A revised plan for the former Wedgewood Golf Course cuts planned homes to 825, but neighbors still worry about traffic, drainage and neglected ponds ahead of a May 18 vote.

HCSO’s aviation unit tracked a stolen SUV to Hawkstone Trail and Balm Boyette; ground deputies arrested two teens after a traffic stop.

An 18‑year‑old Sarasota influencer known as Hullo was arrested May 6 and charged with 15 counts after detectives say a phone forensic exam turned up child sexual abuse material.

Tarpon Springs City Manager Charles Rudd resigned after a $40,000 Orlando retreat run by Landmark Worldwide that Mayor John Koulianos says left staff distressed.

7 Brew filed a Polk County water‑permit application for a proposed Haines City drive‑thru that would join its Davenport location. The filing is an early step toward construction.

A Port Richey motorcyclist in a bunny helmet was arrested after a 120 mph chase on U.S. 19; troopers found a handgun and charged him with felony fleeing and weapons offenses.

The City of Tampa approved a $350,000 settlement in a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation and favoritism in the Mobility Department. The payment closes the case but leaves questions about personnel practices.

A Palmetto man was struck and killed on U.S. 41 near Scale Avenue around 1:20 a.m.; troopers are investigating the fatal early‑morning crash.

Polk County reinstated a burn ban effective May 6 as drought readings climbed, barring campfires, yard burns and fireworks across unincorporated areas and several cities.

Palm Harbor’s longtime pie shop JJ Gandy’s will reopen this summer under new owner Rob Marvenko, who says he secured the bakery’s recipes and will preserve the pies. The storefront and much of the interior are being kept intact.

An appeals court affirmed Domingo Rodriguez’s conviction in the 2024 killing of Dexter. Rodriguez surrendered and will serve the remaining 364 days of his sentence.

Publix says Executive Chairman Todd Jones will retire May 31 after a 46‑year career; he will remain chairman of the board as the company shifts leadership. The move follows the chain’s recent Q1 results and is framed as a continuity transition.

A Polk County man pleaded guilty in federal court in Ocala to attempted production of child sexual abuse material and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years.