5-year-old riding scooter in critical condition after being hit by vehicle: North Port PD

ABC Action News 7/17 6:36A WFTS Digital Staff

North Port police said a 5-year-old girl has been hospitalized after an accident on Thursday afternoon. Police said the incident happened at about 1:30 p.m. on July 16 at Kerman Street and Countess Avenue, when the girl rode her scooter out into...

1-on-1 with Rays analyst Brian Anderson

ABC Action News 7/17 6:36A Kevin Lewis

Tampa Bay holds a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East and the best record in the American League entering the second half of the season. Rays TV analyst and former major league pitcher Brian Anderson broke down what is...

Hillsborough County announces reduced in-class screen time for K-2 students

ABC Action News 7/17 6:24A Kiley Vaughan

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced new guidelines to reduce screen time in K-2 classrooms. HCPS said programs like i-Ready, Amira, and Imagine Learning will no longer be used as part of daily classroom instruction in...

Manatee County experiencing medical boom amid population growth to meet healthcare needs

ABC Action News 7/17 6:23A Larissa Scott

Its no secret that Bradenton and greater Manatee County have experienced record growth in recent years. Manatee County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state of Florida, said Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, Chief Medical Officer and...

46-year-old deputy chief at Manatee County EMS arrested for engaging in lewd acts with minor: MCSO

ABC Action News 7/17 6:09A WFTS Digital Staff

Officials have arrested a deputy chief at Manatee County Emergency Services for engaging in lewd acts with a minor. Manatee County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) announced Friday 46-year-old Zachary Molnar, a deputy chief with Manatee County EMS, faces a...

Trump doubles down on U.S. election attacks in his primetime speech

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 7/17 4:34A Associated Press

The president used the remarks to justify his push to pass a strict voter ID bill in Congress.

Bradenton PD says officials find fatal shooting of man 'justified'

ABC Action News 7/17 4:30A Kiley Vaughan

The Bradenton Police Department (BPD) held a press conference Friday to discuss the findings of an officer-involved shooting investigation. Chief Josh Cramer said evidence concludes the officers' use of deadly force was lawful and justified under...

Two areas to watch in the Atlantic Basin

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 7/17 3:00A Spectrum News Weather Staff

Both areas of interest have low odds for development over the next seven days.

Breakdown of the key matchups for the 2026 to 2027 season for Tampa Bay Lightning

ABC Action News 7/17 2:56A WFTS Digital Staff

The 2026-2027 schedule is out. Sports Anchors Kevin Lewis and Kyle Burger break down key matchups for the season. Watch the full episode: Lightning schedule released. What are the key matchups this season?

'I'm not giving up': Florida mom battles Medicaid denials for special needs son

ABC Action News 7/17 1:58A Michael Paluska

For years, Kelli Stuart has worried about what could happen while her 11-year-old son goes to sleep. Sawyer Stuart, who has autism, as well as a rare genetic disorder and significant developmental disabilities, has struggled with sleep throughout...

Sinkhole causes road closure on Bahia Vista St. in Sarasota: SSO

ABC Action News 7/17 1:44A Leilyn Torres

Sarasota Sheriff's Office said eastbound lanes of Bahia Vista Street are closed due to a sinkhole. According to SSO, a water main break created the sinkhole. The eastbound lanes of Bahia Vista Street between Honore Ave. and Cattlemen Road are...

Pinellas County preschoolers receive a big boost when it comes to literacy

ABC Action News 7/17 1:22A Robert Boyd

Starting this fall, hundreds of preschoolers across Pinellas County will receive a big boost in literacy, thanks to a new $1.2 million grant. Cheryl Watson has been teaching preschoolers how to read at the Academy for Love and Learning in St....

1 dead after shooting in Holiday, investigation underway: PSO

ABC Action News 7/17 1:13A Kiley Vaughan

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office (PSO) said a man is dead after an overnight shooting in Holiday. PSO said the shooting occurred in the Vision Avenue area around 12:01 a.m. on July 17. Deputies said preliminary information indicates that an...

News to Know for July 17

ABC Action News 7/17 1:02A Kiley Vaughan

Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. It's Friday, which means we've nearly made it through the week. To celebrate, our Good Morning Tampa Bay crew hit the road to explore Bradenton this morning as part of our community show. We learned...

4,000 residents without power in Pinellas after storms

ABC Action News 7/17 1:00A WFTS Digital Staff

About 4,000 residents in Pinellas County were without power Friday after storms moved through the area, utility officials said. The power outages were in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas, according to the Duke Energy website. A strong line...