State-of-the-art firefighter training center in Polk County features largest burn tower in the nation
A new state-of-the-art Polk County firefighter training center celebrated its grand opening Tuesday in Winter Haven. The 15-acre campus features the largest burn tower in the nation to prepare crews for dangerous situations. The facility includes advanced simulation labs and classrooms to help the busy department estab
Bone-Dry Tampa Bay Forces Extension Of Strict One-Day-A-Week Watering Rules
Lawn Sprinkler (File) HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County residents will have to keep their...
From Battalion Chief to “Coach Mike,” Florida’s Special Olympics Bocce Team Brings Home the...
LAKE WALES – For ten days this month, he enjoyed being called “Coach Mike” by the 4-member bocce team representing Florida at the Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota 2026. The team brought home three gold medals, three silver medals, and one fourth and one fifth place in bocce.
Airbnb guests visiting Polk County accused of stealing from Wawa: ‘Fooled around and found...
A group of 15 vacationers were arrested following a suspected coordinated shoplifting incident at a Polk County Wawa in Davenport. Deputies said they recovered stolen food and drinks and charged the adults with petit theft, tampering with evidence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. An unrelated bystander w
Rain and storms move across Bay Area chipping away at drought conditions
TAMPA, Fla. - A weak front is bringing heavy rain and scattered storms across Florida today, placing almost all of the Bay Area under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall. Slow-moving downpours could trigger localized flooding in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage locations through the evening. Florida Bay Area stor
LIST: Tampa Bay events celebrating America’s 250th birthday
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, several counties across the Tampa Bay area are preparing to celebrate the holiday. With live entertainment, food, and fireworks, here’s a list of activities happening throughout the week. June 29 Pinellas County The city of Clearwater will hold its Red, Wh
Tampa Bay area restaurants struggle: More than 20 local spots close or rebrand
At least 20 restaurants across Tampa and St. Petersburg have shut down, changed branding or planned to reopen under new names and concepts recently. Economic experts blame rising operation costs, inflation, tariffs and shifting consumer spending habits for hitting restaurant owners hard. Financial consultants note new
Fight To Prevent DUI Ends In Knife Chase And Tampa Arrest
Andrea Patino (HCSO) TAMPA, Fla. — A dispute over car keys escalated into a late-night...
Enter To Win A Pair Of Tickets To The Tampa Rodeo
Buckle up! The countdown is ON for the 2026 Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford—and it’s stampeding into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, FL on July 17th and 18th!. Florida’s Hottest Show on Dirt is calling, and this is your sign to round...
‘Red, White, and Kaboom’ event Friday in Lakeland
Downtown Lakeland will transform into a massive celebration Friday as city officials prepare for up to 50,000 visitors at the annual Red, White, and Kaboom event. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.
