Former Hillsborough County commissioner Kimberly Overman has shifted into Florida’s redrawn 12th District to challenge Rep. Gus Bilirakis; fundraising and the new map change the calculus.

The Hillsborough School Board is moving to put a half‑penny sales surtax renewal before voters, citing recent HVAC, roof and safety work funded by the levy.

Tarpon Springs City Manager Charles Rudd resigned after a $40,000 Orlando retreat run by Landmark Worldwide that Mayor John Koulianos says left staff distressed.

An industry executive told the Tampa Bay Business Journal the state’s $9.6B catastrophe fund needs recalibration as trustees prepare to weigh new 2026 rates.

The City of Tampa approved a $350,000 settlement in a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation and favoritism in the Mobility Department. The payment closes the case but leaves questions about personnel practices.

A 13‑point federal bill from Sens. Kaine and Warner would export Virginia's new gun rules nationwide; its path through the Senate looks uphill.

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.

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.

Florida’s teachers union has sued the state, arguing universal vouchers and charter funding have siphoned billions from neighborhood public schools and violated the state constitution.

Lakeland approved a 10-year stormwater fee plan to fund nearly $70M in fixes, but Lake Bonny neighbors say phased hikes won’t prevent the next flood.

State regulators approved a settlement raising Sunshine Water bills; the increase trims the company’s request but will boost many customers’ monthly charges.

Publix’s customer‑service FAQ and in‑store signs now ask that only law enforcement openly carry firearms, a reversal from the chain’s October policy. Local reporters say the change showed up this week.

Commissioners will consider expanding the county seat beyond Tampa during Wednesday's packed BOCC meeting, alongside housing and infrastructure votes.