Ex-Sanford officer accused of 80 counts amid FDLE investigation
Sanford Police Officer Ronny Neal was arrested on Dec. 16 in connection to a fraud scheme involving being paid with city money for off-duty services Neal didn't do. The police department is now saying invoices showed that Neal worked overtime hours at Lofts at Eden – an apartment complex in Sanford – and "fabricated the detail." FOX 35 News+ spoke with reporter Chris Lindsay about the ongoing investigation.
$5K reward issued after Osceola woman missing 4 years later
It's been four years since Paola Marie Miranda-Rosa went missing on Dec. 17, 2021. She was last seen near leaving her grandmother’s home near South Semoran Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. Now, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office says they're trying to bring life to the investigation and are looking for any further information.
Alex Lopez Trial: Jury reaches verdict : Full
A Lake County jury reached a verdict on Wednesday in the trial of Alex Lopez, who was accused of shooting Raied "Ray" Shihadeh during a robbery at the M&M Food Mart in Leesburg in May 2024. Surveillance video from the store showed a man walking into the store and shooting Shihadeh, who was on FaceTime with his wife at the time. The man is then seen hopping over the counter before fleeing the store, according to authorities. Shihadeh, a father of five, died from his injuries after being taken to a hospital. Lopez evaded police for weeks before he was arrested in June 2024 at a hotel in Osceola County. A jury convicted Lopez of murder and robbery.
Sanford Police Chief: Ex-officer allegedly stole 'at least 5 figures' in secret 11-month fraud scheme
Former Sanford Police officer Ronny Neal is suspected of stealing at least five figures in city money in a fraud scheme involving off-duty details.
Sanford Police Chief talks officer's arrest for fraud | Full press conference
The Sanford Police Department said the alleged fraudulent actions of one of their own – which has prompted a criminal investigation – has tarnished the reputation of trust the department has worked for in the community. During a Dec. 17 press conference, Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith spoke about the department's investigation into Officer Ronny Neal – in tandem with the Secret Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – to look into how long Neal had been using city money to pay himself for off-duty hours that he didn't serve.
Disney World brings back seasonal water park pass
The pass can be used to visit Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach multiple times.
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center
The company will use its Falcon 9 rocket to send 29 satellites into low orbit for the Starlink 6-99 mission.
District considers closing school amid falling enrollment
Seven Orange County public schools could close by the end of the current school year as the district grapples with declining enrollment, officials said. The Orange County School Board voted this week to move forward with plans that could lead to school consolidations, setting the stage for rezoning students before the next academic year.
Community prays for boy recovering from severe burns
A 6-year-old boy who was severely burned in a bonfire accident in Osteen earlier this month has been released from the intensive care unit and is continuing his recovery in the hospital, according to his church. Carlos Adrian was injured Dec. 6 and has been hospitalized since the incident.
Driver rescues pilot, passenger after small plane crash in DeLand
New details are emerging about a small plane crash in DeLand after a woman who witnessed the incident rushed to help pull the occupants from the aircraft.
Alex Lopez trial: Testimony underway in Leesburg store clerk's murder
New details emerged Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of killing a convenience store clerk in Leesburg, as the victim’s widow testified while facing the man prosecutors say shot her husband.
Sanford police officer arrested on 80 felony charges in alleged off-duty detail fraud
Sanford Police Investigators have arrested one of their own, accused of official misconduct and organized fraud.
Sanford police officer arrested on 80 felony charges
Sanford police investigators have arrested Ronny Neal on 79 counts of official misconduct and one count of organized fraud, following an investigation into unpaid vendor accounts linked to off-duty details.
Delivery drones make first official drop at Orlando's City Hall
Orlando held its first official drone delivery, with a package of hot cocoa and chocolate delivered to Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Lake County files petition accusing landfill of contaminating water
Lake County officials have been sounding the alarm, worried that runoff from the Mid-Florida Materials landfill in Mount Dora could make it into a sensitive water feature nearby at the Wolf Branch Sink.
Leesburg Police seek 2 for questioning in investigation into 18-year-old’s death
Police are searching for two people of interest in connection with the weekend murder of an 18-year-old in Lake County.
Leesburg Police seek 2 for questioning in teen's death
Police are searching for two people of interest in connection with the weekend murder of an 18-year-old in Lake County.
Investigators on finding missing children decades later
A woman accused of kidnapping her young daughter more than 40 years ago in Kentucky has been arrested in Central Florida after living under a different name for decades, authorities said. Officials emphasized the importance of public tips in long-term missing persons cases, noting that continued attention can lead to resolutions even decades later.
Environmentalists oppose rocket wastewater discharge into lagoon
Environmental advocates are raising concerns over a proposed permit that would allow space companies to release industrial wastewater into the Indian River Lagoon, a fragile ecosystem already the focus of billions in cleanup efforts.
Funding crisis: Brevard County's $2B-plus shortfall for flooding fix, infrastructure projects
Brevard County officials say a massive infrastructure funding shortfall is slowing efforts to address persistent flooding in northern parts of the county, frustrating residents who demanded answers from commissioners this week.