FULL: Ron and Casey DeSantis highlight Hope Florida
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. Others positively impacted by Hope Florida also shared their experiences at the event. The nonprofit organization has been under intense scrutiny following questions from lawmakers over the handling of a $10 million settlement. The allegations center on whether the funds were appropriately funneled into Hope Florida?s nonprofit arm instead of the state?s coffers.

Casey DeSantis advocates for Hope Florida
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. At the event, Casey DeSantis advocated for the program she spearheads: Hope Florida. The nonprofit organization "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." Recently, the program has faced some backlash. The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. Both Ron and Casey DeSantis have dismissed the accusations, saying they are wildly untrue.

Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights Hope Florida benefits
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight the benefits of Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. There has been a multitude of ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, which is a nonprofit organization spearheaded by Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November.

Grayson joins Bracy siblings in Florida Senate race
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A special election is scheduled to fill the Florida Senate District 15 seat left vacant following the death of longtime Democratic lawmaker Geraldine Thompson in February. The Democratic primary will take place on June 24, with the special general election set for September 2.

Florida deputies search for wanted fugitive
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A wanted fugitive that was spotted during an attempted felony stop is now on the run in Florida after deputies say he fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle on the beach.

Julie Sulpizio competency hearing scheduled
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According to a state order, Julie Sulpizio is heading back to the Lake County Jail. Signed by a circuit court judge on April 15, the order states Sulpizio no longer meets criteria to be committed to a facility under the department of children and family services.

Central Florida vulnerable to wildfires
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Drought conditions and dry weather have fueled at least five recent fires, prompting a region-wide burn ban. Wildfires flared across Brevard County on Wednesday, with two contained in Palm Bay and a 200-acre blaze still burning in "The Compound."

University of Florida students rally for stronger gun laws after deadly school shooting

The University of Florida's chapter of Students Demand Action hosted a vigil on Wednesday for those lost in the Florida State University shooting, as well as demanded action be taken to ensure stricter gun laws in Florida.

15-year-old hit by car while crossing crosswalk in front of Lake Mary school
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A 15-year-old boy was hit by a car Tuesday while crossing a crosswalk in front of his school in Lake Mary. 77-year-old driver charged with failure to yield to pedestrian. However, witnesses say he should face harsher charges claiming that the man attempted to leave the scene. FOX 35's Hannah Mackenzie has the latest information in Lake Mary.

Stephan Sterns trial sex crimes trial now set for July
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Stephan Sterns claims sexual abuse evidence should be thrown out of his trial because he claims to have not given officials permission to search his phone. Judge will issue written ruling and any other motions by June 30th. Trial has been reset until July. FOX 35's Randi Hildreth has the latest from the courthouse.

Man sentenced to life for killing pastor's wife in home invasion
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The man who killed the wife of an Orlando pastor during a brutal home invasion pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

Embry-Riddle's fast-track to the FAA
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is offering a new program partnered with the FAA to fill air-traffic control jobs. A fast-track program to the FAA. FOX 35's Chris Lindsay has more information on the accelerated courses.

At-home healthcare offered in Brevard County as ER's overflow
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Emergency rooms in Brevard County are overflowing with patients after a local hospital recently closed. Now many are seeking at-home healthcare...and are loving it. FOX 35's Esther Bower has more on the issue and what seems to be a solution.

UF students rally demanding gun reform after FSU shooting
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Students at the University of Florida rallied Wednesday demanding gun reform after the tragic mass shooting that took place at Florida State University last week. FOX 35's Caroline Coles has the latest from Gainesville.

Crews in Palm Bay working to put out multiple brush fires
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Crews in Palm Bay are working to put out multiple brush fires in the Brevard County city. FOX 35's Esther Bower has the latest updates as the blazes continue.

Palm Bay brush fire: 12 homes evacuated, officials say
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Two fires have sparked in the area of Palm Bay. One is fully contained, the second is smaller and not contained. About a dozen homes were evacuated as a precaution, according to the Palm Bay Police Department.

Florida deputies search for wanted fugitive after he flees, abandons car on beach

A wanted fugitive that was spotted during an attempted felony stop is now on the run in Florida after deputies say he fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle on the beach.

Wanted fugitive spotted in Daytona Beach
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Cody Ryan Henderson, a wanted fugitive out of several counties in Georgia, fled from deputies who said they spotted his truck on Tuesday in Daytona Beach. In addition to Henderson's criminal history, deputies say the 39-year-old man faces charges including operating a chop shop, forgery, terroristic threats and obstruction.