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Pro-Palestinian activists block traffic in downtown Tampa

About 50 people had Ashley Drive backed up for about 15 minutes.

By Ray Roa

Apr 15, 2024

Southbound traffic coming off Interstate-275 onto Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa came to a grinding stop on Monday morning as about 50 Pro-Palestinian activists called for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza. Two vehicles stopped traffic on the corner of Ashley Drive and Zack Street in Tampa for approximately 15 minutes before two unmarked police cars arrived and moved the drivers to the right lane...

Pro-Palestinian protesters in Tampa, Florida on April 15, 2024.

Board at Lakeland's Florida Polytechnic University selects new president in 7-6 vote

Trustees debated about whether Florida Poly’s next president should have a STEM background.

By Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida
Apr 17, 2024
Meet Bella, the certified good girl, who brings peace to mourners at one Tampa funeral home

The five-year-old chocolate lab mix is a therapy dog who ‘just knows when and where she’s needed.'

By Chelsea Zukowski
Apr 15, 2024
Tampa woman Ashley Brundage aims to become Florida's first transgender member of state Legislature

Brundage filed the paperwork to run in House District 65, which is held by Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman.

By News Service of Florida
Apr 15, 2024
St. Petersburg 'employee relations' professional paid six-figures to 'communicate' with Amazon workers about unions

The retail giant spent at least $3.1 million on anti-union consultants last year.

By McKenna Schueler
Apr 12, 2024
At least four people injured in Tampa Heights shooting near Armature Works

Police said it is not an active shooter situation.

By Ray Roa
Apr 9, 2024
A 9-foot alligator was removed from Tampa's Selmon Expressway last weekend

Hitting an alligator with your car can be deadly.

By Colin Wolf
Apr 2, 2024
Tampa Bay leaders say new law banning people from sleeping in public fails to address homelessness

“To sleep is to exist, in order to exist as humans we have to sleep. And so this bill is basically criminalizing the existence of a group of people."

By Suzanne Townsend
Apr 1, 2024
Pinellas mayors, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, spar over controversial vacation rental bill

But not all of the mayors were critical of the bill.

By Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix
Mar 28, 2024
Overweight Temple Terrace gator named 'Coca-Cola' finds new home at reptile farm

"This alligator is extremely overweight and now accustomed to getting fed by people."

By Colin Wolf
Mar 25, 2024
Mayors of Redington Beach, Anna Maria, among those urging DeSantis to veto short-term vacation rental bill

Even those who supported the proposal in the Legislature aren’t doing much to sell its benefits.

By Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix
Mar 22, 2024
The road to Tampa Pride 2024 has not been all rainbows

Editor's note: This story is part of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay's Tampa Pride guide produced in conjunction with Tampa Pride organizers.

By Suzanne Townsend
Mar 20, 2024
Tampa Pride will not get in-chamber commendation from Hillsborough commissioners

Three Republican board members did not sign the document.

By Ray Roa
Mar 20, 2024
Six months after John Ring Jr. plead guilty, the investigation about 'corruption within the City of Tampa' remains active

A motion to seal evidence was granted by a judge.

By Tom Scherberger and The Florida Trident
Mar 14, 2024
Tampa democrat among lawmakers supporting new sanctions on minors possessing guns

Sen. Darryl Rouson had pushed for an amendment in the bill to ensure that first offenders would be for third-degree misdemeanors.

By Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix
Mar 12, 2024
We asked locals what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place to live. Here's what they said.

Transportation and housing dominated, but other topics included the environment, social services and more.

By Ray Roa
Mar 1, 2024
Tampa Democrat changes tune after initially lining up behind Florida's controversial child labor law changes

The bill still passed the Republican-dominated Florida House in a 84-30 vote.

By McKenna Schueler
Mar 1, 2024
Two Tampa Bay area beaches ranked among Tripadvisor's 'Best Beaches' of 2024

The Sunshine State as a whole usually ranks pretty high in this annual list.

By Colin Wolf
Feb 21, 2024
Jared Smith wants to shield himself from testifying in case against Hillsborough County circuit judge

The commission is pursuing a disciplinary case against Jacobs, who in a 2022 election defeated Smith.

By Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida
Feb 13, 2024
Authorities capture kangaroo running through Temple Terrace backyards

'There’s, uh, a kangaroo in my apartment complex.'

By Colin Wolf
Feb 8, 2024
Memorial weekend for Tampa teen Andrew Joseph III wraps on Sunday

The family is hosting qualified immunity workshops, a play preview, and more.

By Ray Roa
Feb 7, 2024