James Rodriguez

In what can only be seen as expedited efficiency, Tampa's Solid Waste Department has declared the completion of its storm debris cleanup following the unprecedented consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, just ahead of Christmas. The final sweep of the streets was done earlier today, weeks before the dead of winter sets in and in time for the city to celebrate the holiday season without the remnants of the natural disasters.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) is waving a red flag about red tide blooms affecting beaches near Tampa Bay, including Mullet Key, North Skyway Fishing Pier, and Beacon Key. The warning comes after water samples taken last Friday show high concentrations of the harmful algal bloom. The DOH-Hillsborough is urging residents and visitors to exercise care.

A 57-year-old Lakeland man, Awny Abdel Malek Basta, faces a charge of lewd and lascivious touch after he was allegedly caught on camera at a Chick-fil-A restaurant inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl. According to WFLA, the incident took place at the fast-food chain's location on South Florida Avenue. Surveillance footage released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office purportedly shows Basta reaching behind him to touch the teenager who was seated at a table doing her schoolwork.

Authorities in Martin County, Florida, have apprehended two individuals, Caoyuan Liu and Lingham Chen, believed to be part of a sophisticated gift card scam affecting consumers nationwide. The scheme reportedly involved the suspects tampering with gift card displays, enabling them to deplete the cards' balances prior to their legitimate sale and use by unsuspecting customers, FOX 13 News reports.

Authorities in Orange City, located in central Florida, have cautioned residents after monkeys were spotted roaming residential areas in recent weeks....

Pinellas County residents, mark your calendars: a series of government office closures are coming up this holiday season. According to the official county website, Pinellas County Government offices will shut their doors early at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, extending through Wednesday, Dec. 25, to observe Christmas. This hiatus will include the gamut of administrative functions from the Board of County Commissioners to the offices of the Clerk, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections. Pinellas County stated, "This includes departments under the Board of County Commissioners, Clerk’s Office, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections."

The emerging Cuban filmmaker, Orlando Mora Cabrera, was apprehended this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. by three officers from the Ministry of the Interior (M...

Relief spread across Pasco County as authorities confirmed that a woman and two babies reported missing over the weekend were found safe. A collaborative effort by the community and law enforcement led to the successful location of 36-year-old Sarah Fisher and the two young children, Hendrix Velez, 4 months, and Roman Velez, 1 year. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office verified the news earlier today, following reports of their disappearance yesterday evening.

President-elect Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic dispute with Panama after suggesting that his administration might reclaim control over the Pana...

Sarasota City Hall has just announced its holiday schedule for the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays. In a release published on the City of Sarasota's official website, it was detailed that city administrative offices will be closed from today through Wednesday for Christmas, as well as on Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year's Day. However, those concerned about garbage pile-ups during the festive season need not worry— the city's trash collection will continue on its regular schedule without any interruptions.