Florida will bar SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy and shelf‑stable desserts beginning April 20, 2026; retailers must update registers and the state will report on results.

Apopka police say a parking‑lot sting stopped a courier trying to pick up $19,700 from a 76‑year‑old after a tech‑support style scam. The suspect faces multiple elder‑fraud charges.

A City public works truck struck two pedestrians Friday at 27th Avenue and S. Atlantic Avenue; one person was airlifted with critical injuries and FHP is investigating.

A hit-and-run on Lee Road killed a man in a wheelchair and his dog Thursday night; FHP says the driver fled and is being sought as a woman remains critical.

Emergency crews evacuated The Rialto apartments in Dr. Phillips after crews found signs of structural instability; residents and businesses were cleared early Thursday. Inspectors are evaluating the building.

A $5,000 reward is now available after a Daytona Beach shooting left one man dead and a woman injured. Police say the suspect remains at large and are asking for tips.

Public records show Do No Harm drafted Florida's HB 743 and a guest op‑ed backing penalties for gender‑affirming care.

CFS Coffee added Mount Dora to its locations page as "Coming Soon," but the chain has not published an address or opening date. The menu promises Colombian-focused drinks and arepas.

A woman in her 20s was shot late Tuesday on South Ivey Lane near Gore Avenue and later died, Orange County deputies say.

Orlando’s F&D Cantina will open at One Daytona in fall 2026, taking over the former Rock Bottom space with a rooftop bar and tequila speakeasy.

County records show Walt Disney World filed a construction permit for the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, with MLC Theming listed as the contractor. Disney’s schedule shows no closure yet.

Alligator sightings are rising across Central Florida as mating season approaches. Officials urge keeping distance, securing pets and reporting threatening animals to FWC.

Police say a woman fired two shots from a West Melbourne motel room and held her juvenile daughter during a standoff; officers used less‑lethal force and found meth, officials say.