The victim, Cynthia Kay Diekem, was seated in the front of a canoe and paddling north along Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee State Park when she and her husband "unknowingly approached an approximately 11-foot alligator submerged in approximately 2.5 feet of water," the original report said.

The article 1st Fatal Black Bear Attack | Gator's Death Roll | ‘Well-Dressed’ Passenger Pup: FL Animal News 2025 appeared first on Tampa Patch. From gator attacks and interactions to therapy dogs — and even a therapy cat — to the state’s first fatal black bear attack, Florida Patch has rounded up some of the top animal news stories from 2025

Florida took another hit at running back for the 2026 season with a UF legacy deciding to hit the transfer portal when it opens on Friday.

Harrison Waylee ran for a touchdown, Chandler Morris threw for 198 yards and No. 20 Virginia edged 25th-ranked Missouri 13-7 in the Gator Bowl on Saturday night.

Missouri and Virginia will broadcast nationally on ABC for the Gator Bowl. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will call the game from EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, with Kris Budden reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will be checking out one of the Gators' fiercest rivals over the weekend.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, No. 20 Virginia defeated No. 25 Missouri 13-7. With the victory, Virginia has captured its first ever 11-win season in program history. Saturday’s game was highlighted by a UVA 19-play, 75 yard drive in the second half that not only ended with a touchdown, but took 10 minutes off the clock.

Virginia defeated Missouri in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville on Saturday. Here's highlights of the Cavaliers win.

Jacksonville gears up for the 81st TaxSlayer Gator Bowl! Plan your trip with JTA's game-day park-and-ride shuttles to EverBank Stadium on Saturday.