Two children and an adult were rescued after their boat drifted into a busy Tampa shipping channel. Deputies secured the disabled vessel and towed it to Davis Islands.

Lawmakers approved a bill to relaunch state licensing for naturopathic doctors and create a Board of Naturopathic Medicine; supporters tout access, critics warn unproven care.

Florida made certain hurricane‑prep items permanently sales‑tax exempt effective Aug. 1, 2025. Batteries, specified generators, gas cans and safety gear are now tax‑free year‑round.

Four family members were found shot in Plant City on Sunday; detectives are asking neighbors for video and tips. The investigation is ongoing.

A 51-year-old man was killed Saturday night after being struck by an SUV on U.S. 301 at 21st Street in Sarasota. Police say the driver stayed and the investigation is ongoing.

The city’s new PeliCAN grant will fund and train local residents to launch SNAP-friendly mobile fresh markets. Applications are open through May 31, 2026.

A Kissimmee resident was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and ordered to repay $103,646 after pleading guilty to filing false returns seeking bogus fuel-tax refunds.

Hillsborough County deputies say Real Time Crime Center video shows a woman throwing a dog; she was arrested and faces six counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

Tampa police recovered an adult male from a retention pond near International Plaza on May 4; detectives are working to identify him while the medical examiner investigates.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3–9 as CSU projects 13 named storms for 2026. Tampa Bay officials are pushing residents to check plans, insurance and supplies now.

New studies and local reporting show Florida families facing higher child-care bills; some parents report monthly daycare costs above $1,600. State and national data point to supply and budget gaps.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Rome this week and is expected to meet Pope Leo as Washington tries to patch ties after a public clash with President Trump. The trip mixes faith, diplomacy and political calculations.

A small wildfire in the Baird unit of Withlacoochee State Forest was largely contained after crews built containment lines. Nearby counties remain under burn bans.