CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison time
Read full article: Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison timeFive people have pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy stemming from an apartment in Kissimmee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates say
Read full article: Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates sayThe Trump Administration is aiming to transform how homeless services are funded by slashing budgets, distributing money to states instead of local agencies, and ending a program that houses previously unsheltered people with disabilities
Special election Tuesday fills Florida House, Senate seats left vacant in Brevard County
Read full article: Special election Tuesday fills Florida House, Senate seats left vacant in Brevard CountySpecial Elections are being held Tuesday for Florida Senate District 19, representing much of Brevard County, and Florida House District 32, representing part of Central Brevard County, including parts of Melbourne and Viera.
Sumter superintendent hopes to restore trust after Florida ‘shell schools’ report
Read full article: Sumter superintendent hopes to restore trust after Florida ‘shell schools’ reportSumter County School officials are hoping to regain the trust of the district, parents and students after a 50-plus page report revealed the district had created so-called 'shell schools' to help with school grades.
Special election Tuesday fills Florida House, Senate seats left vacant in Brevard County
Read full article: Special election Tuesday fills Florida House, Senate seats left vacant in Brevard CountySpecial Elections are being held Tuesday for Florida Senate District 19, representing much of Brevard County, and Florida House District 32, representing part of Central Brevard County, including parts of Melbourne and Viera.
‘Significant’ sewer main break in Palm Bay causes wastewater spill
Read full article: ‘Significant’ sewer main break in Palm Bay causes wastewater spillPalm Bay is dealing with a “significant” sewer main break that is causing "an active discharge of wastewater onto the ground," according to city officials.
There are sunken ships all over Florida’s coasts. Here are their stories
Read full article: There are sunken ships all over Florida’s coasts. Here are their storiesThe water around Florida’s peninsula is a graveyard to thousands of ships, according to Gainesville’s Florida Museum of Natural History.
Road reopens in Brevard County after possible pipe bomb forces closure, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Road reopens in Brevard County after possible pipe bomb forces closure, sheriff’s office saysLaw enforcement in Brevard County have shut down a local roadway as they search for a vehicle in the area, according to the sheriff’s office.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex launches another Y2K nostalgia event. Here’s when
Read full article: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex launches another Y2K nostalgia event. Here’s whenThe Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex says its "Kennedy Under the Stars" event is returning once again in August.
Flagler County revisits beach management plan after sales tax rejection
Read full article: Flagler County revisits beach management plan after sales tax rejectionFlagler County is back at the drawing board to create a beach management plan and secure funding for it. During a recent meeting, commissioners decided to abandon the idea of a half-cent sales tax that would have financed future beach renourishment projects.
These may be Florida’s 2 most popular cities, study shows. Here’s how they compare
Read full article: These may be Florida’s 2 most popular cities, study shows. Here’s how they compareOn Thursday, U.S. News & World Report issued its list of the top places where people are thinking about moving so far in 2025.
Man accused of drug trafficking after search warrant served at Flagler County home
Read full article: Man accused of drug trafficking after search warrant served at Flagler County homeA man arrested in Flagler County is accused of drug trafficking after the sheriff's office said it found marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and more in his home.
‘Going to get worse:’ Tavares residents concerned over proposed mixed-use development
Read full article: ‘Going to get worse:’ Tavares residents concerned over proposed mixed-use developmentPeople living in Tavares say they're concerned about a drastic change to the area after learning about the proposal of a large development south of Lake Dora.
‘Everybody’s moving to Central Florida:’ Growing Eustis plans police force expansion
Read full article: ‘Everybody’s moving to Central Florida:’ Growing Eustis plans police force expansionThe Eustis Police Department plans to seek federal funding to add more officers to its ranks as the city experiences significant population growth.
Undocumented migrant jailed for life after raping, trafficking child in Florida
Read full article: Undocumented migrant jailed for life after raping, trafficking child in FloridaAn undocumented immigrant received a life sentence last week after he coerced a child into prostitution and raped her, state officials announced on Tuesday.
What’s next for Lake County’s hurricane-damaged Britt Road?
Read full article: What’s next for Lake County’s hurricane-damaged Britt Road?Lake County officials have reached a purchase agreement for land needed to repair Britt Road, a crucial thoroughfare that has remained closed since Hurricane Milton struck in October 2024.
‘OUTRUN THE LAW:’ License plate leads to foot chase in Marion County, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘OUTRUN THE LAW:’ License plate leads to foot chase in Marion County, sheriff saysA license plate check ended with a lengthy chase last week in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ocala-area horse trainer among 20 arrested in Florida online child sex sting
Read full article: Ocala-area horse trainer among 20 arrested in Florida online child sex stingTwenty people are arrested in Marion County in an online sting trying to catch suspects looking for sexual activity with children.
Elderly Summerfield woman hit, killed in crash
Read full article: Elderly Summerfield woman hit, killed in crashAn 81-year-old Summerfield woman died after she was struck by a sedan traveling northbound on US Highway 301 north of SE 169th St. early Sunday morning, Florida Highway Patrol said in a statement.
Driver accused of DUI in Marion County crash that killed bicyclist, FHP says
Read full article: Driver accused of DUI in Marion County crash that killed bicyclist, FHP saysA 37-year-old Ocala man riding a bicycle in Marion County was struck and killed by car whose driver was then arrested, accused of DUI, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Ocala man found guilty of breaking toddler’s back, killing her
Read full article: Ocala man found guilty of breaking toddler’s back, killing herA 27-year-old Ocala man accused of killing a 2-year-old girl in 2022 has been found guilty of murder, according to the state attorney’s office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison time
Read full article: Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison timeFive people have pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy stemming from an apartment in Kissimmee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates say
Read full article: Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates sayThe Trump Administration is aiming to transform how homeless services are funded by slashing budgets, distributing money to states instead of local agencies, and ending a program that houses previously unsheltered people with disabilities
Students plan rally for advanced class funding as Florida finalizes budget
Read full article: Students plan rally for advanced class funding as Florida finalizes budgetA group of Orange County high school students will protest Tuesday afternoon against proposed changes to advanced academic programs, a move they say could impact their access to college-level coursework.
Remembering Pulse: Tributes around Orlando as city prepares for memorial
Read full article: Remembering Pulse: Tributes around Orlando as city prepares for memorialThis week, the city of Orlando is remembering the lives lost while preparing to create a memorial at the site of Pulse nightclub.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrest
Read full article: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrestThe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that it has terminated its executive director just days after former Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested amid a massive investigation involving illegal gambling and public corruption.
Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison time
Read full article: Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison timeFive people have pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy stemming from an apartment in Kissimmee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates say
Read full article: Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates sayThe Trump Administration is aiming to transform how homeless services are funded by slashing budgets, distributing money to states instead of local agencies, and ending a program that houses previously unsheltered people with disabilities
Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Osceola County, FHP says
Read full article: Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Osceola County, FHP saysFlorida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a suspect vehicle after a bicyclist was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run crash near Poinciana.
‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced for 5 years in prison for slamming dog to ground
Read full article: ‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced for 5 years in prison for slamming dog to groundA man was sentenced to five years in prison after being caught on camera throwing a dog to the ground in 2024, court records show.
Polk County deputy shoots at ‘gang member’ after hectic crash
Read full article: Polk County deputy shoots at ‘gang member’ after hectic crashA deputy fired his weapon at a “documented gang member” after the suspect crashed his vehicle into multiple law enforcement vehicles, injuring one deputy before the man crashed into another vehicle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
‘Stuck my fingers deep:’ Latest report sheds light on Florida alligator attack
Read full article: ‘Stuck my fingers deep:’ Latest report sheds light on Florida alligator attackAn investigative report on an alligator attack in March claimed that the attack was cut short when a man stuck his fingers into the alligator’s eyes.
Auburndale public utilities director arrested for neglecting 2 dogs, deputies say
Read full article: Auburndale public utilities director arrested for neglecting 2 dogs, deputies sayAccording to a news release, the investigation began when the Auburndale Police Department alerted the sheriff’s office about a dog in distress, reportedly starving and in poor condition.
Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates say
Read full article: Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates sayThe Trump Administration is aiming to transform how homeless services are funded by slashing budgets, distributing money to states instead of local agencies, and ending a program that houses previously unsheltered people with disabilities
Seminole County issues precautionary boil water notice due to water treatment plant malfunction
Read full article: Seminole County issues precautionary boil water notice due to water treatment plant malfunctionSeminole County announced a system wide precautionary boil advisory due to a malfunction at the water treatment plant.
Navigating construction in front of Altamonte Mall
Read full article: Navigating construction in front of Altamonte MallIf your morning commute or shopping plans take you near SR-436 in Altamonte Springs, then you know exactly what I’m talking about — construction, congestion, and a whole lot of patience being tested.
Sumter superintendent hopes to restore trust after Florida ‘shell schools’ report
Read full article: Sumter superintendent hopes to restore trust after Florida ‘shell schools’ reportSumter County School officials are hoping to regain the trust of the district, parents and students after a 50-plus page report revealed the district had created so-called 'shell schools' to help with school grades.
Former superintendent of Sumter County schools ‘falsified student data,’ report finds
Read full article: Former superintendent of Sumter County schools ‘falsified student data,’ report findsThe inquiry began on Nov. 17, 2023, when an anonymous complaint was forwarded to the OIG, which stated that the district, under Former Superintendent Richard Shirley, created “shell schools” to remove low-performing students from school grades, thereby increasing state funding.
This Central Florida city is the fastest-growing place in the nation. Here’s why
Read full article: This Central Florida city is the fastest-growing place in the nation. Here’s whyA recent report has revealed the fastest-growing cities in the United States — and it turns out the top pick is right here in Central Florida.
Florida man dies when motorcycle crashes into back of big rig on CR-476B in Sumter
Read full article: Florida man dies when motorcycle crashes into back of big rig on CR-476B in SumterFlorida troopers say a 22-year-old man was killed when his motorcycle crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer in Sumter County.
PHOTOS: Memorial Day events in Central Florida ‘respect and honor those who fell’
Read full article: PHOTOS: Memorial Day events in Central Florida ‘respect and honor those who fell’As a veteran, I made it my mission this Memorial Day to visit as many events and ceremonies tied to the holiday as I could.
‘Travel to Gavel:’ Undercover predator sting nabs 14 men in Volusia County
Read full article: ‘Travel to Gavel:’ Undercover predator sting nabs 14 men in Volusia CountyThe sheriff's office released footage of the arrests during a three-day undercover operation targeting men accused of being online predators.
Florida man thought he was interacting and investing with Elon Musk. He wasn’t. Here’s what happened
Read full article: Florida man thought he was interacting and investing with Elon Musk. He wasn’t. Here’s what happenedA Central Florida man thought he was investing with Elon Musk. He wasn't.
There are sunken ships all over Florida’s coasts. Here are their stories
Read full article: There are sunken ships all over Florida’s coasts. Here are their storiesThe water around Florida’s peninsula is a graveyard to thousands of ships, according to Gainesville’s Florida Museum of Natural History.
St. Cloud charter school offers summer learning programs for kids
Read full article: St. Cloud charter school offers summer learning programs for kidsThe Creative Inspiration Journey School is a tuition-free public charter school. They have a summer program and are offering special sessions for the public.
Central Florida man arrested after threats to Trump, other public figures
Read full article: Central Florida man arrested after threats to Trump, other public figuresAn Ormond Beach man was arrested on Thursday afternoon after he reportedly threatened President Donald Trump and several other public figures online, according to the police department.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Petition surfaces pushing back on proposal to ban alcohol sales in downtown Orlando
Read full article: Petition surfaces pushing back on proposal to ban alcohol sales in downtown OrlandoWhile city council members mull a proposal to ban alcohol sales after midnight at bars and clubs in downtown Orlando, business owners in the area have reason to believe there may be room for compromise.
Central Florida Juneteenth events happening next week. What you need to know
Read full article: Central Florida Juneteenth events happening next week. What you need to knowJuneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates when the last slaves in the United States learned they were free, is June 19, but there are plenty of festivities scheduled throughout the week.
Students plan rally for advanced class funding as Florida finalizes budget
Read full article: Students plan rally for advanced class funding as Florida finalizes budgetA group of Orange County high school students will protest Tuesday afternoon against proposed changes to advanced academic programs, a move they say could impact their access to college-level coursework.
Delta flight bound for Orlando makes emergency landing in Jacksonville after smoke reported in cockpit
Read full article: Delta flight bound for Orlando makes emergency landing in Jacksonville after smoke reported in cockpitA Delta Airlines flight that departed from Atlanta and was bound for Orlando was forced to make an emergency landing Monday afternoon in Jacksonville after smoke was reported in the cockpit.
Seminole County issues precautionary boil water notice due to water treatment plant malfunction
Read full article: Seminole County issues precautionary boil water notice due to water treatment plant malfunctionSeminole County announced a system wide precautionary boil advisory due to a malfunction at the water treatment plant.
Barbara becomes the first northern hemisphere hurricane of the year
Read full article: Barbara becomes the first northern hemisphere hurricane of the yearTwo tropical storms formed over this past weekend in the eastern tropical Pacific. Barbara and to its immediate southwest Cosme both took on named storm status between Saturday and Sunday.
Ocala-area horse trainer among 20 arrested in Florida online child sex sting
Read full article: Ocala-area horse trainer among 20 arrested in Florida online child sex stingTwenty people are arrested in Marion County in an online sting trying to catch suspects looking for sexual activity with children.
‘Significant’ sewer main break in Palm Bay causes wastewater spill
Read full article: ‘Significant’ sewer main break in Palm Bay causes wastewater spillPalm Bay is dealing with a “significant” sewer main break that is causing "an active discharge of wastewater onto the ground," according to city officials.
Remembering Pulse: Tributes around Orlando as city prepares for memorial
Read full article: Remembering Pulse: Tributes around Orlando as city prepares for memorialThis week, the city of Orlando is remembering the lives lost while preparing to create a memorial at the site of Pulse nightclub.