Tampa
Coverage of Tampa in the Nexus archive.
- Waymo is rolling out driverless rides in 4 more cities
Waymo, the Google-owned robotaxi company, is expanding fully autonomous operations to four new cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. The move marks a significant step in the company's rollout of driverless ride services.
- Cities, towns nationwide revive teen curfews amid summer crowds, ‘teen takeovers’
Cities and towns nationwide are reviving teen curfews and increasing police patrols in response to large teen gatherings and fights organized via social media. States like Maryland, Florida, and North Carolina have implemented or expanded curfews, while cities such as Tampa and Baltimore are offering alternative programs to provide supervised activities for youth.
- Tesla expands robotaxi service to small section of Miami
Tesla has expanded its robotaxi service to a small section of Miami, with future plans to extend the service to Orlando and Tampa as outlined in the company's roadmap.
- Cities, towns nationwide revive teen curfews amid summer crowds
Cities and towns nationwide are reviving teen curfews and increasing police patrols amid summer crowds and social media-organized teen gatherings. Some communities, like Laurel, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., have implemented stricter curfews, while others, such as Tampa and Baltimore, are offering alternative programs to provide supervised activities for youth.
- Cities, towns in Virginia and across the nation revive teen curfews amid summer crowds
Cities and towns in Virginia and other U.S. states are reviving teen curfews and increasing police patrols to address large teen gatherings and fights organized via social media. Some communities, like Laurel, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., have implemented stricter curfew enforcement, while others, such as Tampa and Baltimore, are offering alternative recreational programs for youth.
- Cities, towns nationwide revive teen curfews amid summer crowds
Cities and towns nationwide are reinstating teen curfews and increasing police patrols in response to large social media-organized gatherings and fights, particularly ahead of summer holidays like Independence Day. Some communities are also launching recreational programs to provide supervised alternatives for teenagers.
- Cities, towns nationwide revive teen curfews amid summer crowds
Cities and towns across the U.S. are reviving juvenile curfews and increasing police patrols to address teen gatherings and fights organized via social media. Some communities, like Laurel, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., have implemented or expanded curfews, while others, such as Tampa and Baltimore, offer alternative programs like free recreation activities to provide supervised spaces for teenagers.
- Boyfriend accused of stabbing defense tech engineer 15 times denied bond after 911 call played in court
Kyle Sanchez, 35, is accused of stabbing his girlfriend Amanda Roark, 37, 15 times in their Florida home. A 911 call in which Sanchez admitted to the murder was played in court, leading to his bond being denied. Roark worked at SOFWERX, a Tampa-based technology organization for U.S. Special Operations Command.
- Feds encourage public housing authorities to impose work rules, time limits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is finalizing a rule allowing public housing authorities and voucher program participants to impose work requirements and time limits on non-disabled, working-age adults. A coalition organized by HUD supports these requirements, arguing they promote self-sufficiency, while advocates warn they could hinder housing stability for recipients.
- $1 million bond set for Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold in kidnapping and robbery case
A Florida judge set a $1 million bond for Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery of three men. Prosecutors allege Arnold suspected the victims of stealing luxury goods and $100,000 in cash, leading to their abduction and assault in a Tampa apartment. The judge allowed Arnold to avoid an ankle monitor due to his NFL schedule, citing paparazzi as a monitoring substitute.
- Avelo adds 3 new nonstop Florida routes from Concord-Padgett
Avelo Airlines added three new nonstop routes from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport to Florida destinations Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa, starting in late November 2024. The routes use Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, with fares starting at $49 one-way, and mark Avelo as the only airline offering direct service to these locations from the airport.
- Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold arrested in connection to Florida kidnapping and robbery
Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold was arrested in Florida for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping and robbery. He faces felony charges after being accused of orchestrating an attack where three men were held at gunpoint, assaulted, and robbed. Arnold denies the allegations, claiming no credible evidence links him to the incident.
- Detroit Lions' Terrion Arnold arrested in connection with Florida kidnapping, robbery
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was arrested in Tampa, Florida, for four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery linked to a February incident. Police allege he and others lured victims to an apartment where they were assaulted, robbed, and forced to leave, with the attack reportedly livestreamed. Arnold's team denies his involvement, citing lack of credible evidence and reliance on testimony from convicted felons.
- Avelo adds three new nonstop Florida flights from Concord starting at $49
Avelo Airlines is introducing three new nonstop flights from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport to Florida destinations Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa starting in November. One-way fares begin at $49, with the airline emphasizing it is the only provider of nonstop service on these routes.
- Florida man with top military security clearance allegedly confessed to stabbing partner to death on 911 call
A Florida man with top military security clearance allegedly confessed to stabbing his partner to death during a 911 call from their shared Tampa home. Kyle Sanchez, 35, reportedly told a police operator, 'I murdered my girlfriend.'
- 3 boaters rescued after boat capsizes off Florida’s Gulf Coast north of Tampa
Three boaters were rescued after their canoe capsized near Cooglers Island off Florida’s Gulf Coast north of Tampa. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office used thermal imaging and an airboat to locate and bring the stranded individuals to safety.
- Teen accused of killing stepsister on Carnival Cruise taken into custody following adult charges
Timothy Hudson, a 16-year-old, was taken into custody after a federal judge revoked his pretrial release following charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival Cruise ship in international waters. The case was transferred to adult court in April, leading prosecutors to seek Hudson's detention in an approved juvenile facility.
- Teen accused of killing stepsister on Carnival cruise ship ordered detained before murder trial
A teen accused of killing his stepsister aboard a Carnival cruise ship has been ordered detained pending trial after a federal judge cited public safety concerns. The 16-year-old, Timothy Hudson, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of Anna Kepner, found dead in their shared cabin on a cruise heading to Miami.
- The Sun Belt boom is over. Midwest real-estate investors say ‘I told you so’
The Sun Belt real-estate boom in cities like Austin, Phoenix, and Tampa has stalled due to oversupply and falling rents, while Midwest markets such as Indianapolis and Kansas City show stable, risk-adjusted returns driven by steady demand and affordability. Rising insurance costs and property taxes in Sun Belt regions contrast with the Midwest's controlled construction and lower rent-to-income ratios, which support tenant stability and asset value.
- I grew my income from $35,000 to $200,000 by job hopping and freelancing on the side. My goal is to make $1M a year.
Melissa Khan-Blackmore increased her income from $35,000 to $200,000 by job hopping, freelancing, and building a project management career. She aims to earn $1 million annually through consulting, teaching, and content creation.
- Uber now keeps most of the fare from your ride in some cities, according to a new driver study
A study by Len Sherman of Columbia Business School found Uber's take rate in ride-hailing fares has risen above 50% in some cities, up from 15-20% a decade ago. Uber disputes the findings, claiming an average take rate of 21% in Q3 2025. The analysis tracked three drivers' data across Dallas, Miami, and Tampa over nine years.
- Hegseth to visit Guantanamo Bay amid Trump administration’s pressure campaign for regime change in Cuba
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will visit Guantanamo Bay and receive operational briefings at the U.S. Navy base. The visit occurs amid the Trump administration's campaign for regime change in Cuba, following the U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro on federal murder charges. Hegseth will also visit troops at the U.S. military’s Central Command headquarters in Tampa after returning from Cuba.
- 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes near Cuba; reports of light shaking in South Florida
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Cuba, causing light shaking in South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Miami Beach, and as far north as Tampa and Orlando. No tsunami threat was reported, and there were no initial reports of damage in Cuba.
- California Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Coercing and Enticing a Minor
Rigoberto Rios Gallardo, a 33-year-old from Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material and coercing a minor. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung in Tampa, Florida, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
- Boston leads list of best places for foreign businesses in FT-Nikkei ranking
Boston has moved to the top of the FT-Nikkei ranking for best places for foreign businesses, surpassing previous winner Tampa. The city's skilled workforce and increasing investment are cited as key factors.
- CFO tells Florida voters don’t believe ‘big government apologists’ hype on property tax
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia urged voters not to believe claims from 'big government apologists' that local governments cannot afford core services if a property tax reform passes. The proposal, HJR 1F, would exempt the first $250,000 of homestead property value from taxation and require a schedule for full elimination. Ingoglia argued local governments have engaged in wasteful spending and can absorb financial impacts, while opponents like Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Councilmember Luis Viera warned of potential cuts to public safety funding.
- Firefighter frees trapped owl from base of tree near Tampa
A firefighter from Pasco County Fire Rescue rescued an owl that became trapped at the base of a tree near Tampa. The owl was unable to free its wings but was successfully lifted to safety and flew away unharmed.
- Two Tampa police officers resign after investigation into allegations they slept with a 911 dispatcher on duty
Two Tampa police officers, Nevin Morales and Ryan Fagan, resigned after an investigation found they violated department policies by engaging in sexual activity with a 911 dispatcher while on duty. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing their certifications, which could lead to revocation. The Tampa Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau initiated the investigation following a complaint.
- Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity
Ballardo Andres Polanco, a 32-year-old from Seffner, Florida, pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity and attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. He faces a minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the enticement charge and up to 10 years for the material transfer. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
- Former Pinellas Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse Offenses
Lee Hughes, a 46-year-old former Pinellas Park teacher, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for child sexual abuse offenses including attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. Hughes pleaded guilty on January 30, 2026, with the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber.
- Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery
Ahli Fields, a 34-year-old Jacksonville man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Fields faces a minimum sentence of seven years and up to life in federal prison, with sentencing to be scheduled later.
- Tampa Man Sentenced to More than 33 years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Three Victims
Demontrae Fagan, a 36-year-old Tampa resident, has been sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison for sex trafficking three victims. Fagan pleaded guilty to the charges on February 5, 2026, with the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber.
- 'He's just sleeping': 5-year-old speaks to cops as drowsy father with guns in truck gets arrested
A 5-year-old child spoke to police as their father was arrested in Plant City, Florida, after being found asleep in a truck with two firearms. The incident occurred at a gas station and was captured on bodycam footage. The father was taken into custody by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
- Viral teen takeover explodes into chaos as police round up 22 in park pandemonium
Florida authorities arrested 22 individuals between 12 and 21 years old after a viral teen takeover turned chaotic in Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa. The incident led to significant disruptions, fights, and other issues in the park and surrounding areas. Authorities seized two firearms and one vehicle from the scene.
- Florida man in 'No Christ No Life' T-shirt caught on video allegedly attacking, robbing woman, 82, at bus stop
A 56-year-old Florida man, Joseph Patrick Wren, was arrested and charged with robbery after allegedly attacking and robbing an 82-year-old woman at a bus stop in Tampa. The incident was caught on video footage, which helped police identify the suspect. The victim was left unconscious and is now recovering at home.
- Tampa sheriff gives 'gruesome' update in case of two missing University of South Florida students
Tampa sheriff provided a 'gruesome' update regarding the case of two missing University of South Florida students. The situation remains under investigation with no details on the students' current status.
- Liberal city slides further into the danger zone as it even overtakes Tampa for falling prices
A liberal city is worsening its economic decline, surpassing Tampa in falling prices. The situation highlights growing concerns about the city's stability.
- Brother of suspect in deaths of 2 Tampa students: "We tried to warn police in the past"
Ahmad Abugharbieh, the younger brother of a suspect in the deaths of two University of South Florida doctoral students, expressed family shame and guilt to CBS News, stating they had previously tried to warn police.
- Florida murder suspect asked ChatGPT about dumping human remains days before killings: docs
A Florida man accused of murdering two University of South Florida graduate students allegedly consulted ChatGPT about hiding a body in a dumpster days before the killings. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is charged with killing his roommate Zamil Limon and his girlfriend Nahida Bristy, both 27, with evidence including bloody clothes, a receipt for trash bags, and Limon's remains found in a black plastic bag near a bridge. Abugharbieh has prior violent charges and surrendered after barricading himself in a home.
- Florida woman allegedly killed two ex-lovers the same day, and police found out when she asked 'Which one?'
A Florida woman, Susan Avalon, is accused of killing two ex-lovers on the same day. Police discovered her connection to the murders when she ambiguously asked 'Which one?' after being questioned about one victim. Prosecutors seek the death penalty for the alleged cold-blooded, premeditated killings.