Substitute teacher accused of striking autistic student's face with lunch box

A substitute teacher at Oakhurst Elementary School has been arrested after striking a special needs student with a lunch box containing a mental canister, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

St. Pete moves closer to $1.1B budget amid debate over firefighter gear, cadet cuts

The City of St. Petersburg is nearing approval of its $1.1 billion budget, but not without push back from residents and some council members over youth programming, utility rates, safer-street initiatives and a pointed debate about equipment and staffing in the fire department.

Tarpon Springs home invasion suspect shot and killed by occupants, police say

A home invasion suspect was shot and killed by people inside a Tarpon Springs home after police say the man unlawfully entered the residence and an altercation ensued.

Missing teen last seen in Clearwater found safe

Clearwater police say a missing teen has been found safe after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement put out a statewide alert.

Where is Zachary Bernhardt? 8-year-old at heart of Florida’s longest Amber Alert disappeared 25 years ago

Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, exactly one year before the 9/11 attacks, Leah Hackett told police she tucked her 8-year-old son Zachary Bernhardt into bed, went for a middle-of-the-night swim in the community pool and returned to an empty apartment, sparking Florida’s longest-running Amber Alert.

Cross Bay Ferry making a comeback after PSTA grant

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has approved its new budget, and one of the biggest takeaways for Tampa Bay area residents and visitors is the return of ferry service. 

Battery, theft charges dropped against Jim Leavitt, former USF head football coach: Court documents

All charges have been dropped against former USF head football coach Jim Leavitt after he was accused of striking his ex-girlfriend, along with a man, and stealing a Louis Vuitton purse, clutch and wallet, according to court documents.

From Philly to the Sunshine City: The Violet Stone’s St. Pete story

A taste of Philadelphia has found a new home in St. Petersburg, Florida, and it's called The Violet Stone. Owner Daniel Fekete, a Philly native, brought the flavors of his hometown to the Sunshine City, establishing a restaurant that stands out from the crowd.