Florida’s high-stakes public health experiment with vaccines

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/6 1:37A Cindy Krischer Goodman

The elimination of vaccine requirements in Florida schools announced by the state s surgeon general on Wednesday marks a significant shift in how the state has long protected children against contagious diseases. Now, as the state potentially...

How do you get COVID-19 booster shots in Florida? FDA decision leads to anger, confusion

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/6 1:00A Martin E. Comas

Many in Central Florida were left puzzled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved more restrictive measures for the latest COVID-19 vaccines , with residents uncertain about whether they will be allowed to get the new shots or even...

Osceola deputies arrest suspect in hotel shooting

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 3:36A Garfield Hylton

Osceola County deputies have a suspect after a shooting at a Kissimmee hotel. On Friday, deputies announced the arrest of 33-year-old Shahzaib Ahmed Khan, according to a Facebook post from the Oseola County Sheriff s Office. Khan was arrested in...

UF’s interim president could make $2.5 million in first year

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 3:00A Divya Kumar

The base pay for the University of Florida’s interim president has gone up. A contract proposed to the state’s Board of Governors would pay Dr. Donald Landry, the University of Florida’s interim president, a $2 million base salary for a one-year...

Candidates in three Seminole cities win seats without opposition

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 2:57A Martin E. Comas

Incumbents are sailing to reelection in Seminole County, where five current officeholders — as well as one political newcomer — in three municipalities were elected to their city councils after not drawing challengers. That means Oviedo,...

Mayor Demings defends Orange County’s spending

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 2:56A Stephen Hudak

Lambasted a week ago by state officials for egregious spending, Orange County leaders defended their proposed $8.3 billion county budget at the first of two required hearings to formally adopt the 2025-26 spending plan and the property tax rate...

Kissimmee seeks to educate on property taxes amid state push for cuts

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 2:00A Natalia Jaramillo

Fearing what changes may come with Gov. Ron DeSantis push to eliminate property taxes, Kissimmee is looking to launch a public awareness campaign to educate residents on their key role in city finances. People say it s political suicide if you...

Friday has a slight chance of showers in the morning, storms predicted for afternoon

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/5 1:49A Garfield Hylton

Friday has a slight chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., but showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 90 degrees, according to NWS Melbourne. Rain chances are around 50 percent...

After queer-festival cancellation, Q Fest will take its place

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/4 11:00P Matthew J. Palm

Orlando Out Fest — the canceled Central Florida theater festival celebrating LGBTQ+ arts — has been revived on a smaller scale and with a new name: Q Fest. The Center Orlando , which offers support...

At-work childcare? Flexible schedules? Nonprofit wants more parent-friendly options

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/4 12:50A Michael Cuglietta

When Christina Brizuela’s daughter started kindergarten, she wanted to go back to work. But the cost of daycare for her 1-year-old son made that prospect a poor financial choice for her family. Then...

5 Central Florida restaurants shut down last week

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/4 12:00A Garfield Hylton

Five Central Florida restaurants shut down the week of Aug. 24-30, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Orange Chili Spot at 4646 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando shut down on Aug. 25. Inspectors found...

Osceola Arts closes for a year while starting $16 million makeover

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/3 11:00P Matthew J. Palm

Osceola Arts will not present plays during the 2025-26 season as the Kissimmee nonprofit undergoes its first major renovation in nearly 60 years. Ultimately, about $16 million will be spent to refresh...

Wednesday has increased chance of showers and storms in the afternoon

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/3 2:30A Garfield Hylton

Showers and storms are forecast for Wednesday afternoon. Rain chances are at 40 percent, mainly after 1 p.m., according to NWS Melbourne. The day will have increasing cloud cover, with temperatures near the 90s. There is a high risk of rip...

Disney World ready to repaint Cinderella Castle

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/3 1:00A Dewayne Bevil

Cinderella Castle , the centerpiece structure of Magic Kingdom theme park, will be getting a new look that’s kind of like one of its old-timey looks. “We are bringing back a classic color scheme to...

As Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park faces closure, a community seeks to save it

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 9/3 12:00A Brian Bell

During its 25 years in Winter Park, Austin s Coffee has been a place where folks can enjoy fair trade coffee and local entertainment nightly. For artists it s a place to practice their craft — even if...