TAMPA

3 key takeaways from the state’s football scene -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.

Baker Mayfield passed for 317 yards and a touchdown, adding to his strong debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 27-17 victory over the struggling Chicago Bears.

No. 13 Alabama is out of the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll for the first time in eight years and Georgia remains No. 1.

Popular but often controversial comedian Dave Chappelle is set to make two stops in Florida on his latest tour, including a show at Orlando's Amway Center.

If you’re planning to retire soon, there’s good news — Orlandoans already live in one of the best U.S. cities to retire.

Former NFL receiver Mike Williams, who was injured in a construction accident two weeks ago and later put on a ventilator, has died at the age of 36.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is bringing back its family-friendly Halloween event

As summer winds down to make way for fall, there are many Floridians who aren’t wasting any time in preparation for their next vacation, according to AAA.

Air Force pilots evacuating MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa ahead of Hurricane Idalia caught amazing footage of what looks like lightning but really isn’t.

Many of the stores with modified hours are in locations that are expected to be impacted by Idalia as it passes through the state, such as near Tampa, Alachua County and Marion County.

Idalia will soon impact Central Florida.

The suspension will last seven days before being reinstated on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at noon, a release from the governor's office shows.

Florida residents are evacuating from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as forecasters predict that Tropical Storm Idalia will hit the state as a major hurricane by Wednesday.

A widespread fuel contamination could damage cars as Tropical Storm Idalia rolls towards the state, Florida officials said on Sunday.

Baker Mayfield looked comfortable in his final tuneup as Tampa Bay’s new starting quarterback, throwing a touchdown pass while playing less than a quarter in the Buccaneers’ 26-20 preseason-closing victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

USA Gymnastics is looking to centralize its national training programs before the 2028 Olympics.

Whoa, what a contest!

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a period of frantic, domestic migration that saw Americans moving farther away from established urban centers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Brandon Hagel to an eight-year extension worth $52 million.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is counting down the days till its Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream, makes its terrifying return.

Tuesday, Rebecca Soto was painting her nails and preparing her outfit for a Beyonce concert in Tampa. She was struck by lightning soon afterward.

FDLE said that 16-year-old Victoria Quiles — now 17 years old — was last seen near the 38500th block of County Road 54 in Zephyrhills.

A person familiar with the terms tells The Associated Press that three-time Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott has signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots worth $4 million.

Baker Mayfield continued his bid to follow Tom Brady as Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback and jumpstart his career with a solid, if not overly impressive preseason debut for the Buccaneers in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to a recent study by Redfin, five of Florida’s cities ranked within the top 10 for places in the U.S. where people are flocking to.

The mayor of Tampa as quite the tale to tell.

The airport announced that the incident happened at Airside F around 8 p.m. when the firearm was detected among the passenger’s carry-on items.

A Tampa man was arrested in Sumter County after leading Florida Highway Patrol troopers on a pursuit through three counties.

Thirty years after a Tampa-area girl disappeared after getting off her school bus, a Florida man has been charged with her murder.

Out of the top 10 cities for first-time homebuyers in the country, five are found right here in the Sunshine State.

Florida law enforcement officials say the director of the Miami-Dade Police Department is recovering in a Tampa hospital after shooting himself.

Miami's Police director remains in critical condition at the hospital after undergoing surgery on Monday.

Whether it’s the culture or the climate, there are plenty of reasons that people across the U.S. are moving to Florida.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to offer "Scary and Merry" experience on Tuesday, July 25, from 12 p.m. through 4 p.m.

High gas prices at the pump aren’t much of a surprise for Florida's drivers.

Police in Florida fatally shot a 33-year-old man who they say stabbed the mother of his three young children and then opened fire on law enforcement officers after a brief pursuit.

SeaWorld Orlando is heading west to attend SharkCon, a convention devoted entirely to shark knowledge and conservation.

Bier Fest is set to return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay beginning July 21.

A Florida judge has denied a 65-year-old California fugitive bail in connection with the death of a woman nearly 40 years ago.

JetBlue is picking Spirt Airlines over American.

A 7-year-old was shot and killed during a fight between two groups, according to police.

The Nashville Predators, defensive defenseman Ryan Graves and some top goaltenders are among the winners in NHL free agency.

Police in Florida say two people were killed in separate incidents involving law enforcement officers.

A Tampa man was arrested Tuesday following a burglary at a Seminole County gated community — one in his decadeslong string of burglaries, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Florida Supreme Court has refused to reinstate a Florida prosecutor who was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after making comments opposing prosecutions for abortions or gender-affirming health care.

Busch Gardens reveals 'Sin City Zombies' Howl-O-Scream scare zone

Floridians seeking healthcare for gender dysphoria will continue to be covered under Medicaid, for now.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Ybor City to announce a lawsuit filed in federal court pitting the state against U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and others over Florida’s free choice, or lack thereof, regarding college accreditation agencies.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has surprised its fans this week with an all-new web series being called “Wild Encounters.”

An administrative law judge has sided with bars in Tampa and Orlando after the Florida Department of Health last year tried to block dogs from being in the establishments.

A Florida black bear has been captured and relocated after wandering into Tampa International Airport.

American Airlines and JetBlue are trying to salvage parts of their partnership in the Northeast, even after a federal judge ruled they must break up the deal.

A Florida man is sharing quite the story.

A man jumped into Busch Garden’s alligator habitat to record a video.

After seven seasons, Greg Lovelady’s time as baseball coach has come to an end, according to the University of Central Florida.

Summer events are coming to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks in Florida this year, according to the park officials.

Busch Gardens announced on Thursday that it will be thanking its guests with free and discounted beer at its Tampa and Virginia parks over the summer.

Florida high school band students had an exciting surprise last week when Ed Sheeran visited their classroom.

A group of parents and their transgender children asked a federal court Wednesday to block a Florida law signed hours earlier by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans gender-affirming care for minors.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Wednesday morning at a Christian school in Tampa.

The wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett and mother of the 2-year-old Arrayah, who drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home last week, broke her silence on social media on Thursday.

A Florida man has pleaded guilty to randomly shooting four people in a 2017 killing rampage that set a Tampa neighborhood on edge for weeks.

Police say the 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home.

The family of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player is mourning the loss of a two-year-old girl who drowned in the family’s pool Sunday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are eager to leave nearly two decades of playoff futility behind them.

John Tavares scored 4:35 into overtime, and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 for their first NHL playoff series win in nearly two decades.

Doug Williams says the tide is turning in the NFL.

The NHL is sending four teams to Sweden next season as part of its annual Global Series.

The Toronto Maple Leafs wiped out a three-goal deficit in the third period, then beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 on Alexander Kerfoot’s power-play goal at 4:14 of overtime to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in their first-round NHL playoff matchup.

The cause of death for a Florida toddler found dead in an alligator’s mouth last month has been released.

Morgan Reilly scored at 19:15 of overtime to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night in Game 3 of the first-round NHL playoff series.

Police in Tampa announced the arrest of a man accused in the kidnapping and rape of a DoorDash driver in Tampa earlier this week, according to a news release.

A phantom vehicle was blamed for damage done Friday morning to a semitruck on Interstate 275 in Tampa, according to its driver and the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Tampa DoorDash driver was kidnapped and raped at gunpoint while out making deliveries, according to the police department.

David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy protection, the second time the firm has sought such protection in the last five years.

OMG, parking will be a mess for Swifties in Tampa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s thrilling freestanding drop tower attraction, Falcon’s Fury officially reopened to guests on Wednesday.

This Florida dentist is pulling a lot more than just teeth.

A 2023 poll released by Good Plant Care found that five of Florida’s public gardens ranked as the best in the United States.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is planning a lineup of exciting activities for the Easter holiday weekend.

Just another day in Florida?

The Florida animal sanctuary that made headlines around the world after Netflix’s “Tiger King” aired will soon be sold.

Two hurricane names will no longer be used.

The remains of a U.S. airman whose plane was shot down over Germany during World War II have been accounted for.

A 44-year-old man was arrested early Sunday in Tampa after attempting to barge into a strip club with a flashlight, a loaded Glock and three spare magazines, records show.

Nashali Alma is partnering with YouFit Gyms to help teach other women how to defend themselves in similar situations.

The Florida Senate has started fast-tracking a proposal that would bar the sale of agricultural land and property within 20 miles of military bases to interests tied to the Chinese government or other nations on a list of “countries of concern.”

Four space station astronauts are back on Earth after a quick SpaceX flight home.

The SpaceX and NASA Crew-5 is back on earth after successfully splashing down after a nearly 6-month long science mission.

Beginning March 10, guests can sip and savor their way around the park, trying all-new delicious dishes, wines, craft brews and cocktails.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had hoaxes on his mind during a news conference Wednesday at the state attorney’s office in Tampa.

Major League Baseball's new limits on infield shifts are raising batter spirits this spring.

NFL quarterback Tom Brady is planning on pursuing a career in stand-up comedy following his announcement of retiring from the league, according to Radar Online.

Several Florida theme parks ranked among the best in the country for 2023, according to U.S. News.

A 5-year-old fell from a moving vehicle and was killed in Florida, troopers say.

The attraction, which is located in the park’s former Rhino Rally area near the animal care center and elephant habitat, is the world’s tallest and fastest of its kind.

Join your fellow pirates at the rollicking Pirate Costume Bash and Festival this weekend.

A Senate Republican on Thursday filed a bill that would allow people to carry concealed firearms without licenses, after the issue started moving forward this week in the House.

Adventure Island will open for the 2023 season on March 4 with Shaka-Laka Shores, the park’s newest addition, opening in late March, the water park announced Thursday.

Tampa police announced they arrested a man in connection with a woman who was found dead next to her vehicle with her baby inside on Jan. 30.