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.

Red Cedar Capital Partners secured $75M to scale build-to-rent and multifamily projects across the Southeast and Midwest, the Charlotte Business Journal reports.

USF’s reported research expenditures climbed to $531M — a 15% gain in two years that is drawing federal and private dollars into Tampa Bay.

A Lakeland substitute who went by "Mr. Jeremiah" was arrested after students at Kathleen and Lake Gibson middle schools reported inappropriate touching and comments.

A deputy-involved shooting in New Port Richey prompted a sheriff's live briefing; officials say the incident appears isolated.

A Quick Pick sold at a Punta Gorda Sunoco matched Fantasy 5’s evening numbers for about $109,117. Winners must claim the prize at the Fort Myers lottery office.

Mercy Full Project says it has been pushed past capacity after a sudden puppy surge and dozens of intakes; the Tampa rescue urgently needs foster homes, volunteers and donations.

A Sarasota man was arrested after police say he entered multiple vehicles and a shipping container at a Lake Wales car‑sales lot on U.S. 27 South.

A Dade City woman was critically injured after multiple dogs attacked her; seven animals were quarantined and authorities are investigating.