ReportWire

Tag: Spectrum News Staff

  • Florida gov candidates spar; Ingoglia takes on St. Pete

    [ad_1]

    Rep. Byron Donalds and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner spar on X over school choice legislation, and Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia asserts that St. Pete over spent $49 million over six years.


    Florida Republican governor candidates spar over school choice legislation

    When it comes to school choice, Florida law provides universal choice education scholarships to cover almost $9,000 in private school vouchers. The legislation that created the voucher program became a flash point today in the governor’s race.

    It started with a social media post by Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor.

    He was in Tallahassee where he used to serve as a lawmaker and took credit for passing school choice bills. But one of Donalds’ opponents in the Republican primary for governor, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, took issue with that.

    “Hey everybody. I’m actually back in Tallahassee and in my time at the state House.” Donalds said Wednesday on X. “We were arguing for universal choice and we got that passed during my time in the Florida House. It’s National School Choice Week, and we want to make sure that everybody understands that our number one mission is to make sure that every child, regardless of zip code, is getting the best education possible. So it’s actually kind of ironic that I’m back here in Tallahassee, kind of where it all began to a degree, where we argued for school choice here. Delivered universal school choice here. We want to see that same thing happen for every child in America. God bless you guys. Take it easy.”

    “Byron, you know that’s a lie. Let’s have an honest campaign with voters. So I wake up this morning to see Congressman Donalds on video, literally claiming that he was here in the Florida House when we passed Universal School Choice,” Renner said on X. “Byron, you know that’s a lie because I passed universal school choice in 2023. You were nowhere near Tallahassee. You passed the Hope scholarship HB one, which was political theater and barely moved the needle. That was not universal school choice. And you know it. I know you have a thin, thin record both in the House and in Congress, but do me a favor and don’t run on mine. Let’s have an honest campaign with voters. Let’s tell them about my experience and yours, my record and yours, and let them make a decision. Honestly.”

    Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia asserts that St. Pete government overspent $49 million over 6 years

    Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia held a press conference in St. Pete today, saying that the city has overtaxed and overspent more than $49 million over a 6-year period.

    Ingoglia said he reached that number by looking at the base budget plus inflation plus population, and says what should be an “acceptable budget growth.”

    He says the city has only added just over 11,500 to the population, and says that the budget for the city grew by $133 million.

    However, he did not get into specifics of exactly what the city overspent on.

    “This is the number that when we took their old budget, adjusted for inflation and population and compared it to what it actually was, that you are being overtaxed in our estimation $49 million dollars that’s a lot money for a relatively small budget,” Ingoglia said.

    The CFO said that his office has been auditing cities across the state and reports that it has found more than a billion dollars in overspending and overtaxing.

    St. Pete Mayor Kenneth T. Welch responded to the allegations in a statement.

    “Today, Florida’s CFO asserted statements about the City of St. Petersburg’s budget and said that any response or rebuttal from local government would just be a ‘spin.’ He made it clear that any clarification or correction would be local governments ‘justifying excessive and wasteful spending.’ We just received the report and while we work to verify his statements, the City of St. Petersburg remains transparent throughout our budget process. As we do every year, all year round, we encourage residents with questions about the City’s budget to review the documents posted on our website at www.stpete.org/budget,” Welch said.

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers, Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

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

    [ad_1]

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Dalia Dangerfield

    Source link

  • Authorities: Mother of stabbed 4-year-old arrested, charged with murder

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The 43-year-old mother of a 4-year-old child found stabbed to death was taken into custody early Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder.

    City police responded to a call about a dead child and an injured adult on Tuesday afternoon.

    What You Need To Know

    • 43-year-old mother of a 4-year-old child found stabbed to death was taken into custody early Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder

    • Incident happened Tuesday afternoon at home in 1700 block of Tanglewood Drive NE, St. Petersburg 
    • Police said a 16-year-old girl called around 3:30 p.m. to say she found her 4-year-old brother inside the home and that he had stab wounds. The boy died
    • The suspect, identified by police as Diana Cullom, was taken to Bayfront Hospital with injuries. She was later taken into custody

    The location was a home in the 1700 block of Tanglewood Drive NE.

    Police said a 16-year-old girl called around 3:30 p.m. to say she found her 4-year-old brother inside the home and that he had stab wounds. The boy died.

    The woman, identified by police as Diana Cullom, was taken to Bayfront Hospital with injuries. Preliminary reports, according to police, say that Cullom stabbed the child and herself.

    “Preliminary investigation leads toward the mom, but again, we’re going to make sure that we investigate everything,” said Chief Anthony Holloway. “But with the note and the way the scene is right now, the mom appears to be the suspect. But again, we’re not going to say definitely yet until we get all of the information.”

    The father wasn’t at the home and was called to the scene, according to investigators.

    Police said a teenage girl called around 3:30 p.m. to say she found her 4-year-old brother inside the home and that he had stab wounds. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Melissa Eichman)

    Police said a note was found at the scene, but they didn’t provide details about what it said.

    The police chief added that there is no threat to the public.

    The investigation is still underway.

    Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for udpates.


    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Shedeur Sanders to be an AFC quarterback for the Pro Bowl Games, AP source says

    [ad_1]

    CLEVELAND — Shedeur Sanders has been selected as a replacement QB on the AFC’s roster for next week’s Pro Bowl Games, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes

    • The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft

    • Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes. Yahoo Sports was the first to report on Sanders’ addition.

    The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft. Sanders played in eight games, and started the Browns’ final seven games, going 3-4. He had a 56.6% completion rate and 68.1 passer rating along with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

    New England’s Drake Maye, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo’s Josh Allen were on the original AFC roster when the selections were announced on Dec. 23.

    Maye is unable to participate because of the Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl, while Herbert and Allen dealt with injuries at the end of their seasons.

    Other AFC quarterbacks, including Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones and Denver’s Bo Nix also suffered season-ending injuries. Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence was one of the top alternates, but Lawrence opted not to play in the event.

    Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced.

    Finding players to fill out Pro Bowl rosters because of injuries has always been a challenge, but it has increased since the NFL did away with the exhibition full-contact all-star game format and went to a weeklong skills competition and flag football game beginning with the 2022 season.

    Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.

    The Pro Bowl Games will take place in San Francisco ahead of the Super Bowl. Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (NFC) and Steve Young (AFC) are the coaches for the flag football showdown on Feb. 3.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

    Source link

  • Raleigh driving instructor provides tips on driving during the winter

    [ad_1]

    RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is in the winter weather season. With sleet and/or freezing rain coating the roads, that makes driving dangerous.

    One expert shares some tips on how you can stay safe if you have to drive in the elements.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sleet or freezing rain coating the roads makes driving dangerous

    • Drive slower than posted speed limit when roads are slippery

    • Highway Patrol said they responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide early last year


    Savannah Gregory trains drivers for safety and success.

    She is the director of Drivers of the Future, a driving school based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Gregory dedicates over 30 hours each week to instructing drivers who are beginners, anxious, or new to the state’s laws.

    “The issue in North Carolina is not that it’s unpredictable. It’s that it’s unfamiliar,” Gregory said.

    This week, the driving instructor is preparing everyone for the roads that come along with winter weather.

    “In this area in particular, we have some of the most adverse winter weather conditions in the sense that roads are not treated as aggressively as they are up north,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said a major concern during the winter weather months — black ice.

    Related: Icy roads cause a 10-13 car pile-up in Winston-Salem. How to stay safe

    It’s slippery, but it’s also virtually undetectable. Gregory said it’s best to take it slow and be careful on highways, especially near bridges and overpasses.

    She also said to leave a space between you and other drivers.

    “You’re following distance. It’s going to increase from 2 to 3 seconds to somewhere around 9 to 10, potentially,” Gregory explained.

    In addition, Gregory said braking and accelerating should be smooth, not abrupt.

    She said drivers should be going slower than the posted speed limit during this time.

    “And keep in mind that traction is your currency when it comes to winter weather, and once you spend it, it is no longer there,” Gregory said.

    Slippery roads caused a series of crashes on I-40 in Orange County, involving more than 50 vehicles early last year.

    The State Highway Patrol said it responded to nearly 1,200 collisions statewide around the same time.

    Gregory, unfazed, stated that driving in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat, often leads to dangerous situations or unforeseen delays.

    “Sometimes it’s the safest choice to not drive at all,” Gregory said.

    Gregory said during her five years of operating, she’s heard some of the most dangerous stories of drivers being hurt or injured are due to slippery road conditions.

    She thinks it’s best to play it safe.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Jatrissa Wooten, Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • FDOT: Howard Frankland Bridge lanes to close Wednesday night

    [ad_1]

    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.


     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood to retire after 40 years in law enforcement

    [ad_1]

    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Police Chief Jay Hopwood will retire from the Haines City Police Department at the end of the month, ending a four-decade career in law enforcement.

    Hopwood began working with the department in 2002 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he served in numerous roles and became the police chief in March of last year.

    Prior to joining Haines City, Hopwood served as a corrections officer at the Polk County Jail for three years and later as a police officer with the Winter Haven Police Department. 

    “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Haines City for the past 24 years, including the last 10 months as Chief of Police,” said Hopwood. “While this is a bittersweet moment, I am incredibly proud of my career and grateful for the friendships I’ve made with current and former members of the police department, city employees, and the residents and business owners of Haines City.

    “I sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff — I could not have succeeded without them.”

    Deputy Chief Isaac Jackson will assume oversight of the Police Department’s daily operations.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Winter storm postpones Blue Jackets’ game against Kings

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The NHL postponed the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home game against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night because of a major winter storm that created dangerous travel conditions across much of the United States.

    What You Need To Know

    • Almost a foot of snow fell in Columbus, Ohio
    • The game is rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus

    • Wind chills are also making temperatures dangerous

    Almost a foot of snow fell in Columbus, Ohio, and windchill factors were forecast to be around minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday night. The game is rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus.

    The NBA postponed games in Memphis and Milwaukee on Sunday because of the storm.

    The Dallas Mavericks tried twice to fly to Milwaukee for their Sunday night game against the Bucks, but conditions didn’t allow it. A decision to postpone was announced a few hours before tipoff. Food that had been prepared for the game was donated to shelters in the Milwaukee area.

    Earlier Sunday, a game between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies was postponed about three hours before tipoff.

    Reschedule dates were not announced.

    The NBA also changed the start times for two games on Monday: Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets tipped off at 3 p.m. ET instead of 7 p.m., and the Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks at 1:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.

    The Memphis area was experiencing a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain that began falling early Saturday morning and continued Sunday morning. South and east of Memphis, freezing rain collected on power lines and trees, causing widespread outages and blocked roads. Authorities had recommended people stay off the streets as the wintry mix and frigid temperatures caused a refreeze.

    The Nuggets said they planned to fly out at some point Sunday, depending on the conditions at Memphis International Airport. They are scheduled to play at home Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons.

    The Grizzlies are scheduled to be in Houston for a game against the Rockets on Monday.

    An NBA G League game scheduled for Monday between the Memphis Hustle and Stockton Kings in Southaven, Mississippi, was postponed and rescheduled for Feb. 19.

    At least two college women’s basketball games were postponed: No. 17 Tennessee’s visit to No. 18 Mississippi on Monday and Tulane’s visit to Memphis on Tuesday. Reschedule dates were not announced.

    In men’s basketball, a game featuring Tennessee at No. 21 Georgia was pushed back a day from Tuesday to Wednesday. Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indianapolis, and Southern Illinois and Evansville had Sunday games postponed without make-up dates announced.

    The schedule changes come after dozens of games were moved around last week in anticipation of the storm.

    Separately, on Saturday, the NBA postponed a game between the Warriors and Timberwolves to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after the fatal shooting of a man by a federal officer in a district located less than two miles away from where the Timberwolves play.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

    Source link

  • Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

    [ad_1]

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Senate President Ben Albritton was taken to the hospital early Sunday after experiencing chest pain, his office said Monday.

    “Physicians in the Emergency Room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital discovered a small blood clot in his lung,” a statement from the Office of the Senate President said. “The President remained in the Emergency Room overnight and is currently under observation, awaiting further testing.”

    Albritton’s office said he is “in good spirits and has been in frequent communication with staff via phone and email yesterday and today.”

    “All previously scheduled Senate business will proceed as planned this week,” the statement added.

    Albritton’s office said he hopes to return to work later in the week.

    “The President and Mrs. Albritton would be very grateful for your prayers,” the statement said. 

    No other information about Albritton’s hospitalization and current condition was immediately released.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Duke Energy warns of scam targeting consumers

    [ad_1]

    Duke Energy said it’s aware of a scam going around that’s trying to trick customers.

    Related: Track and report power outages in your area

    Customers have reported receiving a text claiming to be from Duke Energy, saying they will be affected by a scheduled outage. 

    It then asks the recipient to click on a link. 

    “This message did not come from Duke Energy,” Duke Energy wrote in a Facebook post. “Customers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from businesses or individuals they do not know, and they should contact Duke Energy directly to discuss their account or visit company communications channels for the latest updates.”

    Duke Energy said it will only use official communication channels to communicate grid conditions. 


    [ad_2]

    Lydia Taylor, Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Updates: Snow, frigid cold impact Ohio

    [ad_1]

    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Ohio

    UPDATED 9:20 AM ET Jan. 26, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM ET Jan. 25, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM EST Jan. 25, 2026

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Latest airport delays and cancellations due to winter weather

    [ad_1]

    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

  • Morning Briefing: Tampa — January 26 2026

    [ad_1]

    Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.

    Your Weather Planner

    Showers will be clearing south of Tampa Bay around sunrise.

    Rain will be gone before 10 a.m. for all of the area.

    Afternoon temperatures will be in the 50s.

    Temperatures plunge Monday night. A Freeze Watch is in effect Monday night for areas north of Tampa. Lows will be in the 20s there.

    Click here for a list of cold weather shelters in Tampa Bay.

    Get the full forecast here.

    Highs: 64 early

    Lows: 60

    Rain Coverage: 0%

    Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

    Around Tampa Bay

    1. Winter storm flight disruptions reaching Tampa International Airport
    Tampa International Airport is seeing its share of disruptions, with dozens of delays and cancellations Sunday into Monday morning.

    2. Tax season starts Monday, here’s what’s new this year
    The Big Beautiful Act has brought new tax provisions.

    3. Tampa housing advocates call for return of landlord registry amid rising rents
    For years, Tampa required landlords to register rental properties through a rental certificate program. That policy was repealed in 2023.

    4. Tampa protesters decry ICE shooting of Minneapolis man
    Dozens met outside Tampa City Hall on Saturday evening in response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

    5. Century-old Clearwater Beach restaurant Palm Pavilion gets new owners
    The Hamilton family has run the restaurant since 1964.

    Around the Nation & World

    1. Videos of deadly Minneapolis shooting contradict government statements

    2. More than 11,400 flights canceled Sunday as massive winter storm sweeps across U.S.

    3. Super Bowl 60 is set and it’s a rematch from 11 years ago: Patriots vs. Seahawks

    4. ‘Mercy’ unseats ‘Avatar: Fire & Ash’ atop the box office on snow-blanketed weekend in theaters

    Quote of the Day

    For nearly 20 years, one question has followed Central Florida: What happened to 24-year-old Jennifer Kesse?

    Her disappearance not only reshaped how missing-person cases are handled in Florida — it forever changed the lives of the family who never stopped searching.

    Spectrum News spoke with Jennifer’s parents, Drew and Joyce Kesse, who shared their story in their own words: reflecting on 24 years of good memories shared with her daughter, the pain they have endured following her disappearance and the hope they have that one day answers to what happened to their daughter may come. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Live blog: Winter storm on the move with more freezing rain in the forecast

    [ad_1]

    A winter storm is forecast to bring ice and snow to much of North Carolina this weekend. Get updates from our live blog here.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Weekend Digest Tampa January 24 & 25

    [ad_1]

    Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.

    This weekend will be much warmer than last with no cold fronts on the way. 

    Saturday will be the warmest day we’ve had in a while with a high temperature near 80. Skies will be partly sunny. 

    Saturday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.

    Sunday will be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of a shower.  Highs will be in the upper 70s. 

    Beach and boating

    This weekend will be much better for beach and boating conditions. Saturday will be the slightly better day for the beach as it will be dry, but both days will be mild. 

    Boating conditions will be mainly good this weekend with 10 knot winds on Saturday and 5 to 10 knot winds on Sunday. 

    Your Hour-by-Hour Forecast | Check Klystron 9 Radar | Latest on the Tropics | Tropical Weather Graphics

    PINELLAS

    HILLSBOROUGH 

    POLK

    PASCO

    HERNANDO

    MANATEE

    CITRUS

    SARASOTA

    For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar >>

    1. Memo breaks down details of HC-Rays talks; school’s board gives OK

    2. FWC ends online sales of short-term fishing licenses

    3. Major winter storm could cripple the Southeast with snow and ice this weekend

    4. Teachers union backs Florida Senate bill targeting teacher shortages

    5. People build nest boxes for declining owl population

    6. Lido Beach renourishment project to begin Sunday

    Tap/Click here for more headlines >>

    Location: Tierra Verde | Courtesy: H. Baldridge

    Share your weather photos with us!

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pinellas County to open cold weather shelter Monday night

    [ad_1]

    With colder weather back in next week’s forecast, look for some counties in the Bay area to open cold weather shelters.

    We’ll update the list below, so make sure to check back.

    PINELLAS COUNTY

    Cold night shelters in Pinellas County will be open Monday night, Jan. 26, the Homeless Leadership Alliance has announced. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

    Shelter guests are accepted until the shelter is full. All sites provide a warm and safe place to sleep, and many sites also serve a meal. 

    The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will provide free bus rides to and from Cold Night Shelters Monday evening from 5 p.m. through 7 a.m. the next day. Riders must tell PSTA drivers they are going to a Pinellas Cold Night Shelter when boarding to ride fare-free.

    The following cold weather shelters are available to adult men and women:

    Tarpon Springs

    • St. Timothy Luthern Church 
    • 812 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs
    • PSTA Route #19

    Clearwater

    • First United Methodist Church of Clearwater 
    • 411 Turner Street, Clearwater
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #52A

    Pinellas Park

    • Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park 
    • 7790 61st St. N, Pinellas Park
    • PSTA Route #74

    First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park 

    • 9025 49th St. N, Pinellas Park
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #49

    St. Petersburg

    • Unitarian Universalist Church 
    • 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
    • Requires the use of stairs
    • PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, SunRunner

    Salvation Army 

    • 1400 4th Street South, St. Petersburg
    • Requires valid ID for entry
    • PSTA Route #4A or B

    Allendale Church

    • 3803 Haines Rd. N, St. Petersburg
    • PSTA Route #16, #38

    Northwest Church 

    • 6330 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
    • Allows leashed/contained pets
    • PSTA Route #54, #66

    Families with children will be placed in family shelters on cold nights (if space is available). Families should call 2-1-1, First Contact, for information about family shelters.

    The Homeless Leadership Alliance is in need of volunteers for this and future activations. Those interested in volunteering should visit pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer to learn more.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Dredging project to begin next month at John’s Pass

    [ad_1]

    MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. — A long-delayed project to dredge all the sand that has been choking John’s Pass for years will start next month.

    City officials said Friday that work will begin Feb. 9 and that the project will take anywhere from 60 to 90 days to complete.

    It will remove up to 12,900 cubic yards of sand from John’s Pass.

    Madeira Beach city commissioners approved a $1.5 million contract last month for the work.

    The sand has created dangerous swimming conditions. Former Madeira Beach Mayor John Hendricks first warned the public about the sand buildup problem in 2020.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reported in December that it has since become the number one spot for water rescues in the county.

    The project has taken years to get off the ground.

    State Rep. Linda Chaney presented the city commission with a $1.5 million state grant to pay for the sand to be dredged in 2022.

    In the time after that, the project never got underway, and the city was forced to ask the state for an extension to the grant, which was approved.

    The dredged sand will be trucked to the property at 555 150th Ave., where it will be used to help fill and grade the site for future use. 

    Residents and visitors are asked to use extra caution when accessing the park during the project.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Duke Energy crews head north ahead of winter storms, anticipated outages

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Millions of people are bracing for severe winter weather this weekend as a winter storm is approaching states stretching from Texas to New England.

    Bay area energy companies are sending crews to the Carolinas ahead of expected outages due to snow and ice.

    Duke Energy sent out 500 linemen and contractors from St. Petersburg early Friday. Meanwhile, Tampa Electric is sending nearly 200 people to help restore power in Georgia and other areas. 

    “(We) set up what we call a staging site,” said Spokesperson Aly Raschid. “That’s where the crews will be until after the storm passes, and then after the storm passes, and it’s safe to do so, they will go to the impacted areas and start restoration.”

    The winter weather, expected to bring heavy snowfall, dangerous ice and frigid cold, also likely will impact air travel.

    Anyone with a flight out of the Bay area this weekend should stay in touch with their airline for updates.


    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Clearwater Historical Society exhibition celebrates America’s 250th anniversary

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Historical Society is celebrating the United States turning 250 years old.

    Its exhibition showcases what the average person experienced during the war for independence.

    Spectrum Bay News 9’s Jeff Van Sant has more about the American Revolution Experience. Use the video player above to watch.

    You can visit the experience at the Clearwater Historical Society and meet the descendants of American patriots until Monday.

    The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Illinois surgeon charged in Ohio couple’s killings due in court

    [ad_1]

    OHIO — An Illinois doctor indicted on murder charges in the December slayings of his ex-wife and her dentist husband in their Columbus home is due in an Ohio courtroom on Friday.

    What You Need To Know

    • An Ohio grand jury indicted McKee in the double homicide last week

    • McKee is accused of illegally entering the Tepes’ home with a firearm equipped with a silencer, shooting the Tepes

    • McKee is charged with two aggravated murder counts for each homicide, one for prior calculation and design and one for committing the crime, as well as facing the aggravated burglary count

    Michael David McKee, 39, is scheduled to be arraigned in Franklin County on four aggravated murder counts and one count of aggravated burglary while using a firearm suppressor in connection with the Dec. 30 shooting deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37.

    The mystery that first surrounded the case — which featured no forced entry, no weapon and no obvious signs of theft, additional violence or a motive — drew national attention. McKee, of Chicago, was arrested 11 days later near his workplace in Rockford, Illinois. He was returned to Ohio on Tuesday to face the charges against him.

    Who is Michael David McKee?

    McKee attended Catholic high school in Zanesville, a historic Ohio city about 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) east of the capital, according to the Diocese of Columbus. He enrolled at Ohio State University in September 2005 — the same semester that his future wife, then Monique Sabaturski, enrolled, university records show. Both graduated with bachelor’s degrees in June 2009. Sabaturski earned a master of education degree from Ohio State in 2011 and McKee earned his medical degree there in 2014.

    Sabaturski and McKee married in Columbus in August 2015 but were living apart by the time Monique filed to end in the marriage in May 2017, court records show. Their divorce was granted that June. McKee was living in Virginia at the time, court and address records show. He completed a two-year fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center in October 2022, according to the school.

    McKee also lived in and was licensed to practice medicine in both California and in Nevada, where he was among doctors named in a personal injury lawsuit in a Las Vegas court in 2023. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, where McKee was working at the time of his arrest, declined to provide specific information on the dates of his employment. His Illinois medical license became active in October 2024.

    What is McKee accused of?

    An Ohio grand jury indicted McKee in the double homicide last week.

    McKee is accused of illegally entering the Tepes’ home with a firearm equipped with a silencer, shooting the Tepes — whose bodies were found in a second-floor bedroom — and leaving the property along a dark alley alongside the house.

    Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant has said that McKee was the person seen walking down that alley in video footage captured the night of the murders. She also said a gun found in his Chicago apartment was a ballistic match to evidence at the scene and that his vehicle’s movements were tracked from Columbus back to Illinois.

    A message seeking comment was left with McKee’s attorney.

    McKee is charged with two aggravated murder counts for each homicide, one for prior calculation and design and one for committing the crime, as well as facing the aggravated burglary count. If convicted, he faces a minimum of life in prison with parole eligibility after 32 years and a maximum term of life in prison without parole.

    How were the murders discovered?

    Columbus police conducted a wellness check on Spencer Tepe at around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30, after his manager at a dental practice in Athens, Ohio, reported that he had not shown up to work on that day, saying tardiness was very worrying and “out of character” for Tepe, according to a 911 call.

    Someone else called to request a wellness check before a distraught man who described himself as a friend of Spencer Tepe called police and said, “Oh, there’s a body. There’s a body. Oh my God.” He said he could see Spencer Tepe’s body was off the side of a bed in a pool of blood.

    The Franklin County Coroner’s Office deemed the killings an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”

    Who were the Tepes?

    Family members said the Tepes were “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.”

    They have described Monique as a “joyful mother,” avid baker and “thoughtful planner.” According to their obituaries, which were issued jointly, the pair were married in 2020.

    Spencer Tepe got his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 2012 and earned his doctor of dental surgery degree in 2017, according to school records. He was a member of the American Dental Association and had been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

    They had two young children. Both were home at the time of the killings and left unharmed, as was the family dog.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

    Source link