ReportWire

Tag: hillsborough county

  • Plant City church ‘explores untold stories’ of Black History Month

    PLANT CITY, Fla. — This month, we take time to celebrate Black History Month, and one church in Plant City is doing that through an educational program known as “Exploring the Untold Stories of Black History.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Terrie Strachan says the program includes members of the church to portray the stories told
    •  Many of the stories shared are not taught in school


    Inside Mount Olive Baptist Church in Plant City, history is being shared.

    Organizers present the program every February to honor Black History Month.

    Terrie Strachan started the program back in 2013. “I always try to explore new avenues of Black history,” she said.

    It’s a history that some may not even know about. The story told on the first Sunday of this month was about Joseph Ligon, who was the nation’s longest-serving juvenile offender.

    “(Trying) to familiarize our youth with things that they never heard of, not just our youth, even our adults,” she said.

    Strachan said it’s important to immerse the youth in stories they rarely learn about in school.

    For 11-year-old Cortlyn Fisher, it’s a program she looks forward to every year.

    “It reflects on what people went through back in the day, and it helps me learn about the people,” she said.

    The stories that are shared are also reflected in the sermons of the church.

    Ted Taylor took part in the program. He said it’s a story that he never heard of, that’s helped him reflect on the importance of celebrating Black history.

    “Informative, enlightening and spiritual to the church,” he said.

    Every Sunday throughout the month of February, a new story will be portrayed.

    Strachan said it’s one way she’s hoping to preserve Black history in her community.

    “If I can just continue to do that and touch my members and touch people in the community about topics that I bring forth, I’d be doing my job, and I’d be fulfilling what God wants me to do,” she said.

    Honoring Black history and how its shaped the lives of many one story at a time.

    On February 22, Mount Olive Baptist Church will also host a praise dance team as part of its Black History Month education.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Lawn watering restrictions in effect for the Tampa Bay area

    TAMPA, Fla. — We have had cold weather this year, but we have not had a lot of rain. So, starting Sunday, water restrictions will be in effect.

    According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, our area has a rainfall deficit of more than a foot. This is because of the drier than normal rainy season we had last summer.

    In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s order will reduce lawn watering to one day a week.

    If you’re wondering what day you can water, it will depend on the last number of your address. 

     
    DAY OF THE WEEK ADDRESS ENDING IN
    MONDAY 0 or 1
    TUESDAY 2 or 3
    WEDNESDAY 4 or 5
    THURSDAY 6 or 7
    FRIDAY 8 or 9

    Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

    Watering hours will be reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. If your property is less than one acre in size, you may only use one of the those time windows.

    If you have a low-volume watering system (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) used for watering plants and shrubs, not lawns, you are allowed to water any day and any time.

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District is also asking you to check with your local government for allowable hours or whether there are stricter hours.

    These restrictions will be in place until July 1.


    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage FAQ

    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage Fact Sheet

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Tampa Bay Rays new renderings of proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark and mixed-use district at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

    The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus

    • The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people

    • This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark

    • PREVIOUS STORIES on Rays stadium pursuit


    “We are moving into the next phase of this process with excellent momentum, thanks to the outstanding support of community leaders and our staff and partners here at the Tampa Bay Rays,” added Ken Babby, Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays. “We’re proud to share our bold and dynamic vision for the ballpark and believe strongly in its ability to benefit the team and our fans, Hillsborough College, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region.”

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    According to a team release, the entire development would stretch about 130 acres across the campus and spread out over three sections: Champions Quarter, Innovation Edge and The Canopy.

    A triangular dome with a translucent roof, the Rays are billing the stadium as “the most intimate in Major League Baseball.” It would sit on the side of the campus closest to Raymond James Stadium in what the team is calling “Champions Quarter.”

    A rebuilt Hillsborough College with be housed in the Innovation Edge area near Lois Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard with an area called “The Canopy” including a mix of bars, restaurants, retail spaces and residential units.

     

    This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark. And the Hillsborough County Commission agreed to continue funding discussions with the team to see if a framework can be reached.

    “I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a Forever Home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” said Patrick Zalupski, Managing Partner of the Tampa Bay Rays. “Hillsborough County’s unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come.”

    The team still has to work out a deal with local government about where the money for the new ballpark will come from.

    In addition, the team has begun accepting $19.98 deposits for early access to seating in the new ballpark.


    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Florida State Fair kicks off in Hillsborough County

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida State Fair officially opens on Thursday at the state fairgrounds outside Tampa, launching a 12-day run expected to draw nearly half a million visitors through Feb. 16.

    As one of the largest annual events in Hillsborough County, the fair brings major crowds, and this year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out several new safety measures aimed at keeping the event fun and secure.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida State Fair will welcome more than 400,000 people over the next two weeks

    • Fair opening day offering free admission for first responders, active duty or retired military members, medical workers and teachers 

    • Sheriff’s office will have 1,000 deputies working security for the fair, including new drones to monitor crowds 

    • Traffic near the Florida State Fairgrounds east of Tampa is expected to be heavy through Feb. 16 when the fair ends 
    • BN9 FLORIDA STATE FAIR GUIDE 2026


    Sheriff’s officials say they are prepared to manage traffic, crowd control and safety throughout the fair’s run. More than 1,000 deputies will be working the fairgrounds, patrolling on foot, by bike and on horseback.

    For the first time, deputies will also use drones to help monitor crowd activity. Officials say the technology will help reduce response times to incidents such as unruly behavior or lost children.

    Another major change this year is a new age supervision policy that goes into effect daily at 5 p.m.

    “Children shouldn’t attend the fair unsupervised; they should attend with an adult,” Chronister said. “At 5 o’clock it is mandatory that they are with an individual that is at least 21 years of age, and that particular chosen individual can’t supervise more than four children.”


    “Children shouldn’t attend the fair unsupervised, they should attend with an adult,” Chronister said. “At 5 o’clock it is mandatory that they are with an individual that is at least 21 years of age, and that particular chosen individual can’t supervise more than four children.”

    Deputies say one of their most common calls during the fair involves children becoming separated from their families. 

    The sheriff’s office recommends parents take a photo of their child at the start of the day. 

    If a child becomes lost, the photo can help deputies quickly identify them and reunite them with their family.

    Opening day also comes with special promotions, including Heroes Day free admission for first responders, active or retired military, medical workers and teachers.

    It’s also Bounce Back Deal day, where any guest entering the fair with a full admission-priced ticket receives a free ticket for use any day through Feb. 16. 

    View more information on fair promotions and discounts.

    Jason Lanning

    Source link

  • Dover residents without water after wells nearby run dry

    DOVER, Fla. — Some residents in Dover have been without running water for days as falling groundwater levels have dried up private wells across the area.

    Most of the affected homes rely on well systems, and officials say the water table dropped sharply following a recent cold snap combined with an unusually dry rainy season. Hillsborough County officials also point to increased water use by nearby farms during the freeze, as growers worked to protect crops from cold damage.

    “Whenever there is a cold or a freeze event like this, a lot of times the agriculture industry needs to do bigger draws to preserve their crops,” said Anthony Halcyon, the Hillsborough County Senior Environmental Scientist. “Unfortunately, wells like this are the first to feel this kind of effect.”

    For residents like Gerardo Silva, the impact has been immediate and frustrating. Silva has been without water since Sunday.

    “Turn the faucet on — nothing. I mean nothing,” Silva said.

    In times of need, neighbors are stepping in to help. Silva’s friend, Terry Wascaser, ran a hose from a nearby home in an effort to prime Silva’s water pump and restore pressure.

    “We’re trying to hook up water from over there,” Wascaser said.

    Wascaser says the problem is widespread throughout the Dover area.

    “The worst affected area was this Dover area after the irrigation for the strawberries,” he said. “They suffered a lot more than other areas.”

    Without running water, daily routines have become a challenge for many families.

    “I had to go somewhere else to shower,” Silva said. “It’s like, how do we wash our hands after using the restroom? How do we flush our toilets? You have to figure out how to exist without running water — that’s hard.”

    Hillsborough County has responded by setting up an emergency water station for residents without access to water.

    “Our plan is to man the facility (Thursday) and (Friday). Then we’re going to do a touch point (Friday) afternoon to see if we need to continue it further,” Hillsborough County Division Director Plan Operations London Womack said. 

    After days of frustration, Silva finally received some encouraging news when water began flowing again.

    “You got a little bit of water, bubba,” a friend said as the pressure in Silva’s pump increased.

    While the immediate crisis has eased for some, many residents are still hoping for rain — and a longer-term recovery of the aquifer. According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, aquifer levels rebounded 27 feet on Wednesday from Tuesday’s low.

    The district is encouraging residents with dry wells to contact them and fill out a dry well complaint form. Officials say they will then work directly with homeowners to identify next steps and possible solutions.

    Jeff Van Sant

    Source link

  • Tampa Bay History Center explores 14,000 years of Florida history

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay History Center tells the stories of our area, starting with the first settlers.


    The history center teaches about the arrival of Europeans, North Africans and more Native Americans.

    “And what happens with Spanish Florida, English Florida and then eventually American Florida,” said Rodney Kite-Powell, Director of the Touchton Map Library.

    The native Seminole people survived multiple wars and removal efforts. They call themselves “The Unconquered.”

    The Tampa cigar industry brought new immigrants — Cubans, Spaniards, Afro-Cubans and Sicilians.

    “At its peak in the 1920s, it was about 500,000,000 cigars produced every year, all by hand,” said Kite-Powell.

    The next museum level offers a new historical timeline: war stories. Five-hundred years of Black history and a look at the pioneer life of Florida Crackers.

    At the Treasure Seekers gallery, young learners find out how explorers and pirates got here.

    Spoiler alert — it’s math.

    There’s recovered treasure, but all that glitters is not gold.

    They also have a rare map on display of St. Augustine in 1588.

    “The earliest view of any city in today’s United States,” said Kite-Powell.

    It’s courtesy of the center’s Touchton Map Library and includes a 1511 map showing the tip of South Florida, two years before Ponce de Leon arrived to explore Florida.

    They also have a 1524 map of Florida, the first time Florida is called “La Florida.”

    Together, these artifacts tell the story of the Sunshine State’s 14,000-year history.

    “But also how tied in the broader story of American History Florida really is,” said Kite-Powell.

    Florida history — our history — is American history.

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Unique way of learning taking place in Thonotosassa

    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — When you think of education, you often think of textbooks and notebooks, but one academy is taking a different approach.

    What You Need To Know

    • Montessori is more of a hands-on approach, but this academy takes learning outdoors
    • The academy is also looking to expand services into Dade City next year


    Freedom Montessori Academy is giving students an opportunity to learn outdoors. And they are expanding their reach.

    Learning is all about being hands on at Freedom Montessori Academy.

    The school’s process is a method of education based on self-directed activity and hands-on learning. The academy is a tutoring service that serves 15 students in the Thonotosassa area.

    Eleven-year-old Adelyn Iott says this supplemental approach has been a big help for her.

    “It’s just really hands on, and you understand it better,” she said.

    Madison Whitmer says the teaching methods help her concentrate.

    “My school I had computers after I did it, so I had a headache when I got home, here I don’t have a headache because we don’t use electronics,” she said.

    The majority of the work isn’t done indoors but outside on the farm.

    Melanie Smith, the founder of the academy, was an educator for more than 20 years prior to this. She decided to take that experience and give students a personalized way of learning.

    Students go at their own pace, in a unique learning environment.

    “I think it’s nice in this setting that they understand how long it takes for a plant to grow that they eat in in 10 seconds,“ said Smith.

    From building a labyrinth, to planting seeds, Smith believes it’s part of raising curious kids that will use these skills in life.

    “Every child is unique and every child’s brain is developing at a different level, and they need that time to think for themselves, this is what this is about,” said Smith.

    It shows students like Iott that learning can happen anywhere.

    “Outdoor experience, life survival, how to take care of plants, how to build stuff,“ said Adelyn.

    Making education fun and something that doesn’t always happen indoors.

    The academy will be expanding to a location in Dade City next year.

    And the farm will soon be home to a nonprofit aimed at providing farm education to veterans and breast cancer survivors.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Ruskin teacher helps juggle school’s Head Start program and food pantry

    RUSKIN, Fla. — Magali Garcia-Rosado has been a teacher for 25 years. She says she loves helping young students learn and grow.

    “My kids are everything to me,” Garcia-Rosado said. “They come into the classroom and they’re always talking about how happy they are, they’re talking about giving warm hugs. They are curious learners.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Magali Garcia-Rosado is the Head Start teacher at Ruskin Elementary 

    • Garcia-Rosado also runs the school’s food pantry 

    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    Garcia-Rosado said she loves the interaction with the little ones and watching them grow every day.

    “I love to see the process of learning,” she said.

    Garcia-Rosado is the Head Start teacher at Ruskin Elementary. She’s been there for seven years. A parent reached out to nominate Garcia-Rosado to be featured as an A+ Teacher, saying she is always there for her students and their families. 

    “It makes me feel very humbled that my families see me as someone who supports not just the children but also them,” she said. “Because I am a firm believer that I am working with the parent. The parent is the first teacher and I come along to support them.”

    Garcia-Rosado also helps run the school’s food pantry. Families can get food there every Wednesday. That’s one of her many contributions to the school.

    “She focuses on the whole child so not just academics, but social, emotional growth as well,” said Ruskin Elementary Principal Jeanine Saddler. “I have never seen anything like it in a Head Start or Pre-K classroom.”

    Garcia-Rosado is certainly making a difference.

    “When we see the children learning, it just humbles me and it gives me such great joy to see that everything that we have worked towards, we begin to see it,” said Garcia-Rosado.

    Jorja Roman

    Source link

  • Tampa Sports Authority raises questions about proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark

    TAMPA — The Tampa Sports Authority discussed the potential for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium at their meeting on Tuesday, but no vote was taken.

    Instead of voting on whether to recommend to the city and Hillsborough County that they conduct economic impact studies on the project, the board president said the firm AECOM is already working on a study for them.

    The board also said that construction and development company Skanska is evaluating the cost and feasibility of a new stadium.

    Members had a number of questions surrounding the potential project. They were sparked by a presentation county commissioners are expected to hear Wednesday, saying that the Rays plan to pay for at least half of construction costs.

    One question was whether that is for just the stadium or if it includes parking and infrastructure.

    Others included how many hotel rooms the Rays will generate, what impact a stadium would have on local businesses, how parking and traffic issues will be handled, and what role the sports authority will play in stadium operations.

    “If it gets built, I don’t think the Rays want to pay one dime in taxes on a $2.3 billion stadium,” said sports authority board member Joseph Robinson. “I believe it will be transferred ownership to the county, and after they do that, guess what? We’re going to end up managing it, just like we manage all sports facilities right now in this area. So, I think down the road, we need to make sure, because that’s going to impact staff, it’s going to impact us big time if we’ve got to start managing that Rays stadium. That’s all I want to say. I can see it happening.”

    Spectrum News tried to talk with a few members of the board, but they declined interviews and requests for clarification.

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • “Something has to be done” – public weighs in on Ybor City road safety

    TAMPA, Fla. — Nearly three months after four people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a fatal Ybor City crash, the community had the chance to let city officials know what safety improvements they’d like to see in the historic district. 

    “Something has to be done, and sooner than later, too,” said Candra Granville Mack.

    Granville Mack was among the dozens who came out to Centro Asturiano de Tampa Monday night for a public meeting with city council members, police representatives, and more. She said her reason for being there was personal.

    What You Need To Know

    •  City council members, police, and more met with residents Monday night to discuss roadway improvements in Ybor City

    •  The meeting follows a November crash that took the lives of four people and injured more than a dozen others after a driver Tampa Police say was fleeing from law enforcement plowed into a crowd

    •  Tampa’s interim director of transportation services says some steps have already been taken, including lowering the speed limit on 7th Ave

    • Read previous coverage here


    Her cousin, Sherman Jones, was 53 years old when his life was cut short in the early morning hours of November 8.

    “‘Superman’ is what they called him,” she said. “That’s what he was – our super hero to the whole family.”

    Jones was one of more than a dozen people hit by a speeding driver who Tampa Police said was involved in a pursuit with Florida Highway Patrol on Nov. 8. 

    “He was just out people watching,” she said. “It’s so funny because one of his nephew’s friends was out there that same day at a motorcycle event and happened to catch the last photo of my cousin just standing there, just people watching, before he was killed.”

    Granville Mack said she and other family members returned to Ybor on Monday for Jones and for others.

    “It’s difficult, and we’d like to hear some good information tonight to move forward so other families don’t have to be where we are now,” she said.

    Interim Transportation Services Director Adam Purcell told the crowd that crashes like November’s are rare in the district.

    “In the last ten years, there has not been a fatal crash on 7th Ave. except for what occurred in November,” said Purcell.

    He said that for the historic district as a whole, the past five years have seen a relatively small number of crashes with serious injuries and two involving fatalities.

    According to Purcell, transportation services staff started meeting with Tampa Police soon after November’s fatal crash to explore safety improvements.

    He said speed reduction is a main focus, with the speed limit on 7th Ave. being lowered from 30 mph to 25 mph, part of the street being re-bricked, and on-street parking being added to narrow lanes and encourage slower speeds. The city is also looking at adding four-way stops and bollards at higher volume intersections.

    Speakers at the meeting raised concerns about sidewalks and a street design they said favors cars instead of pedestrians. The panel also heard from people for and against a suggestion that’s come up again and again through the years – shutting down 7th Ave.

    “Just take the street and make it like New Orleans,” said Granville Mack. “Just cut it off certain days so people can have fun and be safe.”

    “The owners are concerned about closing down 7th Avenue, bringing in congestion and bringing in more people who do not spend their money on 7th Avenue,” said Joe Citro, a former member of Tampa City Council. “You have the homeowners concerned that it’s going to take more traffic off of 7th and put it on their neighborhood streets.”

    Citro said he supports adding four-way stops and setting up bollards in parking spaces Thursday through Saturday.

    Granville Mack said she hopes some change comes from the lives lost.

    Some at the meeting asked for more discussions on the topic or a workshop-style meeting. City Councilmember Naya Young led the meeting and said she’s open to more conversations on making Ybor streets safer.

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Tampa mother concerned with charter school bus stop safety

    TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa mother has safety concerns about the location of the bus stop her kids walk to.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Tampa parent is concerned about her kids walking to the bus stop on Clewis Avenue

    • The stop was moved this school year away from the neighborhood 

    • IDEA Hope says they reviewed the stop location and found it safe 


    Watching cars speed down Clewis Avenue is always a concern for Jessica Bradford, especially when thinking of her 8-and 10-year-old children walking on it.

    There are no sidewalks there — and she says drivers often speed on the straightaway.

    “There are ditches on both sides. So really, there’s nowhere else to walk but on the road. There are also no streetlights, so it’s completely dark at 6:30 a.m. when you have tons of kids walking to this one bus stop,” Bradford said.

    Bradford’s kids attend IDEA Hope, a charter school that is not affiliated with Hillsborough County Schools. Bradford says the bus stop was moved from her neighborhood to the Stop & Save Food Store this school year, which means her kids now walk further along Clewis Avenue.

    “My kids used to wait for the bus no problem. Now they must walk on this very dangerous road with no sidewalks,” Bradford said.

    Clewis Avenue is a two-lane, north-south road between MLK Boulevard and Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. As of now, there are no plans for sidewalks there.

    Bradford says she tried getting the school to change the stop back to where it was.

    In a statement, IDEA Hope told Spectrum Bay News 9:

    “IDEA Hope is aware of a parent who is concerned about an assigned bus stop location. Our transportation team has carefully reviewed the approved stop, including walking the route directly, and found no safety concerns for any students. We are in close communication with the parent and will continue working to ensure a safe and consistent transportation experience for all students.”

    Bradford hopes the school will consider moving the stop, not just for her kids but for others who walk along Clewis Avenue as well.

    “I love how my kids get education there. They absolutely love it. This is the first issue I’ve ever had. And I’ve had to take it this far because safety of my kids is my number 1 priority,” Bradford said.

    Tim Wronka

    Source link

  • Fruit farmer says cold weather is causing damage to Florida crops

    THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Farmers are working to protect their crops from the cold temperatures that have been affecting the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida farmers are taking measures to protect their crops from freezing temperatures

    • One farmer says his lemon trees are already showing signs of damage while strawberry crops are being protected with ice

    • The cold weather impact may affect next year’s crop yields


    Don Balaban, the Owner of Balaban Farms, grows many different fruits.

    The condition of his lemon trees was not promising.

    “It’s soft,” he said. “It’s not good.”

    A farmer for 20 years, Balaban grows everything from oranges to macadamia nuts.

    He’s dealt with tough weather before, but when it gets this cold, the weather wreaks havoc.

    “God willing, I should have some fruit this year, but it won’t be what it would have been,” he said.

    For the trees that already sprouted blossoms, there’s nothing that can be done.

    However, for their strawberries, Farm Manager Matias Bueno is creating a layer of ice.

    That actually helps protect the berries from frost burn.

    “I was out here since 10 p.m. (Saturday night) taking a look at the temperature,” Bueno said.

    It’s all hands on deck with this weather.

    While Bueno is doing what he can, it won’t be known what the damage really is for at least a couple of days.

    “We’re hoping we got enough coverage to not see that much damage,” he said.

    This is not typical Florida weather, but Balaban said it hasn’t been too long since they had weather like this.

    Four years ago, he said there was a 100-year freeze.

    To have something similar is not something any Florida farmer wants to see.

    “This time it’s wearing us out because it’s been going on for weeks,” he said. “Started in November, December was warm, and now the last two weeks we’ve been hitting 26 (degrees) a few times. Last night, 24 out here.”

    Balaban said no matter what the weather is like in the coming days, Florida farmers are already impacted.

    He said the impact of this weather will be felt in next year’s crop.

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link

  • Weather playing along for Lightning’s outdoor game

    TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning is set to drop the puck Sunday evening an an entirely new location – outdoors.

    The Bolts will take on the Boston Bruins Sunday evening in the NHL’s Stadium Series game taking place at Raymond James Stadium.

    And the weather is cooperating.


    Bay area wind chills early on Sunday morning could be as low as the single digits and teens north and inland, so an extreme cold watch is in place for early Sunday.

    Sunday will be very cold and breezy with highs only in the 40s. 

    As far as the actual game, here’s what you need to know:

    Boston Bruins (32-20-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (34-14-4, in the Atlantic Division)

    Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m.

     

    The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to keep their seven-game home win streak intact when they play the Boston Bruins.

    Tampa Bay is 34-14-4 overall and 6-3-1 against the Atlantic Division. The Lightning have scored 180 total goals (3.5 per game) to rank sixth in league play.

    Boston is 32-20-3 overall and 9-8-0 against the Atlantic Division. The Bruins have a 7-4-0 record in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent.

    The matchup Sunday is the second time these teams play this season. The Lightning won 4-3 in the previous matchup. Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning with two goals.

    TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Kucherov has 27 goals and 55 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has five goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

    Morgan Geekie has 30 goals and 20 assists for the Bruins. Viktor Arvidsson has five goals and one assist over the last 10 games.

    LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 8-1-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.6 assists, 4.2 penalties and 12.6 penalty minutes while giving up 1.6 goals per game.

    Bruins: 8-1-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 3.9 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.

    INJURIES: Lightning: None listed.

    Bruins: None listed.

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Weather prompts Gasparilla invasion route change, parade on as scheduled

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Gasparilla pirate invasion will look a little different Saturday, due to the expected cold temperatures and high winds.


    Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announced the Jose Gasparilla II is changing its route for the invasion that takes place on the Hillsborough River. The Gasparilla Flotilla will now take off from Port Tampa Bay and head directly to the Tampa Convention Center. This is much shorter than the typical route that runs from Ballast Point Park to the convention center.

    Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, which leads the invasion, issued this statement:

    “Due to weather conditions and out of an abundance of caution, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, has established a contingency plan for the Gasparilla Invasion scheduled for Saturday.

    The safety and security of the Tampa community remains our highest priority and continues to guide all decision-making. As part of this plan, the Jose Gasparilla II will sail from Port Tampa Bay to the Tampa Convention Center. In addition, our maritime experts strongly encourage captains of local vessels to closely monitor weather conditions and exercise sound judgment when making boating decisions on Saturday morning.

    With confidence, we affirm that the invasion of Tampa will move forward as custom dictates, and Mayor Jane Castor is advised to stand ready to relinquish the key to the city at 1 PM.”


    Local law enforcement is asking boaters who plan to take part in the flotilla to do so with caution.

    After the invasion wraps up, all eyes turn to Bayshore Boulevard for the Parade of Pirates. Community groups and pirate krewes will laugh, sing, dance and throw tens of thousands of strings of beads to those watching from the sidewalk.

    One of those is the Krewe of Blackbeard’s Revenge, which will be celebrating its 15th anniversary.

    Members of the krewe say that since it formed in 2011, the group has raised more than $400,000 for a number of Tampa Bay-area charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Shriners Children’s Hospital.

    “That’s kind of what brought us together — philanthropy. Helping in our local community,” Krewe leader Howie Taylor said.

    The Krewe of Blackbeard’s Revenge was named after one of its founders, Bobby “Blackbeard” Schatzberg, who was affectionately called “Shatzie.” Schatzberg died in 2021 and his krewe decided to keep his memory alive by bringing a cardboard cutout of him to every Gasparilla parade.

    “It means a lot to me when people say, ‘Look, it’s Blackbeard!’ Then they want to take a picture with him,” Krewe co-founder Darrell Haun explained.

    Haun said each member of his krewe pays for their own beads that they then throw into the audience on Gasparilla. He says each year, krewe members pay hundreds of dollars a piece for just beads alone.

    While the cold weather may not seem as fun for those watching, Haun said he’s looking on the bright side: Colder weather means he and his krewe can wear some of their most traditional clothing, something they haven’t had the chance to do in years.

    “We have jackets between $200 to $400 and we haven’t been able to wear them for probably five or six years,” he said. “So, it’s actually going to be kinda cool to actually wear our full garb.”

    The city of Tampa says to receive 2026 Gasparilla updates, safety tips and traffic alerts, text GASPARILLA to 888-777.

    Angie Angers

    Source link

  • Businesses prep for a cold, windy Gasparilla

    TAMPA, Fla. — “Shiver me timbers” may take on a whole new meaning this Gasparilla, as temperatures are expected to drop while the winds pick up Saturday, the day of the annual Pirate Fest celebration. 

    “Cold and windy for Gasparilla this year, unfortunately,” said Spectrum News meteorologist Brian McClure. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem on land. The problem’s going to be a lot of people like to take their boats out, right? That’s the biggest issue.”

    What You Need To Know

    • This weekend’s Gasparilla celebrations are expected to include temperatures that dip into the 40s and wind gusts of up to 40 mph

    • South Tampa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Flannery said Gasparilla is important for local businesses, with 300,000 visitors expected and a projected economic impact of $20 million

    • Flannery said she’s not expecting people to cancel hotel and restaurant reservations due to the weather

    • The COO of Jackson’s Bistro along the flotilla route said the restaurant is prepared for cooler temps, with heaters and screens to protect people from wind and rain on the patio


    McClure said on land, winds are expected to get up to 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 40s.

    “I remember a lot of cold Gasparillas. I remember lots of wet Gasparillas. I remember some Gasparillas where we even had some severe weather, but I don’t remember a Gasparilla where it was windy and cold combined,” McClure said. “I think that’s going to be the biggest problem is the wind is just going to be so strong.”

    According to Kelly Flannery, president and CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 300,000 people are expected to come out for the weekend’s flotilla and parade.

    “Gasparilla’s a fantastic weekend,” Flannery said. “Our hotels are going to be full. Our restaurants and bars are full.”

    That includes Jackson’s Bistro, which is on the flotilla route and offers a front row seat to watch the boats go by.

    “It’s just shoulder-to-shoulder, wall-to-wall, bow-to-bow out there on the water, and everybody’s having a good time,” said James Hamilton, the restaurant’s chief operating officer.

    Hamilton said Jackson’s business jumps by about 300% during Gasparilla compared to a normal weekend.

    “It’s literally an invasion,” Hamilton said. “It’s the field of dreams. If you build a restaurant here, they’re coming on Gasparilla.”

    He said the restaurant is ready for the chilly weather.

    “I wasn’t worried about it. We just spent millions of dollars renovating this patio, putting in these heaters, dropping down these canopies to keep the wind off of everybody,” Hamilton said. “We had the warmest New Year’s Eve we’ve ever had while everybody else was cold. So, Gasparilla will be the same.”

    Flannery said she doesn’t expect visitors to cancel planned reservations at hotels and restaurants because of the weather. She said the festival usually brings a $20 million economic impact with it.

    “I think that the cold weather is going to add another element to this weekend’s events, but I don’t think it’s going to keep people away,” she said. “I think people have been looking forward to this weekend all year. People travel from all over the state or all over the southeast part of the country to attend this event.”

    Hamilton also said he expects Jackson’s to be as busy as usual with crowds of Gasparilla faithful.

    “They’re pretty dedicated,” he said. “The costumes they wear are made for the summer no matter what the weather is, and they don’t look like they’re cold. They’re really dedicated.”

    McClure said he’s recommending people don’t take their personal boats out on Saturday. He said winds could get up to 35-40 knots on the water, and a gale warning will likely be posted. 

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • NYC man accused of stealing hundreds of OTC medications in NH spree

    HUDSON, N.H. — A Staten Island man is being held without bail after police said he carried out a coordinated retail theft operation, stealing 455 containers of over-the-counter medications from Walmart and several Hannaford grocery stores before fleeing from officers.

    The Hudson Police said they arrested 28-year-old Yasin Shearin after Walmart employees on Lowell Road reported a “repeat theft suspect” they wanted removed for trespassing. When officers approached him, Shearin displayed a New York driver’s license on his phone, but the photo did not match him, and he struggled to answer questions about his identity, including his Social Security number, according to a police affidavit.

    Police said they linked him to a prior felony theft at the same Walmart involving nearly $1,500 in merchandise on Oct. 29. According to the affidavit, during that prior incident, the store’s asset protection employee took surveillance of Shearin placing items into a tote and walking past all points of sale. The employee told police Shearin appeared to be attempting the same method again on Dec. 17, concealing Zyrtec inside a closed tote.

    Police said the store’s asset protection employee also alleged Shearin had “numerous open cases around the area regarding past thefts with Walmart.”

    As police moved to arrest him, Shearin allegedly resisted and ran from the store. Officers chased him across the parking lot and apprehended him by the nearby McDonald’s.

    Police said Shearin tried to get into a black 2025 Nissan SUV with New York plates during the chase. The vehicle was seized, and a search warrant allegedly uncovered 455 items of over-the-counter medications — Tylenol, Zyrtec, Nexium, Nicorette, Motrin, Dulcolax, Nexium, Pepcid, Breathe Right nasal strips and more — packed into bags.

    Police said they also found marijuana and what they believe to be butane hash oil.

    The affidavit states GPS data obtained from the vehicle showed it had stopped at several Walmart and Hannaford supermarkets in New Hampshire, including locations in Salem, Bedford, Seabrook, Manchester, Derry, Londonderry and Hudson.

    Surveillance footage from the Hudson store showed Shearin entering alone, heading directly to the vitamin and health aisle, and concealing medications in a blue bag hidden inside a shopping cart before walking out without paying, according to the affidavit.

    Police later matched the blue bag to one allegedly seized from the SUV.

    Shearin was arraigned in the 9th Circuit Nashua District Court on Friday. Court documents state he entered a not-guilty plea to willful concealment, a Class A misdemeanor, and no pleas to receiving stolen property ($1,501 or more), a Class A felony, and organized retail crime enterprise and theft by unauthorized taking ($1,001-$1,501), both Class B felonies.

    A judge ordered him held without bail, citing his risk of flight, multiple open cases in other states, and what was described as a safety risk to himself and the community if released.

    Shearin was appointed a public defender, Alex Charles Fernald, who was not immediately available for comment.

    Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social. 

    Aaron Curtis

    Source link

  • Councilman pushes Rays to pay for new stadium; team CEO says partnership needed

    TAMPA, Fla. — Leaders in Hillsborough County could soon be asked to take a deeper look at the financial picture of building a baseball stadium in Tampa.


    The owners of the Tampa Bay Rays have picked Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus site to build a new ballpark.

    The project could cost more than $2 billion.

    On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis stressed again his support for that move and the state’s willingness to secure the spot on the HC campus.

    “I do think Tampa Bay, that’s where the team was berthed. We do it want to see it succeed in this region,” he said. “I think it can succeed. A hundred percent, I think it can succeed. Our role can be just to help HC negotiate something that’s going to be good for them and be good for the Rays. And we’re happy to do that.”

    But the money has to be there. According to our newsgathering partners at the Tampa Bay Times, building the stadium would cost about $2.3 billion.

    That is a billion dollars more than a previous proposal for a new stadium in St. Petersburg two years ago.

    Tampa Councilman Charlie Miranda on Wednesday said the Rays ownership should foot the entire bill for it.

    “If they have the money to buy it, they should have the money to build their own house,” he said.

    Two weeks ago, Rays CEO Ken Babby spoke on the Hunks Talk Junk podcast about the need for a partnership.

    “We’re going to do our part. We’re going to write a big check. We already wrote one to buy the team,” Babby said at the time. “We are going to write another big one to buy the ballpark, but we need a good public-private partnership.” 

    Next week, the Tampa Sports Authority is expected to vote on whether there first should be an economic study done for the city and the county.

    Miranda said he welcomes it — as long as it is by an independent group.

    “I support any study, but it’s got to be verified,” Miranda said. “I want it statistically from a non-committed organization — not committed to them, not committed to us. An unbiased study that’s done so everybody understands where you’re at, including the land that they’re going to have, that they pay no tax. How would, we the city, benefit from that if they weren’t here? It’s got to be a two-way study, it can’t just be one way.”

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to the Rays on Wednesday but didn’t hear back.

    Most professional stadiums have been built using public-private partnerships, but there are exceptions. Gilette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots, recently got a $225 million renovation that was completely funded by the owner.

    Spectrum News Staff, Dalia Dangerfield

    Source link

  • FDOT: Howard Frankland Bridge lanes to close Wednesday night

    TAMPA, Fla. — The southbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge will be closed Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

    According to Florida Department of Transportation officials, the bridge lanes are closing for sign construction work on the bridge.

    Drivers will have to detour off the interstate using SR 60 (Exit 39) from 11 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, to 5 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 29.

    Message boards and temporary signage will assist southbound I-275 drivers traveling around the closure via Memorial Highway, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Bayside Bridge and Roosevelt Boulevard SR 686).

    Other roadways (Kennedy Boulevard, Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy Boulevard) will be accessible and may provide an alternate route.

    This closure is necessary for crews to finalize the installation of overhead signage as part of the new southbound I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) project, located between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.


     

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days

    A strong cold front has brought in much cooler air, with another reinforcing shot of cold air this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Freezing temperatures are expected north of Tampa

    • Highs will only be in the 50s and 60s the rest of the work week

    • It could get even colder next weekend


    Low temperatures on Tuesday morning will fall to the mid-to-upper 30s for Tampa, but expect some areas near freezing in eastern Hillsborough and Polk counties.

    A freeze warning is in effect for Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, where lows in the mid-20s to near 30 are likely.

    Wind chills near or even below 20 are possible north of Tampa, with 20s to low 30s wind chills possible elsewhere. 

    Wednesday morning will be a touch colder, so expect freezing temperatures north of Tampa once again.

    Expect another cold morning with a freeze north on Thursday, but it will be slightly milder to start Friday. 

    This Weekend

    Another strong cold front will come through during the day on Saturday.

    This will bring a chance of showers during the day, then falling temperatures Saturday night.

    Sunday morning could be the coldest of the winter, with temperatures near freezing in Tampa and possibly in the teens in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    Long Term Forecast

    Beyond the weekend, there is no sign of the colder air letting up.

    A big dip in the jet stream across the eastern United States will continue to drive cold fronts south.

    Below-normal temperatures are expected through at least the first week of February. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

    Source link

  • Latest airport delays and cancellations due to winter weather

    TAMPA, Fla. — The winter storm that swept across the nation is causing delays and cancellations at our local airports.

    Check below to see the status of all the flights at Tampa International Airport as well as St. Pete / Clearwater airport.

    **Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**

    Tampa International Arrivals

    Tampa International Departures

    St. Pete Clearwater Arrivals

    St. Pete Clearwater Departures

    [ad_2] Spectrum News Staff
    Source link