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.

Police dispersed an estimated 250–300 teens at Bradenton Riverwalk Saturday night; officers closed parts of the park and said no major crimes were reported. Authorities urged parents to stay involved.

A $1 million Mitchell family gift will fund a residential recovery program at Saint Leo University, offering sober housing, counseling and peer support beginning fall 2026. The initiative honors their son Derek and is modeled on Augsburg's StepUP program.

A St. Petersburg law firm is accused of mishandling a probate fight that cost a client roughly $1.7M. The suit centers on missed deadlines and procedural errors in estate work.

The EEOC said a Tampa-area pizza owner harassed young female servers, including at least one teen; Joey’s New York Pizza will pay $55,000 and adopt new training and reporting rules.

Pinellas County officials say four children in Florida have died after being left in hot cars this year. Safety groups and federal authorities urge simple back‑seat checks and reminders to prevent more tragedies.

Three unclaimed Fantasy 5 top‑prize tickets were sold in Miami‑Dade, Lakeland and St. Cloud; each is worth about $38,663.

Manatee County reports a 56% drop in opioid deaths after years of naloxone distribution, outreach and treatment partnerships. Local leaders credit a coordinated network of responders and providers.

A near‑$1M price tag and a looming property‑tax overhaul have left Safety Harbor hesitating on new park lights — and more than 400 kids may lose after‑dark play.

A Tampa pain clinic agreed to pay $115,000 after federal investigators found it denied a veteran access to care because he arrived with a service animal.

New nonprofit data shows the average Florida client seeking help carries about $31,000 in unsecured debt as living costs rise faster than pay. Counseling calls are climbing statewide.

A proposed class action in Hillsborough County says CommTow charged a $250 lien‑release fee to drivers who reclaimed towed cars quickly; plaintiffs seek refunds and court review.

A Hillsborough County complaint says David Nolan‑Hersey lost two fingers after a bite at an APD‑licensed group home developed into necrotizing fasciitis. The suit names the provider and alleges delayed care.