Ocean Conservancy says new analysis shows tiny amounts of plastic can be fatal to manatees, sea turtles and seabirds. The group used an Apollo Beach news event to press lawmakers as Florida discusses SB 240.

Hillsborough’s clerk says an AI-assisted review and a USF Credit Union volunteer analysis produced banking fee savings, returning $1.15M and freeing millions more for taxpayers.

Hernando County deputies found roughly 11.2 pounds of ketamine hidden inside hollowed wax candles during a Spring Hill raid; a 36-year-old man was arrested. Investigators are tracing the shipment.

Bluewater Media says its former CFO is accused of siphoning roughly $2.4 million from company accounts; local prosecutors have charged him with money‑laundering. The firm says it is cooperating with investigators while it audits its books.

Tampa man pleads guilty to armed gas station robbery and discharging a firearm, facing 10 years to life in prison. Evidence included a distinctive tattoo and items found in his trash.

After a hit-and-run in Winter Haven, deputies arrested Jose Obregon Salgado, who now faces multiple charges, including felonies upgraded due to his illegal immigration status.

Tampa General unveiled a 32,000-square-foot Innovation Center in Ybor City to house its innovation and venture teams, analytics staff and a new Palantir hub.

The NWS reports cloudy weather, 56°F, with high humidity in Tampa, FL. Today's forecast includes partly sunny skies with a gentle breeze, tonight's possibly patchy fog, and a warm weekend ahead with potential showers on Sunday.

Two people were found dead at Marion Springs Condominiums on East Fort King Street; Ocala police secured the scene and say there's no immediate danger. Investigators are asking for tips.

A hard freeze left the shoreline at Circle B strewn with thousands of dead tilapia; park officials say scavengers and decomposition will restore the marsh.

Lakeland police warned residents of a scam that asks people to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier; officials say banks and police will never request that.

Officials say six people, including former state workers, used state claims to siphon about $1.7M through 220+ bogus property‑damage payouts.

Researchers told a Senate committee that Gen Z is trailing previous generations on attention and memory, and Tampa Bay doctors say unstructured screen time may be a culprit.