the florida department of transportation is finally adding a traffic light to a dangerous stretch of road. the signal is up along hillsborough avenue between meridian point apartments in east tampa. that's after years of people getting hurt and in some cases getting killed while crossing the street there. many of the injuries have the students darting through traffic to get to school. officials in tampa say the light costs $350,000 and will be fully operational by the end of next week. tampa is one step closer to of small amounts of marijuana. city council voted to move forward with the idea. if someone is caught with 20- grams or less of marijuana they could pay a fine of $70 up to $450 for a fourth arrest. this is all meant to keep young people out of jail. most people who spoke up today support the ordinance. >> by passing this ordinance they'll be protecting us from the system. from the bad laws that we are having to get severely punished for. it is not only to get high. some people use it for their illness. >> final vote is set for march 17th. if it passes the measure needs a si

the florida department of transportation has been working on a project on not off-ramp for a few weeks and heading eastbound off of the ramp they are adding a right turn lane and also adding a traffic signal at this intersection. it was supposed to be done in time for the festival but the organizers think that this will cause a traffic jom jam during peak times. >> they called me and said that it was not going to be ready, i got quite a alarmed. >> the plant city commissioner says the state didn't make its deadline to have the construction done in time for this year's florida strawberry festival. he worries that visitors will be plagued with worse than normal >> the barricades are up and the barriers and cones and that make it difficult for people to come through there who have never been there before and it scares them and slows them up and we don't need anything slowing them up coming in. >> the florida department of transportation says they never promised to have the work done in time, but said they hoped to have it done. now they say it will be done some time in the spring. the con

the florida department of transportation will be working on the railroad crossing near krenshaw lake road. jamel lanee joins us live and about this. >> reporter: they are. patience. this part of the highway is a nightmare during rush hour, so come monday, this part will be closed down meaning delays and detours will take twice as long. u.s. 41 is a major thoroughway through lutes. but come monday, it will be jam packed. >> all i know is it is going to be two weeks and everybody better be prepared. >> reporter: be prepared for the delays and detours when fdot closes down the road to work ton railroad crossing.

the florida department of transportation has detours set up. >> it's a mess. >> reporter: on this first day of the closure many didn't seem to know. >> we have seen people trying to make u-turns down the street and coming through our complex. they don't know where to go. >> there were articles in the paper and there have been signs people were oblivious to the signs. >> reporter: area access to businesses will be open and traffic will be heavier so be prepared. >> we have a mat on our website right now at abcactionnews.com. >>> tonight a hernando county mother is facing charges after leaving here 10, 6, and 2-year old home and they started a fire. when they called and said they had started a fire, she said she wasn't coming home but then her two and a half hours to get there. >>> still sprinkles to the east. polk county had over an inch of rain. it almost feels like a summer day. when you see temperatures in the 80s and dew points around 70 it's usually a good sign that you think summer weather is around the corner. well, maybe not long term. i do think we have a lot of changes coming t

florida department of transportation suggests taking dale mabry south to bearss. if you miss the detour take lake fern to dale mabry or use sunset lane east south to bearss. those roads are small two lanes and will clog fast. all drivers will be stopped both directions at the railroad cross south of crystal lake road. repairs are expected to last two weeks barring weather delays. fdot says all businesses and driveways will remain open. local traffic should use crystal lake. long distance drivers are best served avoiding getting close to the closure all together. evening commute will be heavy going back north. use bearss to northbound dale mabry or northbound livingston. >> you can find all of the detour information quickly with >>> genetically modified mosquitoes could be the way to fight the zica virus in florida. food and drug administration says a planned release of modified mosquitoes in the state of florida in the florida keys would not harm people or the environment. mosquitoes, which can carry zica have dna which leads to offspring that won't survive outsid

the florida department of transportation has detours set up. >> it's a mess. >> reporter: on this first day of the closure many didn't seem to know. >> we have seen people trying to make u-turns down the street and coming through our complex. they don't know where to go. >> there were articles in the paper and there have been signs

the department of transportation, the city of orlando and the central florida expressway hort has teamed up and mailed out notices to remind businesses of the change. we are coming back live. the closure is supposed to be scheduled for the next three years. the department of transportation says that could change depending on circumstances. changes that happen on air and online. >> don't forget, keep up with all the changes on the big drive with a special section of clickorlando.com. go to clickorlando.com/the big drive. >> eight months after a woman was killed in lake cloin and the man accused of driving has been arrested. >> florida highway patrol investigators arrested this man, 2-year-old mike chafes. 25-year-old chelsea spence was killed in the crash. her grandmother says she is glad chafe was arrested but she doesn't want to see him going to prison. > going to prison doesn't solve anything, it makes more problems. the children miss their parents. in prison, you can't help support them. >> that's a sad story. chafe has bonded out of jail. he is charged with dui manslaughter. prison i

the florida department of transportation is closing down the roadway to repair the railroad crossing. the project is slated to last two weeks. residents who live in the area are pretty upset because they say the extra traffic will spill over on to residential streets, which could tie up roadways longer. >> that impact with that traffic on those roads there,'s kids, vehicles, safety, police, is going to hurt someone. >> d.o.t. says hopefully there won't be too much congestion since spring break is next week. the road closure will be just north of crenshaw lake road. >>> we posted a map of the road close and you are alternate routes on wfla.com. >>> construction crews are racing to restore the beach at the southern end of siesta key. they will be working to have the project completed by may 1st. they're replacing two miles of eroded beach. they're in a rush to finish the project before sea turtle nesting season. the sand is spread across the shoreline. the project cost $21 million. >>> roaring race car engines have been replaced by runners participant nothing the grand prix 5k. security

the florida department of transportation urges you to stay alert. put down the cell phone or any other distraction and allow accommodate the construction. i am gail paschall-brown, live in orlando wesh 2 news. ,jim: coming up, spring break gets a bit too wild. angela: wesh 2 is talking to daytona beach officers who are now requesting help from the sheriff' s office to control the crowds. plus, new information on the death of frank sinatra jr. who passed away right here in 5:00. and brace yourself. the digital coupons are coming next. look at her, so proud of her momma. you saved quite a bit today go ahead. say it. cha-ching! and coupons. three easy ways to save at the same place you love to shop. angela: it has been a wild two weeks and daytona beach. jim: spring breakers have crowded into town, and over 100 wesh 2' s claire metz reports beach patrol is actually asking the sheriff' s office for help controlling the crowds. claire: in march and april of last year, the spring break months, beach safety made a total of 94 arrests. in just the first two

of south florida are cracking down on drivers to keep bicycles and pedestrians safe. starting today officers can issue citations using money from the florida department of transportation. fdot awarded the usf police department a more than $14,000 grant. this is going towards a bicycle pedestrian focused initiative. now officers can issue citations as well as warnings. >>> well, this morning an 8 on your side alert. flows into the storm drains along the streets and that water and all the stuff in it goes directly into bay area. >> meteorologist leigh spann joins us with how community started a way to stop this. >> that's right. the tampa shores neighborhood is in installing storm water catch baskets right in their storm drains to curb the trash right at the curb. >> oh, a florida rainstorm. boy, can it pour. >> all the storm water run off goes straight into the bay. there's not a catch base or anything. >> neighbors in tampa shores, a self-proclaimed boating community wanted to keep the bay clean of all the trash and muck caught in the rain water. >> we see people throw trash out all the time. we can catch that and cigarette butts and all the nasty things and stop that

the florida department of transportation will be working on the railroad crossing near krenshaw lake road. jamel lanee joins us live and about this. >> reporter: they are. patience. this part of the highway is a nightmare during rush hour, so come monday, this part will be closed down meaning delays and detours will take twice as long. u.s. 41 is a major thoroughway through lutes. but come monday, it will be jam packed. >> all i know is it is going to be two weeks and everybody better be prepared. >> reporter: be prepared for the delays and detours when fdot closes down the road to work ton railroad crossing. >> a six-lane highway is closed when the next largest road to the east is two lanes? >> reporter: that means almost 30,000 commuters will find residential streets to maneuver through tieing up two-way lanes. just how long will that take? well, we tested it. from u.s. 41, we turned on crystal lake road, then south on delmavery high school and then van dike road putting us back on u.s. 41, 17 minutes later. and that is without traffic. >> that impact with that traffic on those road

of south florida are cracking down on drivers in order to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe. starting today officers can issue citations using money from the florida department of transportation. fdot awarded the usf police department a more than $14,000 grant. this goes towards a bicycle pedestrian initiative. they can issue citations and warnings. >>> this morning an 8 on your side alert. >> every time it rains water flows into the storm drains along the streets. that water and all of the stuff in it goes directly into tampa bay. >> meteorologist leigh spann has one way a neighborhood is stopping this problem. >> they are installing catch the curb. >> a florida rainstorm, boy, can it pour. >> all the storm water run off goes into the bay. there's not a catch base. >> neighbors in tampa shore, a self-proclaimed boating community wanted to keep it clear of all the trash and muck caught in the rain water. >> you see people throw trash out all the time. you can stop it here. and like cigarette butts we can catch those. >> these custom made baskets still in a storm catch they have a special lining to absorb oil but it can make it to the bay. >> that's what got us the golden mang

less than a year ago, florida department of transportation studied this deadly problem trying to find ways to stop it. it found 280 wrong-way crashes. they hurt 400 people and killed 75. we talked to the state attorney today, mark ober, about what he thinks should be done. >> million-dollar question is how do we prevent it and it may be time to say we need to have stop sticks going the wrong way. it is preventable. it is avoidable. you know? so we have to -- we have to review what we can do because it is an epidemic. >> and of course you can count on 8 on your side asking lot of questions about the next step to try to put a stop to this problem. many people are sharing condolences with the family of deputy kotfila. you can do it on our facebook page. >>> breaking news out of tampa. police on the scene of a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian. it happened at the republic of cuba. the pedestrian died. the police are looking for the driver tonight. >>> breaking news out of clearwater. another pedestrian accident. this happened along sunset point road near hercules avenue and

concerned a number of homes, churches and other century old buildings won't a video on the florida department of transportation web site explains why tampa bay express lanes will benefit the entire community. the idea behind tampa bay express is simple. drivers who want the extra convenience can choose to pay a toll to use the express lane. >> reporter: the lanes would be constructed adjacent to current lanes, essentially widening the interstates, but at what cost? those opposed to the project took to the streets voicing their concerns. linda soll, a former member of city council and a community activist. >> the neighbors who live here are up in arms or don't know what's being proposed. it's very concerningment one of the purposes of the -- concerning. one of the purposes of the march is to make people aware either their home is going to be lost or the interstate will be across the street from them. >> reporter: they wore yellow ponchos, carrying crime scene will be a crime if this project proceeds as planned. >> it's a six to nine plus billion dollars boondoggle that will tie up the roads and change the neigh

again, florida department of transportation has closed down the skyway bridge due to the fog. what does that mean traffic- wise? well, you have to take i-75. no other way to get to pinellas county. heading up further north over to hillsborough county, you will need to take 75 all the way around. so of course, leave the house early because this is not an easy alternate to go all the way around. so depending on where you are headed, leave the house early. and let's take a live look at the fog. this is 275 right on the skyway bridge. it is closed right now so i-75 is your alternate. that's a look at weather and traffic on the 8s. now back to gene and gayle. >> okay, leslee, thank you. >>> a craft brewery that got its start in tampa is now sold. >> what it means for cigar city and craft beer lovers. >>> and up next, what is budget. you're watching news channel 8 >>> bad news for driver, gas prices are starting to creep up because the price of oil is on the rice. it was $27 a barrel and now it's $37. the national average is still down 52 cents a gallon from last march. state are fi

the florida department of transportation is closing down the road to repair the railroad crossing in lutz. that construction is slated to last about two weeks. in the meantime, you have to use florida avenue and delmavery highway. they are concerned that the extra traffic will spill into neighborhood streets. >> there's kids on the roads. vehicles safety, police. all those. the delay in time is going to hurt someone. >> fdot hopes it won't be too much congestion since spring break is next week. krenshaw lake road. >>> a man who took deputies on a wild chase is behind bars tonight. >> what the sheriff has to say about this dangerous driver. plus, more speeding drivers but these are okay. these guys are racing in the grand prix. still ahead, we will show you how you can catch all of the action. >> above average temperatures and sunshine has been the story this week. but we are tracking some changes as we head into this weekend. it does include higher rain chances. we will let you know the timing of that coming up in our forecast. >> we'll have that and more coming up. you're watching n

expansion if approved, 90 percent of the money will come from the faa. 8 percent from the florida department of transportation. >>> a combo cruise ship rescued more than one dozen migrants in the gulf of mexico big us coast guard says the legends of pittsburgh themed crews picked up 16 migrants on saturday. pittsburgh steelers james harris to see pictures on instagram and was one of several athletes on the ship at this time. earlier this month it is a cruise ship rescued one doesn't stranded migrants. >>> winter garden homeowners could keep chickens in their breasts -- backyards. a group asked commissioners to hear proposals. they plan to address a topping of the meeting next month. >>> you will have more places to shop it. >> visit destiny springs. >> 30 designers including lacoste, kate spade has signed on to the tenants. that is the parts largest they are doubling restaurants. the expansion starts may 15. >>> drivers rising prices on a 12 year low when they fill up gas tanks picture places prices are 60-77 flex -- less than last year. daytona beach usual 1.7 for hire as always. triple aces 1 gallon of regu

>> an attractive gateway to your city. >> reporter: the florida department of transportation for its part says the legislature forces fdot to spend money on landscaping, 1.5% of the cost of all road projects. an overpass that cost $21 million to build, almost $600,000 of that paid for sprinklers, shrubs and, yes, expensive palm trees. >> it's a waste of money. it is. it's a waste of money. >> reporter: he only has a say in the tree he plants. the only way to make an expensive flashy tree still look that way, weeks and months and even years later is to take care of it and that costs money, too. >> reporter: it looks like nobody took care of it. >> nobody has taken care of this. >> reporter: money some counties and cities clearly don't have or at least won't spend. >> your observation about maintenance being important is right on target. it's something where you want to, with your joint agreements with the cities or counties if they're maintaining it, you need to stay on top of that. >> the money should have went to schools, should have went to the homeless, to people in need. >> report

it's part of a safety effort with the florida department of transportation. so far, 800 lights have been given out to 17 is schools. the state purchased the l.e.d. lights with a federal grant. state law requires bikes to have front and rear bike lights at night. >>> a hikeker in israel made quite the find, a rare 2,000-0- year-old gold coin. let's take a look here. the coin was found in eaeastern city. and there's only one other coin like it in the world and that's in a british museum. and for this coin, the hiker turned it over to authorities. i wonder if he got money for that. . >> yeah, i bet that's worth a lot of coin right there. >> nice. nice. >> all right. can't t follow that one. >>> i'm in a fog today. well, a lot of us are in the fog. especially along the coast. there's a dense e fog advisory for the near shore waters. and inland fog starting to develop. only three-quarters of a mile visibility in lakeland. thicker fog in brooksville. sarasota into st. petersburg, right where it was thick yesterday and where the sunshine skyway bridge bridge was clo

u.s. 41 will be closed so the florida department of transportation can work on the railroad crossing near crenshaw lake road in lutes. delays and detours along the six-lane roadway could take twice as long and that has residents very angry. >> that impact with that traffic on those roads, there's kids, vehicles, safety, police, all those, the delay in time is going to hurt someone. around this work zone using florida avenue, beers avenue and dale mabry highway. u.s. 41 should be closed about two weeks depending on the weather, of course. >>> hulk hogan's $100 million sex tape trial continues tomorrow morning for a second week. gawker will begin presenting its witnesses then. friday experts testified about the value of this tape. an expert for hogan claimed the video brought gawker its highest number of views ever and brought value to the company because of it. meanwhile hogan says the trial has been more than difficult and it's been wrestling andre giant in the ring also making history. >>> if you have not been anywhere close to down down st. petersburg this weekend, you've heard the

the city is ptnering with the florida department of transportation to expedite construction on indian creek dry. the 25 m mlion-dollar project which includes improving seawall and street drain saj designed to curb gliergtd caused by high tides and rising sea levels. it's experkted to be completed over the next 24 months. jet blue a niengs major expansion in s. airt line ofjjcer is ser ferring nono stop flights from florida to new orleans. flights to nassau bahamas is also increase ling. jet blue ads they will add more destinations later this year. >>>> >> robbin: also on 7, ab awful accident in northeast florida when a little boy accidentally shoots his mother. the woman in the back while he was fliegd their pickup truck near gainesville. it's not exactly clear how he got ahold of the weapon. the mother naing to the hospital. no word on her condition. the child was not hurt. the department of children and families is ngw investigating. >>> a man accused of shooting an idaho pastor behind bars. kyle o dom was arrested outside washington dc outside white house. and he was seen flowing s

plane tickets will cover costs, after that, $9 million from taxpayers through the florida department of transportation. plans still need to be approved >>> new home for orlando city, we'll have coverage starting at 1:30 this afternoon. the game starts at 2:00. >> >> orlando city soccer club kicks off their season opener at 2:00. folks won't be able to use sun rail to get to the citrus bowl. instead, linx buses will have service. a fan fast, music and other festivities will be there. >> >> meteorologist marina jurica is here. >> a beautiful day at the game. around noon, 72 degrees. 75 degrees at kickoff. breezy northerly winds 5-15- miles per hour making things feel very comfortable at the citrus bowl today. from west to east across our viewing area, we are looking at another beautiful day. a cold front moving through allowing us to have a cool and beautiful day. i4 corridor a lot of beautiful sunshine, with a high of 73 at 2:00. looking at titusville, we'll be warming up to 71 degrees. >> >> 9 investigate as dangerous parasite that eats your eyeball from the inside out. how it is getting to your conta

and may of last year, the florida department of transportation announced a push to reduce those numbers of crashes, doubling the number of roadway signs at 85 different interchanges. installing some flashing signs and changing eras. f.said impaired driving is a factor in most of these crashes. >>> we will continue to follow that story throughout the morning. the sheriff ordered the flags of the sheriff's offices and substations to be flown at half staff. jake is still at the hospital we will get back to him when we can't. >>> the touching, sad part about this is we have the visual we've been showing this morning with the crash and the picture of the deputy rescuing the kitten. truly, a good guy. and someone that was well-versed in law enforcement and helping the community. >>> we need to switch gears. looking outside right now, this is your live shot from circles and apollo beach. a great place to enjoy a beverage or nice meal. maybe take your boat in. park your boat at the dock and enjoy some hospitality and good food. we are seeing some not hospitable whether to the west as all of thi

the florida department of transportation is closing down the roadway to repair the railroad crossing. the improvement project is expected to last two weeks. drivers should use dell -- residents who live in the area are upset because they're worried that extra traffic could spill into residential areas and it's where children play. >> that impact with that traffic on those roads, there's kids, vehicles, safety, police, all going to hurt someone. >> the department of transportation hopes spring break next week will actually help alleviate the congestion. the road closure will be just north of crenshaw lake road >> we've posted a map of the road closures on wfla.com. >>> the kentucky derby is two months away, but horse racing fans can get a peek of the triple crown race at tampa bay downs. brodie was preparing for the tampa bay derby. he's the favorite in the race. >> i expect him to win. i think this is a talented horse. he's coming into the race perfectly, and he seems to play fit and happy with this racetrack. we've come over here to win and give brodie's day started the right way and

less than a year ago, the florida department of transportation studied the deadly problem and how to stop it. it found 280 wrong way crashes from 2009 to 2013. those crashes hurt 400 people and killed 75. we asked state attorney mark ober what he thinks should be done to stop the tragedies. >> the million dollar question is how do we prevent it and it may be time to say we need to it is preventible. it is avoidable. you know, so we have to, we have to review what we can do because it is an epidemic. >> 8 on your side will keep asking about the next steps as problem. >>> this morning, many people are sharing their condolences with the family of deputy kotfila and you can as well. comment on our post on the wfla facebook page. wfla.com. there you can read more about the deputy and how he is being honored. >>> this morning, tampa police are looking for the hit-and-run driver that left a pedestrian to die. this happened just before 10 p.m. saturday at republica de cuba south of 28th avenue. released. is now open. we'll bring you any updates as they become available. >>> police are also i

less than a year ago, the florida department of transportation looks at how to stop it. 280 crashes from 2009 to 2013. those crashes hurt 400 people and killed 75. we asked state attorney mark ober what he thinks should be done to prevent the tragedies. >> the million dollar question is how do we prevent it and it have stop sticks going the wrong way. it is preventible. it is avoidable. so we have to, we have to review what we can do because it is an epidemic. >> 8 on your side is going to keep asking about the next steps as this continues to be a problem. >>> many people are sharing their condolences with the family of deputy kotfila. you can as well. post your comment on our wfla facebook page. we'll have continuing coverage on wfla.com. you can read more about deputy kotfila and how he is being honored. >>> new this morning, another deadly accident in hillsborough county. this accident happened just before midnight on parsons avenue south. hillsborough county deputies tell me selina was driving a jeep cherokee when cynthia mcmillion ran across parsons avenue. the driver could not see

officials with the florida department of transportation say drivers will see an increase in motorcycle traffic along i-95 and i-4 this weekend. they are urging drivers to be extra careful including double-checking blind spots before changing lanes. they are being told to leave space between these bikes and other vehicles on the road. that is very important for sure. >> it is a lot of fun but hopefully it will be a safe weekend as well. at least we know the weather will be good. >> we are clearing out out. we are seeing some wet roads from the rain earlier. the rain coming to an end. now the skies are clearing out. a beautiful start to the day. a beautiful start to bike week. we are at 61 degrees from that vantage point at daytona beach near the peer. we'll deal with allergens. oak and grass will continue to mid 60's and drying out. seeing more and more sunshine and 79 by 4:00. short sleeves in order later today. we'll take you through the bike week forecast. first let's check with amy in the traffic center right now. >> some minor accidents. they are quickly clearing. roads are beginni

. >> reporter: gary is in talks with the florida department of transportation and the manufacturer of the pods device. he's now working on setting up a model to be tested with real cars. another guys a hoeft you always these crashes are spike strips such as those in rental car parking lots.i got ahold of that analysis from the state outleuning whythe installation of spike strips our highways would not work. they list ten reasons. i've posted this on our website for out to check out. it's local10.com.erica rake oh, local10 news. >> victor: the same system is also being tested in tampa and tallahassee. in pensacola pistol markers that light have been recently installed and state transportation officials. >> janine: a disturbing confrontation involving police officers slapping and king a teen on school ground was all caught on camera. the cell phone video shows a school officer yelling while slapping the teen three times and kicking him as he walked away. one slap striking him so hard, you can hear it. >> as a parent of a baltimore city school student, i was appalled. you never want to s

. >> a study released last year bit florida department of transportation identified 280 wrong-way crashes between 2009 and 2013. one in five proved fatal. in tampa, fox news. >> kirstin: and we're working to get more information on an accident at an ocala gun range. six people, including four children, were hit by bird shot after it ricocheted off of at concrete slab. shooting range in the middle of the ocala national forest. deputies tell us a man was loading an antique shotgun when it went off. children ages eight, 10, 14, and 15 were hurt but not seriously. deputies say they don't expect to file charges. >>> the next occupant of the white house will have his or her work cut out. >> tom: that place back there, the national intelligence council forecasts trouble ahead in an early draft of its global trends report. reporting from washington. >> reporter: a slowing global economy, increasing competition, and even more political volatility. those are the top three global challenges that the next president of the united states will face, according to the national intelligence council. every

that is out was expected to reopen in just two days, but now the florida department of transportation says it could be as much as a month until early april some time before it reopens, and all of this is happening during peak tourist season. business owners and local residents like that bridge, are up in arms. the sound of progress on a $5.75 million dania beach bridge renovation is the sound of pain for many others. >>t kills business because not only the noise because they're making so much noise and all the customers don't want to sit here. >> todd: jimbo's sandbar sits right next the the brickell and this is the peak season. >> we are slammed. we usually have every single table full. >> for us it has really shut down all kinds of potential buyers. >> reporter: a boutique cdo and development along the intracoastal. he also president of the area's homeowner association and he nothing but track of trouble. >> what was normally a quick commute here is now a battle. the weekends, you do not want to come here. >> todd: now the reopening has been delayed. fdot said quinn construction dis

tickets will cover most of the cost and about $9 million from taxpayers through the florida department of transportation. the plan still needs to be approved by the faa. >>> we are now just hours away from the first game of orlando city soccer's second season in major league soccer. the team says there are fewer than 3,000 tickets left for the match this afternoon. orlando city is hoping to fill the bowl at the citrus bowl for their home opener. their new italian infielder isn't expected to play, but jersey during half time. wrdq 27 is the new home for the game. fans will have to use lynx buses to get around. sunrail won't be running today. the buses will increase service downtown starting at 10:00 a.m. music and food and a kids zone will begin at that time. the citrus bowl will open at 12:30. >>> meteorologist marina jurica is in severe weather center 9 and the weather will be picture perfect. >> i think so. it's going to be gorgeous with a nice cool breezy northerly wind. it will be quite comfortable. we'll be looking at 72 at noon. when the gates open at the citrus bowl. the kickoff for the match is

the florida department of trans transportation is closing down the roadway to repair the railroad crossing in loots. the improvement project is expected to last two weeks. drivers should use florida avenue, bierce avenue. residents who live in the neighborhood are upset because they're worried that extra traffic is going to spill over on into residential streets and it's where children play. >> that impact with that traffic on those roads, there's kids, vehicles, safety, police, all those, the delay in time is going to hurt someone. >> the department of transportation hopes spring break, next week, will help alleviate some of that congestion. the road closure will be north of crenshaw road. >>> we've posted a map of the road closure and alternate routes on wfla.com. racing to restore the beach at the southern end of fiesta key. they're working armed the clock to have the project completed by may 1st. crews are restoring badly eroded -- they're trying to do this before sea turtle nesting season. the project consists of $21 million. >>> the kentucky derby is two months away, but horse racing

department of transportation says many florida drivers killed in motorcycle accidents 29% or nearly one third had more than the legal limit. experts want you to be mindful of this as we head into bike week. >> if you are hopping on the bike make sure you are not going to have alcohol. park the bike and don't get on it if you have had a few drinks. >> reporter: department of transportation says motorcycle drivers killed in accidents have the higher percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle wrecks. if you are heading over to bike week i know you'll have a good time and probably a few drinks but take this as a friendly and gentle reminder to drink responsibly and be safe on the roads. in st. pete emerald morrow 10 news wtsp. >>> polk county fire investigators are trying to figure out what started a fire and killed a man and woman and their dog this morning. damaged after it was caught in a storm off the east coast on its way to florida. this afternoon there is more trouble for royal caribbean. the company had to cut another cruise short and dock this morning in new jers

. >>> we have statistics on where florida stands when it comes to motorcycle crashes and deaths. the department of transportation says we in florida are at the top of the list. this is thing to think about with daytona biking kicking off on friday. this report shows more drivers and riders are killed in motorcycle accidents in florida than just about any other state in the entire country. national highway traffic safety administration says florida is in motorcycle accidents. number two, when you add passengers. that is really scary when you think how high we are on this list. motorcyclists make up 20% of all deaths on our roads. they only make up 7% of licensed drivers. in 2014, 114 drivers were killed in motorcycles. according to aaa a fifth of motorcyclist don't have insurance. i'm looking into this report that i have here. i'm going to be breaking down someone without insurance on a motorcycle gets into an accident. that's coming up at 6:30. reporting live in st. pete emerald morrow 10 news wtsp. >>> four people are injured and 30 homes are damaged after a tornado struck jefferson county, alabama. you can see

we know the department of transportation and the city of orlando and the central florida expressway authority have teamed up and mailed out notices to remind businesses of the change. this ramp closure is scheduled to be at least three years. the department of transportation did tell us that could change. that could change pauf weather. we'll keep you up to date on any changes that happen on air and online. >> you can keep up with all the go to clickorlando.com/the big drive. >> a man accused of driving has been arrested. investigators arrested 25-year-old mike chavis. it end up in a neighbor's home. 25-year-old chelsea was killed in the crash. her grandmother tells us she is glad chavis was arrested but she doesn't want him to go to prison. >> going to prison doesn't solve anything. it makes more problems. the children get -- miss their parents. him in prison, he can't help support them. >> chavis has already bonded out of jail. he is charged with dui manslaughter. he could spend 10 years in prison if he is convicted. >> there is a crime tracker alert this morning for the men deputies say br

of providing flights from florida to cuba. american airlines submitted the application to the department of transportation wednesday. american wants to fly out of miami to six cuban cities including havana. from several florida cities including tampa and orlando. well all this comes as historic changes are happening between cuba and the u.s. our own keith cate will be traveling to cuba this month to president president barack obama's historic visit to the island. you can see and watch keith's reports from cuba right here on news channel 8 beginning sunday march 20th. >>> well, time now is 6:38 and i'm really loving like your clothes. you have the spring clothes on, spring colors and the weather seems kind of spring-like. >> adds a spring to your step. everyone really getting into the spring-time feel. let me show you each hour, 56 at 8:00, 59 at 9:00. 71 at 1:00. 75 at 3:00 p.m. hard to buy better weather than this. still 70 at 7:00 p.m. and now one little fly in the ointment, well, we call it pollen in the ointment i guess. high pollen levels today, tomorrow and saturday. little bit but take the allergy medication a

of long trips in space. >>> several airlines asking permission for daily flights from south florida to cuba. jetblue american airlines and delta submitted applications yesterday with department of transportation. the packed with the government gives us airlines access 210 daily flights to the island but only 20 of those will be allowed to go to havana. the final routes are expected to be released this summer. >>> a jury in miami will criminal prosecutors say raped a woman one month after he left prison. terrence jefferson took the stand in his own defense. he gotten out of prison when police say he went on a brutal crime spree. he says he did not try to kidnap and rape young woman at gunpoint in december 2013. instead he gave the woman money for sex and she started acting strangely. >> don't do that and she started making and people across the street. and don't do that because i just got out of jail. i'm not supposed to be outside. prosecutors say the victim had simply asked the defendant for a ride when he attack happened. both sides gave closing arguments yesterday. >>> a thief breaks into a car in southwest miami-dade surveillance cameras capture the man casually approaching the kia in ran

florida to the island. airlineses submitted applications yesterday to the u.s. department of transportation. the pack with the government gives cuba access to hundreds of flights to cuba but only 20 are allowed in havana. the expected routes released this summer with first flights released in october. >>> the wgc cadillac championship is today. is the tournament staying or asking. the pga says it's exploring options because of comments made about mexican immigrants. huge financial blow to the city. pga has helped 54 tournaments. trump's views are not shared by him. >> we are always being inclue sif and we will keep being inclusive. we think the pga tour should stay. >> this is cadillac's last year sponsoring the tournament and they may be concerned about finding a new sponsor that is consistent to working with trump. >>> after nearly a year in space scott kelly is back in his home state of texas. he arrived at elliott field in houston overnight. he spent 340 days at the international space station. kelly spoke after touching down in texas this morning. >> this mission is the latest achieveme

department of transportation today. american wants to fly out of miami to six cuban cities including havana. silver airways also proposed service to havana from several florida cities including tampa and orlando. all of this coming as historic changes are happening between cue tampa bay area and the u.s. i will be traveling there to cover president obama's visit to the island. you can watch everything here on newschannel8 beginning sunday march 20. >>> new tonight, a frightening neighborhood. take a look. one family finds this guy in their backyard pool. and tonight, they are sharing a scare of a lifetime. >> a whopping nine foot long 300-pound alligator right in their backyard pool. paul mueller joins us live from hillsborough county with that story. it's a good thing they spotted this gator early on. >> reporter: that's right. you know, it's a good thing. luckily, they weren't about to just jump in the pool. the problem is this. their pool has a dark bottom. and that is the perfect place for a reptile to blend in. wrestled out of the water. this gator clearly not giving up without a fight. it is an experience the leers of lakeland won't soon forget. that n

florida to cuba. today airlines such as jetblue, american airlines and delta submitted applications with us department of transportation. the pact with the cuban government gives us airlines access to 110 daily flights to cuba, but only 20 of those will be allowed to go to havana. the final rounds are expected to be released this summer. >>police have now found the vehicle believed to have been used in a shooting death. officers located the car in opa- locka. king carter was shot and killed february 20 outside of an apartment complex in northwest miami-dade. he was standing outside of the complex when a car came up and to need -- 2 teenagers open fire on another teenager. the child was killed in the shootout. >>one year after a gold heist the started in miami and ended in north carolina, the fbi has made its first arrest. alberto perez is accused of stealing $4.8 million in gold bars from a truck on i-95. investigators say 3 armed men intercepted the truck and tied up the driver. the suspect sister-in-law is stunned he could be capable of the crime. >> if all of this were true, i don't see how he could be living here,

the university of south florida are cracking down on drivers to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe. officers can now issue citations using money from the u.s. department of transportation. usf was awarded a more than $14,000 grant. now officers can issue citations as well as warnings. >>> the time right now is 6:08. you never know first of all by our spring colored dresses and short sleeves that it's cold out there. >> it's quite iconic, we started spring yesterday and brought back winter weather. this is your winter day. it's breezy, it's clear and it's not warming up much. we start at 50 degrees at 8:00 a.m. much cooler than we expect. we don't warm up. 54 at 10:00, 58 at noon. finally into the 60s this afternoon with an afternoon high even them the breeze will make it feel even cooler. interestingly enough the winds will relax a bit for tonight. so we'll be even colder. feeling more like a january day. don't worry for the folks on spring break it's a fast warm up. low 70s tomorrow, near 80 on wednesday. i do hold off the the weekend. here's a better look at the temperatures. average this time of the year 77. we'll be at 66 today but 73 tomorrow, 79 wednesday and up

florida to cuba. and delta submit applications the department transportation. the packed with the cuban government is in access to 110 daily flights to cuba but only 20 of those will be allowed to go to havana. the final routes will be released this summer. >>> tendons are on the rise this morning in the korean peninsula. in south korea the north has fired six short-range projectiles into the sea off of the east coast this came after the un security council approved the toughest sanctions on the rogue nation into decades for its recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch. officially the projectiles could be missiles artillery or rockets. >>> astronaut scott kelly is back in texas. he arrived at ellington field in houston overnight. 24 hours earlier he landed in kazakhstan after spending 340 days at the iss. during his year-long mission he carried out experiments to he spoke shortly after touching down in texas this morning >> this mission is latest achievement our country's space program but it's not the last there will be more it's in our dna. to explore and we must never stop doing this. we must lead and learn and discover. >>> >> the kelly is now 2 inches

transportation department how talks may avoid that fight. we have a wrap of the republican presidential debate and how this face to face matchup shaped florida's primary next week. that's coming up on the 11:00 news. >>> thank you. >>> they're hitting the right notes by placing instruments in the hands of middle school students in the bay area. recycled tunes. a harmonious mission is what's right with tampa bay. [music] >> and the beautiful school pop that's what got me interested into playing the keyboard. >> the band is the brain child of daniel shea, the music teacher at at the school. >> as they gain a love for music that they know and can play the music that they know they are interested in and curious about other music they don't know. >> the instruments are donated by gasparilla music foundation. they give indisrupts to those who cannot afford them. >> guitars, drum sets all the popular instruments. >> the program is called recycled tunes, this year we collected over 100 instruments, we have placed over 300 to date in area schools. >> they're proud of the initiative that is inching the >> wonderful opportunity for the community to dig o