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.

UF research and NOAA outlook warn El Niño could bump up Botrytis risk in Plant City, leading to more fungicide sprays and higher costs for growers.

FHP troopers removed an alligator from the Suncoast Parkway near SR‑52. No injuries were reported.

Cuba published new migration, citizenship and foreigners laws last week that could require Cuban‑Americans to use Cuban passports when returning to the island. The package also activates an investor migration category immediately.

A Temple Terrace customer says a salon owner yanked her hair during a disputed $50 weave appointment; criminal charges were filed and medical records allege lasting damage.

Seventeen graves at Palmetto’s Old Memphis Cemetery were vandalized; deputies have opened an investigation and are asking the public for tips and any footage.

Attorney General James Uthmeier and Sheriff Chad Chronister will brief reporters Wednesday morning at the Falkenburg Road Jail about a multi‑county truck‑theft probe. Officials may announce arrests, subpoenas or new charges.

Gospel Inc.'s Gospel Village in Lakeland added 48 permanent homes on Tuesday, expanding its supportive housing campus for people who were chronically homeless.

A Construction Coverage analysis using Redfin data ranked Jacksonville last among large U.S. metros, but local brokers say the picture is mixed and neighborhood‑specific. Well‑prepared, claim‑free homes are still drawing buyers.

Mostly sunny and muggy with a small window for midday showers; highs near 87°F today and warming into the low 90s by the weekend.