Miguel Octavio

Tampa Bay

Reporter at WTSP-TV (St Petersburg, FL)

Reporter @10TampaBay | 🇵🇭🇺🇸MN ➡️ FL 🌴 Story ideas? Email: [email protected]

Articles

14 cats die after fire burns down Lealman animal rescue

4 days ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

LEALMAN, Fla. — Volunteers are scrambling after a local rescue aimed at helping sick and injured cats burned down. The Lealman Fire District responded to a fire Friday at Happy Tailz Cat Rescue on 80th Way North. The fire started from a lithium-ion battery charger meant for a handheld scrubber, according to Division Chief and Fire Marshal Jim Millican. The fire had also spread and damaged a home next door. "We consider it like our second full-time job," volunteer Stacy Prevost said.
Loved ones of 4 killed in Plant City fire seek justice nine months after deaths

3 weeks ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

PLANT CITY, Fla. — Loved ones of a Plant City family said they're still waiting for justice months after a deadly house fire deputies said was intentional. The accused killer Shawn Gossett was set to appear in court during a virtual hearing Friday but it was rescheduled for June. His defense is asking a judge to dismiss the case because of "permanent intellectual disability." However, loved ones and state prosecutors believe Gossett can and should be restored to achieve competency for trial.
After Glen Rogers, Florida on track to mark 6 executions this year

3 weeks ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — After Thursday, Florida is on track this year to meet its previous record set for the number of people put to death in a year. More could come. Glen Rogers became the fifth person put to death after the brutal attack and murder of local mother Tina Marie Cribbs in 1995. Another is already slated for next month. The move is prompting calls for justice and opposition.
Loved ones mourn Lakeland father killed as innocent bystander in alleged botched drug deal

3 weeks ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

LAKELAND, Fla. — The search for accountability continues for a Lakeland father. Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrests of six people, including minors, in connection to the death of Nathaniel Jones on Monday. Despite this, a family member of Jones said there's no bringing closure. "He's a great dad, great son, great brother," DeAndre Dickey, a cousin of Jones, said. "If you call, he's going to pick up the phone.
Neighbors rally in support of sole survivor of Largo crash that left 3 dead

3 weeks ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

LARGO, Fla. — Orangeview Drive in Largo typically remains quiet, but Scott Kelley won’t forget the noises and tragedy that followed this past Saturday. “My whole house vibrated,” Kelley said. Kelley said he ran out the door upon hearing the impact of a crash involving two vehicles just outside his home.
Engineering expert weighs in on structural concerns at Clearwater condominium

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

CLEARWATER, Fla. — About sixty people must wait for another three days until they can return to their Clearwater condominium after concerns over its structural integrity. Cracks were found in a support column Tuesday prompting dozens to be evacuated from the building. 10 Tampa Bay turned to a forensics engineering expert to share more about what goes on to ensure the building is safe and sound for residents.
Tampa could shut off water of apartment building this month after missed payments

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

TAMPA, Fla. — Confusion and concerns persist for at least hundreds of tenants at one Tampa apartment building. Residents of The Delmar came home Monday to find a letter posted on their doors from the city stating, "Utility services may be interrupted as early as May 21, 2025, an action we do not take lightly." The property owner Lurin Real Estate Holdings has made no payments since February, according to Liz Hall, city communications and public outreach supervisor for water.
'Out of hand': St. Pete mother calls for safety improvements after violent encounter

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Amber Woods said she was getting ready for her birthday party one weekend in March when a car came flying around the corner outside her home. Moments later, she said bullets started flying everywhere from all directions outside her home on Jordan Park Street South. "My daughter hops out of her bed. We crash into each other, trying to figure out what we're going to do. We're in such a panic," Woods said.
Florida state parks protection bill heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A bill aiming to protect state parks from certain development has received approval from the Florida Legislature. It's now up to Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign the bill into law. The "State Parks Preservation Act" would bar golf courses, resort-style lodges, pickleball courts and other sports facilities from being built on park land.
Toddler to be honored by Leukemia Lymphoma Society Tampa after story of survival

1 month ago | wtsp.com | Miguel Octavio

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Lana Michel may just be a toddler. However, at two years old, her story of survival inspires and can teach others a lifetime of lessons, including her mother. "She makes me want to be a stronger woman and resilient and brave," mother Olivia Michel said. Lively and little, Lana is all smiles during playtime. One may never guess she survived cancer. Lana has Down Syndrome and was diagnosed with a type of leukemia associated with it at 15 months old.