The City of Tampa has announced the extension of closures for all city offices and facilities through Monday, October 14, 2024, as recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton continue. This includes the closure of all Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, such as after-school care.
As the aftermath of Hurricane Milton unfolds, local businesses in Tampa are making efforts to reopen and provide services to the community. The City of Tampa is maintaining a list of operational businesses, which includes restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, and other essential services.
The City of Tampa has established four distribution sites to provide essential supplies to residents affected by Hurricane Milton. These sites include drive-through PODS, which distribute water, meals ready-to-eat (MREs), and ice at two locations: Gandy Boat Ramp and Al Lopez Park. The Al Lopez site also offers tarps, with additional supplies expected.
The Tampa Convention Center is set to resume normal operations following Hurricane Milton. The facility did not experience significant damage from the storm, allowing it to return to its regular schedule.
The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating a fatal traffic accident that took place on October 10, 2024. The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Florida Ave. and Palm Ave., an area affected by power outages due to Hurricane Milton, leaving the traffic signal inoperative.
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have caused significant property damage across Florida, the City of Tampa is cautioning residents about potential contractor scams. With a high demand for qualified contractors following such disasters, there is concern over unlicensed or out-of-state workers exploiting those in need of repairs.
As Tampa begins its recovery from Hurricane Milton, city officials are advising residents to stay indoors until it is confirmed safe to go outside. The city emphasizes that safety should be the main concern and urges people to wait for official updates before assessing property damage.
During the impact of Hurricane Milton, a tree fell on a single-story home in Tampa, Florida, prompting a 911 call. The incident occurred in the 1700 block of E. Wood St., where 15 people, including children, were inside.
Preliminary damage assessments are underway in Tampa following the passage of Hurricane Milton. Although heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds have subsided, dangers persist with downed trees and power lines reported across the city. Flash flood watches remain in effect.
The City of Tampa is actively assessing damage and infrastructure following the impact of Hurricane Milton. Although all roads are now open, many intersections still have non-functioning traffic lights. Residents are advised to treat these areas as four-way stops for safety.
Tampa Police are currently investigating the death of an elderly woman, which is suspected to be linked to restoration efforts following Hurricane Milton. The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. on the 2800 block of N. Nebraska Ave, where officers responded to a report of a fallen large tree branch.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Water Department is actively addressing water main breaks caused by the storm. The department assures the public that efforts are underway to make necessary repairs while continuing to deliver clean water across their service area.
The City of Tampa Department of Solid Waste has announced the resumption of collection services starting Friday, October 11, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton. The revised schedule includes storm debris collection and commercial customer services on the same day. However, residential garbage and recycling services will remain suspended until Monday, October 14.
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.