Police say a Pinellas Park man scanned a banana at a Walmart self-checkout to ring up a $329 monitor; investigators say the stop led to drug evidence and an arrest.

A Tampa man is accused of sending death threats over Instagram after a breakup, and police say he also messaged the woman's employer as the harassment escalated.

Amazon‑owned Whole Foods is targeting its first Bradenton store at the Market Place at Heritage Harbour, with an early‑2027 opening on the books. The move adds a new grocery option near Lakewood Ranch.

Florida made certain hurricane‑prep items permanently sales‑tax exempt effective Aug. 1, 2025. Batteries, specified generators, gas cans and safety gear are now tax‑free year‑round.

A 72-year-old man died Sunday after a suspected medical episode left him incapacitated and his car struck a parked SUV on Tanglewood Drive NE. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Hernando County Fire Rescue says crews were fighting an attic fire in the 9000 block of Carthage Road in Spring Hill. Officials urged people to avoid the area.

A North Fort Myers woman was found dead on Shelby Lane; deputies say K9 units tracked a 44-year-old suspect into nearby woods. He’s being held on a second‑degree murder charge.

Hardee County Sheriff says AdventHealth Wauchula has been cleared and deemed safe after a Facebook situation update. Officials provided no further details.

Lakeland police briefly halted operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport after a reported threat; the airport later reopened and officials urged caution.

A judge denied a bid to dismiss charges in the deadly 2024 Plant City fire and ordered the accused sent to a state facility for competency restoration. The decision keeps the case alive as experts evaluate his ability to stand trial.

A 6-year-old girl was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash at Tampa Road and St. Petersburg Drive in Oldsmar. Authorities say speed appears to be a factor.

Pinellas officials are urging extra vigilance after 25 pediatric water submersions in 2025 left three children dead. Doctors and first responders recommend swim lessons, pool fences and CPR.

A Winter Haven traffic stop turned up 13 live iguanas — many zip‑tied — and FWC has opened a wildlife probe.