Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds there
Read full article: Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds thereA historic theater in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol has opened its doors more than three years after it was pummeled in a Russian airstrike that killed hundreds of civilians sheltering inside.
ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last week
Read full article: ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last weekIn the week before Christmas, nearly a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to shut their doors, according to state records.
VIDEO: Coast Guard rescues 5 boaters after vessel sinks off Florida coast
Read full article: VIDEO: Coast Guard rescues 5 boaters after vessel sinks off Florida coastThe USCG said it received multiple mayday calls from the boaters, indicating the boat was taking on water and the boaters had put on life jackets.
Russian court extends jailing of teenage singer over street performance of anti-war songs
Read full article: Russian court extends jailing of teenage singer over street performance of anti-war songsA Russian court has extended the jailing of an 18-year-old street singer on charges seen as punishment for performing anti-war songs.
‘Out of control:’ This threat is looming over Florida’s future, expert says
Read full article: ‘Out of control:’ This threat is looming over Florida’s future, expert saysWhile the threat of a recession seems to have abated, there’s another danger looming over Florida’s future, UCF economist Sean Snaith announced in his latest forecast.
Over 100 roaches found inside this popular Orlando restaurant
Read full article: Over 100 roaches found inside this popular Orlando restaurantA dozen more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close their doors last week after a visit from a health inspector — including a popular eatery in Orlando’s Mills 50 district.
This Florida city has the worst bedbug infestations in the state, study says
Read full article: This Florida city has the worst bedbug infestations in the state, study saysJust in time for summer, pest-control company Terminix has released its annual report on the most bedbug-infested cities in the nation.
Roaches galore: 18 more Central Florida restaurants closed over health issues
Read full article: Roaches galore: 18 more Central Florida restaurants closed over health issuesLast week, another 18 Central Florida eateries were forced to close down after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
Hit Sanford bistro shut down, slapped with over 30 violations
Read full article: Hit Sanford bistro shut down, slapped with over 30 violationsSix separate eateries across Central Florida were forced to shut their doors last week following a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
St. Petersburg to vote on flags for LGBTQ+ and Black communities after DeSantis erases murals
Read full article: St. Petersburg to vote on flags for LGBTQ+ and Black communities after DeSantis erases muralsThe Florida city of St. Petersburg, long a bastion of LGBTQ+ rights and mindful of its racially segregated past, is considering approval of two flags recognizing those issues after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered similar street murals erased because of supposedly political messages.
These 12 Central Florida restaurants were closed last week over health concerns
Read full article: These 12 Central Florida restaurants were closed last week over health concernsLast week, a dozen more eateries across Central Florida were told to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
New Rays owners promise Tropicana Field repairs, search for new ballpark around Tampa
Read full article: New Rays owners promise Tropicana Field repairs, search for new ballpark around TampaThe new owners of the Tampa Bay Rays are promising to get hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field repaired in time for next season and beginning a search for a new, permanent ballpark to open in 2029.
‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spending
Read full article: ‘Waste, fraud and abuse:’ DeSantis slams these Florida cities over ‘excessive’ spendingDuring a news conference on Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state CFO Blaise Ingoglia highlighted certain parts of the state over what they dubbed “excessive” spending.
MLB owners approve sale of Tampa Bay Rays to group headed by Patrick Zalupski
Read full article: MLB owners approve sale of Tampa Bay Rays to group headed by Patrick ZalupskiMajor League Baseball owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to a group led by real estate developer Patrick Zalupski.
6 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health concerns, records show
Read full article: 6 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health concerns, records showLast week, six more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close temporarily after a visit from a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
These Central Florida restaurants were shut down over health issues last week
Read full article: These Central Florida restaurants were shut down over health issues last weekLast week, over a dozen more Central Florida restaurants were forced to close — at least temporarily — over concerns brought by health inspectors, according to the Florida DBPR.
Russia scales down celebrations honoring its navy as Ukraine launches more drone attacks
Read full article: Russia scales down celebrations honoring its navy as Ukraine launches more drone attacksRussia has scaled down its Navy Day celebrations due to security concerns from ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks.
This is Florida’s most stressed city, study finds. Here’s what that means
Read full article: This is Florida’s most stressed city, study finds. Here’s what that meansThe study examines factors of stress like health, safety, family, finances, and work to determine which areas of the country are struggling with stress the most.
Study reveals the least educated city in Florida. Here’s what that means
Read full article: Study reveals the least educated city in Florida. Here’s what that meansTo figure out which places were considered the “most educated,” researchers looked at factors like degree holders, local school quality, and nearby learning opportunities.
Florida woman posing as licensed daycare arrested for death of 9-month-old child, police say
Read full article: Florida woman posing as licensed daycare arrested for death of 9-month-old child, police sayA 31-year-old St. Petersburg woman, accused of the death of a nine-month-old child in her care nearly a year ago, was arrested on Tuesday by the St. Peterburg Police Department, officials said.
This Florida city has the worst bedbug infestations in the state, study says
Read full article: This Florida city has the worst bedbug infestations in the state, study saysJust in time for summer, pest-control company Terminix has released its annual report on the most bedbug-infested cities in the nation.
Tampa Bay Rays say they are in talks for a potential sale amid stadium uncertainty
Read full article: Tampa Bay Rays say they are in talks for a potential sale amid stadium uncertaintyThe Tampa Bay Rays say they are in “exclusive discussions” with a Florida investment group for a potential sale of the team.
‘A tall order:’ This Florida city is the best-run in the state, study claims
Read full article: ‘A tall order:’ This Florida city is the best-run in the state, study claimsThis study examined factors like education systems, resident health, and economic conditions to determine which cities ranked among the best — and which places left something to be desired.
These 6 Central Florida restaurants were shut down last week. Here’s why
Read full article: These 6 Central Florida restaurants were shut down last week. Here’s whyLast week, another half-dozen restaurants across Central Florida were told to close after they were visited by a health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
This is the best place in Florida to raise a family, study claims. Here’s why
Read full article: This is the best place in Florida to raise a family, study claims. Here’s whyAside from affordability, the ranking examines factors like entertainment, safety, and education to determine which cities are the best picks for a burgeoning family.
Hillsborough assistant state attorney accused of transmitting and possessing child porn, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Hillsborough assistant state attorney accused of transmitting and possessing child porn, sheriff’s office saysA Hillsborough County Assistant State Attorney is accused of transmitting and possessing child pornography, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
This may be the most mysterious death in Florida history. Here’s what we know
Read full article: This may be the most mysterious death in Florida history. Here’s what we knowAn investigative report shows that Reeser smoked a cigarette, sitting in her easy chair before heading to bed. That was the last day she was seen alive.
A bomb threat prompted a plane evacuation at a Florida airport. No explosives were found
Read full article: A bomb threat prompted a plane evacuation at a Florida airport. No explosives were foundA bomb threat note found on a plane at a Florida airport prompted the evacuation of the aircraft and a temporary closure, but no explosives were found, officials said.
A Russian bucket brigade helps toads and frogs cross the road to get to a spawning site
Read full article: A Russian bucket brigade helps toads and frogs cross the road to get to a spawning siteIt happens every spring along a section of road north of Russia’s second-largest city of St. Petersburg: Volunteers, some in yellow vests, patrol near the Sestroretsk Bog natural reserve, and become crossing guards for thousands of toads and frogs.
Florida man found living with decomposing body of his 92-year-old mother, police say
Read full article: Florida man found living with decomposing body of his 92-year-old mother, police sayA Florida man was arrested Monday after police found him living with his mother’s decomposing body, officials said.
‘There’s no way:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis weighs in on Tampa Bay Rays’ future
Read full article: ‘There’s no way:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis weighs in on Tampa Bay Rays’ futureAfter the Rays withdrew from a $1.3 billion ballpark deal earlier this month, their future in the Tampa Bay area remains uncertain.
Group trying to bring MLB to Orlando ready to pounce after Rays new stadium deal falls through
Read full article: Group trying to bring MLB to Orlando ready to pounce after Rays new stadium deal falls throughThe Orlando Dreamers — led by MLB Hall of Famer Barry Larkin — confirmed they’ve identified an anchor investor to purchase a team and fund the $1.7 billion domed stadium project on a plot of land next to Aquatica water park in Orange County.
Tampa Bay Rays withdraw from planned $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg, citing storms, delays
Read full article: Tampa Bay Rays withdraw from planned $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg, citing storms, delaysThe Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday withdrew from a $1.3 billion ballpark project, citing hurricanes and delays that likely will drive up the proposal’s cost.
2 face charges after 16-year-old girl kidnapped, dismembered in Florida, police say
Read full article: 2 face charges after 16-year-old girl kidnapped, dismembered in Florida, police saySt. Petersburg police say a man and a woman face charges in the alleged kidnapping and killing of a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing in February.
New Pirates 1B Spencer Horwitz to miss at least 6-8 weeks following wrist surgery
Read full article: New Pirates 1B Spencer Horwitz to miss at least 6-8 weeks following wrist surgeryNew Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz is expected to miss most of spring training after undergoing surgery on his right wrist.
China renews threat to retaliate against US tariffs
Read full article: China renews threat to retaliate against US tariffsChina has reiterated it could take “necessary countermeasures" after U.S. President Donald Trump decided to impose a 10% tariff on China for allegedly doing too little to stem the production of precursor chemicals for the drug fentanyl.
VIDEO: Florida man seen stealing $21K art sculpture by stashing it in pants, police say
Read full article: VIDEO: Florida man seen stealing $21K art sculpture by stashing it in pants, police saySt. Petersburg police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspected thief who was seen on camera taking an art piece valued at $21,000 from an art gallery.
Gas up and get medical pot? Florida officials, judge nix plans
Read full article: Gas up and get medical pot? Florida officials, judge nix plansState regulators didn’t do anything wrong when they rejected a medical-marijuana company’s request to open dispensaries near or adjacent to convenience stores, an administrative law judge decided on Tuesday.
After delays, Florida county votes to approve financing for new $1.3B ballpark for MLB's Rays
Read full article: After delays, Florida county votes to approve financing for new $1.3B ballpark for MLB's RaysAfter two costly delays, the Pinellas County Commission approved its share of financing for a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays ballpark.
The Associated Press’ top photos of 2024 from the US
Read full article: The Associated Press’ top photos of 2024 from the USIn 2024, U.S. photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
County asks Tampa Bay Rays to commit to plans for $1.3 billion ballpark by Sunday
Read full article: County asks Tampa Bay Rays to commit to plans for $1.3 billion ballpark by SundayThe Tampa Bay Rays should declare in writing whether they want to pursue an existing financing plan for a new $1.3 billion ballpark or walk away from the deal.
St. Petersburg council rejects immediate repair to Rays' ballpark roof after first giving approval
Read full article: St. Petersburg council rejects immediate repair to Rays' ballpark roof after first giving approvalThe St. Petersburg City Council has reversed course on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark.
Russia's Gazprom stops the flow of natural gas to Austria, OMV utility says
Read full article: Russia's Gazprom stops the flow of natural gas to Austria, OMV utility saysAustrian utility OMV says supplies from Russia’s state-owned natural gas company Gazprom stopped early Saturday after the company said it would stop payments for the gas following an arbitration award.
Austria says Russia's Gazprom will cut off natural gas supply this weekend
Read full article: Austria says Russia's Gazprom will cut off natural gas supply this weekendAustria's chancellor says Russia’s state-owned natural gas company Gazrom will cut off supplies early Saturday to Austrian utility OMV.
Rays' Wander Franco, who awaits sex abuse trial, arrested in armed altercation
Read full article: Rays' Wander Franco, who awaits sex abuse trial, arrested in armed altercationPolice say Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been arrested for his involvement in an armed altercation in a parking lot in the Dominican Republic countryside.
MLB wants the Tampa Bay Rays to play in the area if hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field is unfit
Read full article: MLB wants the Tampa Bay Rays to play in the area if hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field is unfitMajor League Baseball hopes to find the Tampa Bay Rays a temporary home near their fanbase for the start of the 2025 season if their home field can't be repaired in time.
MLB spring training facilities spared extensive damage from Hurricane Milton
Read full article: MLB spring training facilities spared extensive damage from Hurricane MiltonMajor League Baseball spring training facilities on Florida’s west coast appear to have been mostly spared major damage during Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Milton’s winds topple crane that was building west Florida’s tallest residential tower
Read full article: Hurricane Milton’s winds topple crane that was building west Florida’s tallest residential towerA construction crane came crashing down on the building that houses the Tampa Bay Times during the height of Hurricane Milton’s menace across Florida.
Winds from Hurricane Milton topple trees, cause cranes to collapse on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Read full article: Winds from Hurricane Milton topple trees, cause cranes to collapse on Florida’s Gulf CoastThe National Weather Service says it has received reports of multiple collapsed cranes due to high winds in St. Petersburg, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Siesta Key, where Milton made landfall.
More than 2 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
Read full article: More than 2 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and floodingHurricane Milton plowed into Florida as a Category 3 storm Wednesday, bringing misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene, pounding cities with winds of over 100 mph after producing a barrage of tornadoes, but sparing Tampa a direct hit.
Roof rips away from Tropicana Field as Hurricane Milton roars through Florida
Read full article: Roof rips away from Tropicana Field as Hurricane Milton roars through FloridaHurricane Milton ripped part of the roof off of Tropicana Field late Wednesday evening as Hurricane Milton moved through the state.
Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay region
Read full article: Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida's Tampa Bay regionThe National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Milton is intensifying and will likely be a major hurricane before it slams into the storm-ravaged Florida coast, most likely on Wednesday.
Rescuers save and assist hundreds as Helene’s storm surge and rain create havoc
Read full article: Rescuers save and assist hundreds as Helene’s storm surge and rain create havocPatients and their caregivers were rescued from a Tennessee hospital’s roof after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene drove them from the building’s interior and conditions made rescue efforts difficult.
These Florida Publix stores are shutting down ahead of Hurricane Helene
Read full article: These Florida Publix stores are shutting down ahead of Hurricane HeleneWith Hurricane Helene expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday, Publix has announced that stores in Helene’s expected path are set to close early ahead of the storm’s arrival.
San Diego's Jackson Merrill replaces Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes for NL Rookie of the Year favorite
Read full article: San Diego's Jackson Merrill replaces Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes for NL Rookie of the Year favoriteAt Major League Baseball's All-Star break, the one award race that seemed like it might be over was for National League Rookie of the Year.
Tampa Bay Rays lose combined no-hitter in 7th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Read full article: Tampa Bay Rays lose combined no-hitter in 7th inning against the Arizona DiamondbacksThe Tampa Bay Rays lost their bid for a combined no-hitter when Arizona’s Corbin Carroll hit a leadoff single against Tyler Alexander in the seventh inning.
‘Adding a city:’ Millions more could flock to Florida. Here’s when to expect it
Read full article: ‘Adding a city:’ Millions more could flock to Florida. Here’s when to expect itThe most recent estimates indicate that Florida will gain enough people each year to fill a city nearly the size of Orlando.
Gov. DeSantis gives $7.2M to St. Petersburg College for new tech lab, gives remarks on VP Harris and Osceola sheriff
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis gives $7.2M to St. Petersburg College for new tech lab, gives remarks on VP Harris and Osceola sheriffFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in St. Petersburg.
Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills as tensions rise over Ukraine, US officials say
Read full article: Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills as tensions rise over Ukraine, US officials saySenior Biden administration officials say the U.S. has been tracking Russian warships and aircraft that are expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise in the coming weeks.
Cole to make at least 2 more minor league starts, on track for possible Yankees' return in June
Read full article: Cole to make at least 2 more minor league starts, on track for possible Yankees' return in JuneGerrit Cole is likely to make at least two more minor league rehabilitation starts, putting the AL Young Award winner on track for a possible return to the New York Yankees’ rotation in mid-to-late June.
Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets
Read full article: Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targetsPresident Vladimir Putin is warning that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets elsewhere in the world in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to launch attacks on Russian territory.
A bus plunges off a bridge in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, killing 7 people
Read full article: A bus plunges off a bridge in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, killing 7 peopleAuthorities in Russia say seven people were killed when a bus veered off a bridge in St. Petersburg, the country's second-largest city.
Rays starter Ryan Pepiot departs with leg bruise after getting hit by 107.5 mph line drive
Read full article: Rays starter Ryan Pepiot departs with leg bruise after getting hit by 107.5 mph line driveTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot departed with a lower left leg bruise in the second inning of Sunday’s game against the New York Mets after getting hit by a 107.5 mph line drive hit by Starling Marte.
Florida teen accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old brother with stolen gun
Read full article: Florida teen accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old brother with stolen gunPolice said that the boy had been at home with his 14-year-old brother and 13-year-old sister because there was no school on Friday.
Will Power denies participating in Penske cheating scandal. Silence from Josef Newgarden
Read full article: Will Power denies participating in Penske cheating scandal. Silence from Josef NewgardenWill Power says he was unaware of any manipulations to Team Penske’s push-to-power system until after last weekend’s IndyCar race at Long Beach and never illegally used the mechanism.
Josef Newgarden stripped of season-opening IndyCar victory for manipulating push-to-pass system
Read full article: Josef Newgarden stripped of season-opening IndyCar victory for manipulating push-to-pass systemJosef Newgarden has been stripped of his win in IndyCar’s season-opening race at St. Petersburg because Team Penske manipulated its push-to-pass system during the race, making Pato O’Ward the winner.