| Tampa Republic

Tampa Water Department addresses storm-induced infrastructure challenges

By Tampa Republic | Oct 10, 2024

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.

Tampa resumes solid waste collection post-Hurricane Milton with revised schedule

By Tampa Republic | Oct 10, 2024

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.

Tampa prepares as Hurricane Milton nears Florida coast

By Tampa Republic | Oct 9, 2024

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.

Ex-couple sentenced for multi-million dollar fraud schemes targeting USDA

By Tampa Republic | Oct 9, 2024

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.

Kissimmee man pleads guilty to firearm possession as a convicted felon

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 2024

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.

Tampa Convention Center closes due to Hurricane Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 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.

Doctor settles claim over communication disability services

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 2024

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.

Tampa police memorial run postponed due to hurricane threat

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 2024

In Tampa, the anticipated 30th Annual Tampa Police Memorial 5K/1-Mile Run-Walk has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton. The event was originally set for Saturday, October 12, 2024. The decision to delay the run was announced by the Tampa Police Department Memorial Committee.

Tampa prepares for Hurricane Milton with mandatory evacuations

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 2024

The City of Tampa is actively preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area as a major hurricane. In response to this impending threat, city officials are emphasizing the importance of residents securing their properties and debris, as well as formulating family emergency plans.

Tampa prepares solid waste services ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 8, 2024

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department is actively working to provide storm debris pick-up services for areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Today, regular residential trash and recycling services are ongoing, and residents are advised to secure their blue trash and green recycling carts or any other outdoor containers once the service is completed.

Tampa revises waste collection schedule ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 7, 2024

The City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste has announced changes to its service schedule in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The revised plan includes the suspension of garbage and recycling collection on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Residents are advised to bundle and cover any remaining curbside debris while awaiting city pick-up services. Additionally, they can bring debris to the McKay Bay Transfer Station at no cost.

Tampa police arrest suspect in September homicide

By Tampa Republic | Oct 7, 2024

On October 1, 2024, Tampa Police arrested Tyree Newsome, a 26-year-old man, in connection with the homicide of a 19-year-old male that occurred on September 23, 2024. The incident took place in the 1600 block of E. 24th Ave. just after 9:00 p.m. Responding officers found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Tampa Fire Rescue.

FEMA administrator meets with Tampa officials ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 7, 2024

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Tampa to meet with Mayor Jane Castor as the city braces for Hurricane Milton. The hurricane is anticipated to impact the Tampa Bay area as a major storm.

Tampa offers free garage parking amid tropical storm warnings

By Tampa Republic | Oct 6, 2024

As Tropical Storm Milton nears the Gulf, Tampa is offering free parking in city-operated garages for residents in flood-prone areas. This initiative, effective from Sunday, October 6 to Thursday, October 10 at 5 PM, is particularly aimed at electric vehicle (EV) owners due to their increased vulnerability to flood damage.

Tampa closes parks ahead of Tropical Storm Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 6, 2024

The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department has announced the closure of all facilities and suspension of programming starting Monday, October 7, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Milton. This decision is part of the city's efforts to focus on essential storm preparation activities.

Tampa opens self-service sandbag sites ahead of forecasted heavy rainfall

By Tampa Republic | Oct 6, 2024

Self-service sandbag sites will be available on Sunday, October 6, from 7 AM to 7 PM at two Parks & Recreation facilities in Tampa. This comes as the National Weather Service forecasts heavy rainfall starting Sunday, which may affect operations at these sites.

Tampa continues waste collection ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Tampa Republic | Oct 6, 2024

The City of Tampa's Solid Waste Department will maintain its garbage and recycling collection services as Hurricane Milton approaches. Collection services will continue on Monday, October 7, 2024. However, SWEEP and Yard Waste services remain suspended following the impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton.