A Palmetto man was charged after deputies say his 9‑year‑old found an unsecured handgun and a 5‑year‑old was shot and hospitalized.

A Largo hospital employee was arrested May 12 and charged with sexual battery involving two vulnerable adults. Detectives are seeking other potential victims and witnesses.

A Bradenton man was sentenced to seven years after prosecutors say he threw a 1-month-old kitten off a fourth-floor balcony and assaulted his girlfriend.

A fatal crash closed all southbound lanes of I‑75 near Fletcher Avenue, blocking the overnight commute and prompting troopers to advise alternate routes.

New state data show drug-related deaths in Florida fell in early 2025, with fentanyl deaths down sharply, even as experts caution the picture may be incomplete.

A Tampa man was booked after police say he struck and killed a 4‑pound chihuahua named Rufus; Hillsborough County Animal Control ruled the death blunt‑force trauma.

The DOJ says a St. Petersburg manager filed a false military‑service affidavit that led to an unlawful eviction judgment against an active‑duty sailor; the company will pay $60,000. The settlement includes credit monitoring and new SCRA compliance rules.

Surveillance photos are circulating after a 34‑year‑old was knocked unconscious on 1st Avenue North. Detectives are asking anyone with video or tips to contact police.

An 85-year-old Homosassa man died after a collision with a tractor-trailer at the US‑19 and US‑98 intersection; both vehicles burned and crews investigated.

A Temple Terrace customer says a salon owner yanked her hair during a disputed $50 weave appointment; criminal charges were filed and medical records allege lasting damage.

Seventeen graves at Palmetto’s Old Memphis Cemetery were vandalized; deputies have opened an investigation and are asking the public for tips and any footage.

Attorney General James Uthmeier and Sheriff Chad Chronister will brief reporters Wednesday morning at the Falkenburg Road Jail about a multi‑county truck‑theft probe. Officials may announce arrests, subpoenas or new charges.

Court records say two victims came forward and a Bradenton man now faces charges for alleged childhood molestation nearly a decade ago.