Deputies Shoot Child Porn Suspect; New Ride-Hailing Service Soft-Launched; School Board Reaches Tentative Bargaining Pact

Seminole County deputies fatally shot a child pornography suspect during an arrest attempt in Longwood; county rolls out Scout micro-transit service on a soft launch; School Board and clerical and non-instructional unions reach a tentative agreement for the 2025-26 school year.

The fatal deputy-involved shooting capped an investigation into alleged child pornography; meanwhile the county’s new door-to-door ride-hailing service quietly debuts ahead of its October launch; and Seminole County Public Schools announced a tentative collective bargaining deal with SECA and NIPSCO for the upcoming school year, ensuring pay and benefit terms.

Investigators Say Suspect Drew Revolver Before Being Shot At around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Seminole County deputies executed an arrest warrant at a Longwood residence tied to a child pornography probe that began last week. When 68-year-old retired firefighter Gary Guckenberger emerged and reached for a revolver, a deputy opened fire, striking him in the driveway. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent review of the shooting.

Soft Launch of Scout Micro-Transit Service Seminole County has commenced a soft launch of Scout, its on-demand micro-transit service powered by Freebee, ahead of the full rollout on October 15. Residents can now book rides through the Ride Freebee app within five designated county zones. Fares range from $4 for intra-zone trips up to $14 to cross all zones, with capped $2 fares for SunRail connections and a $1 peak-hour surcharge.

School Board Reaches Tentative Bargaining Agreement In a joint announcement Thursday, the Seminole County School Board and the Seminole Educational Clerical Association (SECA), along with the Non-Instructional Personnel of Seminole County Board of Public Instruction (NIPSCO), confirmed a tentative collective bargaining agreement for the 2025-26 school year. The pact addresses salary scales, health benefits, and work-condition improvements, pending ratification by members and final School Board approval.

Subsequent details, including contract implementation timelines, will be communicated to employees following ratification votes.