Community News
Friday, July 17, 2026 · Sumter County
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
Lady Lake Officers Rescue Puppy from Hot Car, Arrest Owner
Lady Lake Police rescued a puppy from a hot parked car on May 16 and arrested the owner on animal cruelty charges. The dog had been locked inside for at least 40 minutes in 92-degree heat.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Lady Lake Officers Break Into Hot Car, Arrest Owner for Animal Cruelty
Lady Lake Police arrested a woman on animal cruelty charges after rescuing her puppy from a locked car in 92-degree heat on May 16. The dog had been trapped inside for at least 40 minutes.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Sumter County Opens Service Center in Sumterville, Consolidating Library and Court Services
Sumter County consolidated library, tax collector, and clerk of court services under one roof Tuesday in Sumterville, opening a 32,441-square-foot facility designed to improve residents' access to county government.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Wildwood Residents Should Prepare Now for Wildfire Season
Wildwood residents living near forests should clear dead vegetation, harden their homes against fire, and prepare evacuation plans now, the Florida Forest Service said.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Sumter County Achieves Rare Level 3 Safety Recognition
Sumter County joins only two other Florida organizations in earning Level 3 safety recognition from the FMIT Safety Excellence Initiative.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Lady Lake Police Warn of Senior Fraud as Scammers Target Local Residents
Lady Lake Police investigate fraud cases targeting seniors. Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, and relatives to steal money through phone calls and online schemes.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Wildwood Animal Services Seeks Adult Home for 6-Year-Old Dog Named Boone
Wildwood Animal Services seeks an adult home for Boone, a 6-year-old mixed breed who enjoys walks and couch time. All adoptions are free and include medical care.
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