STRANGE FLORIDA
‘Never forgave them:’ Was Sanford’s infamous I-4 Dead Zone an act of revenge?
Read full article: ‘Never forgave them:’ Was Sanford’s infamous I-4 Dead Zone an act of revenge?Some residents in Central Florida may have heard about a supposedly cursed stretch of Interstate 4 known as the “Dead Zone.” But it turns out that it may have been entirely made up.
Kelly Park swimming area closes due to gators. Here’s when it could reopen
Read full article: Kelly Park swimming area closes due to gators. Here’s when it could reopenOrange County Parks and Recreation has announced that the swim area at Kelly Park is closed until further notice due to gator activity.
This eccentric Florida businessman waged war on gravity. Here’s how he did it
Read full article: This eccentric Florida businessman waged war on gravity. Here’s how he did itA wealthy businessman waged a war against gravity in the 1900s — and monuments to his crusade now remain at two Florida colleges.
When’s the last time you saw a lovebug in Florida? What we know about their disappearance
Read full article: When’s the last time you saw a lovebug in Florida? What we know about their disappearanceIt's that time of year again — or at least, it should be. But many Florida residents may have noticed there aren't as many lovebugs as before.
Kangaroo captured, ‘chemically immobilized’ in St. Cloud, sparking search for owner
Read full article: Kangaroo captured, ‘chemically immobilized’ in St. Cloud, sparking search for ownerA loose kangaroo was found in Central Florida on Monday, sparking a response by wildlife investigators, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Rocket launches could lead to ‘space jellyfish’ in Florida sky. Here’s what it is, why it happens
Read full article: Rocket launches could lead to ‘space jellyfish’ in Florida sky. Here’s what it is, why it happensIf the weather and a rocket cooperate, Central Florida can sometimes be treated to a fun atmospheric phenomenon.
This orange invasive lizard is exploding across Florida. Here’s where it’s been found
Read full article: This orange invasive lizard is exploding across Florida. Here’s where it’s been foundWith April kicking off breeding season for many Florida critters, these colorful lizards are likely to become much more common in the coming months.
This may be the most mysterious death in Florida history. Here’s what we know
Read full article: This may be the most mysterious death in Florida history. Here’s what we knowAn investigative report shows that Reeser smoked a cigarette, sitting in her easy chair before heading to bed. That was the last day she was seen alive.
Florida deputies arrest man accused of impersonating TSA agent, using red and blue lights
Read full article: Florida deputies arrest man accused of impersonating TSA agent, using red and blue lightsA man arrested in Hillsborough County is accused of impersonating a federal agent and using unauthorized emergency lights, according to the sheriff’s office.
Barefoot Florida man wrestles giant alligator along I-95, video shows
Read full article: Barefoot Florida man wrestles giant alligator along I-95, video showsA barefoot man was caught wrestling a large alligator along the side of Interstate 95 on Monday, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
‘Birthday suit bandit:’ Naked man arrested after trying to break into Flagler County home, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Birthday suit bandit:’ Naked man arrested after trying to break into Flagler County home, deputies sayA 63-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested after trying to break into a home while naked, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Why is this Florida house painted like the Vincent van Gogh masterpiece ‘Starry Night’?
Read full article: Why is this Florida house painted like the Vincent van Gogh masterpiece ‘Starry Night’?The family behind the ‘Starry Night’ home artwork is celebrating a major milestone — and a message that goes far beyond paint.
Slow play sparks attack against 79-year-old at Florida golf course, deputies say
Read full article: Slow play sparks attack against 79-year-old at Florida golf course, deputies sayA North Port man was arrested this month after he attacked an elderly person at a golf course after he was called out for playing too slowly, according to the sheriff's office.
‘Act of revenge:’ HOA-hating arsonist lands in prison after setting his Longwood condo ablaze
Read full article: ‘Act of revenge:’ HOA-hating arsonist lands in prison after setting his Longwood condo ablazeA years-long legal fight between a man and his HOA ended with him torching his own condo unit, according to the State Attorney's Office.
Toilet seats are being hung along Florida’s coast. Here’s the weird reason why
Read full article: Toilet seats are being hung along Florida’s coast. Here’s the weird reason whyNear Plantation Key, you can expect to find a rather strange site. Sitting along both sides of a short channel are a bunch of toilet seats.
This invasive Florida weed poses a huge threat. Here’s where it came from
Read full article: This invasive Florida weed poses a huge threat. Here’s where it came fromThis invasive plant has become a threat to many southern states — and if you live in Florida, you’ve likely come across it on more than a few occasions.
A bomb threat prompted a plane evacuation at a Florida airport. No explosives were found
Read full article: A bomb threat prompted a plane evacuation at a Florida airport. No explosives were foundA bomb threat note found on a plane at a Florida airport prompted the evacuation of the aircraft and a temporary closure, but no explosives were found, officials said.
Man offers vodka spritz to Florida deputies after chase, officials say
Read full article: Man offers vodka spritz to Florida deputies after chase, officials sayA Florida man is facing charges after he offered Highland County deputies an alcoholic beverage during a bizarre pursuit, the sheriff’s office said.
Woman accused of setting fires during burn ban in Orange County
Read full article: Woman accused of setting fires during burn ban in Orange CountyUpon arrival, deputies met with a representative from the Department of Forestry, who allegedly witnessed Amanda Clark setting multiple fires in the woods behind the residence, the arrest report states.
Former Disney employee sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to altering allergen info on menu items
Read full article: Former Disney employee sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to altering allergen info on menu itemsThe former Walt Disney World employee who was arrested amid accusations he altered allergen information on menus after being terminated has been sentenced to three years in federal prison.
Florida teen accused of attempted murder after putting bleach in mom’s milk
Read full article: Florida teen accused of attempted murder after putting bleach in mom’s milkA Deltona teen has been arrested after being accused of trying to poison his 77-year-old adoptive mother, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Postal worker arrested on DUI charge after drinking vodka at house party on delivery route in Melbourne, police say
Read full article: Postal worker arrested on DUI charge after drinking vodka at house party on delivery route in Melbourne, police sayA USPS worker was arrested in Melbourne after she drank alcohol at a house party she was delivering to and was later caught driving the wrong way in traffic, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Oviedo Mall brings back ‘Mall Rat Club.’ Here’s what it’s about -- and who it targets
Read full article: Oviedo Mall brings back ‘Mall Rat Club.’ Here’s what it’s about -- and who it targetsFollowing two break-ins to local businesses and a viral TikTok trend that left the Regal Movie Theaters with damages the Oviedo Mall announces the return of the "Mall Rat Pack.”
‘Didn’t do anything violent:’ Protests grow for Florida teacher who lost job after using student’s ‘preferred’ name
Read full article: ‘Didn’t do anything violent:’ Protests grow for Florida teacher who lost job after using student’s ‘preferred’ nameThe school district said the Satellite High AP teacher called a student by another name without a written permission slip from the student’s parents, as required now by Florida law.