Tampa starts hot and muggy Wednesday with highs near 94°F and heat-index readings into the low 100s. Expect scattered afternoon storms; move outdoor plans to the morning if you can.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw submitted a resignation on Tuesday and will retire Aug. 6, 2026 to take a teaching post at the University of South Florida. The department held a news conference the same day.

A multi-vehicle crash on I‑4 westbound near Polk City around 6:30 a.m. closed all westbound lanes and troopers confirmed there were fatalities as investigators worked the scene.

An arrest affidavit says a St. Petersburg man struck a dog with a shovel; he faces cruelty and battery charges.

Conservation groups say islands in Alligator Lake are hosting state‑threatened nesting birds, prompting Safety Harbor to rethink its July 4 fireworks plan.

Tampa International Airport has taken a formal step toward replacing its decades‑old control tower as federal funding and local backing line up.

A Largo man was arrested after leaving his four children at a Family Support Services office; police say the drop-off was not coordinated with DCF.

A unanimous DRC vote advances a $25M plan to remake the long-idle St. Petersburg Science Center into an AI hub with classrooms, labs and startup space.

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.