Teams Ease Restrictions, Pier Explosion, New Stores: Nearby News

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

• Marlins Shed Mask Requirement, Expand Fan Capacity In July
• Man Charged With Kidnapping, False Imprisonment Of Seffner Woman
• Tampa Bay Skyway Art Exhibit Returns May 22 With 49 Artists

Hurricane Season's 1st Atlantic Tropical Storm Possibly Forming

Just as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association prepares to present its outlook for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center announced it has spotted what could be the season's first tropical storm.

2021 Hurricane Season Names: From Ana And Bill To Sam And Wanda

Forecasters are predicting an average Atlantic Basin hurricane season this year, and if some of the storm names leave Floridians with a sense of deja vu — from Bill, Fred, Grace and Mindy to Sam and Wanda — there's a reason.

• Hurricane Preparedness With St. Pete Fire Rescue Expo

Video: Pier Explosion Kicks Off Bayway Bridge Reconstruction

With a dramatic underwater explosion, the Florida Department of Transportation kicked off the Pinellas Bayway Bridge replacement project Tuesday afternoon.

Rays Ease Up, Increase Capacity To 20,000 At Tropicana Field

The Tropicana Field Stadium will soon resemble its 2019 pre-pandemic version with more fans and fewer masks. The Tampa Bay Rays announced its fan capacity will increase to 20,000 June 8.

Teacher Accused Of Sending Nude Video Of Himself To Teen: Sheriff

A Strawberry Crest High School teacher is accused of asking a "14-year-old boy" on social media for nude photos. In reality, the history teacher sent nude videos of himself to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office undercover detective.

Conn's HomePlus Debuts Showroom In Tampa

Texas-based specialty retailer of furniture, mattresses, home appliances and consumer electronics, Conn's HomePlus, will celebrate the opening of its showroom in Horizon Park on Saturday, May 22.

• Conn's HomePlus Debuts Cortez Plaza Showroom In Bradenton

Sheriff Seeks Driver Who Struck 5 Family Members, Killing 1

Pinellas County sheriff's deputies are seeking the public's help to find a hit-and-run driver who struck a family of five who were crossing Gulf Boulevard, killing one.

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Also Worth a Look Today

• Miami Beach Announces Restrictions For Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
• Sheriff Seeks Help Locating Gulf Harbors Boat Thieves: Video
• Responding To Building Boom, Construction Firm Opens Tampa Office
• Fiery Crash On I-275 Claims Life Of Tampa Man
• Lake Seminole Square Unveils Renovated Lakeside Promenade
• Clearwater Apartment Fire Leaves 3 People Homeless
• Police Seek Help Identifying Car Involved In Latest Shooting
• Moderna Walk-Up Clinic Being Offered At Sarasota Square Mall
• 5 Sarasota County Teachers Honored With Ripple Effect Award
• Del Taco's Florida Future Expansion Plans Include Sarasota
• Del Taco's Florida Future Expansion Plans Include Bradenton
• Manatee Co. Sheriff's Office Searching For Missing Palmetto Man
• Lakeland Man, Person Of Interest In Tampa Homicide: Sheriff

Across America

• Catalytic Converter Thefts Soar With Price Of Precious Metals
• Bragging He Smoked Weed In Capitol Riot Traps New York Man: Feds
• Rutgers Students Opposed To Vaccine Mandate Hold Campus Protest
• Kidnapper's Acquaintance Saves Life Of Sex Assault Survivor: Cops
• Masks Seemingly Still A Habit With Connecticut Consumers