After 17 years and more than 500,000 tons of recycled shells, Florida's reef‑building experiment has jump‑started oyster habitat and drawn fish back to the Gulf.

Marine deputies cleared a hazardous debris field from the Manatee River near the DeSoto Bridge. Officials are asking boaters to report any floating hazards.

A compact Thai counter has opened inside a Citgo on N Armenia Avenue, serving Pad Thai, curries and Thai iced teas from a pickup window. Early delivery buzz is already forming.

Bayou Court Apartments plans to remove a slash pine holding a bald eagle nest this Saturday, prompting questions about federal permits and nest protections.

Citrus County posted a sexual predator notice after Christopher Chambers established a residence in Inverness. The bulletin lists his conviction, address and supervision conditions.

A man was arrested after deputies say he set a fire inside the abandoned DeSoto Square Mall; deputies say a device placed in a microwave sparked the blaze. The site is part of county redevelopment plans.

Video shows multiple episodes of a dog being kicked and thrown at a Seminole Boulevard home; deputies arrested 36-year-old Michael Wayne Carey on an animal-cruelty charge.

A Winter Haven High teacher and coach was arrested July 23 after deputies say he sexually battered a 15‑year‑old student. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and district are investigating.

American Cruise Lines' new nine‑day Tulsa–to–Memphis Arkansas River Cruise saw fall sailings sell out quickly; the next available departures now show in May 2027. Fares start in the mid‑$5,000s.

A Plant City man convicted in a DUI crash that killed his 5‑month‑old daughter Olivia is due in court Friday; the child's mother urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.

J.C. Newman and Tampa restaurateurs will open Elaine’s, Stanford’s Cigar Club and an 11-room inn in the restored Sanchez y Haya, slated for Thanksgiving 2026.

Have Gun, Will Travel and a cast of Florida Americana performers will gather at Crowbar on July 25 for a final 'One Last Hootenanny' as the Ybor venue winds down its run.

Winter Haven warns the warrant scam has returned, with callers demanding crypto payments and a new ploy that pressures families. Officials say don’t send money and report suspicious calls.