Latest & Breaking News | FOX 35 Orlando

Bodycam captures emotional rescue of lost teen in Flagler County woods

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:56:10 -0400

A heart-stopping rescue was caught on camera in Flagler County after a teenager got lost in the woods while out riding her bike.

A mother's 911 call sparked a frantic search by deputies, leading to the daughter's safe return.

The tense moments were captured on a Flagler County deputy's body camera. In the footage, 14-year-old Addison Toel can be heard issuing a desperate plea to the deputies who found her in the dark.

"Momma, I need my mommy!" Addison cried. "You're alright," a deputy reassured her. "Where is my mom? I need my mom." "Hey, you're alright. We have your mom," the deputy replied.

Addison, who asked FOX 35 News not to show her face on camera but permitted the use of a photo, said she was riding her bike along a trail in Palm Coast when she got turned around.

"I was trying to see a train, and I kind of ended up not knowing my way back," Addison explained.

Lost in the dark

Panicking and with her phone battery dying, Addison called her mom for help.

Her mother immediately called 911, sparking a frantic search as daylight faded.
When deputies finally located the terrified teen, the relief was palpable. Body camera video shows Addison asking a deputy for comfort.

"Can I have a hug? I’m so scared… Thank you so much. I thought I was going to die out here," she said.

Addison's mother, Amber Toel, said the moment she heard her daughter crying over the phone, her maternal instincts took over.

"It’s that mom moment where it’s just like... let me get to my baby," Amber said.

A tearful reunion

Body camera footage captured the tearful reunion between the two, with Addison embracing her mother and saying, "I’m sorry... I’m sorry Mommy."

Addison and her mother were finally reunited thanks to the quick work of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Rick Staly noted that Addison’s cries pulled at the heartstrings of his deputies, making the successful rescue all the more meaningful.

"It’s one of those things that first responders, law enforcement loves," Sheriff Staly said. "We would much rather spend the time finding someone who is lost, than be able to reunite them, than tell the parents a tragic ending."

Over 50 feral hogs trapped in Edgewater: Neighborhood battle is far from over, officials say

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:30:30 -0400

Feral hogs have been going completely hog wild in Edgewater, and city leaders say they are doing everything they can to stop the nightly destruction.

For months, massive packs of wild hogs have been treating neighborhood yards like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Neighbors say they go to bed with a pristine yard, only to wake up to thousands of dollars in landscape damage.

Back in May, FOX35 first broke the story of the worsening hog crisis in the Florida Shores neighborhood. At the time, city officials warned that expanding concrete developments were forcing the animals out of their natural habitats and straight onto residential property.

Now, three months into a specialized eradication program, the city has a major update on the battle to reclaim local lawns.

In a joint effort, the Edgewater Police Department partnered with a nuisance trapper approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Since the traps were deployed, officials confirm that more than 50 feral hogs have been safely pulled out of local neighborhoods.

The tactical cleanup heavily focused on the northern portion of Florida Shores, where hog activity was at its worst. But as the northern numbers slow down, the frontline is officially shifting.

Residents say the intervention couldn't come a moment sooner. For Florida Shores resident Tony Hertzog, the hogs hit his property right at the worst possible time back in 2021.

"They put all the sod down, I came down one morning, they tore it all up," Hertzog said. "Seven thousand dollars worth of turf they tore up. They’re a nuisance! They go into yards and eat everything, tear everything up."

Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew says the city understands how deeply frustrating this has been for homeowners, which is why they are committing real resources to tracking the herds.

"They are all over the place," Mayor Depew said. "They are not just in one area, unfortunately. It's not like a wild cat herd where they stay in one spot. We hear you. We understand the concerns, and we are trying to send every trapper we possibly can."

While 50 hogs off the streets is a major dent, city officials know the invasion is far from over.

Edgewater Police say they need residents to keep their eyes on the ground to win this battle. If your yard gets hit by hogs, or if you spot a herd roaming through your neighborhood, the city wants you to take immediate action.

Residents can report active sightings by calling the Edgewater Police Department's non-emergency line directly at (386) 424-2000.

Kentucky felon, Ronald Exantus, up for release in late July

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:21:09 -0400

A Kentucky felon behind bars after the 2015 death of six-year-old Logan Tipton is set to be released at the end of the month.

Ronald Exantus, who is currently in the Kentucky State Reformatory following his extradition to Kentucky from Marion County, could be released on July 29, inmate information with the Kentucky Department of Corrections shows.

Exantus was extradited to Kentucky after he served less than half of his sentence, but failed to register as a felon within 48 hours, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier reported. He was found by deputies near a Marion County elementary school.

Exantus, 42, was arrested after Logan Tipton from Versailles, Kentucky was found stabbed to death in his home. Investigators said Logan's death was the result of a home invasion.

Exantus was arrested in connection with Logan's death, but a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity. However, Exantus was convicted of two counts of second-degree assault and one count of fourth-degree assault – resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.

Read: Marion County deputies take Ronald Exantus into custody

According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, Exantus' maximum sentencing expires in November 2035, but he's up for release on July 29.

Logan Tipton's legacy

On April 2, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 442 – also known as "Logan's Law" – into effect, in honor of Logan Tipton.

The law toughens the sentencing for violent offenders. Exantus was initially released just 10 years after Logan's death.

The changes include:

A violent offender who has received a life sentence and has not been sentenced to 35 years without probation can't be released on probation or parole until he or she has served at least 30 years.
Prohibiting a violent offender who has been unanimously denied discretionary parole from qualifying for mandatory reentry supervision.
Requiring a treating professional for a defendant who has received a sentence of guilty but mentally ill to file a petition for involuntary hospitalization.

"This will strengthen Kentucky's sentencing and parole laws to make our commonwealth safer and ensure Logan's legacy lives on forever," Beshear said in an X post.

Artemis II crew visits KSC for the first time since historic moon mission

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:07:30 -0400

Three months after embarking on a historic voyage around the moon, the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission returned to the Space Coast on Wednesday to visit the site where their journey began.

Their July 8 visit marks the first time astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch have returned to NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) since their 10-day lunar test flight lifted off back in April 2026.

The crew spent the day reflecting on a mission that captivated global audiences and went off virtually without a hitch, from its powerful evening liftoff to its flawless splashdown.

"It’s really fun for the four of us to come back to Kennedy," said Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman.

Despite the mission's ultimate success, the crew acknowledged the inherent dangers of piloting the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

"This was 10 days that there was a significant risk throughout the entire thing," noted Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen.

Surprisingly, the crew reported that the ride aboard the world's most powerful operational rocket was unexpectedly smooth.

"I almost asked for my money back," said Christina Koch. "There was no shaking, no vibrating, no teeth chattering, you could read the displays quite easily."

Looking forward to Artemis III mission

Now back on Earth, the Artemis II crew is stepping into a new role: serving as the primary cheering section for the next group of astronauts slated to fly into deep space.

While they’re eager and willing to share what they learned during their 10 days in space, Koch emphasized that the next team needs space to make the next historic flight their own.

The goal is "not to be advice monsters," Koch said. "This is their mission and they are going to take it further than we took it."

Wiseman added that leadership and open communication will be vital as the next crew prepares to work with multiple commercial partners.

"One thing we were really trying to instill in the next crew is you really are ambassadors," Wiseman explained. "You really have to take ownership and encourage these teams to all work together."

What's next for NASA?

The momentum is already shifting toward the next phase of lunar exploration. Hardware for the Artemis III mission is already on-site at Kennedy Space Center, where technicians are currently processing core components.

According to NASA, the Artemis III mission is tentatively tracking for a launch in late 2027.

The Artemis III mission will be an orbital test designed to evaluate human landing systems built by commercial contractors SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The Artemis III crew will fly the Orion capsule to Earth's orbit, where they are scheduled to rendezvous and dock with the landers to thoroughly vet the hardware before NASA clears astronauts for an actual lunar landing on subsequent flights.

Baby kittens abandoned, trapped in sealed container outside Florida animal rescue

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:57:20 -0400

A Florida shelter is cautioning people against leaving animals out in the heat after multiple kittens were placed outside when the facility was closed for lunch.

Security footage caught someone dropping a cat carrier containing a neo-natal kitten on the hot pavement and walking away.

Multiple kittens were left defenseless, suffering from heat exhaustion in the dangerous Florida sun outside a local animal shelter.

The security footage outside H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue on U.S. 1 in Sebastian captured two critically hazardous situations unfolding within mere seconds of each other. Now, the rescue is working around the clock to save the vulnerable baby cats.

Stray cats left outside during lunch hours

The harrowing sequence of events began when a woman approached the front door of H.A.L.O. Rescue while the facility was closed for lunch on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. Security footage caught her dropping a cat carrier containing a neo-natal kitten on the hot pavement and walking away.

"Abandoned them outside the door because we were obviously closed," said Allyson King, Director of Development for H.A.L.O. Rescue.

Moments later, a man arrived at the exact same doorstep with good intentions but an incredibly dangerous execution. Having found another set of stray kittens, he attempted to transport them to the rescue. However, he placed them inside a plastic Tupperware container with no air circulation, effectively trapping them in a sealed, sweltering environment.

By the time H.A.L.O. staff opened the facility and discovered the animals outside, the situation had turned critical. The kittens were unresponsive, on the verge of death and suffering severely from heat exhaustion.

"It was life-threatening in the beginning, especially for the baby," King recalled. "We still had to get them cooled down very, very quickly."

Kitten in fragile condition

Thanks to the rapid response of the shelter's medical team, the kittens are stable, but their condition remains highly fragile.

The smallest kitten in the group—estimated to be only two weeks old—faces the toughest battle because her immune system is so underdeveloped. The extreme heat stress triggered a severe upper respiratory infection.

Staff members are currently administering around-the-clock breathing treatments to help clear her lungs. The other kittens who are a little older are with foster families for now.

"Abandoning an animal even outside of a rescue is never okay, especially in the middle of the day, Florida heat," King emphasized.

No charges filed

Because the security video does not clearly show the woman’s face or her vehicle’s license plates, H.A.L.O. Rescue confirmed they have not filed an official abandonment report with local law enforcement.

For now, their complete focus is dedicated to the intensive care and healing of these animals.

How to help stray pets

During the peak of summer, high temperatures can turn a well-meaning rescue attempt into a tragic accident within minutes. H.A.L.O. Rescue advises anyone who encounters a stray animal to follow strict safety protocols.

If you find an animal in need, always call the local rescue or shelter first. Ahead-of-time communication ensures the facility has the immediate medical staff, open physical space and foster families ready to take them in.

Additionally, if you must transport an animal yourself, proper ventilation is important. Never use airtight plastic bins, sealed boxes or unventilated containers.

"Make sure it’s in a cool environment, and it’s got air breathing holes," King urged.

H.A.L.O is always in need of volunteers, fosters and food donations to keep up with all the animals they take in.

Calling all artists! Orange County seeks public art for Barber Park Recreation Center

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:06:10 -0400

Looking to showcase your art in Central Florida? A brand-new community space is being built in Orange County, and officials are offering a $29,100 budget to local creators who can help bring it to life.

Applications are open as the Orange County Public Art Review Board is on the hunt for artists – individual or teams – ready to create a vibrant, playful, and engaging environment for the Orlando community.

Here is what organizers are looking for:

Freestanding Sculptures (3D): Creative designs, shaded seating structures, kinetic elements, and rich textures. (Note: Must be freestanding and non-climbable!)
Vibrant Murals & Graphics (2D): High-energy, colorful artwork that reflects The City of Orlando. Artists also have the option to include different textures for sensory engagement or kinetic components.

Art at Barber Park

Barber Park – located at 3701 Gatlin Avenue in Orlando – offers several community engagement spaces, such as a skate rink, dog park, pavilions, playground and an outdoor open-air hockey rinks.

The Barber Park Recreation Center has a large gymnasium, fitness center and multipurpose activity rooms.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How to submit

Interested artists can click here to submit their applications.
The deadline to apply is set for Friday, July 24 at 11:59 p.m.

Reservations required to visit Blue Spring State Park starting July 18

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:58:41 -0400

All Blue Spring State Park guests – including Florida State Park annual passholders, pedestrians, and cyclists – will soon need a reservation in order to visit the park.

Why the change?

During the summer months, with more visitors frequenting Florida's state parks, park officials are instilling a reservation system to help manage the lines.

A reservation system is in place to prevent long lines and congestion from taking over traffic on busy park days.

When does it start?

Although the rule will be fully enforced on July 15, all incoming visitors can reserve their spot starting Wednesday, July 8.

All day-use reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.

How to make reservations

To guarantee a spot, guests can visit the official Florida State Parks reservation website and book their visit online; a park entry fee will be collected at checkout.
Before entering the park, guests must show a digital or printed copy of their day-use reservation receipt.
Same-day reservations are welcome if spots are available, but issued on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Note: A separate reservation is required for every individual day of your visit. No reentry is guaranteed as returning to the park is strictly based on available space.

Florida State Park Annual Passholder

Annual Passholders must still secure a reservation.
Select the "annual passholder" option at checkout to waive the standard vehicle entry fee.
Bring your physical annual pass with you to present at the gate.

Overnight Camping Guests

Overnight guests do not need a separate day-use reservation.
Use your existing overnight camping or cabin reservation in order to enter the park.

Got extra questions?

Visit Blue Spring State Park for more frequently asked questions.

Apply now: Local artists wanted for Hispanic Heritage month exhibit, Orlando City Hall

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:35:31 -0400

The City of Orlando is looking for local artists to feature their artwork during this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition at Orlando City Hall.

Every year, the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall showcases a curated collection of artwork that honors the legacy of heritage.

The exhibit will take place from September 4 to November 5, 2026.

How to submit

Interested artists are invited to submit their applications through the City of Orlando’s official website under the Call to Artists section, where more detailed information can also be found.

All submitted artwork should be inspired by the national theme "Unidos, Somos Más" (Together, We Are More) – chosen to celebrate unity as our greatest strength, while honoring the core pillars of Hispanic culture: resilience, family and service.

Submission Dates

Applications due: Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m.
Notification date: Tuesday, August 4

Eligibility requirements

To qualify as a featured artist, participants must be Central Florida residents and submit original work available to be displayed during the month-long exhibition.

Got questions?

For questions about the process or exhibition, email the City’s Public Art Coordinator at flynn.dobbs@orlando.gov

Officials identify 2 killed in US 17-92 crash in Casselberry; charges pending against suspect, officials say

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:09:06 -0400

The Casselberry Police Department on Wednesday identified the two people killed in a devastating crash on US 17-92 after they were hit by an alleged suspect who bolted from authorities minutes earlier in nearby Sanford.

Police identified the victims as 42-year-old Christopher Marier and 40-year-old Tyler M. Marier. Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Marquavious Tayvon Wheaton.

2 killed after wanted suspect speeds away from deputies, officials say

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, July 7, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said its deputies attempted to pull over a person suspected of drug trafficking – later identified as Wheaton – in Sanford, but he did not stop his vehicle and instead sped away. Deputies did not pursue the vehicle on the ground, citing concerns for public safety. However, SCSO's aviation unit followed the vehicle.

The sheriff's office said Wheaton was clocked at over 100 mph at times. Minutes later, Wheaton was on US 17-92 where he crashed into another vehicle, near Sunnytown Road, killing Christopher Marier and Tyler Marier.

Officials said the force of the impact caused one of the vehicles to catch fire. Debris was scattered across the intersection.

Officials said Wheaton was detained and taken to the hospital for treatment. His injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.

Who's investigating what?

Both Casselberry police and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office are conducting investigations. Casselberry police is specifically conducting the crash investigation as it happened within their jurisdiction. Charges are pending against Wheaton, a spokesperson said.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is investigating what happened prior to the crash. Wheaton is in custody of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office at the hospital, but he had not formally been arrested, a spokesperson said.

Charges are pending, including fleeing and eluding, and excessive speed, otherwise known as Florida's super speeder law, a spokesperson said.

Mega Millions jackpot hits $600 million: Next drawing, cash option, winning numbers

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:35:19 -0400

The Mega Millions jackpot is still up for grabs. No one won the estimated $576 million jackpot during Tuesday night's drawing, so the jackpot has rolled over and increased to a whopping $604 million.

Here's everything you need to know:

Winning Mega Millions numbers: July 7 draw

The winner numbers were 2, 31, 35, 36, and 63. The gold Mega ball was 12.

The estimated jackpot was worth $576 million.

While there were no jackpot winners, six winning tickets worth between $20,000 and $100,000, were sold, according to the Mega Millions website. Others between $10 and $6,000 were also sold.

Any Mega Millions winning tickets sold in Florida?

According to the lottery website, a ticket worth $20,000 and $50,000 were sold in Florida in Tuesday's drawing.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next Mega Millions drawing will be Friday, July 10 at 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What are the odds of winning?

Jackpot: 1 in 290,472,336

How do you play?

The cost of a Mega Millions ticket is $5.

Mega Millions increased the price in April 2025 from $2 to $5 per play, also increasing non-jackpot prizes.

Lottery officials said in its announcement that the change would increase the odds of winning any prize to 1:23, increase the odds of winning the jackpot to 1 in 290M (from 1 in 1.30M), and increases the starting jackpot from $20 million to $50 million.

What if you win?

Jackpot winners can collect their winnings in two ways: Annuity or cash option.

Annuity option: Jackpot is paid out in 30 yearly installments, which increase by 5% each year
Cash option: A one-time, lump-sum payment equal to the cash in the jackpot prize pool

Orlando Weather Alert: 3-day heat wave to push heat index past 110 degrees

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:40:20 -0400

Central Florida is preparing for intense heat – with a heat index topping 110 degrees in some areas – over the next three days.

On Wednesday evening, the chances of storms will decrease as dry air aloft moves in. Showers and storms will be more limited as the region starts to heat up.

FOX 35 Storm Team Alert: Thursday to Saturday

A large "heat dome" in the upper atmosphere will slide over Florida, acting to compress the atmosphere and heat things up a lot further than they are now. This will also help to dramatically lower afternoon/evening rain and storm chances for a few days.

However, due to this, temperatures will jump significantly starting Thursday to Saturday. Afternoon highs each day will be in the upper 90s inland and in the mid-90s on the beaches.

Record-breaking heat?

FOX 35 will be keeping an eye on potential record-breaking heat this week.

Many cities will either tie or break records inland with high temps between 96 and 99 degrees. The heat index will range between 105 and 112 degrees, depending on location during the afternoons.

This is excessive heat that can have a big impact on you if outdoors for a significant or prolonged period of time.

Records in Orlando:
Thursday, July 9: 98° (1931, 1932)
Friday, July 10: 99° (1980)
Saturday, July 11: 98° (1892, 1989)

Saharan dust to pass over Central Florida Wednesday into Thursday

The sky will look muted and filtered at times as a plume of Saharan Dust passes over the state. Saharan Dust blows off the coast of Africa every summer, and travels between 5,000 and 15,000 feet up in the atmosphere across the Atlantic Ocean. Some years the plume of dust makes it all the way to the southeast United States, other years it does not.

Read more: Massive Saharan dust cloud headed towards Florida this week

Saharan Dust acts to reduce tropical activity, heat the atmosphere up more, and provide abnormally vibrant sunrises and sunsets. That's because the dust suspended high up in the atmosphere can help to spread the light out, making it more vibrant.

Occasionally, dust can reduce air quality for those in sensitive groups, but only sometimes.

New data points to the dust being extremely prevalent over our skies from Saturday into Sunday, especially this weekend. The sky could look like a red/amber/orange glow, especially early and late in the day.

Quietest start to Atlantic Hurricane season in 12+ years

With just Arthur in the Gulf so far, this is the calmest start to the Atlantic hurricane season since 2014.

No Atlantic hurricane season since 1950 has gone hurricane-less, even in the most quiet years similar to this year.

El Niño should keep the total number of tropical systems this year in the Atlantic very low, but that does not mean Florida won't have any. We could end up with two storms this year.

The average historical second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is July 17.
The average first hurricane of the year is generally August 11.
The average first major (Cat. 3+) hurricane is September 1.

Osceola County deputy shoots man after fight overnight in Kissimmee, deputies say

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:42:46 -0400

An Osceola County deputy shot a man early Wednesday morning at a home in Kissimmee after responding to an emergency mental health call, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office said.

The man, 51, was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. The deputy is OK and was not seriously hurt, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies were called to a home on Marcos Circle around 2 a.m. regarding a man experiencing a mental health episode, the sheriff's office said. Shortly after arriving on scene, the sheriff's office said there was a physical fight between the man and the deputy.

That man was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive, the sheriff's office said.

Watch full press conference

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard protocol.

Officials did not identify the man nor release additional details on the circumstances of the call.

Bakari: Meet the new head gorilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:51:46 -0400

There is a new resident to see at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom: Meet Bakari, a 21-year-old male western lowland gorilla.

He recently made his debut in the gorilla habitat along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, where people will be able to see him.

Bakari: Disney's new troop leader

Bakar comes to Disney's Animal Kingdom from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri, where he will become the new troop leader for the other gorillas.

His transfer is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for Western Lowland Gorillas. Zoos work together to transfer animals between zoos for various reasons, including breeding and genetic diversity.

He made his debut on June 30, Disney said.

While animal care experts helped him get acquainted with his new habitat, the team shared the exciting news via a heartwarming Facebook post:

Remembering Gino

In September 2025, Disney announced the death of Gino, a 44-year-old western lowland gorilla, who lived at Disney's Animal Kingdom for nearly 30 years.

He was also the troop leader for the younger gorillas.

"For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with his playful spirit, gentle humor, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader."

"Gino leaves behind an incredible legacy – 14 offspring, global contributions to gorilla care and conservation, and the lasting memories of every cast member and guest he inspired," Disney said.

Massive Saharan dust cloud headed towards Florida this week

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:26:46 -0400

A massive plume of Saharan dust is headed over the Atlantic Ocean towards the United States – and should reach Florida later this week.

For early birds and photographers, it will mean vibrant and stunning sunrises and sunsets. For those with respiratory concerns, it could also reduce the air quality on those days.

What is Saharan dust?

Saharan Dust – also referred to as the Saharan Dust Layer (SAL) — refers to large, thick clouds of sand, dust, and other partials that can travel from the Sahara Desert in Africa thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States, including Florida.

It typically sits between 5,000 and 15,000 feet in the sky, traveling alongside the tropical air during hurricane season. Sometimes it reaches the United States, and other times it does not.

Vibrant sunrises and sunsets

Because the air is filled with these sand and dust particles, it makes the perfect environment for beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You can expect vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and reds as the sun's light reflects off those particles in the atmosphere.

Less pop-up storms, but a few downbursts are possible

As the dust arrives, it typically will reduce the overall changes of afternoon and evening thunderstorms – at least temporarily – during Florida's rainy season.

However, if any storms do form, there is a chance to see more "downbursts," which is when air collapses out of a thunderstorm towards the ground, creating very strong, potentially damaging wind gusts.

Reduced air quality

Saharan dust can also reduce the air quality for the days that it arrives. Those who have respiratory health concerns or allergies should check the air quality and take proper precautions.

Daytona Beach Shores moves forward with community-led proposal to rename city 'The Shores'

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:26:09 -0400

For years, residents and businesses in Daytona Beach Shores have been asking City Hall, "When can we just be The Shores?" Now, that community-driven push has taken a massive step forward.

Officials emphasize this was not a city-led initiative. The city simply ran the data and facilitated a 30-day survey to gauge public opinion. Out of nearly 550 responses collected, a whopping 66 percent of participants voted "yes" to dropping "Daytona Beach" from the name so it can become only "The Shores."

The City Commission just passed the first reading of the proposal with a 5-to-0 vote, moving the name change one step closer to reality. If approved, the rebranding process will carry an estimated cost of up to $277,000 for the city to slowly phase in new signs and decals.

For local residents, the Volusia County Tax Collector says updating a state ID card or driver's license will require a $6.25 processing fee.

The proposal has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among local community members and leaders:

Will residents make the final decision?

The City Commission is not making the final decision on the name change itself; they are deciding whether to give voters the opportunity to make that choice.

The second reading of the ordinance is officially scheduled for July 28. Because officials did not see a big turnout at the first meeting, city leaders are explicitly asking people to show up and speak up at this next session.

If approved at the July 28 meeting, the final option to officially change the name to "The Shores" will be placed squarely on the November ballot for citizens to decide.

Titusville stormwater system overwhelmed: Residents left pumping out floodwaters

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:51:47 -0400

Storms on Monday night dumped more than three inches of rain in just two and a half hours, completely overwhelming Titusville's aging drainage infrastructure.

The sudden deluge left cars trapped, pushed water inside local homes and forced frustrated residents to break out pumps to protect their properties.

The rapid flooding hit neighborhoods hard all across town with residents on streets like Bryn Mawr and Parkland Street bearing the brunt of the damage.

On Parkland Street, one local family scrambled to pump rising waters out of their carport and nearby pond, trying desperately to redirect it into a nearby drainage ditch before the next band of storms rolled through. They noted this marks the fourth time their property has flooded since 2017.

‘Extremely frustrating’

For many taxpayers, the recurring issue has turned routine rain into a source of severe anxiety.

Neighbor Crystal Prew shared a similar sentiment, snapping photos of a fully submerged drain directly in front of her home. "I just wish I had known," Prew – who just bought her home a few years ago – said. She said there are issues because there is very little maintenance.

"These haven't been cleaned out in years, it’s the infrastructure," Prew said.

"It’s disheartening, honestly," added Amanda Decker. The Decker family had floodwater breach their carport on Monday night and remain unable to park cars in their own driveway due to the standing water trapped.

Titusville council member responds

The persistent issues have caught the attention of local leadership, who recognize that the problem has become a psychological burden for the community.

"Anytime it rains in Titusville, I feel like a lot of us get PTSD, and we know there is more likely going to be an issue," said Titusville City Council Member Megan Moscoso.

Moscoso is concerned about new development approvals and says the city needs to improve its existing drainage network.

"In my personal opinion, we just can’t continue to build unless we’ve taken care of the infrastructure we have," Moscoso said. "It just doesn’t make any sense to continue down that path of approving developments knowing what we know and seeing this rainfall coming and how it’s consistently flooding people’s homes."

How to report flooding

The City of Titusville is asking residents to report where they are seeing flooding. To better address hot spots and map out future infrastructure fixes, city officials are urging all impacted residents to formally document and report flooding issues.

An online reporting portal has been established for residents to upload real-time data from their neighborhoods.

What to include in a report:

Exact Location: Provide the specific street address or nearest intersection affected.
Visual Documentation: Upload clear photos or videos showing the extent of the high water or blocked drains.
Impact Details: Specify if the water has reached carports, driveways, yards, or the interior of structures.

Residents can access the reporting system directly through the city's official portal.

Titusville officials are currently working to update the city's Stormwater Master Plan to engineer long-term solutions. However, those upgrades will require funding.

Local property owners could soon see a tax hike to pay for the massive infrastructure overhaul. City leaders are scheduled to debate and discuss the potential tax increase by establishing the maximum stormwater assessment rate this coming Tuesday, July 14.

Florida puppy dies after being left in garage, starved; owner arrested, deputies say

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:37:27 -0400

A Florida man is accused of animal abuse after he allegedly left his puppy alone in a detached garage without food, water or light.

The man's dog – a Bluetick Coonhound/Australian Shepherd mix named Sunset – later died from organ failure caused by starvation, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies: Malnourished dog found in locked garage

Deputies responded to a Palm Coast apartment on Sunset Boulevard on July 1, after reports of a severely malnourished female dog found in a locked garage. She was found in a puddle of her own urine, a charging affidavit said.

Sunset was left without food, water, a way of escape, a source of light and fresh air, the affidavit said.

Investigators determined Chance Jones, 18, was the dog's owner. He had received her from a Bunnell homeowner whose dog had a litter of puppies, the sheriff's office said.

It was believed that Jones placed Sunset in the garage on June 30, when visiting his cousin. However, when the dog was found, Jones initially denied it belonged to him, his cousin told deputies.

Deputies: Owner away from home frequently

When investigators spoke with Jones' mom, she mentioned telling him he couldn't keep the dog, then denied knowing what happened to the dog, the affidavit said.

Jones later told deputies the dog stayed at his mom's residence while he was frequently away from home for extended periods. He said he thought his family would take care of the dog while he was away, and that he would feed Sunset when he returned every few weeks.

According to the charging affidavit, Jones also told deputies he left the dog in the garage because he didn't want his cousin to see the dog in a malnourished state. Jones said he had difficulty caring for the dog due to a lack of transportation, the affidavit said.

Sunset was taken to an animal hospital, where she died on July 4.

Charges, arrest of dog's owner

Jones is facing aggravated animal cruelty and unlawful confinement of an animal charges. He was booked into the Flagler County Inmate Facility without incident.

He's being held on a $3,000 bond, the sheriff's office reported.

Florida man arrested after fighting deputies pulling him from 'alligator-infested' canal

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:11:22 -0400

A Florida man was arrested after allegedly fighting deputies trying to pull him from ‘snake-and-alligator’ infested water, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office says.

Deputies conducted a welfare check for Ryan McMinn, 47, who was found lying shirtless by a Palm Coast elementary school on July 3, the sheriff's office reported. When deputies approached, McMinn ran away.

The Flagler County Emergency Communications Center then received a report from a resident claiming that the man was "crawling around their backyard and trying to climb the side of their house," deputies said.

Upon spotting the deputies a second time, McMinn jumped into a canal and began swimming away after multiple verbal attempts to get him out of the water, the sheriff's office said.

Rescue turns into arrest

The deputies waded into the canal to pull McMinn out, but during the rescue, McMinn began "pushing and pulling," and allegedly grabbed a deputy by the neck while trying to shove another deputy underwater, the sheriff's office said.

Eventually, McMinn was secured and arrested on shore. He was treated by Flagler County Fire Rescue and transported to the hospital before being booked into jail, the sheriff's office said.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commended his team's bravery following the holiday weekend incident.

"These deputies went into the water to rescue this guy, and he responded by fighting them," Sheriff Staly said. "I commend our deputies for their willingness to get in a canal that usually has snakes and gators and pull this guy to safety before he drowned."

Rest in peace, Blossum: Florida Wildlife Hospital opossum ambassador dies

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:26:39 -0400

Blossum, the first-ever Virginia opossum educational ambassador in The Florida Wildlife Hospital's 53-year history, was humanely euthanized after winning over the hearts of thousands, the hospital said.

The decision to euthanize Blossom was made public on Monday, July 6, after her care team noticed a decline in Blossum’s quality of life, FWH reported on social media.

According to FWH, Blossum – who was nearing three years old – had surpassed the average life-span of a wild Virginia opossum. Additionally, she had several age-related health complications, including weight loss, arthritis and a weakened immune system.

The hospital made the decision to allow Blossum to "pass with dignity," its Facebook post said.

Blossum spent her last days enjoying all of her favorite things. Her final moments were peaceful, as she was surrounded by her FWH family, including the first and last staff to ever care for her, the hospital said.

Honoring Blossum

Blossum first arrived at FWH as a patient after a predator attack left her with the partial loss of her tail.

Because she could no longer climb to safety or gather nesting materials, the hospital deemed Blossum to be non-releasable. She was given a permanent home Melbourne rehabilitation facility, eventually transitioning into a full-time educational role.

Blossum's Impact

In addition to meeting over 5,000 visitors during her time as ambassador, Blossum helped the hospital educate the public about the ecological benefits of this commonly stigmatized species.

The beloved opossum bridged the gap between wildlife and the community she called home.

Blossum's legacy will continue to inspire the organization to ensure that every species – stigmatized or not – receives the same level of care and compassion.

About Florida Wildlife Hospital

Based in Melbourne for over five decades, The Florida Wildlife Hospital is a record-breaking non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.

US 17-92 crash: 2 people killed after wanted suspect slammed into them, police say

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:12:23 -0400

Update (July 8): Casselberry Police identified the two men killed in the crash as Christopher J. Marier, 42, and 40-year-old Tyler M. Marier. The alleged suspect was identified as 26-year-old Marquavious Tayvon Wheaton.

Original story

A person wanted for suspected drug dealing sped away from Seminole County deputies in Sanford, reaching speeds faster than 100 mph, before slamming into the side of another vehicle in Casselberry, killing the two people who were inside, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said.

The alleged suspect was detained at the crash site and transported to the hospital, officials said.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle shortly before 12 p.m. on Tuesday in Sanford related to a drug trafficking investigation. The driver of that vehicle did not stop and instead drove off.

Deputies did not pursue the vehicle due to public safety concerns. Instead, the sheriff's office's aviation unit followed the vehicle from the air, reporting that the driver was traveling at speeds higher than 100 mph at times.

Minutes later, the sheriff's office said the suspect's vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle on US 17-92 in Casselberry, killing the two people inside.

The suspect was detained at the scene and transported to the hospital.

Officials have not identified the suspect nor shared an update on his or her condition. Officials have not identified the two people who were killed, pending family notification on their deaths.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said criminal charges are being recommended against the suspect, though specifics were not released. Casselberry Police is investigating the crash as a traffic homicide.

Live Florida Traffic Map

Florida deputy shoots armed man to 'eliminate threat' during Ocala disturbance call, sheriff says

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:46:53 -0400

A domestic disturbance call turned deadly Tuesday afternoon when a Marion County sheriff's deputy shot a man who allegedly threatened the deputy with a gun at an Ocala home, officials said.

The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The sheriff's office later reported the man had died.

A Marion County deputy was dispatched to a home on SW 35th Avenue Road in Ocala just before 2:30 p.m. on July 7 for a domestic disturbance, the sheriff's office reported.

The deputy arrived at the home and made contact with a man involved in the disturbance. However, during the encounter, the man reportedly threatened the deputy with a gun, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies said the man was the subject of the 911 call, FOX 35's Manny Martinez reported.

Man dies in officer-involved shooting

MCSO reported the deputy fired at the man to "eliminate a threat," before immediately transitioning to render life-saving medical aid.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the location or number of gunshot wounds he sustained.

Zach Moore, a sheriff's office spokesperson said: "Especially in cases like this, where you have an incident of domestic dispute or whether it's violence, emotions are high and they're volatile at times. We're just grateful today that our deputy was able to take the action he needed to prevent harm from himself."

The sheriff's office has not clarified whether additional deputies were dispatched to the scene as backup or if the initial deputy handled the domestic call alone.

The deputy has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the use of force investigation.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been notified, the sheriff's office reported, and the state agency will be investigating the shooting.

FOX 35 has a crew heading to the scene to learn more.

This article will be updated when more information is made available.

College Park jogger attacker Tyler Feight accused of attacking corrections officer in jail

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:18:34 -0400

The man charged with assaulting a woman who was jogging in College Park last year has been charged with attacking a corrections officer while in jail.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Tyler Feight is accused of hitting a corrections officer in the back of the neck on July 1 after requesting to go outside for recreation, according to a new arrest affidavit.

The corrections officer was able to subdue Feight until other officers could arrive, according to the affidavit.

The officer told responding deputies that he thought Feight was having a "mental breakdown" and that he had never shown aggression prior to the incident, according to the affidavit.

Feight now faces a new charge of battery on a corrections officer.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

Feight is accused of attacking a woman in April 2025 while she was jogging in College Park.

He accepted a plea deal with state prosecutors and pleaded no contest to a battery charge. He was released on probation.

In December, he was arrested again for violating probation.

'Celestial Goodnight': Universal's Epic Universe gets new nighttime show

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:14:14 -0400

Epic Universe, Universal Orlando's newest theme park, has debuted a new nighttime spectacular.

"Universal Celestial Goodnight," which premiered to visitors on Tuesday, takes place nightly in the Celestial Park section of the park.

What is Celestial Goodnight about?

Celestial Goodnight features fountains, lights, music and fireworks.

The nightly show consists of seven million LEDs, more than 350 "dancing" fountains and 600 synchronized light fixtures that are all accompanied by a musical score.

The show draws inspiration from the park's themed lands, including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.

What time will the show start?

Celestial Goodnight ends with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

The show will take place at park close. Universal has not yet released showtimes, but Epic Universe is currently scheduled to close at 9 p.m. through the end of August.

Is Celestial Goodnight included with a park ticket?

Yes.

Celestial Goodnight is included with admission to Epic Universe.

Other Universal nighttime shows

Universal currently has a nighttime show running at Universal Studios Florida for the summer.

"CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular" takes place at 9 p.m. nightly through Aug. 23.

Cyclosporiasis in Florida: List of foods linked to some outbreaks

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:39:45 -0400

A Cyclosporiasis outbreak across the U.S. continues, and Florida is among more than a dozen states that have reported cases of the parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea.

Health officials in Michigan released new information this week about an outbreak in its state, including a list of fruits and vegetables that have been connected to previous outbreaks of the same illness, with the goal of helping to prevent more cases.

Cyclosporiasis cases in Florida

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Florida is one of 17 states where Cyclosporiasis cases have been reported.

The CDC said it has received reports of 145 cases between May 1 and June 16, 2026. Twenty people have been hospitalized. Zero deaths have been reported.

According to the Florida Department of Health's reportable disease website, there have been 36 cases reported in Florida between May 1, 2026, and June 27, 2026 – 35 confirmed, 1 suspected.

Alachua: 1
Brevard: 1
Broward: 5
Collier: 1
Columbia: 1
Escambia: 1
Flagler: 1
Gadsgen: 1
Highlands: 1
Hillsborough: 2
Lee: 6
Miami-Dade: 3
Orange: 3
Osceola: 3
Palm Beach: 1
Pasco: 1
Polk: 2
St. Johns: 2
Sumter: 1
Volusia: 1

The CDC said it monitors cases of Cyclosporiasis throughout the year. Cases typically spike in the spring and summer months, between May 1 and August 31.

List of fruits, vegetables

To date, health officials have not linked the most recent outbreak to a specific grower or supplies, or a specific type of produce as a potential source of the outbreak.

This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of fruits and produce connected to previous outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis.

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
Fresh basil
Raspberries
Snow peas
Green onions (scallions)

If you are preparing or eating any of the following raw foods, take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:

Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.
Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).
Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.
Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.

It is not known to spread from person-to-person.

Cyclosporiasis symptoms

Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:

Frequent watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite and weight
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Nausea (vomiting is less common)
Low-grade fever

Anyone infected who does not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.

Cyclosporiasis treatment

If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.

Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.

New name for Daytona Beach Shores? Commissioners to consider proposal

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:56:51 -0400

Could Daytona Beach Shores get a new name? City commissioners are expected to consider a proposal that would rename the city "The Shores."

The proposed ordinance is scheduled to be discussed Tuesday evening at the city commission meeting.

"Daytona Beach Shores has long been recognized for its high quality of life and strong sense of community," according to a memorandum included in the meeting agenda. "Over the years, the city has received increasing inquiries and comments from residents and local business owners regarding the possibility of renaming the city to better reflect the identity by which it is commonly known--"The Shores."

If approved on a second reading, the ordinance would be put on the ballot this November for voters to decide. It would have to secure approval from a majority of voters.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Early support for the name change

The city has already solicited feedback from the community about a possible name change. Officials said so far results have shown support for the proposal.

Earlier this year, the city launched a community survey that received 545 responses.

"Survey results indicated that 65.7% of respondents supported the proposed name change, while 34.3% opposed it," according to a memorandum included in the meeting agenda.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

How much would a name change cost?

A name change would cost between $244,000 and $277,000, according to estimates from the city.

That would include updates to city signage, decorative pole banners, Public Works operations, uniforms, and vehicle lettering.