Rasool Abdul Hakeem appeared in Hillsborough County court July 8, 2026, in connection with an August 2024 Riverview road‑rage shooting that wounded a teenage passenger. A judge set a follow‑up hearing for July 16.

Surveillance video shows a man allegedly exposing himself to a child at the Mulberry Walmart; Polk deputies say tips could help ID him. Sheriff Grady Judd scheduled a Facebook Live update.

Seminole Heights staple Southern Brewing & Winemaking is closing as owners Brian and Kelly Fenstermacher retire. The taproom and homebrew shop will wind down in about four to six weeks.

A Polk County jury convicted Patricia Saintizaire of murder in the 2024 death of her 4‑year‑old adopted son. Sentencing is set for Aug. 14.

Florida's high court broadened workers’ compensation for employees assaulted on the job, tying benefits to job‑related risk rather than an attacker’s motive. The ruling stems from a 2019 shooting near Orlando International Airport.

Family-run Tasty Home Cookin' will close after 36 years; owner Shelly Timms cites post‑pandemic losses and rising costs. Regulars are gathering for one last meal.

Heat Advisory in effect Thursday as Tampa climbs into the upper 90s and feels-like readings reach about 110°F. Take steps to stay cool this afternoon.

Regulators pressed Duke Energy Florida over a tariff meant to keep AI data‑center costs off household bills. A late‑August PSC hearing will test whether the filing meets SB 484.

A near‑$1M price tag and a looming property‑tax overhaul have left Safety Harbor hesitating on new park lights — and more than 400 kids may lose after‑dark play.

Polk County Public Schools needs roughly 70 full‑time bus drivers before classes begin Aug. 11, and is offering paid CDL training plus $19.46/hour and benefits to attract hires.

A Sarasota lawsuit pushed a change to state law that prevents collection fees from eating into voter-approved school-tax dollars, freeing more money for classrooms.

Sarasota County approved a $15 million plan to dredge Hudson Bayou and remove tens of thousands of cubic yards of silt to ease neighborhood flooding and protect evacuation routes.

FDOT will present its preferred Bradenton‑Palmetto Connector route at a July 16 public hearing in Palmetto, with an online stream and comment period.