2 Florida airports see the most lightning strikes in the U.S., per new report
A new report lists the top U.S. cities and states with the most lightning strikes in 2024 — and two Florida airports rank at the very top of the list.
Port Orange dump site causes concerns for wildlife after 2 raccoons spotted with jars stuck on their heads
A large dumping ground in Port Orange has residents concerned for wildlife after two raccoons were recently spotted wandering around with jars stuck on their heads. One of the animals later died, and the search is now on for the second raccoon, with locals remaining hopeful they can help to rescue it.
Florida mom accused of covering up teen son’s role in Deltona stabbing
A 15-year-old boy and his mother have been arrested in connection with a stabbing that took place just south of Heritage Middle School in Deltona.
Santa Ono blocked from UF presidency amid DEI backlash
Santa Ono, former University of Michigan president and a prominent academic leader, was blocked from becoming the next president of the University of Florida after a 10-6 vote by the state university system’s Board of Governors.
Pulse Memorial: Orange County commits $5 million toward permanent site
A permanent memorial honoring the 49 lives lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting is one step closer to reality after Orange County commissioners unanimously approved a $5 million contribution toward the project.
Unusual surge of 9-armed sea stars reported along Florida’s Space Coast
An unusual and rare sighting is sparking excitement along Florida’s Space Coast, where beachgoers are reporting a surge in appearances of nine-armed sea stars washed ashore.
NHC monitoring disturbance off Florida's coast: Could it become tropical depression, storm?
The National Hurricane Center is watching a disturbance situated off Florida's coast for potential development.
Families of 2 killed in Orlando Halloween shooting to file lawsuit, calling for change
The families of two men killed when an alleged teenage gunman opened fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando last year announced Tuesday their intention to file a lawsuit this month. They are calling for justice, accountability, and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
State leaders discuss immigration enforcement, closed border policies
State Attorney Bill Gladson and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier hosted a news conference on Tuesday to discuss the sentencing of an undocumented immigrant who was convicted to life in prison for human trafficking, among other charges, following a 2024 investigation in Eustis involving a minor.
Otter bites person at Wekiva Island; FWC searching for animal
A person was bitten by an otter at Wekiva Island on May 29, prompting a response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), officials said.
State attorney, Florida AG push for immigration enforcement, closed border policies
State Attorney Bill Gladson and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier hosted a news conference on Tuesday to discuss the sentencing of an undocumented immigrant who was convicted to life in prison for human trafficking, among other charges, following a 2024 investigation in Eustis involving a minor.
Ocala woman bitten by dog while feeding homeless, vows to continue mission
An Ocala woman is recovering from injuries after being bitten in the face by a dog while distributing food to the homeless over the weekend.
Florida man sues Universal over alleged malfunction of 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' ride
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50,000 in damages against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging he was injured during a ride malfunction.
'Help me, Jesus': Florida man hits alligator on I-4, flips over bike, slides across freeway
Two motorcyclists struck a 6-foot alligator on Interstate 4 in Volusia County. Both were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and are now recovering. They recounted the crash to FOX 35 News, describing how the unexpected encounter with the alligator threw them off their bikes.
Man charged after deadly crash in New Smyrna Beach
A man has been arrested after being accused of a deadly crash in January in New Smyrna Beach. Deputies say Mark Ruth veered off the road and onto a sidewalk, hitting a couple walking home from a music festival. The husband survived, but the wife did not.
Sheriff's office helps rescue canoer after losing paddle
When a canoer overturned and lost his paddle earlier this week in the Intracoastal Waterway, Florida officials spotted him and led him to safety. The man was uninjured and said he was searching for bioluminescence.
FHP searching for accused driver in deadly hit-and-run crash
Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are continuing to ask the public for help in locating the driver of a deadly Osceola County hit-and-run crash that took place more than a month ago. Officials believe the driver may have been in a white Mercedes SUV. New video shows the moments leading up to the incident.
Family of man shot and killed by deputy speaking out
The family of a man that was shot and killed by deputies is speaking out after the incident. An Orange County deputy shot and killed Tyrone Bartley during a drug raid at a Pine Hills residence, raising questions and concerns from Bartley's family and community groups. The full circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and Bartley's family is seeking answers and accountability from law enforcement.
Car swerves off the road while on Florida Turnpike
While driving along Florida's Turnpike and tracking severe weather in the FOX 35 Thunder Truck, FOX 35's Nick Culotta witnessed a car swerve off the road near Exit 244 in the St. Cloud area. Culotta checked on the family following the incident and said that thankfully all four people in the car were safe and avoided an accident.
Man's Hunter's Creek home hit by severe storms
Over the last few days, severe weather has rocked the Central Florida community, leaving behind damage including toppled trees, flooding and destruction of homes. FOX 35's Matt Trezza heads over to Hunter's Creek in Orange County, where he speaks with a homeowner who had his decades-old home take on severe damage.