WTSP - Local

Iran conflict drives sharp jump in Tampa Bay gas prices as drivers brace for more increases

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:20:30 GMT

Experts warn a higher price cycle could last weeks amid oil supply fears and peak spring demand.

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‘We just want transparency’: Homeowners left waiting on Elevate Florida funds

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:10:40 GMT

Homeowners accepted into the state’s $400 million Elevate Florida program say funding delays have left them in limbo.

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'Crown Act' fails to advance in the Florida legislative session

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:03:28 GMT

“This does exist and it is a problem,” Justice Robinson with Black Girls Govern said.

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Historic Walesbilt Hotel begins debris removal as Lake Wales revitalization moves forward

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:52:05 GMT

After decades of vacancy, the historic Walesbilt Hotel is set to begin restoration, rekindling hope and economic growth in Lake Wales.

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Hernando County debates regulation of controversial Flock license plate readers

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:39:09 GMT

A workshop on the issue will be held on March 10.

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Best gas prices near me: How to find the cheapest gas across Tampa Bay

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:25:31 GMT

As fuel experts continue to monitor the effects of U.S. strikes in Iran, we've gathered a list of resources to help you find the best gas prices across Tampa Bay.

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Man in his 70s killed in Lakeland mobile home fire

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:27:19 GMT

The Lakeland Fire Department said the fire broke out Sunday night at a mobile home community in the area of Pine Ridge Drive.

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Polk County woman arrested after motorcyclist airlifted from hit-and-run crash

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:23:17 GMT

Deputies said the motorcyclist was fully ejected, landed on the hood of the suspect's Honda CRV and was carried around 25 feet before falling to the ground.

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Florida gas prices: How military operations in Iran could impact price at the pump

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:04:36 GMT

While the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, military operations could influence the global supply chain.

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How 14,000 gallons of raw wastewater spilled into Sarasota Bay

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:29:07 GMT

Environmental officials believe the ongoing impacts of the 2024 hurricane season led to a 2-inch hole opening in a wastewater pipe near the Ringling Causeway.

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Hillsborough deputies: Man dead in Seffner homicide

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:15:18 GMT

Deputies said they responded just before 12:30 a.m. in the area of Black Dairy Road in Seffner where they found a man dealing with upper body trauma.

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Hillsborough County Public Schools appoints its first female director of athletics

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:14:49 GMT

Bogue began her career with the district as a physical education teacher at Newsome High School.

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FHP: 5-vehicle Citrus County crash leaves 74-year-old woman dead, suspect driver leaves the scene

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:14:31 GMT

Troopers said a man in a GMC pickup truck left the scene of a multi-vehicle crash that left a Crystal River woman dead and three others injured.

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Rays announce public community engagement sessions for new ballpark and district

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:14:04 GMT

Three are scheduled for March, and additional community engagement dates, locations, and details will be announced soon.

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Rays meet with Tampa Police Benevolent Association to discuss safety planning for proposed ballpark

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:50:45 GMT

It's part of their ongoing community engagement efforts surrounding the vision for a new ballpark and mixed-use district at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

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US-Israel strikes kill Iran’s Supreme Leader; Tampa Iranians rally in celebration

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:40:51 GMT

As Iran retaliates and protests erupt abroad, demonstrators at Curtis Hixon Park voice hope for a new future.

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Engines roar as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg fuels local economy

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:45:42 GMT

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg revitalized downtown, drawing massive crowds and generating an economic boost.

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Tampa police investigating woman's death

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:30:26 GMT

Officers said they responded to a home in the area of West Wilder Avenue to a report of an unresponsive person.

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How Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa became a haven for black golfers during segregation

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:53:57 GMT

"It's a jewel for the Black community," Lionel Ballard said, describing how Rogers Park came to be. "They built this by hand."

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Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete opens IndyCar season with speed and unforgettable souvenirs

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:17:54 GMT

As crews mount 1,100 tires for the 22nd annual downtown race, some fans leave with more than memories.

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Hernando County bus driver hits utility pole after falling asleep at the wheel, deputies say

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:17:41 GMT

The crash caused hundreds of power outages in the area.

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79-year-old woman killed in Winter Haven crash

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:12:02 GMT

The woman was pronounced dead on scene while a second driver is in critical condition.

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Mom kills her 2 children in 'violent' murder-suicide at Lakewood Ranch home, deputies say

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:26:27 GMT

Manatee County deputies say a 44-year-old mother killed her 14-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter before taking her own life at a Lakewood Ranch home.

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Bay area mother explains heartbreak to 6-year-old son after his father's aggressive cancer diagnosis

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:30:48 GMT

"I want them to remember him as the kind compassionate, happy person who would do anything for anyone else in the room," Tara Bossert said.

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PCSO: Lakeland woman performed surgery on dogs without veterinary license

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:26:49 GMT

Deputies say Ashley Wimbrow had been practicing for a year without the necessary license.

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Affidavit: St. Petersburg man arrested for driving 120mph on US-19

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:54:52 GMT

Pinellas Park police said they had to drive 140 mph to catch up with Andres Baron, who was driving 120mph.

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Man in critical condition, dog rescued from burning home in Pinellas County

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:14:44 GMT

Tarpon Springs firefighters rescued a 73-year-old man and his dog from a mobile home fire Thursday night.

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Affidavit: Tampa man caught going 103 mph on his way to a job interview

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:11:55 GMT

Kiaikaika Silva told police he was late for a job interview and did not know he was going that fast, according to the affidavit.

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Man accused of stealing nearly $10K from Winn-Dixie stores in Hillsborough County

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:44 GMT

Deputies say a Riverview man manipulated self-checkouts at Winn-Dixie stores, stealing nearly $10,000 in merchandise over an eight-month period.

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Police: Man tracks person with Samsung GPS Tag to Topgolf St. Pete, slashes their tires

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:57:22 GMT

Michael Hoopes went to the parking garage near Topgolf, where he waited for the victim go inside before slashing the tires, police say.

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3rd suspect arrested in Riverview woman's murder

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:28:28 GMT

The body of Hiojaira Velez-Bonilla was found near Weedon Island Preserve in August. A couple was charged with her murder last year.

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Should pajamas be worn at the airport? Tampa International Airport takes a stand in new statement

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:34:14 GMT

In a joke statement posted to social media, TPA said "it's time" to ban pajamas in its facility.

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Weather Impact Alert: Rain could impact Friday plans, trending drier for the weekend

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:54:50 GMT

Rain becomes widespread after 5 p.m. Friday.

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Proposed Florida bill impacting labor unions draws clamor and support

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 04:48:49 GMT

The bill would add new requirements for most labor unions.

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Lakeland man among four killed in deadly Cuba speedboat shootout

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:11:15 GMT

Cuban officials say they returned fire when a passenger on the Florida-registered speedboat shot first.

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Detective revisits 1994 murder of Brian Schuch using new forensic technology

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:02:10 GMT

Tampa Police are re-examining the 1994 murder of Brian Schuch using new forensic technology after his widow pushed for renewed focus.

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Florida Strawberry Festival opens in Plant City with new foods, rides, and family safety focus

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:52:54 GMT

The 91st Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City offers unique foods, entertainment and new safety features.

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Florida hits 100% drought coverage for first time on record

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:02:23 GMT

Drought conditions persist across Tampa Bay as the dry pattern continues.

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Hillsborough County deputies announce rollout of AI to draft reports

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:32:13 GMT

Deputies will begin using AI to draft reports for non-criminal incidents based on body cam audio, aiming to cut paperwork and boost policing time.

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Hillsborough County schools installing vaping detection sensors across all high schools

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:32:00 GMT

School officials say it's part of a "proactive step" to make healthier and safer learning environments for students.

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