Orange County has conserved 1,700 acres of land through the Green PLACE program, using a $100 million fund set for ecological preservation. The program, backed by officials and environmentalists, aims to balance urban growth and biodiversity.

Rafiki, a 13-year-old male giraffe at the Central Florida Zoo, died after battling a chronic illness. He was part of the Species Survival Plan to conserve giraffes.

Orlando couple donates two Australian Black Swans to Lake Eola Park as an anniversary gift, enhancing the diversity of the local swan population amidst recent hardships.

Disney's Animal Kingdom announced the birth of Bakso, a critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub, marking the first such birth at the park in seven years.

Orlando introduces a new pocket park in Ivanhoe Village as part of an urban renewal project, featuring greenery, sculptural seating, and enhanced lighting for leisure use.

Central Florida theme parks, including Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND, announce closures and flexible policies in response to Hurricane Helene's approach.

The Casselberry splash pad at Lake Concord Park is closed for two days due to a storm, with plans to reopen Friday.

The City of Winter Park has reopened the boat ramp at Dinky Dock Park & Winter Park Chain of Lakes, allowing public access for boating and waterfront activities.

Disney World's Epcot is relocating its 3 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for their well-being amid park renovations.

The east boat slips at Hickory Point Recreation Complex have reopened after renovations, with six updated slips available for boats up to 30 feet long. The west slips will close next for improvements.

Winter Park halts swimming at Dinky Dock Park due to high bacterial levels; updates will follow once water is safe.

Winter Garden named a park after nonagenarian community figure Charlie Mae Wilder, featuring amenities aligned with her legacy. The dedication coincided with the city's Juneteenth celebration.

Several lakefront parks in Lake County will be temporarily closed early next week for nematode treatment of grass, with specific areas cordoned off and public advised to keep distance.