Local News
Community news from our local sources
Where do you want your news from?
Pick a place — we'll remember it on this device.
'Jurassic Park,' 'The Piano' actor Sam Neill dies
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” has died. He was 78. In 2023, Neill disclosed he had…
Indiana lawmakers mourn the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham
Indiana lawmakers expressed condolences and prayers following the sudden death of US Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died at 71 years old from an aorta rupture due to hardening of the arteries, according to the Associated Press.
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Published July 10Jack Latvala, Republican who represented Pinellas in the Florida Senate, dead at 74
Longtime Republican lawmaker Jack Latvala, who defended unions and state employees in the Florida Senate as the Legislature trended more conservative, died Thursday. He was 74. “It is with profound sadness that our family shared the news of the passing of Jack Latvala. We are…
Helen E. Hoffert
PORT LEYDEN- Helen E. (McCauley) Hoffert, 65, wife of Terrence, of Hunkins Road, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse.
Patricia A. Porter
FORESTPORT — Patricia A. Porter, 94, of North Lake Road, widow of Howard J., passed away peacefully at Wynn Hospital, Utica, after a brief illness.
Weekly Challenger
Published October 29David and Goliath: St. Pete’s two firsts
Former Mayor David Fischer, St. Petersburg’s longest-serving mayor, a consummate gentleman, efficient administrator, and the epitome of quiet strength with an excellent sense of humor, died on Oct. 22 at the age of 92. BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor ST. PETERSBURG…
Weekly Challenger
Published October 10Marjorie Evelyne Johnson goes home at 101
Marjorie Evelyn Johnson passed away at age 101. ST. PETERSBURG — Marjorie Evelyn Johnson passed away on Sept. 5, 2025, at the age of 101. An only child, Mrs. Johnson took her first breath on Jan. 7, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, William and Kathleen Blackman,…
Weekly Challenger
Published August 27Mordecai Walker: A life well-lived
Mordecai Walker’s wake will take place on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6-7 p.m. at Sanchez Rehoboth Funeral Home, 6501 25th Way S, St. Petersburg. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Progressive, 955 20th St. S, St. Petersburg. BY RAVEN JOY SHONEL |…