DNA testing helps solve 1972 ‘John Doe’ cold case in Polk County, sheriff’s office says
Fifty-two years ago, a person fishing in Polk County found a man dead. Through DNA testing and decades of investigative work, detectives now say the man’s identity has finally been uncovered, as well as that of the men responsible for his murder.
Lawyer for family of slain US Air Force airman says video and calls show deputy went to wrong home
A lawyer for the family of Roger Fortson says the bodycam footage of the Florida sheriff’s deputy who killed the Black U.S. Air Force airman and police radio traffic reinforce their assertion that the deputy was directed to the wrong apartment while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
Keeping children with autism safe around water
Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children on the autism spectrum. That’s why Thursday’s "Breakfast with Bridgett" featured a discussion about water safety with Katie Pabst, Florida Autism Center's director of clinical operations for northwest Florida.
Florida A&M University signs off on probe of gift
Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson on Wednesday took responsibility and apologized for a controversy that involved the school accepting — then ultimately rescinding — a $239 million donation after questions arose about its legitimacy.
Who gets to claim self-defense in shootings? Airman’s death sparks debate over race and gun rights
The death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson in Florida this month reignited a complicated debate about race, gun laws and self-defense – namely, who is typically afforded deference when it comes to using guns in self-defense and who is not.
Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta
A former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia has pleaded guilty to transporting millions of dollars' worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer’s green jackets.
City, Jags agree to spend $1.25 billion on ‘Stadium of the Future;’ Gainesville or Orlando to host home games
The Jaguars and the City of Jacksonville took the wraps off the most expensive investment in Jacksonville history on Tuesday, a 50-50 cost split on the $1.25 billion “Stadium of the Future” project that won’t include new taxes and will keep the team in town for the next generation.
Happy Mother’s Day from Florida’s Fourth Estate
The Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast with hosts Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden covers a variety of hot topics across Florida, including how individuals are impacting our community for the better. Some of those “change makers” have said it’s their mom who helped them to get to where they are today.
‘Stamp Out Hunger:’ Letter carriers deliver donations in nation’s largest 1-day food drive
Each year, families leave non-perishable food items near their mailbox on the second Saturday in May. Letter carriers pick up the donations during their routes and the food is then taken to local food banks and organizations for distribution.
Panthers take a 2-1 series lead over the Bruins, scoring 4 power-play goals in a 6-2 victory
Vladimir Tarasenko and Carter Verhaeghe scored on the same Bruins double-minor, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 14 shots and the Florida Panthers beat Boston 6-2 on Friday night and take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
DeSantis issues state of emergency amid deadly storms in North Florida
At least one person is dead in Florida as powerful storms continue to pummel the South during a week of severe weather across the U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for some north Florida counties.