Evan Axelbank

2 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Evan Axelbank

Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise Ship was filled with families returning from a twilight cruise when they saw, in the distance, people desperate for help. "They were all waving their arms, which you could tell was chaos," said Andy Turriglio, the first mate of the pirate ship. "Because it's the ferry boat, it's not like they're partying." The PTSA Clearwater Ferry was crushed, and the 45 on board were either trying to hold on or about to jump off.

2 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Evan Axelbank

For the first time, developers of the new Gasworx project are giving an up-close look at the new development that promises to impact both Ybor City and downtown Tampa.                The Gasworx project will feature nearly a dozen buildings. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, in my opinion," said Lucas Umstead, a project manager.

3 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Evan Axelbank

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier defended himself in Tampa as hearings into payments made by the Hope Florida Foundation are set to begin later this week. The heads of the non-profits that received $10 million in grants from Hope Florida will answer questions this week in front of the health care budget subcommittee. The political action committee headed by the state's new attorney general received some of that money.

3 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Evan Axelbank

There are a number of bills that could impact school security being considered this session in Tallahassee, but the deadline to establish final committee hearings for the session came before the shooting at Florida State University. Lawmakers appear to be sticking with what they had planned.       The backstory: The biggest question has been whether the state should change part of the law passed after the Parkland shooting to lower the age of gun purchases from 21 to 18.

3 weeks ago | fox13news.com | Evan Axelbank

After weeks of lawmakers investigating Hope Florida and finding that no minutes were taken at any of its board meetings, the board met Thursday, where its chair pledged to correct past mistakes. "While we hope to answer your remaining questions today, my focus as chairman is to restore confidence," said Chair Joshua Hay. Public speakers lined up virtually, giving the program its first glowing reviews outside the governor's press conferences.