Florida

Orlando and Central Florida saw a lot of growth and development in 2025 -- and there is more planned for 2026. From road expansions to the Pulse Memorial to new lands, rides, and experiences at the theme parks, FOX 35's John Brown talks to local leaders and the experts about what's ahead for Orlando in 2026.

Apopka police are asking for the public's help locating 76-year-old Carlos Zigrovic, who has been reported missing.

A Disney World cast member was injured Tuesday when a giant boulder prop went off course at the Indiana Jones stunt show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Two people were arrested, and a missing child was located following a traffic stop that escalated into a vehicle pursuit and crash across western Flagler County, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said.

Cold temperatures and the threat of frost did little to keep revelers from celebrating New Year’s Eve outdoors in downtown Orlando, where crowds gathered at Thornton Park for the city’s iconic orange drop.

More than a dozen critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are being treated in Central Florida after a cold snap stunned them along the New England coast. SeaWorld Orlando took in 14 of the turtles, the smallest and most endangered species of sea turtles in the world, after they were flown south by volunteer pilots.

Chilly temperatures did little to dampen enthusiasm as fans packed areas around Camping World Stadium ahead of a highly anticipated Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup between Michigan and Texas, with supporters from both teams showing up early and bundled up.

In Orlando’s Thornton Park, preparations were underway for the annual New Year’s Eve block party and the iconic orange drop at midnight. Roads were closed hours in advance as vendors, stages and food and drink areas were set up, with organizers expecting several thousand people to attend, similar to last year’s turnout.

While many New Year’s Eve celebrations had yet to begin, families in Central Florida rang in the new year early with a kid-friendly afternoon event at the Orlando Science Center.

As New Year’s celebrations bring fireworks and large gatherings across Central Florida, law enforcement agencies are urging residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid dangerous behavior that can lead to serious injuries or deaths.

North Atlantic right whales were spotted off the coast of Brevard near Canova Park on Wednesday.

Development dominated Central Florida headlines in 2025, and industry watchers say the pace is likely to accelerate rather than slow in the year ahead. Ken Pozek of the Pozek Group, which works on real estate projects across the region, said multiple long-discussed developments are moving closer to reality.