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. 41-50.
Nos. 51-60, 61-80, and 81-100 are archived at the end of this segment.
41. Central Florida Sheriffs Mike Chitwood & Wayne Ivey make Today's (Saturday, June 14) No Kings protests all about themselves with violent verbal rhetoric
LEFT: Headline Surfer Photo Illustration / Verbal Violent rhetoric of two politicians with a badge: Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Despite the poison rhetoric, the demonstrations throughout Central Florida were peaceful.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Yet again, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood used TV news cameras and social media to promote himself with antagonistic rhetoric ahead of today's "No Kings" protest rallies.
"Agitators are not welcome," Chitwood tweeted in bold letters. "Any agitators looking to spark violence, cause destruction, commit vandalism or block traffic will be dealt with swiftly and severely."
The Volusia Sheriff then appeared on WESH Ch. 2 News, repeating the same verbal verbiage.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey was even more incendiary, and even threatened that his sworn personnel would "kill you, graveyard dead" if they became violent toward deputies.
Ivey vowed Thursday in a press conference: "If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital and jail, and most likely get bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs that we have here."
The Brevard sheriff added: "If you throw a brick, a fire bomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We're not going to play."
Ivey's blistering comments are part of a pro-Trump anti-immigration campaign that sparked protests in Los Angeles that led the president to order the deployment of National Guard troops and US Marines to counter anti-ICE protestors demonstrating against the recent wave of anti-immigration raids.
Chitwood's verbal bravado is no surprise to law enforcement insiders, who say his thirst for the media spotlight is nothing new and serves no real purpose other than self-promotion, while Ivey's comments are clearly over the top.
Jim Gillum, a retired Pinellas County sheriff who now lives in DeLand, said Chitwood and Ivey have gone out of their way to make news for themselves. What they said is nothing more than drawing attention to themselves," Gillum said, adding that Chitwood has done this publicity-seeking attention for years in front of the TV news cameras. "All of this just encourages people to act out - almost like a challenge - a dare."
Jim Gillum, a retired Pinellas County sheriff who now lives in DeLand, said Chitwood and Ivey have gone out of their way to make news for themselves. What they said is nothing more than drawing attention to themselves," Gillum said, adding that Chitwood has done this publicity-seeking attention for years in front of the TV news cameras. "All of this just encourages people to act out - almost like a challenge - a dare."
Most Central Florida law enforcement agencies issued written statements today encouraging protesters to exercise their Constitutional rights to free speech and public assembly, but to do so lawfully.
Multimedia Video: Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey warns violent protestors: 'If you throw a brick... we will kill you'
Headline Surfer YouTube download / CBS News video / June 13, 2025 / The sheriff in Brevard County, Florida, had an ominous warning about potentially violent protests.
42. MULTIMEDIA REPORTING: New Smyrna Beach Cops: Arrest made after 3-month investigation in fatal pedestrian-involved crash on the North Causeway
LEFT: Mark J. Ruth, 43, was arrested Thursday, May 29, 2025, by New Smyrna Beach Police, on vehicular homicide charges, stemming from a fatal hit-and-run crash on Jan. 25, 2025, on the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida that resulted in the death of one pedestrian and the near-death of another. Ruth was released from the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach on Friday after posting bail for $132,500.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- The motorist believed to be responsible for a hit-and-run crash on the North Causeway back in January that resulted in the death of a woman and a man critically injured while they were walking on a sidewalk has finally been arrested on vehicular homicide charges, police said.
LOWER LEFT: Details on the police investigation that led to criminal charges against Ruth. His booking mugshot is shown below. Here is a synopsis of what happened on Jan. 25: Officers from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two pedestrians near 4 North Causeway.
An adult female pedestrian, identified as Joy Zerivitz, 63, of Altamonte Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult male, identified as Donald Zerivitz, 63, and the fatality victim's husband, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle, driven by Mark J. Ruth, 43, of New Smyrna Beach, was traveling westbound on North Causeway when it veered off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, striking both pedestrians westbound along the sidewalk.
Following a comprehensive investigation by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department's Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit, and with support from the State Attorney, Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit, and the Daytona Beach Police Department, NSBPD investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Ruth on Thursday. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail. He posted $135,000 bail on Friday.
Left: Donald Zerivitz and his wife, Joy Zerivitz of Altamonte Springs, Florida, were victims of the Jan. 25, 2025, North Causeway hit-and-run crash allegedly perpetrated by Mark J. Ruth, of New Smyrna Beach. Joy Zerivitz was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 63. Her husband, Donald Zerivitz, 64, was critically injured and has since undergone multiple facial surgeries and other medical procedures. What was supposed to be a day of joy for the Altamonte Springs couple visiting New Smyrna Beach for its IMAGES: Festival of the Arts, held for three days in January and attracting 50,000 tourists, turned into sheer horror for the Zerivitzes.
Christopher Kirk, New Smyrna Beach's top cop, readily acknowledged the slow pace of the criminal investigation lasting three long months, but wanted to ensure justice with an arrest for the victims and their loved ones.
It's nice to be able to finally bring closure," Kirk told WESH Ch. 2 Orlando. "It is painful for us that it takes so long, but in order to get a good case done right, we want to make sure that we cross all of our T's and dot all of our I's. "
Christopher Kirk, New Smyrna Beach's top cop, readily acknowledged the slow pace of the criminal investigation, but wanted to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones.
It's nice to be able to finally bring closure," Kirk told WESH Ch. 2 Orlando that it was nice to finally bring some closure to the victims' families. "It is painful for us that it takes so long, but in order to get a good case done right, we want to make sure that we cross all of our T's and dot all of our I's. "
Mark J. Ruth Ruth (shown here at left in mugshot) has been charged with the following:
• Vehicular Homicide
• Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
Ruth was released from jail on Friday after posting $135,000 bail after his first court appearance in Daytona Beach.
Prominent Daytona Beach defense attorney Aaron Delgado is representing him. If convicted at trial of the multiple felony counts against him, Ruth faces up to 35 years in prison.
Vehicular homicide can be a second-degree felony, potentially resulting in up to 15 years in prison, while leaving the scene of a fatal crash can elevate the charge to a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of 30 years. Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Possession of a controlled substance can also lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment. The specific sentences will be determined by the judge, considering the aggravating and mitigating factors of the case.
OBITUARY: Joy Benjamin Zerivitz (July 31, 1963 - January 25, 2025)
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Joy Benjamin Zerivitz, who tragically left us on January 25, 2025, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She was 61 years old.
A longtime resident of Central Florida, Joy lived in Altamonte Springs, Florida, with her loving husband, Don, her sons, Ben (Olivia) of Winter Park, Florida, and Teddy (Kayla) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and their beloved family cat, Scout.
Born in Orlando, Florida, Joy was the cherished daughter of George z”l and Winifred (Winnie) z”l Benjamin, and the devoted sister of Linda Benjamin Richards z”l (JL).
Joy graduated from Edgewater High School in 1981 and the University of Florida in 1985. She mentored college students through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. She was a proud multi-generational member of the Congregation of Reform Judaism in Orlando and a deeply valued friend to many.
Joy beautifully wrote in her mother’s obituary: “She will be remembered for her sweetness, kindness, and concern for others. Her passions included caring for others—pets, family, and friends. She always put others before herself. All the ‘others’ will miss her deeply.”
The exact words now ring true for Joy, whose boundless love, warmth, and selflessness touched countless lives. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Temple Israel Pavilion, Gotha, Florida.
In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joy’s memory to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (Joe R. Lee Branch) and the Congregation of Reform Judaism Foundation Camp for Kids in Orlando.
43. Orlando Magic get Desmond Bane in trade with Memphis Grizzlies; give up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a boatload of draft picks
Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Courtesy of the Orlando Magic / Desmond Bane, is a newly-acquired Orlando Magic player in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, June 15, 2025. LOWER LEFT: Desmond Bane is a sharpshooter the Magic coveted to complement Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Magic have acquired shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, a 2029 top-two protected first-round pick swap, and four unprotected first-round picks, including the 16th overall selection this year.
The trade includes the Magic sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round draft picks, and a first-round pick swap to Memphis.
This move addresses the Magic's need for scoring and shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, as Bane is known for his offensive prowess according to NBA.com.
Here are the trade details: The Orlando Magic get Desmond Bane. The Memphis Grizzlies get Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks (16th pick in 2025; unprotected 2026, 2028, and 2030), and a 2029 first-round pick swap (top two protected).
The Magic were looking for a sharpshooter to complement Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner's scoring, and Bane was the player they targeted. However, the Magic traded two complementary players, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, who were deemed expendable. They also traded away four first-round draft picks, including the 16th overall selection in the upcoming NBA draft.
Bane delivered another productive season during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.4 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals across 32.0 minutes per game in 69 regular-season appearances for Memphis.
A career 41 percent shooter from beyond the arc, the 26-year-old Bane is under contract through the 2028-29 campaign and will provide the Magic with much-needed outside shooting after they finished last in three-point percentage last season.
Critics have already said the Magic gave up too much valuable draft capital to get Bane. Still, Magic president Jeff Weltman said on Monday that Bane was the ideal fit for Orlando moving forward.
"The guy is almost the player you would design if you could start from scratch," Weltman said. "We've spoken a lot about our need for shooting, but we've also talked about playmaking and adding skill. Desmond is such a unique player because he is one of the best shooters in the NBA, but he is also a gifted playmaker, and he generates shot creation for himself and others."
Critics have already said the Magic gave up too much valuable draft capital to get Bane. Still, Magic president Jeff Weltman said on Monday that Bane was the ideal fit for Orlando moving forward. "The guy is almost the player you would design if you could start from scratch," Weltman said. "We've spoken a lot about our need for shooting, but we've also talked about playmaking and adding skill. Desmond is such a unique player because he is one of the best shooters in the NBA, but he is also a gifted playmaker, and he generates shot creation for himself and others."
Critics have already said the Magic gave up too much valuable draft capital to get Bane. Still, Magic president Jeff Weltman said on Monday that Bane was the ideal fit for Orlando moving forward. "
The guy is almost the player you would design if you could start from scratch," Weltman said. "We've spoken a lot about our need for shooting, but we've also talked about playmaking and adding skill. Desmond is such a unique player because he is one of the best shooters in the NBA, but he is also a gifted playmaker, and he generates shot creation for himself and others."
With the 16th pick on its way to Memphis, the Magic still have the No. 25 selection (acquired in March 2021) and the 46th and 57th picks in the upcoming draft, respectively. The team has until June 25-26 to adjust its draft plan, considering losing two key backcourt players in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony.
Bane (6’6”, 215, 6/25/98) played in 69 games (68 starts) last season with Memphis, averaging 19.2 ppg., 6.1 rpg., 5.3 apg. and 1.16 stlpg. in 32.0 minpg., while shooting .484 (493-1,018) from the field, .392 (164-418) from three-point range, and .894 (177-198) from the free throw line.
He tied for seventh in the NBA in free throw percentage, 32nd in assists, 37th in scoring, and 40th in steals.
Bane scored in double figures 62 times, 20+ points 36 times, 30+ points six times, and 40+ points once, including a season-high 44 points on Mar. 17 @ Sacramento. He recorded 10 double-doubles and his first career triple-double on Mar. 3 vs. Atlanta with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, including a career-best 14-of-14 from the free throw line.
Bane led (or tied) the Grizzlies in scoring 15 times, rebounding 11 times, and assists 16 times. He also played and started in four playoff games, averaging 15.3 ppg., 6.8 RPG and 3.3 APG in 34.8 min pg.
Originally selected in the first round (30th overall) of the 2020 NBA Draft by Boston, Bane has appeared in 313 career NBA regular-season games (261 starts), all with Memphis, averaging 17.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.8 apg. and 1.00 stlpg in 29.6 minpg, while shooting .410 (812-1,979) from three-point range and .883 (678-768) from the free throw line.
Bane is Memphis’s all-time leader in free throw percentage, third in franchise history in three-pointers made, and fourth in three-point field goal percentage.
Multimedia Video
Headline Surfer YouTube download / Orlando Magic video / June 16, 2025 / Over 9 minutes of Desmond Bane Highlights!
44. Colorado man, 29, struck by lightning in New Smyrna on the beach in ankle-deep water has died
Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: First responders tend to a 29-year-old Colorado man struck by lightning near the 27th Avenue approach, in ankle-deep water on the beach just before 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Jake Rosencranz, shown in the inset above, died Saturday morning in the ICU at Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona Beach. He was reportedly here on his honeymoon.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- A 29-year-old Colorado man who was struck by lightning Friday near the 27th Avenue approach in ankle-deep water has died.
The victim, identified as Jake Rosencranz, died on Saturday morning in the ICU at Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona Beach. He was reportedly here on his honeymoon.
Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs said first responders performed CPR on the victim shortly before 12:30 p.m., before he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Malphurs confirmed 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz of Colorado was in ankle-deep water when he was struck, and he died Saturday morning in the hospital. A storm was miles away, but a lightning strike in the distance is a rare tragedy, but all too real. The man was here on his honeymoon, she said.
"Lifeguards immediately initiated CPR and performed life-saving measures," Malphurs told Headline Surfer. He was transported from the scene unresponsive and was in critical condition." Sadly, he died Saturday morning in the ICU at Halifax Health Hospital.
Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs said first responders performed CPR on the victim shortly before 12:30 p.m., before he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Malphurs confirmed 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz of Colorado was in ankle-deep water when he was struck, and he died Saturday morning in the hospital. A storm was miles away, but a lightning strike in the distance is a rare tragedy, but all too real. The man was here on his honeymoon, she said.
"Lifeguards immediately initiated CPR and performed life-saving measures," Malphurs told Headline Surfer. He was transported from the scene unresponsive and was in critical condition." Sadly, he died Saturday morning in the ICU at Halifax Health Hospital.
New Smyrna Beach city officials said two people on a golf course were indirectly struck by lightning on Friday afternoon. Neither was seriously injured.
The deadly lightning strike in New Smyrna Beach was caused by a storm several miles away. Specifically, it was reported that the storm was about four miles away. According to WIS News 10, this type of event, where lightning strikes far from the main storm, is sometimes referred to as a "blue sky lightning strike." The National Weather Service indicates that lightning can indeed travel up to 20 miles away
45. SPECIAL COVERAGE: The ninth anniversary of the Pulse Massacre in Orlando
LEFT: Pulse Massacre Photo Illustration / Henry Frederick / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- "Come out with your hands up, or you will die!"
Those were the orders called out by law enforcement - namely Orlando cops and Orange County deputies - to the gunman who massacred dozens of patrons inside the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016.
Today, June 12, 2025, marks the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which took place on June 12, 2016.
A lone gunman, Omar Mateen, a security guard working for G4S, opened fire at the Orlando, Florida nightclub, killing 49 people and injuring 53 more. Mateen took hostages after cops arrived and engaged in a gunfight with him. At approximately 5:14 a.m., police shot and killed Mateen, ending the shooting.
A total of 49 people were left dead, along with Mateen, and 53 others were injured. Mateen was reported to have fired at least 110 rounds during the entire event. The attack was the deadliest known incident of violence against LGBT people in U.S. history and the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in the United States until the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.
In videos, Pulse patrons could be seen running from the club as cops rushed inside to search for the shooter, as sounds of automatic gunfire could be heard in the background. Inside the nightclub, shattered glass littered the floor, and officers could be heard asking patrons if they were
The Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Offioce responded to the June 12 mass shooting, which was carried out by Omar Mateen and left 49 dead and dozens injured. It was the worst act of domestic terrorism since 9/11.
Mateen, 29, In speaking with crisis negotiation officials, called himself an “Islamic soldier.” He was killed after three-hour confrontation with law enforcement officials.
In other clips, officers could be heard talking about the bloodshed and the search for survivors.
"Who still has gloves so we can check this one's pulse, did anyone check this one?" a cop asked. A few seconds later, another officer replied: "I got no pulse."
Multimedia Video:
The Faces of the Victims
Headline Surfer YouTube download / ITV News video / Here are the names and faces of the 49 people killed in the Orlando LGBT nightclub shooting.
Details of the attack:
- Date: June 12, 2016.
- Location: Pulse, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
- Victims: 49 people were killed, and 53 others were injured.
- Perpetrator: Omar Mateen, who was killed by police.
- Significance: It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history at the time, and the deadliest act of violence against the LGBTQ+ community in U.S. history.
Remembering the victims:
- Annual ceremonies and vigils are held to honor the victims.
- Survivors and families of the victims have been visiting the nightclub this week before its demolition to build a permanent memorial.
- The City of Orlando purchased the site in 2023 and is moving forward with plans for a memorial, which is expected to be completed by 2027.
The 49 victims of the Pulse Massacre:
Edward Sotomayor Jr. | Stanley Almodovar III | Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo | Juan Ramon Guerrero | Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera | Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz | Luis S. Vielma | Kimberly Morris | Eddie Jamoldroy Justice | Darryl Roman Burt II | Deonka Drayton | Alejandro Barrios Martinez | Anthony Luis Laureanodisla | Jean Carlos Mendez Perez | Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez | Amanda Alvear | Martin Benitez Torres | Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon | Mercedez Marisol Flores | Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado | Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez | Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez | Oscar A Aracena-Montero | Enrique L. Rios, Jr. | Miguel Angel Honorato | Javier Jorge-Reyes | Joel Rayon Paniagua | Jason Benjamin Josaphat | Cory James Connell | Juan P. Rivera Velazquez | Luis Daniel Conde | Shane Evan Tomlinson | Juan Chevez-Martinez | Jerald Arthur Wright | Leroy Valentin Fernandez | Tevin Eugene Crosby | Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega | Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez | Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala | Brenda Lee Marquez McCool | Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan | Christopher Andrew Leinonen | Angel L. Candelario-Padro | Frank Hernandez | Paul Terrell Henry | Antonio Davon Brown | Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz | Akyra Monet Murray | Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez.
Tonight, the LGBT Liaisons from the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) and the Orlando Police Department joined the families and survivors of the Pulse Nightclub attack for "A Day of Remembrance" at First United Methodist Church in City of Orlando - Government.
We thank the first responders who risked their lives on June 12, 2016, while serving our community. We will never forget the 49 angels we gained and will not let hate win.
Multimedia Videos:
Pulse Conversation: Sheriff John Mina & Undersheriff Mark Canty
Headline Surfer YouTube download / At the time of the shooting at Pulse Orlando, John Mina, Orange County Sheriff was Chief of the Orlando Police Department. Undersheriff Mark Canty was the SWAT Team Commander. Mina and Canty sat down to discuss the Pulse shooting, how law enforcement and the community responded, and how to honor the victims.
Bomb Squad at Pulse
Bomb Squad Commander Lt. Chris Hall coordinated the explosive breach at Pulse nightclub. He later sent a robot into the club to search the suspect and make sure he wasn't wearing an explosive vest. Forty-nine people were killed and dozens were injured in the senseless shooting on June 12, 2016.
Two brothers in uniform made a pact
BROTHERS’ PACT: While responding to the Pulse nightclub shooting, two brothers in uniform made a pact in the event a bomb exploded inside the club.
46. Seminole County Fire Department: 9 dogs killed in a shed fire that spread to a kennel in Altamonte Springs
Photo for Headline Surfer / A fire that killed nine dogs in a kennel early Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, was sparked by an electrical problem.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Seminole County Fire Department reports that nine dogs inside a kennel attached to a shed were killed by a fire that broke out along Broadway Street early Sunday morning.
When crews arrived, they found two sheds on fire between two houses. SCFD says one of the sheds contained a kennel that housed the deceased dogs.
Just before 3 a.m., the fire department received multiple 9-1-1 calls about the fire. Upon their arrival, firefighters found two sheds between houses engulfed in flames, SCFD said. The nine dogs were found dead in a kennel that was attached to one of the sheds along Broadway Street.
Just before 3 a.m., the fire department received multiple 9-1-1 calls about the fire. Upon their arrival, firefighters found two sheds between houses engulfed in flames, SCFD said. The nine dogs were found dead in a kennel that was attached to one of the sheds along Broadway Street.
According to the SCFD, no firefighters or nearby residents were hurt. The state has since determined that the fire was accidental and electrical in nature.
47. Osceola County Sheriff's Office: Argument at a gas station in Kissimmee results in a machete attack after which the alleged assailant drove the victim to the hospital
Photo for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Osceola County mugshot image of Angel Joel Ramos-Arce, 35, of Kissimmee, who was arrested on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Kissimmee, Florida, on felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, to wit, a machete, and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail, remaining on $5,000 bail.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- An argument at a gas station resulted in a machete attack after which the alleged assailant drove the victim to the hospital, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office said.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred in an email media alert from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office: Shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday (June 9), an Osceola County deputy was on routine patrol near the Circle K, 4692 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.
While the deputy was stopped at an intersection, he was approached by a woman, Esmeralda Pagan, advising that her brother, Bryan Otero-Diaz, had been attacked with a machete. She also stated that the person who had battered her brother with the machete was now taking him to the hospital. The siblings were later identified in the arrest affidavit.
While the deputy was stopped at an intersection, he was approached by a woman, Esmeralda Pagan, advising that her brother, Bryan Otero-Diaz, had been attacked with a machete. She also stated that the person who had battered her brother with the machete was now taking him to the hospital. The siblings were later identified in the arrest affidavit.
Deputies responded to the hospital and learned that the incident had taken place at the intersection of Roble Drive and Roble Court in Kissimmee.
The victim had gotten into a verbal argument with the suspect, Angel Ramos-Arce, 31, because the victim was upset that the suspect had been repeatedly harassing his sister at her workplace, deputies said they were told.
The verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation, and during the fight, Ramos-Acre retreated to his vehicle, grabbed a gardening tool, and struck the victim with it, according to the arrest affidavit.
Ramos-Acre then returned to his vehicle, retrieved a machete, and chased the victim before ultimately striking him with it. He then drove the injured man to the hospital. A second victim also suffered a broken nose after being struck in the face by the suspect, the OCSO said.
Deputies said they went to the hospital and learned that the incident began over a verbal argument at the Circle K between Angel Ramos-Arce and the victim.
Inside his truck, deputies found blood believed to be from the victim. Inside the bed of Angel’s truck, they found the machete that was allegedly used in the incident.
Angel Ramos-Arce was arrested on a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and booked in the Osceola County Jail.
48. 'NEVER FORGET!' Orange County Sheriff's Office remembers one of its own killed 29 years ago today when he was intentionally struck by a stolen pick-up truck after deploying stop sticks
Photo for Headline Surfer / Orange County Sheriff's Deputy John Joseph Creegan, 38, was killed in the line of duty on May 29, 1996.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- "Never Forget!" That's the motto of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, in remembering how one of its own was killed in the line of duty 29 years ago today.
On May 29, 1996, Deputy John Creegan was on patrol when he heard about a stolen vehicle heading into his area. After positioning himself and his vehicle to help, Deputy Creegan suffered deadly injuries when the driver of the stolen pick-up truck intentionally crossed several lanes of traffic and struck him while he was deploying stop sticks.
"We will always remember Deputy Creegan and his dedication to serving Orange County," the Sheriff's Office said in a social media post commemorating the 29th anniversary of his horrific death.
Deputy John Creegan was struck and killed by a vehicle being pursued by other officers. Deputy Creegan had just deployed stop sticks in order to stop a stolen truck, driven by an 18-year-old. The pick-up truck driver went off the road, veered around two patrol cars, and then intentionally struck Deputy Creegan, according to deputies on the scene.
Creegan, 37, was standing by his patrol car near Lee Road at 12:45 a.m. on that fateful day when he was hit as the driver of the truck tried to skirt the roadblock.
The driver sped away from the roadblock at 90 mph with deputies in pursuit.
“He was giving them the finger, shooting the bird at the deputies,” Sheriff’s Cmdr. Steve Jones said.
Permission was given to use deadly force, and Deputy Scott Wetherhold pulled close to the pickup and fired a dozen shots from his 9 mm handgun. The fleeing motorist was hit in the left arm and right shoulder. One bullet struck his spinal cord. He lost control of the truck and overturned near Lake Mary Boulevard.
The suspect, identified as Jason A. Tucker, 18, of Norfolk, Va., was in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center and paralyzed below the neck.
Beary told the Orlando Sentinel that the deputies did what they were supposed to. “This guy had plenty of chances to give up and chose not to do so."
Jones said deputies first tried to stop the truck for traffic violations on South Orange Blossom Trail near Kaley Street.
The truck did not stop, and deputies stopped their pursuit because Sheriff’s Office policy doesn’t allow chases over minor traffic offenses. However, a computer check revealed Tucker’s father had reported the truck stolen in Norfolk.
When the truck reappeared on Orange Blossom Trail at Holden Avenue, deputies gave chase. Deputies can pursue felony suspects when traffic conditions permit, Undersheriff Rick Staly said.
The truck traveled north on Orange Blossom Trail and turned onto I-4. Near the Lee Road interchange, deputies blocked most of I-4 but left a gap and scattered “stop sticks” on the pavement.
Stop sticks are designed to send hollow spikes into the tires of a vehicle that drives over them, causing a blowout and forcing a fleeing driver to stop.
When the suspect's vehicle approached, Creegan was rearranging the stop sticks on the road. The deputy retreated to his car, parked next to the open lane. His blue emergency lights were on.
Some witnesses said it appeared the suspect meant to hit Creegan, Jones told the Sentinel.
The aftermath
“I’d just like to say I’m sorry for everything that has happened and the pain I’ve caused everybody,” Tucker said two years later in court before an Orlando judge sentenced him to 30 years of probation. “There’s nothing I can do to change things or bring Officer [John] Creegan back. But I’d just like to say I’m sorry once again.”
Tucker’s guilty plea to second-degree murder allowed him to return to Idaho, where he had been receiving 24-hour care at a private home near his mother. Tucker died several years later.
Deputy John Creegan was a U.S. Navy veteran. He had served with the Orange County Sheriff's for a year and had previously served with the Casselberry Police Department for one year. His wife and three children survived him.
49. FEEL GOOD STORY: Lost dog in Daytona Beach reunited with owner
Photos for Headline Surfer LEFT: Officer Taylor Preis with the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Animal Control Unit reunited a lost dog with its owner today, Friday, June 20, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Who doesn't love a good animal story? Especially one that has a happy ending...
That happened earlier today when a lost dog held overnight was reunited with its owner, thanks to Officer Taylor Preis with the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Animal Control Unit, who found the owner through the Petco Love Lost.
The owner and dog greeted each other with a kiss in the DBPD animal control vehicle. She then scooped him up in her arms and told him, "Mommy loves you." Then, after thanking Preis, they went home.
The owner and dog greeted each other with a kiss in the DBPD animal control vehicle. She then scooped him up in her arms and told him, "Mommy loves you." Then, after thanking Preis, they went home.
Multimedia Video:
50. Celebrating Juneteenth in Daytona Beach and elsewhere
Photos for Headline Surfer /
TOP LEFT: Celebrants at a Juneteenth festival in Daytona Beach earlier in the week; CENTER: Paisley Renee Henry, daughter of Mayor Derrick Henry and Dr. Stephanie Henry, recognized as Miss Juneteenth 2025. The caption for her reads: 'Congratulations, Paisley Renee Henry, for being crowned Miss Juneteenth Daytona Beach, FL.'
LEFT: Celebrating Juneteenth in Daytona Beach, Florida.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Today is June 19th, also known as Juneteenth in the City of Daytona Beach and elsewhere across the United States!
On this day, 160 years ago, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver a long-overdue message: Enslaved African Americans were free. Two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, this moment marked a powerful turning point in our nation’s history.
• The City of Daytona Beach stands united in recognizing Juneteenth as a vital part of the American story: "We encourage residents to reflect, engage, and celebrate the enduring pursuit of freedom and equality for all."
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry on Juneteenth:
"Today, we honor Juneteenth — the day when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is more than history; it is a powerful reminder of our resilience, our struggle, and our unyielding pursuit of justice and liberation."
Besides Daytona Beach, here's a glimpse of some of the celebrations in Central Florida:
Central Florida is celebrating Juneteenth with a variety of events, including festivals, concerts, and educational programs Many events are free and family-friendly, offering opportunities to learn about the holiday's history and celebrate African American culture.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Juneteenth:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wrote on Tuesday in a social media post: "Orlando will join in the commemoration of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Recognizing Juneteenth helps us celebrate civil rights progress and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Orlando is welcoming to all."
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