James Tutten

Orlando

Assignment Editor and Web Producer at WFTV-TV (Orlando, FL)

Assignment Editor/Content Producer for @WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando. Writer, photographer and videographer covering breaking news. Email: [email protected]

Articles

New Smyrna Beach piers damaged by hurricanes could reopen in time for 4th of July

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

LocalNEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Two fishing piers in New Smyrna Beach damaged by recent hurricanes may reopen in time for the 4th of July. City leaders say materials are now on the way for the full replacement of the Brannon Center Boat Dock and repairs to two fishing piers at Riverside Park. The city says the dock and the piers were damaged in hurricanes Ian and Milton. The dock is expected to open by late September and the piers by July 4th.
Florida leaders take aim at senior scams after 92-year-old loses $800K

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida state leaders are looking to crack down on crimes against seniors. Law enforcement officials were in Tampa Monday morning to discuss the case of a 92-year-old man who lost about $800,000 over two years to a scam. Investigators said the suspect had done it in a state prison. “Even more individuals that are gonna be held accountable and responsible for our 92-year-old victim who lost his entire life savings,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Lake County leaders discuss ways to handle rapid population growth

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Leaders in Lake County will meet Monday to discuss the county’s extreme population growth. The discussion will be the first of four meetings that will focus on everything from roads to the county’s governance. Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss the structure of government and whether Lake County needs an official charter to tailor it to its needs. It sounds dull, but it’s high stakes because it allows leaders to gain more power.
Man admits to stalking ex-girlfriend for months, watching her sleep, deputies say

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Volusia County said a man was arrested after he admitted to stalking his ex-girlfriend for months. According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy spotted 20-year-old Jalen Vallejos walking through a neighborhood late at night, attempting to hide his face. Deputies said Vallejos was carrying a knife, lock-picking tools, and had a ski mask and gloves in his possession.
Campers with disabilities find a place to belong at Camp Thunderbird

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Summer is here, and finding the right summer camp can make a big difference for some families. In Seminole County, Camp Thunderbird at Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a traditional summer camp experience with an inclusive twist for campers with developmental disabilities. From swimming, games, and even dancing, the camp is built around creating a fun, safe, and empowering space for everyone.
Exorcism attempt blamed in Florida 6-year-old’s murder, sheriff says

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Deputies in South Florida are investigating the disturbing death of a 6-year-old boy. The boy’s mother, Rhonda Palynice, is facing a second-degree murder charge. Investigators in St. Lucie County said Palynice claimed she was told by God to exorcise demons out of her son’s body. Deputies went to the family’s home after the school reported him absent for more than two weeks. That’s when they found his body.
STORM ZONES: What history tells us about the start of hurricane season

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday marked the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. With forecasts pointing to above-average activity, emergency officials across Central Florida and the wider southeastern U.S. are urging residents to get prepared now. Meteorologists have long known that while the hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, the first month of the season has its own distinctive hot zones.
Driver dies after crashing into a building in Orlando

5 days ago | wftv.com | James Tutten

ORLANDO, Fla. — Troopers in Orlando are investigating a deadly crash Monday morning. The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. on Lake Ellenor Drive near Diplomacy Row. Investigators said the crash involved a driver who crashed into a building. Troopers said the driver was taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and no other details were released by troopers.
Warm and mostly dry Monday with a better chance for storms later this week

5 days ago | yahoo.com | Kassandra Crimi |James Tutten

Warm and mostly dry Monday with a better chance for storms later this weekMonday will be another comfortable day in Central Florida, with highs in the mid- to upper 80s and mostly dry conditions across many communities. Areas south of Orlando, particularly Osceola and Brevard counties, face the best chance for rain on Monday. Some areas could see strong storms Monday evening, potentially bringing heavy rain, lightning, small hail, and gusty winds.
Be Prepared: How to stay safe and get ready for 2025 hurricane season

1 week ago | wdbo.com | James Tutten

ORLANDO, Fla. — With the 20205 Atlantic Hurricane Season just days away, it’s important for everyone in Florida to be prepared. Here are some of the things you can do to help keep yourself and your family safe. 1) Make An Evacuation PlanBefore the storms roll in, residents should make an evacuation plan. Evacuation maps are available at FloridaDisaster.org. If you live near the coast, you should know what evacuation zone you live in.