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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Tampa, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Tampa, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Tampa, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Tampa, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Tampa, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Tampa, FL
Hundreds oppose planned 5G cell tower near homes in Westchase
Jordan Bowenhttps://www.fox13news.com/news/hundreds-oppose-planned-5g-cell-tower-near-homes-in-westchase
Neighbors in Westchase are hoping to stop a cell tower from being constructed near their homes.T-Mobile wants to put up a cell tower to expand access to service and but neighbors are concerned about their property and their safety."I wanted a place that was in nature. I wanted a place that didn't have giant towers looming over me and my kids," said Anna Labat, who lives in the area.It's why Labat settled in Westchase, but last month she and her neighbors learned about T-Mobile's effort to construct a 195-foot c...
Neighbors in Westchase are hoping to stop a cell tower from being constructed near their homes.
T-Mobile wants to put up a cell tower to expand access to service and but neighbors are concerned about their property and their safety.
"I wanted a place that was in nature. I wanted a place that didn't have giant towers looming over me and my kids," said Anna Labat, who lives in the area.
It's why Labat settled in Westchase, but last month she and her neighbors learned about T-Mobile's effort to construct a 195-foot cell tower a few hundred feet from people's homes.
"I'm an eight-year resident. I've been here a long time, but I want to put my roots here, and I want to make sure that we grow in a respectful way of our environment, in our community, not by throwing something that is significantly different and not in harmony with our current environment," Matt Perra said.
The Tampa-based company Skyway Towers LLC has applied for a special use permit to build the tower for T-Mobile on property owned by the Philippine Cultural Foundation on Nine Eagles Drive in Westchase.
On Monday, more than 75 people showed up to the land use meeting in opposition of the tower, as well as an attorney and engineer for Skyway Towers LLC, who say T-Mobile needs the tower to meet coverage needs.
"In order to offer reliable Ultra capacity 5G coverage, this tower at that height for that purpose," an engineer with Skyway Towers LLC said.
So far, neighbors say more than 300 letters in opposition have been sent to the county, including one from Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Florida State Rep. Tracy Koster. Residents are also concerned about the impact on property values and safety, worried the tower could fall on homes or block roads for EMS in the event of a hurricane.
"We are fighting a monster company and they clearly have funds, but we are hoping that the county does the right thing and denies this tower," Westchase resident Amanda Siftar said.
A land use officer for the county now has the next 15 business days to decide whether to issue the special land use permit.
Top Tampa Bay area events this week: Easter, AirFest and Sugar Sand Festival
Kelly A. Stefanihttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/things-to-do/2024/03/25/top-tampa-bay-area-events-easter-airfest-sugar-sand-festival/
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival: The 17-day sand-sculpting festival pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s beaches and sunsets. There will be free activities for all ages, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand-sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand-sculpting competition. Stroll through a 21,000-square-foot tent filled with sand art crafted by world-class sculptors. $14, 3 and younger free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday (March 29-30), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. S...
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival: The 17-day sand-sculpting festival pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s beaches and sunsets. There will be free activities for all ages, including a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand-sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations and the master sand-sculpting competition. Stroll through a 21,000-square-foot tent filled with sand art crafted by world-class sculptors. $14, 3 and younger free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday (March 29-30), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday (March 31). Pier 60, 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. 727-871-8060.
Tampa Bay AirFest: Enjoy two days of military and civilian static and aerial performances featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. All five branches of the military and first responder agencies will be represented. Bring the family to tour giant military aircraft. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, folding chairs and refillable water bottles are recommended. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday (March 29-30). MacDill Air Force Base, 6801 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-725-1795.
War Chamber: Legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes inspired wrestling promoter Court Bauer, who is bringing Major League Wrestling action to St. Petersburg for a pay-per-view event. The event features a main match between two teams of four fighting inside a “War Chamber,” which is two rings surrounded by a cage. Wrestlers portray villains or heroes in story lines with predetermined endings. $14-$65. 7 p.m. Friday (March 29). Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-892-5202.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Shout “huzzah” to the king and queen at the 45th annual festival. New this year are the Capture the Magic Photo Experience, Fairy Tale Tea Party, House of Dragons Pub, Barbie Princess, Barrel Ride and Mermaid Cove. The festival closes with an “Easter Enchantment” theme, with a weekend of egg hunts, bonnet parades and more. $12.95-$20.95. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (March 30-31). 12838 Auton Road, Dade City. 352-999-5946.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical: Take a trip back to Hawkins, Indiana, in 1983, when times were simpler, hair was bigger and unsupervised children were getting snatched by interdimensional creatures, in this live musical riff on the hit Netflix series. $37 and up. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (March 26-29), 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday (March 30), 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday (March 31). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Blueberry Festival: This pet- and family-friendly event features u-pick blueberries, more than 100 food and craft vendors, bounce houses, live music, a kids zone, camel rides, a petting zoo and wines, beers and ciders. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (March 30). Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. 813-752-9100.
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Family Favorites Series: This installment of Tampa Theatre’s Family Favorites series features the 2004 film Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (PG, 108 minutes). $10, $8 ages 3-12, $7 members, 2 and younger free. 3 p.m. Sunday (March 31). Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. 813-274-8286.
Underwater Egg Hunt: The Easter Bunny has dumped hundreds of eggs in the pool and needs the help of kids 5 and older to get them out. All participants get a prize after the hunt. $6, $4 spectator. Noon-3 p.m. Friday (March 29). Southwest Recreation Complex and Pool, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. 727-518-3125.
Easter at the Farm: Children can enjoy age-appropriate egg hunts and a goodie bag at the end. Includes a rabbit touch area, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and bounce houses. Pony rides $10 additional. Tickets for particular time slots and age groups must be purchased in advance. Open to ages 1-12 only. $15. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday (March 29-31). DK Farms and Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. 727-348-0818.
Easter Sunday Skate Party: Get ready to roll for Easter at this skate party with skating games, hourly meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, scavenger hunt and laser tag. Includes skate rental, one slice of pizza, one drink and five game credits. $20. 1:30-7 p.m. Sunday (March 31). Skateworld of Tampa, 7510 Paula Drive. 813-884-7688.
Juanes: The Colombian singer-songwriter-guitarist, who has won numerous music awards, performs. $70-$190. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday (March 26-27). Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
Girl From the North Country: Straz Broadway series: This Tony Award-winning new musical reimagines 20 of Bob Dylan’s songs, including “Forever Young,” “All Along the Watchtower” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” Set in 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota, the lives of a group of wayward travelers intersect in a guesthouse. $47.75. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday (March 27-28), 2 and 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday (March 29-30). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
Streetcar Live: Gasparilla Music Fest is a partner in the ongoing series of live music on the TECO Streetcar in downtown Tampa. With a capacity of just 74, the historic streetcar provides an intimate musical experience during a free ride. Free 6-8 p.m. Friday (March 29). Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-242-4660.
The Peasants: “The Peasants” (R, 116 minutes) tells the story of a young woman determined to forge her own path in a late 19th century Polish village. When she finds herself caught between a rich farmer, his eldest son and other leading men of the community, her resistance puts her on a tragic course. $12, $10 seniors/students. 2 p.m. Tuesday (March 26), 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday (March 27-28). Green Light Cinema, 221 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 508-816-8968.
Dyngus Day: The loading dock transforms into a wet zone for this end of Lent festival featuring live polka music by Jasiu’s All Stars (1-5 p.m.), Polish food samplers, Fuzzy Dupas and water gun fights. No cover. 11 a.m. April 1. Original Crabby Bills, 401 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. 727-595-4825.
Up next:At Clearwater Beach sand festival, see the ‘Sands of Time’
MacDill AirFest returns to Tampa Friday, the last one for at least 3 years
Sharon Kennedy Wynnehttps://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/2024/03/25/tampa-airfest-macdill-airplane-show/
The Tampa Bay AirFest returns to MacDill Air Force Base this weekend with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds in the sky and tours of vintage and spanking new aircraft on the ground.Pay attention this year, because it will be a couple more years before another AirFest flies over Tampa.Because of construction needed to expand its hangars for the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft coming to MacDill Air Force Base, there won’t be another AirFest until 2027 at the earliest, said Lt. Laura Anderson, a public affairs officer for ...
The Tampa Bay AirFest returns to MacDill Air Force Base this weekend with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds in the sky and tours of vintage and spanking new aircraft on the ground.
Pay attention this year, because it will be a couple more years before another AirFest flies over Tampa.
Because of construction needed to expand its hangars for the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft coming to MacDill Air Force Base, there won’t be another AirFest until 2027 at the earliest, said Lt. Laura Anderson, a public affairs officer for MacDill.
“We almost canceled AirFest, but decided to squeeze one more in before construction starts,” Anderson said.
To replace its aging tanker fleet, the Pentagon has ordered 24 new KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft to be placed at MacDill. You can see them up close since the KC-46 will be on display at the AirFest.
They are among the many vintage and new aircraft that will be available for tours and up-close encounters.
MacDill is home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command and it plays a critical role in national security. So the base itself is an attraction. And since this is a free day of fun, more than 150,000 people typically show up for the two-day AirFest.
Here are some tips to make the day easier to navigate.
Getting there
The base address is 6901 S. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. The entrance for the public can be found at the Dale Mabry, MacDill Avenue and Tanker Way gates. Department of Defense ID cardholders should enter through the Bayshore Gate only.
For the first time ever, the 2024 AirFest will be a Friday and Saturday show, “so that you can enjoy AirFest, and keep your Easter Sunday,” its Facebook event page states.
Getting there early, when the gates open at 8 a.m., is the best way to avoid the usual traffic bottleneck getting into a base that has a limit on parking.
Pro tip: There are several public parks not far from the base such as Gadsden Park on MacDill Avenue and Ballast Point Park on Interbay. Park your car there and then hop on your bike and you can cruise right past all those idling cars. But wear your helmet because the base requires all bicyclists to have them. Unless you want to leave your bike at the gate and hike into the event, wear your helmet and cruise over to the festivities. When the day is done you can breeze past the many cars waiting an hour or more to get out of the parking lot.
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Another alternative is to watch the air shows from the water. There are some limits to getting too close to the base, but boaters are welcome to drop anchor and watch from the water.
Tips for the day
Dress like you are going to the beach because there is little shade. You’ll need sunscreen, hats and water bottles. (There will be refill stations set up throughout.) You can bring chairs to watch the air shows, but no umbrellas.
Hearing protection is recommended, especially for little ones.
Have snacks, toys and things to do for the kids while you are stuck waiting in the car to get in or out of the event. It may be a while.
Service dogs are allowed, but no emotional support animals.
Schedule
Gates open at 8 a.m., opening ceremonies are at 11:30 a.m. and flying starts around noon.
Pilots and crew will be on hand to chat, and you can take pictures in the pilot’s seat. Displays that are free to tour throughout the day include:
Performers
You can see a full list and background history of aerial performers at tampabayairfest.com. Among those in the sky this weekend:
If you go to Tampa Bay AirFest
The airshow and display of aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base is free and for the first time is being held on Friday and Saturday because of Easter weekend. Gates open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Flying begins at noon Friday and Saturday (March 29-30). 6901 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. tampabayairfest.com.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis to return for Tuesday game after brief leave
The Associated Presshttps://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/martin-st-louis-return-leave-of-absence-family-canadiens-nhl-1.7155599
Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis is back with the Canadiens after he left the team to be with his family.Montreal announced on Monday that St. Louis will be behind the bench again for Tuesday night's game at Colorado. The Canadiens went 1-2-1 while St. Louis was on leave.St. Louis had been with his family to help with his son, Mason, 16, after he got hurt during a youth hockey game, and then suffered complications from the injury and was hospitalized. The Canadiens said Mason is now recovering at the family home in Connecti...
Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis is back with the Canadiens after he left the team to be with his family.
Montreal announced on Monday that St. Louis will be behind the bench again for Tuesday night's game at Colorado. The Canadiens went 1-2-1 while St. Louis was on leave.
St. Louis had been with his family to help with his son, Mason, 16, after he got hurt during a youth hockey game, and then suffered complications from the injury and was hospitalized. The Canadiens said Mason is now recovering at the family home in Connecticut.
"Everyone within the Canadiens organization has been very supportive of my wife, Heather, and me as we fully focused on our son Mason and his recovery from a hockey injury," St. Louis said in a news release. "As parents, nothing is more important to us than our three sons, Ryan, Lucas, and Mason."
Assistant coach Trevor Letowski directed the team during St. Louis's absence.
The 48-year-old St. Louis was hired as interim coach after the Canadiens fired Dominique Ducharme in February 2022. He signed a three-year contract extension in June 2022.
Before coaching, St. Louis enjoyed a stellar playing career, amassing 1,033 points (391 goals, 642 assists) in 1,134 regular-season games with the Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. He won the Stanley Cup and the Hart Trophy as the league MVP with the Lightning in 2004 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
Stolen Jagr bobbleheads recovered, Penguins say
The case of the missing Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads has been resolved.
The Pittsburgh Penguins said Monday they have secured the shipment of bobbleheads honouring the NHL's second-leading career scorer and will begin to distribute them during their home game against Tampa Bay on April 6.
The team had originally planned to hand the trinkets out as part of a promotion on March 14. The shipment carrying the bobbleheads was reported stolen and the giveaway was postponed.
The Penguins said they were notified recently that a special cargo recovery team had negotiated the return of the bobbleheads to a secure warehouse in Ontario, Calif.
The team said the bobbleheads arrived in Pittsburgh on Monday and will be transported to PPG Paints Arena sometime this week.
Fans who were supposed to receive the bobbleheads during the March 14 game received a voucher and are attending the April 6 game will be able to collect their bobbleheads that day.
The team retired Jagr's No. 68 during a pre-game ceremony last month. The 52-year-old Jagr remains an active player on the team he owns in his native Czech Republic.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: Center Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Mike Kiwakhttps://www.bucsnation.com/2024/3/26/24112104/buccaneers-nfl-draft-target-center-zach-frazier-west-virginia-mountaineers-baker-mayfield
The Buccaneers are completely set at offensive tackle, but their interior line is anything but solidified. Second-rounder Cody Mauch has the left guard spot locked down going into his sophomore season, but center and right guard seem totally up for grabs.The Bucs have done well to bring in fresh faces as competition, like Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson, but they’d do even better to get a higher-upside rookie into the fold as well. With some great talent likely...
The Buccaneers are completely set at offensive tackle, but their interior line is anything but solidified. Second-rounder Cody Mauch has the left guard spot locked down going into his sophomore season, but center and right guard seem totally up for grabs.
The Bucs have done well to bring in fresh faces as competition, like Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson, but they’d do even better to get a higher-upside rookie into the fold as well. With some great talent likely to be available through the top 75-100 picks, might a name like West Virginia’s Zach Frazier appeal to GM Jason Licht and Co.? Let’s dive in.
A 3-star recruit coming out of high school, per 247Sports, Frazier was a dominant offensive lineman and wrestler. The wrestling background, which the Bucs have valued in the past, is impressive, as Frazier was a four-time state champion heavyweight.
A four-year starter for the Mountaineers, Frazier has plenty of experience at left guard (9 games) and center (37) in 46 career starts. In 2020, he was the first true freshman to start on West Virginia’s offensive line in 40 years, and he earned honorable mention for All-Big 12. He bumped up to second-team all-conference as a sophomore before nailing down first-team in his final two years.
His senior year saw him even achieve third-team AP All-American and finalist honors for the William V. Campbell Trophy – a.k.a. the Academic Heisman. On that note, he was Academic All-Big 12 first-team three years in a row.
He was invited to the Senior Bowl and accepted but could not participate in practices due to injury.
Frazier measured at 6-foot-3, 313 pounds with 32 ¼” arms. He participated only in the bench press and on-field drills at the Scouting NFL Combine as he continues rehab from a fractured fibula he suffered back in November. Frazier put up an impressive 30 reps, which backs up the impressive play strength he puts up on tape.
He plans to fully participate in other tests at the inaugural joint Big 12 Pro Day, which will take place March 27-31. Full numbers will be updated once reported.
Based on Next Gen Stats composite scores, Frazier ranked 3rd in production (73) for centers, 8th for athleticism (81), and 3rd overall (79). The overall ranking grades out as a “good” player, per NGS – for comparison, a 90 or above is “elite”.
If the Bucs are drafting Frazier, he is going to be their starting center in 2024. Unlike Robert Hainsey, who gradually made the transition to the keystone position, Frazier has a lengthy resume of high-level performance there.
His bulky, sawed-off frame generates fantastic amounts of power; he’s a certified people mover in the run game. He’s going to appeal to a Bucs team that has tremendously valued aggressive mentalities with pure finishing ability on the offensive line.
He’s shown good movement skills to get outside and get rolling downhill, which will be a bigger focus in new OC Liam Coen’s scheme. His hand power and technique allow him to control blocks and dictate the outcome, no doubt a result of his wrestling background (Tristan Wirfs was also a high-level wrestler).
West Virginia center Zach Frazier is a 4x state wrestling champ. You can see it in his play. Outstanding leverage player. pic.twitter.com/LaWg5judnE
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 26, 2024
Most importantly for a center, Frazier is very intelligent. He made calls pre-snap at the line, which isn’t always the case in college, and he’s shown the processing ability to pick up stunts and other post-snap movement and adapt effectively as the game goes on. He’ll be Baker Mayfield’s best friend.
There are no bones about it: Frazier is a good football player who is ready to contribute right away.
Zach Frazier sharing a zone concept (one of my favorites) that they took from the 49ers, breaking down excellent eyes, timing and finish in the process. pic.twitter.com/77fSDMiP3T
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 26, 2024
While the unspectacular athletic profile, suboptimal length, and technique inconsistencies may inhibit his ceiling, and perhaps his immediate effectiveness, Frazier’s got the pure ability to be a top-15 center in the league with time. If he can continue improving his technique in pass protection and maximize his athletic traits, it’s not unreasonable to expect him to push into top-10 territory with time. His margin of error will be smaller than other guys, but he’s shown the demeanor and willingness to put in the work.
As stated, Frazier’s pure power and intelligence will be huge for future success – those traits are good ones to bet on at the pro level for this position.
Currently, Frazier is widely regarded as a lock for Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn rates him as his IOL4 (putting Frazier at 27th overall on Bleacher Report’s big board) and compares him to former Cowboys and current Commanders center Tyler Biadasz, who has been a solid center in the league for several years now.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is similarly optimistic for Frazier, as he rated him as No. 36 overall on his top 100 big board (3rd overall center behind Jackson Powers-Johnson and Graham Barton). Brugler expressed confidence that Frazier’s broken leg wouldn’t be a problem for his draft status.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein is a little more tempered, as he rates Frazier as a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.” He’s Zierlein’s IOL11.
If he gets past the top 75 picks, that would be a shock at this point.
There it is, Bucs Nation. Would you like to see Frazier as Tampa Bay’s new center of the future? Vote in the poll and discuss in the comments below.
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