MCSO vs gator: 'This is a job for a trapper'

ABC Action News 9/14 10:28P Brian McBride

The Manatee County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) responded to a call about an alligator in a homeowners backyard. What deputies thought originally was a 4- to 5 -foot gator was actually 8 feet 4 inches long, according to the MCSO. The MCSO was recently...

Gov. DeSantis announces tax holiday on guns, ammo and outdoor gear through Dec. 31

ABC Action News 9/14 7:47A Anthony Romano

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida's Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday has returned for a second year, allowing Floridians to purchase firearms, ammunition and a variety of outdoor recreation equipment tax-free through Dec. 31. DeSantis made...

6-year-old boy in critical condition after near-drowning at Bradenton home: BPD

ABC Action News 9/14 4:38A Anthony Romano

A 6-year-old boy is in critical condition after a near-drowning incident at a Bradenton home Sunday night, according to the Bradenton Police Department (BPD). Officers responded around 9:06 p.m. Sunday to a home in the 3500 block of 24th Avenue...

Wimauma man dies after van crashes into semi-trailer on U.S. Highway 41: FHP

ABC Action News 9/14 4:31A Anthony Romano

A Wimauma man died after his van crashed into the rear of a semi-trailer Monday morning in Manatee County, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The crash happened around 6:37 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and South Dock...

Woman arrested for cocaine trafficking, other drug charges in Sarasota: police

ABC Action News 9/14 4:09A Leilyn Torres

Sarasota Police Department said they arrested a woman on multiple drug charges after an annonymous tip led to a search warrant of her home. On Sept. 2, police executed a search warrant at the home of Lashay A. Smith, 58, at the 3100 block of Old...

Fire at Sarasota assisted living facility sends 1 person to hospital: SCFD

ABC Action News 9/14 12:31A Anthony Romano

One person was seriously injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Sarasota on Saturday night, according to Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD). Firefighters responded around 10:38 p.m. to the 700 block of South Beneva Road following...

Fall Pumpkin Festival at Raprager Farms in Odessa kicks off this Friday

ABC Action News 9/14 12:00A Sean Daly

It's time to start rolling in the pumpkins! Sure, it's still a little balmy outside, but let's do this autumnal thing anyway. The Fall Pumpkin Festival at Raprager Farms in Odessa will lead the charge and kick things off this Friday, Sept. 18....

Roadway depression closes Lakeland intersection: LPD

ABC Action News 9/13 1:45A Brian McBride

A depression in the roadway has closed a Lakeland intersection, police officials said. The intersection at Rose Street and North Lake Parker Avenue is currently closed due the roadway depression, the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) said. It was...

Crash on Gandy Bridge in Pinellas shuts down right lane

ABC Action News 9/13 12:39A Brian McBride

A multi-vehicle crash was reported on the west end of the Gandy Bridge East in Pinellas County, officials aid. The right lane is blocked. The crash includes injuries, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Motorists are advised to use caution.

Safety Harbor pier reopens 2 years after three hurricanes wiped it out in 2024

ABC Action News 9/12 10:24A Annette Gutierrez

Safety Harbor's Fire Marshal Dick Brock Memorial Pier has officially reopened, more than 2 years after three hurricanes destroyed it in 2024. Crowds gathered Saturday morning to celebrate the reopening of the century-old landmark, which was wiped...

Polk ambulance crew, 2 others hurt in crash while responding to emergency call: PCFR

ABC Action News 9/12 9:11A Anthony Romano

Four people were taken to hospitals after a Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) ambulance was involved in a three-vehicle crash while responding to an emergency call Saturday morning. The crash happened at 11:26 a.m. at the intersection of Bayberry...

Lakeland man arrested after pursuit ends with PIT maneuver in Polk County: FHP

ABC Action News 9/12 8:12A Anthony Romano

A Lakeland man was arrested after troopers used a PIT maneuver to end a pursuit involving a vehicle that had fled from an attempted traffic stop, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident began around 2:43 a.m. Friday when troopers...

Rescues in Action: Spike, Charles, Ernest & August, and Poco

ABC Action News 9/12 6:31A Heather Leigh

Spike Meet Spike, a friendly, fun-loving boy who has been waiting for his chance at a forever home since February. When Spike first arrived at the shelter, he was a little rambunctious, but underneath all that energy was a dog who simply wanted...

Tampa motorcyclist killed after losing control on wet I-75 exit ramp: FHP

ABC Action News 9/12 5:44A Anthony Romano

A Tampa man was killed in a motorcycle crash early Saturday morning on an Interstate 75 exit ramp, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The crash happened around 4:40 a.m. on the ramp connecting southbound I-75 to Interstate 4, troopers...

Brooksville woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex acts with a child: SAO

ABC Action News 9/11 7:23A Brian McBride

A Brooksville woman was sentenced to 25 years in prison after engaging in sexual acts with a young child for profit, officials said. Jenna Ann Hoffman, 27, was convicted of promoting a sexual performance by a child, possession of sexual...