Joe Mario Pedersen

2 weeks ago | health.wusf.usf.edu | Joe Mario Pedersen

Summer in Florida is off to a hot start earlier than usual, cooking up higher-than-average emergency heat-related calls. Data compiled by Central Florida Public Media shows that most Central Florida counties saw a drastic increase in heat-related illness calls, which include things like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during April and May. The call frequencies are on the rise compared to last year, and counties have reported a steady increase in calls over the past five years.

2 weeks ago | cfpublic.org | Joe Mario Pedersen

Summer in Central Florida is off to a hot start earlier than usual, cooking up higher-than-average emergency heat-related calls in the area, too. Data compiled by Central Florida Public Media shows that most Central Florida counties saw a drastic increase in heat-related illness calls, which include things like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during the months of April and May.

2 weeks ago | cfpublic.org | Joe Mario Pedersen

Two members of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office were fired the same day the former sheriff, Marcos Lopez, was arrested. On Thursday, Lopez was arrested and faces state charges of racketeering related to illegal gambling. He was taken to Lake County Jail, where he remains in custody. On Friday, Lopez made his first appearance in court, pleading “not guilty” on both racketeering charges. He faces a $1 million bond and is scheduled for arraignment at the end of the month.

3 weeks ago | wusf.org | Joe Mario Pedersen

Updated June 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM EDTOsceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested Thursday morning and faces charges of racketeering by state prosecutors. He is accused of owning and operating an illegal casino, according to court records. "This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities' first line of defense," said State Attorney General James Uthmeier.

3 weeks ago | cfpublic.org | Joe Mario Pedersen

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested Thursday morning and faces charges of racketeering by state prosecutors. He is accused of owning and operating an illegal casino, according to court records. “This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities' first line of defense," said State Attorney General James Uthmeier.