News

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A local man who spends his off days and lunch breaks giving back to the Tampa Bay community has a set a new goal of impacting local teachers and students. Patrick Rhodes works in the corporate world by day, but in the midst of those days,…

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Smoking on Florida beaches may come to an end, starting on July 1. Governor Ron Desantis signed a new law that will give counties and cities the option to ban smoking on their local beaches. Some people are looking forward to the new possible rule. “I…

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban authorities say they have intercepted more than a dozen speedboats arriving from the United States this year — including two shooting incidents and at least one death. They say U.S. authorities have handed over a suspect in the shooting of a Cuban coast guard officer. The…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — When it comes to safe drivers, Florida does not make the cut, according to a new study from SmartAsset. The company ranked Florida has having the 10th most irresponsible drivers out of all 50 states. However, the Sunshine State is tied with Colorado. Not only is…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The 2022 legislative session was heavy on new bills. At a recent event in Tampa, Gov. Ron DeSantis joked that the state legislature had given him more bills to sign or veto than normal. Now approaching the start of July, here are the bills taking effect…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A new abortion law is set to take effect in Florida on Friday. House Bill 5 will ban nearly all procedures after 15 weeks of pregnancy. HB 5 was at the center of a hearing in Tallahassee Monday. There’s a right to privacy in Florida’s state constitution.…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — U.S. marshals arrested a man Friday after he allegedly molested a girl he was sitting next to on a flight to Orlando, according to a federal court document. A criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of Florida said Brian Patrick Durning, 51, was on a…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 898, also known as “Miya’s Law,” Monday during a private meeting with the family of homicide victim Miya Marcano, according to a report from NBC affiliate WESH. Marcano was found dead on Oct. 2, 2021, after she was reported missing from…

WARNING: This story contains graphic details. Discretion is advised. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Authorities say a Florida woman was held captive by her ex-boyfriend for five days and repeatedly beaten and raped before she was able to escape, WESH reports. According to an affidavit, the woman showed up at a…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — “Jackass” star Bam Margera is missing once again from a Florida rehabilitation facility, according to a report by TMZ. TMZ said that law enforcement sources told the news outlet that that Margera left LifeSkills South Florida in Deerfield Beach Saturday. Law enforcement said he was spotted…