Gulf Pine Brewing converted the former Brū growler bar on Gunn Highway into a tiny Odessa microbrewery, opening regular hours in mid-January with rotating, taproom-first beers.

Two brush fires in Citrus County were contained Sunday during a countywide burn ban; officials say both were human-caused and damage was minor.

Polk County approved the purchase of 26.79 acres for a future North Lakeland government center and has scheduled a community meeting for Feb. 17.

A Winter Haven driver was arrested after her pickup struck a woman; officers say they recovered MDMA, cocaine, marijuana and a loaded handgun at the scene.

At a Mulberry shooting range, military‑style classes and night‑vision drills are drawing civilians who say they want to be ready for emergencies — and raising questions among scholars. Trainers and the range publish schedules and course details online.

Researchers told a Senate committee that Gen Z is trailing previous generations on attention and memory, and Tampa Bay doctors say unstructured screen time may be a culprit.

A Tallahassee federal trial is testing HB 1205’s new petition rules and whether they effectively block citizen‑led ballot initiatives across Florida.

A Feb. 10 county vote will decide whether 49 acres in Gulf Gate become a stormwater preserve or a roughly 100‑home subdivision.

A large alligator was filmed lounging in a Punta Gorda front yard this week; police shared photos and a short video of the encounter.

A bicyclist was killed Sunday after being struck by a pickup near Siesta Key’s Beach Access 9; Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

The Woodson Museum is renovating its Jordan Park home after plans for a new building tied to the Rays' stalled stadium fell apart. The museum repurposed a $1M grant and expects to reopen this spring.

Chipotle opened a new Bradenton restaurant with a Chipotlane drive‑thru and roughly 30 new jobs. The chain is serving limited‑time Chicken al Pastor and high‑protein items.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and partner rehab centers are treating sea turtles after a rare Florida cold snap. Officials urge reporting to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline.