Pasco County traffic alert: Deadly crash closes I-75 southbound lanes in Wesley Chapel: FHP

A deadly crash Friday morning near mile marker 279 has closed all southbound lanes on Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, creating a lengthy backup during the morning commute, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Waymo expansion: Driverless robotaxi rollout in Tampa sparks safety debate

Your next rideshare in the city could arrive completely empty as a major autonomous vehicle company shifts into its next phase of local testing. 

South Tampa preschool becomes first stand-alone IB preschool in Florida

A South Tampa preschool has earned accreditation as an International Baccalaureate school, making it the first stand-alone preschool of its kind in Florida. 

Tampa Bay Ferry: St. Pete approves downtown temporary dock location

The St. Pete City Council cleared the way Thursday for a temporary Tampa Bay Ferry dock along Bayshore Boulevard near the Vinoy to restore a previous downtown transit location. Mobro Marine, Inc. will complete the infrastructure work by the end of September.

St. Pete City Council approves Ferg's Sports Bar lease to fund downtown trail

St. Petersburg city leaders approved long-term lease agreements Thursday to help finance the $7 million acquisition of downtown railroad tracks for a new recreational trail. 

Brother of 'deviant' Lakeland Santa accused of exposing himself to child at Walmart

Polk County deputies arrested a 62-year-old man who they say exposed himself to a 5-year-old child inside a Mulberry Walmart after a Crime Stoppers tip ended a two-day search.

Tampa fraud case: Man accused of forging judge's signature for job

A man already accused of defrauding a South Tampa church out of hundreds of thousands of dollars is back behind bars after investigators say he forged a judge’s signature and created fake documents to try to secure a new job.

Manatee County overdose reduction: Opioid deaths plunge 56%

A collaborative community network in Manatee County has driven down opioid overdose deaths by 56% following years of targeted education and naloxone distribution.

Tampa Bay Rays reveal first look inside proposed new stadium

The Tampa Bay Rays are giving fans their first look inside the team’s proposed new ballpark in Tampa, but the larger stadium deal still is not final.

Victim ID'd in deadly lightning strike at Florida beach that killed 1, hurt 3 others

A man died after being struck by lightning while in the water at Fort Myers Beach, according to authorities. The incident also sent three family members to the hospital.

Charlie Kirk murder: Tyler Robinson's ex-roommate says Robinson was 'engraving bullets' month before shooting

Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson was back in court for the fourth day this week for his preliminary hearing where prosecutors played a video interview with Robinson's ex-roommate Lance Twiggs in open court for the first time.  In the video, Twiggs said Robinson began "engraving bullets" around a month before the alleged shooting.

Saint Leo University launches sober housing program for students in recovery

Saint Leo University is launching a new collegiate recovery program with dedicated sober housing this upcoming fall semester to support students struggling with addiction.

Hillsborough County man accused of using fiery propane tank to torch restaurant: HCSO

A man is accused of using a propane tank to set a restaurant on fire Tuesday morning while armed with two knives, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Millions of eye drops recalled nationwide due to potential foreign substance

A massive recall has pulled over 2.5 million bottles of a common prescription eye drop from store shelves due to the potential presence of a foreign substance.

Cyclosporiasis map: 29 states now investigating diarrheal illness

At least 29 states are now investigating potential cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasite known to cause "explosive diarrhea," as it continues to spread across the U.S. 

Cyclosporiasis cases in Florida: County-by-county reports

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating several clusters of Cyclosporiasis outbreaks in at least 17 states, including Florida.