Crime & Public Safety
Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Venice
Florida Bill Expands 'Gang Member' Label After Just 2 Sightings
A Florida Senate bill slashing the threshold to label someone a gang member from multiple to just two associations has cleared its final committee. Sponsored by Ft. Myers Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, SB 536 adds online posts and spouse testimony to the mix. If passed, it takes effect Oct. 1 amid rising gang concerns statewide.
Tampa Police Nab Suspect in Hillsborough Convenience Store Robbery Spree
Tampa authorities arrested a 28-year-old man tied to a wave of armed convenience store robberies plaguing Hillsborough County over the past month. The takedown ends a frightening spree that left clerks terrified and communities on edge. Details emerge on the bold heists caught on camera.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Tampa Roommate Charged in USF Student's Death as Search for Second Continues
The body of University of South Florida student Zamil Limon, 27, was recovered Friday from waters off the Howard Frankland Bridge, with his roommate Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, now facing upgraded charges including failure to report a death. As Hillsborough County authorities hunt for missing USF student Nahida Bristy, 27, both cases have been elevated to missing and endangered. The Tampa Bay community reels from the shocking developments near the bustling USF campus.
Saturday, April 25, 2026