Tampa Republic

There were two companies in a city associated with Hillsborough County that received three FDA inspections in July, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.

Tampa police seek public's help in identifying jewelry store robbery suspects

The Tampa Police Department is working to identify and apprehend two suspects who committed an armed robbery at Prince Jewelry located inside WestShore Plaza Mall.

Orange County man pleads guilty to drug trafficking and firearms offenses

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Joshua Grant Cobb (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Cobb faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for October 23, 2024.

Tampa opens sandbag sites ahead of potential tropical weather

As tropical weather forms near Florida, Tampa Emergency Management officials are urging residents to solidify their plans in case weather conditions worsen throughout the weekend and into next week. Sandbag sites will be opening at three locations for residents and business owners who need to protect their property from possible flooding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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