AI-generated fake evidence is landing people in jail as courts struggle with new technology

ABC Action News 1/21 6:50A Katie LaGrone

We're all trying to figure out artificial intelligence, and when it comes to the courtroom, what's real is proving to have potentially serious consequences. In fact, one Florida woman says AI was used to help land her in jail. "I'm thinking, oh...

Trooper rescues pit bull on I-275 near mile marker 56: FHP

ABC Action News 1/21 4:54A WFTS Digital Staff

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper helped bring a dog into safety after locating the pit bull on I-275 near mile marker 56 on Wednesday morning. FHP reported a trooper responded to the area after a passerby called about an animal. The trooper...

Tampa 'super speeder' arrested after topping 140 mph on I-4: FHP

ABC Action News 1/21 4:26A WFTS Digital Staff

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continues its crack down on "super speeders" after arresting a driver going over 140 mph on I-4 early Wednesday morning. FHP said a trooper was conducting speed enforcement on Interstate 4 westbound at mile marker 28...

Future Career Academy kicks off business tours in Plant City

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 1/21 4:21A Lizbeth Gutierrez

Hillsborough County high school seniors are immersing themselves in careers thanks to Future Career Academy.

'Ambidextrous' Rays prepping in St. Pete while pitching proposed future in Tampa

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 1/21 4:17A Angie Angers

If the Rays move to Hillsborough County, it would end the team’s 30-year stay in St. Petersburg. The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2028.

HART vice chair Gary Hartfield resigns from board due to recent move: Officials

ABC Action News 1/21 3:56A Kiley Vaughan

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Vice Chair Gary Hartfield submitted his resignation to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The HART board elected Hartifield as vice chair during a Jan. 5 meeting. HART officials said...

National anthem singer shares her struggle with grief

ABC Action News 1/21 3:51A Deiah Riley

At the Tampa Bay Lightning game on Tuesday night, the Bolts used the power of the game to shine a light on mental health and the importance of breaking stigmas. Since 2013, Sonya Bryson-Kerkesy has been synonymous with the Bolts, receiving...

Woman attempting to cross highway killed in Citrus County crash: FHP

ABC Action News 1/21 3:39A WFTS Digital Staff

A 56-year-old woman lost her life after attempting to cross a highway in Citrus County on Tuesday evening. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said there was a fatal crash just before 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 20, when a Chevy Silverado driven by an Inverness...

19-year-old man in critical condition after shooting: Clearwater police

ABC Action News 1/21 3:06A WFTS Digital Staff

A 19-year-old man is in critical condition after a shooting in Clearwater on Tuesday night, police said. Clearwater detectives are investigating the shooting that happened at the intersection of North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Carlton...

Builders Break Ground on Next Batch of Infill Homes

TAMPA.GOV News 1/21 1:15A Robert Lockridge (Technology & I

Builders Break Ground on Next Batch of Infill Homes Robert L. Wed, 01/21/2026 - 08:15 am Modern two-story house sketch with a garage and large windows. New affordable homes will be coming online over...

Pickles NY Deli in Longwood features the Skyscraper Brooklyn Rueben with a pound of meat

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 1/21 1:11A Allison Walker

Authentic NYC deli vibes are a strong presence at this Central Florida eatery.

Susan Solves It: AI chip shortage

ABC Action News 1/21 12:44A Susan El Khoury

Rising demand for microchips that power AI data centers could trigger shortages and drive up prices for everyday consumer electronics. Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Susan El Khoury advises staying informed about potential supply chain issues and planning...

Theo's Harvest is a front-yard urban farm feeding the New Port Richey community

ABC Action News 1/21 12:43A Sean Daly

Every morning, Tanner Johnson kisses his wife and kids goodbye and heads to work at his New Port Richey farm. His commute? However long it takes him to get to his front yard. "I'm earning my keep right outside my door," says the 31-year-old owner...

Teachers union backs Florida Senate bill targeting teacher shortages

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 1/21 12:25A Jason Lanning

A bill moving through Florida’s legislative session is drawing strong support from the state’s largest teachers union.

News to Know for Jan. 21

ABC Action News 1/21 12:10A Kiley Vaughan

Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. Today is Wednesday, and warmer weather has finally returned to the Tampa Bay area. Meteorologist Greg Dee says an eastern breeze will make it feel chilly this morning, but highs will climb back up to...