Mysterious Explosions Stir Concern in Lutz Community
Residents of Lutz were taken aback by a series of loud noises that sounded like explosions. The mysterious sounds, likened to the intensity of the Battle of the Bulge, were heard from a mile away, causing a stir among the community. The sudden occurrence prompted a flurry of discussions on social media, with many...
Dozens of Tampa Bay-area schools flagged under Florida’s expanded ‘Schools of Hope’ law
TAMPA, Fla. — A wave of formal notices landed across Tampa Bay school districts this week — and district leaders say the impact is both significant and uncertain. Under Florida’s newly expanded "Schools of Hope" law, charter school operators can now request to use space inside public schools that the state deems...
Tampa City Council to address dangerous street takeovers
Tampa's city council wants to do something about dangerous street takeovers.
Quiet Crisis: Tampa Bay’s foster children lacking legal representation
Advocates say a silent crisis is unfolding as many foster children find themselves without legal representation, leaving them vulnerable and often overlooked. Florida is one of 13 states that does not guarantee an attorney for foster children. Attorneys say more representation is needed. Attorneys say children in...
2 Hillsborough high school students arrested after loaded gun is found on campus
PLANT CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two high school students were arrested on Wednesday after one of them brought a loaded firearm onto campus, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Around 12:30 p.m., a 17-year-old student reported that his vehicle, which was in the school parking lot, had been burglarized....
Family Demands Justice After Florida Mother Killed After Driver Crashes Into Crowd
Lisa “Shalisa” Johnson, a mother of three, died after a reckless driver plowed into a crowd in Ybor City. Tampa Police confirmed she was one of four victims who died in the early morning crash. At least 13 others were injured. Remembering Florida mother Lisa “Shalisa” Johnson...
Fanatics to close Florida distribution center, lay off nearly 300
Sporting apparel company Fanatics is permanently shuttering its Oak Creek distribution center in Riverview, Florida, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice dated Nov. 14. The facility, located near Tampa, is scheduled to close July 31, 2026, impacting 286 employees, per the notice....
Caught On Camera: Pasco Deputies Hunt Bearded Suspect In Wesley Chapel Car Break-In
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is asking the community for assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a recent vehicle burglary in Wesley Chapel. Deputies are investigating a case where several items were stolen from a vehicle parked in the 7700 block...
Advocates warn proposed cuts to HIV treatment and prevention could hurt life saving efforts
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida has some of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the United States, ranking third nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s why experts say preventative care, education and HIV treatment are so important. But newly proposed cuts to...
OPINION: Attacking international students, staff won’t make Florida stronger
USF’s campus feels global the moment you step onto it. You hear it in the different languages spoken on the way to class and see it in the diverse perspectives international students and faculty bring into discussions. Last year, USF celebrated its standing as the top college destination in...
