Bank staff in Ruskin halted a $1.7 million wire after an AI‑enabled scam attempt. Regulators warn deepfake tactics are increasingly used to push large transfers.

An elevator outage at The Portland in downtown St. Petersburg has left upper-floor residents climbing dozens of flights and missing appointments; replacement parts are expected this weekend.

Rescuers found 10 kittens in a bag in Plant City and puppies dumped in Pinellas County; shelters urgently need fosters, supplies and tips.

A truck collided with a train near Kathleen Road northwest of Lakeland Thursday night, killing one person as deputies investigate.

Two Tampa Bay medical office buildings sold for a combined $12.85M, and buyers plan quick move‑ins with only minimal renovations. The deals reflect steady demand for clinical‑ready space.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he signed a bill to speed shoreline restoration and protect public beach access, framing it as part of the state’s resilience push.

A bipartisan group of Florida lawmakers asked President Trump to use the USMCA review to impose seasonal import limits after state data showed steep market‑share losses. Advocates say quotas would protect bell pepper, tomato and cucumber growers during peak months.

Sen. Rick Scott asked HHS, NIH and FDA to investigate China‑linked companies in U.S. clinical trials, citing national‑security and patient‑safety concerns.

A noncitizen with a prior sex‑offense conviction was sentenced to three years in federal prison in Tampa, federal prosecutors said.

A Port Charlotte man who held two women hostage in 2023 was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to two life terms, prosecutors say.

Bradenton detectives marked the third anniversary of Dwight Sutton Sr.’s 2023 killing and renewed reward offers as the investigation remains open. Tips are being sought.

A former '19 Kids and Counting' star was arrested after a 14‑year‑old said she was abused at age 9 during a 2020 Panama City Beach vacation.

Hillsborough County detectives say they shut down a Riverview chop shop and arrested three people in a multi‑state stolen‑vehicle ring that stole high‑end SUVs worth about $388,000.