Seminole High teen shot while at school sues school district for failing to act
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A former Seminole High School student shot on campus in January is now suing the Seminole County school district. Jhavon McIntyre claims school officials failed to follow district policy before the shooting on Jan. 19, 2022. TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shootingIn the suit, McIntyre claims there were two separate incidents where 16-year-old Da’revius Smith threatened him. READ: Police detail Wednesday shooting at Seminole High SchoolJust before noon on Jan. 19, police say Smith then shot McIntyre several times outside a classroom on the Seminole High School campus before running away. Eyewitness News has reached out to the Seminole School district for a statement on the lawsuit, but they have yet to respond.
wftv.comWeek 7: Football Friday Night on 9
ORLANDO, Fla. — A week after Hurricane Ian tore through Central Florida high school football is back in fill swing for week seven. This week, we had Monday night lights, Tuesday night lights, games on Thursday and of course, Friday night football. Check out all the highlights from week seven, including our McCoy Federal Credit Union game of the week featuring a powerhouse matchup from Brevard and Seminole counties, Cocoa High School versus Seminole High School. Photos: Walt Disney World kicks off HBCU WeekRead: College Football returns to WFTV Channel 9You can watch WFTV Football Friday Night presented by McCoy Federal Credit Union every Friday night after WFTV Tonight at 11:30 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comWeek 2: Football Friday Night on 9
ORLANDO, Fla. — College football may take the stage on Saturday, but Friday night is still all about high school football in Florida. Week one was good, but week two of the high school football season did not disappoint. Read: College Football Playoff plans to expand to 12 teams by the 2026 seasonCheck out all the highlights from week two, including our McCoy Federal Credit Union game of the week featuring two powerhouses, Seminole High School on the road at Osceola High. Read: College Football returns to WFTV Channel 9You can watch WFTV Football Friday Night presented by McCoy Federal Credit Union every Friday night after WFTV Tonight at 11:30 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comSeminole County schools look to combat high truancy rates
Seminole County schools look to combat high truancy rates (WFTV), Fla. — The Seminole school district said they have seen an alarming increase in the number of students not showing up for classes. At Seminole High School, principal Jordan Rodriguez said since students returned to in-person learning there has been a dramatic increase in student absences. “We’ve got, you know, over 4000 kids 26% are missing 10 or more days that were unexcused,” Rodriguez said. Read: Students share growing concerns over classroom censorship with CongressDuring the 2018-19 school year, the truancy rate for all Seminole County high schools combined was 15%. “They think I’ll just check my teacher’s webpage, see what the assignments are, and try to submit them,” Rodriguez said.
wftv.com‘It’s super important’: High school students are now required to learn CPR in Florida
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Students in Florida are learning life saving skills. Seminole High School students like Antonio Simpson are learning how to perform CPR with the help from the county fire department. Under Florida law, it is now required for students in the ninth and 11th grades. “It’s super important that kids these age know,” said Eric Steiner with the Seminole County Fire Department. READ: Mother pays son $1,800 to stay off social media for 6 yearsSeminole High School was the first school firefighters visited to teach the students CPR.
wftv.comStudent found with gun on campus arrested at Seminole High School, police say
Student found with gun on campus arrested at Seminole High School, police saySANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police said a student has been arrested after they were found with a gun on campus at Seminole High School. WATCH: 16-year-old charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School identifiedPolice said the student was found in possession of a gun late in the day. Seminole High School principal Jordan Rodriguez released this statement Friday afternoon, saying they were told about the student regarding the weapon and “immediately located the student.”WATCH: Student accused of shooting fellow student at school could face life sentence if convictedSchool officials also confirmed that a weapon was found after searching the student. “We appreciate the individuals who provided information to law enforcement, and we also want take this opportunity to ask all our families to please speak with your children regarding the serious consequences that are involved with bringing weapons on campus,” Rodriguez said. WATCH: Seminole Schools Superintendent addresses ‘inexcusable act of violence’ after Seminole High shootingThe name and age of the student was not released by officials or law enforcement.
wftv.comSeminole High student accused of shooting another student on campus to be charged as adult
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole High School student accused of shooting another student on campus last month will be charged as an adult, the state attorney’s office announced Monday. Da’Raveius Smith, 16, is facing charges of attempted first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, discharge of a weapon on school property, and shooting into a building or vehicle. He is accused of shooting an 18-year-old student on campus on Jan. 19. READ: 16-year-old charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School identifiedThe 18-year-old’s injuries were not life-threatening, police said. Da'Raveius SMITH (16) Now Facing Adult Prosecution in @SanfordPolice Seminole High School Shooting.
wftv.comSeminole County Public Schools assessing increased security measures after shooting on school campus
Seminole High School Extra police presence was on hand at Seminole High School on Thursday a day after one student was accused of shooting another student on campus. (WFTV.com News Staff)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been nine days since a shooting at Seminole High School in Sanford sent one student to the hospital. Since the shooting, school board members also met behind closed doors to address safety and security. READ: Seminole Schools Superintendent addresses ‘inexcusable act of violence’ after Seminole High shootingThere will also be a task force composed of members of the community, law enforcement and district officials to look at the problems specifically related to Seminole High School. Eliser Maldonado has a daughter that goes to Seminole High and said she would like to see more security in place.
wftv.comSeminole Schools Superintendent addresses ‘inexcusable act of violence’ after Seminole High shooting
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita Beamon issued a statement Friday addressing this week’s shooting at Seminole High School. READ: TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shootingThe victim was shot three times, police said. Beamon said they’ve deployed a Crisis Response Team of mental health counselors to Seminole High School for any students or staff members who need it. READ: ‘There’s no excuse’: Brevard Public Schools sending parents to court over student absencesShe also commended the first responders and Seminole High School staff for their action in response to the shooting. This incident does not define the great institutions that are Seminole High School and the 9th Grade Center, nor does it define our school district.
wftv.comNo metal detectors, more mental health: Here’s how an SRO wants to protect schools
READ: SCPS leaders assessing security changes after student shot on Seminole High campus“For an adolescent to say it seems normal is sad, first of all,” he said. Then, he pivoted to the layout of Seminole High School, which has multiple entrances and many different buildings in its campus-like atmosphere. REAL: SCPS leaders assessing security changes after student shot on Seminole High campusSo, what solutions does he think will improve the environment? Seminole High School had three SROs on duty Wednesday, the district’s superintendent said. READ: Boy, 16, charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School appears before judge“We’re two years into a worldwide pandemic,” he said.
wftv.comSCPS leaders assessing security changes after student shot on Seminole High campus
Seminole High School Extra police presence was on hand at Seminole High School on Thursday a day after one student was accused of shooting another student on campus. (WFTV.com News Staff)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Extra police presence was on hand at Seminole High School on Thursday a day after one student was accused of shooting another student on campus. Officials said 71% of Seminole High School’s 4,200 member student body showed up for class Thursday. READ: Boy, 16, charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School appears before judgeThe entire Seminole County Public Schools senior staff, including the superintendent and the school board, was at the campus to show support. READ: TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shooting“To make sure all of our campuses, not just Seminole High School, but all of them are safe, and that the situation doesn’t happen again,” Pennock said.
wftv.comBoy, 16, charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School to face a judge
16-year-old charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School identified (Sanford Police Department)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy charged in connection with a shooting at Seminole High School will face a judge on Thursday morning. Da’raveius Smith, 16, was arrested and charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder premeditated, possession of a weapon on school property, firing a weapon on school property and disturbing the peace. READ: TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shootingOne of the school resource officers found an 18-year-old boy near the Tomahawk Building suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Photos: Seminole High student shot on campus, gunman in custody, police saySanford officers were able to identify and locate Smith and take him into custody without incident. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Seminole High student injured, another in custody following shooting, district says (WFTV)The investigation is ongoing.
wftv.comTemps start to warm up, another front to move in this weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. — Temperatures are starting to warm up in Central Florida. Thursday’s daytime high will be in the upper-70s. TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shootingOn Friday, a few showers or storms will move in. New Toy Story-themed restaurant, shop to open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this yearThis weekend it will be much cooler. MUCH cooler this weekend - showers back in the forecast too.
wftv.comTIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shooting
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Here is a breakdown of what happened during Wednesday’s shooting at Seminole High School:11:57 a.m.: A school resource officer said there was a weapon on campus and that shots were fired, and students were seen running. 11:58 a.m.: Another SRO advised they were with a shooting victim located in the Tomahawk on the back of campus. He was identified as a Black male wearing a blue hoodie with dreads. LIVE UPDATES: 16-year-old charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School identified12:09 p.m.: 9mm casings are located at the Tomahawk building. Photos: Seminole High student shot on campus, gunman in custody, police sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Seminole High student injured, another in custody following shooting, district says (WFTV)12:20 p.m.: The suspect, a 16-year-old Black male, is taken into custody.
wftv.comPolice detail Wednesday shooting at Seminole High School
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Police are trying to find out how the gun involved in Wednesday’s shooting at Seminole High School got into the school. They said just before noon, students told resource officers there was a gun on Seminole High School’s campus. LIVE UPDATES: Seminole High student shot 3 times on campus; suspect, 16, in custody, police sayPolice put the school on lockdown and found casings first, then the gun, then the suspect, a 16-year-old boy. School administrators cleared the campus a little less than two hours after the shooting. Photos: Seminole High student shot on campus, gunman in custody, police saySuperintendent Serita Beaman called it “the worst day for any school system.”Normal operations will resume at the school Thursday.
wftv.comLIVE UPDATES: Seminole High School on lockdown due to law enforcement activity
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole High School is on a code red lockdown due to an incident on or near the main campus, the district confirmed Wednesday afternoon. “Students are safe and there is no current threat to the campus,” a district spokesperson said in an email. #Breaking SPD is responding to an incident at Seminole High. The scene is contained and there is no longer an active threat. — SanfordPolice (@SanfordPolice) January 19, 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSeminole High School alum helps students earn their wings through aviation program
But for students at Seminole High School in Sanford, a former student and longtime supporter of the school and the community is helping those future pilots get their wings early. Soaring high above Central Florida are students from Seminole High Schools Air Force ROTC as well as the aviation program. The person responsible for helping the young pilots get their wings is Charles Davis, a 1987 Seminole High School graduate. Davis said some of the students could earn enough hours before they are done with high school. With Davis, the sky is the limit, and he’s already working on his next project to help Seminole High School.
wftv.comStudent arrested after bringing gun to Seminole High School, principal says
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A student was arrested at Seminole High School Friday for bringing a gun on campus, officials said. In a letter to parents, principal Jordan Rodriguez said the school’s security team received information indicating that a student on campus was potentially in possession of a firearm. READ: Town hall meeting set to address fights, shooting at Orlando middle schoolThe student in question was located and detained and found to be in possession of a firearm, Rodriguez said. The student turned the gun over without incident and he was subsequently arrested. READ: Police: ‘Large brawl’ among students leads to gunfire near Orlando middle school“I am very proud of our students for following our campus expectation of seeing something, saying something, and doing something,” Rodriguez wrote to parents.
wftv.com‘Devious licks’: What you need to know about TikTok challenge leading to damage at schools
Devious licks There is a new TikTok challenge making the rounds among middle and high schoolers that could land teens in hot water at school. (Seminole County Public Schools)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — There is a new TikTok challenge making the rounds among middle and high schoolers that could land teens in hot water at school. Seminole County Public Schools officials said just about every middle and high school in the district has had an incident related to the challenge as of late. “They are taking soap dispensers, breaking sinks, breaking paper towel holders,” said Michael Lawrence with Seminole County Public Schools. Orange County Public Schools said four out of its 205 schools have been impacted by the TikTok challenge.
wftv.comSeminole High School head coach reflects on team’s first state title since 2008
Throughout the 2020 season, Seminole High School football coach Eric Lodge would tell his players, “You get what you deserve.”After overcoming the challenges related to COVID-19, gritty opponents and unexpected heartbreaks and hardships off the field, the Seminoles got what they deserved last month: the Class 8A state championship. It was Seminole High’s first title since 2008 and the ultimate end to an undefeated season. Last week, Lodge was named the Florida Dairy Farmer’s Coach of the Year. Lodge looked back on the season with WKMG Sports Director Jamie Seh. Watch his remarks in the video player above.
Loved ones vow to honor Seminole High School student who died in crash
SANFORD, Fla. – A Seminole High School student and football player was killed in a crash Sunday, school officials said. In a letter to parents and students Monday, Seminole High School Principal Dr. Jordan Rodriguez said Zi’Erric Wynn, 18, of Sanford, died in an auto accident. Rodriguez said Zi’Erric Wynn was a member of the SHS football family and beloved by his coaches and teammates. Below is the full letter sent to families:Good morning SHS family,It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Seminole High School student Zi’Erric Wynn. Respectfully yours,Dr. Jordan RodriguezPrincipalSeminole High School
Time out: Macaw lands on soccer player’s head during game
RIO DE JANEIRO – An unusual sight was caught on camera at a recent soccer game in Brazil. A colorful macaw forced a time out after it landed on a player’s head. The bizarre incident happened in the middle of a training match over the weekend. [TRENDING: 10-foot bull shark attacks snorkeler in Fla. | Seminole High School student killed in crash | Fla. strip club fights to lower dancer age to 18]The bird sat on the woman’s head for several seconds before jumping onto a soccer ball and then flying toward the goal.
‘Relief was overwhelming,’ Seminole schools accommodate 93% of high-risk teachers
Casale decided to apply for the Seminole Virtual School option, hoping to be selected to teach via Seminole Connect. In fact, according to Dan Smith, the president of the Seminole Education Foundation, he applauded how Seminole County Public schools were able to accommodate high-risk teachers. He said at last count there were 420 high-risk teachers and around another 250 teachers with loved ones at home who are also considered high-risk. “I will have a little more peace when I know that 7% has that accommodations as well.”According to Seminole County Public School spokesperson Michael Lawrence, the demand for Seminole County Virtual School was there. With more than 10,000 students choosing Seminole County Virtual School or Seminole Virtual “save my seat” option, the district needed to hire 520 more teachers, many of them high-risk like Casale.
4 big changes students will see inside Seminole County classrooms
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Teachers in Seminole County returned back to the classroom Tuesday for pre-planning ahead of the first day of school in the county set for Aug. 17. Seminole High School principal Jordan Rodriguez took News 6 on a tour to show how some teachers are already setting up their classrooms to keep students safe. No more extra furnitureFurniture items will be limited to only the essentials in Seminole County classrooms. Seminole County School District recently purchasing 25,000 desk partitions. Of those, about 1,650 will be coming to Seminole High School, which will cover nearly all of the 1,800 students who have chosen full face-to-face learning.
Senior Salute: Charlie McDaniel
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. This edition of Senior Salute goes to Charlie McDaniel of the Seminole High School baseball team. The lefty has a terrific arm, throwing a fastball, a curve, a change-up, and the steady mindset needed to succeed on the pitcher's mound. That was apparent last spring, during a major moment in Seminole Baseball history when Charlie pitched the 'Noles to their first state championship since 1992. Charlie was introduced to baseball by his dad when he was three and hes loved it ever since. Hes so well-liked at Seminole High School that one of his teachers nominated him.
8 girls arrested after brawl at Seminole High School
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Eight students at Seminole County High School were arrested Friday after school officials said the girls were involved in a fight on campus during dismissal. “Several young women engaged in multiple physical altercations as students marched toward their buses,” the email read. “This melee resulted in eight young women being arrested as they endangered themselves, their peers, our School Resource Officers, and my staff members.”The Sanford Police Department is investigating the incident and looking for any footage of the fight. “There was a fight involving a number of students at Seminole High School. “Students involved in today’s incident will be disciplined per our SCPS student code of conduct, in addition to any potential criminal charges that may be levied,” Seminole County Schools spokesman Michael Lawrence said in an email.
Down syndrome homecoming proposal: 19-year-old Florida student with Down syndrome goes viral for his homecoming "proposal"
Last week, 19-year-old David Cowan went viral for asking his girlfriend to homecoming while she was cheering at a football game in Florida. The couple attended the homecoming dance at Cowan's school, Seminole High School, Sanford, Florida. Cowan's "proposal" video for homecoming went viral and he and Garcia were honored at the dance. The principal is right Cowan and Garcia did become known nationwide after the "proposal" video went viral. And like all good love stories, they will continue to inspire others long after the homecoming dance.
cbsnews.com'They took a knife to my throat:' 911 calls released in Seminole High carjacking
SANFORD, Fla. - A Seminole High School student was calm when he called 911 to report that two teens had held him at knifepoint during a carjacking. When the victim refused, one of the suspects grabbed a pocketknife from the door pocket of the victim's truck and forced the boy inside the vehicle, according to authorities. The suspects held the teen at knifepoint and told him to "drive them to the hood," records show. They took a knife to my throat, told me to give them everything," the teenager said in a 911 call. Although calm, the boy was anxious for police to arrive since the two abductors were outside the store.