The Latest Breaking News from Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. — Days before a dangerous Category 4 storm barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the chief executive of a Clearwater, Florida-based marketing agency sent texts downplaying the storm’s impact and encouraging staff to bring their pets and kids in the office so they wouldn’t miss work.

The emotions felt by coach Todd Bowles and Bucs players alternated between agony and empathy Wednesday.

TAMPA, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian grew into a monster storm on Wednesday, it drew troubling comparisons to Hurricane Charley, which devastated Charlotte County in 2004, and one disturbing difference.

Nancy Chulla, 72, whose 1963 mobile home lies along the Category 4 Hurricane Ian's path, broke down as she evacuated the home she had shared with her husband Bob since 1999

Tampa Bay Lightning have set up camp in Nashville as they've moved away from their usual base due to Hurricane Ian, meaning that their pre-season schedule has completely changed

One of the most powerful storms to hit the US in years makes landfall in heavily-populated Gulf Coast region.

Hurricane Ian plowed into Florida's Gulf Coast with catastrophic force on Wednesday, unleashing howling winds, torrential rains and a treacherous surge of ocean surf that made it one of the most powerful U.S. storms in recent years.

Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified off Florida's southwest coast Wednesday, gaining top winds of 155 mph. Forecasters said the Fort Myers area could be inundated by a storm surge of up to 18 feet.

TAMPA, Fla. — Make the call. Bend the knee. Open the vault. Do whatever it takes, but for goodness’ sake, find a way to get these crazy kids together again.