Blue Origin rocket launches first wheelchair user into space

Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer for the European Space Agency, became the first wheelchair user in space Saturday.

Friday Fishing Report: December 19, 2025
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Dylan Hubbard with Hubbard’s Marina says there should be great fishing at the end of the weekend as the weather calms down.

3I/Atlas making closest approach to Earth this week

The interstellar comet known as 3I/Atlas will pass within 167 million miles of our planet Friday – the closest it gets on its grand tour of the solar system. Here's what to know.

Proposed docks in Stevenson Creek in Clearwater causing concern for manatee activists

Valor Capital wants to put in a multi-dock with room for nine boat slips and a kayak and paddle board floating dock. The Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group, however, is against this, because manatees are present in the creek.

Look up tonight: Supermoon to soar into the sky

Look up tonight as a Supermoon will rise into the sky.  Nicknamed the Cold Moon as winter weather brings colder temperatures, the moon will only be 221,813 miles away from Earth.

Florida lawmakers push to make American Flamingo the official state bird

For many Floridians, the flamingo feels like an obvious symbol of the Sunshine State. From "Phoebe" the giant flamingo sculpture at Tampa International Airport, to the bird’s presence on countless souvenirs, it’s easy to assume it already holds official status. 

December skywatching guide: Wrap up 2025 with these can't miss celestial events

With the new year around the corner, December is filled with a robust lineup of celestial events to end the year with a rewarding skywatching experience.

Pinellas teacher struck by lightning while biking in Peru over Thanksgiving holiday

A Palm Harbor Middle School teacher was critically injured after lightning struck him and his friend while they were mountain biking in Peru over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Florida gator wrangled by former zookeeper turned police officer

A Florida police officer who used to work as a zookeeper got the chance to flaunt her skills when she helped corral an alligator in Cape Coral on Monday, Nov. 24.

TSA sets all time record for daily screenings

The Thanksgiving holiday saw millions of people traveling by air, and on Sunday the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it set a new daily screening record with over 3 million travelers screened at airports across the country.

Orban’s Nursery makes dramatic comeback after losing every Poinsettia in 2024 storms

One of the Bay Area’s most vibrant holiday traditions returned on Saturday as Orban’s Nursery in Bradenton displays and sells 50,000 poinsettias at its annual holiday kickoff.