Ocala teen arrested, used Roblox to communicate with and sexually exploit children
A Marion County teen was arrested after allegedly using the game Roblox to communicate with children, directing them to molest their younger siblings and produce child sexual abuse material.
Ron, Casey DeSantis speak on Hope Florida program in Lake County
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference on Friday afternoon where they announced that the Department of Education is working on a new pilot program that aims to identify and train a Hope Florida liaison to serve at select school districts. DeSantis said Orange County was the first school district to identify and train a liaison. Lake County will be the second district to include this program.
Brevard County deputy shoots, kills knife-wielding man: officials
A man was shot and killed after approaching a Brevard County deputy with a knife during an early morning disturbance, authorities said. The deputy involved in the shooting will be placed on paid leave as the incident is being investigated, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
Florida teen awakens from coma months after scooter crash
Jermaine Bridges, a 15-year-old from Marion Oaks, is recovering after spending nearly four months in a coma following a car accident involving his electric scooter.
Orlando Dreamers secure anchor investor Rick Workman in MLB franchise push
The Orlando Dreamers, a group pursuing a Major League Baseball franchise for Orlando, have announced a significant financial commitment totaling $2.5 billion — including $1.5 billion earmarked for acquiring a team and $1 billion for a stadium.
Space technology now being used to make dental implants faster, less invasive for patients
Technology from space is transforming dentistry here on Earth. A Central Florida dentist is one of the first in the world using a robot on the job to do implants for patients.
Fighting algae blooms: Researchers investigating whether sounds can stop toxic blooms
Underwater soundwaves could be a new tool to save the Indian River Lagoon. Environmental officials on the Space Coast are testing a pilot project to see if sound can stop algae blooms from destroying the ecosystem with harmful fish kills, starving manatees and stifling seagrass growth.
Florida undocumented immigrant arrests: Nearly 800 seized in 'Operation Tidal Wave,' officials say
In only four days, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and law enforcement agencies arrested nearly 800 undocumented immigrants in a massive Florida operation.
Siblings arrested in Marion County after throwing brass knuckles through school bus window
Two adults were arrested Monday after authorities say a pair of brass knuckles were thrown through the window of a Marion County Public Schools bus.
Unveiling of the repainted Van Gough House in Mount Dora
The unveiling of the repainted Van Gough House in Mount Dora is taking place today. The landmark was painted with a mural inspired by the homeowner’s autistic son’s favorite painting, Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The art piece serves as a beautiful way to guide the boy home in case he wanders off.
Adoption fees waived for select dogs at Lake County shelter
The Lake County Animal Shelter is waving its adoption fees for a few groups of select dogs. The adoption fee waiver applies to all the shelter's dogs that are over 40 pounds, over 4 years old and those who have been at the shelter for four weeks or more.
Holly Bluff Marina house boat rentals
Holly Bluff Marina in DeLand is known to be the largest and best marina in Central Florida for house boat rentals. And now, it’s under brand new management. FOX 35's David Martin heads over to the marina to check out the rental offerings, as well as to enjoy some sightseeing in the area.
Monkey spotted in Mount Dora neighborhood; HOA issues warning to residents
A wild monkey was recently spotted on the loose in a Mount Dora neighborhood, and both officials and HOA leaders are warning residents not to engage with the animal.
Florida man accused of DUI leads police on chase over 100 mph in Edgewater: officials
Christopher Strata, a Daytona Beach man, was arrested early Sunday in Edgewater after leading police on a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph, authorities said.
Search for missing monkey on in Mount Dora
A neighborhood in Mount Dora put out an alert on Monday, warning its community members of a reported monkey seen running through backyards. The Sullivan Ranch HOA cautioned its residents to not attempt to approach, catch or feed the monkey. FOX 35's Kelsie Cairns brings us the latest details.
Parents concerned over lack of barriers at Palm Bay park
The City of Palm Bay just completed a $500,000 renovation of its playground to make it inclusive for children with disabilities. However, some parents are raising a red flag, saying parts of the park are unsafe. Abby MacDonald, a mother of two children who are non-verbal and have autism, joins FOX 35 to talk about her concerns as a parent in the area.
Marion County school board to vote on interim superintendent
Today, the Marion County School Board will vote to name an interim superintendent. Danielle Brewer was selected from from seven candidates and is currently the senior executive director of high schools and secondary curriculum. If approved, Brewer would assume her role immediately and would continue in the position until April 29, 2026, or until a successor superintendent has taken office.
Florida woman uses bag of cookies to escape bear attack near home
A Florida woman and her little dog were charged by a bear while out for a walk in Sanford. With no time to think, Kristen Savage used a bag of cookies to save their lives.
Florida 'dangerous dog' bill: Parents of boy mauled to death by dogs optimistic bill will become law
Florida’s dangerous dog bill is one step closer to becoming law. On Monday, the bill passed unanimously in the Florida Senate. The week before, it passed unanimously in the Florida House. Now, it heads to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk.
AI versus free speech: Lawsuit could set landmark ruling following teen’s suicide
A Central Florida family is suing Character.ai, claiming an AI chatbot encouraged their teen son’s suicide.