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.

President Trump directed agencies to begin identifying and reviewing UAP/UFO and 'alien' records for public release. Archivists and defense officials say reviews will be slow and subject to security redactions.

Pinellas County Schools will charge $50 per sport beginning in fall 2026, capped at $200 per family. The district says the fee will help expand programs and won’t block kids who can’t pay immediately.

A Wauchula man was arrested after a 911 call led police to the body of an 18-year-old woman. Authorities say the case appears isolated while detectives continue their probe.

A New York tourist was arrested after an alleged naked tirade at Oceans Edge Resort on Stock Island that ended with a brief foot chase and booking. Charges include indecent exposure and resisting an officer.

Hillsborough County, FL, to hold Prescribed Fire Fest to educate on controlled burns for wildfire prevention and ecosystem health on Feb. 21 at Edward Medard Conservation Park.

Tampa-based Grain & Berry is headed to the Baltimore area: a franchisee plans three Baltimore County locations, including one in Owings Mills and a Harbor Point lease. Owners say openings will roll out as build-outs proceed.

Atlanta's Rreal Tacos will open its first Florida location at 808 N Franklin in downtown Tampa this fall. The chain is known for street tacos and a big agave program.

An Orlando fact‑check debunks 39 common Florida voting myths and flags a large number of inactive registrations. Here’s a local guide to what actually matters on ballots, ballot photos and restored voting rights.

Homeowners say Pasco contractor Jason Wallace accepted large deposits and left remodels unfinished; reporting and court records show prior licensing violations and new allegations. State agencies outline how to check licenses and report fraud.