Former Florida lawmaker who sponsored 'Don't Say Gay' sentenced to prison for COVID-19 relief fraud

The former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call "Don’t Say Gay" was sentenced to six months in federal prison Thursday for defrauding a federal coronavirus relief loan program for small businesses.

VIDEO: Black bear spotted at Disney World's Magic Kingdom released into Florida national forest

An adult female black bear who found her way into a tree near Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on Monday has been released into the Ocala National Forest, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

Florida beachgoers help get distressed, stranded shark back into the ocean

A mako shark that was stuck on a Pensacola, Florida beach was sent back into the ocean by beachgoers who worked tirelessly to free the predator.

Man steals construction excavator and drove it into a Florida Walmart, police say

A suspect is in custody after crashing into a Walmart store and another building with stolen construction equipment Monday night in Gainesville, according to police.

Flesh-eating bacteria may be in Hurricane Idalia flood waters

One week after Hurricane Idalia made landfall, medical experts are watching for potential cases of Vibrio vulnificus, bacteria found in brackish waters.

VIDEO: 3-legged bear breaks into Florida home's lanai, drinks 3 White Claws | 'Oh my God, look at him!'

A Lake Mary, Florida, mother received the shock of her life when she discovered that a three-legged black bear, affectionately known as Tripod, had somehow managed to break into her home while her 13-year-old son was inside with the family dog. The woman said the bear even accessed her outdoor refrigerator and helped itself to three of her White Claws.

Man goes overboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship as Hurricane Idalia passed through Cuba

A man is missing after going overboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruise ship Tuesday night as it passed Cuba, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and the cruise line.

Hurricane Idalia flashes toward Florida on anniversaries of devastating hurricanes Katrina, Ida

Tuesday marks the anniversary of the devastating hurricanes Katrina and Ida. At the same time, Hurricane Idalia is approaching Florida, while Hurricane Franklin continues churning in open Atlantic.

Florida prepares for Tropical Storm Idalia with lessons learned from Ian: 'Do not focus on just the cone'

There are only a few days left for Florida residents to prepare for the effects of the storm, and Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 33 counties to ensure communities have the resources they need ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Jacksonville Dollar General shooting suspect: What we know

Authorities say a 21-year-old white man wearing a mask and brandishing a weapon with a swastika shot and killed three Black people at a Dollar General in Jacksonville, Florida.

Florida sheriff clarifies after woman claims arrest for paying flower vendor on TikTok

A Florida sheriff is clarifying an incident where a woman claimed to be arrested for paying a flower vendor in a TikTok video. Annika Olson was arrested for refusing to comply with police orders and interfering with an investigation into a vendor violating a county ordinance.

Tokitae aka Lolita dies before she was set to be transported back to Puget Sound

Tokitae, or known by her performance name Lolita, has died in the Miami Seaquarium just months ahead of her possible transport back to her home Puget Sound waters. She was the oldest orca in captivity captured in the wild.

Woman arrested for allegedly poisoning man's drink with insect killer

A Florida woman was arrested this week after allegedly spiking a man's drink with cockroach spray, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.