CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
Orange County moves forward on plans to build private school in Horizon West
Read full article: Orange County moves forward on plans to build private school in Horizon WestOrange County's Development Review Committee has recommended approval of plans to build an 880-student private school in the Hamlin area of Horizon West.
MetroPlan Orlando considers extending AI-driven tool to spot traffic trouble spots in real time
Read full article: MetroPlan Orlando considers extending AI-driven tool to spot traffic trouble spots in real timeTraffic is a daily frustration for many Central Florida drivers—and now MetroPlan Orlando is considering extending a contract for technology designed to help pinpoint problems faster.
Palm Coast man arrested for sexual contact with 2 underage girls, Volusia County deputies say
Read full article: Palm Coast man arrested for sexual contact with 2 underage girls, Volusia County deputies sayInvestigators say Alo targeted victims by driving around the east side of Volusia County. The Sheriff’s Office says he frequently visited skate parks, the boardwalk, and other public parks to seek out victims.
Pine Hills Road project Complete, Saving Residents Costly Septic Replacements
Read full article: Pine Hills Road project Complete, Saving Residents Costly Septic ReplacementsCounty officials say the project improves infrastructure, supports future development, and helps homeowners avoid costly septic system replacements.
Florida lawmakers seek more aid for victims fleeing abuse
Read full article: Florida lawmakers seek more aid for victims fleeing abuseIn Orange County, authorities say Bryan Watts, a convicted felon, shot and killed his two young daughters, Tiana and Jaliyajh, before killing himself at their apartment last week. The killings happened one day after Watts was in court on charges accusing him of beating his girlfriend.
Family of man paralyzed after police tasing announces federal lawsuit against Palm Bay
Read full article: Family of man paralyzed after police tasing announces federal lawsuit against Palm BayThe family of a Florida man claims he was paralyzed after being tasered by police and falling from a fence announced Tuesday that they plan to file a federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Palm Bay and several police officers.
Central Florida man fatally shoots cat in eye with BB gun, sheriff says
Read full article: Central Florida man fatally shoots cat in eye with BB gun, sheriff saysA Central Florida man was arrested after he shot a cat in the eye with a BB gun and killed it, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
‘A pursuit implies speed:’ Florida motorcyclist very slowly flees from deputy
Read full article: ‘A pursuit implies speed:’ Florida motorcyclist very slowly flees from deputyA Central Florida man was taken into custody after a very slow chase early Friday morning, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Health issues shut down these 7 Central Florida eateries last week
Read full article: Health issues shut down these 7 Central Florida eateries last weekDuring the final week of May, another seven eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
Palm Coast grandmother, granddaughter face charges after juveniles locked in park restroom
Read full article: Palm Coast grandmother, granddaughter face charges after juveniles locked in park restroomA 13-year-old girl and her grandmother are facing criminal charges after a series of escalating threats left five juveniles barricaded inside a public restroom at a Palm Coast park.
Lake County weighs second gas tax hike vote in less than a year
Read full article: Lake County weighs second gas tax hike vote in less than a yearEven as gas prices have started to ease, some drivers said their budgets are still strained and questioned the timing — even though the higher tax would not take effect until 2028.
Lake County schools to merge two middle schools amid enrollment drop
Read full article: Lake County schools to merge two middle schools amid enrollment dropLake County Schools is the latest Central Florida district to move forward with a school consolidation, citing low enrollment. But unlike other recent proposals that have drawn vocal parent opposition, district leaders say the planned merger of Oak Park and Carver middle schools has largely been met with support.
Resident turnout forces Eustis to pause major housing plan near SR 44B
Read full article: Resident turnout forces Eustis to pause major housing plan near SR 44BCity leaders delayed a decision on a proposed housing project near State Road 44 and Eustis Airport Road after residents warned the area’s infrastructure can’t handle additional growth.
Lake Commissioner Anthony Sabatini refuses to resign to run for Congress, sues Florida to block law
Read full article: Lake Commissioner Anthony Sabatini refuses to resign to run for Congress, sues Florida to block lawDistrict 1 Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini is refusing to resign from his seat in order to run for U.S. House District 11, as required by Florida law. He’s suing the state in federal court, claiming it violates the United States Constitution. But if a federal judge doesn't rule in his favor soon, he may not have a choice.
WATCH LIVE at 11 a.m.: Marion County sheriff, state officials to unveil details of record-breaking child predator sting
Read full article: WATCH LIVE at 11 a.m.: Marion County sheriff, state officials to unveil details of record-breaking child predator stingAccording to a news release from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the sting resulted in more than 50 arrests — making it the largest operation of its kind in the county’s history.
Florida lawmakers seek more aid for victims fleeing abuse
Read full article: Florida lawmakers seek more aid for victims fleeing abuseIn Orange County, authorities say Bryan Watts, a convicted felon, shot and killed his two young daughters, Tiana and Jaliyajh, before killing himself at their apartment last week. The killings happened one day after Watts was in court on charges accusing him of beating his girlfriend.
‘Village RV’ owners accused of scamming elderly customers, Ocala police say
Read full article: ‘Village RV’ owners accused of scamming elderly customers, Ocala police sayA father and son were taken into custody this week after investigators said they uncovered a local RV scam, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Search kicks off for wanted mom after she took kids from Central Florida, deputies say
Read full article: Search kicks off for wanted mom after she took kids from Central Florida, deputies sayDeputies said she and the children may be in Texas, where the individual with whom she allegedly had an affair lives.
414 alligators removed from Disney World since toddler’s death 10 years ago
Read full article: 414 alligators removed from Disney World since toddler’s death 10 years agoWildlife trappers have captured and removed at least 414 nuisance alligators from Walt Disney World property since a toddler was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort ten years ago, newly obtained state records show.
Orange County moves forward on plans to build private school in Horizon West
Read full article: Orange County moves forward on plans to build private school in Horizon WestOrange County's Development Review Committee has recommended approval of plans to build an 880-student private school in the Hamlin area of Horizon West.
Pine Hills Road project Complete, Saving Residents Costly Septic Replacements
Read full article: Pine Hills Road project Complete, Saving Residents Costly Septic ReplacementsCounty officials say the project improves infrastructure, supports future development, and helps homeowners avoid costly septic system replacements.
Murder charge dropped against man accused in deadly shooting outside Orlando nightclub
Read full article: Murder charge dropped against man accused in deadly shooting outside Orlando nightclubIn February, Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr was arrested and accused of killing Julien Emmanuel Cruz outside Savoy Orlando on North Orange Avenue.
New play explores emotional aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy
Read full article: New play explores emotional aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedyThe new play "The World May Be Flat" premieres on June 14, marking the 10 years since the Pulse nightclub shooting, and supports Central Florida LGBTQ+ youth through the Rose Dynasty Foundation.
Driver arrested after video shows passengers riding on hood of moving vehicle, Belle Isle police say
Read full article: Driver arrested after video shows passengers riding on hood of moving vehicle, Belle Isle police sayAround 4:30 a.m. Monday, an officer pulled over the vehicle traveling 40 mph through Belle Isle, police said. The driver, Gary Mathurin, was issued three citations and arrested on a charge of reckless driving.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: Inside a fatal crash investigation in St. Cloud
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: Inside a fatal crash investigation in St. CloudCrashes can cause delays, but some investigations involve far more than clearing debris and reopening lanes. Cpl. Redditt, with the St. Cloud Police Department, explains why fatal crash investigations can take hours to complete.
3 hurt when chase ends in crash with Osceola County deputy patrol vehicle, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: 3 hurt when chase ends in crash with Osceola County deputy patrol vehicle, sheriff’s office saysFootage from the scene shows the car was severely damaged and came to rest in the front yard of a nearby home, with vehicle parts scattered across the street.
‘Suspicious device’ forces evacuation at Central Florida chicken restaurant
Read full article: ‘Suspicious device’ forces evacuation at Central Florida chicken restaurantA “suspicious device” was found in a chicken restaurant on Monday, causing traffic to shut down nearby, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Crews respond after small plane crashes in Kissimmee, officials say
Read full article: Crews respond after small plane crashes in Kissimmee, officials sayKissimmee fire crews and law enforcement agencies responded to a small plane crash near West Clay Street and South John Young Parkway, with federal investigators to determine the cause.
Winter Haven woman arrested for child neglect after 6-year-old shoots self in leg, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Winter Haven woman arrested for child neglect after 6-year-old shoots self in leg, sheriff’s office saysThe Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a 6-year-old boy shot himself in the right leg with a handgun inside a Winter Haven home, and a woman who was caring for him faces child neglect and drug-related charges.
FIFA World Cup celebration headlines jam-packed summer of events at Legoland Florida
Read full article: FIFA World Cup celebration headlines jam-packed summer of events at Legoland FloridaLegoland Florida is packed with summer fun, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience, Peppa Pig's Pig Family Travel Adventure, a Fourth of July fireworks show, and the LEGO Festival.
‘Just terrible:’ Central Florida officer racked up over $10K on dead man’s credit card, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Just terrible:’ Central Florida officer racked up over $10K on dead man’s credit card, sheriff saysA police officer was taken into custody this week after he was accused of racking up charges on a dead man’s credit card, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Lake Brantley teen had videos on her phone depicting sexual abuse of children, police say
Read full article: Lake Brantley teen had videos on her phone depicting sexual abuse of children, police sayThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced on Wednesday the arrest of 15-year-old Isabelle Valdez, who is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Seminole County commissioners clash with LYNX over rising paratransit costs, funding model shift
Read full article: Seminole County commissioners clash with LYNX over rising paratransit costs, funding model shiftSeminole County commissioners pushed back hard against LYNX during a budget work session this week, raising pointed questions about skyrocketing paratransit costs, a shifting funding formula and the county’s future role in Central Florida’s regional transit system.
Lake Brantley teen accused in school stabbing plot now faces child sex abuse material charges
Read full article: Lake Brantley teen accused in school stabbing plot now faces child sex abuse material chargesMonths after an anonymous tip stopped an alleged attack, 15-year-old Isabelle Valdez is now charged with 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material.
Casselberry woman fights to keep backyard hens
Read full article: Casselberry woman fights to keep backyard hensA Casselberry woman, Lindsay Feist, faced fines for keeping four backyard hens, prompting her to appeal to city leaders for clearer regulations. The city commission responded by pausing enforcement and directing staff to draft an ordinance that could legalize backyard hens. Supporters, including neighbors, expressed approval, citing benefits like self-sustainability and quiet hens. The issue will be revisited at a future city meeting while Feist and her family await a final decision.
Seminole County proposes $1.3B budget for FY27, eyes future tax reform challenges
Read full article: Seminole County proposes $1.3B budget for FY27, eyes future tax reform challengesSeminole County plans for 2027 budget, while also bracing for a statewide property tax ballot measure that could dramatically reshape county finances starting in 2028.
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.
Sumter County deputy terminated, arrested for stealing narcotics from medication drop box, sheriff says
Read full article: Sumter County deputy terminated, arrested for stealing narcotics from medication drop box, sheriff saysThe Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of one of their deputies, accused of stealing narcotics from a drop box.
Palm Coast man arrested for sexual contact with 2 underage girls, Volusia County deputies say
Read full article: Palm Coast man arrested for sexual contact with 2 underage girls, Volusia County deputies sayInvestigators say Alo targeted victims by driving around the east side of Volusia County. The Sheriff’s Office says he frequently visited skate parks, the boardwalk, and other public parks to seek out victims.
Woman wrongly jailed in I-4 deadly crash files lawsuit against Florida Highway Patrol
Read full article: Woman wrongly jailed in I-4 deadly crash files lawsuit against Florida Highway PatrolA Florida woman is suing the Florida Highway Patrol after spending 13 days in jail for a deadly 2025 wrong-way crash on I-4 that investigators later determined she had no involvement in.
Accused toll booth killer remains jailed; victim’s family faces suspect in court
Read full article: Accused toll booth killer remains jailed; victim’s family faces suspect in courtA woman accused of plowing through a Volusia Beach toll booth, killing a worker and then driving into the ocean, will remain in jail ahead of her trial.
Missing boaters found safe, New Smyrna Beach police say
Read full article: Missing boaters found safe, New Smyrna Beach police sayThe missing boaters were reportedly planning to fish approximately 30 miles offshore, though it remains unclear how far they ultimately traveled. They are believed to be aboard a white, 25-foot Carolina Classic vessel, police said.
Neighbors demand answers as abandoned Ormond Beach resort falls into disrepair
Read full article: Neighbors demand answers as abandoned Ormond Beach resort falls into disrepairA hurricane-damaged resort sitting in the heart of one of Ormond Beach’s busiest tourist corridors has become a source of frustration for nearby residents and business owners who say it has turned into a hotspot for crime, trespassing and transient activity — and they want answers.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Lake Brantley teen had videos on her phone depicting sexual abuse of children, police say
Read full article: Lake Brantley teen had videos on her phone depicting sexual abuse of children, police sayThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced on Wednesday the arrest of 15-year-old Isabelle Valdez, who is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Seminole County commissioners clash with LYNX over rising paratransit costs, funding model shift
Read full article: Seminole County commissioners clash with LYNX over rising paratransit costs, funding model shiftSeminole County commissioners pushed back hard against LYNX during a budget work session this week, raising pointed questions about skyrocketing paratransit costs, a shifting funding formula and the county’s future role in Central Florida’s regional transit system.
Florida Supreme Court refuses to intervene in congressional redistricting lawsuit
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court refuses to intervene in congressional redistricting lawsuitThe Florida Supreme Court will not step into a lawsuit challenging the state’s newly drawn congressional districts, the court said Wednesday.
Lake Brantley teen accused in school stabbing plot now faces child sex abuse material charges
Read full article: Lake Brantley teen accused in school stabbing plot now faces child sex abuse material chargesMonths after an anonymous tip stopped an alleged attack, 15-year-old Isabelle Valdez is now charged with 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material.
David Jolly picks Gwen Graham as running mate in Florida governor’s race
Read full article: David Jolly picks Gwen Graham as running mate in Florida governor’s raceJolly, 52, and Graham, 63, previously served together in the U.S. Congress. Graham represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, while Jolly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican. He became a registered Democrat in April 2025.
Trooper Steve on Patrol: Inside a fatal crash investigation in St. Cloud
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol: Inside a fatal crash investigation in St. CloudCrashes can cause delays, but some investigations involve far more than clearing debris and reopening lanes. Cpl. Redditt, with the St. Cloud Police Department, explains why fatal crash investigations can take hours to complete.
Murder charge dropped against man accused in deadly shooting outside Orlando nightclub
Read full article: Murder charge dropped against man accused in deadly shooting outside Orlando nightclubIn February, Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr was arrested and accused of killing Julien Emmanuel Cruz outside Savoy Orlando on North Orange Avenue.
New play explores emotional aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy
Read full article: New play explores emotional aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedyThe new play "The World May Be Flat" premieres on June 14, marking the 10 years since the Pulse nightclub shooting, and supports Central Florida LGBTQ+ youth through the Rose Dynasty Foundation.
Driver arrested after video shows passengers riding on hood of moving vehicle, Belle Isle police say
Read full article: Driver arrested after video shows passengers riding on hood of moving vehicle, Belle Isle police sayAround 4:30 a.m. Monday, an officer pulled over the vehicle traveling 40 mph through Belle Isle, police said. The driver, Gary Mathurin, was issued three citations and arrested on a charge of reckless driving.
‘Pranking a friend:’ Winter Garden sergeant planted tracker on woman’s car, Apopka police say
Read full article: ‘Pranking a friend:’ Winter Garden sergeant planted tracker on woman’s car, Apopka police sayAccording to the arrest affidavit, a witness saw Bryan Stubbs tampering with the vehicle of a bowling alley employee. A mechanic later found a tracking device attached to the vehicle, Apopka police said.