadium if, and when, the Rays leave...
4 Central Florida eateries temporarily close due to health concerns
ORLANDO, Fla. – Last week, four more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records. These records show that the reported eateries experienced violations like improper storage, utilities in disrepair, or rodent droppings. However, most of these...
Pinellas County Sheriff Backs Byron Donalds For Florida Governor
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The race for the Florida Governor’s Mansion saw another significant shift in the law enforcement landscape Wednesday as Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri officially threw his support behind Byron Donalds. The announcement marks a notable milestone for the Donalds campaign, as Gualtieri...
Pinellas County, FL, Angry Pepper Waterside restaurant cited for 16 violations
Angry Pepper Waterside at 4330 Duhme Rd in Pinellas County, FL, failed a routine food safety inspection Feb. 5, with inspectors documenting 16 violations, including two high-priority infractions, one intermediate violation, and 13 basic violations, according to Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation...
Pete’s Bagels opens in Tarpon springs
The opening follows a period of steady expansion for the St. Pete-born bagel spot, which launched a drive-thru location and introduced a café concept, Seymour’s, last year. The post Pete’s Bagels opens in Tarpon springs appeared first on Creative Loafing Tampa .
Bankrupt Eddie Bauer joins growing list of retailers closing Florida stores
Another retailer is shutting down stores in Florida. This time it’s the operator of Eddie Bauer stores, which is closing its three remaining locations in the state after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday. The closing includes its only regional store, which is at Citrus Park Town Center in Tampa.
