Newborn monkey is early Christmas gift for ZooTampa
Christmas came early to ZooTampa at Lowry Park with the birth of an Angolan colobus monkey. The arrival of the new baby, born Dec. 6, marks the first birth of this species at the zoo since 2018.
Both mother and infant are in good health, zoo officials reported, with the baby nursing and the mother exhibiting appropriate maternal behaviors.
The newborn, whose gender has yet to be determined, brings the colobus troop to six members: two adult males, three adult females, and the new infant. Guests can observe the newborn, distinguishable by its solid white fur, in the primates area. Over the coming months, the infant’s coat will transition to the characteristic black and white coloration of adult Angolan colobus monkeys.
Classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Angolan colobus monkeys face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Temple Terrace earns historic preservation certification
The city of Temple Terrace has officially been designated as a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the National Park Service in partnership with the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation. This certification marks a major milestone in the city’s long-standing commitment to historic preservation.
As a Certified Local Government, Temple Terrace joins a select group of communities with expanded access to preservation grants, enhanced support for maintaining historic resources, and a strengthened role in shaping its preservation future.
“After an effort that began more than 50 years ago, the city of Temple Terrace has officially become a Certified Local Government,” said Jeannie Barlow, senior executive assistant to the city manager. “This milestone honors our heritage and the generations who worked to diligently preserve it.”
Barlow spearheaded the certification process and saw it through to completion.
“I’m very proud that our city was finally able to achieve this important step in our efforts to advance historical preservation. Achieving it during our centennial year makes it even more special,” added Temple Terrace Mayor Andrew Ross. “Our residents can be assured that Temple Terrace is committed to preserving our distinct history while at the same time remaining on the forefront of modern, high-quality delivery of services.”
Former state legislator named to school oversight group
TAMPA – Former Florida Senate President Tom Lee has been appointed to the Citizen Oversight Committee for Hillsborough County Public Schools. The committee, an independent body, was established to provide transparency and accountability for the half-penny sales tax approved by Hillsborough County voters in 2018.
Lee represented the Tampa Bay area in the Florida Senate for 18 years and served as Senate President from 2004–2006. His appointment comes as two founding members of the committee, former USF president Betty Castor and Sheriff Chad Chronister, concluded their service after serving on the committee since its inception in 2018.
“Tom Lee’s leadership record and deep understanding of public finance make him an outstanding addition to our Citizen Oversight Committee,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We are grateful that he is willing to continue his public service on behalf of Hillsborough County’s students, families, and taxpayers. At the same time, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Betty Castor and Sheriff Chad Chronister, whose steady guidance since 2018 has helped build and maintain public trust in how these critical funds are used.”
Lee will join newly appointed chair Jose Valiente and fellow committee members Bonnie Carr, Ed Narain, former mayor of Plant City Rick Lott, and Ross.
AAA predicts year-end holiday travel record
TAMPA – AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning Dec. 20 and ending Jan. 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
“People are eager to travel this holiday season,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies. Our advice is to plan ahead. Book early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and think about travel insurance if you’re flying during winter weather. It’s the best way to protect both your trip and your peace of mind.”
AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will travel by car for their year-end trips, an increase of 2% compared to last year. Driving is the most popular mode of transportation, largely due to its convenience and low cost. This year, 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips.
Gas prices are lower than last year, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years.
AAA projects a record 8.03 million air travelers, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This will be the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million.
Domestic flights are 7% more expensive this year. According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, the average ticket costs nearly $900.
Metro reopens tents for holiday toy, food distribution
After serving nearly half a million meals on Thanksgiving, the tents of Metro Ministries have reopened to prepare to help another 17,500 children and families in need of hope and support this Christmas.
Metro needs 60,000 toys and gift cards and over half a million pounds of food to make Christmas happen for those in need.
Tents are now open for donation drop off in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Most needed items: Gifts/gift cards for older children (11-17), frozen hams, canned vegetables such as corn, peas, and mixed vegetables (other than green beans), and turkey/chicken stuffing
Other needed items: cereal, boxed potatoes, gravy, rice, beans, dessert mixes, toys/gifts for children ages 4-17
Metro Ministries’ holiday assistance program began in a single room in 1982, and today, the main Holiday Tent hub in West Tampa is the size of a football field! More than 30,000 households in need are expected to seek assistance through this annual program.
Metro operates four tents and collaborates with 30 community partners in three counties to expand its holiday outreach including four “pop-up” tent locations in neighborhoods of highest need throughout the region.
The West Pasco tent is in partnership with and located at Generations Christian Church in Trinity.
The Pinellas tent is in partnership with and located at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Tampa police HQ put up for sale
TAMPA – The city of Tampa has officially put its police department headquarters on the market with the release of a Request for Proposals from developers. The property at 411 N. Franklin St. is just over an acre and encompasses one full city block, bounded by Madison Street to the north, Franklin Street to the west, N. Florida Avenue to the east and E. Kennedy Boulevard to the south.
Minimum bid is $36 million, with closing by Jan. 31, 2027. Deadline for response is Feb. 6, 2026.
Located in Tampa’s Central Business District, the property occupies a prime downtown location envisioned as a catalyst for innovative, high-value redevelopment.
“Downtown Tampa is evolving fast, and this site offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a key parcel in the heart of downtown,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “This is a valuable opportunity in the downtown core to create a community-minded development that will serve Tampa for generations to come.”
CDS names Brown head varsity flag football coach
CARROLLWOOD – Former NFL player LaMark Brown II has been hired as the new head varsity flag football coach at Carrollwood Day School. Brown has more than a decade of combined professional playing and coaching experience, including time in the NFL, CFL, and AFL. He most recently served as the wide receiver coach at Alonso High School.
Brown has coached and mentored athletes across youth, high school, and professional levels, including players who advanced to the NFL and NCAA Division I programs.
Brown will lead the program beginning in January, with tryouts set for the week of the 26th.
Memphis, NC State to play in Gasparilla Bowl
TAMPA – The Memphis Tigers and North Carolina State Wolfpack will compete in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl Friday, Dec. 19, at Raymond James Stadium. The 2:30 p.m. game is presented by the United States Air Force and will air on ESPN.
Memphis arrives in Tampa with an 8-4 record; NC State is 7-5.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Newcomers offers friendship, fun
Newcomers of Northwest Hillsborough County is inviting ladies who want to meet new friends, get to know the area better, and enjoy the group’s many activities to become members.
The club offers a plethora of activities, including golf on Thursday mornings, the “Gad-Abouts,” which visits interesting places around Tampa Bay every month, bridge, a book club, casual lunches and ladies’ nights out.
The newest activity is Craft Club, which meets the third Wednesday of the month.
To become a member, contact Lori Rubin at 813-758-7238 or email membership2.newcomers@yahoo.com.
Part of Morris Bridge Road closed for drainage repair
TAMPA – A portion of Morris Bridge Road has been closed for stormwater drainage repair. The section is expected to reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The road is closed between Apache Drive and Bonnet Hole Drive. The closure is north of Cory Lake Boulevard and south of Cross Creek Boulevard.
Drivers can use Cross Creek Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to get around the work area. Navigation apps have been updated on the detour and will route drivers around the closure.