Clearwater is pitching a plan to convert underused Main Library space into an arts destination as a new hotel, tower and parking garage reshape downtown. City staff are pre-marketing the opportunity to museums and cultural partners.

PSTA board discussed using insurance proceeds to hire outside counsel after last year’s deadly Clearwater Ferry crash. The agency floated authorizing up to $500,000 to handle claims and lawsuits.

Hillsborough County detectives posted a Warrant Wednesday alert seeking tips to locate 19‑year‑old Tyree Boone Jr., who is wanted for aggravated domestic assault.

Tampa sellers are waiting longer to find buyers. New data shows the typical listing now takes roughly two months to go under contract.

A 65-year-old Clearwater man died after a medical emergency on the northbound I‑275 ramp to I‑4, troopers say.

Manatee County commissioners voted to deny Lennar’s Lone Valley rezoning after debates over roads, fire coverage and a lack of commercial jobs in Parrish. The developer’s impact‑fee offers weren’t enough to change the board’s mind.

Oscar Freemond Fowler III was taken into custody in Tampa Bay Monday, the Florida attorney general said. State charges have not yet been posted.

An hours-long standoff in Bradenton's Braden Castle Park neighborhood ended peacefully after negotiators secured a surrender. The suspect faces multiple charges as the case proceeds.

Cru Hospitality will open Smith's Provisions and The Back Bar at Sparkman Wharf this March, adding quick-service burgers and a cocktail/wine bar to the Channelside waterfront.

Hillsborough County activated its emergency cold‑weather network as overnight lows dip into the 30s. Congregate sites will take adults nightly and Metropolitan Ministries is offering limited motel vouchers for families.

Manatee County will open short-term cold-weather shelters Monday and Tuesday with transit and early check-in for people who need warmth.

Gunfire at the Royal Breeze Apartments in Clearwater left one man wounded and taken to Bayfront as a trauma alert; detectives say there is no ongoing threat.

Bodycam shows Sarasota officers charging into a burning house on N. Osprey Ave and pulling two adults to safety. Both suffered minor injuries and the State Fire Marshal is investigating.