Manatee County declared a countywide burn ban as drought‑driven fire danger climbed. The order bans fireworks and open burning while allowing limited, permitted exceptions.

Manatee County Beach Patrol logged 136 rescues over three days as more than 125 rip currents were spotted. Lifeguards urged swimmers to stay in guarded areas.

Tallahassee police and DEA agents shut down a Panhandle "drug house" on June 22, seizing firearms and supplies of fentanyl, cocaine and meth tied to a suspected distributor.

Florida bars phones for K‑8 but allows high schoolers device use outside class. The state will pilot full‑day high‑school bans in six districts and requires a report by Dec. 1, 2026.

The Tampa CRA approved $5 million to build 31 affordable apartments and ground-floor retail along the 34th Street corridor, anchored in a family's long-term plans for the neighborhood.

Pinellas County approved matching funds that unlock a state grant to overhaul long‑troubled drainage, roads and water systems in Crystal Beach.

Largo’s City Commission approved a West Bay Drive entertainment district that will let patrons carry drinks in marked public zones under set limits and hours.

Tampa police are searching for a suspect after a man was fatally shot at a large gathering in Old West Tampa. Detectives have opened an active homicide investigation and are seeking tips.

HCSO says two teens, 15 and 16, were taken into custody at Brandon Exchange after deputies recovered an AR‑15‑style rifle and a handgun.

What began as a Super Bowl pop-up has become Roc the Block’s Juneteenth festival at Raymond James, drawing thousands and spotlighting Black-owned businesses.

A midyear amendment would add $21.3M to Pinellas Park’s FY2026 budget, funding Sprowls Horizon operations, Park Station renovations and several sewer and street projects.

Hillsborough deputies found a deceased woman on Tuscan Loon Drive and a man was taken to Tampa General with minor injuries. The sheriff's office says the incident appears domestic-related.

A red-light collision at SR‑60 and North Turkey Creek Road left two dead and two more hurt Friday, troopers said.