Aventon Companies filed plans for a 270-unit apartment complex in New Port Richey amid a flurry of multifamily filings as Pasco County's growth accelerates.

A British dive team says it located the WWI‑era cutter Tampa about 50 miles off Newquay; the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the wreck and plans underwater research.

A Lakeland man who played Santa was arrested in a Polk County human‑trafficking sting. Court documents allege he responded to an online ad and arranged to meet a minor.

A 21-year-old Ruskin woman died after her car struck the rear of a semi-trailer on U.S. 41 near Scale Avenue in Bradenton, the Florida Highway Patrol says.

A 20-year-old alleged gang member was arrested after deputies found a loaded pistol in his pants pocket.

A 13-story, 310-room AC Hotel and Moxy is rising at 111 N. Meridian Ave, bringing rooftop dining, a pool deck and new street-level retail to the Channel District.

Sarasota police say overall crime fell 18% in 2025, the third straight year of declines.

A suspicious package briefly closed West Dampier Street in Inverness before the county bomb team declared it safe.

A Fantasy 5 ticket sold at a Lutz Publix matched Sunday’s midday draw for a $57,475 payout; winners must claim at a Florida Lottery district office.

A home under renovation in Ybor was consumed by fire Monday; Tampa Fire Rescue extinguished the blaze and no injuries were reported.

Governor DeSantis unveiled a bronze George Washington statue in Chipley as Florida launches a mobile museum and docuseries for the state's 250th events.

Will Weatherford is stepping down as chair of USF’s Board of Trustees and will remain a trustee while Mike Griffin prepares to take over amid major research gains and a $340M stadium project.

Plan‑review paperwork suggests a Dave’s Hot Chicken is planned at 4683 Park Blvd in Pinellas Park, joining a busy Park Boulevard dining strip. Local filings and tenant signs will confirm next steps.