HCSO: Teen in custody after allegedly planning school shooting
A 13-year-old girl is facing charges after making threats to harm students and staff at Henderson Hammock Charter School, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Now hiring? Job seekers say labor shortage is a myth after applications go unanswered
Joey Holz started an experiment: apply to 2 jobs a day for 30 days. Of the 60 he applied to, he got back 9 emails, 1 phone call, and 1 interview for a construction job advertised as full-time paying $10 an hour, but it was actually only part-time and started at Florida's minimum wage of $8.65.
Daughter of man held hostage by Haitian gang describes 'unbearable' conditions
As the efforts continue to rescue 17 missionaries abducted by Haitian gangs over the weekend, a woman whose father survived a recent kidnapping in Haiti is telling the story of how her father was forced to live before his family paid the ransom.
2 West Tampa cigar factories get new life as apartments, winery
Plans call for the Bustillo-Diaz factory on North Albany Avenue to be converted into apartments tentatively named Cigar Lofts on Albany. The developers say the century-old construction will make it a unique place to live.
Tampa mayor hopes to add more sidewalks by eliminating ‘many exceptions’ to ordinance
The Tampa City Council will consider changes to city code that would develop more sidewalks throughout the city and Mayor Jane Castor applauded the idea during a news conference Wednesday.
USF Botanical Gardens considered a ‘hidden gem in the middle of campus’
Nestled in the middle of the University of South Florida campus, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds make their home among a 10-acre botanical garden.
First work to expand I-275 at I-4 in Tampa begins Monday
Backups on Interstate 275 through Tampa may not ever go away, but the Florida Department of Transportation expects the congestion to ease up with the help of a construction project on I-275 just north of Interstate 4.
Florida lawmaker proposes adding social media literacy to classroom education
Florida State Senator Danny Burgess (R-District 20) wants to empower students with information, pushing a new bill that would require schools to teach so-called social media literacy in the classrooms.
Disruptions in food distribution complicate feeding students
From chicken to paper products and everything in between, school lunchrooms are going through major changes as shortages plague every aspect of American life.
Farmers, brewers toast successful Florida hop harvest
The fall harvest is underway for what could become a new cash crop in Florida – one that could make your beer taste better.
Cross Bay Ferry returns with extended evening hours
The Cross Bay Ferry is back for what will be its fifth year in service. It will again operate to and from Tampa and St. Petersburg’s waterfront, starting Thursday afternoon.
Judge gives break to defendant seen doing drugs during virtual court hearing
While waiting on Zoom for his case to be called, BJ Dreggors apparently forgot his phone camera was on and decided to pass the time by doing drugs. His status as a Marine Corps veteran helped change the judge's mind Tuesday.
Federal government to ask for taxes on app transactions over $600
The IRS is cracking down on business owners who use apps like Venmo, Zelle and PayPal to conduct transactions, but do not pay taxes on the income. A new rule will allow the federal government to take a closer look at business transactions on these apps when they are more than $600.
Retailers expect to struggle filling seasonal positions
Major retailers are hiring for the holiday season to meet pent-up consumer demand, but some business experts said it won’t be easy.
Pedestrian hit by train near E MLK Blvd. in Dover
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a train hit a pedestrian near E. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and Valrico Road in Dover Monday.
Bay Area humanitarian groups warn of dangers in Haiti after kidnappings
“The simplest thing is if you’re there, leave. If you’re thinking of going, don’t go.”
Teacher, pastor among Hillsborough human trafficking sting arrests
Sheriff Chad Chronister says a new Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office human trafficking task force completed their first undercover sting operation, resulting in 125 arrests.
Plea deal splits alleged partners in deadly Ruskin home invasion
Samona Ramey is turning against her alleged partner in crime for a plea deal in the case of a home invasion that killed a pregnant woman and her roommate.
The psychology of collecting: Why items bring us joy
Whether it's military challenge coins or comics or Hummels, the reason for collecting is personal.
Mom, sheriff get state to add special disability designation on driver's licenses
Like any parent, Caryn Readdy was a little nervous when her son Dalton wanted to get his driver’s license. Beyond the typical ‘new driver’ concerns was the fact that her son has autism.