Florida Ag. Commissioner Nikki Fried to release daily COVID reports while state maintains weekly updates

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says she plans to have her department release daily COVID-19 reports because the state's Department of Health, under Gov. Ron DeSantis, has switched to providing such information once a week.

Florida legislature would have to approve $100 vaccine incentive, DeSantis says

President Joe Biden called on state and local governments to draw from COVID-19 relief funds to give $100 to newly vaccinated people, but in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis says he does not have the power to approve such an incentive.

Disney to once again require masks for all guests while indoors beginning July 30

Walt Disney World says face coverings will be required in certain parts of the resort starting this weekend. The new rules apply "regardless of vaccination status" Disney posted on its website.

Daytona Beach International Airport chosen as top in the state by FDOT

The Florida Department of Transportation named the Daytona Beach International Airport the 2021 Commercial Service Airport of the Year.

Florida tops 16,000 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday

Florida reported 16,038 new COVID-19 cases to the federal government on Tuesday, the highest number of new cases since Jan. 15, federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show.

Riverview boy adopted by HCSO detective after surviving being stabbed, set on fire by father

Ronnie Blair, now 12 years old and adopted by a Hillsborough detective's family after his own father tried to kill him, says he doesn't want to be defined by the night he nearly died. He loves science, his new siblings, and parents. When he grows up, he wants to become an actor.

NASA, Boeing prepare for second run at Starliner launch

A failed mission to the International Space Station in 2019 created a lot of disappointment for Boeing. Almost two years later, their Starliner space capsule is getting ready for a do-over in space for their un-crewed mission this Friday.

Royal Caribbean’s 'Allure of the Seas' departs from Port Canaveral on test cruise

Royal Caribbean’s test cruise is a mix of employees and volunteers. People boarding the ship Tuesday morning said they are absolutely thrilled to be going on the journey.

DeSantis blasts CDC for K-12 mask recommendation: 'It isn't based in science'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office sharply rebuked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for urging that all children, regardless of vaccination status, be required to wear masks when school returns in the fall.

Fried suspends licenses of Jan. 6 participants

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Tuesday that the concealed weapons licenses of 22 people involved in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol have been suspended.

Frontier adds 17 nonstop flights at Orlando International Airport

There are 9 new domestic locations and 8 international ones, including stops in Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica and The Bahamas.

VA announces COVID-19 vaccine mandate for medical employees, staff

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Monday that VA health care personnel will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Florida unemployment claims increase

First-time unemployment claims have gone up in Florida, but the count remains at pre-pandemic levels as employers report being unable to fill openings, most in lower-paying tourism and leisure fields.

Georgia man arrested in Florida found with 15-year-old girl, deputies say

A metro Atlanta man was arrested in Southwest Florida after deputies found a 15-year-old girl reported missing from Texas staying at his vacation rental home.