Nearly a year after a shark nearly severed her hand, Leah Lendel returned to Boca Grande beach as she continues therapy and rebuilds confidence.

Orlando Health is building a 10,865‑sqft freestanding ER at SR 54 and Henley Road in Lutz with exam rooms, imaging, lab services and an ambulance bay. The project ties into a larger hospital expansion in nearby Wesley Chapel.

A warm April 6 turns unsettled this afternoon with a ~50% chance of storms and heavy downpours tonight. Boaters should watch for gusty northeast winds and choppy seas through midweek.

Hernando County Fire Rescue says crews are on scene of a working structure fire in the 14000 block of Redwood Street in Spring Hill. Officials asked drivers and nearby residents to avoid the area.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and The Motor Enclave unveiled Hard Rock Speedway at Cars EN Coffee — a multi-year partnership executives say will expand the region's motorsports offerings.

A Hillsborough County assistant principal was arrested after being accused of exposing himself to minors aboard a Celebrity cruise ship; authorities say the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale and the case is under investigation.

DOH‑Hillsborough issued a water‑quality advisory at Cypress Point Park after April 1 testing found elevated enterococcus levels. Swimming is off until resamples clear the water.

A Kuzyk Law analysis and federal crash data place Florida among the nation's most dangerous states for pedestrians, with heavy trucks and distracted driving driving much of the risk.

A wildfire burned near N. Range Way and W. Custer Drive in the Beverly Hills area of Citrus County; crews from the Florida Forest Service and Citrus County Fire Rescue are responding.

An 18-year-old led troopers on a high-speed chase across I‑4 and I‑75 in Tampa; passengers begged him to stop, and he ran into brush before being arrested.

First Watch has terminated its COO and moved operations under CEO Chris Tomasso as the Bradenton‑based chain manages a rapid expansion and heavy capital spending.

A Florida TaxWatch mid‑decade report finds surging insurance bills and rents have left about half of residents considering moving. The study calls for policy fixes on insurance, housing and health care.

Pasco County opened a fully operational 911 call center in Dade City, completing countywide consolidation and adding backup capacity.