A Punta Gorda Middle School teacher was arrested in Sarasota County and charged with sexual battery and lewd molestation tied to alleged abuse from 2014–2017.

Lakeland detectives arrested a Tampa man after an undercover sting. Police allege a suitcase with sexual toys and a hatchet was inside his car.

Hot, humid Saturday in Tampa with highs near 96°F and scattered afternoon storms. Heat Advisory in effect for parts of the Nature Coast.

Hedge‑fund billionaire Ken Griffin gave $10 million to a PAC backing Byron Donalds, widening the front‑runner’s financial edge and concentrating megadonor influence in the Florida primary.

AT&T has begun notifying Florida customers that copper landlines will be retired; filings list Nov. 15, 2026 as an earliest discontinuance and replacement options are being offered.

A GOP-backed House bill that would block a federal heat‑safety rule cleared a key committee vote this week; several Florida Republicans signed on.

Hillsborough deputies arrested a 32‑year‑old after a woman with strangulation injuries sought care; deputies say he crashed, ran and was tased into custody.

Old Heights Bistro will close its Seminole Heights dining room this weekend and relocate to Palma Ceia in South Tampa. Owners say the new space offers more room and parking.

An open letter signed by 86 survivors demands apologies from SBC president Willy Rice and Pastor Jack Graham after both dismissed the denomination's abuse crisis. The signees say the leaders' language discourages survivors and undermines reform.

Howard & Platt opened July 24 on South Howard, taking over 301 S. Howard Ave with patio seating and reservations. The new spot aims to pull daytime diners to the SoHo corridor.

Florida troopers arrested a New York driver in connection with a March I‑75 crash that killed one adult and two children; investigators say marijuana was recovered.

State wildlife officers pulled DMV records on critics, raising privacy and legal questions about how the FWC monitors opponents.

Tampa Bay's Fast 50 pulled in $3.2 billion in 2025 and is heavy on construction firms, signaling more hires and projects across the region.