Volusia Sheriff update on school threat arrest | Full remarks
A 12-year-old has been arrested, accused of posting a lengthy manifesto, part of an alleged mass shooting plot towards a teacher and students Southwestern Middle School in DeLand, Florida. The student alleged bullying, according to the arrest affidavit. The student was arrested on charges of making written threats to kill and misuse of a 2-way communication device. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood talked to reporters about the arrest, the investigation, and next steps.
A 12-year-old has been arrested, accused of posting a lengthy manifesto, part of an alleged mass shooting plot towards a teacher and students Southwestern Middle School in DeLand, Florida. The student alleged bullying, according to the arrest affidavit. The student was arrested on charges of making written threats to kill and misuse of a 2-way communication device. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood talked to reporters about the arrest, the investigation, and next steps.
Cold weather shelters opening in Central Florida as temperatures drop
Cold weather shelters will be available in Central Florida this week for residents without heat or housing as temperatures drop.
Cold weather shelters will be available in Central Florida this week for residents without heat or housing as temperatures drop.
Clermont cracks down on e-bike 'street takeovers'
Clermont is the latest city in the Central Florida area to address concerns about e-bike regulations. In a letter to its residents on Feb. 20, Clermont said it's taking steps to address the "dangerous" and "unlawful behavior" coming from some people operating e-bikes.
Clermont is the latest city in the Central Florida area to address concerns about e-bike regulations. In a letter to its residents on Feb. 20, Clermont said it's taking steps to address the "dangerous" and "unlawful behavior" coming from some people operating e-bikes.
Orlando residents armor pets after coyotes attack animals
Some Orlando residents are outfitting their pets with armor following attacks by coyotes. A Chihuahua named Ben now wears a spiked canvas outfit after being attacked in broad daylight, and neighbors are taking extra precautions for their animals.
Some Orlando residents are outfitting their pets with armor following attacks by coyotes. A Chihuahua named Ben now wears a spiked canvas outfit after being attacked in broad daylight, and neighbors are taking extra precautions for their animals.
Eustis Police search for driver in Lakeshore Drive hit-and-run
Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a 48-year-old woman riding her bicycle Friday morning. Tracy Schievenin was struck from behind on Lakeshore Drive and died at the scene. Police have no description of the vehicle or driver.
Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a 48-year-old woman riding her bicycle Friday morning. Tracy Schievenin was struck from behind on Lakeshore Drive and died at the scene. Police have no description of the vehicle or driver.
Teen killed by off-duty deputy during alleged Walmart shoplifting
A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed by an off-duty Osceola County sheriff’s deputy during an alleged shoplifting incident at a Walmart, authorities said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the shooting to determine whether the deputy’s actions were justified.
A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed by an off-duty Osceola County sheriff’s deputy during an alleged shoplifting incident at a Walmart, authorities said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the shooting to determine whether the deputy’s actions were justified.
Woman accused of cinder block attack, using drugs while in custody
A Florida woman faces multiple felony charges after allegedly throwing a cinder block through a family’s car window and then using drugs in a patrol car on the way to jail, deputies said.
A Florida woman faces multiple felony charges after allegedly throwing a cinder block through a family’s car window and then using drugs in a patrol car on the way to jail, deputies said.
Orange County seeks higher federal payments for housing ICE detainees
Leaders in Orange County are pressing the federal government to increase reimbursement rates for inmates housed at the county jail on behalf of U.S. immigration authorities.
Leaders in Orange County are pressing the federal government to increase reimbursement rates for inmates housed at the county jail on behalf of U.S. immigration authorities.
City exploring new ways to fix debilitating sound from water plant
Residents living near a municipal water pump station in Melbourne say a high-pitched hum from the facility has become a constant and debilitating presence in their neighborhood.
Residents living near a municipal water pump station in Melbourne say a high-pitched hum from the facility has become a constant and debilitating presence in their neighborhood.
Artemis II cleared for March 6 launch after successful test
All systems are “go” for Artemis II, with liftoff targeted for March 6 from Cape Canaveral following what officials described as a “very successful” second wet dress rehearsal.
All systems are “go” for Artemis II, with liftoff targeted for March 6 from Cape Canaveral following what officials described as a “very successful” second wet dress rehearsal.
Deputy shoots, kills 16-year-old inside Kissimmee Walmart
Authorities have identified a 16-year-old boy as the person shot and killed by a deputy inside a Walmart in Kissimmee on Thursday night. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said the shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. after deputies received reports that three males were attempting to steal merchandise by concealing items under their clothing and leaving the store without paying.
Authorities have identified a 16-year-old boy as the person shot and killed by a deputy inside a Walmart in Kissimmee on Thursday night. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said the shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. after deputies received reports that three males were attempting to steal merchandise by concealing items under their clothing and leaving the store without paying.
11 Florida gang members, associates indicted
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE | U.S. attorneys announced the indictment of eleven individuals associated with the Sex, Money, Murder 24K gang in Florida. Their counts were unsealed on Feb. 20, 2026.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE | U.S. attorneys announced the indictment of eleven individuals associated with the Sex, Money, Murder 24K gang in Florida. Their counts were unsealed on Feb. 20, 2026.
Florida man arrested in 3-year-old's death: Full news conference
Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, 32, is accused of aggravated child abuse against 3-year-old Paisley Brown, who died on Feb. 19. The Marion County Sheriff's office said Coombs told deputies he was watching children – including Paisley – alone on Thursday. At around 11 a.m., Coombs – who was watching the kids in a home in the 16500 block of NE 44th Avenue in Citra on Feb. 19 – told deputies Paisley was unresponsive, during which he called her mom, not 911. Deputies said 911 was not called for some 40 minutes. When asked why it took so long to call 911, Coombs reportedly told deputies that he was scared.
Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, 32, is accused of aggravated child abuse against 3-year-old Paisley Brown, who died on Feb. 19. The Marion County Sheriff's office said Coombs told deputies he was watching children – including Paisley – alone on Thursday. At around 11 a.m., Coombs – who was watching the kids in a home in the 16500 block of NE 44th Avenue in Citra on Feb. 19 – told deputies Paisley was unresponsive, during which he called her mom, not 911. Deputies said 911 was not called for some 40 minutes. When asked why it took so long to call 911, Coombs reportedly told deputies that he was scared.
Florida man arrested in Marion County girl's death; girl was bound, taped, dropped, officials say
A Florida man was arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl in Marion County after deputies said he confessed to hitting her multiple times, resulting in her death.
A Florida man was arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl in Marion County after deputies said he confessed to hitting her multiple times, resulting in her death.
Artemis II: Second wet dress rehearsal completed
NASA completed a second crucial test on Thursday night as it prepares to launch the historic Artemis II mission that will send astronauts on a trip around the moon.
NASA completed a second crucial test on Thursday night as it prepares to launch the historic Artemis II mission that will send astronauts on a trip around the moon.
Non-profit uses lipstick to help domestic violence survivors
A Longwood woman is helping domestic violence survivors rediscover their confidence — one tube of lipstick at a time. Sheryl Kurland founded Find Your Fabulosity after volunteering at Safehouse of Seminole in Sanford. She said she was moved by what she saw.
A Longwood woman is helping domestic violence survivors rediscover their confidence — one tube of lipstick at a time. Sheryl Kurland founded Find Your Fabulosity after volunteering at Safehouse of Seminole in Sanford. She said she was moved by what she saw.
Winter Garden businesses forced to close or relocate
Several longtime businesses in downtown Winter Garden are being forced to close after the sale of their building, raising concerns among owners and customers about the future of the city’s historic charm.
Several longtime businesses in downtown Winter Garden are being forced to close after the sale of their building, raising concerns among owners and customers about the future of the city’s historic charm.
Woman, neighbor mauled while saving dog from Pitbull
A routine morning walk for Dawn Coffey and her dog, Kona, turned into a violent struggle when an unleashed Pitbull attacked them.
A routine morning walk for Dawn Coffey and her dog, Kona, turned into a violent struggle when an unleashed Pitbull attacked them.
Hundreds of dead fish wash up along Lake Apopka shoreline
Several hundred dead fish are floating along the shoreline of Lake Apopka near Winter Garden, startling visitors to Newton Park with both the sight and the smell. The fish, many of them already decaying, lined parts of the shore this week.
Several hundred dead fish are floating along the shoreline of Lake Apopka near Winter Garden, startling visitors to Newton Park with both the sight and the smell. The fish, many of them already decaying, lined parts of the shore this week.
Piercing sound problems from Melbourne building
Residents living near a booster pump station in Indian Harbour Beach say persistent noise from the facility has disrupted their lives. In some cases, they say it has affected their health.
Residents living near a booster pump station in Indian Harbour Beach say persistent noise from the facility has disrupted their lives. In some cases, they say it has affected their health.