Boating safety tips for the Fourth of July weekend as Florida waters get crowded

ABC Action News 7/3 3:53A Blake Phillips

With America celebrating its 250th birthday this Fourth of July weekend, Florida's waters are expected to be more crowded than ever. Whether you have plans on the water or know someone who does, a boating safety expert says preparation is key....

Breast cancer patient and surgeon speak out after insurance denial hours before reconstruction...

ABC Action News 7/3 3:21A Katie LaGrone

A recently diagnosed breast cancer patient and her surgeon are speaking out after her insurance company denied coverage for a reconstruction procedure less than 24 hours before it was scheduled. Three months ago, Beth Clark, 48, was diagnosed...

Susan Solves It: Fake Evite

ABC Action News 7/3 2:25A Susan El Khoury

Scammers are sending fake party invitations that appear to be from people you know to steal personal information or install malware. Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Susan El Khoury advises verifying unexpected invitations directly with the sender before...

How to watch the Tampa Bay 28 America 250 special

ABC Action News 7/3 2:23A WFTS Digital Staff

Tampa Bay 28 has uncovered tons of hidden gems about the history of America right here in Tampa Bay. Those stories have been compiled and will be shared in our America 250 special. Tampa Bay 28's America 250 special airs July 3 at 5:30 p.m. You...

News to Know for July 3 2026

ABC Action News 7/3 12:47A WFTS Digital Staff

Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. Happy Independence Day weekend! As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, Tampa Bay 28 is focused on bringing you America 250 stories from right here in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you're going out...

'There's a lot of people hurting': Palm Harbor condo owners struggle under repeated assessments

ABC Action News 7/3 12:27A Chad Mills

The people who live at Harbor Club Condominiums say they love where they live. The Palm Harbor community sits near beaches and schools, and for many homeowners, it's where they expected to spend years to come. Now, several homeowners say they're...

Susan Solves It: Hurricane proof important documents

ABC Action News 7/2 1:26A Susan El Khoury

During hurricane season, a lot of attention is given to stocking up on supplies, preparing your home, and having an evacuation plan. Something else that should be part of your routine is securing important documents and having them ready to go...

News to Know for July 2

ABC Action News 7/2 1:07A Kiley Vaughan

Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. Today is Thursday, and people across the Tampa Bay area are gearing up to celebrate America's 250th birthday. There's no shortage of events to celebrate the holiday this weekend, from fireworks to...

Bolts sign defenseman John Carlson to 2-year contract

ABC Action News 7/2 12:04A Kiley Vaughan

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman John Carlson to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $8.5 million, the team announced Wednesday. Carlson has played in 1,159 career NHL games with the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks, recording...

Customers react to Florida's new law requiring restaurants to disclose fees upfront

ABC Action News 7/1 12:11P Annette Gutierrez

Florida restaurants are now required by law to disclose all mandatory fees to customers before they order, eliminating surprise charges that customers previously may not have seen until they received their receipt. The law, which took effect July...

USF Sarasota-Manatee campus officially transfers to New College of Florida

ABC Action News 7/1 12:06P Haley Zarcone

The University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus officially became part of New College of Florida on Tuesday after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state budget Monday. The transfer, effective July 1, hands over all campus buildings and...

Pinellas organization pushes for e-bike safety regulations

ABC Action News 7/1 11:41A Casey Albritton

A local organization is pushing for more e-bike regulations after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would put a speed limit on E-bike riders. "Typically, I at least have my headlights on, my front and backs on, and some LED's going. I even...

If fireworks are stressful, you're not alone: Advice for managing this July 4

ABC Action News 7/1 11:31A Wendy Ryan

We are just days away from the 250th birthday of America and many of us will spend 4th of July celebrating with cookouts or even fireworks. But its important to remember those nighttime celebrations can be triggering for some. For veterans,...

Tampa doctor urges caution as more patients turn to AI for medical advice

ABC Action News 7/1 10:29A Lauren St. Germain

Artificial intelligence touches so many aspects of a persons life now health included. Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Lauren St. Germain covers medical news and she recently spoke with a local doctor who says he is seeing more and more people turning to...

Lightning reshape roster: Trade Nick Paul to Maple Leafs and add free agents on first day of free...

ABC Action News 7/1 10:25A Jack Walsh

The Tampa Bay Lightning are reshaping their roster after trading forward Nick Paul to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender Dennis Hildeby and two future draft picks. Tampa Bay also received a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a...