Tampa Today News: Ybor City Garage Shooting + Local Unemployment Rising
Everything to know happening in town.
Welcome back to Tampa Today News! I’m Carlos Hernandez, your host explaining all things about what’s happening in the Tampa Bay area including local news, events, and more.
Today’s weather: High 80 and low 62. Sunny.
Top local stories:
Unemployment rate rising throughout Florida: The unemployment rate in Hillsborough County grew from 2.7 percent in February 2023 to 3.2 percent in February 2024. Despite the rise in unemployment, the rate still remains near pre-pandemic levels and there are still plenty of jobs in the state. The unemployment rate in Florida in 2019 was 3.1 percent. (abcactionnews.com, bls.gov)
Suspect arrested in Ybor City parking garage shooting: A man has been charged by police in a Ybor City parking garage shooting early Saturday morning. Authorities said the shooting happened near East 5th Avenue due to a dispute. 3 victims of the shooting were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening conditions. The suspect is facing numerous charges including attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated battery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, and fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer. (wtsp.com)
DeSantis urged to veto short-term vacation rental bill: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being urged to veto a short-term vacation rental bill that gives the state more power to regulate Airbnbs and VRBO rentals. Several interest groups are flooding Tallahassee with phone calls and requests to not allow the bill to pass. The Mayors of several beach towns are also asking DeSantis not to sign the bill into law. (cltampa.com, tallahassee.com)
Floridians convicted for purchasing guns for violent Haiti gang groups as UN report highlights smuggling activity: A 2023 report from the United Nations found that violent gangs in Haiti are purchasing guns in Florida. The FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) have also recently prosecuted residents in Florida for buying high-powered weapons and ammunitions for the gangs and then smuggling them across the border into Haiti. Haiti has recently experienced a surge of people leaving the island due to the violent activity there. (fox13news.com)
Sixth challenger enters political race against Trump ally Anna Paulina Luna in Pinellas: Liz Dahan has entered the congressional race against Trump ally Anna Paulina Luna in Pinellas County. Dahan is the sixth candidate to enter the crowded race. Dahan has an extensive resume including working with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the World Bank, and U.S. Senator Tom Daschle. (floridapolitics.com)
Top local events:
Saturday, March 23
Jam Skate at United Skates of America. (7:30 p.m.)
Who Runs The World Girls Skate Event at AdventHealth Center Ice. (7:45 p.m.)
Saturday Comedy Night at St. Pete Brewing Co. (8 p.m.)
All Black Affair at Red Star Live. (9 p.m.)
PARIS IS BURNING (1990) by Jennie Livingston at Screen Door Cinema. (11:30 p.m.)
Sunday, March 24
Easter at Old McMicky's Farm. (9 a.m.)
Westchase Egg Hunt at Westchase Recreation Center. (1 p.m.)
Annual Easter Egg Hunt at All People's Community Park and Life Center. (2 p.m.)
Clay Pendants at Creative Junk Therapy. (2 p.m.)
Afternoon Tea at Wild Rover Brewing Co. (2 p.m.)
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That’s all I have for today. See you tomorrow!
-Carlos Hernandez