Tampa Police responded to a concerning situation at New Springs Charter School on May 2, 2024, where several students fell ill after consuming unidentified candy. According to reports, eleven children between the ages of nine and eleven experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, lethargy, and numbness in their legs and arms.Authorities are currently investigating the incident, with suspicions that one of the students may have brought the candy to school. Detectives are actively working to determine the source of the candy and how it came into the possession of the...
The upcoming "Battle of the Bay" military demonstration hosted by the U.S. Special Operations Command at the Tampa Convention Center is set to be an exhilarating event. More than 170 service members from 10 nations will participate in the showcase, defending the City of Tampa from "hostile invaders" using helicopters, boats, drones, ATVs, scuba divers, and more. As described by the organizers, this event is as close to a real-life mission as it gets.In preparation for the event, a noise advisory has been issued for the downtown Tampa area surrounding the Convention...
The average coaching salary at University of South Florida, the only institution paying coaches during 2022 in Hillsborough County, was $391,547, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The City of Tampa has made a significant decision to ensure public safety by extending the leadership of Police Chief Lee Bercaw. The agreement solidifies Chief Bercaw's position at the Tampa Police Department, emphasizing the city's dedication to maintaining a safe community.Mayor Jane Castor praised Chief Bercaw's efforts, stating, "Chief Bercaw's tireless efforts have not only made our streets safer but have also strengthened the bond between law enforcement and the residents they serve through an emphasis on community-oriented policing." This recognition highlights...
There was one company in a city associated with Hillsborough County that received four FDA inspections in April, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
The City of Tampa is on the lookout for residents to join its Community Benefits Advisory Council (CBAC), a non-partisan board tasked with advising officials on the implementation of development projects. The program, approved by the City Council in 2023, aims to ensure that upcoming development plans take into account the social and community impact, particularly for projects receiving public funds.According to the announcement, members of the council will play a crucial role in advising various stakeholders on how best to impact the community with ongoing development...
The Tampa Police Department is set to host its Annual Memorial Ceremony on May 1, 2024, to honor the fallen officers. Mayor Jane Castor and Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, along with the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, will lead the tribute in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers at One Police Center.During the ceremony, various tributes will be paid, including a 21-Gun Salute, a Riderless Horse, and performances by the St. Andrew's Pipes & Drums of Tampa Bay. Additionally, a flyover by the Tampa Police Aviation Unit will take place to commemorate the fallen officers....
The highly anticipated military capabilities demonstration at SOF Week is set to return to the Tampa Convention Center, with the event scheduled to take place from May 6-10. As reported by the event organizers, the demonstration will showcase the military operations of 10 different nations by land, air, and sea, featuring helicopters, drones, and ships. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will host the "Battle in the Bay" Capabilities Demonstration on Wednesday, May 8 at noon.According to the announcement, the public is invited to view the demonstration...
TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2024) -- One hundred and seventy-five years after Tampa's incorporation, the city is undergoing the biggest infrastructure overhaul in its history. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of this period in Tampa's history, stating, "When historians write about this era of Tampa history, they will tell our grandchildren this was a period when city leaders fully understood infrastructure is the lifeblood of any city."The city has been focused on rebuilding its foundation to pave the way for economic growth and prosperity. The Progressive...
SOF Week, a national convention dedicated to Special Operations Forces (SOF), is returning to the Tampa Convention Center, including the highly anticipated military capabilities demonstration, which is open to the public. The convention will take place May 6-10 at the convention center in Downtown Tampa.The event is expected to draw more than 16,000 attendees to the City of Tampa, including military and government attendees from nearly 80 nations. This event has an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million for the city.The popular “Battle in the Bay”...
Chief Lee Bercaw, in an op-ed piece, addressed the pressing issue of gun violence among youth in Tampa, emphasizing the need for the community to come together to prevent such tragedies. Reflecting on recent incidents involving juveniles and gun crimes, Chief Bercaw expressed his concerns about the national trend and its impact on innocent lives.Chief Bercaw highlighted the importance of creating safe and empowering environments for children, urging for proactive measures to prevent guns from reaching the hands of young individuals. He commended the efforts of the Tampa...
Tampa Police responded to a distressing scene near McKay Hall at the University of Tampa on April 28, 2024, where they discovered the body of a deceased infant. The newborn female was found wrapped in a towel and placed in a garbage bin. The authorities have since transported the infant's body to the Medical Examiner's office for further investigation to determine the cause of death and developmental stage.Chief Bercaw expressed, "The loss of a child is always a tragedy," highlighting the somber nature of the situation. As the investigation unfolds, the mother of the...
The Internal Audit Department released its Construction Services Division - Inspections, Audit 24-08 on Apr 29, 2024. The Construction Services Division - Inspections is responsible for providing all building permit and inspection services for property development in the City of Tampa. The report in its entirety can be viewed on TampaGov.net.
Congresswoman Laurel Lee expressed her satisfaction as her bill, the REPORT Act, passed the House of Representatives and advances to President Biden for approval. Lee stated, “The REPORT Act will help fight against the exploitation of children online by strengthening existing reporting procedures and requiring companies to disclose crimes involving child sexual abuse to NCMEC.” She commended the House and Senate for passing the crucial legislation to protect children from online threats.Congresswoman Susie Lee, highlighting the high rate of human trafficking in Nevada...
The Internal Audit Department recently released its findings on the Construction Services Division - Inspections in a report labeled Audit 24-08. The report, which delves into the operations of the division responsible for providing building permit and inspection services for property development in the City of Tampa, is now available for public viewing on TampaGov.net.The Construction Services Division - Inspections plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance and quality in property development within the city. The report, although brief in detail, sheds light on the...
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his gratitude for the efforts that led to the arrest of a suspect involved in a series of laser strikes targeting commercial aircraft approaching Tampa International Airport. Chief Bercaw emphasized the seriousness of the incidents, stating, "These laser strikes are not only illegal but also incredibly reckless behavior that could have resulted in a tragic accident."The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Douglas Sollenberger, was apprehended by Tampa Police Officers after being observed pointing a laser directly at an incoming Jet...
Varsity Spirit is returning to the Tampa Convention Center for the second year in a row, bringing more than 26,000 attendees. As the event organizer states, “The Youth Summit, The Recreation Summit, and The Celebration will take place at the Tampa Convention Center April 25-28.”The upcoming cheerleading competitions will result in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic near the Tampa Convention Center, with events scheduled from 8am to 10pm Thursday and Friday, 8am to 8pm Saturday, and 7am to 4pm Sunday.The economic impact of this event on the City of Tampa is...
On April 22, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Tampa Police officers were involved in a pursuit that led to the apprehension of four suspects following a reckless driving incident. The incident unfolded when officers observed a 2020 Nissan Rogue traveling westbound on E Hanna Ave approaching N 43rd St at a high rate of speed.As the officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle stopped briefly, and the occupants inside fired shots towards the officers before fleeing again. The pursuit ensued, with officers eventually catching up to the suspects in the area of N...