Articles by Mike Schneider

Technician Says Florida Thrill Ride Operator Ignored Safety Concerns Before Fatal Fall

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A maintenance technician alleged on Wednesday that he raised safety issues with the operators of a central Florida amusement ride before a 14-year-old boy fell to his death, but his concerns were never addressed. Austin Campbell-Alexander …

Killed Florida TV Reporter’s Parents Sue His Employer, Charter Communications

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The parents of a local TV journalist who was fatally shot while reporting on a killing in central Florida in 2023 have filed a negligence lawsuit against their son’s former employer, claiming the media company didn’t …

Liberty Mutual, Great American Balk at $20M Claim on Fake Basquiat Artwork

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Two insurance companies have asked a court to block a $19.7 million claim by owners of more than two dozen forged Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings that were seized during an FBI raid at the Orlando Museum of …

Will People Leave Florida After Hurricanes? History Suggests Not

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The news rippled through Treasure Island, Florida, almost like a third storm: The mayor planned to move off the barrier island a month after Hurricane Helene flooded tens of thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast …

Disney Asks for Delay in Board’s Lawsuit Due to ‘Distracted District’

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney this week requested a second delay in a state court case involving its legal battle with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees over who controls Walt Disney World’s governing district, as the company accused them and the …

On the Road Again: Rate Drops of People Working From Home

If you think U.S. roads have gotten busier on your morning commute, you`re not alone. The rate of workers driving to their jobs creeped upwards nationwide last year, as did those who carpool to work by car, truck or van. …

In Ian’s Wake, Dangers Worsen in Parts of Florida

People kayaking down streets that were passable just a day or two earlier. Hundreds of thousands without power. National Guard helicopters flying rescue missions to residents still stranded on Florida’s barrier islands. Days after Hurricane Ian carved a path of …

Florida Sets Highest One-Day Record for New COVID Cases

Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state’s highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The state …

Florida Voters Approve Raising Minimum Wage to $15 Over 6 Years

Florida voters on Tuesday approved raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next six years, which advocates say will lift the pay for hundreds of thousands of workers in the state’s service-heavy economy. A supermajority of …

Tiger King’s Carole Baskin Sued in Florida for Defamation by Former Assistant

Carole Baskin, who became a pop culture sensation due to Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King,” is being sued for defamation by a former assistant. As part of the lawsuit, the daughters of Baskin’s former husband are seeking more information about what …