Wounded veterans partner with marine scientists to restore Florida reefs

Combat wounded military veterans are combining their personal healing journeys with environmental recovery by restoring damaged coral reefs in the Florida Keys. The long-running initiative helps rebuild marine habitats while inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.

New ranking reveals America’s most and least educated cities

America’s most educated workers aren’t spread evenly across the nation, they cluster in places that offer better job markets, higher wages and better lifestyle rewards for their degrees. 

Gov. DeSantis signs $117.6B Florida budget with tax relief, debt reduction and record reserves

Gov. DeSantis highlighted a fourth consecutive year of reduced state spending while also discussing tax relief, debt reduction, education funding and infrastructure investments.

American pride reaches lowest level in quarter century, poll finds

As the U.S. gears up for its 250th anniversary, a new poll reveals American national pride has plummeted to its lowest level in over two decades.

2 huge alligators killed after Florida woman dies in alligator attack, FWC says

Florida authorities are investigating a tragic alligator attack at the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest, which resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman on Sunday.

Sarasota expands paid parking hours, adds Sunday enforcement and raises ticket fines

Starting Monday, June 29, drivers in the city of Sarasota will need to keep a closer eye on the parking meters. The city has officially extended its paid parking hours and increased citation fines by $5, a move aimed at making the parking division entirely self-sustainable.

Dog rescued after overheating during hike in Citrus County

A large dog was rushed to emergency medical care last week after collapsing from heat stress during a forest hike in Citrus County. 

AI may spot deadly heart risk in a routine ECG

UC Berkeley researchers say a new AI model found a hidden ECG signal that could help doctors identify more people at risk before sudden cardiac death.

Hillsborough County man accused of fatally shooting neighbor's dog after child bitten: HCSO

A Palm River-Clair Mel man is facing felony charges after Hillsborough County deputies say he went into a neighbor's home with a rifle and fatally shot their dog after an incident in which the animal bit a young child.

Publix releases new limited-edition ice cream for summer

Publix has launched three limited-edition ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors to help shoppers cool down during the hot summer months.

11-year-old boy found safe after Florida Missing Child Alert issued in Cocoa

An 11-year-old boy has been found after a Florida Missing Child Alert was issued early Monday morning for Sinsira Jackson, who was last seen in Cocoa.

Winter Haven native crowned Miss Florida 2026 in Lakeland

A Winter Haven native is Florida's newest titleholder after Alexandra de Roos was crowned Miss Florida 2026 Saturday night at the RP Funding Center's Youkey Theatre in Lakeland.

Bill Maher awarded Mark Twain Prize during Kennedy Center ceremony

Those who were looking forward to witnessing one of comedy’s biggest nights of the year on Sunday will get their chance late next month as the presentation of the 2026 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor returns to Netflix.

1 dead after officer-involved shooting in St. Pete: SPPD

The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday morning on Pershing Street Northeast that resulted in the death of one person.

3 Central Florida alligator bite incidents within 1 week, authorities confirm

The FWC is investigating three separate alligator bites that occurred in Central Florida within a single week. A snorkeler was bitten June 21 in Marion County's Rainbow River, a juvenile was bitten on the hand on June 27 while fishing along the shoreline in Lake County and a woman was bitten while swimming in Seminole County.