Florida

Son of Florida Sheriff’s Deputy Opens Fire at FSU, Killing Two, Injuring Six

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2025

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Tragedy struck Florida State University on April 17 when a gunman opened fire near the campus student union, killing two people and wounding six others in a horrifying midday attack that left students scrambling for cover and the campus on lockdown.

The shooter, identified by police as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science major at FSU and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, began shooting around 11:50 a.m., according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. Campus police responded within minutes and shot Ikner after he failed to comply with their commands. He was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and taken into custody.

Two non-students were killed on site, and five of the six injured sustained gunshot wounds. One person was hurt while fleeing the scene.

Weapons Belonged to Deputy Mother

The handgun used in the shooting was once the service weapon of Ikner’s mother, a school resource deputy at Raa Middle School in Tallahassee. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the weapon had become her personal firearm after being replaced by a newer model. Investigators also found a shotgun, though it’s unclear if it was used.

McNeil noted that Ikner had longstanding ties to the sheriff’s office, having participated in youth programs and trainings. “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said. His mother, whose name has not been released, has served the agency for over 18 years.

Eyewitnesses Recall Chaos and Fear

Students across campus reported moments of confusion and terror as the attack unfolded.

Paige Miller, who was in a restroom near the student union, called 911 and barricaded the door after hearing what sounded like gunshots. “Suddenly three girls come running in, one of them crying,” she said.
Andrew Cheyne, hiding in the student union’s basement, was with 30 to 40 others locked in the billiard hall. “I leaned on my Christian faith but was still frightened.”
Students Sam Swartz and Sean Gulledg used trash cans and plywood to block hallways. “Everyone started freaking out,” Swartz said.

FSU Locks Down Campus, Cancels Events

In response, FSU canceled all classes and events through April 18 and shut down several buildings, including the Student Union, Bellamy, and Rovetta. Athletics events are canceled through Sunday. The area remains an active crime scene as the investigation continues.

The FBI’s Jacksonville field office is assisting local authorities.

Presidential Response

President Donald Trump, briefed on the incident, expressed condolences but reaffirmed his support for the Second Amendment. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” Trump said.

Campus Remembers 2014, 2018 Tragedies

This marks another dark chapter for FSU, which faced a similar tragedy in 2014 when a gunman opened fire at Strozier Library, injuring three. The university also remembered Maura Binkley, a student killed in a 2018 Tallahassee yoga studio shooting. An event honoring her and promoting campus safety, scheduled for April 17, was canceled due to this latest tragedy.

Where to Report Info

FSU urged those with relevant information to contact police at 850-891-4987.

As the community grieves and searches for answers, the university and law enforcement are working to ensure accountability, transparency, and healing.

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Florida

Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.

$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN

Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.

Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.

The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.

FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH

The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.

The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.

Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.

ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.

Crimes and Courts

Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise

Published

6 days ago

June 13, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals accused of participating in a multi-county drug trafficking enterprise operating in Broward County and surrounding areas of South Florida.

The defendants — Isaac Lakeith Bruton, Wayne Morgan Brutton Jr., Wayne Morgan Brutton Sr., Omar Dwayne Cooper, Rene Danger Jr., and Cleon Fabian Reid — are accused of participating in an organized criminal enterprise that allegedly distributed large quantities of illegal narcotics and laundered proceeds from drug sales.

Investigation Spanned Multiple Agencies

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the charges stem from a joint investigation led by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal enterprise that pumped dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “Through the tireless work of the Office of Statewide Prosecution and our great law enforcement partners, we are taking on more criminal prosecutions than ever before.”

Alleged Drug Trafficking Operation

Investigators allege the organization obtained and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine, multiple pounds of marijuana, prescription pills and other controlled substances throughout South Florida.

According to authorities, members of the enterprise converted powdered cocaine into crack cocaine near distribution locations and utilized vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to transport narcotics.

The investigation further alleges that Bruton and Cooper laundered proceeds from drug sales through the purchase of vehicles, real estate, business investments, classic car restorations and jewelry.

Charges Filed

Bruton and Cooper are each charged with:

Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
Money Laundering (Third-Degree Felony)

Brutton Jr., Brutton Sr., Danger Jr., and Reid are each charged with:

Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Bruton and Cooper face up to 75 years in prison. Brutton Jr., Brutton Sr., Danger Jr., and Reid each face up to 60 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Jillian Tate and Nicholas Kaleel.

Presumption of Innocence

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Florida

Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47

Published

6 days ago

June 13, 2026

FNN NEWS

Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.

According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.

Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement

Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.

The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”

Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.

Democrats Advance to Primary Election

With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.

The only candidates remaining in the race are:

Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Anthony Nieves, a state investigator

The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.

House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.

The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.