A Los Angeles man drew a 30‑year federal prison term after prosecutors say he coerced a 12‑year‑old in North Port into online sexual activity.

A 45-year-old St. Petersburg man was arrested after police say he struck a child with a hammer; the child was hospitalized and the suspect posted bond.

A shopper accidentally shot himself inside the Venice Walmart on Thursday; deputies say surveillance shows the weapon discharged while he adjusted a holstered handgun.

Jon Cooper won the NHL’s Jack Adams Award Wednesday — his first — after guiding the Tampa Bay Lightning through injuries to a 50-win season. The honor came at a charity event and capped a season of steady leadership.

A 26-year-old was arrested after troopers say he hit about 106 mph on the Howard Frankland Bridge and tossed a bag of marijuana from his Tesla; troopers say they recovered a gun and narcotics.

A convicted felon wanted on Lee County warrants was arrested in Naples after a U‑Haul crash and a brief pond chase. CCSO says K‑9 units and stop sticks helped bring him into custody.

BermudAir will launch seasonal nonstop flights from St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) to Turks & Caicos, Belize and Anguilla starting this December; tickets go on sale Friday pending approvals.

A 23-year-old Port Charlotte man was killed after his motorcycle struck a utility vehicle on El Jobean Road. Eastbound lanes of SR‑776 were closed while the Florida Highway Patrol investigates.

CENTCOM says a U.S. aircraft fired a Hellfire missile to disable a Botswana‑flagged tanker headed for Kharg Island after the crew ignored repeated warnings. The move is part of a U.S. maritime blockade of Iranian ports.

Pasco County is considering a 12‑month moratorium on new data centers so staff can study water, power and land‑use impacts ahead of June hearings.

Donalds’ team says a two‑month spring surge pushed the campaign and PAC past $81 million, amplifying his frontrunner position in the Florida governor’s race.

Pasco deputies are investigating after apparent human remains were found near Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. Officials say there is no immediate public threat as forensic teams work to identify the remains.

Pasco County published a redesigned, interactive disaster guide as the 2026 hurricane season began. The guide bundles evacuation maps, shelter details and supply checklists for local residents.