Bradenton will mark America’s 250th on July 4 with live music, food trucks and a riverfront fireworks finale launched from the Green Bridge.

Hernando County Fire Rescue posted condolences Friday for Marion County firefighter/EMT Evan Lewis and shared photos attributed to Marion County Fire Rescue. The brief message offered a tribute but no circumstances.

A Shanghai‑inspired dumpling chain is building a New Tampa outpost as part of a Florida push that also names Kissimmee and Gainesville. The new spot will bring XLB, dim sum and boba to The Walk at Highwoods Preserve.

A Tampa jury convicted Curtis Christopher Williams Friday in the New Year’s Day 2025 shooting that killed Joseph Reese outside the Tally Ho Bar. Sentencing is expected after post‑trial proceedings.

A Hernando County judge handed life sentences to Duane Sclesky after a no‑contest plea; authorities say his wife’s negotiated deal removes the death‑penalty option.

Hillsborough deputies found a deceased woman on Tuscan Loon Drive and a man was taken to Tampa General with minor injuries. The sheriff's office says the incident appears domestic-related.

A Winter Haven man was arrested after an undercover Polk County sting in which he allegedly agreed to pay $100 to have sex with a 14-year-old, deputies say.

A red-light collision at SR‑60 and North Turkey Creek Road left two dead and two more hurt Friday, troopers said.

Hot, humid Saturday with highs near 94°F and a heat index up to 106°F. Afternoon storms possible inland.

Baba on Central will close and relaunch as a new concept; Barra‑Barra pintxo pop‑up will move in permanently at Barbouni.

Ellison Development says The Central in St. Pete is ready to go vertical as a land closing approaches; a 540‑space public garage is already open.

Col. Bob Hines, named Artemis III's sole backup, has the résumé and training that could put him on the moon on a later Artemis flight.

Hillsborough County detectives raided a Ruskin home after tracing child‑exploitation files to a social app. Three residents were arrested and devices were seized for forensic review.