A former Lake Mary High School teacher was sentenced to more than 27 years after pleading guilty to sexual battery and related charges. Authorities say the relationship began in 2024 and escalated to in-person encounters.

A Florida bill advanced Wednesday would require background checks for insurer officials, tighten model and rate rules, and create a statewide mitigation database for discounts. Sponsors say it builds on 2022 reforms to stabilize the market.

Three Birds Café will close its downtown Winter Garden location on Feb. 26 after a lease renewal fell through. Owners say they'll run coffee carts and hit farmers markets while hunting for a new Plant Street home.

Sunny and mild today with highs near 76F. Offshore small craft advisory through 10 a.m.; a weekend front brings a slight chance of showers.

Winter Park police established a large crime scene near Railroad Avenue on Feb. 17; Pennsylvania Avenue was briefly closed and reopened around 6:30 a.m. Officials have released few details.

FAU faculty warn that a proposed statewide pause on new H‑1B hires would stall faculty searches and research; the Board of Governors will vote Feb. 23.

A Bartow High School ESE teacher was arrested after a backyard burn grew into a five‑acre blaze during Polk County's burn ban. Authorities say the fire began inside an old refrigerator and escaped the yard.

A 44-year-old was arrested after a juvenile suffered a severe neck laceration on South Atlantic Avenue Saturday night. Police say the suspect was captured near the Main Street pier.

Volusia County deputies saved an unconscious woman from a burning home in DeLand; she is now in stable condition. Deputy Graham was treated for smoke inhalation post-rescue. The fire seemed accidental, starting in the kitchen.

A vehicle fire on I-4 East in Volusia County halted traffic, blocking all lanes. Crews worked on-site as congestion stretched. The fire's cause remains unknown.

A pre-dawn fire damaged multiple suites at a Longwood strip mall near SR‑434; no injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

A juvenile was arrested after shooting at homes and vehicles in the Summerwell Avian Pointe subdivision in Apopka, with no injuries reported. An investigation is ongoing.

Four juveniles were shot Sunday near Parramore Avenue in Orlando; one is being treated for life-threatening injuries as police investigate.