A local bill would ask Hillsborough voters in 2026 whether to elect the county's schools chief, shifting the post from an appointed job to a partisan, four‑year office starting in 2028.

A Florida bill would bar taking threatened marine animals for exhibition after a viral video showed a giant manta hauled from Panama City waters.

Buffalo-born Wingnutz is opening a Lakeland location and will start accepting franchise offers later this spring. Public filings show a Florida LLC has been formed as the brand eyes national growth.

Patchy fog early Tuesday gives way to sun and highs near 90°F. A cold front Thursday raises the chance of showers and thunderstorms.

TECO’s longtime downtown building at 702 N. Franklin St. is listed for sale as its Sarasota-based owner plans a major renovation. The move tests downtown’s ability to replace a large office anchor.

A private plane landed without its landing gear at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport on Sunday afternoon; video of the touchdown was published by WTSP.

A pedestrian was killed Saturday night on County Line Road west of Lakeland. Deputies closed both lanes while investigators worked the scene.

Hillsborough deputies say scammers are posing as jail staff and demanding payment from inmates' relatives. Officials urge people to hang up and report the calls.

Longtime Tampa steakhouse Charley’s is moving to Westshore across from International Plaza, with signs up and construction reportedly imminent.

Commissioners approved the Main Street Exchange design at 830 Douglas Ave and handled appointments, event permits and a library carpet contract. Downtown redevelopment moves forward.

A 9-foot-9-inch alligator wandered near a Seffner school bus pickup Thursday; a licensed trapper removed it and no one was hurt.

Hillsborough County renewed its open-burning ban for an eighth week as drought and freeze damage keep wildfire danger elevated across the region.

A South Tampa homeowner says she was told to demolish her fire‑ruined house before the insurer finished investigating. A WFLA consumer segment is now pressing for answers.