Paying More At The Pump

Gas prices in Florida have risen up to 15 cents over the past week, and they also hit a new high for a new year average of $3.41. 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 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,

It’s going to get a little loud - and a little weird - in downtown Tampa today. Blame the pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe, making their annual trek to City Hall to try and get Mayor Jane Castor to surrender the city around noon. If the Mayor does not, plan on everyone heading to Lykes Gaslight Park on Franklin Street. For more on Gasparilla events for the annual invasion Saturday, keep this handy. Former WWE wrestler Ric Flair is this year’s Grand Marshall.

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.

A new report from the Transportation Security Administration has ranked Tampa International Airport 10th on the list of guns confiscated at TSA checkpoints. Topping the list is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with two other Florida airports in the top ten. Those are Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. You can see the full list from the TSA here.

Some charities in Tampa Bay have benefitted from the AmazonSmile program, which allows the customer to designate a charity to receive a portion of the cost of their order. But Wednesday, Amazon said the program will end on February 20th. Amazon is cutting a record 18,000 employees and expansion plans have slowed down as well.

©2023 Cox Media Group