WEATHER ALERT
Volusia County delays stormwater fee hike, looks for other funding options
Read full article: Volusia County delays stormwater fee hike, looks for other funding optionsThe county is looking to prevent more flooding in the future, which could cost a pretty penny and means an increase in rates for residents.
Orange County neighborhood group gets results for children in need this Christmas
Read full article: Orange County neighborhood group gets results for children in need this ChristmasWhile there are plenty of organizations giving back this holiday season, neighborhood groups like the Lee Road Safe Neighborhood association are also doing their part.
Volusia deputies, nonprofits start campaign to prevent autistic children drowning deaths
Read full article: Volusia deputies, nonprofits start campaign to prevent autistic children drowning deathsJust in the last month, three children with autism drowned in Central Florida after eloping or wandering from their families.
‘Something is finally happening:’ Crews in Longwood start work to fix concrete-filled drainpipe
Read full article: ‘Something is finally happening:’ Crews in Longwood start work to fix concrete-filled drainpipeAfter eight months, work is finally underway to repair a pipe plugged with concrete in the Shadow Bay neighborhood.
Pine Hills nonprofit helps feed formerly incarcerated for Thanksgiving
Read full article: Pine Hills nonprofit helps feed formerly incarcerated for ThanksgivingTwo Fold H.E.L.P. Ministries is providing a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings to over a dozen people in their re-entry program, aimed at rehabilitating those formerly incarcerated or struggling through hard times.
A Cinderella Story: Space Coast Varsity Football
Read full article: A Cinderella Story: Space Coast Varsity FootballThe Space Coast High School Varsity football team is giving thanks this week for an incredible season — and also to a Tampa Bay Buccaneer whose generosity helped change the program's fortunes.
‘Can’t miss it:’ Mount Dora still struggles with mystery stench, residents demand answers
Read full article: ‘Can’t miss it:’ Mount Dora still struggles with mystery stench, residents demand answersThe facility off of Highway 441 has been at the center of an ongoing mystery in Mount Dora. Some believe it's causing a stinky smell in certain areas, and people who live nearby want to get to the bottom of it.
Kissimmee debates reinstating police oversight board amid calls for transparency
Read full article: Kissimmee debates reinstating police oversight board amid calls for transparencyOn June 30, Kissimmee's Police Civilian Oversight Board was dissolved. The oversight board was responsible for reviewing complaints, policies, and procedures and providing recommendations.
From Homelessness to Hope: Millie’s journey to finding a home and new beginning
Read full article: From Homelessness to Hope: Millie’s journey to finding a home and new beginningMillie Atwell is always one to make others laugh. She puts them at ease with her jokes and her love of all things Dolly Parton. She finds the country music star an inspiration.
Hearing held for concrete-filled drainpipe that’s flooded Longwood neighborhood. Here’s what happened
Read full article: Hearing held for concrete-filled drainpipe that’s flooded Longwood neighborhood. Here’s what happenedA woman who admitted to pouring concrete down a drainpipe in her neighborhood now has until early 2025 to fix it, despite the flooding her neighbors have endured for months.
Community saves ‘The Little Mermaid’ production at Winter Garden Theatre
Read full article: Community saves ‘The Little Mermaid’ production at Winter Garden TheatreThe Winter Garden Theatre, which had been closed for weeks, will reopen its doors Thursday evening for a debut performance of "The Little Mermaid."
‘Frustrations and emotions:’ Casselberry responds to online outrage after Milton
Read full article: ‘Frustrations and emotions:’ Casselberry responds to online outrage after MiltonJust hours after Hurricane Milton swept across the state, city officials issued the social media post to remind residents that they must apply for a permit before beginning storm repairs.
‘Bad look:’ Casselberry sparks outrage online with Facebook post after Milton
Read full article: ‘Bad look:’ Casselberry sparks outrage online with Facebook post after MiltonJust hours after Hurricane Milton left the state, the social media post reminded residents that they must apply for a permit before beginning storm repairs.
80-year-old man stuck in Volusia home after Hurricane Milton destroys road
Read full article: 80-year-old man stuck in Volusia home after Hurricane Milton destroys roadBetween the washed-out portions of the road was a driveway leading to the home of an 80-year-old man, whom Trooper Steve said was stuck thanks to the collapsed street.
‘Monster Dash’ 5K coming to Longwood for Halloween. Here’s what to expect
Read full article: ‘Monster Dash’ 5K coming to Longwood for Halloween. Here’s what to expectThe Halloween-themed run is set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 26. This year's mission is to pull in enough funds to save one of the town's most historic buildings.
National Night Out in Pine Hills aims to strengthen partnerships between community, law enforcement
Read full article: National Night Out in Pine Hills aims to strengthen partnerships between community, law enforcementThe Orange County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with more than a dozen organizations, hosted National Night Out in Pine Hills on Tuesday.
Concrete-filled drainpipe in Longwood could soon be fixed. Here’s what happened
Read full article: Concrete-filled drainpipe in Longwood could soon be fixed. Here’s what happenedAfter months of intense flooding, the homeowner behind a concrete-filled drainpipe in Longwood’s Shadow Bay community has applied for a permit to remove the blockage, according to Seminole County.
2 dogs caught on camera attacking pets in east Orlando, killing at least 1
Read full article: 2 dogs caught on camera attacking pets in east Orlando, killing at least 1Heartbroken residents in an east Orlando neighborhood are demanding action after two dogs were caught on camera attacking multiple pets, killing at least one.
Eatonville’s Historic Club Eaton set for restoration, reviving cultural landmark
Read full article: Eatonville’s Historic Club Eaton set for restoration, reviving cultural landmarkFor over six decades, Club Eaton was a vibrant hub where Eatonville residents gathered for nights of dancing and live music.
UP Orlando offers free sandbags to SoDo community. Here’s when to grab them
Read full article: UP Orlando offers free sandbags to SoDo community. Here’s when to grab themThe nonprofit’s center in Orlando was flooded earlier this month thanks to a series of heavy storms that swept through the region around that time.
‘Flood thy neighbor:’ Longwood community severely floods after woman fills pipe with concrete
Read full article: ‘Flood thy neighbor:’ Longwood community severely floods after woman fills pipe with concreteResidents of the Shadow Bay community in Longwood are demanding action over ongoing flooding, and they hope to see the person responsible held accountable during a Seminole County court hearing on Thursday afternoon.
Florida Gov. DeSantis calls on lawmakers to address issues facing condo owners
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis calls on lawmakers to address issues facing condo ownersA 2022 bill set requirements for inspections of condominium buildings that are three stories or higher. But now, some condo owners are being hit with huge assessments and fees to meet the new law's deadline early in the new year.
‘Atrocious:’ Longwood continues to deal with flooding due to concrete-filled drainpipe
Read full article: ‘Atrocious:’ Longwood continues to deal with flooding due to concrete-filled drainpipeResidents of the Shadow Bay neighborhood in Seminole County are upset with severe flooding after heavy rain in recent days caused water to cover North Shadowbay Boulevard and surrounding areas.
Sanford residents may soon be paying more for utilities amid proposed rate hike
Read full article: Sanford residents may soon be paying more for utilities amid proposed rate hikeIf the commission decides to approve the adjustments, the average utility bill for 6,000 gallons of water and sewer per month would see an overall increase of 7% to $86.34.
Longwood homeowner ordered to fix concrete-filled pipe or be taken to court
Read full article: Longwood homeowner ordered to fix concrete-filled pipe or be taken to courtSeminole County Code Enforcement ordered the homeowner who clogged a stormwater pipe in the Shadow Bay Community to fix the issue by Wednesday.
‘Shame on him:’ St. Cloud residents concerned over dangerous local street
Read full article: ‘Shame on him:’ St. Cloud residents concerned over dangerous local streetDriving down 13th Street — also known as 192 — can be a nightmare. Rebecca Laisch said crossing that street on foot could cost you your life.
Oviedo leans toward borrowing money for future water treatment plant, stormwater projects
Read full article: Oviedo leans toward borrowing money for future water treatment plant, stormwater projectsTaxpayers in Oviedo have concerns about how the city will fund future projects. The city of Oviedo is growing, and city officials said the current water treatment facility can't keep up.
Massive fees for condo owners, Gov. DeSantis considers special session
Read full article: Massive fees for condo owners, Gov. DeSantis considers special sessionA new law requires condo boards to have fully funded reserves to keep residents safe. But some COAs have implemented exorbitant fees as a result.
TIMELINE: Longwood woman fills drainpipe with concrete, sparks neighborhood flooding
Read full article: TIMELINE: Longwood woman fills drainpipe with concrete, sparks neighborhood floodingA neighborhood in Longwood has been struggling with flooding after a local woman poured concrete into the community's only functional drainpipe — which is located on her property.
‘Getting lucky:’ Do people in The Villages put loofahs on their cars? Here’s what to know
Read full article: ‘Getting lucky:’ Do people in The Villages put loofahs on their cars? Here’s what to knowIt’s a popular joke in Central Florida that some residents of The Villages have been seen with loofahs on their vehicles. But is there any truth to the rumors?
Seminole County grants 15-day extension to woman who filled drainage pipe with concrete
Read full article: Seminole County grants 15-day extension to woman who filled drainage pipe with concreteThe Shadowbay Club HOA shared Tuesday that Seminole County has issued the woman who filled a drainage pipe with concrete on her property in the Longwood Shadow Bay community Longwood a 15-day extension to fix or replace the pipe.
‘A real nightmare:’ Longwood woman faces fines after filling drainage pipe with concrete
Read full article: ‘A real nightmare:’ Longwood woman faces fines after filling drainage pipe with concreteA “Notice of Code Violation” was presented to the homeowner after she hired a crew in April to fill a stormwater pipe on her property with concrete.
Florida driver discusses his work helping Second Harvest Food Bank
Read full article: Florida driver discusses his work helping Second Harvest Food BankThere’s no shortage of stories over the last few years about the people who gather and give away food to those in need across Central Florida. But what about the drivers?
Eatonville landlord under scrutiny for kicking out son of tenant who died 48 hours earlier
Read full article: Eatonville landlord under scrutiny for kicking out son of tenant who died 48 hours earlierNia Williams-Brown, who lives in Eatonville, is standing up for a 21-year-old whom she said was kicked out of a house illegally.
Longwood community sees flooding after woman fills drainage pipe with concrete
Read full article: Longwood community sees flooding after woman fills drainage pipe with concreteRobin Rodriguez — an HOA board member in the Shadow Bay community in Longwood — said she is afraid flooding will become normal in their neighborhood.
‘A bizarre feeling:’ Apopka neighborhood concerned after string of car burglaries
Read full article: ‘A bizarre feeling:’ Apopka neighborhood concerned after string of car burglariesNeighbors on Rolling Green Drive near Apopka are staying alert after getting a scary reminder that anyone could be lurking in the night.
‘We will find you:’ Florida pizza shop scammed while helping student hurt in crash
Read full article: ‘We will find you:’ Florida pizza shop scammed while helping student hurt in crashAn Ocala pizza shop was scammed while fundraising for a high school student who was injured in a car crash, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Parents demand more safety measures after child’s tragic death in Port Orange
Read full article: Parents demand more safety measures after child’s tragic death in Port OrangeFourth-grader Shaolan Kamaly was fatally struck by a car while riding her bike in the crosswalk near Sugar Mill Elementary last month, sparking outrage in the community.
Residents at troubled Orange County condos vote to recall board members
Read full article: Residents at troubled Orange County condos vote to recall board membersResidents at Regency Gardens Condominiums in Orange County were in fear of losing their homes. But after Tuesday’s meeting with the condo board, residents have a glimmer of hope.
Montverde council caters dinner at meetings, increasing civic engagement
Read full article: Montverde council caters dinner at meetings, increasing civic engagementThe Montverde Town Council convenes every second Tuesday of the month for its regular meeting, but what makes these gatherings special is what happens beforehand.
Orlando condo residents fear losing homes after HOA announcement
Read full article: Orlando condo residents fear losing homes after HOA announcementResidents of Regency Gardens Condominiums are worried they’ll either lose or have to sell their properties after a recent notice revealing a shortfall of over $17 million in the condominium association’s reserves.
Overbreeding of French bulldogs across Florida leads to overwhelmed shelters
Read full article: Overbreeding of French bulldogs across Florida leads to overwhelmed sheltersSpace Coast Frenchie Rescue, a Brevard County-based nonprofit, rescues and rehomes French Bulldogs. Since last November, the organization has been overwhelmed with new rescues.
Daytona Beach church launches lawsuit against city over food pantry shutdown
Read full article: Daytona Beach church launches lawsuit against city over food pantry shutdownA small congregation in Daytona Beach — led by Pastor Ben Figueroa — feels powerless after it was forced to shut down its food pantry.
Commissioners listens to concerns after deadly gas explosion in Orange County
Read full article: Commissioners listens to concerns after deadly gas explosion in Orange CountyOrange County District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott hosted community members and county leaders on Wednesday to address concerns following an apartment gas explosion.
Sex in the village? Here’s why residents in The Villages put loofahs on their vehicles
Read full article: Sex in the village? Here’s why residents in The Villages put loofahs on their vehiclesIn recent years, it’s become a well-known joke that some residents of The Villages have been seen with loofahs attached to their vehicles. But why is that?
Someone is breaking windows at Brevard park snack bar, boutique helping people with disabilities
Read full article: Someone is breaking windows at Brevard park snack bar, boutique helping people with disabilitiesThe non-profit said $20,000 that could have benefited people with special needs will now have to go toward repairs and security.
‘A blessing:’ Free roof replacement program rolls out in St. Cloud
Read full article: ‘A blessing:’ Free roof replacement program rolls out in St. CloudHabitat for Humanity is rolling out a roof repair program to St. Cloud residents. The nonprofit will receive funding from the city that will allow it to fix between 17 and 19 residents' roofs for free.
‘I’m scared:’ Unsafe docks could force boat owners to leave Seminole marina
Read full article: ‘I’m scared:’ Unsafe docks could force boat owners to leave Seminole marinaOn Monday, two signs posted by the building official and Seminole County Fire Marshal warned that some of the marina docks are structurally inadequate and unsafe.
Haiti town hall to be held in Orlando amid political turbulence abroad
Read full article: Haiti town hall to be held in Orlando amid political turbulence abroadCentral Florida’s Haitian community is reacting to recent violence in the country. A group will host the “Let Haiti Decide” town hall in Orlando.
Woman dies 9 days after explosion at Orange County apartment, family says
Read full article: Woman dies 9 days after explosion at Orange County apartment, family saysMikeanesha Moore, the woman who was critically injured after a possible gas explosion at an Orange County apartment, died on Saturday, according to her family.
Woman dies 8 days after explosion at Orange County apartment, family says
Read full article: Woman dies 8 days after explosion at Orange County apartment, family saysMikeanesha Moore, the woman who was critically injured after a possible gas explosion at an Orange County apartment, died on Saturday, according to her family.
Orange County, Orlando battling over land annexation in developer agreement
Read full article: Orange County, Orlando battling over land annexation in developer agreementOrange County and the city of Orlando appear to be at odds regarding a private land development worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
More elderly people living in Volusia County’s shelters, can’t afford rent
Read full article: More elderly people living in Volusia County’s shelters, can’t afford rentThere’s an uptick in elderly people coming to a homeless shelter in Daytona Beach. Dr. Victoria Fahlberg, executive director of First Step Shelter, said she noticed the trend in December.
‘A holistic approach:’ Ocala city leaders discuss incoming change to historic downtown area
Read full article: ‘A holistic approach:’ Ocala city leaders discuss incoming change to historic downtown areaOn Thursday, Ocala city leaders hosted a town hall to discuss incoming changes as leaders hope to get results for residents and visitors as the area continues to grow.
‘I need someone held accountable:’ Family wants answers after explosion at Orange County apartment
Read full article: ‘I need someone held accountable:’ Family wants answers after explosion at Orange County apartmentNearly one week after a possible gas explosion at Woodhill Apartments, the victim's family is sharing their story and looking for someone to be held accountable.
Health emergency declared for Sanford after sewage spills into Lake Monroe
Read full article: Health emergency declared for Sanford after sewage spills into Lake MonroeOn Monday, the Sanford City Commission voted to approve an emergency health declaration to make funds available for immediate maintenance of its two water treatment facilities.
Humane traps catch hundreds of feral hogs, Flagler officials say. They want more
Read full article: Humane traps catch hundreds of feral hogs, Flagler officials say. They want moreFeral hogs are a problem across Florida, causing millions of dollars every year, but officials in Flagler County say special traps appear to be the solution.
Melbourne councilman wants fence at school, tracks after fatal Brightline crashes
Read full article: Melbourne councilman wants fence at school, tracks after fatal Brightline crashesDuring Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mark LaRusso said he’d like fencing to be placed along the back of Ascension Catholic School’s property that faces the tracks.
St. Cloud pursues legal action against construction company over potholes
Read full article: St. Cloud pursues legal action against construction company over potholesThe city of St. Cloud is now taking legal action against the construction company that built phase two of the city's downtown revitalization project.
Marion County school district considers change to start and end times
Read full article: Marion County school district considers change to start and end timesMarion County Public Schools is considering creating uniform start and end times across the district, which would potentially change start and end times to the school day by hours for some schools.
Vigil honors 9-year-old cancer survivor killed by Orange County school bus
Read full article: Vigil honors 9-year-old cancer survivor killed by Orange County school busA group of community members and loved ones came together on Wednesday to honor the life of a 9-year-old boy killed after being hit by a school bus.
‘Loofah Code:’ Why do residents in The Villages put these bath products on their vehicles?
Read full article: ‘Loofah Code:’ Why do residents in The Villages put these bath products on their vehicles?In recent years, it’s become a well-known joke that some residents of The Villages have been seen with loofahs attached to their vehicles. But why is that?
‘Any means necessary:’ Volusia County’s pushback on proposed fuel farm sparks lawsuit
Read full article: ‘Any means necessary:’ Volusia County’s pushback on proposed fuel farm sparks lawsuitBelvedere Terminals filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming that the county tried “to rob Belvedere of its Property and constitutionally protected rights.”