U.S.

Google-backed researchers are taking an unusual approach to fighting mosquito-borne diseases: releasing more mosquitoes. The effort, known as Debug, is designed to reduce populations of mosquitoes that spread illnesses such as dengue fever by using specially bred male mosquitoes that cannot produce viable offspring.

A 3-year-old girl is expected to recover after Good Samaritans rushed to save her when she was found unresponsive inside a hot car outside a DeLand plasma donation center. The bystanders who helped rescue the child say the frightening scene is something they will never forget.

A Lake County couple’s quiet afternoon by the pool turned frightening when they discovered a stranger inside their home, making coffee and moving items around, authorities said. The incident is prompting renewed reminders from law enforcement to keep doors locked, even when residents are home.

The start of hurricane season is bringing renewed anxiety for some Central Florida residents still recovering emotionally and financially from past storms. Families hit hard by Hurricane Ian say recent mitigation work offers some reassurance, but memories of flooded homes and emergency rescues remain difficult to shake.

Sea turtle advocates are urging beachgoers to remain vigilant after several marked sea turtle nests were disturbed on Cocoa Beach during Memorial Day weekend. Conservationists say the incident highlights the importance of protecting one of the world's most significant sea turtle nesting regions during a critical stage of nesting season.

New court developments are raising questions about the strength of the federal case against a Central Florida teenager accused of raping and killing his stepsister aboard a cruise ship. While defense attorneys argue key forensic evidence is missing, legal experts remain divided over whether the alleged gaps could undermine a conviction.

What began as a Memorial Day boating trip on the Indian River turned into a frightening rescue after seven young men were left stranded in the water when their boat sank. All seven were rescued safely after spending about 30 minutes in the water.

Central Florida is marking a solemn milestone this month as the community approaches the 10th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, which claimed 49 lives and injured dozens more. To honor the victims and survivors, Orlando and Orange County have partnered with OneBlood for a series of blood drives aimed at saving lives and promoting a lasting legacy of service.

A 3-year-old girl is recovering after DeLand police say she was left alone in a hot car for nearly two hours while her mother donated plasma. The child’s mother is facing a child neglect charge, but police said she had not yet been booked into jail because she was taken to a hospital.

A longtime Volusia County employee was killed after authorities say a pickup truck crashed through a beach toll booth and nearly entered the ocean in Daytona Beach Shores. Investigators are now working to determine whether the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.