Utility companies roll out new storm preparedness measures
Big storms have left millions of Floridians without power over the years, but in 2019 the legislature passed a law that requires power companies to start putting lines underground. Now, power companies are giving us a look at how they're tackling these requirements.
Turning food waste to renewable energy: USF researchers say it’s possible
Student researchers at the University of South Florida are testing an innovative way to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable environment, beginning with their college campus.
SpaceX completes first round of Starlink launches; still dozens more to go
SpaceX kept up their busy pace at Cape Canaveral on Wednesday, launching another batch of Starlink internet satellites and completing the first round of the constellation.
Disneyland Resort to reopen to out-of-state visitors beginning June 15
As the state of California continues to reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic, Disneyland Resort announced Wednesday that they will reopen the park to out-of-state guests beginning June 15.
Amazon buying MGM with hopes of filling Prime video streaming service
The TV and movie studio MGM is behind productions such as James Bond, “Legally Blonde" and “Shark Tank.”
Tampa Citizens Review Board holds meeting amid political fight
Under rules instituted in 2015 after an outcry over tickets given to Black bicyclists, the mayor currently appoints six members, but is willing to go 5-5 with the council. However, councilors are nearing a final vote to appoint seven members and relegate the mayor to three.
Samuel E. Wright, 'The Little Mermaid' voice of Sebastian, dead at 74
The Disney voice died after a three-year battle with prostate cancer, his daughter said.
Civil rights groups support TPD review board revamp
Civil rights groups are urging Tampa’s leaders to make changes to the police department's citizens review board. The issue is pitting the city council against Mayor Jane Castor.
Tampa PD expands scope of citizen's review board
More reform measures came Thursday to the way Tampa handles police oversight after the city’s police chief and the mayor announced changes to the citizen’s review board.
Plant City icon Buddy Freddy’s torn down to make room for Chick-Fil-A
Demolition started Thursday on Buddy Freddy’s, a down-home restaurant known for its massive country-style breakfast buffet.
Distillery says Facebook repeatedly rejected ad promoting event, sale dedicated to first responders
Despite multiple attempts to pay for Facebook ads promoting a ‘Back the Blue’ event launching a bottle series dedicated to first responders, Loaded Cannon Distillery says they keep getting denied, so they will promote the event the old-fashioned way.
Amazon to extend pause on police use of facial recognition
Amazon said Tuesday that it will extend its ban on police use of its face-recognition technology beyond the one-year pause it announced last year.
Publix brings back free cookies for kids at store bakeries
Kids will once again be able to get a free cookie from the Publix bakery. The supermarket chain confirmed that their free kids cookie program has been reinstated after suspending all food handouts in stores at the beginning of the pandemic.
USF researcher explains process -- and meaning -- of finding 78,000-year-old burial site
A University of South Florida engineer made international headlines this month for his part in a 78,000-year-old discovery in Kenya that uncovered the oldest evidence of a grave in Africa.
Publix makes masks optional for fully vaccinated individuals
On Friday, Publix announced that fully vaccinated associated or customers will not be required to wear a face-covering inside its stores beginning May 15, unless required by state or local ordinance.
Social workers respond to 100 days of calls in effort to improve policing in St. Pete
The first 100 days are in for the new social worker response program with the St. Petersburg Police Department, the chief of police reported Thursday. It’s part of an effort to shift more mental health and social service calls from police to the experts, and Chief Anthony Holloway said officers and social workers currently go out on calls together.
USF long jumper eying program record
Shaniya Benjamin is a USF freshman who is within a foot of breaking the program's record in the outdoor long jump.
Amazon seeks to hire 75,000 workers; offers $100 to vaccinated hires
Amazon is seeking to hire 75,000 people in a tight job market and is offering bonuses to attract workers, including $100 for new hires who are already vaccinated for COVID-19.
Facebook’s new feature will prompt users to read articles before sharing them
Facebook is testing a new feature that will prompt users to read news articles before they share them on the social media platform.
Chick-fil-A limiting sauces to customers amid industry-wide supply chain issues
Say goodbye to that extra Chick-fil-A sauce -- at least for now.