Powerful rip currents are churning across Alabama and the Florida panhandle; officials warn swimmers to stay vigilant.

Gunfire near the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow left one person injured and a suspect in custody; officials say there is no ongoing threat.

Decorative pieces were stolen from the MFA’s Magic Grasshopper installation in downtown St. Petersburg; police have classified the case as grand theft and are asking for tips.

County commissioners approved more than $70M from a $709M federal recovery grant to fund drainage, ditch restorations and lift-station upgrades aimed at protecting roughly 500,000 residents.

Plan‑review filings show Drift, a new courtyard bar at the Sundial in downtown St. Pete, is moving forward after a legal settlement. The Forbici team will operate the bar.

Paperwork and a leasing brochure indicate Kaia Bowls is planning a location at 1946 Collier Parkway in Lutz. The brand lists the site as coming soon, but no opening date has been posted.

Miami‑born Pura Vida has filed plans for a 4,209‑sq‑ft café with outdoor seating at 1038 Water Street, bringing its all‑day breakfast and bowls to downtown Tampa. The project is under city review and no opening date has been set.

The Florida Supreme Court has been asked to rule whether statewide grand juries can indict people who leak their proceedings, a fight tied to the Barbara Myrick case.

HCA Florida opened an 11,000‑sq‑ft, $15M freestanding emergency room in Lutz with private exam suites, a trauma bay and on‑site imaging to expand 24/7 care.

Mi Tierra plans a North Fourth Street outpost in Haines City, promising Dominican sandwiches, burgers and plates; owners are targeting a spring opening.

A Homosassa woman was arrested after deputies say she set her husband’s home on fire during a family visit; investigators found lighter fluid, meth and marijuana nearby.

A federal report finds an in‑flight engine fire likely sparked the Feb. 1, 2024 Clearwater crash that killed three; the pilot’s trouble finding the airpark worsened the emergency.

Port Tampa Bay has launched design work for a fourth cruise terminal amid record passenger growth; the port says the new berth could add roughly 200 ship calls annually.