We find it interesting even when we are back home.

• St. Pete Beach considers new rules to protect sea turtle nests  
  Loggerhead sea turtle nests on St. Pete Beach are down by 50% this season.
  
  
• Sarasota County Fairgrounds steps closer to breaking ground on new facility  
  The state is investing millions of dollars for the construction project.
  
  
• Full Episode: Court fights pave the way for gun law changes in Florida, and DeSantis vetoes a bill regarding e-bike safety  
  Political Connections airs each weeknight at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Guided kayak tours stopped at Pinellas Bayway South  
  FDOT said no private for-profit business is allowed to operate within the state transportation facility right of way per Florida Statute.
  
  
• Guide to 4th of July fireworks, events across Tampa Bay  
  Plan your 4th of July with our county-by-county list of events that are happening around the area.
  
  
• New Bauducco facility in Zephyrhills highlights bilingual hiring  
  Bauducco’s new Zephyrhills facility is expected to bring 600 jobs, with bilingual workers helping support production, training and local families.
  
  
• Legal agreements keep Tampa's Kanye West concerts on track  
  The Tampa Sports Authority has little room to cancel the concerts under the terms of its agreement, legal experts say.
  
  
• Ban considered for motorized watercraft launches on Dunedin Causeway  
  The city cites environmental and safety concerns, but more than 1,500 people signed a petition against the move as of Thursday night.
  
  
• Many Haitians and Syrians facing uncertainty about their future in U.S.  
  Hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian TPS holders could lose legal status and work authorization.
  
  
• Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands in earthquake aftermath; death toll at 920  
  The quakes were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and could be felt throughout the region.
  
  
• WATCH: St. Petersburg Mayoral Forum  
  Hear from all six candidates in this 90-minute discussion on topics like storm response, development and transparency.
  
  
• Tampa Bay community rallying to help victims of Venezuelan earthquake  
  Organizations are working to collect hygiene products and more to send to families in Venezuela impacted by Wednesday night's earthquakes.
  
  
• Feathered artists take flight in DeLand: Parrots inspire paintings while helping find forever homes  
  At Patty’s Parrot Palace in DeLand, art comes to life with feathers flapping and paint brushes painting.
  
  
• Florida exhibit opens at Great American State Fair  
  The Great American State Fair runs through July 10th in Washington, D.C.
  
  
• Hernando County's HERricane Camp focuses on empowering young girls  
  A summer camp aimed at creating opportunities for future female leaders in Hernando County is also helping them learn about disaster preparedness.
  
  
• Safety Harbor officials warn new DeSantis property tax law could force budget cuts  
  City leaders say it could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars less in revenue and difficult decisions about future services.
  
  
• Tampa agents analyze largest seizure of artifacts in Homeland Security history  
  More than 12,000 items, some more than 4,000 years old, were captured somewhere in the Tampa Bay area.
  
  
• Pulisic returns to U.S. lineup with highlights and lowlight in World Cup loss to Turkey  
  Pulisic hadn't played since the Americans' tournament-opening win over Paraguay.
  
  
• Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center reopens  
  The complex was damaged during the back-to-back hurricanes in 2024 and closed for nearly two years for renovations.
  
  
• Lake Wales secures state approval for open-container district  
  Lake Wales is the first city in Polk County to establish an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District, which is expected to draw more customers.
  
  
• Gulfport advances rules for accessory dwelling units  
  The move is aimed at adding more housing options.
  
  
• Manatee County Operation Sandbag held Friday in Bradenton  
  - Manatee County will offer free pre-filled sandbags Friday in Bradenton, with delivery available for eligible seniors in flood zones A or B.
  
  
• DeSantis announces end of operations at 'Alligator Alcatraz'  
  On June 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the facility was still open, but said Thursday that operations at the immigration detention center had ceased.
  
  
• St. Pete Police scour social media for potential risks ahead of pride parade  
  At least 360,000 people are expected to attend this weekend’s pride festivities in downtown St. Petersburg. Security preps are in full swing.
  
  
• Tampa City Council considers changes to public comment rules  
  The changes are aimed at streamlining meetings and keeping discussions focused on agenda items.
  
  
• Polk County Public Schools in critical need of bus drivers ahead of upcoming school year  
  Officials with Polk County Public Schools say the district is in critical need of more bus drivers.
  
  
• Caminero has three homers as Rays nearly no-hit Royals  
  Three pitchers combined for 8 1/3 no-hit innings to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 13-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
  
  
• Bradenton senior living facility prepares residents for hurricane season  
  Brookdale Palma Sola held a hurricane preparedness seminar in Bradenton, with West Manatee Fire & Rescue explaining storm response plans.
  
  
• Florida officials urge caution ahead of 4th of July fireworks  
  As dry conditions persist across the state, Florida leaders are reminding residents to use caution when celebrating the Fourth of July next week.
  
  
• Trump turns America 250 kickoff into a campaign-style rally on the National Mall  
  The rally launched weeks of celebrations about America and its 1776 founding as part of "The Great American State Fair."
  
  
• Christian Pulisic feels 'great,' hopes to play for US in final World Cup group game vs Turkey  
  Christian Pulisic says he feels “great” now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury
  
  
• Jax shines, Diaz has four hits as Rays top Royals, 5-3  
  Yandy Díaz tied Tampa Bay’s franchise record for career RBIs and the Rays defeated the Kansas City Royals
  
  
• A glimpse into the past at the Palm Harbor Museum  
  The Palm Harbor Museum gives a glimpse into the early days of northern Pinellas County and what went into settling the region.
  
  
• Retired Lakeland police officers seek pension increases  
  Retirees say they’re struggling to afford basic necessities due to not having a cost-of-living allowance, also known as COLA.
  
  
• South Hillsborough Pipeline work affects Riverview roads and businesses  
  South Hillsborough Pipeline work is closing lanes in Riverview and nearby areas as crews build a drinking water line for the growing county.
  
  
• Residents pack Clearwater City Council candidate forum  
  Clearwater voters got to hear from the candidates looking to fill two city council seats at a forum Tuesday night.
  
  
• New study shows personalized vaccine may help prevent skin cancer from recurring in patients  
  Local health experts are sharing new details about a study that shows promising results in the fight against melanoma.
  
  
• Army veterans chosen for mortgage-free homes in Tampa Bay  
  Two Army veterans are getting mortgage-free homes in Riverview, giving their families stability through Building Homes for Heroes and Built to Honor.
  
  
• Deadly collapse at a Florida condo happened slowly over several weeks, probe finds  
  Federal investigators have found that the collapse of the Surfside condominium actually started weeks before the June 24, 2021 incident.
  
  
• Dr. William Westra gives tour of Moffitt's new Digital Pathology Lab  
  The Digital Pathology Lab houses nine digital scanners that convert traditional glass slides into high-resolution images.
  
  
• Visit St. Pete-Clearwater reaches record spring tourism milestone  
  The strong performance comes as Pinellas County continues to rebound following hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
  
  
• Trump berates Senate Republicans over Iran war vote after calling off bill signing  
  Trump canceled a scheduled signing ceremony on a housing bill that passed both chambers overwhelmingly this week.
  
  
• What Florida Forever funding decision means for land conservation  
  Florida lawmakers left Florida Forever without new funding, raising concerns as development pressure grows and agricultural land protection expands.
  
  
• House speaker looks to reconciliation process to pass Trump's voter ID bill  
  Johnson suggested tying election integrity proposals to a federal grant program.
  
  
• Lakeland secures funding to study damage to Lake Mirror promenade  
  Built nearly 100 years ago, the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror has long been one of Lakeland’s most recognizable landmarks.
  
  
• Full Episode: Lake County votes to delay data center development, and Uthmeier takes on CVS in subpeona  
  Political Connections airs each weeknight at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Hernando County commissioners OK moratorium after homeowners share opinions on data centers  
  A second public hearing on data centers will take place in Hernando County on Tuesday, with commissioners approving a moratorium.
  
  
• Trump touts falling oil prices, economy at Pennsylvania rally to try to boost support ahead of midterms  
  The president spoke at a Mack Trucks factory in Macungie on Tuesday.
  
  
• Caglianone continues tear as Royals beat Rays 12-5  
  Tampa native Jac Caglianone continued his hot June by homering twice
  
  
• Senate for first time approves a war powers resolution in a rebuke to Trump over Iran conflict  
  Tuesday's vote comes as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict.
  
  
• Downtown St. Petersburg park gets millions in upgrades for year-round programming  
  Williams Park in downtown Saint Petersburg is getting major upgrades, with new events planned after construction wraps up by October.
  
  
• Lies, sins and more filed in 'The Last Library IV' at Museum of Fine Arts  
  The Last Library IV: Written In Water istallation speaks on the truth at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete.
  
  
• Trauma-informed law enforcement training focuses on de-escalation, wellness  
  Organizers say the training is designed not only to improve interactions with the public, but also to address mental health challenges officers face.
  
  
• Pinellas launches 90-day bid period for soon-to-be vacant Clearwater properties  
  As of late last week, Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala said no formal proposals have been submitted.
  
  
• Photos show Kennedy Center's facade without Trump's name, as center appeals renaming ruling  
  The Justice Department is seeking to reverse a judge's order that Trump’s name to be scrubbed from the building.
  
  
• Florida education workforce grows with more private school jobs, but less public  
  New information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows private schools adding about 1,400 jobs over the past year.
  
  
• Open alcohol consumption has been approved for downtown Largo  
  The city commission unanimously approved an ordinance creating a designated area earlier this month.
  
  
• Decorated Pre-K teacher works to develop 'the whole child'  
  Melissa Mapes was given the KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Award for her dedication to her students and their families.
  
  
• Project Ride to Wellness expands food access in Polk County  
  A Polk County nonprofit is offering free Uber rides to grocery stores and food pantries, helping residents overcome transportation barriers.
  
  
• New condo 'watchdog' launches in Florida, aims to prevent costly surprises for buyers  
  A new, consumer-focused effort is launching in what some call Florida’s troubled condominium market.
  
  
• Vance says talks with Iranian officials set 'good foundation' for deal to end war  
  On Monday, Vance described the talks as rocky but productive, with some agreements reached.
  
  
• As expected, Magic didn't move into 1st round of NBA Draft, prepare for 2nd round Wednesday  
  After the trade to acquire Desmond Bane last year, they head into the second round with the No. 46 pick.
  
  
• PSTA announces purchase of ferry boats for revamped service  
  The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority officially announced the purchase of two boats for an enhanced ferry service.
  
  
• Uneven pavement concerns I-275 drivers in Manatee County  
  Drivers say bumps in the road on I-275 in Manatee County are raising safety issues between the Skyway Bridge and I-75.
  
  
• Nancy Grace Roman space telescope arrives at Kennedy Space Center  
  The Nancy Grace Roman space telescope’s job is to focus on dark energy and dark matter and search for exoplanets.
  
  
• Lower gas prices bring relief to drivers and Florida small businesses  
  As of Sunday, the average price of gas in Florida was at $3.63 per gallon.
  
  
• Connected Manatee expands to three more Palmetto schools  
  Connected Manatee is expanding to three more Palmetto schools, bringing families on-campus access to crisis support, benefits help and supplies.
  
  
• Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan dies at 100  
  He died Monday from complications of Parkinson's Disease, said his wife of 29 years, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell.
  
  
• South Tampa audio store gives college students real-world marketing experience  
  One student said the internship has allowed her to gain practical experience using social media marketing to help drive sales and attract customers.
  
  
• New program at SRQ airport allows non-passengers to enter just for the airport food  
  Sarasota Bradenton International Airport could soon get a boost in business as non-travelers will be allowed entry just for the airport food.
  
  
• Zephyrhills the latest community to examine a pause on data centers  
  Zephyrhills city leaders, by a 4-0 vote, passed a one-year moratorium on new data centers.
  
  
• Hillsborough County to move forward with $70 million indoor sports facility at MOSI  
  MOSI staff said construction will take about 18 months to complete with the goal of opening in 2028.
  
  
• Tampa Bay area volunteers deliver hurricane preparedness kits to seniors, homebound residents  
  Meals on Wheels of Tampa volunteers distributed nearly 1,000 hurricane kits to seniors and homebound residents during a one-day effort.
  
  
• Descendants honor Pinellas County settler’s family history at Philippe Park  
  Descendants of Odet Philippe gathered at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, continuing a reunion tradition tied to Pinellas County history.
  
  
• Food truck owner shares how they handle Tampa heat  
  As Tampa Bay temperatures climb, a Tampa food truck owner shares how hydration and preparation help them work safely.
  
  
• Blackburn Point Bridge future still unknown, both sides heard at public workshop  
  Despite locals speaking out to keep the Blackburn Point Bridge as is, the current bridge is deteriorating.
  
  
• Dade City Woman's Club celebrates 100 years of historic clubhouse  
  Since 1909, the organization has been a key contributor to the local community. To this day, it’s still carrying the same mission.
  
  
• As Vance meets top Iranian officials in Switzerland, Trump threatens Tehran from afar  
  U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Sunday there was an opportunity to “turn over a new leaf” with Iran.
  
  
• Miss Latina Tampa helps immigrant women build confidence and community  
  Miss Latina Tampa mentors Latina women, including immigrants, as they build confidence, leadership skills and a sense of community in Tampa.
  
  
• Trolley in St. Pete Beach will stay in service after mixup cleared  
  The agreement with St. Pete Beach should have been approved before last October, but it fell through the cracks.
  
  
• Proposed DeSoto County data center could be among nation’s largest  
  The proposed project would be located at a former natural gas power plant that has been out of operation for 10 years.
  
  
• Scottish American Society of Dunedin hosts World Cup watch parties  
  The first watch party drew more than 100 people, according to the organization.
  
  
• Clearwater’s historic Plumb House reopens as tearoom and artist workspace  
  The more than century-old building sat empty for several years. It has a new life after tens of thousands of dollars of restoration efforts.
  
  
• St. Pete-Clearwater airport upgrades aim to handle passenger growth  
  St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is planning a new parking garage and terminal upgrades as passenger traffic reaches record levels.
  
  
• Uthmeier issues subpoena to Major League Baseball for alleged religious discrimination  
  The move comes after the league issued warnings to San Francisco Giants players for wearing Bible verses during a Pride-themed game.
  
  
• Despite Christian Pulisic’s absence, U.S. beats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round  
  The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute after a run down the left sideline by Folarin Balogun.
  
  
• Lawmakers, including Republicans, question source of $300 billion U.S. promised Iran in deal  
  The memorandum of understanding signed by Trump and Iran's president doesn't explicitly state who will pay for the country's reconstruction.
  
  
• Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting, officials say, as U.S.-Iran talks hang in the balance  
  Iranian officials did not travel as planned to Switzerland for talks, officials said. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also postponed his trip.
  
  
• On Juneteenth, Brazil vs. Haiti is ‘bigger than soccer’ for Tampa fans  
  For many, the match represented more than competition. It reflected a deeper historical connection between the two nations.
  
  
• Exhibit examines why Black jockeys went missing  
  From the American Revolution to the Civil War, horse racing was the country’s sport of choice, and some of the sport’s best horsemen were enslaved.
  
  
• Want to learn printmaking? You can, for free  
  The Tampa Museum of Art is hosting a Juneteenth Cultural Celebration on Saturday, June 20.
  
  
• Juneteenth flag creator educates Tampa students about the process and heritage  
  Ben Haith created the Juneteenth flag decades ago. Now, he's educating young people about the process and their heritage.
  
  
• Professional pickleball makes its debut in Tampa Bay  
  Some of the top players and teams will be competing at the Major League Pickleball tournament at St. Pete Athletic.
  
  
• Clearwater approves ceding control of downtown street to Church of Scientology  
  The Church of Scientology now has ownership of another piece of land in downtown Clearwater.
  
  
• Lightning trade rights to Raddysh to Maple Leafs for 5th-round pick  
  The defenseman, who will receive an eight-year contract from Toronto, had career highs with 22 goals, 48 assists and 70 points in 73 games in 2025-26.
  
  
• Data center developer proposes building in Pinellas Park  
  Forward Pinellas will hold a public meeting June 29 to discuss how data centers will be treated now and in the future in Pinellas County.
  
  
• Tampa city leaders propose purchase of neighboring Marti-Colon Cemetery property  
  After public outcry and hearing from state leaders, Tampa City Council members proposed purchasing nearby cemetery property set to be developed.
  
  
• Special Olympics Team Florida golfer Laura Wuerker goes for gold  
  The Special Olympics USA Games are happening in Minneapolis. Nearly 170 Team Florida athletes are competing, including golfer Laura Wuerker.
  
  
• Manatee County extends Piney Point cleanup contract  
  The 2021 leak triggered a state of emergency and evacuations for nearby residents after a tear in the liner of a large reservoir.
  
  
• Cooling stations to open in Tampa; view locations  
  The city on Friday is activating cooling stations for anyone in need of relief from the extreme heat.