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1 week ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — There are plans to build a 195-foot T-Mobile cell tower behind the Waterchase neighborhood in Hillsborough County’s Westchase community. It would be on the Philippine Cultural Foundation property, which borders the Waterchase neighborhood. WATCH: Frustrations grow over cell tower construction in Westchase neighborhood Westchase cell tower proposal sparks pushback Last year, dozens of residents attended the Land Use hearing to protest the development.
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2 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
House Bill 5101 is raising concerns across Florida school districts. State lawmakers are proposing to cut about 50% of funding for programs like dual enrollment, IB, AICE, and Advanced Placement. WATCH: Lawmakers propose bill that could cut funding to higher level courses Florida bill could cut funding for education programs The bill also takes aim at funding for CTE industry certification programs. “It’s so important to fund our students.
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2 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
PINELLAS COUNTY — More than six months after Hurricane Helene devastated our coastal neighborhoods, people are still rebuilding. It’s affected several businesses too, still struggling in the aftermath. That’s why Wade Swikle, owner of 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage, wants to help. WATCH: Hometown Titan Retreat offering free tickets to business owners affected by hurricanes Local entrepreneur helps small businesses bounce back He’s also the co-founder of the Hometown Titan Retreat.
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3 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The IRS started accepting tax returns on January 27. While the deadline for most of the country is April 15, this year, it’s May 1 for Floridians. The IRS has extended the deadline because of last year’s hurricanes.
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3 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — So many people are suffering from all the pollen out there right now. “In the spring, we’ll see the trees start to release their pollen… as trees come out of their dormant season,” said Alyssa Vinson, Urban Forestry Extension Agent for Hillsborough County. This happens as trees get ready to reproduce. “Pollen is the male genetic information from a plant,” said Vinson.
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3 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Pride’s diversity parade is this Saturday in Ybor City. “It is so exciting that we are having our 11th diversity parade down in historic Ybor,” said Derek Durum, parade director. Things kick off at 11 a.m. with different activities, including speeches, entertainment, food trucks, and vendors.
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4 weeks ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
TAMPA, Fla. — Alsace Walentine loves books. She has since she was a child. “Books were where I could escape and where I could find new worlds,” said Walentine. It’s no surprise that she opened Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg with her wife. “It is a lot of labor, and it’s all love,” said Walentine. She hopes you feel that love when you walk inside. “You know, people walk in here all the time and say, oh my gosh, I love the vibe in here. I feel relaxed. I feel welcome,” said Walentine.
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1 month ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
TAMPA, Fla. — Impersonation scams are one of the most common, and the newest one is targeting drivers. Scammers are sending text messages trying to trick you, saying you have unpaid tolls and to use a link to send a payment by a certain time to avoid late fees. These texts are fake and the latest play to try to steal your personal information and your money. “I have been getting them. I think everybody is getting them… They’re super frustrating,” said AJ Woeckener, who’s received the texts before.
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1 month ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Spring break season is back across Tampa Bay. “We’re ready for our visitors,” said Clyde Smith, general manager of Bilmar Beach Resort and Sloppy Joe’s. After the hurricanes, businesses couldn’t fathom we’d be at this place just five months later, although they were hopeful. “It was a very difficult fall and winter for so many of our businesses and employees and residents,” said Smith. Businesses are relying on spring break now more than ever.
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1 month ago | 
abcactionnews.com | Larissa Scott
TAMPA — The Consumer Price Index measures price changes across commonly purchased goods and services. The report, which included February's numbers, was just released on Tuesday. It showed a cooling of inflation to 2.8% compared to 3% the month prior. “The inflation numbers actually came back pretty good this month… This probably means that the Federal Reserve is going to hold interest rates steady next month,” said Thomas Stockwell, assistant professor of economics at The University of Tampa.
