Gulfport leaders encourage homeowners to close permits before next big storm

ABC Action News 7/21 11:43A Casey Albritton

The City of Gulfport is telling people to close their permits after damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, and if they dont, the consequences could be costly. "Everything from waist down was gone and in a pile out front and thats all of our...

SUV crashes into Carrollwood restaurant, narrowly missing workers and customers

ABC Action News 7/21 11:38A Frances Lin

An SUV crashed into a Carrollwood restaurant Tuesday afternoon after the driver tried to avoid another vehicle in a shopping plaza, narrowly missing employees and leaving no one inside with serious injuries. Tampa Bay 28 I-Team Investigator Katie...

After earlier rate hike, some Polk County homeowners face yet another increase

ABC Action News 7/21 11:37A Chad Mills

Just months after state regulators approved higher utility rates, the private company providing water and wastewater service to a sprawling community outside Haines City is back before the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking another...

Beat the Streets Tampa Bay uses wrestling to build confidence, character and opportunity

ABC Action News 7/21 11:22A Erik Waxler

When Diquan Hibbert decided to give wrestling a try about a year ago, it wasn't because he thought it would be easy. "What is about it that made you think you can do it?" he was asked. "That it's hard," Hibbert replied. "You like that it's hard?"...

Investigation into 'suspicious' death of female victim in Pok County: Sheriff Judd

ABC Action News 7/21 11:16A WFTS Digital Staff

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Tuesday that investigators are looking into the "suspicious" death of a female victim near Eagle Lake. Judd said the death happened in an otherwise quiet neighborhood, in the area of Wilder Way and Bomber Road....

3 teens charged with attempted murder in Tampa after attack man left with 'traumatic brain injury':...

ABC Action News 7/21 10:22A WFTS Digital Staff

Tampa police announced Tuesday that three teens are facing attempted murder charges after attacking a homeless man who suffered a "traumatic brain injury." The violent attacks happened on July 13, leaving a man and woman injured because the teen...

United Way of Citrus County talks about community work on DPL

ABC Action News 7/21 10:13A Denis Phillips

The United Way of Citrus County helps local families through the main pillars of life, whether they are good, bad, or times of growth. The organization aids in disaster recovery, financial assistance, college scholarships, and community...

Dangerous rip currents prompt red flag warning at Clearwater Beach

ABC Action News 7/21 9:56A Frances Lin

Dangerous rip currents continue to threaten swimmers at Clearwater Beach as persistent winds and tropical activity in the Gulf create hazardous surf conditions, prompting lifeguards to rescue more than a dozen people in recent days. The City of...

Surfside collapse victims' families react to federal report on what caused Champlain Towers to fall

ABC Action News 7/21 9:48A Katie LaGrone

Five years after the deadly collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, Martin Langesfeld is still angry and seeking answers. "I just want to know why it took five years to come to pretty much inconclusive answers. Where did the $40...

Local nonprofit holds art fundraisers to fight sex trafficking

ABC Action News 7/21 9:37A Wendy Ryan

Florida ranks third in the nation in reported human trafficking cases, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. But there are organizations, like Redefining Refuge, that are local to the Tampa Bay area and are actively fighting...

Tampa man on trial in fatal 2023 apartment shooting that injured neighbor

ABC Action News 7/21 9:29A Frances Lin

A Tampa man is on trial this week after prosecutors said he fatally shot a man during a sexual encounter at an apartment before firing multiple rounds into a neighboring unit, injuring a 73-year-old woman. According to the Hillsborough County...

Tampa Bay area voter guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Election

ABC Action News 7/21 8:42A WFTS Digital Staff

The 2026 primary and general elections are here. Tampa Bay 28 has all you need to know, from polling places to how to register to vote. When is the election? The Primary Election will be held on Aug. 18, 2026 The General Election will be held on...

Meet the candidates: Questionnaire for Bradenton City Council Ward 4

ABC Action News 7/21 7:40A WFTS Digital Staff

Leading up to the 2026 Florida primary (August 19) and general election (Nov. 3), Tampa Bay 28 contacted qualified candidates for Bradenton City Council Ward 4. We asked candidates the same three questions and asked for responses to be provided...

Trial begins for man charged in 2024 death at Ruskin marina

ABC Action News 7/21 7:13A Kiley Vaughan

The trial for a man charged with second-degree murder in the 2024 death of another man at a Ruskin Marina began on Tuesday. Prosecutors said in May 2024, Kamal Padlowski met the victim at a bar near Bahia Beach Boulevard before inviting him back...

Trial date set for former Tampa District 5 candidate after pulling gun at forum

ABC Action News 7/21 6:39A Kiley Vaughan

Former Hillsborough County District 5 candidate Elvis Piggott was in court on Tuesday for a pretrial hearing on charges stemming from an incident at a candidate forum last year, where he pulled a gun. Piggott is charged with aggravated assault with...