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. 61-80.
61. Seminole County Sheriff's Office: Longwood man under investigation for alleged child porn draws gun on SCSO detective despite warning not to; subsequently shot & killed
Photos for Headline Surfer / Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is shown on the scene of a SCSO detective-involved fatal shooting in unincorporated Longwood, involving a retired county firefighter, Gary Wayne Guckenberger, 68, who drew a gun from his waistband. Guckenberger is shown in the insert from a 2013 Facebook retirement post.
LONGWOOD, Fla. -- Seminole County Sheriff’s Office detectives are actively investigating an officer-involved fatal shooting on Sept. 18, 2025, that occurred in the area of Hatfield Court and East Wekiva Trail, in unincorporated Longwood, Florida, involving a retired county firefighter, identified as 68-year-old Gary Wayne Guckenberger.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred on Sept. 18 as described by the SCSO, leading to an FDLE investigation: The SCSO Crimes Against Children Unit executed a residential search warrant at 102 Hatfield Court in response to a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertip. Upon arrival, Detectives made contact with the suspect, Gary Wayne Guckenberger, 68 (DOB 3/13/57).
During the search, detectives noted Guckenberger was armed with a firearm, and additional firearms were located throughout the residence. Several electronic devices were seized during the investigation, and upon forensic examination, hundreds of images of child pornography were discovered. As a result, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Guckenberger.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., SCSO Detectives were conducting surveillance on Guckenberger, a retired Seminole County firefighter, walked out of his house with his walker, armed with a fully loaded weapon in his waistband.
A SCSO warned Guckenberger not to draw his firearm, but he ignored the command and raised the gun. The detective discharged his weapon, striking Guckenberger. He immediately initiated life-saving measures until the arrival of the Seminole County Fire Department; however, Guckenberger succumbed to his injuries
The deputy said, "Don't do it." Guckenberger responded, saying, "I have to." That is when a deputy shot twice at Guckenberger, who was then pronounced dead at the scene.
Lemma said the investigation started a week before the deadly encounter after the SCSO received a tip of alleged child porn possession.
A warrant was issued for Guckenberger's residence, where four cell phones and two computers were seized.
After obtaining devices, deputies found over 100 sexually explicit videos and 200 photos involving children from 3 to 9 years old.
Surveillance video from the scene confirms the circumstances leading up to Guckenberger being fatally shot by the deputy, Lemma said, adding: “We have a responsibility as a society and as a profession to protect our most vulnerable. Our children, who are the victims of these heinous crimes, are at the top of that list.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the officer-involved shooting. The detective involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Lemma said, adding that it is a standard procedure in such situations.
Sheriff: 'Most horrific examples of abuse and neglect that any human being could ever imagine'
Sheriff Dennis Lemma said the seized pornography from Gary Wayne Guckenberger's Longwood residence "included bondage, sexual batteries, and the most horrific examples of abuse and neglect that any human being could ever imagine."
Lemma added: "We know at least on one occasion where he communicated with another woman about engaging in sexual activity with her child. And at this point, we don’t believe that that has ever occurred."
Law enforcement received a tip about Guckenberger and searched his home, during which they found the material on his devices. The incident occurred later, while police were surveilling him. "As we were conducting surveillance, Guckenberger came out of his house," Lemma said stoically. "He was on a walker. He walked down to the middle of the driveway. ... He immediately reached to his waistband, pulling a .38 revolver out of his waistband and started raising it up." That's when one of the SCSO detectives fatally shot him.
Law enforcement received a tip about Guckenberger and searched his home, during which they found the material on his devices. The incident occurred later, while police were surveilling him. "As we were conducting surveillance, Guckenberger came out of his house," Lemma said stoically.
"(Guckenberger) was on a walker. He walked down to the middle of the driveway. ... He immediately reached to his waistband, pulling a .38 revolver out of his waistband and started raising it up." That's when one of the SCSO detectives fatally shot him.
Deceased: Nearly 29 years of public service as a firefighter & Fire/EMS Instructor when he retired in 2013
Gary Guckenberger, a firefighter and Fire/EMS Instructor known by his fellow firefighters as "Guck," retired from the Seminole County Fire Department on February 1, 2013, after nearly 29 years of public service, according to a Facebook post by the fire department at the time.
62. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry proud of his son's middle school success
Headline Surfer photo / LEFT: Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry is shown in this 2012 Christmas picture, taken in his first year as mayor with his wife, Dr. Stephanie Henry, and their then-newborn son, Derrick Henry Jr. BELOW LEFT: The Henrys in 2022.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- You've come a long way, kid!
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry is proud of his 12-year-old son, Derrick Henry Jr., the second oldest of three children.
"My guy closed out a successful 7th-grade campaign with the Principal’s straight A award," the mayor said, beaming with pride on the last day of the school year.
"He coupled that with being named All County Band (French Horn), most improved Cross Country, Rookie of the Year Basketball, Top 100 Reader, 2nd place in the State Piano Competition, and a much sought-after 12-year-old motivational speaker."
"My guy closed out a successful 7th-grade campaign with the Principal’s straight A award," the mayor said, beaming with pride on the last day of the school year. "He coupled that with being named All County Band (French Horn), most improved Cross Country, Rookie of the Year Basketball, Top 100 Reader, 2nd place in the State Piano Competition, and a much sought-after 12-year-old motivational speaker."
"My guy closed out a successful 7th-grade campaign with the Principal’s straight A award," the mayor said in a social media post, beaming with pride on the last day of the school year.
"He coupled that with being named All County Band (French Horn), most improved Cross Country, Rookie of the Year Basketball, Top 100 Reader, 2nd place in the State Piano Competition, and a much sought-after 12-year-old motivational speaker."
That's quite the list of school achievements for Derrick Jr., who finished seventh grade at Ormond Beach Middle School last week.
His dad, Derrick L. Henry, is an American politician who has served as the mayor of Daytona Beach since 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served on the Daytona Beach City Commission from 2009 to 2012. He is the second Black mayor of Daytona Beach.
He is married to Dr. Stephanie Henry, an international education consultant and creator of learning programs. Mayor Henry has two sons, Michael and Derrick Jr., and a beautiful daughter named Paisley.
63. Florida Highway Patrol: Nearly a dozen motor vehicles involved in 3 crashes on westbound I-4 early this morning between DeBary & Sanford
SANFORD, Fla. -- Nearly a dozen motor vehicles were involved in three separate crashes on I-4 in DeBary and near Sanford, resulting in a Manic Monday traffic mess on Sept. 29, 2025, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crashes occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Monday on the westbound side of I-4 near U.S. 17-92. All told, there were three separate crashes involving 11 vehicles, the FHP said:
The crashes occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Monday on the westbound side of I-4 near U.S. 17-92. All told, there were three separate crashes involving 11 vehicles, the FHP said:
Two cars were involved in the first crash, with one person transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries.
Seven cars were involved in the second crash, including a semi-truck, as drivers were reacting to the first incident.
The third crash involved two cars. There were no reported injuries requiring ambulance transport in the latter two crashes.
64. Orange County Sheriff's Office arrests Orlando man on multiple gun & drug charges
Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Jasper Welch, 48, of Orlando, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, on gun and drug charges. BELOW: Booking details are shown.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 48-year-old Orlando man has been arrested on a variety of gun and drug charges, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred: "This week, our deputies in Sector I responded to a call about a man walking around a residential area making verbal threats while holding a rifle. With our aviation unit overhead, we were able to locate the man identified as Jasper Welch, 48, who was unarmed at the time, in the 7900 block of Arabian Place."
The OCSO continued: "Welch told deputies that he was under the influence of the illegal narcotics found near him and mentioned that there were more drugs and guns inside his residence."
A narcotics search warrant on Aug. 20 was authorized, and here’s what the OCSO said was recovered from the residence of Jasper Welch:
- 7 Handguns
- 4 Rifles
- Trafficking Amount of Cocaine
- 44 Vials of THC
- Cannabis
- 100+ Rounds of Ammunition.
Welch was subsequently arrested and charged with 11 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, armed trafficking of cocaine, and possession of THC.
"We will not tolerate illegal firearms or drug sales in our neighborhoods, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. "Thank you to the vigilant community members who reported this dangerous behavior. We hear you, and we will continue to respond and investigate these crimes."
The OCSO press release added: "Outstanding work by our deputies in removing these guns and drugs off our streets!"
Jasper Welch had his first appearance in court in front of Circuit Judge Michael J. Snure on Aug. 20, and was ordered held on $12,500 bail in the Orange County Jail.
65. Seminole County Sheriff's Office: Two Arrested in Forest Lake Drive gunshot murder in unincorporated Altamonte Springs
Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: The Seminole County Sheriff's Office has charged Natalia Precious Voltaire, 24, and Tristin Tully Bennette, 18, with first-degree murder and two other felonies in the shooting death of 19-year-old Nicco Diamante Wong on June 9, 2025, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. LOWER LEFT: Homicide locale: 470 Forest Lake Drive in unincorporated Altamonte Springs. BELOW: First apperances in circuit court for Voltaire and Bennette who both face life in prison without parole if convicted of upgraded capital murder charges.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Seminole County Sheriff's Office homicide investigators have made arrests in the June shooting death of a young man in his residence on Forest Lake Drive.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred at 7:48 p.m. on June 9, 2025: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting at 470 Forest Lake Drive in unincorporated Altamonte Springs.
Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim, later identified as 19-year-old Nicco Diamante Wong, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
SCSO Major Crimes detectives launched an extensive investigation and determined the incident was not random, and the alleged killers were known to the victim. Based on witness statements and digital evidence, investigators identified two suspects: 18-year-old Tristin Tully Bennette and 24-year-old Natalia Precious Voltaire as the killers.
SCSO Major Crimes detectives launched an extensive investigation and determined the incident was not random, and the alleged killers were known to the victim. Based on witness statements and digital evidence, investigators identified two suspects: 18-year-old Tristin Tully Bennette and 24-year-old Natalia Precious Voltaire as the killers.
Detectives learned the suspects visited the victim’s residence under the pretense of helping to clean it. Once inside, they attempted to steal firearms.
During the confrontation, Voltaire allegedly shot the victim and stole a gun before fleeing the scene with Bennette in a white Chevrolet Camaro.
A Be on the Lookout (BOLO) was issued for the Camaro. At around 4:40 p.m. on June 10, the vehicle was spotted in the East Altamonte area near Northlake Boulevard. Altamonte Springs Police conducted a traffic stop, and all occupants were detained. Multiple firearms and other evidence were recovered leading to the arrests.
Updates on criminal cases against the two accused killers
Natalia Voltaire and Tristin Bennette (shown here at first appearances in court) remain held without bail at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford today, June 24, 2025. Both have been assigned a public defender.
They will be arraigned on July 8, 2025, before Circuit Judge Michael J. Rudisill at the Criminal Justice Center in Sanford. The main updated criminal charge against them is Capital Felony - 782.04(1)(A)(2)(D) - Homicide Murder while Engaged in Robbery. If convicted, Voltaire and Bennette face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
66. Elderly Deltona woman killed in single-vehicle crash on Christmas
Photos for Headline Surfer / Linda 'Gayle' Hebb, 75, was killed on Christmas, driving her Kia Sorrento when she struck a guardrail at East Graves Avenue and North Normandy Boulevard in Deltona.
DELTONA, Fla. -- A 75-year-old woman lost her life in a single-vehicle crash on Christmas Day in Deltona.
Deputies responded to the crash around 1:25 p.m. Thursday at East Graves Avenue and North Normandy Boulevard.
Witnesses reported a beige Kia Sorrento SUV was heading eastbound on Graves when it began swerving, side-swiped a guardrail, then travelled across the roadway into oncoming traffic and struck another guardrail head-on.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
A witness performed CPR until first responders arrived. The driver, identified as Linda Hebb, 75, of Deltona, was transported by Volusia County EMS to Halifax Hospital Deltona, where she was pronounced deceased.
Family members said she preferred to be addressed as Gayle Hebb.
The preliminary investigation indicates Hebb may have experienced a medical issue that caused or contributed to the crash.
67. Home intruder shot by victim’s family member in St. Cloud; then arrested by OCSO deputies
Photo for Headline Surfer / Osceola County Sheriff's Office mugshot of Mitchell Platt, 39 (DOB 7/15/1987), charged with two burglary-related felonies, after his arrest on Friday, July 4, 2025, in St Cloud. He was treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound in the leg and then transported to the Osceola County Correctional facility without bail, pending arraignment in court. He was shot by a relative of a woman after entering her house.
ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- Deputies responded the evening of July 4th to a house off Deer Run Road about a residential burglary where a prowler was shot.
A man on the scene told deputies that when he arrived at his mother’s house, he noticed a rear door was left open. Upon entering the home, he heard strange noises coming from the back bedroom, prompting the man to arm himself with a revolver.
The man shouted out to see who was in his mother’s home. After shouting, an adult male intruder emerged from a hallway and charged towards the man. The man shot a single shot from his Revolver, striking the intruder in the leg.
He then held the intruder at gunpoint until deputies arrived at the scene. The intruder was taken to the hospital and then released into law enforcement’s custody. He has been identified as Mitchell Platt, 39 years old. Burglary tools were found inside the residence near the area where the suspect was located.
The intruder was the only person harmed in the incident and was released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mitchell Platt was ultimately placed under arrest on felony charges of burglary and possession of burglary tools.
The intruder was the only person harmed in the incident and was released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mitchell Platt was ultimately placed under arrest on felony charges of burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Summary of the incident:
- Location: A home near Deer Run Road in St. Cloud, Osceola County.
- Date and Time: Evening of July 4th, around 8:30 p.m.
- Details: The homeowner's son arrived at his mother's house and found the back door open. He went inside, heard noises coming from a bedroom, and armed himself. When he called out to identify who was inside, a man, later identified as Mitchell Platt, charged towards him. The homeowner's son then fired a single shot from a revolver, striking Platt in the leg. He held Platt at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
- Injuries: Platt sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital before being released into law enforcement custody. The homeowner's son was not injured.
- Arrested: Mitchell Platt, 37, charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools.
- Additional Information: Burglary tools were found near where Platt was located inside the house. Platt has previous arrests for drug possession, theft, and prior burglaries.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.
68. Orlando Cops: Teen arrested on murder charges for allegedly gunning down a 26-year-old man in his vehicle over a drug deal gone bad
Photos for Headline Surfer / Damian B. Burden is apprehended and arrested on murder and gun charges by Orlando Police on March 25, 2025, in the shooting death of Jared A. Kinloch, 26, nine days earlier. Kinlock is shown in the upper right inset photo.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando cops have apprehended and charged a teenager with gunning down a 26-year-old man in his vehicle over a drug deal gone bad.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred as described by Orlando cops that led to the arrest of 17-year-old Damian B. Burden (DOB 11/03/2007): On March 16, 2025, at approximately 1:33 a.m., Orlando Police officers responded to 5200 North Orange Blossom Trail about a gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, police discovered a vehicle with two people inside - a woman in the passenger seat and a man behind the wheel who was suffering from a gunshot wound. Jared A. Kinloch, 26, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Upon arrival, police discovered a vehicle with two people inside - a woman in the passenger seat and a man behind the wheel who was suffering from a gunshot wound. Jared A. Kinloch, 26, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
During an interview with detectives, the female passenger stated that the incident occurred during a drug transaction.
On Tuesday, Damian Burden was apprehended by the Orlando Police Department's TAC and K-9 Units. Burden was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted robbery with a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Kinloch.
Burden was also charged with grand theft auto, armed trespass in a conveyance, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor, resisting without violence, and not having a valid driver's license.
Multimedia video
Orlando Police video / Perp Walk: 17-year-old Damian B. Burden is shown being escorted by two Orlando cops on March 25, 2025, to a police vehicle in handcuffs on charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and other felonies in the March 16 drug-related shooting death of Jared A. Kinloch, 26, in his vehicle along Orange Blossom Trail, in Orlando, Florida.
69. Port Orange Cops: Shoplifter from New Smyrna Beach arrested near year's end
Photos for Headline Surfer / Screenshot from police cam video shows Port Orange cop speaking with Clarence Collmar after asrresting him in shoplifting charges. A second screenshot shows some of the recovered shoplifted items on scene.
PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- On Dec. 30, 2025, the Port Orange Police Department received multiple reports from retail establishments, indicating an individual man, later identified as Clarence Collmar, 50, of New Smyrna Beach, had shoplifted items from their locations.
Officer Cody Braden, responding to the call that Tuesday afternoon, located Collmar attempting to ride away from the scene on his bicycle and gave him multiple orders to stop.
Officer Braden was able to catch up to him on foot and tackle him from his bike.
Collmar was then arrested and several stolen items were recovered from his pants and a backpack. He was booked into the Volusia Country Branch Jail in Daytona Beach on two counts of felony theft (due to prior convictions), resisting an officer without violence, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Collmar remains behind bars on a $4,500 bond.
Multimedia
Port Orange Police Department video / Tueday, Dec. 30, 2025 / Clarence Collmar, 50, of New Smyrna Beach, was apprehended by Port Orsange cop Cody Braden on multiple felony shoplifting charges with multiple items recovered. He remains jailed on $4,500 bond.
70. Daytona Beach-based NASCAR: Long-time Canadian motorsports executive Tony Spiteri has been named general manager of NASCAR Canada
Photos for Headline Surfer / Anthony J. Spiteri, NASCAR's new general manager of NASCAR Canada, is shown at left.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announces long-time Canadian motorsports executive Tony Spiteri has been named general manager of NASCAR Canada.
In this newly created role, Spiteri will be responsible for expanding all facets of NASCAR in Canada, including the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, the country's largest national motorsports series.
Spiteri, who will be based in Burlington, Ontario, has been involved in Canadian motorsports for more than three decades, most recently serving as president and chief commercial officer of Freshstone Brands.
As a senior vice president and shareholder at Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Spiteri brought the CPG brand to NASCAR, leading to the current partnership and the NASCAR Pinty’s Series entitlement. Earlier this year, NASCAR announced a five-year extension with Pinty’s (now part of Olymel LP), which became the entitlement partner of the series in 2016.
“NASCAR has a strongly dedicated fanbase in Canada, and Tony is the right person to take our efforts to the next level,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR vice president of international. “Tony’s experience and relationships in the industry will be invaluable in aligning our existing stakeholders and elevating the NASCAR Pinty’s Series – and the entire sport – to the next level in Canada.”
“NASCAR has a strongly dedicated fanbase in Canada, and Tony is the right person to take our efforts to the next level,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR vice president of international. “Tony’s experience and relationships in the industry will be invaluable in aligning our existing stakeholders and elevating the NASCAR Pinty’s Series – and the entire sport – to the next level in Canada.”
“NASCAR has a loyal foundation in Canada led by our Coast-to-Coast fans, teams, drivers, and tracks in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series,” Spiteri continued. “Working even more closely together, we can continue to grow our country’s largest racing series and continue to bring exciting side-by-side NASCAR racing to even more audiences. I’m honored to continue to build the NASCAR Canada team with our full focus on growing our the sport.”
The NASCAR Pinty’s Series races at some of the most iconic tracks and high-profile backdrops in Canada, including Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) during the track’s traditional Victoria Day weekend event, the streets of Toronto and the historic Grand Prix Trois Rivieres (GP3R).
The series made its long-anticipated dirt debut at Ohsweken Speedway earlier this year as well as a trip to Eastbound International Speedway as part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Come Home 2022 celebration, the series’ first race in the province.
All NASCAR Pinty’s Series races air on TSN and RDS in Canada and FloSports in the United States.
In addition to the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR sanctions races at six Canadian tracks in three provinces as part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series – Autodrome Chaudiere Valle Jonction (Quebec), Autodrome Granby (Quebec), Circuit ICAR (Mirabel, Quebec), Eastbound International Speedway (St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador), Edmonton International Raceway and RPM Speedway (Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec).
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YouTube embedding / NASCAR Pinty's Series video / Tony Spiteri is the new general manager of NASCAR Canada.
71. Maine homicide suspect apprehended & arrested outside South Daytona motel in August
Photos for Headline Surfer / James R. Clark, 49, was taken into custody on Friday. Aug. 15, 2025, at the Red Carpet Inn in South Daytona, Florida, on a homicide warrant out of Maine.
SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. -- Volusia Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a homicide suspect wanted out of Maine on Aug. 15.
Deputies located 49-year-old James R. Clark (DOB: 04/06/1976) at the Red Carpet Inn in South Daytona and took him into custody without incident at 7:03 p.m.
"Great collaboration and work from the Volusia County Crime Center, District 3 Crime Suppression Team, Volusia Bureau of Investigation, and the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force," the VSO added in a press release on the Maine homicide suspect arrest."
"Great collaboration and work from the Volusia County Crime Center, District 3 Crime Suppression Team, Volusia Bureau of Investigation, and the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force," the VSO added in a press release on the Maine homicide suspect arrest."
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VSO video / Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 / James R. Clark, 49, wanted in Maine on a homicide charge, was apprehended and arrested without incident at the Red Carpet Inn in South Daytona.
72. Daytona Beach man found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife in front of her parents
Photo for Headline Surfer / Shantell Adkins of Daytona Beach faces mandatory life in prison for his guilty verdict to first-degree murder for shooting his wife in the neck with a rifle.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A Volusia County jury in June found Shantell Adkins of Daytona Beach guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault for the 2023 killing of his wife, Shawntai Adkins, in front of her parents.
The guilty verdicts came after just 17 minutes of deliberation in the jury room, following a two-day trial.
Adkins, 37, had engaged in a heated argument with his wife on October 19, 2023. Shawntai reached out to her parents to help calm the situation, which then escalated, leading to Adkins fatally shooting his wife in the neck with a rifle as she attempted to leave their Fulton Street home.
On October 19, 2023, Adkins was arguing with his wife at their Daytona Beach home. When the argument intensified, the victim called her parents and asked them to come help de-escalate the situation.
After they arrived, the defendant took out a rifle and shot his wife in the neck as she was walking out of the home with her parents. The victim died from her injuries at the scene. Her father broke his leg while running away, but recovered from his injuries after medical treatment.
“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Adkins executed our victim in front of her parents and then threatened to do the same to them. Another domestic murder and another devastated family.”
“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “Adkins executed our victim in front of her parents and then threatened to do the same to them. Another domestic murder and another devastated family.”
The Daytona Beach Police Department investigated the case. Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak and Chief Assistant State Attorney John Reid successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Kathleen McNeilly presided over the case and was scheduled to sentence the defendant to mandatory life in prison for the first-degree murder conviction.
73. Missing 6-year-old Deltona boy with autism rescued from pond on Christmas night
A 6-year-old autistic boy is rescued from a pond near his Deltona home on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Deltona, Florida.
DELTONA, Fla. -- A 6-year-old boy who was rescued from a pond near his Deltona neighborhood last summer was rescued on Christmas night in another pond nearby.
The little boy was cold but unharmed when Air One led deputies to him in chest-deep water off Conyers Court around 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 25.
Identified only as "Coco," the VSO said the boy has autism, is nonverbal, and is known to be attracted to water. He started swimming lessons after the last incident in a pond back in August 2024.
"Deputies spoke with his family about enhancing precautionary measures for the house and ensuring Coco wears his AngelSense tracker at all times," the VSO said in a press release, adding, "Most importantly, we're just glad he's back home safe.
"Deputies spoke with his family about enhancing precautionary measures for the house and ensuring Coco wears his AngelSense tracker at all times," the VSO said in a press release, adding, "Most importantly, we're just glad he's back home safe.
Multimedia:
VSO video / Dec. 26, 2025 / 6-year-old Deltona boy with autism rescued from nearby pond on Christmas by Volusia County Sheriff's deputies.
74. Orlando Cops: Man finds elderly wife severely beaten in their home; ex-con arrested on attempted murder charge
Photos for Headline Surfer / Ronald Davis, then 56, was booked on attempted murder charges in the near-beating death of an elderly Orlando woman back in January of this year.
On Jan. 31, 2025, at approximately 1:46 PM, Orlando Police Officers responded to 2315 Caribbean Court regarding a home invasion.
The victim’s husband arrived home to find his wife severely battered inside their vehicle in the garage, pressing the horn for help. He immediately called 911. He reported that an unknown Black male had forcibly entered their home and brutally attacked his elderly wife. She was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was in critical condition.
Detectives identified the suspect as Ronald D. Davis, DOB 11/26/69. He was found sleeping inside a shed on a residential property a few miles from the victim’s residence. Davis had recently been released from prison in June 2024 after serving a 15-year concurrent sentence for Burglary of a Dwelling with Assault and Battery, as well as Robbery.
Davis has been charged with:
- Home Invasion Robbery With a Weapon;
- Aggravated Battery on Person Over 65 with Great Bodily Harm;
- Aggravated Battery With a Weapon.
Multimedia:
75. NSB Firefighters: No injuries reported in a small plane crash flip near New Smyrna Beach airport
Photo for Headline Surfer / A small airplane is shown flipped over after it crashed near the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport on Saturday, March 1 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. There were no injuries.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A small plane crashed and flipped over on the west side of New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department said in a social media post.
Nobody was injured in the March 1 crash at the west side of New Smyrna Beach Airport at Turnbull Bay Road a week ago Saturday. A student pilot and trainer were uninjured in the mishap.
Nobody was injured in the crash at the west side of New Smyrna Beach Airport at Turnbull Bay Road a week ago Saturday. A student pilot and trainer were uninjured in the mishap.
The plane apparently experienced "engine issues" and then crashed shortly after taking off from New Smyrna Beach Airport, municipal officials said, adding that the plane struck a fence and flipped over.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane, a Cessna 172, crashed shortly after the pilot reported "engine issues" after take-off from the airport. The plane is registered to Epic Flight Academy, a flight school at the airport, the FAA said.
76. National Weather Service forecast for East Central Florida: Sunny skies and warm temps on Christmas from Daytona Beach to Orlando
Photo for Headline Surfer / TOP: Screenshot from Flagler Avenue panoramic beach cam in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It's going to be a sunny and seasonably warm Christmas holiday through Sunday here in East Central Florida.
Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service in Melbourne for Daytona Beach, Sanford and Orlando:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. East northeast wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Patchy fog after 4 am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 57. East wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Patchy fog before 9 am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. East northeast wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening.
Christmas Day: Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
CHRISTMAS: Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 56. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph.
77. Sanford Cops continuing criminal investigation into Nov. 1 fatal shooting near 14th Street & Mangoustine Avenue
Photo for Headline Surfer / The young man shown above in a Sanford Police bulletin last year, La-Don Ja Quan Williams, 22 (DOB 08/09/2003), was shot to death on Nov. 1, in Sanford, Florida. His killer, who has yet to be identified, remains at large. Sanford Police have yet to release information on a possible motive in the homicide.
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford cops are continuing their investigation into a shooting earlier this month that left a 22-year-old man dead with gunshot wounds.
The shooting was reported around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, near 14th Street and Mangoustine Avenue.
La-Don Ja Quan Williams, 22, was found there with gunshot wounds and died a short time later at Seminole County Hospital in Sanford. A second person was hurt in the gunfire and transported to the hospital. The victim was well known to Sanford police, who have yet to release a possible motive for the criminal homicide.
La-Don Ja Quan Williams, 22, was found there with gunshot wounds and died a short time later at Seminole County Hospital in Sanford. A second person was hurt in the gunfire and transported to the hospital. The victim was well known to Sanford police, who have yet to release a possible motive for the criminal homicide.
A cash reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the resolution of the homicide investigation. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information pertaining to this crime, please contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit http://crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous, and tips to Crimeline that lead to solving homicides are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
78. DeLand Cops: Off-duty probation officer shoots his wife with service revolver, then turns gun on himself in murder-suicide
Headline Surfer photo Illustration / Padmini Waldron, 47, is shown above in an undated image. She was the victim of a murder-suicide with a firearm, apparently by her husband, Scott Waldron, 49, on Nov. 1, 2025, in their DeLand, Florida, residence.
DELAND, Fla. -- An Off-duty state probation officer shot his wife with his service revolver, then turned the gun on himself in a murder-suicide in the married couple's home in the overnight hours following Halloween, DeLand cops said.
After an extensive investigation into the deaths of Scott Waldron, 49, and Padmini Waldron, 47, the DeLand PD's Criminal Investigation Division concluded it was a murder-suicide.
DeLand cops said they went to the home at 9097 Cape Cod Road in reference to a report of a cardiac arrest by a relative and found the bodies in a bathroom. The Waldrons had been married for 12 years. Neighbors said the couple had lived in the area for less than a year and that they had limited interaction with them. Several residents recalled seeing the wife handing out Halloween candy in the neighborhood.
DeLand cops said they went to the home at 9097 Cape Cod Road in reference to a report of a cardiac arrest by a relative and found the bodies in a bathroom. The Waldrons had been married for 12 years. Neighbors said the couple had lived in the area for less than a year and that they had limited interaction with them. Several residents recalled seeing the wife handing out Halloween candy in the neighborhood.
The University of Central Florida lists Dr. Padmini Waldron as the director of the Office of Honors Research on the Burnett Honors College website. According to her bio, she earned master's and doctoral degrees in political science and French.
Police have not released any motive for the bloodshed, but said it remains an active investigation.
79. Orlando Magic looking great in training camp in preparation for promising upcoming season
Photo for Headline Surfer / Paolo Banchero is shown dribbling the ball during a recent Orlando Magic practice session in Orlando, Florida.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The upcoming season looks promising for the upstart Orlando Magic, led by superstars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Banchero knows the stakes are high, so he has been putting in the work.
“One part of my game I worked on his summer was definitely my three-point shot. Also, just my finishing – creative finishes, finishing around the basket, stuff like that," Banchero said. "So, excited to showcase that.”
The Magic have a great shot at making it to the NBA's Eastern Conference finals. And why not?
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YouTube download / Orlando Magic video / Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 / 2025-26 Training camp recap!
80. Seminole County Sheriff's Office with 'profound sadness' says goodbye to one of its own
Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: SCSO Detention Deputy Corey Williams is shown with his wife, Rahsaanda Jecinia Williams, and their daughter, Chasity Denise Williams, along with Sheriff Dennis Lemma. Deputy Williams, 47, passed away earlier this month. BELOW: Deputy Williams is shown with his wife, Rahsaanda.
SANFORD, Fla. -- It is with "profound sadness" that the Seminole County Sheriff's Office shares the passing of Detention Deputy Corey Williams, who has passed away peacefully at his home. He was 47 years old.
"Deputy Williams was a valued member of our agency who first served with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Deputy from April 1999 to December 2019," Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. "His dedication to service led him to return to our agency in September 2024."
"Deputy Williams was a valued member of our agency who first served with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Deputy from April 1999 to December 2019," Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. "His dedication to service led him to return to our agency in September 2024." His wife and his daughter survive Deputy Williams. He also leaves behind several family members who work for the SCSO.
"Deputy Williams was a valued member of our agency who first served with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Deputy from April 1999 to December 2019," Sheriff Dennis Lemma (shown here) said. "His dedication to service led him to return to our agency in September 2024." His wife and his daughter survive Deputy Williams. He also leaves behind several family members who work for the SCSO.
"Please keep the Williams family and our colleagues in the Department of Corrections in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time," Lemma said, adding, "Deputy Williams’ legacy of service and dedication will not be forgotten."
Obituary: Corey Dwayne Williams, age 47, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Born on August 13, 1977, in Sanford, Florida, Corey Dwayne Williams (affectionately known as “My Sunshine” by his wife and “Commercial Corey” by his extended family and friends) was the proud son of the late Mrs. Denise Williams and Mr. Willie Williams.
Corey’s formative years were spent in Midway, FL, where he was educated in the Seminole County Public School system. He graduated from Pine Ridge High School in 1996 with a desire to give back to his community. Corey dedicated his life to service as a 20-year employee of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. His steady presence, uplifting words of encouragement, and unwavering commitment to his community made him a mentor to his colleagues as well as some of the young men serving their sentence.
Outside of work, Corey found joy in pursuing his entrepreneurial goals in music and fitness, and his leadership and talents were displayed in both. Whether in the studio with Big Fish, in front of the camera with Princess Chasity recording the “Pretty Girl Rock” Anthem, or simply vibing with his favorite playlist, music was his escape, his expression, and a gift he loved to share. His infectious personality could light up a room and led his friends to nickname him “Commercial Corey.” His motivational leadership was embodied in his clothing line, #ChestOut, and his fitness company, #StayReadyFitness. Corey would often spend extra time with his clients, where he was determined to help them not only with their physical health, but more importantly, their mental well-being.
More than his profession or his passions, Corey will be remembered for the love he gave. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rahsaanda Jecinia Braxton-Williams, a proud and guiding father to his Princess Chasity Williams, a supportive brother to Shavon and Willie Jr, and a loyal son to his father, Mr. Willie Williams Sr. His presence was a steady hand, his laughter a comfort, and his love a shelter.
Corey lived with integrity, led with kindness, and loved his family without hesitation. Though his time was cut far too short, the impact he made will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his mother, Deborah Denise Williams, and his son, Baby Corey Williams Jr.
He is survived by his wife Rahsaanda Jecinia Williams, daughter Chasity Denise Williams, father, Willie Williams (Bobby Whitaker Williams), brother Willie “Smokey” Williams (Keitha Williams), sister Shavon Williams, like a second mother Aunt Cynt and Aunt Mae, special cousin Joe Phinazee, Tyrone Williams (Tweetie) and Sahaquira, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.
Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery handled the arrangements.
A Visitation for Corey was held Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL 32771. A Celebration of Life took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Calvary Temple of Praise, 2020 McCracken Road, Sanford, FL 32771.
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