Polk County Public Schools needs roughly 70 full‑time bus drivers before classes begin Aug. 11, and is offering paid CDL training plus $19.46/hour and benefits to attract hires.

A Sarasota lawsuit pushed a change to state law that prevents collection fees from eating into voter-approved school-tax dollars, freeing more money for classrooms.

Sarasota County approved a $15 million plan to dredge Hudson Bayou and remove tens of thousands of cubic yards of silt to ease neighborhood flooding and protect evacuation routes.

FDOT will present its preferred Bradenton‑Palmetto Connector route at a July 16 public hearing in Palmetto, with an online stream and comment period.

A Tampa pain clinic agreed to pay $115,000 after federal investigators found it denied a veteran access to care because he arrived with a service animal.

Colorado State University sharply lowered its 2026 Atlantic forecast Wednesday, cutting Gulf Coast odds for a major hurricane; officials say one storm can still be devastating.

The 2026‑27 state budget includes $500K for a Human Coalition telecare program while Florida continues to fund the Pregnancy Care Network with nearly $29.5M.

Deputies arrested a man after finding a West Waters Avenue restaurant ablaze; HCSO says a propane tank was burning and the suspect was inside holding two knives.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis updated residents after an emergency landing near Old Trilby and Lockhart roads. Authorities asked witnesses to call 911 and share any footage.

Rising seas and shifting water flows are nudging roseate spoonbills out of Florida Bay; researchers counted 244 nests this season as birds seek new inland feeding grounds.

A Hudson woman was arrested after troopers say she crashed into a clinic and reversed into a deputy’s SUV while her two young children rode in the back.

Hillsborough deputies say 45‑year‑old Esteban Santana Jr. is wanted on weapons and domestic‑violence warrants; investigators ask anyone with information to call 813‑247‑8200.

New nonprofit data shows the average Florida client seeking help carries about $31,000 in unsecured debt as living costs rise faster than pay. Counseling calls are climbing statewide.