After a Lakeland shooting, Tampa Bay agencies are routing more mental‑health 911 calls to dispatch clinicians, co‑responder teams and mobile crisis units. The systems vary by city and by county.

The Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office says 17 children under 5 were involved in water incidents since 2025 and five died. County partners are stepping up inspections and swim safety programs.

A Citrus Park orchid venue says its weddings are protected by Florida agritourism law, while neighbors say loud receptions and lawsuits are tearing the block apart.

A LaBelle man turned a $5 scratch-off into a $1 million top prize and chose a $640,000 lump-sum when he claimed the win in late December.

A Thonotosassa man turned a routine gas-stop into a $1 million scratch-off win and took a $640,000 lump-sum payout.

A Tampa mother filed a complaint after officers searched her 15‑year‑old on private property without an adult present, reigniting 'biking while Black' concerns as the city debates e‑bike rules.

Case managers will be at Treasure Island City Hall April 7 to help residents apply for Pinellas Recovers grants and reimbursements. Pop‑up help is available.

A Florida TaxWatch mid‑decade report finds surging insurance bills and rents have left about half of residents considering moving. The study calls for policy fixes on insurance, housing and health care.

A Lakeland father who died rescuing family off Daytona Beach will be posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal. The medal includes a financial grant and will be presented to his family.

Worried about AI and tech layoffs, more Tampa students are choosing trade certificates and apprenticeships at Hillsborough Community College for hands-on skills and faster pay.

A Winston-Salem couple used a lucky coin to scratch a $1M Loteria Multiplier win and opted for a $600K lump sum. Each took home about $216,031 after taxes.

Pinellas County will hold pop‑up help sessions in Dunedin and Palm Harbor next week to help residents apply for People First hurricane recovery grants.

A Palm Harbor science teacher is home after a lightning strike in Peru left him paralyzed and his friend dead. Months of rehab in Atlanta and a GoFundMe have followed.