Holiday weekend brings classic car celebration across Daytona area

As families across Central Florida marked Thanksgiving, support groups gathered Thursday at the HealthFirst Hospice House for people grieving the loss of loved ones. But for many others, the holiday weekend also offered a chance to celebrate community and tradition — especially for car enthusiasts heading to the 52nd annual Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway.

Teen’s death on cruise ship, family still waiting for answers

Nearly three weeks after 18-year-old Anna Kepner boarded a cruise and never returned home, her family says they are still waiting for answers in the FBI’s investigation. Despite court documents indicating the teen’s 16-year-old stepbrother is considered a suspect, no arrests have been made in her death aboard the Carnival Horizon.

Four Marion County first responders accused of hazing

Four Marion County Fire Rescue employees accused of beating, dragging, and waterboarding a 19-year-old firefighter trainee faced a judge Thursday, with three of them remaining behind bars as of the evening. One suspect posted bond earlier in the day. The case has roiled county leadership and prompted an internal review of fire station practices.

Army specialist dies after D.C. shooting; second service member critical

A 20-year-old Army specialist from West Virginia died after she and another service member were shot in what authorities say was an ambush just blocks from the White House. U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who joined the military two years ago, died Wednesday, a day after the attack.A second victim, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

5 Oceola County Airbnb shooting suspects arrested

A shootout took place at an Osceola County Airbnb in Champions Gate when suspects carrying rifles attempted to rob a rental home, but people staying at the rental home returned fire, deputies said. Osceola County deputies said the fight ended when everyone ran off.

Sanford installs long-delayed repair part to curb odor

Sanford residents have endured weeks of foul odor from a broken wastewater treatment plant odor-control system. City officials say they have finally installed a critical replacement part meant to stop the persistent odor that has lingered for weeks around downtown Sanford.

Judge’s ruling could reveal new details in Anna Kepner death

A newly issued ruling is poised to open a window into the final hours of 18-year-old Anna Kepner’s life. With a judge refusing to seal a related custody case, family members hope long-withheld details about her death aboard a cruise ship will finally come to light.

Ethan Pritchard sues apartment owners after shooting

Florida State University football player Ethan Pritchard should have been preparing for the Florida–Florida State game this week. Instead, he is recovering at home, relearning how to walk after being shot in the head in August while giving his aunt a ride near the Riverside and Havana Heights apartment complexes. His family has filed a lawsuit alleging the property owners failed to address a pattern of violent crime.

Neighbors demand action on Indialantic 'nuisance home'

Residents along Atlantic Ave. in Indialantic say they have endured nearly a decade of trash, rodents, and human waste coming from a single home in their neighborhood, with no resolution from local agencies. Despite years of complaints, county records show only two active code cases.

DOJ investigates SeaWorld Orlando over ban on walkers with seats

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into SeaWorld Orlando after the park banned walkers with seats, also known as rollators, prompting allegations of discrimination against people with disabilities. The policy, introduced two weeks ago, bars all seated walkers inside the park; SeaWorld says it made the change due to misuse and safety incidents.