Man held hostage at Florida Hungry Howie's pizza shop 'ready to get back to work'

The owner of a pizza spot in Florida returned to work Tuesday afternoon, just hours after he was allegedly held hostage by a customer inside his restaurant.

Political analyst says there's a 50-50 chance Disney's Reedy Creek could be dissolved

As Florida lawmakers talk about eliminating independent special districts, many in Central Florida wonder how Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District will be impacted.

DOJ will appeal federal judge’s mask ruling for public transport if CDC deems it necessary

The U.S. Department of Justice says it will appeal a ruling that eliminated COVID-19 mask mandates for public transportation if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems it necessary.

Move against Disney shows DeSantis clout

Bowing to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature on Tuesday advanced two proposals aimed at punishing Walt Disney Co. for criticizing a controversial new law restricting instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools --- a measure critics have dubbed the “don’t say gay” bill.

Republicans roll forward on Florida congressional redistricting

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed congressional redistricting plan, lambasted by opponents because it likely would reduce the number of seats held by Black Democrats, quickly moved toward approval Tuesday as the Republican-dominated Legislature started a special session.

More than 20 dead, 14 live guinea pigs found dumped behind Carrollwood Walmart

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay said more than 20 dead guinea pigs were found dumped behind a Walmart in Carrollwood. About 15 other guinea pigs were also found still alive.

Masks are now optional at Orlando International Airport, spokesperson says

Passengers are no longer required to wear masks at Orlando International Airport and Orlanfo Sanford International Airport, joining Tampa International Airport and others after a judge ruled against the national mandate on Monday.

Former Polk firefighter suing county for denying $25,000 cancer benefit after her diagnosis

A former Polk County firefighter paramedic is going up against her former employer after being diagnosed with lung cancer while on the job, but being denied the $25,000 payment promised by the state.

Walt Disney World lifts remaining mask requirement; masks now optional

The Walt Disney World Resort has lifted the last of its mask requirements for all guests visiting its resorts, theme parks, and dining districts.

Mask mandates: Here's where face coverings are still enforced in public settings

A decision by a federal judge in Florida to throw out a national mask mandate in public transportation across the U.S. has created a patchwork of rules that vary by location.

Alligator hunting hours in Florida could be expanded

Final approval of around-the-clock alligator hunting is set to go before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when it meets next month in Gainesville.

Democratic lawmakers blast Florida redistricting plan

Black Democratic lawmakers on Monday described new congressional lines proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis as “aggressively partisan” and a “racist tactic,” as the plan could boost Republican representation at the expense of minority candidates in North and Central Florida.

Daytona Beach hosts national cheer competition

Cheer squads from all over the country are in Daytona Beach for the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championship.

Hero detective speaks about fiery rescue on I-95

When an off-duty Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detective came across a fiery crash on Interstate, he jumped into action.

Florida man facing battery charge after throwing beer bottle, threatening Muslim man, deputies say

A 72-year-old man was arrested and booked into jail after he allegedly threw a beer bottle at a Muslim man and made comments about his religion, and authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.