Tim Kephart

United States

Executive Digital Producer at WFTS-TV (Tampa, FL)

Digital journalist & Mizzou Tiger. Links and retweets are not endorsements.

Articles

Women's tournament tips off Friday with every team seeking a trip to Tampa

Mar 21, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

TAMPA, Fla. — The Women's NCAA Tournament kicks off Friday with the opening round, but all 64 teams are eyeing the Final Four, which will be held at Amalie Arena. For the past two years, South Carolina has been undefeated and the overwhelming favorite. This year, however, every team among the top 16 seeds has at least two losses, making the tournament feel completely wide open.
Body of child who went missing while swimming found in Polk County's Lake Roy

Mar 20, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The body of a child who disappeared into the water of Lake Roy in Polk County was recovered late Thursday afternoon. Multiple law enforcement agencies were searching for the child Thursday. The child was reportedly swimming in Lake Roy but disappeared in the water. The Polk County Sheriff's Office, Winter Haven Police Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue all participated in the search. This is a breaking news story.
HCSO canine shot and killed while attacking neighbor's alpaca

Mar 18, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office canine was shot and killed as it attacked an alpaca Monday evening. According to HCSO, Canine Brooks was let out by Master Deputy Charles Perdomo for a bathroom break in a fenced yard around 9:30 p.m. According to the sheriff's office, Brooks jumped the fence and ran into a wooded area behind the deputy's home. Around 30 minutes later, a neighbor found Brooks actively attacking his alpaca.
Man was drunk when he hit and killed retired Polk County sergeant: Sheriff

Mar 18, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

BARTOW, Fla. — A Winter Haven man was arrested Monday evening for allegedly hitting and killing a retired Polk County Sheriff's Office sergeant who had stopped to remove debris from a roadway. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the retired sergeant was Dan Cooley, 69, of Bartow. Detectives said Cooley had pulled his car onto the northern edge of Van Fleet Drive in Bartow and turned on his hazard lights.
Tampa Bay Rays say team will not move forward with stadium deal

Mar 13, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays announced Thursday that they will not proceed with the new stadium and surrounding development. This marks the end of a years-long process that the team and city/county thought had been settled last year. "After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment," the Rays said on their official X page.
Missing teen killed and dismembered, police say

Mar 11, 2025 | channel3000.com | Tim Kephart

Click here for updates on this story ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (WFTS) -- St. Petersburg Police said a teenage girl missing since late February was murdered and dismembered. According to St. Petersburg Police, 16-year-old Miranda Corsette was lured through a social media dating app to meet 35-year-old Steven Gress. The two met at duplex on 27th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. After the initial meeting, St. Pete PD said the girl returned home, but then went back to Gress' home the next day.
Southwest getting rid of free checked bags for many travelers

Mar 11, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

DALLAS, Tex. — Just a few months after ending its open seating policy, Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday it would end free checked baggage for many passengers. Southwest said Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares will qualify for two free checked bags. Additionally, one free checked bag will be offered to A-List members, other select customers, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign offensive lineman Ben Bredeson to 3-year deal

Mar 10, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept a key cog in their offensive line from escaping in free agency on Monday when the team reportedly agreed to a contract extension with guard Ben Bredeson. According to ESPN, the Bucs and Bredeson agreed to a three-year contract worth $22 million. Keeping Bredeson in tow helps keep together one of the NFL's younger and rapidly developing offensive lines.
MLB and other owners pressuring Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell the team

Mar 10, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg is facing growing pressure from Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and some other owners to sell the team, according to a report from The Athletic. Sternberg has been under the microscope as the team continues on an on-again, off-again deal to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg. The Rays agreed to build a stadium, but since then questions have arisen about the Rays' intentions.
Missing St. Petersburg teen killed and dismembered, police say

Mar 7, 2025 | abcactionnews.com | Tim Kephart

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Police said a teenage girl missing since late February was murdered and dismembered and two people are facing charges related to the case. According to St. Petersburg Police, 16-year-old Miranda Corsette was lured through a social media dating app to meet 35-year-old Steven Gress on February 14. After the initial meeting, St. Pete PD said the girl returned home, but then went back to Gress' home the next day. The teenager was reported missing on Feb. 24.