Morning Briefing: Tampa Bay — Nov. 12, 2024

Manatee County seeks $45 million to help businesses recover from Hurricane Ian

In addition to the economic toll the storm took, Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to structures. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said her city is seeking $5 to $6 million from Manatee County to replenish its lost revenue. She said the city has already lost $3 million from the cancellation of its fall Snowbird Festival and expects to lose even more during the months ahead because tourists are not expected to return to the area until after the holidays.

Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes said the county is committed to helping businesses recover, but it is too early to say how much money will be available. He said the county is still assessing the damage, which is expected to top $1 billion.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said the county is also seeking federal assistance to help businesses recover. He said the county is working with the state to secure a disaster declaration from the federal government, which would make businesses eligible for low-interest loans and other forms of assistance.

City Council to consider allowing chickens in residential areas

The St. Petersburg City Council will consider an ordinance on Thursday that would allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards. The ordinance would allow residents to keep up to six hens, but no roosters, on properties that are at least 5,000 square feet.

Supporters of the ordinance say that raising chickens is a sustainable way to produce fresh eggs and that it can help to reduce the city's carbon footprint. They also argue that chickens are relatively low-maintenance animals and that they can be a good way for children to learn about where their food comes from.

Opponents of the ordinance say that chickens can be noisy and that they can attract pests. They also worry that chickens could escape from their enclosures and become a nuisance to neighbors.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office investigating fatal hit-and-run crash

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Friday night. The crash occurred on US Highway 19 near Klosterman Road in Palm Harbor.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a pedestrian was crossing the highway when he was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the vehicle that struck the pedestrian. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (727) 582-6200.