CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
Lost Florida dog travels 1,000 miles home from New York
Read full article: Lost Florida dog travels 1,000 miles home from New YorkApollo, a 13-year-old dog from Ocala, Florida, was found more than 1,000 miles away at a police station in Long Island, New York, months after disappearing from his home. His owner, Nicholas Josey, flew to New York to bring him back, and the family is now celebrating Apollo's safe return. The Joseys are still investigating how Apollo ended up so far from home and plan to share their findings with local authorities. For now, the family is focused on reuniting and preparing to celebrate Apollo’s upcoming 14th birthday.
Tavares police warn of scam texts impersonating local pastor, targeting church members for gift cards
Read full article: Tavares police warn of scam texts impersonating local pastor, targeting church members for gift cardsTavares police are warning the public about scammers impersonating church leaders, including a local pastor, to trick people into buying gift cards.
Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicide
Read full article: Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicidePolice in Kissimmee now say the body that was discovered in a neighborhood on Thursday morning is part of a homicide case. The victim has now been identified as Charles Harper, 71. Police are looking for help finding whoever took Harper's truck, which was recovered later in Altamonte Springs.
Heat-related calls start to climb in Seminole County ahead of Fourth of July
Read full article: Heat-related calls start to climb in Seminole County ahead of Fourth of JulySummer is barely underway, and Seminole County fire crews are already busy. With dozens of heat-related emergency calls logged in June alone — and the hottest months still ahead — local fire officials are urging residents to take simple steps to stay safe, especially as thousands prepare to head outdoors for the Fourth of July holiday.
Almost no way in or out: Titusville residents say Gibson Street construction is cutting off access
Read full article: Almost no way in or out: Titusville residents say Gibson Street construction is cutting off accessTitusville residents on Gibson Street say a septic-to-sewer construction project has repeatedly blocked access to their homes, and they want the city to clarify how much longer the disruptions will last.
Dashcam video shows FHP trooper punched during I-95 traffic stop in Brevard County
Read full article: Dashcam video shows FHP trooper punched during I-95 traffic stop in Brevard CountyDashcam video shows an 18-year-old Orlando man punching a trooper in the face during a chaotic I-95 traffic stop in Brevard County, where six other suspects fled into the woods and remain at large, FHP said.
Special education teacher drove to meet teen student for sex multiple times, Palm Bay police say
Read full article: Special education teacher drove to meet teen student for sex multiple times, Palm Bay police sayPalm Bay police said Michelle Lynn Hancock was found with a 17-year-old former student in a parked vehicle, and both admitted to engaging in sexual activity.
15-year-old on electric scooter killed in Brevard County hit-and-run crash, troopers say
Read full article: 15-year-old on electric scooter killed in Brevard County hit-and-run crash, troopers sayA 15-year-old Melbourne boy is dead after a hit-and-run crash in Viera, and investigators have located a damaged Hyundai Genesis believed to be connected to the deadly collision.
Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rules
Read full article: Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rulesFlorida cities and counties can continue to operate under their own e-bike and e-scooter rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a uniform statewide system — leaving parents and advocates questioning what comes next.
DNA confirms the remains of Flagler County woman who disappeared in 2003
Read full article: DNA confirms the remains of Flagler County woman who disappeared in 2003Human remains found in the Intracoastal Waterway last year are those of a Flagler County woman who disappeared more than two decades ago, the sheriff’s office announced Thursday. Mary Lou Combs of Palm Coast was reported missing in August 2003.
Flagler Beach city commission to vote on 30-camera surveillance network
Read full article: Flagler Beach city commission to vote on 30-camera surveillance networkFlagler Beach is considering a major expansion of its public surveillance network, with a city commission vote scheduled for Thursday on a proposal to install 30 security cameras across town.
DeLand downtown businesses extend hours, team up to boost summer sales
Read full article: DeLand downtown businesses extend hours, team up to boost summer salesDowntown DeLand businesses are adjusting hours, collaborating with neighbors and leaning on local support to weather a slower-than-average summer season.
‘I can jump into the judge:’ Hearing focuses on Lake County deputy ambush suspect’s competence
Read full article: ‘I can jump into the judge:’ Hearing focuses on Lake County deputy ambush suspect’s competenceThe woman accused of luring Lake County deputies to her home in a deadly ambush in 2024 sat quietly in a courtroom for six hours Friday, as three psychologists testified about her ability to stand trial. Julie Sulpizio is the only living suspect in the ambush that left Master Deputy Bradley Link dead. Two other deputies survived their injuries.
Tavares police warn of scam texts impersonating local pastor, targeting church members for gift cards
Read full article: Tavares police warn of scam texts impersonating local pastor, targeting church members for gift cardsTavares police are warning the public about scammers impersonating church leaders, including a local pastor, to trick people into buying gift cards.
Monkey business: Wild rhesus macaque spotted at Mount Dora hotel
Read full article: Monkey business: Wild rhesus macaque spotted at Mount Dora hotelA wild rhesus macaque was spotted at the historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, spending about 45 minutes roaming the property and attracting attention from guests and staff.
Mount Dora business owner scrambles to help homeless man, learns Lake County has no emergency homeless shelter
Read full article: Mount Dora business owner scrambles to help homeless man, learns Lake County has no emergency homeless shelterA Mount Dora laundromat co-owner is rallying support for a homeless man after discovering Lake County has no emergency shelter and few local resources.
‘Don’t fit the character:’ Lake County moves forward with proposed 1-year ban on data centers
Read full article: ‘Don’t fit the character:’ Lake County moves forward with proposed 1-year ban on data centersLake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini is citing concerns over utility strain, higher costs, and heavy water use for the proposed moratorium on data centers. Commissioners agreed to have staff draw up the proposal for a vote.
Lost Florida dog travels 1,000 miles home from New York
Read full article: Lost Florida dog travels 1,000 miles home from New YorkApollo, a 13-year-old dog from Ocala, Florida, was found more than 1,000 miles away at a police station in Long Island, New York, months after disappearing from his home. His owner, Nicholas Josey, flew to New York to bring him back, and the family is now celebrating Apollo's safe return. The Joseys are still investigating how Apollo ended up so far from home and plan to share their findings with local authorities. For now, the family is focused on reuniting and preparing to celebrate Apollo’s upcoming 14th birthday.
Swimming back open at Florida state park after alligator that bit a snorkeler is removed
Read full article: Swimming back open at Florida state park after alligator that bit a snorkeler is removedThe Rainbow River has reopened after deputies and FWC located and removed an alligator involved in a snorkeler bite, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.
‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junction
Read full article: ‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junctionThe cult-favorite convenience chain Buc-ee’s is set to open several new locations in the Sunshine State — but one location in particular may be a good fit for the company, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Orange County schools launch first-ever summer series with ‘In the Heights’
Read full article: Orange County schools launch first-ever summer series with ‘In the Heights’This month, Orange County Public Schools launched its first-ever “Summer Production Series,” with a performance set for this weekend.
VA Lake Nona resource fair reminds Central Florida veterans that help is available
Read full article: VA Lake Nona resource fair reminds Central Florida veterans that help is availableWith about a week to go until the nation marks its 250th birthday, the VA Medical Center in Lake Nona is reminding veterans that help is available close to home. The medical center hosted a resource fair, filling hallways with booths for health services, benefits assistance, and community support organizations. Displays recognizing America’s 250th anniversary were set up throughout the facility.
Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekend
Read full article: Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekendCentral Florida's theme parks and attractions — including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Legoland and more — are celebrating America's 250th birthday on July 4 with fireworks, special events, character experiences, and ticket deals.
Homeowner says Father’s Day weekend ‘pranks’ by kids left him feeling unsafe in Winter Park Pines
Read full article: Homeowner says Father’s Day weekend ‘pranks’ by kids left him feeling unsafe in Winter Park PinesA Winter Park Pines homeowner says a string of incidents involving three young boys over Father’s Day weekend has him on edge — so much so that he asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation.
Orlando renovates Parramore playground with new features, including city’s first outdoor obstacle course
Read full article: Orlando renovates Parramore playground with new features, including city’s first outdoor obstacle courseThe upgraded playground includes new slides and swings, more shade to help families stay cooler in the summer heat, and the city’s first outdoor obstacle course.
Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicide
Read full article: Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicidePolice in Kissimmee now say the body that was discovered in a neighborhood on Thursday morning is part of a homicide case. The victim has now been identified as Charles Harper, 71. Police are looking for help finding whoever took Harper's truck, which was recovered later in Altamonte Springs.
Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekend
Read full article: Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekendCentral Florida's theme parks and attractions — including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Legoland and more — are celebrating America's 250th birthday on July 4 with fireworks, special events, character experiences, and ticket deals.
Osceola County deputy on leave after arrest on domestic violence charges
Read full article: Osceola County deputy on leave after arrest on domestic violence chargesAn Osceola County deputy was arrested Thursday morning, accused of domestic violence. Deputies say the victim reported Elias Ramirez III, 34, from an Orange County RaceTrac after they said Ramirez began shoving and kicking her.
Body discovered at Kissimmee neighborhood in ‘suspicious death’ case
Read full article: Body discovered at Kissimmee neighborhood in ‘suspicious death’ caseKissimmee police are now investigating a “suspicious death” after a body was discovered in a local neighborhood, according to the department.
John Young Parkway back open near US-192 in Osceola County after suspicious device
Read full article: John Young Parkway back open near US-192 in Osceola County after suspicious deviceJohn Young Parkway in Osceola County was shut down in both directions because of a suspicious device. The road is now back open.
Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changes
Read full article: Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changesLast month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill impacting data centers across the state, adding it to the list of nearly 200 laws approved so far this year.
‘No sign of remorse:’ Duct-taped dog lands Central Florida woman behind bars, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘No sign of remorse:’ Duct-taped dog lands Central Florida woman behind bars, sheriff saysAfter coming across a Facebook post showing the duct-taped dog, investigators said they jumped into action to find the animal and its owner.
Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicide
Read full article: Suspicious death in Kissimmee neighborhood now called a homicidePolice in Kissimmee now say the body that was discovered in a neighborhood on Thursday morning is part of a homicide case. The victim has now been identified as Charles Harper, 71. Police are looking for help finding whoever took Harper's truck, which was recovered later in Altamonte Springs.
Heat-related calls start to climb in Seminole County ahead of Fourth of July
Read full article: Heat-related calls start to climb in Seminole County ahead of Fourth of JulySummer is barely underway, and Seminole County fire crews are already busy. With dozens of heat-related emergency calls logged in June alone — and the hottest months still ahead — local fire officials are urging residents to take simple steps to stay safe, especially as thousands prepare to head outdoors for the Fourth of July holiday.
AI boom raises questions in Seminole County: Are data centers welcome here?
Read full article: AI boom raises questions in Seminole County: Are data centers welcome here?Seminole County doesn’t have any large-scale AI data centers — and there are no concrete plans to build one. But county commissioners aren’t waiting for that to change before asking a critical question: Should they have rules in place before one arrives? This week, commissioners began discussing whether a moratorium on data centers is needed as they plan for the county’s future.
Quicker response times expected as Sanford Fire opens new station
Read full article: Quicker response times expected as Sanford Fire opens new stationSanford Fire Rescue has opened a new station, a move leaders say will improve emergency response times and reduce call volume for nearby crews as the area continues to grow.
Man charged with attempted murder re-arrested in Oviedo; three teens arrested after ‘drug deal gone bad’
Read full article: Man charged with attempted murder re-arrested in Oviedo; three teens arrested after ‘drug deal gone bad’An afternoon in a quiet Oviedo neighborhood turned chaotic this weekend after an attempted armed robbery led to a car crash, a gunshot and an alleged effort to cover up the crime. News 6 is learning that four people are now facing charges, including a man previously arrested while wanted for attempted murder in New Jersey.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: Cruising through The Villages with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: Cruising through The Villages with the Sumter County Sheriff’s OfficeLeaving the patrol car behind, Trooper Steve hopped into one of the Sheriff’s Office’s marked golf carts, and he gave him a firsthand look at life in The Villages.
‘#DoBetter:’ Dogs found tied to dumpster at Central Florida rest stop, troopers say
Read full article: ‘#DoBetter:’ Dogs found tied to dumpster at Central Florida rest stop, troopers sayA pair of dogs was found tied to a dumpster at a rest stop in Central Florida, leading investigators to ask for help from the public, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Central Florida dad accused of manslaughter years after shaking baby boy
Read full article: Central Florida dad accused of manslaughter years after shaking baby boyVolusia County deputies have revealed that an Orlando father is now facing an even more serious charge after his infant son died earlier this year.
FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forward
Read full article: FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forwardAs Florida hurricane survivors wait for FEMA to approve their grant applications, Congress and a council appointed by President Trump push different plans to overhaul FEMA.
Appeals Court agrees part of Daytona Beach panhandling ban violated First Amendment
Read full article: Appeals Court agrees part of Daytona Beach panhandling ban violated First AmendmentA Daytona Beach ordinance banning panhandling partially violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. Appeals Court affirmed this week. But the judges also ruled the lower court went too far in blocking the whole ordinance.
Ormond Beach businesses push drivers to slow down on Granada Boulevard
Read full article: Ormond Beach businesses push drivers to slow down on Granada BoulevardDowntown Ormond Beach businesses are taking matters into their own hands after drivers continue to ignore a reduced speed limit on Granada Boulevard — nearly a year after the change took effect.
DeLand downtown businesses extend hours, team up to boost summer sales
Read full article: DeLand downtown businesses extend hours, team up to boost summer salesDowntown DeLand businesses are adjusting hours, collaborating with neighbors and leaning on local support to weather a slower-than-average summer season.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Orange County schools launch first-ever summer series with ‘In the Heights’
Read full article: Orange County schools launch first-ever summer series with ‘In the Heights’This month, Orange County Public Schools launched its first-ever “Summer Production Series,” with a performance set for this weekend.
Central Florida dad accused of manslaughter years after shaking baby boy
Read full article: Central Florida dad accused of manslaughter years after shaking baby boyVolusia County deputies have revealed that an Orlando father is now facing an even more serious charge after his infant son died earlier this year.
Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rules
Read full article: Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rulesFlorida cities and counties can continue to operate under their own e-bike and e-scooter rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a uniform statewide system — leaving parents and advocates questioning what comes next.
VA Lake Nona resource fair reminds Central Florida veterans that help is available
Read full article: VA Lake Nona resource fair reminds Central Florida veterans that help is availableWith about a week to go until the nation marks its 250th birthday, the VA Medical Center in Lake Nona is reminding veterans that help is available close to home. The medical center hosted a resource fair, filling hallways with booths for health services, benefits assistance, and community support organizations. Displays recognizing America’s 250th anniversary were set up throughout the facility.
Universal Orlando unveils 11 sand sculptures for summer. Here’s where
Read full article: Universal Orlando unveils 11 sand sculptures for summer. Here’s whereInspired by fan-favorite Universal characters and experiences, each sculpture was crafted from 600 to 1,200 pounds of sand and took up to 10 hours to complete.
Frost urges Congress to protect Haitian, Syrian migrants, says it’s ‘a matter of life and death’
Read full article: Frost urges Congress to protect Haitian, Syrian migrants, says it’s ‘a matter of life and death’Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost is calling on lawmakers to act after a ruling that allows the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disasters in Haiti and Syria.
Summer sizzle sticks around for the weekend. Here’s how hot it could get
Read full article: Summer sizzle sticks around for the weekend. Here’s how hot it could getCentral Florida is in for another classic summer stretch with temperatures climbing into the 90s, heat index values topping 100 degrees, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms expected to develop.
Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekend
Read full article: Central Florida theme parks roll out patriotic events, savings for Fourth of July weekendCentral Florida's theme parks and attractions — including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Legoland and more — are celebrating America's 250th birthday on July 4 with fireworks, special events, character experiences, and ticket deals.
FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forward
Read full article: FEMA backlog leaves Florida disaster survivors waiting; 2 reform plans offer different paths forwardAs Florida hurricane survivors wait for FEMA to approve their grant applications, Congress and a council appointed by President Trump push different plans to overhaul FEMA.
Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changes
Read full article: Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changesLast month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill impacting data centers across the state, adding it to the list of nearly 200 laws approved so far this year.