Dutch Bros is coming to Bradenton — its first shop in Manatee County — as part of the SeaFlower Village Center. The center is slated to be completed in late 2026.

A female Florida panther, UCFP500, was found dead on State Road 82 in Collier County; biologists suspect a vehicle strike and urge drivers to slow down in known panther corridors.

UF researchers retooled tomato carotenoids with a pepper gene, producing orange fruit higher in beta‑carotene that could help address vitamin A deficiency.

Manatee County commissioners approved a 14‑year extension to Mosaic’s Four Corners mining plan, allowing operations through 2044 and setting reclamation for 2055 amid local pushback. The move split the board and revived long‑running environmental and jobs debates.

Bradenton police warned of callers posing as officers who ask victims to feed cash into a "government currency" kiosk. Hang up, call your bank and report the call.

A Deltona woman was arrested after deputies say she splashed bleach at a resident, grabbed a gun and fled; she faces multiple charges including aggravated battery on a deputy.

Unannounced fireworks lit up downtown Tampa on Monday night, rattling windows and spawning online videos and speculation about what set them off.

A Tampa-linked leader of a transnational arms ring was sentenced to 57 months after admitting to a plot to ship firearms and parts to Trinidad and Tobago.

A Pinellas Park mother was jailed after police say she stabbed her daughter’s boyfriend and injured her daughter; both victims were treated and expected to survive.

A small single-engine plane overturned while landing at Charlotte‑Monroe Executive Airport Monday; three people were treated and the runway was closed as FAA investigators responded.

Clearwater’s Sea‑Blues festival returns to Coachman Park Feb. 28–March 1 with national blues acts, seafood vendors and free admission. Captain’s Krewe VIP packages are available.

Polk County deputies say a Mulberry man who reported a drive‑by was actually shot by himself; he was arrested and faces a false‑report felony plus drug charges.

Hernando County Fire Rescue says crews are on scene of a working structure fire in the 12000 block of Ronald Street in Spring Hill. Authorities asked people to avoid the area while crews work.