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CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials say
Read full article: 1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials sayA person on a personal watercraft was injured in a crash with a boat on Saturday on the St. Johns River, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.
Severe storms make a return to Central Florida on Sunday
Read full article: Severe storms make a return to Central Florida on SundayA severe weather outbreak is unfolding and ongoing for the Deep South having initially started for the Central Plains and the Midwest on Friday. Now that threat continues east and a decent handful of these stronger, more organized storms could reach Central Florida.
Vehicle crashes into transformer, bursts into flames in St. Cloud; no injuries reported
Read full article: Vehicle crashes into transformer, bursts into flames in St. Cloud; no injuries reportedNo injuries were reported after a vehicle smashed into a power transformer in St. Cloud before it erupted in flames on Saturday, according to a news release.
‘Everybody’s Jessie’s best friend:’ Jessie Kirk remembered at Titusville vigil
Read full article: ‘Everybody’s Jessie’s best friend:’ Jessie Kirk remembered at Titusville vigilAs the sun set over Sand Point Park in Titusville Friday night, hundreds of people stood in respectful silence, as they listened to stories about Jessie Kirk, the beloved philanthropist whom police say was murdered last week.
Florida’s US senators announce bill to move NASA’s HQ to Space Coast
Read full article: Florida’s US senators announce bill to move NASA’s HQ to Space CoastFlorida’s Republican U.S. senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott have announced the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral (CAPE Canaveral) Act to relocate NASA’s headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Brevard County.
Strawberries galore! See the Space Coast Strawberry Festival for fun, food, music
Read full article: Strawberries galore! See the Space Coast Strawberry Festival for fun, food, musicThe Space Coast Strawberry Festival welcomes families to its two-day event with activities including fair rides, an arts and crafts village, food and drinks, live music and more, according to its website.
Motorcyclist, 70, dies in crash with turning pickup in Flagler County, FHP says
Read full article: Motorcyclist, 70, dies in crash with turning pickup in Flagler County, FHP saysA 70-year-old Palm Coast man riding a motorcycle near Bunnell suffered fatal injuries in a crash with a pickup truck that failed to yield the right of way, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Former Flagler paramedic, behind bars in sex battery case, now accused of stealing patients’ debit cards
Read full article: Former Flagler paramedic, behind bars in sex battery case, now accused of stealing patients’ debit cardsA former Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedic who was arrested in 2024 over allegations he sexually battered an unconscious person in an ambulance is now accused of stealing patients’ debit cards and making fraudulent purchases with them.
17-year-old among 2 killed when car strikes bridge railing in Flagler County, FHP says
Read full article: 17-year-old among 2 killed when car strikes bridge railing in Flagler County, FHP saysA 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were killed when the sedan they were taking through Flagler County drifted and struck a concrete bridge railing, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pedestrian dies after being struck by pickup truck in Lake County, FHP says
Read full article: Pedestrian dies after being struck by pickup truck in Lake County, FHP saysA 54-year-old Sorrento man walking in a Lake County road was struck by a pickup truck and later died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
‘Someone cares:’ Investigators still looking for answers after Lake County ‘Julie Doe’ identified
Read full article: ‘Someone cares:’ Investigators still looking for answers after Lake County ‘Julie Doe’ identifiedMore than 26 years after she went missing, Lake County investigators now know “Julie Doe’s” real name and part of her story.
Lake County continues investments in public transportation to support growing community
Read full article: Lake County continues investments in public transportation to support growing communityThe Lake County Commission voted to move forward with a grant application that will help the county continue to invest in public transportation services.
22-year-old suspect found guilty in Leesburg gas station shooting, state attorney’s office says
Read full article: 22-year-old suspect found guilty in Leesburg gas station shooting, state attorney’s office saysA Leesburg man was found guilty in a 2024 shooting at a gas station that left an 87-year-old man dead, according to a news release from the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measures
Read full article: Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measuresMeasures approved by voters in 2024 to tighten development in rural areas of two Central Florida counties would be banned under a bill currently in the Florida Senate. State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, is sponsoring SB 1118, which proposes changes to land use and development regulations.
Netflix acquires documentary on Florida woman’s fatal shooting through neighbor’s front door
Read full article: Netflix acquires documentary on Florida woman’s fatal shooting through neighbor’s front doorA documentary coming to Netflix focuses on “stand your ground” laws through the lens of Ajike Owens’ shooting death at the hands of her Ocala neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who has since been sentenced to prison.
Ocala officers disciplined, changes made after 3 dogs fatally shot, chief says
Read full article: Ocala officers disciplined, changes made after 3 dogs fatally shot, chief saysOcala police Chief Mike Balken held a news conference to announce changes in policy and the disciplining of officers in the fatal shooting of three dogs earlier this year.
Marion County Schools Superintendent Diane Gullet to resign at end of school year
Read full article: Marion County Schools Superintendent Diane Gullet to resign at end of school yearMarion County Public Schools' first appointed Superintendent of Schools will be resigning from her position, according to a news release from the district.
Man accused of sexual battery in Marion County apprehended at Orlando airport, deputies say
Read full article: Man accused of sexual battery in Marion County apprehended at Orlando airport, deputies sayA man was arrested while trying to board a flight after he was accused of multiple charges including sexual battery and lewd molestation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Uber vouchers secured for Jones graduation amid complaints of distance to venue
Read full article: Uber vouchers secured for Jones graduation amid complaints of distance to venueStudent families hopeful to attend Jones High School’s upcoming graduation ceremony — yet unpleased with what they call a distant choice for a venue — can look forward to some help in the form of an Uber voucher, according to Orlando District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose.
4 injured in fiery crash that shut down SR-429 in Orange County, troopers say
Read full article: 4 injured in fiery crash that shut down SR-429 in Orange County, troopers sayFour people were hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries in a crash Saturday morning which forced all southbound lanes of State Road 429 to temporarily be shut down in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Vehicle crashes into transformer, bursts into flames in St. Cloud; no injuries reported
Read full article: Vehicle crashes into transformer, bursts into flames in St. Cloud; no injuries reportedNo injuries were reported after a vehicle smashed into a power transformer in St. Cloud before it erupted in flames on Saturday, according to a news release.
‘Follow the law:’ Osceola sheriff addresses new state illegal immigration laws
Read full article: ‘Follow the law:’ Osceola sheriff addresses new state illegal immigration lawsInside the auditorium at Gateway High School Thursday night, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez addressed a politically fraught topic that is of high interest to the large Hispanic community he serves: illegal immigration.
Traffic ticket lands teen awaiting 2023 Poinciana crash trial in jail
Read full article: Traffic ticket lands teen awaiting 2023 Poinciana crash trial in jailThe teen involved in a 2023 Poinciana crash that claimed four lives, faced a plea hearing on Thursday in a completely separate case. He pleaded no contest to a 2024 charge of driving without a license, and received a 60-day jail sentence, along with six months of probation.
Pedestrian struck, killed while crossing road in Osceola County, FHP says
Read full article: Pedestrian struck, killed while crossing road in Osceola County, FHP saysA pedestrian walking across a road in Osceola County was struck by a car and killed, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Dunkin Donuts refused drive-thru service to deaf woman on Christmas, complaint claims
Read full article: Florida Dunkin Donuts refused drive-thru service to deaf woman on Christmas, complaint claimsA woman is claiming discrimination by Dunkin Donuts after she was refused drive-thru service on Christmas Day, according to law firm Morgan & Morgan.
‘This business is closed:’ Osceola deputies arrest 26 in one of county’s largest fentanyl busts
Read full article: ‘This business is closed:’ Osceola deputies arrest 26 in one of county’s largest fentanyl bustsThe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday the arrest of 26 people in one of the agency’s largest-ever fentanyl bust.
Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?Earlier this week during a Winter Haven news conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made several jabs at states like California and New York.
Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies say
Read full article: Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies sayA motorcycle driver was killed in Lakeland after a collision with a FedEx truck Monday afternoon, according to a social media post from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
‘Just eliminate it entirely:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis vows to axe rent, property taxes
Read full article: ‘Just eliminate it entirely:’ Florida Gov. DeSantis vows to axe rent, property taxesOn Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged to eliminate business rent taxes as he touted the state's economic success.
Teens in stolen car lead I-4 chase that ends in crash on Lee Road in Orange County, deputies say
Read full article: Teens in stolen car lead I-4 chase that ends in crash on Lee Road in Orange County, deputies sayA stolen vehicle carrying seven people led law enforcement on a chase, ending in a crash on Lee Road in Orange County, according to sheriff’s officials.
Silver Alert called off after missing elderly Florida man’s car spotted along I-4
Read full article: Silver Alert called off after missing elderly Florida man’s car spotted along I-4A 79-year-old Melbourne man sparked a Silver Alert on Wednesday after his car was spotted along Interstate 4, according to the police department.
1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials say
Read full article: 1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials sayA person on a personal watercraft was injured in a crash with a boat on Saturday on the St. Johns River, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.
1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP says
Read full article: 1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP saysAn Orlando man is dead and two children are among five others hurt after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 4 in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measures
Read full article: Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measuresMeasures approved by voters in 2024 to tighten development in rural areas of two Central Florida counties would be banned under a bill currently in the Florida Senate. State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, is sponsoring SB 1118, which proposes changes to land use and development regulations.
Seminole Towne Center set for transformation in new mixed-use development deal
Read full article: Seminole Towne Center set for transformation in new mixed-use development dealThe Ardent Companies, a privately held real estate firm based in Atlanta, has closed on a deal for the 76-acre site in Sanford for $17 million.
‘Would’ve been dead:' Good Samaritans, first responders honored for saving Seminole County fisherman
Read full article: ‘Would’ve been dead:' Good Samaritans, first responders honored for saving Seminole County fishermanIn January, Dan Watson was changing out his tackle bait when his boat flipped over near Lake Harney and Jolly Gator area. With the help of fishermen, 911 dispatchers, and Seminole County fire crews, he's alive to tell the tale.
Man accused of DUI after passenger falls from golf cart in The Villages, later dies, FHP says
Read full article: Man accused of DUI after passenger falls from golf cart in The Villages, later dies, FHP saysA man from The Villages is accused of DUI manslaughter following the death of a woman who fell out of a golf cart that he was operating while impaired, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Arrest made after suspicious man wearing ski mask prompts shelter in place at 3 Florida schools
Read full article: Arrest made after suspicious man wearing ski mask prompts shelter in place at 3 Florida schoolsThree Sumter County schools were placed on a "shelter in place" status after a suspicious person was spotted walking around Bushnell.
‘Most used tourist corridor:’ DeSantis says Florida will expand I-75. Here’s where
Read full article: ‘Most used tourist corridor:’ DeSantis says Florida will expand I-75. Here’s whereA portion of Interstate 75 in Florida will be expanded with more lanes through part of Central Florida, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Central Florida manages school buses
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: How Central Florida manages school busesThe costs of school buses have risen due to inflation. Here’s how Central Florida’s school districts are handling the rising cost to purchase new buses. Most districts replace their buses every 10-12 years.
Motorcyclist killed in crash with pickup that was trying to pass traffic, troopers say
Read full article: Motorcyclist killed in crash with pickup that was trying to pass traffic, troopers sayA 49-year-old Daytona Beach man riding a motorcycle in Volusia County was struck and killed by a pickup truck that was attempting to pass traffic ahead of it, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Driver going 100 mph crashes into fire truck in Daytona Beach Shores, police say
Read full article: Driver going 100 mph crashes into fire truck in Daytona Beach Shores, police sayPhotos from the scene taken by Daytona Shores Police Chief Mike Fowler show damage to the side of the firetruck as well as front-end damage to the white car.
New Smyrna Beach police enforce zero tolerance as spring break begins
Read full article: New Smyrna Beach police enforce zero tolerance as spring break beginsAs spring break kicks off for many school districts, New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County law enforcement are preparing for the annual influx of visitors.
Volusia sheriff seeks DNA samples to ID French-Canadian ‘John Doe’
Read full article: Volusia sheriff seeks DNA samples to ID French-Canadian ‘John Doe’The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is asking locals with backgrounds similar to a 1982 French-Canadian “John Doe” to provide DNA samples in an attempt to identify him.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Uber vouchers secured for Jones graduation amid complaints of distance to venue
Read full article: Uber vouchers secured for Jones graduation amid complaints of distance to venueStudent families hopeful to attend Jones High School’s upcoming graduation ceremony — yet unpleased with what they call a distant choice for a venue — can look forward to some help in the form of an Uber voucher, according to Orlando District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose.
Appeals court backs Florida gun age law
Read full article: Appeals court backs Florida gun age lawSaying the restriction is “consistent with our historical tradition of firearm regulation,” a federal appeals court upheld the constitutionality of a Florida law that raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21.
4 injured in fiery crash that shut down SR-429 in Orange County, troopers say
Read full article: 4 injured in fiery crash that shut down SR-429 in Orange County, troopers sayFour people were hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries in a crash Saturday morning which forced all southbound lanes of State Road 429 to temporarily be shut down in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pedestrian dies after being struck by pickup truck in Lake County, FHP says
Read full article: Pedestrian dies after being struck by pickup truck in Lake County, FHP saysA 54-year-old Sorrento man walking in a Lake County road was struck by a pickup truck and later died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP says
Read full article: 1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP saysAn Orlando man is dead and two children are among five others hurt after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 4 in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida lawmakers push for left-lane camping ban yet again. But can it pass DeSantis?
Read full article: Florida lawmakers push for left-lane camping ban yet again. But can it pass DeSantis?Florida lawmakers are once again pushing to ban left-lane camping on the state’s highways, though they may face an obstacle on their crusade: Gov. Ron DeSantis.
‘Everybody’s Jessie’s best friend:’ Jessie Kirk remembered at Titusville vigil
Read full article: ‘Everybody’s Jessie’s best friend:’ Jessie Kirk remembered at Titusville vigilAs the sun set over Sand Point Park in Titusville Friday night, hundreds of people stood in respectful silence, as they listened to stories about Jessie Kirk, the beloved philanthropist whom police say was murdered last week.
‘Weak little twig:’ Andrew Tate challenges Florida Gov. DeSantis amid investigation
Read full article: ‘Weak little twig:’ Andrew Tate challenges Florida Gov. DeSantis amid investigationFormer kickboxer Andrew Tate, 38, challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis via social media on Friday after Tate and his brother became the subjects of a criminal investigation in the state.
Florida lawmakers look for insurance answers
Read full article: Florida lawmakers look for insurance answersFlorida House members Friday began digging into questions about property-insurance companies sending money to affiliated firms and shareholders while arguing the industry was losing money.