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.
Convicted rapist gets 10 years in Seminole Wekiva Trail attack
A man accused of attacking and raping a woman on the Seminole Wekiva Trail was sentenced to 10 years in prison and deemed a sexual predator. Patrick Gamache pleaded no contest to one count of sexual battery. A judge adjudicated him guilty.
A man accused of attacking and raping a woman on the Seminole Wekiva Trail was sentenced to 10 years in prison and deemed a sexual predator. Patrick Gamache pleaded no contest to one count of sexual battery. A judge adjudicated him guilty.
Deputy towards into house fire, helps pull woman out
Bodycam shows the moment a Volusia County deputy rushed into a house fire, where two older people were still inside. VSO said Deputy Royce James kicked down the front door and helped pull a woman out of the home. Firefighters went in and helped pull a man out. That mean was taken to the hospital as a trauma alert, officials said.
Bodycam shows the moment a Volusia County deputy rushed into a house fire, where two older people were still inside. VSO said Deputy Royce James kicked down the front door and helped pull a woman out of the home. Firefighters went in and helped pull a man out. That mean was taken to the hospital as a trauma alert, officials said.
Mom wants e-bike safety classes after son's death
The mother of 13-year-old Colton Remsburg, who died after his e-bike crashed into a truck, is advocating for safety classes and enhanced measures into e-bikes and e-scooters. The boy's mom, Ashley, spoke Tuesday during an Orange County Commission meeting. County leadership are also considering options to increase e-bike safety, such as a county-wide speed limit, safety classes, fines and citations, and parent warnings.
The mother of 13-year-old Colton Remsburg, who died after his e-bike crashed into a truck, is advocating for safety classes and enhanced measures into e-bikes and e-scooters. The boy's mom, Ashley, spoke Tuesday during an Orange County Commission meeting. County leadership are also considering options to increase e-bike safety, such as a county-wide speed limit, safety classes, fines and citations, and parent warnings.
Florida sheriff on door kick challenge: 'You can get killed'
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said parents need to talk to their kids about the so-called "Door Kick Challenge" on TikTok. He said it's a matter of time until someone chooses the wrong house and the homeowner assumes it's a burglar -- and the homeowner shoots them. "You can get killed. It's a felony. It's a burglary. This isn't a game...Your breaking into someone's home. They have the right to use deadly force in that case."
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said parents need to talk to their kids about the so-called "Door Kick Challenge" on TikTok. He said it's a matter of time until someone chooses the wrong house and the homeowner assumes it's a burglar -- and the homeowner shoots them. "You can get killed. It's a felony. It's a burglary. This isn't a game...Your breaking into someone's home. They have the right to use deadly force in that case."
Law enforcement to target parents in 'teen takeover' crackdown
In response to "teen takeovers" that caused violence and disruption in cities across the country, some law enforcement agencies are looking to hold parents responsible.
In response to "teen takeovers" that caused violence and disruption in cities across the country, some law enforcement agencies are looking to hold parents responsible.
Lake County Robotics Team "Nerds of Prey" wins World Championship
Lake Minneola High School robotics team beats 600 of the top teams from around the world, winning the Robotics World Championship in Houston
Lake Minneola High School robotics team beats 600 of the top teams from around the world, winning the Robotics World Championship in Houston
City of Longwood considering a possible increase to water rates
Longwood city officials are considering a possible increase to water rates as they review utility costs and funding needs.
Longwood city officials are considering a possible increase to water rates as they review utility costs and funding needs.
48 neglected dogs rescued from home
48 neglected dogs were rescued from a Palm Coast home. FOX 35’s Baileigh Bockover has the details in this exclusive report.
48 neglected dogs were rescued from a Palm Coast home. FOX 35’s Baileigh Bockover has the details in this exclusive report.