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Pinellas County Schools' weapons detection pilot program begins

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:14 Z

(ABC Action News) Pinellas County Schools is stepping up its efforts when it comes to gun safety. Starting April 7, the school district are implementing a new pilot program exploring the latest technology for detecting weapons. The pilot program will take place in...

Manatee County honors the legacy of coach Eddie Shannon

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:31:32 Z

(ABC Action News) Manatee County is paying tribute to Coach Eddie Morris Shannon Jr., a World War II veteran, educator, mentor and Hall of Fame coach remembered for his impact on youth and his community. Born March 7, 1922, Shannon made history as head football coach...

Lightning look to finish at top of the division as they head to Buffalo

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:25:28 Z

(ABC Action News) The Tampa Bay Lightning wrap up the regular season series against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday with a clash of the top teams in the Atlantic Division in Buffalo. Tampa Bay is 1-2-0 against the Sabres this season, with a 4-3 overtime win on Feb. 3 and...

Homicide investigation underway in Venice after man dies: City officials

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:50 Z

(ABC Action News) The Venice City Managers Office said a homicide investigation is underway after a man died on Monday morning. Officials said Venice police responded to a reported fight in the 200 block of South Grove Street at around 6 a.m. on April 6. The report...

Tampa man dead after losing control of vehicle on I-4: FHP

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:10:24 Z

(ABC Action News) Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) announced Monday that a 28-year-old Tampa man has passed away following a crash on I-4 near milepost 1. The accident happened just before 2:30 a.m. on April 6 when a Dodge Durango was heading westbound on I-4 near...

No place like home: The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field. Here's what's new

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:38:00 Z

(Spectrum News | Bay News 9) When fans settle into the Trop today, it will have been more than 560 days since the team and its faithful were in their comfy confines.

Depression opens up at Tropicana Field parking lot ahead of Rays home opener

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:21:49 Z

(ABC Action News) The City of St. Petersburg said a small depression opened up in the Tropicana Field parking lot ahead of the Rays home opener on April 6. The city said a stormwater pipe broke away and washed away dirt several weeks ago. Officials said the pipe has...

DeSantis signs terrorism bill at press conference in Tampa

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:24:26 Z

(ABC Action News) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations bill into law during a press conference at the University of South Florida on Monday. According to Capital reporter Forrest Saunders, House Bill 1471 would allow Florida...

How to watch the Rays on TV and streaming this season

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:46:54 Z

(ABC Action News) There are new ways to watch the Rays play this season. It might be confusing, but don't worry, we've got all the info you need right here! The Rays announced on Feb. 2 their local television broadcasts will be produced by Major League Baseball...

Susan Solves It: Buy-now-pay-later risks

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:07:21 Z

(ABC Action News) Financial experts warn that multiple small buy-now-pay-later plans can strain budgets and risk credit damage. Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Susan El Khoury advises factoring all buy-now-pay-later plans into your budget, tracking active plans, and limiting...

News to Know for April 6

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:57:22 Z

(ABC Action News) Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. Today is Monday, and Tampa Bay is buzzing with excitement ahead of the Rays' long-awaited return to Tropicana Field. After more than 18 months of repairs , Rays fans will eagerly return to tonight's...

Diane Wingfield hands out snacks, hugs and joy to neighborhood school kids in Tampa

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:33:00 Z

(Spectrum News | Bay News 9) From in front of Agape Ministries Church of God in Christ, Diane Wingfield hands out snacks and joy to neighborhood school kids in Tampa.

Plant City Main Street pauses events through September, leaving businesses concerned

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:10:00 Z

(Spectrum News | Bay News 9) Those events include Last Friday, farmer's markets and Oktoberfest, which has been held in September in the past.

Rays sell out Monday home opener ahead of long-awaited Tropicana Field return

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:44:19 Z

(ABC Action News) A sellout crowd will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays back to renovated Tropicana Field on Monday for the first time in 18 1/2 months. The quirky stadium with the tilted roof and unique catwalks underwent major repairs after Hurricane Milton swept through...

Lightning host division rival Bruins as Hedman hits injured reserve

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:10:07 Z

(ABC Action News) Thursday, the Lightning put defenseman Victor Hedman on long-term injured reserve. He won't be eligible to return until April 13, when Tampa Bay hosts the Detroit Red Wings. Hedman is on a leave of absence due to personal reasons. He hasn't played...

Two people killed in Avon Park hotel fire

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:42:34 Z

(ABC Action News) Two people were killed in an Avon Park hotel fire on Friday, Highland County authorities said. According to the Highlands County Sheriffs Office, at 1:59 a.m., Highlands County dispatchers received a call about a fire in a second-story room of the...

Zion Cemetery land swap approved by Tampa City Council

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:16:45 Z

(ABC Action News) The City of Tampa said council members approved a land swap agreement to transfer privately owned land believed to be Zion, Tampa's first African American cemetery. In January 2020 , Tampa Bay 28 first reported over 100 possible graves were found on...

Experts warn of an increase in tax scams ahead of April 15 deadline

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:59:47 Z

(ABC Action News) With the tax deadline quickly approaching, experts are tracking an increase in scammers on the prowl. In tax season, we can see a huge increase in scams. You really want to be aware of whats going on, said Yasmin Rivera with GTE Financial. WATCH full...

Motorcyclist dies in SR-400 crash, FHP looking to identify vehicle involved: Officials

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:52:14 Z

(ABC Action News) The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said troopers are looking to identify a tractor-trailer involved in a State Road 400 crash after a motorcyclist died on Wednesday evening. FHP said a Yamaha motorcycle, operated by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, was...

Bolts host Pittsburgh Penguins as 7-game homestead continues

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:28:14 Z

(ABC Action News) The Lightning have eight games to go in the regular season as their hunt for a playoff spot continues. Forward Jake Guentzel has scored a goal in five straight games, raising his point total to 81 this season. Thats one more than his total from last...

Flag Raising and Key to the City Presentation at Old City Hall

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:03:23 Z

(TAMPA.GOV News) Flag Raising and Key to the City Presentation at Old City Hall Tony D. Thu, 04/02/2026 - 09:03 am A flag raising will take place to recognize the Junior League of Tampa’s centennial anniversary. Junior League of Tampa Celebrates 100 Years Members of...

Lightning Fan Zone: School psychologist in Tampa uses Bolts blue to put students at ease

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:45:03 Z

(ABC Action News) Kylie Webster has two passions, each one beautifully supporting the other: The school psychologist at West Shore Elementary in Tampa loves helping kids, making sure each one is in the right environment to learn and thrive. And the 37-year-old loves...

Arrest made in deadly arson fire that killed 18-year-old in St. Pete: Police

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:19:30 Z

(ABC Action News) The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) said a man was arrested in connection with a fatal fire that killed an 18-year-old and severely injured a woman. Police said 18-year-old Charles Chambliss III was arrested and charged with felony murder and...

Investigation underway after bullets strike home in Belleair: BPD

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:03:51 Z

(ABC Action News) The Belleair Police Department (BPD) said officers are investigating a shooting incident after they received reports of a burglary in progress at an occupied dwelling and found bullet holes. BPD said officers responded to a home on Pelican Place...

Lightning's playoff push: Breaking down the final stretch and Jake Guentzel's Impact

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:46:09 Z

(ABC Action News) As the Lightning enter the final stretch of the regular season, Tampa Bay 28 sports anchors Kevin Lewis and Kyle Burger break down what they need to do to secure their playoff positioning, discuss the positive impact Jake Guentzel has had this...

Susan Solves It: Headphone rule enforcement

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:41:21 Z

(ABC Action News) United Airlines now requires passengers to use headphones for device audio throughout their flight, with refusal potentially leading to a permanent ban. Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Susan El Khoury advises always carrying and using headphones on flights to...

News to Know for April 2

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:04:37 Z

(ABC Action News) Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. Today is Thursday, and it's been a busy night for Florida's Space Coast. After Artemis II launched on its historic mission around the moon, people across Florida could briefly see the rocket as it headed...

St. Pete man arrested after scamming victims out of $20K: SPPD

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:37:36 Z

(ABC Action News) A St. Petersburg man was arrested on Tuesday after he scammed victims out of more than $20,000 from their bank accounts, authorities said. Akbar Vann, 37, was charged with scheme to defraud ($20,000-$50,000) by the St. Petersburg Police Department...

18-year-old dies after he was ejected from overturning vehicle in Hudson: FHP

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:19:20 Z

(ABC Action News) The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said an 18-year-old died after he was ejected from an overturning vehicle in Hudson on Thursday morning. FHP said a Nissan Xterra, driven by an 18-year-old Hudson man, was traveling northbound on Little Road at around...

East Tampa Community Advisory Committee

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:34:54 Z

(TAMPA.GOV Calendar) East Tampa Community Advisory Committee 28.0022796, -82.4311244 Charline S. Wed, 04/01/2026 - 02:34 pm Event Status Scheduled When Tue, Apr 7 2026 , 6pm Add to Calendar Google Outlook iCal EAST TAMPA COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE EAST TAMPA...

Downtown Community Advisory Committee

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:44:10 Z

(TAMPA.GOV Calendar) Downtown Community Advisory Committee 27.963563, -82.4509556 Charline S. Wed, 04/01/2026 - 01:44 pm Event Status Scheduled When Tue, Apr 7 2026 , 5:30pm Add to Calendar Google Outlook iCal DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE DOWNTOWN...

Yankees support Rays plan to move ballpark to Hillsborough College site

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:10:15 Z

(ABC Action News) The New York Yankees have set aside the division rivalry and have come out in support of the Tampa Bay Rays' new ballpark plans. The New York Yankees said they fully support the proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark project proposed to be constructed...

Fatal semi-truck collision causes hazardous material to spill on U.S. 98 in Polk: PCSO

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:42:33 Z

(ABC Action News) The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) confirmed Wednesday it is investigating a fatal crash at U.S. 98 North and State Road 471 in Lakeland. Authorities said deputies responded to a reported semi-truck collision just before 11 a.m. on April 1. PCSO...

Four of Tampa's Finest Promoted to Command Level Positions

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:23:30 Z

(TAMPA.GOV News) Four of Tampa's Finest Promoted to Command Level Positions Eddy D. Wed, 04/01/2026 - 12:23 pm TAMPA, FL. (APRIL 1, 2026) - - Chief Lee Bercaw has promoted four members of the Tampa Police Department into new command level positions. "Today marks a...

Investigation underway after shooting near courthouse in Bartow: PCSO

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:02:03 Z

(ABC Action News) Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) and Bartow Police Department (BPD) are investigating a shooting that happened in Bartow on Wednesday morning. The shooting happened on April 1 near the Polk County Courthouse, according to authorities. PCSO...

Everything you need to know about Artemis II launch

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:30:46 Z

(ABC Action News) NASAs Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft are currently sitting on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparing for a scheduled liftoff on Wednesday evening. Meteorologist Greg Dee breaks down everything you...

In the kitchen with Feeding Tampa Bay: Cooking up healthy meals for critically ill diabetics

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:18:12 Z

(ABC Action News) BayCare and Feeding Tampa Bay launched a pilot program using medically tailored meals for critically ill patients, including those with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. The pilot, launched weeks ago, serves a small group of BayCare patients and...

Citrus County enacts burn ban after drought index reaches 502: Officials

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:50:12 Z

(ABC Action News) Officials have enacted a burn ban for all unincorporated areas of Citrus County. Officials said a burn ban is automatically activated when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reaches 500 or higher. As of March 31, Citrus Countys KBDI reached 502,...

From a Troy dorm room to the moon: How RPI shaped Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:03:00 Z

(Spectrum News | Bay News 9) Commander Reid Wiseman, a 1997 RPI alumnus, is set to become one of the few human beings in history to travel to the moon.

City of Tampa to provide update on Hurricane assistance program distribution

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:02:43 Z

(ABC Action News) The City of Tampa is holding a press conference to provide an update on the distribution of about $1.8 million in hurricane assistance funding for Tampa residents. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, City Council chair Alan Clendenin, and Councilman Luis Viera...