James Uthmeier’s campaign pulled in $1.91M in Q1, boosted by six‑figure donations from tobacco, gun companies and the state party.

A Gulf County welfare check turned tragic when family members found a local couple dead in their home; investigators say preliminary evidence points to an apparent murder‑suicide.

A Florida trooper was seriously injured on Alligator Alley after a suspected drunk driver slammed into his cruiser; the driver was arrested with a BAC of .159.

A University Park door‑cam captured a large alligator “knocking” at a home’s front door. Wildlife officials say the sighting is a reminder that gators live near many Florida neighborhoods.

A 31-year-old Apollo Beach man was ejected and killed after his BMW overturned during a high-speed rear-end crash on northbound U.S. 301 near Shady Preserve Drive.

Two U.S. destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to begin mine‑clearing operations as cease‑fire talks with Iran unfolded. The move aims to reopen a vital shipping lane.

Dozens of Hillsborough schools are over Florida’s legal class‑size caps, putting pressure on teachers and facilities. District leaders say fixes will take time and money.

Chef Victor Lopez's D’Rose Gastrobar aims to open in Ybor this June with shareable Colombian‑inspired plates, cocktails and a wraparound bar.

Sarasota police arrested a man after seizing 90.2 grams of fentanyl, 25.9 grams of cocaine and more than $10,000 during a search-warrant sweep on April 6.

DalMoros is relocating downtown to 204 1st Ave N with a refreshed look, more seats and new menu items ahead of a May 1 opening.

Sunny and warm through the weekend with highs in the mid‑80s. Small craft advisory through 8 a.m. Friday and drought conditions continue.

A Pinellas County judge will decide April 10 whether Shelby Nealy will be sentenced to death for the killings of three members of the Ivancic family. The jury recommended death last summer; Nealy is already serving 30 years.

ESPN icon Dick Vitale says scans showed "some abnormalities" and a biopsy is set for Friday; he says he feels well and will keep fundraising for The V Foundation.