Barakah Beans, the cart-turned coffee brand run by Shams Khazil, plans a Kissimmee storefront at 3262 Vineland Road with Middle Eastern coffee and a summer opening.

Florida’s teachers union has sued the state, arguing universal vouchers and charter funding have siphoned billions from neighborhood public schools and violated the state constitution.

Orlando police ran a citywide Cinco de Mayo DUI sweep that resulted in five DUI arrests, a recovered firearm, illegal drugs and dozens of citations. Officials say officers also responded to three crashes.

A security guard fired back after a man opened fire outside Le Palace early Wednesday, leaving three people with life‑threatening injuries, deputies said.

State regulators approved a settlement raising Sunshine Water bills; the increase trims the company’s request but will boost many customers’ monthly charges.

State inspectors issued emergency closure orders at two Orlando‑area eateries last week after finding pest and sanitation problems. The moves are part of a string of shutdowns across Central Florida this spring.

A jury convicted Jermaine D. Morgan in a 2019 Rockledge carjacking that left a woman beaten; he was sentenced to life without parole after a PRR finding.

Trustees reviewed a draft that would expand cellphone rules to include smartwatches and smart glasses and would bar students from using AI on standardized tests.

Officers and a good Samaritan pulled six people from a sinking boat on East Lake Tohopekaliga after weather turned quickly. Rescuers say lack of life jackets made the situation urgent.

Orange County is weighing a stormwater utility fee to pay for more than $1 billion in drainage and water‑quality projects; commissioners have asked staff to host outreach before a June review.

Publix’s customer‑service FAQ and in‑store signs now ask that only law enforcement openly carry firearms, a reversal from the chain’s October policy. Local reporters say the change showed up this week.

Eric Jiang's Jiang's Kitchen is headed to Mills 50 at 1111 E. Colonial Drive, promising hand-ripped biang biang noodles, soup dumplings and an open kitchen.

A person was found dead early Wednesday at the Heron Lakes Apartments in Kissimmee after a 911 call reported a gunshot. Police say the investigation is ongoing.