Florida book removal, student pronoun laws unconstitutional: Judge
A Florida judge has ruled that the state?s law allowing books to be pulled from public schools is overly broad and unconstitutional, saying it violates the First Amendment. In a separate finding, the judge also said Florida?s law requiring teachers to use pronouns that match a student?s sex at birth amounts to discrimination, conflicting with federal protections against employment discrimination based on sex.
2024 boat parade crash in Merritt Island sends driver to jail
A man who crashed his Corvette-styled speedboat during Merritt Island?s 2024 Christmas boat parade, injuring several people, has been sentenced to jail.
SpaceX sends more Starlink satellites into orbit
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida's Cape Canaveral on Thursday.
Trump delivers remarks on Social Security Act anniversary
President Donald Trump will give remarks on Thursday afternoon to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, which established the program that now serves as a vital source of income for millions of Americans. The comments come about a month after Trump signed the ?big, beautiful? spending and tax package into law, which includes a $6,000 tax deduction for Americans 65 or older.
DeSantis announces plans for Florida immigration detention expansion
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new "Deportation Depot." DeSantis said he's confident Florida needs additional capacity to host undocumented immigrants in addition to "Alligator Alcatraz" in South Florida. The new "Deportation Depot" will be able to hold more than 1,300 detainees with the same services offered as Alligator Alcatraz.
Ocoee police give update on deadly officer-involved shooting
The Ocoee Police Department provides an update on a deadly officer-involved shooting involving 54-year-old Stacie Lynn Guerrero.
SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Florida
SpaceX launched 28 Starlink satellites Thursday morning from Cape Canaveral. The mission supports the expansion of the Starlink internet network.
Crane crushes home in Brevard County
- A crane collapsed onto a home in Merritt Island on Wednesday, according to the company that owns the equipment.
Family files lawsuit over son's injury in holiday drone show
A mother is suing the City of Orlando and others after a drone struck her child during the 2024 Lake Eola holiday show. The lawsuit blames defective drones and inadequate safety protocols.
Brevard ban on all personal tech for students prompts backlash
Students in Brevard County schools can no longer use cellphones, personal laptops or tablets during the school day under a new policy approved Tuesday night by the school board.
Woman, 78, fights off attempted carjacker in Lady Lake
A 78-year-old woman fought off a man who police say tried to force his way into her home and steal her car keys, according to authorities.The encounter happened when 53-year-old Craig Johnson allegedly pushed through the woman?s door on Tuesday and tried to snatch her purse and keys. Lady Lake Police Chief Steven Hunt said the woman refused to back down.
Crews work to remove crane that toppled on Florida home
A crane collapsed onto the roof of a Merritt Island home Wednesday afternoon, crushing part of the structure and knocking out utilities in the neighborhood, officials said.
Florida AG, FDA target kratom in push for federal ban
Florida Attorney General James Meyer joined a top FDA official on Wednesday to push for a federal ban on kratom, a legal but addictive plant-based substance the agency is seeking to classify as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Burglary attempt causes major flood at Deltona home
A burglary attempt turned into a flood disaster for a Deltona family after intruders slashed the liner of an above-ground pool, sending thousands of gallons of water into their home, authorities said.
Mom of boy hurt in Lake Eola drone show mishap files lawsuit
A mother is suing the City of Orlando and others after a drone struck her child during the 2024 Lake Eola holiday show.
Owner of dog that killed Florida child facing misdemeanor charge
The owner of one of the dogs that killed an 8-year-old Florida boy in January is now facing a second-degree misdemeanor charge, according to State Attorney William Scheiner.
Florida bear hunt: FWC approves first bear hunt in 10 years
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted on Wednesday to host a proposed?three-week bear hunt in December. This will be the first time in 10 years that hunting black bears will be permitted in the Sunshine State.
HBCU teams to compete in inaugural Hoops Invitational at Disney
Several prominent Historically Black College and University basketball programs will take part in the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational at Walt Disney World Resort this winter.
Florida woman wins 2025 Python Challenge with 60-snake haul
A 4-foot-11 Florida woman has claimed the top prize in the 2025 Python Challenge after capturing 60 Burmese pythons during the 10-day hunting event in the Everglades. Taylor Stanberry walked away with a $10,000 check after removing snakes, some three times her size, from the ecosystem.
Suspended Orlando commissioner Regina Hill back in court
Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill returned to court Wednesday for a status hearing in her criminal case, in which she faces more than half a dozen charges, including exploitation of an elderly person and fraud.