Federal and state officials met in Tampa to map alleged CCP threats to Florida infrastructure — from land purchases near bases to cyber and influence operations. Leaders urged tighter interagency coordination.

Hillsborough's TPO backed a compromise that keeps regional MPO talks moving while Tampa and Pinellas officials worry about representation.

Clear, muggy Thursday in Tampa with highs near 90°F. Inland spots will climb into the low 90s and a slight chance of storms returns Friday through the weekend.

A Palmetto man was struck and killed on U.S. 41 near Scale Avenue around 1:20 a.m.; troopers are investigating the fatal early‑morning crash.

Photos released by Clearwater police show two people wanted after a stolen debit card left one victim nearly $8,000 short.

Lee County deputies say a 22‑year‑old allegedly slashed tires on 29 Amazon delivery vans and dumped key fobs in the Caloosahatchee River; investigators recovered evidence and charged him.

Polk County reinstated a burn ban effective May 6 as drought readings climbed, barring campfires, yard burns and fireworks across unincorporated areas and several cities.

Palm Harbor’s longtime pie shop JJ Gandy’s will reopen this summer under new owner Rob Marvenko, who says he secured the bakery’s recipes and will preserve the pies. The storefront and much of the interior are being kept intact.

Pasco County deputies arrested 14 people in a West Pasco undercover sting that targeted unlicensed contractors. Officials urge residents to verify licenses and report suspicious activity.

A U.S. jet from the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln disabled the Iranian tanker M/T Hasna after the ship allegedly ignored repeated blockade warnings, CENTCOM says.

An Atlanta performer known as Jayy Wick was arrested in metro Atlanta after a Panama City Beach shooting left an 18‑year‑old critically injured. Authorities say surveillance and witness IDs led to the arrest.

An appeals court affirmed Domingo Rodriguez’s conviction in the 2024 killing of Dexter. Rodriguez surrendered and will serve the remaining 364 days of his sentence.

Cousin Vinny’s, fresh from a Michelin nod, has signed a St. Pete lease and is plotting a South Tampa outpost as it aims for 10 Florida locations by 2029.