Sarasota County to analyze funding options to help pay for MLB spring training stadium repairs

Sarasota County officials say spring training poured over $190 million into the local economy in 2024, but maintaining the two stadiums the MLB uses comes with a hefty price tag, and they don’t have enough in their five-year fund to meet their contractual obligations to make those repairs. 

2 arrested in murder case after human remains found, Pasco deputies say

Two people have been arrested, including one on murder charges, days after Pasco County deputies said they found human remains north of Dade City.

Photos: Manatee with fishing lure caught in mouth rescued on Florida beach

A manatee is back in the water after a team of rescuers worked on Earth Day to remove a fishing lure caught in its mouth on a Florida beach.

Florida family sues Roblox, Discord after alleged online exploitation

A Florida girl was allegedly groomed and sexually exploited on Roblox and Discord, two platforms widely used by children, according to a lawsuit filed this week in California.

Popular senior prank wars tied to school lockdowns in Tampa

It’s a popular senior game, sometimes called "water wars" or "senior assassins," but this week, it led to two Bay Area schools locking their doors and calling law enforcement.

More than 20,000 Floridians with disabilities left waiting for solutions

Throughout Florida, people with severe disabilities are suffering without the home-based services they are eligible to receive. Florida's government provides services to around 35,000 residents living at home with developmental disabilities, but more than 20,000 others have been stuck on a wait list for years.

Bay Area leaders weigh in as Florida House debates reworking tourism tax laws

A bill that’s just starting to make its way through the Florida House is ruffling some feathers, specifically within the tourism industry. 

USF doctor enters final year of research to see if AI can detect vocal diseases

Three years into a project using artificial intelligence and voice to detect diseases and disorders, a University of South Florida laryngologist is ready for the next step in helping patients.

New high-tech buoys in the Hillsborough River aim to kill harmful algae that can kill fish, wildlife

When you turn on your spigot in Tampa, water managers said you'll get tastier, better water thanks to new hi-tech buoys in the Hillsborough River. The solar-powered buoys kill harmful algae and can stop a toxic bloom that can kill fish and wildlife.

Plane crashes after veering off runway, sparking brush fire in Myakka City

A single-engine plane crashed at Bald Eagle Airfield in Myakka City, sparking a brush fire on Wednesday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Pinellas County deputy rescues stranded owlet

An owl’s howl is sure to get someone's attention, no matter the time of day. 

Trump reportedly ponders $5K baby bonus as US fertility rate remains near record low

The Trump administration is reportedly looking at ways to incentivize having a baby to increase the U.S. birth rate, which remains near a record low according to newly-released CDC data.

Firefighters make kids' day by hosing down bouncy slide

Firefighters in Lehigh Acres, Florida, went above and beyond the call of duty as they hosed down a bouncy slide for kids playing on it.