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Tag: flagler county

  • Brush fire forces evacuations and road blocks in Flagler County, deputies say

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    Old Dixie Highway has been shut down between Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 due to an active brush fire on Wednesday.Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently assisting with evacuations in the area of residences on both sides of Old Dixie Highway.Residents between East Ave and Bayberry Village Rd as well as Old Dixie Hwy and Deer Hunter Rd, are being asked to evacuate at this time due to the fire’s progress.A shelter is being opened at Fire Station 16 (3935 Old Dixie Hwy), near the Publix.Affected residents should receive notice via Reverse 911. Flagler County Fire Rescue and FireFlight are actively supporting the Florida Forest Service to contain the blaze.According to the FFS, the fire has grown to 100 acres and is 40% contained as of 5:30 p.m.>> This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is released.

    FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. —

    Old Dixie Highway has been shut down between Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 due to an active brush fire on Wednesday.

    Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently assisting with evacuations in the area of residences on both sides of Old Dixie Highway.

    Residents between East Ave and Bayberry Village Rd as well as Old Dixie Hwy and Deer Hunter Rd, are being asked to evacuate at this time due to the fire’s progress.

    A shelter is being opened at Fire Station 16 (3935 Old Dixie Hwy), near the Publix.

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    Affected residents should receive notice via Reverse 911.

    Flagler County Fire Rescue

    Flagler County Fire Rescue and FireFlight are actively supporting the Florida Forest Service to contain the blaze.

    This content is imported from Facebook.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    According to the FFS, the fire has grown to 100 acres and is 40% contained as of 5:30 p.m.

    >> This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is released.

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  • Two adults, one child rescued from capsizing boat off the coast of Flagler Beach

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    Two adults and one child are okay after being rescued from a boat in the process of capsizing off the coast of Flagler Beach.The Flagler Beach Fire Department said the call for help came in at 4:32 a.m. Saturday morning by the U.S. Coast Guard. The department said upon arrival, they found a sailboat grounded on a sandbar. The boat contained two adults and one child who were in duress due to “hazardous marine conditions.”Flagler Beach Fire Department deployed a rescuer, who reached the boat and help get all three occupants out. They were all evaluated by medical personnel and had no injuries.The people rescued were taken to a nearby hotel for shelter.The cause of the incident remains under investigation.The Flagler Beach Fire Department said this is a reminder for marine vessel operators to closely monitor marine conditions, make sure vessels are properly equipped, and exercise caution when operating watercraft near shorelines and sandbars, especially during overnight and early morning hours.Several agencies responded including, the United States Coast Guard, Flagler Beach Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Environmental Protection Agency, Flagler Beach Police Department, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

    FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. —

    Two adults and one child are okay after being rescued from a boat in the process of capsizing off the coast of Flagler Beach.

    The Flagler Beach Fire Department said the call for help came in at 4:32 a.m. Saturday morning by the U.S. Coast Guard. The department said upon arrival, they found a sailboat grounded on a sandbar. The boat contained two adults and one child who were in duress due to “hazardous marine conditions.”

    Flagler Beach Fire Department deployed a rescuer, who reached the boat and help get all three occupants out. They were all evaluated by medical personnel and had no injuries.

    The people rescued were taken to a nearby hotel for shelter.

    The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

    The Flagler Beach Fire Department said this is a reminder for marine vessel operators to closely monitor marine conditions, make sure vessels are properly equipped, and exercise caution when operating watercraft near shorelines and sandbars, especially during overnight and early morning hours.

    Several agencies responded including, the United States Coast Guard, Flagler Beach Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Environmental Protection Agency, Flagler Beach Police Department, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

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  • Judge denies bond in Flagler County child kidnapping case

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    A judge on Sunday denied bond for a registered sex offender accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old boy and holding him for several days in Flagler County, authorities said.Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings, made his first court appearance following his arrest after deputies said a routine traffic stop on Dec. 31 led to the rescue of the missing child.According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a white Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive in Bunnell after a caller reported suspicious activity. Investigators said Hairston and two juveniles were inside the vehicle.Once deputies separated the 11-year-old from Hairston, the child immediately told them he had been kidnapped, was in danger and feared for his life, investigators said. The boy, who had been missing for three days, was taken to a local hospital.Sheriff’s deputies said the child told investigators that Hairston lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he was choked unconscious. When he regained consciousness, the boy said he was threatened with a knife and a firearm, tied with shoelaces and an extension cord, and gagged with duct tape.Authorities said the child was held for multiple days and forced to hide on the floorboard of Hairston’s truck, covered by a blanket, while being transported.Also in the truck was a 15-year-old boy who authorities said fled from deputies during the traffic stop, rammed a patrol vehicle and crashed. He faces multiple charges and is in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Investigators said the teen is being investigated as a possible co-conspirator.According to an arrest report, the 11-year-old and the 15-year-old were part of a Snapchat group chat in which the younger child warned others that Hairston was a sexual predator. Sheriff Rick Staly said investigators believe the information may be connected to a sexual assault investigation involving Hairston in neighboring St. Johns County.“It appears they concocted a plan to lure the 11-year-old to this rural area and then kidnap him,” Staly said. “What they were going to do after that, we don’t know.”Search warrants were executed on Hairston’s vehicle, his Hastings residence and the campsite with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. They recovered duct tape, weapons and video surveillance equipment consistent with the child’s statements, authorities said.Hairston initially was arrested on charges including resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. Following a major case investigation, additional charges were filed, including kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation and robbery with a deadly weapon.Hairston is being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges are possible.

    FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. —

    A judge on Sunday denied bond for a registered sex offender accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old boy and holding him for several days in Flagler County, authorities said.

    Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings, made his first court appearance following his arrest after deputies said a routine traffic stop on Dec. 31 led to the rescue of the missing child.

    According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a white Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive in Bunnell after a caller reported suspicious activity.

    Investigators said Hairston and two juveniles were inside the vehicle.

    Once deputies separated the 11-year-old from Hairston, the child immediately told them he had been kidnapped, was in danger and feared for his life, investigators said. The boy, who had been missing for three days, was taken to a local hospital.

    Sheriff’s deputies said the child told investigators that Hairston lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he was choked unconscious. When he regained consciousness, the boy said he was threatened with a knife and a firearm, tied with shoelaces and an extension cord, and gagged with duct tape.

    Authorities said the child was held for multiple days and forced to hide on the floorboard of Hairston’s truck, covered by a blanket, while being transported.

    Also in the truck was a 15-year-old boy who authorities said fled from deputies during the traffic stop, rammed a patrol vehicle and crashed. He faces multiple charges and is in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Investigators said the teen is being investigated as a possible co-conspirator.

    According to an arrest report, the 11-year-old and the 15-year-old were part of a Snapchat group chat in which the younger child warned others that Hairston was a sexual predator.

    Sheriff Rick Staly said investigators believe the information may be connected to a sexual assault investigation involving Hairston in neighboring St. Johns County.

    “It appears they concocted a plan to lure the 11-year-old to this rural area and then kidnap him,” Staly said. “What they were going to do after that, we don’t know.”

    Search warrants were executed on Hairston’s vehicle, his Hastings residence and the campsite with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. They recovered duct tape, weapons and video surveillance equipment consistent with the child’s statements, authorities said.

    Hairston initially was arrested on charges including resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. Following a major case investigation, additional charges were filed, including kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation and robbery with a deadly weapon.

    Hairston is being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges are possible.

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  • 11-year-old rescued during Flagler County traffic stop says he was kidnapped

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    A traffic stop in Flagler County on Dec 31. led to the rescue of a missing 11-year-old boy and the arrest of registered sex offender Darnell Hairston. Once separated from Hairston, the 11-year-old victim immediately told a deputy he had been kidnapped, was in danger, and feared for his life.Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies secured the visibly traumatized child before Hairston attempted to flee on foot and was arrested. The child, who had been missing for three days, was taken to a local hospital.FCSO said the victim told them how Hairston had lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he was choked unconscious.The child stated that when he woke up, he was threatened with a knife and a firearm, tied up with shoelaces and an extension cord, and had duct tape placed over his mouth.Also found in the truck with Hairston and the 11-year-old was a fifteen-year-old boy, who faces charges for allegedly fleeing from deputies in the truck before ramming into a cruiser and crashing. According to an arrest report, the fifteen-year-old and the eleven-year-old were in a group chat on Snapchat where the 11-year-old was talking about Hairston being a sexual predator because of what he did to an unnamed victim. Sheriff Rick Staly said this may have been related to a sexual assault under investigation in saint Johns County, allegedly involving Hairston. “The fifteen-year-old was aware of this information and told Hairston, and it appears that they concocted a plan to lure the 11-year-old to this rural area in Flagler county and then kidnap him and hold him,” Staly said. “Now what they were going to do after that we don’t know…”According to the arrest report, at one point, Hairston told him, “he could cut his throat right now, or he could be respectful and shoot him in the head, front or back.” “Told us that he thought they were going to kill him,” Staly said of the 11-year-old.According to information from the Sheriff’s Office, the victim was held at the campsite for multiple days and forced to hide on the floorboard of Hairston’s truck, covered by a blanket, during travel.Search warrants executed on Hairston’s vehicle, his Hastings residence, and the campsite—with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office—recovered evidence consistent with the child’s statements, including duct tape, video surveillance equipment, and weapons.Detectives determined that Hairston was aware the child was missing and endangered, but could not provide a motive for keeping the child from his parents.Sheriff Rick Staly commented, “Clearly, thanks to ‘see something, say something’ and our deputies recognizing the victim was very afraid, we rescued a missing child who was in fear Hairston had planned to kill him.”The investigation remains active and ongoing. The second juvenile who allegedly stole Hairston’s vehicle and fled the traffic stop was arrested on charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle. He is in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and is being investigated as a possible co-conspirator in the kidnapping, which may lead to additional charges.Hairston was initially held on a $125,000 bond for resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. However, a subsequent investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit resulted in additional charges being served via a warrant on Friday, Jan. 2. These charges include kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, and robbery with a deadly weapon. Hairston is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

    FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. —

    A traffic stop in Flagler County on Dec 31. led to the rescue of a missing 11-year-old boy and the arrest of registered sex offender Darnell Hairston.

    Once separated from Hairston, the 11-year-old victim immediately told a deputy he had been kidnapped, was in danger, and feared for his life.

    Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies secured the visibly traumatized child before Hairston attempted to flee on foot and was arrested.

    The child, who had been missing for three days, was taken to a local hospital.

    FCSO said the victim told them how Hairston had lured him to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he was choked unconscious.

    The child stated that when he woke up, he was threatened with a knife and a firearm, tied up with shoelaces and an extension cord, and had duct tape placed over his mouth.

    Also found in the truck with Hairston and the 11-year-old was a fifteen-year-old boy, who faces charges for allegedly fleeing from deputies in the truck before ramming into a cruiser and crashing.

    According to an arrest report, the fifteen-year-old and the eleven-year-old were in a group chat on Snapchat where the 11-year-old was talking about Hairston being a sexual predator because of what he did to an unnamed victim.

    Sheriff Rick Staly said this may have been related to a sexual assault under investigation in saint Johns County, allegedly involving Hairston.

    “The fifteen-year-old was aware of this information and told Hairston, and it appears that they concocted a plan to lure the 11-year-old to this rural area in Flagler county and then kidnap him and hold him,” Staly said. “Now what they were going to do after that we don’t know…”

    According to the arrest report, at one point, Hairston told him, “he could cut his throat right now, or he could be respectful and shoot him in the head, front or back.”

    “Told us that he thought they were going to kill him,” Staly said of the 11-year-old.

    According to information from the Sheriff’s Office, the victim was held at the campsite for multiple days and forced to hide on the floorboard of Hairston’s truck, covered by a blanket, during travel.

    Search warrants executed on Hairston’s vehicle, his Hastings residence, and the campsite—with assistance from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office—recovered evidence consistent with the child’s statements, including duct tape, video surveillance equipment, and weapons.

    Detectives determined that Hairston was aware the child was missing and endangered, but could not provide a motive for keeping the child from his parents.

    Sheriff Rick Staly commented, “Clearly, thanks to ‘see something, say something’ and our deputies recognizing the victim was very afraid, we rescued a missing child who was in fear Hairston had planned to kill him.”

    The investigation remains active and ongoing. The second juvenile who allegedly stole Hairston’s vehicle and fled the traffic stop was arrested on charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle. He is in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and is being investigated as a possible co-conspirator in the kidnapping, which may lead to additional charges.

    Hairston was initially held on a $125,000 bond for resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer. However, a subsequent investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit resulted in additional charges being served via a warrant on Friday, Jan. 2. These charges include kidnapping of a child under 13, aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, and robbery with a deadly weapon. Hairston is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

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  • Cold weather shelters open in Tampa Bay, Central Florida

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    With cold conditions forecast this week in some Bay Area and Central Florida counties, officials have announced the opening of shelters at the locations below.

    Be sure to check back, as we’ll add more counties to this list as they come in.

    CITRUS COUNTY

    The Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Monday to Thursday nights due to freezing temperatures, and it urgently needs volunteers and donations.

    Anyone needing warmth is welcome, and free transportation is available through Citrus County Transit.

    The address is Nature Coast Church, 5113 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.

    Donations can be brought to Nature Coast Church starting Monday at 5 p.m.

    FLAGLER COUNTY

    The Sheltering Tree is opening the first half of this week because of expected cold overnight temperatures. The shelter operated at the Rock Transformation Center (formerly Church on the Rock) is not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for anyone who is without heat.

    East side of the county

    • Dollar General at Publix Town Center on Market Avenue (leads to Dollar General), 3:30 p.m.
    • McDonald’s at Old King Road South and State Road 100 at the dirt road on the east side, 4 p.m.
    • Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s in the Dollar Tree parking lot, 4:30 p.m.
    • Palm Coast Main Branch Library, northwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway, 4:45 p.m.

    West side of the county

    • Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue in Daytona North, 4 p.m.
    • Bunnell Free Clinic, 703 Moody Boulevard, 4:30 p.m.
    • Bridges United Methodist Church in Bunnell, 205 N. Pine Street, 4:30 p.m. (listed as the same pick-up time because of the proximity)

    The Rock Transformation Center is located at 2200 N. State Street. The cold-weather shelter will open at 5 p.m. and will close at 8 a.m. the following day.

    The Sheltering Tree, 386-437-3258, is under the umbrella of the Flagler County Family Assistance Center and is a non-denominational civic organization that was created to provide cold weather sheltering during cold nights in Flagler County.

    MARION COUNTY

    The Ocala Salvation Army: Center of Hope confirmed they are under cold weather conditions for Monday, Dec 29 and Tuesday Dec 30. Operations seem to be mindful of Marion County’s 50 degrees weather conditions. 

    The address of The Ocala Salvation Army is 320 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, Fla, 34475. Shelters are available overnight until 8 a.m. the next day. 

    OSCEOLA COUNTY

    First United Methodist Church is open on Dec. 30 and 31, 2025 for cold weather conditions. Shelter opens at 6 p.m. and has availability until 9 p.m., and runs until 8 a.m. the next day. Breakfast will be provided in the morning. 

    Located at 1000 Ohio Avenue., St. Cloud 34769, First Methodist Church shelter is located at the Family Life Center behind the church.

    Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida located at 2367 Fortune Road, in Kissimee Fla. is opening it’s doors at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31. 

    Poinciana Christian Church located at 3181 Pleasant Hill Road, also in Kissimee will open it’s doors at 6 p.m. on a similar schedule as First Methodist Church. 

    Those needing transportation to the shelter location can travel at no cost using LYNX buses by alerting drivers that they will be going to the cold weather shelter.

    Pets are housed at Osceola Animal Services during the operation. Animals will need to be in a carrier before they board, unless they are a service dog.

    Osceola’s cold weather shelter collaboration program is coordinated by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management with participation from the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, as well as LYNX, the Hope Partnership, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the Osceola Council on Aging, the Salvation Army, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and other members of the faith-based/non-profit community.

    ORANGE COUNTY

    Matthew’s Hope in Orange County is opening its doors once again on Dec. 30 beginning at 4 p.m. 

    Matthew’s Hope is located at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to Noon, or by appointment. 

    Barnett Park located at 4801 W Colonial Drive in Orlando received mayoral approval from Orange County to support cold weather shelters for guests. 

    Beginning Tuesday Dec. 30 at 4 p.m., Barnett Park shelter is available to guests until Thursday January 1, at 8 a.m. 

    Orange County also gave notice for Goldenrod Recreation Center in Winter Park to support during the holiday season. 

    Goldenrod Rec. center’s cold weather shelter is located at 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, Fla. 32792, and follows the same schedule as Barnett Park for Orange County. 

    SEMINOLE COUNTY

    Rescue Outreach Commission is located at 1701 W. 13th St., in Sanford. They are opening their doors beginning Dec 30, 2025 on a first come first serve basis. Runs until Thursday, Jan 1, 2025. 

    VOLUSIA COUNTY

    The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia at The Bridge is open for cold weather conditions tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30-7 p.m., and again Dec. 31 at the same time. Guests are welcome to stay until 8 a.m. the following morning. 

    Neighborhood Center’s The Bridge is located at 421 S. Palmetto Ave., in Deland. Breakfast will also be served for guests needing assistance. 

    POLK COUNTY

    Talbot House Ministries is offering emergency service shelter located at 814 North Kentucky Ave, 33801. Guests are welcome during the holiday season from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., with beds running on a first come first serve basis until 6 a.m. the following day.

    Meals and a shower will also be provided. 

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  • Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2025

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    FLORIDA — As we get closer to the end of the year, we look back at a year that brought happy times for some, but major struggles for even more. These stories are of those who found the strength to overcome adversity often make the most inspiring impression.

    Spectrum News catches up with some of the incredible individuals who taught us all a little bit about the best of humanity in 2025.

     

     

     

    Finding Your Passion

    — Apopka, FL —

    In the middle of February, Delia Miller shared her journey of finding her passions and purpose. Combining her love of art, concern for the environment, and newfound passion for aviation, she has turned all of this into an inspiring project.

    Her journey began with an opportunity to paint a mural in her hometown. Her path took a turn in an airport bathroom where she met a young, Black, female airline captain. The encounter spurred Miller to pursue aviation as a career path.

    Watch Delia’s story to witness how she turns dreams into reality and encourages others to discover their greater purpose.

     

    Act of Kindness

    — Orlando, FL —

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

    In September, young Gracelynn “Gracie” Decelles shared her story with us. Two years ago, the now 8-year-old girl began selling eggs from her family’s chickens at a small stand outside her home. The proceeds of those sales went toward the purchase of hundreds of backpacks for children in need.

    Watch her story to see how her acts of kindness reached kids in Geneva and Belize.

     

     

     

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  • Tour some spooky Halloween Homes around Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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    The Halloween season is here, and lots of homes are decked out with all sorts of spine-chilling decorations.

    Spectrum News got the chance to check out some of the best and scariest in Central Florida and around Tampa Bay.

    🔼 Check out the creepy compliation above! 

    And we’d love to see your home, too! Just fill out a form for Central Florida or Tampa Bay.

     

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  • Man arrested over sea turtle eggs, drugs in Flagler County

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    A man in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility is facing charges related to drugs and sea turtle eggs.

    Flagler County deputies say Wesley Winters, 53, was found parked in front of a home in Beverly Beach that he was not supposed to be at due to a temporary no-contact order.

    The deputy at Sunday’s arrest said several white and tan orbs covered in sand were in a tray on the floorboard. They were quickly identified as sea turtle eggs, so the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was called in.

    The sheriff’s office said methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, an alprazolam pill, marijuana bowls and a THC vape pen were also found.

    The sheriff’s office said before FWC arrived, Winters told the deputy the eggs were from two nests that had eroded away, and he had picked them up after seeing them washing down the beach. He reportedly said he knew the eggs were unhatched but believed they were nonviable.

    Winters was arrested by the deputy on charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of alprazolam, possession of marijuana (20 grams or less), possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a no-contact order.

    The FWC arrested Winters on five misdemeanor counts of knowingly possessing 11 or fewer marine turtle eggs and five felony counts of taking, disturbing, mutilating or destroying marine turtle eggs.

    Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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  • Fugitive Kermit Booth extradited to Florida after decade-long investigation,authorities say

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    A 72-year-old fugitive accused of sexually assaulting a child under 12 has been extradited to Florida after a decade-long investigation, according to Flagler County authorities.

    Kermit Booth, who was arrested in North Carolina, was flown back to Flagler County, where he is currently in custody. The investigation into Booth’s alleged crimes has been ongoing for ten years, and authorities continue to search for potential additional victims.

    “This individual took the innocence away from a very young child. It was a very difficult case,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.

    Sheriff Rick Staly and members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Franklin, North Carolina, to take Booth into custody. Authorities have not released details about Booth’s arraignment date or whether additional charges might be filed.

    Booth’s extradition represents an important move toward proceeding with the long-standing case, as investigators persist in searching for additional victims.

    Sheriff Staly noted that if the alleged crimes were committed today, Booth could face the death penalty. “If you commit a crime in Flagler County, justice is coming,” Staly added. “It may not be super fast, but it’s coming.”

    Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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  • Union County High instructor, bus driver awarded $50K as Florida Teacher of Year

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Mark Harrison, an economics and American government teacher at Union County High School who also serves as a school bus driver there, won the Florida Teacher of the Year at a gala on Thursday night in Orlando.

    He will receive a $50,000 bonus for the achievement.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with newly appointed Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, awarded five Teacher of the Year finalists with a $20,000 bonus on Thursday in Orlando.

    The other finalists were Brandy Nicole Anderson, a civics teacher and head of the social studies department at Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County; Autumn Crabtree, a culinary arts teacher at Crystal River High School in Citrus County who also is certified in mathematics and family and consumer science; Shelly Teel, a third-grade teacher at Westside Elementary in Columbia County; and Katy Jo Harrison, a first-grade teacher at Hosford Elementary and Junior High School in Liberty County.

    “I had the honor of meeting some of the outstanding educators who have helped make our state the national leader in education,” DeSantis stated in a post on X.

    All 76 district Teachers of the Year, nominated by their colleagues for exceptional service to students, will receive a $10,000 bonus, according to DeSantis. They were selected from among 175,000 public school teachers in the state.

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  • Early voting turnout numbers across Central Florida

    Early voting turnout numbers across Central Florida

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    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Florida

    UPDATED 12:00 AM ET Nov. 04, 2024
    PUBLISHED 10:39 AM ET Oct. 22, 2024
    PUBLISHED 10:39 AM EDT Oct. 22, 2024

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  • FHP: 3 people in custody after multi-county police chase ends near UCF campus

    FHP: 3 people in custody after multi-county police chase ends near UCF campus

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    Three suspects were taken into custody after a multi-county chase that ended at an apartment parking garage near UCF on Friday.UCF student Dom Batista shared videos with WESH 2 News of three people being arrested inside the parking garage on Corporate Boulevard and Data Court near the UCF campus. He says two were in the trunk and one was in the the backseat of a car.“When we first heard that there were people, we kinda felt a little endangered, so we didn’t go inside,” Batista said. “Also, what was going on when they were getting the people out of the car, it happened right in front of us.”He lives in Current Orlando apartments just in front of the parking garage.The Florida Highway Patrol says this all began Friday afternoon as a burglary case in St. Johns County.A BOLO went out to Flagler County and law enforcement spotted the gray SUV traveling in the northbound lanes of State Road 417 from State Road 528 and initiated the pursuit. Chopper 2 flew over the active chase, where the suspect was seen recklessly driving on multiple roads, even going the wrong way. Law enforcement choppers kept a keen eye on the suspects. The suspects exited University Boulevard and entered the parking garage. Investigators say the driver then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Chopper 2 also captured students being rushed back into a school building near the scene after authorities arrived. According to a parent, the students were participating in a fall festival before being placed on lockdown. Several hours into the night, the subjects were caught and students were allowed to return to their apartments.An Orange County sheriff’s deputy told a crowd of students waiting outside that they could go back into their apartments, but to stay away from the parking garage.“I’m going to walk. I’ve been waiting for about three hours out here ready to be in my own personal space,” UCF student Victoria Calloway said.The suspects are in custody and law enforcement is interviewing the arrested trio. This is an ongoing investigation.

    ORLANDO, Fla. —

    Three suspects were taken into custody after a multi-county chase that ended at an apartment parking garage near UCF on Friday.

    UCF student Dom Batista shared videos with WESH 2 News of three people being arrested inside the parking garage on Corporate Boulevard and Data Court near the UCF campus.

    He says two were in the trunk and one was in the the backseat of a car.

    “When we first heard that there were people, we kinda felt a little endangered, so we didn’t go inside,” Batista said. “Also, what was going on when they were getting the people out of the car, it happened right in front of us.”

    He lives in Current Orlando apartments just in front of the parking garage.

    The Florida Highway Patrol says this all began Friday afternoon as a burglary case in St. Johns County.

    A BOLO went out to Flagler County and law enforcement spotted the gray SUV traveling in the northbound lanes of State Road 417 from State Road 528 and initiated the pursuit.

    Chopper 2 flew over the active chase, where the suspect was seen recklessly driving on multiple roads, even going the wrong way.

    Law enforcement choppers kept a keen eye on the suspects. The suspects exited University Boulevard and entered the parking garage.

    Investigators say the driver then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.

    Chopper 2 also captured students being rushed back into a school building near the scene after authorities arrived. According to a parent, the students were participating in a fall festival before being placed on lockdown.

    Several hours into the night, the subjects were caught and students were allowed to return to their apartments.

    An Orange County sheriff’s deputy told a crowd of students waiting outside that they could go back into their apartments, but to stay away from the parking garage.

    “I’m going to walk. I’ve been waiting for about three hours out here ready to be in my own personal space,” UCF student Victoria Calloway said.

    The suspects are in custody and law enforcement is interviewing the arrested trio.

    This is an ongoing investigation.

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  • COUNTY BY COUNTY: What Central Florida can expect from Milton

    COUNTY BY COUNTY: What Central Florida can expect from Milton

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    FLORIDA — Hurricane Milton is expected to approach from the southwest Wednesday, potentially making landfall somewhere close to Tampa Bay or Sarasota late Wednesday night.

    Our worst impacts locally will be felt from 7 p.m. Wednesday into Thursday morning, but timing will adjust with the movement of Milton.

    Our Spectrum News 13 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for.

    Orange County

    Worst Weather: 8 p.m. Wednesday — 9 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 50-60 mph, gusts to 60-80 mph

    Rainfall: 4-7 inches

    Seminole County

    Worst Weather: 8 p.m. Wednesday — 9 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 45-55 mph, gusts to 60-80 mph

    Rainfall: 3-6 inches

    Southern Lake County

    Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Wednesday — 8 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 55-65 mph, gusts to 70-90 mph

    Rainfall: 6-10 inches

    Northern Lake County

    Worst Weather: 8 p.m. Wednesday — 7 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 45-55 mph, gusts to 65-85 mph

    Rainfall: 8-12 inches

    Marion County

    Worst Weather 8 p.m. Wednesday — 6 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 45-55 mph, gusts to 65-80 mph

    Rainfall: 10-15 inches

    Sumter County

    Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Wednesday — 7 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 60-70 mph, gusts to 85-95 mph

    Rainfall: 10-15 inches

    Flagler County

    Worst Weather: 9 p.m. Wednesday — 10 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 50-60 mph, gusts to 65-85 mph

    Rainfall: 12-18 inches

    Storm surge: 4-5 feet in some spots

    Osceola County

    Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Wednesday — 9 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 50-60 mph, gusts to 65-75 mph

    Rainfall: 2-5 inches

     

    Volusia County

    Worst Weather: 9 p.m. Wednesday — 10 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 50-60 mph, gusts to 65-85 mph

    Rainfall: 8-12 inches

    Storm surge: 4-5 feet

    Brevard County

    Worst Weather: 9 p.m. Wedesday — 11 a.m. Thursday

    Winds: 40-50 mph, gusts to 60-70 mph

    Rainfall: 3-5 inches

    Storm surge: 2-4 feet in some spots

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • Applications for Federal Assistance open after Hurricane Milton

    Applications for Federal Assistance open after Hurricane Milton

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    FLORIDA — Applications for Federal Financial Assistance are now open. If your home or business has been damaged by Hurricane Milton, you are now able to apply for help from FEMA.

    That application is available at disasterassistance.gov.

    You can track updates on your claim as it’s processed.

    But if you also have damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to fill out a separate claim for that storm.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Orlando International Airport to cease operations on Wednesday due to Milton

    Orlando International Airport to cease operations on Wednesday due to Milton

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Milton is expected to bring wind and rain to Central Florida and that will likely cause delays and cancellations at area airports.

    Orlando International Airport announced Monday afternoon that the airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning in advance of Hurricane Milton. 


    Check below to see the status of all the flights at Orlando International Airport, as well as Orlando Sanford airport.

    **Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**

    Orlando International Arrivals

    Orlando International Departures

    Orlando Sanford Arrivals

    Orlando Sanford Departures

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Where to find gas for Milton preps

    Where to find gas for Milton preps

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    Many Floridians are preparing for Milton, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.

    With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:

    • Has Fuel & Power
    • Has No Power
    • Limited Fuel Options
    • Has No Fuel & Power

    Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.

    Click/Tap on the image for the Gas Buddy Tracker

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Stay Storm-Ready With SB Tree Service: Your Trusted Neighbor for Hurricane Season Tree Care in Volusia and Flagler

    Stay Storm-Ready With SB Tree Service: Your Trusted Neighbor for Hurricane Season Tree Care in Volusia and Flagler

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    Prepare Your Property for Hurricane Season with Expert Tree Care from SB Tree Service—Safeguarding Homes in Volusia and Flagler Counties from Storm Damage.


    ORMOND BEACH, Fla., August 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    With hurricane season approaching, SB Tree Service is dedicated to helping Volusia and Flagler County residents safeguard their properties from potential hurricane destruction. Their team of ISA-certified arborists and tree care experts offer essential tips and professional services to prepare trees for the upcoming stormy months. 

    Importance of Proper Pruning and Maintenance

    Proper tree care is crucial in minimizing storm damage and protecting properties. SB Tree Service founder Chris Forrest emphasizes the importance of regular pruning and maintenance not just before the storm hits but year-round. Tree maintenance is not just about aesthetics but safety and longevity, and routine care reduces the potential for damage to homes, vehicles, and power lines. 

    ISA-certified arborists Chris and Angel Forrest also follow the highest tree care standards, ensuring trees remain healthy and resilient to weather any potential storm. Unlike many competitors, SB Tree Service offers the proper climbing techniques, which go a long way toward helping preserve each tree’s health and integrity for years to come. 

    Committed to Community and Environmental Preservation

    SB Tree Service is dedicated to the community and aims to preserve the environment while offering high-quality services. Avoiding unnecessary tree removals is a priority, as the company strives to maintain Florida’s natural beauty. Their trained and skilled ISA-certified arborists assess each tree carefully before implementing services, ensuring that every decision is made with environmental preservation in mind.

    24-hour Emergency Services and Free Estimates

    SB Tree Service offers 24-hour emergency services to handle any tree-related emergencies promptly. With a quick phone call at 386-320-3056, their team is always ready to assist Volusia and Flagler County residents before, during, and after storms. 

    Contact SB Tree Service

    For more information on preparing trees for hurricane season or to schedule a free estimate, contact SB Tree Service today. Their team of tree care experts is here to support the community and ensure properties and fellow residents are safe and secure this storm season. 

    About SB Tree Service
    SB Tree Service is a leading provider of tree care services in Volusia and Flagler County, FL. With a team of ISA-certified arborists and tree care professionals, SB Tree Service is dedicated to offering professional, environmentally conscious tree care solutions. Services include tree trimming, pruning, removal, stump grinding, crane, grapple service, emergency storm response, and much more, ensuring the health and safety of local trees year-round.

    Website: https://sbtreeservice.com
    Phone: 386-320-3056

    Source: SB Tree Service

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  • WHOA! Hurricane Debby creates 6-foot sand cliff on Flagler Beach

    WHOA! Hurricane Debby creates 6-foot sand cliff on Flagler Beach

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    FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – While Central Florida’s coast didn’t take a direct hit from Hurricane Debby, the storm surge and ocean were pretty rough. So much so that Flagler Beach residents on Monday woke up to a 6-foot cliff in the sand along the ocean shore.

    The Army Corps of Engineers and Flagler County have been working on a dredging project and using the sand to reinforce the dunes and widen the beaches. The sand used for the project partially washed back into the ocean along the stretch where the cliff appeared.

    The strong storm surge on top of high tide was likely to blame, according to the county. But Flagler County officials said the project worked as it should.

    They said the extra sand provided a larger barrier for the dunes and State Road A1A and will likely wash back up later.

    “As the waves are larger and more erosive along the coast, the sand will be transported slightly offshore to break the waves further away from the coastline,” Flagler’s Coastal Engineering Administrator Ansley Wren-Key wrote. “It is a natural process of how the beach protects the dunes and infrastructure behind it.”

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Molly Reed

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  • DeSantis issues emergency declaration for 54 Florida counties

    DeSantis issues emergency declaration for 54 Florida counties

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in 54 counties Thursday ahead of a potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Counties affected by the declaration include:

    Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

    The order comes as tropical wave Invest 97L “is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” DeSantis’ executive order said.

    The order said that conditions are favorable for Invest 97L to develop into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week “over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula.”

    Based on meteorological reports, the emergency declaration said that there is a “significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days.”

    It is expected that any “prolonged heavy rainfall” from the potential storm could result in “river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.”

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Strong storms moving through Central Florida on Wednesday evening

    Strong storms moving through Central Florida on Wednesday evening

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    Another round of strong storms is moving through Central Florida on Wednesday afternoon, following two days of severe weather. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Flagler County and multiple flooding advisories were issued across the region. The thunderstorm warning was issued due to 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail and is expected to expire at 5:15 p.m.Active alerts:Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Flagler County until 5:15 p.m.Flood advisory in effect for interior Flagler County until 7 p.m.Flood advisory in effect until 6:30 p.m. for NE Marion County including Salt SpringsFlood advisory issued for Marion County including Anthony and Ocala until 5:45 p.m.First Warning Weather Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.RadarSevere Weather AlertsDownload the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts. The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. —

    Another round of strong storms is moving through Central Florida on Wednesday afternoon, following two days of severe weather.

    A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Flagler County and multiple flooding advisories were issued across the region.

    The thunderstorm warning was issued due to 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail and is expected to expire at 5:15 p.m.

    Active alerts:

    • Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Flagler County until 5:15 p.m.
    • Flood advisory in effect for interior Flagler County until 7 p.m.
    • Flood advisory in effect until 6:30 p.m. for NE Marion County including Salt Springs
    • Flood advisory issued for Marion County including Anthony and Ocala until 5:45 p.m.

    This content is imported from Twitter.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is imported from Twitter.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    First Warning Weather

    Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    Download the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

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