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Starting July 15th, Blue Spring State Park is launching a new day-use reservation system for everyone — even annual pass holders and walkers — to slash lines and traffic. Book up to 60 days ahead via the Florida State Parks site, pay your fee, and show your confirmation upon arrival. Same-day spots may be available if capacity allows, but it’s first-come, first-served. The move responds to record-...

Florida’s top court has lifted the final legal hold on James Duckett’s execution, clearing the way after inconclusive DNA results from the 1987 murder of Teresa McAbee left no new evidence to challenge his conviction. With no further legal barriers remaining, the state can now proceed — though a new date for the execution has not yet been set. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: ht...

Universal Celestial Goodnight just dropped in Epic Universe, Orlando — a dazzling nighttime spectacle with 350+ fountains, 600 synchronized lights, and 7 million LEDs set to high-energy beats, lighting up the park right before closing. It pays homage to iconic zones like Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter, plus nods to Universal Monsters, capped off with a jaw-dropping fireworks finale. Startin...

A man was found dead inside a green GMC SUV in Sanford, sparking a major police response that included cordoned-off scenes and protective gear. Authorities believe he may have been living out of the vehicle, and while the death isn’t currently considered suspicious, the Medical Examiner is still investigating the cause. Police activity has since subsided, with cleanup crews arriving to clear the a...

In a high-speed chase through Casselberry, Florida, a suspect fleeing a traffic stop hit 100+ mph, prompting aerial surveillance by a helicopter that tracked his erratic path and coordinated ground units. The pursuit ended in a deadly crash that killed two—UCF professor Christopher Marier and his son Tyler—while the suspect, 26-year-old Marquavious Wheaton, was hospitalized with unspecified injuri...

A brave 14-year-old girl with autism got lost on a bike trail in Palm Coast as night fell, her phone dying just as she spotted train tracks. She managed to FaceTime her mom, who alerted deputies. Around 9:30 PM, Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies found her near the tracks, calmed her with a comforting hug, and safely escorted her home. Sheriff Rick Staly praised the team for their swift response, c...

Orlando’s calling all local artists for Hispanic Heritage Month with a powerful theme: “Unidos, Somos Más” — celebrating unity, family, and the unbreakable strength of the Hispanic and Latino community. Submit original artwork by August 2nd for a chance to be featured at City Hall from September 4th to November 5th. Selected artists will hear back by August 4th — don’t wait! This is your moment to...

Shahidul Islam faces the death penalty in Florida for the May 2025 murder of his sister-in-law, Monica Islam, whose body was found on a roadside in Mount Dora — a crime tied to a property dispute from Bangladesh. DNA and a bullet found in his car linked him to the killing, and he was arrested in New York after fleeing on a federal immigration warrant. Prosecutors are leveraging a Florida law that...

It’s July—halfway through 2026—and now’s the perfect time to audit your finances. Boost your savings by switching to high-yield accounts for nearly 4% interest, slash insurance costs with bundling and discounts, and streamline your retirement accounts—consolidate or boost contributions. Small moves now can massively impact your year-end financial health. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli...

AYR Wellness is transforming Florida’s cannabis scene with a major upgrade: a brand-new, state-of-the-art indoor cultivation center in Ocala that’s delivering premium, solventless extracts. After years of budget-friendly but inconsistent products, they’ve pivoted to high-quality flower grown under strict, cutting-edge protocols — resulting in standout strains like Kynd and a new line of live rosin...

Spirit Airlines has abruptly shut down after 34 years, citing skyrocketing jet fuel costs as the main culprit — U.S. airlines spent over $6.6 billion on fuel alone in May. Rising global energy prices, fueled by Middle East conflicts and disrupted shipping routes, have forced airlines to hike fares and fees, leaving Spirit’s employees scrambling for help as the industry braces for ongoing turbulenc...

A nasty parasite is spreading across 18 states—including Florida—causing stomach woes like diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. Not contagious between people, it hides in contaminated produce or water. The CDC’s watching closely, with Michigan, New York, Illinois, and Texas leading in cases. While most healthy folks bounce back, kids, seniors, and immunocompromised folks need extra care. Antibiotics help...

Justin Bieber is teaming up with global superstars like Madonna, Shakira, and BTS for the historic first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, set for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. This electrifying event, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and featuring surprise Muppet appearances, isn’t just about music—it’s a massive global fundraiser for education and youth soccer programs, ai...

DeBary’s historic oldest neighborhood, with streets like Alta Vista and Grande Vista, is finally getting the stormwater relief it’s desperately needed—after decades of flooding that turned yards and streets into waterlogged nightmares. With a $500,000 state grant secured, the city will install new pipes and infrastructure to drain water faster, linking up with larger regional projects. Residents,...

DeBary is about to get its first real downtown — a walkable, car-free hub right by SunRail, with all the underground infrastructure already in place. Phase one kicks off this year with townhomes and local businesses, including a potential Publix, setting the stage for a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and apartments in the coming years. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http:/...

Indorphine’s smashing 20-year anniversary of their cult classic Glowsticks for Clubbing Baby Seals—a wild, technical alt-metal masterpiece with a post-Primus edge—isn’t just a reunion; it’s a full-album live dive, complete with surprise guests and pure sonic chaos. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is...

Pedro Gonzalez, the first Latin American immigrant to headline The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, brings his powerful, Spanish-language stand-up tour to Orlando this Saturday, July 11th, at the intimate Timucua Arts Foundation. Known for dismantling stereotypes and connecting with immigrant communities through laughter, he’s a finalist from New York’s Funniest Comedian contest and a voice for uni...

Senator Mitch McConnell’s prolonged hospitalization has thrown Senate operations into uncertainty, as his absence looms over critical defense votes amid a razor-thin partisan divide. Medics responded to his D.C. home for what appeared to be a cardiac arrest, but his office remains tight-lipped on specifics, citing ongoing recovery and remote work. His wife, Elaine Chao, was abroad on a pre-planned...

Car payments are soaring to record highs, straining household budgets across the board. New car loans now average $770 a month — up nearly 3% — while leases and used cars also see steep climbs. Those with lower credit scores are hit hardest, paying over $800 monthly, while even top-tier borrowers face payments above $750. Total auto debt has ballooned to over $1.6 trillion, making it the nation’s...

Social Security recipients are getting a surprise bonus this month—some will receive two checks in July because August 1st falls on a Saturday, so payments are pushed to July 31st. This scheduling quirk, which also affects SSI beneficiaries, ensures timely payments even on weekends or holidays. Similar shifts are coming in October and December, so keep an eye out. Funds can be deposited directly i...

Squirrels, Satan, and straight-ahead punk fury collide in Unholy Rodents’ debut album Verminous—a high-velocity, mosh-ready assault packed with tracks like “Satanic Squirrels That Love to Sin” and “Fuck Animal Control.” Fronted by Squirrel Goddammit, this Lake County trio (complete with Blind Squirrel and Anti-Squirrel) delivers pure, unapologetic hardcore punk, punctuated by ska breakdowns for co...

Nigerian comedy legend Godfrey is bringing his razor-sharp, identity-driven humor to Orlando this weekend, performing four electrifying shows at the Funny Bone. Known for his hilarious impersonations and fearless storytelling that unpacks Black life in America, Godfrey’s career spans decades—from his Chicago roots to New York stages, and even voice roles in Zoolander, Soul Plane, and The Mr. Men S...

Oviedo Mall is getting a massive makeover with nearly 700 new apartments set to rise from the ashes of the old Macy’s — demolition could start in 90 days. Phase one, launching with 400 units and a brand-new mall entrance, will take 18 to 24 months. Phase two, adding 325 more units on the west side, kicks off in late 2027 or early 2028. After years of stalled talks, city approval in 2020 finally ga...

Imagine a world where using the restroom costs money—yes, that’s the twisted, hilarious premise of Urinetown, a biting satire that skewers capitalism, environmental collapse, and populism through a darkly comedic lens. Off-Broadway in 2001, this musical has since racked up nearly 1,000 performances and three Tony Awards, proving satire’s power to make you laugh while making you think. The Osceola...

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