Laryssa Leone
Laryssa Leone joined FOX 35 as an anchor and reporter in November 2025.
She was raised in a small rural town called Logan, Iowa, which had a total population of around 1,000 people.
Coming from a tight-knit community and born with the gift of gab, Laryssa knew she wanted a career where she could learn about her community members and share their stories.
Laryssa earned her journalism degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She first stepped foot in a newsroom in Omaha at the age of 19 as a prompter operator. Eventually, she worked her way up to become an overnight photographer and multimedia journalist.
From Omaha, Laryssa moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she worked as a reporter and weekend anchor. One of her most impactful stories told while in Des Moines was about a Native American family on the Meskwaki Settlement whose family members had been missing for nearly a decade.
Laryssa's reporting helped prompt the FBI to reopen the case into those missing family members. She also earned a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for that reporting.
In Des Moines, Laryssa was a strong supporter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Iowa's "I am Enough" mentorship program. Supporting and uplifting kids in her community has always been one of her core passions.
It's a cause that is important to Laryssa, as she and her six siblings were all adopted. She is married to her high school sweetheart.
Laryssa is thrilled to be in Orlando and looks forward to meeting those who live in Central Florida, and helping to tell impactful stories.
The latest from Laryssa Leone
DeLand woman, 85, recovers after tree crushes home, trapping her inside
An 85-year-old DeLand woman is recovering after a massive tree uprooted and crashed through the roof of her home, trapping her inside under heavy timber and debris.
Amendment 3: Seminole County warns property tax vote could trigger budget cuts
Seminole County officials warn that a proposed expansion to Florida’s homestead exemption under Amendment 3 could force millions of dollars in budget cuts to local animal shelters and public clinics.
Florida janitor denied bond after elderly couple attacked, officer shot: Records
Officials released bodycam video on Tuesday that showed the moments law enforcement arrived at Daytona College and found an elderly man and a woman on the ground and unconscious – victims of a brutal attack.
'Like a horror film': Florida man accused of using hammer, electric trimmer to break through shared wall
A Palm Coast family said they were terrorized when a neighbor allegedly used a hammer and electric trimmer to break through their shared wall.
Kissimmee commission rejects articles of impeachment against mayor
Kissimmee city commissioners voted Tuesday against advancing articles of impeachment against Mayor Jackie Espinosa following a special prosecutor's ethics investigation.
PopStroke’s massive I-Drive flagship on track for 2026 holiday opening near convention center
PopStroke has unveiled plans for two elaborate miniature golf courses featuring waterfalls, caves, and a shark tank at its new International Drive location, which is expected to open in December.
Paddleboarder helps save woman attacked by gator in Marion County river
A Good Samaritan helped rescue a woman after an alligator attacked her at Silver Springs in Marion County, using a paddle to try to drive the animal away before helping control the woman's bleeding.
Off-duty Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood scales fence to rescue toddler trapped in Ocoee pool area
A two-year-old girl was rescued by the Volusia County Sheriff after wandering into an Ocoee community pool area as the gate locked behind her. The girl's mom was helplessly trapped on the outside.
'He was the MacGyver of the cul-de-sac': Neighbors mourn Orlando man allegedly killed by stepson
The family of 71-year-old Jorge Vazquez-Escutia is shattered by his death. His stepson is accused of killing him, dismembering him, and putting his remains in his mother's suitcases.
Video: Teens on e-bikes takeover downtown Orlando; many detained, citations issued
The Orlando Police Department said hundreds of kids on e-bikes and motorized scooters were causing trouble in downtown Orlando last weekend, allegedly driving through red lights, impeding traffic, blocking roadways, and preventing emergency officials from responding to calls.