Florida Power and Light, Duke Energy and Tampa Electric will all go before the Florida Public Service Commission March 7th, and ask for rate increases. The utility companies say the cost of restoring power after storms and the cost of fuel are the primary reasons for their requests. How much that will be will depend on who your provider is. Rates could vary from 10% to almost 40.

The city of Tampa is trying to slow drivers down and part of that will be new four way traffic stops. You’ll notice one of them around Plant High School, in addition to almost 400 around the city as part of Tampa’s Vision Zero mission. You can see more on the city’s plans on the Mobility Department site.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium suffered the loss of another dolphin Monday. Hemingway was the oldest dolphin at CMA at an estimated 37 years old, and had been dealing with a possible suspected gastrointestinal condition before he passed away with the staff at the CMA by his side.

As expected, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor did not surrender the city to the pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe who made their annual trek to City Hall Tuesday. That means the invasion is on for Saturday, with a full day of events that starts with the flotilla and parade down Bayshore. For more on Gasparilla events for the annual invasion Saturday, keep this handy. Former WWE wrestler Ric Flair is this year’s Grand Marshall.

Gas prices in Florida have risen another seven cents over the past week, and hit a new high for a new year. A statement from AAA says part of the blame for the increase could be China, the largest oil importer in the world, reopening its economy.

The Internal Revenue Service is now accepting and processing tax returns, marking the official start of tax season. This year’s deadline gives us three extra days to file, with that day now April 18. Why? April 15 falls on a weekend and add to that the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday falling on April 17.

There’s a shortage of emergency medical technicians, and the Crisis Center is now working with Ultimate Medical Academy to for an EMT Apprenticeship Program. A funding grant will pay for tuition and students will get on-the-job experience. For more information and to apply please go here. Ann Kelly spoke with Clara Reynolds, President and CEO of The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to discuss their collaboration with Ultimate Medical Academy. and for that podcast, just click here.

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