News by Tampa Republic Reports

Restaurant owners charged with harboring undocumented workers

By Tampa Republic | Aug 20, 2024

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Hua Yao Ke (38) and Ping Ping Zheng (37), both of Jacksonville, have been charged by criminal complaint with harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Orlando felon pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession

By Tampa Republic | Aug 19, 2024

Byron Louder, a 34-year-old resident of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Louder faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 6, 2024.

Traffic expected near Tampa Convention Center during Tampa Bay Comic Convention

By Tampa Republic | Aug 19, 2024

An estimated 42,000 people will attend the Tampa Bay Comic Convention at the Tampa Convention Center from Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25.

Historic Ybor City's Seventh Avenue returns to brick after over six decades

By Tampa Republic | Aug 19, 2024

Historic 7th Avenue in Ybor City is returning to its roots, transitioning back to a brick street after more than 60 years. The initial phase of the 7th Avenue Bricking Project has concluded ahead of schedule, despite minor delays caused by Tropical Storm Debby.

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Tampa Republic area weekly mass times

By Tampa Republic | Aug 17, 2024

The following parishes in the Tampa Republic coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

Tampa police officer arrested for DUI in Pasco County

By Tampa Republic | Aug 17, 2024

An off-duty Tampa Police officer was arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) Friday evening.

Ocala man charged with attempted enticement of minor

By Tampa Republic | Aug 16, 2024

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the arrest of Scott Alan Colson, 59, of Ocala, on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor. If convicted, Colson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Colson on August 6, 2024. His trial is scheduled for October 2024 before U.S. District Judge Thomas Patrick Barber.

Tampa woman pleads guilty to smuggling over $100K from Cuba

By Tampa Republic | Aug 15, 2024

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Mirtza Ocana (39, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of bulk cash smuggling and one count of conspiracy to commit bulk cash smuggling. Ocana faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Suspect charged in fatal semi-truck vs. pedestrian crash

By Tampa Republic | Aug 15, 2024

Tampa Police have arrested 25-year-old Dylan Fogle following an incident on August 13, 2024, that resulted in the death of one adult male and serious injuries to two other adult males.

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Hillsborough County School District Education: Fewer students were enrolled in schools in 2023-24 school year

By Tampa Republic | Aug 15, 2024

There were 533 students enrolled in Hillsborough County School District in the 2023-24 school year, a decrease from the previous year.

Tampa's After School Program offers openings for over 300 students

By Tampa Republic | Aug 14, 2024

The Parks and Recreation Department in Tampa has announced that its After School Program still has space available for over 300 students for the 2024-25 school year. This program is offered at 24 recreation and community centers throughout the city.

Tampa opens new application window for e-bike voucher program

By Tampa Republic | Aug 14, 2024

The application window for Tampa's e-Bike Voucher Program opens tomorrow, Friday, August 16th at 8 A.M. and will run through 5 P.M. on August 30th.

Two Orlando men charged with armed robbery spree

By Tampa Republic | Aug 14, 2024

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the return of an indictment charging Nijah Jahni Mitchell (22, Orlando) and Dany Telfort (20, Orlando) with multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted on all counts, Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years to life in federal prison, while Telfort faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 14 years to life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mitchell and Telfort that the United States intends to forfeit the Glock...

Tampa launches housing rehabilitation program in community redevelopment areas

By Tampa Republic | Aug 13, 2024

The City of Tampa's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has announced the launch of the Housing Rehabilitation & Renovation Program (HRRP). The initiative aims to provide financial assistance for home renovations and repairs within Tampa's CRA Districts, ensuring safe and secure housing for residents. Eligible repairs covered by HRRP include:

Tampa concludes Hurricane Debby vegetative debris collection on August 23

By Tampa Republic | Aug 13, 2024

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department is concluding the collection of vegetative storm debris as of August 23, 2024. Residents are requested to place their hurricane vegetative debris curbside as soon as possible. Vegetative debris will be collected on the customer's designated yard waste collection day.