Universal Nights will bring after‑hours rides, character meet‑ups and included specialty snacks to Epic Universe on Oct. 3 and 17, with tickets starting at $179.

A Kissimmee man was arrested July 6 after a May hammer attack left a woman with a fractured skull. Witness accounts and a warrant allege the attack was deliberate.

A Marion County deputy shot a man during a domestic disturbance in Ocala on Tuesday; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been notified and is investigating.

A Midway airboat captain and crew hoisted a stranded helicopter off an island in gator-filled Lake Jesup and ferried the crew to safety. No one was hurt.

Disney confirmed the Grand Floridian’s life‑size gingerbread house won’t return for 2026; pastry teams will install smaller displays across the resort. Fans are disappointed.

Disney and Bloomberg cut six-figure checks into committees backing Stephanie Murphy, shifting the Orange County mayoral race as the Aug. 18 primary nears.

A two-story Build-A-Bear flagship with rooftop dining and a one-of-a-kind customization studio is rising at ICON Park, aimed for late summer 2026.

A 45-year-old Kissimmee man died after his motorcycle struck a Mazda on U.S. 192 near Vacanza Boulevard; troopers say the crash is under investigation.

The AAU Boys Basketball World Championships take over Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando July 2–9, drawing thousands of players, teams and families. Multiple gyms, side events and local economic support mean a busy week across the resort.

VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando was reportedly struck by lightning on June 30 and remained offline July 1, disrupting morning operations at Islands of Adventure.

A guest's portable charger ignited inside 'it's a small world' at Magic Kingdom, briefly evacuating the ride; cast members put out the blaze and no injuries were reported.

A newly released bodycam shows three Orange County deputies firing at a knife‑wielding woman in Dr. Phillips on June 3; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

Pei Wei has opened its first Volusia County location at the Shoppes at Williamson Crossing in Daytona Beach, joining national retailers expanding along LPGA Boulevard.