Florida moves to restrict SNAP items, gym-goers face new concerns, and a super moon...
Good evening, Central Florida. We’re closing out the day with the most important stories you need to know, along with a look at the weather ahead. High pressure continues to shift out as a cold front moves from the southeast toward the Sunshine State. Mostly clear skies are expected this evening, with temperatures...
Walmart Signals Continued Confidence in Florida With Four New Store Openings in Early 2026
When Walmart commits capital to new ground-up locations, the move is rarely speculative. It’s data-driven, demographic-led, and almost always aligned with long-term population and spending trends. That’s why Walmart’s plan to open four new stores across Florida in early 2026, including a highly anticipated Apollo...
Orlando Health Created New Care Models Amid Growth Outside Central Florida
Orlando Health Network created new care models in 2025 amid growth outside Central Florida, and the company’s annual report details how multi-state clinically integrated network generated nearly $544 million in healthcare savings since inception. Orlando Health Network established new value-based care models and...
Developer’s poor planning and desire to maximize profits puts pedestrians at risk
The concerns by many residents about the safety of pedestrians is a direct result of the Developer’s poor planning and desire to maximize profits. Most city and county government building codes around the country require developers to construct pedestrian sidewalks along streets in residential areas. I believe...
Bid documents shed light on demolition and rebuilding of Brownwood entrance
Bid documents are shedding light on the planned demolition and rebuilding of the entrance to Brownwood in The Villages. The District Office is seeking bidders for a “Brownwood Entryway Feature Replacement.” The project could cost as much as $300,000. A mandatory pre-bid conference is set for Jan. 21 at Brownwood. The...
Defense questions competency of lovesick Publix worker infatuated with manager
A motion has been filed questioning the competency of a lovesick Publix work who was infatuated with a female manager. Christian Michael Metevier, 25, who lives at 1509 E. Schwartz Blvd. on the Historic Side of The Villages, continues to be held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center after violating a...
Disney Springs Lime Garage Closing Soon for Nearly Three-Month Maintenance
The Lime Garage at Disney Springs will soon close for an almost three-month-long maintenance for general structural repairs and updates. According to Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the five-level garage will undergo structural repairs. It will be closed from January 12 through February 11, 2026. It will...
Ocala women qualify for Winter Olympics in Italy
The road to the Olympics runs through Ocala once again, with two hometown heroines having officially secured an opportunity to compete for gold in Italy next month. Speed skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe both officially qualified to compete in the 1,000-meter women’s races at the 2026 Winter Olympics....
Mother in recovery after losing unborn child in Marion County accident that also claimed...
A 25-year-old mother is on the road to recovery after she suffered severe injuries in a fatal crash in Marion County that claimed the life of her unborn child and a 5-year-old boy. Josie NesSmith is currently recovering from injuries she sustained during a fatal accident on U.S. Highway 27...
This ‘superfruit’ could be Florida’s newest crop
A "superfruit" that thrives in the Caribbean, South and Central America and is valued for its health benefits could be Florida's newest crop.
