Wednesday's Powerball jackpot is one of the largest ever at $835M
It's already the 10th-largest Powerball jackpot of all time, and it will only continue to grow if no one wins on Wednesday night.
WFLA News Channel 8 Florida
Tampa FL · RSS · up to 100 stored headlines
Text size100%
McDonald's visits dip amid US struggle with high cost of living
Traffic at U.S. McDonald’s restaurants fell during the third quarter as customers struggled with higher gas prices and the uncomfortably high cost of living.
Palmetto man pleads guilty to dumping overdose victim's body off ship: DOJ
Nearly four years after a woman's body was found floating off of Egmont Key, a Palmetto man has pleaded guilty to dumping her remains from a ship.
Pasco interim sheriff named after Nocco resigns
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— Pasco Sheriff's Office announced an interim sheriff after the resignation of Sheriff Chris Nocco. Chief of Staff Jeff Harrington was appointed as interim sheriff by the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit pursuant to Florida Law, PSO said. This became effective at midnight on Nov. 3…
Speaker Mike Johnson won't seek reelection as House Republican leader after Democratic takeover, an AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Mike Johnson won't seek reelection as House Republican leader after Democratic takeover, an AP source says. THIS IS AN APNewsAlert. Check back for updates. AP's earlier story is below. Democrats are riding their sweep of Congress into a new era, eager to meet voter demands for change with…
Tony Butala, co-founder of Lettermen vocal group known for 'The Way You Look Tonight,' dies at 87
Tony Butala, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated trio The Lettermen, whose lush vocal harmonies made them one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1960s, died Sunday. He was 87.
Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, will become first Muslim senator
Progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed has defeated Republican Mike Rogers in a bitter campaign for Michigan’s open Senate seat, giving the Democratic Party’s left wing a breakthrough victory in one of the nation’s most important swing states.
Stranded cruise ship Odyssey leaves Cambodia without passengers
A U.S. cruise ship that forced all its passengers to disembark in Cambodia after suspending its operations last week has departed the Southeast Asian nation with only crew aboard, Cambodian officials said Wednesday.
Donalds to replace DeSantis and become Florida's 1st Black governor
Byron Donalds declared victory over Democratic opponent David Jolly in the race for Florida governor Tuesday night. The win means the Republican congressman will become the state's first Black governor.
Donalds to replace DeSantis and become Florida's 1st Black governor
Byron Donalds declared victory over Democratic opponent David Jolly in the race for Florida governor Tuesday night. The win means the Republican congressman will become the state's first Black governor.
Neve Campbell confirms she’ll be in ‘Scream 8’
The actress has appeared in six of the seven “Scream” movies but opted out of “Scream VI” after a pay dispute.
Who are the potential candidates for the 2028 primaries?
Several prominent figures from both parties are considered potential contenders for the presidency.
'Voters have spoken': Florida homeowners to see decrease in property tax bills after passing Amendment 3
Florida homeowners are set to see a decrease in their property tax bills next year.
Man last seen in Crystal River found dead after crashing motorcycle into wooded area: CCSO
A man who was reported missing in Citrus County has been found dead, the sheriff's office announced.
Five takeaways on a midterm rout for Democrats
In the end, the night could hardly have gone better for Democrats.
What's next in the investigation of Learjet crash in Florida that killed 9?
Investigators are just beginning the lengthy process of determining why a business jet plummeted from the sky in Florida after encountering a thunderstorm and slammed into the ground with such force that it created a crater and shattered the plane.
Winners and losers of the 2026 midterms
Democrats pulled off the blue wave of their dreams on Tuesday, winning the House and Senate majorities in a stunning cap to the most expensive midterm election cycle on record.
'They're now your constituents': Jolly concedes to governor-elect Donalds
Democratic gubernatorial nominee conceded to republican governor-elect Byron Donalds. During his watch party in Tampa Tuesday night, he took a moment to thank the supporters who gathered to support him and his team.
'I'm not going anywhere': Mayor Ken Welch loses seat as St. Petersburg Mayor
What started as a night of hope at the Historic Manhattan Casino Event Hall ended in disappointment for Mayor Ken Welch and his supporters.
Acton defeats Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race
Ramaswamy put $4 million behind an ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother calling the Democrat “a liar,” though Acton described a childhood of abuse that culminated in rape charges against her late stepfather.
Talarico turns Texas blue in historic win for Democrats
Democrat James Talarico is projected to win a Senate seat in Texas, defeating Republican Ken Paxton and delivering his party its first big Lone Star state win in decades, according to a projection by Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). It's a huge moment for Democrats, both because it finally notches the party a big victory in
Darline Graham falls to Democrat Annie Andrews in stunning Senate GOP defeat
President Trump picked Graham to succeed her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Bottoms defeats Rick Jackson, turning Georgia governor's office blue
Bottoms will be the first Black and first female governor of the state.
Trump-backed Mike Mazzei wins Oklahoma governor's race
President Trump endorsed Mazzei ahead of the runoff, while Drummond campaigned on his record as attorney general and sought to appeal to Trump's supporters.
Former Gov. Roy Cooper flips Senate seat blue in North Carolina
Cooper, 69, was governor in the state from 2017 to 2025 after serving 16 years as attorney general
Democrat Zach Dembo projected to flip Kentucky House seat
It's the first time a Democrat has won the central Kentucky seat since former Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Ky.), who lost his reelection bid to Barr in 2012.
DSA-endorsed candidate flips Florida House seat in Hillsborough County
A candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America flipped a Florida House seat in Hillsborough County on Tuesday.
Democrats seize House control from Republicans
Democrats on Tuesday seized control of the U.S. House, flipping the chamber after four years in the minority wilderness to usher in a new era of divided government, Decision Desk HQ projects. The change will have immediate repercussions for the workings of Washington next year, slamming the brakes on President Trump’s…
Highlands County sees flooding, power outages amid state of emergency
Max Defender 8 radar estimates that more than 12 inches of rain fell onto Highlands County, all in the span of 48 hours, causing widespread flooding and power outages Tuesday morning.
BATTLEGROUND FLORIDA LIVE: Experts discuss 2026 election results
As polls in Florida, the state waits to see who will lead us following the 2026 midterm elections.
MAP: How Florida counties, districts vote in 2026 election
Floridians cast their ballots in the 2026 midterms to determine who controls the governorship, one of the state's Senate seats, and various other positions.
LIVE Florida election results
Hillsborough Superintendent to become elected position in 2028
When Hillsborough voters head to the polls this Election Day, they'll decide if another race should appear on their ballots in 2028.
BALANCE OF POWER MAP: Republicans, Democrats battle for control of Congress, Senate
Election Day is here. Voters nationwide will decide control of the U.S. House and Senate. Democrats must flip four seats in the Senate and three seats in the House to wrest control of the chambers from Republicans.
Blind shooter injures 1 after argument at Brooksville apartments: sheriff
One person was injured on Tuesday after a blind shooter opened fire at a Hernando County apartment complex.
NTSB says part of jet that controls pitch was found miles from crash site in 3 pieces
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held another press conference on Tuesday to share updates into its investigation of the Learjet 60 aircraft that crashed in Palm Beach County on Sunday.
Gruters projected to replace Rep. Buchanan in District 16
Republican Sydney Gruters and Democrat Kelly Kirschner both hope to replace retiring Representative Vern Buchanan in District 16 on Tuesday.
Voters elect James Uthmeier as Florida Attorney General
Attorney General James Uthmeier is facing former state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez on Tuesday, hoping he persuaded Florida voters to allow him to keep the position he was appointed to.
TECO, Duke Energy customers to see lower rates next year
Tampa Electric (TECO) and Duke Energy customers will see lower rates starting next year.
Plane parts found as far as 3.8 miles from crash site in South Florida, NTSB official says
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Investigators found part of the tail of the jet that crashed in South Florida more than a mile from the crater caused when the aircraft made impact. National Transportation Safety Board member Tom Chapman said during a news conference Tuesday that the discovery of tail parts confirms the…
9-day-old infant hospitalized on Halloween leading to Florida man's arrest: sheriff
A man was arrested on Saturday after a 9-day-old infant was brought to the hospital partially unresponsive, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
WATCH: Firefighters rescue dog trapped in deep hole
A fire department resorted to height and long arms to rescue a dog that had fallen into a deep hole and couldn't get out on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Luna projected to win reelection in District 13 race
Decision Desk HQ projected Tuesday night that Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has won reelection in the District 13 race against retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray.
Cruise canceled after U.S. Coast Guard detains MSC ship in Florida
An MSC cruise was canceled Tuesday after the ship was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard at the Port of Miami.
Ashley Moody wins seat for Florida U.S. Senate
Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Ashley Moody faces Democractic State Representative Angie Nixon on Tuesday in the race for Florida's U.S. Senate seat.
Who else is running for Congress in Tampa Bay?
Florida Republicans' newly drawn congressional maps will be put to the test on Tuesday.
Amendment 3: Tampa Bay voters weigh in on property tax amendment
Property tax relief or the possibility of less funding for public services? That is the question posed to Florida voters this Election Day on Amendment 3, which, if passed, would cut property taxes for homeowners.
Brandt to replace Ziegler on Sarasota County School Board
The Sarasota County School Board's conservative majority vanished in the August election, and now two candidates will face each other in a Tuesday runoff to see who will replace the outgoing board chair.
Byron Donalds elected next governor of Florida
Election Day is here, and the time has come for Floridians to choose who will replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Florida Amendment 3 for property tax relief passes
Floridians voting in this year's midterm elections will decide on three key amendments.
Charlie Crist declares victory in St. Pete mayor race
Former congressman Charlie Crist will attempt to unseat incumbent St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch on Tuesday.
Castor projected to keep seat in District 14 race
Decision Desk HQ projected Tuesday evening that Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor will keep her seat in House District 14.
What we know about the Swift Observatory crashing back to Earth
NASA launched a failed rescue mission for the aging telescope earlier in the year.
Gas prices reach record high for an Election Day
Gas prices today are at a record high for Election Day in recorded history, hovering at an average of $4.11 a gallon nationally as of Tuesday afternoon, according to GasBuddy.
Convicted killer who escaped Tennessee prison back in custody, officials say
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has announced the capture of Jacob Morley, a convicted killer who escaped a Tennessee prison in October.
Savannah Guthrie shares emotional plea 9 months after Nancy Guthrie kidnapping
"We ache for her, we cry out for answers, we cannot move forward," Guthrie wrote.
Lindsay Clancy: Why an attorney says double jeopardy bid likely won't work
Lindsay Clancy returned to court Monday.
Trump says US will cut off $4B in aid to Israel, blames bad 'talking point'
Trump said in an interview with “Fox & Friends” that he and Netanyahu made a deal “months ago” for Washington to end its aid to Israel.
St. Pete man threatened to behead commissioner who voted for mosque expansion: PCSO
A former New York City Police Department sergeant living in St. Petersburg was accused of threatening a Pinellas County commissioner after he voted to approve the expansion of a local mosque.
WATCH: Florida students wade through waist-deep floodwater after getting off school bus
Florida students were seen on Monday getting off a school bus and walking through waist-deep floodwater.
NFL player Joe Mixon says he flew on same jet that crashed in Florida, met 'wonderful' crew last month
“I flew on that exact aircraft last month with those same two pilots. They were incredible professionals and genuinely wonderful people," the athlete wrote.
Weather, wet roadway causes fatal 3-vehicle crash in Mulberry, deputies say
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A Lakeland man was killed, and a Honduran man was arrested after a three-vehicle crash in Bradley Junction on Monday. The Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to a crash on State Road 37 around 6:10 a.m. First responders arrived and found a 71-year-old man from Lakeland dead in his 2006 Ford
Do you need to vote in every race on your ballot?
So-called "undervoting" is permitted.
Boyfriend charged with killing missing sister of 'SNL' writer
Two Los Angeles residents arrested in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of Christina Downer, the sister of "Saturday Night Live" writer Jimmy Fowlie, have been formally charged.
Florida U.S. Senate race heats up as Moody, Nixon make final push
Election Day is here, and the candidates competing for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat are making their final appeals to voters in what both sides expect to be a close race.
Florida man found dead in historic flooding, officers say
PALM BAY, Fla. (WFLA)— One person has died as a result of the flooding in Palm Bay, officers announced. According to the Palm Bay Police Department, an adult man has died. "We are heartbroken to report this, and our hearts and prayers are with his family," the police department said in a post on Facebook.
When will we know who controls Congress?
The stakes in Tuesday's election — which party will control Congress — are crystal clear. But when that will be known is impossible to say.
Heavy rain floods Highlands County Humane Society
Heavy rain flooded the Highlands County Humane Society on Monday.
Florida governor candidates make final push as voters head to the polls
The governor's mansion is up for grabs as Florida voters head to the polls on Tuesday, where Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds are facing off for the position.
The history behind the 'I voted' sticker
The red, white and blue sticker was initially created to encourage voter turnout but evolved into a badge of civic pride.
Election Day, National Sandwich Day are Nov. 3: Where to get free food
Election Day coincides with National Sandwich Day this year, meaning Americans have some freebies to look forward to on Tuesday.
Flooding, power outage moves one polling location in Sebring
SEBRING, Fla. (WFLA)—Some voters in Sebring will head to a new polling location due to flooding and power outages. Precinct 20 in Spring Lake will be moved from its normal location at the community center at 209 Spring Lake Blvd. to the Penny Ogg Operations Center, 4504 Kenilworth Blvd., Sebring, 33870. The location…
Trump, Hegseth underwater on approval from military members, veterans: Poll
Common Defense found that 67 percent of respondents felt that decisions that affect service members were being made for political gain, not mission readiness.
Iran targeted US air defenses then hit aircraft and buildings on Mideast bases: Analysis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran's strikes on more than two dozen U.S. bases in the Middle East focused on early-warning systems before hitting aircraft and buildings, causing billions of dollars in equipment damage, according to an Associated Press analysis. The AP independently verified damage to American targets using…
2026 Florida midterms Election Day live blog
Keep up with election updates and race calls for the 2026 midterms in the blog below.
Analysts: Election Day turnout to decide key Florida races
The polls have all predicted close races in Florida. However, most pollsters forecasted a higher Republican turnout. There’s still time for Republicans to increase their turnout, since history shows Election Day voting is a key day for the GOP.
Caminero headlines Rays' award nominations
Three members of the Tampa Bay Rays have been nominated for awards
DeSoto County schools closed Tuesday, Wednesday due to flooding
DeSoto County schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday due to flooding.
2026 Florida midterm voter guide: Which ID do I bring; where's my precinct?
Nov. 3 is Election Day for the 2026 midterms, so here are things to know before you head to vote.
History and power on the ballot in Florida governor's race
Florida voters will be heading to the polls Tuesday to decide who will replace Governor Ron DeSantis when his second term ends next year.
Highlands County schools closed on Tuesday due to impassable roads
Highland County schools will be closed Tuesday due to heavy rainfall throughout the county.
60+ people rescued after catastrophic flooding in parts of Florida: FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission completed over 60 rescues on Monday after part of Florida's Atlantic Coast was inundated with torrential rain.
Could Florida see election upset? Experts weigh in on Battleground Florida
As Florida braces for the midterm elections, races are proving to be much closer in 2026.
David Jolly makes 3 final in-person campaign stops ahead of election night
David Jolly and Gwen Graham will closely watch the election results in Tampa. Monday, in historically red Polk County, they made one final plea to voters: to encourage others to come out to the polls.
NTSB investigating weather conditions after Learjet crash kills 9 in Palm Beach County
Federal investigators are examining the weather conditions surrounding a deadly private jet crash in Palm Beach County that killed all nine people on board.
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, State Rep. Angie Nixon face close senate race
Two confident candidates are in the race for Florida's U.S. Senate seat: current U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and Florida State Representative Angie Nixon. Polls in the race could be close in parts of the state.
Stranded swimmer treads water for 2 hours before rescue in Venice: police
A man treaded water for hours over the weekend after getting separated from his vessel over a mile offshore, the Venice Police Department said.
20 DUI drivers arrested in Hillsborough Halloween operation
The HIllsborough County Sheriff's Office made 20 arrests during an operation they conducted over the weekend to remove impaired drivers from the roads.
Promising season for sea turtles as MOTE completes 45 years of monitoring
From Longboat Key to Venice, thousands of sea turtles made their way onto Sarasota County beaches this year to lay their eggs.
Tech CEO, family, & friends killed in Florida plane crash, companies say
The seven passengers killed in the Florida plane crash have been identified as a tech CEO and his loved ones, according to a company statement.
State of Emergency issued for 7 Florida counties due to flooding
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for several counties on Monday after a portion of the state endured heavy rainfall and flooding.
Florida deputy wrangles gator near tourist area, puts in backseat of patrol car
A Florida deputy came to the rescue to wrangle an alligator that was spotted near a tourist area on Halloween.
Amazon is selling a complete Thanksgiving dinner for just $25
You can get everything you need for the big day delivered to your door with the $25 Amazon Thanksgiving dinner.
Florida school board employee arrested for sexual battering 83-year-old woman: deputies
A man was arrested following an investigation into the sexual battery of an 83-year-old woman, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said.
Supplements sold at Whole Foods, Amazon recalled over potential salmonella contamination
The manufacturer has urged any customers who may be in possession of the recalled supplements not to take them, but to throw them away.
5 children hospitalized after sedan crashes into Winter Haven daycare
Five children were hospitalized with minor injuries after a car crashed into a Winter Haven daycare, the police department said.
Man broke into woman's Sarasota apartment and murdered her, police say
Sarasota police have identified the man accused of breaking into a woman's apartment and murdering her on Sunday.
Report of masked, knife-wielding suspects sparks panic at Boca Ciega High School
A frightening report about masked, knife-wielding individuals on a Gulfport high school campus sparked panic among students and parents on Monday.
American Airlines brings back nonstop flights to Haiti from Florida
American Airlines announced Sunday that it has brought back nonstop flights between Haiti and Florida.
Highlands County flooding prompts road and school closures
Several inches of rain have fallen in Highlands County, prompting road closures and the cancellation of after-school activities.