A Winter Haven man was arrested after an undercover Polk County sting in which he allegedly agreed to pay $100 to have sex with a 14-year-old, deputies say.

A red-light collision at SR‑60 and North Turkey Creek Road left two dead and two more hurt Friday, troopers said.

Hot, humid Saturday with highs near 94°F and a heat index up to 106°F. Afternoon storms possible inland.

Baba on Central will close and relaunch as a new concept; Barra‑Barra pintxo pop‑up will move in permanently at Barbouni.

Ellison Development says The Central in St. Pete is ready to go vertical as a land closing approaches; a 540‑space public garage is already open.

Col. Bob Hines, named Artemis III's sole backup, has the résumé and training that could put him on the moon on a later Artemis flight.

Hillsborough County detectives raided a Ruskin home after tracing child‑exploitation files to a social app. Three residents were arrested and devices were seized for forensic review.

Toronto completed a sign-and-trade to bring Darren Raddysh home, signing him to an eight-year extension while Tampa Bay receives a 2026 fifth-round pick.

A Punta Gorda man faces aggravated‑assault counts and a hate‑crime enhancement after deputies say he pulled a gun and hurled racial slurs at fence contractors. He is jailed without bond.

A Pasco County man was sentenced to three years and ordered to pay $50,000 after prosecutors say he took payments for repairs he never finished. Court records identify the defendant and outline the restitution order.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned Americans to avoid jet-ski rentals after injuries, a death and reports of sexual assault. Officials urge travelers to use vetted vendors and follow State Department guidance.

A state data snapshot shows Florida Poly alumni earn a median $93,600 five years after graduation — the highest among Florida public universities and a win for focused STEM training.

Lake Wales launched Polk County's first open-container ACE district, letting patrons stroll downtown with drinks as the city pushes a Walesbilt hotel restoration and streetscape upgrades.