State Attorney Monique Worrell shares quarterly update
State Attorney Monique Worrell shared a quarterly update at a news conference hosted on Thursday morning in Orlando. Worrell reported a "strong and successful start" to her first quarter back in office and said her office has made significant progress in advancing the mission of serving justice and protecting the community. Worrell discussed convictions in several high-profile cases and said her office has taken 61 felony cases to trial in Orange and Osceola counties in the quarter, resulting in a 70% conviction rate. Worrell also discussed her hopes and goals for the upcoming future quarters.
FULL: Ron and Casey DeSantis highlight Hope Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. Others positively impacted by Hope Florida also shared their experiences at the event. The nonprofit organization has been under intense scrutiny following questions from lawmakers over the handling of a $10 million settlement. The allegations center on whether the funds were appropriately funneled into Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm instead of the state’s coffers.
Casey DeSantis advocates for Hope Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. At the event, Casey DeSantis advocated for the program she spearheads: Hope Florida. The nonprofit organization "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." Recently, the program has faced some backlash. The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. Both Ron and Casey DeSantis have dismissed the accusations, saying they are wildly untrue.
Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights Hope Florida benefits
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight the benefits of Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. There has been a multitude of ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, which is a nonprofit organization spearheaded by Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November.
Julie Sulpizio ordered back into Lake County Jail, competency hearing scheduled
According to a state order, Julie Sulpizio is heading back to the Lake County Jail.
Central Florida vulnerable to wildfires as drought conditions fuel risk
Drought conditions and dry weather have fueled at least five recent fires, prompting a region-wide burn ban.
University of Florida students rally for stronger gun laws after deadly school shooting
The University of Florida's chapter of Students Demand Action hosted a vigil on Wednesday for those lost in the Florida State University shooting, as well as demanded action be taken to ensure stricter gun laws in Florida.
Florida deputies search for wanted fugitive after he flees, abandons car on beach
A wanted fugitive that was spotted during an attempted felony stop is now on the run in Florida after deputies say he fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle on the beach.
'Kiss of death': 84% of world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record
Coral reefs are sometimes dubbed “rainforests of the sea" — approximately 25% of all marine species can be found in, on and around coral reefs.
How to watch Pope Francis' funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square and will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Wanted fugitive spotted in Daytona Beach
Cody Ryan Henderson, a wanted fugitive out of several counties in Georgia, fled from deputies who said they spotted his truck on Tuesday in Daytona Beach. In addition to Henderson's criminal history, deputies say the 39-year-old man faces charges including operating a chop shop, forgery, terroristic threats and obstruction.
Florida postal worker arrested after drinking on the job
A Florida postal worker was arrested after she allegedly drank vodka on the job, drove the wrong way into traffic and threw red Solo cups out of the vehicle. An arrest report shows the woman told officers she was invited to a party on her mailing route and drank two shots of vodka. Katelyne Dye, a 33-year-old postal worker in Melbourne, has since been released on a misdemeanor DUI charge.
FSU shooting: Funeral set for Tiru Chabba, 1 of 2 men killed in Florida school shooting
A funeral has been set for one of the two men killed in the Florida State University (FSU) mass shooting last week. Six others were injured in the shooting. The alleged gunman was also shot by deputies after the incident.
Sen. Moody honors volunteer Brevard County 911 operator
Senator Ashley Moody presented her first Florida's Finest Award on Wednesday. The award is aimed at recognizing Floridians from all walks of life who take courageous action to save lives and better their communities. The first recipient, Brevard County's Ashley Willis, is a member of the Indialantic Police Department’s 911 dispatch team who is credited with potentially saving the life of a pregnant woman who was assaulted.
FSU shooting: Florida Senate emotional tribute
The Florida Senate had an emotional tribute with a moment of silence for the Florida State University (FSU) shooting victims on the floor on Wednesday. Two people were killed, and six others were injured, in the shooting that took place last week near the school's Student Union. FOX 35 News+'s Garrett Wymer talks us through the powerful moments.
Florida postal worker drank vodka on the job, drove wrong way into traffic: police
A Florida postal worker was arrested after she allegedly drank vodka on the job, drove the wrong way into traffic and threw red Solo cups out of the vehicle.
Gov. DeSantis address Hope Florida controversy
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. During the event, DeSantis brought up the ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. However, at the presser, DeSantis said the allegations are not true and are "a political attack against the success of the program and the First Lady."
Gov. DeSantis announces infrastructure, workforce investments
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. At the event, DeSantis announced infrastructure and workforce development investments funded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The awards include $4 million to Indian River State College to support the development of the institute for industrial manufacturing and production training and $4.9 million to Miami-Dade College to launch new aircraft mechanic training programs. In addition, to the workforce development grants, DeSantis announced two targeted infrastructure grants, including $2.1 million to the Sebring Airport Authority.
Florida teen arrested for poisoning mom's milk with bleach, deputies say
A Florida teenager was arrested for allegedly poisoning his 77-year-old adoptive mother's milk with bleach. The teen admitted to the crime because he was upset with her and did not wish to live at their home, according to an arrest affidavit.
Orlando weather: Hot and dry weather continues across Central Florida with slight rain chances next week
Central Florida will stay hot and mostly dry through the week, with only a slight chance of rain early next week.