Two dogs were found tied to a dumpster at the northbound I-75 rest area in Sumter County; troopers asked witnesses to call *347 and posted 'And remember #DoBetter.'

Deputies say hidden cameras inside a Lithia home produced more than 1,000 files, including images that appear to show child sexual abuse. The homeowner, 67, faces hundreds of charges and remains jailed on a multi-million-dollar bond.

Hot and muggy Thursday with highs near 93°F and isolated afternoon storms. Brief gusty storms possible inland; little overall rainfall expected.

A 67-year-old Sarasota man was arrested after police say he tried to lure two girls, 12 and 13, into his car near S. Tamiami Trail. Investigators are asking for tips.

A Manatee County teacher was arrested after deputies say she told a 12-year-old to slap a classmate during class last Wednesday at Lee Middle School.

A new industry analysis finds more houses on the market but not enough priced for middle‑income buyers — and Tampa is feeling the squeeze.

Rooker has started construction on a 301,600‑SF spec warehouse at North Tampa 75 in Wesley Chapel, adding to a county-backed industrial park near I‑75.

Hillsborough County’s emergency management director was put on leave months ago and the county won’t say why. An interim director is running the office as hurricane season nears.

Consumer Reports flagged nearly 400 oven‑door shattering incidents and more than 40 injuries in a 15‑month review of CPSC complaints. Regulators and some manufacturers are being urged to act.

Union data show New Tampa stations averaging nearly 10‑minute travel times after a unit was moved from Station 23. City Council will be briefed this Thursday on K‑Bar Ranch coverage.

Neighbors along Holly Lane say a proposed 1,000‑student K‑8 private school would overwhelm narrow roads and risk more flooding. Hillsborough County has scheduled a hearing for June 15.

The Education Department approved Ed‑Flex waivers for Florida and Illinois on May 13, 2026, allowing more state and local control over federal K‑12 dollars.

Sarasota police are searching for a suspect after an attempted armed robbery left multiple rounds striking a car as a man left his driveway early Tuesday; no injuries were reported.