The City of Tampa has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at tackling the pressing issue of housing affordability in the area. With a significant financial commitment of over $82 million from the City of Tampa and the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), efforts are being made to make Tampa a more affordable place for both renters and homeowners.Nicole Travis, the City of Tampa’s Administrator of Development and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the importance of addressing the current affordability challenges. She stated, “If we do not act on today’s affordability...
Councilman Luis Viera, alongside State Senator Jay Collins and Tammy Zell of the American Legion Auxiliary, will lead a flag raising ceremony to honor the memory and sacrifice of PFC Hugh Gilbert “Buddy” Strickland, the first casualty of war from the Port Tampa City community. Buddy, a courageous soldier who gave his all during World War II, holds a significant place in the hearts of the Port Tampa City community. As a tribute to his service and ultimate sacrifice, Councilman Viera will oversee the raising of the POW-MIA flag, a symbol of remembrance for prisoners of war...
The Southeast Produce Council and its exhibitors donated 60,233 pounds of fresh produce after the Southern Exposure Retail & Food Service Conference & Expo, held at the Tampa Convention Center in March 2024."About 50 volunteers from Society of St. Andrew in Orlando packed vegetables and fruits donated by the event and exhibitors to feed people in the Tampa community and beyond," stated the article.Metropolitan Ministries, located in Tampa, played a crucial role in distributing the donations to local families in need. They helped pack the show, load the trucks, and...
Tampa Bay Airfest 2024 soars into MacDill Air Force Base this weekend, bringing with it extreme thrills and extreme traffic. Upwards of 150,000 visitors are expected to attend the free two-day event taking place Friday and Saturday, March 29-30.Both MacDill AFB and the City of Tampa are encouraging visitors to ARRIVE EARLY to the base and be patient, as traffic is likely to back up quickly. Parking is also expected to fill up fast. Remember, gates open at 8 am. Be on the lookout for the numerous traffic control signs, detours, and law enforcement officers directing...
The Tampa Police Department has arrested a 21-year-old male in connection with a shooting at a parking garage in Ybor. According to reports, officers on patrol in the area heard gunshots and found three male victims with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was apprehended as he tried to flee the scene, with a gun recovered from his vehicle.The shooting is believed to have stemmed from an argument between the victims and the suspect, who were previously unknown to each other. The suspect, identified as Sunny E. Wallace, has been charged with several offenses,...
Of the 1,444,359 citizens living in Hillsborough County in 2021, 77.7% were old enough to vote, equating to 1,121,562 individuals, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained on Oct. 26.
Tampa City Council Chairman Guido Maniscalco has announced the renaming of the dog park at Vila Brothers Park in honor of Sandra de Diego Sanchez, a beloved community advocate in West Tampa. The park will now be known as the "Sandra de Diego Sanchez Dog Park." Reflecting on Sandra's contributions, Chairman Maniscalco stated, "Sandra has made a lasting impact on our community, and it is only fitting that we honor her dedication and hard work in this way."Sandra de Diego Sanchez, an 81-year-old West Tampa native, has been instrumental in fostering community engagement in...
Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department is facing the challenge of filling seasonal lifeguard positions for the upcoming summer months. Mayor Castor has emphasized the importance of this recruitment effort, noting that any understaffing could lead to reduced hours at the city's 12 pools during the busiest time of year.Aquatics Team Supervisor Louis Campanello highlighted the initiative of the Rookie School Pre-Test, which allows teenagers interested in becoming lifeguards to assess their skills and readiness for certification. Campanello explained, "We gauge how ready...
The City of Tampa has announced a street renaming ceremony to honor the legacy of James "Jim" Urbanski, former president of the Tampa Tribune newspaper and a prominent civic leader. The event, led by City Councilman Guido Maniscalco, is scheduled to take place on March 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at 202 Parker Street, near the former Tampa Tribune building.Mr. Urbanski, who passed away in April 2021 at the age of 93, had a distinguished career at the Tampa Tribune spanning over three decades. In addition to his role as president and general manager of the newspaper, he made...
The upcoming Tampa Home Show at the Tampa Convention Center on March 23 and 24 is set to offer attendees a plethora of home improvement inspiration and expert advice. According to the event details, homeowners in Tampa Bay can explore various home improvement projects and connect with professionals. Builders and landscapers will be present at the show to assist attendees in selecting the right experts for their projects. The show will showcase the latest trends in home improvements, including displays on kitchens, baths, garden designs, pools, spas, security systems,...
The Department of Wastewater in Tampa has recently completed a new facility at the City’s treatment plant that is set to revolutionize the treatment of biosolids, known as "sludge." According to the latest announcement, the new state-of-the-art Sludge Dewatering Building will not only save money but also improve efficiency significantly."PIPES is a once-in-a-generation program that will transform our 100-year-old water and wastewater infrastructure so it can continue to service more than 700,000 people, and counting," stated Mayor Jane Castor regarding the importance of...
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his firm stance on the recent reckless driving incident that led to arrests in Tampa. Bercaw stated, "The reckless behavior of those involved in this type of activity is completely unacceptable." The incident involved a group of individuals blocking an intersection in Tampa, engaging in reckless driving and lighting fires.The Tampa Police Department swiftly responded to the reports on the morning of March 16, 2024. Officers from the Tampa Police Aviation Unit observed the situation from a helicopter, providing real-time updates to...