A Bartow High School teacher was arrested after a fire he started during a burn ban spread over five acres. The incident violated Polk County regulations amid a drought-induced State of Emergency.

High rip current risk through Monday evening at Tampa beaches; mostly sunny with highs near 74°F.

Tampa Fire Rescue is organizing the 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Expo, inviting local businesses to offer services and products for hurricane readiness.

Troopers say a 32-year-old St. Pete man was clocked at 101 mph on the Howard Frankland Bridge, arrested after a high-speed chase and faces DUI and super-speeder charges.

Hernando County Fire Rescue and state forestry crews responded to a brush fire in the 13000 block of Trapper John Road in Weeki Wachee. Crews focused on structure protection while mutual‑aid partners assisted.

A Sarasota man was tased and arrested after a chase from I‑275 ended in the International Plaza parking lot; troopers say they found a loaded handgun and opened a DUI probe.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office is searching for Guy Hesley, a missing 55-year-old man considered endangered, last seen on February 13th in New Port Richey.

Hillsborough County extended the application deadline for its Self-Employment Workshop Program to February 20, providing additional time for potential entrepreneurs.

Glen Booth Jr., 35, was sentenced to 18 years after being tied to fentanyl and methamphetamine sales in Hillsborough County.

A Weeki Wachee man faces DUI and hit‑and‑run charges after deputies say his red Tahoe fled a crash on Commercial Way; one driver was hospitalized.

Ziggi’s Coffee filed plan‑review paperwork for a drive‑thru at 3114 Hueland Pond Blvd in Wesley Chapel, joining other new retail and housing projects in the area.

Clearwater man arrested on 20 counts of child pornography possession, identified as Christopher J. Daddio, aged 50.

A unanimous Hillsborough County vote moves a plan to convert 121 acres of Lithia strawberry fields into a 100+-home subdivision amid vocal local opposition. Neighbors say roads and rural character are at risk.