U.S.

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.

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl kicks off Tuesday in downtown Orlando, with about 50,000 fans expected to attend amid unusually chilly Central Florida weather.

Beachgoers in Brevard County are noticing more dead birds on the beach. Some of them, especially gannets, have died during migration from around Canada down to the Gulf. However, other birds like pelicans and seagulls have also been spotted by beachgoers, which has people asking, ‘What’s killing the wildlife?’

A total of 52 black bears in Florida were harvested during the 2025 bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl kicks off Tuesday at Camping World Stadium, and fans attending the game are being encouraged to bring their appetites along with their team spirit.

A total of 52 black bears in Florida were harvested during the 2025 bear hunt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

A Christmas Eve crash has left a Brevard County community mourning the death of a 15-year-old freshman football player from Viera High School.