SUMMARY: The city of Tampa is addressing flooding concerns in South Tampa, but a proposed project is causing tension between homeowners and business owners. While residents support the necessary measures to mitigate flooding, business owners like those from Burns Steakhouse fear that closing Howard Avenue for four years will harm their operations and accessibility. They emphasize the potential job loss for nearly 2,000 employees in the area. Despite these concerns, the City Council approved the project’s advancement, which includes installing stormwater covers and assures that business access will be maintained through side streets. The city plans to gather feedback from stakeholders during the design process.

Workers in the Tampa area are concerned the road closures will impact wages and business.

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SUMMARY: After devastating back-to-back hurricanes, many families in the Tampa Bay Area are facing a difficult holiday season. Many are still displaced due to flooding, while others struggle to financially recover. ABC reporter Kea McCormack spoke to one South Tampa mom, Christy Clemens, whose home was flooded during Hurricane Milton while she was 32 weeks pregnant. Her family is now preparing for the holidays in a rental apartment. Mental health counselor Danielle Bishop advises adjusting holiday expectations and creating a safe space for children to express their feelings, acknowledging the uncertainty many families are navigating this season.

Families still trying to recover after hurricanes as holidays near

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SUMMARY: A touching reunion took place in Plantation when Lewis Sanchez thanked nurse Allison Seamore, who saved his life after she recognized his heart issues while off duty at a gas station. After noticing Sanchez’s chest pains, Seamore used her stethoscope and urged him to go to the hospital. Unsure if he would follow through, she returned to ensure he got prompt treatment. At HCA Florida Westside Hospital, Sanchez underwent immediate surgery to replace a heart valve. Grateful for her intervention, he expressed that her actions gave him a new lease on life, considering it the best Christmas gift.

CBS New Miami’s Steve Maugeri was on hand for the tearful reunion with nurse Alison Seecoomar and patient Luis Sanchez-Mendia HCA Florida Westside.. She had noticed something was wrong when he went to a gas station where he was an attendant.

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