Sen. Ed Hooper will leave the Florida Senate effective Nov. 3, 2026, creating an open District 21 seat. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco has already drawn GOP endorsements.

A U.S.‑led public‑private push will scale SC Johnson’s year‑long Guardian spatial repellent in high‑burden countries, aiming to protect about 60 million people. Backing from WHO and new manufacturing in Nairobi make broad rollout possible.

Muggy this morning with highs near 88°F; low 90s return Friday and hang through the weekend. Storm chances climb Sunday–Monday; cooling center info and tips inside.

A Tampa man was booked after police say he struck and killed a 4‑pound chihuahua named Rufus; Hillsborough County Animal Control ruled the death blunt‑force trauma.

Tampa’s CRA board will weigh a $50 million funding request for the Darryl Shaw‑led Ybor Harbor waterfront project, with staff recommending $35 million. The plan emphasizes new public waterfront and streetscape work.

Ty Rodriguez is opening The Peppermint Lounge, a vinyl-focused bar on Franklin Street in Tampa Heights this fall. The project pairs his restaurant background with music programming experience.

The DOJ says a St. Petersburg manager filed a false military‑service affidavit that led to an unlawful eviction judgment against an active‑duty sailor; the company will pay $60,000. The settlement includes credit monitoring and new SCRA compliance rules.

Tampa’s Indie Night sold out two farewell shows at Crowbar as the Ybor City venue prepares to close. Founders say the community they built will outlast the room.

Surveillance photos are circulating after a 34‑year‑old was knocked unconscious on 1st Avenue North. Detectives are asking anyone with video or tips to contact police.

An 85-year-old Homosassa man died after a collision with a tractor-trailer at the US‑19 and US‑98 intersection; both vehicles burned and crews investigated.

Ralph Lauren is returning to Hyde Park Village, set to take the former Wine Exchange storefront at 1609 W. Snow Ave. The center lists the boutique as "Coming Soon."

A UF/IFAS study finds Florida’s forest industry produced nearly $29 billion in 2023 and supported about 103,000 jobs, even as hurricanes and mill closures threaten rural communities.

Polk State’s search committee recommended Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sole finalist to be the college’s next president. Trustees will consider the pick June 3 and Kamoutsas will visit campus that day.