Local

Here are the most fun cities in America

Depending on what you like to do for entertainment in your spare time, these cities offer a variety of options, and here’s where your area ranks.

Unlock the Best Black Friday Deals Without Breaking the Bank

Learn how to shop like a pro this Black Friday with smart strategies and tips to snag the best deals while avoiding overspending.

IT’S FLORIDA, MAN. : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The guest cast includes Anna Faris, Randall Park, Jake Johnson, Jon Gries, Sam Richardson, Ego Nwodim, Juliette Lewis and Simon Rex.

Takeaways from Tallahassee — The road to 2030

After a couple weeks of gray skies, Florida political and business leaders are turning their attention to the state’s bright future.

Epic Universe opens May 22, Universal Orlando reveals

Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, Universal Orlando announced, just ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. Universal Orlando is opening its third theme park, a gate with more than 50 attractions spread across five lands, in addition to three new hotels.

Universal Orlando Sets Opening Date for Massive Epic Universe Theme Park, Featuring Worlds for Harry Potter, Nintendo and More

Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park – the sprawling Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, in Florida. The new park features more than 50 experiences across five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic,

Universal Epic Orlando Theme Park Will Open in May

Initial ticket packages for the new area of Universal Orlando Resort, the first new Florida theme park in a generation, will cost as much as $521.

Party support for Maria Revelles overshadows Paula Stark’s cash advantage

Rep. Paula Stark holds a cash advantage over Democrat Maria Revelles as Stark seeks re-election. But the challenger has enjoyed far more party support than the Republican incumbent in House District 47.

Abortion rights advocacy group speaks out against Florida threatening TV stations for playing ad

The Committee to Protect Health Care attacked the state's move during the contentious fight over abortion rights.

Not the First and Not The Last: Reflecting on Hurricane Milton While Thinking Toward the Terrifying Future

At around 4 a.m, there was a terrific bang as something large fell directly outside our window. It was dark and windy and there was no way to see what had fallen or how much damage had occurred. We would have to wait until morning, until daylight, to see what had happened.

Are tolls still suspended on Florida highways after Hurricane Milton? What to know

Most tolls were reinstated Oct. 14. Tolls are still suspended for several counties in central & west central Florida after Hurricane Milton landfall

Disney’s new all-access, skip-the-line plan can cost more than the park ticket does

The pilot launch of "Lightning Lane Premier Pass," formally announced Wednesday by Disney, is being offered in extremely limited quantities. It's designed to be purchased and used by few guests.

Chase Bank robber arrested by Orange County Sheriff's Office in less than 24 hours

ORLANDO, Fla. - On Wednesday, 42-year-old Lovenson Mose was arrested and charged with robbery after robbing a Chase Bank in Pine Hills, Florida less than 24 hours prior. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Orange County Sheriff's Office released security video of the robbery asking for the public's help identifying Mose.

New Disney pass covers every Lightning Lane in 1 park for 1 day

Walt Disney World is introducing another paid option to reduce wait times for theme park rides. The resort will roll out the Lightning Lane Premier Pass on Oct. 30, and purchasers will be able to use every Lightning Lane within a park a single time for one day.

Florida’s Operation Blue Roof offers free protection for storm-damaged roofs after Hurricane Milton

A free program that offers protection for storm-damaged roofs is now available to residents in Central Florida counties whose homes have been damaged after Hurricane Milton.

This is the most haunted bridge in Florida. Here’s why

This relic — called the “Bellamy Bridge” — is the oldest of its kind in the state. And it's got a ghastly story to match.

Is Gen Z the key to passing Florida’s abortion amendment?

In November, Floridians will vote on Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution. Advocates say that getting traditional non-voters, like Generation Z, is key to getting necessary voter approval.

Anonymous Gesture To Save Cats During Hurricane Milton Goes Viral

A neighbor says she would love to find out was behind the selfless gesture to share the praise online with them.

Epic Universe tickets could go on sale in the next 2 weeks, report says

Universal Orlando plans to open the new Epic Universe theme park as early as Memorial Day weekend 2025, report says.

2 orphaned manatees arrive at SeaWorld Orlando to complete final stages of rehabilitation

After traveling over 1,000 miles, a pair of orphaned manatees journey comes to a splashing end at SeaWorld Orlando where they’ll<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More

Key 2024 election dates to remember for Florida voters ahead of November

For mail-in voters, the deadline to request a ballot is Thursday, October 24. For those planning to vote in person, the early voting period begins in select counties on Monday, October 21, and will continue for two weeks. All counties must offer early voting as of Oct. 26 but are allowed to open sites as early as the 21st.

Man who abandoned dog during hurricane charged with aggravated animal cruelty

The man who abandoned a dog on Interstate 75 approaching Hurricane Milton was charged in relation to the incident.

Lawton Swift Water Rescue Team returns from Florida

LAWTON, Okla. (KAUZ) - The Lawton Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team has returned from Orlando, Florida after being deployed in preparation for Hurricane Milton. The team of seven, consisting of six rescue technicians and one battalion chief, left Lawton on Monday, Oct. 7.

Could Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe open sooner than expected?

Universal’s Epic Universe — the biggest expansion happening in Orlando in decades — could be fully open by Memorial Day 2025, according to a new story from The Wall Street Journal.

Buddy Dyer calls for big changes to downtown Orlando

This is a big, long-term undertaking. But, the results will help fuel a higher quality of life and create economic opportunity.'

Missing Florida boy found dead following statewide alert

ORLANDO, Fla. - The body of a 7-year-old Orlando boy who prompted a Florida Missing Child Alert has been found. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says Emerson Felix was discovered dead in a body of water near his home where he was reported missing on Monday evening. Detectives say they are looking into how the tragedy occurred.

Impacted by Hurricane Milton? Resources and programs for recovery

Florida residents affected by Hurricane Milton can access various resources for relief, government assistance, and ways to contribute to recovery efforts.

Missing 7-year-old Orlando boy

ORLANDO, Fl - A missing child alert has been issued for 7-year-old Emerson Felix. He was last seen in the area of the 1700 block of Flintshire Street in Orlando. He was last seen wearing a light-color cream shirt with a black logo, light blue shorts and dark slides.

Committee backing Amendment 4 raises $12.7M in a single week for abortion rights initiative

The group behind Amendment 4 is raising big money, although it is in a fight with Gov. DeSantis and the state.

Visit Florida outlines twin hurricane tourism recovery plans

A multi-million dollar crisis recovery plan is being hatched by Florida tourism chiefs in the wake of devastation in parts of the state caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A social media campaign using a ‘Sunshine is Shining in Florida’ message was initiated on Monday for areas that escaped the twin storms or incurred minimal impact.

Hurricane Milton: Foam, other debris wash ashore in Palm Beach in storm's wake

Friends of Palm Beach and Palm Beach residents have taken to the beach to clean up the foam and other debris that washed up on the island's shoreline.

Taylor Swift fans book last-minute travel to Miami for Eras Tour

Swiftmania is about to descend on Miami, and businesses are preparing to welcome the tens of thousands of Taylor Swift fans in town for three nights of Eras Tour concerts. Resale tickets on StubHub are going for $1,

‘Running in a hoodie’: Tszyu’s weight dig over late-night sighting as rival gives rare interview

The news comes as Murtazaliev, who stands 183cm -- or nine centimetres taller than Tszyu -- has also told Australia’s Main Event he could move up in weight after defeating the Australian challenger, naming WBA middleweight champ Erislandy Lara among a list of potential opponents.

Virginia Task Force Two is on the way home following Hurricane Milton relief

Virginia Task Force Two is on the way home from Orlando, Florida after providing relief following Hurricane Milton.

‘Nowhere else to go’: Florida seniors struggle to recover from back-to-back hurricanes

Many of Florida’s residents ages 65 and older live in retirement communities with manufactured homes, which are easily destroyed during a storm. And many are also on a fixed income and hurricane

These are Florida’s best cities to drive in. Do you agree?

Nationally, the best city was Raleigh, North Carolina (No. 1), followed closely by Boise, Idaho (No. 2) and Corpus Christi, Texas (No. 3). However, Florida was well represented within the top 10 on this list. Taking the top spot for the Sunshine State was Jacksonville at No. 5, which rated highly for cost of ownership and traffic.