Dezerland Park in Orlando reminds visitors of chaperone policy
Dezerland Park in Orlando requires all visitors ages 17 and under to be accompanied by an adult. The indoor attraction off International Drive updated its chaperone policy, called the Youth Caperone Program, which is aimed at ensuring everyone has a "safe and welcoming visit."
Dezerland Park in Orlando requires all visitors ages 17 and under to be accompanied by an adult. The indoor attraction off International Drive updated its chaperone policy, called the Youth Caperone Program, which is aimed at ensuring everyone has a "safe and welcoming visit."
31 sloths died at Sloth World Orlando warehouse: FWC report
As Sloth World Orlando prepares to open its "slotharium" on Orlando's famed International Drive, some questions are being raised after 31 sloths died under its care died, according to reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The sloths were shipped to the U.S. from Guyana and Peru in December 2024. The 31 died from "cold stun" or "poor health," according to FWC's report. Sloth World Orlando denied the FWC report, claiming the sloths died from a virus. FWC did not issue any citations, warnings, or violations in the sloth deaths, determining that there was no intentional "mal conduct." Investigators conducted an announced, routine inspection at the warehouse facility in August 2025, the report said. During that inspection, there were six sloths at the facility – believed to be three males and three females. Four were in one cage, while two were in two separate cages. FWC found that two of the cages did not meet legal requirements. Sloth World Orlando was given a "verbal warning" in that incident, the report said.
As Sloth World Orlando prepares to open its "slotharium" on Orlando's famed International Drive, some questions are being raised after 31 sloths died under its care died, according to reports by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The sloths were shipped to the U.S. from Guyana and Peru in December 2024. The 31 died from "cold stun" or "poor health," according to FWC's report. Sloth World Orlando denied the FWC report, claiming the sloths died from a virus. FWC did not issue any citations, warnings, or violations in the sloth deaths, determining that there was no intentional "mal conduct." Investigators conducted an announced, routine inspection at the warehouse facility in August 2025, the report said. During that inspection, there were six sloths at the facility – believed to be three males and three females. Four were in one cage, while two were in two separate cages. FWC found that two of the cages did not meet legal requirements. Sloth World Orlando was given a "verbal warning" in that incident, the report said.
Wrestling coach becomes athlete's legal guardian
By her sophomore year in high school, Maryellen Wingate had already gone through two difficult losses -- the deaths of her mom and dad, both from cancer. She took up wrestling in eighth grade and fell in love with sports in high school. Her coach Andy Rothenberg and his wife knew Wingate -- and decided to become her legal guardian, providing support for her at school, on the wrestling mat, and at home.
By her sophomore year in high school, Maryellen Wingate had already gone through two difficult losses -- the deaths of her mom and dad, both from cancer. She took up wrestling in eighth grade and fell in love with sports in high school. Her coach Andy Rothenberg and his wife knew Wingate -- and decided to become her legal guardian, providing support for her at school, on the wrestling mat, and at home.
Wildfires disrupt travel, strand train passengers, prompt evacuations across Florida
Wildfires burning across North and Central Florida are disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations, as officials warn conditions could worsen.
Wildfires burning across North and Central Florida are disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations, as officials warn conditions could worsen.
Officials: Gopher tortoise found with foam insulation sprayed on it
A Gopher tortoise was found in DeLand, Florida, sprayed with what appeared to be foam insulation all over its head and neck. The good news here, the tortoise was brought to the Marine Science Center where it was cleaned up, and released back into the wild. The question is, who did this? Witnesses reported two kids sprayed the tortoise. The FWC said it was aware of the report and investigating.
A Gopher tortoise was found in DeLand, Florida, sprayed with what appeared to be foam insulation all over its head and neck. The good news here, the tortoise was brought to the Marine Science Center where it was cleaned up, and released back into the wild. The question is, who did this? Witnesses reported two kids sprayed the tortoise. The FWC said it was aware of the report and investigating.
People in Umatilla voluntarily evacuate homes amid wildfire threat
Wildfires across Central and North Florida prompted a state of emergency in Alachua County on Monday, as dry, windy conditions fueled multiple ակտիվ blazes and disrupted travel. One brush fire in Umatilla had burned about 120 acres and was roughly 70% contained.
Wildfires across Central and North Florida prompted a state of emergency in Alachua County on Monday, as dry, windy conditions fueled multiple ակտիվ blazes and disrupted travel. One brush fire in Umatilla had burned about 120 acres and was roughly 70% contained.
What's banned under new Florida SNAP rules?
Those who receive SNAP benefits in Florida cannot use those funds to buy soda, candy, cookies or snack desserts, or energy drinks. Those changes went in effect on April 20, part of a 2-year pilot program. Florida said the goal is to provide more nutritious and healthier foods to the state's low-income families.
Those who receive SNAP benefits in Florida cannot use those funds to buy soda, candy, cookies or snack desserts, or energy drinks. Those changes went in effect on April 20, part of a 2-year pilot program. Florida said the goal is to provide more nutritious and healthier foods to the state's low-income families.
Trial date set for teen accused in deadly Orlando Halloween shooting
A new trial date has been scheduled for a teenager accused of killing two people during a Halloween block party in Orlando in 2024. The case had been delayed earlier this year but is now moving forward after a judge reviewed key filings.
A new trial date has been scheduled for a teenager accused of killing two people during a Halloween block party in Orlando in 2024. The case had been delayed earlier this year but is now moving forward after a judge reviewed key filings.
Wildfires disrupt travel, strand train passengers in Florida
Wildfires burning across North and Central Florida are disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations, as officials warn conditions could worsen. The fires have already halted train service and left hundreds of passengers stranded for hours. The fires forced Amtrak to halt some routes, including Train 98, the Silver Meteor, which runs from Miami to New York City.
Wildfires burning across North and Central Florida are disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations, as officials warn conditions could worsen. The fires have already halted train service and left hundreds of passengers stranded for hours. The fires forced Amtrak to halt some routes, including Train 98, the Silver Meteor, which runs from Miami to New York City.
FAA investigates Blue Origin over lost payload incident
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast. While the rocket launched and landed successfully, the mission fell short of its primary objective, raising concerns across the commercial space industry.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast. While the rocket launched and landed successfully, the mission fell short of its primary objective, raising concerns across the commercial space industry.
FAA grounds Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket after satellite placed in wrong orbit, resulting in lost payload
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a failed satellite deployment following a Blue Origin New Glenn launch from Florida’s Space Coast.
Amtrak cancels Florida stops over brush fires: What we know
Two large brush fires burning near the Clay County-Putnam County line in northern Florida have forced Amtrak to cancel or modify several of its train routes or stops in Florida.
Two large brush fires burning near the Clay County-Putnam County line in northern Florida have forced Amtrak to cancel or modify several of its train routes or stops in Florida.
Florida SNAP benefit changes: Here's what to know
Starting on Monday, April 20, 2026, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Florida will no longer include soda, energy drinks, candy, and some dessert snack foods.
Starting on Monday, April 20, 2026, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Florida will no longer include soda, energy drinks, candy, and some dessert snack foods.
Dezerland Park in Orlando reminds visitors of chaperone policy ahead of summer season
Under the policy, visitors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old.
Under the policy, visitors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old.
Driver arrested in hit-and-run crash that killed 3 on I-4
A woman accused of causing a fatal chain-reaction crash on Interstate 4 in Volusia County and fleeing the scene has been arrested, troopers said. The crash, which happened in October, killed three people and left families waiting months for answers.
A woman accused of causing a fatal chain-reaction crash on Interstate 4 in Volusia County and fleeing the scene has been arrested, troopers said. The crash, which happened in October, killed three people and left families waiting months for answers.
Candlelight vigil held for man killed in deputy-involved shooting
A Lake County community gathered in Leesburg to remember a man killed in a deputy-involved shooting earlier this week. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
A Lake County community gathered in Leesburg to remember a man killed in a deputy-involved shooting earlier this week. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
1 dead, 1 injured in shooting in Orange County
Authorities are investigating a double shooting in Orange County that left one man dead and another injured.
Authorities are investigating a double shooting in Orange County that left one man dead and another injured.
Blue Origin targets Sunday launch from Florida for next New Glenn mission
Blue Origin is targeting no earlier than Sunday, April 19, 2026, for the third launch of its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the company said.
Blue Origin is targeting no earlier than Sunday, April 19, 2026, for the third launch of its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the company said.
FSU community remembers victims of campus shooting
A moment of silence marked the one-year anniversary of a mass shooting at Florida State University, where two people were killed and six others injured.
A moment of silence marked the one-year anniversary of a mass shooting at Florida State University, where two people were killed and six others injured.
Palm Bay opens mobile firehouse to meet demands
A temporary fire station has opened in a rapidly growing area of Palm Bay, part of a broader effort by city officials to maintain emergency response times amid a surge in development.
A temporary fire station has opened in a rapidly growing area of Palm Bay, part of a broader effort by city officials to maintain emergency response times amid a surge in development.