Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing two Seminole County marijuana-farm workers of smuggling unregistered pesticides from Hong Kong; EPA and Homeland Security investigators joined the probe.

A Brooksville man was arrested after a hoax 988 chat prompted a SWAT response at Twin Dolphin Marina. Authorities say digital evidence tied the messages to the suspect's devices.

An FDOT Road Ranger was struck and killed on I‑75 in Pasco County while setting up a lane closure; troopers arrested a Bradenton man on a DUI manslaughter charge after a 0.334 breath test.

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.