Latest news with #Gasparilla
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A new Howard Frankland Bridge opens soon. People once protested the original span.
When the idea for a third bridge across Tampa Bay first bubbled up before the start of World War II, many objected. The Courtney Campbell Causeway, originally called the Ben T. Davis Causeway, already linked Tampa and Clearwater. The Gandy crossed from Tampa to St. Petersburg. The toll operators that dominated both existing bridges didn't like the idea of a third thoroughfare pulling away competition. Locals in the late 1930s also lamented the cost, saying another way across the water would be a waste of taxpayer money. Some called it 'a blow to private investment' and 'a hindrance to navigation.' Others, according to Times archives, even worried about 'a tidal obstruction that could convert large areas into mud flats.' By 1939, the idea was dead. Then a tire salesman named W. Howard Frankland came around and changed some minds. The bridge that bears his name finally opened on Jan. 15, 1960. While we wait for the newest span of the bridge Tampa Bay knows so well, here's a look back at the history. Frankland was born in Tennessee as the son of a horse buggy salesman. He moved to Tampa in 1925, where he founded Pioneer Tire and Rubber Products Inc. He spent some time as a banker and also was named Gasparilla king in 1950. Frankland was a member of the State Road Board when he proposed a new bridge to cross Tampa Bay in 1953, reviving the idea that had failed more than a decade before. The bridge would be a path for beachgoers to reach the white sands of Pinellas County, and then carry families back over to shop in Tampa. When the Howard Frankland Bridge finally opened in 1960, locals hoped it would fix a problem the area is dealing with currently: a 'population explosion.' 'Our growth has been breathtaking,' wrote a then-St. Petersburg Times columnist in January 1960. 'New housing has gone up at a rate even the most optimistic persons would've regarded as fantastic 10 years ago; this has been accompanied by extensive commercial development — palmetto scrub fields have been turned into shopping centers, multi-million dollar manufacturing plants have been erected, hotels and motels have been constructed and improved." Even though the Gandy Bridge had already gotten a second span at that point, raising the number of lanes to four, it wasn't enough to carry all of the people that flowed back and forth between Hillsborough and Pinellas. As people stewed in traffic on the Gandy, one St. Petersburg Times columnist wrote in 1960 that the sight of another bridge being constructed across the water 'offered promise of true relief.' Frankland's name was bestowed upon the structure as a thank you for his advocacy. The opening day celebrations weren't as flashy as those for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in 1954, which included a nationwide naming contest and 'bridge beauty' models to represent various nearby counties. But there was still fanfare. Then-Governor LeRoy Collins delivered an address before leading a line of more than 1,000 motorists over the bridge from Tampa to St. Petersburg and back. Frankland's wife delivered a dedication to the structure and his young grandchildren cut the ribbon. Frankland's four brothers traveled from across the country for a special family reunion. Newspaper columns following the event mostly praised the bridge, which not only provided a new way to get around but would also link Tampa to the national interstate system. But one headline in the Tampa Tribune provided foreshadowing that won't surprise any locals reading this today: 'Traffic jams new bridge.' Information from the Tampa Bay Times archive was used in this story.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GRAND OPENING OF INTERNATIONAL PLAZA AND BAY STREET AND TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL'S TROPICAL PLAYGROUND OASIS
The Children's play area mirrors the new Muma Children's Hospital at TGH. TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International Plaza and Bay Street (IP), along with the Muma Children's Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), will celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed play area at International Plaza on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. This one-of-a-kind collaboration features a tropical playground oasis taking inspiration from the new Tampa-themed renovations at Muma Children's Hospital. The hospital's pediatric wing recently completed the first phase of renovations, with full construction set to be complete in Winter 2025. When families find their children in need of healthcare, it can often be a stressful and unimaginable time. The play area attempts to mirror the thoughtfully-designed hospital environment. The goal is that familiarity and feelings of safety, hope and healing are brought to children and their families who may find themselves in need of care. "International Plaza is thrilled to continue to grow our long-standing partnership with TGH and now the Muma Children's Hospital," said Julia Wyman, Director of Marketing and Sponsorships at International Plaza and Bay Street. "We are sure that many of Tampa Bay's children and tourists that visit the area will be enjoying this play area for years to come!" In addition to reflecting the children's hospital, the play area gives a nod to landmarks and Tampa Bay region treasures, including: Bayshore Boulevard's balustrades wrapping the play area and a pirate ship and treasure chest to highlight Gasparilla pride. This new playground is yet another sign of Muma Children's Hospital's dedication to families in the Tampa Bay area," said Nikki Hurley, interim vice president of the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH and TGH Women's Institute. "This newly renovated space blends play with healing in a vibrant and family-friendly environment for all ages to enjoy." The sponsorship and collaboration spans over five years with TGH and the Muma Children's Hospital. "Playgrounds are essential for keeping children healthy and active, and our new area offers a space to build strength, coordination and a love for movement," said Dr. Patricia Emmanuel, medical chief of the Muma Children's Hospital, Lewis A. Barness Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. "Muma Children's Hospital is proud to offer a beautiful indoor space for families that promotes physical, emotional and social development in children." For more information about the play area at International Plaza, visit: About International PlazaInternational Plaza and Bay Street is the leading shopping and dining destination of Florida's West Coast. The shopping center features over 200 specialty stores and restaurants, including a curated mix of luxury and specialty brands. It is anchored by the only Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus combination in the Gulf Coast region, plus Dillard's, the first RH Gallery in Florida and Dick's House of Sport. Bay Street, the center's open-air dining destination, boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of fast-casual restaurants including The Capital Grille, Rocco's Taco's & Tequila Bar, Whiskey Cake, The Cheesecake Factory and more. Conveniently located adjacent to the Tampa International Airport and less than five miles from the Port of Tampa; visitors from over 50 miles can receive access to Shop & Dine that is full of discounts and special offers from select resstaurants and retailers. Explore stores, dining, events and deals at internationalplaza (Instagram) and intlplazabayst (Snapchat). ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals, with two medical specialties ranking among the top 20 in the nation and eight medical specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by three prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – in the top 100 nationally in the 2024 America's Best Large Employers, the top 50 in Florida in the 2024 America's Best Employers by State and the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2022, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It was the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant center in 2024 and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North, which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, two TGH Outpatient Centers, TGH Virtual Health, and 20 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by the Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital ( As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Plaza and Bay Street Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
TPD touts crime reductions in Friday's 2024 Annual Report release
The Brief The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. The report detailed how officers kept people safe during last year's Gasparilla season and evacuated residents during the hurricane season, as well as statistics on the city's overall crime rates. Moving into 2025, TPD says it will prioritize illegal street racing and street takeovers, which rose last year, and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in reducing crime. TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Police Department released its 2024 Annual Report on Friday. "It's all about the hard work of our police officers and the community working together," Police Chief Lee Bercaw told FOX 13. READ: Man shot & killed in neighborhood, Pasco deputies searching for suspect The 36-page report details how officers kept pirates safe during last year's Gasparilla season and how they evacuated residents during what was a historic hurricane season. The backstory It gives residents an idea of where the city stands on crime. "One big highlight on there is we kept pushing out last year is not to leave your guns in your cars. We're seeing a 25% decrease of guns being stolen from cars, which is attributing also as a factor in our reduction in violent crime, which is huge," Bercaw said. READ:Police urge residents to remove guns from cars after spike in burglaries Big picture view According to the report,Tampa saw a much bigger decline in overall violent crime (8.4%)—including robbery and murder—than the average decline in other major cities (5.2%). Bercaw added that homicides and non-fatal shootings are also down 10% and 27%, respectively. "That's because of our cops working hard out there," Bercaw said. "And it's because of the engagement with the community. We have town hall forums." Dig deeper However, TPD admits the city did see a "significant rise" in illegal street racing and street takeovers last year. Two people were arrested after a car was making donuts at the intersection of Kennedy Blvd and MacDill Ave in March 2024. Another street takeover occurred near the Tampa Convention Center during Labor Day weekend in September 2024. An 18-year-old was arrested. READ: Clearwater crash sends bicyclist to hospital: Police What's next In its annual report, Tampa police noted that new laws, which went into effect last year, introduced harsher penalties for street racing and felony charges for repeat offenders. These types of crimes will remain a priority for TPD again this year. "It's getting the message out that we're out here and that we're going to be in full focus on it," Bercaw said. "We're making an arrest on it. We're holding those accountable. Not only that, we're going to seize your car." This year, Bercaw added that the department will enhance and improve its neighborhood watch groups to get more residents involved in their mission to reduce crime. To read TPD's 2024 Annual Report, click here. The Source FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Axios
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay
Looking for things to do this weekend? We've got you covered. 🦅 Raptor Fest, St. Pete: Get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Activities include live demonstrations, bird walks and photo opportunities. Free, with food and drinks available for purchase. 10am-4pm Saturday. Parking available at the Lake Vista Recreation Center or Lakewood High School, with free shuttles to the preserve. ⚔️ Pinellas Medieval Faire, Largo: Reuse some of your Gasparilla costume for this tribute to the Middle Ages, featuring animal encounters, archery, mini golf, blacksmithing demonstrations and more. 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday at DK Farms & Gardens. Admission is $22 cash only, with activity tickets available for $5 each. 🛍️ The Florida Vintage Market, Tampa: Shop more than 100 vendors of vintage and custom clothing, streetwear, sneakers and more. Food trucks will also be on hand for snacks and beverages. Noon-5pm, Sunday at Howard W. Blake High.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Tampa officials arrest several bad pirates during 2025 Gasparilla
Related video: Reporter Amanda Holly captures the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion from the sky. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The pirates invaded Tampa Bay Saturday and the city was prepared for the Jack Sparrows of the crowd. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), there were nine misdemeanor, three felony and three BUI arrests. PHOTOS: Gasparilla pirate invasion 2025 TPD said all missing pirates were safely reunited with their groups and all items found during the event were non-threatening. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a release there were more than 70 law enforcement boats and three helicopters in the Hillsborough River and Bay. FWC officers issued 46 boating warnings and 13 citations and arrested five impaired captains from their vessels. According to the City of Tampa, more than 300,000 spectators attended Gasparilla 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
