The largest number of students enrolled per grade in Hillsborough County School District during the 2023-24 school year were in the 10th-grade, making up 8.1% of the student body.
Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Orange Park, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a Glock pistol and ammunition traceable to the offense. Rodriguez made his initial appearance in federal court on July 9, 2024, and was ordered detained.
On September 11, 2024, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL), U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) introduced the Renewed Hope Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill aims to enhance the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s capabilities to identify, rescue, and protect victims of online child sexual exploitation while bringing perpetrators to justice.
The Internal Audit Department has released its TFR - Training Division, Audit 24-16. The Training Division within Tampa Fire Rescue is responsible for the planning, administration, and record-keeping of ongoing training for the department. The report in its entirety can be viewed on TampaGov.net.
At 10:19 am on September 10, 2024, the Tampa Police Department responded to a barricaded subject call in the 3300 block of W. Arch St. Officers were dispatched after a utility worker encountered an armed white male, later identified as 64-year-old Robert Kelley, who threatened to shoot the worker. Kelley retreated into his residence upon the arrival of three officers and six additional back-up officers.
Crystal Denean Harvell, a 37-year-old resident of Jacksonville, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges involving a line of credit scheme and COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Harvell faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count and will be required to pay restitution to her victims and the U.S. government. Additionally, she has agreed to forfeit $20,415 linked to the wire fraud offense involving COVID relief fraud. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Joseph Raymond Morin, 51, of Ocala, Florida, has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Morin faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The City of Tampa has released a report through its Internal Audit Department, detailing the findings of the Purchasing Department - Job Order Contracting, Audit 24-12. This program was established to streamline the repair and rehabilitation of city facilities and infrastructure. The full report is available on TampaGov.net.
TAMPA, FL. (September 6, 2024) -- Tampa Police Detectives have successfully completed a lengthy investigation and shut down a main source of narcotics supply in the Sulphur Springs area and along the Nebraska Avenue corridor.
Representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), along with nine House colleagues, have called on House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and leaders of the Committee on House Administration to mandate training on the proper handling of classified information for all members of Congress starting with the 119th Congress in January 2025. Currently, new and returning Congress members may opt-in to receive just one hour of training.
The City of Tampa has initiated a two-year project to update its Land Development Code (LDC) with the aim of making it more user-friendly and adaptable to the city's growth. The project, titled "Tampa Forward: Building Tomorrow Together," seeks to revise regulations governing land use and development within the city.
Tampa Fire Rescue is participating in Fire Prevention Week 2024, scheduled from October 6-12. This year's theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you," highlights the significance of having functional smoke alarms in every household.
The City of Tampa has announced the resumption of normal operating hours at its McKay Bay Waste Disposal Complex and Scale House, located at 114 South 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605.
Tampa teens interested in community service and city governance are invited to apply for the Class of 2025 Mayor’s Youth Corps. The program, open to students in grades 9 through 11 who live or attend school within Tampa city limits, is now accepting applications for one-year terms. Applications can be found on the City of Tampa Mayor’s Youth Corps webpage and must be submitted by October 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez, a 38-year-old resident of Kissimmee, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Rivera-Sanchez could face up to 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2024.
Last week, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) hosted a Senior Resource Fair in Brandon to connect senior citizens with free local healthcare, government, and wellness resources. The event featured Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and State Representative Danny Alvarez.
The Tampa Police Department intensified traffic enforcement efforts over the extended Labor Day weekend, particularly focusing on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. This initiative resulted in numerous traffic stops and citations, underscoring the department's commitment to public safety.