After nearly two years of hurricane repairs, the Clearwater Beach Library & Recreation Center at 69 Bay Esplanade has reopened with pool, gym and a waterfront event room. A wedding expo is set for June 28.

DEAMiami says Homeland Security Task Force partners were present as the Coast Guard offloaded 3,522 kilograms of cocaine at Port Everglades; multiple arrests were reported. Officials have not yet released names or charges.

FWC recovered a two‑year‑old panther (UCFP506) after a suspected vehicle strike on SR 29 in Collier County. The agency and local outlets urge motorists to slow down.

Hot, muggy Saturday with highs near 96°F and scattered afternoon storms. Heat index could hit about 105°F—plan outdoor time accordingly.

DEA chemists in Miami say fentanyl and carfentanil have reappeared in seized samples, including a kilo that tested about 16% fentanyl. Officials warn tiny amounts can be deadly.

Howell Key, a nearly 10‑acre private island off Summerland Key, is back on the market at $16.9M after a $5M markdown.

A Davenport woman faces 10 counts of animal cruelty after relatives found puppies and dogs in squalid conditions. Polk County Animal Control seized the animals for exams.

Kolter Urban cleared the old Hyatt Regency and has released renderings for a 20-story Hyatt Centric hotel and 117 condos at 1000 Boulevard of the Arts. Construction is slated to begin later this year.

State records show Florida’s data‑center exemption has translated into millions in sales‑tax breaks under a DeSantis‑backed law, renewing debate over incentives and local control. SB 484 adds protections but leaves the tax carveouts intact for qualifying hyperscale projects.

Surveillance video and items pulled from a hotel dumpster linked a 38-year-old man to the June 25 death of 76-year-old Emma Mullins at a St. Petersburg Holiday Inn Express.

New NAR data show agents are growing more experienced and team‑based. Tampa brokers are leaning on referrals and teams to keep deals moving.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna forced the House to close early this week as hard‑liners withheld procedural support to press the Senate on the Trump‑backed SAVE America Act.

Pinellas County gave Suncoast Center 90 days to fix overnight rape‑kit staffing after reporting showed survivors waited hours for time‑sensitive exams.