16-year-old suspect arrested in connection with fatal shooting in Ruskin: HCSO

ABC Action News 3/20 10:23A WFTS Digital Staff

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) announced Friday the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect in connection with a drug deal turned fatal shooting in Ruskin. HCSO said shortly before 1:30 a.m. on March 15 the 911 Dispatch Center received a...

Man arrested for human trafficking, forcing teens to perform sexual acts: HCSO

ABC Action News 3/20 9:40A Jack Walsh

A man was arrested for human trafficking on Feb. 25, and two female victims were rescued, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). Shamar Eduardo, 25, forced two female victims, aged 18 and 19, to perform sexual acts and...

Early voting underway for the State Senate District 14 special election in Tampa

ABC Action News 3/20 9:18A Jada Williams

Early voting is underway for the Florida State Senate District 14 special election. The seat, which covers the city of Tampa, was left vacant this legislative session after former Sen. Jay Collins was tapped to become the state's lieutenant...

Things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend | March 20-22

ABC Action News 3/20 9:07A Kiley Vaughan

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (March 20-22), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area. Looking for more fun? Click here. Things to do this Friday (3/20) NCAA March Madness First Round When: 12:30 p.m....

Gators basketball excited to open tournament play in Tampa

ABC Action News 3/20 8:15A Kevin Lewis

The Florida Gators tip off the NCAA Tournament tonight at Benchmark International Arena when they take on Prairie View A&M. Needless to say, the reigning national champs are excited to play in their own backyard. "There might be a few more...

Deltona Boulevard lanes to close overnight in Hernando County for improvements: Officials

ABC Action News 3/20 8:01A Kiley Vaughan

Hernando County officials said there will be multiple overnight lane closures on Deltona Boulevard next week for scheduled sewer improvements. The release said Hernando County Utilities Department will perform scheduled gravity sewer main...

Officials looking for missing 17-year-old boy last seen in Sebring: FDLE

ABC Action News 3/20 7:49A WFTS Digital Staff

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has issued a missing child alert for a 17-year-old boy who was last seen in Sebring. Darren Cheatham is described as 5-feet-5 inches tall, 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last...

Flags to fly at half-staff in Winter Haven and Tallahassee to honor fallen Major Cody Khork

ABC Action News 3/20 6:30A Kiley Vaughan

Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all United States and State of Florida flags to be flown at half-staff in both Tallahassee and throughout Winter Haven on Saturday to honor fallen Major Cody Khork. The 35-year-old Winter Haven soldier was one of six...

Missing Child Alert for 12-year-old girl last seen in Tampa: FDLE

ABC Action News 3/20 4:40A Kiley Vaughan

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) issued a missing child alert for a 12-year-old girl last seen in Tampa. FDLE said Larisa Olivera-Valenzuela was last seen in the area of the 8700 block of Key Biscayne Drive. Due to an ongoing...

Man dies after truck-and-train crash in Lakeland: PCSO

ABC Action News 3/20 4:37A Leilyn Torres

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said a man died after a truck versus train crash in Lakeland on Thursday. PCSO said around 6:30 p.m. on March 19, a truck pulling a dump trailer was traveling south on Kathleen Road and attempting to turn into a...

Lakeland man charged with vehicular manslaughter after running over 2 people in Miami Beach: MBPD

ABC Action News 3/20 3:43A WFTS Digital Staff

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) announced the arrest of a 42-year-old Lakeland man who is accused of killing two pedestrians with his vehicle on March 18. Adan Negron-Morris faces two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of...

Gov. DeSantis weighs in on Polk County Sheriff Judd's comments on immigration

ABC Action News 3/20 2:59A Kiley Vaughan

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in on Polk County Sheriff Grady Judds recent comments on immigration during a press conference on Thursday. During a State Immigration Enforcement Council meeting on March 16, Sheriff Judd advocated for what he...

10-year-old boy who suffered skull fracture in fatal Winter Haven hit-and-run released from...

ABC Action News 3/20 2:53A WFTS Digital Staff

Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) provided an update about the 10-year-old boy injured in the deadly hit-and-run in Winter Haven earlier this month. "He has been released and is recovering at home," PCSO PIO Carrie Horstman said. At the time of...

March Madness brings hundreds of fans and spending to Tampa

ABC Action News 3/20 2:11A Keely McCormick

March Madness is taking over downtown Tampa this weekend, drawing in hundreds of fans from eight different schools and giving the local economy a boost. While games are happening inside the arena, spending is happening all across the city. From...

News to Know for March 20 2026

ABC Action News 3/20 12:53A WFTS Digital Staff

Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team. March Madness arrives in Tampa today! The NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament is taking place at Benchmark International Arena this weekend. Today, teams like Alabama, Texas Tech, and Clemson will play...