We find it interesting even when we are back home.

• Holiday highway travel rush is on, holiday heart syndrome and Bay area circus thriving despite amid industry struggles  
  Here's the news and weather to start your day.
  
  
• Holiday highway travel rush is on  
  According to AAA, more than 122 million Americans are expected to travel this week and next week.
  
  
• Pinellas beach nourishment project nears completion  
  The county says sand will be added to Treasure Island's Sunset Beach, the last of nine beaches covered, through next week.
  
  
• FHP underscores 'Move Over Law' after fatal I-95 accident  
  The law requires drivers to move over or slow down for disabled vehicles.
  
  
• Community rallies to help Haines City family after weekend house fire  
  The couple lost all of their pets and all of their belongings in a fire Saturday.
  
  
• Plant City Fire Rescue positive that pay increases will help retain employees  
  Leaders say the pay increases are needed to remain competitive with surrounding cities.
  
  
• The Trump administration is suing the District of Columbia over its gun laws  
  It alleges that restrictions on certain semiautomatic weapons run afoul of Second Amendment rights.
  
  
• Avoid holiday heart syndrome this time of year  
  Michael Joyce, 28, was showing all the symptoms of holiday heart syndrome, so he called his cardiologist.
  
  
• Despite another loss, Bucs would win NFC South with two wins  
  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still control their playoff hopes despite losing for the sixth time in seven games.
  
  
• Lightning jump on Blues early in 4-1 win  
  Darren Raddysh had a goal and two assists to reach 100 career points,
  
  
• Morris Bridge Road in Pasco County reopens  
  Crews reopened the road over the weekend at Chancey Road.
  
  
• United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno resigns  
  Under Tory Bruno, the Colorado-based ULA has seen a number of achievements, such as the successful launch of the company’s new Vulcan rocket in 2024.
  
  
• Dave Caputo seeks to increase Pinellas economy through more film projects in 2026  
  Dave Caputo has more than 30 years of experience in the media production industry.
  
  
• USF QB Byrum Brown hits the transfer portal, ending stellar Bulls' career  
  USF's record-setting signal caller will enter the transfer portal.
  
  
• Here’s what stores are open, and which ones are closed, on Christmas  
  A handful of businesses stay open on the holiday.
  
  
• Full Episode: Trump meets with Rubio, Hegseth to announce naval expansion, and accused super speeder gets reduced charge  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Bay area circus company increases its staff amid industry struggles  
  A publicity director says many circuses are closing down.
  
  
• Flying with gifts? TSA says check your carry-on bag  
  Items like cosmetics, bath sets and homemade jellies and sauces are common items that get confiscated at TSA security checkpoints.
  
  
• Is your license plate frame illegal? Florida clarifies new plate law  
  There have been a lot of questions recently about Florida’s new license plate law.
  
  
• Case of highly infectious horse disease confirmed in Tampa Bay  
  University of Florida Faculty Veterinarian, Sally DeNotta, said there have been around 50 cases nationwide.
  
  
• Trump is expected to announce plans for a new Navy ‘battleship’  
  The announcement is expected to include a new, large “surface combatant class” of ship and as many as 50 support ships.
  
  
• Trump holds an event with Rubio and Hegseth during vacation as tensions with Venezuela mount  
  Monday's meeting comes as the U.S. Coast Guard is stepping up efforts to interdict oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea.
  
  
• St. Pete Coast Guard crews helping in search for missing boaters  
  The U.S. Coast Guard in St. Petersburg is helping in the search for two missing boaters off the coast of Fort Myers.
  
  
• Female-focused behavioral health facility to open in Tampa  
  A new behavioral health hospital for women is under construction in Tampa.
  
  
• Barry Manilow to have surgery for early-stage lung cancer and postpones January concerts  
  The singer announced on Instagram that doctors caught it “so early” thanks to an MRI in the wake of a long bout with bronchitis.
  
  
• Orlando begins removing Pulse nightclub artifacts from inside building  
  The city is preparing for construction of a memorial on the site starting next year.
  
  
• Panthers beat Bucs 23-20 to take over first place in NFC South  
  Carolina could wrap up with the division title next Sunday with a win over Seattle and a Tampa Bay loss to Miami.
  
  
• Tracey Stephens helps kids learn to read with her big dog Teddy  
  Stephens volunteers every Monday at Sikes Elementary School in Polk County.
  
  
• Access to fresh produce helping stop food insecurity across Pasco County  
  For four weeks, nonprofit volunteers, area hospitals and local farmers have made it their mission to feed kids in rural Pasco County.
  
  
• Wrapping up 2025 with the winter solstice and a meteor shower  
  Former NASA rocket scientist Kevin DeBruin explains what makes both the winter solstice and the Ursid meteor shower unique.
  
  
• ‘Bleed in here instead of in the street,’ says Tampa boxing gym owner  
  For six nights a week, the East Tampa Boxing Gym is offering local kids and teens a chance to learn about boxing... and life.
  
  
• Tampa Police hold Enchanted Wonderland event to give toys to kids  
  The toys were donated by Kids Wish Network and Walmart.
  
  
• New blood flow restriction treatment shows promise with adolescent patients  
  Asher Crouse, 12, lives with cerebral palsy. Recently, he began a new physical therapy treatment previously only recommended for adults.
  
  
• The Janice Hart Foundation seeks to provide support for caregivers  
  More families are figuring out how to transition into the caregiver role, which can have an impact on them both physically and mentally.
  
  
• Top Trump administration official defends partial release of Epstein files as Democrats cry foul  
  Friday's partial release of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats.
  
  
• Florida lawmakers renew push to make the flamingo the state bird  
  The current state bird is the mockingbird, which at least five other states have as their state bird.
  
  
• Blue Origin successfully launches New Shepard NS-37 manned mission  
  The mission sent up six new astronauts, including the first wheelchair-bound person in space.
  
  
• New Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce helping minority business owners  
  The group is still in the process of finding a permanent home, but they are already providing resources and making connections across the community.
  
  
• 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' launches with $88M domestically, $345M worldwide  
  It notched the second-best global debut of the year and potentially putting James Cameron on course to set yet more blockbuster records.
  
  
• U.S. forces stop oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as Trump follows up on promise to seize tankers  
  The move comes days after President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers coming in and out of the South American country.
  
  
• Justice Department makes more Epstein files public amid backlash over partial release  
  Records released Saturday shed more light on how authorities were aware of allegations against Epstein more than two decades ago.
  
  
• Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting  
  The draft laws, to be debated Monday, include penalties of up to two years in prison and fines.
  
  
• Full Episode: Trump announces agreement to lower drug prices, and a new bill could change HOAs in Florida  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Haines City police begin using body cameras again after department drops first contract  
  City documents show that officers stopped wearing cameras on Oct. 1, due to "numerous and ongoing equipment and performance issues."
  
  
• Midnight Pass brings clearer water, potential new opportunities for tourism  
  For more than a year, the county studied the impact of the restored channel between Siesta Key and Casey Key.
  
  
• Rays trade Lowe to Pirates, Baz to Orioles  
  Left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery and outfielder Jake Mangum also are going to Pittsburgh, a person with knowledge of the agreement told AP.
  
  
• Lakeland approves additional homes for Wedgewood golf course, residents concerned  
  Residents shared concerns about traffic and flooding, pointing to the property owner’s failure to maintain the course.
  
  
• After pause from storms, Treasure Island's holiday lighted boat parade is back  
  The beloved holiday boat parade was canceled in 2024 following the back-to-back hurricanes.
  
  
• Man suspected in Brown University shooting and MIT professor’s killing found dead, officials say  
  Two people were killed and nine were wounded in the mass shooting Saturday.
  
  
• Federal regulators to begin sifting through wreckage of Sarasota-bound plane crash that killed 7 in North Carolina  
  The business jet erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport.
  
  
• Justice Department begins releasing long-awaited files tied to Epstein investigations  
  The law requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to make files available in a public and searchable format by Friday.
  
  
• Orlando workers to begin removing items from inside Pulse on Monday  
  The city is preparing for construction of a memorial on the site starting next year.
  
  
• Bailey Elementary opens Christmas shop for families  
  Dozens of families were able to choose toys and a new or gently used bicycle to take home.
  
  
• Man executed for killings of man, girlfriend during home invasion is Florida record 19th of year  
  Frank Athen Walls was convicted of killing an Eglin Air Force Base airman and his girlfriend during a 1992 home invasion robbery.
  
  
• Jingle Bell Family Fest comes to Clearwater  
  Clearwater’s Coachman Park will transform into a winter wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 20.
  
  
• Pinellas military family serving vets during Season of Giving  
  The family patriarch, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran living at a Bay Pines VA assisted living facility, inspired his family to give back.
  
  
• 'Probably one of the most respected guys in the garage': Central Florida racing fans mourn the death of Gregory Biffle  
  NASCAR expert Buddy Pittman gives insight to the legacy of Gregory Biffle after he and six others died in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina.
  
  
• The Ursid meteor shower arrives, the last of 2025  
  The last meteor shower of 2025 peaks this week; the Ursids. Here's all you need to know.
  
  
• Tampa community hoping to help woman qualify for hurricane aid  
  Residents have until noon on Friday to raise the remaining money.
  
  
• St. Augustine shines bright with the 'Nights of Lights' 2025 holiday season  
  Millions of white lights illuminate the nation’s oldest city from the bayfront to historic downtown.
  
  
• Trump signs order aimed at reclassifying marijuana to a less harsh schedule  
  The order seeks to facilitate the process to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
  
  
• Citrus County woman charged after 2 ex-husbands found dead  
  Manatee County Sheriff's Office officials said 51-year-old Susan Avalon was arrested at her Citrus County home.
  
  
• Necessities top Silver Santas wishlists for seniors  
  Necessities like shampoo and deodorant top the holiday wishlists of many homebound seniors.
  
  
• State officials say the increase of abandoned boats in Florida waters is outpacing cleanup efforts  
  Florida officials say there more than a thousand of boats that have been abandoned across the state.
  
  
• Rents at longtime affordable St. Pete apartment complex expected to jump in new year  
  Greenland Apartments residents are looking at monthly hikes of anywhere from $600 to a little less than $1,000.
  
  
• New Goodwill location in Longboat Key  
  Operating hours at the Longboat Key location are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
  
  
• DeSantis suggests ending all tolls for Florida residents  
  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis floated the idea during a cabinet meeting Wednesday.
  
  
• Seeing those black lines in the road? It’s microsurfacing  
  If you’re seeing some mysterious black lines or circles on Pasco County roads — they are there for a reason.
  
  
• Floridians brace for loss of Affordable Care Act subsidies  
  Affordable Care Act recipients worry about reduced coverage and higher costs as enhanced subsidies expire soon.
  
  
• Sarasota County approves $13.5M project for St. Armands flood mitigation  
  Last year’s storms inundated many homes and businesses in the area.
  
  
• Trump declares he is 'fixing' the nation in sweeping prime-time speech to mark the year's end  
  Trump touted the state of the economy, his crackdown on crime and immigration at home, and some of his actions globally.
  
  
• Morris Bridge Road reopens in North Tampa  
  Morris Bridge Road in northeast Hillsborough County is now reopened several days ahead of schedule, Hillsborough County officials stated on Thursday.
  
  
• The Collection on Palmetto in Clearwater is a museum for movement  
  Florida on a Tankful visits a museum filled with hundreds of years of technology, from steam engines to horseless carriages.
  
  
• Pasco Fire Rescue says it's among first in Tampa Bay to offer prehospital blood transfusion program  
  The program started Dec. 17 and will allow paramedics to get blood to trauma patients without having to wait until arrival at the hospital.
  
  
• Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents  
  Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings.
  
  
• Tampa Bay paintball team giving players purpose beyond the field  
  What started as a simple escape for four friends ended up saving one player’s life.
  
  
• 'Giving Machine' in Clearwater to help people in need  
  Outside Crumbl Cookies at the Clearwater Mall there are vending machines with charitable items called “Light the World Giving Machine."
  
  
• Toys for Tots Pinellas searches for permanent home as demand reaches record high  
  This is the largest year on record for Toys for Tots Pinellas, with 9,500 children signed up to receive gifts.
  
  
• Angel Tree requests break record in Pinellas, abandoned boats increase in Florida waters and NORAD continues Santa Tracker for 70th year  
  Here's what you need to know to start your evening.
  
  
• Holiday shipping deadlines quickly approaching  
  USPS and UPS deadlines are different depending on the shipping service you choose.
  
  
• The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC  
  ABC will continue to broadcast the annual ceremony through 2028.
  
  
• In the mood for some Crème Brûlée? Check out Chef Ricardo's from Tampa's Chef & the Baker  
  Chef & The Baker’s Manhattan Ave. storefront offers plenty of sweets in house, as well as breakfast, lunch sandwiches and salads.
  
  
• Bradenton mother hopes new fentanyl classification will save lives  
  Nanette Cobb lost her daughter to fentanyl poisoning three years ago.
  
  
• 19-year-old charged with fatally stabbing retired nurse in Davenport  
  Polk County Sheriff’s Office says concerned neighbors found the victim dead in his bathroom.
  
  
• SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites  
  SpaceX sent up its Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center for the Starlink 6-99 mission.
  
  
• Polk County mother decorates car for children in need  
  Rebecca Brown is using her car as a fun way to grow community support to relieve parents of their financial burden.
  
  
• Historic Tampa Theatre closer to much needed structure repairs  
  The Tampa Theatre, one of the city’s most historic landmarks, is getting closer to preserving its legacy thanks to a major boost from a local donor.
  
  
• Largo police says 87-year-old Petro Kuqo is still missing  
  Police say Kuqo was last seen leaving his home on Oak Trail West on Friday. He has dementia and doesn't speak English
  
  
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers Christmas on Ice and more during Christmas Town  
  On The Town is behind the scenes at the Moroccan Palace, in between shows for Christmas on Ice, getting a preview of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens.
  
  
• Long-awaited Fair Oaks Community Center opens in East Tampa  
  The $34 million facility is packed with amenities, including computer labs, a recording studio, multipurpose spaces and basketball courts.
  
  
• St. Pete-Clearwater Airport gets OK for construction of new parking garage  
  Airport staff says more parking spaces are needed if expansion continues. The cost of a parking garage is an estimated $60 million.
  
  
• Chabad of St. Petersburg says light of Chanukah needed after attack  
  Rabbi Alter Korf says security at holiday events will be increased, but that celebrations are especially important following this weekend's attack.
  
  
• Disney Water Park seasonal pass returns  
  The passes are now on sale for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
  
  
• The killings of Rob and Michele Reiner shatter family's gentle legacy  
  It was a dynasty seemingly spared of jealousy, cynicism and rage, or ambulances and police tape and 911 calls.
  
  
• St. Pete to conduct study to dredge shallow canals in Riviera Bay  
  Riviera Bay residents say all their canals are full of sand and sediment.
  
  
• Sam Reinhart scores twice to lead Panthers over Lightning 5-2  
  Sam Reinhart scored a shorthanded goal and a power play goal to lead the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.
  
  
• Lithia teacher creates fun library lessons  
  Jeana Sistrunk is the media specialist at Pinecrest Elementary School. She's been teaching there for 23 years.
  
  
• St. Armands Circle businesses, employees still rebounding after 2024 huricanes  
  Last year’s hurricanes flooded St. Armands, leaving many businesses facing a long road to recovery.
  
  
• Disaster survivors rally support for FEMA on Capitol Hill  
  Disaster survivors are concerned about potential cuts.
  
  
• Search for Brown University shooter resumes as questions swirl about campus security  
  Officials said late Sunday that they released a person of interest they had detained earlier in the day.