TAMPA, Fla. – At one point in building a 28-0 first-quarter lead, USF outgained Tulsa 247-15. It was that type of afternoon Saturday at Raymond James Stadium where a 63-30 win clinched bowl eligibility on senior day for the second straight year. The point total…
Latest News
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz Teases Potential Run For Florida Governor Amid Political Speculation
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz hinted on Saturday that he might run for governor of Florida, just days after withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general. The 42-year-old Republican sparked speculation with a post on X, featuring a GIF of…
Florida Power & Light Seeks Rate Hike To Recover Hurricane Costs
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is seeking approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to recover approximately $1.2 billion from customers to cover costs related to restoring power after hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, as well as to replenish a storm reserve fund. If approved,…
Former Detective In Florida Sentenced For Sexually Exploiting Minor
A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) detective has been sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Josue Garriga, 35, known as “Sway,” pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2024. He met the 17-year-old victim…
News Scroll
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Never-Give-Up Effort Highlighted USF’s Bowl-Clinching Rout Of Tulsa
TAMPA, Fla. – At one point in building a 28-0 first-quarter lead, USF outgained Tulsa 247-15. It was that type of afternoon Saturday at Raymond James Stadium where a 63-30 win clinched bowl eligibility on senior day for the second straight year. The point total…
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Former Rep. Matt Gaetz Teases Potential Run For Florida Governor Amid Political Speculation
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz hinted on Saturday that he might run for governor of Florida, just days after withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general. The 42-year-old Republican sparked speculation with a post on X, featuring a GIF of…
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Florida Power & Light Seeks Rate Hike To Recover Hurricane Costs
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is seeking approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to recover approximately $1.2 billion from customers to cover costs related to restoring power after hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, as well as to replenish a storm reserve fund. If approved,…
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Former Detective In Florida Sentenced For Sexually Exploiting Minor
A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) detective has been sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Josue Garriga, 35, known as “Sway,” pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2024. He met the 17-year-old victim…
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Rips ‘Moron’ Thief Caught Stealing 2 Carts Of Publix Groceries
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared details Friday about the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing groceries from a local Publix supermarket. Sheriff Judd, known for his candid and colorful press conferences, praised the hardworking employees at Publix, including his…
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Nigerian Nationals Sentenced In Chicago For Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Schemes
Two Nigerian nationals residing in the Chicago suburbs have been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating complex fraud schemes that defrauded victims of millions of dollars. Anthony Emeka Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, Illinois, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, mail fraud,…
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Tampa Traffic Alert: Palm River Road Closed Due To Water Main Break
TAMPA, Fla. – A portion of Palm River Road will be closed to traffic due to a water main break. Beginning at 6:30 PM on Saturday, November 23rd, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Palm River Road between 67th Street and South 63rd Street will…
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Ukraine Denies Reports Of North Korean Troops In Kharkiv Oblast
Ukrainian military officials have denied reports suggesting that North Korean personnel are present in the Kharkiv Oblast, following unconfirmed claims that North Korean “technical advisers” are operating in Russian-occupied Mariupol. CNN, citing an anonymous Ukrainian security source, reported on November 22 that North Korean technical…
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Biden-Harris EPA Weighs Awarding Taxpayer Dollars To Nonprofit That Wants To Defund The Police
One of the last actions the Biden-Harris administration takes could be the disbursal of tens of millions of dollars to a pro-Palestinian nonprofit that disseminated protest materials exalting Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of Israel. In December 2023, the EPA selected Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), a Berkeley,…
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Lakeland Pedestrian Struck And Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash
LAKELAND, Fla. – A 67-year-old pedestrian, Robin Brown, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run crash early Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 12:02 AM near the 700 block of South Florida Avenue. Ms. Brown was attempting to cross the street from Palmetto Avenue when she…
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Largo Man Arrested For DUI After Driving Through Fatal Crash Scene In Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla. – A Largo man was arrested early Saturday morning after driving through a fatal crash scene. David Saldivar, 31, was taken into custody at 3:18 AM and charged with DUI and escape. The incident occurred on Union Street, which was closed in both…
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Clearwater Woman Arrested After Attempted Shooting
CLEARWATER, Fla. – A Clearwater woman is facing multiple charges after a frightening incident involving a firearm. Kelley Karabinos, 36, was arrested early Saturday morning following a dispute at a smoke shop on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. After being escorted out of the store by a security…
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Tampa Fire Rescues One, Battles House Fire
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Fire Rescue crews responded to a house fire on the 1600 block of E. Idell Street on Saturday morning, November 23rd, 2024. Multiple 911 calls reported a possible person trapped inside the single-story home. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and…
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Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Expected In Florida
Florida is bracing for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season, with millions of residents and tourists expected to hit the roads and skies. According to AAA Auto Club, a staggering 4.5 million Floridians are planning to travel over 50 miles for the holiday. While most will…
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Florida’s Transgender Medicaid Ban Faces Legal Challenge
A federal appeals court heard arguments on Friday regarding Florida’s controversial ban on Medicaid coverage for transgender individuals seeking hormone therapy and puberty blockers. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, challenges a state rule and subsequent legislation that prohibits Medicaid reimbursement for these treatments. Plaintiffs argue…
Sports
Never-Give-Up Effort Highlighted USF’s Bowl-Clinching Rout Of Tulsa
TAMPA, Fla. – At one point in building a 28-0 first-quarter lead, USF outgained Tulsa 247-15. It was that type of afternoon Saturday at Raymond James Stadium where a 63-30 win clinched bowl eligibility on senior day for the second straight year. The point total…
R.J. Perry Enjoying Far More Productive Second Season At USF
TAMPA, Fla. – R.J. Perry and his fellow offensive linemen enjoy a meal together every Thursday evening. The camaraderie typically takes place over a cookout or at Hooters, spending a few hours chatting about anything that comes to mind. According to Perry, sophomore Cole Skinner…
Tampa Bay Lightning Fall To Blue Jackets In Overtime Thriller
COLUMBUS, OH. – The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night at Nationwide Arena. Despite a strong offensive performance that saw six different Lightning players score goals, including Brayden Point’s power-play tally and Nikita Kucherov’s 900th…
USF Volleyball Dominates American Athletic Conference Awards
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida volleyball team swept the major awards in the American Athletic Conference, marking a significant achievement for the program. Head coach Jolene Shepardson was named Coach of the Year, Maria Clara Andrade earned Player of the Year, and…
Cops And Crime
Former Detective In Florida Sentenced For Sexually Exploiting Minor
A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) detective has been sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Josue Garriga, 35, known as “Sway,” pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2024. He met the 17-year-old victim…
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Rips ‘Moron’ Thief Caught Stealing 2 Carts Of Publix Groceries
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared details Friday about the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing groceries from a local Publix supermarket. Sheriff Judd, known for his candid and colorful press conferences, praised the hardworking employees at Publix, including his…
Cold Case
Pasco Sheriff’s Missing 12-Year-Old Boy In Holiday Located Safe
HOLIDAY, Fla. – Leeland Diaz has been found and is safe, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Previous Report: The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing and endangered 12-year-old boy. Leeland Diaz was last seen around 5:15 p.m.…
1972 Cold Case Homicide Victim From Georgia To Receive Proper Burial In Polk County
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A homicide victim who remained unidentified for over five decades will finally receive a proper burial thanks to the efforts of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and community partners. Mack Lavelle Proctor, murdered on May 17, 1972, was laid to…
Pasco Deputies Search For Missing Lutz Man, Possibly Driving Jeep Compass
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 48-year-old man. Michael Robinson was last seen on Sunday, November 17th, around noon in the 21000 block of State Road 54 in Lutz. Robinson is 6 feet 1…
Florida Agriculture
UF/IFAS Scientists Develop Method For Detecting DNA Of Invasive Snakes In Florida
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a pioneering tool to bolster Florida’s defenses against invasive species: a DNA-based environmental monitoring test that can pinpoint where they’ve been, aiding eradication efforts. Once a nonnative species gets into an environment, it is often too late…
Florida Secures $47 Million For Peace River Valley Conservation Projects
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the allocation of $47 million in state and federal funding to preserve agricultural lands and protect vital natural resources in the Peace River Valley. The funding, part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, will secure…
Hurricane Helene: Florida Ag Production Losses Top $40M, UF Economists Estimate
The agricultural production losses Florida experienced due to Hurricane Helene have an estimated value between $40.3 million and $162.2 million, according to a preliminary report by the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and…
Politics
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz Teases Potential Run For Florida Governor Amid Political Speculation
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz hinted on Saturday that he might run for governor of Florida, just days after withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general. The 42-year-old Republican sparked speculation with a post on X, featuring a GIF of…
Ukraine Denies Reports Of North Korean Troops In Kharkiv Oblast
Ukrainian military officials have denied reports suggesting that North Korean personnel are present in the Kharkiv Oblast, following unconfirmed claims that North Korean “technical advisers” are operating in Russian-occupied Mariupol. CNN, citing an anonymous Ukrainian security source, reported on November 22 that North Korean technical…
Lottery
Florida Man Claims $1 Million On Lottery Scratch-Off Game From Shell Gas Station
A Florida man is a millionaire thanks to a lucky scratch-off ticket. Charles Larocco, 67, of Tamarac, claimed a $1 million top prize from the Florida Lottery’s MILLIONAIRE MAKER Scratch-Off game. Larocco purchased the winning $5 ticket at Oakland Shell in Sunrise and chose to…
Kissimmee Man Strikes Gold With $1 Million Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Win
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A Kissimmee man is celebrating a life-changing win after claiming a $1 million prize from a Florida Lottery scratch-off game. Andres Hoyos, 40, purchased his winning ticket from Key Food Supermarket on Fortune Road in Kissimmee. The lucky retailer will receive…
Alabama Woman Strikes Gold With $10 Million Florida Lottery Win
A lucky woman from Foley, Alabama, is $10 million richer after hitting the jackpot on a Florida Lottery Scratch-Off ticket! Jessica Callihan, 47, claimed the top prize from the $20 GOLD RUSH LEGACY game at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings…
Florida Man Wins $500,000 JACKPOT TRIPLE PLAY Prize
The Florida Lottery announced that Richard Molk of Ocala has claimed a $500,000 jackpot prize from the August 13, 2024, JACKPOT TRIPLE PLAY™ drawing! Molk chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $315,605.00. He purchased his lucky Quick Pick ticket at…
Job News
Pasco County To Host Career Fair With On-The-Spot Interviews
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Pasco County is looking for talented individuals to join its team! The Pasco County Human Resources Department will be hosting a career fair on Friday, November 8th, 2024, at the Pasco County Utilities Building in Land O’ Lakes. This is…
FEMA Hiring Hundreds In Florida For Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Want to help your community rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton? FEMA is hiring! Over 600 positions are available in Gainesville, Melbourne Beach, Sarasota, and Tallahassee. FEMA’s “Local Hire” program employs local residents to assist in disaster recovery efforts, providing crucial support to their own…
Hurricane Milton Impacts Florida’s Job Market, Unemployment Claims Spike
Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida on October 9th, has had a significant impact on the state’s job market. The U.S. Department of Labor reported a sharp increase in unemployment claims for the week ending October 19th, with 10,574 initial claims filed. This marks the highest…
Florida Unemployment Claims Defy Hurricane Helene, Taking A Dip
Despite Hurricane Helene’s impact on Florida, the number of unemployment claims filed in the state surprisingly decreased last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that 5,367 initial claims were filed in Florida during the week ending September 28th, down from 6,454 the previous week.…
Good Eats
The Complete Guide To Upping Your BBQ Game With Dry Rubs
Dry rubs are essential for turning simple cuts of meat into flavorful BBQ dishes. A balanced mix of spices and herbs enhances the meat’s natural taste while adding new layers of flavor. These rubs have a long history and now reflect a range of local…
Lip-Smackin’ Good: Peanut Butter Challenge Returns
Few culinary pleasures transcend kiddom. But whether crunchy or smooth, paired with jelly, crackers or bread, peanut butter is a food nearly everyone can enjoy. High in protein, it’s also among food banks’ most requested items. Since 2012, UF/IFAS Extension and partner institution Florida A&M…
“Patriots Palate” Event Canceled And Will Be Rescheduled
TAMPA, Fla. – This event has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. We will update this as soon as the new date is released. Hillsborough County Extension Service is hosting a special cooking event for military families newly stationed at MacDill…
Red Lobster Continues Cuts, Closes 23 More Restaurants Amid Bankruptcy, 3 In Florida
Red Lobster, previously struggling and undergoing a turnaround after filing for bankruptcy, has now targeted an additional 23 locations for closure. Three of those locations are in Florida. The company, which once boasted over 700 restaurants globally, began its journey in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida.…