Justin Garcia, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa - Page 19 of 26

Pinellas passes 100-percent renewable energy resolution, but environmentalists say utilities need to cooperate

The resolution calls for a transition to 100% clean, renewable energy for the entire community by 2050.

by Justin Garcia November 10, 2021June 21, 2024

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties open child COVID-19 vaccination sites for kids ages 5-11

Pinellas distributes free Pfizer shots starting Friday, and the Hillsborough clinic is open now.

by Justin Garcia November 10, 2021August 14, 2024

Environmentalists say TECO and Castor’s new carbon emission plan sets Tampa’s energy goals back 15 years

TECO and Castor want to be “net-zero” by 2050, but the city recently committed to 100% green energy by 2035.

by Justin Garcia November 9, 2021January 31, 2025

Hillsborough Sheriff says ‘part of an Exacto blade’ was put in Halloween candy, but there’s no evidence it exists

HCSO told CL that the blade was thrown away and never collected as evidence.

by Justin Garcia November 8, 2021May 13, 2024

St. Pete renters council to meet this week, with eyes on rent caps and freezes

Florida law prohibits rent control, but SPPC seeks referendum vote to help residents.

by Justin Garcia November 8, 2021September 24, 2024

As Tampa Bay gets drenched in rain, St. Petersburg relaunches its rainwater rebate program

‘Customers may even receive a free rain barrel upon completion of a Rainwater Guardian Workshop,’ the city says.

by Justin Garcia November 5, 2021July 3, 2024

Save USF Forest Preserve forms nonprofit to help other schools protect conservation areas from development

They’ll detail the effort at a benefit concert in Tampa on Nov. 13.

by Justin Garcia November 5, 2021August 4, 2025

Exclusive: Newly emerged expert report alleges ‘cover-up’ in 2014 fatal Tampa police drug raid

TPD raided Jason Westcott’s house in 2014 and killed him, only to find .02 grams of weed.

by Justin Garcia November 4, 2021July 26, 2025

Tampa Bay Rays president will discuss future of the team at upcoming Tiger Bay Club forum

The discussion will take place at noon on Nov. 12.

by Justin Garcia November 3, 2021August 17, 2023

Richie Floyd wins in St. Pete City Council District 8 race

Floyd led a grassroots campaign, relying on small donations and volunteer power.

by Justin Garcia November 2, 2021July 19, 2025

Ken Welch wins St. Petersburg mayoral race, becoming the city’s first Black mayor

His opponent, Robert Blackmon, ran a campaign plagued with controversy.

by Justin Garcia November 2, 2021July 15, 2025

Tampa officials want to pay drivers to test new crash-avoiding tech on Selmon Expressway

Rebates will be extended to certain Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia or Toyota drivers 18 years of age or older.

by Justin Garcia November 2, 2021August 17, 2023

Tampa Police Department roasted for spreading ‘bullshit’ Halloween marijuana myth

‘Winner of the stupidest police department award: @TampaPD,’ a commenter wrote.

by Justin Garcia November 1, 2021November 6, 2024

September death in Old Seminole Heights now ruled a homicide

A month after Linda Harris’ death, Tampa Police are now asking for tips and information.

by Justin Garcia October 28, 2021July 21, 2025

Tampa Bay group will teach Florida students about ‘Forbidden CRT’ for free next month

The free webinar on Critical Race Theory will occur on November 13 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

by Justin Garcia October 28, 2021October 29, 2024

Robles Park planners predict a fraction of residents will return after redevelopment

Tampa Housing Authority estimates that roughly 1,000 residents live at Robles Park Village.

by Justin Garcia October 27, 2021March 25, 2025

A St. Pete renter who was hastily evicted for a hotel expansion died while moving out

A vigil and protest is planned for Kelvin Washington on Saturday.

by Justin Garcia October 26, 2021September 27, 2024

Music

Tampa hip-hop artist Rahim Samad drops track with NYC’s Skyzoo to celebrate vinyl release

Listen to ‘8th Wonder’ now.

by Justin Garcia October 25, 2021April 14, 2025

‘There were so many breakdowns in our justice system’: Legal experts weigh-in on Tampa BLM protesters’ case

Florida ACLU and the First Amendment Foundation address problems with the Bullock and Uche case.

by Justin Garcia October 15, 2021October 31, 2024

Tampa Bay’s Cross-Bay Ferry returns this month with an extended schedule

The ferry will now run until May 22, with extended hours.

by Justin Garcia October 14, 2021April 16, 2025