Central Florida News
Tampa: Arrest Made in March 3 Homicide
Published
4 years agoon
TAMPA, Fla. – On the morning of March 3, a man was shot and killed in a credit union parking lot in the 1900 block of E. Hillsborough Avenue. Late last night, Tampa Police Detectives arrested 20-year-old Jeremiah Harris, Jr. He has been charged with Robbery with a Firearm and First-Degree Murder in this case. Harris was additionally charged with Armed Robbery for a separate incident that took place on February 21.
“The dedicated work of our officers and skilled investigations of our detectives and fingerprint specialists undoubtedly led to a swift arrest in this case,” said Interim Chief Lee Bercaw. “While this dangerous criminal cannot harm another member of our community, our thoughts remain with the victim’s family. We hope this arrest brings a small sense of comfort in their time of mourning.”
On March 3, 2023, just after 6 AM, Tampa Police Officers responded to Suncoast Credit Union (1920 E Hillsborough Ave) for the report of a man lying in the drive-through and not moving. Officers arrived to find an adult white male in his early 50’s suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported by Tampa Fire to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Detectives immediately began gathering physical and video evidence from the scene and nearby locations, working to develop leads in the case. Detectives were also actively investigating an armed robbery that had taken place at the same location just 11 days earlier. In that case, The victim, an adult black male in his early 20’s, was at the ATM when he was approached by Harris, who pointed a gun and said “If you don’t give it to me, I’ll kill you.” Thankfully, the robbery victim was not injured.
Witness statements provided detectives with information that Harris was repeatedly seen wearing clothing and carrying items that matched the suspect in the video surveillance. Investigative resources also led detectives to an apartment in Meridian Pointe, where Harris was known to associate with the resident. A search warrant was executed at that location. Fingerprint Specialists compared the fingerprints lifted from evidence recovered at the crime scene to the fingerprints lifted from Jeremiah Harris after the search warrant. Harris’s prints were a match.
During an interview with detectives, Harris provided a post-Miranda confession to both offenses. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.
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Central Florida News
USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss
Published
5 days agoon
October 9, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.
USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.
USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.
UTSA Finds Its Rhythm
Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.
Central Florida News
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
Published
5 days agoon
October 9, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
Basketball
UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay
Published
1 week agoon
October 7, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.
UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.
FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.
UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.
INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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