News across Hillsborough County
Will October end the Atlantic’s historic hurricane pause?
The Atlantic has produced eight named storms in 2026—but no hurricanes. Here is how a strengthening El Niño helped create the historic lull and why the season’s shift toward the Caribbean and Gulf still matters for Florida.
IRS takes up whistleblower claim of Hope Florida money that flowed to Uthmeier's political committee
The Internal Revenue Service is reviewing a whistleblower claim about $10 million in Medicaid settlement money that moved through the Hope Florida Foundation and, within weeks, into a political committee chaired by James Uthmeier, now Florida's attorney general, according to new…
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, Florida’s minimum wage and weekly news
This week on "The Florida Roundup," we spoke about changes to eligibility for Medicaid. Then, we looked at changes in eligibility and funding for SNAP in Florida and more.
Despite detention center lawsuit, the Miccosukee Tribe donated to supporters of 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The Miccosukee Tribe is suing over the immigration detention center that was in its backyard, the facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Now, they've given money to candidates who publicly supported it.
City of Tampa
Published October 02Tampa Police Department Designation of Special Event Zones
Tampa Police Department Designation of Special Event Zones Tony D. Fri, 10/02/2026 - 02:17 pm Tampa Police Department Designation of Special Event Zones On Friday October 2, 2026, a Special Event Zone will be in effect in the downtown area. Expect increased law enforcement…
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Grace Notes: Love Me Some Perks
I recently heard an interview with a famous Hollywood actress who smugly recited the “mah-va-lous perks” she enjoys because of her massive film success. Here are some of the celebrity benefits she touted: No waiting to be seated at restaurants. Bigger everything. No heart…
WMNF 88.5
Published October 02Listen: On WMNF Tampa, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and former State Rep. Mike Beltran debate for Florida’s 14th Congressional District
Kathy Castor debates Mike Beltran on WMNF.
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Get The Dirt: Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden
Interested in innovative ideas for your landscape? Need a mini getaway? Now is a great time to visit the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, located in the courtyard of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Hillsborough County office in Seffner, near…
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Laurel Wilt Is Here — What Every Homeowner Needs To Know
By Tony Padgett, ISA Certified Arborist, Panorama Tree Care If you have a redbay, avocado, camphor or sassafras tree on your property, walk out and look at it this week. Laurel wilt disease has been confirmed in Hillsborough County, and I am seeing it move fast along the preserve…
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Stacy Hahn, County Commissioner, District 5
Stacy Hahn has called Hillsborough County home for 25 years. “My husband, Jeff, and I raised our three sons here because we believe in this community and the opportunities it offers families,” Hahn said. “For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the…
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Karen Perez, School Board, District 6
By Amanda Castillo Karen Perez’s connection to Tampa began when she was 15 years old. In 1979, her mother moved her to Tampa to continue her education. What began as a move would eventually become the foundation for a life spent helping others find their own opportunities. For…
Osprey Observer
Published October 02Neil Manimala, County Commissioner, District 5
By Amanda Castillo For Neil Manimala, Hillsborough County has been the backdrop to nearly every chapter of his life, from growing up in Valrico as the son of two health care workers, to building a career as a physician serving the local medical community and now raising a family…