Local News
Maxwell: Orlando’s newest NIMBY fight is against … teacher housing?
Teacher housing is the newest NIMBY target in Orange County where one neighborhood is complaining...
Winter Garden removes park sign banning guns after Uthmeier threatens city
In a letter dated Wednesday and posted to X, the attorney general declared the sign...
Apopka commissioners can’t agree on tax rate as statewide tax vote looms
State law requires a unanimous vote to pass the proposed tax hike, and one commissioner...
Close encounters: Kangaroos, wallabies meet the people of Animal Kingdom
Theme park's new Jumping Junction invites human visitors inside the fence to mingle with (but...
Talking Central Florida: Supervisors of elections answer questions
On this week's episode of Talking Central Florida, the several regional supervisors of elections answer...
Showers and storms slated for the afternoon, heat to last through weekend
On Thursday, there is a 50 percent chance for scattered showers and storms are slated...
Hurricane center continues tracking potential tropical system near Florida
The National Hurricane Center on Thursday continued to track a system approaching Florida with potential...
After ‘abusive’ lawsuit, judge orders FLVS, attorneys to pay $1.3 million
The state-funded online school, headquartered in Orlando, waged a losing legal battle against a private...
‘Photo enforced’: Speeding drivers to face tickets in Orange school zones
The cameras have prompted controversy elsewhere, but local municipalities say theirs will not be sharing...
Sweet 2016: Remembering a bountiful theme park year
A decade ago, Central Florida saw a slew of additions, including roller coasters, the return...
Seminole prosecutors upgrade charges in deaths of UCF professor, brother
The suspect, who remains jailed, now faces second-degree murder charges.
Universal putting brakes on Fast & Furious ride sooner than expected
Earlier this year, it was announced that Supercharged would go away in 2027. But now...
Magic of Disney Animation attractions get September start date
Additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios will include an Olaf-driven drawing class and an indoor playground...
DeSantis sets Duckett’s execution, scheduled same day as another inmate’s
If both executions are carried out on July 28, it would be the first time...
Wednesday has fewer storms but a few could develop in the afternoon
Wednesday has fewer storms, with rain chances at 20 to 40 percent.
Health inspections lead to 5 Central Florida restaurant shutdowns
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down five Central Florida restaurants for health...
Orange County sees the end for deteriorating Tymber Skan condos
"I'm ready to leave and just leave it alone. The place needs to really be...
‘Person of interest’ in death of Kissimmee man faces murder charge
A man arrested in Seminole County in a truck stolen from an elderly man found...
Seminole leaders warn of drastic cut in services if voters approve tax referendum
"I think people are realizing this is a boondoggle," said Republican Seminole Commissioner Lee Constantine.
Maxwell: Courts confirm Florida’s ‘Stop WOKE’ law is un-American garbage
Yet another federal court, led in part by a conservative, Trump-appointed judge, has ruled that...
2 Lake County charter school principals accused of driving drunk hours apart
The two women have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Afternoon storms on tap again for Central Florida ahead of heat buildup
Central Florida is in store for more thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon as the region gets...
Orange deputy injures his children in accidental gun discharge
The deputy's two children have returned home from the hospital, and the investigation continues, the...
Here’s what led to crash that killed UCF professor, brother
Investigators were watching the suspect, who'd previously been charged with a drug crime and who...
International travelers again face hours-long luggage delays at Orlando airport
“There was no communication at all,” according to one frustrated flyer who waited hours for...
Orlando plans hiring freeze, ‘stabilization fund’ as it preps for potential property tax slash
The city plans to keep its property tax rate at $6.65 per $1,000 for the...
Georgia child, 2, shot and killed after gun found inside car, Osceola sheriff says
The gun the child found in the car "was laid out, it was literally in...
Afternoon heat index could hit 107 in Central Florida, NWS says
Storm chances increase across Central Florida in the afternoon, but coupled with humidity that could...
Alligator Alcatraz may be closed, but the legal fallout isn’t over
Lawyers plan to sue on behalf of two Cuban immigrants who say they were brutalized...
Orlando Sentinel 150: Monday Memory of Orlando’s ‘giant asparagus’ art
It was the talk of Orlando in 1992. It was called a pineapple, a giant...
Invasive lizards are moving into Central Florida. More may be on the way.
Non-native lizards have been spotted in downtown Orlando, at Disney and at UCF's campus, among...
From student to teacher: Keith Traver takes over Orlando Shakes education
Keith Traver, who discovered a love of Shakespeare and theater at Orlando Shakes, is now...
Orange Mayor Jerry Demings: ‘I chose living over campaigning’
He's now encouraging others to get tested regularly as his prostate cancer was caught early...
Orange County School Board: Alicia Farrant, Angie Gallo vie for chair
The board's chair has most of the same duties as the seven other members, but...
An exclusive look inside Winter Park’s historic, imperiled Merrywood House
Owners of 7,300-square-foot mansion designed by Rogers expected to demolish it later this year
Sabatini scolded by court for use of AI, resulting in ‘substandard’ work
Lake County Commissioner and attorney Anthony Sabatini filed court briefings "riddled with nonexistent 'hallucinated' cases,"...
Talking Central Florida: Voter guide, deporting Haitian TPS holders and tax holidays
This week's Talking Central Florida podcast discusses a Central Florida voter guide, the effect of...
Maxwell: How do they differ? Orange County mayoral candidates on the issues
Readers gave columnist Scott Maxwell questions to pose to the candidates for Orange County mayor...
The unedited responses on 16 issues from Orange County’s mayoral candidates
In their own words: The candidates for Orange County mayor share their unedited responses to...
Heat advisory returns to Central Florida from 11a to 8p
Friday has another heat advisory beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
Orlando Sentinel 150: Friday Flashback to Mmmm, Merita Bread sign!
The giant 18-foot tall and 30-foot wide neon-lighted Merita Bread sign which served as a...
Orlando police charge North Carolina man in 1988 cold-case killing
The victim, a 43-year-old mother who'd grown up in College Park and graduated from Edgewater...
UCF professor, brother killed in crash with suspected drug trafficker
The assistant professor in criminal justice was a former police officer hired by UCF last...
Dancing grandma’s family pledges $92 million lawsuit against Orlando cops over her death
"We're going to get justice for Millie," said attorney Ben Crump, surrounded by the victim's...
Orlando Science Center: Laser-light shows back in spotlight
Presentations featuring songs by Taylor Swift, Queen kick in renovated dome off Stellar Nights events...
Orlando Sentinel, other media outlets seek ‘serious sanctions’ against OpenAI
Motion asks the court to punish OpenAI for hiding and destroying evidence showing how ChatGPT...
Heat advisory for all of Central Florida lasts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It's a dangerously hot day in Central Florida as a heat advisory for the region...
Leaders of 2 Winter Park cultural organizations step down
There will be new leadership at the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and the...
Transgender teen drops out of Irish Dance meet in Orlando
"it's a win because the girls didn't have to compete against a boy," said Maggie...
Orlando fire chief retires after only six months on the job
Executive Deputy Chief Shannon Teamer will be handling day-to-day operations for the immediate future.
Forecasters further downgrade hurricane season to ‘well below-normal’
But "it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make an active season,” according to...
Maxwell: Uthmeier scurries from cameras, now that ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ bills are due
Scott Maxwell: James Uthmeier used to be a big talker when it came to "Alligator...
Florida man, 80, too old and ill to be executed for 1986 murders, lawyers say
On July 28, the state plans to execute Dominick Occhicone, almost exactly a month shy of...
Heat advisory for several Central Florida counties beginning at 11a
Officials issued a heat advisory for Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.
Florida high court again rejects deal for Orange judge, wants her suspended
The judge admitted she wrongly made more than 900 political contributions, saying she thought the...
With gratitude and joy, Winter Park Playhouse celebrates makeover
At a ribbon cutting for dignitaries and invited guests, the renovated Winter Park Playhouse makes...
Cops: Suspected drug trafficker kills 2 in crash while fleeing Seminole deputies
The sheriff's office had declined to give chase out of concern for drivers' safety.
Attorney Matt Morgan wants to save Winter Park’s endangered Merrywood House
The real estate agent working with the owners said the offer is far below what...
Orange County School Board may ban e-bikes at elementary, middle schools
More than 40% of middle school students in Orange County Public Schools now ride the...
Orange County’s tourist-tax record stretches to 14 months
The county now expects to have millions more in tax revenue to spend, with competing...
Maxwell: Spirited nun ‘retired’ at age 76 and then worked another 12 years
Scott Maxwell: Sister Gail Grimes 'retired' at the age of 76. But she kept on...
Publix fruit at center of E. coli outbreak investigations, FDA and CDC say
An E. coli outbreak that has hit Florida and Georgia has been linked by the...
Heat wave arriving in Central Florida this week
Tuesday's weather includes numerous showers and lightning storms in the afternoon.
Seminole considers declawing ban as procedure falls out of favor worldwide
“We’re hoping the county will prioritize animal welfare over the safety of a sofa, and...
Osceola Arts delays reopening, puts show at Dr. Phillips Center
Facing a longer-than-expected closure of its main theater, Osceola Arts will stage the musical "Urinetown"...
Pennsylvania boy who lost hand to alligator on Florida trip faces long road to recovery
The boy's father jumped onto the alligator and tried to pry its mouth open, ultimately...
Lightning strikes during stormy Florida weekend leave 1 dead, 5 injured
A lifeguard on duty in Ormond Beach said the strike left him with a pins-and-needles...
2-year-old dies in a hot car outside South Florida home, fourth in the state this year
A 2-year-old died inside a hot car in Hallandale Beach while in the care of...
Orlando Sentinel 150: Monday Memory of when Mrs. Liberty became a citizen
"I just know I belong here. I'm not visiting any more. This is my country....
Scattered showers and storms expected in the afternoon
Both are most likely after 3 p.m. at a 60 percent chance, according to NWS...
Central Florida ‘Project Runway’ contender talks TV, talent — and Tyra
Davenport resident Jeffrey Kelly Abess, who taught himself to design clothes, is a contestant on...
Orlando Sentinel 150: After ups and downs, can Downtown Orlando rise again?
Historians fear explosive growth could endanger downtown buildings and landmarks — some of which date...
Disney, Bloomberg open wallets as Orange County mayoral hopefuls rake in cash
Stephanie Murphy's PAC received $100,000 from Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, the theme park giant’s...
Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter: Oviedo attraction’s natural wonders span 20+ years
Visitors can get up close and personal with butterflies at Lukas Nursery in Oviedo where...
Orlando Sentinel 150: How Central Florida celebrated the U.S. Bicentennial
We look back at how Orlando and Central Florida celebrated America's last milestone anniversary: the...
Pictures: Watermelon 5K in Winter Park
Thousands gathered to celebrate Independence Day and participate in the Watermelon 5K in Winter Park,...
USA at 250: What the Founding Fathers should know about 2026
We asked a group of Central Floridians to write letters to America's Founding Fathers to...
Pictures: Altamonte Springs ‘Red Hot and Boom’ celebrates America’s 250th
The City of Altamonte Springs celebrated Independence Day and America's 250th birthday with Red, Hot...
Thousands gather in Altamonte for ‘Red Hot and Boom’
Thousands gather to in Altamonte to celebrate America's 250th birthday at 'Red Hot and Boom'
Florida man faces 10 years for stealing Smokey Bear signs
A Florida man faces up to 10 years in prison for federal charges related to...
Hot, muggy Fourth of July weekend in store for Central Florida
A hot and muggy weekend is forecast for Central Florida with heat indices that could...
Central Florida cooling centers open as homeless brace for the summer heat
Municipalities across the region opened cooling centers for the first time this season in June....
Orlando Sentinel 150: Friday Flashback to July 4 parade in 1886
This Orlando parade photo, believed to be from 1886, is historic in several ways.
Families of wrongly convicted Groveland Four offer thanks for $4M state compensation
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a state budget Monday that included the millions to acknowledge...
Meet Orlando’s biggest star: 9-year-old Scarlett Spears
Orlando actor Scarlett Spears stars in Toy Story 5 after success in "Wicked: For Good,"...
Here’s how Central Floridians can help Venezuela after the earthquake
Casa De Venezuela Orlando is looking for donations of non perishable foods, medical supplies and...
Maxwell: Free speech? Florida students have diplomas threatened for silent ICE protest
Maxwell: Free speech? Florida university threatens students' diplomas for participating in a silent protest where...
Talking Central Florida: Downtown historic district, Split Oak toll road
Talking Central Florida discusses Orlando’s Downtown Historic Preservation District and the construction of a toll...
Clean bills of health: Which Central Florida restaurants had perfect inspections in June?
After 1,104 restaurant inspections across Central Florida in June, only 162 had no issues for...
Showers, thunderstorms and a look ahead to the holiday weekend forecast
Thursday has a 30 percent chance of showers, with showers and thunderstorms likely after 1...
Florida’s reading, math scores look promising. Experts say wait and see
For the first time ever, more than 60% of Florida students posted marks on statewide...
In first look, new Winter Park Playhouse wows
A $10 million facelift pays off for Winter Park Playhouse with new amenities for patrons...
Singh sues to get Cordero removed from Orange Clerk of Courts ballot
The suit alleges Cordero would violate Florida's resign-to-run law because her new position would begin...
Look up the latest grades for Florida’s public schools
This searchable chart contains how each public school in Florida performed in state grading in...
Harrowing 911 call details Orlando woman’s fatal alligator attack
A friend present during the attack described the victim as "pure gold" in an emotional...
Maxwell: Who makes Orlando better? Plus, watch out for Hope Florida 2.0
It’s time again for readers to submit their nominations for “10 People Who Make Orlando...
Kissimmee’s Gateway Airport looks to go international
Osceola is the only Central Florida county without an international airport.
Florida confirms Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president
The Board of Governors, in a nearly unanimous vote, approved former University of Alabama president Stuart Bell on Wednesday...
Florida school grades: More A’s and B’s on the 2026 report card
The grades are based on student performance on standardized tests, and more youngsters did better...
Morning showers are expected to grow in coverage, storm development possible
Early morning isolated showers will increase coverage throughout the afternoon.