Bradenton police arrested 61‑year‑old Brent Williams after a narcotics search that turned up crack, cash and a vehicle. Williams — a 12‑time felon — faces trafficking and related charges.

A 30‑year‑old Tampa woman was arrested after firing multiple shots at two people leaving a home on East Sligh Avenue; no injuries were reported and deputies recovered a firearm and shell casings.

Manatee County says thieves have stripped copper from new streetlights in SMR, Moccasin Wallow and 44th Ave E, leaving costly repairs and cameras in their wake.

Federal prosecutors say a North Fort Myers man pleaded guilty after deputies found more than 50 firearms — some visible from the street — and hundreds of rounds. The case is now on the Middle District of Florida docket with a reported sentencing date in late May.

Clearwater police say two suspects used fraudulent credit-card information to buy four puppies from Sunshine Puppies Two, leaving the shop more than $11,000 short.

Dense morning fog will cut visibility around Tampa this morning. Showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into Saturday; expect localized heavy downpours.

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.