A tiny reptile darted through Bradenton Bay High on Friday; Bradenton police captured it and issued a trespass warning.

Plan‑review paperwork shows a proposed IHOP at 37051 U.S. 27 in Haines City near Bates Road. The filing names Sunshine Restaurant Partners as the franchisee.

A rooftop collapse at a former Winn‑Dixie in Madeira Beach left a gaping hole — but banded oystercatcher parents and their newly hatched chicks survived and will be monitored during repairs.

Tampa police and FDLE say a West Tampa raid turned up roughly 90,000 files of alleged child sexual abuse material and led to the arrest of a 71‑year‑old man.

A federal jury in Tampa convicted two men in the fentanyl death of a USF student, federal prosecutors said.

An industry executive told the Tampa Bay Business Journal the state’s $9.6B catastrophe fund needs recalibration as trustees prepare to weigh new 2026 rates.

Photos released by Clearwater police show two people wanted after a stolen debit card left one victim nearly $8,000 short.

Pasco County deputies arrested 14 people in a West Pasco undercover sting that targeted unlicensed contractors. Officials urge residents to verify licenses and report suspicious activity.

Cousin Vinny’s, fresh from a Michelin nod, has signed a St. Pete lease and is plotting a South Tampa outpost as it aims for 10 Florida locations by 2029.

A 38-year-old Crystal River man died after a high-impact collision with a tractor-trailer at CR‑470 and SR‑44 in Sumter County.

A 29‑year‑old Lakeland man was killed May 5 after his motorcycle struck an SUV that turned left on George Jenkins Boulevard. Police say the Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating.

Citrus County deputies named 43-year-old Kristopher Sellers as their latest "Wanted of the Week" for violating probation tied to a meth possession case. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 352-249-2790.

Publix’s customer‑service FAQ and in‑store signs now ask that only law enforcement openly carry firearms, a reversal from the chain’s October policy. Local reporters say the change showed up this week.