Michael Van Sickler

1 month ago | tampabay.com | Michael Van Sickler

When the story broke last year that Florida officials wanted to develop state parks with golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts, the bipartisan backlash was swift and meaningful. Nine months later, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’d sign a bill into law that would prohibit such development from ever taking place. What brought on this extraordinary reversal from the governor who helped hatch the plan in the first place? On Thursday, ask the reporters who broke the story.

2 months 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.

Feb 27, 2025 | 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.

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.

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.