Tampa Bay area under high fire alert as 2 Pasco schools cancel Wednesday classes

Severe drought conditions across the Tampa Bay area have sparked a rash of wildfires, leading to multiple property losses and local school cancelations.

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.

James Van Der Beek dies following battle with colon cancer

James Van Der Beek, a television star known for “Dawson’s Creek" and “Varsity Blues," has died at 48 following health struggles.

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.