DESANTIS

Floridians now know the candidates running for office in August and November, after the end of the qualifying period last week set the candidate lists for the elections.

Following a Texas special election that saw Republican Mayra Flores winning the state’s 34th District congressional House of Representatives seat, business magnate and CEO of Tesla Elon Musk announced his leanings toward Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in 2024.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that U.S. and Florida state flags will be flown at half-staff Sunday in memory of the victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Gov. DeSantis crowed about the $109.9 billion Florida budget he signed in The Villages Thursday — and also the $3.1 billion he axed from that budget.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Florida court, contends the new law, HB 5, violates the state constitution’s broad protections for individual privacy.

The law was carefully crafted to match prior laws restricting protests at residences. It was also supported by many Senate Democrats.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law new regulations surrounding protests outside of private homes in Florida.

Video: Convicted felons in Florida want statewide database to determine voting eligibility This comes after several former convicted felons were charged or arrested after registering to vote. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida group, run primarily by former convicted felons, wants a statewide database to determine voting eligibility. DeSantis signs bill creating election police unitThis comes after several former convicted felons were charged or arrested after registering to vote. The executive director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition said the state’s voter system for former convicted felons is confusing. Photos: Convicted felons in Florida want statewide database to determine voting eligibilityExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Convicted felons in Florida want statewide database to determine voting eligibility“As any American citizen, returning citizens have paid their debt and moved on with their lives, and they have a right to participate and have a say in how are democracy is ran, and they should not be scared into doing so,” said Desmond Meade, executive director of the FRRC.

VIDEO: First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strengthORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As expected, it didn’t take long for the first lawsuit to be filed against the Florida state government over its handling of Disney World’s special tax district, Reedy Creek. The case, titled Foronda v. DeSantis, challenges the grounds that the governor and his allies used to order the dissolution of Reedy Creek in June 2023. They also say DeSantis violated Florida’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights by dumping Reedy Creek’s bond debt on property owners’ laps, potentially sending their payments up by 25% once the Reedy Creek law takes effect, as Tax Collector Scott Randolph suggested. However, the spokesman repeated a prior statement that the governor had a plan to ensure taxpayers weren’t negatively impacted by the status of Reedy Creek. Sanchez’ lawsuit is expected to be one of several.

Three Central Florida residents are suing the state of Florida over the recent law to dissolve the special district that governs Walt Disney World property.

Orange County law enforcement held their yearly ceremony on Tuesday, honoring members of law enforcement killed in the line of duty in the past year.

More than 100 people stood outside Orlando City Hall in a rally organized by Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida to protest potential abortions restrictions.

Florida Film Festival officials announced they will be adding a virtual reality and new media component to their official programming.

A school bus carrying 40 children and a driver erupted in flames in Palm Bay, according to fire officials.

Alessandro Cinquini has gone public to warn women across the globe that imposters have stolen his photographs from social media platforms to create “catfish” style profiles that offer love but target money.

A Florida woman has been convicted for her part in a 2016 Florida nightclub shooting that left two teenagers dead and 14 other people injured.

A man accused of having sex with a teen girl and threatening another has confessed to both crimes, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are the ones who are knocking on an Orlando restaurant’s door Wednesday afternoon to promote their new line of Mezcal, Dos Hombres.

You would think this story happened in Florida, but it didn’t.

Teens have a healthy alternative this summer to sitting around watching TV and playing video games all day.

Hunters will be able to catch alligators 24 hours a day when gator hunting season starts in Florida in August.

There will be two fewer guard chairs starting this summer, and only about a half-mile of beach along the boardwalk will be patrolled.

A bucket truck struck a Seminole County Public Schools bus, causing it to hit another truck in Geneva, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A man shot and killed by Osceola County deputies last week at an area Target was identified Tuesday by the attorney for the family.

A middle school student had to be flown to the hospital after being hit by a car on the way to school Tuesday morning, according to Orange County Public Schools.

SeaWorld reaches a historic milestone in its rescue and rehabilitation operations.

Lake County is offering assistance to eligible residents with past due mortgage payments, officials announced Tuesday.

The group is made up of men, women, and small children who recently arrived from countries like Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia after crossing the southern border.

WonderWorksOrlando is offering teachers and school support staff free admission during May 2022

Popeye's is dropping a new saucy version of its popular chicken sandwich Tuesday.

A Connecticut man is safe, but his mother-in-law's car is destroyed after a unique run-in with a bear over the weekend.

Video: FWC reminds residents, visitors to help keep sea turtles safe during nesting season The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding people in Florida about nesting season for sea turtles. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 FWC reminds residents, visitors to help keep sea turtles safe during nesting season“We want to make Volusia County beaches safe, inviting places for humans and sea turtles,” said Ryan Chabot, manager of Volusia County’s sea turtle Habitat Conservation Plan. Read: Crews begin to demolish 7-Eleven near Lake Eola to build green spaceHere are tips that can help save sea turtle lives:· Do not touch or disturb sea turtles or their nests. Central Florida Spotlight: Sea turtles (WFTV)Sea turtle nesting season runs through Oct. 31. Last year’s season was the fourth-highest nesting season on record, with 780 nests counted.

A restaurant in Orlando's College Park neighborhood is making changes to its rules for customers after dealing with problems from students at nearby Bishop Moore Catholic High School and their parents.

A search is underway for a Malabar man who went overboard while fishing with friends off the coast of Melbourne Beach, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Multiple lanes are closed in Osceola County as fire officials respond to a serious crash Friday afternoon, according to a tweet issued by the fire rescue.

A man accused of following and shooting at three people near UCF’s campus in downtown Orlando has been arrested.

The line outside the immigration office on Delegates Drive in Orlando continued growing Friday following a week of hundreds lining up in an effort to see immigration officers.

Universal Orlando is looking to hire 5,000 team members to fill roles across its resort, the company announced Friday.

Three lion brothers have joined the Brevard Zoo and if all goes well, they will be making their debut this weekend.

The breakfast of champions. A big bowl of cereal filled with orange juice.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on Friday held a news conference to detail the arrests of two Lake Wales men earlier this week.

What happened at the Abbott nutrition plant in Sturgis, Michigan?

An Orlando woman was killed in a crash with a tree on the side of an Ocoee road early Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

An arrest has been made in the death of a man found at a home nearly two weeks ago.

Dontae Styles, 22, was found after a witness who wished to remain anonymous recognized him from the footage and tipped deputies off, according to an arrest affidavit.

A car struck and killed a motorcyclist late Friday night in Daytona Beach Shores after being observed driving 85 mph, according to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety.

The undocking of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the four Ax-1 astronauts will now undock from the International Space Station no earlier than Sunday night, according to Kathryn Lueders, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate.

An Orlando man was killed overnight in a crash on Colonial Drive in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Two people were killed early Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Brevard County when a pickup truck was rear-ended at high speed, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A motorcycle crash early Saturday morning in Seminole County killed the bike’s passenger and seriously injured its driver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Hundreds are expected to clink steins Saturday at Springtoberfest, held at the German American Society of Central Florida in Casselberry.

A large police presence gathered Saturday morning on a street not far from Orlando police headquarters as officers responded to a shooting, records show.

The strong surface ridge of high pressure remains in place for one more day, continuing the days-long pattern of breezy to windy conditions across east-central Florida.

The driver of an SUV lost control and crashed on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, shutting down the northbound lanes of the highway in Rockledge.

ORLANDO, Fla. — All lanes of Westbound Interstate 4 were closed Friday evening after a crash near the exit to Conroy Rd. READ: DeSantis signs bill to dissolve Disney’s self-governing powerTraffic was being diverted onto John Young Parkway while the Orlando Police Department investigated what happened. Police have not said how many cars were involved or how many people were hurt, but described their injuries as “serious.”WATCH: Video shows driver of Porsche crash on I-4 while street racing during rush hour, troopers sayThey’re asking drivers to avoid the area while the crash is under investigation. ⚠️ ROAD CLOSURE: Our officers are investigating a crash w/ serious injuries on WB I-4 near the Conroy Rd Exit. The westbound lanes of I-4 are now completely shut down & traffic is being diverted off onto John Young Pkwy.

Disney's special status allowed it to in effect operate its own municipal government in Florida.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Military spouses in Central Florida are getting new help to find jobs. WATCH: DeSantis signs bill to dissolve Disney’s self-governing powerA network of local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies will be partnering with Hiring Our Heroes to support military families. Hiring Our Heroes said it can take a military spouse several months to find employment after moving to a new area. Hiring Our Heroes says that, nationally, 22% of military spouses are unemployed. WATCH: End of Reedy Creek: Disney won’t pay more taxes, but you willThe group has already identified 400 military spouses who are seeking employment assistance.

Governor Ron DeSantis has taken aim at Disney over its opposition to the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill.

The United States Navy recently announced that it’s offering a $25,000 bonus to new enlistees. READ: Governor DeSantis signs abortion ban into law in KissimmeeThe Navy said it’s the only branch of the military currently offering an enlistment bonus this high. Any active duty Future Sailor who leaves for boot camp between now and June 30 is guaranteed at least a $25,000 and up to $50,000 enlistment bonus. Find out more now: https://t.co/qTrOBBY9c5 pic.twitter.com/PHcbKiJqjq — America's Navy (@AmericasNavy) April 8, 2022Depending on an enlistee’s rating, the bonus could climb to as much as $50,000, the U.S. Navy Recruiting Command added. READ: Titanic sank 110 years ago: 9 things to know about that fateful nightFor full details about who is eligible to receive an enlistment bonus, click here.

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando nonprofit organizaion is receiving a slam dunk of a grant from the NBA Foundation. ELEVATE Orlando, which is dedicated to helping Orlando’s urban youths graduate high school with a roadmap for the future, recently received $200,000 from the NBA Foundation. DeSantis signs bill changing nursing home staffing requirements, visitation rulesThe local nonprofit group is one of 40 organizations selected as part of the foundation’s fifth round of grantmaking and one of three from Florida. READ: Osceola County charter school in danger of closing speaks outELEVATE helps equip and empower underserveds youth with in-school instruction, 24/7 mentoring and post-secondary education preparation. Because of the nonprofit’s hands-on approach, all of its students have graduated college and 96 of them are either pursuing post-secondary education or serving in the military, a news release stated.

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — A Port Orange middle school teacher was arrested Tuesday for playing loud music with the intent to disrupt students taking the Florida Statewide Assessments test, police said. Martin Reese, a teacher at Creekside Middle School, was arrested for disrupting a school function and for disorderly conduct, Port Orange police said. READ: Central Florida students taking final FSA tests before state adopts progress monitoringPolice responded to the school on Airport Road around 12:10 p.m. for a disturbance. Reese refused to turn off the music and caused a disturbance while being escorted to the principal’s office, police said. DeSantis eliminates FSA in all Florida public schoolsThe school was placed on lockdown as a result until the situation was resolved.

In a sharp rebuke to Republican lawmakers, a federal judge on Thursday ruled that parts of a 2021 state elections law were intended to discriminate...

The family-focused company understands how expectations have changed.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Government is planning to pay nearly $6 million to take control of the old Eustis sand mine. South Lake Trail and Cherrylake Partnership 🌳👟🚴‍♂️ When you’re out on the South Lake Trail you may notice some newly planted trees along County Road 565A. Public/private partnerships like this are what make Lake County a great place to live, work and play! Posted by Lake County Florida on Friday, February 25, 2022“Like 400 dump trucks a day,” resident Cindy Musselwhite said. Lake County Commission Chairman Sean Parks has said he’d like to see it turned into an eco-park for recreation to complement the Lake Norris Conservation area the state already has there.

Liberal critics falsely label the Florida governor Trumpy, but that’s just a crowd-pleasing way to deplore the things they dislike about most GOP politicians.

Liberal critics falsely label the Florida governor Trumpy, but that’s just a crowd-pleasing way to deplore the things they dislike about most GOP politicians.

Thursday Morning Forecast

Marion County tornado debris It's been nearly two weeks since a tornado hit Marion County, and some people are still dealing with damage and debris. (WFTV.com News Staff)MARION COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been nearly two weeks since a tornado hit Marion County, and some people are still dealing with damage and debris. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsLabance and others in the neighborhood have been pushing the logs and branches to the edges of the road. The Marion County commission initially approved $100,000 for the clean up, but during an emergency meeting this week approved another $500,000 dollars. DeSantis tours tornado damage in Marion County, announces millions in aid for residentsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Gov.

Emma Weyant — a Florida resident, University of Virginia swimmer and Olympic silver medalist — came in second.

Daytona Beach police The Daytona Beach police chief said he spotted a man digging through a dumpster while driving around the city during Bike Week. (Daytona Beach Police Department)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona Beach police chief said he spotted a man digging through a dumpster while driving around the city during Bike Week. When he stopped to talk to the man, Chief Jakari Young said he turned the conversation into an opportunity to help. Young said the man told him he was going through the dumpster looking for toys for his kids, one of whom had a birthday coming up. “These are the moments which make being a police officer worth it,” Young said in a social media post.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Some Daytona Beach residents are fighting to save what they said is a historic site. The Daytona Beach Recreation Center was built in 1943 for the Women’s Army Corps as a recreation center when the women were stationed in the city during World War II. On Tuesday, residents will try to convince the city’s Historic Preservation Board to declare it a historic site and seek grant money to repair it rather than demolish the building. Back in its heyday, Daytona’s Orange Avenue Recreation is where people came to dance. The city said repairing the damage will cost about $1 million.

For lawmakers, the session also ended without any changes to the laws governing condo inspections. WATCH: Bouncing back: Florida sees economic growth as unemployment numbers improveHowever, the main bill to deal with these issues failed to pass in the final days. Teachers, as well as healthcare workers and first responders will be eligible for part of the state’s $100 million fund to help home purchases. The money for down payment assistance comes out of the affordable housing trust fund, which comes in just over $300 million. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

In Florida, the DeSantis administration and the state Legislature are closing in on the most reactionary session in memory.

Despite movies with LGBTQ characters and "gay days" at its theme parks, Disney has contributed funding to every Republican that supported the anti-LGBTQ legislation known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. In response to backlash, the company says it will pause political donations in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is one step away from getting a Down syndrome specialty license plate. A bill proposing the creation of the plate unanimously passed the Florida Senate on Thursday. To become a reality, the bill just needs to be signed off on by the governor. The Down syndrome section of the bill directs the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop a Down syndrome awareness license plate, providing for distribution and use of fees collected from the sale of the plate. “Having this specialty plate created will support people with Down syndrome by funding programs designed for them like housing, education, and health that are otherwise underfunded or do not exist,” she said in a statement.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A planned development may lead to 800 apartments rising just north of Orlando International Airport and south of Airport Lakes Park. A project description outlines a four-building project that spans two phases and 1,436 parking spaces. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. DeSantis fires back at ‘woke Disney’ after CEO opposes Parental Rights in Education bill©2022 Cox Media Group

The measure, which has the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis, has caused deep divisions within Florida, one of the most diverse state’s in the nation.

The measure, pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, adds steep fines and prison terms for voting practices common in the state until last year.

Questioning the motives behind Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's recommendation against vaccinating children.

Shortly before announcing that the state wouldn't recommend vaccines for children, Joseph Ladapo described the need to "hold accountable" those who advocated preventive measures.

It's clear that politics has an effect. But why?

Florida's Hillsborough County remains an area with high levels of coronavirus where masks are recommended indoors, the CDC says.

How secure is America's electric grid; Americans detained by foreign governments; Financial firms gutting local newsrooms.

ORLANDO, Fla. — CPAC, the largest gathering of conservatives in the country, entered Day Three on Saturday in Orlando. On Friday, Channel 9 spoke with Sen. Marco Rubio, asking him about Vladimir Putin’s plans in Ukraine. Rubio said Putin does not want to recreate the Soviet empire, but rather the Russian empire. WATCH: Sen. Rubio details Putin’s endgame as Russia’s war on Ukraine continuesChannel 9 also spoke with Sen. Rick Scott about what more can be done to help stop Putin’s aggression in the Ukraine. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: I-4 Express to open, Orlando Taco Festival & moreFormer president Donald Trump also spoke Saturday at CPAC in Orlando.

The Republican governor, under pressure from a former Trump adviser, incited a redistricting battle with his own party, roping the state’s two legislative chambers into the fray and asking the state’s highest court to pick sides.

The legislation, dubbed the 'Don't say gay' bill by critics, aims to bar some classroom discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the state’s schools.

Much broader encroachments on speech have emerged over the past year, targeting the left, not the right.

DeSantis's decision to (gently) hit back at the former president who has (also gently) gone after him sets up an early 2024 game of chicken. Here's what the polling suggests about that game.

However, a different majority decided a narrower rule tailored toward health care workers did pass procedural muster. For Florida companies, the rulings put to rest weeks of uncertainty. DeSantis’ promise to fine companies that implemented vaccine mandates and the federal government’s orders. READ: Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businessesHe added that since the case wasn’t decided on merits, there are still questions left unanswered. Thursday night, both AdventHealth and Orlando Health executives said they were studying the court’s rulings.

Omicron is breaking through rhetorical barriers, too.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — On Wednesday, Gov. DeSantis will be in Kissimmee to make an announcement. The governor is set to speak at 9:30 a.m. at the Center for Neovation. DeSantis will be joined by Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. Click here to watch it.

Nearly a third of all COVID-19 tests administered in Orange County are coming back positive. That's according to the latest news conference from Orange County...

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — AdventHealth Kissimmee announced the opening of its newest expansion at its Osceola County campus Tuesday. The 123,000-square-foot expansion is part of an $84 million investment that adds 80 new rooms and three new floors to the current Kissimmee tower. Sheila Rankin, CEO of AdventHealth Kissimmee, said the investment demonstrates the hospital provider’s commitment to the residents of Osceola County. “We are dedicated to providing whole-person care close to home for the growing population of Osceola County in the years to come, " Rankin said. DeSantis news conference in JacksonvilleHospital officials said from 2020 to 2021 the Kissimmee facility had about 17,100 admissions and more than 83,500 emergency room visits.

Jacksonville activist Ben Frazier was detained and faces a count of trespassing after trying to attend a news conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — After nearly 30 years, Seminole County leaders turned over the first shovelfuls of dirt to commemorate the construction of its new courthouse annex. The Justice James E.C. Perry Courthouse Annex will become part of Seminole County’s plan to bring all county services to one geographic location. Perry, the namesake of Seminole County’s new courthouse annex? Perry Annex Courthouse (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Orange County are expected to give an update on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday afternoon. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings; Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at Florida Health Alvina Chu; and Orange County Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins are among those expected to speak at today’s briefing. Read: ‘This governor does not care’: Demonstrators delay Gov. DeSantis news conference in JacksonvilleAmong the topics to be discussed are efforts to monitor omicron, COVID-19 testing, and vaccinations. Read: School is back in session as COVID-19 cases continue to climbThe update is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

The state on Wednesday reported 46,923 new cases from Tuesday, as the omicron surge nearly doubled Florida’s previous peak over the summer.

The governor's Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act — which comes months after Florida banned the teaching of critical race theory in public schools — would give parents the “private right of action” to sue if they think their kids were being taught critical race theory