Two Clearwater women face felony animal‑cruelty charges after deputies say a 3‑pound dog named Princess was thrown from a moving SUV and seriously injured.

A 79-year-old Winter Haven woman was killed Friday in a two-vehicle crash at Winter Lake Road and Camellia Drive. Deputies say the other driver is in critical condition and an investigation is underway.

A 24-year-old Bushnell man died after his car struck a tree at a rural Sumter County intersection early Feb. 28. Troopers say the Hyundai Elantra ran through the intersection; the crash is under investigation.

PGIM and Greystar plan Birchway Bayside, a 376‑unit community at 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard in Clearwater, with 151 affordable homes and a 2026 start.

A City Council committee cleared ballot language to ask St. Pete voters about a 52,000‑sq‑ft, $30M expansion of the city’s maritime and defense tech hub.

The Rays have refashioned Tropicana Field’s premium spaces into lounges, a speakeasy, candy room and upgraded suites ahead of their April 6 home opener. Season memberships are limited.

Aqua Tequila's Parrish outpost opened Friday in Creekside Commons, bringing margaritas, street tacos and a tequila-forward menu to Manatee County.

ZooTampa closed a $33 million campaign to finish Florida Waters and the Straz Family Manatee Rescue, adding new habitats and expanded rescue capacity this spring.

Volta Wine + Market will begin buildout at 400 Central in March, bringing a 2,000‑sq‑ft wine shop, market and tasting bar to downtown St. Pete.

Clear and mild today with a high near 78°F. Patchy fog Friday morning and showers with thunderstorms expected Friday night into Saturday.

The sheriff’s office says reported crime fell 19.7% in 2025, with large drops in vehicle theft, robbery and violent crime. Local measures and staffing shifts are cited as possible factors.

Clear, cool morning in Tampa with a high near 70°F this afternoon. Frost advisory inland through 8 a.m.; rain and storms likely Friday–Saturday.

Investigations and court filings show hundreds of Floridians deemed too sick for trial are stuck in county jails for months while they wait for state psychiatric beds.