Chris Cunningham bought a block on North Nebraska Avenue and turned a former feed store into a True Value that now supplies hospitals, utilities and contractors. The project pairs retail, e-commerce and B2B sales while opening space for future redevelopment.

Auburndale's former berry field has been remade as Camp Margaritaville, a tropical RV resort with pools, tiki bars and a Pitmasters BBQ this weekend.

A new tea room inside the Rialto Theatre in Tampa Heights has begun afternoon teas and will host a Kentucky Derby watch party on May 2 with a hat contest and $55 tickets.

A Polk County driver was arrested after deputies say she hit a patrol car, nearly ran over a deputy and later tested 0.22 for alcohol. The investigation is ongoing.

Tampa‑based XTEND won a $1.67M contract from Israel's defense ministry as it prepares for a planned Nasdaq debut and expands local manufacturing.

A 1.5-mile stretch of Kathleen Road in north Lakeland saw 366 crashes from 2020–2025 and three fatalities. Federal funds and a TPO study will guide lighting, crosswalk and design fixes.

Hillsborough detectives asked the public to help find 43‑year‑old Timothy Watkins, who is wanted on alleged sex‑offender registration violations and is listed as 43 years old.

J.J. Moser scored in overtime to lift the Lightning to a 3-2 win over Montreal, tying the first‑round series at one game apiece.

Habitat for Humanity and Lake Seminole Presbyterian are proposing a land swap that would replace most of the church campus with 18 affordable cottages for residents 55 and older.

Los Angeles–based Paige has opened its first Florida boutique at Hyde Park Village in Tampa, bringing premium denim, accessories and in‑store services including denim recycling.

An RV on Skywood Drive ignited a fast-moving brush fire in Valrico; crews contained the blaze in about 25 minutes and no injuries were reported.

Gov. DeSantis signed SB 182 on April 20, 2026, restoring cursive instruction for grades 3–5 and requiring proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The law also mandates presidential portraits and a teacher-mentoring program.

Wesley Chapel High briefly went on controlled campus status after a report of a possible weapon; deputies found no weapon and the school was cleared.