Updated: 9:06 PM The transformation of a local county fire fighting force from volunteers to paid experts has taken another major step.

Updated: 8:53 PM More than 14 million people are considered obese nationwide. Now, a health benefits provider is recognizing obesity as a disease and will provide coverage for some treatments.

Updated: 8:51 PM Despite concerns about the economy and the war in Iraq, a nationwide survey indicates most college students doubt voting in a presidential election will lead to major changes in American society. In fact, the survey shows an increase in apathy over the last three years.

Updated: 8:47 PM One local area's economy is seeing the benefit of military men and women coming home from Iraq.

Updated: 1:50 PM Lottery players in the Peach State spent an extra $100 million on tickets last year, helping create record jackpots.

Updated: 10:58 PM There is no better feeling for parents than welcoming their first child into the world.

Updated: 6:23 PM A Florida judge has ordered the Department of Corrections to help inmates fill out applications to get their rights back as they’re released from prison.

Updated: 6:18 PM There are only 46 days left before Florida democrats pick a U.S. Senate candidate.

Updated: 6:13 PM Teens are taking the time to volunteer in the community and it's making a world of difference.

Updated: 5:49 PM Leon County is giving land to Habitat for Humanity.

Updated: 5:43 PM A house fire on Cool Emerald near Lake Jackson resulted in a total loss to the structure.

Updated: 5:12 PM A teachers' union survey says the average educator makes about $45,800 a year, a figure not keeping pace with expenses.

Updated: 5:29 PM A multi-pronged strategy at Florida State University is curbing high risk drinking in part because social norms marketing counters the perception that everyone else is doing it.

Updated: 3:54 PM Some Leon County students are spending their summer season with a little extra time with the books.

Updated: 1:39 PM The low-carb diet is a craze that's not only benefiting people’s health but also the area's peanut farmers.

Updated: 5:34 PM A flood of complaints surrounding dog hunting in north Florida has sparked controversy.

Updated: 5:17 PM The state of Florida spent nearly $2 million on a voter database with a flawed felon list and another $150,000 in a failed bid to keep the list private.

Updated: 4:25 PM The good sheriff of Lowndes County is kicking off his annual charity golf tournament Wednesday.

Updated: 4:16 PM Consumers are having to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for gasoline, so they're not buying as much elsewhere. The Commerce Department says retail sales weakened more than expected last month.

Updated: 3:18 PM New technology in agriculture continues to keep local farmers in business.

Updated: 1:40 PM A local coastal hot spot has hit the $2 billion mark when it comes to taxable property.

Updated: 1:37 PM We're now catching the tail end of termite swarm season.

Updated: 6:12 PM The high cost of Tallahassee city utility rates has caused quite a stir in recent months.

Updated: 6:10 PM The option of permanent makeup has eliminated a lot of early morning hassle for many women.

Updated: 5:37 PM A group called “The Computer Ate My Vote” is staging six rallies throughout the state Tuesday to demand a paper trail for all computer votes that will be cast this fall.