FLORIDA

Video: Orlando rental assistance program ends FridayORLANDO, Fla. — If you live in Orlando and are having trouble making rent, you may be in luck — but your window to ask for help is about to close. Friday is the last day Orlando residents can apply for rental assistance. PREVIOUS: Rental assistance opens today in Orlando; here’s how to applyOrlando rent pricesThe city said it has $6.8 million ready to distribute to households financially impacted by COVID-19. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayThose requesting assistance must apply through the city’s program by July 1. (WFTV.com News Staff)The City of Orlando said so far, it has helped more than 2,000 households through the program.

One of the girl's family members jumped in the water and beat the shark off of her until she was free, officials said.

Approximately 237 million people visited American national parks in 2020, representing a 28% year-over-year decrease attributed to the coronavirus pandemic.

A child was critically injured after being struck by lightning in Florida, fire rescue said.

A few flights have already been delayed at Orlando International Airport on Friday morning. Be prepared if you’re flying out for the Fourth of July weekend, because you may run into a problem. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayWe’ve recently seen massive flight cancellations. LaLonde-Brewington’s connecting flight was delayed to Orlando. READ: AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ returns Independence Day weekendA travel expert said it is best to pay extra for a direct flight.

Summer storms will pour some rain on most of Central Florida.

Police: Woman shot, son hurt when intruders enter Winter Park home (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A woman was shot at a Winter Park-area home early Friday, Seminole County Sheriff’s investigators said. Investigators said the victim’s sons, ages 15 and 5, were home with her at the time of the shooting. SCSO said the older child told deputies that three unknown males entered the home through a side window. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Winter Park home shooting (WFTV.com News Staff)Investigators told Channel 9 that the woman was transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. The teen suffered minor injuries and the 5-year-old boy wasn’t hurt, according to SCSO.

Video: Police respond to ‘dangerous situation’ in EatonvilleEATONVILLE, Fla. — Police responded to a “dangerous situation” in Eatonville. Eatonville police, Maitland police and Winter Park police responded to the area of Fitzgerald Drive near Lake Bell early Friday. Law enforcement officers kept a Channel 9 crew a couple of blocks away from the scene. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayCheck back and watch Eyewitness News for updates. 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.

We will have a high chance of rain on Friday. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayStorms will stay active this holiday weekend. On Saturday, there will be a 60% chance of rain and on Sunday there will be a 50% chance. READ: Florida man disguised as cast member stole $10,000 ‘R2-D2′ replica from Disney hotel, deputies sayThe rip current risk will stay moderate to high all weekend. No storm poses a risk to Florida.

The curious case of the Edwards family involves a dementia-stricken accountant and a police traffic stop that turned up garbage bags full of shredded documents.

Protect yourself from lightning (NCD)RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A Florida child was in critical condition after being struck by lightning near a boat ramp Thursday afternoon, authorities said. >> Read more trending newsEmergency crews were dispatched to a boat ramp near Williams Park in the Tampa suburb of Riverview at about 4:07 p.m. EDT, WTSP-TV reported. #BREAKING: A child has been rushed to the hospital in critical condition after being struck by lightning near a boat ramp at a Riverview park, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. “There was somebody sitting straddling him and pushing and pushing and pushing and trying to get his heart started,” Daniels told WTVT. The United States recorded 11 lightning strike deaths in 2021, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.

VIDEO: Florida responds to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ confusion, says enforcement will be limited Florida attorneys provided some insight into how the state Department of Education plans to enforce the new Parental Rights in Education law. Activists are asking a federal judge to put a stop to the law to support gay students, families and teachers. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayThe response came after confusion mounted within Orange County Public Schools over the weekend. The teacher’s association said some of the suggestions included a ban on wearing rainbows or displaying photos of same-sex spouses. Attorneys for the state disputed many of the claims, saying enforcement would be narrow and limited to the text of the law.

With Roe v. Wade back in the hands of individual states, your health and cell phone data could find itself in the hands of law enforcement should they decide to prosecute under illegal abortion statutes.

A new Florida law placing a 15-week limit on abortions violates a privacy clause in the state Constitution, according to a judge's ruling.

2 struck by lightning while leaving NY Yankees spring training game in Tampa, police sayHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A child was struck by lightning Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. It happened at the Williams Park Boat Ramp in Riverview in Hillsborough County, NWS said. READ: Grab your umbrella: Storms to move in this afternoon, eveningThe child was transported to the hospital. See a map of the scene below:Video: 7 rescued by Coast Guard after lightning strikes boat off Florida coast Video captured the moment lightning struck a boat off the coast of Florida, prompting a rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard. (WFTV)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.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will appeal a court ruling blocking an abortion ban that is set to go into effect on Friday at midnight.

VIDEO: Daytona International Speedway getting ready to kick off first-ever Soccer Fest Daytona International Speedway getting ready to kick off first-ever Soccer FestVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of people are expected to pack into the Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the first-ever Daytona Soccer Fest. Crews are fast at work to transform the infield of the speedway into a legitimate soccer field. READ: Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatusThe fest is expected to draw more than 10,000 fans each day. Daytona Soccer Fest is one component of a busy weekend for hotels in Daytona as they manage fans for Soccer Fest, a dance competition and the Fourth of July weekend. Gates for Soccer Fest open at noon Saturday.

One patient has died, and another suffered a pregnancy loss.

DeSantis touts Florida’s improvement in civics education Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says the state is improving the way civics are taught in schools. (Ashley Edlund, WFTV.com/WFTV)SANFORD, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says the state is improving the way civics are taught in schools. READ: Judge rules Florida’s 15-week abortion ban unconstitutionalDeSantis released the results of Florida’s 2022 civics assessments, which he says were much better than they have been in recent years. Ron DeSantis Announces Florida’s Improved Civics Literacy Rates https://t.co/GWPXtmfuoE — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) June 30, 2022At a Florida State Board of Education meeting last summer, DeSantis criticized the state of civics education nationally. READ: Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in as Supreme Court justice“A strong civics education is foundational to the American experience,” Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. said.

VIDEO: Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatus Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatusALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The countdown is on for Central Florida’s largest fireworks display. Red Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte Springs Sunday after being canceled for the last two years due to COVID-19. City Manager Frank Martz said months of planning went into bringing the event back. READ: Fourth of July 2022: 10 sparkling good deals to enjoy during the fireworks“We start planning the day after the last one,” he said. READ: 9 ways to keep your pets safe during Fourth of JulyClick here for more information, including traffic details and road closures.

Florida ‘Purple Alert’ program goes into effect FridayORLANDO, Fla. — Chances are you’ve heard of an Amber Alert for missing kids, a Silver Alert for seniors, and a Blue Alert for suspects on the run. Beginning Friday, a Purple Alert will be put into effect across the state to help notify residents if a person with mental or cognitive disabilities is missing and might be in danger. Read: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayChad Brown with FDLE said the idea behind the Purple Alert is to get information out about missing persons who may not qualify for an Amber or Silver alert but still be in serious trouble. Florida’s Purple Alert Plan was established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. To sign up for notifications when a Purple Alert is activated and learn more about the program, click here.

Gov. Ron DeSantis went on the offensive Thursday afternoon in support of Florida's 15-week abortion ban hours after ruled he would block the restriction on reproductive rights in the state.

Judge rules Florida’s 15-week abortion ban unconstitutional (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A Leon County judge has ruled that Florida’s 15-week abortion law is unconstitutional under the state constitution. Even though the judge issued a temporary statewide injunction Thursday, the ruling still needs to be written out before it can take effect. Read: With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some worry women of color will be affected mostUntil that happens, the 15-week ban will become effective midnight Friday. 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group

The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a vehicle that troopers said Thursday may have been in the area of a hit-and-run crash on Merritt Island that killed a bicyclist from Cocoa.

Arrested: Melissa Anne Webster was caught with cocaine and heroin as he prepared to visit an inmate at a southwest Florida prison. (DeSoto County Sheriff's Office)ARCADIA, Fla. — A Florida woman is accused of attempting to smuggle narcotics into a prison while visiting an inmate with her infant grandchild, authorities said. Prison officials thoroughly search visitors and found the narcotics when Webster visited the facility on Sunday, WFTX-TV reported. The sheriff’s office stated in its release that Webster had nearly 800 grams, or 2 pounds, of narcotics in her possession in total. Webster was being held without bail, the sheriff’s office said.

APOPKA, Fla. — A firefighter was involved in a “significant” work-related injury Thursday morning, according to the Apopka Fire Department. It happened around 11:40 a.m.Three sources have told Channel 9 the young firefighter was rushed to the hospital after a trailer containing sand fell on him and another firefighter while they were moving the piece of equipment. READ: Florida’s 15-week abortion law is unconstitutional, judge rulesSources said the equipment is barely used, so it’s unclear what they were doing with it and why it tipped over. We are told the firefighter has several broken bones, but is alert and talking. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayThe firefighter was transported to the hospital for injuries and is listed in stable condition, according to the fire department.

Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and more were seized in what detectives are calling the largest fentanyl bust in Lake County history.

About 150 bills are set to become new laws in Florida.

Supreme Court Abortion Kentucky Community members gather to protest the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade and Kentucky's trigger law to ban abortion, at Circus Square Park in Bowling Green, Ky., on Saturday, June 25, 2022. In Florida, Judge John C. Cooper said Thursday that he will temporarily block the 15-week abortion ban from taking effect after reproductive health providers argued the state constitution guarantees a right to the procedure. In a statement, DeSantis said the Florida Supreme Court previously misinterpreted Florida's right to privacy to include a right to an abortion. Kentuckians will vote in November on a ballot initiative that, if ratified, would establish that no state constitutional right to abortion exists. ___Forliti reported from Minneapolis___For AP's full coverage of the Supreme Court ruling on abortion, go to https://apnews.com/hub/abortion.

A Florida missing child alert has been canceled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after a child missing out of Pasco County was found safe.

A state senator from Orlando is teaming up with the Roth Jewish Community Center to open a COVID-19 vaccination site for young children.

The law would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks and will most likely be fought for by the state.

DAYTONA Soccer Fest is coming to Daytona International Speedway for Independence Day weekend.

Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.

Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.

A potential nuisance alligator encounter closed all water activities at Blue Spring State Park temporarily Thursday morning, park officials said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference at a technology magnet school in Sanford.

No fireworks, no alcohol, no pets: Volusia County refreshed all potential Independence Day beachgoers of what rules they’re expected to follow on the seashore.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — A cyberattack on a software company has disrupted unemployment benefits and job seeking assistance for thousands of people in several states. In Tennessee, the website for unemployment benefits remained down Thursday morning after the vendor, Geographic Solutions Inc., told the state Sunday that service would be interrupted. “With a recession looming, it is unacceptable that Tennesseans cannot receive the unemployment benefits they deserve," said state Republican Sen. Paul Bailey, commerce and labor committee chairman. Some state-run job seeking sites were also taken offline because of the attack, including Tennessee's. Allan Liska, an intelligence analyst at the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, said an attack affecting those who have lost their jobs from obtaining unemployment benefits is a stark reminder of the huge effects cybercrime can have.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man whom deputies describe as a “career felon” was arrested in connection with the robbery of a Polk County bank last week. Deputies arrested 39-year-old Jason Cherry of Lakeland after getting a tip from a Polk County resident. Read: Florida woman accused of stealing nearly $15,000 worth of fireworks from her jobSouthState bank robbery flyer (Polk County Sheriff)After getting a tip, detectives identified Cherry as the robber and he was later arrested at a Lakeland motel without incident. Read: Woman critically injured in road-rage shooting near OviedoCherry is also considered a suspect in another bank robbery in the city of Lakeland, by the Lakeland Police Department. Cherry is currently being held in the Polk County Jail without bond.

Wrapping up a NATO summit, President Joseph Biden says America is stronger than ever except for "outrageous" actions from Supreme Court on abortion rights.

Invasive giant African snail found in Florida can carry meningitis, officials warn File photo. Giant African land snail found in Pasco County Map detailing the quarantine area in New Port Richey area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Florida officials warn that the giant African snail can carry the parasite rat lungworm, which is known to cause meningitis in humans. State officials told WFLA that the giant African land snail was previously found in Florida in the late 1960s to mid-1970s. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)©2022 Cox Media Group

>> Read more trending newsKit Karbler said he received the Stanley Cup on his doorstep this week, KDVR reported. There's no doubt some of Denver's neighborhoods can be confusing to navigate, and Hilltop is apparently one of them as the Stanley Cup ended up at the wrong house. https://t.co/8X50hHyFKt — FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) June 29, 2022Karbler is not a member of the Colorado Avalanche, the reigning Stanley Cup champions. “The person opens the trunk and I saw the case and I recognized it, because I watched the final games,” Rudenko told KUSA. “Jokingly said, ‘Is that the Stanley Cup?’ And he says, ‘Yes!’”Karbler said a man came to his door who was ready to bring in the cup.

A Florida judge says he will temporarily block the state's 15-week abortion ban.

Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper said the new 15-week abortion ban, signed in April by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, violates Florida’s constitution.

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A tropical disturbance is expected to become a tropical storm on Thursday. READ: NOAA: Above-average hurricane activity expected in 2022It has a 90% chance of developing over the next 48 hours. One disturbance is bringing rain to parts of Texas and Louisiana. A tropical wave located several hundred miles east of the Windward Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Disturbance, depressions, tropical, subtropical storms, hurricanesAny development with this system will be slow.

Officials say a 44-year-old Florida woman bought her infant grandchild and a stash of cocaine and heroin to a recent prison visit.

AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ service available for Fourth of July weekend (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA will be working to keep drunk drivers off the road this Fourth of July weekend. The auto giant is reactivating its “Tow to Go” service from July 1- 5. “The roads will already be extremely crowded this weekend, and adding alcohol just raises the risk of a deadly crash,” AAA’s Mark Jenkins said. The tow truck then transports the impaired driver and his or her car to a safe location within a 10-mile radius of the pickup spot. If those plans fall through, call Tow to Go and AAA can give you a lift,” Jenkins said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Nearly 150 new laws will go into effect in Florida on Friday. Some of the laws include the Parental Rights in Education law — also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law — designating strawberry shortcake as the state dessert and preventing drivers from blasting loud music. READ: What you need to know about Florida’s loud music lawSee the full list of laws in the document below. 2022 Florida laws by WFTV on ScribdREAD: Teachers voice concerns after Orange County previews ‘Don’t Say Gay’ impact to classroomsClick 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Has Ron DeSantis ever tried DMT?

Video: New TikTok trend leaves giant holes on Florida beachesA new TikTok trend is leaving huge holes on Florida beaches. The trend is making Florida’s beaches unsafe and dangerous for people and sea turtles. It challenges people to dig huge holes that are 4 to 5 feet deep on the beach. READ: Pregnant dog who helped Florida man win $2M lottery prize delivers puppiesWildlife officials said it is not illegal to dig holes. TikTok trend leaves giant holes on Florida beaches (Marco Island Police Department)READ: See the new 35-foot-tall sculpture unveiled today along I-4 near downtown Orlando“Please refill the hole and kindly take your things with you.

(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee)GENEVA — (AP) — The number of new coronavirus cases rose by 18% in the last week, with more than 4.1 million cases reported globally, according to the World Health Organization. The biggest weekly rise in new COVID-19 cases was seen in the Middle East, where they increased by 47%, according to the report released late Wednesday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said cases were on the rise in 110 countries, mostly driven by the omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Tedros said that while more than 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally, the average immunization rate in poor countries is about 13%. Earlier this month, the United States authorized COVID-19 vaccines for infants and preschoolers, rolling out a national immunization plan targeting 18 million of the youngest children.

The World Health Organization says the number of coronavirus cases rose by 18% in the last week, with more than 4.1 million new cases reported globally.

Here's your Central Florida forecast.

Judge’s decision may impact people traveling to Florida for abortionsORLANDO, Fla. — The fate of Florida’s abortion law lies in the hands of a judge. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is impacting the nation in more ways than one as the pro-life/pro-choice battle continues. READ: Central Florida reacts to the overturning of Roe v. WadeOn Thursday, we should find out if Florida’s 24-week abortion law will be shortened to 15 weeks. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stores selling Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, took a hit. READ: Central Florida reacts: Credit card companies raising holds at gas stationsRite Aid has limited purchases to three per customer.

This SC city has BMW racing, restaurants, history and a good-sized downtown public park.

News 6 and ClickOrlando.com are launching a brand new podcast aimed at giving listeners their daily headlines and weather in minutes.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One person was transported to the hospital after being rescued from a fully submerged vehicle Wednesday evening, according to Orange County Fire Rescue. It happened at West Kaley and South Rio Grande avenues. One person was inside the vehicle. They were removed from the vehicle and rushed to the hospital. READ: Florida woman accused of stealing nearly $15,000 worth of fireworks from her jobChannel 9 has a crew on scene gathering more information.

Residents say they have had enough with reckless drivers in their neighborhood and are urging Orange County Officials to do something before more people are hurt — or even killed.

Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer convicted in 2021 of murdering George Floyd, has put up his Orange County townhouse for sale.

The 15-week ban is slated to go into effect on Friday — but several groups are challenging the law.

Rogan praised DeSantis for his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though they have clashed with federal health guidance.

A man was transported to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after a shooting in Pine Hills, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

FlaglerElections.gov is now the official website domain of the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Orlando police are searching for a man who previously “suffered a traumatic head injury” and was last seen on June 9.

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Love horses? Love the beach? Then this Volusia County business may have just what you’re looking for.

Spirit Airlines said Wednesday that it would delay a shareholder vote on its proposed merger with Frontier Airlines scheduled for tomorrow until July 8.

Charged: Jamie Fonville was charged with three counts of scheme to defraud. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)A Florida woman is accused of stealing more than $228,000 from homeowner association accounts she managed and used the cash to pay for personal items, including tickets to Tampa Bay Buccaneers football games, authorities said. Investigators said that Fonville used account information from three HOAs to create fraudulent checks that she deposited into her personal bank account, WTSP-TV reported. According to the sheriff’s office, Fonville used the money to pay for food and groceries, pay her credit card bills and buy tickets to Bucs games. Fonville was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.

Commerical developers Marc and Sharon Hagle of Winter Park, Florida, committed more than $5 million to UCF Athletics, making it the largest cash pledge ever by a individual or couple for the university. Advertisement“With a thriving community in Orlando, a bustling Space Coast nearby and one of the largest yet youngest alumni bases in the nation, UCF is well positioned to be a university for the future,” Marc and Sharon Hagle said in a statement. “The Hagles’ commitment is a critical investment in our Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village vision. “Thank you, Sharon and Marc. We know this gift will inspire others to invest in UCF Athletics through the ChargeOn Fund.”This commitment will be a part of the Mission XII initiative, the university will honor the Hagles by naming the Football campus, “The Sharon and Marc Hagle Gateway” with approval from the UCF board of trustees.

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some worry women of color will be affected most (WFTV)OSCEOAL COUNTY, Fla. — The overturning of Roe v. Wade affects women across the nation, but some argue that it will affect low-income and women of color more than those in other demographics. Andrea Mercado, executive director of Florida Rising, said the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision will hurt those who need the help the most. READ: Central Florida reacts to the overturning of Roe v. Wade“Often, the reasons women choose abortion have more to do with the poverty of relationships than financial poverty,” Taylor said. READ: Roe v. Wade overturned: What does it mean for Florida? In the meantime, all eyes will be on Tallahassee Friday as a judge is set to decide whether to block Florida’s law banning abortions after 15 weeks.

Florida man says his pregnant dog helped him win $2M lottery jackpot A Florida man is more than $1.6 million richer – and it’s all thanks to his four-legged friend, he said. (NCD)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida lottery winner got some more good news this week. Find out how recent $2 million Scratch-Off winner, Leonard Linton, is doing after his lucky dog, Ivy, delivered six puppies! 👉https://t.co/52ssstaWfj pic.twitter.com/OQkSWGvPRl — Florida Lottery (@floridalottery) June 29, 2022Linton said there are four males and two females in Ivy’s litter. And to commemorate his good fortune earlier this month, Linton named one of the female puppies Milli -- short for million, lottery officials said.

An Enterprise man was arrested Tuesday evening after he swung a hatchet and fired a pistol at his landlord, threatening to kill him, deputies said.

7-Eleven Slurpee Day is no longer just one day.

Woman injured, man arrested following road rage shooting near Oviedo (WFTV)OVEIDO, Fla. — A Seminole County woman remains in critical condition after she was shot during a road rage incident Tuesday night. According to a police report, as Beard approached Morrow’s car, both Johnson and Morrow threw water bottles and a can at Beard. Johnson then shot Beard two times. Keegan Johnson (WFTV)Read: Orlando Museum of Art CEO out after FBI seizes exhibitAfter the shooting, both Johnson and Morrow waited for officers to arrive. Johnson told investigators she only shot Beard because he felt threatened and was defending himself after claiming Beard punched him three times.

At least one person was transported to the hospital Wednesday afternoon following a crash on U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg, causing delays in the area, fire officials said in a Facebook post.

Orlando police officers are investigating a possible shooting at a Wawa gas station

(Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool) (Amy Beth Bennett)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — (AP) — A jury for Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz's penalty trial was finally sworn in Wednesday, completing a nearly three-month selection process that ended with two last-minute changes to the panel made by his attorneys. He said during jury selection he had no opinion on the case and only remembers the original headlines, but that “was not good data.”2. She said she is not opposed to the death penalty, but voting for it “would be difficult.”7. She said the death penalty is appropriate in the most serious cases, but it shouldn't be automatic. She said that if she were the ruler of an island, she would not have the death penalty but could vote for it.

Florida deputy fired for ignoring orders, surfing internet for hours on duty File photo. When investigators questioned Deputy Sacino about the incident, he falsified documents to accuse an innocent person of being involved in drug activity. (Pgiam/Getty Images)PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Deputy Joseph Sacino was fired from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after investigators said he ignored orders to conduct traffic enforcement, and instead “sat idle in his agency assigned patrol vehicle for over four hours surfing the internet,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. Sheriff’s office investigators told the Tampa Bay Times that supervisors confronted Sacino with evidence from his Computer Aided Dispatch activity, along with video from his in-car and body-worn cameras, which prompted his confession. Sacino is alleged to have told investigators, “It is very serious, and it’s criminal grounds and grounds to be fired.

People living in parts of southwest Florida are not happy with a new TikTok trend.

Florida-based supermarket giant Publix continues to expand its empire.

The Orlando Museum of Art has parted ways with its CEO in the days after the FBI raided the Florida museum and seized more than two dozen paintings attributed to artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

A man was hospitalized Wednesday after being shot in an attempted carjacking early that morning on South Orange Blossom Trail, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Writing these in the morning is always interesting.

An arrest has been made in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old in Daytona Beach, according to the police department.

The Flagler County sheriff will be undergoing surgery after he injured his knee while executing a search warrant in April, according to the sheriff’s office.

The family of an Illinois woman who was killed while parasailing in the Florida Keys has filed a wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against the boat company.

A car crashed into a building in Orlando, according to the police department.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking three areas in the tropics.

Yep, it's summer in Florida.

A Florida man has pleaded guilty to three felony charges related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol during the January 2021 insurrection.

Following a raid by the FBI where investigators seized the Orlando Museum of Art’s Basquiat exhibit, museum officials have announced a change in leadership.

The Orange County School Board received pushback at its Tuesday meeting during public comment for something called “camp legal.”

The Orange County School Board approved a contract with the Classroom Teachers Association that will increase salaries for teachers and other school staff.

A man was injured Tuesday following a shooting near 904 Peachtree Street in Cocoa, according to police.

The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend CEO Bob Chapek’s contract by three years on Tuesday.

With July Fourth holiday travel just days away, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Carfax are alerting Florida vehicle owners of open recalls that need to be taken care of, most free of charge.

Nearly everywhere you look in the area surrounding Midway in Seminole County, there are signs of new development.

A person was hit by a car Tuesday afternoon along U.S. Highway 17-92 in Maitland, according to the police.