Selby Gardens begins upgrades; will soon be first fully-solar botanical garden

They're known for their beautiful orchids. More than 6,000 fill the property at Selby Gardens in downtown Sarasota. And now upgrades that will bring the gardens into the future are getting underway. 

Roy Leep, pioneering WTVT meteorologist, passes away

Longtime WTVT chief meteorologist Roy Leep, who helped pioneer the use of radar to detect storms and warn viewers, passed away Tuesday at the age of 88.

Remembering Roy Leep
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Mark Wilson, Kelly Ring, and Paul Dellegatto share their memories of working alongside Roy Leep, WTVT's chief meteorologist for 40 years.

Hurricane Hunters ready to take off from Lakeland, gather invaluable data for Atlantic season

Every hurricane season, a group of brave pilots and scientists heads into storms to collect data needed to create forecasts and keep people safe – and it all starts from Lakeland Linder International Airport.

History, heritage alive and well in Tarpon Springs

The city of Tarpon Springs owes much of its existence to the sponges and the Greek divers who first arrived to harvest them in the early 1900s. Their legacy lives on today.

‘I don’t make excuses for myself’: Rare diagnosis inspires Riverview grad to become a pediatric nurse

It's been a long road for Ashley Kersey and it's about to take an exciting turn as she graduates from Riverview High. Her four years including hospital visits and homework, but it didn't stop her from reaching her goals.

Sweet success: Sisters upgrade from ice cream truck to shop

After two years of making and selling small-batch ice cream out of a truck, two sisters fulfilled their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar ice cream shop earlier this year.

Unwelcome gator hangs out under Haines City woman’s carport

For one Haines City resident, alligators are a common sight in her neighborhood, but one encounter was stranger than usual.

Anna Maria Island named one of Florida’s ‘most charming small towns’

Anna Maria Island is known for its beautiful white beaches, and both residents and visitors know it. Now, the town was recently named as one of Florida's 'most charming small towns.'

Debate continues over what type of whale was spotted off Pass-A-Grill Beach

Scientists are taking a closer look at what appears to be a whale. One frame, in particular, is interesting to scientists, showing what appears to be a white patch around the eye. That’s why some believe it was an orca, but they are not able to say with 100% certainty.

Captiva's 'Bubble Room' still captivates with unique décor

When the original owners first opened the restaurant, they didn’t have the money to decorate the restaurant, so they hung up Christmas lights and old pictures they had laying around their house. Forty-two years later, the theme has stuck.

Desserts at the Bubble Room are as sweet as they are beautiful
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The Bubble Room in Captiva Island is known for its desserts. There are 10 to choose from, with their signature Orange Crunch being the star of the show. It?s a yellow cake with almond brown sugar layers and an orange cream cheese icing.

Inside the Bubble Room
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You'll always see something new at Captiva's most eclectic restaurant. Here's a quick tour.

Seafood served up fresh at Bartow's local fishing hole

Catfish Country in Bartow has been in owner William Houvardas’ family for 22 years. He says the restaurant survives on loyal locals, as well as customers from the surrounding area.

Marvel at Miami's most sought-after mac and cheese

This restaurant is challenging everything you thought you knew about America’s favorite comfort food.

Meet Miami's king of mac and cheese
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The World Famous House of Mac will challenge everything you thought you knew about America?s favorite comfort food.