The 67th Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival returns March 20–22, filling Park Avenue and Central Park with juried artists, live music and family activities. Major cash awards and a patrons’ buying program make the weekend a big moment for local arts.

AdventHealth plans a 24/7 freestanding emergency room on West Colonial Drive in spring 2026, offering overnight observation and specialist care for West Orange County.

Lawmakers broadened Florida’s public‑nuisance law to include gambling houses, boosting fines and letting cities place liens and force foreclosure for repeat offenders.

CFS Coffee added Mount Dora to its locations page as "Coming Soon," but the chain has not published an address or opening date. The menu promises Colombian-focused drinks and arepas.

A woman in her 20s was shot late Tuesday on South Ivey Lane near Gore Avenue and later died, Orange County deputies say.

Two drivers were killed in a head-on crash on SR‑60 at Mae Bass Road near Yeehaw Junction after one vehicle reportedly entered the opposite lane. Troopers are investigating.

Court records show an Apopka teacher was jailed Wednesday after allegations he sexually abused girls in his foster care, according to News 6.

A March 18 fire damaged Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sanford’s Georgetown neighborhood, threatening a longtime community landmark. Officials released few details.

Florida’s attorney general has subpoenaed Discord in a civil probe into whether the chat app exposes children to predators. The state is seeking moderation, age-verification and NCMEC records.

Andretti Thrill Park in Melbourne has closed and the site will be redeveloped into multifamily housing, ending a 1999‑era local attraction. The parcel on South Babcock Street is eyed for apartments.

Orlando’s F&D Cantina will open at One Daytona in fall 2026, taking over the former Rock Bottom space with a rooftop bar and tequila speakeasy.

Fort Pierce commissioners said March 16 they may end a 15‑year disposal deal with Waste Management after complaints about Miami trash trains offloading near downtown.

About half of Florida’s vacant homes are held for seasonal use — roughly 741,000 units — shrinking the pool of homes available to year‑round buyers and renters.