A Manatee County jury convicted a Lakewood Ranch mother in the death of her 2‑year‑old son after prosecutors said he was run over in the driveway.

City staff presented a menu of meter hikes, time‑of‑day surcharges and seasonal fares that could push some spots to $7 an hour. Commissioners will review the plan March 24.

South Tampa’s Hooters will shutter March 22 after its lease expires, ending a long run on West Gandy. Brokers already have the building listed for lease.

Three Pasco campuses were put on controlled campus Thursday while deputies investigated a threat; officials say increased law‑enforcement remained on site and updates are pending.

Citrus County deputies arrested a 76-year-old volunteer after rescuing 52 cats and finding one deceased animal at her Hernando home. Authorities say the animals are receiving care and charges are pending.

Bradenton police say DNA connected 43‑year‑old Joshua Wilbar to a Nov. 2 break‑in at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School; he’s been charged and was already jailed on separate burglary counts.

Areyanna Bosworth, 16, ran away from her Bradenton home and was last seen near US‑41 in Palmetto; family reports no contact for more than a week.

A Lake Wales man was arrested after deputies say he fled two hit‑and‑run crashes within minutes; the damaged car was later found parked behind Garden Grove Elementary. Authorities say he refused sobriety tests and faces multiple charges.

A Tampa federal guilty plea unmasked an alleged scheme that prosecutors say turned H-2A visas into a forced‑labor operation spanning five states.

A 69-year-old Sarasota County Schools aide, identified as Tracy Lynn Criman, was booked on felony child-abuse and battery counts, records show. The district has not posted a public statement.

Municipal elections on March 10 brought fresh faces to several Pinellas beach towns amid low turnout and local fights over parking and beach policies.

Federal prosecutors say a Spring Hill man allegedly diverted wholesale shipments of onions and potatoes, causing more than $600,000 in losses. The indictment charges him with interstate transport of stolen property.

A Spring Hill man admitted helping funnel nearly $9 million stolen from online-scam victims, federal prosecutors say.