A small plane crashed in north Lakeland Monday night near Moore Road, killing at least one person and drawing a federal response.

A Tampa man was arrested after deputies say he fled a 97 mph traffic stop on SR 60, crashed in Lake Wales and was caught at a Publix.

A 20-year-old Winter Haven man allegedly cut off his juvenile ankle monitor, stole a golf cart and led officers into the woods before being caught, police say.

Neighborhood associations, the Sierra Club and the Chamber are meeting with City Hall as St. Petersburg shapes a ballot measure to speed up stormwater and water upgrades.

A Winter Haven resident claimed a $2M Jackpot Triple Play prize and accepted a $1.21M lump-sum after buying the ticket in Lakeland. The Florida Lottery confirmed the claim.

Mother’s has reopened in Northdale with a new chef, bigger dining room and a refreshed comfort-food menu. The move follows an unexpected closure last summer.

Pittsburgh’s NAI Burns Scalo acquired Fort Myers brokerage Commercial Property Southwest Florida and is positioning its construction and capital teams to develop along the Tampa–Fort Myers corridor.

Hernando County health officials issued a 60‑day rabies alert in Spring Hill after an unvaccinated cat was infected following a raccoon attack. Pet owners should check vaccinations and report bites.

Good Intentions, a well‑liked vegan restaurant in St. Petersburg, will close by mid‑summer 2026, owners say.

A routine pawn-shop inspection in Brandon led deputies to arrest a man accused of pawning more than $40,000 in his employer's equipment. Detectives say several generators, ladders and drills were recovered.

A Tampa jury convicted Terry Stephens of first-degree murder after prosecutors say he helped set up the ambush of his former boss; he now faces life in prison.

Kucherov's 130-point regular season earned him a second Hart Trophy in a razor‑thin PHWA vote.

Sheila E., Chris Botti and Larkin Poe headline Clearwater Jazz Holiday Oct. 15–18, with free Sunset Bluff viewing and local tributes. The four‑day festival returns to Coachman Park.