An unusual cold front hits Southwest Florida, prompting the Charlotte CARE Center to open its doors as a shelter from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Residents are advised to prepare for extreme temperatures and high winds.

Tampa Bay's National Weather Service issued Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Gale Watches, anticipating a severe cold snap with wind chills possibly in the teens. Residents are advised to take precautions for travel, home, pets, and outdoor activities.

Tampa Police will enforce a no-fly zone for personal drones during the Pirate Invasion and Gasparilla Parade, urging public safety and deploying their own drones for surveillance.

A Pinellas County deputy, James Jones, was fired and charged for battery against an inmate, George Miller, following a sheriff's investigation into a November 2025 incident.

Bissett Community Park's playground will close from February 9 to 23, 2026, for the installation of new shade structures. Other park areas will remain open.

Charlotte County begins upgrades at St. Paul Linear Park with pergola replacements, scheduled for completion by March 13, 2026. Park areas to remain open during construction.

Hillsborough County Extension Service offers various February classes on gardening, financial education, and life skills, including in-person and virtual options, with highlights like "Plant Your Plate" and tree courses. Registration may be required.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is recruiting at two local events this week for various roles, offering candidates a chance to meet with hiring professionals.

A Lake Wales man, Andrew Joseph McHaffie, was arrested for stealing a woman's phone and making unauthorized transactions, escalating to felony charges due to his criminal history.

The City of Dunedin Fitness Center is seeking a Certified Personal Trainer to develop fitness programs and maintain equipment, with details available on their social media.

The Fire Prevention Division in Hillsborough County is enhancing fire safety with inspections and education, employing a variety of trained professionals.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking help to find missing endangered adult James Harris, who has dementia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, last seen on January 22, 2026.

Charlotte County's Utilities Department launches the Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest for students K-12 to promote water conservation through art.