Pinellas schools use innovative program to combat staffing challenges

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 2/9 2:13A Andy Cole

The teacher apprenticeship program combines college with work in the classroom.

Melissa Ley and FUELS help Pinellas County teachers and students

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 2/9 1:42A Rick Elmhorst

Ley started as a Pinellas County teacher and saw classroom needs. FUELS helps with supplies and school care closet items, among other things.

Phillies begin spring training prep, St. Pete Distance Classic sees record turnout and Seahawks are...

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 2/9 12:30A Spectrum News Staff

Here's the news and weather to start your day.

City of Tampa issues new water restriction rules for HOAs

Spectrum News | Bay News 9 2/8 11:49P Jason Lanning

Under the new watering restrictions, HOAs are being directed to pause penalties for any violations that require additional water use to fix.

Heavy smoke lingers after brush fire near Stornoway Drive in Land O’ Lakes

ABC Action News 2/8 9:34A Frances Lin

A brush fire in Land O Lakes has been contained, but crews remain on scene while heavy smoke lingers. Pasco County Fire Rescue says it is assisting the Florida Forest Services Withlacoochee District with the blaze near Stornoway Drive. While the...

Teen motorcyclist caught after 150 mph chase from Tampa to St. Pete: FHP

ABC Action News 2/8 9:29A Frances Lin

A 19-year-old motorcyclist was arrested after leading troopers on a chase that reached speeds of about 150 mph. Florida Highway Patrol troopers say their Aviation Unit spotted several motorcycles racing recklessly on Westshore Boulevard in Tampa...

Bicyclist killed in crash on Beach Road in Siesta Key: SCSO

ABC Action News 2/8 9:23A Frances Lin

A bicyclist has died following a crash with a vehicle on Beach Road in Sarasota County. Deputies say the Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident, which happened near Beach Access 9. The bicyclist was taken by...

Florida man arrested for DUI after crash leads to discovery of multiple prescription drugs

ABC Action News 2/8 9:17A Frances Lin

A traffic crash on I-4 in Polk County ended with a DUI arrest and the seizure of multiple prescription medications. Troopers say they were dispatched to the westbound lanes near mile marker 27 on Saturday after a cement truck was sideswiped by...

Water restrictions now in effect amid Florida drought

ABC Action News 2/8 5:04A Susan El Khoury

Florida's ongoing drought is forcing landscaping professionals and homeowners to rethink their approach to yard maintenance as enhanced water restrictions take effect across the Tampa Bay region. Trey Walls, owner of All Pro Landscaping, said the...

Pedestrian dies in Manatee County crash Saturday night: FHP

ABC Action News 2/8 3:31A Anthony Romano

A pedestrian is dead following a crash on U.S. Route 41 in Manatee County on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Police said a 74-year-old Bradenton man was attempting to cross U.S. Route 41 when he was struck by a 24-year-old...

Motorcyclist dead, 3 injured in Waverly crash: PCSO

ABC Action News 2/8 3:23A Anthony Romano

One man is dead and three others were injured in a crash in Waverly on Saturday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Police said 35-year-old David Durham was driving a motorcycle westbound on Waverly Road at what police said appeared to...

Police investigating home burglary in Citrus County: CCSO

ABC Action News 2/8 2:09A Anthony Romano

Police are searching for the suspect in a home burglary in Citrus County on Sunday, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Deputies searched the area of West Deepwoods Dr. and Citrus Ave. for the suspect, according to a CCSO post ....

12-year-old reported missing and endangered found safe in Manatee County: MCSO

ABC Action News 2/8 1:44A Anthony Romano

A 12-year-old girl was found safe after being reported missing and endangered in Manatee County on Sunday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The girl went missing around 2 a.m. on Sunday in Bradenton, according to a news release.

1 person injured in Sarasota house fire

ABC Action News 2/8 12:22A Anthony Romano

One person was injured in a house fire on Clark Road in Sarasota on Sunday, according to a county spokesperson. Crews responded to a structure fire on the 6900 block of Clark Road just before 6 a.m. They were able to put the fire out by 6:15 a.m,...

One man injured in Hillsborough County hit-and-run crash: FHP

ABC Action News 2/7 4:01A Anthony Romano

One man is in the hospital after being struck in a hit-and-run crash in Hillsborough County on Friday night, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Police said the driver was traveling eastbound on State Road 574 when they struck a 33-year-old...