The Tampa Free Press

As newspapers nationwide adapt to the shifting demands of their audiences, The Free Press, based in Hillsborough County, Florida, is focused on current needs while also preparing for the future.

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NHL Announces Schedule Updates For Lightning-Panthers And Avalanche-Stars First Round Series

2 days ago | tampafp.com | Brian Burns

The National Hockey League today released updated scheduling details for two highly anticipated First Round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hockey fans can now mark their calendars for the following adjustments on Monday, April 28th. The fourth game of the intense Sunshine State rivalry between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers now has an official start time of 7:00 p.m. ET.
Sunshine State Showdown: Lightning And Panthers Renew Playoff Rivalry Tonight

2 days ago | tampafp.com | Brian Burns

TAMPA, Fla. – The intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is set to ignite in Tampa Bay tonight as the Lightning welcome their cross-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, to AMALIE Arena for Game 1 of their highly anticipated First Round series. This marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that these two Sunshine State powerhouses will clash in the postseason, a testament to their consistent competitiveness in the Atlantic Division.
Illegal Alien Gets 3 Years For Illegal Reentry After Prior Indiana And Illinois Drug Convictions

3 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

Juan Morales, a 49-year-old national of Mexico, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation. This marks at least the third federal conviction for illegal reentry for Morales. According to court documents, Morales’s latest legal entanglement began on November 6, 2024, when he was convicted of operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.
Four Sentenced To Over A Decade Each For Major Fentanyl, Meth Trafficking In Michigan

4 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

Four defendants were sentenced last week in separate cases in the Western District of Michigan, receiving lengthy federal prison terms for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including dangerous counterfeit pills designed to mimic legitimate prescription drugs. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge announced the sentencings today, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by these dangerous substances.
Georgia Man Sentenced In Montana For Multi-State Bank Fraud Scheme

4 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

A Georgia man who participated in a scheme to defraud banks in multiple states, including Montana, was sentenced earlier this month to 57 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay $161,401.17 in restitution. Stanford Wilvin Lightfoot, 33, Atlanta, had previously pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the sentencing.
Lake Wales Woman Arrested In March Water Well Theft: Polk County Sheriff

4 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

LAKE WALES, Fla. – A 29-year-old Lake Wales woman sought in connection with the theft of a 32-gallon water well last month was taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Friday morning. Deputies say Tawnya Michelle Vega was arrested at a residence in Camp Mack, nearly a month after the alleged crime occurred on March 17th. Authorities had also identified 55-year-old Michael Vega as a suspect in the same incident.
Davenport Man Arrested On Ohio Robbery Warrant After Traffic Stop

4 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A traffic stop for speeding resulted in the arrest of a Davenport man wanted on an Aggravated Robbery warrant out of Ohio, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported. According to officials, a PCSO deputy initiated a traffic stop on a white Lexus for speeding shortly after 11:00 PM on Friday at the intersection of US Highway 27 and Central Grove Road in Davenport. The driver was identified as David Richardson, 30, of Davenport.
Lucky Week For 6 Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Players: $29 Million In Winnings Claimed

4 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

The Florida Lottery had a week to remember, with six lucky players across the state claiming significant prizes on various scratch-off games. The wins, announced throughout last week, totaled a staggering $29 million in prizes, further highlighting the popularity and impact of the Lottery’s scratch-off offerings. The winning streak began on Monday when Alexander Demooy, 38, of Naples, claimed a $1 million prize from the popular 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game.
Lauderhill Man Arrested, Sunrise Woman Cited In Florida Keys Wildlife Stop

5 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A late-night traffic stop in the Florida Keys on Friday resulted in the arrest of a Lauderhill man and a court citation for a Sunrise woman after authorities discovered illegally harvested fish and lobster in their vehicle. Richard Rhoden, 33, of Lauderhill, was taken into custody and charged with multiple wildlife violations, including possession of undersized and over-the-bag limit mangrove and lane snapper, as well as possession of out-of-season lobster.
Florida Man Indicted After Booby-Trapped Rifle Discharges During Arrest New Jersey Transit Center

5 days ago | tampafp.com | Jake Grissom

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced Wednesday the indictment of Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on multiple weapons offenses, aggravated assault, and endangering others, following his arrest at the Trenton Transit Center.