State-of-the-art firefighter training center in Polk County features largest burn tower in the nation
Polk County Fire Rescue members can now train at their first-ever dedicated campus designed to simulate real-world emergencies. The state-of-the-art facility opened Tuesday in Winter Haven to support one of the busiest emergency organizations in Florida.
Polk County Fire Rescue members can now train at their first-ever dedicated campus designed to simulate real-world emergencies. The state-of-the-art facility opened Tuesday in Winter Haven to support one of the busiest emergency organizations in Florida.
Treasure Island secures $2.5M in state funding for new public safety building
Treasure Island officials announced Monday that the state allocated $2.5 million in its budget to construct a storm-ready public safety facility.
Treasure Island officials announced Monday that the state allocated $2.5 million in its budget to construct a storm-ready public safety facility.
Tampa Bay area restaurants struggle: More than 20 local spots close or rebrand
The dining landscape across Tampa and St. Petersburg is enduring a massive wave of disruptions as more than a dozen local eateries pull down their blinds or change strategies.
The dining landscape across Tampa and St. Petersburg is enduring a massive wave of disruptions as more than a dozen local eateries pull down their blinds or change strategies.
Gov. DeSantis unveils Lincoln statue in The Villages ahead of America 250
Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in Wildwood on Tuesday morning as part of Florida's official celebration of America's 250th birthday. The monument features the nation's 16th president atop a concrete pedestal holding the Emancipation Proclamation.
Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in Wildwood on Tuesday morning as part of Florida's official celebration of America's 250th birthday. The monument features the nation's 16th president atop a concrete pedestal holding the Emancipation Proclamation.
Manatee County murder suspect found hiding under bed in Georgia 4 months after double shooting: MCSO
A Bradenton murder suspect who spent four months on the run was captured Tuesday after authorities discovered him hiding underneath a bed in Georgia, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
A Bradenton murder suspect who spent four months on the run was captured Tuesday after authorities discovered him hiding underneath a bed in Georgia, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Alligator bites, deadly attacks in Florida: Year-by-Year breakdown
How common are deadly alligator attacks? From 1948 through 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 500 total unprovoked alligator bites, which led to 32 deaths.
How common are deadly alligator attacks? From 1948 through 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 500 total unprovoked alligator bites, which led to 32 deaths.
8-year-old jet skiing alone in Big Pass stopped by Sarasota police, father faces misdemeanor charge
An 8-year-old boy operating a jet ski alone in Big Pass led marine patrol officers to issue a misdemeanor court summons to his father, authorities said.
An 8-year-old boy operating a jet ski alone in Big Pass led marine patrol officers to issue a misdemeanor court summons to his father, authorities said.
STEM Achievers summer program: Free technology camp held in Brandon
Middle school students completed a free three-week technology camp at the Hillsborough College Brandon campus by presenting their own amusement park designs. The immersive program used coding, virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools to teach cutting-edge skills.
Middle school students completed a free three-week technology camp at the Hillsborough College Brandon campus by presenting their own amusement park designs. The immersive program used coding, virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools to teach cutting-edge skills.
Florida woman killed in alligator attack remembered: Full of life, adventure, kindness
Officials with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have identified the Florida woman who died after she was attacked by an alligator while swimming with friends.
Officials with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have identified the Florida woman who died after she was attacked by an alligator while swimming with friends.
Clearwater psychiatrist accused of having images from documented Russian child pornography series
A Clearwater psychiatris who owns the Advantage Mental Health Center was arrested after detectives accused him of possessing child pornography, officials announced Tuesday.
A Clearwater psychiatris who owns the Advantage Mental Health Center was arrested after detectives accused him of possessing child pornography, officials announced Tuesday.
Florida AG targets Orlando Irish dance competition over transgender athletes, policies
Florida Republican leaders, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, are demanding that two dance organizations participating in the upcoming North American Irish Dance Championships in Orlando prevent transgender girls and women from competing in female categories.
Florida Republican leaders, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, are demanding that two dance organizations participating in the upcoming North American Irish Dance Championships in Orlando prevent transgender girls and women from competing in female categories.
Rain and storms move across Bay Area chipping away at drought conditions
A weak front is bringing heavy rain and scattered storms across Florida today, placing almost all of the Bay Area under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall.
A weak front is bringing heavy rain and scattered storms across Florida today, placing almost all of the Bay Area under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall.
Airbnb guests visiting Polk County accused of stealing from Wawa: ‘Fooled around and found out’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a group of 15, including three juveniles, who were staying at a Davenport Airbnb came to the area ‘on vacation and will leave on probation’ after he says they stole items from a Davenport Wawa.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a group of 15, including three juveniles, who were staying at a Davenport Airbnb came to the area ‘on vacation and will leave on probation’ after he says they stole items from a Davenport Wawa.
Pinellas County Schools launches girls-only auto maintenance summer camp at Northeast High
There is something very special happening at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg this week. In an effort to help young women break into a historically male-dominated field, Pinellas County Schools is hosting its first-ever girls-only Basic Auto Maintenance Summer Camp.
There is something very special happening at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg this week. In an effort to help young women break into a historically male-dominated field, Pinellas County Schools is hosting its first-ever girls-only Basic Auto Maintenance Summer Camp.
Hillsborough County man accused of attacking store owner during $50K jewelry robbery at University Square Mall
A 28-year-old man was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say he posed as a customer before attacking a jewelry store owner during a robbery at University Square Mall, where he stole approximately $50,000 worth of merchandise.
A 28-year-old man was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say he posed as a customer before attacking a jewelry store owner during a robbery at University Square Mall, where he stole approximately $50,000 worth of merchandise.
Video: Florida man drives tractor to retrieve pickup truck he crashed earlier in a ditch before DUI arrest
A Florida man was arrested for DUI after deputies say he was under the influence of alcohol when he drove a tractor to the location where he crashed a pickup truck earlier to try to tow it out of a ditch.
A Florida man was arrested for DUI after deputies say he was under the influence of alcohol when he drove a tractor to the location where he crashed a pickup truck earlier to try to tow it out of a ditch.
Argentine YouTubers arrested after allegedly bypassing security at World Cup game: cops
Two YouTubers from Argentina are facing felony charges after they were arrested at a World Cup match as authorities say they allegedly tried to bypass security using bogus credentials.
Two YouTubers from Argentina are facing felony charges after they were arrested at a World Cup match as authorities say they allegedly tried to bypass security using bogus credentials.
Florida laws take effect July 1: Here's what's new
More than 100 new laws are going into effect on July 1, 2026, in Florida.
More than 100 new laws are going into effect on July 1, 2026, in Florida.
Tampa designer crafts 'prosperity pillows' for America’s 250th birthday celebration
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, Tampa interior designer Karen Post is marking the milestone through craftsmanship.
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, Tampa interior designer Karen Post is marking the milestone through craftsmanship.
St. Pete apartment complex shooting leaves man critically injured; police investigating
A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an early Tuesday morning shooting at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg, according to the St. Pete Police Department.
A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an early Tuesday morning shooting at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg, according to the St. Pete Police Department.