A 65‑year‑old Orlando man has been charged with lewd or lascivious molestation after police say he molested a child during a Bradenton Beach vacation and in Orlando.

Alex Chamberlain is leaving Michelin‑starred Kōsen to run Mei, a French‑Nordic‑Japanese restaurant set to open this spring at 320 Third St. S in downtown St. Pete. The project comes from Omei Restaurant Group.

Gin Khao, a Polk County Thai food truck, has filed plans to open its first brick-and-mortar at 750 W Main Street in Bartow. The owner confirmed the move.

Polk County and Bartow police have identified a 56-year-old man found outside an apartment complex; detectives are processing the scene and seeking tips.

Polk County commissioners voted 4-1 to accept an appeal and reopen review of an 856‑acre PH Citrus sand mine near Lake Wales, reigniting a fight between neighbors and developers. The decision follows a de novo hearing held March 17.

USF has hired veteran coach Chris Mack to lead the Bulls, bringing a history of 20‑win seasons and an Elite Eight run. The move follows Bryan Hodgson's departure to Providence.

Investigators say the woman found in a trunk in St. Petersburg in 1969 has been identified as Sylvia June Atherton, but the killer remains unknown and tips are wanted.

Tampa Bay parents say insurer procedure changes are blocking ABA therapy for children with autism, leaving families and local clinics scrambling.

Hillsborough deputies say 36-year-old Maico Carbajal was arrested in Texas and faces first-degree murder in a March 22 Plant City shooting that killed one man.

A Clearwater woman was arrested after allegedly threatening a St. Petersburg pastor and his congregation; a judge set bond at $50,000 and issued a stay‑away order.

Hillsborough deputies arrested 45‑year‑old Marcos Proctor after finding chats and files investigators say show a juvenile forced into sexual acts with an animal; the sheriff says he faces hundreds of counts.

Hillsborough deputies are investigating a shooting that involved one of the agency’s deputies in Riverview. The call began as a domestic disturbance on Manor Cove Circle near Falkenburg Road.

Shoppers were evacuated from a Tampa Walmart after police say a woman tried to start a fire inside the store. The suspect is in custody and the store is closed while detectives investigate.