Florida News
Latest fact-checked coverage from Florida.
Kristopher Lunsford Charged With Fraud in $105 Million Scheme
Kristopher Lunsford was indicted on September 25, 2026, for wire fraud and money laundering involving over $105 million from investors.
Banks Confronts Drug Charges in Florida Federal Court
Jeffrey Benjamin Banks was arraigned in Pensacola on methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution counts. A jury trial is scheduled for October 19, 2026, with potential imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life.
Michigan Student Dies From Lightning Strike In Florida
Matthew Eric Jenkins died after a lightning strike in Celebration, Florida. He was the fourth person to die from lightning in the state this month.
Hill Seeks Sanctions Against Vaccaro For Tampering Claims
Tyreek Hill filed a motion asking a judge to sanction Keeta Vaccaro for accusing him of felony witness tampering without evidence.
Florida Patrol Seeks Driver in Cassi Taylor Death
The Florida Highway Patrol searches for a driver who struck Cassi Taylor after she avoided an alligator. Taylor, a new corrections assistant, died when her truck overturned on Interstate 95.
Tiger Woods Sets Plea Change Hearing in Florida DUI Case
Tiger Woods will appear in Martin County Circuit Court on September 2, 2026, for a hearing to change his plea in a DUI case. His attorney filed the motion one day prior regarding charges from a March rollover crash.
Roll and Dough Says Driver Detained, Did Not Steal Rolls
Roll and Dough stated driver Ivan Dario Rico Molano was detained by Border Patrol, not stealing 400 cinnamon rolls. The bakery recovered the goods after learning the driver lacked legal authorization in the U.S.
Faith Tenkley Ditches Plane in Atlantic Ocean near Boca Raton
I am incredibly fortunate and relieved to share that I was able to safely ditch my aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean after a mechanical failure. Pilot Faith Tenkley sustained no injuries during the emergency water landing near Boca Raton.
Beto Coral Departs US After 30-Day Detention
Activist Beto Coral left the United States in mid-July following a 30-day detention by the Department of Homeland Security.
Judge Declares Mistrial for Harrison, Cabaniss, Davila in Brevard Case
Brevard Judge Kathryn Speicher declared a mistrial for Chase Harrison and two others after a jury deadlock. A status hearing for the first-degree murder case is scheduled for late September.
First Alert Team Forecasts Near-Record Heat in Jacksonville
The First Alert Weather Team predicts highs near 99 degrees in Jacksonville this week. Feels-like temperatures could exceed 105 degrees while Hurricane Lala hits Hawaii. Today's high temperature is forecast to be 94 degrees Fahrenheit, and isolated to widely scattered storms are possible late this afternoon.
Secret Service Agent Pinder Charged with Hazing, Battery in Miami-Dade
Marquez Christopher Pinder appeared in Miami-Dade bond court on July 27, 2026, on charges of attempted manslaughter, aggravated battery, and hazing with a deadly weapon. He received a $75,000 bond as victims suffered severe injuries during the alleged ritual, which involved prolonged and repeated beatings with canes and paddles.
Inter Miami Signs Casemiro as MLS Investigates Tampering Claims
Inter Miami announced signing of midfielder Casemiro on Wednesday to a contract through 2027. Major League Soccer is investigating the club for alleged tampering regarding the acquisition.
92 Florida Football Recruits Announce College Decisions
92 recruits from USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 list have announced college decisions. Several high school prospects from the list remain uncommitted as of July 1, 2026.
Analysis Finds Uninsured Gunshot Victims Receive Shorter Stays
A 2026 analysis reveals Florida hospital stays are shorter for uninsured gunshot victims. Alea Bates left the hospital after four days while pain and numbness continued.
House Oversight Committee Examines Epstein Case Handling
Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee hold a hearing in Palm Beach on the Justice Department's handling of Epstein case files. The committee releases a report on Epstein's trafficking network and plans further investigations.
Palm Beach Transfers Airport Rights to Trump Organization
Palm Beach County Commission approves licensing deal with Trump Organization for airport rights. The agreement allows Trump Organization to control branding and merchandise related to the airport name.
Florida Prosecutors Investigate Sloth Deaths at Orlando Warehouse
Florida prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into the deaths of dozens of South American sloths imported for display in Orlando. Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office is assisting in the investigation with local prosecutors overseeing the case.
Abugharbieh Charged With Two First-Degree Murders
Hisham Abugharbieh faces two counts of premeditated murder in connection with the deaths of two University of South Florida students. Investigators found victims' belongings in his dumpster and discovered one victim's remains on a Tampa bridge.
NASA Schedules Artemis II Launch To Moon Wednesday Evening
NASA plans to launch four astronauts on Artemis II to the moon Wednesday. The launch timing may change due to weather or technical issues.