Community News
Friday, July 17, 2026 · Apopka
Broward Brush Blaze: What We Know So Far About Recent Fire Activity
A brush fire in Broward County has prompted a multi-unit emergency response, with no immediate confirmed details on injuries or cause.
Hollywood Broadwalk Emergency: Update on Cardiac Arrest Call
A medical emergency unfolded on the North Broadwalk in Hollywood less than an hour ago, following reports of a cardiac arrest, with emergency services likely still on scene.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Crews Respond to Brush Fire in Broward County
Crews responded to a brush fire in Broward County Thursday evening. This is a developing story.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Cardiac Arrest Reported on N Broadwalk & Harding St in Hollywood
Emergency responders dispatched to a cardiac arrest incident on N Broadwalk & Harding St in Hollywood.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Orange County cuts heat threshold for free bus rides to cooling centers
Orange County lowered its heat index threshold to 103 degrees, triggering free LYNX bus service to cooling centers as summer heat peaks.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Orange County Animal Services Warns Against Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
Orange County Animal Services warns residents not to leave pets in parked vehicles, where interior temperatures can reach dangerous levels within minutes.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Orange County Urges Special Needs Families to Register Before Hurricane Season
Orange County opens registration for its People with Special Needs Program, which provides specialized evacuation assistance for residents dependent on medical equipment or additional care during hurricanes.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Apopka Requires Special Events Permits for Outdoor Gatherings
Apopka requires Special Events Permits for outdoor gatherings exceeding 100 people or those involving vendors, alcohol, or street closures. Permit applications must be submitted 60 days in advance.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Apopka Wins 42nd Straight Financial Reporting Award
Apopka has won its 42nd consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal year 2024.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Live Local Act No Longer Applies to Wekiva Study Area Properties
Senate Bill 1730 removes Live Local Act protections from Apopka properties in the Wekiva Study Area starting July 1, 2025.
Friday, July 17, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Friday, July 17, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Friday, July 17, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Friday, July 17, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Friday, July 17, 2026