Florida News

A star-studded charity golf tournament in Orlando raised more than $100,000 for addiction recovery and mental health services, according to organizers. The 12th annual Now Matters More Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament was held at Orange County National Golf Center.

A Lake Mary high school wrestler who lost both parents to cancer in her early teens has found a new family through her coach, who later became her legal guardian.

Attorneys for a Florida teenager accused of raping and killing his stepsister on a cruise ship are asking a judge to allow him to remain free on bond as he awaits trial, according to court filings. Defense attorneys for Timothy Hudson argue he has complied with all bond conditions.

Dezerland Park in Orlando requires all visitors ages 17 and under to be accompanied by an adult. The indoor attraction off International Drive updated its chaperone policy, called the Youth Caperone Program, which is aimed at ensuring everyone has a "safe and welcoming visit."

As Sloth World Orlando prepares to open its "slotharium" on Orlando's famed International Drive, some questions are being raised after 31 sloths died under its care died, according to reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The sloths were shipped to the U.S. from Guyana and Peru in December 2024. The 31 died from "cold stun" or "poor health," according to FWC's report.  Sloth World Orlando denied the FWC report, claiming the sloths died from a virus. FWC did not issue any citations, warnings, or violations in the sloth deaths, determining that there was no intentional "mal conduct." Investigators conducted an announced, routine inspection at the warehouse facility in August 2025, the report said. During that inspection, there were six sloths at the facility – believed to be three males and three females. Four were in one cage, while two were in two separate cages. FWC found that two of the cages  did not meet legal requirements. Sloth World Orlando was given a "verbal warning" in that incident, the report said. 

By her sophomore year in high school, Maryellen Wingate had already gone through two difficult losses -- the deaths of her mom and dad, both from cancer. She took up wrestling in eighth grade and fell in love with sports in high school. Her coach Andy Rothenberg and his wife knew Wingate -- and decided to become her legal guardian, providing support for her at school, on the wrestling mat, and at home.

A Gopher tortoise was found in DeLand, Florida, sprayed with what appeared to be foam insulation all over its head and neck. The good news here, the tortoise was brought to the Marine Science Center where it was cleaned up, and released back into the wild. The question is, who did this? Witnesses reported two kids sprayed the tortoise. The FWC said it was aware of the report and investigating.

Wildfires across Central and North Florida prompted a state of emergency in Alachua County on Monday, as dry, windy conditions fueled multiple ակտիվ blazes and disrupted travel. One brush fire in Umatilla had burned about 120 acres and was roughly 70% contained.

Those who receive SNAP benefits in Florida cannot use those funds to buy soda, candy, cookies or snack desserts, or energy drinks. Those changes went in effect on April 20, part of a 2-year pilot program. Florida said the goal is to provide more nutritious and healthier foods to the state's low-income families.

A new trial date has been scheduled for a teenager accused of killing two people during a Halloween block party in Orlando in 2024. The case had been delayed earlier this year but is now moving forward after a judge reviewed key filings.

Wildfires burning across North and Central Florida are disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations, as officials warn conditions could worsen. The fires have already halted train service and left hundreds of passengers stranded for hours. The fires forced Amtrak to halt some routes, including Train 98, the Silver Meteor, which runs from Miami to New York City.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast. While the rocket launched and landed successfully, the mission fell short of its primary objective, raising concerns across the commercial space industry.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast. While the rocket launched and landed successfully, the mission fell short of its primary objective, raising concerns across the commercial space industry.