Two Ocala men admitted they intended to distribute about a pound of meth after an undercover buy; sentencing is pending.

Heartland for Children and Polk County say more than 500 children were removed from homes across Polk, Hardee and Highlands last year. The agency is recruiting dozens of foster families ahead of May's recognition month.

A 15‑year‑old special education program in South Daytona says its landlord declined to renew the lease, forcing 73 students and 30 staff to hunt for a new home before mid‑June.

Neighbors at a Monday meeting warned that a conceptual Leu Gardens master plan — including a bigger visitor center, lakefront dining and a pavilion — could alter the park’s quiet character.

Miami is the frontrunner to host the Women’s Champions Cup final stages Jan. 27–31, 2027. Hard Rock and Nu Stadium are the top contenders for the finals.

Miami‑Dade will route roughly 4,800 tons of trash a week to the Heart of Florida Landfill, a move that has Bushnell residents worried about smells, wells and new rail traffic. County documents set the fees and delivery guarantees; locals say they had little notice.

A Vero Beach doctor was convicted and jailed, but Florida Department of Health records still list his medical license as active.

Cloudy morning, highs near 86°F today and warmer midweek. Atlantic beaches face a High rip‑current risk this week.

A Tropical Smoothie Cafe has opened at 15503 Sunquat Drive in Hamlin, bringing smoothies, bowls and flatbreads to Horizon West's growing town center.

A planned “takeover” at Icon Park drew more than 1,000 teens Saturday night; deputies broke up fights, made nine arrests and two deputies were treated and released.

A guest says he was bitten numerous times at Disney’s All‑Star Sports Resort in May 2022 and is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. The complaint accuses the resort of failing to inspect rooms and use standard pest controls.

Sheriff John Mina will unveil details of a major Central Florida drug‑takedown at a 2 p.m. news conference in Orlando. Officials say federal partners will join the briefing.

The Supreme Court declined to review a Tallahassee parents’ lawsuit over Leon County Schools’ handling of a student’s gender identity, leaving the appeals‑court dismissal intact. The decision keeps local guidance in place while the broader legal fight continues.