Friday, April 12, 2024

DeSantis nixes local efforts to protect outdoor workers from FL’s brutal weather


Gov. Ron DeSantis has quietly signed into law a measure barring local governments from requiring employers to provide workers with basic protections like shade, accessible water, and breaks from the Florida’s scorching heat and humidity.....Read More

The Biden administration will require thousands more gun dealers to run background checks on buyers


Thousands more firearms dealers across the United States will have to run background checks on buyers at gun shows or other places outside brick-and-mortar stores, according to a Biden administration rule that will soon go into effect.

The rule aims to close a loophole that has allowed tens of thousands of guns to be sold every year by unlicensed dealers who do not perform background checks to ensure the potential buyer is not legally prohibited from having a firearm. Gun rights groups are expected to fight it in court.


Indie Flea brings hundreds of Tampa Bay vendors to Ybor for its final market of the season


The Indie Flea brings together dozens of the best food vendors, makers, artists, florists, and more for a monthly market celebrating all things Tampa Bay. It’s the latest event to call 1920 Ybor (1920 E 7th Ave) home. The Indie Flea is free to attend and will be held on the second Sunday of each month. Make sure to follow Indie Flea on Instagram and its website for event announcements and future vendor opportunities.....Read More

1920 Ybor Music Venue - 1 Year Anniversary Party - Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band


1920 Ybor Music Venue
1 Year Anniversary Party
Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band

Saturday - April 20, 2024
6PM - 11PM

Free Event  All Ages Welcome!
Live Music • Live Art • Drinks

Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we mark our 1-year anniversary since our very first concert! Doors open at 6 PM, welcoming you to an immersive art gallery experience featuring the works of 10+ local artists and live painting by three talented artists. Get ready to dance the night away with a captivating performance by a Fleetwood Mac tribute band on our main stage! This event is FREE and open to ALL AGES! Secure your spot by RSVPing today. Sponsored by JDubs Brewing. See you there to toast to our milestone!

Spring 2024 Ybor Arts Tour


Spring 2024 Ybor Arts Tour
Join us for an evening filled with creativity and inspiration in the heart of the Ybor City Historic District. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene as you explore galleries, studios and arts venues. Meet local artists, watch live demonstrations, and maybe even find the perfect piece to take home. This free, self-guided tour is a must for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the cultural richness of Ybor City. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate art in a historic setting!

Event Page and Regitration HERE

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary


Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be the zoo for the South Shore Florida area - with real lions, tigers and bears. 

This is called the 'forever home' for wild and exotic animals that have no where else to go. 

The park is set up similar to a zoo but you can get closer to the animals at Elmira's letting you realize just how big and beautiful these animals are.

It provides a Zoo like environment for the people living in the South Shore Florida area that include: Sun City Center, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Gibsonton and Wimauma. 

Videos can capture some on the unique ways lions and birds can behave but it's nothing like visiting the park itself. To see the animals first hand and hearing them making sounds that echo through park is something that needs to be experienced in person.  

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary 

More information, reserve tour dates and tickets HERE

Volunteers needed....call today (813) 634-4115

Hamas Admits It May Not Have Enough Living Hostages For Ceasefire Deal With Israel


Hamas has made an admission that could destroy plans for a ceasefire deal with Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.....Read More

USF releases new stadium renderings


The University of South Florida made an exciting announcement on Thursday, revealing its new on-campus stadium renderings.

According to USF, the stadium will feature an east-west build for shade, a designated student section with amenities to cater to their experience, an open concourse for views of the field, a massive tailgating space, and a variety of premium seating including suites, loge boxes, and club seating.


After climate tipping points, change will come slowly, then all at once


The planetary danger signals are increasing. Climate scientists are beginning to worry we may be at a terrifying juncture, where the climate shifts dramatically from one state to another. An abrupt global warming episode, during which climate changes happen in decades not centuries, and interrelated tipping points cascade into one another amplifying the sudden shift in the world climate, pushing the planet out of the temperate sweet spot we humans have been lucky enough to live in.....Read More

DeSantis speaks out on abortion, marijuana amendments


As the battle over reproductive rights takes center stage in Florida and as buzz continues to build over whether marijuana should be legalized for recreational use in the state, the governor is not holding back on how he feels.

José Martí Park Ybor City Tampa, Florida : Foreign Cuba Territory


This spot in the neighborhood of Ybor City located in Tampa, Florida, may be the only instance in the entire United States where a foreign country owns land within our borders, outside of foreign embassies. This small area of just .14 acres was donated to the Cuba in 1956 as a showing of solidarity and in honor of José Martí who was instrumental in the War for Cuban Independence. Jose unfortunately died in 1895 before he could see his dream for Cubans come true. The spot was actually once a boarding house owned and ran by Paulina Pedroso, a female activist who worked closely with José Martí in their fight for independence. Cuba succeeded in 1898 after defeating Spain with the help of the United States. And in 1902, achieved Independence.

Report: Florida Gov. DeSantis Ready To Help Raise Money For Trump’s Campaign


Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis apparently has decided to set aside the feud with former President Donald Trump and help the presumptive Republican nominee return to the White House.

NBC News reported Wednesday that Florida’s governor will work to raise campaign cash for Trump.


17-year-old suspect arrested after shooting near Armature Works left 4 injured


Police have arrested a suspect in relation to a shooting near Armature Works in Tampa Tuesday afternoon.  The Tampa Police Department said they responded to the 1900 block of North Ola Avenue outside of Stones Throw Restaurant around 4 p.m. Tuesday.  After a preliminary investigation, police said two groups of teenage boys between the ages of 13 and 17 near the restaurant got into a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into the shooting. Both groups then fled the scene.

Ron DeSantis gets a bill that would eliminate citizen boards to review police misconduct in Florida


A controversial bill that would prevent investigations of local law enforcement by civilian review boards was formally sent Wednesday to Gov. Ron DeSantis.....Read More

Demand increases for Tampa to Orlando rail expansion and beyond


Less than a year has passed since Brightline expanded service from Miami to Orlando. Now, the rail service is focused on making its next stop in Tampa.

Video and Article HERE

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

4 injured after shooting near Armature Works in Tampa


Four people were hurt during a shooting Tuesday afternoon near Armature Works in Tampa, according to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.

Video and article HERE

Raising awareness for military sexual trauma one t-shirt at a time


April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and there is one group of survivors who sometimes get overlooked—our military veterans.

Lisa Shoemaker, Sexual Trauma Coordinator at Bay Pines VA, started the Clothesline Project back in 2010.

Ybor City named one of the best places to live, according to Money


Money recently released its annual list of the 50 best places to live in the United States and a Tampa neighborhood made the cut.

The list highlights cities and towns “where a thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life.”

Money called Tampa one of America’s hottest cities and highlighted Ybor City as one of the best places to live.


Sun 'n Fun 2024


Sun 'n Fun 2024
SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus

April 9- 14, 2024: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
(till 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday)

Tickets HERE

Israel sets date for potential Rafah invasion

Photo by Jim Forest under license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date has been set for the invasion of the southern Gaza city. “It will happen, there is a date,” he said in a statement one day after Israel withdrew all but one brigade from southern Gaza to rest.....Read More

Opponents of proposed $1.3 billion Rays stadium argue it's 'No Home Run'


The newly-formed "No Home Run" group is pushing back on the proposed public spending for the redevelopment deal, which includes a new baseball stadium.

As talks in St. Petersburg City Council are expected to heat up in the coming weeks, some residents are joining together to push back on the proposed new $1.3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays and the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment alongside it.


Monday, April 8, 2024

Florida AG Ashley Moody Warns Of Direct Deposit Tax Refund Scams


The 2024 Tax Season Scam Series is almost to an end, and Attorney General Ashley Moody is cautioning about scams involving direct deposit refunds.

Potential victims may be contacted by scammers via phone, text, or email while they pretend to be Internal Revenue Service agents and say there was an error on the target’s tax return.