A new bill aiming to further crack down on pedophiles in Florida was overwhelmingly approved by the state Legislature this week, despite a few lawmakers voting against it.

Florida Attorney General struck out at a state representative for how she voted on a bill to crack down on sexual predators in the state.

Central Florida leaders offered sharply different reactions Saturday after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran’s capital, responding to the escalating conflict with a mix of praise and criticism.

With children and young adults increasingly involved in e-bike accidents, the Florida Senate has approved a bill aimed at regulating e-bike speeds and improving pedestrian safety.

Legislation putting new restrictions on large-scale data centers, a major plank of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to put guardrails on artificial intelligence, cleared its first House committee on Tuesday.

Leaders at a Winter Park church are speaking out after an inclusive sign was cut down and set on fire outside the building.

News 6 was there as ICE representatives toured a building on Transport Drive as a possible new detainment center.

Charges were dropped against a pet owner accused of leaving a dog tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in Florida before Hurricane Milton struck last year, according to court records.

A Delaney Park homeowner says a group of youths was caught on his Ring doorbell camera ripping down a pride flag that had been flying in front of his house.

The qualifying period opens Friday at noon for Orlando’s city council races in November.

Painted over, colored in, and painted over again, what until recently was an approved and undisturbed rainbow crosswalk outside of the former Pulse Nightclub is now black, white, and apparently under supervision.

Central Florida public school students go back to class on Monday morning in most of the region. However, that means many parents are scrambling to buy clothes and supplies.

A federal judge heard arguments about an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”.

Hundreds carried signs in disapproval of the Trump administration’s policies at the “Good Trouble Lives On” protest at Orlando City Hall on Thursday night.

A group of Democratic lawmakers says they are planning another visit to a controversial immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, days after being denied entry and filing a lawsuit against the state.

A handful of Democratic state lawmakers in Florida filed a lawsuit on Thursday after they were denied entry into the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility, according to court records.

A new detention facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” is now operational in the Florida Everglades, but not everyone is being allowed inside for a look at the conditions.

Tucked into the Florida budget that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this week was $394,421 for the Pulse National Memorial. Since the budget allocation survived DeSantis’ line-item veto, that money will now go to the city of Orlando, which is getting close to construction on a permanent memorial to the 49 people killed in the 2016 shooting.

Leaders in Central Florida speak about the man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another.

Thousands swarmed downtown Orlando Saturday as part of a nationwide day of defiance against President Donald Trump.

The final proposal blends key elements from both the Senate and House bills, aiming to balance safety requirements with financial flexibility for condo associations. The law will allow associations to invest their reserve funds, without a vote of unit owners, and also makes online voting possible for associations.

The Florida House on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies and take aim at labeling of plant-based products as milk, meat and eggs.

Florida students who were traumatized by the 2018 Parkland school shooting — and last week’s deadly shooting at Florida State University — are urging lawmakers in the Republican-controlled statehouse not to roll back gun restrictions they passed in the wake of the killing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Central Florida Miracle League was down to its last out.

A state budget bill approved by the Florida House on Wednesday could lead to a significant reduction in how much funding school districts receive for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, prompting criticism from Democrats who argue the change could diminish college readiness in public schools.

A proposal that would require small businesses to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of newly hired workers started moving forward Tuesday in the House.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani announces that she has filed an amendment to rename landmarks after places in "Star Wars."

As Orange County continues to see record tourism tax revenues, Orlando lawmakers are looking to change how this money can be spent.

The annual Florida Legislative Session gets underway Tuesday, and our state representatives are looking to pass bills on everything from help for people with disabilities to preventing pool drownings to mental health care for teachers.

Eatonville, a historic Black town, is witnessing a small but significant transformation as a longtime homeowner benefits from a grant aimed at restoring old homes.

Rep. Anna Eskamani put in a budget request for $394,321 for the city of Orlando's Pulse Memorial. That's the same amount of money that was returned when the previous group dissolved last year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to pledge partnership from all levels state to local with soon-to-be President Donald Trump’s administration on tackling illegal immigration.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani and Orlando native announces her bid for mayor.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced state resources were being deployed north in “Operation Blue Ridge,” what’s meant in part to assist Floridians seeking rescue in western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Tennessee Valley following Hurricane Helene.

A 2022 bill set requirements for inspections of condominium buildings that are three stories or higher. But now, some condo owners are being hit with huge assessments and fees to meet the new law's deadline early in the new year.

More than 100 people braved the mid-day heat on Monday to protest a U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade.

For the first time in 27 years, the U.S. government is changing how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity.

HB 1 would restrict teens under 16 from using social media, banning them from creating new accounts and forcing those with existing accounts off platforms.

The Florida Board of Education has implemented new regulations that it says will restrict the use of public funds for DEI programs within Florida College System institutions.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday called for increased state sanctions against Iran for aiding Hamas in the deadly surprise attack in Israel over the weekend.

Some central Florida lawmakers say they are considering “all legislative, legal and executive options available” to stop business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows.

LGBTQ+ advocates are speaking out as the Florida Board of Education meets in Orlando.

New rules will be put into place Wednesday during a meeting led by the Florida Department of Education. Among the agenda items are topics including student pronouns and bathroom choices.

Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Task Force has already made recommendations to spend the bulk of the county’s tourism tax on big venues like the county convention center or the Amway Arena.

At a packed rally Saturday morning, more than 100 people came out to Renaissance Theatre Company in Orlando to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade one year later.

Starting this month, Covenant House Florida — located in Orlando — said it will begin phasing out its emergency shelter. The organization said it has been providing resources to housing insecure youth since 1995.

The Florida Senate on Monday released a 98-page bill that includes proposed changes ranging from clamping down on voter-registration groups to relaxing campaign-finance reporting rules.

With approval Friday from the Florida House, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s $711 million effort to make housing more affordable for working Floridians is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Lawmakers in the Florida House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that would allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a state permit.

The Florida House is ready to take up a proposal that would shift control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and give it a new name.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District board met amid a special session that could give Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis control over the Disney district.

National and state lawmakers lead a candlelight vigil over the weekend to honor and reflect on the life of Tyre Nichols who died after being beaten by now-former Memphis police officers.

Reaction is being heard across Central Florida following the release of footage showing the violent, deadly arrest of Tyre Nichols.

While the law is technically in effect, Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants will now be able to enforce most of the law starting in January 2023.

A library card can help open up a world of access and learning in areas such as music, cinema, photography, cuisine, art, science or technology.

As Central Florida rent prices soar above the rate of inflation, some tenants are searching for a solution to renewal notice sticker shock.

Pro-choice supporters started off Independence Day at the Orange County Courthouse holding up signs and chanting "my body, my choice."

Days after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, people say they are still angry.

Several key, controversial laws here in Florida are set to go into effect this Friday, July 1.

Rep. Anthony Sabatini, a Republican who represents Lake County’s District 32 in the Florida House of Representatives, is calling for a special legislative session after the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday.

A rally is being held in Orlando after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case in a historic ruling.

Orlando Rep. Anna Eskamani said she's not surprised after the draft opinion, leaked to and reported by Politico, shows a majority of the Supreme Court in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade.

In a statement to News 6 Tuesday afternoon, FDOT spokesperson Jessica Ottaviano said the state transportation agency is now "aggressively exploring avenues" to accelerate the installation of a wrong-way vehicle detection system on all direct-connect ramps that feed traffic to and from I-4 Express lanes to and from local roads.

Economic analysts call it the perfect storm for renters in Orlando and across the nation.

Despite fierce objections from Democrats who argued the proposal is unconstitutional, a Florida House panel on Wednesday approved a controversial bill that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Florida’s 2022 legislative session is officially underway.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani has filed a bill that would allow tourism tax dollars to be used for things like infrastructure.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed four bills Thursday at a car dealership in Brandon, Florida, aimed at pushing back against federal COVID-19 mandates.

Florida lawmakers begin debating a package of bills to combat coronavirus vaccine mandates, continuing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' fight against virus rules.

Two Democratic lawmakers have filed proposals that would require Florida to generate all of its electricity through renewable energy by 2040.

Florida is suing President Joe Biden’s administration claiming his immigration policy is illegal.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to the affordable housing crisis Central Florida is facing but there are some groups and individuals working to make housing more attainable.

The deadline to evacuate U.S. citizens and Afghanistan’s who helped the U.S. during the 20 years of conflict is closing in.

Florida lawmakers are responding after two foster children reportedly shot at deputies Tuesday night.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs into law a plan to require out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians.

A bill that would prevent men and transgender women from participating in Florida school and college sports designated for women passed in a Florida House vote Wednesday after two days of intense debate.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As part of an effort to get people in underserved communities access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. State Reps. Travaris McCurdy and Anna Eskamani worked with the state to get 600 people vaccinated on Saturday. “We’ve done dozens and dozens and dozens of vaccine sites at churches, predominantly African American churches, since the beginning of January,” DeSantis said during a news conference Friday in Ocala. “We’re going to the people instead of putting the burden on people to go to these other sites,” McCurdy said. The state is hosting a vaccination event on Sunday at Shiloh Baptist Church Youth Life Center in Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are getting ready to descend on Tallahassee to debate policy, pass new laws and put together a state budget. Perhaps the biggest hurdle lawmakers will face during the 60-day legislative session is the record $96.6 billion budget put forth by Gov. News 6 political expert Dr. Jim Clark joined anchor Justin Warmoth on “The Weekly on ClickOrlando.com” to break down what to expect over the next two months. State Rep. Anna Eskamani, (D) District 47, also appeared on the program to explain what her legislative priorities are this year and whether she’s considering a run for governor in 2022. Florida’s legislative session kicks off Tuesday, March 2.

Students whose majors aren’t on the list would receive less funding from the Bright Futures Scholarship. Bright Futures students are currently eligible for 100% or 75% of tuition but under this bill that would depend on their education track. “I went to UCF on Bright Futures and wouldn’t be here today without it,” said Eskamani. “We need to protect and enhance Bright Futures not cut it.”Along with the changes to Bright Futures, the proposal would also create two new financial aid programs. AdThe Florida Endeavor Scholarship would benefit students without a high school diploma who wish to enroll in a certificate or high school equivalency program.

A Republican proposal to slash the $600 weekly benefit boost for those left jobless because of the coronavirus shutdown could result in weeks or even months of delayed payments in some states. Washington was among the first states to implement the $600 benefit boost. John Bel Edwards said he doesn’t believe any states’ unemployment systems could handle a variable federal benefit tied to a person’s previous earnings. He has encouraged Louisiana’s congressional delegation to back a flat unemployment benefit instead. “The Republican proposal on unemployment benefits, simply put, is unworkable.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Lindsey Bates lost her job as a server with an Orlando IHOP in early March and like thousands of other unemployed workers in Florida and across the country her chase for unemployment benefits has become a never-ending cycle of delays and disappointment. Her records show she has already received two payments from the PEUC but she told News 6 she received one payment on her debit card and nothing after that. Eskamani said she has helped people from the Panhandle to the Keyes and that it usually takes two to threes weeks to have the funds sent. If you would like to help Lindsey Bates and her son or you have an unemployment issue email us at makeendsmeet@wkmg.com. If you would like to file an escalation form through Rep. Eskamani, go to this link.

Ron DeSantis announced last week that $240 million will go to rental assistance for affordable housing tenants, along with rent and mortgage assistance. Price said half of the funding, $120 million, will go toward helping tenants in their portfolio around the state, who have been struggling to make rent. Price told New 6, theres still a lot that needs to be worked out, like how far back the rental assistance will go, and how far forward it will go. The other $120 million, Price said, will go to local housing offices. But, as of now, he said they are still figuring out how the money for local governments will be distributed.

Many who filed on the state's outdated website in March have been waiting five or six weeks with their claim stuck in pending status. However, the state's website has a large disclaimer noting that requirement has been waived due to the pandemic. However, some of those rejected, if not most of them, will be eligible for $600 a week in federal unemployment benefits. Under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, gig workers and other independent contractors like Uber drivers and massage therapists who may not be eligible for state unemployment benefits are nonetheless eligible for the federal benefits. She knows she doesn’t qualify for the state benefits, but meets the criteria for the federal virus assistance.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A drive-thru coronavirus testing site is now open at the University of Central Florida, according to school officials. UCF officials said the site is for members of the community who have an appointment. The testing site has 7,000 tests on hand, but Aventus CEO Oliver Dawoud said it only has the capacity to perform 250 tests per day. [RELATED: Coronavirus: Everything you need to know about UCF’s new drive-thru testing site]The site will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until 250 tests have been performed. UCF credits state Rep. Anna Eskamani for bringing together the public-private partnership to offer more access to COVID-19 testing in Central Florida.