Tampa Republic

Tampa man indicted for alleged sex trafficking of a minor

By Tampa Republic | Jul 31, 2024

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Jessie Thomas Taylor (42, Tampa) with sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

Fort Myers felon pleads guilty to unlawful possession of loaded firearm

By Tampa Republic | Jul 30, 2024

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced that JD Irons, Jr. (37, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Due to Irons’s criminal history—which includes at least three convictions for serious drug crimes—he faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2024.

Ponte Vedra man charged with attempting to entice minor into sexual activity

By Tampa Republic | Jul 30, 2024

Kevin Patrick Wilson of Ponte Vedra has been arrested and charged with attempted enticement and coercion of a minor, as announced by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. If convicted, Wilson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison. He was detained pending trial following his arrest on July 24, 2025.

Jacksonville postal carrier indicted for credit card fraud and mail theft

By Tampa Republic | Jul 30, 2024

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the return of an indictment charging Daniel Diaz Garcia, 34, of Jacksonville, with credit card fraud and theft of mail. If convicted, Diaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the credit card fraud charge and up to 5 years in prison on the theft of mail charge. Additionally, he would be required to pay restitution to the victims.

Orlando man pleads guilty to fentanyl distribution

By Tampa Republic | Jul 30, 2024

Luis Miguel Plaza, a 33-year-old resident of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing and possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the plea. Plaza faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.

Ybor City initiates historic bricking project on 7th Avenue

By Tampa Republic | Jul 29, 2024

The historic 7th Avenue bricking project in Ybor City begins today, Monday, July 29, 2024. The initiative aims to calm traffic on a road that experiences significant pedestrian activity throughout the year.

Three arrested; two wanted in connection with murder linked to gang feud

By Tampa Republic | Jul 29, 2024

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the June 23 murder of Charles Jones, also known as 'Julio Foolio,' in a targeted gang-related killing. While three are in custody, two remain at large. The Tampa Police Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office urge anyone who could assist with locating Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy to provide that information to investigators.

Rep. Laurel Lee joins bipartisan task force investigating Trump's assassination attempt

By Tampa Republic | Jul 29, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) released a statement following her appointment to the Bipartisan Task Force to Investigate the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump.

Three arrested in connection with Charles Jones' murder; two suspects remain wanted

By Tampa Republic | Jul 29, 2024

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the June 23 murder of Charles Jones, also known as "Julio Foolio," while two additional suspects remain at large. The Tampa Police Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rashad Murphy and Davion Murphy to come forward.

Tampa Republic area weekly mass times

By Tampa Republic | Jul 28, 2024

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

From Sunshine Sentinel

University of South Florida listed among least affordable Florida institutions for in-state students in 2023

By Sunshine Sentinel | 5 months ago

College costs for in-state students at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, were $6,410 in 2023, according to the latest disclosure from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Tampa proposes permanent once-a-week watering restrictions amid ongoing conservation efforts

By Tampa Republic | Jul 26, 2024

City leaders in Tampa are proposing to make the emergency once-a-week watering restrictions permanent, aiming to conserve the city's water resources. Initially ordered by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in December for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, Tampa hopes to standardize these measures.

Rep. Laurel Lee criticizes VP Harris over handling of U.S. border security

By Tampa Republic | Jul 25, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) issued a statement following the House of Representatives' vote on H. Res. 1371, which condemns the Biden Administration and its Border Czar, Vice President Kamala Harris, for failing to secure the United States border.

House votes to establish task force on attempted assassination of Donald Trump

By Tampa Republic | Jul 24, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) released a statement following the House of Representatives' vote on H. Res. 1367, which establishes a Task Force to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump.

Jacksonville man indicted on federal drug distribution charges

By Tampa Republic | Jul 24, 2024

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Robert Howard, III (22, Jacksonville), also known as “Kenny Kapps,” with two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, Howard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Howard that the United States intends to forfeit $2,250 in U.S. currency, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds from the offense.

North Port man pleads guilty to transferring obscene materials to minor

By Tampa Republic | Jul 24, 2024

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Imran Siddiqi (40, North Port) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. Siddiqi faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment on the first count, followed by a minimum mandatory 10-year sentence on the second count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Rep. Laurel Lee announces launch of 2024 Congressional App Challenge

By Tampa Republic | Jul 23, 2024

Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) announced the launch of the annual Congressional App Challenge, which is open to all middle and high school students who reside in or attend a school in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. Students may participate individually or in teams of up to four.

Tampa launches program for handling behavioral health crises through specialized intervention

By Tampa Republic | Jul 23, 2024

The Tampa Police Department and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay have introduced a new Crisis Intervention Dispatch Service Program. The initiative is designed to redirect calls from 911 involving behavioral health crises to specialized interventionists, thereby reducing unnecessary police involvement and connecting individuals with appropriate support resources.

Tampa police investigate fatal shooting on East Poinsettia

By Tampa Republic | Jul 22, 2024

TAMPA, FL. (July 22, 2024) -- Tampa Police officers are investigating a deadly shooting.

Hillsborough County's institutions spent $12,953,216 on basketball teams in 2023

By Tampa Republic | Jul 22, 2024

Hillsborough County's basketball collegiate teams received $12,953,216 in funding for the 2023 season.