Driver Dismembered | Hurricane Idalia | Rap Fan Beaten: 2023 FL News

FLORIDA — It’s been a big news year in Florida and the Sunshine State has seen it all — a bear shutting down Magic Kingdom, gruesome deaths, record-breaking lottery prizes, hurricanes and tornadoes, and even a thwarted terrorist attack.

Here are some of the top Florida news stories for 2023:

FL Woman Bitten By Shark In Tampa Bay Near St. Pete Pier

A Florida woman was bitten by what was possibly an adult bull shark while swimming in Tampa Bay Saturday night.

3-Year-Old Disabled Child Left 'To Rot And Die In Bed'

The emergency room doctor discovered large ulcers on the child's body, from which emanated the distinct odor of decomposition.

FL GOP Chair's Rape Accuser Was 'Terrified' Of Him, Warrant Reveals

Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for the resignation of Florida GOP chair Christian Ziegler after he was accused of sexual battery.

Father Kills 16-Year-Old Son With Power Tool In Lake Wales

A Frostproof High School student caring for his grandfather was killed by an angle grinder, which cuts metal. His father has been arrested.

FL-Based Department Store Rebranding Its Two Largest Retail Chains

Bealls, Inc., headquartered in Bradenton, is rebranding its two largest retail chains — Bealls Outlet and Burkes Outlet — as bealls.

Rap Star Fan In Critical Condition From Beating After Tampa Concert

The beating took place following a Nardo Wick concert at Club Skye in Ybor City. Tampa police are seeking witnesses.

Photos Show Tornado Damage To Structures In Clearwater, Crystal River

The tornadoes were spawned by a storm that swept through Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Citrus counties, leaving behind devastation.

Thwarted Terrorist Attack In Tampa Planned By ISIS Member

An undercover FBI agent thwarted plans to re-enact the mass shooting at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub at Tampa's Hard Rock Casino & Hotel.

Sandhill Crane Scares Off 8-Foot Gator In Sarasota Neighborhood: Watch

A Manatee County woman caught a showdown between a sandhill crane and an 8-foot alligator behind her home on camera.

Body Of Young Mother, Man Missing 17 Years Found By Sonar Search Team

While it's heartbreaking to find the body of a loved one missing for years, the Sunshine State Sonar Search Team is able to provide closure.

Great White Shark Spotted 30 Miles Off Sarasota Coast

A Sarasota-area fishing guide and boat captain spotted a great white shark in the Gulf of Mexico off the Sarasota coast in March.

Uber Eats Driver Dismembered, Concealed In Trash Bags At Holiday Home

Sheriff Chris Nocco said the killing and dismemberment of an Uber Eats driver is one of the most gruesome crimes he's investigated.

6 FL Cities Are Among Fastest Growing In U.S. For 2023

Cape Coral-Fort Myers and North Port took the No 1. and No. 2 spots on Quicken Loans' top 20 list of fastest-growing U.S. cities.

After 364-Day Wait At FL Shelter, Rescued Dog Finally Gets New Home

A time-lapse video of a dog at a shelter waiting 364 days to be adopted tugged at the community's heartstrings and earned her a new home.

Body Of Taylen Mosley Found; Father Charged With Murder

St. Pete police have charged Thomas Mosley in the death of his son, Taylen, 2, and the boy's mother, who was slain in her apartment.

Tiny Casey Key Cottage Listed For $4.5M Has 108 Feet Of Gulf Access

Sellers are asking $4.5 million for this 472-square-foot waterfront home sitting on nearly half an acre on Casey Key in Sarasota County.

FL Winner Of $1.6B Mega Millions Jackpot Claims Money, Still Unknown

The winner of the record-breaking $1.6B Mega Millions jackpot from August is Saltines Holdings, LLC, the Florida Lottery said Wednesday.

• Also Read: FL Man Claims $41M Lottery Prize From Ticket Sold At Publix

'It's Very Sad': Mixon Owners Discuss Decision To Sell Citrus Farm

Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton is on the market for $15.8 million. The 39-acre citrus farm has been run by the same family for 84 years.

Homes Leveled, Flood Water Rescues: 33 Photos Of Idalia's Destruction

Photos show the devastation of Hurricane Idalia's path across Florida and into Georgia. Homes were leveled or swamped with storm surge.