Tampa Bay News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Florida lawmakers propose Senate Bill eleven fifty-two to combat distracted driving, making it illegal to hold phones while driving, even at red lights. The bill, set to start the twenty twenty-six legislative session on January thirteenth, aims to reduce serious wrecks by expanding the current texting ban. It includes privacy safeguards, preventing officers from searching or seizing phones without a warrant. If passed, the hands-free rule could be in effect by October first of the following year. Checkout Solipillow.com

Former President Donald Trump proposes a ban on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, citing price inflation and reduced homeownership. This issue is particularly prevalent in Tampa Bay, where corporations like Invitation Homes, Blackstone, and JPMorgan Chase have acquired thousands of homes for rentals. Local realtors and attorneys argue that institutional buying contributes to housing affordability issues and negatively impacts neighborhood values. Florida Representative Berny Jacques has filed a bill to restrict corporate purchases through zoning changes. The federal push and state efforts are being closely monitored. Checkout Solipillow.com

Four adorable kittens from St. Thomas find new homes in Florida after a heroic rescue mission, thanks to a network of volunteers and nonprofits combating pet overpopulation on the island. Checkout Solipillow.com

Tampa General Hospitals symposium on human trafficking prevention highlighted the citys vulnerability due to waterways and large events. Survivors shared their stories, emphasizing the need for training healthcare staff to recognize signs of trafficking. Florida ranks third nationwide for human trafficking cases, with Tampa as the second biggest hotspot. Warning signs include sudden behavior changes, bruises, unexplained money, and missing school. Experts stress teamwork across sectors to combat this issue. Checkout Solipillow.com

Jasmine Ramirez, a Bradenton teenager, has undergone a life-changing surgery at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital, resulting in the amputation of her left leg due to a rare, unnamed condition. After a long hospital stay and facing life-threatening complications, the medical team decided to remove the leg to save her life. The surgery lasted seventeen hours and removed a one hundred seventy-four-pound leg along with a large mass of abnormal tissue. Jasmine is now looking forward to returning home and hopes her story inspires compassion, as not all scars are visible. Checkout Solipillow.com

Sidney Kibrick, the last surviving member of the original Our Gang cast, has passed away at 97. Born in Minneapolis, he was discovered at 5 and starred in dozens of Little Rascals shorts. After leaving acting, he became a successful real estate developer. Fans remember him for his contributions to the beloved films. Checkout Solipillow.com

Floridas Attorney General warns Winter Haven of potential public camping law violations, citing resident complaints of people living in parks and on sidewalks. Jymia Richardson, a homeless mother of two, faces uncertainty as she struggles to find employment and a place to stay. The city maintains it enforces park rules and respects the rights of the homeless, but faces a five-day deadline to respond to the complaint. Local shelter Talbot House seeks more resources to assist the homeless. Checkout Solipillow.com