Central Florida News
Florida man arrested by Volusia Sheriff after having sex with 12-year-old girl
Volusia sheriff’s deputies, detectives and staff worked quickly Saturday night to intercept and arrest a 29-year-old Cocoa Beach man who traveled to Deltona to have sex with a 12-year-old girl.
Brandon Keith Donato (DOB 6/16/1994) was arrested around 10:15 p.m. Saturday after chatting with an undercover Volusia Sheriff’s Office detective he thought was the same 12-year-old girl he’d already met for sex on two separate occasions over the past week.
Deputies learned about the case Friday evening, after the victim’s family found out she’d shared videos on her phone showing her having sex with an unknown male subject. The girl told detectives the male’s name was Brandon Smith, a 17-year-old she met on the Wink mobile app and communicated with on Instagram.
Using Brandon’s contact information and social media profiles, analysts at the Volusia County Crime Center identified him instead as Brandon Donato, a 29-year-old from Cocoa Beach whose vehicle tag was caught by license plate readers in Volusia County in the early-morning hours this past Monday (7/10) and Wednesday (7/12), both dates the victim said she met with him.
In addition to the videos, a review of the 12-year-old’s phone revealed an ongoing series of sexually explicit messages and descriptions of what they’d done, with Donato still interested in meeting up with her again.
On Saturday, a detective took over the conversation with Donato and ultimately arranged another meeting in Deltona. Multiple deputies and detectives were waiting in the area to take him into custody when he arrived.
Donato is charged with 2 counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a child, showing obscene material to a minor, promoting the sexual performance of a child, using a computer to solicit a child, traveling to meet after using a computer to solicit a child, and unlawful use of a 2-way communication device to facilitate a felony. He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail with a bond of $350,000.
Wink is a social networking and friendship app for kids 13 and up that has been described as “Tinder for teens.” The app’s website specifically states it’s not intended for dating, claiming: “We are not a dating app. Our mission is to provide a fun and safe space for everyone to make friends.”
Sheriff Mike Chitwood encouraged parents and guardians of kids with access to mobile devices and apps to closely monitor their activity. “Today, thanks to the quick work of everyone involved in this case, there’s one less predator out there exploiting the same apps our kids use,” Sheriff Chitwood said. “Unfortunately there are many more waiting for their own opportunity. Everyone should take the time and make the effort to protect our kids from predators who want to steal their childhood.”
A list of the most popular social media and networking apps used by kids is available at: https://protectyoungeyes.com/apps/
Several safety guides are available at volusiasheriff.gov/resources, including sexual abuse prevention curricula intended to prevent molestation, sexual assault, online luring, harassment, sexting, bullying/cyberbullying, identity theft, self-harm and more.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Business Owner Tatiana Fernandez running for Orange County Commission District 8
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a new District 8 seat to address the county’s continued population growth and expanding communities.
Tatiana Fernandez officially entered the race for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat after announcing her candidacy on social media and filing the necessary paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
Fernandez Highlights Business, Advocacy, and Community Leadership Experience
Fernandez, a Puerto Rican-born business owner, autism advocate, and community leader, said her campaign is focused on strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities throughout Orange County.
“Latinos are shaping the future of America,” Fernandez stated in her campaign announcement. “Together, we can build stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for our children.”
Fernandez currently serves on the Orange County Commission on Aging Board, where she advocates for programs and services benefiting seniors throughout the county.
Her professional and community background includes:
• Business owner since 2015 with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.
• Owner of Pantera Technical Services, a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• On-the-job training provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation students since 2019.
• Autism advocate serving families in Seminole County since 2007.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Born and raised in Puerto Rico.
• Resident of Florida since 2004 after living in Boston from 1994 to 2000.
• Academic studies in banking, pre-law, finance, government relations, and healthcare administration.
• Volunteer with the Lake Mary High School Robotics Program from 2017 to 2020.
• Registered volunteer for former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in both Orlando and Tallahassee offices.
• Candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Campaign Focused on Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses
Fernandez said Orange County residents deserve leadership that listens to the community and understands the challenges facing working families, senior citizens, and small-business owners.
“Our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and truly understands the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Orange County with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”
She is encouraging supporters to volunteer, share campaign information, and contribute to her effort to represent the newly established district.
Crowded Field Emerges for New District 8 Seat
Fernandez joins a growing field of candidates seeking election to the new Orange County Commission District 8 seat. Other announced candidates include Vic Torres, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, Isaiah Louis Anderson, Julio Rocha, and George Haas.
Candidate qualifying is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The primary election will be held on August 18, 2026, with voters selecting the first commissioner to represent the newly created district.
The District 8 seat is expected to be one of Orange County’s most closely watched races as candidates compete to represent a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse constituency.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
Florida4 days agoThe Villages Could Elect Florida’s First Neurosurgeon Dr. Nizam Razack to Congress
Florida2 days agoFormer State Representative Daisy Morales officially qualifies for Florida House District 43 race
Florida4 days agoVenezuelan Political Refugee Samuel Vilchez Santiago Endorsed by US. Rep. Darren Soto and the Democratic Establishment
Florida4 days agoByron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands
Politics4 days agoCongressman Maxwell Frost, Sen. Blumenthal Introduce Right to Record Act to Protect First Amendment Rights
