By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- For better or for worse, these were the Top 100 stories in 2025 in Central Florida in The Year That Was. This segment: Nos. 31-40.
Nos. 41-50, 51-60, 61-80, and 81-100 are archived at the end of this segment.
31. Sanford cops make child pornography arrest: 99 child porn pics found on suspect's phone
Photo for Headline Surfer / Mugshot of Silverio Edinson Paez Lezama, 47, of Sanford, Florida, was arrested July 16, 2025, by Sanford Police on multiple counts of child pornography. Paez Lezama remained held without bail as of Thursday, July 22, 2025.
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford Police Investigators have arrested Silverio Edinson Paez Lezama on charges of possession of child pornography, including some enhanced charges.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred as described in an email alart by Sanford Police PIO Michael Hernandez to Headline Surfer: On Dec. 17, 2024, the Sanford Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Investigator received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline Report, regarding child pornography being uploaded to an online messenger service called "Media Lab / Kik Messenger."
During the police investigation, it was determined that the location of the upload was a residence at 8105 Stonebrook Drive in Sanford, which Paez Lezama occupied.
On June 6, Sanford Police Investigators and members of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Cybercrimes Task Force executed a search warrant at 8105 Stonebrook Drive. A subsequent forensic analysis of Paez Lezama’s cell phone found approximately 900 images related to child pornography. This investigation confirmed that the images were images of child pornography, which Paez Lezama obtained from the internet.
As a result of the investigation, Sanford Police Investigators issued a warrant for Paez Lezama’s arrest on the following charges:
• Obscene Material-Possess Control View Depiction Child Pornography (44 Counts);
• Obscene Material-Possess ten or more Child Porn Image F3 Offense.
The second offense listed signifies that at least 10 images of child pornography located on Paez Lezama’s phone were egregious enough to meet Florida State Statute requirements for prosecution at the state level.
On July 15, Paez Lezama was arrested by Sanford cops and booked on the charges listed above at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, where he remains behind bars.
32. Pierson brothers killed in car vs. train crash at a RR crossing attempting to drive around lowered crossing barriers while the warning lights were flashing
Oscar Cardenas, 32, the driver, and his 20-year-old kid brother, Jehu Cardenas, were killed on Sunday, July 2, 2025, at the Pierson RR crossing attempting to drive around lowered crossing barriers while the warning lights were flashing at the intersection shown at left.
PIERSON, Fla. -- Two brothers were killed when a train struck their vehicle at a railroad crossing at the intersection of West Washington Avenue and North Volusia Avenue (also known as County Road 3).
The deadly accident occurred around 9:14 p.m. on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) as they were attempting to drive around lowered crossing barriers while the warning lights were flashing. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were initially withheld by the Sheriff's Office until the next of kin was notified.
They have since been identified as Pierson residents Oscar Cardenas, 32, and his 20-year-old kid brother, Jehu Cardenas.
The brothers were traveling east on West Washington Avenue when they tried to bypass the crossing arms. A northbound train then collided with their vehicle, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.
The older brother, who was driving with his younger brother in the front passenger seat of a four-door Chevrolet, was eastbound on W. Washington Avenue from County Road 3. VSO investigators determined that the vehicle approached the railroad, drove around the railroad barrier, and over the arm bars. Both arm bars and the lights were active and working.
The older brother, who was driving with his younger brother in the front passenger seat of a four-door Chevrolet, was eastbound on W. Washington Avenue from County Road 3. VSO investigators determined that the vehicle approached the railroad, drove around the railroad barrier, and over the arm bars. Both arm bars and the lights were active and working.
As the vehicle attempted to cross the railroad tracks, a train heading north struck the vehicle. The driver and passenger were both pronounced deceased on the scene.
33. Man who gunned down his victim in cold blood by shooting him in the back was convicted of first-degree murder and given a life sentence without parole
Photos for Headline Surfer / Daytona Beach mugshot of Danitto Simpson and State Attorney RJ Larizza of the 7th Judicial Circuit encompassing Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
DELAND, Fla. – After a four-day trial, a Volusia County jury found defendant Danitto Simpson guilty as charged of first-degree murder with a firearm, and immediately following the verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Simpson was convicted of first-degree murder Thursday in the shooting death of Donnell Williams, 24, during a four-day trial at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand.
Multiple witnesses identified Simpson as the shooter, and the Daytona Beach Police Department investigated the homicide and later arrested him.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Simpson and the victim were arguing in the courtyard of an apartment complex when Simpson pulled out a gun and shot Williams in the stomach.
While Williams was running away, Simpson chased him down and shot him a second time in the back.
Williams later died at Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona Beach.
“This case marks the second life sentence this week for violent crimes committed in the 7th Circuit,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Ridding our communities of dangerous criminals is a mission we pursue every single day.”
“This case marks the second life sentence this week for violent crimes committed in the 7th Circuit,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Ridding our communities of dangerous criminals is a mission we pursue every single day.”
Assistant State Attorneys Mike Willard and Philip Dunlop successfully tried the case for the state. Circuit Judge Karen Foxman presided over the case and pronounced a sentence: Life behind bars without parole for Danitto Simpson.
34. Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce appoints former mayor Don Burnette as new President & CEO of the organization
PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- The Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the appointment of Don Burnette as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Aug. 25, 2025.
A lifelong resident of Volusia County, Burnette brings decades of leadership, community engagement, and business expertise to his new role. He is best known for his eight years as Mayor of Port Orange (2016-2024) and six years prior as a City Council Member, including two years as Vice Mayor.
In addition to his public service, Burnette is a seasoned mortgage professional with The Mortgage Firm, Inc., where he has specialized in residential loan origination since 2016.
Burnette was ecstatic with the chamber's executive leadership leadership appointment.
"At the end of the day, if we can make a positive impact on our community-if we have strong, safe neighborhoods where people feel connected— then I consider that success," Burnette said. "I am honored to lead the Chamber into its next chapter of growth and opportunity."
"At the end of the day, if we can make a positive impact on our community-if we have strong, safe neighborhoods where people feel connected— then I consider that success," Don Burnette said. "I am honored to lead the Chamber into its next chapter of growth and opportunity."
During his tenure, Burnette championed infrastructure improvements, advanced financial transparency, and spearheaded major civic projects, including the sprawling Port Orange Riverwalk development.
Burnette's leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including the Florida League of Cities' Home Rule Hero Award and the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City of Port Orange.
His commitment to regional collaboration, public safety, and community development has left a lasting impact on the city and surrounding communities.
In addition to his public service, Burnette is a seasoned mortgage professional with The Mortgage Firm, Inc., where he has specialized in residential loan origination since 2016.
Burnette's business acumen and customer-first approach have earned him respect among clients and colleagues alike.
Dan Morris, Board Chair of the Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce, expressed confidence in Burnette's leadership: "Don's track record of fiscal responsibility, collaborative leadership, and deep commitment to our community makes him the ideal person to guide the Chamber forward."
Morris added, "We are excited to see the positive impact he will bring to our members and the region as a whole."
Burnette's vision for the Chamber encompasses expanding business opportunities, fostering economic growth, and cultivating partnerships among local government, businesses, and the community.
35. Volusia deputies, Daytona Beach cops shoot & kill knife-wielding man who stabbed several people over the weekend in Derbyshire residence
Headline Surfer photo illustration / Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood held a news conference about the Saturday, July 5, 2025, law enforcement-involved fatal shooting of a knife-wielding suspect in Daytona Beach, Florida. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young joined Chitwood at the podium at the VSO in Daytona Beach.
BELOW: Google locator map of the crime scene at 1402 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Volusia sheriff’s deputies and city police searching for victims of a multiple stabbing Saturday night (July 5, 2025) in Daytona Beach were forced to fatally shoot the suspect after he burst through a door and charged at them with a knife, a spokesman for Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a press release.
Deputies responded to the area of 1402 Derbyshire Road around 9:30 p.m. for a report of a stabbing. Responding units found 2 people with multiple stab wounds and learned that the suspect was inside the residence. While making announcements for him to come out, deputies learned an additional person could be in the house.
Deputies and police formed a team to enter the house and rescue any additional victims. As the team moved through the house, the suspect suddenly charged out of a bedroom door, screaming with a large knife raised above his head.
The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Landon Watson, was shot multiple times by law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have yet to release his name. The stabbing victims (a 16-year-old male and a 39-year-old male) were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries. They were in stable condition.
The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Landon Watson, was shot multiple times by law enforcement and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have yet to release his name. The stabbing victims (a 16-year-old male and a 39-year-old male) were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries. They were in stable condition.
FDLE is handling the investigation of the incident, and the VSO deputies involved have been temporarily placed on administrative leave, as is standard following a fatal shooting.
VSO, Daytona Beach PD, Ormond Beach PD, and Holly Hill PD responded to the incident. No deputies or officers were injured.
The stabbing victims (a 16-year-old male and a 39-year-old male) were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries. They were in stable condition.
FDLE is handling the investigation of the incident, and the VSO deputies involved have been temporarily placed on administrative leave, as is standard following a fatal shooting.
36. 5-Year mystery ends with tail wag in DeLand: Volusia County Animal Services reunites lost Mississippi dog with family
Photo for Headline Surfer / Penny, a 6-year-old Chihuahua mix originally from Mississippi, was reunited with her owners, Christy Taylor and Josh Craig, on Oct. 29, 2025, after being discovered by a DeLand resident a week ago. The little dog had been missing for five years when she escaped from the back yard of her owner's residence.
DELAND, Fla. -- A simple act of kindness in DeLand blossomed into a story of hope, compassion, and second chances: With the help of Volusia County Animal Services, a lost Mississippi dog has been reunited with her family five years after she vanished from her backyard.
DeLand residents Briana Rideout and Daniel Lenoci spotted a small dog wandering in and out of the road near their driveway last week.
Concerned for her safety, they welcomed her into their home, providing her with food, water, and a safe place to rest. Hoping to find her owner, they went door-to-door, hung flyers throughout the neighborhood, and shared posts on social media — but no one came forward.
After several days with no leads, they reached out to Volusia County Animal Services for guidance on their next steps. On Monday, the couple brought the friendly stray to the division's new intake shelter clinic on East International Speedway Boulevard in DeLand, where staff immediately began determining where she belonged.
A quick scan of the dog's microchip revealed something extraordinary — she was registered to an address in Mississippi. When staff dialed the number associated with the chip, a woman named Christy Taylor answered. As soon as Taylor heard the description, she couldn't believe it sounded just like her little dog, Penny, who had gone missing over five years ago. When staff mentioned the name "Penny," her ears perked up, and her tail began to wag. That unmistakable reaction confirmed what everyone on the phone was hoping for — Penny was finally found.
A quick scan of the dog's microchip revealed something extraordinary — she was registered to an address in Mississippi. When staff dialed the number associated with the chip, a woman named Christy Taylor answered. As soon as Taylor heard the description, she couldn't believe it sounded just like her little dog, Penny, who had gone missing over five years ago. When staff mentioned the name "Penny," her ears perked up, and her tail began to wag. That unmistakable reaction confirmed what everyone on the phone was hoping for — Penny was finally found.
Taylor booked a flight to Florida right away, and earlier this afternoon, she and Penny were joyfully reunited, sharing tail wags, happy tears, and long-overdue hugs.
Taylor adopted Penny as a puppy and had her for just over a year before the young dog suddenly vanished from her backyard.
Now, the two are on their nine-hour journey home to Mississippi, where Penny will meet her new brothers and sisters — and settle back into the family she never stopped being part of.
“Every reunion like this reinforces why microchipping is so important,” said Angela Miedema, Volusia County's animal services director. “We see time and again how this simple tool can turn heartbreak into joy — and that’s why we encourage every owner to make sure their pet is chipped and registered.”
37. Surf instructor bitten on foot by shark in Atlantic waters off New Smyrna Beach
Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: The beach was still packed just before 5 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, New Beach, Florida, as shown in this screenshot from a beach cam off of the Flagler Avenue approach looking south. Few people, if any, were aware that five hours earlier, a surf instructor was bitten on the foot by a shark. BELOW: Tammy Malphurs, director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A shark in New Smyrna Beach attacked an 18-year-old surf instructor on Friday, biting him in the foot.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Tammy Malphurs, director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer in an email alert.
"At approximately 12 p.m. today, an 18-year-old male from New Smyrna Beach sustained a shark bite on his foot while surfing in New Smyrna Beach at 1101 N the Beach," Malphurs said. "The individual was transported for medical treatment with non-life-threatening injuries." This is the fourth shark bite in New Smyrna Beach in 2025 and the second this month, Marris added.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Tamra Marris, director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer in an email alert.
"At approximately 12 p.m. today, an 18-year-old male from New Smyrna Beach sustained a shark bite on his foot while surfing in New Smyrna Beach at 1101 N the Beach," Marris said. "The individual was transported for medical treatment with non-life-threatening injuries." This is the fourth shark bite in New Smyrna Beach in 2025 and the second this month, Marris added.
On July 6, a 40-year-old Winter Park man was transported to Halifax Health after being bitten by a shark while surfing in New Smyrna Beach. The man was bitten on his right forearm as he swam in the ocean just south of the jetty.
Named the 'Shark Bite Capital of the World,' there have been more than 300 shark bite attacks in New Smyrna Beach and area beaches in Volusia County since the 1880s, though none were fatal.
38. Volusia County Beach Safety: Drowning victim in Daytona Beach identified as Douglas Lewis, 51, of Westfield, Indiana
Photo for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Drowning victim Douglas Lewis of Westfield, Indiana, is shown here, along with a screenshot of the Daytona Beach shoreline.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A 51-year-old Indiana tourist who drowned eight days ago (Set. 27, 2025) was caught in a rip current in the Atlantic waters off Daytona Beach, and has been identified as Douglas Jay Lewis of Westfield, Ind., beach safety officials said.
"We received a 911 call for a male struggling in the water," Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tammy Malphurs said in response to a public records request on the identity of the drowning victim and a brief synopsis of the circumstances that led to his death.
"Beach Safety Lifeguards rescued the male from the water and began lifesaving efforts," Malphurs said in an e-mail response to Headline Surfer. "He was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital."
The man drowned a week ago Saturday after swimming while hazardous rip current conditions were present, Malphurs said. Thirteen people were rescued from the rough waters that weekend, she said, adding the drowning came as Tropical Storm Imelda continued to bring dangerous impacts to Florida's Atlantic coast, including multiple rounds of high waves, heavy rainfall, and strong wind gusts. Imelda fueled dangerous surf and rip currents.
The drowning incident took place just after 5 p.m. that Saturday in an unguarded area of the beach near 1515 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach, which is why beachgoers are always encouraged to swim near manned lifeguard towers.
The drowning incident took place just after 5 p.m. that Saturday in an unguarded area of the beach near 1515 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach, which is why beachgoers are always encouraged to swim near manned lifeguard towers.
Rescue officials responded to the incident, but despite lifesaving efforts, the Indiana man did not survive. At the time of the incident, red flags were flying due to hazardous rip current conditions.
Red flags flew throughout the week as forecasts called for very strong, dangerous rip currents along the Florida coastline due to the remnants of Imelda offshore. The red flags continue to fly on this Sunday morning.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of swimming near lifeguards, especially during hazardous conditions," Malphurs said. "Rip currents are powerful and can develop quickly, putting even strong swimmers at risk."
39. Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Jason James to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Headline Surfer photo illustration / Jason James, president and CEO of Mechanical One, is an appointee to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Jason James to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
This appointment was effective on Friday, July 18, 2025.
James is the president and CEO of Mechanical One, a company that provides expert HVAC, plumbing, gas, and electrical services throughout the entire state of Florida. Schedule an appointment today. Previously, he served as a business developer for One Stop Services and an Insurance Agent for Florida Insurance Specialists. He earned his associate's degree from Valencia College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.
Jason James is the president and CEO of Mechanical One, a company that provides expert HVAC, plumbing, gas, and electrical services to the entire state of Florida. Previously, he served as a business developer for One Stop Services and an insurance agent for Florida Insurance Specialists. He earned his associate's degree from Valencia College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is the governmental entity responsible for managing and operating both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) in Orlando.
A seven-member board governs it and is responsible for various aspects of airport operations, including passenger experience, safety, and airport development.
Key aspects of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority include governance. The GOAA board consists of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Commission Chairman Jerry Demings, and five members appointed by the Florida Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
40. Sanford brush fire near Lake Jessup Conservation Area sends thick black smoke into the sky
Photo for Headline Surfer / Courtesy Seminole County Fire Department.
SANFORD, Fla. -- A small brush fire, possibly from a lightning strike, on Friday afternoon (July 11, 2025) near the Lake Jesup Conservation Area, sent smoke and ash into the air.
The Seminole County Fire Department issued an advisory: You may see some ash near Sanford as there is a working brush fire. 3890 Skyway Drive – heading toward Lake Jesup, and no lives are in danger or residential structures at risk.
Multimedia:
Seminole County Fire Department video / Aerial attack with water helicopter near Lake Jessup.
Previous Coverage:
THE YEAR THAT WAS: Top 100 Stories of 2025 in Central Florida: No.'s 41-50
Published: Tue, 01/27/2026 - 18:53
THE YEAR THAT WAS: Top 100 Stories of 2025 in Central Flortida: No.'s 51-60
Published: Fri, 01/23/2026 - 17:05
THE YEAR THAT WAS: Top 100 Stories of 2025 in Central Florida: No's 61-80
Published: Mon, 01/12/2026 - 02:30
THE YEAR THAT WAS: Top 100 Stories of 2025 in Central Florida: No's 81-100
Published: Mon, 01/05/2026 - 16:52
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