Average new car loan nears $45K as monthly payments hit record high
The average amount financed for a new vehicle hit a record $44,664 in the third quarter.
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Sexton Elementary School closure delayed by Pinellas County school board
The clock is ticking for some Pinellas County schools. A vote is expected next Tuesday that could close six schools in an attempt to save money.
Crocodile dies of lead poisoning, first time in Florida: FWC
Florida wildlife officials are raising concerns about lead pollution after an American crocodile died of apparent lead poisoning.
DeSantis declares state of emergency for 25 Florida counties ahead of growing Gulf storm
Tropical Depression Nine officially formed on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to start drifting toward the northeast later this week. It's currently forecast to develop into a hurricane on Thursday and hit the northern Gulf Coast on Friday afternoon.
How did an ex-CIA senior official who stole $40M in gold get hired?
David Rush reached senior executive status at the CIA despite lying about his college education and military background.
Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni's fraud trial set for May 2027
Another hurdle in the case against Leo Govoni was overcome in Federal Court on Tuesday.
Couple arrested on child abuse charges in horrifying surrogacy probe
An extremely wealthy Chinese immigrant and his wife amassed a brood of 21 children through a surrogacy scheme and raised them in a “house of horrors,” prosecutors alleged Tuesday.
16 trucking companies filed for bankruptcy amid high diesel prices: Report
The bankruptcies came amid a sharp rise in diesel prices, which reached a record high of $6.53 per gallon on Sept. 22.
'The state is guilty': Father of TJ Wiggins’ victim reacts to life sentence recommendation
Next to Brandon Rollins' memorial, his parents grieved what they say is an unsettling sentence recommendation from the jury. Their son's killer will now spend the rest of his life in prison; Dottie Payton and Cyril Rollins were hoping for the death penalty.
Lakeland Regional Health's trauma center upgrade aids in Polk bus crash
The closest level 1 trauma center to the deadly school bus crash in Polk County only recently earned their designation, meaning kids under 16 in need of emergency trauma care would have had to cross county lines to get it.
Florida District 13 race enters final stretch before election
There are four weeks left to go until election day, and Florida's 13th congressional district is one of the most-watched races this election cycle.
Eva Marie Saint, star of 'North by Northwest' and 'On the Waterfront,' dies at 102
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eva Marie Saint, the pale, willowy actor who won an Academy Award for her first movie, “On the Waterfront,” and starred opposite Cary Grant in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “North by Northwest,” has died. She was 102. Saint, whose acting work lasted well into her 90s, died at her home in
Winter Haven High School mourns 16-year-old killed in school bus crash
A Winter Haven High School community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old sophomore killed in Monday morning’s school bus crash, as new details emerge about the teenager and the classmates who tried to help her.
'The mosquito is the deadliest creature on Earth': Officials on fighting dengue in Florida
Health and mosquito control officials are sounding the alarm about dengue in Florida.
Body cam video shows moment deputies return fire, killing man in Spring Hill: sheriff's office
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office released body camera footage on Tuesday, showing the moment deputies shot and killed a man in Spring Hill after he fired "numerous rounds" at them.
City of Lakeland holds 46th annual swan roundup
The City of Lakeland held its 46th annual swan roundup on Tuesday.
Florida Democratic candidates call for more oversight involving insurance profits
Two Democratic nominees running for statewide cabinet-level seats in Florida are calling for more regulation over insurance companies.
Christa Pike conscious, speaking after Tennessee failed execution: attorneys
Christa Pike, a Tennessee inmate who survived Tennessee’s attempt to execute her, is awake and speaking as she receives treatment at a hospital, her attorneys said Tuesday.
WATCH: Video captures alleged drunk driver doing donuts on courthouse lawn
The Jennings County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 68-year-old woman they say was drunk while behind the wheel and doing several donuts on a courthouse lawn Monday afternoon.
Mother abandoned 3 kids, cat in 'unlivable condition' at Pasco County home: affidavit
A mother was arrested and is accused of neglecting her three children and cat in an apartment that was in an "unlivable condition", according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Plague cases still occur in the US: Here's where
Earlier this year, a woman in New Mexico died of the plague, officials said.
14-year-old arrested at school after pulling knife out during fight, sheriff's office says
A 14-year-old high school student was arrested in Wimauma on Monday after police said he pulled a knife out during a fight with other students.
Winter Haven bus crash: Who was involved in chain-reaction crash?
Monday's chain-reaction bus crash in Winter Haven sent a shockwave throughout the community after two people were killed and dozens were hospitalized.
Hershey adds disclaimer 'Carving not on actual product' to Reese's pumpkin wrappers following lawsuit
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) -- A woman in Florida tried to sue the Hershey company for $5 million because pumpkin-shaped Reese's don't actually have the carved faces shown on the packaging. So how has the company responded to this? Well, the woman wanted to make it a class action lawsuit, in fact, on behalf of anyone
Police seek help identifying man who stole morning after-pill from Polk County Walmart
Police are attempting to identify a man who was observed stealing the morning-after pill from a Lake Wales Walmart.
VIDEO: Semi-truck carrying concrete block topples over on Selmon Expressway ramp
A semi-truck carrying a concrete block toppled over on the Selmon Expressway ramp early Tuesday.
911 call audio from deadly Winter Haven school bus crash released
911 call recordings reveal what happened in the intense moments that followed a deadly school bus crash in Winter Haven on Monday.
Paramount completes its takeover of Warner Bros to become one Hollywood giant known as Skydance
It’s official: Skydance-owned Paramount closed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on Tuesday, ushering in a new Hollywood giant.
'She's a hero': Polk bus driver pinned in seat freed herself to help kids in deadly crash
In the midst of tragedy, officials in Polk County took time to recognize the heroic actions of the woman driving the school bus involved in a fatal crash on Monday.
R&B singer Freddie Jackson dies days after turning 69, family says
The Grammy-nominated singer celebrated his birthday last week.
Forget Buc-ee's, this is the US's favorite convenience store, new report shows
Depending on where you live, you may not have even been aware that this brand offers gas.
Clearwater man accused of stealing over $2K at Florida Keys resort
ISLAMORADA, Fla. (WFLA)— A Clearwater man was arrested in the Florida Keys after stealing more than $2,000 in goods and services at a resort, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced. Malachi Keasler, 26, was arrested on Oct. 3 and charged with grand theft, possession of another person's identification (over the…
Trump on war in Iran: 'Let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego'
U.S. President Donald Trump seemingly discussed the idea of foreign powers taking out California’s most populated cities while delivering a speech at a Republican rally at the Pinnacle Bank Expo in Grand Island, Nebraska Monday evening. Trump was discussing the war in Iran and the price of gasoline before referencing…
Winter Haven student killed in bus crash identified as cheerleader: 'An amazing young lady'
Students, parents, and staff at Winter Haven High School are mourning the loss of a 10th-grade student killed Monday morning in a major crash involving a school bus.
WATCH: Man arrested after threatening employee at Gibsonton McDonald's, deputies say
A man was arrested after he threatened an employee at a McDonald's in Gibsonton, according to deputies.
Shoppers of popular fashion retailer say hackers are sending them messages on app
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has offered its assistance to ASOS, a London-based e-commerce retailer, following reports that the company’s data platforms had been hacked.
Yellowstone officials respond to viral video of 'Spinny' the bison
National park officials have issued a statement days after visitors captured pictures and videos of an injured bison.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: 100+ of the best deals we could find
Amazon's fall sales event is here, and it's the last time before Black Friday to get big deals on bestselling favorites!
Florida K-9s receive special blessing during Blessings of the Animals
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A pair of Florida K-9s received a special blessing on Monday during the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Sumter County Sheriff's Office got to bring their K-9s to the St. Francis Episcopal Church for the special blessing. "We’re grateful to St. Francis Episcopal Church for welcoming our K-9…
2 Lake Placid students injured after truck hits stopped school bus
Two Highlands County students suffered minor injuries after a truck hit their stopped school bus on Tuesday.
Alleged FlyDubai hijacker planned to target Israel airport
The source said the co-pilot also had a backup plan.
Old posts, new consequences: Debate sparked by announcer's firing
Can something you posted as a teenager cost you a job more than a decade later?
Permanent daylight saving time: Why this Republican senator disagrees with it, despite Trump’s support
Trump went so far as to share his personal cellphone number online. Still, Sen. Cotton isn't supporting permanent daylight saving time.
School book bans hit record high with nearly 12,000 removals, study finds
School book bans have hit a record high at almost 12,000 removals, according to a new report from PEN America, a free-speech organization.
Trump says he will pay for 'Patriotic Ads' himself after facing backlash from Democrats
President Donald Trump on Monday said he will pay for the controversial "Patriotic Ads" after backlash mounted in response to the ads being funded by taxpayers.
One of the best meteor showers of the year is underway
The Orionids are known as one of the best meteor showers of the year and they are underway.
Florida could break execution record after DeSantis signs 20th death warrant
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Monday, which could break a record for the number of executions in Florida for 2026.
Winter Haven school bus crash: What caused 4-vehicle collision that killed 2 people?
The investigation into a Polk County school bus crash that killed a student and another driver is getting a major boost Tuesday as the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to arrive to help determine what caused the chain-reaction crash.
Trump approves death by firing squad for convicted Ft. Hood shooter
Hasan represented himself during his 2013 trial, and said in his opening statement “the evidence will clearly show that I am the shooter.”
Tropical Depression Nine forms in Gulf, expected to quickly strengthen into hurricane
Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Gulf, the National Hurricane Center announced Tuesday.
Jim Bakker, televangelist who built 'PTL Club' empire with Tammy Faye dies at 86
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker built "The PTL Club" into a hugely successful show, only to lose it all over a sex scandal and financial crimes.
Rays beat the Yankees 5-2 for a 2-0 lead in AL Division Series
The pesky Rays put all the pressure on the big, bad New York Yankees.
Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire to perform in Dolly Parton tribute
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville native Kelsea Ballerini is one of several artists set to perform in a planned Dolly Parton tribute, according to the Country Music Association (CMA) and ABC. On Monday, CMA and ABC announced the planned lineup for “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,”…
Missing California teen rescued in Mexico after nearly 1 month
Sergio Galvez Perez was arrested during the rescue operation after Mexican authorities found him.
Constance Zimmer reveals breast cancer diagnosis, underwent 3 surgeries
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ is early stage of breast cancer, which causes cancer cells to grow inside a milk duct
Tampa man charged after leaving dogs in car for 11 hours: sheriff's office
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa man was arrested early Monday morning after neighbors called police with concerns about two dogs locked in a car. Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to an apartment complex at around 2 a.m. on Oct. 5. A neighbor called after seeing the dogs in distress and…
Mars’ 2027 snack lineup: High-protein Cheez-Its, Cinnamon Roll M&M’s and more
Mars just previewed its 2027 candy and snack lineup, featuring high-protein Cheez-Its, Buffalo Wild Wings Pringles, and Cinnamon Roll M&M's.
Suspect pleads guilty in 'violent' robbery, kidnapping involving NFL player Terrion Arnold
One of the people involved in a robbery and kidnapping case involving NFL player Terrion Arnold pled guilty on Monday.
Lawsuit accuses Starbucks of mislabeling 8 'sugar-free' protein drinks
Starbucks is facing a consumer lawsuit over claims that the protein drinks labeled “sugar-free” on its cafe menus may actually contain more sugar than a Reese’s peanut butter cup.
Byron Donalds makes Indian Shores stop; David Jolly talks education in Sarasota
Florida voters will elect a new governor next month. The new governor will also appoint an education commissioner.
St. Pete Pride's future 'in jeopardy' as leaders ask for $289K in donations
One of Tampa Bay’s largest annual celebrations says its future could be at risk. St. Pete Pride said it needs to raise nearly $300,000 by the end of November to pay off expenses before it can move forward with its 25th anniversary.
Florida man found asleep behind wheel next to beer cans arrested with BAC 5x legal limit: deputies
A man was arrested after deputies said they found him passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in North Fort Myers with a blood alcohol level nearly five times the legal limit.
Man sentenced to 55 years for 2023 fatal Tampa stabbing
A man was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Monday for the 2023 stabbing of a construction supervisor in Hillsborough County.
AP: Buccaneers reach point of ineptitude that winning one game is a challenge
Forget playoff aspirations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to win a game first.
1 injured in Tampa shooting, investigation underway
An investigation is underway into a shooting that happened in Tampa on Monday.
Bucs with Bowles: Bucs searching for first win ahead of Thursday night football
In this Bucs with Bowles segment, Coach Bowles talks about the team's latest loss and how they're looking to flip the switch ahead of Thursday night football
Palm Beach County GOP lists suspended official on voter guide despite child sex abuse allegations
The Palm Beach County Republican Party released a voter guide that included the party's pick for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, who was removed from that post earlier this year after he was accused of molesting a child.
USPS releases new Christmas stamp
Now, you can receive a piece of art history in the mail as the US Postal Service unveiled a new Christmas stamp on Friday, featuring the image from a 16th-century painting titled "The Virgin and Child Enthroned."
Former 'Days of Our Lives' actor dies at 62
Robert Kelker-Kelly, who played Bo Brady on the daytime soap opera "Days of Our Lives," has passed away. He was 62 years old.
'I don't, that's what I said': HCSO arrest man driving after license was revoked
A man was arrested following a traffic stop in Tampa on Saturday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported.
Trump official defends DOJ's plan to send 1,000 monitors to polls on Election Day
“They’re not going to Republican states; they’re not going to Democrat states. They are going to every state to make sure our elections are carried out legally, fairly and appropriately,” Blanche said.
Former ‘American Idol’ singer Caleb Flynn sentenced to life in prison for wife’s murder
A former Ohio music pastor who once appeared on “American Idol” was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday after a jury convicted him of murdering his wife while he was having an affair.
Worker at Siberian plague lab dies after getting pneumonia from unknown cause: Russian authorities
Russian authorities have quarantined a hospital and are monitoring contacts of an employee at a plague research institute in Siberia who contracted pneumonia of an “unknown” cause. Local state TV said the woman died last week.
Jury recommends life sentence Polk County murderer Tony Wiggins
The jury has reached its recommendation in the penalty phase for convicted murderer Tony Wiggins.
Former TV anchor sentenced for murdering 80-year-old mother in Wichita
Angelynn Mock, 48, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder.
17 chains with National Taco Day freebies and deals: Chuy’s, Del Taco and more
Let’s taco ‘bout all the free tacos available for National Taco Day on Oct. 6.
10 people, 3 in Tampa Bay, charged in sea turtle, fish poaching operation: Florida AG
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten Floridians are facing a serious list of charges after Attorney General James Uthmeier accused them of poaching protected species and running an illegal fishing operation. Three of them were also accused of poaching sea turtles, which are protected under both state and federal law, and selling…
El Paso Fire helps to rescue stranded dog in Central Texas
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Members of the El Paso Fire Department's Water Rescue Team has deployed to Central Texas to help with the statewide response to heavy rain and flooding. On Thursday night, Oct. 1, the team assisted the local fire department in Rock Springs, Texas and helped a driver and his dog get
'I am going to kill everyone': Masked man threatened to murder entire household to lure Citrus County deputies: sheriff
Newly released 911 audio and body cam video revealed the man shot by Citrus County deputies threatened to kill an entire household before his encounter with law enforcement.
Cornell building is sprayed with graffiti blasting school's response to gang rape complaint
Cornell's main administration building was splashed with graffiti and a glass door was broken overnight as student groups planned a protest Monday over the university's handling of the alleged 2024 fraternity-house gang rape.
Hundreds of thousands of eye drop products, many sold at Walgreens, recalled over 'sterility' concerns
Thousands of eyedrop bottles, sold at popular retailers like Walgreens, are being recalled over concerns the drops may not be sterile, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Man arrested after firing gun inside vehicle, killing passenger, Tampa police say
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— One person was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman inside a truck, the Tampa Police Department announced. Alan Barber, 74, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in her 70s on Saturday, Oct. 3, just before 11:30 a.m. According to
St. Pete Pride asks for $289K in donations to pay off this year's event
St. Pete Pride, the organization behind the region's largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, is asking for help paying off this year's event so it can look ahead to 2027.
Who qualifies for the Trump administration's $90 payments for seniors?
These payments, funded by the Medicare Improvement Fund, are arriving as one-time deposits or checks.
Karoline Leavitt joining Fox News
Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump's former White House press secretary, is set to join Fox News next month as a contributor.
Lead found in nearly all cat foods tested in new study
Lead was detected in 99% of products, cadmium in 96% and arsenic in 94%.
Tampa woman wins $5 million scratch-off prize
A Tampa woman won the top prize in a Florida Lottery scratch-off game.
Real-estate agent arrested at airport is a Chinese spy, feds say
Wanying “Heather” Zhang, 34, was taken into custody by FBI agents while attempting to depart for China, according to federal authorities.
Nobel Prize in medicine goes to 3 scientists for brain activity research
The Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded Monday to three scientists working on the mechanisms the brain uses to switch on or off the activity of individual nerve cells.
Nationwide Gatorade recall receives risk warning: FDA
PepsiCo, Inc. has recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade nationwide over undeclared food colorings, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now assigned it a risk level.
NTSB investigating after Winter Haven High School student, driver killed in 4-vehicle crash involving school bus
Two people are dead and several are injured after a major multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Winter Haven.
Replica Oval Office near the White House gets a new Trump makeover. Gold is everywhere
The People’s House museum exhibit has overhauled its replica Oval Office for visitors to experience President Donald Trump's second-term design choices.
Frontal system increasing workweek rain chances
A cold front arriving Monday into Tuesday will amplify rain and storm chances for the start of the week. Expect a partly cloudy sky Monday with a 50% chance of spotty showers and storms throughout the afternoon. Highs will stay below average in the mid to upper 80s, near 87° in downtown Tampa. As the
Your child may have been automatically enrolled for a Trump account: What to know
More than 60 million children have now been auto-enrolled in Trump accounts, according to the administration.
Tropical depression could form in Gulf this week, NHC says
A tropical depression could form this week in the Gulf, the National Hurricane Center announced Monday.
Trump admin's proposal could make it easier to suspend, expel Head Start students
Advocates and experts fear Head Start students and families in these places could experience a more punitive reality if the proposed changes take effect.
NHC continues to track disturbance near southwestern Gulf
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the southwestern Gulf that could develop into a tropical depression.
State Department monitoring reports of suspected plague death in Russia
The State Department says it is encouraging "Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly."
What to know about investigation into Cornell University gang rape allegations
An intense, public outcry over a woman's account of being gang-raped at a Cornell University fraternity house prompted New York's governor this week to angrily yank control of the investigation away from the local prosecutor who didn't initially see what happened as a crime.
US Air Force removes all bombers from British air base targeted by a suspected terror attack
The U.S. Air Force has brought home its bombers stationed at a U.S.-run military air base in England used to strike Iran following an investigation into a planned terror attack at the RAF Fairford base.