Florida woman swindled man out of $2K in alleged romance scam
A Florida woman has been arrested, accused of swindling a man out of more than $2,000 in an alleged romance scam, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies said Gianna Abel-Venezia met her victim via Facebook Dating and claimed she was trapped in a domestic violence relationship and needed help. That man sent her more than $2,000, officials said. He confronted the woman about it, who apparently admitted to scamming him. She also reportedly said that she had been doing this since 2025. When interviewed, Abel-Venezia told deputies that she knew what she was doing was morally wrong, but claimed that if people were "dumb enough" to send her money, that was on them, MCSO said. She was arrested and booked into jail. Detectives believe there could be more victims out there.
A Florida woman has been arrested, accused of swindling a man out of more than $2,000 in an alleged romance scam, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies said Gianna Abel-Venezia met her victim via Facebook Dating and claimed she was trapped in a domestic violence relationship and needed help. That man sent her more than $2,000, officials said. He confronted the woman about it, who apparently admitted to scamming him. She also reportedly said that she had been doing this since 2025. When interviewed, Abel-Venezia told deputies that she knew what she was doing was morally wrong, but claimed that if people were "dumb enough" to send her money, that was on them, MCSO said. She was arrested and booked into jail. Detectives believe there could be more victims out there.
First look at Hurricane Hunters' new research planes
The NOAA Hurricane Hunters are always looking to the future to see how they can be the most technologically advanced team to study hurricanes and keep us safe when the next storm strikes. The P3 Orion aircrafts, cleverly named "Kermit" and "Miss Piggy" have been flying into storms for over 50 years - and soon it will be time to pay tribute to their "inspirational , celebrational and Muppetational" careers. The current planes were first introduced to the fleet in the 1970s where the P3 Orion aircrafts were nicknamed "the pig". Then in the 1990s a few engineers working on the incredible planes coined the name "miss piggy" and the Muppet name trend then spread to all of the aircrafts in the fleet. But after years of flying its soon time for the curtain to close on the Muppet show. The P3 Orions will be phased out for two specialized C-130J Hercules aircrafts to become the next generation of NOAA hurricane hunter aircrafts.
The NOAA Hurricane Hunters are always looking to the future to see how they can be the most technologically advanced team to study hurricanes and keep us safe when the next storm strikes. The P3 Orion aircrafts, cleverly named "Kermit" and "Miss Piggy" have been flying into storms for over 50 years - and soon it will be time to pay tribute to their "inspirational , celebrational and Muppetational" careers. The current planes were first introduced to the fleet in the 1970s where the P3 Orion aircrafts were nicknamed "the pig". Then in the 1990s a few engineers working on the incredible planes coined the name "miss piggy" and the Muppet name trend then spread to all of the aircrafts in the fleet. But after years of flying its soon time for the curtain to close on the Muppet show. The P3 Orions will be phased out for two specialized C-130J Hercules aircrafts to become the next generation of NOAA hurricane hunter aircrafts.
Florida deputies seek 4 hit-and-run suspects in Orlando crash
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning, May 20, on John Young Parkway, near West Oak Ridge Road. FHP said a man was hit and killed around 4:30 a.m. by an unknown sedan, which drove away after the crash. FHP said in an update that it is now looking for potentially four vehicles that may have been involved in the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning, May 20, on John Young Parkway, near West Oak Ridge Road. FHP said a man was hit and killed around 4:30 a.m. by an unknown sedan, which drove away after the crash. FHP said in an update that it is now looking for potentially four vehicles that may have been involved in the crash.
$15K bond set for Winter Park leader accused of sex plot with teen boy
Bond for a Winter Park man, who serves on the city's Chamber of Commerce, was set at $15,000 -- $5,000 per count -- after he was accused of plotting to have sex with a teen boy. Alan Chambers, the former president of the now disbanded Exodus International, is accused of contacting a planning to have sex with a teen boy he met on Snapchat.
Bond for a Winter Park man, who serves on the city's Chamber of Commerce, was set at $15,000 -- $5,000 per count -- after he was accused of plotting to have sex with a teen boy. Alan Chambers, the former president of the now disbanded Exodus International, is accused of contacting a planning to have sex with a teen boy he met on Snapchat.
Officers ride in honor of fallen Edgewater cop, David Jewell
Police officer rode in a four-day "Police Unity Ride" to Washington D.C. in memory of Edgewater's David Jewell, along with other fallen officers. "It really hit hard. ... David was one of the officers on my shift," Sgt. Scott Gaboury told FOX 35's Chris Lindsay.
Police officer rode in a four-day "Police Unity Ride" to Washington D.C. in memory of Edgewater's David Jewell, along with other fallen officers. "It really hit hard. ... David was one of the officers on my shift," Sgt. Scott Gaboury told FOX 35's Chris Lindsay.
Dave Ramsey on how to hire, how to fire
Financial expert Dave Ramsey, founder of Ramsey Solutions, is in Orlando, Florida, for his 2026 EntreLeadership Summit. He talked with FOX 35's John Brown about hiring, specifically about how to hire the best people, when and how to fire, and about what makes a quality and effective leader.
Financial expert Dave Ramsey, founder of Ramsey Solutions, is in Orlando, Florida, for his 2026 EntreLeadership Summit. He talked with FOX 35's John Brown about hiring, specifically about how to hire the best people, when and how to fire, and about what makes a quality and effective leader.
Raul Castro, former Cuba president, indicted by DOJ: Full speech
Former Cuban President Raúl Castro was indicted Wednesday, U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blance announced at a press conference in Miami. The indictment comes on the day recognized as Cuba's independence day, and is in connection with the deaths of four people killed in 1996 when two planes were shot down off the coast of the island nation. Blanche said Castro and several others have been charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft and four individual counts of murder.
Former Cuban President Raúl Castro was indicted Wednesday, U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blance announced at a press conference in Miami. The indictment comes on the day recognized as Cuba's independence day, and is in connection with the deaths of four people killed in 1996 when two planes were shot down off the coast of the island nation. Blanche said Castro and several others have been charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft and four individual counts of murder.
Hitman sought for former singer of 'Why Don't We' amid custody battle, court reports show
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.
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.
Former Florida church leader accused plotting sex with teen boy
A former president of an Orlando-based Christian church is accused of soliciting a teen boy for sex through social media. After a four-month investigation – in which an Orange County detective was working undercover as a 14-year-old boy living in Orlando – Alan Chambers, 54, was arrested at a traffic stop. Chambers is the former president of Exodus International, a ministry that took part in counseling gays to change their sexual orientation, FOX News reported.
A former president of an Orlando-based Christian church is accused of soliciting a teen boy for sex through social media. After a four-month investigation – in which an Orange County detective was working undercover as a 14-year-old boy living in Orlando – Alan Chambers, 54, was arrested at a traffic stop. Chambers is the former president of Exodus International, a ministry that took part in counseling gays to change their sexual orientation, FOX News reported.
Volusia deputy saves elderly couple from burning home
A Volusia County deputy, Royce James, rushed into a home engulfed in flames to save a woman inside. In a FOX 35 exclusive interview, James told Baileigh Bockover "I had a lot emotions running through me. It was fear of where he was. Was anybody else in the house? What's his condition?" Ultimately, both husband and wife were rescued and transported to the hospital in critical condition.
A Volusia County deputy, Royce James, rushed into a home engulfed in flames to save a woman inside. In a FOX 35 exclusive interview, James told Baileigh Bockover "I had a lot emotions running through me. It was fear of where he was. Was anybody else in the house? What's his condition?" Ultimately, both husband and wife were rescued and transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Kissimmee residents question actions of Mayor Jackie Espinosa
Kissimmee's Mayor Jackie Espinosa and Commissioner Janette Martinez are being investigated regarding an ethics violation. During a May 19 city meeting, residents voiced allegations against the mayor, saying the problems are stemming from "corruption."
Kissimmee's Mayor Jackie Espinosa and Commissioner Janette Martinez are being investigated regarding an ethics violation. During a May 19 city meeting, residents voiced allegations against the mayor, saying the problems are stemming from "corruption."
2 teens arrested after viral door kicking challenge
Two 13-year-olds were arrested after taking place in a door kicking challenge in Deltona. Volusia County sheriff warns these "pranks" can have deadly dangers.
Two 13-year-olds were arrested after taking place in a door kicking challenge in Deltona. Volusia County sheriff warns these "pranks" can have deadly dangers.
Orange County to launch baseball, softball microschool
Orange County Public Schools is going to launch a brand-new educational model designed to keep students enrolled in public schools. Beginning this August, the district is launching its very first "micro-school"—a specialized academy operating right inside an existing campus—and this program is built entirely for young baseball and softball players. The micro-school will operate out of Chaney Elementary School, using four to five classrooms. The program will have 48 students. "Essentially, they would have a 10U and 12U softball team and a 10U and 12U baseball team," Dr. Border explained. The academy will be staffed by two traditional academic teachers and two coaches. While students will receive the standard state-required elementary education curriculum, their athletic development will be integrated into the daily schedule across three phases. "One on the field work, both also in the classroom strategy work, but then also skill work which could also be done in a classroom, hitting off tees into nets," Dr. Border said.
Orange County Public Schools is going to launch a brand-new educational model designed to keep students enrolled in public schools. Beginning this August, the district is launching its very first "micro-school"—a specialized academy operating right inside an existing campus—and this program is built entirely for young baseball and softball players. The micro-school will operate out of Chaney Elementary School, using four to five classrooms. The program will have 48 students. "Essentially, they would have a 10U and 12U softball team and a 10U and 12U baseball team," Dr. Border explained. The academy will be staffed by two traditional academic teachers and two coaches. While students will receive the standard state-required elementary education curriculum, their athletic development will be integrated into the daily schedule across three phases. "One on the field work, both also in the classroom strategy work, but then also skill work which could also be done in a classroom, hitting off tees into nets," Dr. Border said.
Is Titusville ready for hurricane season? Some residents concerned
Residents who live on Harrison Street in Titusville are concerned about the upcoming hurricane season after their street flooded during a recent rain storm. FOX 35 reached out to the City of Titusville, who said that the gauges on Harrison Street recorded record rainfall and that the city's drainage systems are "not designed to accommodate rainfall of that intensity."
Residents who live on Harrison Street in Titusville are concerned about the upcoming hurricane season after their street flooded during a recent rain storm. FOX 35 reached out to the City of Titusville, who said that the gauges on Harrison Street recorded record rainfall and that the city's drainage systems are "not designed to accommodate rainfall of that intensity."
Meet the Orlando Squeeze: Central Florida's Pro Pickleball Team
The Squeeze is a co-ed pickleball team that competes in Major League Pickleball. The regular season begins on May 22.
The Squeeze is a co-ed pickleball team that competes in Major League Pickleball. The regular season begins on May 22.
Orlando pastor busted in undercover child sex sting: Officials
Alan Chambers, the former president of Exodus International, an organization that promoted conversion therapies to LGBTQ individuals, has been arrested in an undercover child sex sting, officials said. Chambers was arrested Tuesday and booked into the jail on charges of solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two way communication device. According to the arrest report, Chambers is accused of communicating with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy on social media, exchanging lewd messages, and plotting to meet.
Alan Chambers, the former president of Exodus International, an organization that promoted conversion therapies to LGBTQ individuals, has been arrested in an undercover child sex sting, officials said. Chambers was arrested Tuesday and booked into the jail on charges of solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two way communication device. According to the arrest report, Chambers is accused of communicating with an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy on social media, exchanging lewd messages, and plotting to meet.
Florida Dad, influencer daughter arrested in murder-for-hire plot
A popular TikTok influencer has been arrested in California, and her dad, a lawyer, has been arrested in Florida – both accused of conspiring with each other to pay a hitman $10,000 to kill her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, all stemming from a years-long custody fight. TMZ reports that Gabrielle "Gabbie" Gonzalez was arrested last week in Northern California. Her dad, Francisco Javier Gonzalez, a civil trial lawyer in Central Florida, was arrested on Monday afternoon in Lake Mary on a California warrant for conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Both are accused of conspiring to kill Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band, Why Don't We, and the father of Gabbie's daughter.
A popular TikTok influencer has been arrested in California, and her dad, a lawyer, has been arrested in Florida – both accused of conspiring with each other to pay a hitman $10,000 to kill her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, all stemming from a years-long custody fight. TMZ reports that Gabrielle "Gabbie" Gonzalez was arrested last week in Northern California. Her dad, Francisco Javier Gonzalez, a civil trial lawyer in Central Florida, was arrested on Monday afternoon in Lake Mary on a California warrant for conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Both are accused of conspiring to kill Jack Avery, a former member of the boy band, Why Don't We, and the father of Gabbie's daughter.
This Florida town considers eliminating free beach parking
The City of Cape Canaveral—the last remaining town on the Space Coast to offer free city beach parking—is considering a proposal to implement parking fees before beachgoers hit the sand. Under the new proposal, the city is looking to charge visitors roughly $2.50 an hour to park near the beach. While Cape Canaveral leaders have shot down similar proposals in the past due to a reluctance to install bulky parking meters or pay stations, city officials say advanced mobile technology put the option back on the table. If approved, drivers would likely pay for parking directly through a smartphone app. The financial impact could be significant for the city. Officials estimate the hourly fees would generate roughly $281,000 annually. Additionally, the city is weighing a $50 fine for parking violations, which could bring in an extra $83,000. In total, the project could generate upward of $350,000 a year in new revenue taking into account operating costs.
The City of Cape Canaveral—the last remaining town on the Space Coast to offer free city beach parking—is considering a proposal to implement parking fees before beachgoers hit the sand. Under the new proposal, the city is looking to charge visitors roughly $2.50 an hour to park near the beach. While Cape Canaveral leaders have shot down similar proposals in the past due to a reluctance to install bulky parking meters or pay stations, city officials say advanced mobile technology put the option back on the table. If approved, drivers would likely pay for parking directly through a smartphone app. The financial impact could be significant for the city. Officials estimate the hourly fees would generate roughly $281,000 annually. Additionally, the city is weighing a $50 fine for parking violations, which could bring in an extra $83,000. In total, the project could generate upward of $350,000 a year in new revenue taking into account operating costs.
Florida python challenge dates released
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released the dates for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. The 10-way hunt for invasive Burmese pythons will run from July 10-19. The grand prize: $10,000.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released the dates for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge. The 10-way hunt for invasive Burmese pythons will run from July 10-19. The grand prize: $10,000.
Why did Florida gas prices surge overnight?
Gas prices in Florida seemed to rise as much as 20 seconds overnight. How come? An expert with GasBuddy said the rise in gas is likely tied to the Iran war and the outcome of President Trump's visit to China. The expert, however, said once gas prices spike, they typically fall within 36 hours.
Gas prices in Florida seemed to rise as much as 20 seconds overnight. How come? An expert with GasBuddy said the rise in gas is likely tied to the Iran war and the outcome of President Trump's visit to China. The expert, however, said once gas prices spike, they typically fall within 36 hours.