TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.

The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.

In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.

The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.

What the Moves Mean

A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.

The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings announced that his surgery was successful and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the community as he begins his recovery.

In a statement released Tuesday, Demings said his physicians remain optimistic about his progress and that he looks forward to returning to public service after completing the recovery period recommended by his medical team.

“I appreciate the outpouring of support from our community. My surgery went well, and my doctors remain very optimistic about my recovery. I look forward to getting back to serving the residents of Orange County after taking the time my doctors have recommended for my recovery,” Demings said.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Anthony Rios has resigned, effective July 31, following questions raised during a recent Orange County Board of County Commissioners budget workshop regarding the purchase of a county-issued vehicle and his responses to commissioners.

Mayor Jerry L. Demings informed members of the Board of County Commissioners of Rios’ resignation in a memorandum following the chief’s decision to step down. The resignation comes just over a year after Demings appointed Rios to lead one of Florida’s largest fire-rescue agencies.

According to Rios’ resignation letter, the purchase of the county-assigned vehicle complied with Orange County procurement policies and procedures. However, he acknowledged that his explanation during the budget presentation “did not fully communicate the complete context” and could reasonably have been perceived as inaccurate. Rios accepted responsibility for his remarks and said his resignation was in the best interest of the department.

“Throughout my career, I have sought to lead with accountability, transparency, and integrity,” Rios wrote in his resignation letter. “Those values have guided every decision I have made, and they continue to guide this one.”

Appointment Lasted Just Over One Year

Mayor Demings appointed Rios as Orange County Fire Chief in April 2025 after a 24-year career with Orange County Fire Rescue. Before becoming chief, Rios served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration and previously held positions in field operations, emergency management and executive leadership. He also served as a sworn corrections officer and reserve deputy sheriff during his public safety career.

At the time of his appointment, Demings praised Rios’ leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the department, which serves one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

Budget Workshop Sparked Questions

The resignation follows a recent budget workshop where county commissioners questioned Rios regarding the acquisition of a county-issued vehicle as well as other Fire Rescue budget matters. Following that exchange, Rios determined that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action.

In his resignation letter, Rios emphasized that while the procurement itself complied with county policies, he recognized that public confidence depends not only on compliance but also on complete transparency and accurate communication.

He thanked Mayor Demings, the Board of County Commissioners, county administration and Orange County Fire Rescue employees for their support throughout his career.

Rios also stated that he believes the department has become stronger and better prepared to serve residents during his tenure.

Leadership Transition

Orange County has not yet publicly announced a permanent successor to lead the Fire Rescue Department.

The Orange County Fire Rescue Department is among the largest emergency response agencies in Florida, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue and disaster response throughout Orange County.

Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners are expected to oversee the transition process while ensuring continuity of operations during the leadership change.