A ProPublica investigation found states are routing billions into private‑school programs with limited oversight. Local cases in Florida and Arizona show how quickly taxpayer dollars can follow.

A fatal crash at the I‑75/Duncan Road interchange in Punta Gorda blocked northbound ramps and left one person dead, officials said. Expect long delays and detours.

V Modern Italian, led by Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti, will open at Hyde Park's Rome Collective in September with pasta, pizza and cocktails.

Recent sales show $1M in Sarasota buys a park‑view townhouse, a Siesta Key canal lot or a Lido Key cottage — depending on lot and location.

A Steinbrenner valedictorian’s 11.99 weighted GPA has prompted Hillsborough County to cap future GPAs and rethink how honors and dual‑enrollment classes are counted. The move aims to curb incentives for overloaded schedules.

Surveillance video shows two men smashing windows and ripping landscaping lights at the Residences at 400 Central, causing about $96,000 in damage.

North Port police are investigating a death at Grande Court Apartments on Greenwood Avenue; authorities say there is no threat to the public.

A Tampa veteran says ketamine infusions changed his life — now the Florida-funded study that paid for it faces uncertain funding as lawmakers revise the budget.

Hernando deputies released body‑cam footage showing a man wanted in a Citrus County aggravated‑assault case being tackled inside a Brooksville Walmart.

Highs near 94°F with a heat index up to 103°F on July 14; scattered afternoon storms possible. Saharan dust will keep most days hazy and a bit drier.

A new analysis finds Florida has the highest U.S. rate of pedestrian deaths involving drivers 65 and older, raising fresh questions about road design and licensing.

Two people were shot outside a Clearwater sports bar overnight; police are investigating and seeking witnesses.

Heat index near 105°F makes Monday uncomfortably hot in Tampa; isolated afternoon storms expected. Drier, hotter conditions arrive midweek.