Defense motion adds issue to guards' trial
STARKE -- Uncertainty reigns in the small Bradford County Courthouse where lawyers have been trying for nearly three months to start the trial of four prison guards charged in the 1999 beating death of inmate Frank Valdes.

Police say 13-year-old helped friend beat woman, steal car
LEESBURG -- A 13-year-old girl told police she retrieved a hammer and duct tape before she and a former convict severely beat an elderly neighbor to steal her car, court documents released Monday show.

1,162 holiday revelers handed AAA the car keys
TAMPA -- More than 1,100 impaired drivers in Florida and Georgia took advantage of free rides home and a free tow of their vehicle during the holidays, AAA Auto Club South said Monday.

Citizen groups draw their own district maps
TALLAHASSEE -- Using a system that ignored party politics and the homes of incumbents, two citizens groups have crafted "ideal" redistricting maps for legislators and members of Congress throughout Florida.