Sheriff Chitwood: 200+ threats reported in Volusia school this year

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood has warned parents and students that he is willing to publicly embarrass anyone accused of making a hoax threat against schools in his district, including posting their mug shot and video of them being led in handcuffs to the juvenile detention center. It's technically legal if the charge is a felony. This week, he released the mug shot and perp walk video of an 11-year-old boy accused of making a threat on social media. That boy also alleged had a 'kill list.'

Video shows arrest of man accused of snooping near girl's window

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has released body camera video in the arrest of a suspected voyeur. Arthur Smith, 29, is accused of peering through the window of a Palm Coast home and spying on a 14-year-old girl. The father of the girl said he chased Smith away with a baseball bat. After a short chase, the father lost sight of Smith who deputies later tracked down.

Orlando 'Malibu rapist' accepts plea in 30-year rape case

George Girtman, a man dubbed the "Malibu Rapist," convicted of assaulting several people in the Malibu neighborhod in Florida, agreed to a plea deal on Wednesday in the assault of a woman in the 1980s. Gail Gardner, who has publicly spoken about her attack by Girtman, told press on Wednesday that she was a survivor and not a victim.

Stephan Sterns, Madeline Soto's mom's boyfriend, questioned

New videos within the investigation of Madeline Soto's disappearance and death have been released by Kissimmee Police. These new videos and audio files appear to be long interviews with Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mom, and Stephan Sterns, Jenn's boyfriend, the man accused of killing and abusing the Florida 13-year-old, days after her birthday.

Rescued manatees recovering at SeaWorld Orlando

Two manatees -- an orphan calf, and a beached manatee at New Smyrna Beach -- were rescued recently and are now receiving care at SeaWorld Orlando. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie stopped by SeaWorld Orlando to check in on the manatees' care and progress. Both have a "long road ahead of them," a keeper said, but the goal is to release both of them back into the wild.

Florida homeowners back in court over filled drainpipe saga

The attorney representing an HOA and its residents was back in court Wedneday to discuss the flooding concerns after another resident allegedly filled a storm drain with cement. Residents said that action has caused their street and lawns to flood, as Central Florida has been hit with days of rain.

GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault announces surprise resignation

Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which oversees Orlando International Airport, informed the GOAA Board on Wednesday that he would be resigning, effective Jan. 31, 2025. In a letter, he told the board that he wife was sick and that he needed to focus all of his energies there.

Beloved Florida surfer dies after in-the-water accident

- A cherished surfer in Florida has died after an apparent accident while surfing last week near a Volusia County Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Patrol and his friends. A spokesperson for Volusia County Beach Safety Patrol told FOX 35 on Wednesday that the man – identified as Jorge Alvarado – was surfing near Sunglow Fishing Pier on Friday, Sept. 13, between Daytona Beach Shores and Wilbur-By-The-Sea, when he suffered an accident in the water. It's believed he struck his head on the sandbar and then the current pushed him into the pier, the spokesperson said. Alvarado was on life support for a few days, but succumbed to his injuries, according to an online GoFundMe page.

2 Volusia County students arrested over alleged school threats

Two high school students – a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old – were arrested on Wednesday after posting a school shooting threat on social media, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Sheriff Chitwood said both students attend T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High in Pierson, Florida, which is part of Volusia County Public Schools. Both students allegedly posted a threat on SnapChat, meant as a "joke."

New video of Madeline Soto's mom, Jenn, questioned by detectives

New videos within the investigation of Madeline Soto's disappearance and death have been released by Kissimmee Police. These new videos and audio files appear to be long interviews with Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mom, and Stephan Sterns, Jenn's boyfriend, and the man accused of killing and abusing the Florida 13-year-old.

Dashcam video shows high-speed chase end in Florida

Video released by the Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa shows the end of an alleged high-speed pursuit early Monday morning. The pursuit started in Polk County where a driver, later identified as Anthony Jermaine Hoyte, 35, of Orlando, drove away from deputies. Hoyte neared speeds of 130 mph, FHP said, as he led law enforcement through Polk, Osceola, and Orange County. Troopers performed a PIT maneuver on the exit ramp of Interstate 4, which disabled Hoyte's vehicle. He was booked into jail on charges of fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, and an out-of-state warrant.

Sheriff Chitwood on viral TikTok over shooting threats

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood had a strong message to parents and students after an increase in apparent school shooting threats at schools across Florida. Several students have been arrested, accused of making a written threat. Chitwood said the hoax threats are 'ridiculous,' that parents need to 'do your job,' costing his agency thousands in investigative costs, and vowed to show the mug shots and 'perp walk' videos of kids accused of making threats. That speech has gona viral on TikTok. FOX 35's video has 7.5M views as of Wednesday. Chitwood joined FOX 35 News+ to discuss the message that's clearly resonating with the TikTok audience.

Jeep damages, floods Orange County neighborhood after high-speed chase

A suspected drunk driver is in the hospital after leading Polk County deputies on a high-speed, multi-county chase on Interstate 4 early Wednesday, police said. The pursuit ended in a crash in Orange County at the intersection of Gondola Drive and McCoy Road, near Orange Avenue in Belle Isle.