A federal judge handed John Daniel Fowler six years in prison and 15 years supervised release after a jury convicted him of abusing a minor aboard a flight to Orlando.

Sumter County Sheriff Pat Breeden endorsed Byron Donalds on April 8, a pickup the campaign says puts a majority of Florida sheriffs behind the Trump‑backed front‑runner. The move adds to a string of law‑enforcement endorsements and big‑name supporters.

Orlando Health reached an agreement to acquire Anniston’s Regional Medical Center, folding the city‑owned hospital into its Alabama network and promising new investments.

A 15‑month manhunt ended this week with the arrest of Bruce Harris in Deltona after a Satsuma toddler’s opioid overdose; the child recovered and Harris faces multiple charges.

An Easter Sunday service at Northland Church in Longwood ended after a woman allegedly struck a parking worker and an off‑duty deputy; she was stopped nearby and arrested.

Polk County deputies removed a 7–8‑foot snake from an Airbnb garage while toddlers were inside; the sheriff praised the deputy who protected the children.

A 400-foot mixed-use tower has been pitched for the west side of Lake Eola, proposing 200+ apartments and about 135,000 sq ft of office space while stirring preservation debate.

State inspectors ordered five Orlando eateries to close last week after finding pests, moldlike growth and unsafe food handling. Most sites were cleared to reopen after fixes.

One year in, Chief Charles Broadway says Kissimmee PD is rebuilding after a damaging probe — firings, fewer vacancies and a federal grant are part of the reset.

Surveillance video shows a DeLand teen swinging and kicking a baby alligator at Stetson's aquatic center; deputies arrested a 14-year-old and trespassed five juveniles.

Convincing AI-generated crime videos have prompted real police responses in the Orlando area. Officials warn pranksters could face charges if they waste emergency resources.

St. Cloud High School was placed on a precautionary lockdown Tuesday after officials received an anonymous threat. Police swept the campus and are investigating.

Orange County commissioners asked staff to study zoning changes that would keep smoke and vape shops roughly 500–1,000 feet from schools after parents raised alarms. Legal limits from a 2025 state law could complicate any ordinance.