we reached out to the tampa city attorney's office to get their reaction to the ruling. they say they are still trying to decide how to proceed. >> new tonight the food and drug administration has ruled that genetically modified mosquitoes will have no significant impact on the florida environment, and that means they could be used to fight the zika virus, but some residents are opposed because they don't know about the bugs' effects on wildlife and on a british company is going to wait to release them until after a trial. they have started trials in bra disa, panama, and the cayman islands where they have claimed to reduce the mosquito population but 90%. and reports of an aggressive alligator on the rainbow river many of you know about this popular tubing destination. marion county parks and recreation director say they will make an announcement when it is safe for people to return to using the river. >> and quite a site in brazil today, the opening ceremonies of the summer >> it is upon us l already, paul and for the next two weeks we'll be cheers on the athletes. >>

. >>> the tampa city council has a full agenda and it could affect everything from how loud your neighbors can play music to when police pull you over. >> first responders took 57 people from the festival to the hospital now the city is trying to prevent anything like that from happening again. the current rule allows people to arrest people for repeated violations. one council member wants to get rid of that. the police report wants to discuss body cameras and another given to people on bicycles. the tampa police department was accused of racism in bicycle stops. >>> 250 hopeful job seekers turned out for pasco county's against them are big. there are 19 open positions. the county has faced issues with calls going unanswered for the last two years. current operators have been working around the clock, some as many as 17 days straight. hopeful applicants got to tour the center and a breakdown of what they face on the job. >> remaining calm and collected during the response. you have to know what you are doing. you have to be able to communicate different levels. >> reporter: officials say

>>> today the tampa city council is expected to discuss an investigation into the in the hospital. news channel 8's ryan hughes is live at tampa city hall this morning. >> reporter: good morning once again. city leaders plan to discuss their findings here at city hall during a meeting that gets underway in a few hours. let's go to video right now that was taken during the sunset music festival. emergency leaders said two people died and 57 were taken to st. joseph's hospital. that kind of response is damaging to the emergency services system. so leaders want to make plans on how to hope it never happens again. now the meeting gets underway in a few hours. updates later today. live in city hall, ryan hughes, news channel 8. >> thank you. >>> rapper kevin gates will attend a preliminary hearing on a battery charge for kicking a fan at a lakeland concert. gates claims it was self- defense because the woman was tugging on his pants. the judge denied the request to drop the charge. heads back to his home state to survey the severe tornado damage. the republican nominee for vice president

the running for their lightning-fast internet. after installation issues in other cities -- the city of tampa says its waiting for an engineering review before moving ahead. today in manatee county: the city of bradenton will decide the fate of its red light cameras. the city council is considering whether to renew its contract for the seven cameras with the company that installed them, "xerox." the company is proposing a new five year contract... but bradenton police say the number of accidents at camera intersections have actually ?increased. more than 44 thousand drivers have been sent violations from the cameras since 20-10. a new warning from law enforcement for "pokemon go" players. pay attention... to thieves. sarasota police say a woman was playing the popular game on her phone when she got robbed monday night. the woman told officers she was playing at "marina jack" when a man came up behind her and grabbed her purse. to the ground, but she wasn't hurt. police say you should always be aware of your surroundings, play in groups or pairs.. and do not trespass onto private property when playing the game. and... smile for the cam

. >> in a matter of hours, the topic will be up for discussion at the city of tampa at the city council. rodney dunningan is live outside raymond james stadium. rodney, problems some. >> reporter: deiah, you know this was certainly a major issue earlier this year. two people actually died from drug overdoses. about 60 other folks were rushed to a lo here. city leaders say all of this has simply gotten out of control, and changes need to be made right away. later this morning, leaders with the police department, fire department, and the tampa sports authority will all be meeting with the city council to discuss their concerns and ways these issues can be prevented going forward. this past year, the sunset music festival put a major strain on st. joseph's hospital with an enormous apartment of emergency work. the mayer is on record saying these festivals attract drug use, the heat adding up to the perfect storm of problems. they will also look at how other cities manage problems like this as well. rodney dunningan, abc action news. >>> you live in tampa and need a good night's sleep? you

the area. >>> in response to heavy rain the city of tampa and searches county have opened sandbag operations, the city of tampa will stay open until 7:00 p.m. tonight, citrus county will have two filling stations open. one on grand march avenue and the other on west golf crystal river, both close at 5:30 today and they reopen at 8:00 a.m. sandbags will be provided, but as always you are encouraged to bring your own trouble, we have these locations and more posted on our website, abcactionnews.com. for driving through flooded streets. it can be very dangerous, if you see water do not drive through it. if you end up finding yourself in the flooded area you can have your car stall, do not remain in the car, get out as soon as possible and seek higher ground, floodwaters can elevate quickly sweeping away the vehicle and passengers inside. >>> another story, if you have been driving on the howard franklin bridge you may notice a disturbing trend, dead cats on the side of the them since june.>> another incident involving another. jake peterson is live from the road. do troopers know how the cats ar

and mosquitos aren't the only danger from "standing water"... the city of tampa is addressing its ?flooding concerns again this morning. and the public is invited to weigh in. the city council is holding a hearing to talk about its new plan to stop all those streets in south tampa from ?flooding every time we get a heavy rainstorm. the 250 million city. and to pay for it... a new stormwater tax. the assessment would cost the average homeowner about 90 dollars a year. stormwater issues last summer made many tampa roads ?impassable, and stranded hundreds of drivers. the presidential race puts the bay area back in the spotlight. republican presidential nominee donald trump held another rally in tampa wednesday. he was at the state fairgrounds making a pitch to minority voters. trump has changed his tone in recent weeks, along with his campaign staff. supporters say... they ?like the changes: and trump is really univision poll shows trump 13- points behind hillary clinton here in florida. and a ?clinton was also in florida yesterday. but it wasn't hillary... it was her ?husband, preside

last week hillsborough commissioners approved the plan as did the city of tampa and the city of st. pete. if pinellas un,ty t service will sttleassenger betwe th tampa conventn center and st. pete's beach driveor jtus $1 a cket. >>> here' a video that's gone vil. easy to see why. yeah, that visitor to seaworld learned the hard way. dolphins kind of like high-tech gadgets, too. maybe he wanted to tweet somebody. he reached out of the touch tank at seaworld andrab that woman's ip. she got it back quickly. splaed the guy taking the video. d it sms like they was laughing a little bit. it especially when the swam around. >> if you watch the whole video and i shared it on my facebook page, you can almost see the dolphins laughing after one snatched the ipad and the guy shooting the vid is laughing d he gets every day and millions com by to see them. at some point they'll turn the tables. >> maybe he was saying i'm tired of free photos here. >> remember that whether you head out with the family. don't get too close with your phone or ipad. >> absolutely. i wonder if that's covered by apple

last week hillsborough commissioners approved the plan as did the city of tampa and the city of st. pete. if given the green light by pinellas county, the service will shuttle passengers between the tampa convention center and stpete's beach drive for just $10 a ticket. >>>e'ers a video gone viral.easyo e twhy. ah ttisitor to seawod learned t. gadgets, too. somebo.nted t tweet he reaed outthf eouch tank k quickly.ab that man's ipad. what'so funny after itht lashheed t guyaking the video. dteems lik they was laughing a little bit. she called it unbelievle, especially when the dolphins proudly swam around the tank like look what i did. >> if and i shared it on my facebook page, you can almost see the dolphins laughing after one snatched the ipad and the guy shooting the video is laughing and he gets splashed. >> those dolphins are there every day and millions come by to see them. at some point they'll turn the tables. >> maybe he was saying i'm tired of free photos here. >> remember that whether you head out with the family. >> absolutely. i wonder if that's covered by apple care? can

the athletics and aquatic manager for the city of tampa and we will be talking about just how unique this pool is, built in 1937, and why it was so important for the city to save all of this >> i think if you grew up here in tampa in the ybor area, this is the delight on some of the folks' faces. i am really looking forward to because cascadian park is the park you went to. you grew up there. preserving that from the generations before, and now we are pretty excited that we have the next generations that are going to have an opportunity just like they did. >> reporter: can you talk to me about -- it doesn't look like this has really changed much since 1937. seems like even though i know of updates, but you really kept the structure intact. why was that so important? >> well this -- like i said this was really the heartbeat of our aquatic system. with a this was one of the first few that were built in tampa. so the city has done systematically over '40s and '50s and '60s done a good job of preserving the integrity of that building which is so important you don't turn your back on it no

the olympics chanting usa. there we go. the city of tampa -- it will pick up speed. the city of tampa is hoping to help future star athletes with a new swimming pool. it reopened yesterday and you can see kids are enjoying swimming and adults are lounging. the pool stayed open for 60 years and closed in the 90s and reopened in 2000. only to be shut down again after problems with the pool. the city council decided $3 million was needed to renovate are >> this is a place where kids can be kids. this is a place where young people can come in a tough lifeguards and adults who will teach them how to make the right decisions. >> the mayor says this is an example of the city's commitment to recreation. there is a small cost to use the pool, two dollars for kids and four dollars for adults. >>> as we take action for you, we want to inform you of a new campaign called taking action for education foundation and careersource tampa bay to provide counseling. this is the online survey. august 15 through september 9. viewers will take the survey at no cost and they will receive a s

the first session at 10:00 in clearwater. after that he'll head to new port richey for a session at 12:45. meanwhile the city of tampa just unveiled an aggressive plan to keep zika-infected moafntion out of the city. the question now is, will it work? >> the city purchased 3,600 of the dunks, giant chemical tablets placed in water to kill mosquitolar vafor up to 30 days. mosquito larva for up to 30 days. mayor bob buckhorn says with the public crisis already forming in miami they can't sit back and wait to act. >> there are nearly 4,000 abandoned properties in tampa rundown pools or anywhere that collects water for that matter will be a challenge. >> the lawyers are going to have to answer for me but clearly would make all the sense in the world. maybe just teach them to throw from the front yard to get it to the backyard. >> joking aside the city says they will find a way to get high risk areas treatedded even to if they are on private property. they are also asking for your help. to call county officials if you know of any mosquito hot spots. >>> today pres be in water-logged baton rouge. a lot of people depending

she and other neighbors are concerned about the tampa yacht and country club's rezoning and alcohol request with the city of tampa. >> they just want to know exactly what is going on. do they just want alcohol? that's one thing, right? do they want to start expanding and putting up parking garages and other facilities and stuff like that? i don't think -- yeah, i don't think a lot of people want to see that happen. >> reporter: according to planning and development with the city of tampa, right now the club is zoned residential. they have been grandfathered into their operation. but if they want to expand where they sell alcohol, that requires rezoning. that's why the club says they're looking to change their status. >> an additional bar that we would look to add so that members with enjoy the view while they have a drink. so yes, anything that you add like that has to be approved through the zoning and yacht club could be allowed to tear up their oak trees, put up a parking garage and apartment homes. they started the save ballast point campaign. the yacht club started their own website saying those are

the virus. city of tampa is getting ready for that. officials purchased an additional 5,000 mosquito dunks designed to stamp out the are taking that a step further. they're asking the federal government for permission to use genetically engineered mosquitos. incoming house speaker and house minority leader, who are both from thepa tam bay area alrea pport the plan. other house members have until tomorrow to sign on. stay with fox 13 as we continue to watch tropical depression nine and everything that comes with it. >>russell: we need to look at the traffic and the good morning. >>vanessa: with all the concerns on the weather front, we don't have any traffic concerns right now. live look over the howard frankland bridge towards the area of fourth street so this is closer to the pinellas side running up to speed still at a six minute drive heading into tampa. eight minutes is the ride eastbound on i-4. 75 to branch forbes and also taking eight minutes to get northbound 75 coming from the selmon heading to fowler avenue. >>laura: thank you

dozens of farmers have contacted pearson with interest in growing hops. >> >> tampa ranks second overall as one of the best cities to retire in. analysts reviewing 150 of the largest u.s. cities, comparing affordability, quality of life, recreation, tampa hit high marks in all categories. >> >> here's look at what is coming up all-new at 6:00. >> video from south florida, an armed robber caught on surveillance video stealing from a 72-year-old woman. the one thing he was able to get away with, plus these top stories. >> >> makey money on solar energy. >> any time there is an opportunity for costs to go down, it will increase sales. >> the reason your vote could be the key to cheaper energy bills and more higher paying >>> the local business targeted by sophisticated scammers, how you can protect yourself while using a credit card while >>> a growing industry designed to save you hundreds in electric costs taking florida's job market by storm. the one thing about to happen in november that could impact our solar energy job market. good evening, everyone. >> i'm whitney ryan, thanks for joining us, solar is growing

. >> you can see how packed the room was when the homeowners went into the tampa city council to problem. basically there's about ordinance under consideration, but bar managers claim it's impossible. >> just in normal conversation that's over the levels. >> city council members will put together a workshop to work out the compromise on the noise level. more drama surrounding ryan lochte. brazilian police have charged him with filing a false robbery report, and it means ryan lochte may be headed back to rio to appear before a judge. you will remember he originally claimed he and then swimmers wither robbed at gunpoint, faced security guards after vandalizing the gas station restroom. ryan lochte admitsed to being drunk at the time. >>> tensions are running high in north iowa rain january gulf. a u.s. naval ship fired warning shots towards the iranian boats. the iranian revolutionary guard vessels where speeding at the naval ship. they fired warning flares, but the boats did not back off. hours they have had to square off with the vessels. >>> more misery in central italy. 500 aftershocks

the association estimates that 38 percent of those renting in tampa make enough money ownership. tampa ranked 8th in the nation.. tied with columbus, ohio.. for most affordable cities to buy a home. a beach with no water opens in downtown tampa today. instead of water... you'll be able to swim in more than a million white, plastic balls. this is the first weekend the beach tampa will be open at amalie arena. the event is free... but you still have to book a time to experience runs through august 25th. also today... a ?free deal for florida first responders. "seaworld" is offering free tickets to police, firefighters, ?and 9-1-1 operators. you can use the ticket anytime between now and september 30th. you have to register for it first, using your i-d. police and firefighters can do it online... 9-1-1 operators will have to register in ?person at the park. along with the free ticket you can also get four ?discounted tickets , for fifty dollars each. a new addition to tampa international.. is paying tribute to the city's pirate past! airport officials cut the ribbon on the gasparilla bar on airside "f" yesterday. it's designed to look like a real pirate ship.. to invi

. >> reporter: buses running from u.s. 19 to the shops at tampa premium outlets with connections to the city coming onboard. >> that's going to be huge. major pascual employers like trinity medical center through. >> transporttation has become more and more challenging. increase in routes and buses and frequency is incredible. >> >> pascual county expected to keep growing at a record pace. people like katherine smith look forward to seeing the bus service grow, too. abc action news. >> >> turning to louisiana where historic rains have wiped out entire communities and forced from their homes, right now, a state of emergency is in effect. >> >> the river passing the old river by six feet. at last check, 64 people dead. 24,000 rescued. water rescues caught on camera. this woman in baton rouge pulled from her sinking car just in the nick of time. >> meteorologists say 20 inches of rain fell in southern louisiana in 24 hours, starting late last week, the expected to get even more rain, to day. >> even though it was an unnamed storm, it was historic levels of rivers and creeks rising. i will tell

the rays website. and finally, there's this: one of hollywood's leading funny ladies... amy schumer... just called out the city of tampa. its in her new book... "the girl with the lower back tattoo". six pages in -- she talks about a time she was traveling bewteen "two horrendous cities" fayetteville, north carolina and tampa, florida." she also took a shot at literacy in both those cities, saying quote... "i know for a fact and south tampa's inkwood books -- has responded to the book. they decided to let schumer know that -- in fact -- people in tampa ?do read. they just changed their sign along armenia avenue to read: "dear ms. schumer give us another chance? love, the three people who read." by the way -- amy schumer is coming ?back to the tampa this fall. she's to perform at amalie arena this october. ((vanessa)) david was proud to be an american soldier. and i know i'm prejudiced because he was my son, but i don't think he had a mean bone in his body. there is not a day that i don't think about david. when i saw donald trump attack another gold star mother, i felt such a sense of outrage. "she was standing there,

the music. today tampa city council got an ear full. >> homeowners and bar owners packed city council chambers to talk about the city's noise ordinance. >> problem, i'm in the here to criticize anyone, but the people who oppose this, they're going to get old and they'll get a taste of this too to see what it's like. >> the ordinance is calling for the bars to keep it below 55 decibels outside of the clubs. >> it's not possible. patio it's over 55 decibels. it's just the general feeling that it's an entertainment district that it's grown into rather than what a regular neighborhood would expect. >> there is disagreement as to whether or not this is an entertainment district or residential neighborhood. tampa city council did a prove the ordinance on the second reading, but they've promised a workshop to hammer out a compromise. >> does this ordinance impact the entire south howard area? >> right now the entire city would be impacted, downtown ybor city, but they could work out an agreement where they write in a dispensation for ybor city and residential neighborhoods, that will have to be hammered

meet so many fantastic people and it's nice to see so many of you here deeply and the impact he had on the city of tampa as a whole. he may not physically be with us any longer, we know his spirit,presence and christian message of family, love and respect will be everlasting, especially here in this community to which he dedicated his life. monsignor was such a great family man. he returned to ireland for impot happy and sad. i realize how difficult and troubling it is to travel back to ireland. i have great admiration and know his family will be grateful for the time he made it to come back for all the family occasions in ireland and germany, especially when travel and communication is much more difficult than it is today. he was so important to all of our family and such a special when i lost my mother nearly 30 years ago, i will remember the strength that i felt when i arrived in belfast for my mother's funeral. i know we experienced that great comfort and support that he would give us. unfortunately, he had to come back to ireland for the funerals of his own brothers. his brothers were his trusted c

the sheriff's office. >>> more than a year banning panhandling in parts of tampa, a judge has overturned it. after a homeless advocate sued the city saying unconstitutional to ban panhandling. the city of tampa passed an ordinance banning at downtown, ybor and bus stops. it was a critical decision for homeless helping homeless. his operation is funded by the same homeless. they hit the streets to ask for donation bus that panhandling ordinance meant doing so was a crime. >> what you are saying that one the public. a religious organization to give out. to get signatures. but we can't say would you like to make a donation and i felt it wasn't right. >> anjuli: parker sue the city of tampa. he won that case. banning solicitation is a violation of first amendment meaning pan. >>handlers can return to the sidewalks. >>> an have released dozens of reports following the pulse night club shooting. >> the documents detail not only how many of the victims died but many more details on the shooter as well. fox 13's valley bowie has the details. >> reporter: more than two months after the pulse night club hooting, the medical examiner release

thursday morning, it's just off the big bend coastline, anywhere from panama city to tampa. between thursday morning and friday morning when it heads off to jacksonville, we could see impacts anywhere along the big bend of florida right down to fort myers as far as heavy rain, wind gusts, excuse me, high surf advisories, things like that, beach erosion, rip currents. and this moves into the atlantic ocean as we head into the weekend. yeah, everything is in agreement. next 48 hours into the gulf of mexico. and then things certainly diverge. and this warm bath water of the gulf of mexico, computer models not in agreement anywhere from louisiana to florida. something that bears watching for sure. just got the latest information on tropical depression eight. still expected to be a tropical storm as it skirts north carolina and then finally, the latest information on hurricane gaston. which is still a major category three. best news of all with this one, it's moving away from the u.s. coastline and we don't have to worry about it. but we are tracking tropical depression nine. in w

and there's a new one on the table that would replace the drains like the one you see right here here in tampa. city officials tell us they are certainly needed because of all the rain. and let's go it shows parts of south tampa after heavy rains, roads, parking lots and roads were submerged. city leaders insist there will be more scenes like this without replace. s and repairs. in some case, a complete overhaul is needed. now last year an assessment rose from 36 to $28 for many residents to pay for clearing and cleaning. we got reaction to that. listen here. >> we're never going to get rid do a better job of managing the water and managing these big storms. >> reporter: that was the city council. this is an issue obviously taking center stage today, tomorrow and friday because this area is certainly prone to flooding. it will also take center stage at a city council meeting slated for tomorrow evening where they are expected to discuss the fee. but we will let you know if that meeting goes on, gayle. back to you. >> something needs to be done because it's a g south tampa. thanks, ryan. >>> a remind

meanwhile the city of tampa just unveiled an aggressive plan to keep zika-infected mosquitos out of our community. the question now, will it work? the city purchased 3,600 giant chemical tablets called dunks. that kill mosquito larva for to 30 days. there are nearly 4,000 abandoned properties in tampa and getting them into private property to keep rundown pools or anywhere that collects water for that matter is going to be a challenge. >> the lawyers are going to have to answer for me. maybe we'll just teach them to throw from the front yard to the backyard. >> joking aside the city says it will find a way to get high risk mosquito areas treated even if they are on private property. they are also asking for the public's help too. spots. >>> we're looking pretty good, hot and humid again. we'll show you the heat index in a second, astonishing for this time of morning. 86 in tampa, clearwater, 82 st. pete. water temperature 89. look at tampa now, 9:04 a.m. and feels like 97 degrees. that is just unbearable stuff. by the way, it's in the 40s and 50s if you're ad northeast. can you imagine,

. >> reporter: the problem is so severe, the city of tampa banned the practice in 2013, but now a judge has overturned >> reporter: this man runs a nonprofit called homeless helping homeless. the charity raised money on the streets asking for donations until the city banned panhandling. >> parker says his only option was to corks and now business owners are getting ready to deal with panhandlers again. >> it's definitely better i feel like without the panhandling. but i have it tough, and sometimes eve got do what you have to do. >> reporter: the city is considering an appeal. until then officials say tampa police have been told not to enforce the ban. in tampa, i'm cameron poland, abc action news. >>> looking for a high paying job? the federal aviation administration is now hiring, looking to hire 1400 entry level air-traffic controllers. the median salary is more than applications through next monday. if you are interested go to the abc action news app or our website for a link where you can apply. >>> one nbc olympic commentator is backtracking tonight after saying one gymnast's pare

the u.s. testing is underway in south florida. screening is mandatory nationwide. >>> the city of tampa is waging war on zika, specifically the habitats where mosquitoes thrive. they are panning out across the city hoping to prevent the virus from making its way here. chip osowski joins us from a home live on church avenue and you rode with one of those officers today. >> reporter: this is one of our stops. this vacant abandoned home in south tampa. the front yard looks pretty bad, but look at the back. code enforcers encounter homes like this too often. >> typical of what you see? >> yes it is. >> reporter: he is chucking plus quito chucking mosquito dunks into the water and says the grass need to be cut. >> there are kids in the concern, zika. if you wanted to breed mosquitoes, this is the perfect habitat. stagnant water and pools is a problem across the city. >> you can see, we can see it from the alley. we have clearance. we will try to throw one into that pool. >> reporter: the city takes calls from concerned citizens and dispatches code enforcement to check out any issues. >> we of locations. stagnant water that can be pool site

the sheriff's office. >>> more than a year after banning panhappened ling a judge overturned that decision. a homeless advocate sued the city saying it was panhandling. the city of tampa last spring passed a ban on panhandling. it was crippling decision for aldofus with homeless helping homeless. his operation was housed. their form of fund raising was hitting the streets to ask for donations but it meant it was a crime. parker sued the city of tampa yesterday. he won that case. banning solicitation is a violation of the first amendmen panhandler return to the sidewalks. >>> an orlando medical examiner has released dozens of reports following the deadly pulse night club shooting baltimore baltimore the documents detail not only how many of the victims died but details on the shooter as well. fox's valerie buoy has the details. >>> nearly two months after the pulse night club shooting the orange county medical examiner released autopsy report on 31 of the 49 victims and the gunman omar mateen. the majority were shot multiple the head and upper and lower bod. a 32-year-old male victim suffered nine gunfire shot wounds. he played dead in a bathroom stall as omar mateen k

it will be opening in an hour, just one of three available for the folks in the city of tampa who might need it. but this is not the only location where prepara underway. if we take you over to pasco co county, we know that flooding is a real concern there. and according to county officials, that's not their only concern. one of the other things they're worried about is wind. they tell us they're preparing in the worst case scenario for a category one hurricane. they're asking residents in that area so make sure they secure any sort of loose debris outside of their homes and make sure batteries and any other necessities should they have to encounter a prolonged weather event. in the city of tampa, we do know that the people here have been encouraged to make sure there's no debris in their drains or anything that could get in the way of water flow. we can tell you right now, if you're going to be out and about and you're dealing with water and then next few days, there are some safety tips we want to pass along just a you're dealing with t sheseorts of situations, make sure you do not dr

this morning the tampa mayor will outline what the city is doing to protect us. cdc issued a travel alert. it's the second part of miami- dade county where the virus was transmitted locally. the state is reporting 36 cases of locally transmitted zika virus. >>> this morning, bay area law enforcement officers want to remind drivers about the importance of the move over law. this weekend alone, three drivers hit police cruisers, nearly hitting the officers themselves. chip osowski shares on call. >> reporter: there were three separate incidents in two jurisdictions within a 24-hour period of time. last night i spoke with the deputy who had a close call several years ago with a driver who simply wasn't paying attention. after 20 years on the job, it's no surprise this sergeant has had a close call. >> we had flairs up. i was out there with my vest on the and the flash light and the like 50, 60 miles per hour and missed me by you know, 1 2 inches. literally, i mean i felt the wind, the car, almost knocked me over. >> reporter: saturday night, a colleague stopped a ca

tampa bay on our facebook page. in her book "the girl with the lower back tattoo," schumer calls tampa a horrendous city and writes that no one who lives here has ever read a book. a this message, give us another chance. love the three people who read. tampa mayor bob buckhorn hopes to change her view of tampa during an upcoming visit. >> she is entitled to her opinion as misinformed as it may be. but i'm certain if she got to know us like we know each other, she would probably want to move here. >> her comedy tour comes to >>> gold medal gymnast gabby douglas had an incredible run in the last two olympics and now her first order of business will be to judge the miss america pageant. she is joining the dallas mavericks owner and other judges on the june's panel. douglas says she is excited about the event and that the contestants are, quote, a great catch of strong women across the usa. as for her teammate, some judging of >> yes, absolutely. instead of beauty queen, she had a decision to make about a football player a cute one. this one to be exact. the oakland raider's tight end. and shortly after her return from rio

meanwhile, the city of tampa is being pro-active in its approach to fighting the virus. more than 80 workers will be putting what they call "mosquito-fighting rings" in stagnant water across the city. the area has 14 zika cases. all are ?travel-related. the children's hospital of philadelphia is holding a pres zion harvey... the first child in the world who received a double hand transplant last summer. harvey seems to be doing great. earlier this month he earlier this month he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a baltimore orioles game. zion lost both hands and his feet when he was 2-years old to a life- threatening bacterial infection that also led to a kidney transplant. this morning, a north carolina trooper is being hailed a hero for pulling a man from a burning car. highway patrol says a trooper was trying to pull the man went through several counties and ended when the man hit an s-u-v and the trooper hit ?another car. the suspect's car caught fire, but the officer was able to get out and pull him to safety. paramedics took both of them to the hospital. both a

. >> the officer in the video won't face discipline but the department says it will retrain officers on bicycle laws. >>> the city of tampa unveiling an aggressive plan to keep zika- infected mosquitos out of our community. the question the city purchased 3,600 dunks, that's the giant chemical tablets that kill the mosquito larva for up to 30 days. the city is not responsible for mosquito control, it's the county's job but bob buckhorn says with the public crisis in miami they can't sit back and wait to act. there are 4,000 abandoned properties in tampa and getting the dunks to treat pools or wherever water collects will be a challenge. clearly it would make all the sense in the world. maybe just to teach them to throw from the front yard and get it into the backyard. >> joking aside the city says they will find a way to get to the high risk areas even if they are on the private property. they are also asking for the public's help. if you know a mosquito hot spot in your area, call 813-274- 5545. code enforcement. that number is also on our web site. >>> there are still unknowns in zika. introduces us to a mother in miami

. >> the homeowners packed tampa city council to talk about the problem, and an ordinance under consideration would require bars to keep the volume 55 decibals. >> that's questions about the entertainment district that this has grown into. >> city council members will now put together a workshop p to work out a compromise on the noise level. >> you can see both sides there. if you move in now, you know what the neighborhood is all >>> it's safe to say most teens are addicted to social media. >> now the schools are using social media to communicate as well. we will show you how one bay area school has its own social media team. >>> first the investigation into two dead nuns. where they found the sisters and what investigators believe happened. you're watching news channel 8 ? know you're budgeted for the expected, know that at least the process of buying a new home can be clear and simple. know your investing can make retirement closer than you think. know. the one word behind all the guidance we provide, tools we create, and services we offer. >>> it's 5:14, the bodies of two catholic nuns be

. >>> as the zika virus creeps closer to our backyards, the city of tampa has declared war. it's specifically targeting areas where mosquitoes thrive. checking out complaints and concerns from citizens hoping to prevent the spread of the virus. any location where water is allowed to stand for extended periods of time is cause concern. >> we created a daily log of locations of standing water, stagnant water. they could be pool sites, city ditches, tires. >> if you see a property that has issues, you're urged to give the city a call and you can remain anonymous. >>> you can expect traffic problems in tampa's channel side district that could last until next summer. morgan street. and then after labor day, one lane of channel side drive will shut down and remain closed through next summer. we spotted road crews moving traffic cones into place. they will install new water, sewer and storm water pipes and eventually provide better sidewalks and lighting in the area. >>> the first preseason kickoff of the year at raymond james stadium is an hour away. we have a ie up against the br

both the tampa and st. pete city councils approved a high-speed ferry between the two cities. hillsborough commissioners approved the plan earlier this week. pinellas commissioners still need to weigh in. their vote will give the green light to test this ferry service for six months. it could start as soon as november. new this morning... st. pete police track down a stolen car... and find something interesting inside.. it's a camera.. that didn't belong the car. so.. police posted these pictures, found on the camera, to its facebook page.. hoping to track down the owners.. looks like it worked! if you read in the comments.. a woman writes "we had our go-pro with these pics and many videos stolen saturday night... we were heartbroken when we realized it was stolen.. thank you so much to st. pete p.d. for posting this". she also writes she will contact the department later today.. to holiday is just three days.. and it's cutting it very close to the beginning of the school year... but.. it can save you some money.. fox 13's shayla reaves joins us now from staples in tampa.. in

i love it here so no complaints. >> me too. >>> all right, let's look at traffic in our city right now in the tampa bay area, pinellas county, looking good. no delays in st. pete on the interstate. free and clear of slow downs. and let's look at plant city on i-4 through the paul buchman highway, just an 11 minute commute. and look at this, mcintosh over to park road, just seven minutes. and great drive on the howard frankland bridge, only six minutes to cross. that's a look at weather and traffic on the 8s. back to gene and gayle. >> thank you. >>> one family surprise backyard. >>> and social media and your kids. how much monitoring parents should do to keep their children safe. it is 4:10 on this tuesday morning. >>> 8 is on your side to get you schooled. like many communication tool, teens and adults use social media in very different ways. >> and a bay area mom is asking schools to educate parents after her own daughter's online scare. news channel 8's meredyth censullo joins us now with a look at what parents need to know to make sure that the kids are safe on social media. >> reporter: yeah,

the cause of death. >>> if you live within the city limits of tampa and loud noise keeps you awake at night, get ready to rest easier. the city is about to set limits on how loud it can be. this morning, the city council is set to pass an ordinance than city traffic at night in ybor city and downtown. outside, it would be 60 decibels, about the level of background music. violators would face a $60 fine for a first offense. >>> and possible changes to music festivals after two people died and 57 others were hospitalized at the sunset music festival in may. officials want to make sure that incidents like this one don't happen again. rodney dunningan will have more on this coming up >>> in democracy 2016, a nonprofit group wants the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks to be a day of remembrance and public service not a day of mudslinging. the group is asking donald trump and hillary clinton not to run ads. both candidates agreed to a similar request four years ago. >>> trump is receiving help association. it will run political ads supporting trump starting september 5th. most will run in the battl

the trop. ((walter she's a funny lady, but some people aren't laughing. amy schumer just called-out the city of tampa... in her new book. six pages into "the girl with the lower back tattoo," schumer talks about a between "two horrendous cities"... fayetteville, north carolina... and tampa. and she wasn't done. she also said, quote, "i know for a fact that no one who lives there has ever read a book." (walter and south tampa's inkwood books -- has responded to the book. they decided to let schumer know that -- in fact -- people in tampa ?do read. they just changed their sign along armenia avenue to read: "dear ms. schumer give us another chance? love, the three people who read." by the way -- to perform at amalie arena this october. ((vanessa)) this morning we are discussing the high cost of childcare... and the effect that can have on a couple's future.. their retirement.. and even the woman's career.. ((vanessa fox-13's ken suarez is live in tampa.. ken.. children are a blessing.. but these days you ?really have to plan ?financially to have them.. thanks, ken. (wally well, after fun- filled farewel

once you get the sand bags, how do you know you're using them properly to protect your property. the city of tampa sending out info on that, reminding people to clear any debris from the area where they put the sand bags. i want you to look at this. put a large sheet of heavy duty plastic between the sand bags place the bags long wise like that in the illustration, putting the bags up like a brick wall. and stamp them in place to prevent any gaps. i know that's a lot of information. so i tweeted out the information for your home or business. just look for me on twitter@lauraharris. >>> look at our main sail camera there. tropical storm hermine bringing in more and more rain. shay, what is the latest? >> it looks nasty out at the beaches. it has all day long. let's look at the radar. you see the waves of rain are continuing to inundate our coastline across the i-75 corridor. all of our major roads and approximate bridges covered in rainfall between pinellas and hillsborough county. expect if you are headed out on the roads any time here this find wet roads and you will find some that are flooded ou

mary mcguire joins us now where the book shop owner has put up a sign in response to this. >> in her new book amy schumer calls the city of tampa and claims people who live here don't know how to read. so this book shop owner put up this sign. stefani beddingfield was just about to close up decided to crack open comedian amy schumer's memory. gist a few pages in she couldn't believe what she was reading. >> i was on the road doing a tour and traveling between two horrendous cities fayetteville, north carolina, and tampa, florida. i'm not scared about making those people mad because i now for a fact no one who lives there has ever read a book. tampa and i'm reading a book. >> she took action changing the sign in front of her store which reads dear ms. schumer give us another chance love the three people who read. we asked the mayor if he read it. >> based on what she read she had a heck of a one night stand. there are some entertainers doing their jobs. that's a good thing. >> now amy schumer will perform in tampa in october and you can bet she will address this controversy when she is here. i checked and there are still tickets

the week. in fact, i am here at just one of three locations in the city of tampa available for those who are looking to prepare for this week coming up and weather event. so we can tell you the city of tampa has urged people who are areas where maybe you're drains are clogged or seeing any sort of areas that could get in the way of water flow to try to clear those up, or at least report them to those who might be able to assist in those areas. you are seeing right now some video of some of the people who are arrived early this morning. this particular location opened at 8 o'clock a.m.amg those who eugene harden, he said he's been through a hurricane before. he talked about the importance to make sure he's ready for 95 weather events on the way. >>> to me i say, you know follow your mind. i mean why not. it's nice and well all that sun come in why wait until the last minute. way wait to last minute. oh they going to below over oh i do it later. do it now while you're alive and able. >>> now, eugene is retired. he's said he's going to be morning to make sure that his home is prepared. then he's off to

>>> preventing concert overdoses, tampa city council is expected to discuss the findings of the investigation of the sunset music festival. what this could mean for concerts in tampa. >>> and desperate search for survivors in italy. more than 24 hours after the devastating earthquake, there is still a lot of hope. the amazing rescue of a 10-year- old girl just ahead. >> it's beautiful. >>> plus, zika virus in your backyard. why some residents are concerned about the chemicals being used to spray their areas. >>> good morning. and welcome to news channel 8 today. i'm gayle guyardo. >> and i'm gene ramirez. thank you for joining us on this thursday morning where we continue tracking the tropics now. many of you also keeping a atlantic. >>> this morning, we have hurricane gaston. and also, invest 99l which could become a tropical storm. so let's turn it over to meteorologist leigh spann for the latest leigh. so it's very busy out there. >> it is. and this is the time. i mean, the peak of hurricane season is early september. so we expect to see more tropical systems developing and that's what we

the cars. >> it the city of tampa is gearing up for rain. and the flooding around this time last year. more than 4 thousand pot holes. the mayor said we will not have to. we're >> the mayor said since 2015 the city has been trying to be better prepared. that includes outs of work on the treatment. crews say that water and storm water pumping stations are prepared and they are checking out hot spots to ensure it will willow off your face and humvees listened. vase i and they will block off roads if necessary. >>> the governor had a briefing here warning people to do their part to plan for the storm. >> we'll have the potential of tornadoes. we are rip currents. everyone has >> following the storm is all the standing water left behind the threat of the zika virus spreading. and residents -- residents are urged after the fire to look for. >>> many parents are concerned about school on thursday. the hillsborough district is hon toring the storm add alert can you go to fox 13 us in. >>> so, voters have under an hour to do get tore, that he close at 7:00. >> it things have gone well today wit

it's believed drug overdoses were to blame during the annual sunset music festival at raymond james stadium. 8 on your side's ryan hughes is live at tampa city hall. tampa officials sought advice from other cities on this issue. >> reporter: we are told the police and fire department spoke to other leaders in other cities to find out what they do when it comes to concerts that tend to attract drug use. taken during the festival. emergency leaders said two people died and 57 were taken to st. joseph's hospital. that kind of response is damaging to the emergency services system. so leaders want to make plans on how to deal with this kind of incident in the future. and they hope it never happens again. those who attend it say it's normal for concert goers to be on drugs. we spoke to one back in june. >> kind of like more closed ey of it. it happens unfortunately at festivals where people, you know, just take to it a level of insobriety that's not healthy. >> reporter: there's one option on the table, shut down the annual festival all together. we will learn what findings the police and fire departments came up at a city council meeting here in

tampa city council is expected to discuss the findings of an investigation of the sunset music festival. ahead in a live report, what this could mean for future concerts in tampa. >>> also this desperate search for survivors in italy continues. you're looking at a live picture here. we just lost it. it was amatrice. more than 24 hours after the devastating earthquake, there's still lots of hope including this. check this out. an amazing rescue, a 10-year- old girl pulled from the rubble. that's straight ahead. >>> plus, zika virus in your backyard. why some residents are concerned about the chemicals being used to spray their areas. >>> good morning and welcome to news channel 8 today. i'm gayle guyardo. thank you for joining us. we are tracking the tropics. many of you keeping a close eye on these storms in the atlantic. >> this morning, we have hurricane gaston and also invest 99l which could become a tropical storm. so let's turn it over to meteorologist leigh spann for the latest because it is busy out there, leigh. >> it. and this is the time we expect it to be busy. this is when t

the miami, dade, and broward county areas. tomorrow, tampa mayor, bob buckhorn is holding a news conference to the city of tampa is taking to protect you from the zika virus. that's happening at 10:30 tomorrow morning. newschannel 8 will be there, you can get an update on that, during our newscast at 11:00. >>> today, loved ones of caroline sine said their final goodbyes. a funeral for the music teacher was held today. sine taught in st. petersburg. she and another teacher were both hit by a drunk driver who at last check, henkins is in serious condition in the hospital. >>> in tonight's coverage of your vote. donald trump is getting into a groove and predicts the polls will show him even with hillary clinton by labor day. >> clinton's campaign says nothing has changed as it fights off another controversy, and this time by the clinton found apings, taking in foreign donations. the very latest now from d.c. >> reporter: after a presidential like visit to oo expressions of regret for hurtful comments, donald trump's now third campaign manager, says this was his best week ever. >> middle class tax relief. >> reporter: trump is now rea

. >>> the department of emergency management is warning people along the gulf coast for flooding now. the city of tampa and citrus county already opened locations where residents can make sandbags to protect their homes. they are also opened in homosassa and crystal river. those open at 8:00 this morning. sandbags are provided but you're encouraged to bring your own shovel. locations posted on abcactionnews.com. >>> here's ivan with the >> we're going to continue to see the heavy rain. we have flood watches in effect. not a one or two-day event that sometimes we get. the area of low pressure still there, so you can see the moisture continuing to get trained up to the north which has been where it's fallen heaviest throughout the last couple of days. we have not seen anything near as much across portions of tampa and down towards pinellas but there you see pockets of heavier rainfall beginning to move in. so tarpon springs, palm harbor, light to moderate rainfall there through safety harbor, that is going to cross over the bay and head to hillsborough. but there you see the area of low pressure spinning

we know where the low lying communities are. in the city of tampa, we have barricades prepositioned already in the event we need to deploy them. we are prepared. at the state level and local and rescue are all ready. we have trained for this all year around. we learned valuable lessons. this time last year. and we have built on that success and learned from those failures so we are equipped and ready to go in the event of a major rain incident. as the governor said, there will be a lot of standing water around after this event. i can't tell you because we are in the midst of not only this storm, but also, the whole situn backyards. take responsibility for our personal property. dump over any flower pots. any fountains you might have. anything that will collect standing water. we need to turn it over to make sure the larvae don't have opportunities to breed. i know mr. merril and the county are doing an excellent job with mosquito control. we are working hand in hand with them. we bought 5,000 more of the mosquito dunks that are code deploying into s