Florida mom could face death penalty in trial over 3-year-old son’s death

A Brevard County mother went on trial this week, facing the possibility of the death penalty if convicted of killing her 3-year-old son, who police say endured weeks of abuse before he died in 2021.

Volusia County couple says they were scammed out of $4K in rental home scheme

A Volusia County couple says they were scammed out of $4,000 after trying to rent a home, only to discover someone else was already living there when they arrived to move in.

Florida CFO issues investigative subpoenas against Orange County government, employees over DEI grants

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia alleged on Wednesday that some Orange County leaders and employees have not been fully cooperative with Florida's DOGE audit team, specifically surrounding grants and programs dealing with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

7 employees from Winter Springs Parks & Rec honored for saving 2 dogs from house fire

Seven employees from the Winter Springs Parks and Recreation Department were recently honored by the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) for springing into action to save two dogs from a large house fire. The FOX 35 Care Force is now also honoring the employees.

FOX 35 Care Force: Orlando Police substance abuse victim advocate honored
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The call could come any day at any time, and it's Lauren Sumeersarnauth?s job to answer that call and provide compassion and resources to people in the worst moments of their lives. She is the one and only substance abuse victim advocate at the OPD. She responds to all overdose deaths, maintains 24/7 on-call coverage, follows up with families, makes referrals for surviving victims and partners with care organizations in the community. The OPD conducts donation drives for Christmas gifts, Easter baskets and back-to-school supplies in an effort to support the smallest victims of the opioid epidemic. Throughout the year, Sumeersarnauth also hosts advocacy and awareness events to bring resources together for hundreds struggling with opioid abuse. She also coordinates and partners with Project Noelle, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families and children who have been affected by the loss of a parent due to an overdose.

Florida reclassifies xylazine as controlled substance, keeps access for veterinarians

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday that the state has moved to reclassify xylazine, an animal sedative, as a Schedule I controlled substance with an exemption for veterinary use.

U.S. Rep. announces $9M to restore Flagler Beach
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United States Rep. Randy Fine announced on Wednesday morning the delivery of nearly $9 million in federal funding to restore Flagler Beach. Fine said the funds will be used to improve beach quality and restore dunes affected by Hurricane Milton in 2024.

Minneapolis mayor on Annunciation school shooting: 'unspeakable act'
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a press conference on Wednesday morning following a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. Two children were killed and 17 other people were injured in the shooting. The gunman, who fired from outside through the church windows as children worshiped, killed himself in the rear of the church.

Annunciation Church School Shooting: Suspect, victim updates
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A shooting has been reported at Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis. FOX 9 sources confirm the suspect is dead and authorities say there is no active threat to the community. The Richfield Police Department is reporting there are up to 20 victims.

Tropical Storm Fernand expected to weaken as we approach peak of hurricane season, NHC says

Little change in strength is expected from Tropical Storm Fernand over the next 12 hours, and forecasters with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) say the storm will become post-tropical by Wednesday night.

Unleashed dog kills nearly 2 dozen newly born sea turtles in Florida, officials say

Volunteers with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol in Northeast Florida say 23 hatchlings were recently found dead along the surf in Atlantic Beach, with evidence that suggests the juveniles were killed during a vicious dog attack.

FEMA workers put on leave after warning cuts may lead to Katrina-type disaster

Some FEMA employees have been fired after warning that the Trump administration's drastic cuts could lead to a disaster similar to Hurricane Katrina.

Daytona Beach leaders urge shops to remove vulgar shirts from public view

City leaders in Daytona Beach are asking local shops to remove t-shirts and merchandise with vulgar language or sexual content from public displays, aiming to protect the city’s family-friendly image.

FDOT orders Daytona Speedway checkered crosswalk painted over in safety crackdown

The checkered crosswalk outside Daytona International Speedway — a familiar sight for race fans — is set to be painted over as part of a statewide crackdown on decorative street art, transportation officials said.

Undocumented immigrant arrested in Florida; 10-year-old son found wearing $40,000 stolen Rolex: Officials

An undocumented immigrant was recently arrested in Florida after officials said he allegedly traveled and victimized citizens across the United States. Deputies say they recovered more than $400,000 in stolen jewelry stuffed inside a child's stuffed animal during the arrest, and the man's 10-year-old son was found wearing a stolen Rolex.

9th Central Florida 'Super Speeder' arrest made since law enacted July 1

A Florida man was arrested Monday after deputies say he was caught traveling 104 mph in a 40 mph zone near Disney Springs. This is the ninth arrest FOX 35 News has reported on since the “Super Speeder" law went into effect July 1.