Central Florida News

Tampa: Arrest Made in March 3 Homicide

Published

3 years ago

March 13, 2023

TAMPA, Fla. – On the morning of March 3, a man was shot and killed in a credit union parking lot in the 1900 block of E. Hillsborough Avenue. Late last night, Tampa Police Detectives arrested 20-year-old Jeremiah Harris, Jr. He has been charged with Robbery with a Firearm and First-Degree Murder in this case. Harris was additionally charged with Armed Robbery for a separate incident that took place on February 21.

“The dedicated work of our officers and skilled investigations of our detectives and fingerprint specialists undoubtedly led to a swift arrest in this case,” said Interim Chief Lee Bercaw. “While this dangerous criminal cannot harm another member of our community, our thoughts remain with the victim’s family. We hope this arrest brings a small sense of comfort in their time of mourning.”

On March 3, 2023, just after 6 AM, Tampa Police Officers responded to Suncoast Credit Union (1920 E Hillsborough Ave) for the report of a man lying in the drive-through and not moving. Officers arrived to find an adult white male in his early 50’s suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported by Tampa Fire to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Detectives immediately began gathering physical and video evidence from the scene and nearby locations, working to develop leads in the case. Detectives were also actively investigating an armed robbery that had taken place at the same location just 11 days earlier. In that case, The victim, an adult black male in his early 20’s, was at the ATM when he was approached by Harris, who pointed a gun and said “If you don’t give it to me, I’ll kill you.” Thankfully, the robbery victim was not injured.

Witness statements provided detectives with information that Harris was repeatedly seen wearing clothing and carrying items that matched the suspect in the video surveillance. Investigative resources also led detectives to an apartment in Meridian Pointe, where Harris was known to associate with the resident. A search warrant was executed at that location. Fingerprint Specialists compared the fingerprints lifted from evidence recovered at the crime scene to the fingerprints lifted from Jeremiah Harris after the search warrant. Harris’s prints were a match.

During an interview with detectives, Harris provided a post-Miranda confession to both offenses. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.

Related Topics:Jeremiah Harris Jr.Tampa Police

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Central Florida News

FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree

Published

6 days ago

May 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

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.

Central Florida News

Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.

Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.

GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.

In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.

“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.

Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.

Florida National News Photo

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.

Business

Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook

Published

1 month ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.

Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.

Speakers and Panelists

Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President

Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.

Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.

Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.

Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.

“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.

Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.

Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.

Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.

ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry

The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.