Mistrial declared in convicted killer's case
A Florida judge issued a mistrial after it was discovered that a juror had talked about the case to a friend outside of the courtroom. The mistrial was declared in the re-sentencing trial for convicted murderer Bessman Okafor, the State Attorney’s Office confirmed. Okafor was convicted of killing 19-year-old Alex Zaldivar, who was scheduled to serve as a witness in Okafor’s home invasion trial in 2012.
Orlando child hit on way to school
A 6-year-old was injured after a car struck her while she was on her way to school near Avalon Park. FHP is looking for what they believe the suspect vehicle to be a gray-colored SUV with possible damage to its right side.
Carjacking suspect arrested in Ocala after chase
A man allegedly broke into a woman's home in The Villages and stole her purse and keys, then took her Cadillac. Michael Prouty, the suspect, was spotted in Ocala, where he tried to carjack a woman's car in Starbucks, before he was apprehended. He was booked into jail on several charges, including fleeing and eluding, attempted carjacking, crash, resisting arrest, home invasion, battery, and grand theft.
New tool helps K-9s locate missing persons
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has a new tool to help their K-9 units find missing persons. The department showed off scent preservation kits which are available to the public. Sheriff Marcos Lopez says if someone in your family is at risk of wandering off, using the kit could give deputies a head start if they ever disappear.
Tortoise lost for 3 years in Florida returns home after only 5-mile journey
A sulcata tortoise in Florida has made a remarkable return home after being missing for over three years. Surprisingly, the tortoise had only traveled five miles from its point of escape.
Driver slams into downtown Kissimmee building
A driver is dead after their car crashed into a building in downtown Kissimmee early Sunday morning, according to police. The report came in at around 5:40 a.m. Sunday after a car drove into a building at the corner of Neptune and Broadway, according to the Kissimmee Police Department.
Thousands flood downtown Orlando for Pride
On Saturday, thousands of people gathered downtown in Orlando for the 'Come Out With Pride' festival and parade. 'Come Out With Pride' is one of the largest pride events in Florida. The event typically brings around 200,000 people to downtown Orlando for the parade and festival.
5-year-old twins found dead in Sanford home after mom jumps off bridge over Lake Jesup, deputies say
Two 5-year-old twins were found dead inside a Sanford home early Friday morning after their mother apparently jumped to her death from the SR-417 bridge into Lake Jesup, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Ocala mom arrested after heated confrontation with middle school receptionist over visitor pass, deputies say
The woman's husband was seen laughing as the incident continued to unfold, according to the affidavit.
Texas woman arrested for 2 DUIs in 2 consecutive days during drive through Florida, troopers say
A Texas woman was arrested for two DUIs in two consecutive days during her drive to West Palm Beach this week, according to officials.
31-year-old Florida man arrested over Instagram threat to 'shoot up' middle school, police say
A 31-year-old man is behind bars after posting a video to Instagram where he threatened to shoot up a middle school, according to officials.
Sheriff: 5-year-old twins found dead in Sanford home
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said 5-year-old twins were found dead Friday morning inside a home in Sanford after their mom allegedly jumped to her death off a bridge into Lake Jesup. Her body has been recovered.
Former Florida lawmaker who sponsored 'Don't Say Gay' sentenced to prison for COVID-19 relief fraud
The former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call "Don’t Say Gay" was sentenced to six months in federal prison Thursday for defrauding a federal coronavirus relief loan program for small businesses.
Escaped Florida inmate back in custody: 'This is our man we’ve been looking for,' sheriff says
A Florida inmate who escaped while on work detail in Apalachicola has been captured after enjoying three days of freedom.
Yorkie nearly mauled to death in dog attack
A small Yorkie in Melbourne almost lost its life after it was attacked by two dogs in the driveway of his home.
Shanti Cooper-Tronnes son, ex-husband speak
The son and ex-husband of Shanti Cooper-Tronnes gave their victim impact statement after a jury found David Tronnes guilty for murdering his wife inside their Orlando home.
Officer justified in handcuffing child
The handcuffing of a 12-year-old with autism at a school in DeLand was justified
Deputies handcuff the wrong man
An Orange County man says deputies pointed guns at him, put him on the ground, and handcuffed him in front of clients and coworkers while he was working in Winter Park. The family says since the incident - they have not received an apology
Couple escapes Israel thanks to non profit
A Brevard County couple was able to escape Israel after several private flights they booked were cancelled, thanks to a non profit that steps in when the U.S. government can't.
Algebra students forced to go virtual
A school in Seminole County is having so much trouble hiring and keeping teachers, it’s having to put kids in virtual classrooms.