Artist painting helmet for South Tampa girl recovering from viral meningitis, severe encephalitis

A South Tampa artist is using her talents to paint a small helmet that will be needed to help protect 5-year-old Laine Nipper’s head as she recovers from viral meningitis and severe encephalitis.

Parakeets found in man's pants at Mexico border

Crossing the border at Tijuana often brings the challenge of not only checking documents and identification for authentication, but also checking out the person attempting to enter the country as well.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium reports record-breaking sea turtle nesting season

Just before sunrise from April through October, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s sea turtle nesting team documents sea turtle activity on Pinellas County’s beaches.

Kitchen fire destroys Avon Park home: HCFR

An Avon Park home was destroyed by a fire that started in the kitchen, according to Highlands County Fire Rescue.

Rescued parrots find a home at Inverness sanctuary

Ziggy's Haven Bird Sanctuary at 84 N Florida Avenue in Inverness takes in birds that are abandoned, confiscated or turned over by their owners because they can no longer care for them.

Tampa Bay Bucs, Habitat for Humanity join forces for holiday home build

On Tuesday morning, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough teamed up to help build two homes in Brandon.

Tariff dividend: Trump says when he thinks checks could be issued

President Trump doubled down on the idea of a tariff dividend check for Americans. Here’s the latest of what he’s saying.

Medicare premium hike for 2026 will cut heavily into COLA

Medicare premiums are increasing again in 2026 in a jump that far outpaces both inflation and Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment.

Polk County voters to decide on school tax referendum next year

Polk County commissioners have voted to send a one-mill property tax referendum to voters in November 2026, aimed at boosting funding for the local school district. 

Video: Machete-wielding Florida man arrested during traffic stop after bolting from sheriff’s office

A Florida man described as a reckless criminal is behind bars after deputies say he smashed a victim’s car window with a machete after chasing them through the streets of Lehigh Acres.

FDLE arrests Ocala man in death of missing U.K. woman

A missing-person case that began in the United Kingdom has now developed into a Florida homicide case.

Friends of DJ killed during Tampa road rage shooting call for transparent police investigation

Community members and clergymen are calling on the Tampa Police Department to release the name of the person who shot and killed their friend, a well-known DJ, during a road rage incident.

Florida father sent back to prison under law that no longer exists

Robert Woodall fired what he calls warning shots into the ground during a fight more than 20 years ago. The bullet ricocheted and injured another man’s ankle.