Lydia Vazquez

Tampa

News Reporter at WFTS-TV (Tampa, FL)

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Articles

Mosquito Control District says its out in full force after Hurricane Helene

Oct 6, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

PASCO COUNTY, Fla — The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging the public to be proactive in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses. This comes after the county reported three confirmed case of dengue-fever. "Mosquitoes are the world's deadliest animal and these guys are your heroes, the ladies and gentlemen that work in mosquito control industry, they're really doing everything that they can to protect your health," Adriane Rogers said.
Hundreds of volunteers are helping clean up trash and debris in Treasure Island

Oct 5, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

Treasure Island Adopt a Beach and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are working to clean up our coast as they organize volunteer beach clean-ups. Anyone interested in volunteering can click here. ABC Action News Reporter Lydia Vazquez takes a look at the efforts and how you can get involved. "Get down here and help us"As recovery efforts on Treasure Island continue, residents question FEMA's response and want more help bringing supplies in and out.
'Pop-up Permit Centers' open across Tampa to help residents recovering from Helene

Oct 3, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

DAVIS ISLANDS, Fla — The City of Tampa is now waiving permit fees for residents or subcontractors trying to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. It's opened multiple "Pop-Up Permit Centers" across the area for anyone needing support. "Every day, there's new challenges," resident Karen Beck shared. From sun up to sun down, Karen Beck and her husband have been working to repair what storm surge destroyed.
New Port Richey community picking up the pieces after Hurricane Helene

Sep 29, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

The Rotary Club of Holiday and dozens of volunteers are teaming up to help rebuild all they've lost by collecting donations at the Collaboratory in downtown New Port Richey. Volunteers served more than 600 meals to people in need on Sunday alone. If you're interested in helping, contact the Collaboratory across from the Chamber of Commerce as organizers said there are about 40 homes they still haven't been able to get to.
John's Pass businesses devastated by floodwaters during Helene

Sep 28, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

Some businesses at John's Pass are left picking up the pieces after floodwaters from Hurricane Helene caused major destruction. Business were gutted and debris lines the boardwalk as the hurricane wiped the town clean. Dylan Hubbard gives ABC Action News Reporter Lydia Vazquez a deeper look at the damage and what recovery will look like. "I knew this would happen"Bradenton business owner deals with damage from Hurricane Helene Bradenton business owner deals with damage from Hurricane Helene
Candlelight vigil held for 16-year-old boy shot and killed outside Citrus Park mall

Sep 22, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

Peter (PJ) Hyman Jr. was just 16 years old when he was shot and killed outside of Citrus Park Town Center Mall on September 14. His family and friends held a vigil to honor him on Sunday night. Hillsborough County deputies arrested a 15-year-old boyfor his role in the shooting. He was charged with murder in the second degree, minor in possession of a firearm, and carrying a concealed firearm.
USF fans pack Raymond James Stadium as Bulls take on Miami

Sep 21, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

TAMPA, Fla. — Saturday was the first time South Florida Bulls and Miami Hurricanes have met since 2013 and fans outside Raymond James Stadium were out in full force. "USF football is definitely very back. It's a very exciting experience. The student section is very happy to have a good football team again," Nathan Coffin shared. The University announced ground-breaking for the stadium will be the week of USF's homecoming in mid-October 2024. "It's going to be easy to access our stadium.
New Howard Frankland bridge is entering final phase of construction

Sep 19, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla — Nearly $865 million later and the new Howard Frankland bridge is entering its final phase of construction. The new bridge will consist of eight lanes: four general-use lanes in each direction and four tolled express lanes in each direction. The express lanes are expected to open early 2026. "The benefit will be added capacity and connectivity. This is the most traveled bridge that connects Tampa and St. Pete.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans tailgate parties in full swing ahead of season opener

Sep 8, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their season opener on Sunday at home against the Washington Commanders. Tailgate parties were in full swing outside of Raymond James Stadium as fans shared their excitement about the upcoming season. See what fans had to say about their favorite team and what it means to them.
Heavy rainfall overwhelms storm water systems in Tampa

Sep 5, 2024 | abcactionnews.com | Lydia Vazquez

SOUTH TAMPA, Fla — The City of Tampa saw nearly 5 inches of rain Tuesday and close to 4 inches Wednesday creating chaos out on the roads and putting cars under water. City officials said storm water systems were overwhelmed by the downpour. "I've seen cars literally underwater... I have a very small compact car so there's a lot of flooding I can't ride through. It's a mess," South Tampa resident Jamal Burton explained.