Laryssa Leone
Laryssa Leone joined FOX 35 as an anchor and reporter in November 2025.
She was raised in a small rural town called Logan, Iowa, which had a total population of around 1,000 people.
Coming from a tight-knit community and born with the gift of gab, Laryssa knew she wanted a career where she could learn about her community members and share their stories.
Laryssa earned her journalism degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She first stepped foot in a newsroom in Omaha at the age of 19 as a prompter operator. Eventually, she worked her way up to become an overnight photographer and multimedia journalist.
From Omaha, Laryssa moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she worked as a reporter and weekend anchor. One of her most impactful stories told while in Des Moines was about a Native American family on the Meskwaki Settlement whose family members had been missing for nearly a decade.
Laryssa's reporting helped prompt the FBI to reopen the case into those missing family members. She also earned a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for that reporting.
In Des Moines, Laryssa was a strong supporter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Iowa's "I am Enough" mentorship program. Supporting and uplifting kids in her community has always been one of her core passions.
It's a cause that is important to Laryssa, as she and her six siblings were all adopted. She is married to her high school sweetheart.
Laryssa is thrilled to be in Orlando and looks forward to meeting those who live in Central Florida, and helping to tell impactful stories.
The latest from Laryssa Leone
Kissimmee commission rejects articles of impeachment against mayor
Kissimmee city commissioners voted Tuesday against advancing articles of impeachment against Mayor Jackie Espinosa following a special prosecutor's ethics investigation.
PopStroke’s massive I-Drive flagship on track for 2026 holiday opening near convention center
PopStroke has unveiled plans for two elaborate miniature golf courses featuring waterfalls, caves, and a shark tank at its new International Drive location, which is expected to open in December.
Paddleboarder helps save woman attacked by gator in Marion County river
A Good Samaritan helped rescue a woman after an alligator attacked her at Silver Springs in Marion County, using a paddle to try to drive the animal away before helping control the woman's bleeding.
Off-duty Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood scales fence to rescue toddler trapped in Ocoee pool area
A two-year-old girl was rescued by the Volusia County Sheriff after wandering into an Ocoee community pool area as the gate locked behind her. The girl's mom was helplessly trapped on the outside.
'He was the MacGyver of the cul-de-sac': Neighbors mourn Orlando man allegedly killed by stepson
The family of 71-year-old Jorge Vazquez-Escutia is shattered by his death. His stepson is accused of killing him, dismembering him, and putting his remains in his mother's suitcases.
Video: Teens on e-bikes takeover downtown Orlando; many detained, citations issued
The Orlando Police Department said hundreds of kids on e-bikes and motorized scooters were causing trouble in downtown Orlando last weekend, allegedly driving through red lights, impeding traffic, blocking roadways, and preventing emergency officials from responding to calls.
Bodycam captures emotional rescue of lost teen in Flagler County woods
A teenager riding her bike along a Palm Coast trail got lost in the woods while looking for a train and called her mother for help as her phone battery was dying.
Friend of Florida woman attacked, killed by alligator: She was a bright light
There is new heartbreak for the loved ones of a Florida woman killed in an alligator attack. Not only are they grieving her sudden loss, but they are also now facing cruel comments online.
Florida contractor accused of blowing $40K down payment on signed baseball cards
A Palm Coast couple contacted the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after they say a local contractor vanished with their $40,000 down payment.
Flagler County store owner says property has become an 'unwilling safe haven' for sex offenders
A Flagler County business owner says registered sex offenders have been using his general store’s address as their residence without permission.