WFLA News Channel 8 is the leading source of news, weather, sports and entertainment in Tampa Bay, Florida. WFLA is committed to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information on the stories that matter to you and your community. Here are some of the top stories from WFLA News Channel 8 today:
Brandon murder suspect arrested after 4 years on the run
A man wanted for a murder in Brandon four years ago has been arrested in Georgia, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say 28-year-old Jamarquis Williams shot and killed 25-year-old Dwayne Smith Jr. at a party on July 4, 2019. Williams fled the scene and had been on the run ever since.
The U.S. Marshals Service tracked him down to a hotel in Atlanta, where he was taken into custody on Tuesday. He is now awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County, where he faces charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the efforts of the detectives and the marshals for bringing Williams to justice. “This arrest shows that no matter how long it takes, we will never stop pursuing those who commit violent crimes in our community,” Chronister said.
Neighbors worried about wastewater spill cleanup
Residents in a Pinellas County neighborhood are concerned about the cleanup of a wastewater spill that happened last week. About 50,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater overflowed from a manhole near 62nd Avenue North and 16th Street North on Thursday. The spill was caused by a power outage at a nearby lift station.
The Pinellas County Utilities Department says it has been working to clean up the spill and restore the affected area. However, some neighbors say they are not satisfied with the response and worry about the potential health risks.
“I’m afraid to let my kids play outside or even walk my dog,” said Jennifer Smith, who lives near the spill site. “It smells bad and there are flies everywhere. I don’t think they did enough to disinfect the area.”
The county says it has applied lime to neutralize the odor and bacteria, and has tested the water quality in nearby ponds and creeks. The results showed no significant impact to the environment, according to the county.
The county also says it is conducting an investigation to prevent future spills and improve its communication with residents.
Buc-ee’s may be eyeing its 4th Florida location
Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based chain of mega gas stations and convenience stores, may be planning to open its fourth location in Florida. According to a report by GrowthSpotter, Buc-ee’s has filed plans with Osceola County to build a 53,254-square-foot store on a 35-acre site near Interstate 4 and State Road 429.
The proposed location would be near the new Margaritaville Resort Orlando and would feature 120 fuel pumps, a car wash, and a variety of food and merchandise options.
Buc-ee’s is known for its large restrooms, Beaver Nuggets snacks, and Texas-themed souvenirs. The chain currently has three locations in Florida: Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Fort Myers. It also has plans to open stores in Melbourne and Ocala.
Buc-ee’s has not officially confirmed its plans for the Osceola County site, but GrowthSpotter says it could open as soon as late 2024 or early 2025.
Tropical Storm Harold forms in Gulf of Mexico
Tropical Storm Harold has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the eighth named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Harold was located about 280 miles south-southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It was moving north-northwest at 12 mph.
The National Hurricane Center says Harold is expected to strengthen slightly before making landfall along the Louisiana coast late Wednesday or early Thursday. It could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and storm surge to parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
A tropical storm warning is in effect from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Pensacola Beach, Florida. A storm surge warning is in effect from Port Fourchon, Louisiana, to Dauphin Island, Alabama.
WFLA News Channel 8 meteorologist Leigh Spann says Harold will not have a direct impact on Tampa Bay, but it could increase the moisture and rain chances for our area later this week.
For more information on Tropical Storm Harold and other weather updates, visit WFLA Weather.
