Chinese national on U.S. work visa accused of hiding drugs inside hollowed-out candles in Hernando County

A Chinese national who was in the country on a work visa was arrested in Spring Hill after deputies say he had drugs mailed to him from outside the United States, concealed them inside hollowed out candles and intended to sell them.

Sarasota County charter boat captains protest program requiring permits to pick up customers at county parks

Dozens of charter boat captains gathered at Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Wednesday to protest new county regulations that will soon require them to pay for limited permits to operate at public docks and boat ramps.

Bad Bunny taps Sarasota Orchestra music director to lead orchestra during Super Bowl halftime show

When Giancarlo Guerrero, the Music Director of the Sarasota Orchestra, received an "unusual request" from his manager on a quiet Saturday in Miami, he had no idea he was about to become a part of music history.

Illegal immigrant who unlawfully entered US 7 times arrested after fight at Florida bar: CCSO

An illegal immigrant from Honduras who has allegedly entered the U.S. seven times illegally was arrested after a fight broke out at a Florida bar on Saturday, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

Illegal immigrant arrested for Polk County hit-and-run after pleading with victim not to call police: PCSO

An illegal immigrant from Mexico was arrested after deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office say he struck a vehicle and took off after pleading with the victim not to call police.

'211 Day' shines light on crisis help available across Tampa Bay

February 11 marks “211 Day," a national effort held each year to spotlight a three-digit number that connects people to help in their community.

USF researchers harness sunlight in promising breakthrough to fight red tide

A team of University of South Florida researchers believes an everyday element, sunlight, could play a key role in reducing harmful red tide blooms impacting the Bay Area.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office honors fallen K-9 partners at memorial service

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office honored some of its most loyal deputies on Tuesday. K-9s who served on the front lines and then went home as family.

Multiple shooting victims found dead at Sarasota home: Officials

Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies have been in and out of the home for well over nine hours following a deadly shooting inside the Amberlea gated community on Tuesday.

Leo Govoni fraud: 2 years after $100M trust collapse, families of disabled victims still suffer

Two years after the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration filed for bankruptcy, families who depended on the nonprofit say the damage caused by its collapse is still shaping their daily lives.

Bartow fire that burned nearly 200 acres, closed portion of Highway 640 is under investigation

Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a fire to burn nearly 200 acres in Bartow, destroyed a gooseneck trailer and closed a portion of Highway 640 on Tuesday evening.