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.

Drive‑thru chain 7 Brew is planning a Sarasota County location as part of its Florida expansion.

Morning patchy fog gives way to sun and a high near 84°F. Storm chances rise midweek.

A Dundee woman was arrested after deputies say she ran signals and struck a motorcyclist in Winter Haven; the rider was airlifted with life‑threatening injuries.

St. Pete chef Cameron Schneider’s Smash & Grab truck is rolling through Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco with smashburgers, bacon jam and lemon‑pepper fries.

Patchy morning fog lifts to highs near 83°F. A slight chance of late‑day showers and a few thunderstorms — mainly south of Sarasota — may affect evening plans.

A 24-year-old man is jailed on a second-degree murder charge after deputies found his 65-year-old mother stabbed to death in a Clearwater mobile home park. Investigators say he admitted to the killing and the sheriff’s homicide unit is handling the case.

Low clouds and patchy fog lift this morning; highs near 79°F Sunday and warming into the 80s midweek.