Officer Demarcus Smith of Plant City won the Olin S. Wright Lodge #79 – Officer of the Year award for his service, and he's set to join the Criminal Investigations Division.

The City of Tampa has appointed four dedicated employees to directorial positions and has hired a new city attorney, demonstrating a commitment to internal talent advancement.

Charlotte County government offices will close from Dec. 24-26, 2025, for the holidays, affecting the availability of public services during that period.

Tampa Police Department named Reserve Officer Craig Jorden as December 2025's Community Policing Officer of the Month for exceptional engagement and service.

Techstars Startup Weekend in Tampa celebrated tech entrepreneurship with local innovators, supported by city officials Javier Marin and Tim Spearman, fostering regional innovation.

Pinellas County employees donated 70 bikes and helmets to children in need during their 39th Annual Employee Bike Drive, with over $11,800 raised for the cause.

Charlotte County will hold a special meeting about utility boundaries on December 16, encouraging public input on the Punta Gorda Utility District Boundary Codification and Utility Transfer Act.

Charlotte County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will meet on December 17, 2025, to discuss housing issues and make recommendations to the Commission.

A Tampa-area pharmacist was permanently banned from filling opioids and controlled substances due to wrongful distribution and profiting from the addiction crisis.

Plant City Police officers and their families are spreading holiday cheer by buying toys for local kids. The initiative is funded by their Beard Charity Fund, part of an annual tradition demonstrating their dedication to community service.

Plant City's Autumn Leaf Academy settled claims of ADA violations by excluding a child with disabilities and agreed to policy changes and ADA training.

Groundbreaking at Duffie North marks industrial expansion in Punta Gorda, with a projected addition of 200 jobs and community support through charitable donations.

Charlotte County Commission is set to host a workshop to discuss local issues, such as e-bikes and Babcock Ranch, without public input. The meeting will be at 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte.