Volunteers are quitting the Florida State Guard after reports of misused aircraft, questionable purchases and alleged retaliation, prompting calls for oversight.

Rep. Angie Nixon filed bills to create a First‑Time Homebuyer Assistance trust funded by a documentary‑stamp levy to pay down closing and down‑payment costs for first‑time buyers. The proposals are being tracked as lawmakers consider how to expand help across Florida.

A private plan for a multi-berth cruise terminal near the Sunshine Skyway has split Manatee County — developers promise jobs while residents and environmental groups warn of habitat loss. County officials say staff have faced harassment as the debate heats up.

Tampa police responded to a fatal shooting on W. Green St.; a man in his mid-60s died despite rescue efforts. The incident appears targeted, with an ongoing investigation and appeal for public information.

The article informs about the temporary closure of pickleball courts at South County Regional Park for fence repairs, affecting players on February 26-27, 2026.

A Winter Haven tax preparer was sentenced to six years and six months after prosecutors say he filed nearly 100 fake returns that triggered about $1.64M in improper IRS refunds.

Two Davenport roommates arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography and animal cruelty following a cybercrime sting by Polk County Sheriff's Cyber Crimes Unit.

Pinellas County has revised its tree permitting process to make it more lenient, requiring permits only for certain tree removals and incentivizing the planting of native species.

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.