12th judicial circuit judge cited after leaving the scene of a two-car crash

A 12th judicial circuit judge accused of sideswiping another vehicle was cited for careless driving and failure to give information after leaving the scene of an accident. According to a police report, Circuit Judge Thomas Krug told investigators he did not realize he struck the car while attempting to merge into its lane.

Dengue response: Low-flying helicopters to spray Tampa neighborhoods

Residents in parts of Tampa can expect to see and hear low-flying helicopters Thursday morning as the Pasco County Mosquito Control District joins Hillsborough County's response to locally acquired dengue fever.

Grady Judd: 2 of Lakeland’s top 5 drug dealers arrested in 'Operation End of Worlds'

A wiretap investigation shattered a massive drug trafficking ring operating out of Lakeland, resulting in 39 arrests and the seizure of enough fentanyl to kill a million people, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday. 

Atlantic hurricane season remains quiet, Pacific sees surge in activity

The Atlantic Basin remains unusually quiet as the peak of the 2026 hurricane season approaches, while tropical activity has surged in the Eastern and Central Pacific.

Guatemalan woman was in U.S. illegally, arrested after backing into Polk deputy's patrol vehicle: PCSO

A Guatemalan woman living in the United States illegally was arrested early Wednesday after she backed her vehicle into a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy's patrol vehicle during a traffic stop in Lakeland, according to PCSO.

FDOT camera ban: Some Tampa Bay agencies defend automated license plate readers

Some law enforcement leaders across Tampa Bay are defending automated license plate readers after state officials ordered them to be removed from all state highway rights of way.

Denmark and Tampa team up to tackle urban challenges

Tampa and Copenhagen may be nearly 5,000 miles apart. Both are looking for better ways to handle growth, water and transportation challenges.

Hillsborough County tightens rules on short-term rentals

Hillsborough County is tightening its rules for short-term rental properties following complaints from neighbors about noise, parking and disruptive guests.

Tampa Bay restaurants adapt as GLP-1 meds and ‘sober curious’ diners shift habits

Some Tampa Bay restaurant owners say they are adjusting menus and adding more non-alcoholic options and smaller portions to adapt to changing diner habits. 

Tampa federal agents seize 22,000 ancient artifacts in one of agency’s largest busts

Federal agents in Tampa have seized more than 22,000 artifacts from Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean as part of an ongoing investigation into international antiquities smuggling, officials announced.

'Come From Away' focuses on community after 9/11

A local community theater group is performing a story of unity after 9/11 with "Come From Away". 

Independent probe launched into former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker

An independent investigator has taken over the internal affairs probe into former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker as county authorities conduct a parallel criminal inquiry.

Manatee County vacation rentals: Commissioners order draft rules

Manatee County leaders are moving forward with plans to regulate short-term vacation rentals after residents urged officials to crack down on recurring neighborhood disruptions.

Operation No Escape: 37 fugitives arrested in Tampa law enforcement sweep

37 violent fugitives wanted for major crimes were arrested in Tampa during a 90-day joint law enforcement operation, the FBI’s Tampa Division said in a news release Wednesday.

One person dead, dog escapes Inverness house fire

One person died in a house fire Tuesday morning, while a dog escaped the blaze on East Banner Lane near Inverness, according to Citrus County Fire Rescue.

St. Pete activists push to put city-owned utility on 2028 ballot

A coalition of St. Petersburg community groups launched a petition Wednesday to create a city-owned electric utility on the 2028 ballot following the expiration of Duke Energy's franchise agreement.