After nearly two years of hurricane repairs, the Clearwater Beach Library & Recreation Center at 69 Bay Esplanade has reopened with pool, gym and a waterfront event room. A wedding expo is set for June 28.

Hot, muggy Saturday with highs near 96°F and scattered afternoon storms. Heat index could hit about 105°F—plan outdoor time accordingly.

State records show Florida’s data‑center exemption has translated into millions in sales‑tax breaks under a DeSantis‑backed law, renewing debate over incentives and local control. SB 484 adds protections but leaves the tax carveouts intact for qualifying hyperscale projects.

Surveillance video and items pulled from a hotel dumpster linked a 38-year-old man to the June 25 death of 76-year-old Emma Mullins at a St. Petersburg Holiday Inn Express.

New NAR data show agents are growing more experienced and team‑based. Tampa brokers are leaning on referrals and teams to keep deals moving.

James Fishback tapped his deputy campaign manager, former Lauderhill officer Sean Lozano, as his running mate. The campaign-shared body-cam clip has already drawn scrutiny.

A new Florida law phases out PFAS-based firefighting foam on a multi-year schedule beginning July 1, 2026. Tampa Bay departments must inventory stocks and prepare to switch.

Redistricting recast U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s Tampa seat into a Republican‑leaning district, and eight GOP candidates have qualified for the August primary. The contest will test whether incumbency and name recognition can overcome the new map.

Construction crews struck a gas line near Keene Road and Drew Street in Clearwater, closing Drew Street between Keene and Corona Avenue and affecting northbound Keene traffic.

Brazilian baker Bauducco is building a multi‑phase production and distribution campus at Zephyrhills that local officials say will bring roughly 600 jobs and a major capital investment to Pasco County.

Polk County deputies arrested two Bartow residents after a woman was treated for a gunshot wound to her toe; authorities say the probe involved false statements and alleged attempts to hide children.

Citrus County deputies listed 32-year-old Thomas Ray Voelker as their "Wanted of the Week," citing grand theft and a failure-to-appear warrant. Authorities ask anyone with tips to call the sheriff’s tip line.

PSTA plans a direct St. Pete–TPA express bus that aims to speed cross‑bay trips and give airport workers a transit lifeline.