Death penalty for child rapists? Florida lawmakers to debate proposals
Republican lawmakers Wednesday filed proposals that seek to allow the death penalty for people who commit sexual battery on children under age 12.
Florida’s sea turtle season begins but some nests already dot the landscape
Right on cue and even a bit early on some beaches, the 2023 sea turtle nesting season is already underway in Florida, with the spotting of at least two nests before the annual March 1 start.
Red tide suspected culprit in rescue of 2 manatees in Southwest Florida, FWC says
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said two manatees were rescued over the weekend showing signs of lethargy, possibly tied to red tide. Both were transported to SeaWorld Orlando for study and rehabilitation.
Universal school choice grows in popularity as more GOP-led states expand options for students
Many states across the U.S. have adopted some sort of school choice program, allowing students in specific circumstances to use state funds to go to the school of their choice, but the concept of granting all school children this ability is growing in popularity, with several states either adopting such plans this year or moving in that direction.
Controversial Florida education law on sexual orientation, gender identity could be expanded
A House Republican on Tuesday filed a proposal that would bar instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity through eighth grade, expanding a controversial 2022 law that prohibited such instruction in early grades.
Dog rescued after getting shot twice in face, left at Florida gas station
A puppy was rescued after surviving two gunshots to the face and being left for dead at a gas station near Edgewater.
Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials
A propane tanker carrying thousands of gallons of fuel toppled over in Manatee County, along with several other cars. Officials are now trying to determine the safest clean-up route.
From Florida to Hawaii: World’s best beaches for 2023 revealed by Tripadvisor
Whether you prefer a lazy beach day or an underwater adventure, this year’s top 25 beaches feature something for every traveler.
Lakefront chaos: Man on jet ski arrested for allegedly slapping 68-year-old woman
Chaos unfolded on a lake in Clermont after a group of jet skis surrounded a boat full of people.
Sanford community mourns loss of 2 children who died in dirt bike crash
Mark Brown still cannot wrap his head around how the lives of two young children ended in a Sanford neighborhood.
Former NFL player Zac Stacy sentenced to 6 months in jail after attacking ex
Former NFL running back Zac Stacy has been sentenced to six months in jail with probation stemming from a domestic incident over two years ago.
Burny Mattinson, Disney animator and longest-serving employee, dies at 87
Mattinson worked for the company for 70 years. His credits include "Mickey’s Christmas Carol," "The Great Mouse Detective," "Lady and the Tramp," and "One Hundred and One Dalmatians."
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Crosley Green case
A man who was recently released from prison after 32 years behind bars is likely heading back behind bars.
Citrus County man dubbed 'sedition panda' after arrest in connection to Capitol riots
The FBI has arrested a Citrus County man who wore a panda costume head while allegedly taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Video shows moment deputies say Florida teacher's aide is knocked unconscious by student upset she took Switch
New surveillance video has been released by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office which appears to show a Florida high school student knocking a school employee unconscious, investigators said.
UCF students working on report they never imagined: the death of a journalism school alumnus
A memorial in honor of Spectrum News 13 Reporter Dylan Lyons now sits outside the Nicholson School of Communications at the University of Central Florida, Lyons’ alma mater.
White House criticizes Florida proposals allowing people to carry concealed weapons without licenses
A day after an Orlando television reporter was killed on the job, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday criticized Florida Republican leaders for proposals that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses.
Falcon 9 rocket set to carry Crew-6 into orbit next week rolled out to launchpad
A Falcon 9 rocket that will carry a Dragon Crew capsule into orbit early next week is now vertical at Launch Complex 39A in Cape Canaveral. SpaceX and NASA are targeting no earlier than Monday, February 27, to launch the Crew-6 mission.
Ground search paused until morning for 2-year-old Brooksville boy who wandered away from home
The ground search has been suspended after nightfall for a Brooksville 2-year-old who went missing Thursday morning, but Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said deputies would continue searching from the air using infrared cameras.
Polk County detention deputy, 22, killed in off-duty crash aspired to be on the SWAT team
A 22-year-old detention deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office has passed away following a vehicle crash while he was off-duty, according to the agency.