News by Tampa Republic Reports

FEMA urges Tampa hurricane victims to apply for disaster assistance

By Tampa Republic | Oct 4, 2024

Tampa residents and business owners affected by recent hurricanes are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance promptly. Homeowners and renters in Hillsborough County, along with other nearby counties, can seek disaster aid. This support includes home and business repairs, temporary housing, financial help due to displacement, personal property losses, and coverage for other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses.

Tampa prepares as severe weather threatens region with heavy rain

By Tampa Republic | Oct 4, 2024

The City of Tampa is preparing for an upcoming severe weather event by opening sandbag sites for residents and business owners. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., individuals can fill sandbags at the Himes Avenue Complex (4501 S Himes Avenue) and Al Barnes Park (2902 N 32nd Street).

Oviedo man indicted for charges related to child sex abuse material

By Tampa Republic | Oct 3, 2024

A man from Oviedo, Marvin Fredrick Wagner II, has been indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Wagner, aged 25, faces one count of attempted production of CSAM and one count of receipt of CSAM. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the attempted production charge and at least five years for the receipt charge.

Ocala man indicted for illegal firearm possession faces up to 15 years

By Tampa Republic | Oct 3, 2024

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr., a 31-year-old resident of Ocala. Gillespie is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. He is currently detained while awaiting the outcome of his criminal case.

Orlando man indicted for illegal firearm possession as convicted felon

By Tampa Republic | Oct 3, 2024

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Elijah Noah Petit-Frere, a 24-year-old from Orlando. Petit-Frere is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. He is currently detained as the case proceeds.

Tampa opens third comfort station for Hurricane Helene relief

By Tampa Republic | Oct 2, 2024

The City of Tampa is set to expand its hurricane relief efforts by opening a third comfort station for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Starting Thursday, October 3, the new facility will be operational at the Gandy Civic Association, located at 4207 W Oklahoma Ave. The station will offer essential services from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, until October 17.

Tampa police boost patrols after Hurricane Helene

By Tampa Republic | Oct 2, 2024

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tampa residents are focusing on recovery efforts. To support these communities, the Tampa Police Department has stepped up patrols in areas most affected by the storm.

Rep. Laurel Lee expresses support for Israel after Iran missile attack

By Tampa Republic | Oct 2, 2024

Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee issued a statement following Iran's missile attack on Israel. The attack has prompted reactions from various political figures, including Rep. Lee.

Tampa man charged with receiving child sexual abuse material

By Tampa Republic | Oct 2, 2024

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Steven Dennis Mack, a 40-year-old resident of Tampa, Florida. Mack faces eight counts related to the receipt of child sexual abuse material. If found guilty, he could receive a sentence ranging from five to twenty years in federal prison for each count.

Hillsborough County cities: 1 company received an FDA inspection in September

By Tampa Republic | Oct 1, 2024

There was one company in a city associated with Hillsborough County that received an FDA inspection in September, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.

Tampa opens pop-up permit centers after Hurricane Helene

By Tampa Republic | Oct 1, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa is providing assistance to residents whose properties were damaged. The city's Construction Services team will be present at multiple locations to address citizen inquiries. Residents, contractors, and subcontractors can visit "Pop-Up Permit Centers" at Marjorie Park Marina (97 Columbia Drive) and DeSoto Park (2617 Corrine Street) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next two weeks.

Tampa Police Department establishes community-driven advisory panel

By Tampa Republic | Oct 1, 2024

The Tampa Police Department has announced the formation of the Chief’s Advisory Panel, a new initiative aimed at improving transparency, trust, and policing practices within Tampa. The panel is in accordance with Florida Statute 166.0486 and will review departmental policies and procedures to enhance police-community relations.

Tampa police launch new campaign focusing on pedestrian & cyclist safety

By Tampa Republic | Oct 1, 2024

The Tampa Police Department has announced its participation in a statewide safety campaign to reduce serious injury and fatal traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Institute for Police Technology and Management (IPTM) and The University of North Florida (UNF), will focus on educating citizens about Florida traffic laws related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Tampa sets up comfort stations for Hurricane Helene victims

By Tampa Republic | Sep 30, 2024

The City of Tampa, in collaboration with Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management, has set up two Comfort Stations to support residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

City of Tampa offers free laundry services for Hurricane Helene victims

By Tampa Republic | Sep 30, 2024

To help alleviate some of the post-storm stress, the City of Tampa will be offering laundry assistance to residents affected by Hurricane Helene.

Ocala man convicted for COVID relief fraud involving over $500K

By Tampa Republic | Sep 30, 2024

A federal jury has found Henry Troy Wade, 47, from Ocala, guilty of six counts of wire fraud. Wade faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 2025. A federal grand jury had returned an indictment against Wade on November 22, 2022.