Latest news with #MariahHarrison
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lakeland leaders to vote on school speed zone cameras. Here's where they would go
The Brief The Lakeland City Commission plans to vote Monday on installing cameras in eight school zones to monitor speeding. A May 2024 study found nearly 850 violations per day near the eight schools. If cameras are installed, speeding in these zones could result in a $100 fine after an initial 30-day awareness campaign. LAKELAND, Fla. - Commissioners in Lakeland are set to vote Monday on a plan to install cameras aimed at cutting down on speeding in several school zones. If approved, cameras would be placed near the following eight schools: Lincoln Academy Crystal Lake Elementary Philip O'Brien Elementary Southwest Middle North Lakeland Elementary Lakeland High Lakeland Highlands Middle Sleepy Hill Elementary Why you should care During a meeting in May, the city pointed to a study from May 2024 showing nearly 850 violations per day near these schools. Additionally, Lakeland police said 25 Polk County Public School students were involved in vehicle-related crashes, resulting in 13 deaths, during the 2023-24 school year. PREVIOUS: Lakeland moves closer to adding school speed zone cameras after 13 student deaths in Polk County If cameras are installed, speeding in these zones could result in a $100 fine after an initial 30-day awareness campaign. Revenue from the fines would support school district security initiatives, school crossing guard recruitment, and city traffic safety programs. Police also say cameras would allow officers to focus their patrols on other school zones. What's next Monday's City Commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Mariah Harrison. 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
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Pete to resume late water bill fee collection. Here's what to know
The Brief The City of St. Petersburg will resume normal water bill collection on June 1. City leaders faced thousands of complaints over high water bills following last year's hurricanes. The city has taken steps to adjust many accounts in recent months. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Months after the City of St. Petersburg suspended some fees when residents reported skyrocketing water bills following last year's hurricanes, normal billing is set to resume on June 1. The backstory In the months following the devastating 2024 hurricanes, St. Pete leaders received many complaints from homeowners who said they faced extremely high water bills – some totaling thousands of dollars. Homeowners told FOX 13 they got shutoff notices, with one saying the city threatened to send her $11,000 bill to collections. An attorney even filed two lawsuits against the city in February – and while the city didn't give a clear explanation for all the abnormal bills, leaders took steps including stopping shutoffs and suspending late fees. St. Pete leaders received many complaints from homeowners who said they faced extremely high water bills. PREVIOUS: 2 lawsuits filed over St. Petersburg's high water bills, city provides relief to homeowners By the numbers According to the Tampa Bay Times, city officials adjusted thousands of water bills: 6,172 bills adjusted due to a leak on private property 5,236 bills adjusted due to overread water meters 772 bills adjusted due to issues on the city's end 50 bills adjusted after flooding found 12 bills adjusted due to mechanical meter issues What you can do Extensions are available for residents who need them. For more information, click here. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Mariah Harrison, with additional details from previous FOX 13 News reports. 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
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Smoking may be banned on Gulfport beaches
The Brief There is a proposal to ban smoking on Gulfport beaches. Gulfport city council will vote on the proposed ordinance on Tuesday. Residents and council members in favor of the ban call it a win for local waterways, as many cigarette butts and tobacco end up in the water. GULFPORT, Fla. - Cigarette butts in the sand and smoke in the air aren't the way city council members want visitors to think about Gulfport public beaches. Local perspective On Tuesday, there will be a second reading and vote on a proposed ordinance to ban cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and tobacco products on Gulfport public beaches. It appears the proposed ordinance does allow an exception for unfiltered cigarettes. READ:Governor DeSantis signs Boater Freedom Act The city of Gulfport successfully passed a similar ordinance about a decade ago, but it was overturned when challenged in court. Residents and council members in favor of the ban call it a win for local waterways, as many cigarette butts and tobacco end up in the water. READ: Family owned hotel in Sunset Beach reopens 8 months after Hurricane Helene: 'The place was decimated' The other side Those against it say Gulfport beaches have more of a trash problem and should be cleaned more frequently. Click here to read the proposed ordinance. The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Mariah Harrison. 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 Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Manatee County plans to rezone some schools in effort to relieve overcrowding. Here's how you can weigh in
The Brief The School District of Manatee County is holding public meetings to discuss new school construction and rezoning. The changes come as the district has seen explosive growth in recent years. BRADENTON, Fla. - The School District of Manatee County says changes are coming as growth leads to more crowded classrooms – and that could mean redrawing boundaries, in addition to building new schools. District officials are giving parents a chance to weigh in on the changes and learn about the process in the coming days. By the numbers According to the district, 16 Manatee County schools are operating at or over capacity, with a total increase of about 5,000 students countywide since 2020. School board documents also show the total student population far exceeded district estimates in 2024. READ: Manatee County running out of time to prepare for 2025 hurricane season, experts say Dig deeper Several construction projects are underway to expand existing schools and build new ones, most of which will be located in northern and eastern portions of the county. The plan to relieve overcrowding could also lead to rezoning in several areas, potentially upending school planning among parents who mapped out which elementary, middle and high schools their children would attend. PREVIOUS:Manatee County schools works to build new schools, expand existing ones as more students enroll What they're saying "We love welcoming new families to the community and, at the same time, we have to meet our obligations to the communities who have been here for decades," Manatee County School Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong said last year. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What's next The district plans to open two K-8 schools in August 2025, two elementary schools in August 2026 and a high school in August 2027. Officials are holding public meetings on rezoning over the next several days: Wednesday, March 5: Parrish Community High School Thursday, March 6: Palmetto High School Friday, March 7: Lakewood Ranch High School Wednesday, March 12: Southeast High School All meetings are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. You can also submit your questions online by clicking here. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Mariah Harrison. 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
