FLORIDA

Shortly after law enforcement officers started arresting 20 people around the state of Florida for voting illegally in the 2020 election, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the arrests were the result of an investigation by his newly formed election police.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — For years communities along the Indian River Lagoon have worked to find ways to restore one of Brevard’s most precious resources. Read: DeSantis asks for $3 billion toward environmental projects in Everglades, Indian River LagoonOne plan calls for installing 48,000 square foot floating wetlands near the North Fiske stormwater pond. The city will then install an underground filtration system that, when combined with the wetlands, should prevent about 2500 pounds of nitrogen and 450 pounds of phosphorus from contaminating the Indian river lagoon yearly. Read: DeSantis reups Florida environment pledge made 4 years agoThanks to the nearly 20 million dollars recently earmarked by the state, dozens of other projects by communities along the Indian River Lagoon will help to support water quality improvement. Senger said that’s not only good for the lagoon but good for business.

With backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers could scrap a requirement that unanimous jury recommendations are needed before death sentences can be imposed.

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., announced on Twitter Tuesday that his State of the Union guest would be the Good Samaritan who called for help after he fell off a ladder earlier this month.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A janitor accidentally got locked inside an inmate holding cell for three days without food while cleaning at the Orange County Courthouse during her cleaning duties, according to the sheriff’s office. The woman said she entered the holding cell to clean it when the door shut behind her. She remained in the holding cell until Monday when a deputy saw her cleaning cart. READ: Police investigating after man killed in Eustis shootingThe woman told deputy she was diabetic and had not taken any insulin since Friday. Orange County officials said Tuesday that the lock on the holding cell was found to be defective and has since been replaced.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office was accused of defamation in a $50,000 lawsuit filed by David Gay, a Florida man who said he was wrongfully included in "Wheel of Fugitive."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed new legislation on Tuesday to cut funding to state college programs that include diversity, equity, and inclusion, and critical race theory

The animal was killed less than 24 hours after arriving at Wild Florida.

An apparent mortgage account mix-up with the DEO’s Homeowner Assistance Fund nearly forced a single mother and her family out of their Lake Placid, Florida home.

More than a dozen cars were burglarized at homes in a DeLand subdivision over the weekend and police are once again reminding residents to lock their vehicles and not leave guns inside them.

The beached 21-foot killer whale that was found dead on a beach in Flagler County will be buried in a secret location at the University of Florida.

Police in Lakeland, Florida, believed to have found the vehicle wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting that left 11 people wounded on Monday afternoon.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to former President Trump's latest series of complaints about his governorship, pointing to his own landslide re-election.

Florida tourism leaders continue to fret over a lag in international visitors as the industry anticipates tourism numbers for the final three months of 2022.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Tuesday called for diversity programs to be dismantled on the state’s college campuses.

One member of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is continuing the family legacy on the water with a unique skill: skiing barefoot.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced the passing of his 100-year-old father, Freddie Lee Demings, on Tuesday. Read: Who is Jerry Demings, Orange County’s first African American mayor? Demings released the following statement about his father’s life and legacy:“It is with great sadness that Mayor Jerry L. Demings announces the peaceful passing of his beloved father, Freddie Lee Demings, at the age of 100 years young. Freddie Lee Demings was born on September 12, 1922, to Fred Green and Levy Demings in Luverne Alabama. Freddie Lee Demings enjoyed fishing, playing solitaire, and checkers, and was also known as a “man for all times” for his laughter, smile, and wit.

One of the critically-injured men was shot in the stomach, and the other was shot in the jaw. The victims were males between the ages of 20 and 35, said Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor at a news conference. Some of the shooting victims were cooperating but others weren't, detectives said. Police said marijuana packaged for sale was found at the scene of the shooting, and investigators believe drug sales were taking place. Miguel Joseph, a neighborhood resident, said drug dealing was common at the lot, and he believed the suspects came from outside the neighborhood.

The Florida governor pointedly contrasted his reelection bid with Trump's as a verdict on their leadership skills.

Florida’s 6-foot-11 center took a finger to his left eye at Tennessee last January and spent the better part of a year trying to get right. Jitoboh left his last outing against the Vols bloodied and unable to see in one eye. He had surgery the next morning to repair a ruptured muscle that had prevented any eye movement. His peripheral vision returned, too, but his straight-ahead sight in that eye remained foggy for months — even to this day. Over time, as his workload increased, his brain started suppressing his left eye and recalibrating everything he does through the right one.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Officials with Marion County Utilities issued a precautionary boil water notice for customers within the Spruce Creek Preserve community Tuesday. Customers within the communities affected are advised that any water used in drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth should be boiled before use. Read: Recall alert: More than 50,000 pounds of sausage recalled over listeria concernsOfficials said customers should bring the water to a rapid boil for at least one minute before using it. Water used for laundry, bathing, and showering does not need to be boiled. Read: Florida lawmakers weigh getting rid of licenses to conceal carry firearmsMarion County Utilities will continue to perform water testing and advise customers once the notice is lifted.

Suspects are being sought after police say 10 people were shot and wounded during a drive-by shooting in a central Florida neighborhood.

Authorities on Tuesday offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved in the shooting in Lakeland, a city of 112,000 residents located about halfway between Tampa and Orlando. One of the critically-injured men was shot in the stomach and the other was shot in the jaw. Taylor said investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack and wasn't random. Some of the shooting victims were cooperating but others weren't, detectives said. Police said marijuana was found at the scene of the shooting, and investigators believe drug sales were taking place.

Suspects are being sought after police say 11 people were shot and wounded during a drive-by shooting in a central Florida neighborhood.

CLOUD, Fla. — A section of U.S. 192 in St. Cloud is closed after a deadly crash Tuesday morning. Cloud police said the crash happened on US-192, also known as 13th Street, near Old Canoe Creek Road. The crash involves a vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian in the roadway, according to police. Crews are working to divert drivers from the active traffic death investigation.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to hold a news conference in Bradenton on Tuesday. Watch: DeSantis: 20 major roadway, interstate projects in Florida will be completed in 4 yearsJoining DeSantis will be Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. It’s unclear what DeSantis and Rodrigues will be planning to speak about at the event. DeSantis announces additional $500 million in hurricane recovery fundingChannel 9 will monitor the governor’s news conference and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Eustis fire station and engine were renamed after a Lake County Firefighter who dedicated his life to his community. The Lake County Fire Department dedicated Engine 21 and Station 21 to local legend Amos Roach. Photos: Eustis fire station, engine renamed to honor legendary Lake County firefighter Amos RoachExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Eustis fire station, engine renamed to honor legendary Lake County firefighter Amos RoachHis friends and family gathered with county officials Monday to celebrate his community service. Watch: 10 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police sayHe is credited with helping to start fire services in Eustis. Amos died in 2015.

A woman was found dead next to her vehicle with a baby inside, according to Tampa police.

Ten people were wounded, two critically in the drive-by gunfire in Lakeland, Fla., police added.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A circuit court judge has dismissed a lawsuit over Florida’s decision to fly dozens of migrants to the northeast. In September, Florida flew about 50 people from Texas, to our state, and then to Martha’s Vineyard. Watch: 10 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police sayThe lawsuit argued the Florida Department of Transportation and a contractor did not fully comply with public records requests related to those flights. In her ruling, the judge said the plaintiff did not prove those documents had been withheld. ©2023 Cox Media Group

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — Ten people were injured during a drive-by shooting in a central Florida neighborhood, police said. A crowd of people were gathered along a residential street when a dark-blue sedan rolled by, slowing but not stopping, police said. Taylor said investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack. Police said marijuana was found at the scene of the shooting, and investigators believe drug sales were taking place. Taylor described the neighborhood as “challenged” and said the police had focused a lot of attention on the area in recent years.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference at State College of Florida in Bradenton.

Andy Katz breaks down the teams that are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament without making a move in the next couple of weeks.

Because of the sheriff's posts, David Gay lost a job and suffered emotional distress, according to the lawsuit seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

It's staying warm out there.

The group Prevent Gun Violence Florida vowed to fight against the legislation and cited “a clear link between lax gun laws and increased gun violence.”

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Orange County are investigating a deadly shooting. Deputies responded to a shooting at 11:10 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of Fairlane Avenue. Photos: 1 man dies after 2 found shot in Orange County, deputies sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Deputies: 1 man dies after 2 found shot in Orange CountyOfficials said two men, one in his 30s and another in his 20s, were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both taken to a hospital where the man in his 30s died, deputies said. Read: 10 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police sayThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it has no details about the shooter or victims that it can release.

Deputies are investigating after a man was found shot and killed Monday evening in Orange County, according to the sheriff's office.

Altamonte Springs police announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information in the case of a fatal hit-and-run crash back in September 2022.

Police say 10 people were shot and wounded during a drive-by shooting in a central Florida neighborhood.

They said that the bill supporters call constitutional carry will allow people to buy guns with no training or background checks. “You are not making our communities, our schools or any places safer with this.”Renner said law-abiding gun owners will take safety seriously. "Anybody that is a gun owner and uses guns knows that safety comes first," Renner said. About half the states allow people to carry a gun without a permit, a movement that has been growing particularly among conservative states. Florida handgun owners would still have to conceal their weapons in public, though there has been discussion to allow gun owners to openly carry weapons.

At least 10 people were injured in a drive-by shooting.

PENSACOLA, Fla. — (AP) — Former President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit Monday against journalist Bob Woodward, claiming he never had permission to publicly release interview recordings made for the book “Rage.”The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Pensacola, Florida, against Woodward, his publisher Simon & Schuster Inc., and the publisher’s parent company Paramount Global. Simon & Schuster and Woodward released a joint response saying Trump’s lawsuit is without merit, and they will aggressively defend against it. “All these interviews were on the record and recorded with President Trump’s knowledge and agreement,” the statement said. “Moreover, it is in the public interest to have this historical record in Trump’s own words. We are confident that the facts and the law are in our favor.”The lawsuit claims that Trump consented to being recorded for a series of interviews between December 2019 and August 2020, but only for a book Woodward was working on.

"This is something that doesn't happen in Lakeland," Police Chief Sam Taylor said. "I have never worked an event where this many people have been shot at one time."

The News 6+ Takeover was must-see TV for an Orlando-area dog on Monday.

Ten people were hurt, including two who sustained critical injuries, in a shooting Monday afternoon in Lakeland, according to police.

Luke Bryan announced his “Country On Tour” Monday, which includes a stop at the Amway Center on Thursday, Oct. 5, marking his first time there since 2015.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Ten people have reportedly been shot in Lakeland, Florida, police say. Officers were called out to the area just before 3:45 p.m.Police say ten people have been shot. Two victims are in critical condition and eight have non-life-threatening injuries, according to WFTS. Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor in a news conference said that two men are in critical condition - one was shot in the abdomen and the other in the face. Authorities said that four people shot at the victims from both sides of the car.

Another Cocoa High School football alum has made it to the Super Bowl.

A 12-year-old boy from Seattle underwent an emergency nine-hour-long brain surgery during a vacation to Orlando, according to Orlando Health.

Two teens were arrested after police said they broke into and stole items from multiple vehicles at a New Smyrna Beach hospital Monday morning.

If you’re looking to celebrate Mardi Gras within the Central Florida area, you might find the life of the party in Leesburg.

If Ron DeSantis wants to gut Florida’s public colleges, that’s up to Floridians.

Flagler deputies said there was a heavy law enforcement presence along Interstate 95 on Monday after a stolen vehicle was found in Palm Coast.

Linden Hollow Sheep Farm in St. Cloud lets domesticated dogs tap into their wild side and teaches them to herd.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A man is fighting for his life after state troopers said he crashed into a retention pond. Crews managed to pull the car out, to the edge of the retention pond on North Alafaya Trail by the 408 exit. A law was passed that was supposed to put barriers at spots like that to prevent the situation from happening. Since Arena’s death, two other people have crashed into the same pond on North Alafaya Trail. The law states the rule with barriers doesn’t apply to any location where the chief engineer determines a barrier would increase the risk of injury to motorists traveling on adjacent road.

Trump is criticizing the Florida governor for closing down his state during the pandemic, though it pursued an ambitious reopening — and earned his praise at the time.

Ana Navarro, co-host of "The View," said during Monday's episode that parents in Florida should be "more concerned" with the banning of books in the state.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said they are finding fentanyl in just about every type of street drug now, including cannabis.

Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has filed a request for a six-month visitor visa to stay in the U.S., indicating he may have no immediate intention to return home, where legal issues await.

They said that the bill supporters call constitutional carry will allow people to buy guns with no training or background checks. “You are not making our communities, our schools or any places safer with this.”Renner said law-abiding gun owners will take safety seriously. "Anybody that is a gun owner and uses guns knows that safety comes first," Renner said. About half the states allow people to carry a gun without a permit, a movement that has been growing particularly among conservative states. Florida handgun owners would still have to conceal their weapons in public, though there has been discussion to allow gun owners to openly carry weapons.

Calling the proposal an effort to “remove the government permission slip,” House Speaker Paul Renner on Monday announced legislation that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses.

Bethune-Cookman University’s band, the Marching Wildcats, will join five other college marching bands to participate in the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands, according to a news release.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. An under-construction Winter Park mansion owned by Central Florida real estate veterans and Blue Origin astronauts Marc and Sharon Hagle will be one of the priciest in the city’s history. For comparison, the most anyone has paid for a single-family home in Winter Park’s high-end real estate market is $10.7 million, according to Orange County Property Appraiser data. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Casa Feliz in Winter Park to receive official marker as Florida historic site The city of Winter Park and Friends of Casa Feliz will dedicate an official marker to commemorate the old mansion as a historic site.

A 28-year old Haines City man died after a crash on Sunday evening, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say a skull found on banks of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania more than 3 1/2 decades ago has been identified as that of a man long believed slain in New Jersey along with his girlfriend, whose body had been found in the river on the New Jersey side the previous year.

A man has filed a defamation lawsuit against a Florida sheriff who posts weekly “Wheel of Fugitive” videos on social media.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Volusia County after a 19-year-old DeLand man is arrested and charged with dozens of counts of child pornography. On Friday, deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested, Wesley Faircloth, 19, on 30 counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child. Read: Tyre Nichols death: 6th Memphis police officer relieved of dutyInvestigators said messages found on Faircloth’s phone indicated he was trading files with others. If you have any further information, contact the VSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574. Read: Driver in critical condition after car crashes into pond in Orange CountyFaircloth is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $300,000 bond.

All four residents of The Villages charged with voting twice in the 2020 election have now admitted to the crime, court records show.

It's a play on the common Super Bowl typo. The 'Superb Owl' contest grants a $5,000 donation to the bird who beats out the other contestants in a vote, and a Central Florida bird made it to the finals.

Florida gas prices climbed 17 cents over the last week, though it is now on the slight decline.

The signs show a toilet draining directly into the lagoon, with a dead manatee, a sea turtle and a few fish.

The progressive liberal arts institution remains a target of conservative leaders

ORLANDO, Fla. — Local law enforcement officers are on the lookout for drivers who do not yield to pedestrians. Operation “Best Foot Forward” will start up again Monday morning. Drivers who do not stop for undercover officers in plain clothes will be fined a minimum of $164. Read: Florida animal rescue group seeks donations to treat abandoned, burned 4-week-old puppyThey will also get three points on their driver’s license. ©2023 Cox Media Group

One of the teacher's behind the proposed AP African-American studies course in Florida is accused of being a "socialist" in a recent National Review op-ed.

Who turned the heat up?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will be warm Monday and for most of this week. The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 85 degrees Monday afternoon. Our area will be partly cloudy with a low chance of light rain overnight. Read: Florida animal rescue group seeks donations to treat abandoned, burned 4-week-old puppyTemperatures should drop into the mid-60s Friday night with some fog. Read: ‘A truly remarkable alligator’: Gatorland icon Chester dies at 60Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:©2023 Cox Media Group

Patronis, DeSantis want to bar investments in companies with environmental, social and governance standards

Fox News host Mark Levin praises Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for standing up to 'woke' educators in the state in his opening monologue on 'Life Liberty & Levin.'

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An alligator that became part of the Gatorland family more than 20 years ago has died, the park recently announced. Chester the alligator died Dec. 7 as a result of an intestinal blockage, Gatorland said. READ: Here are 9 things to do this weekend in Central FloridaThe park estimated he was 60 years old. The massive gator was spared euthanasia when Gatorland rescued him from Tampa in 2002 after he ate a dog. Gatorland recently posted a video as a tribute to Chester.

A young Florida girl, 8 years old, has been wowing people with her singing. Pranysga Mishra appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Sunday to share her story, her vocal abilities and her patriotism.

Florida authorities found a newborn girl wrapped in a blanket and still attached to a placenta on a hill outside a trailer park early Saturday morning. Polk County deputies responding to a call about a baby crying outside near Mulberry, east of Tampa, found the girl about an hour after she was born, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Polk County medical workers took the baby to a hospital, where she was healthy and stable, according to the sheriff's office.

Resiliency in Florida is at best an illusion, and at worst a suicide pact between state and local governments.

If you missed the annual Zora! Festival this weekend in historic Eatonville, you missed a great time.

Classified documents, the debt ceiling and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dominated the national headlines last week.

DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine each scored 32 points, Nikola Vucevic added 26 points and 13 rebounds and the Chicago Bulls turned back a late rally and beat the Orlando Magic 128-109 on Saturday night.

A crash has shut down one eastbound lane of East Michigan Street from South Conway Road, according to a tweet posted by Orlando Police Department at 5:26 p.m.

Highs through the day will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

A potential class-action lawsuit has gone to the Florida Supreme Court in a dispute about whether the University of Florida should return fees to students because of a campus shutdown early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Time is running out to apply for one of 49 Legacy Scholarships that honor the 49 people killed during the June 12, 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

People may see The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando lit up for the first time in weeks since it lost power on New Year’s Eve, but the attraction is not welcoming riders back on yet.

A Disney workers’ union is expected to reject the company’s wage offer during a vote next week, according to a release by the union.

There are several states where medical aid in dying is legal. Florida is not one.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered three state buildings to lower the state flag at half-staff to honor the memory and military service of Col. Joseph Kittinger, according to a release sent out on Friday.

A U.S. Marine was arrested after he traveled to Florida and had sex with a 14-year-old girl he met on social media, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.

In solemn rage, NAACP officials, state senators and others involved in civil rights activism gathered for a news conference Saturday morning at a resort in Orange County to discuss Florida’s recent rejection of an Advanced Placement pilot course on African American Studies.

Disney announced new details on its highly-anticipated roller coaster, TRON Lightcycle/Run, including how parkgoers can get on the ride.