A 15‑year‑old was arrested after deputies say he brought a firearm to Strawberry Crest High; he fled but was caught nearby and now faces multiple charges.

Izzy’s Place opened in the former Slicker’s Eatery space on Cortez Road, serving breakfast and lunch now and adding dinner service in mid‑March.

A 69-year-old Sarasota County Schools aide, identified as Tracy Lynn Criman, was booked on felony child-abuse and battery counts, records show. The district has not posted a public statement.

The University of Tampa has filed plans for an 11‑story dorm to house about 840 students; the proposal goes before Tampa City Council on March 12, 2026. The move builds on multi‑year efforts to expand on‑campus housing amid record enrollment.

A reported street race on Jan. 7 left three people hospitalized in Clearwater; a 19-year-old was arrested March 9 and is being held without bond.

Municipal elections on March 10 brought fresh faces to several Pinellas beach towns amid low turnout and local fights over parking and beach policies.

A Pinellas-Pasco circuit judge is under scrutiny after the Judicial Qualifications Commission accused her of soliciting donations and implying endorsements during her 2024 campaign.

A two-vehicle crash at Kings Highway and County Road 761 near Arcadia killed one person and closed the intersection for hours. Troopers are investigating.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says scammers are posing as Assistant Chief Deputy Paul Carey and pressing residents for payments via apps, gift cards or crypto. Verify callback numbers and report suspicious calls.

The Global Virus Network cut the ribbon on its international headquarters at USF on March 5, bringing Robert Gallo and global virology programs to Tampa Bay. University and network leaders say the move strengthens local research, training and pandemic preparedness.

Citrus County warns that convicted sexual predator Julius Knight has moved to Inverness and is reportedly under GPS monitoring; the sheriff’s office provided reporting contacts.

Clear, muggy morning and highs near 89°F. Storms become likely Thursday with a stronger front expected next week.

Federal prosecutors say a Spring Hill man allegedly diverted wholesale shipments of onions and potatoes, causing more than $600,000 in losses. The indictment charges him with interstate transport of stolen property.