Lethal loophole: How manufacturers synthesize new kratom compounds after Florida ban
In June 2025, Florida issued an emergency rule designating 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a concentrated kratom derivative up to 13 times more potent than hospital morphine — as a Schedule I narcotic. Rather than halting sales, synthetic kratom producers altered their chemical formulas to evade the ban.
In June 2025, Florida issued an emergency rule designating 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a concentrated kratom derivative up to 13 times more potent than hospital morphine — as a Schedule I narcotic. Rather than halting sales, synthetic kratom producers altered their chemical formulas to evade the ban.
The death of game discs? Sony sets 2028 end date
Video game enthusiasts in Pinellas Park are expressing frustration as Sony prepares to phase out physical PlayStation discs in January 2028.
Video game enthusiasts in Pinellas Park are expressing frustration as Sony prepares to phase out physical PlayStation discs in January 2028.
St. Pete Beach mothballs: Two men arrested in plot to disrupt nesting shorebirds
Two men face criminal charges after state wildlife investigators uncovered a plot to scatter over 1,000 toxic mothballs across St. Pete Beach to disrupt a vital shorebird nesting area.
Two men face criminal charges after state wildlife investigators uncovered a plot to scatter over 1,000 toxic mothballs across St. Pete Beach to disrupt a vital shorebird nesting area.
Animal cruelty trial: SPCA Tampa Bay found not guilty in viral Waddles the pig case
A Pinellas County judge found SPCA Tampa Bay not guilty after receiving a civil animal cruelty citation following Waddles the pig being found severely sunburned under shelter care.
A Pinellas County judge found SPCA Tampa Bay not guilty after receiving a civil animal cruelty citation following Waddles the pig being found severely sunburned under shelter care.
Florida property tax clash gets day in court
A Leon Circuit Court judge heard arguments Wednesday over whether the property tax cut proposal to be placed on the November ballot is misleading to voters.
A Leon Circuit Court judge heard arguments Wednesday over whether the property tax cut proposal to be placed on the November ballot is misleading to voters.
90-year-old credits volunteering for keeping her healthy, fit: 'The heart feels good'
A 90-year-old Hillsborough County woman is proving that age is just a number as she continues to volunteer and pack meals for thousands of community members each month.
A 90-year-old Hillsborough County woman is proving that age is just a number as she continues to volunteer and pack meals for thousands of community members each month.
School health tips: Johns Hopkins All Children Hospital experts share guidance
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital medical experts shared back-to-school safety tips and advice Wednesday as families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital medical experts shared back-to-school safety tips and advice Wednesday as families prepare for the upcoming school year.
City of Tampa upgrades stormwater equipment to help prevent flooding
The City of Tampa is upgrading its stormwater equipment with a new Spyder machine designed to expedite ditch clearing and maintain its stormwater system.
The City of Tampa is upgrading its stormwater equipment with a new Spyder machine designed to expedite ditch clearing and maintain its stormwater system.
High schoolers train in real-world scenarios at Lakeland's High School Police Academy
High school students across the area are stepping into the boots of law enforcement officers this week during a week-long summer academy designed to build career interest and personal confidence.
High school students across the area are stepping into the boots of law enforcement officers this week during a week-long summer academy designed to build career interest and personal confidence.
RABCO Boats carries a local legacy into a new era
For nearly half a century, RABCO Boats has been part of Tampa Bay’s rich boat-building history. Now, under new ownership, the Clearwater company is honoring that legacy while charting a new course for the future.
For nearly half a century, RABCO Boats has been part of Tampa Bay’s rich boat-building history. Now, under new ownership, the Clearwater company is honoring that legacy while charting a new course for the future.
Florida man accused of sexually abusing 2 girls during 'cuddling sessions': FCSO
A Florida man was arrested after a 17-month investigation into allegations that he sexually abused two young girls on multiple occasions, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
A Florida man was arrested after a 17-month investigation into allegations that he sexually abused two young girls on multiple occasions, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Lecanto home struck by lighting, smoke pours from garage: CCFR
A presumed lightning strike ignited a garage fire at a Lecanto home on Monday afternoon. Citrus County Fire Rescue crews responded quickly to contain the smoke and cut power to the home.
A presumed lightning strike ignited a garage fire at a Lecanto home on Monday afternoon. Citrus County Fire Rescue crews responded quickly to contain the smoke and cut power to the home.
St. Pete YMCA shooting: Second suspect faces murder charge, police say
A second suspect was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting during a gun transaction inside a bathroom at the Childs Park YMCA in St. Petersburg last week, according to the St. Pete Police Department.
A second suspect was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting during a gun transaction inside a bathroom at the Childs Park YMCA in St. Petersburg last week, according to the St. Pete Police Department.
Florida woman accused of stealing over $6K from assisted living resident: MCSO
A Florida woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an older resident at an assisted living facility was arrested by Ocala police last week, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
A Florida woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an older resident at an assisted living facility was arrested by Ocala police last week, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Video: Silver cuffs ground ‘Superman’ after Ruskin boat break-in
A convicted felon wearing a Superman costume was arrested in Ruskin on Saturday after deputies investigated a boat burglary.
A convicted felon wearing a Superman costume was arrested in Ruskin on Saturday after deputies investigated a boat burglary.
BTK killer Dennis Rader's daughter Kerri Rawson hit with domestic violence injunction: report
Kerri Rawson, the daughter of notorious "BTK" serial killer Dennis Rader and a prominent victims' advocate, has been subject to a domestic violence injunction after her ex-husband claimed she repeatedly warned that he and their children were in danger of being murdered, according to court records first reported by the New York Post.
Kerri Rawson, the daughter of notorious "BTK" serial killer Dennis Rader and a prominent victims' advocate, has been subject to a domestic violence injunction after her ex-husband claimed she repeatedly warned that he and their children were in danger of being murdered, according to court records first reported by the New York Post.
Mega Millions ticket sold in Florida wins $800 million jackpot: Check your tickets
A single ticket sold in Florida won the estimated $800 million jackpot in Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing, according to lottery officials.
A single ticket sold in Florida won the estimated $800 million jackpot in Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing, according to lottery officials.
Florida recommends against psychiatric medications for most children with depression, anxiety and ADHD
Florida Department of Health officials issued new guidance encouraging doctors to prioritize therapy and lifestyle changes over psychiatric prescriptions for children.
Florida Department of Health officials issued new guidance encouraging doctors to prioritize therapy and lifestyle changes over psychiatric prescriptions for children.
How amber lights are saving baby sea turtles in Tampa Bay
Wildlife conservation groups and utility crews are installing sea turtle-friendly amber lighting along Tampa Bay beaches to protect newborn hatchlings heading toward the Gulf.
Wildlife conservation groups and utility crews are installing sea turtle-friendly amber lighting along Tampa Bay beaches to protect newborn hatchlings heading toward the Gulf.
St. Petersburg Flock cameras: Man stages weekly protests over privacy concerns
A retired Florida resident is spending his weekends raising awareness about automated surveillance by protesting outside St. Petersburg Flock cameras.
A retired Florida resident is spending his weekends raising awareness about automated surveillance by protesting outside St. Petersburg Flock cameras.