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LIVE BLOG: Updates on Hurricane Milton

Semi Carrying Mail Struck By Dump Truck on I-75

Florida Highway Patrol

If you're wondering why you are only crawling on southbound or northbound Interstate 75 near Wesley Chapel - or really anywhere along that highway around Tampa today - here's why:

The Florida Highway Patrol says early this morning on I-75 near S.R. 56, a mail-carrying semi hit a guard rail and the dump truck behind it plowed into it.

The drivers of both trucks got out okay before both vehicles burst into flames. Both drivers were taken to the hospital to get checked out. The pavement was damaged by leaking fuel, so FHP says that stretch of road may not open up again until at earliest, 6 tonight.

As for the mail on that mail truck? Well, Deborah Fetterly of the U.S. Postal Service says it was only carrying stuff like magazines and advertising flyers. No tax returns and "no letters from Grandma with a gift card in it." Fetterly told Bay News 9 any mail that wasn't destroyed in the fire will be delivered to the addressee.

I love telling stories about my home state. And I hope they will help you in some way and maybe even lift your spirits.
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