A federal appeals panel ruled July 7, 2026 that parts of Florida’s Stop WOKE law cannot be enforced against public university professors, preserving classroom speech protections.

A Lakeland force main break released roughly 85,000 gallons of sewage; crews recovered most and filed a DEP pollution notice.

A proposed class action in Hillsborough County says CommTow charged a $250 lien‑release fee to drivers who reclaimed towed cars quickly; plaintiffs seek refunds and court review.

Two former students say IMG Academy failed to protect them, alleging on‑campus sexual assaults and chronic lack of supervision at the Bradenton boarding school. Legal hearings are set for August.

NOAA has warned of bleaching in the Florida Keys as restoration teams move hundreds of elkhorn and staghorn corals to deeper nurseries and tanks to try to save a generation.

A Clearwater caregiver faces neglect charges after deputies say a double‑amputee was found unbathed, in urine‑soaked diapers and with multiple bed sores.

An Alabama developer filed plans for roughly 315 apartments and retail near State Road 54 in Odessa, joining other big retail and housing proposals reshaping west Pasco.

Mid-90s and steamy Wednesday in Tampa with heat index around 105–106°F. Isolated afternoon storms possible; cooling stations are available for relief.

Penny Lane moves from Dunedin to a 2,100-square-foot space in downtown St. Pete, opening July 29 with hundreds more Beatles artifacts on display. The new gallery will showcase rare items and larger showpieces.

Andrew Gillum was arrested July 2 in Daphne, Alabama, and booked on drug charges, according to jail records and reports.

WPBF will produce and televise Florida's U.S. Senate and gubernatorial debates at FAU in Boca Raton on Oct. 13 and Oct. 15, with Todd McDermott moderating.

An appeals court affirmed dismissal of Florida’s 2023 suit, finding private accreditors aren’t federal actors. The ruling shifts the fight back to policy and the Education Department.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast plans a 100,000-square-foot distribution center and retail site on Brooksville land bought in December. City council has paused approvals over planned tree removals.