With Tampa hosting early March Madness rounds, the BBB warns fans to buy from verified sellers, avoid peer‑to‑peer payment apps, and report suspicious ticket sales.

Deputies say a staged pickup with simulated cash led to the arrest of a 40-year-old accused of an alleged $50,000 fraud against an 81-year-old Lithia woman.

Lawmakers unanimously approved a measure to criminalize adults who involve children in animal cruelty; the bill now heads to the governor and would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.

A Pinellas Park SWAT search of Kevin's Motel on March 4 led to four arrests and the seizure of meth, fentanyl and prescription pills.

La Victoria, a new Mexican restaurant from a Water Street restaurateur, is headed to downtown Tampa with renderings and a pledge to bring "soul" to the neighborhood.

Shark Tank-backed Crispy Cones is aiming to open a Countryside Center shop in Clearwater around March 27, bringing rotisserie-baked pastry cones, weekly flavors and app ordering.

A Brooksville man is accused of threatening family members with a machete inside a home; he now faces two felony counts. No injuries were reported and a court date is set for April 2.

A Lakeland man was taken into custody after deputies say he punched and choked a person Tuesday night, then fled and was stopped on US 98, officials say.

Sunny and humid today with highs near 86°F and a slight chance of a brief afternoon shower between about 3–4 p.m. Fog possible in low spots early.

Polk County deputies are investigating after a brown dog was found dead near Lake Hamilton on Feb. 26. The case is PCSO 26-8562 and detectives are asking for tips.

Temple Terrace police are searching for a man who abducted and sexually assaulted a 13‑year‑old Monday evening. Investigators say surveillance captured the girl at a Burger King on N. 56th Street.

A high-speed, single-vehicle crash on Beagle Road on Monday killed a 37-year-old Hudson man and left a Spring Hill woman seriously hurt. Troopers say both occupants were unrestrained.

Homeowners accepted into Elevate Florida say months after applying they still haven't received the state or federal money promised to lift or rebuild storm‑prone homes.