Volusia County

A Volusia County lifeguard, Damien Curry, was struck by lightning on Ormond Beach during the Fourth of July but managed to warn crowds to safety. He is recovering after the incident, which caused him physical trauma and panic attacks, and has temporarily stopped lifeguarding while running for mayor of Ormond Beach and owning a landscaping business.

UF scientists found severe PFAS contamination in Gemini Springs, Volusia County, highlighting the widespread presence of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals' in Florida. Lobby firms representing chemical industry groups also advise local governments dealing with PFAS pollution, creating conflicts of interest. PFAS, linked to multiple cancers and liver toxicity, persist in the environment and human blood.

A Florida beach toll booth worker, Tammy Jo Baker, was killed when a pickup truck driven by Deanna Harrell rammed into the structure at a beach access ramp in Daytona Beach Shores. The driver, who may have been impaired by alcohol, struck the booth at approximately 40 mph before getting stuck in the sand.

A Florida police officer's body camera deflected a bullet during an ambush by a suspect, saving his life. Deputy Jose Rivera was injured in the leg and shoulder but is expected to recover, while the suspect, Luis Diaz Polanco, was charged with attempted murder.