SeaWorld no longer requiring masks for fully vaccinated employees

The theme park had already dropped the mask requirement for guests who were vaccinated along with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Ahead of travel surge, TSA reminds passengers of items not allowed in carry-ons

Ahead of an anticipated busy summer travel season, the TSA wants to remind passengers about things not allowed in carry-ons to keep the experience as touch-free as possible.

Tampa man, 30, charged with sexual battery of 11-year-old girl

Police say an 11-year-old girl who went missing from her Panhandle home for several days in March was, in fact, with a Tampa man who was molesting her.

Unwelcome gator hangs out under Haines City woman’s carport

For one Haines City resident, alligators are a common sight in her neighborhood, but one encounter was stranger than usual.

Florida reports 1,606 new COVID cases on Monday; 27 new resident deaths

The Florida Department of Health reported 1,606 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. According to the state's daily update, the total number of cases in Florida is now at 2,311,941.

Lawmaker, business owner respond to state ending federal unemployment payments

Monday, the Department of Economic Opportunity announced it would end a federal unemployment program that gives out-of-work Floridians a $300 weekly boost.

Florida deputies keep close watch over wayward alligator

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office were called out to Davenport on Monday to help monitor a wayward alligator.

McCullough tapped to become FSU president

The Florida State University Board of Trustees on Monday selected Harvard University Vice Provost for Research Richard McCullough to succeed retiring FSU President John Thrasher.

Alachua County mask mandate legal fight could be moot

A year-long legal battle about a mask mandate in Alachua County could be moot after Gov. Ron DeSantis this month suspended local COVID-19 restrictions, according to a new court filing.

Gas prices down for Memorial Day weekend

The AAA auto club said Monday that the average gas price in Florida was $2.87 a gallon, down 2 cents from last week.

Fire guts Winter Haven restaurant; cooking oil accident blamed

Popular Winter Haven restaurant Floridino’s Italian Kitchen is closed after fire ripped through the building as employees prepared to open Sunday morning.

NOAA predicts active hurricane season as forecasters eye 2 Atlantic disturbances

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center announced their 2021 hurricane season outlook, which suggests the United States should brace for another active season. Meanwhile, forecasters were watching two disturbances in the Atlantic.

Fleet of unmarked law enforcement vehicles aims to make I-4 safer

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has launched a stealthy new initiative to catch speeders and reckless drivers along busy Interstate 4, which has sometimes been called the most dangerous road in America.

Hand sanitizer recall expands again; testing detected methanol, FDA says

Substantial exposure to methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death, the FDA said in a news release.