Public Safety · Volusia County
A head-on collision on Saturday afternoon near Pierson killed a 12-year-old boy and seriously injured four others. The crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 40 and Still Road in Volusia County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Tesla veered into the eastbound lane and struck a Chevy Silverado pickup truck. Three children and an adult were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries but are in stable condition.
Crime · Volusia County
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced that two teens—18-year-old Cody Stripling and 19-year-old Sebastian Bowers—were arrested and charged with aggravated battery after a video showed them beating and kicking a physically handicapped man at a bonfire party in Tiger Bay State Forest. The assault occurred early in the morning of October 23rd; the victim was left at the party by a friend who returned to pull the suspects off him. The victim reported the crime to the Sheriff's Office, leading to the arrests on Saturday. The Sheriff's Office said it is still seeking other individuals present at the party, including the person who recorded the video.
Crime · Deltona, FL
Volusia County deputies responded Saturday morning to a report of an unaccompanied toddler near a retention pond in Deltona and found the 4-year-old child in the water, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Upon entering the family's home, deputies discovered unsanitary conditions including copious animal waste, roach infestation, and mold, officials said. The parents, identified as Fermin Medrano-Perez, 25, and Jeneixa Rodriguez-Crespo, 24, were arrested and charged with child neglect and animal cruelty. Deltona Animal Control took custody of a dog found caged and neglected in the home. A grandparent assumed custody of the child, and the Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted for follow-up.
Social Events · Daytona Beach, FL
Welcome to Rockville announced its full lineup for the 2027 music festival, set for May 6-9 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event will feature more than 150 artists across five stages, with headliners Korn, Bad Omens, Pierce The Veil, and Blink 182 performing on consecutive nights. Organizers said they have added more shade, seating, covered bleachers, umbrellas, and new amusement rides for next year's festival. Tickets are currently on sale via the festival's website, with Daytona Owners Club passes starting at $615 for one day and $2,400 for four days.
