A pre‑dawn U‑Haul stop on Causeway Boulevard produced about 5.5 pounds of suspected cocaine and an arrest, deputies say.

Kolter Multifamily filed plans for a 280‑unit Alton apartment project in Brandon, adding nearly 300 rental homes to the Tampa Bay suburbs.

A 43-year-old Port Charlotte woman is jailed after deputies say she fired at a car after a juvenile fight at Lake Betty Park; no injuries were reported.

Tom McCarthy has staged a star‑studded shoot at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach; local extras and period vehicles are being sought for scenes April 6–8.

Olive Garden and Seasons 52 are planned for Gateway Plaza in Wesley Chapel, joining new retail and medical tenants in a fast-growing trade area.

Sandra Bradbury was sworn in as Pinellas Park’s mayor as new council members took their oaths and council meetings were scheduled for Tuesday nights at City Hall.

A Pinellas Park man was federally indicted after his infant nearly died from fentanyl; investigators say a Jan. 14 search turned up drugs and firearms.

Pinellas County detectives arrested Patrick Rainey Young on multiple felony counts tied to alleged sexual contact with a 15‑year‑old; the Crimes Against Children Unit says the probe is ongoing.

Two semis collided on U.S. 98 at SR 471 in Lakeland, killing one and spilling hazardous materials. The highway was closed and traffic rerouted while crews secured the scene.

Miami‑born Pura Vida has filed plans for a 4,209‑sq‑ft café with outdoor seating at 1038 Water Street, bringing its all‑day breakfast and bowls to downtown Tampa. The project is under city review and no opening date has been set.

A federal report finds an in‑flight engine fire likely sparked the Feb. 1, 2024 Clearwater crash that killed three; the pilot’s trouble finding the airpark worsened the emergency.

Pasco County is adding six new fire stations in under two years, including a flood‑resistant Station 19 due this summer. Upgrades include decontamination zones and elevated designs to protect crews.

Surveillance shows suspects cutting power to Spring Hill storefronts before a series of break-ins. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for tips.