Orlando's proactive policing has led to a significant drop in crime, with a notable 68% decrease in homicides and overall declines in violent and property crimes. Community initiatives like Peace Orlando have also contributed to safety improvements.

State forestry and county crews responded to a wildfire off Monroe Street in Astatula. Officials urged people to avoid the area while crews worked.

A Winter Park man was arrested after troopers used PIT maneuvers to end a 94 mph chase on I-4. He faces fleeing and alleged drug charges.

Orange County firefighters extinguished a brush fire near the University of Central Florida, which initially closed SR-408 lanes and caused traffic delays.

An Orlando couple died when their Beechcraft went down near Echo Lake in Murchison, Texas; a dog on board survived. Officials say the pilot reported oil on the windshield before the crash.

A Polk County jury found Hernando Thompson Jr. guilty of racketeering and related charges tied to the Sex Money Murder gang; sentencing is set for Feb. 20.

A Citrus County jury convicted Dwann Demetrius Ross Jr. of second-degree murder in the May 28, 2024 Colonial Plaza shooting that killed Traske C. Johnson; sentencing is Feb. 24.

A fire on Long Pond Drive in Seminole County left nine people homeless, with firefighters responding around 11:27 p.m. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.

A Port Orange woman was arrested after a severely malnourished dog was found in New Smyrna Beach; the dog, named Olive, is now recovering at a local shelter.

A Florida golf cart dealership suffered a severe fire, destroying several vehicles and causing significant damage, with the cause under investigation by Orange County Fire Rescue.

Remains found in 2009 are confirmed to be Ernest Joe Manzanares, who went missing in 1988 while reportedly confronting family members involved in criminal activity.

State agents seized nearly 900 illegal vaping devices from Clermont and Ocoee as part of a record statewide enforcement sweep. Officials say the haul included banned substances and thousands of removed packages.

A theft ring in Florida targeting semi-trailers was dismantled, resulting in six arrests. They are accused of stealing $7.8 million in cargo over 32 incidents.