Florida

A judge has rejected the “stand your ground” defense of a Florida man who said he beat an iguana to death only after it attacked him, biting him on the arm.

"I felt really scared," Chase told a news outlet.

Once home to a dozen stingrays inside of ZooTampa, Stingray Bay sat empty Friday, closed to the public. An investigation continues into the death of all 12 stingrays that were in the touch tank, and foul play cannot yet be ruled out.

"You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman," the 22-year "Law & Order" veteran wrote on social media.

An 11-year-old Florida girl seen on viral video fending off a man who allegedly tried to kidnap her from a bus stop earlier this week has credited toy slime and "Law & Order: SVU" with helping to catch the suspect.

According to the World Wildlife Federation, whale sharks are the largest shark and are protected from fishing in many countries these days, but are in decline in some areas.

A Dunkin Donuts employee in Tampa is charged with the death of a customer after he allegedly punched the man for using a racial slur, causing the victim to fall and hit his head.

A Florida teen accused of rigging her homecoming queen election with her mother is being charged as an adult. Investigators said she and her mom, who was a school assistant principal, hacked the district's computer system so her daughter would win.

A private school founded by an anti-vaccination activist in South Florida has warned teachers and staff against taking the COVID-19 vaccine, saying it will not employ anyone who has received the shot.

The Miami Dade Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of a fight at the gate, adding that one person has been arrested.

House Republicans would "take action" on Rep. Matt Gaetz if the Justice Department formally moves ahead against him, the chamber’s No. 2 GOP leader said Wednesday.

Deputies said that the guest was yelling and waving his arms at a Disney security manager who spoke to him after he refused to be temperature checked.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a prominent conservative and a close ally of former President Donald Trump who has been under federal investigation for a former relationship, would lose his House seat if convicted of a felony.

A Bay Area veteran had a front seat to history and sometimes that seat was driving alongside General George Patton. On his 100th birthday, Walter Tuglus reveals his advice to living a long life.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a prominent conservative in Congress and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, said Tuesday he is being investigated by the Justice Department over a former relationship but denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Police said the man kidnapped the 12-year-old boy after he snuck out of his home to walk to a friend's house. The boy told investigators the suspect sexually assaulted him and then shot him before dumping him on the side of the road. “This child has suffered physical and emotional trauma that will take years to overcome.”

FWC Captain Bonds reported that the swimmers were approximately 1.2 miles offshore and continuing to drift further and further out to sea.

Police say the woman who was drugged, raped and later found dead in her hotel room in Miami Beach has been identified as 24-year-old Christine Englehardt from Bucks County.

Police in South Florida arrested two men accused of drugging and raping a woman who was later found dead in a Miami Beach hotel room. Investigators said the pair then stole the victim's credit cards to pay for their spring break partying.