HCSO: Hillsborough inmate uses pillowcase to choke deputy; other inmates rescue her

A Hillsborough County inmate is facing new charges after assaulting a detention deputy in jail – but it was other inmates who came to the law enforcement officer's rescue, according to the sheriff's office.

Former WWE wrestler Jeff Hardy arrested in Florida on DUI charge

Professional wrestler Jeff Hardy was arrested early Monday morning, accused of driving while under the influence, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Synagogue challenges new Florida abortion law, claiming it violates religious rights of Jewish people

A synagogue has filed a lawsuit claiming Florida's new law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks violates the religious freedom rights of Jewish people. It's the second challenge to the state's abortion ban recently signed into law by Gov. DeSantis, which is set to take effect next month.

Orlando FreeFall death: Autopsy reveals Tyre Sampson nearly 100 pounds over ride's limit

An autopsy conducted by the Orange County Medical Examiner on Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who fell off the Orlando FreeFall ride in March, concludes that the boy's cause of death was the result of blunt force trauma and the manner of death was “accident.”

Remembering Pulse: Sunday marks six years since deadly Orlando nightclub shooting

Sunday marks the sixth anniversary of the deadly shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando where 49 people were killed and 53 others hurt – the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time – and our community forever impacted.

Florida stepdad convicted of abusing boy rescued by keen waitress at Mrs. Potato restaurant

The stepfather of an abused boy who was rescued by an attentive waitress at a Florida restaurant on New Year's Day 2021 has been convicted of false imprisonment, child abuse, and child neglect.

6 Special Olympic Games participants from Haiti reported missing in Florida, deputies say

Six members of the Haiti delegation participating in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando have been reported missing, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

Parkland school shooter's defense attorneys try to withdraw from case

The public defenders representing Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz tried to withdraw from his death penalty trial, only to have the judge refuse their motion. They also tried – and failed – to delay the trial due to the Uvalde, Texas shooting, arguing that the recent massacre makes it impossible for Cruz to get a fair trial.

Florida police snipers cover rescue divers searching in alligator-infested pond

As dive teams searched the murky Florida pond for survivors of a car crash, police snipers had to have their rifles trained on the water to protect the divers from alligators.

Cash: Rays players not wearing Pride logos won't divide team

A number of Tampa Bay Rays players decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team’s annual “Pride Night” on Saturday that recognized the LGBTQ community. Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed it after Sunday's game, saying he doesn't think it'll negatively impact the clubhouse.

Destructive grasshoppers invading Bay Area gardens

An invasion of mighty munchers is descending on the Bay Area as the population of Florida’s biggest and most voracious grasshopper is growing right now.

Mom killed, 2 kids injured parasailing in Florida Keys

A mother from Illinois was killed and her two young children were injured when their parasail was cut loose, dragging them through the ocean and slamming them into the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. One of the boys had to be resuscitated with CPR and airlifted to a Miami hospital.