Central Florida News
Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Arrested, Fired for Soliciting a Minor via Computer
Published
3 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reports that Deputy Charles Cruz was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on charges of soliciting a minor via computer on Friday. He has been relieved of all law enforcement duties without pay.
On February 19, while working as a patrol deputy, Cruz responded to a call for service at the home of a minor who was already working with the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit because she had been a victim of Sexual Cyberharassment. The call for service was related to a report of someone throwing an object through a window at the victim’s home, possibly the suspect in the Cyberharassment case.
In the course of his criminal mischief investigation, Cruz made inappropriate contact with the minor victim. That contact, via text message, became more inappropriate as he tried to gauge the minor’s interest in meeting him in person. The inappropriate contact was discovered on February 23 by the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit, which was examining the victim’s phone in connection to the Sexual Cyberharassment case.
On the evening of February 23, a detective in the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit assumed the identity of the minor, and chatted with Cruz via text. In the course of the conversation and while on duty, Cruz made sexually explicit comments to the person he believed was the minor. He was immediately located, relieved of duty, arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail.
Cruz was hired in August 2021 and worked in the uniform patrol division. Once the criminal proceedings are complete, an OCSO administrative investigation will be conducted.
“These are very serious criminal allegations, and there is no place in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for anyone that would abuse their power to victimize a minor. To make matters worse, this deputy preyed on a young woman who was already a victim of sexual cyberharassment,” said Sheriff John Mina. “As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty. He will never patrol the streets of Orange County again.”
Central Florida News
Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says
Published
3 days agoon
July 6, 2026
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.
Central Florida News
UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support
Published
3 days agoon
July 6, 2026
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.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
4 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
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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