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Florida lawmakers move to restrict Kratom mixtures

OVIEDO, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are moving forward with legislative regulation of the state's Kratom industry.
The herbal supplement, which can be added to tea, is known for its stimulant effects on opioid receptors and is available at smoke shops and kava bars around the state. 
House Bill 1205, and companion legislation SB 994, recently advanced by the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, seeks to expand the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act by introducing strict new...
The Charge •

Student-founded delivery service for school essentials launches at UCF

A student-run delivery service bringing school essentials directly to students' desks — and creating job opportunities on campus — is launching at UCF. Justin Bowen, junior computer software engineering major, officially set CampuSupply in motion on Feb. 2, with the goal in mind of providing students on- and off-campus delivery of school essentials. Other aims include employing student runners and offering higher buyback rates for textbooks.Bowen said every college student knows the panic of bei...

Brevard Hospital is first to implant dissolvable stent for arterial blockages

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Parrish Medical Center is Brevard County's first hospital to implant a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent to treat patients with severe below-the-knee arterial disease. 
The FDA approved Brevard County's first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent, known as Esprit BTK System, which is a small, drug-elating stent to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), and works by clearing blocked arteries over time. 
 
 
Parrish Healthcare inventional cardiologist Dr. Mahmoud Barbarawi was the fir...

Satellite Beach bans golf carts from crossing state roads

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — The city of Satellite Beach has adopted new rules for golf cart operations on city streets in Brevard County.
A golf cart, even if previously registered with the city, will no longer be permitted to cross state roads at any location. 
A Facebook post by the Satellite Beach Police Department shows the golf cart ordinance includes information on operation restrictions, inspections, and underage ID requirements. 
Golf carts are only permitted to operate on city streets in re...

FHP warns drivers to check tires after cold snap

WILLIAMSBURG, Fla. – As Central Florida and Tampa Bay area drivers are coming out of a record-breaking cold snap, they should monitor their vehicles as temperatures climb.
The Florida Highway Patrol warns that preparation is still vital to avoid road hazards caused by the recent chill.
At FHP’s Troop D station in Williamsburg, six-year trooper Migdalisis Garcia said that cold snaps could deflate your tires, impacting safety on the roads. 
Trooper Garcia began her career with FHP, answering dispa...

SeaWorld Orlando rescues 16 cold-stunned sea turtles in Titusville

ORLANDO, Fla. –– As temperatures drop and the cold snap continues over Central Florida, sea turtles in local waters can become "cold-stunned" and hypothermic. 
SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue team took in 16 sea turtles from Titusville in Brevard County with visible signs of stress on their shells, and is now working around the clock with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for their care. 
SeaWorld Orlando confirmed in a statement that its rescue team is in active response mode, pro...

AAA warns about battery damage, tire pressure during cold snap

The Bay area and Central Florida are experiencing cold weather snaps this week as temperatures fall below 40 degrees in some areas.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) identified past sharp rises in roadside assistance calls across the state of Florida, as cold weather can put pressure on car battery power and pipes inside of a home. 
“Whenever temperatures drop this quickly, the calls start pouring in,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. “Dead batteries have become extremely common. At...

Orange County invests $145,000 for public art in animal services building

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County is actively investing in the local artist community with the “1% for Art” ordinance. This program ensures that 1% of the budget for new county buildings is dedicated to public art installations. 
One of the beneficiaries of that program is a new public art display for the county's animal services facility. Officials hosted an open call for art submissions for the building in December.
More than 120 applications were received for Orange County’s Animal Services...

FWC ends online sales of short-term fishing licenses

FLORIDA — Fishing for non-resident tourists visiting Florida just got more complicated.
The FWC ended online sales for cheap, short-term licenses on Nov. 7, 2025. To get the previously available three and seven-day fishing licenses, anglers will have to go to a County’s Tax Collectors Office or specified FWC retailers. 
Orlando Bass Fishing Charter Captain Christian “Goggles” has been a leading fishing guide in Central Florida for six years. Although his business hasn’t felt much change, he expe...

Volusia County to Host First 2026 Beach Cleanup

Residents, families, and civic groups are asked to roll up their sleeves for Volusia County’s first beach cleanup of the year at Winterhaven Park. 
The event is part of the county’s Keep Volusia Beautiful initiative and is managed by the Solid Waste Division.
The goal is to protect natural spaces and protect marine life.
Following the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday, volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate, including families, tourists, and large groups.
The cleanup is focused on cl...

Lakeland new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley sworn in

LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is welcoming Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, the first woman to hold the position in four decades and the first ever elected directly by voters. 
McCarley was sworn into office on Monday. 
She served on Lakeland’s SouthWest District City Commission since 2019. 
McCarley won the mayoral election with over 50% of the votes, beating out Cedric Valrie at 19%, Kay Klymko with 17%, and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer at 13%. She raised over $91,000 during her political campaign. Summary e...

Central Florida Toy Drive guide for the 2025 holiday season

ORLANDO, Fla. –– It's the season of giving back! Here's are the top local, active and reputable toy donation drives across Central Florida to support children this Holiday season. 
Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
Children's Home Society of Florida 
                𖧋 Drop off 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Real Radio Holiday Bike Drive 2025
New Hope for Kids Holiday Toy Drive
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida STEM Gift Drive
Lee Road Safe Neighborhood Holiday Toy Drive
Nathaniel’s Hope Toy Drive Dropoff...
WKMG •

Mental health group moves forward with Sanford free clinic, with state help

SANFORD, Fla. – The Mental Health Association of Central Florida is opening a free clinic in Sanford next year – with a little help from the State of Florida.

The state legislature allocated $125,000–half of MHACF’s original $250,000 request– to support the no-cost and charitable mental health clinic.

Seminole County lacks 100% no-fee providers, which means when it opens, the Sanford clinic will be the sole free service provider for individuals under 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

[R...
Alz MindFL •

Jacksonville Beach Hiker Completes 500-Mile Pilgrimage to Honor Mother and Fight Alzheimer’s

by Kiara Velez


Anne Burris recently completed a 500-mile journey through the extraordinary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, changing her grief into passion to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. 


From April 1 to June 8, 2025, Burris hiked from France to the coast of Spain in honor of her mother, Ada, who lived with dementia before passing away in 2017.


For this Jacksonville resident and avid hiker, every step she takes is a tribute to her mom–and a step closer to end Alzheime...
Alz MindFL •

Gaming for Grandpa: A shared love for games into fundraising for hope

By Kiara Velez


Ryan H., better known as RyanGamez6901 online, held a five-day long, 24/7 livestream digital charity, transforming his love for gaming into an entertaining way to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. 


Ryan H. of Jacksonville hosted The Longest Day® livestreaming event on March 18 through March 23, fundraising for Alzheimer’s research by engaging with online viewers by live chat, and even broadcasting while he was asleep. 


The Longest Day initiative raises funds an...
Alz MindFL •

My Journey with Alzheimer’s and My Abuelas: Weaving Memories

By Kiara Velez


“Pórtate bien y Dios te paga,” my Abuela Carmen Velez always says. “Behave well, and God will pay you back.” Those are the words that come to mind when I think of her.


Memories can be compared to threads—like a large weave of yarn coming together to show the full fabric of memories and life laid out like a great tapestry. Imagine then your loved ones and their experiences, memories, and lessons, all demonstrated in an array of colors. I like to imagine my Abuela Carmen and h...
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