DeSantis announced he signed bills to stiffen penalties for dangerous crimes and sexual offenses, including tougher sentences for child sexual‑abuse material and remand rules.

Danish juice chain Joe & The Juice will open a 3,100‑sq‑ft shop at Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando; an exact opening date hasn't been announced.

An Oviedo man was convicted in Orlando of attempting to coerce and entice a minor online. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and possibly life behind bars.

Culver’s is projecting 59 new U.S. restaurants in 2026, the chain’s largest expansion in years. Florida stands to gain the most from the push.

UCF police arrested a suspect at the Student Union after surveillance and license‑plate readers tied a stolen SUV to multiple campus burglaries. Police say a laptop led them to an off‑campus address and urge anyone affected to report the crime.

An ex‑Tuskawilla Middle teacher was arrested after police say he groomed and sexually assaulted a 13‑year‑old student. The investigation dates back to 2024, officials say.

A 28,000-square-foot members-first club opened in Orlando’s SoDo with seven courts and chef-driven dining.

The 35th Florida Film Festival lands April 10–19 at Enzian with Paul Giamatti, the Florida premiere of Carolina Caroline and a packed lineup of films and events.

Gov. DeSantis signed a death warrant for James Ernest Hitchcock, convicted in the 1976 rape and murder of 13‑year‑old Cynthia Driggers; execution set for May 7, 2026.

Doorbell footage led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man after residents reported attempts to open doors near W. Esther Street. Police say he exposed himself and faces attempted burglary and drug charges.

NASA is moving ahead with Artemis II preparations at Kennedy Space Center while Coast Guard personnel who secure the launch range continue to work without pay amid a DHS funding lapse.

Fruitland Park’s former parks director was arrested after investigators say she used the city's tax‑exempt Amazon account to buy more than $24,000 in personal items.

Clear, muggy morning with highs near 83°F and breezy east winds. High rip‑current risk at east‑central Florida beaches — avoid the surf.