A 23-year-old motorcyclist died after his bike was struck by a Nissan Rogue in Winter Haven Wednesday night, Polk County deputies say. Investigators are working the scene.

With Tampa hosting early March Madness rounds, the BBB warns fans to buy from verified sellers, avoid peer‑to‑peer payment apps, and report suspicious ticket sales.

A late-night argument outside Wally’s Poolhall in Lakeland turned into deadly gunfire early Thursday, leaving one man dead and detectives searching for a second shooter.

A woman was taken into custody after a domestic-related stabbing on 49th Street N in Clearwater; the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A 52‑year‑old Polk County man was arrested after wildlife officers say he shot an alligator multiple times near Bartow; he faces a felony charge and was held on a $5,000 bond.

House and Senate bills would raise Florida’s sovereign‑immunity caps, but they disagree on how big the increases should be. The session ends March 13, 2026.

Senate Bill 654 would narrow when school‑zone speed cameras and bus stop‑arm systems can issue notices and force public hearings before districts sign vendor contracts. Lawmakers say the move adds transparency and privacy protections.

Companion bills in Tallahassee would broaden Marsy’s Law to hide victims’ identifying details and temporarily withhold officers' names after certain incidents.

An execution date has been set for Michael L. King in the 2008 North Port murder of Denise Amber Lee. Her family continues to press for better 911 training and oversight.

Tom Dundon agreed to sell a 12.5% stake in the Carolina Hurricanes at an implied $2.66B valuation, reports say, with three unnamed minority partners joining the ownership group.

Crews are installing bollards in Ridgewood Park as the West River BUILD project moves into the street. The work marks early visible progress on the Riverwalk expansion.

Deputies say a staged pickup with simulated cash led to the arrest of a 40-year-old accused of an alleged $50,000 fraud against an 81-year-old Lithia woman.

Officer Mathew Bennett was named March's Officer of the Month after a sweep near 50th Street that resulted in 30+ arrests and seizures of guns and narcotics.