Stand your ground laws proliferate after Trayvon spotlight

The “stand your ground” self-defense law had been in effect in Florida for more than six years when it became part of the national vocabulary with the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. When the 17-year-old was fatally shot, Florida was still one of the few states with the law that removes the duty to retreat before using deadly force in the face of danger.

Florida firefighters rescue dog stuck in 15-foot hole

Firefighters in the Florida Panhandle saved a dog that had become trapped after falling into a 15-foot deep hole. One rescuer climbed down and created a makeshift harness for the friendly pup, then pulled the dog to safety.

Police: Florida parents locked adopted son in box inside their garage for 5 years

Police say the Florida couple locked their 13-year-old adopted son in a box in their garage for up to 18 hours a day, and made him use a bucket to go to the bathroom. The boy told police he ran away from home "because I feel like no one loves me" -- then pleaded with officers to arrest him because he "would rather be in prison than back at home."