Eric Glasser

6 days ago | wtsp.com | Eric Glasser

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On the 45th anniversary of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster, which claimed 35 lives, visitors gathered at the Skyway Memorial at the north end of the bridge to remember those lost and reflect on the bridge’s safety as new federal concerns surface. The solemn commemoration comes just months after a tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore prompted federal investigators to examine the safety of major bridges across the country.

1 week ago | wtsp.com | Eric Glasser

TAMPA, Fla. — Catholics across the Tampa Bay area are celebrating a historic milestone as Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The announcement, which came midday Thursday, sparked excitement and surprise among parishioners and students gathered at Jesuit High School in Tampa.

1 week ago | wtsp.com | Eric Glasser

TAMPA, Fla. — A former federal prosecutor is invoking Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law as his defense after a stabbing incident during rush hour on the Howard Frankland Bridge in September 2023. Patrick Scruggs, 40, faces aggravated assault charges after he stabbed another driver, claiming he feared for his safety and that of other motorists during a chaotic traffic confrontation. The case unfolded when Blake Sharp, driving a Lexus, stopped in traffic and appeared unconscious.

2 weeks ago | wtsp.com | Eric Glasser

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Cross Bay Ferry, a popular link between Tampa and St. Petersburg, made its final scheduled trips on April 30 after Hillsborough County officials terminated the service’s contract months ahead of schedule. The early shutdown comes after the ferry operator, HMS Ferries, proposed replacing the current vessel with a smaller, slower boat one that would have doubled the travel time across the bay, violating contract terms.

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Eric Glasser

BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County and the city of Bartow are teaming up to address the growing demand for emergency services caused by rapid population growth. Officials have announced plans to construct a shared $12 million firehouse near Highway 98 and Smith Lane, just north of downtown Bartow. The collaborative effort aims to save costs while ensuring efficient response times for residents in both jurisdictions. The innovative agreement comes as both Polk County and Bartow face explosive growth.