Central Florida News

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' wife, former Congresswoman Val Demings, and other family members stood beside him Friday as he announced his prostate cancer diagnosis and the suspension of his campaign for governor.

Demings announces prostate cancer diagnosis, suspends campaign for governor

The Orange County mayor made the announcement at a press conference following his final State of the County address Friday morning.

The Carousel of Progress at Disney World will undergo an dramatic overhaul in the next year.

A look at American Interior Design through Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Cheryn Stone

As the Carousel of Progress attraction enters a new era, we explore how home styles evolve and reflect culture.

If approved by voters in November, the potential loss of millions of dollars in property taxes would affect Volusia County’s ability to fund and provide services like public safety and beach and coastal management.

Government & Politics

Proposed property tax cuts would leave Volusia millions short on required services

Molly Duerig

Fire protection and emergency medical services, garbage collection and mosquito control are among the public services that stand to be affected.

Scott Davis’s Volusia County home was badly damaged during Hurricanes Ian and Milton. Today, it’s completely renovated and raised up two feet above the ground.

Environment & Climate

Volusia to hold info sessions to help residents apply for hurricane relief

Molly Duerig

Federal disaster aid is still available for Volusia homeowners affected by Hurricanes Ian and Milton.

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman surveys the damage at Blue Origin’s LC-36 at Cape Canaveral. Blue Origin and its hardware is critical to NASA’s plan to return humans to the moon.

Space

After rocket explosion, Blue Origin says it will fly again this year

Brendan Byrne

An explosion Thursday destroyed the company’s New Glenn rocket and caused significant damage to its launch pad at Cape Canaveral.

The Orlando Police Department is eliminating permanent light duty positions for police officers.

Government & Politics

Local governments brace for property tax cuts

Sam Stockbridge

Experts say Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan for affordability excludes millions of renters, and could force towns and counties to cut popular programs and hike fees.

the-booking-and-release-center-at-the-orange-county-jail-in-florida-where-juveniles-who-are-charged-as-adults-await-trials-in-criminal-court

Government & Politics

Update: Orange County takes another step toward revising ICE agreement

Molly Duerig

Federal agencies still need to approve the revised agreements before they can take effect.

Orange County District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott celebrates at Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for Barnett Villas.

Housing & Homelessness

New affordable apartments in Pine Hills are already full

Molly Duerig

Barnett Villas is within walking distance of Orange County’s Barnett Park.

FILE - New Glenn on the launch pad at LC-36 ahead of the NG-3 mission that launched in April. Another New Glenn rocket exploded on this pad ahead of the NG-4 mission which was set to launch in June.

Space

Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket explodes on Cape Canaveral launch pad

Brendan Byrne

The Space Force says debris from the explosion could wash ashore along public beaches. This debris could be hazardous, and should be reported by calling 911.

Orlando Roller Derby: Skill on Skates

Richard Copeland

The 90+ members of Orlando Roller Derby find action, catharsis and friendship on skates.