Pinellas County

Commissioners weigh restrictions on license plate readers as Sheriff Bob Gualtieri urges waiting for statewide legislation.

The Tampa Bay region has 352 confirmed cases across Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hillsborough counties. Hillsborough continues to lead the state with 310 cases.

Pinellas reported 17 more cases as the outbreak shows signs of crossing the bay. Hillsborough added 51 cases in the state's latest weekly update of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Health officials have cautioned the mosquito-borne illness doesn't respect county boundaries. In a region connected by daily commuting, infected people can spread it beyond the original hotspots.

Pinellas County officials say getting rid of empty tires could eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes — so they're waiving collection fees through Oct. 30.

St. Petersburg's Shore Acres was hit by flooding when Hurricane Helene walloped the Tampa Bay region's west coast. On the eve of the storm's two-year anniversary, some residents recounted that night at a dinner hosted by The Gathering Church.

The agreement comes as St. Pete-Clearwater moves forward with a major terminal improvement program.

The money will come from reallocating funding set aside for future bond payments on a new county administrative complex in Clearwater.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is putting about $3.37 million behind 47 events this year.

The county plans to replace pumps or add pumping equipment pieces, along with floodproof doors, and relocate windows and electrical wiring.

The Tourist Development Council discussed whether tourism dollars could play a larger role if voters approve Amendment 3.

The proposed change would apply to Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks as part of the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget.