THE YEAR THAT WAS: Top 100 Stories of 2025 in Central Florida: No's 21-30

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. 21-30.

Nos. 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-80, and 81-100 are archived at the end of this segment.

21. Paolo Banchero signs richest contract in Orlando Magic history: $239 million

Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Paolo Banchero is the face and the foundation for the Orlando Magic. BELOW: Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero dunks in a game against the Indiana Pacers.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Paolo Banchero signed the richest contract in Magic history on July 7, 2025, and clearly is the face of the franchise like his predecessors, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard.

The five-year extension signed is worth $239 million and could reach about $287 million should he become eligible for a supermax deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement said.

"We are thrilled to keep Paolo in a Magic uniform for years to come," Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said.

"At just 22, he has won NBA rookie of the year, been named an NBA All-Star, and is widely regarded as one of our league's brightest young stars. This commitment reflects our belief in Paolo's talent, character, and desire to win at the highest level. It also reflects Paolo's belief in our organization, our fans, and the city of Orlando. We are excited to continue this journey together."

The agreement means the Magic have four players — Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and the newly acquired Desmond Bane — under contract for the next four seasons.

And in the cases of Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs, the terms extend out at least five seasons.

The deal with Banchero includes a player option for the final year, similar to the extensions signed by Luka Dončić and Trae Young in 2021, according to reports from ESPN and other media outlets. The extension solidifies Banchero as the face of the Magic franchise for the foreseeable future.

The deal with Banchero includes a player option for the final year, similar to the extensions signed by Luka Dončić and Trae Young in 2021, according to reports from ESPN and other media outlets. The extension solidifies Banchero as the face of the Magic franchise for the foreseeable future.

21 first pic Here are some key details of Banchero's contract:

Guaranteed Amount: The base salary of the contract is $239 million.
Incentives: The contract includes incentives that could increase the total value to $287 million if Banchero achieves certain milestones, such as making an All-NBA team, winning MVP, or being named Defensive Player of the Year.
Player Option: Banchero has a player option for the 2030-31 season.
Significance: This is the first rookie max extension since 2021 to include a player option.
Magic's Core: This extension, along with existing contracts for Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, locks in the Magic's core for the next several years.
Banchero's Performance: Banchero, the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, was the Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 and an All-Star in his second season. He averaged career highs in points (25.9) and rebounds (7.5) last season before an injury.

22. Judge in Orlando orders 20-year-old man jailed without bail on murder charges in the horrific beating death of his 3-month-old baby girl

Photo for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Darius Stephone Nichols, 20, was ordered held without bail by a circuit judge on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Orlando, Florida on felony charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the April 30, vicious beating death of his 3-month-old baby girl, named Nova, in the mother's home as shown in the locator map at 10169 Marsh Pine Circle, Orange County, Florida. BELOW: Felony charges against Darius Nichols filed with the Orange County Clerk of the Court.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 20-year-old Orange County man was ordered held without bail by a judge on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the April 30, 2025, violent beating death of his 3-month-old daughter, Nova.

Darius Stephone Nichols told Orange County Sheriff's investigators that the baby fell from the sofa and became unresponsive.

OCSO deputies said they responded to 10169 Marsh Pine Circle on that date about an unresponsive 3-month-old baby. Once they arrived at the scene, officials said they attempted to perform CPR on the baby, and she was transported to the hospital. A few hours later, she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy showed baby Nova‘s skull was fractured in numerous places, and she had several healing rib fractures from previous incidents. In her short life, baby Nova suffered horrific abuse and trauma, OCSO investigators said. "She is resting peacefully now, and our detectives will get justice for baby Nova," the law enforcement agency noted on a social media post earlier today.

An autopsy showed baby Nova‘s skull was fractured in numerous places, and she had several healing rib fractures from previous incidents. In her short life, baby Nova suffered horrific abuse and trauma, OCSO investigators said. "She is resting peacefully now, and our detectives will get justice for baby Nova," the law enforcement agency noted on a social media post earlier today.

On that Tuesday, Nichols went before a judge for the first time. Given the nature of the alleged crime, Circuit Judge Vincent Falcone ordered Nichols to remain behind bars without bond until at least his next court appearance on May 13.

It all happened at Nichols's home with the baby's mom in the Moss Park section of southeast Orange County. Paramedics arrived at the house and performed CPR on the baby, Nova, before she was transported to the hospital.

Nichols said he went to the bathroom, and when he came back, she was face down on the floor and not breathing. Nichols was not arrested that day, but an autopsy found several injuries that the medical examiner said could not have been caused by falling off the couch. These injuries included multiple skull fractures, bleeding in both eyes, and several broken ribs that were in a state of healing.

The OCSO investigators said Nova suffered "horrific abuse and trauma" in her three months of life, an ugly situation stressed by state prosecutors during Nichols' first appearance earlier today in front of the judge. What has yet to be established is what led Nichols to violently and repeatedly abuse his innocent baby girl, leading to her death.

In addition, investigators said the house had a strong smell of marijuana, and they found a backpack in the bathroom that they believe had fentanyl pills inside.

Nichols is currently on no bond at the Orange County Jail in Orlando. The Public Defender's Office is representing him.

23. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma & others remember Westgate Resorts hotelier David Siegel of Orlando, who passed away at 89

Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: David Siegel, founder of Westgate Resorts, is shown on a panel with Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, discussing his advocacy with Victoria's Voice Foundation, named for his daughter, Victoria Siegel, 18 (shown at lower left), who died in July 2015, from a drug overdose. David Siegel, 89, died earlier today, April 5, 2025, his resort announced. BELOW: Sheriff Dennis Lemma is shown with David Siegel Jr, in a Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) 2024 fall conference in Orlando. Lemma is a Victoria’s Voice Foundation board member and president of MCSA.

23B. ORLANDO, Fla. -- David Sigel, the billionaire founder of Westgate Resorts in Orlando who passed away today at 89, is being remembered not only as an influential hotelier but also for his advocacy in memory of his daughter, who succumbed to a drug overdose.

Siegel was an accomplished businessman and the founder of Westgate Resorts, who also helped fight the opioid epidemic following the loss of his daughter Victoria, 18, who died on June 6, 2015, from acute methadone and sertraline toxicity, according to the medical examiner's report.

"I’m very sad to share that today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, David Siegel," Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma posted on his Facebook page. "Not only was he an incredible entrepreneur and businessman, but his advocacy work following the tragic loss of his daughter, Victoria, to an overdose has profoundly changed the landscape of addiction awareness and treatment.

"David Siegel's tireless efforts were instrumental in promoting the use of the life-saving drug Narcan among first responders, including our agency," Sheriff David Lemma said in a follow-up mid-day phone interview with Headline Surfer.

"His passion and commitment to making a difference have saved countless lives and inspired many of us to continue the fight against addiction." David and Jackie Siegel’s 18-year-old daughter Victoria died in June 2015 of an accidental drug overdose, leading her parents to establish the Victoria’s Voice Foundation in 2019. The foundation, which Lemma has served on since 2021, provides drug education and addiction-prevention support to meet the needs of communities and at-risk families.

"I had the privilege of getting to know David well over the years," Lemma said, "and I am grateful for the time we spent together and all I learned from him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew, respected, and admired him - and all the lives that have been saved because of his advocacy efforts."

"David Siegel's tireless efforts were instrumental in promoting the use of the life-saving drug Narcan among first responders, including our agency," Sheriff David Lemma said in a follow-up mid-day phone interview with Headline Surfer. "His passion and commitment to making a difference have saved countless lives and inspired many of us to continue the fight against addiction." David and Jackie Siegel’s 18-year-old daughter Victoria died in June 2015 of an accidental drug overdose, leading her parents to establish the Victoria’s Voice Foundation in 2019.

A Amy Pennock / Seminole County Supervisor of Elections / Headline Surfer my Pennock (shown at left), the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections, echoed Lemma's sentiments.

"Such a sad loss for our community," Pennock said. "May his legacy of caring and giving live on through all those he and his foundation have touched."

Siegel’s death was confirmed in a company email to employees this morning. It read in part, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that our founder, executive chairman, and friend David Siegel passed away this morning at the age of 89. David’s last months were spent surrounded by his loving wife Jacqueline, his children, and his extended family and closest friends.”

Two years ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 66, known as “Victoria’s Law,” which designates June 6 as “Revive Awareness Day. " This law encourages the state health department to hold more events to raise awareness of the safe use of opioid counteractives and warn of the dangers of overdoses. Following this, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings proclaimed June 6 as "Orange County Naloxone Awareness Day."

The Siegels had also advocated for the federal Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act, which was signed into law in 2016, and managed to have June 6 federally designated as “National Naloxone Awareness Day,” according to Victoria’s Voice.

“She’d be very proud of the work our parents have done and the work we’ve done spreading the awareness because every single life matters,” David Siegel Jr. said in 2024. “(...) Our sister’s legacy is to save as many lives as possible and make sure that no family has to go through what we had to go through with losing her.”

As an Army Veteran, the elder Siegel donated more than 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of the US Armed Services as a thank-you for their service to our country. The Westgate Foundation recently distributed grants of $1.5 million to community-focused organizations across the United States.

David Siegel was the proud husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children, 12 grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. He was also responsible for creating thousands of jobs, including for the 8,500 team members who currently work for the company. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victoria’s Voice.

Siegel founded the timeshare resort company in 1982 and oversaw its expansion from Orlando to Miami Beach, and beyond Florida to Arizona, Virginia, Utah, and other locations. In a release, Westgate Resorts Chief Executive Officer Jim Gissy said, "David worked hard to leave us a company that will continue to preserve its family origins and the significant resources and ambition to instill joy in the lives we touch through the hospitality we provide."

David Siegel was the proud husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children, 12 grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. He was also responsible for creating thousands of jobs, including for the 8,500 team members who currently work for the company. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victoria’s Voice.

Siegel and his wife Jacqueline founded Victoria's Voice Foundation after their daughter Victoria died of a drug overdose in June 2015. The foundation seeks to prevent substance abuse and drug overdose deaths. Victoria's Voice Foundation News.

24. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry: New MLK memorial represents the city's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Photos for Headline Surfer / Left: Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry explains the significance of the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial at Dr. James Huger Park with a message of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, despite what the mayor sees as the far-right racist rhetoric of the Trump Administration.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The Democrat mayor of Daytona Beach doesn't buy into Donald Trump's racial rhetoric against diversity, equity, and inclusion, which makes his city's unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue so special.

Mayor Derrick Henry said the MLK statue is a "significant reminder of one who paid the ultimate sacrifice to help lead our country in the rightful direction of diversity, equity, and inclusion."

LEFT: The MLK sculpture serves as a lasting tribute, offering inspiration to locals and visitors alike in this tourism-driven city, home to the World's Most Famous Beach, where beach driving is allowed on specific stretches, where the speed limit is 10 mph, to ensure everyone's safety; and of course, Daytona International Speedway, home of NASCAR and its signature race, the Daytona 500, where stock cars battle it out at speeds of 185 mph on the high banks of the 2.5 mile oval track.LEFT: The unveiling of the MLK memorial in Daytona Beach was a sight for those who attended the ceremony. BELOW: Daytona Beach Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May, who sponsored the May 31st event in the Dr. James Huger Park, addresses the attendees.

Henry added that "while the totality of his dream remains a work in progress, his sacrifice and example of agape love remain a model of possibility for all. I am honored to preside over a city that recognizes the values that he espoused, and I stand in alignment with the Commission and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha who erected this statue in his honor."

The mayor continued: "It is my hope that it will serve as a perpetual reminder for generations to come that Dr.King is the personification of the greatest of America's ideals."

The new bronze bust honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been unveiled at Dr. James Huger Park in Daytona Beach. The bust is mounted on a concrete base and faces Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where it can be seen by pedestrians and motorists alike. Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May sponsored the memorial unveiled on May 31.

The new bronze bust honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been unveiled at Dr. James Huger Park in Daytona Beach.

The bust is mounted on a concrete base and faces Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where it can be seen by pedestrians and motorists alike. Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May sponsored the memorial unveiled on May 31.

Reaction on social media (Facebook) to the MLK memorial has been positive, with more than a dozen posts.

Jenny Nazak wrote, "I love this city!!!"

Luis Alberto Huertas wrote, "Very good and wonderful!"

Karen Delise posted, "Thank you, Ms May! Beautiful gesture to a great man!"

Carolyn Sanders James, "Congratulations for such a wonderful project!"

And Belinda McMillan said, "Love Daytona Beach," among others.

25. Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood remains silent on arrest of one of his deputies who abruptly resigned on charges of riding a motorcycle with a fake tag

Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood has remained silent since the arrest of Erica Muzzy, a deputy he hired back in 2021, who was arrested over the weekend for operating a motorcycle with a fictitious license plate. LOWER LEFT: She's shown here with her hands outstretched, asking why she's being arrested. BELOW: Bodycam footage of her being stopped on I-4 and arrested.

DELAND, Fla. -- An off-duty Volusia Sheriff's Office deputy who was arrested back on June 1, 2025, for riding a motorcycle with a fictitious tag has resigned in lieu of termination from employment -- a situation that Sheriff Mike Chitwood has remained silent on.

Erica Muzzy, 26, of Deltona, who was hired as a deputy by Chitwood in 2021, resigned on Sunday, less than 24 hours after her arrest.

She was stopped on the westbound I-4 near Deltona around 11:07 p.m. on that Saturday, riding a motorcycle with a flipped-up tag that was not visible. When flipped down, the tag read “CHASEM3” (CHASE ME).

She was stopped on the westbound I-4 near Deltona around 11:07 p.m. on that Saturday, riding a motorcycle with a flipped-up tag that was not visible. When flipped down, the tag read “CHASEM3” (CHASE ME).

Before the traffic stop, Muzzy had been involved in an earlier incident in Deltona that Saturday night, according to a VSO news release. Around 8:51 p.m., a deputy spotted a motorcycle rider at Wawa (3400 Howland Blvd.) who had fled from an attempted traffic stop earlier in the evening.

Muzzy was arrested on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and riding her motorcycle with a fictitious tag rather than having it towed or getting a ride home. She was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail with a bond of $2,500.

In addition to last night’s incident and arrest, the agency's PIO said it has become aware of a social media account associated with Muzzy displaying reckless stunt riding on public roads. The Sheriff’s Office is also investigating that conduct as part of an internal affairs investigation.

Muzzy had been a deputy since her hiring by Chitwood in 2021 and was most recently assigned to District 2 (DeLand/northwest Volusia).

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26. Volusia County Beach Safety: Clermont man, 65, caught in a rip current in Daytona Beach Shores drowns; teen son survives

Headline Surfer photos / LEFT: A beachgoer is shown walking along the shoreline via a screenshot from the Dunlawton Avenue ramp beach cam on Thursday afternoon in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. TOP RIGHT: Heriberto Robinson, 65, of Clermont, is shown in an undated family photo. Robinson drowned Saturday afternoon when he and his 16-year-old son, not shown here, were caught in a dangerous rip current. Only the teen survived. A GoFundMe account has been set up (see details in the story below).

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. -- A 65-year-old Clermont man and his son were caught in dangerous rip currents over the weekend while swimming in an unguarded section of the beach.

The man drowned, but his 16-year-old son survived the ordeal.

Here is a synopsis of what occurred: On Saturday, Oct. 18, just before 2 p.m., Volusia County Beach Safety responded to reports of two swimmers in distress in the 2200 block area of Daytona Beach Shores.

Upon arrival, beach safety personnel found a 65-year-old man, Heriberto Robinson, and his son had been caught in a rip current while swimming in an unguarded section of the beach.

Responders brought the son safely to shore. The 65-year-old swimmer was located unresponsive, and lifeguards immediately began lifesaving measures. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."

Beach Safety reminds all beachgoers to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, Malphurs stressed as a first line of defense.

"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."

Beach Safety reminds all beachgoers to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, Malphurs stressed as a first line of defense.

She said hazardous surf and rip current conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. Beachgoers are strongly advised to check daily surf conditions before entering the water and to always swim in front of a lifeguard.

You can find out staffed lifeguard tower locations by downloading the Volusia Beaches app.

This was the second drowning in the last few weeks locally due to rip currents: Volusia County Beach Safety: Drowning victim in Daytona Beach identified as Douglas Lewis, 51, of Westfield, Indiana.

Obituary: Heriberto Robinson, beloved father and grandfather

Heriberto Robinson tragically passed away on Oct. 18, 225, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family.

Heriberto was a dedicated father to his adult daughter Tatiana, and his younger children Eriana and Zyan. He also cherished the role of being a grandfather to his beloved grandson, Bishop.

In his retirement years, Heriberto focused on raising his two younger children, providing them with care, protection, and constant love. His presence was central to their lives, and his passing has left a profound impact on his family, particularly his children, who have now lost their primary caregiver.

A heartfelt message from Tatiana Robinson, his daughter, shared on social media, expressed the family's immense grief. "We are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time, to help cover funeral expenses and provide care for the children Heriberto adored," Tatiana wrote.

GoFundMe account set up

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist with funeral and memorial expenses and to offer some financial relief for the family.

The family and community continue to remember Heriberto’s life and will share further details about the memorial services soon.

For Donation: Click Here (GoFundMe)

27. Orlando Police: 2025 violent crime down 9 percent in the City Beautiful

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The City Beautiful saw a nearly double-digit drop in violent crime in 2025.

The Orlando Police Department was proud to reflect on the progress made in 2025 to enhance public safety and reduce crime.

Overall, Orlando saw a 19 percent reduction in crime in 2025, including a nine percent decrease in violent crime. Homicides fell from 23 in 2024 to a historic low of 10 in 2025, the lowest total recorded since 1971.

Overall, Orlando saw a 19 percent reduction in crime in 2025, including a nine percent decrease in violent crime. Homicides fell from 23 in 2024 to a historic low of 10 in 2025, the lowest total recorded since 1971.

In 2025, key highlights include:

- 808,821 calls for service;

- 19% decrease in overall crime citywide;

- 9% decrease in violent crime;

- 21% decrease in shootings;

- 865 illegal firearms seized;

- 15,043 arrests made;

- 75,868 traffic stops conducted;

- 58% decrease in homicides;

- 100% homicide clearance (solve) rate;

- 121 sworn police officers and 12 Community Service Officers hired;

- Officers participated in over 20,000 hours of training.

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Orlando Police video / Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 / Overall crime and violent crime decreased in Orlando, Florida in 2025, according to the Orlando PD.

Real Results: Getting illegal guns off the streets in Orlando

Photos for Headline Surfer / Orlando Police removed 100 illegal guns from the streets of Orlando in 2025.

One of the core missions of the Orlando Police Department’s Gang Unit is getting illegal guns off our streets. In 2025, that mission delivered real results.

100 illegal firearms were removed from our community by our Gang Unit. This work plays a critical role in keeping our neighborhoods safe.

28. Ormond Beach dad arrested on manslaughter charges in death of 18-month-old son left in hot vehicle for 3 hours while he allegedly got a haircut & drank in a bar

Photos for Headline Surfer / Scott Allen Gardner, 33, is arrested on June 19, 2025, in Ormond Beach, Florida, on charges of aggravated manslaughter in the death of his toddler son, left in a hot vehicle for three hours while he got a haircut and drank in a bar back on June 6.

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. -- VSO deputies and the Ormond Beach Police arrested Scott Allen Gardner, 33, back in June on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm.

Gardner is responsible for the death of his 18-month-old son Sebastian, who was left helpless in a hot truck for more than 3 hours on the afternoon of Friday, June 6, while Gardner got a haircut and then went drinking inside Hanky Panky's Lounge, according to an arrest affidavit.

Gardner is responsible for the death of his 18-month-old son Sebastian, who was left helpless in a hot truck for more than 3 hours on the afternoon of Friday, June 6, while Gardner got a haircut and then went drinking inside Hanky Panky's Lounge, according to an arrest affidavit.

A VSO spokesman said in a press release that Gardner gave multiple false accounts of what occurred that day during the investigation.

"It was estimated by medical personnel that Sebastian's body temperature reached 111 degrees during this tragedy," VSO spokesman Andrew Gant said in the release on Thursday. "The same OBPD officer who tried to revive Sebastian placed Gardner in handcuffs today as he was taken into custody at his mother's home in Ormond Beach."

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VSO video / Scott Allen Gardner, 33, is arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm for allegedly leaving his 18-month-old son un a hot vehicle while he got a haircut and then drank in a bar.

29. Edgewater Cops arrest woman on 7 counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death: 2 dogs, 2 cats & 3 birds - all in advanced stages of decomposition - had been left alone in the home without food or water

Photos for Headline Surfer / LEFT: Danielle D. McGinnis, 57, of Edgewater, Florida, was arrested on Friday, June 27, 2025, on seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. BELOW: The home in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive, Edgewater, where seven animals were left behind without food or water for a year, Edgewater Police said, after the grisly discovery of their remains in an advanced state of decomposition in filthy conditions with feces everywhere.

EDGEWATER, Fla. -- Edgewater Police have arrested a woman on multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty after discovering seven deceased pets left behind in the Pine Tree Drive home she abandoned a year ago.

On the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, officers from the Edgewater Police Department responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive, following a report related to possible animal abuse.

"The investigation revealed a tragic and disturbing case of prolonged neglect," said Edgewater Acting Police Chief Chas Geiger, who is also a captain.

He said access to the property had just been granted to stakeholders of the home after a long-standing civil dispute. The residence had been vacated approximately one year ago by 57-year-old Danielle McGinnis.

Upon entering the home, cops discovered deplorable living conditions, including widespread animal feces and severe disrepair, rendering the property uninhabitable.

While searching the premises, Edgewater cops located the remains of two dogs, two cats, and three birds — all in advanced stages of decomposition. There were no signs of food or water available for the animals, and investigators believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.

Animal House of Horrors: While searching the premises, Edgewater cops located the remains of two dogs, two cats, and three birds — all in advanced stages of decomposition. There were no signs of food or water available for the animals, and investigators believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.

Neighbors confirmed they had not seen McGinnis at the residence in nearly a year.

McGinnis was later located in Daytona Beach and interviewed by officers.

During the interview, she admitted to leaving the animals inside the home when she moved out a year ago. She claimed to have asked a "friend" to look after the animals, but could not provide a name or contact information, and admitted she never followed up on their well-being, Edgewater police said.

McGinnis was arrested and charged with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. She was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. She remains behind bars on $40,000 bail.

Neighbors were understandably upset after learning of the suffering animals following the arrest of Danielle McGinnis, who was responsible for their well-being.

"If you take these animals in, you're supposed to love them and protect them and take care of them and treat them like family," Chris Alterio, a neighbor, told WESH Ch. 2. "Even whenever they can be a pain in the butt sometimes and chew up your furniture or whatever you still love them and take care of them."

"I was physically sick, I was nauseous," said Tara Sharpe, a neighbor. "I couldn't believe it happened so close to us right there, and we never knew."

Edgewater Animal Control removed the deceased animals from the property for respectful handling and appropriate final disposition.

30. Florida Wildlife Commission: Kangaroo spotted hopping on busy St. Cloud roadway captured a short time later

Photo for Headline Surfer / This kangaroo was spotted hopping down the middle of Hickory Tree Road on Monday, May 6, 2025, in St. Cloud, Florida, before a Captive Wildlife Investigator captured it.

ST. CLOUD, Fla. -- The Florida Wildlife Commission is investigating the origin of a captured kangaroo in early May that was on the loose and who owns it.

In Florida, kangaroos are classified as Class III wildlife; a permit is required to keep them legally.

Some St. Cloud residents in Osceola County expressed concern for the animal’s safety, given the heavy traffic along Hickory Tree Road where it was spotted hopping. "It’s so sad… because it’s probably, you know, lost," nearby resident Lenny Stack said to WOFL Fox 35 Orlando.

FWC said it received multiple reports of the animal and dispatched a Captive Wildlife Investigator to the area on Monday. With assistance from another licensed kangaroo facility owner, the kangaroo was found about an hour later, calmly hiding in a wooded area. Officials chemically immobilized the animal and transported it to a local facility equipped to house kangaroos, the FWC said. A veterinarian for the FWC later confirmed the animal was in good health.

FWC said it received multiple reports of the animal and dispatched a Captive Wildlife Investigator to the area on Monday. With assistance from another licensed kangaroo facility owner, the kangaroo was found about an hour later, calmly hiding in a wooded area. Officials chemically immobilized the animal and transported it to a local facility equipped to house kangaroos, the FWC said. A veterinarian for the FWC later confirmed the animal was in good health.

Anyone wishing to report escaped wildlife is urged to contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC