Community News
Monday, June 8, 2026 · Longboat Key
Clearwater Medical Emergency: What We Know So Far
A Clearwater medical emergency triggered a multi-unit response, and dispatch records show the address has already had three prior EMS calls today.
Saint Petersburg Medical Emergency: What We Know So Far
A medical emergency at Eckerd College drew fire-rescue and police response Sunday evening, but no additional public details have been released yet.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Medical Emergency Prompts Eckerd College Campus Police Response in Saint Petersburg
Eckerd College Campus Police responded to a medical emergency in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Sunday evening at 8:01 PM.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Clearwater Mother, Three Children Move Into Habitat Home
A Clearwater mother of three will move into a Habitat for Humanity home after years of housing instability, providing her family with stability and permanent shelter.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Sergeant Getman Named 2025 Deputy of the Year After Ocean Rescue on Longboat Key
Sergeant Brett Getman of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office earned 2025 Deputy of the Year after swimming into a strong current to rescue one of two men being swept away from Longboat Key in August.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres Named MCSO’s 2025 Employee of the Year
Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres received the MCSO’s 2025 Employee of the Year award for his life-saving actions in May 2026.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Bradenton Woman Arrested in December Homicide
Manatee County detectives arrested Susan Avalon in connection with a December 2025 shooting death in Bradenton. The case is linked to a related homicide under investigation by Tampa Police Department.
Monday, June 8, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Monday, June 8, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Monday, June 8, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Monday, June 8, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Monday, June 8, 2026