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Saturday, April 20, 2024

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Tampa Turns Blue: Lightning Playoff Banner Drop Planned for Friday

Tampa is buzzing with anticipation before Game 1 of the Playoffs. To ignite the fervor among fans, the City of Tampa, in partnership with the Lightning, will host a banner drop on Friday outside Old City Hall.The public, along with members of the media, are invited to join in the electrifying kickoff to the playoff season, which will feature an appearance from beloved mascot, ThunderBug, along with the energetic Blue Crew, esteemed Lightning Alumni, and Lightning executives.In addition to the banner drop, Old City Hall, alongside other city structures, will be bathed in...

By Tampa Republic | Apr 18, 2024

Local Government

City of Tampa Implements DOJ Grant to Reduce Violent Crime

The City of Tampa has entered the implementation phase of a $1.5 million grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to reduce violent crime in the community. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) and Safe & Sound Hillsborough, focuses on addressing gun violence and supporting youth in the area.Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, "The safety of our community is our top priority. This grant allows us to put a thorough plan into practice that addresses both crime reduction and...

By Tampa Republic | Apr 18, 2024

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Tampa Police Investigate Suspicious Items In Vehicle After Suicide

By Tampa Republic | Apr 17, 2024

Tampa Police Chief Bercaw expressed concern over a recent incident where a man took his own life after making threatening statements and displaying suspicious behavior. The events unfolded at 11201 McKinley Dr. in Tampa on Wednesday afternoon. According to Chief Bercaw, the situation had the potential for a more tragic outcome, and investigators are now focused on determining the motives behind the man's actions.Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports that a male individual had threatened to detonate a bomb and...

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Travel Advisory - Carnivals and Concerts this Weekend in Tampa

By Tampa Republic | Apr 17, 2024

Tampa, Florida - As event season continues to roll on in Tampa, residents and visitors are in for a bustling weekend filled with parades, concerts, and carnivals. With a lineup of diverse events taking place in and around downtown, organizers are advising attendees to plan ahead for potential traffic congestion and limited parking options.One of the key recommendations for attendees is to consider utilizing alternative transportation methods. As stated by event organizers, "We encourage everyone to arrive early to their event and consider using alternative transportation...

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Rep. Laurel Lee Expresses Disappointment Over Senate's Failure to Hold Impeachment Trial

By Tampa Republic | Apr 17, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) expressed her disappointment after the Senate dismissed the impeachment trial of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas."I am extremely disappointed that Senate Democrats refuse to hold a trial and hear the evidence on the articles of impeachment. Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and deliberately refused to follow the laws of the United States, and the Senate has failed to uphold its Constitutional duty to hold a trial," said Rep. Laurel Lee.Lee further stated, "This is a slap in the face to Americans who are endangered by...

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Tampa Police Investigate 'Bank Jugging' Theft

By Tampa Republic | Apr 16, 2024

The Tampa Police Department is investigating a bank jugging theft that took place on the afternoon of Friday, April 5th, 2024. According to reports, the suspect followed the victim from a bank on W. Kennedy Blvd. and later broke into the victim's truck to steal the cash.In a statement released by the Tampa Police Department, it was explained that "‘Bank jugging’ is a term used when criminals target people who withdraw cash from banks or ATMs. These criminals watch for individuals leaving with bank envelopes or bags, then follow them to steal the money."The suspect,...

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Tampa Police Conduct Death Investigation on Julie St.

By Tampa Republic | Apr 15, 2024

Tampa Police Detectives are currently investigating a shooting incident that tragically resulted in the death of an adult white male in his early 40s. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 15, 2024, took place in the 6500 block of Julie St.According to Tampa Police, officers responded to a report of a shooting just before 2:00 am. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the victim with upper body trauma. The victim was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. At this time, next of kin notification is...

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Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway Providing 500 Free Trees To Residents Tomorrow

By Tampa Republic | Apr 12, 2024

Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa has announced the upcoming Mayor Jane's Tree Giveaway event, where 500 free trees will be distributed to residents of the city. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, from 9-11 a.m., will allow each resident to receive up to two free trees from a selection of six species."Tampa prides itself on a world-class urban tree canopy, but we must continue to do everything we can to protect and replenish it. You can help us by taking home a tree or two," Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining Tampa's...

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Tampa breaks ground on state-of-the-art East Tampa Recreation Complex

By Tampa Republic | Apr 12, 2024

Tampa City officials, Skanska representatives, and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Tampa Recreation Complex at Fair Oaks Park. Mayor Jane Castor highlighted the significance of the $34.7-million project, emphasizing the much-needed overhaul of the outdated park."Fair Oaks Park has served the community for generations, but it is small, outdated, and long overdue for a complete overhaul," Mayor Jane Castor expressed. "Once we are done, East Tampa will be home to one of the city's most magnificent parks, serving the young and the young...

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Chief Bercaw Addresses Community Regarding Mass Casualty Incidents

By Tampa Republic | Apr 10, 2024

Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department released a community debrief addressing the issue of gun violence involving young members of the Tampa community. Chief Bercaw expressed deep concern about the dangers posed by juvenile-related gun crimes, highlighting the higher risk of injury or death for those involved with firearms.In the debrief, Chief Bercaw emphasized the importance of preventing such incidents from happening in the first place, stating, "Reducing access to guns from those who should not have them is a focus of our PROJECT: Locked & Unloaded program."...

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Tampa Police Identify Persons of Interest Following Shooting Near Armature Works

By Tampa Republic | Apr 10, 2024

Tampa Police have identified persons of interest following a shooting near Armature Works on April 9, 2024. Chief Lee Bercaw expressed concern over the incident, stating, “It is disheartening that yet again our community has to deal with senseless gun violence.” The Chief emphasized the importance of community safety and urged cooperation in limiting juvenile access to firearms.The shooting occurred around 4:08 p.m. on the 1900 block of N. Ola Avenue outside Stones Throw Restaurant. Three victims were identified, with two women being transported to a local hospital in...

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Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Bipartisan Bill Incentivizing Training for Domestic Violence Awareness

By Tampa Republic | Apr 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced the Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act, which would incentivize domestic violence awareness training for cosmetologists and beauty professionals."Domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes in the nation, with one in four women falling victim in her lifetime. Oftentimes, friends and family members may not recognize the extent of the abuse," said Rep. Laurel Lee."Beauty professionals have a vantage point to...

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Tampa Water Department’s New Engineering Construction Crew Saves Money as Infrastructure Costs Rise

By Tampa Republic | Apr 8, 2024

The City of Tampa has taken a proactive approach to combat soaring construction costs by forming a new Engineering Construction Crew within the Tampa Water Department. This initiative has not only helped the city save money but has also expedited the completion of critical infrastructure projects.According to Mayor Jane Castor, "The City of Tampa is dedicated to revitalizing our water infrastructure and providing the best possible service to our customers. This team will enable us to complete more projects quickly and efficiently, stretching our dollars to the best extent...

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Head of Development and Economic Opportunity Announces Departure Later this Year

By Tampa Republic | Apr 4, 2024

The Head of Development and Economic Opportunity in Tampa, Nicole Travis, is set to depart from her position later this year to start her own consulting firm in the city. Mayor Jane Castor expressed her support for Travis' decision, acknowledging her contributions during her tenure.Travis, who has been leading the city's development efforts since January 2022, played a significant role in various initiatives under Mayor Castor's Transforming Tampa Tomorrow “T3” Initiative. This included adding over $4 billion in development value to the City of Tampa, advocating for $100M...

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Splash into Savings! Tampa Water Department Hosts Conservation Fair at City Center

By Tampa Republic | Apr 4, 2024

In an effort to combat an ongoing rain deficit and promote water conservation, the Tampa Water Department is launching "Water Conservation Month" with a community fair at the City Center on Hanna Avenue. The event aims to educate and engage community members in reducing their water usage.Participants of the fair will have the opportunity to receive free water-saving devices, valuable tips on water conservation, and even a chance to win Florida-native plants. This initiative comes at a critical time as Tampa, along with neighboring counties, faced water restrictions due to...

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Tampa Receives Federal Funding for South Tampa Flood Mitigation Project

By Tampa Republic | Apr 3, 2024

The City of Tampa is set to receive significant federal funding for a crucial flood mitigation project in South Tampa. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor has secured nearly a million dollars for the initiative, aimed at addressing the area's stormwater challenges.Mayor Jane Castor will be present alongside Representative Kathy Castor to announce the funding on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. The $959,752 allocation will contribute towards the construction of a new stormwater pipe along a section of South Manhattan Avenue.The project comes as a relief to residents of the highly...

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Tampa Convention Center Nominated for Best Convention Center for 2nd Consecutive Year

By Tampa Republic | Apr 3, 2024

The Tampa Convention Center has been nominated once again for the Best Convention Center (Regional – Southeast U.S.) in the highly esteemed Stella Awards, marking the second consecutive year of recognition. David Ingram, the Executive Director of the Tampa Convention Center, expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating, “We are humbled to once again be in the running for best convention center in the Southeast region.” The center had previously secured the gold medal in this category in 2023.The Stella Awards, presented by Northstar Meetings Group, honor excellence in...

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Internal Audit Department Publishes Report on Tampa Fire Rescue-Communications

By Tampa Republic | Apr 1, 2024

The Internal Audit Department released its Tampa Fire Rescue-Communications, Audit 24-06 on April 1, 2024. According to the report, Tampa Fire Rescue Communications is responsible for receiving and then dispatching calls for fire and medical services. The report in its entirety can be viewed on TampaGov.net.

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City of Tampa Implements Stricter Rules for Shared eScooters and eBikes

By Tampa Republic | Apr 1, 2024

The City of Tampa has introduced new regulations for the use of shared eScooters and eBikes within the city, effective as of April 1st. Riders are now required to park their e-vehicles exclusively in designated docking stations to avoid being charged an "out-of-hub fee."According to the announcement, each vehicle will come equipped with software to guide riders on where they can and cannot park. Failure to comply with the new rules may result in penalties imposed by the operating company, with fees potentially reaching up to $5.In a bid to incentivize compliance, riders...

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Tampa Police Arrest Two Teens Following Parking Lot Shooting

By Tampa Republic | Mar 28, 2024

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw has expressed gratitude for the swift actions of officers that led to the arrest of two teenagers involved in a shooting at Westshore Plaza. The incident, which occurred on March 27, 2024, resulted in one individual being injured.According to Chief Bercaw, "Juveniles who use a gun and commit a crime will face adult consequences and are mistaken if they believe they will not be held accountable."The suspects, identified as 16-year-old Tarivus Clemons and 16-year-old Armontae Wilson, attempted to rob the victim of marijuana in the mall's...