Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality will open Rippers, a casual American counter focused on "ripper" hot dogs, in Clearwater’s restored Telephone Building.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he was at the scene of a deputy-involved shooting on Fowler Road in Auburndale; the suspect was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and no deputies were hurt.

Podiatrists in Tampa and across the U.S. say some patients on GLP‑1 drugs are reporting heel pain, visible tendons and sudden shoe‑size changes after rapid weight loss.

A 54‑year‑old North Port woman was killed Saturday when her SUV overturned near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Troopers say the crash involved a Tahoe and a Suburban and is under investigation.

FEMA9s FY2026 HSGP ties roughly $1.064 billion to sweeping election‑security mandates — SAVE checks, 5% manual audits and a phase‑out of QR/barcode tabulation — setting up legal and budget fights for states.

A bicyclist died early Saturday after being struck by an SUV on 15th Street East in Manatee County. Troopers say the crash is under investigation.

Heat Advisory in effect Saturday with highs near 96F and heat index near 106. Expect scattered late‑day storms and take steps to stay cool.

Hazmat crews isolated a package dusted with unknown white powder in Spring Hill. Sheriff Al Nienhuis said detectives are treating it as a potential criminal investigation.

Manatee County reports a 56% drop in opioid deaths after years of naloxone distribution, outreach and treatment partnerships. Local leaders credit a coordinated network of responders and providers.

A fatal early‑morning crash shut all southbound lanes of I‑75 near County Road 54 in Wesley Chapel on July 10, causing long closures and an active FHP investigation.

A 10-acre wildfire burned near Ridge Manor; crews reported about 20% containment and asked residents to stay clear while they worked.

A Tampa man was arrested after deputies say he caused a Turner Road crash that left two drivers hospitalized and registered very high BACs. Authorities say he was found about a mile from the scene.

Rasool Abdul Hakeem appeared in Hillsborough County court July 8, 2026, in connection with an August 2024 Riverview road‑rage shooting that wounded a teenage passenger. A judge set a follow‑up hearing for July 16.