Observer News

07/28/2025

07/24/2025

By LOIS KINDLE Family Animal Hospital in Gibsonton has expanded its team of veterinarians with the addition of Lorena Bertolo, DVM. She joins Drs. Anna Bannon and Kelsey Sparta in…

07/24/2025

By LINDA CHION KENNEY Melissa Langlois remembers the build-up, anticipation and eventual unveiling of time capsule contents for display at the Riverview Public Library this month, where one item in…

07/24/2025

By LINDA CHION KENNEY As housing costs and inflationary pressures rise, the Hillsborough County school district is doubling down on its commitment to student nutrition, providing free breakfast for all…

07/24/2025

By LOIS KINDLE Camp Bayou’s 17th annual Back to School – Back to Nature event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 9, at 4140 24th St.…

07/21/2025

– Hillsborough County is under a heat advisory today for the third day in a row. The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory for the entire county effective today, July 21, from noon to 6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.

The heat advisory means that dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected with a heat index up to 109 degrees throughout Hillsborough County. The heat index is what the temperature feels like.

Hillsborough County’s Office of Emergency Management and its partners will continue to monitor the situation and offer guidance to residents.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Without taking precautions, heat-related illnesses or even death are possible. Residents can visit Hillsborough County’s Extreme Heat Information to learn about how to stay cool in Hillsborough County, how to stay safe during extreme heat, and more on heat-related illnesses.

People without access to adequate air conditioning can take refuge in public places, including libraries or shopping malls. Residents also can refill water bottles in County parks, libraries, or government buildings across the county.

Residents who work or spend time outside during the hottest part of the day are encouraged to take precautions. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to the evening or early the next morning. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone suffering from a heat-related illness should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 for immediate care.
Hillsborough County Homeless & Community Services is working with local organizations to assist the vulnerable homeless population.

Heat-related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. Visit Heat.gov for information about how excessive heat affects your health and ways to reduce the impacts of extreme heat.

07/17/2025

By LOIS KINDLE It began in 2022 with an unsolicited message on social media from a woman striking up a conversation with a lonely man. As their messaging grew more…

07/17/2025

By LOIS KINDLE When plumbing issues arise at home, peace of mind starts with hiring licensed experts who know how to keep your system running safely and smoothly. From tiny…

07/17/2025

By LINDA CHION KENNEY In step at the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade were drummers from Apollo Beach, Riverview, Wimauma and beyond, led by Treay Caldwell, whose father, like…

07/17/2025

By LOIS KINDLE The Pelican Players upcoming production of Bermuda Avenue Triangle is sure to tickle your funny bone when two widows are shuttled off to a Las Vegas retirement…

07/16/2025

To help residents prepare for potential flooding from widespread rainfall, Hillsborough County is making sandbags available to the public Wednesday and Thursday, July 16 and 17.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Alafia River at Lithia from Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon, and for the Little Manatee River at U.S. 301 in Wimauma from Wednesday afternoon until late Thursday evening. Both rivers are expected to rise above flood stage.
Sandbags will be available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days:
• Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Dr., Tampa, FL 33626
• Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd., Plant City, FL 33567
• E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL 33570
• Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa, FL 33619
All four locations will be closed to visitors Wednesday and Thursday except for residents collecting sandbags.
Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the county; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification.
Residents are encouraged to keep any unused sandbags for the remainder of the 2025 hurricane season.

07/10/2025

By LOIS KINDLE Come experience Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary during its special Discount Day, Sunday, July 13, and meet its 30 exotic animals at reduced admission prices. During the first six…