MacDill grave search begins
Archaeologists began their search Tuesday at MacDill Air Force Base for a potential African-American burial site.
A team of two archaeological professionals, two cadaver dogs and two K-9 handlers searched the grounds for physical evidence of a former burial site. MacDill officials were interested in a wooded area on the northeast side of the base.
News of a potential burial ground first broke in late November after a document was discovered linking the location to a former Tampa cemetery.
MacDill says it will continue to provide periodical investigation updates to the community.
School supervisor arrested in body-slamming case
A 12-year-old student at a Pinellas Park alternative school was in serious condition Tuesday with a fractured skull after being body-slammed by a school employee a week ago.
The boy was not taken to the hospital for two days because his mother had not been informed of the incident by school officials.
The supervisor at the time, Jarvis West, 28, was arrested and charged with child neglect for not reporting the incident. West went on the bus with the boy to take him home and instructed the driver to go directly to the boy’s house.
The investigation is ongoing and police are expected to arrest the employee who body-slammed the student this week.
Trump pardons Tampa developer, former NFL owner DeBartolo
President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers who was convicted for his connection to a corruption case in 1998.
DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony after an investigation into the Louisiana gaming industry revealed that DeBartolo paid the former governor for a riverboat gambling license.
DeBartolo avoided prison time but was sentenced to two years of probation and a fine of $1 million.
DeBartolo has significant real-estate ties to the Tampa Bay community including housing developments, shopping centers and a charter school.
Wesley Chapel downtown moves ahead with county vote
Welsey Chapel’s proposed downtown got a major boost on Tuesday morning when Pasco County commissioners signed off on a $33 million incentive project.
The new construction will provide streets, parking decks and other amenities. The county says that over 1,000 jobs will be created as a result of the expansion and will add $39.2 million annually to the local economy.
The new project is called Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
Black history celebration sees big crowd
Hundred gathered at the Tampa Convention Center on Tuesday to celebrate the 32nd Annual City of Tampa Black History Celebration.
Producer: Sonu Trivedi
Anchors: Trevor Lloyd, Cheyenne Pagan
Reporter: Rebecca Jones
In-studio reporter: Alexis Jones
Director: Austin Peet
Technical Director: David Jones
Graphics Operator: Brianna Pratt
Audio: Jacob Petersen
Prompter: Nova Charles
Floor Manager: Sabrina Guzman Fuentes
Camera Operators: Alexis Jones, Jamil King
Production Assistants: Dayla Licona, Allison Humenansky
Web Editor/Social Media Producer: John Kregler
Faculty Advisers: Cathy Gugerty/Jeanette Abrahamsen
Graduate Assistants: Emmanual Maduneme, Michael Nabors
