Leesburg

David Jolly, a self-described political cynic, is running for Florida governor attempting to prove that Democrats can win despite recent Democratic collapse in the state. He campaigned through locations including The Villages and Leesburg before speaking to Democrats in Hillsborough County. His path faces competition from Byron Donalds, who has raised more money and accused Jolly of being out-of-touch regarding issues like gender-affirming care.

Two individuals, including 85-year-old William Bosworth and 57-year-old Phillip Signorino, were arrested in Lake County, Florida, for street racing and dangerous speeding after driving at 110-125 mph in a 45-mph zone. Both denied racing and posted bond, according to records.

Fernando Munguia, Jr. was sentenced to four years in federal prison for making false statements about acquiring a firearm and causing a federal firearm licensee to maintain false records. He pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2026.

Homelessness increased in Washington, D.C., and Virginia but decreased in Maryland. Additional Virginia-related headlines include a proposed gun ban enforcement refusal by some commonwealth attorneys, new utility rate transparency bills, a high zombie apocalypse survival ranking, and Leesburg being named second-best place to live in Virginia.

US vineyards from Virginia to New York are battling invasive spotted lanternflies that damage grapevines and reduce yields. Growers are resorting to squashing the insects, as demonstrated at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, which has been operated by the Zephaniah family since 1949.