The City of Tampa is finalizing its preparations as Hurricane Milton approaches the Southwest Florida coastline. Sandbag distribution sites have closed after providing approximately 115,000 sandbags over four days. Parks and Recreation staff worked to pre-pack sandbags and maintain efficient lines.
United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Nikesh Ajay Patel and his ex-wife, Trisha Patel, for their involvement in a financial scheme defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other entities. On October 8, 2024, Nikesh Patel received a 27-year federal prison sentence, to be served consecutively with a 25-year term from the Northern District of Illinois. Trisha Patel was sentenced on September 18, 2024, to 51 months in federal prison. Both are required to pay restitution to the USDA and four other financial institutions.
Jose Luis Lugo, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, has entered a guilty plea for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Lugo is facing up to 15 years in federal prison with his sentencing set for December 18, 2024.
The Tampa Convention Center has announced its closure on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Decisions regarding operations on Thursday, October 10, will be made based on the storm's impact. Additionally, The Sail Plaza and Big Ray's Fish Camp are closed and will remain so until conditions are deemed safe.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has reached a settlement with Dr. Mark A. Nowacki, M.D., regarding allegations that his medical practice violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case arose after a complaint from a deaf individual who uses American Sign Language (ASL) alleged that Dr. Nowacki denied her request for an ASL interpreter during a phone call to schedule an appointment in October 2021.
In Tampa, the anticipated 30th Annual Tampa Police Memorial 5K/1-Mile Run-Walk has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton. The event was originally set for Saturday, October 12, 2024. The decision to delay the run was announced by the Tampa Police Department Memorial Committee.
The City of Tampa is actively preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area as a major hurricane. In response to this impending threat, city officials are emphasizing the importance of residents securing their properties and debris, as well as formulating family emergency plans.
The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department is actively working to provide storm debris pick-up services for areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Today, regular residential trash and recycling services are ongoing, and residents are advised to secure their blue trash and green recycling carts or any other outdoor containers once the service is completed.
The City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste has announced changes to its service schedule in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The revised plan includes the suspension of garbage and recycling collection on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Residents are advised to bundle and cover any remaining curbside debris while awaiting city pick-up services. Additionally, they can bring debris to the McKay Bay Transfer Station at no cost.
On October 1, 2024, Tampa Police arrested Tyree Newsome, a 26-year-old man, in connection with the homicide of a 19-year-old male that occurred on September 23, 2024. The incident took place in the 1600 block of E. 24th Ave. just after 9:00 p.m. Responding officers found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Tampa Fire Rescue.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Tampa to meet with Mayor Jane Castor as the city braces for Hurricane Milton. The hurricane is anticipated to impact the Tampa Bay area as a major storm.
As Tropical Storm Milton nears the Gulf, Tampa is offering free parking in city-operated garages for residents in flood-prone areas. This initiative, effective from Sunday, October 6 to Thursday, October 10 at 5 PM, is particularly aimed at electric vehicle (EV) owners due to their increased vulnerability to flood damage.
The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department has announced the closure of all facilities and suspension of programming starting Monday, October 7, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Milton. This decision is part of the city's efforts to focus on essential storm preparation activities.
Self-service sandbag sites will be available on Sunday, October 6, from 7 AM to 7 PM at two Parks & Recreation facilities in Tampa. This comes as the National Weather Service forecasts heavy rainfall starting Sunday, which may affect operations at these sites.
The City of Tampa's Solid Waste Department will maintain its garbage and recycling collection services as Hurricane Milton approaches. Collection services will continue on Monday, October 7, 2024. However, SWEEP and Yard Waste services remain suspended following the impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton.
Ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department has announced extended hours at the McKay Bay Transfer Station. This decision provides residents more time to dispose of debris left by Hurricane Helene.
In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Tampa is providing Uber ride vouchers for residents to access resources at Comfort Stations. The Tampa Emergency Transportation Service offers up to $25 off two round-trip Uber rides to these stations for those affected by storm-related vehicle flooding.
Ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have announced the temporary closure of their Comfort Stations. The stations, which provide essential services such as mobile laundry, showers, electronic charging stations, food, water, and permitting assistance for repairs, will cease operations at 7 p.m. today until further notice.