CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
88-year-old man killed in single-vehicle crash in Volusia County, troopers say
Read full article: 88-year-old man killed in single-vehicle crash in Volusia County, troopers sayAn 88-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Volusia County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Woman stabbed to death in puzzling attack at Barnes & Noble in Florida, police say
Read full article: Woman stabbed to death in puzzling attack at Barnes & Noble in Florida, police sayA woman was killed earlier this week in what appears to be an unprovoked attack at a Barnes & Noble store, according to police.
Teen found shot to death near condo complex, Orange County deputies say
Read full article: Teen found shot to death near condo complex, Orange County deputies sayA 17-year-old was shot to death near a condominium complex in Orange County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.
Surfing Santas ride Christmas Eve waves in Cocoa Beach, raising money for local charities
Read full article: Surfing Santas ride Christmas Eve waves in Cocoa Beach, raising money for local charitiesOn Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach, Santa didn’t need snow or a sleigh. He grabbed a surfboard and hit the waves, Florida style.
Surfing Santas ride Christmas Eve waves in Cocoa Beach, raising money for local charities
Read full article: Surfing Santas ride Christmas Eve waves in Cocoa Beach, raising money for local charitiesOn Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach, Santa didn’t need snow or a sleigh. He grabbed a surfboard and hit the waves, Florida style.
‘Scratching my cars up:’ Brevard County man shot neighborhood cat, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Scratching my cars up:’ Brevard County man shot neighborhood cat, deputies sayA Brevard County man was arrested after deputies say he shot a neighborhood cat, causing injuries that led to the animal’s leg being amputated, according to court documents.
Cocoa police search for man accused of sexual battery of child
Read full article: Cocoa police search for man accused of sexual battery of childThe Cocoa Police Department says Edy Alexander Espinoza-Lopez has an active warrant for charges of sexual battery on a person under 12, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious battery and lewd or lascivious conduct.
‘Hush hush:’ New messages released after Anna Kepner mysteriously dies on cruise ship
Read full article: ‘Hush hush:’ New messages released after Anna Kepner mysteriously dies on cruise shipOver 100 pages of texts and emails were released last week as part of an ongoing child custody dispute linked to the mysterious death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival Cruise ship.
‘The naughty list:’ Wrong tag leads to arrest of wanted Central Florida man
Read full article: ‘The naughty list:’ Wrong tag leads to arrest of wanted Central Florida manA wanted Central Florida man was caught after deputies noticed that his car had a wrong tag, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Visitors trade winter chill for Central Florida sunshine on Christmas
Read full article: Visitors trade winter chill for Central Florida sunshine on ChristmasVisitors from across North America traded traditional winter scenes for sand and surf this Christmas Eve, as Central Florida’s beaches drew holiday crowds seeking warmth and sunshine.
VIDEO: Bunnell man arrested after high-speed chase, marijuana found in car, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: Bunnell man arrested after high-speed chase, marijuana found in car, deputies sayA deputy was conducting traffic enforcement on Old Dixie Highway when he stopped a grey Volkswagen. The driver, later identified as Byrone Lord, accelerated into oncoming traffic and fled onto U.S. 1, a news release states.
Florida inmate given 8 years had just 14 days left on original sentence, sheriff says
Read full article: Florida inmate given 8 years had just 14 days left on original sentence, sheriff saysA Florida man found guilty of stealing from a Palm Coast home while on a state prison inmate work crew has been given an eight-year sentence, records show.
‘Get the dog off me:’ Video shows Flagler County K9 take down burglary suspect
Read full article: ‘Get the dog off me:’ Video shows Flagler County K9 take down burglary suspectBody camera video showed the moments a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K9 helped capture a man accused of stealing a truck and committing multiple burglaries.
Lake County moves forward with Hartwood Marsh expansion, scheduled for spring construction start
Read full article: Lake County moves forward with Hartwood Marsh expansion, scheduled for spring construction startDuring its last meeting, the Lake County Commission approved the funding needed to begin construction on Hartwood Marsh Road in 2026.
Golf carts, motorcycles get new parking lot in downtown Mount Dora
Read full article: Golf carts, motorcycles get new parking lot in downtown Mount DoraThe city of Mount Dora has partnered with Main Street Leasing to set aside parking for motorcycles and golf carts at 505 N. Alexander Street. The location is near West Fifth Avenue, about a block west of Donnelly Park.
Groveland seeking more than $1.4 million from Kroger over closure of fulfillment center
Read full article: Groveland seeking more than $1.4 million from Kroger over closure of fulfillment centerCity council members unanimously agreed to pursue the reimbursement and set a January deadline for Kroger to return the “incentives it received to establish a grocery distribution center at Ford Commerce Park.”
Ocala man dies after being ejected in crash, run over by pickup, troopers say
Read full article: Ocala man dies after being ejected in crash, run over by pickup, troopers sayThe Florida Highway Patrol said the 25-year-old Ocala man landed in the roadway when he was ejected from his pickup and run over by a truck.
Leadership axed at Marion County fire station after violent hazing scandal
Read full article: Leadership axed at Marion County fire station after violent hazing scandalAfter four Marion County Fire Rescue employees were arrested and terminated from their roles last month, the agency has announced another round of firings.
Man accused of rape in Marion County faces another charge after 3rd victim comes forward
Read full article: Man accused of rape in Marion County faces another charge after 3rd victim comes forwardThe sheriff’s office said an additional victim came forward after seeing his arrest to report she was also attacked by him.
Father-daughter reunion follows mother’s arrest in The Villages for 1983 abduction case
Read full article: Father-daughter reunion follows mother’s arrest in The Villages for 1983 abduction caseNow in her 40s, Michelle Newton is navigating a relationship with a father she never knew, while her mother, seen in a viral bodycam video, faces criminal charges.
Charges dropped against former Marion County child-care worker accused of abuse
Read full article: Charges dropped against former Marion County child-care worker accused of abuseCharges have been dropped against a former employee of a Marion County day care who was fired following her arrest on accusations of child abuse, according to her attorney.
Man sentenced to 20 years for stealing Marion County sheriff’s patrol car, fleeing deputies
Read full article: Man sentenced to 20 years for stealing Marion County sheriff’s patrol car, fleeing deputiesThe chase ended at the intersection of State Road 200 and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, where a deputy used a PIT maneuver to stop the stolen vehicle.
Teen found shot to death near condo complex, Orange County deputies say
Read full article: Teen found shot to death near condo complex, Orange County deputies sayA 17-year-old was shot to death near a condominium complex in Orange County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.
‘Labor of love:’ Indoor Christmas village in Winter Park gives families a unique experience
Read full article: ‘Labor of love:’ Indoor Christmas village in Winter Park gives families a unique experienceOne Winter Park family is hoping their unique holiday display called the Lyman Christmas Village, can help calm some of that chaos with a relaxing experience that offers something for everyone.
Woman accused of pushing child under water at Gaylord Palms released on bond
Read full article: Woman accused of pushing child under water at Gaylord Palms released on bondA judge on Tuesday set bond for a woman accused of pushing a 6-year-old boy under the water in a pool at Gaylord Palms, and she later bonded out of jail.
Florida’s Turnpike reopens in Osceola County after overturned semi causes major delays
Read full article: Florida’s Turnpike reopens in Osceola County after overturned semi causes major delaysFlorida’s Turnpike reopened Tuesday hours after an overturned semi shutdown the northbound lanes in Osceola County.
ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last week
Read full article: ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last weekIn the week before Christmas, nearly a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to shut their doors, according to state records.
Woman accused of pushing child under water at Gaylord Palms pool, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Woman accused of pushing child under water at Gaylord Palms pool, sheriff’s office saysA woman is accused of pushing a 6-year-old boy under the water in a pool at Gaylord Palms, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
‘Constantly knocking:’ Persistent internet sales pitches cause frustration among St. Cloud homeowners
Read full article: ‘Constantly knocking:’ Persistent internet sales pitches cause frustration among St. Cloud homeownersSome St. Cloud residents say Quantum Fiber’s persistent door-to-door sales tactics are intrusive and harassing, despite repeated refusals to switch services.
St. Cloud business owners become Secret Santas with holiday gift hunt
Read full article: St. Cloud business owners become Secret Santas with holiday gift huntA group of St. Cloud business owners has quietly transformed the city into a festive treasure hunt by hiding small gifts and gift cards around downtown, encouraging families to explore and share their finds as part of a growing holiday tradition.
Polk County man kills wife, shoots and injures stepdaughter before taking own life, deputies say
Read full article: Polk County man kills wife, shoots and injures stepdaughter before taking own life, deputies sayThe Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a murder-suicide that left a woman dead, her daughter critically injured, and the woman’s husband dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound three days before Christmas, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.
ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last week
Read full article: ROACHES APLENTY: Even more Central Florida restaurants closed last weekIn the week before Christmas, nearly a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to shut their doors, according to state records.
Countdown to 2026: New Year’s Eve celebrations at Central Florida’s theme parks
Read full article: Countdown to 2026: New Year’s Eve celebrations at Central Florida’s theme parksWhether you crave magical fireworks, thrilling rides, or unforgettable parties, these parks know how to kick off the new year with style.
LEGO contest sparks creativity in young builders with Legoland Galacticoaster ride opportunity
Read full article: LEGO contest sparks creativity in young builders with Legoland Galacticoaster ride opportunityThe competition invites young innovators to explore creativity through hands-on building inspired by the universe. Winners will be announced by Feb. 5.
Property taxes in this major Florida city spiked nearly 400%, report shows
Read full article: Property taxes in this major Florida city spiked nearly 400%, report showsWith the discussion around property tax cuts hitting a fever pitch in Florida, a new report shows which counties have imposed the highest levies statewide.
Man points gun at another car with child inside in Polk County road rage incident, deputies say
Read full article: Man points gun at another car with child inside in Polk County road rage incident, deputies sayA 64-year-old man was arrested after pulling a gun and pointing it toward another vehicle that had a 3-year-old child inside, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Why AI, and a student with a clarinet, put a Seminole County school on lockdown
Read full article: Why AI, and a student with a clarinet, put a Seminole County school on lockdownA police report obtained by News 6 Thursday reveals more details about why law enforcement was concerned about a possible threat earlier this month at a Seminole County middle school. The boy seen on school security cameras holding the clarinet “in the position of a shouldered rifle” was also dressed in camo and wearing a tactical vest.
‘Lifetime of memories:’ 95-year-old woman’s Lake Mary home destroyed in fire
Read full article: ‘Lifetime of memories:’ 95-year-old woman’s Lake Mary home destroyed in fireA 95-year-old woman’s home in Lake Mary was destroyed when a fire broke out, according to a GoFundMe started by the woman’s granddaughter.
RODENTS GALORE: These 5 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health issues
Read full article: RODENTS GALORE: These 5 Central Florida restaurants shut down over health issuesAnother five Central Florida eateries were forced to shut down, and they all reportedly shared one feature in common: rodent droppings.
‘AI slop:’ Florida governor calls for artificial-intelligence bill of rights. Here’s what it would do
Read full article: ‘AI slop:’ Florida governor calls for artificial-intelligence bill of rights. Here’s what it would doFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis lambasted the potential for abuse in the rising realm of artificial intelligence and called for an “AI Bill of Rights.”
Centerwell, UnitedHealthcare reach deal for The Villages Health Medicare plans
Read full article: Centerwell, UnitedHealthcare reach deal for The Villages Health Medicare plansThousands of residents of The Villages are breathing a sigh of relief after learning of a deal between UnitedHealthcare and the new owners of The Villages Health System.
‘The naughty list:’ Wrong tag leads to arrest of wanted Central Florida man
Read full article: ‘The naughty list:’ Wrong tag leads to arrest of wanted Central Florida manA wanted Central Florida man was caught after deputies noticed that his car had a wrong tag, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Visitors trade winter chill for Central Florida sunshine on Christmas
Read full article: Visitors trade winter chill for Central Florida sunshine on ChristmasVisitors from across North America traded traditional winter scenes for sand and surf this Christmas Eve, as Central Florida’s beaches drew holiday crowds seeking warmth and sunshine.
88-year-old man killed in single-vehicle crash in Volusia County, troopers say
Read full article: 88-year-old man killed in single-vehicle crash in Volusia County, troopers sayAn 88-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Volusia County on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Deputies arrest man accused of trying to break into Deltona home with teen girl inside
Read full article: Deputies arrest man accused of trying to break into Deltona home with teen girl insideVolusia County deputies arrested a man who’s accused of trying to break into a Deltona house where a teenage girl was home alone.
Historic Daytona Beach fire station could become restaurant, lounge under city proposal
Read full article: Historic Daytona Beach fire station could become restaurant, lounge under city proposalCity leaders say the goal is to preserve the building’s historic character while creating a destination that draws more people downtown.
Volusia County sheriff urges shoppers to stay alert as fraud spikes during holiday season
Read full article: Volusia County sheriff urges shoppers to stay alert as fraud spikes during holiday seasonThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says it has seen a noticeable uptick in fraud reports this week, prompting a public warning from Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “This time of year, we see them all year; some are very mundane, some are very elaborate, but in the last 72 hours, I got a phone call from both of my credit card companies questioning a purchase,” Chitwood said.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
‘Labor of love:’ Indoor Christmas village in Winter Park gives families a unique experience
Read full article: ‘Labor of love:’ Indoor Christmas village in Winter Park gives families a unique experienceOne Winter Park family is hoping their unique holiday display called the Lyman Christmas Village, can help calm some of that chaos with a relaxing experience that offers something for everyone.
‘Scratching my cars up:’ Brevard County man shot neighborhood cat, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Scratching my cars up:’ Brevard County man shot neighborhood cat, deputies sayA Brevard County man was arrested after deputies say he shot a neighborhood cat, causing injuries that led to the animal’s leg being amputated, according to court documents.
Cocoa police search for man accused of sexual battery of child
Read full article: Cocoa police search for man accused of sexual battery of childThe Cocoa Police Department says Edy Alexander Espinoza-Lopez has an active warrant for charges of sexual battery on a person under 12, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious battery and lewd or lascivious conduct.
Deputies arrest man accused of trying to break into Deltona home with teen girl inside
Read full article: Deputies arrest man accused of trying to break into Deltona home with teen girl insideVolusia County deputies arrested a man who’s accused of trying to break into a Deltona house where a teenage girl was home alone.