Governor’s school mask-mandate ban illegal and unsupported, judge rules

A Florida judge ruled Governor Ron DeSantis's executive order banning mask mandates in schools was unconstitutional, while also rejecting many of the anti-mask claims DeSantis made when issuing the ban back in July.

'UFO' seen on Florida Turnpike turns heads

What appeared to resemble an unidentified flying object floating along a highway in Dade County, Florida had some doing a double-take.

‘He always followed her’: Polk husband dies a few days after wife’s death; both tested positive for COVID-19

A Polk County husband and wife who were battling COVID-19 for weeks passed away just a few days apart. Both had underlying health conditions and were unvaccinated. "I have such loving and beautiful angels looking over me now," their daughter said.

Young father shot and killed while protecting his baby in Miami Beach restaurant

A 21-year-old father on vacation in South Florida was eating dinner with his family at a South Beach restaurant when a man came in and pointed a gun at his 1-year-old son. When the dad stood between the gunman and his baby and said, "He's only a boy," the suspect shot him multiple times. The man later told police he did it because he was "high on mushrooms."

Florida woman hospitalized with COVID-19 comes home to find husband dead of COVID-19

A Central Florida woman fought for her life in the hospital, survived, and thought she'd seen the worst of COVID -- until she went home and made a shocking discovery.

Parent of 12-year-old in ICU urges Polk County to take up mask mandates

The debate over masks mandates in schools was reignited Tuesday night at the Polk County school board meeting. The issue wasn't on the agenda, but parents on both sides of the issue still had a lot to say, including the father of a 12-year-old boy who is in the ICU battling COVID-19.

Tampa pediatric nurse, mother of 3, dies from COVID-19

Nikki Bass' life revolved around children; her three girls -- Ally, Sierra and Hannah – and the children she treated at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She wasn't vaccinated and contracted COVID-19 as pediatric cases surged in her hospital. Now, at 38, she's gone and her family is left to pick up the pieces.

Battling cancer and unable to get vaccine, teacher dies from COVID-19 complications

Kelly Peterson was being treated for leukemia and had a compromised immune system. Her doctor decided the vaccine may be too hard on her body and suggested she wait, but despite wearing a mask, she became infected with COVID-19 and died. Her family hopes Kelly's story will inspire others to get vaccinated.

Bucs kicker Succop tests positive for COVID-19 after dinner with Titans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the preseason finale Saturday night in Houston.

State seeks death penalty against mom, boyfriend accused in toddler's killing

State prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty against the mother of a West Melbourne toddler and her boyfriend following the child's alleged murder in June.

Decorated Polk County deputy dies from COVID-19

A 32-year-old Polk County deputy and a father of five has lost his ongoing battle with COVID-19, the sheriff’s office announced.

Diner leaves $10,000 tip for workers at Gainesville restaurant

A diner at a Gainesville restaurant gathered the staff of 10 together to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic before leaving them a $10,000 tip to share.

Rare sawfish spotted with rope tied around saw-like nose, mouth

While out snook fishing along the Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce, Peter Deeks and his friend got into a two-hour tug-of-war battle and hooked onto a giant sawfish.

Twitter suspends DeSantis’ press secretary’s account for ‘abusive behavior’

Twitter suspended the account of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ press secretary for violating rules on "abusive behavior" after The Associated Press said her conduct led to a reporter receiving threats and other online abuse.

Vaccine-wary Floridians line up for monoclonal antibody treatment after testing positive for virus

One woman said she didn't trust the COVID-19 vaccine and didn't get it. Then she was exposed to COVID at work and is now undergoing monoclonal antibody therapy, a treatment approved by the FDA under an emergency use authorization – just like the vaccine she didn't want.