Officials proposed two school closures, K‑8 consolidations and an employee childcare expansion as enrollment falls and building costs rise. Community meetings have been tense.

Polk County Fire Rescue tackled over 30 brush fires, with the largest consuming 400 acres near River Ranch. No evacuation or injuries reported, but drought conditions and a burn ban are in place.

More than 70 flights at Tampa International were delayed or canceled on Presidents' Day, snarling holiday travel and prompting rebookings and longer waits.

Pinellas County Sheriff honored the victims of the MSDHS shooting on the anniversary, reflecting on the tragedy and reiterating the commitment to improving school safety.

Two Publix stores in Arcadia and Sarasota sold winning Florida Lottery tickets Saturday, including a $1M Powerball second-tier winner.

Four people were arrested after a high-speed street-racing incident on Hillsborough Avenue. Charges include felony fleeing to elude and unlawful racing.

Better Blend will open three Tampa Bay shops and launch two Blendmobile trucks, starting with a Brandon storefront this year.

AES Group has filed plans for an Arby’s at 1725 S McCall Rd in Englewood, a drive‑thru retrofit on an outparcel next to Publix and Bealls. The franchisee’s expansion would add another quick‑serve option to the busy McCall Road corridor.

Gasparilla returns to Meridian Fields April 10–12 with Mt. Joy, Two Friends and Gov’t Mule headlining a stacked, multi‑day lineup. Tickets and VIP packages are available now.

Manatee County will renovate the park at Martha B. King Middle School, adding sports courts, a playground, new sidewalks, and improving parking and stormwater systems, while enhancing the landscape with native plants.

Jamarian Bradfield, 19, was arrested by Tampa Police for a homicide on Brittany Lane; the victim, a woman in her mid-30s, was shot after an argument with Bradfield.

A Mulberry driver was ejected and later died after his SUV struck a dump truck on Church Avenue; Polk County deputies say the crash is under investigation.

A Gibsonton man faces first‑degree arson charges after prosecutors say he set a neighbor’s trailer on fire; a judge denied bail and he will remain jailed.