St. Paul A.M.E. in Ocala was spray‑painted with racial slurs and death threats days after an electrical fire left the sanctuary condemned. Police and federal agents are investigating.

Kissimmee police recovered 24 malnourished Chihuahua puppies from a bug‑infested car; two 42‑year‑old women were arrested on felony animal‑cruelty charges.

A former UCF associate professor entered a diversion program after an Oct. confrontation with a Jackson Heights Middle School student; the deal includes anger‑management, service and a school ban.

UCF graduates booed a commencement talk about AI as a Gallup survey and a new wave of company moves tie the technology to job anxiety among Gen Z. The moment crystallizes a growing generational unease.

The Orange County School Board voted 5‑3 to send a one‑mill renewal to the November ballot while rejecting language that would guarantee teacher raises.

Alan Chambers, once the public face of Exodus International, was arrested in Winter Park and faces online solicitation charges after an undercover sting.

A Seminole County attorney is accused of plotting a staged crash to kill singer Jack Avery; investigators say a $10,000 payment was disguised as “web development.”

Local Democrats warn Florida's resign‑to‑run and vacancy rules could let the governor — not voters — pick a replacement for District 3 unless resignations happen before late‑May.

State forestry crews responded to a roughly 15-acre wildfire near Four Corners on Monday; the Florida Forest Service posted photos and said it will provide updates.

Longwood commissioners will consider a plan that would more than double some water and wastewater charges over three years and add a CPI‑linked adjustment.

Unserialized "ghost guns" are making crimes harder to solve in Florida — ATF data and a recent Central Florida prosecution reveal a widening problem.

Lake County is converting Rimes into a preschool-only campus that will offer free, full-day VPK with extended no-cost hours and wraparound care options. Registration is open for eligible 4-year-olds.

Orange County deputies used a bumper-mounted "Grappler" to stop a high-speed chase and arrest two people connected to an April 12 shooting, video shows. The move adds to a national debate over pursuit tactics.