Latest News in Tampa Bay, FL

Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

Man found shot near Tampa elementary school, police investigating

Tampa police are investigating a shooting incident that left a man injured near an elementary school on Friday. The ongoing investigation highlights concerns regarding public safety in the area.

2 women, including girlfriend of missing Florida man found buried on rural property, arrested for murder

Two women, including the girlfriend of a missing Florida man, have been arrested for murder after the man's body was discovered buried on a rural property in Putnam County. The investigation follows the man's disappearance in September, raising concerns about local safety and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Tiny bat starts to eat by itself again under care of Florida wildlife hospital

A tiny bat found incapacitated on a sidewalk has started its recovery at a Florida wildlife rehabilitation center. The facility is working diligently to ensure the bat regains its strength and health, marking a hopeful journey for this animal. This heartwarming story highlights the importance of wildlife rescue efforts in the region.

Polk County drivers hoping for relief on I-4

Polk County residents express concerns over increasing traffic congestion on I-4, particularly around the SR-559 interchange. Local drivers are advocating for improvements to the area's infrastructure to alleviate delays and enhance safety.

Florida’s abortion and marijuana measures fail, and lawmakers unlikely to make change

Florida's abortion and marijuana ballot measures faced defeat despite majority voter support, leaving lawmakers unlikely to pursue changes in these areas. Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican leaders have expressed little interest in altering the state's current laws, attributing the measures' failure to a misinformed electorate.

Duke Energy Florida says costs from storms could top $1.1 billion

Duke Energy Florida anticipates storm-related restoration costs from hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton could reach up to $1.3 billion, with plans to seek approval to pass these costs to customers as soon as March. The utility’s parent company, Duke Energy, reported these figures in a recent SEC filing, highlighting the significant financial impact of the storms on the utility’s operations in Florida.

Person hit by train near North Florida Avenue in Tampa

A person was struck by a train near North Florida Avenue in Tampa on Friday night, as confirmed by a CSX spokesperson. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns related to train crossings in urban areas, prompting discussions on local infrastructure improvements.

Highway 98 closed near Lakeland due to deadly crash

A serious crash involving a semi-truck has closed Highway 98 near Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred Friday afternoon, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the area. Authorities are currently managing the scene and providing updates as necessary.

Forecasters keep low odds for developing system while Rafael heads west

Forecasters are monitoring a low-pressure system in the southwestern Atlantic while Hurricane Rafael continues its westward path into the Gulf of Mexico. With a 10% chance of development over the next week, the system could bring heavy rains to regions including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

‘Major’ crash slows traffic on Skyway Bridge

A "major" crash on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge caused significant traffic delays on Friday night, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns and traffic management challenges in the region.

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