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Florida prosecutors are laying out their case against a plastic surgeon facing the death penalty

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida prosecutors seeking the death penalty for a plastic surgeon accused of killing a lawyer and dumping his body in the Everglades have laid out their case in new court filings.

Authorities say Dr. Tomasz Kosowski killed attorney Steven Cozzi in the bathroom of Cozzi’s law office moments after both participated in a March 21 conference call about a lengthy, acrimonious legal battle over medical billing.

Prosecutors said in court documents that Kosowski took the call from a Toyota pickup truck outside the office and that he had supplies to commit the killing, including trash bags, a syringe containing a paralyzing drug and a wagon to haul the corpse out.

Although Cozzi’s body has never been found, investigators used cellphone records and surveillance video to track Kosowski to a remote area west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail, also known as U.S. Highway 41. That’s where they believe Kosowski tossed the body into a Dumpster that was eventually emptied by a garbage truck. The driver noticed an unusually “vile” smell at the stop, authorities said.

“Video from the garbage truck of the Dumpster being emptied into the garbage truck shows a large garbage bag falling in a manner inconsistent with normal trash,” prosecutors said in a motion asking a judge to hold Kosowski without bond. The parcel’s shape and the way it fell looked consistent with something that might hold a human body, they said.

A police cadaver dog also indicated a body had been in the Dumpster, according to court documents filed Friday.

Trash from the route is typically hauled to a Collier County landfill, but authorities who searched the property for Cozzi’s body said the facility routinely compacts its trash, “making recovery efforts nearly impossible.”

The new details emerged in court filings ahead of a July 17 hearing in which Kosowski’s lawyers plan to seek his release on bail. In Florida, anyone accused of first-degree murder is generally jailed until trial unless the defense can show a compelling reason they shouldn’t be.

Kosowski, 44, has pleaded not guilty. A graduate of Dartmouth College medical school, he has specialized in reconstructive breast surgery for eight years, according to papers filed by his lawyers.

They contend the prosecution’s case is flimsy, that Kosowski poses no threat and that their client will not try to evade justice. If released, Kosowski plans to stay at his multimillion-dollar waterfront home in Tarpon Springs.

The new court documents detail prosecutors’ evidence against Kosowski, including Cozzi’s blood and DNA found in the law office bathroom and in the garage at Kosowski’s home, where it was mixed with the doctor’s DNA. In addition, authorities say Kosowski bought the Toyota truck with cash weeks before Cozzi’s slaying and never registered the vehicle, which had a license plate flipping device that allowed tags to be substituted with the touch of a button. One of the license plates associated with it was registered to a dead person.

When Kosowski was arrested March 25, investigators said he had $280,000 in cash, masks, duct tape, firearms, a ballistic vest with “EMS” written on it, law enforcement patches and a vial of succinylcholine, which is a paralyzing drug. A search of his home turned up about 200 guns, according to court documents.

Cozzi, meanwhile, seemingly disappeared without a trace. His keys, wallet and cellphone remained on his law office desk and a work file was open on his computer. His husband has not heard from him.

The missing lawyer represented a Dunedin, Florida-based medical practice that Kosowski alleged shorted him thousands of dollars in billings and damaged his reputation as a doctor.

The dispute got so heated that Kosowski tried to get Cozzi removed from the case and at one point allegedly called Cozzi a “scumbag” during an encounter in the same law office bathroom where prosecutors say the attorney was slain.

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Central Florida News

Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says

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Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.

Lawsuit Challenges Election Process

Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.

“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”

Ross: ‘The Law Matters’

Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.

“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”

Concerns Over Election Accountability

Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.

“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”

Campaign Message

Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.

“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”

He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.

“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.

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Central Florida News

UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — UCP Charter Schools and the University of Central Florida have launched a new partnership to expand academic, health and family support services through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative.

The federally funded Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI) will establish Community Schools at UCP Bailes Community Academy, UCP Downtown and UCP Pine Hills Charter School beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Two additional UCP campuses are scheduled to join the initiative in January 2027.

University-Assisted Community Schools Model

The initiative is a collaboration between UCP Charter Schools, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI) and the UCF Center for Community Schools (UCF CCS).

Together, the partners will implement the University-Assisted Community Schools model, which brings together schools, families, higher education institutions, community organizations and local stakeholders to address barriers to student success while improving educational and family outcomes.

Expanded Student and Family Services

Through the partnership, UCP Charter Schools and UCF will enhance and expand services that include:

  • After-school enrichment programs
  • Academic support services
  • Health and wellness resources
  • Family engagement opportunities
  • Connections to community-based services

Community Input Will Guide the Initiative

As implementation begins, UCP Charter Schools and UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute will conduct comprehensive needs assessments at each participating campus.

Families, students, school staff and community partners will be invited to participate through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. Feedback gathered during the process will help shape each school’s Community School plan and future programming.

“Community schools are most successful when they build upon the strengths and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Matthew Marino of UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. “We are excited to partner with UCP Charter Schools to develop sustainable systems of support that connect students and families with the resources, opportunities and relationships that contribute to long-term success.”

Serving More Than 2,100 Central Florida Students

UCP Charter Schools serves more than 2,100 students across Central Florida through an inclusive educational model designed to provide individualized learning opportunities and support for every student.

School leaders said the organization’s longstanding commitment to customized education, family engagement and community partnerships positions it well to implement the Community Schools model.

“At UCP, we have always believed that schools can serve as the hub of their communities,” said Anna Morin, associate superintendent of UCP Charter Schools and project liaison for the initiative. “This partnership will allow us to deepen our work with families, expand access to critical resources and create new opportunities for students to thrive. Most importantly, the needs and voices of our families, students and staff will guide the development of each school’s Community School plan.”

Shared Commitment to Student Success

The Community Schools initiative reflects a shared commitment between UCP Charter Schools and UCF to strengthen educational achievement, increase family engagement and develop sustainable partnerships that support the whole child and the entire family.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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