Seminole County Deputy Charged with Third-Degree Felony Organized Fraud
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Nestor Nieves Jr. turned himself in today at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility after the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit completed its review of a criminal investigation and an arrest warrant was issued charging him with one count of Organized Fraud, a third-degree felony. His bond was set at $3,000, which he has since posted. The charge stems from an investigation into his conduct while assigned to off-duty overtime details. The
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to Launch Versaterm CommunityConnect Automated Notification System
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) will soon launch Versaterm CommunityConnect, an automated notification system designed to improve communication and keep community members informed after they request assistance. Through CommunityConnect, callers who contact the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center using a cellphone will receive an initial text message confirming their request for service. Depending on the nature of the call or confidentiality requirements, some calls for service may not
Detectives Investigate Fatal Shooting
Seminole County Sheriff's detectives are investigating a fatal early morning shooting, following a traffic dispute in unincorporated Longwood. Just before 1:00 a.m. deputies responded to a reported shooting in the 1700 block of Rutledge Road. Detectives determined that two motorists, both armed with handguns, became involved in a verbal dispute following a traffic-related incident near the entrance of the decedent’s subdivision, Mandarin Estates. According to detectives, the decedent pointed his
Seminole County Public Schools Needs Community Help to Bring Holiday Magic to Students in Need with Annual Giving Tree
Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is asking our community to partner with us once again in support of the annual SCPS Giving Tree program. This vital initiative is dedicated to ensuring that the most vulnerable students within the district experience the magic of the holidays by receiving gifts, including toys, bikes, and essential hygiene items. The SCPS Giving Tree directly supports students who might otherwise go without during the holiday season, offering them and their families a moment of joy and
Seminole High School Counselor Honored for Supporting Career Program: “Informed About the Uniform”
Since 2022, Seminole County Public Schools’ (SCPS) ePathways program— in partnership with the Seminole County Fire Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. military branches—has hosted Informed About the Uniform, a hands-on career education initiative at every Seminole County public high school. Recently, the program partners presented Emelda Lovett, Lead Counselor at Seminole High School, with the 2025 Champion of Career Opportunities Award for her leadership and dedication in
The Emerald Awards, A Salute To Black Excellence In Seminole County Announces Winners
The Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County, presented by Breaking Bread Beyond, Inc., and Radiantly Black Lifestyle Magazine is proud to announce the 2025 Award winners. Held on Saturday, November 1, at The Rink at Northland Church, the event was a grand affair, filled with pomp and circumstance. This past summer, a Call for Nominations was issued to the public, inviting nominations for inspiring and high achieving African Americans who live, work, or serve in Seminole County.
SCSO Detective Involved Shooting of Child Pornography Suspect
Seminole Co., Fla., (September 17, 2025) – Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Detectives are actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the area of Hatfield Ct. and East Wekiva Trail, in unincorporated Longwood. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the SCSO Crimes Against Children Unit executed a residential search warrant at 102 Hatfield Ct., in response to a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertip. Upon arrival, Detectives made contact with the suspect,
Experience Arts, Culture And Edutainment This Fall At Seminole State College
Beyond its role as a driving force for economic development and opportunity through associate and bachelor’s degrees and workforce certifications, Seminole State College of Florida also serves as a hub for educational and cultural events. These programs engage and enrich the community while providing opportunities for learning, connection and inspiration. From lectures to performances, Seminole State’s fall calendar offers something for everyone in the community to enjoy with events that highlight
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment Through October 24
Seminole Co. Fla., (Sept. 12, 2025) – The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an annual assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), for our Communications Center as part of our review process to achieve reaccreditation by verifying we meet best practice professional standards. The annual assessments will take place between October 24 and November 1, 2025. CALEA® accreditation is a four-year cycle during which the agency must submit annual reports
Central Florida Zoo Honors First Responders With Free Admission On Sept. 12
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will honor the courage and dedication of local heroes with First Responders Day on September 12. All first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, and EMT/paramedics will receive free admission to the Zoo, to say thank you for their service. In addition to a day of exploring the Zoo, guests can enjoy special appearances by local first responder agencies including a fire engine and truck from the Sanford Fire Department and Seminole County
Welcome Your New Chamber Leaders
On June 12, the Seminole County Chamber held its annual meeting, celebrating our chamber's recognition as one of the top chambers of commerce in America. Being a certified five-star chamber showcases how this chamber is superior in all aspects of a chamber, from finance and facilities to membership growth and government affairs. A key reason our chamber received this accreditation is because of our leadership, our board and council chairs. Without the support and strength of these individuals, we
Two Arrested in Forest Lake Drive Homicide Investigation
On June 9, 2025, at approximately 7:48 p.m., Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting at 470 Forest Lake Drive in unincorporated Altamonte Springs. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim, later identified as 19-year-old Nicco Diamante Wong, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.SCSO Major Crimes detectives launched an extensive investigation and determined the incident was not random,
The Sharing Center Names Tekoa Pouerie New President and CEO
After a thoughtful nationwide search under the direction of a dedicated search committee of local business, community, and nonprofit leaders, The Sharing Center in Longwood is proud to introduce Tekoa Pouerie as its next President and CEO. Tekoa brings nearly 20 years of executive nonprofit leadership to The Sharing Center, which is Seminole County's largest and most comprehensive social services hub, and she will guide the organization into an exciting new chapter with the development of The Sharing
Emergency Burn Ban In Effect For Seminole County Starting April 17
Seminole County has issued a mandatory Burn Ban, effective April 17, 2025. The ban applies countywide and prohibits the ignition and burning of open fires due to ongoing drought conditions. Under Seminole County Code Section 85.24, Burn Bans are automatically enacted when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reaches or exceeds 500 with no measurable rainfall in the forecast. The Burn Ban is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect life, property, and natural resources
2025 Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an annual assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), for our Communications Center and Law Enforcement programs as part of our review process to achieve reaccreditation by verifying we meet best practice professional standards.The annual assessments will take place between May and July 2025. CALEA® accreditation is a four-year cycle during which the agency must submit annual reports and participate in
