As we prepare to enter the New Year, the City of Tampa is expecting heavy traffic in downtown and the surrounding area on New Year's Eve. With a number of large-scale events taking place, thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the city, potentially causing delays for drivers.According to the City's Mobility Department, traveling around downtown may be slower than usual due to the events scheduled for Sunday, December 31st. These events include the Saints vs. Buccaneers football game at 1pm, the Canadiens vs. Lightning hockey game at 7pm, the ReliaQuest Bowl Parade...
In observance of New Year's Day, the City of Tampa offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024. This closure will affect both residential and commercial customers in terms of garbage collection schedules.For residential customers, there will be no collection on Monday, January 1, 2024. However, normal collection schedules will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.Commercial customers will also experience changes in their collection service. On New Year's Week, commercial services will run one day late through Saturday, January 6, 2024. This means that customers who...
On December 27, 2023, Chief Lee Bercaw announced the implementation of Operation Countdown to Safety, a New Year's Holiday safety operation aimed at ensuring the well-being of the Tampa community during this festive season. The operation will involve an increased police presence and focus on removing impaired drivers, addressing celebratory gunfire, and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity.Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, "Careless actions will be a fast track to welcoming the new year in handcuffs. Through...
The City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management has announced that they will be providing curbside pickup of natural Christmas trees after the holiday season. This service will be available at no additional charge to residents, and will take place from January 2, 2024, to January 31, 2024.Residents who wish to take advantage of this service are required to follow a few simple steps. First, they must remove all decorations and lights from the tree. Additionally, it is recommended that the tree limbs be cut to four-foot lengths. Finally,...
Tampa, FLA. - A woman has been arrested in Tampa on charges of animal cruelty after three newborn puppies were found barely alive in a garbage dumpster. The incident occurred on November 24, 2023, when a witness discovered the puppies in plastic Ziploc bags and immediately took them to the local Humane Society for emergency care. Despite their efforts, the puppies tragically passed away.Upon receiving the report, the Tampa Police Department launched an investigation into the aggravated animal cruelty case. Chief Lee Bercaw expressed deep concern over the incident,...
How many professional licenses are set to expire in November in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)?
Today, the City of Tampa will hold a street renaming ceremony to honor the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the late Michael Phillips, a revered local disability and healthcare advocate. The ceremony, taking place at 3:00 p.m. outside of his cherished Plant High School, will bring together Tampa City Council members, community representatives, and Michael's mother to pay tribute to his profound contributions.Michael Phillips was a beloved figure in the Tampa community, known for his dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities and improving healthcare...
Just before 3 p.m., Tampa Police officers were dispatched to the report of a traffic fatality involving a United States Postal Services vehicle that occurred at the intersection of N. River Cove St and N. Mulberry St.
On December 17, 2023, Tampa Police hosted "Santa's Workshop" at Middleton High School, providing gifts to local children in need this holiday season. The event allowed children and their families to handpick toys and participate in holiday activities.Thanks to the generosity of the community and local businesses, over 3,000 toys and 95 bikes were collected. This enabled approximately 1,800 children to benefit from Santa's Workshop this year. Chief Lee Bercaw expressed gratitude, stating, "The holidays are difficult for many, especially for those who cannot financially...
Tampa Police Officers are searching for the suspects involved in a shooting at Chica's Cabaret that left one person injured.On December 15, 2023, at 4:55 am, officers responded to a shooting at the Chica's Cabaret located at 4009 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. A security guard at the establishment was found with a gunshot wound and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the victim are non-life-threatening.Detectives are now seeking the public's assistance in identifying the two suspects involved in...
The City of Tampa is partnering with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to invite a dozen local artists to create works of art on storm drain concrete tops at Robles Park in Tampa.
On December 18th, 2023, a fatal hit and run crash occurred in Tampa, Florida, leaving a USPS mail carrier dead. However, the Tampa Police have made a swift arrest in connection with the incident. Christopher Prater, a 56-year-old individual, has been apprehended and is now facing charges related to the tragic event.Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his hope that Prater's arrest would bring a small sense of closure to the Falica family, as well as the extended family from the US Postal Service. Chief Bercaw also commended the exceptional police work, diligent forensics...