News across Orange County

Florida announces Oct. 8 hearing on plan to end rules for 4 vaccines
As part of the state surgeon general's push for "medical freedom," Florida wants to change rules that require four vaccines for schools, daycare and adult education programs.

New space station crew launches from Florida on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule
The crew of four — two NASA astronauts, one from Canada, and a Russian cosmonaut — heads to the International Space Station after liftoff from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

TEDxOrlando regresa el 17 de octubre para la conversación más importante de Orlando
Orlando, FL – TEDxOrlando regresa el sábado 17 de octubre de 2026, a partir de las 11:00 a. m., en el recién renovado teatro Linda W. Chapin del Centro de…

Florida’s proposed science standards sideline evolution and climate change
The Florida Department of Education released its first comprehensive rewrite of science learning standards in nearly two decades, with the last one adopted in 2008.

Medicaid changes mean certain immigrants no longer qualify
Florida’s Department of Children and Families is removing certain refugees from Medicaid services starting today.

We took SunRail to see ‘Hamilton’ at the Dr. Phillips Center. Here’s how it went.
We decided to test something Wednesday night: Can you actually take SunRail to see Hamilton at the Dr. Phillips Center and get home afterward without dealing with a downtown parking garage? The answer is yes. And it was surprisingly easy. First, Hamilton itself. Ten years after…

Florida Democrats think they'll break Republican supermajorities. What does that mean?
Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. Democrats say they can break both this November — and gain more legislative leverage.
Nesta proposes Apopka government restructuring; former campaign manager expresses interest in chief of staff role
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta outlined a proposed government restructuring that includes chief of staff and chief utilities officer positions during Monday's town hall. His former campaign manager, Brian Mater, said he would consider the chief of staff opportunity, while Nesta said the…
DRC flags access and infrastructure concerns in 165-home proposals
Apopka's Development Review Committee recommended denying two residential submissions totaling 165 proposed homes and lots because access, safety, and infrastructure questions remain unresolved.
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime – here’s what to do if you or a loved one has been scammed
Florida residents aged 60 and older reported nearly $710 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, highlighting the financial toll of scams targeting older adults. A University of Tampa cybersecurity educator outlines six steps victims and their families can take after a scam.

AAA: Two-thirds of Florida adults have seen children ride e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets
A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities.

Burglary, weapons and assault charges highlight Apopka’s weekly arrest report
The APD listed burglary, weapons, assault, and drug charges among the arrests reported Sept. 20-26. The department also recorded 1,680 calls for service, 58 citations, and 31 crashes.