Crocodile dies of lead poisoning, first time in Florida: FWC
Florida wildlife officials are raising concerns about lead pollution after an American crocodile died of apparent lead poisoning.
WFLA
Florida · RSS · up to 100 stored headlines · Visit site
Text size100%
DeSantis declares state of emergency for 25 Florida counties ahead of growing Gulf storm
Tropical Depression Nine officially formed on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to start drifting toward the northeast later this week. It's currently forecast to develop into a hurricane on Thursday and hit the northern Gulf Coast on Friday afternoon.
Florida District 13 race enters final stretch before election
There are four weeks left to go until election day, and Florida's 13th congressional district is one of the most-watched races this election cycle.
Florida Democratic candidates call for more oversight involving insurance profits
Two Democratic nominees running for statewide cabinet-level seats in Florida are calling for more regulation over insurance companies.
Hershey adds disclaimer 'Carving not on actual product' to Reese's pumpkin wrappers following lawsuit
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) -- A woman in Florida tried to sue the Hershey company for $5 million because pumpkin-shaped Reese's don't actually have the carved faces shown on the packaging. So how has the company responded to this? Well, the woman wanted to make it a class action lawsuit, in fact, on behalf of anyone
Clearwater man accused of stealing over $2K at Florida Keys resort
ISLAMORADA, Fla. (WFLA)— A Clearwater man was arrested in the Florida Keys after stealing more than $2,000 in goods and services at a resort, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced. Malachi Keasler, 26, was arrested on Oct. 3 and charged with grand theft, possession of another person's identification (over the…
Florida K-9s receive special blessing during Blessings of the Animals
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A pair of Florida K-9s received a special blessing on Monday during the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Sumter County Sheriff's Office got to bring their K-9s to the St. Francis Episcopal Church for the special blessing. "We’re grateful to St. Francis Episcopal Church for welcoming our K-9…
Florida could break execution record after DeSantis signs 20th death warrant
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Monday, which could break a record for the number of executions in Florida for 2026.
Byron Donalds makes Indian Shores stop; David Jolly talks education in Sarasota
Florida voters will elect a new governor next month. The new governor will also appoint an education commissioner.
Florida man found asleep behind wheel next to beer cans arrested with BAC 5x legal limit: deputies
A man was arrested after deputies said they found him passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in North Fort Myers with a blood alcohol level nearly five times the legal limit.
Palm Beach County GOP lists suspended official on voter guide despite child sex abuse allegations
The Palm Beach County Republican Party released a voter guide that included the party's pick for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, who was removed from that post earlier this year after he was accused of molesting a child.
10 people, 3 in Tampa Bay, charged in sea turtle, fish poaching operation: Florida AG
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten Floridians are facing a serious list of charges after Attorney General James Uthmeier accused them of poaching protected species and running an illegal fishing operation. Three of them were also accused of poaching sea turtles, which are protected under both state and federal law, and selling…
Nationwide Gatorade recall receives risk warning: FDA
PepsiCo, Inc. has recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade nationwide over undeclared food colorings, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now assigned it a risk level.
Trump admin's proposal could make it easier to suspend, expel Head Start students
Advocates and experts fear Head Start students and families in these places could experience a more punitive reality if the proposed changes take effect.
NHC continues to track disturbance near southwestern Gulf
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the southwestern Gulf that could develop into a tropical depression.
State trooper shoots hit-and-run suspect in Florida, FDLE investigating
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating after a state trooper shot a hit-and-run suspect in Orange County.
Man walking on tracks is struck and killed by train in Florida
A man was killed in Kissimmee on Saturday after being struck by a passing train, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Florida's dengue outbreak reportedly largest US has seen in decades
A dengue fever outbreak in the state of Florida appears to have grown to the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, totaling 252 reported cases this year in the Sunshine State according to an update this week.
Rays fans excited after ALDS Game 1 win over Yankees
Rays fans are feeling good after the team beat the New Yankees 1-0 in game one of the ALDS Saturday night.
Florida troopers join multi-state vehicle enforcement along I-95
Florida Highway Patrol has shared the results of a multi-state overnight enforcement initiative along the I-95 corridor.
2026 Florida Midterm: What is the last day for voter registration?
As the 2026 Midterm Election quickly approaches, so do important deadlines to ensure eligible voters are registered to participate.
Horse struck, left for dead by drunk driver in Florida: sheriff
MELBOURNE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida woman is facing several DUI charges after police said she struck and left a horse for dead on the side of the road. On Wednesday evening, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office received a call from a witness who reported seeing a vehicle hit a horse and then leave the
Man threatens family with axe during parking dispute at Florida Airbnb: affidavit
A man was arrested on Wednesday after being accused of threatening another man and his family with an axe, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Suspected DUI driver fatally hits horse while driving home, Florida deputies say
A woman was arrested after deputies said she hit a horse while driving impaired in Melbourne.
Man accused of filming men in Florida truck stop bathroom caught with sex toys, meth: deputies
A man was arrested Thursday after deputies discovered he was filming people in a truck stop bathroom in North Fort Myers.
Florida woman in custody after tow yard shooting, deputies say
An investigation is underway into a shooting that occurred at a Martin County towing facility on Friday.
3 major amendments face Florida voters this midterm
Whether Floridians are voting early or on election day, folks will have a lot to consider in the midterms.
Florida father, 17-year-old twins found dead in apparent murder-suicide: sheriff
A father and his 17-year-old twins were found dead inside a home on Wednesday in what is believed to be a murder-suicide, the Orange County Sheriff's Office reported.
Former GOP Rep. David Rivera sentenced to 10 years for secret Venezuela lobbying
A former Miami congressman and longtime friend of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison in connection with a secret $50 million lobbying campaign on Venezuela’s behalf during the first Trump administration.
DeSantis praises cabinet's vote designating CAIR, antifa terrorism groups; ACLU alleges lack of due process
Gon. Ron DeSantis touted his cabinet's vote to declare a number of groups — including Antifa, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations — as domestic terror organizations on Friday.
Florida driver accused of striking deputy, patrol vehicle arrested following manhunt
A driver was arrested in Sumter County after he struck a deputy and a patrol vehicle before fleeing during a traffic stop, according to the sheriff's office.
DeSantis signs death warrant for man who asked to be executed: court docs
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant on Thursday for 63-year-old James Robertson, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 2012.
Astronauts arrive at International Space Station on quickest US express flight yet
Four astronauts pulled up at the International Space Station on Thursday after launching on an eight-hour express that set a U.S. speed record.
Clearwater City Council votes to give away more city property for $50M development with Scientology ties
Despite pushback from residents, Clearwater officials are giving up more city land.
Florida law raises property damage threshold for reporting car crashes
A new Florida law changes the dollar amount that determines when drivers have to notify law enforcement after a crash, raising the property-damage threshold from $500 to $2,000 in apparent damage.
JD Vance rallies Republican voters in Lakeland, Florida Democrats push back
Vice President JD Vance was in Lakeland on Thursday. The Trump 47 committee hosted a rally with the vice president as the special guest. It’s an effort to motivate Republicans to vote.
Ticket prices surge ahead of Rays-Yankees game Saturday
Ticket prices are surging for the Rays vs. Yankees playoff game Saturday. According to Seat Geek, the cheapest tickets on secondary ticket platforms are anywhere from $145 to $168.
New Florida law targets discharging guns near schools
The 2026 school safety bill is now officially considered the law of the land in Florida.
Jury finds former deputy Eddie Duran not guilty in Fort Walton Beach shooting
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the charge Duran was found not guilty of. We regret the error. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy Eddie Duran has been found not guilty of manslaughter for the shooting death of Air Force Airman Roger Fortson in May of…
Federal report says pilots weren't warned about wind before Amazon cargo plane crashed in Miami
Despite regulations requiring it, an air traffic controller failed to tell the pilots of an Amazon cargo plane about the potential for strong tail winds as they landed in Miami, careening off the runway and killing five people last month, according to a preliminary report Thursday from the National Transportation…
Florida police officer let impaired driver go minutes before crash that killed mother, son: chief
A mother and son died after being hit by a driver who an Ocala police officer allowed on the road just minutes prior after he showed signs of impairment, according to authorities.
Rapper Rick Ross charged with battery in Miami after domestic violence accusation
Rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Miami Beach early Thursday and charged with battery related to a domestic violence accusation, authorities said.
VIDEO: Florida deputies rescue woman trapped in burning car after crash
Two deputies saved a woman who was trapped in a burning car in Orange County, according to body camera video.
This year's El Niño looks a lot like 1997. What happened in Florida?
Columbia University climate scientist Azhar Ehsan said in a September media briefing that this year's atmospheric evolution looks similar to that of 1997, when one of the strongest-ever El Niños formed.
LIVE: Crew-13 astronauts head to ISS after SpaceX launch from Florida
The Crew-13 mission is scheduled to launch shortly after 11 a.m. E.T., carrying four astronauts from three space agencies.
Florida files to make changes to student vaccine exemption
The Florida Department of Health has filed a notice of change to the language of its student vaccine mandate rule.
Bucs Bonus: Daniels takes over offense while Mayfield heals ahead of Week 4
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season has taken another major turn. After falling 23-16 to the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs will now have to move forward without Baker Mayfield, who suffered a thumb injury late in the game.
Manatee County schools add new emergency camera system
A new emergency alert system in Manatee County schools is giving deputies a new way to see what is happening inside a campus as they respond to a crisis.
Two nominees battle for Pinellas congressional seat; expert discusses U.S. relations with Cuba
The November midterms are now less than five weeks away.
Florida animal control employee accused of abusing, torturing animals, including small kitten
A Bay County Animal Control employee was arrested following reports of aggravated animal cruelty.
Byron Donalds faces FAMU students over gun safety
Florida A&M students are taking this election cycle into their own hands, inviting both gubernatorial candidates, Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds to campus to face tough questions on issues they care about most.
'I thank God ... he was protecting me': Mom hurt in block party mass shooting recovers in Florida
Kewania Moreland was one of 6 victims injured in a block party shooting in Blakely last weekend.
WATCH: 3 young men found clinging to capsized boat off Florida coast
Three young men were rescued after they were found clinging to a capsized boat off the coast of Florida on Monday night.
$500 refund checks from the Trump administration are coming soon: Will Florida get them?
Checks will start going out this week to nearly 1 million Americans.
Florida man arrested after dog found suffering from extreme neglect, starvation: deputies
A Florida man was arrested Tuesday after deputies said they found his dog in "desperate need of help" and suffering from extreme neglect and starvation.
Republican redistricting in Florida, Texas may not turn out as Trump had hoped
Republicans hoped to pick up as many as nine seats between Texas and Florida. However, even though the districts were redrawn to make them easier to win, the party remains weighed down by dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy, the war with Iran and the president's deportation agenda.
FDOT's deadline arrives for removal of license plate reading cameras
Wednesday is the deadline for the removal of license plate reading cameras from state roads and highways in Florida.
College students challenge Byron Donalds at FAMU town hall
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) - Republican candidate for governor, Congressman Byron Donalds, is used to his normal crowds that appear at his campaign events across the state, but Tuesday night he faced a different audience, college students at Florida A&M. The student-led town hall gave attendees a chance to put Donalds…
Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown set to appear in Miami court for expected plea agreement
MIAMI (AP) — Former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown is scheduled to be in a Miami courtroom Wednesday to accept a plea deal will let him avoid prison time on a reduced charge in an attempted murder case, according to his attorney. Defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh has said Brown will plead no contest to aggravated…
National Democrats, Republicans eye Tampa Bay for power in Congress
Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor is getting some help from her national party ahead of the election in November.
VIDEO: Florida food truck employees flee during ICE Raid
Three food truck workers were detained during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Tallahassee on Friday.
Florida executes 77-year-old man convicted of deadly hammer attack on Polk County woman
A 77-year-old Florida man was put to death Tuesday for his conviction in a deadly hammer attack on a woman decades ago, becoming the 16th person executed to date this year in the nation’s busiest death chamber.
Florida man charged after deputies find neglected, malnourished horses
A 28-year-old Florida man was arrested last week after deputies found severely neglected animals in his care, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said.
Florida woman accused of shooting at Rihanna's home is mentally fit for trial: judge
A Florida woman accused of spraying bullets at Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s home, hitting a trailer the celebrity couple was inside and a nursery their kids were in, was found mentally competent by a judge on Tuesday to stand trial.
Florida mom accused of leaving 4 kids alone while she went on 3-day cruise
A Florida mom was arrested Monday after authorities said she left her four children alone while she went on a three-day cruise.
Florida rolls out redesigned driver's licenses, ID cards
Florida driver's licenses and identification cards will feature a new design starting Wednesday.
Diesel stolen from tractors, heavy equipment in Florida county as prices keep rising
Holmes County Sheriff's deputies are urging residents to keep an eye out following reports of diesel theft.
2nd prosecutor resigns from Justice Department 'grand conspiracy' probe targeting Trump foes
A lawyer who backed President Donald Trump’s false 2020 election claims has resigned from a Justice Department investigation into whether former government officials conspired against the Republican president, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Wanted fugitive arrested in Florida after being on the run for 3 years: sheriff
A multi-state manhunt came to a close on Wednesday after a man suspected of murder was arrested in Jacksonville, authorities said.
R&B singer Jacquees arrested on DUI charges in Florida
R&B singer Jacquees was arrested in Broward County on Sunday, according to NBC affiliate WTVJ.
An 11-year-old was riding an e-motorcycle to go fishing. He went home with a ticket instead
An interaction between Florida police officers and an 11-year-old boy is raising eyebrows and questions about justice when it comes to kids.
Florida legislative reforms following Helene and Milton
As the state marks two years since Hurricane Helene and now approaches Hurricane Milton's anniversary in just a few days, state lawmakers are still working through the "lessons learned" from those storms.
Gas prices in Florida rose 18 cents last week
bringing the cost of gas on Friday to $4.42 per gallon, the highest since May.
Trump lashes out as Florida GOP candidates seek distance
President Trump fumed online over the weekend as Republicans face warning signs in Florida, going after a key ally who broke with him on immigration and brushing off the idea that another is trying to keep him at arm’s length.
Florida GOP rep believes Iran was involved in thwarted terrorist plan on US air base in the UK
(The Hill) – Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said Sunday the Iranian government was “clearly” involved in an alleged terror attack authorities in the U.K. thwarted earlier in the day. “The simple answer is that clearly Iran was involved, but of course that is going to be investigated and determined,” Cammack told Laura…
What will winter be like in Florida? Here's what the outlooks suggest
Will you need a parka and a shovel or an umbrella and a sweater this winter?
Hispanic voters turn toward Democrats in redistricted Texas, Florida
Hispanic voters swung to the right in the last election, but Republicans appear to be losing ground with the key voting bloc, potentially complicating the party’s path to victory in the redistricted red strongholds of Texas, Florida and beyond.
Florida AG asks court to block ChatGPT development
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is seeking an emergency injunction against ChatGPT maker OpenAI, seeking to stop its development as their legal battle unfolds.
WATCH: Florida deputy rescues man who fell out of wheelchair into marina
Body camera video shows the moment a deputy jumped into a marina in New Smyrna Beach to help a man who fell from his wheelchair into the water.
These were the hottest baby names in Florida 50 years ago. Here's where they rank now
If you are in your 50s, there's a decent chance your name is one of three that topped the charts throughout the U.S. back in the 1970s.
Florida K-9 dies in line of duty while assisting deputies
A Florida K-9 died early this morning while assisting deputies during an apprehension, the Lee County Sheriff's Office announced.
Permanent daylight saving time: How would Florida be impacted?
Winters would look much different if our clocks were to lock.
Trials over assassination of Haiti's president resume in Miami: What to know
Five years after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, dozens of people arrested in connection with the killing in the troubled Caribbean nation are still awaiting trial in Miami.
A perfect day for Florida teams, with Canes, Gators, FSU, UCF, USF, FIU and FAU all winning Saturday
In Florida, Saturday was a perfect day for college football.
Trump slams reporting on removal of his endorsements from Donalds' website
Byron Donalds' campaign removed several mentions of Trump name from its website, including a top banner that encouraged supporters to “chip in to support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds.”
Southwest Florida Water District announces series of hunts to reduce feral hog population
District land managers announced on Monday plans for their 18th consecutive Feral Hog Dog Hunt.
Ready-to-eat chicken stew products shipped to Florida recalled
Officials announced Friday that a California-based food company recalled thousands of pounds of chicken stew products.
Florida among top 10 most expensive states for groceries
With grocery prices in Tampa Bay continuing to rise, you may be wondering how much it costs to fill your basket these days, and how that compares across the nation.
2 arrested for stealing $2K+ worth of trading cards from Florida Target: deputies
Two people were arrested after they attempted to shoplift thousands of dollars of trading cards from a Palm Coast Target, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office reported.
Does money still buy wins in Florida elections?
The November election is just weeks away, and as candidates across the state make their final push to voters, the question is: Does money still buy the big win in Florida?
Cuban national convicted in scheme to smuggle hundreds across southern border: U.S. Attorney
A Cuban national living in Florida was convicted on Friday for his role in an elaborate scheme to smuggle hundreds of people into the U.S. across the southern border, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida said.
Florida woman behind bars after attempting to deliver drugs, cellphone to prisoners: sheriff
A woman ended up behind bars on Wednesday after she was caught with a substantial load of contraband while attempting to make a drop at a state prison, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
VIDEO: Florida deputies find man accused of chasing woman with gun hiding in dirt pile
Deputies found a man lying in a pile of dirt in Naples after he was accused of chasing a woman with a gun, according to video.
USCG transports 20 migrants to Bahamas after stopping boat near Florida
The U.S. Coast Guard transferred 20 people trying to enter the country illegally to the Bahamas after stopping a 30-foot vessel around one mile off Ocean Reef.
Deputies uncover suspected drug lab, thousands in cash inside Florida home
An ongoing investigation led detectives to a St. Augustine home where they found a suspected drug lab, firearms, and thousands in cash.
FBI employees in Trump Mar-a-Lago case seek clarity on subpoenas in Florida 'grand conspiracy' probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former FBI employees involved in the criminal investigation into President Donald Trump's retention of classified documents have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury in a broad Florida-based conspiracy probe, their lawyers revealed Thursday as they asked a judge to clarify whether they can…
New Florida laws targeting gangs and violent crime start soon
Lawmakers passed more than 200 bills this legislative session, and while some won't take effect until January, a handful are set to kick in as soon as next week.
12 new Florida laws take effect Oct. 1: Here's what to know
As September comes to a close, a dozen new bills are set to go into effect on October 1.
DeSantis, Uthmeier announce 20 arrests in voter fraud operation
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that 20 people were arrested following a statewide operation targeting voter fraud.
Some seniors eligible for $200 credit on FPL bills
Some senior customers are eligible for a $200 credit on their Florida Power & Light bills.