Local

WAFB wins multiple EMMY Awards

WAFB-TV received EMMY awards in five categories in the 2024 Suncoast Regional EMMY® Awards during a ceremony in Orlando, Florida Saturday evening.

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.

Parents of baby girl claim daughter's neck was broken by hospital worker and facility tried to hide it

Gianna Lopera gave birth to her daughter Jahxy Peets at the Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies when she just 24 weeks into her pregnancy.

Kayla McKean Murder: Where is Richard Lee Adams Now?

The episode titled ‘A Demon on Her Back’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘Evil Lives Here’ covers the chilling and tragic murder case of a six-year-old girl named Kayla McKean, who met her demise in the winter of 1998.

Endorsement: Four elections-supervisor candidates promise to defend voters’ rights

Accountable, fair elections are the foundation of a strong democracy. Florida’s system — in which state lawmakers set policy and 67 elected supervisors manage elections on a county level — has

Hurricane Milton deaths in Florida: County-by-county reports

More than 30 deaths reported in Florida have been attributed to Hurricane Milton. At least 14 counties have reported a storm-related death, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

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.

Who are the anti-abortion judicial candidates on the ballot in Orlando in 2024?

We know finding information about judges and Supreme Court justices is difficult. Abortion has become a central issue this election cycle in Florida and across the U.S., as states continue to face the fallout of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe. v. Wade.

Universal's Epic Universe theme park set to open in May 2025

Universal ’s Epic Universe theme park will open its gates on May 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Jury seated in murder trial of Florida woman accused of letting boyfriend die in zipped-up suitcase

A jury has been seated in the murder trial of Sarah Boone, accused of letting her boyfriend die in a zipped-up suitcase.

The New Attraction in Orlando, Florida We Can’t Wait to Experience

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park will open on May 22, 2025, featuring five immersive worlds and over 50

Universal Orlando announces opening date for its newest theme park

Epic Universe, the newest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, will open in 2025. The park will include Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic.

Florida Parish Hit by Second Fire in 16 Months, Under Investigation as Arson

Incarnation Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida, was first hit by a fire last June, causing severe damage to the inside of the building.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

Previous Next