Michael Van Sickler

Saint Petersburg

Managing Editor, News and Engagement at Tampa Bay Times

Managing editor, news and engagement @TB_Times, Florida's largest newsroom.

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Articles

St. Petersburg man charged in stabbing deaths of girlfriend and her mom

1 week ago | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

A woman and her mother were stabbed to death Saturday morning in a home in unincorporated St. Petersburg, the authorities said. The woman’s boyfriend, Kirk Hysell Jr., admitted to the killings, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday. He was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Deputies arrived at the house early Saturday after Hysell’s daughter called 911. They found Christina Donzero, 34, and Betti “Suzanne” Thevenet Donzero, 75, seriously wounded.
How can we improve Tampa Bay’s water quality? We’re about to find out.

1 month ago | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

TAMPA — From its drinking supply to wildlife habitat to its economic future, the Tampa Bay region’s fate is tied to its water. Yet an assortment of threats lurk beneath the surface. Red tide outbreaks. Pollution made worse by hurricanes Helene and Milton. A loss of seagrass and a dwindling water supply. On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with Tampa Electric, will host a free community conversation on the future of Tampa Bay’s water resources.
Spotlight Tampa Bay asks: How do we prepare better for hurricanes?

Nov 26, 2024 | yahoo.com | Michael Van Sickler

Florida and Tampa Bay endured a historic hurricane season in 2024, weathering landfalls from a trio of storms — Debby, Helene and Milton. The storms brought record-breaking storm surge, heavy rainfall and powerful winds that wreaked havoc across the region. These events led to widespread power outages, overwhelmed wastewater systems and thousands of tons of contaminated debris.
Spotlight Tampa Bay asks: How do we prepare better for hurricanes?

Nov 26, 2024 | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

Florida and Tampa Bay endured a historic hurricane season in 2024, weathering landfalls from a trio of storms — Debby, Helene and Milton. The storms brought record-breaking storm surge, heavy rainfall and powerful winds wreaking havoc across the region. These events led to widespread power outages, overwhelmed wastewater systems and thousands of tons of contaminated debris.
Biden approves FEMA aid for Florida counties hit by Helene

Sep 29, 2024 | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

FEMA announced Sunday that President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for hard hit areas in Florida. FEMA announced that along with Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, federal aid would be available for those affected by Hurricane Helene in the following counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties.
Live updates: Helene death toll reaches 11 as Tampa Bay grapples with damage

Sep 29, 2024 | tampabay.com | Gabrielle Calise |Michael Van Sickler

The Tampa Bay death toll from Hurricane Helene rose to at least 11 on Saturday, with nine Pinellas deaths and two in Hillsborough. Barrier island reopened in Pinellas late Saturday and residents continued to be evacuated. Water service was restored in some places, while others wait for power and internet service to return. Meanwhile, donations flooded in and helpers emerged. We’ll be adding updates this page throughout Sunday.
Tampa Bay Times and AARP Florida to host Spotlight on family caregiving

Aug 27, 2024 | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

Family caregiving, an issue that confronts nearly 3 million people who provide support for aging parents and adults or children with disabilities, will be the subject of a free community conversation hosted next week by the Tampa Bay Times and AARP Florida. The conversation on Wednesday will feature U.S. Rep.
Top 2024 Hillsborough grads plot path ahead for Florida amid rampant growth

Jun 15, 2024 | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

The explosion of growth in Florida since World War II has continually vexed planners, business leaders, environmentalists and elected officials in a state that’s more susceptible to the elements than just about anywhere else in the U.S.Mix in the rising seas and temperatures brought on by climate change, and the Sunshine State’s days of growth appear limited. And yet, new residents keep arriving.
Mayors, scientists join Spotlight Tampa Bay’s climate change panel

Mar 21, 2024 | yahoo.com | Michael Van Sickler

Climate change is the defining challenge for Florida and the Tampa Bay region for this generation and beyond. What, if anything, are we doing to brace for it? Policy makers, scientists and the mayors of Tampa Bay’s two largest cities converge to discuss climate change on Tuesday, May 21, in the third installment of Spotlight Tampa Bay, a series of community conversations hosted by the Tampa Bay Times.
Tampa Bay Times launches podcast with USF called ‘Florida in Depth’

Oct 9, 2023 | news.yahoo.com | Michael Van Sickler

News about Florida and Tampa Bay can be intense. From our governor running for president to hurricanes fueled by rising temperatures to the $6.5 billion redevelopment of the Trop, the news cycle moves fast but the issues are complex. Starting this month, the Times will air semiregular episodes produced in partnership with the University of South Florida that will spotlight key issues and newsmakers.