Investigation Underway After Sarasota Inmate Found Unresponsive, Death Cause Pending Autopsy Results
An inmate's death at Sarasota County Jail is being investigated after he was found unresponsive in the medical wing, with no signs of trauma; the cause of death is pending autopsy results.
Florida Celebrates "Freedom Sales Tax Holiday" with Tax Exemptions on Sporting Goods and Event Tickets Throughout July
Floridians can enjoy tax-free purchases on sporting goods and event tickets during the "Freedom Sales Tax Holiday" throughout July, a move aimed at encouraging outdoor activities and economic relief.
Hillsborough County Cooks Up Local Pride with #813Day Celebrating Family Recipes and Culinary Hotspots
Hillsborough County celebrates #813Day with a focus on family recipes that highlight the area's culinary diversity. Residents are encouraged to share recipes for a chance to be featured on county social platforms.
Tampa Implements Once-a-Week Watering Restrictions to Combat Drought Conditions
Tampa has set a once-a-week watering restriction to manage water resources and save over a billion gallons compared to biweekly watering. This rule, starting August 2024, responds to a regional deficit in rainfall.
Mexican National Sentenced to Additional 18 Months for Illegal Reentry After Drug Trafficking Conviction in Polk County
Ramon Ochoa, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the U.S. after deportation, consecutive to his current state drug trafficking sentence.
Tampa's Shop Small Campaign Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Support for Local Businesses on National Small Business Saturday
Tampa celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Shop Small campaign, promoting local businesses for the holiday season and providing them with free exposure via an online directory and social media.
Michelin Guide to Assess St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Palm Beaches Culinary Scene for Star Ratings in 2026
The Michelin Guide is set to evaluate restaurants in St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Palm Beaches, and greater Fort Lauderdale for star ratings in 2026, highlighting Florida's growing culinary reputation.
Localtopia Revives St. Petersburg's Hurricane-Hit Small Businesses with Community Support
Localtopia in St. Petersburg highlighted the importance of community support for local businesses recovering from hurricanes, with strong attendance and vendor participation indicating its critical role in economic revival.
Tampa Bay Food Banks Face Uncertainty Amid USDA Funding Cuts and State Budget Discrepancies
Funding cuts from the USDA threaten the sustainability of food assistance programs in Tampa Bay, raising concerns for Feeding Tampa Bay's ability to distribute meals. Florida Senate's proposed budget offers potential support but faces uncertainty.
Hudson Community Shaken as One Dead in Beacon Woods Shooting with Suspect Detained by Pasco Sheriff's Office
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting in Hudson's Beacon Woods, following a dispute between known parties. One man died and the shooter is in custody; the incident is isolated with no community threat.
Port Charlotte Entrepreneurs to Benefit from Free Small Business Consultations on August 12
Free small business consultations will be held in Port Charlotte, Florida, on August 12, 2025, in collaboration with the SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University and Charlotte County Economic Development Office.
Weeki Wachee Shooting Leaves One Dead, Man Charged With Second-Degree Murder Amid Self-Defense Doubts
One man was killed in a shooting in Weeki Wachee. Suspect Evan Stanley claimed self-defense but inconsistencies and the victim being unarmed led to Stanley's arrest on Second-Degree Murder charges.
New Entrepreneur Support Hub Launches in Tampa to Propel Success for Local Small Businesses
The City of Tampa has launched the Tampa Entrepreneur Support Hub to aid local entrepreneurs in low to moderate income areas, providing services like incubation, technical assistance, and scale-up support.
Free 'Scaling Your Business' Workshop Offered by Florida SBDC and Charlotte County to Spark Local Entrepreneurial Growth
A new "Scaling Your Business" workshop, aimed at helping local entrepreneurs grow their businesses, will be hosted by the Florida SBDC at FGCU and the Charlotte County Economic Development Office.
Hillsborough County's ECC Ignites Entrepreneurial Dreams with Pre-Small Business Saturday Resource Fair
The Hillsborough County ECC hosted its third Entrepreneur Resource Fair, offering resources and networking opportunities to local business owners and entrepreneurs ahead of Small Business Saturday.
15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival in St. Petersburg Celebrates Local Businesses with Expanded Offerings and Festive Fun
The 15th Annual Shopapalooza Festival in St. Petersburg featured local shops, food, live music, and family activities, drawing crowds to support local businesses and charities.
Progressive Cash Splash: Florida Drivers Start Getting $300 Refunds
Progressive is returning excess profits to Florida auto policyholders who had coverage on Dec. 31, 2025; average rebates are near $300 and will arrive automatically in early 2026.
Florida Movers Slammed With $1.83 Million Hit In Moving Scam Crackdown
Federal and state investigators say they've secured a $1.83M settlement with movers and their owner after alleging deceptive household‑goods practices. The judgment splits penalties, restitution and attorney fees.
Port Charlotte Publix Shopper Snags Cut of $50K Fantasy 5 Jackpot
A Publix in Port Charlotte sold one of two winning Fantasy 5 tickets on March 3; winners split about $50,000, the Florida Lottery lists the numbers as 2-5-7-16-22. The state’s Winner’s Guide explains how to claim the prize.
Florida Judge Tells Live Nation to Stop Sneaky Ticket Fees
A Florida court has ordered Live Nation to show mandatory ticket fees up front for Florida buyers, an immediate change the state says will improve price transparency at checkout.
Publix Boss Todd Jones Checks Out After 46 Years In Aisles And Boardrooms
Publix says Executive Chairman Todd Jones will retire May 31 after a 46‑year career; he will remain chairman of the board as the company shifts leadership. The move follows the chain’s recent Q1 results and is framed as a continuity transition.
Florida’s Timber Country Is Quietly Running A $29 Billion Jobs Machine
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.
Cement Heavyweight Crashes Tampa Bay Waterfront As ABB Wires Up New Plant
Novada Cement has hired ABB to electrify and automate a new Tampa Bay plant, a project the company says could produce more than 600,000 tons a year. The deal pairs ABB control tech with Medcem’s regional expansion plans.
Jacksonville Bank Wars: Cogent's $2.4 Billion Growth Spurt Turns Up the Heat
Cogent Bank has grown from roughly $130M to more than $2.4B in under a decade and is expanding its Jacksonville footprint as it eyes bigger commercial lending. That shift could change how local developers and businesses finance projects.
Hidden Milk Sparks Recall As Publix Yanks DiLuigi Smashables From Shelves
Publix pulled two lots of DiLuigi Smashables after a labeling mistake left milk off the ingredient list. Affected packages carry a Use By date of June 13, 2026.
AAA Slashes Sunshine State Insurance Bills, Tampa Drivers Finally Catch a Break
AAA is cutting up to 5% from AAA‑branded home and auto policies in Florida, creating roughly $28M in statewide annual savings. Timing for new business and renewals varies by product.
Florida's Paycheck Shakeup: The Jobs That Cash In and the Careers That Get Crushed
A SmartAsset analysis finds surprising winners — barbers, opticians and some doctors — and big losers — designers and many science and academic roles — once Florida prices are factored in.




























































































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