A 25-year-old Ruskin man was killed when his Toyota Camry left SR‑56 and overturned after crossing the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot in Wesley Chapel.

Hillsborough County extends emergency burn ban due to dry conditions, with some exclusions like barbecuing and approved burns; over 39,626 acres burned by wildfires.

Hillsborough County hosts ShredFest 2026 for free document shredding and electronic disposal to prevent identity theft, on March 7 at Veterans Memorial Park.

Tampa's South Howard flood plan faces fresh scrutiny as costs near $100 million and local debate intensifies.

Hillsborough County detectives say a 16‑year‑old was arrested after officers seized devices that allegedly contained child sexual abuse material and bestiality files. The sheriff called the conduct serious.

Pasco deputies cleared River Ridge Middle and High School after a weapon report was called a hoax; students were briefly sheltered and classes resumed under increased security.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee advanced bills to let booster money top up high-school coach pay, setting a statewide floor tied to hours worked and raising equity questions.

County filings point to a Trader Joe’s at the former Staples site on S. Tamiami Trail; the plan is in early permitting. The company has not yet confirmed the move.

A long-awaited 202-unit workforce complex on Fruitville Road has broken ground and will hold rents for essential workers under a layered funding plan.

The Florida House voted to send a 2026 ballot question that could eliminate most non‑school property taxes on homesteads, setting up a fight over billions in local funding.

Fort Myers police say a Feb. 12 child‑assault investigation led to a weeklong search; U.S. Marshals arrested Hector Ramon Villalta Ortiz in Houston on Feb. 18.

Tampa police renewed a manhunt after the Jan. 22 killing of 16-year-old Miracle Cromwell; a 17-year-old is wanted and Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.

Duke Energy is burying power lines and installing self‑healing switches across Pinellas County to reduce outages and speed restorations. Crews are already working in Clearwater.