District considers closing school amid falling enrollment
Seven Orange County public schools could close by the end of the current school year as the district grapples with declining enrollment, officials said. The Orange County School Board voted this week to move forward with plans that could lead to school consolidations, setting the stage for rezoning students before the next academic year.
Community prays for boy recovering from severe burns
A 6-year-old boy who was severely burned in a bonfire accident in Osteen earlier this month has been released from the intensive care unit and is continuing his recovery in the hospital, according to his church. Carlos Adrian was injured Dec. 6 and has been hospitalized since the incident.
Sanford police officer arrested on 80 felony charges
Sanford police investigators have arrested Ronny Neal on 79 counts of official misconduct and one count of organized fraud, following an investigation into unpaid vendor accounts linked to off-duty details.
Leesburg Police seek 2 for questioning in teen's death
Police are searching for two people of interest in connection with the weekend murder of an 18-year-old in Lake County.
Investigators on finding missing children decades later
A woman accused of kidnapping her young daughter more than 40 years ago in Kentucky has been arrested in Central Florida after living under a different name for decades, authorities said. Officials emphasized the importance of public tips in long-term missing persons cases, noting that continued attention can lead to resolutions even decades later.
Environmentalists oppose rocket wastewater discharge into lagoon
Environmental advocates are raising concerns over a proposed permit that would allow space companies to release industrial wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon, a fragile ecosystem already the focus of billions in cleanup efforts.
Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center hosts Frontyard Holiday Festival
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has launched its Frontyard Holiday Festival, offering free holiday entertainment to the community throughout the season. The outdoor festival features more than 80 local performers from across Central Florida. It includes nightly snowfall effects, live music, games, food and beverages, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and storytelling sessions with Santa Claus. The event is open to guests of all ages at no cost.
Retired nurse, 67, stabbed, hit on head with wine bottle
A retired nurse was stabbed and killed in his Davenport home by a young man he took in, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news conference Tuesday. The nurse's 19-year-old former roommate is facing charges in connection to the man's death.
Delivery drones make first official drop in Orlando
A drone delivered a small package — containing hot cocoa and chocolate — to Mayor Buddy Dyer outside City Hall on Tuesday, in what city leaders called Orlando’s first official drone delivery. The drones are operated through a partnership between Walmart and Wing (Alphabet's drone company).
Landfill near Mount Dora addresses Wolf Branch Sink worries
Lake County officials are raising concerns about a landfill they say could threaten a nearby aquifer. Commissioners and water officials worry that stormwater and leachate from the Mid-Florida Materials construction and demolition landfill near Mount Dora could seep into Wolf Branch Sink, a sensitive feature where water drains directly into the aquifer rather than filtering naturally through soil.
Driver rescues pilot, passenger after small plane crash in DeLand
New details are emerging about a small plane crash in DeLand after a woman who witnessed the incident rushed to help pull the occupants from the aircraft. The crash happened shortly after 2 p.m. Dec. 8 on Jacobs Road near Plymouth Avenue.
District considers closing schools to address enrollment decline
Orange County school leaders are weighing whether to consolidate or close several underenrolled public schools as student enrollment continues to decline, putting pressure on district finances.
Mims flooding fixes could cause tax hike, leaders say
Brevard County officials say a massive infrastructure funding shortfall is slowing efforts to address persistent flooding in northern parts of the county, frustrating residents who demanded answers from commissioners this week.
Testimony underway in store clerk's murder trial
New details emerged Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of killing a convenience store clerk in Leesburg, as the victim’s widow testified while facing the man prosecutors say shot her husband.
2 Flagler County deputies hit by vehicle, taken to hospital
Two deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office were hit by a vehicle on Tuesday morning and taken to the hospital, the sheriff's office said.
Orange County residents voice immigration concerns
Orange County residents and leaders met to discuss ICE detainees at the Orange County Jail and the county’s 287g agreement. Commissioners voiced concerns about families separated due to deportation.
Flagler County sheriff provides update on injuries to deputies
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly provided an update after two deputies were hit by a vehicle on Tuesday morning and taken to the hospital.
Orange County school board to meet to discuss closing seven schools
Orange County Public Schools is considering seven schools for possible closure as the district deals with declining enrollment.
Orange County Public Schools moves forward with consolidation plan: Here are enrollment numbers
Seven schools in the district could close due to a decline in enrollment.
Vigil to remember motorcyclist killed in Deltona
A vigil was held for a Deltona motorcyclist who died after a crash with a minibike over the weekend.