WTVT - Local News

Massive mural gives glimpses of Ybor's history

Stef DiPietrantonio — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:40:00 EDT

There is a huge mural up in Ybor City, which took more than a year to paint. It is a depiction of the rich immigrant history, not only for Ybor City, but also for "America's Journey," which is what the massive artwork is titled.

Man accused of sexually battering 12-year-old girl

Gloria Gomez — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:21:00 EDT

Deputies say a 12-year-old girl was sexually battered while going door-to-door to sell juice boxes.

Bike trail proponents disappointed with Governor's veto

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:13:00 EDT

Gov. Rick Scott's veto of money to build a bike trail across Florida from St. Petersburg to Brevard County is not deterring supporters of the project. They vow they'll be back again next year, pushing for $50 million to complete a 275-mile hiking and biking trail called the Coast-to-Coast Connector trail.

Pinellas County man wins $1 million Powerball prize

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:52:00 EDT

Forty-one-year-old Steven Vaughan of Seminole, on the left here, matched all five numbers on his Powerball ticket, but missed the Powerball number.

More homes at sinkhole site to be demolished

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:28:00 EDT

More than a month after they were condemned by the county, two more homes near the fatal Seffner sinkhole are set to be demolished.

I-75 crash leaves man dead, toddler injured

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:25:00 EDT

A dump truck pulled into speeding traffic on I-75 this morning, causing a crash that killed a Wesley Chapel man and left his wife and granddaughter badly injured.

Crews battle St. Pete house fire

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:03:00 EDT

Crews in South St. Pete safely put out a house fire this morning before it could blow up into something bigger.

Sarasota mom, man accused of abuse in child's death

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:14:00 EDT

A man and woman are being held without bond in a Sarasota jail in connection with death of the woman's 3-year-old daughter.

Brush fire burning in Pasco; no homes threatened

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:09:00 EDT

Crews are battling a brush fire just north of the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County.

Thrifting: Fun for kids, easy on wallet

April Kellogg — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:32:00 EDT

FOX 13's April Kellogg continues her series on fun, cheap ways to keep the kids free from boredom this summer.

Is a timeshare a good deal?

Chris Chmura — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:57:00 EDT

This year you're more likely to come across a timeshare salesman offering you a chance to take part ownership in a vacation condo. FOX 13 consumer reporter Chris Chmura looks at why they're back, and if you should take the bait.

Lakeland officer arrested following road rage incident

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:41:00 EDT

So much for "officer friendly." A Lakeland police officer is accused of being on the wrong side of the law.

Highlights from Gov. Rick Scott's vetoes

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:28:00 EDT

Fla. Gov. Rick Scott on Monday signed a new $74.1 billion state budget into law. The new budget covers spending from July 1 to June 30, 2013.

Universal Orlando raises ticket prices

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:53:00 EDT

Universal Orlando has raised the price of a one-day, single-park ticket to $92.

Rumors fly in Zephyrhills: who is the Powerball winner?

Stef DiPietrantonio — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:22:00 EDT

The multi-mullion dollar Powerball winner has not come forward yet, but that's not stopping everyone in the small town of Zephyrhills from speculating on who the mystery winner is.

Deputies: Man attacked bartender who cut him off

Anjuli Lohn — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:45:00 EDT

Four people are recovering after being stabbed inside a bar Sunday night.

Injections offer hope for reversing stroke effects

Dr. Joette Giovinco — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:19:00 EDT

A Boca Raton doctor is using the drug Enbrel in a process he hopes can help reverse the effects of a stroke.

Family plans lawsuit after woman's aborted pregnancy

Gloria Gomez — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:07:00 EDT

Remee Jo Lee would be more than three months pregnant today. But detectives say her boyfriend tricked her into taking pill that caused an abortion. Federal investigators say John Weldon had access to the drugs from his father's practice; Lee's family now plans to sue Weldon's father for negligence.

Volunteer football coach dead in Seffner shooting

Tanya Arja — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:32:00 EDT

A volunteer football coach is dead after a domestic dispute escalated into violence this morning in Seffner.

Dunedin couple found dead in Hernando forest

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:41:00 EDT

Investigators have identified two people whose bodies were found in a heavily wooded area of Hernando County over the weekend. They say they were a couple from Dunedin.

Miami man captures Florida's longest Burmese python

FOX 13 Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:09:00 EDT

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say a Miami man has wrangled and killed the longest Burmese python ever captured in the state: 18 feet, 8 inches long.

Alive and well, Tampa bear back in the wild

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:52:00 EDT

A black bear that caused quite a stir in a Tampa neighborhood Friday morning has been released back into the wild.

Scott vetoes nearly $400 million from budget, including tuition hike

Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:52:00 EDT

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who had a tough time winning cooperation this past year from the Republican-led Legislature, struck back on Monday by vetoing nearly $400 million from the state's new budget.

Wildlife officials investigating manatee harassment video

FOX 13 Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:44:00 EDT

The video was posted online and obtained by FOX 13 on Monday. After seeing the video, officials are now looking for the men involved.

Police: Man wanted for robbing deputy

FOX 13 Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:40:00 EDT

Police in Winter Haven are looking for the man who robbed an off-duty Polk County sheriff's deputy over the weekend.

Powerball winner? Sorry, try again

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:57:00 EDT

It's becoming a regular occurrence nowadays with every Powerball drawing. When a winning ticket hits the jackpot, social media comes through with someone claiming to be the lucky winner – only that they're not.

A wall-to-wall Lego paradise

April Kellogg — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:49:00 EDT

All this week April Kellogg brings us ideas on how to keep the kids free of boredom.

Boat catches fire off Egmont Key

FOX 13 Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:50:00 EDT

A big boat caught fire off Egmont Key today.

2 bodies found in Chassahowitzka Forest in Hernando

Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:24:00 EDT

Authorities are investigating after two people were found dead in the woods in southwest Florida.

Powerball puts Zephyrhills in national spotlight

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:21:00 EDT

Florida lottery officials confirm that the winning $590 million dollar ticket was sold at the Publix on 301 in Zephyrhills. While the winner has yet to come forward, excitement is sky high in the small Pasco County town.

Time capsule buried in Largo

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:31:00 EDT

Viva Florida celebration

Boat fire off Egmont Key

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:23:00 EDT

42-foot boat catches fire off Egmont Key.

Winning Powerball Ticket Sold in Florida

Aaron Mesmer — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:11:00 EDT

The numbers for the record breaking Powerball jackpot have been drawn.

Macdill Staff Sgt. killed in crash

FOX 13 Staff — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:25:00 EDT

An air force member from Macdill died in a car crash in Riverview.

Tampa Police investigating murder

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:28:00 EDT

Tampa Police investigating a murder

Powerball Fever

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:22:00 EDT

Powerball jackpot reaches $600 million

Coast Guard rescue in Clearwater

FOX 13 Staff — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:00 EDT

What started out as a fun day on the water, turned very scary for a boat full of people in Clearwater.

Elderly woman shoots and kills son

FOX 13 Staff — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

A bizarre, and deadly case of domestic violence in Polk County.

Ireland Nugent meets Winter the dolphin

Aaron Mesmer — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:24:00 EDT

Ireland Nugent, who lost both her legs in a lawn mower accident, got to meet Winter the dolphin Saturday morning at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

New weapon in war on pests: Fungus?

Lloyd Sowers — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:39:00 EDT

Researchers at the University of Florida say a genetically engineered fungus could become a major weapon against mosquitos and fire ants.

Soldier surprises daughter at Rays' game

Josh Cascio — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:37:00 EDT

Sixty feet away, 9-year-old Alayna Adams had no idea her father was behind home plate.

Double amputee saved from drowning

FOX 13 Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:35:00 EDT

A 79-year-old double amputee was rescued from drowning Friday night after his wheelchair rolled into a pond.

Man arrested with gun outside middle school

Anthony Miller — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:58:00 EDT

A Hillsborough deputy arrested a man carrying a gun outside a Plant City Middle School.

Pickup driver killed in crash with school bus

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:56:00 EDT

At least four people suffered minor injuries in a crash involving a school bus along Sam Allen Road in Plant City.

Memories of the Pier

Steve Nichols — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:14:00 EDT

The inverted pyramid has been a downtown attraction for more than 40 years, so a lot of people grew up with it. Two weeks before closing to the public, the St. Petersburg Pier is getting a lot of visitors.

Tips for toning up to get a beach body

Dr. Joette Giovinco — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:00 EDT

For many people, a trip to the beach comes with sunscreen, drinks, snacks - and a some concern about showing their bodies in swimsuits.

Report says dog attacks more common in Florida

Ken Suarez — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:22:00 EDT

A new study by State Farm ranks Florida 8th in the nation for the number of dog bites. Last year, insurance companies here paid out more than $7 million in dog bite claims.

Brides-to-be line up for wedding dress sale at Goodwill

Anjuli Lohn — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:12:00 EDT

If you missed out on Friday's big sale, the Goodwill in Wesley Chapel will host another bridal gown gala on Saturday morning, starting at 6 a.m. The event brings out Bay area brides in numbers, so it's recommended you head out early.

Protests against proposal to allow gay Boy Scouts

Tanya Arja — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:19:00 EDT

A group of concerned Scoutmasters, parents, and Eagle scouts rallied Friday in Tampa and Seminole, urging the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America to keep the current membership policy.

Black bear spends morning in Tampa tree

Aaron Mesmer — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:46:00 EDT

A neighborhood in the Egypt Lake area of Tampa woke up to quite a scene this morning. A 250-pound black bear climbed up into a tree and stayed there until it was tranquilized by wildlife officials.

Copeland redefines 'Hi-C' nickname

Kevin O'Donnell — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:08:00 EDT

Horace Copeland, the former Bucs wide receiver, is still making a positive impact in Tampa Bay, even though his playing days are well over.

Charges dropped against Sarasota man arrested in Turks and Caicos

FOX 13 Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:00 EDT

Authorities in Turks and Caicos say they have dropped charges against two Americans who were arrested on back-to-back days after a single bullet was found in their luggage.

Photos/Video: FOX 13’s Hometown Sebring

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:49:00 EDT

FOX 13 is bringing Good Day Tampa Bay live to downtown Sebring. Russell Rhodes, Anne Dwyer, Dave Osterberg, Alcides Segui, Jen Epstein, and the rest of our crew will be doing the show from the downtown circle.

Riverview brush fire spreads to junkyard

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:56:00 EDT

The junkyard is just north of the raceway park at 6050 Jensen Road.

Deputies investigating fatal shooting near Land O’Lakes 7-Eleven

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:00 EDT

A 26-year-old man has been hospitalized after a shooting at a 7-Eleven on U.S. 41 in Land O'Lakes.

After squirrel incident, TECO pledges money for power lines

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:42:00 EDT

The city of Tampa is making some changes to make sure its drinking water stays safe.

Deputies make arrest in string of robberies

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:35:00 EDT

Henry Sizemore has been charged in the crimes. He was spotted near a pawn shop.

Scott rejects Amazon deal, preventing tax increase

Jeremy Campbell — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:36:00 EDT

The move would have brought thousands of jobs to Florida, but it also would mean a 6 percent sales tax for all Amazon purchases. At the end of the day, Scott decided to reject the move.

How your tax dollars pay for politicians' vacations

Craig Patrick — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:06:00 EDT

Florida provides state funded security for visiting politicians and dignitaries, even when they arrive with their own security. Florida has been doing it for years, whether out-of-state politicians -- mostly governors -- come here for business or pleasure.

CDC warns about fecal contamination in swimming pools

Josh Cascio — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:50:00 EDT

The CDC studied public Atlanta-area pools last summer and found that nearly 60 percent of the filters contained E. Coli, the same bacteria found in human feces.

Candice Glover crowned the new 'American Idol'

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:38:00 EDT

The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C., looked stunned when "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest announced she bested soulful 22-year-old country singer Harrison from Woodville, Texas . The vote count was not announced.

The rules and regulations surrounding the American flag

Lloyd Sowers — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:21:00 EDT

The Florida Army National Guard Honor Guard Team appears at more than 5,000 funerals each year. They raise, lower, fold and fly the American flag day after day. They know Old Glory pretty well, and want to spread the word about how to properly display and handle our national symbol.

Council slashes funding for the 'Lens'

Steve Nichols — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:08:00 EDT

Progress on the new St. Petersburg Pier known as the "Lens" has not stopped, but it slowed down Thursday evening. The city council declined to approve the next $1.54 million toward the $50 million project, slashing the request to $869,000.

HCC student makes prestigious national team

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:25:00 EDT

Ashley Young's hard work has paid off: she accomplished something no other HCC student has done before when she was named to the All USA Community College Academic Team.

From the grove to the glass: how orange juice gets to your table

Chris Chmura — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:10:00 EDT

The bottle has just one ingredient, so you'd think the process would be simple. However, making everyday orange juice requires an army of people, acres of machinery, and a lot of time.

Polk detectives bust shoplifting operation

Ken Suarez — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:52:00 EDT

Detectives say Malynda "Puffy" Ford's wallet was getting fat because of the success of her shoplifting operation. The Polk Sheriff's Office just arrested her and 15 of her associates.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium expands facilities

Stef DiPietrantonio — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:40:00 EDT

R.O. Jacobson Center for Education and Animal Care. It's a state-of-the-art facility that expands the aquarium's ability to pursue their mission of education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release.

Tampa City Council considers 50-foot rule for car stereos

Aaron Mesmer — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:12:00 EDT

Tampa City Council gave its preliminary approval to an ordinance Thursday that would make it illegal for drivers to blast their car stereos. The proposal would allow police to ticket drivers if their music can be heard from at least 50 feet away, and would include possible jail time for a third offense.

With forensics, a face emerges from unrecognizable remains

Tanya Arja — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:19:00 EDT

A forensic anthropologist from USF gathered enough information from a body found in Sumter County to put together this sketch. Detectives say this woman was shot to death; they hope someone recognizes her so they can find out who she was, and who killed her.

Parents arrested, charged with leaving child in car

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:43:00 EDT

Alexander Rosario, 27, and Douceaymee Lopez-Alvarez, 26, said they accidentally left their 2-year-old son in a parked car for several hours on April 16, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. They are now charged with aggravated child neglect.

Smoke on I-4 as wildfire burns in Polk County

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:16:00 EDT

Fire crews in Polk County are trying to contain a wildfire near Lake Mattie, but officials tell us it's causing some visibility problems on I-4.

Authorities: Man tricked girlfriend into taking abortion pill

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:23:00 EDT

The 28-year-old son of a Florida fertility doctor has been charged by federal authorities with tricking his girlfriend into taking a pill used to induce labor and cause an abortion, killing the fetus she was carrying.

City council to hear noise ordinance again in June

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:10:00 EDT

Tampa's City Council moved forward Thursday with a new noise ordinance that would quiet down our streets.

Troopers looking for driver in fatal hit-and-run

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:04:00 EDT

Troopers are looking for a driver who hit and killed a woman in Palm Harbor on Thursday morning while she was riding her bicycle.

Zoo's newest baby is third for mama rhino

FOX 13 Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EDT

It was an extra special Mother's Day for at least one Lowry Park Zoo resident. Endangered Indian rhinoceros Jaime gave birth to her third calf, a hefty baby boy, on May 9.

Gov. Scott rejects Amazon deal

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:46:00 EDT

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who has made job creation his top priority since coming into office, has rejected a proposed deal to bring major Internet retailer Amazon to the state.

How USF engages in education

Kerry Klecic — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:01:00 EDT

USF is a young, ambitious university known for its research, but the "USF Story," a term school officials often use, is told comprehensively on social media.

Historic houses on the move in Tampa

Stef DiPietrantonio — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:23:00 EDT

Tampa is about to get its own baseball museum, but it's going to take a monumental move. Crews with Above All Structural in Pinellas, led by Mark Roesch, are actually moving two homes on giant flatbeds.

Citizens group gives 1,000s of signatures to city

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:50:00 EDT

A group that is opposed to the demolition of the city's pier and the construction of a new, $50 million structure has filed petitions with the city to take the issue to voters -- or to scrap the plan altogether.

The baby whisperer

Anjuli Lohn — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:32:00 EDT

Many of us turn to music to help celebrate, mourn or even soothe. The same can be said at St. Petersburg's All-Children's Hospital, where music is now being used to help treat some of the hospital's tiniest patients.

How to reduce the bills that come with wedding bells

Hetal Gandhi — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:24:00 EDT

With the average price of a wedding in the Tampa Bay area costing $25,000 to $30,000, getting married is no small proposition.

Homeless man loses his last prized possession: his dog

Jeremy Campbell — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:09:00 EDT

James Bryant's dog "Handover" was a gift from his wife -- her last. She died last year from breast cancer and hoped the dog would keep her husband company after breast cancer ran its course. This week, Bryant says someone stole "Handover" and he desperately wants him back.

Flashy digital signs radiate controversy

Doug Smith — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:48:00 EDT

Businesses trying to wrestle up new customers are turning to attention grabbing digital signs. Critics say the signs are the equivalent of shouting down the street and everybody loses.

Jackpot is third largest in Powerball history

Josh Cascio — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:35:00 EDT

360 million reasons to play -- pick those six lucky numbers and it is all yours.

PHOTOS: GPS satellite launches from Florida

Chris Boex — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:43:00 EDT

An unmanned Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Wednesday, hauling the latest GPS satellite into orbit for the military.

No charges will be filed against Kiera Wilmot

Ken Suarez — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:41:00 EDT

Wilmot is the Bartow High School student who school officials say took household chemicals, mixed them in a soda bottle on campus, and it all exploded. The Polk State Attorney's Office says it will not file charges against her; now we're waiting to hear how the school will proceed with her case.

'His livelihood is over'

Aaron Mesmer — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:33:00 EDT

The family of a Tarpon Springs boat owner whose shrimping vessel caught fire Tuesday night say the loss of the ship is emotionally and financially devastating.

Fourth person reports arrest in Bahamian airport

Tanya Arja — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:35:00 EDT

We're learning about a fourth person arrested at an airport in the Bahamas after security officers allegedly found a bullet in his luggage. Don Stephenson was thrown in jail for three days. He tells us about the conversation he had with a judge and the cash he had wired to avoid charges, and anymore time behind bars.

Tension with police rising in St. Pete, community leaders say

Steve Nichols — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:51:00 EDT

Several leaders of St. Petersburg's African-American community claim recent police activities are elevating tensions between law enforcement and citizens.

Pasco man goes from morbidly obese to running marathons

Kristin Wright — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:01:00 EDT

Al Mora has fulfilled a life-long dream with every marathon he has run, from New York to Chicago to Gasparilla. It's remarkable for someone who once struggled with every step, weighing 355 pounds.

Too young for colon cancer? Think again

Dr. Joette Giovinco — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:45:00 EDT

It's a deadly disease you'd expect to strike older adults. However, Tampa Bay area doctors are reporting a spike in colon cancer in younger people. One doctor said he's even treated a patient as young as 17 years old.

Photos: ‘Linsanity’ in Tampa?

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:53:00 EDT

A handful of Jesuit High students got a first-hand account of "Linsanity" on Tuesday.

1 dog dead, 1 injured in Clearwater fire

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:20:00 EDT

Fire officials are working a fatal fire in Clearwater, but the deceased wasn't a person -- rather a dog.

After roach infestation, Ceviche works on rebuilding image

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:03:00 EDT

To help bound back, managers have hired a food safety audit provider to conduct monthly reviews at the restaurants.

Police: Driver intentionally ran car into Countryside Mall

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:16:00 EDT

Investigators say a 64-year-old man intentionally slammed his car into the side of the Countryside Mall on Wednesday morning, sparking a fire inside a Dillard's. The mall will still be open.

As the face of an organization, think before you tweet

Kerry Klecic — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:09:00 EDT

If you ever have a question about whether Steven Stamkos is the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning, look no further than Twitter.

Bike trail would connect Florida's coasts

Deborah Bowden — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:14:00 EDT

It is the most ambitious trail ever planned in Florida, connecting the west coast to the east, and some lawmakers want to spend $50 million to make it happen.

Motorcyclist killed after crash with semi-truck

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:24:00 EDT

A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday in an accident at I-75 and Gibsonton Drive.

Recommendation: lower DUI limit to .05

Jeremy Campbell — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EDT

The NTSB wants states to lower the legal limit from .08 to .05, and the changes would have wide-spread effects. But those who make the arrests say the number is beside the point: they can handcuff you based on field sobriety tests, and they only way to avoid a DUI is not to drink and drive.

App-based video games could help treat autism

Dr. Joette Giovinco — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:04:00 EDT

Some experts say the mix of intriguing visuals and repetitive audio cues in video games and apps can have beneficial effects for kids with autism spectrum disorder.

Pepin student selected for national dance performance

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:56:00 EDT

When she is on stage, dancing, it's a magical time for Thalia Arbelaez. She has been dancing since she was 2 years old.

Surveillance video shows group at scene of murder

Josh Cascio — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:38:00 EDT

Police have released new surveillance video from outside a Tampa nightclub where a man was murdered. They're looking to talk to any witnesses who may have seen something.

Pinellas schools could become test grounds for new technology

Steve Nichols — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:50:00 EDT

Pinellas County students and parents could have a front row seat to a transformation of education. That is the vision of SRI International, a California-based research company with a facility in St. Petersburg.

Teen's story highlights dilemmas with donated organs

Lloyd Sowers — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:12:00 EDT

Garrett Leopold was a newborn baby when we first brought you his story 16 years ago. Now, he's a teenager with a story that features medical miracles, but limitations.

'My whole world came crashing down'

Anjuli Lohn — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:36:00 EDT

Lutz mother Terri Comeau says cancer isn't just a disease, it's a monster that keeps attacking her family. Last April, she was tested for the gene that sharply increases a woman's risk to develop breast or ovarian cancer, and the results changed her life.

Deputy shoots, kills 'most wanted' suspect

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:20:00 EDT

Deputies opened fire in a Seffner neighborhood this afternoon, killing one of their 'most wanted' suspects.

Trouble in paradise?

Tanya Arja — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:12:00 EDT

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson wants answers about three incidents in the past two years where Americans were arrested at Caribbean airports. INSIDE: What led to the arrests

Burglary suspect flees into lake

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:39:00 EDT

Deputies had to hit the water in search of a burglary suspect this afternoon.

Tree house’s future up in the air

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:26:00 EDT

A couple in Holmes Beach is fighting the city to save a part of their house, but the problem is that part is up in a tree.

Deputies: Stores ignored synthetic marijuana ban

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:14:00 EDT

Four people have been arrested in a five-month long crackdown on synthetic drugs in Pasco County.

Police: Manager injured, suspect dead in St. Pete motel shooting

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:06:00 EDT

Police say a disgruntled former employee walked into a St. Petersburg motel Tuesday morning and shot the manager before turning the gun on himself.

Body found outside Brandon storage facility

FOX 13 Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:58:00 EDT

Homicide detectives are investigating after a landscaping worker discovered a body off Providence Road in Brandon.

Tampa’s #social savvy grows under Buckhorn’s leadership

Kerry Klecic — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:11:00 EDT

Some politicians run from it. Others run to it. Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he embraces the openness of social media, and he said it's a tool that can help Tampa's future.

Hyde Park Village up for sale

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:45:00 EDT

Another Tampa shopping center is looking for a new owner. This time it's Hyde Park Village.

Tampa hosts SOCOM conference this week

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:32:00 EDT

Thousands of military commandos are taking over the Tampa Convention Center for the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Conference.

Study: Texting and driving the leading cause of death among teens

April Kellogg — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:45:00 EDT

And the danger now has some major cell phone companies doing something about it.

Victim recovering after accidental Starbucks shooting

Josh Cascio — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:36:00 EDT

It can be painful waiting in line for a Starbucks brew, just ask 38-year-old Aime Peterson. She was shot just above her left knee Saturday inside the one in the Tyrone Square Mall.

Three charged with prostituting teenage girls

Deborah Bowden — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:18:00 EDT

Three people are under arrest in Pinellas County after deputies said they were prostituting underage girls.

92 arrested in Polk County prostitution sting

Anthony Miller — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:12:00 EDT

A youth minister from California and man on his honeymoon are among 92 people arrested in a Polk County prostitution investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

Talking to kids about alcohol abuse -- at age 9

Jeremy Campbell — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:48:00 EDT

New government-funded public service announcements released on Monday encourage parents to talk to their kids about drinking, starting at age 9.

Diamonds are a hotel's best friend

Chris Chmura — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:40:00 EDT

Without any advance notice to hotels, 50 men and women criss-cross the country inspecting 60,000 hotels, motels, restaurants, and attractions every single day. AAA's Diamond scores range from one to five: one for budget and five for luxury -- and every item from the bed to the ice bucket figures into the score.

End-of-life wishes ignored, lawsuit says

Doug Smith — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:33:00 EDT

At age 91, Marjorie Mangiaruca lived a long, full life and told her daughter she was ready die when the time came. But when heart stopped, she was not allowed to die a peaceful, natural death, a pending lawsuit says. Marjorie's daughter Sharon Hallada says Marjorie's "do not resuscitate" order was ignored.

Where every student gets a lift

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:48:00 EDT

A unique school in Pinellas County has a mixture of traditional learning students and those with special needs.