State News
Friday, April 17, 2026 · Lithia
Meet Judy McGrath at Hearthstone Gardens
Judy McGrath's creative vision and dedication are transforming Hearthstone Gardens into a continuously enchanting and welcoming space for all Columbia County residents.
Grant Seafood Festival Sparks Weekend Openings for Local Establishments
The Grant Seafood Festival this weekend is prompting local businesses to adjust hours, with some offering a special Saturday-only opening to accommodate increased visitor traffic.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Ulta Beauty World Transforms Orlando into Beauty Epicenter
Orlando's Orange County Convention Center hosts Ulta Beauty World 2026 today, drawing beauty enthusiasts with 200+ brands and exclusive perks. The one-day expo promises immersive experiences, expert panels and swag bags worth over $2,000. Florida's tourism and beauty scenes get a major boost from this New York-style glamour invasion.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Florida Florists Brace for Mother's Day Crunch: Tariffs, Shortages Drive Up Prices
As Mother's Day approaches, Florida florists are facing a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions and tariff-driven cost increases that are forcing them to make difficult decisions about inventory and pricing. North Florida growers, who supply decorative plants to shops across the state, are contending with deeper shortages than in previous years. Consumers shopping for arrangements should expect to pay significantly more and act fast—prices for popular flowers like pink roses are climbing as the holiday nears.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Clermont's Downtown Blooms with Native Plants in Eco-Makeover
Downtown Clermont has transformed Montrose Street into a lush corridor of Florida native plants, years in the making and now unveiled to cheers. The sustainable revamp promises lower costs for taxpayers while boosting local ecology in Lake County. Led by city partners, it's a model for Florida's green future.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Orlando Magic Stunned in Play-In Loss, Eye Offseason Redemption
The Orlando Magic's playoff dreams shattered in Philadelphia with a 109-97 defeat to the 76ers on April 15, ending their 2025-26 season.[1] Tyrese Maxey's 31 points powered Philly past a depleted Magic squad, but Central Florida fans hold hope for a bounce-back.[1][2] Now, the focus shifts to rebuilding around young stars in the heart of hoops country.
Friday, April 17, 2026
FBI's Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in High Springs After Just 24 Hours on List
KaShawn Nicola Roper, wanted for a deadly 2020 Kansas City shooting, was arrested in High Springs on Wednesday—less than a day after the FBI placed her on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and offered a $1 million reward. Multiple tips from Florida residents led law enforcement to quickly locate and apprehend the 50-year-old fugitive, marking a significant victory for citizen cooperation in federal law enforcement.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Tampa Police Hunt 3 Suspects in Machado Street Shooting
Tampa officers swarmed the 3600 block of Machado Street Thursday after gunfire erupted, hospitalizing two men. Three Black men with twists in their hair fled the scene, possibly into a vehicle, as police intensify the search. Victims' conditions remain undisclosed amid questions over the motive.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Triple Shooting Rattles NW Miami-Dade's Gladeview; 2 Critical
Miami-Dade deputies swarmed an unincorporated neighborhood Thursday after a triple shooting left two victims fighting for life and a fourth person in custody. The gunfire erupted just after 2 p.m. near Northwest 75th Street and 21st Avenue, shattering the afternoon calm in Gladeview. First responders rushed the wounded to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center as investigators combed the scene.[1]
Friday, April 17, 2026
Muppets Revamp Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Orlando's Hollywood Studios
The high-octane Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando roars back May 26 with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem leading a Muppet-fueled makeover. Replacing Aerosmith's rock anthems, the ride plunges guests into a chaotic VIP tour turned wild limo dash to a Muppets concert. Florida theme park fans gear up for inverted loops synced to fresh tracks like Blur's 'Song 2.'
Friday, April 17, 2026
Deltona Family Dodges AI Pet Scam Demanding $2,800 for Missing Dog
A Deltona couple's desperate search for their missing Beagle mix turned into a heart-stopping extortion attempt when scammers unleashed AI-generated images claiming the dog needed emergency surgery after a car crash. The fraudsters demanded nearly $2,800, but sharp instincts and a neighbor's tip foiled the plot. Archer was recovered safely, exposing a chilling new tactic preying on Florida pet lovers.
Friday, April 17, 2026