As Seminole County deals with school threats, calls grow for more involvement from parents
An increase in social media rumors about school threats has Seminole County officials urging parents to talk to their kids about the consequences of making threatening remarks in the wake of a school shooting last week in Georgia.
Seminole County deputy cruiser overturns after getting struck by car that ran red light, troopers say
A Seminole County deputy was taken to the hospital after a rollover crash, according to the sheriffโs office.
Former Seminole County Sheriffโs Office employee demands accountability after charges dropped in sting arrest
Charges have been dropped against a former Seminole County Sheriffโs Office employee who was arrested in a prostitution sting. Now, he's demanding accountability from Sheriff Dennis Lemma.
4 Central Florida sheriffs reelected without opposition, while 4 others face opponents
Four Central Florida sheriffs will continue to lead their respective law enforcement agencies after getting no opponents for their reelection races this week.
WHOโS WHO? Here are the figures involved in mysterious Winter Springs carjacking case
Investigators have discovered that several other criminal cases are somehow tied to this carjacking, raising even more questions about why it happened.
State to decide if man faces charges in shooting that wounded 10 at Cabana Live near Sanford
The state will determine if a 21-year-old man will face charges in a shooting that left 10 injured at a Seminole County event venue in April, sheriffโs officials said on Thursday.
New rules for special events implemented in Seminole County following Cabana Live shooting
Sheriff Lemma said Cabana Live did not have the proper permit in place to host the party that was advertised on social media as the "Nobody Leaves Sober" pool party.
16-year-old charged as adult in shooting at Cabana Live near Sanford, faces 5 counts of attempted murder
The teen suspect in a shooting that injured 10 people at Cabana Live last month is expected to appear in court.
Texans owner McNair says Tank Dell will make 'full recovery' after being wounded in shooting
Houston Texans owner Cal McNair said Monday that receiver Tank Dell will make a โfull recoveryโ after Dell was wounded in a shootout at a Florida restaurant last month.
Lawyer gives update on lawsuit against Seminole business after shooting
Lawyers representing a woman who was hurt in a shooting that hurt 10 people during a party at Cabana Live in Seminole County gave an update on their lawsuit against the business Friday night.
Sanford restaurant where 10 were shot did not have proper permits. County deciding next steps
Seminole County leaders are now discussing the next steps in the wake of the shooting at Cabana Live over the weekend.
Surveillance video captures chaotic moments in Seminole shooting that injured 10
During a news conference on Monday, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma released surveillance video inside Cabana Live showing the moments gunfire rang out through the restaurant and bar.
Texans receiver Tank Dell was among 10 people wounded in shootout at Florida party, sheriff says
Authorities say none of the 10 people who were wounded in a shootout at a Florida restaurant over the weekend, including Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, suffered life-threatening injuries.
โViolence and drug trafficking go hand:โ Seminole County sheriff, feds hold briefing on deadly carjacking
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma and federal law enforcement officials held a news conference on Monday detailing how the agencies have worked together to investigate the deadly carjacking that took place earlier this month near Winter Springs.
14th arrest made in Seminole County drive-by shooting that killed 1, injured 5
A man wanted in a fatal drive-by shooting last year in Seminole County that stemmed from a dispute between rappers has been arrested, according to jail records.
โOperation Black Ice:โ 20 arrested over massive drug investigation in Seminole County
The investigation prevented a potential โmurder-for-hire plotโ and a drone-smuggling operation, according to the sheriff's office.
Victimโs family no longer cooperating with Seminole County carjacking investigation, sheriff says
Miguel Aguasvivas, the husband of the victim in the deadly carjacking in Winter Springs, is no longer cooperating with the investigation into his wifeโs death, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office.
Deputies announce another arrest in Winter Springs carjacking; 2 men expected to face federal charges
A man arrested in Puerto Rico on federal drug and gun charges may be the driver of the green Acura used in the deadly carjacking near Winter Springs, according to Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.
Another arrest made in Winter Springs carjacking; 2 men expected to face federal charges
A man arrested in Puerto Rico on federal drug and gun charges may be the driver of the green Acura used in the deadly carjacking near Winter Springs, according to Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma.
Man believed to be last person to speak with woman carjacked near Winter Springs arrested on drug charges
A person of interest in a brazen carjacking earlier this month near Winter Springs has been arrested, according to jail records.
WHOโS WHO? Here are the figures involved in mysterious Winter Springs carjacking case
Investigators have discovered that several other criminal cases are somehow tied to this carjacking, raising even more questions about why it happened.
โPieces of the puzzle:โ Person of interest IDโd in mysterious Seminole carjacking; drug trafficking case connected
The Seminole County Sheriffโs Office said the investigation into a carjacking and missing woman case last week led to a person of interest, a drug arrest, and a search for at least one other person.
Deadly Winter Springs carjacking linked to Orange County shooting, arrest of deputy, officials say
The Seminole County Sheriffโs Office provided several key developments in the homicide investigation involving a woman who was carjacked at gunpoint near Winter Springs on April 11.
TIMELINE: Hereโs what we know after woman was carjacked in broad daylight near Winter Springs
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is now investigating a homicide, after they believe they found the body of a woman who was carjacked at gunpoint.
Florida woman missing after brazen carjacking near Winter Springs believed dead
A Florida woman who was missing after an armed carjacking was captured on video near Winter Springs is believed to be dead.
Overdose deaths drop, Narcan gets results, Project Opioid says
Nonprofit Project Opioid announced on Monday that overdoses have finally fallen and the wide availability of naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is the reason why.
Your Florida Daily: 13 arrested in fatal 2023 drive-by shooting, 1st confirmed case of measles reaches Central Florida
Thirteen people have been arrested more than a year after six people were shot along a road in Seminole County, leaving an innocent woman dead.
13 arrested, 1 wanted in fatal 2023 drive-by shooting in Seminole County
Seminole County deputies have arrested 13 people and are searching for one more in a 2023 drive-by shooting where a woman was killed in what the sheriff called a high-profile dispute between music stars Kodak Black and Jackboy, with gang ties.
Seminole sheriffโs office holds hiring event after lowering age for detention deputy position
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office held its first hiring event since reducing the age requirement for those looking to become detention deputies at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.
3 indicted for first-degree murder in fatal fentanyl case in Seminole County
Three men have been indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Seminole County man in January because of fentanyl.
Opioid overdose deaths decrease in Central Florida. Hereโs what a new report shows
Law enforcement met with community leaders to announce new data that shows a historic reduction in opioid overdose deaths in Central Florida.
This new safety measure is coming to Seminole County schools
In a video announcement, SCPS Superintendent Serita Beamon and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma discussed the new measure, which is aimed at improving classroom safety.
Seminole schools superintendent urges parents to talk to students about behavior ahead of 1st day
The school year starts Thursday in Seminole County, and the school district wants to reassure parents that safety is their top priority.
Your Florida Daily: Arrest made in Tampa cold case, Seminole detective faces charges
Thirty years after a Tampa-area girl disappeared after getting off her school bus, a Florida man has been charged with her murder.
Seminole County detective accused of warning suspects in undercover operations
Deputies said that Jose Tirado โ a detective with the sheriffโs officeโs Crimes Against Children Unit since 2015 โ covertly warned suspects who were planning to travel to meet minors for sex.
Seminole County sheriffโs son faces charges of reckless driving, fleeing deputies
The son of Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma faces charges after he is accused of speeding and fleeing from deputies attempting to make a traffic stop on Wednesday morning, according to a news release.
Seminole County sheriffโs son faces charges of reckless driving, fleeing deputies
The son of Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma faces charges after he is accused of speeding and fleeing from deputies attempting to make a traffic stop on Wednesday morning, according to a news release.
Seminole sheriffโs lieutenant fired, accused of sending sexual messages to subordinate
A Seminole County Sheriffโs Office lieutenant was fired Thursday on grounds he sent unsolicited and sexually explicit messages to a subordinate late last year, according to documents obtained by News 6.
โWe risk our lives:โ Orlando firefighter honored after pulling Seminole deputy from fiery crash
Orlando Fire Department Lt. Benjamin Wootson III was honored Friday for having saved the life of a Seminole County sheriffโs deputy.
Lake Mary High School students arrested after โsenselessโ lunchtime attack
Three Lake Mary High School students were arrested on Wednesday after attacking another student during lunch period, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office.
Suspect in slayings of woman, 3 children fatally shot by police at Sanford motel, officials say
Law enforcement at a Sanford motel shot and killed the suspect in the deaths of a woman and her three children found dead inside an apartment, according to officials.
Video shows student atop speeding car at Lake Mary High School, charges pending against driver
A student accused of recklessly driving in the parking lot of Lake Mary High School on Wednesday has been arrested, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office.
Seminole County sheriff explains how over-the-counter Narcan can help reverse opioid overdoses
Experts say making Narcan available over the counter is a critical step in managing the ongoing epidemic, which claimed the lives of more than 80,000 Americans in 2021.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, sheriffs discuss fentanyl crisis during roundtable in Daytona Beach
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and several Florida sheriffs on Thursday discussed the fentanyl crisis and other issues at a roundtable in Daytona Beach.
Seminole County opens emergency shelters, issues evacuation orders for expected flooding
Emergency shelters opened in Seminole County after evacuation orders were issued for flood-prone areas, mobile homes and people with special needs who need a safe place to stay.
Seminole County officials provide preparation plans for Hurricane Ian
The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management will provide an update for the community on Monday in preparation for Hurricane Ian, the county announced.
Hat leads to 19-year-oldโs arrest in sex attack on jogger on Seminole County trail, deputies say
A hat left behind by a man accused in a sex attack on a jogger along a popular Seminole County trail led to his arrest, according to the sheriff.
WATCH LIVE: Seminole County sheriff speaks on arrest made in sex attack on woman jogging on popular trail
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is looking for whoever attacked a female jogger on a trail.
Central Florida community observes International Overdose Awareness Day
Local leaders came together with families Wednesday to mourn those lost to overdose deaths and look toward solutions for those struggling with opioids.
Seminole County superintendent, sheriff talk staffing, safety at back-to-school news conference
At a news conference Friday, Seminole Countyโs sheriff and superintendent of public schools updated local parents on what to expect when sending their children back to classes on Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Seminole students shop with a sheriff ahead of first day of school
Most students in Central Florida will be heading back to class next week but on Monday, some got the opportunity to shop for new clothes and uniforms thanks to the โShop with the Sheriffโ event in Seminole County.
Treating substance use disorder during a mental health crisis
The latest initiative to promote Mental Health Awareness Month has brought several alarming statistics to light, including the record number of drug overdose deaths in 2021.
โItโs like Russian roulette:โ Seminole sheriff explains how fentanyl is fueling deadly opioid crisis
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma sat down with anchor Justin Warmoth on โThe Weeklyโ to break down how the opioid epidemic has evolved over the years and what itโs going to take to get the crisis under control.
Drug overdose deaths up again in Central Florida in 2021, Project Opioid says
Project Opioid is set to discuss the latest overdose crisis data at the Citrus Club in Orlando Thursday morning, organizers announced.
LISTEN: 911 call released in killing of Seminole County mosque maintenance worker
Seminole County deputies released a 911 call in reference to the killing of a maintenance worker at Husseini Islamic Center near Sanford on Thursday.
Maintenance worker at mosque likely killed with shovel, Seminole sheriff says
Deputies are looking for a van following a suspicious death at Husseini Islamic Center in Sanford, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office.
Project Opioid launches โThe Everyone Campaignโ with billboards spread across Central Florida
The Everyone Campaign is set to focus on the dangers of drugs like fentanyl and help people who are struggling with the opioid crisis by using marketing billboards.
Report shows historic increase in opioid overdose deaths in Central Florida
A Florida-based initiative teamed up with the Seminole County Sheriffโs office Wednesday to release a new report about a historic rise in local opioid overdose deaths.
CDC data shows increase in overdose deaths in Florida, nationwide
As the coronavirus pandemic raged on, the CDC said nearly 100,000 people lost their lives to drugs in 12 months with almost 10% of the overdose deaths reported happened in Florida, according to the data.
WATCH LIVE: Seminole County Sheriff Lemma to address escalating overdoses
Health officials say the coronavirus pandemic has created the greatest mental health, substance abuse and overdose crisis in U.S. history.
โIt was gunfire:โ 911 calls show Sanford deputy-involved shooting sent neighborhood into panic
As Seminole County deputies opened fire on a man wanted in connection with a recent murder, nearby residents were left in fear, wondering what exactly had happened.
Murder suspect injured in shootout with deputies in Sanford, sheriff says
A vehicle connected to the death of a woman whose body was found along a Volusia County trail led to a shooting in Sanford that prompted a school lockdown, authorities said.
Community leaders looking to stop opioid overdose deaths, blame pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Church leaders and law enforcement are working together to address the rise in overdose deaths within the last year. โWhat we are seeing is a perfect storm of the previous overdose crisis now colliding with COVID-19 and driving the numbers of deaths from overdose to historic levels,โ Andrae Bailey, CEO of Project Opioid said. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, a coach for Project Opioid, said they are working to bring more community programs to reach those struggling with opioid addiction. โWeโve incorporated a lot in various programs in Seminole County and this project with project opioid brings the faith community together, the business community together and the public sector to come up with real reasonable solutions,โ Lemma said. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6โฒs coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Seminole County opens vaccine site for law enforcement, teachers
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Seminole County has opened a vaccination site in downtown Sanford exclusively for K-12 teachers and law enforcement officers 50 years old and older. The site will distribute 660 Pfizer first doses per day Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sanford Civic Center. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said he is considering incentivizing his deputies to get the vaccine. โI also think that indirectly this sends the message the public that if our law enforcement officers and school teachers are out here getting vaccinated, that itโs safe to do so.โDietra Frederick, a teacher at Lyman High School, said she feels โspecialโ and โhonoredโ that the county designated a vaccine site exclusively for teachers and law enforcement. Law enforcement and teacher ID badges will be checked at the site.
Oviedo High School testing gun detection technology
OVIEDO, Fla. โ New gun detection technology is being tested at Oviedo High School in hopes of keeping the campus safe. Itโs been used at Oviedo High School on a trial basis for the past three months. [TRENDING: Mega Millions jackpot hits $750M | Fla. firefighter charged in Capitol riot | How to get vaccine in Fla. | Gun background checks skyrocket]ZeroEyes is the company behind the gun detection technology, the team includes several military veterans with a background in information technology. ZeroEyes gun detection technology is currently being used in nine different school districts, including schools in New Jersey, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. That new technology has been used at Oviedo High School on a trial basis for the past three months.
Detectives โhoning inโ on culprits in Seminole County double homicide
Tiffany Church, 35, and her boyfriend, Trodarius Rainey, 26, went missing Dec. 30. Their car was found abandoned on New Yearโs Eve with at least one bullet hole, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday. Investigators believe the assailants knew the victims, the sheriff said. He added that detectives have โa pretty good idea of what happened,โ and are continuing to gather evidence. The sheriff said preliminary evidence shows that Church and Rainey were killed and then their bodies were dumped in different places.
Sanford mother of 2, boyfriend fatally shot after disappearance, sheriff says
SANFORD, Fla. โ Authorities have identified the body found Tuesday as that of Tiffany Church, a 35-year-old Sanford woman who was reported missing along with her boyfriend, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office. Their car, a black Toyota Camry, was located in Sanford with a bullet hole in it on Dec. 31. Sheriff Dennis Lemma said both victims were shot. Lemma said Church and Rainey were last seen Dec. 30 at a gas station then were unreachable by family and friends. The sheriff said itโs unclear where both victims were killed but it appears Rainey was shot and his body was moved to where he was discovered.
Seminole County sergeant who died of COVID-19 taught inmate how to read
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Community members and colleagues from the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office gathered for the funeral and celebration of life of 48-year-old Sgt. LaRue was a Marine before spending more than 20 years with the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office Department of Corrections. During his celebration of life, Lemma shared that LaRue earned the nickname โinmate whisperer.โ[TRENDING: Safe to shop during pandemic? The Seminole County Sheriffโs Office said his legacy will live on through the Sgt. The Seminole County Sheriffโs Office said it does not believe LaRue contracted COVID-19 while working at the John.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma wins re-election
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Republican Dennis Lemma has been declared the winner of the Seminole County sheriff race with more than 58% of voters opting to re-elect Lemma. [LIVE RACE RESULTS: Scroll to bottom of story to see all race returns]RACE DETAILS BELOWThe voters of Seminole County have decided who will be their top cop going forward and decided to continue with Sheriff Dennis Lemma. The Republican candidate, Dennis Lemma, has served as Seminole County sheriff since 2017 while Democrat Paul โSpikeโ Hopkins unsuccessfully ran for the role in Orange County in 2016. Lemma will continue deciding how crime is enforced in Seminole County for the next four years and manage the sheriffโs officeโs multi-million dollar budget. Hereโs what you need to know about the candidates:Dennis Lemma (R)Before he was re-elected, Dennis Lemma was a decades-long Seminole County resident who has served as sheriff since he was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2017.
Meet the candidates: Hereโs whoโs running for Seminole County sheriff
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Itโll be up to the people of Seminole County to decide who will be their top cop going forward as they vote for the next sheriff. The Republican candidate, Dennis Lemma, has served as Seminole County sheriff since 2017 while Democrat Paul โSpikeโ Hopkins unsuccessfully ran for the role in Orange County in 2016. Hereโs how to track your ballot]Whoever wins will decide how crime is enforced in Seminole County for the next four years and manage the sheriffโs officeโs multi-million dollar budget. Hereโs what you need to know:Dennis Lemma (R)Dennis Lemma is a decadeslong Seminole County resident who has served as sheriff since he was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2017. Paul โSpikeโ Hopkins (D)Paul โSpikeโ Hopkins is emerging from his retirement after 30 years in law enforcement in hopes of serving as the countyโs next sheriff.
Florida to use $5 million federal grant to fund career program for recovering addicts
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Florida will use a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund a pilot program designed to help people recovering from opioid addiction re-enter the workforce through training as well as continue to receive recovery and support services. [TRENDING: โSmell of rotting fleshโ leads to body in trunk | How to celebrate Halloween during pandemic | 98 โmurder hornetsโ removed]The pilot program is called Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery through Workforce Development. โThere is no question that the isolation and collateral unintended consequences of COVID-19 stop people who were in treatment,โ Lemma said. The DeSantis' said the program is designed to partner with communities including local colleges, CareerSource in Central Florida and law enforcement. โThis new pilot program is focused on connecting individuals who have been impacted by opioid abuse addiction and other substance use disorders, with the resources they need to recover and find meaningful employment in their communities,โ Gov.
Seminole County sheriffโs deputy strikes, kills woman standing in road
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ A Seminole County sheriffโs deputy struck and killed a Geneva woman who was standing in a road while talking to her boyfriend, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal crash was reported at 7:50 p.m. Sunday on Snow Hill Road near Winding River Lane, a remote area north of Chuluota. The FHP said the deputy, a 28-year-old Sanford woman, was driving a marked Seminole County sheriffโs SUV south on Snow Hill Road and hit the woman. FHP is investigating after a Seminole County Sheriffโs deputy hit and killed a woman on Snow Hill Rd last night. Snow Hill Road was closed immediately after the crash, but it was later reopened.
Seminole County Sheriffโs Office recruiting, sponsoring minority candidates
Cornelius Blue rose through the ranks of the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office over the last three decades after making a promise to his grandmother in 1990. โHow can I not be in Ministry and law enforcement,โ Blue said. โWe pay for their Academy, and theyโre essentially working full-time receiving a salary while theyโre in school or the academy and is being paid for by the Sheriffโs Office,โ Blue said. โWe wanted do a better job of recruiting minorities and people with the level of diversity to help police and provide service to our community.โThe Sheriffโs Office now also recruits at historically black college and universities. Blue said already the Sheriffโs Office is looking to hiring several minority recruits as deputies or corrections officers.
Seminole County Sheriffโs Office recruiting, sponsoring minority candidates
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ Newly promoted Captain Cornelius Blue rose through the ranks of the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office over the last three decades after making a promise to his grandmother in 1990. โHow can I not be in Ministry and law enforcement,โ Blue said. โWe pay for their Academy, and theyโre essentially working full-time receiving a salary while theyโre in school or the academy and is being paid for by the Sheriffโs Office,โ Blue said. โWe wanted to do a better job of recruiting minorities and people with the level of diversity to help police and provide service to our community.โThe Sheriffโs Office now also recruits at historically black colleges and universities. Blue said already the Sheriffโs Office is looking to hiring several minority recruits as deputies or corrections officers.
Crime likely being underreported during COVID-19 pandemic, Seminole sheriff says
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said statistically, the areas crime rate is at the lowest its ever seen adding that its likely substance and domestic abuse crimes are being underreported due to the coronavirus pandemic. The sheriff made his remarks Wednesday afternoon during a mental health roundtable at AdventHealth in Altamonte Springs. You know (crime) is down across the state and Florida and in its 107-year history, its never been as low in Seminole County as it is today, Lemma said. Ron DeSantis and his wife praised the Seminole County Sheriffs Office work with a number of agencies to mitigate substance and domestic abuse from different angles. To report suspected abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families call 1-800-962-2873 or report abuse online by clicking here.
Seminole County provides updates on school preperations
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Leaders in Seminole County are expected to hold a news conference Friday to discuss new updates regarding safety and school preparations ahead of the 2020 school year. The discussion will include updates from Superintendent Dr. Walt Griffin, Seminole County, Sheriff Dennis Lemma, School Board Chair Karen Almond and School Safety & Security Director Captain Rick Francis. You can watch the live news conference in the video player atop this story. Check back here for updates following the news conference.
New code red drill protocol announced after Lake Brantley High incident
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ After an unannounced code red drill at Lake Brantley High School caused panic among students, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced a new protocol going forward. Pre-planned code red drills will also still take place. The bottom line is this โ we are no longer going to do these unannounced Code Red drills in that manner anymore," Lemma wrote in a news release. On Thursday, an unannounced code red drill was held at Lake Brantley High School. "I want to highlight the positive working relationship that the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office has with the Seminole County Public Schools.