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.

Pasco County has launched a "BioCoast" brand to market land, labs and clinical partners to biotech firms as Moffitt’s Speros campus advances. The effort ties Pasco to Tampa’s research district.

A 66-year-old man was struck and later died while crossing 70th Avenue North in Pinellas Park. Police say the crosswalk's walk signal wasn't activated.

Bella's Coffee is listed as "Coming Soon" at 6284 Commercial Way in Brooksville’s Weeki Wachee Village; owners haven't announced a menu or opening date.

A Tampa man was sentenced to 20 years after prosecutors say a cocaine‑laced packet he sold contained fentanyl that killed a Riverview woman. Federal law imposes a 20‑year minimum when a sale results in death.

An alligator was seen Thursday at Snively Elementary in Winter Haven; the district said the animal left campus and returned to a nearby canal. No injuries were reported.

With Tampa hosting early March Madness rounds, the BBB warns fans to buy from verified sellers, avoid peer‑to‑peer payment apps, and report suspicious ticket sales.

Deputies say a staged pickup with simulated cash led to the arrest of a 40-year-old accused of an alleged $50,000 fraud against an 81-year-old Lithia woman.