All articles tagged with #hillsborough county
County Administrator Bonnie Wise told commissioners that money from the Community Investment Tax and other reserves will likely be needed to cover the Rays’ proposed public share for a new ballpark, as officials review a non-binding memorandum of understanding and assess funding, infrastructure, and land-use questions before any public funds are spent and deals are finalized.
The Rays released initial renderings for a 31,000-seat, roofed stadium at the Hillsborough College site as part of a privately financed live/work/learn/play complex aiming for a 2029 opening; the team plans $19.98 deposits for early seating access, with county funding discussions and broad community input as designs evolve.
The Rays advanced a stadium/mixed-use plan by signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Hillsborough College to explore a Dale Mabry campus site, aiming for a 2029 opening while Tropicana Field remains leased through 2028; funding remains uncertain as officials weigh public support, and ownership changes have renewed talk that Orlando could become a fallback if progress in Tampa stalls.
A death has been reported in Hillsborough County due to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found in warm seawater, with 11 cases and 4 deaths in Florida this year. Health officials advise avoiding raw shellfish, thoroughly cooking seafood, and protecting open wounds from seawater to prevent infection.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has withdrawn from consideration to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, a position he was recently nominated for by President-elect Donald Trump. Chronister cited his commitment to local initiatives in Hillsborough County as his reason for stepping back. His nomination had been praised by local law enforcement but faced scrutiny from some national conservative figures. Chronister, a moderate Republican, has been involved in local law enforcement since 2017 and has taken stances on issues like gun control and immigration that sometimes diverge from mainstream conservative views.
Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, has withdrawn from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator. Chronister cited his commitment to ongoing initiatives in his county as the reason for his decision. The Trump transition team has not commented on the withdrawal.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner revealed that Bobbie Jean Carter, sister of singers Nick and Aaron Carter, died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The 41-year-old, who appeared on the reality show "House of Carters," was found unresponsive in her Tampa home and pronounced dead at the hospital. The report indicated that she was taking prescription medications for schizophrenia, blood pressure, and heartburn, as well as an antibiotic.
During the 2024 Gasparilla festivities in Hillsborough County, Florida, one person was arrested for boating under the influence, and two others were ejected for unknown reasons. The sheriff's office reported that no deputies were injured during the parade, and Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed gratitude for the smooth execution of the event by the Sheriff's Office.
A middle school teacher at Greco Middle School in Hillsborough County, Florida, has been arrested on charges of committing sexual offenses against a juvenile and possession of child pornography. James Goff, 56, was taken into custody and faces charges including promotion of a sexual performance by a child and lewd or lascivious battery. The alleged acts occurred between May and November, and a search warrant led to the discovery of multiple child pornography videos and images in Goff's possession. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities do not believe any students were victimized or that the crimes were committed on school property. The sheriff's office is urging anyone with information or who may have been affected to come forward.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed using the more than $570 million collected from the Hillsborough transportation sales tax, which was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court, for transportation projects in Hillsborough County instead of issuing a tax refund. The governor's proposed budget includes a directive for the funds to be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation, who will have until September to determine which projects to allocate the money to. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed support for the proposal, stating that the city has significant transportation needs. The details of the plan are still being worked out, including whether mass transit will be included in the project prioritization.
Six people, including three children, were killed when a train collided with an SUV in Hillsborough County, Florida. The SUV was crossing the railroad tracks when it was struck by the freight train, causing the vehicle to be severely damaged. The conductor of the train attempted to warn the SUV driver by sounding the horn and flashing lights. The driver and front seat passenger were rescued and taken to the hospital in critical condition, but the other five passengers were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Six people, including three children, were killed when a train collided with an SUV crossing railroad tracks in Hillsborough County, Florida. The group was on their way to a quinceañera when the accident occurred. Five passengers were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver passed away later at the hospital. The front passenger remains in critical condition. The exact relationship between the victims is unknown, but they are believed to be local residents of Plant City.
Five people, including three adults and two children, were killed when a freight train collided with an SUV carrying a family of seven in Hillsborough County, Florida. The SUV was described as being crushed like a can, and the other two passengers were critically injured and taken to the hospital. The victims are believed to be a local Plant City family on their way to a quinceañera.
Five people have died and two are seriously injured after a train collided with an SUV in Plant City, Florida. The SUV flipped multiple times before coming to a stop, and the driver and front passenger were extracted using the Jaws of Life. The other five passengers were violently ejected from the vehicle and did not survive. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the relationship between the seven individuals involved in the crash, some of whom were children. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep shock and sadness at the tragic incident.
The Alafia River in Hillsborough County, Florida, has reached major flood stage due to storm surge from Hurricane Idalia, resulting in road closures and the threat of flooding for neighborhoods along the river. Residents are advised not to return home until receiving the all-clear from emergency management officials. Other road closures throughout the county have also been reported. For more information, residents can visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe or call the storm information line.