A Lakeland man pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in the 2020 Christmas Eve shooting that killed a 70‑year‑old woman; ballistics tied a recovered Kahr CM9 to the fatal rounds.

A travel trailer fire on S. Bluebird Terrace in Lecanto sent two adults and two children to trauma centers; state investigators have been called in.

A 2,533‑sq‑ft Starbucks drive‑thru is rising at the former Econo Lodge on North Dale Mabry; crews are on site and permit records show work is underway.

St. Petersburg has asked consultants to study whether a downtown convention center — possibly on the 86‑acre Tropicana Field site — would make economic sense.

A Tampa officer fired a single round during a Hyde Park foot chase; no one was hit and a 24-year-old man was arrested on multiple drug charges.

Rep. Kathy Castor presented $3.15M to help turn the former Edward White Hospital into 71 affordable senior apartments and an on-site clinic.

St. Petersburg will dredge Bartlett Lake next week as the opening move in a multi‑phase, roughly $30M effort to cut chronic flooding in south St. Pete.

A 37‑year‑old registered sex offender was arrested Wednesday in Sarasota during a multi‑agency crimes‑against‑children operation. He now faces 10 counts of promoting child pornography.

Officer Ramon Ortega was fired after his duty belt — with a department-issued handgun and Taser — was recovered behind a Pasco County dumpster.

Hurricane Eddie’s reopened on Thursday after 16 months of repairs, a visible sign that Gulfport’s waterfront recovery is gaining momentum.

Pasco Sheriff's Office warns callers impersonating deputies are demanding payment for 'missed' jury duty; officials say do not send money and report the calls.

One child was killed and another critically injured after a hit-and-run outside Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven; police are searching for the driver and asking for tips.

The Air Force placed The Michaels Organization on a performance improvement plan after residents reported mold and illness at MacDill housing. Families and lawmakers want faster, visible fixes.