Good morning, Sanford.

On July 21, Ed and Dana Eastabrooks lost their home, belongings, and pets in an early morning fire and community groups—such as Hopkins Meat Packing and the Sanford Moose Lodge—are organizing fundraisers and pork butt sales to help the uninsured couple.

An 18-year-old, identified as Kaiden Rodriguez, faces burglary charges after he broke into a car near Hickory Avenue and 8th Street on June 30 and stole an all-black Hellcat 9MM pistol—his grandmother recognized him from a police photo, Sanford Police said.

Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita Beamon said new programs—like a fire academy and career exploration initiative—will start at Winter Springs, Oviedo, and South Seminole Academies when classes begin Monday, August 11.

She also announced that middle school students will now keep cell phones in their backpacks on silent from bell to bell as the district adjusts staffing after last year’s enrollment drop.

Voters in Seminole County have raised concerns on social media about a mailer from Elections Supervisor Amy Pennock’s office that some say appears fake and warns that not responding within 30 days could lead to removal from the voter rolls—Pennock stressed that the mailer, required by law for voter list maintenance, does not affect registration and helps update addresses for the next statewide election in 2026—.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County confirmed that a raccoon tested positive for rabies on July 30 in the Chuluota area after it was found on Lake Mills Road.

Officials advised residents to avoid contact with wildlife and immunize pets — steps to help prevent rabies exposure.

Iesha Marie Duo Live Performance

8 PM – 11 PM — Chronic Guru Dispensary & Lounge — No cover — Enjoy acoustic covers from the Iesha Marie Duo with craft cocktails and games in a unique atmosphere.

Medal Militia - Metallica Tribute

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Tuffy's Music Box & Lounge — $21.74+ — Experience the electrifying sounds of Metallica performed live by Medal Militia along with Rooster and Crimson Ghost.

Trucks Gone Wild Tug O War

5-10 p.m. — The Barn in Sanford — Cash only at the gate — Experience thrilling truck tug-of-war battles to see which rig will reign supreme.

Rumble at The Ritz 2

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Ritz Theater/Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night of boxing featuring local talent and future champions.