Tampa International Airport donates hundreds of unclaimed bags to foster kids

Tampa International Airport is repurposing hundreds of unclaimed luggage items to serve hundreds of local foster children in Hillsborough County.

Dengue fever Hillsborough County: Two local cases prompt mosquito treatments

Two confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever in Hillsborough County have mosquito control officials taking action to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Boarding facility owner arrested for animal cruelty in Homosassa: 'Trust was broken'

The owner of a Homosassa boarding facility faces felony animal cruelty charges after investigators say two dogs died in a converted garage lacking clean water and adequate ventilation. 

Bringing shells home from the beach? Here's what to know about Florida's harvest laws

A Customs and Border Patrol Agriculture K9 intercepted restricted seashells and coral from the Bahamas, prompting officials to remind beachgoers of strict harvest laws. 

‘Evil’ Polk County pastor accused of having unprotected sex with teen boy without disclosing HIV status

A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.

St. Pete leaders consider replacing Pier Marketplace tents with kiosks

St. Petersburg city leaders are evaluating a plan to transition local vendors at the St. Pete Pier Marketplace from tents to permanent kiosks.

How to protect yourself before stepping into a rideshare vehicle

A deadly deputy-involved shooting in Polk County is raising questions about rideshare background checks and passenger safety.

Beach Park Tampa development: Residents oppose proposed 11-story tower

A proposed mixed-use tower is drawing mounting pushback from homeowners in Beach Park, who argue the project would overwhelm their local streets. Neighbors are organizing petitions and public campaigns asking city officials to scale back the project ahead of an upcoming public hearing.

TGH blood drone delivery program to launch in Hillsborough County

Tampa General Hospital is partnering with local emergency organizations to launch a blood drone delivery program in Hillsborough County. The initiative could begin as early as October. 

Lakeland I-4 crash: Two critically injured, lanes closed for several hours

Two people were taken to the hospital with critical injuries after an I-4 crash that caused major delays in Lakeland during rush hour on Monday.

Man with Uber sign in windshield killed by Polk deputies after racking stolen gun in vehicle: PCSO

A license plate reader in Polk County led deputies to a suspect with an outstanding probation violation warrant before a confrontation ended in a fatal shooting, according to the sheriff.

Citrus County woman returns home after surviving septic shock, amputations

A Citrus County woman is celebrating her return home to Crystal River after surviving a life-threatening bout of septic shock that led doctors to amputate parts of her hands and legs.

Florida SNAP error penalty: State faces $1 billion federal fine over food aid

State officials in Florida are racing against a federal deadline to overhaul how food assistance applications are handled or risk losing nearly $1 billion in federal funding.

New federal hemp THC limits threaten Florida beverage market

A new federal law is set to dramatically reshape the hemp-derived THC market, leaving many Florida businesses scrambling to adapt. While supporters say the changes will help prevent intoxicating products from ending up in the wrong hands, local retailers warn the new limits could wipe out much of their inventory and threaten their livelihoods.