Seminole County

James Grover, the 63-year-old founder of the Sanford-based non-profit Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP), was sentenced to life in federal prison following his March conviction for coercing and enticing an autistic minor into sexual activity. The FBI said Grover targeted young boys while working at SNAP and Autism on the Seas, using his professional authority to send explicit, inappropriate messages to children under his care.

Residents are getting excited for an indoor sports complex that's coming to Sanford. The complex, located at Moores Station Road and Cameron Avenue, is said to contain dozens of volleyball and basketball courts and includes beach volleyball areas. County leaders say the new complex will boost sports tourism in the area. 

Singer Jack Avery said he was in fear for his life amid an ongoing custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Gonzalez, saying, "I stayed in my house for a month straight. I didn’t leave. I was so scared looking out my window every night." Gonzalez and her father were arrested for allegedly paying $10,000 for a hit man to kill Avery, court records show. 

It was supposed to be the highlight of their season representing Oviedo on the All-Star diamond. Instead, three local youth baseball divisions are completely banned from the post-season, leaving young players heartbroken and parents arguing the call. Following a multi-week investigation launched after numerous complaints, the Babe Ruth Assistant State Baseball Commissioner handed down a devastating punishment. The teams were hit with a two-year probation for Oviedo Babe Ruth, and an immediate post-season ban for the T-Ball, Rookie Coach Pitch, and 10U All-Star teams. A chance to be All-Star champions was within arm's reach, but for the youngest All-Stars in Oviedo, the game was over before it even started. They were defeated not by a loss on the field, but by the adults running the league.

A storm moved through Seminole and Orange counties on May 12, 2026 at 10 MPH, bringing heavy rain and hail. 

A place of worship, a Buddhist temple in Sanford, was destroyed as footage captured Singhasouk "Danny" Phanouvong, 51 tossing the temple and setting it on fire. The temple's attorney said the suspect is known to the temple.

A second Seminole County deputy has been accused of submitting false off-duty overtime time sheets and collecting pay for hours not worked. Deputy Kevin Jones has been charged with one count of organized fraud, the sheriff's office said. An arrest warrant was issued for Jones, who turned himself into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

With positive changes underway to the Seminole County Towne Center, a new pickleball complex is coming in addition to a new Costco. Though the membership-only store is expected in 2027, FOX 35 got new details on what's expected for pickleball fans. 

A South Florida man, Alexis Martínez-Arizala, was arrested after authorities accuse him a false reporting, after he allegedly told a Seminole County deputy that people were in his squad car, when the video was artificially created. Arizala is being extradited from Puerto Rico where he was arrested. 

The City of Oviedo is considering buying a nearly $200,000 vehicle barrier system to help with safety at large outdoor events. The system is designed to stop vehicles from entering crowded spaces. If approved, city leaders hope to have it in place by the Fourth of July.

A Longwood church is approved for expansion despite some speaking about over crowding. Despite some opposition, LifePoint Christian Church will expand by nearly 2.5 acres.