CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
Apopka police seek suspect accused of scamming victim outside Walmart
Read full article: Apopka police seek suspect accused of scamming victim outside WalmartApopka police are searching for a man accused of convincing a victim to hand over a large amount of cash outside a Walmart by gaining their trust through a shared religious belief, according to investigators.
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.
Zombie homes spark concerns in Orange County community
Read full article: Zombie homes spark concerns in Orange County communityPeople living in West Lakes say they see dozens of homes in their community just like this one. A home that’s boarded up and left to sit for years, unattended. That’s what neighbors call a zombie home.
‘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.
Boaters warned to steer clear of endangered whales off Merritt Island
Read full article: Boaters warned to steer clear of endangered whales off Merritt IslandA new warning for boaters near Merritt Island after a critically-endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted with her calf off the coast.
Brevard County approves $6K per household upgrading septic systems on Indian River Lagoon
Read full article: Brevard County approves $6K per household upgrading septic systems on Indian River LagoonUnder Florida law, by 2030, septic tanks have to be upgraded to a system that releases minimal amounts of nitrogen, which creates algae blooms.
Celebrate the holidays at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with space-themed fun
Read full article: Celebrate the holidays at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with space-themed funGuests are invited to celebrate with festive lights, live performances, a drone show, and space-themed activities during KSC's special after-hours event and Holidays in Space celebration.
🦁Our day at Brevard Zoo: Wild fun, animal encounters, adventure in Florida
Read full article: 🦁Our day at Brevard Zoo: Wild fun, animal encounters, adventure in FloridaIf you’re looking for a fun, educational, and immersive day out, the Brevard Zoo is the place to be. Celebrating 31 years as a community-built zoo, this spot is all about getting up close with amazing animals and exploring nature like never before.
Cape Canaveral man accused of using stolen checks from elderly victim
Read full article: Cape Canaveral man accused of using stolen checks from elderly victimA Cape Canaveral man accused of defrauding an elderly victim was arrested after a monthlong investigation, according to the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
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.
Silver Alert canceled as missing Palm Coast man located, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Silver Alert canceled as missing Palm Coast man located, sheriff’s office saysA Silver Alert has been canceled upon the location of a missing Palm Coast man, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
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.”
Lake County’s Wolf Branch Road set to reopen after flood repairs
Read full article: Lake County’s Wolf Branch Road set to reopen after flood repairsThe roadway, which washed out after 15 to 19 inches of rain fell across parts of Mount Dora and Eustis on Oct. 26, has been closed while crews replaced damaged infrastructure and reinforced vulnerable sections.
Commissioners debate road transfer, safety upgrades on Lake County’s Number Two Road
Read full article: Commissioners debate road transfer, safety upgrades on Lake County’s Number Two RoadA group of neighbors in Lake County is raising concerns about safety, growth, and historic preservation along Number Two Road between Howey-in-the-Hills and Leesburg.
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.
‘We’re here for you, ma’am:’ Bodycam video shows woman’s arrest in The Villages in 1983 kidnapping case
Read full article: ‘We’re here for you, ma’am:’ Bodycam video shows woman’s arrest in The Villages in 1983 kidnapping caseDebra Newton was taken into custody in Florida on custodial interference charges stemming from a 1983 kidnapping case.
‘Don’t destroy that:’ Parents sound off as plans proceed to close several Orange County schools
Read full article: ‘Don’t destroy that:’ Parents sound off as plans proceed to close several Orange County schoolsSeveral parents are now speaking out after Orange County Public Schools announced it is moving forward with a plan that could lead to the closure of seven schools, including McCoy Elementary.
Apopka police seek suspect accused of scamming victim outside Walmart
Read full article: Apopka police seek suspect accused of scamming victim outside WalmartApopka police are searching for a man accused of convincing a victim to hand over a large amount of cash outside a Walmart by gaining their trust through a shared religious belief, according to investigators.
Zombie homes spark concerns in Orange County community
Read full article: Zombie homes spark concerns in Orange County communityPeople living in West Lakes say they see dozens of homes in their community just like this one. A home that’s boarded up and left to sit for years, unattended. That’s what neighbors call a zombie home.
*NSYNC’s Joey Fatone returns to Orlando for ‘& Juliet’ performance at Dr. Phillips Center
Read full article: *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone returns to Orlando for ‘& Juliet’ performance at Dr. Phillips Center*NSYNC icon and Orlandoan Joey Fatone will mark a special homecoming as he returns to The City Beautiful to perform in “& Juliet” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
‘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.
VIDEO: 2 arrested after armed BMW carjacking in Osceola County, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: 2 arrested after armed BMW carjacking in Osceola County, deputies sayThe victim and the two suspects took the BMW for a test drive. When the drive ended, one suspect pulled a gun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle, Osceola County deputies said.
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.
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.
19-year-old arrested in ‘brutal stabbing’ death of retired nurse inside Davenport home
Read full article: 19-year-old arrested in ‘brutal stabbing’ death of retired nurse inside Davenport homeDeputies said 19-year-old Julian Trevino moved in with the victim last September but was forced to move out because he wasn't helping pay rent.
Driver suffers critical injuries in crash with Winter Haven fire engine, police say
Read full article: Driver suffers critical injuries in crash with Winter Haven fire engine, police sayAn SUV driver suffered critical injuries upon striking a Winter Haven fire truck that was turning at an intersection, according to police.
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.
Lake Mary High School celebrates first-ever state football championship
Read full article: Lake Mary High School celebrates first-ever state football championshipLake Mary High School celebrated its first-ever state football championship Wednesday night, less than a week after clinching the title with a dramatic last-second victory.
Lake Mary High School celebrates 1st win at Class 7A state football championship
Read full article: Lake Mary High School celebrates 1st win at Class 7A state football championshipSeminole County Public Schools is inviting the community to celebrate the Lake Mary High School’s first-ever FHSAA Class 7A state football championship.
Lake Howell High School lockdown lifted after hoax threat, district says
Read full article: Lake Howell High School lockdown lifted after hoax threat, district saysAround 8:30 a.m., the school initiated a Code Red lockdown, which was later downgraded to a Code Yellow before being completely lifted, according to Seminole County Public Schools.
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.
Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia County
Read full article: Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia CountyA Volusia County man accused of defrauding more than 100 students out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a European trip that never materialized faced a judge Thursday, who ordered him held on $4 million bond.
‘Scumbag:’ Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas trip
Read full article: ‘Scumbag:’ Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas tripThe man accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from more than 100 high school students for a European trip that never happened was met face-to-face Thursday by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and by the students who say they were scammed.
2 of 4 horses stolen in Volusia County found in South Florida; arrest made
Read full article: 2 of 4 horses stolen in Volusia County found in South Florida; arrest madeDays after the horses were first reported stolen, the Volusia Sheriff's Office said that investigators have pinned an undocumented immigrant from Cuba as the suspect.
32-year-old motorcyclist killed in Deltona mini-bike crash
Read full article: 32-year-old motorcyclist killed in Deltona mini-bike crashA 32-year-old motorcyclist was killed when a mini-bike pulled out in front of him in Deltona, and for the first time in Central Florida, authorities are considering criminal charges in such a case.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
Florida lawmakers consider ‘Ya Ya Alert Act’ to improve real-time threat notifications
Read full article: Florida lawmakers consider ‘Ya Ya Alert Act’ to improve real-time threat notificationsThe proposed Ya Ya Alert Act, sponsored by Rep. Rashon Young, would create a mandatory alert system requiring law enforcement to send notifications when a serious threat is within a three-mile radius of schools, childcare facilities, and registered users.
Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia County
Read full article: Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia CountyA Volusia County man accused of defrauding more than 100 students out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a European trip that never materialized faced a judge Thursday, who ordered him held on $4 million bond.
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 driver wrongly arrested over confusion about new license plate law
Read full article: Florida driver wrongly arrested over confusion about new license plate lawSerious legal concerns have been raised over a new Florida law after a driver was mistakenly arrested earlier this week, according to News 6 partner WPLG-TV.
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.
Dollars and Sense: Can 50-year mortgages fix housing affordability... or make it worse?
Read full article: Dollars and Sense: Can 50-year mortgages fix housing affordability... or make it worse?About few weeks ago, President Donald Trump floated the idea on social media of 50-year mortgages, proposing loans that would stretch a homebuyer’s payments to half a century.
*NSYNC’s Joey Fatone returns to Orlando for ‘& Juliet’ performance at Dr. Phillips Center
Read full article: *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone returns to Orlando for ‘& Juliet’ performance at Dr. Phillips Center*NSYNC icon and Orlandoan Joey Fatone will mark a special homecoming as he returns to The City Beautiful to perform in “& Juliet” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Orlando to remove select artifacts from Pulse site as plans move ahead for permanent memorial
Read full article: Orlando to remove select artifacts from Pulse site as plans move ahead for permanent memorialOnce the items are removed, the next phase of construction, which includes the removal of the Pulse sign and clearing of the site, will begin.
VIDEO: 2 arrested after armed BMW carjacking in Osceola County, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: 2 arrested after armed BMW carjacking in Osceola County, deputies sayThe victim and the two suspects took the BMW for a test drive. When the drive ended, one suspect pulled a gun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle, Osceola County deputies said.
License plate liberation? Florida lawmakers file bills to toss the yellow tag
Read full article: License plate liberation? Florida lawmakers file bills to toss the yellow tagFlorida’s yellow license plate registration decals may soon be a thing of the past with the advent of new legislation calling for an electronic renewal process.
Now what? Here’s everything being done to clarify Florida’s license plate law confusion
Read full article: Now what? Here’s everything being done to clarify Florida’s license plate law confusionFlorida Statutes now upgrade the penalty for anyone covering or interfering with the visibility of a license plate’s primary features to a second-degree misdemeanor. The big question now is, what’s being done to clarify the law?
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.”