A UF/IFAS study finds Florida’s forest industry produced nearly $29 billion in 2023 and supported about 103,000 jobs, even as hurricanes and mill closures threaten rural communities.

Attorney General James Uthmeier and Sheriff Chad Chronister will brief reporters Wednesday morning at the Falkenburg Road Jail about a multi‑county truck‑theft probe. Officials may announce arrests, subpoenas or new charges.

Mostly sunny and muggy with a small window for midday showers; highs near 87°F today and warming into the low 90s by the weekend.

A $20M, 250-foot observation wheel for Channelside secured a permit on May 11, nudging Tampa WOW toward construction. Supporters tout jobs and tourism while neighbors raise concerns.

A bodega‑style window called Bodega Bus is moving into downtown Tampa’s former Taco Bus storefront, promising halal chopped cheese, smashburgers and late‑night hours until 4 a.m.

A pedestrian was struck and later died after a collision at 49th Street North and 62nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg; police are investigating.

A 41-year-old driver was charged after an early-morning crash on 56th Street that killed a passenger, authorities say.

Plant City police say one person was shot Saturday near E. Baker Street and Thonotosassa Road. Detectives remain on scene and road closures are in effect.

A Red Bull box truck was stolen during a delivery in Tampa and recovered after deputies tracked it along I‑4; a 33‑year‑old woman was arrested and charged.

Former Hillsborough County commissioner Kimberly Overman has shifted into Florida’s redrawn 12th District to challenge Rep. Gus Bilirakis; fundraising and the new map change the calculus.

A Lakeland man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he stole a backpack, rammed a patrol car and led officers on a pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver.

Hernando County Fire Rescue says crews are on scene of a working structure fire in the 700 block of Champion Drive Friday evening. Authorities urged people to avoid the area while crews work.

Manatee County detectives say a man used power of attorney to take roughly $350,000 from a woman with dementia. The case underscores a growing elder‑fraud problem.