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First Lady Jill Biden plans to visit Tampa amid debate fallout
November's election is top of mind for many voters, and right now, there’s still fallout over President Joe Biden’s performance during the latest debate between him and former President Donald Trump.
Water Restrictions Extended in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
As the Tampa Bay region continues to experience drier-than-normal weather conditions, residents will continue to only be allowed to irrigate their lawns once-a-week. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is extending the watering restrictions in place for Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County until September 1, 2024. Officially referred to as the “Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order,” the once-a-week watering restrictions initially went into effect on December 1, 2023.
Contractor lands second major deal with East Tampa Fair Oaks project
TAMPA — Construction is under way at Fair Oaks Park for a new East Tampa recreational complex. Once complete, the $34.7 million project will be one of the largest parks in Tampa. Development company Skanska and the City of Tampa have pledged to allocate at least 30% of the...
Tampa Bay's housing market cools
The housing market in Tampa Bay is cooling faster than in most metros nationwide.Why it matters: Supply issues continue to put pressure on home prices across the U.S. — despite mortgage rates dampening demand.This is particularly true in parts of California and the Northeast. Homes are selling quickly and for over asking, according to Redfin data.In the South, however, supply is picking up, and markets are cooling.Zoom in: Tampa Bay ranked second nationwide for decreasing homebuying demand and competition between April 2023 and April 2024, per Redfin.Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsThe big picture: Florida may be hotter than ever, but its housing market is cooling quicker than most other states, according to Redfin.Home construction, unaffordable home insurance and intense natural disaster threats contribute to increased supply and lower demand.Homes aren't moving off the market as quickly, and a growing share of sellers are bringing their asking prices down — all signs that these markets are cooling.Yes, but: Florida and Texas were the poster children for the pandemic price boom, so home prices are much higher than five years ago.What's next: Some relief could be coming for buyers on the mortgage rate front.Sign up for Axios Tampa Bay for free.
Tampa City Council members vote to give themselves $20,000 raise
TAMPA — Two years after Mayor Jane Castor’s administration first proposed hiking salaries, City Council members have agreed to follow the recommendation. A majority voted on June 27 to give themselves a more than $20,000 annual pay raise, or a nearly 40% boost. “It’s not just about us,”...
Thousands of creatures and characters in Downtown Tampa
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Creatures and characters crawled the streets of Downtown Tampa over the weekend as more than 15,000 anime enthusiasts flocked to MetroCon. At a convention like this, costumes are key. We saw several notable costumes at the Tampa Convention Center including Elphaba from Wicked. A girl wore green gloves with black nails […]
Volunteers clean up Fort De Soto after Independence Day celebrations
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla., (WFLA) — Several Independence Day celebrations happened across the Tampa Bay area for the Fourth of July, but not everyone picks up their trash. Several volunteers spent their Saturday morning cleaning up Fort De Soto Park and beach in Pinellas County. The volunteers said what they collected the most is food wrappers, […]
Teach for America is a good program but a bad fit for Florida | Letters
Teach for America coming to Hillsborough | June 30. While head of a teacher preparation program at a New York college, I worked with Teach for America for 10 years. Though an admirable organization, it is no solution for Florida’s teaching shortage; think of its “fellows” as long-term substitute teachers, not professionals who will commit long-term to our schools and children. Many join the program to get free or reduced-rate master’s degrees or to pause earlier student loans. Others think Florida may be a wonderful place to spend three or four years, then return home. Many are graduates from elite universities and have little in common with the students they will teach. They and the program are to be commended, but they are no substitute for decent salaries (not just decent starting pay) and professional respect, things our Republican legislators and governor refuse to provide.
Treasure Island's enforcement of new fireworks rules largely followed by beachgoers
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed fireworks shows with family across the Tampa Bay area this July 4th, capping off a day of parades, grilling and lounging on the beach. Cities all across our area had their celebrations, and you've likely heard the thunderous booms...
The 10 Best Cities For Single Women and Cats
Attention crazy cat ladies; you’re not so crazy everywhere you go. In fact, you’re not crazy at all. Don’t let those haters tell you that your 9 cats and your single lady status make you different than the rest of us. I have a husband and four kids, and my bet is that I’m a lot crazier than you and your cats ever even thought of being (seriously). Let’s get right down to business; we recently learned that millennials prefer cats to dogs as pets, so that’s a mark in your crazy cat lady favor. Additionally, ‘tis always better to be single than dating a creep, so there’s that.
Bay Area organizations work to clean up thousands of pounds of trash left behind on Fourth of July
TAMPA - There's a lot to clean up after a holiday like the Fourth of July, from the remnants of fireworks to the trash from large gatherings, and organizations across the Tampa Bay area spent their day Friday keeping our beaches beautiful. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful volunteers were ready with...
Construction of Altura Bayshore Tower in Tampa Complete
The Ronto Group announced that construction of its 23-story Altura Bayshore luxury condominium tower overlooking Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard has been completed. Designed by Curts Gaines Hall Jones Architects and built by Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, the tower includes 67 typical residences ranging from 2,176 to 3,575 square feet under air, and six penthouse residences with approximately 3,500 square feet under air and multiple balconies and terraces.
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