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DeSantis signs $117.6B budget with $4M for Groveland Four descendants · Heat advisory today · New FDLE crime lab · Sandlot tonight 7 PM · 93° heat index 102° · 4 days to July 4
TUESDAY, JUNE 30 · ☀ 93° HEAT ADVISORY · SANDLOT TONIGHT 7 PM · 4 DAYS TO JULY 4
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, MMXXVI · WEST ORANGE CO., FL
Good Morning, Winter Garden
☀ 93° · Heat Advisory · Storms Likely After Noon · 4 Days to July 4
Governor DeSantis signed a $117.6 billion state budget — including $4 million for descendants of the Groveland Four.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s $117.6 billion budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, WFTV reports. Tucked inside is $4 million allocated for descendants of the Groveland Four — the four Black men wrongfully accused of rape in nearby Lake County in 1949, a case that became one of the most notorious examples of racial injustice in Florida history. The funding follows a long campaign for recognition and restitution, and it lands just days before America’s 250th anniversary — a moment when the state is reflecting on a fuller account of its history alongside the celebration.
Heat Advisory Issued for Central Florida Today.
A heat advisory is in effect for Central Florida as temperatures soar, WFTV reports. With heat index values reaching into the low 100s, limit outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated — especially if you’re out at the Sandlot screening line tonight. WFTV Channel 9 →
New FDLE Crime Lab Aims to Speed Up Evidence Testing.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is opening a new crime lab designed to cut wait times for victims and speed up evidence processing, WFTV reports — a meaningful investment for cases that have historically taken too long to resolve. WFTV Channel 9 →
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◆ Four Days to July 4
The Sandlot is tonight at 7 PM. You’re killing me, Smalls.
Summer Flix at the Garden screens The Sandlot (PG) twice today — 2 PM and 7 PM at the Heritage Museum, both America 250 events. With the heat advisory in effect, the evening showing is the more comfortable option. Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1: Team USA World Cup Watch Party at 8 PM in Horizon West. Friday: Fridays on the Plaza (8 AM–1 PM) and Red, White & Rum at Maya Speak Tiki (6:30 PM). Saturday is July 4th — Farmers Market and America 250 celebrations downtown.
Sandlot 7 PM Tonight Wed: Team USA 8 PM Sat: July 4 🎆
☀ 93° with a heat advisory in effect today. Storms likely after noon.
5-DAY · NWS MELBOURNE · WINTER GARDEN, FL
Heat advisory in effect today through the afternoon — storms build after noon. Wednesday is the best day at 50%. Thursday and Friday climb to 70%, and July 4th itself carries an 80% storm chance — plan fireworks viewing with flexibility and watch the forecast closely as the holiday approaches.
More from West Orange and beyond.
Ocoee Fire Takes On Ocoee PD in a Rib-Eating Challenge.
Ocoee Fire and Ocoee Police squared off in a rib-eating challenge, the Orange Observer reports — the kind of lighthearted interdepartmental rivalry that builds community goodwill and reminds residents that first responders are neighbors too. Orange Observer →
The Overlook Apartments Are Collecting Donations for Venezuela.
The Overlook Apartments community is organizing a donation drive to support Venezuela, the Orange Observer reports. It’s a reminder of how local communities often reach beyond their own borders — worth a look if you’re interested in contributing. Orange Observer →
FWC Captures Two Alligators Following Deadly Seminole County Attack.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has captured two alligators from the Econlockhatchee River following Sunday’s fatal attack, WFTV reports. It’s a sober reminder to stay alert near Florida waterways, particularly during the summer months. WFTV Channel 9 →
Summer Flix: The Sandlot — America 250 (Today)
2 PM & 7 PM · The Sandlot (PG) · Heritage Museum
Team USA World Cup Watch Party
8 PM · Horizon West · Wed
Fridays on the Plaza + Red, White & Rum
8 AM Plaza · 6:30 PM Maya Speak Tiki · Winter Garden · Fri
Independence Day — America’s 250th 🎆
Farmers Market 8 AM · America 250 Celebrations · Sat
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WFTV · Fox 35 · NWS Melbourne · Orange Observer · City of WG · Horizon West Happenings · June 30, 2026
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