Florida News

A second Seminole County deputy has been accused of submitting false off-duty overtime time sheets and collecting pay for hours not worked. Deputy Kevin Jones has been charged with one count of organized fraud, the sheriff's office said. An arrest warrant was issued for Jones, who turned himself into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

Central Florida local retail manager, Hanna Carpenter, tells FOX 35 her journey to becoming a contestant on Season 4 of "Farmer Wants a Wife." She spoke about being authentic and open minded throughout the process. 

Cocoa Beach officials shared several tips to beach safety ahead of summer after two people drowned at the beach when saving a child in a rip current. The fire chief cautioned to not panic, rather stay calm by waving your hand to notify people that you are caught in a rip current. 

Over 200 vendors showcased their products at Ulta Beauty World 2026 in Orlando. FOX 35 gives an inside look into the makeup, skin care and free goodies at the one-day event. 

The second annual Ulta Beauty World has arrived in Orlando on April 16, offering an immersive one-day experience featuring over 200 vendors across makeup, skincare, and fragrance.

A young pup was found alone, abandoned, and curled up in a ditch at a Flagler County park last week. Named Shelly, she was rescued and rushed to the hospital. Staff said she was covered in bugs, had opened sores and cuts. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has opened an animal abuse investigation. Officials suspect Shelly may have been used as a "bait dog" in dog fighting. She's receiving around-the-clock care at the hospital. 

It was a tough loss for the Orlando Magic, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers. Though, the Magic have one more chance to make the playoffs -- a win against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Despite the loss, Magic fans had a blast cheering the team on. FOX 35's Jonah Karp reports.

Orange County Public Schools is cutting its workforce by 3%, or 200 positions, due to continued declines in enrollment and funding. "Over the past several years, our district has experienced sustained enrollment decline, a trend that is expected to continue. This has resulted in significantly reduced funding. In response, we have had to make decisions that reflect our current reality, not the one we wish we were still in," wrote Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez in a letter send last Sunday, April 12. The reduction will impact the district's SAFE Coordinators, though mental health professionals will still remain at schools. A spokesperson for OCPS said most of the positions were funded positions that had not yet been filled. Others were filled that moved an employee to an unassigned list. In March, OCPS approved the closure of 7 schools: Bonneville Elementary, Chickasaw Elementary, Eccleston Elementary, McCoy Elementary, Meadow Woods Elementary, Orlo Vista Elementary, and Union Park Middle.

A canal that once drew Port Orange residents for its peaceful views and wildlife, is now at the center of growing concern. Residents who live near the Halifax Canal believe the canal's water quality and conditions have declined over the years. They describe murky water, a decline in wildlife and fish, and collections of trash and debris. They said the quality is so bad that they no longer feel safe swimming or boating in the canal. One resident said he's called the county, but has not been able to get a response. A spokesperson for Volusia County told FOX 35's Chris Lindsay that someone with the Public Works Department plans to visit the canal to access what may be going on.

Family and friends of Timotheus Reed, 38, who was shot and killed by Lake County deputies last weekend, demanded answers from the Lake County Sheriff's Office about his death.  Family and friends protested outside the sheriff's office -- and inside it on Wednesday. They've retained attorney Ben Crump. The Lake County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to FOX 35 that the deputy's body camera was not on when the shooting happened because the deputy did not activate his blue lights when responding to the call. The sheriff's office said that was because the deputy was already in the area when the 911 call was made.