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CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS
Florida justices weigh execution of ‘morbidly obese’ inmate
Read full article: Florida justices weigh execution of ‘morbidly obese’ inmatePointing to his obesity and other medical conditions, lawyers for Death Row inmate Michael Tanzi are trying to halt his scheduled April 8 execution by arguing that using the state’s lethal-injection procedure would violate the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
⛽ How gas prices have changed in The Villages in the last week
Read full article: ⛽ How gas prices have changed in The Villages in the last weekGasoline prices have increased by just a few cents compared to this time last month, but the cost to fill up the tank has declined by nearly 40 cents per gallon since last year.
One of Florida’s top Airbnbs can be found in this state forest. Would you stay here?
Read full article: One of Florida’s top Airbnbs can be found in this state forest. Would you stay here?This week, Airbnb unveiled some of the most wishlisted properties in every state — including one right here in Central Florida.
Orlando VA Healthcare System to host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony
Read full article: Orlando VA Healthcare System to host National Vietnam War Veterans Day CeremonyThis milestone event honors and expresses gratitude to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their sacrifices and dedication to our nation.
Palm Bay to bring school zone speed cameras back online. Here’s where
Read full article: Palm Bay to bring school zone speed cameras back online. Here’s wherePalm Bay’s school zone speed cameras will be brought back online after a nearly month-long pause prompted by glitches and incorrect violations.
Squatters trash deceased Florida homeowner’s property. Why deputies say they can’t remove them
Read full article: Squatters trash deceased Florida homeowner’s property. Why deputies say they can’t remove themPiles of trash and other sketchy activity have been going on for years at a house on Seneca Drive in Melbourne, where neighbors say squatters moved in. Florida law says that to kick them off the property, authorities need permission from the homeowner, but in this case, the homeowner’s dead.
Drive-by shooting blinds juvenile victim in Palm Bay; 17-year-old among 2 arrested, police say
Read full article: Drive-by shooting blinds juvenile victim in Palm Bay; 17-year-old among 2 arrested, police sayA 17-year-old boy is among two people arrested in Palm Bay to face attempted murder charges in their alleged role in a drive-by shooting which left a juvenile blinded by glass fragments, according to police.
Florida wildlife officials close ‘Unusual Mortality Event’ as manatee starvation deaths decrease
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials close ‘Unusual Mortality Event’ as manatee starvation deaths decreaseManatees in Florida are slowly doing better after an effort to preserve their mortality and habitat, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Melbourne firefighters’ widows continue fighting for denied benefits
Read full article: Melbourne firefighters’ widows continue fighting for denied benefitsThe widows of two Melbourne firefighters who died from cancer contracted in the line of duty are still being denied benefits they are supposed to receive under Florida law.
Woman in Flagler County sentenced in overdose death of 22-year-old
Read full article: Woman in Flagler County sentenced in overdose death of 22-year-oldA woman in Flagler County was convicted and sentenced on multiple charges including manslaughter for contributing to the overdose death of a 22-year-old in 2024, according the sheriff’s office.
Video shows Florida deputies capture shooting suspect after chase, crash on I-95
Read full article: Video shows Florida deputies capture shooting suspect after chase, crash on I-95New video released by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office shows the arrest of a man accused in a shooting who led deputies on a chase on Interstate 95 before crashing into trees along the interstate.
US House District 6 special election heats up in Central Florida
Read full article: US House District 6 special election heats up in Central FloridaThe special election between Republican Randy Fine and Democrat Josh Weil is set for April 1. Early voting is underway and runs through Saturday.
Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can vote
Read full article: Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can voteElection officials in Central Florida are making final preparations as early voting begins Saturday for the special election in Congressional District 6, which will determine who replaces Mike Waltz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Florida deputies capture ‘armed and dangerous’ man who bailed from car on I-95, officials say
Read full article: Florida deputies capture ‘armed and dangerous’ man who bailed from car on I-95, officials sayFlagler sheriff's deputies say a man who was considered armed and dangerous has been taken into custody.
Early voting begins Saturday for Florida’s special election in Congressional District 6
Read full article: Early voting begins Saturday for Florida’s special election in Congressional District 6Election officials in Central Florida are making final preparations as early voting begins Saturday for the special election in Congressional District 6, which will determine who replaces Mike Waltz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
⛽ How gas prices have changed in The Villages in the last week
Read full article: ⛽ How gas prices have changed in The Villages in the last weekGasoline prices have increased by just a few cents compared to this time last month, but the cost to fill up the tank has declined by nearly 40 cents per gallon since last year.
Backyard chickens: A fresh solution for egg lovers
Read full article: Backyard chickens: A fresh solution for egg loversA trip to the grocery store often leads to sticker shock, especially with rising egg prices. But what if you could have your own backyard chickens, providing farm-fresh, organic eggs every day?
Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of food
Read full article: Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of foodSecond Harvest says the federal funding freeze has halted all CCC-funded orders for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), resulting in the suspension of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food meant for the Central Florida food bank.
US House District 6 special election heats up in Central Florida
Read full article: US House District 6 special election heats up in Central FloridaThe special election between Republican Randy Fine and Democrat Josh Weil is set for April 1. Early voting is underway and runs through Saturday.
Former Florida youth coach accused of molesting minor after game; more victims possible
Read full article: Former Florida youth coach accused of molesting minor after game; more victims possibleA former football coach was arrested after deputies said he inappropriately touched an underage victim while being driven home from a football game by the suspect, Marion County deputies said.
Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of food
Read full article: Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of foodSecond Harvest says the federal funding freeze has halted all CCC-funded orders for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), resulting in the suspension of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food meant for the Central Florida food bank.
US House District 6 special election heats up in Central Florida
Read full article: US House District 6 special election heats up in Central FloridaThe special election between Republican Randy Fine and Democrat Josh Weil is set for April 1. Early voting is underway and runs through Saturday.
Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can vote
Read full article: Early voting underway in US House, Florida Legislature special elections. Here’s where you can voteElection officials in Central Florida are making final preparations as early voting begins Saturday for the special election in Congressional District 6, which will determine who replaces Mike Waltz in the U.S. House of Representatives.
5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservation
Read full article: 5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservationPeople have mixed feelings on this, but one thing that doesn’t change, you might need a backup if you can’t get a spot into the Wekiwa Springs this summer. Here are five of our favorite, lesser-known springs in the Central Florida area.
‘Sewage water everywhere:’ Comcast contractor bursts pipe, flooding Waterford Lakes home
Read full article: ‘Sewage water everywhere:’ Comcast contractor bursts pipe, flooding Waterford Lakes homeA homeowner in Waterford Lakes has extensive damage after a burst pipe spewed sewage into his home.
Express passes for Epic Universe in Orlando now on sale. Here are the eligible rides, shows
Read full article: Express passes for Epic Universe in Orlando now on sale. Here are the eligible rides, showsAs Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe nears its grand opening, express passes are now on sale.
Attempted murder suspect leads Osceola County deputies on chase, gets apprehended in Orange County
Read full article: Attempted murder suspect leads Osceola County deputies on chase, gets apprehended in Orange CountyA homicide suspect led Osceola County deputies on a chase before being taken into custody in Orange County, deputies said.
Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of food
Read full article: Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of foodSecond Harvest says the federal funding freeze has halted all CCC-funded orders for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), resulting in the suspension of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food meant for the Central Florida food bank.
Osceola County ramps up school zone safety with fines, additional speed cameras
Read full article: Osceola County ramps up school zone safety with fines, additional speed camerasOsceola County is set to launch its second phase of its school zone safety program on Wednesday, where drivers will receive a $100 fine and a citation if caught speeding in a school zone, according to a news release from the county.
Sunshine Corridor: Orange County commissioners OK funding SunRail expansion study
Read full article: Sunshine Corridor: Orange County commissioners OK funding SunRail expansion studyOrange County commissioners approved contributing to a $6 million SunRail expansion study as part of the Sunshine Corridor project.
Bicyclist dies after being struck by car while riding along Polk County road, FHP says
Read full article: Bicyclist dies after being struck by car while riding along Polk County road, FHP saysA 39-year-old Winter Haven man riding a bicycle along a road in Polk County died after being struck by a Ford Mustang, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis takes jabs at New York over fleeing residents. Is he right?Earlier this week during a Winter Haven news conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made several jabs at states like California and New York.
Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies say
Read full article: Motorcyclist killed after fatal crash with FedEx truck in Lakeland, deputies sayA motorcycle driver was killed in Lakeland after a collision with a FedEx truck Monday afternoon, according to a social media post from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sanford Pints n’ Paws fest fundraises for animal shelters with live music, over 70 vendors
Read full article: Sanford Pints n’ Paws fest fundraises for animal shelters with live music, over 70 vendorsThe festival will feature over 70 breweries, vendors, food trucks and more all while benefitting animal shelters in the area.
One of Florida’s top Airbnbs can be found in this state forest. Would you stay here?
Read full article: One of Florida’s top Airbnbs can be found in this state forest. Would you stay here?This week, Airbnb unveiled some of the most wishlisted properties in every state — including one right here in Central Florida.
From panic to power: How a 911 dispatcher used CPR training to save man over the phone
Read full article: From panic to power: How a 911 dispatcher used CPR training to save man over the phoneHolly Sharlow, a public safety telecommunications officer in Sumter County, received a call from Nancy Rader, whose husband, Jim, had collapsed at their home after feeling unwell.
Florida man aboard motorcart arrested after eating shrimp, Snickers at Publix
Read full article: Florida man aboard motorcart arrested after eating shrimp, Snickers at PublixThe man was arrested after he was caught eating a pack of shrimp at a Publix store in The Villages, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
I-75 northbound lanes reopen after dump truck strikes bridge in Sumter County, troopers say
Read full article: I-75 northbound lanes reopen after dump truck strikes bridge in Sumter County, troopers sayThe affected section of I-75 northbound stretches from the State Road 44 interchange in Sumter County to the C.R. 484 interchange in Marion County.
Man accused of DUI after passenger falls from golf cart in The Villages, later dies, FHP says
Read full article: Man accused of DUI after passenger falls from golf cart in The Villages, later dies, FHP saysA man from The Villages is accused of DUI manslaughter following the death of a woman who fell out of a golf cart that he was operating while impaired, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
DeBary man dies, passenger hurt in head-on Volusia County crash, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: DeBary man dies, passenger hurt in head-on Volusia County crash, sheriff’s office saysA 54-year-old DeBary man riding a motorcycle in Volusia County died and his passenger was hospitalized after they collided head-on with an SUV, according to the sheriff’s office.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
‘Just don’t:’ Florida ranks 3rd in nation for laser strikes on aircraft, FAA reports
Read full article: ‘Just don’t:’ Florida ranks 3rd in nation for laser strikes on aircraft, FAA reportsFlorida is among the top three states in the country for reported laser light incidents targeting aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Cursive writing could make comeback in Florida schools thanks to new proposal
Read full article: Cursive writing could make comeback in Florida schools thanks to new proposalWhile some believe that cursive writing is essential for young scholars, others argue that it is an outdated skill that should be left in the past.
Squatters trash deceased Florida homeowner’s property. Why deputies say they can’t remove them
Read full article: Squatters trash deceased Florida homeowner’s property. Why deputies say they can’t remove themPiles of trash and other sketchy activity have been going on for years at a house on Seneca Drive in Melbourne, where neighbors say squatters moved in. Florida law says that to kick them off the property, authorities need permission from the homeowner, but in this case, the homeowner’s dead.
Man accused in shooting that left woman, her 3 sons dead in Florida
Read full article: Man accused in shooting that left woman, her 3 sons dead in FloridaA mother and her three sons were killed on Wednesday evening in South Florida, leaving her daughter and the apparent shooter in the hospital, according to deputies.
‘Pressing issues:’ DeSantis lashes out over Florida budget vote, vies for property tax cuts
Read full article: ‘Pressing issues:’ DeSantis lashes out over Florida budget vote, vies for property tax cutsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media on Thursday to go after state lawmakers after they overrode some of his vetoes from last year’s budget.
‘Sewage water everywhere:’ Comcast contractor bursts pipe, flooding Waterford Lakes home
Read full article: ‘Sewage water everywhere:’ Comcast contractor bursts pipe, flooding Waterford Lakes homeA homeowner in Waterford Lakes has extensive damage after a burst pipe spewed sewage into his home.
Woman in Flagler County sentenced in overdose death of 22-year-old
Read full article: Woman in Flagler County sentenced in overdose death of 22-year-oldA woman in Flagler County was convicted and sentenced on multiple charges including manslaughter for contributing to the overdose death of a 22-year-old in 2024, according the sheriff’s office.