DAYTONA BEACH

A man was arrested after deputies said he stabbed and carjacked a driver Tuesday who offered him and two others a ride from DeLand to Deltona, according to the sheriff’s office.

Police in Daytona Beach, Florida, arrested a man who is a relative of the city's mayor in an alleged hit-and-run incident that left a 2-year-old girl seriously injured.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Daytona Beach Police Department said on Tuesday afternoon that it was searching for someone who drove away after hitting a small child in Daytona Beach. The agency said it is searching for a black Dodge Charger with factory rims last seen traveling northbound on Forest Lane toward Mason Avenue. Investigators said child was injured in the crash but did not specify how badly. Read: Candida auris: 9 things to know about drug-resistant, potentially deadly fungusAnyone who sees the vehicle is asked to call 911. ** Officers are in search of a Black Dodge Charger with factory rims last seen headed northbound on Forest Lane towards Mason Ave thought to be involved in a hit and run injuring a small child ** If you see this vehicle, please call 911 — Daytona Beach Police (@DaytonaBchPD) March 21, 2023©2023 Cox Media Group

A 2-year-old girl was injured Tuesday in a hit-and-run crash in Daytona Beach, police said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The new centers in Winter Park and Daytona Beach will join an existing AdventHealth Well 65+ location in Eustis, per a news release. A previous location in Ormond Beach closed and merged into the Daytona Beach center, AdventHealth spokesperson José Luis Dieppa told the Orlando Business Journal. Here’s more on the two new locations:Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Q&A with AdventHealth: Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer often presents without any warning signs, making it the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.

Daytona Beach firefighters respond to a big blaze.

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — A five-acre brush fire in Ormond Beach was affecting traffic Monday afternoon. The Florida Forest Service said the fire is near Plantation Oaks Boulevard and U.S. 1 is 50% contained. Plantation Oaks Boulevard was closed in the area so firefighters can more safely battle the blaze. For firefighter safety, we have requested to close down Plantation Oaks Blvd while @FFS_Bunnell wildland firefighters and our partners work to contain the #plantationoaks fire in Ormond Beach. pic.twitter.com/8Sc6pRDqZL — FFS Bunnell (@FFS_Bunnell) March 20, 2023VIDEO: ‘Real smoky and scary’: Volusia County residents voice concerns over recent brush fires ‘Real smoky and scary’: Volusia County residents voice concerns over recent brush fires©2023 Cox Media Group

Daytona Beach police are searching for a man accused of shooting two Bethune-Cookman University students near Joe Harris Park Saturday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — On Monday, Daytona Beach police identified the man they say shot two Bethune-Cookman University students over the weekend. Investigators believe Phillips was at a Daytona Beach bar at the same time as the students on Saturday. After the students left the bar on Seabreeze Boulevard, they headed to McLeod Avenue where police say Phillips walked up to their car and opened fire. Read: Two BCU students hospitalized after a shooting in Daytona BeachPhillips now has an open warrant for two counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon. Video: Two BCU students hospitalized after a shooting in Daytona Beach (WFTV)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.

The Daytona Turkey Run is making its way back to the Daytona International Speedway for a spectacular weekend ahead.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Two people are injured after a shooting in Volusia County, Daytona Beach Police Department said. Police said the shooting happened around 2 a.m. Saturday near Joe Harris Park. Read: FDLE Missing Child Alert: 4-year-old, 2-month-old never returned to foster mom, police sayDaytona Beach police said the victims are currently being treated at the hospital, one in stable condition and the other in critical condition. Read: Man killed in Orlando gas station shooting, police sayCheck back for updates on this developing story. Video: Daytona Beach man details gator attack while stepping outside of home Daytona Beach police have released bodycam video from the night a man was attacked by an alligator on his doorstep.

Two Bethune-Cookman University students are in the hospital after being shot early Saturday near a park in Daytona Beach, according to a police statement provided to News 6.

110 condo units were sold around the Daytona Beach area in February with a median sales price of $241,250.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Halifax Heath cared for a record number of Bike Week-related trauma patients this year, the hospital reported Tuesday. According to the hospital, of the 200 trauma patients admitted to the hospital during Bike Week, 122 of them were Bike Week-related admissions. The hospital reported that two people who were admitted in relation to Bike Week died. Director of Nursing, Emergency and Trauma Services Lindsay Martin Duffy said half of the Bike Week patient admission were not wearing helmets. Of the admissions 21 patients were from Volusia County, 61 were from other Florida counties, and 40 were from out of state.

Deputies are asking for the public’s help locating a man that was last seen in September, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bike Week is officially over in Daytona Beach. This year marked one of the biggest Bike Week events since even before the pandemic. The city’s Chamber of Commerce said crowds were as big as 400,000 people this year. “People are starting to come back and travel.”READ: Daytona Beach revs up for Bike WeekIt’s too soon to tell if this year’s enhanced safety efforts were more successful than the last. At last check, Daytona Beach police said four bikes had been reported stolen compared to 20 total thefts last year.

The Daytona Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a missing woman.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s the start of spring break for many high schools and colleges nationwide. In Daytona Beach, the spring break overlaps Bike Week, bringing large crowds and traffic to the coast. Deputies: 3 teens shot near Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orange CountyKandice and Kaytlin Danner traveled twenty hours from Nebraska to spend spring break together. Read: Orlando International Airport prepares for busiest spring break travel periodPolice said parents play a significant role in ensuring this spring break is safe. Parents and businesses can also be fined if they knowingly allow someone to break the youth curfew in New Smyrna Beach.

Tens of thousands of people are expected at Central Florida's beaches.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is planning to talk about a rise in hate group activity. Anti-Semitic fliers and banners appearing last month in Dayton Beach and Ormond Beach. Watch: ‘Racist cowards’: Volusia Sheriff vows to fight against white supremacist spreading hateHe’s planning to speak about the disturbing activity during a news conference at 1 p.m. Friday. Channel 9 will have a crew at the event and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. ©2023 Cox Media Group

In one case, an 11-foot gator was found swimming in a family’s backyard pool after it busted through the screen. “He busted right through there … kinda like the Kool-Aid Man, you know,” homeowner Lynn Tosi said. Scott Hollingsworth from Daytona Beach was bitten by an alligator when he opened his front door. Read: Daytona Beach man details gator attack while stepping outside of homeThen on Sunday, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said they got a call from a man in Deltona after a gator grabbed his dog. Video: Daytona Beach man details gator attack while stepping outside of home Daytona Beach police have released bodycam video from the night a man was attacked by an alligator on his doorstep.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach officers are investigating a collision between a train and a vehicle. Officers said they were called out to the tracks on West International Speedway Boulevard immediately east of South Charles Street at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Watch: Teen shot at Sonic restaurant in Orlando was not intended target, police sayPolice said it doesn’t appear anyone was seriously hurt. They are trying to figure out why that vehicle was stopped on the tracks. Watch: Car rental company issued cease and desist by airport after questionable feesClick 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.

Police said that around 8:15 p.m., officers were sent to West International Speedway Boulevard along the train tracks immediately east of South Charles Street.

A 22-year-old Coshocton, Ohio man lost his life in a single motorcycle crash on John Anderson Highway, north of Bridle Ridge Court.

This is one of the busiest times of year in Daytona Beach. On the heels of Speedweek comes Bike Week, spring break, and new events to the area.

More than two years after prosecutors say a convicted felon used a fake deed in a scheme to sell a dead man’s home, victims of the property fraud are still trying to clean up the mess left behind.

A man and woman were arrested after police said they stole an Amazon package from the porch of a Daytona Beach home.

A Daytona Beach man bitten by a 9-foot alligator heard a noise at his front door and opened it to find an unexpected visitor.

A man in Daytona Beach was sent to the hospital Saturday after being bitten on the leg by an alligator, according to police.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A 76-year-old woman has been released on a $150,000 bond Friday evening. She is accused of shooting her terminally ill husband to death in a hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. >> Read more trending newsEllen Gilland, 76, was arrested on Jan. 21 after allegedly shooting her 77-year-old husband, Jerry Gilland, at AdventHealth Hospital in Daytona Beach. Judge Raul Zambrano granted Gilland a $150,000 bond and ordered her to not have access to any guns, weapons, or ammunition, according to WFTV. Gilland was held at the Volusia County Jail since she was arrested in January, The Associated Press reported.

He said it would stay warm into the evening, and winds would weaken Saturday night. But a stray shower is also possible this evening, mainly in Marion and Flagler counties. Read: Bike Week is back and bringing big crowds to Daytona Beach this weekendTemperatures stay warm overnight, with areas of fog by morning. Tomorrow won't be as hot or as windy...but showers are possible, especially later in the afternoon. Any rain would taper off Sunday night, with another chance for spotty rain Monday, which could help out Central Florida, as we are in a moderate drought.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — A 76-year-old woman accused of fatally shooting her terminally ill husband in a Florida hospital was released on $150,000 bond Friday night. However, she could not carry through with turning the gun on herself after shooting her husband in his 11th-floor AdventHealth Daytona Beach hospital room, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said at a news conference after the Jan. 21 incident. On Wednesday, Gilland was indicted on lesser charges of assisting self-murder/manslaughter and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. They repeatedly yelled, “Drop the gun!” according to video from an officer’s body camera recorded about 10 minutes after the shooting. She fired a shot into the ceiling, then dropped the weapon and was taken into custody, the police report said.

The engines are roaring, the food is ready and thousands of Bikers are in Daytona Beach for Bike Week 2023.

The Volusia County Jail told News 6 that 76-year-old Ellen Gilland bonded out after 8 p.m. on Friday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The first arrivals for Bike Week are trickling into Daytona Beach. As of Friday afternoon, lines of motorcycles can be seen up and down Main Street, and people are already gathering and having fun. This year, 60 Daytona Beach police officers will be assigned to Main Street, and multiple officers both undercover and in uniform will be around the city. READ: Strawberry, Monster Jam: 9 things to do in Central Florida this weekendThis year’s Bike Week will bring the biggest crowds to town since before the pandemic. The county tourism board said it has been able to get many beachside structures fixed in time for Bike Week, which kicks off the Spring Break season.

ORLANDO, Fla. — March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that Channel 9 is sharing the stories of 9 legendary women from Central Florida. Her chief legislative goals were the establishment of the University of Central Florida and development of planning and zoning systems. According to Orange County Library System, her accomplishments in public office include the construction of the nation’s second-largest convention center, a new Orange County Courthouse, the Orange County Regional History Center, fifteen new parks and recreational trails, and the purchase of over 12,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands. Orange County Superintendent Barbara JenkinsDr. Barbara Jenkins was the first female superintendent in Orange County Public Schools. According to the Orange County Regional History Center, the Orlando native was crowned Miss Orlando Flame on October 13, 1972.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will study ways to reduce flooding in Daytona Beach.

Tens of thousands of bikers are rolling into Volusia County as Bike Week officially gets underway.

Following a three-day trial, 33-year-old Emmanuelle Vazquez was found guilty of murder in the 2018 death of his months-old child, according to the State Attorney's Office.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — You may already be able to hear the rumbles of motorcycles heading to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. The annual event comes after hurricane season battered the city, but the event is helping business owners move on from the storms. READ: Strawberry, Monster Jam: 9 things to do in Central Florida this weekendThe 82nd Bike Week, billed as the world’s largest motorcycle event, runs Friday through March 12. Click here for more information. READ: Where Brightline is testing trains nextVIDEO: Brightline reaches maximum speed for first time Brightline reaches maximum speed for first timeClick 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.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A 76-year-old woman accused of shooting and killing her terminally ill husband in a Volusia County hospital is scheduled to return to court Thursday. Deputies said Ellen Gilland shot and killed her husband inside of AdventHealth Daytona Beach hospital in January. Read: Charges reduced against woman, 76, accused of killing terminally ill husbandGilland was facing a first-degree murder charge. Her attorneys are planning to ask a judge to set a bond. Watch: ‘She’s lost the love of her life’: Niece of woman accused of shooting terminally ill husband speaksChannel 9 will have a crew inside of the courtroom and will provided updates on Eyewitness News.

A Volusia County judge granted a $150,000 bond on Thursday for a woman accused of shooting and killing her husband in a Daytona Beach hospital room.

Daytona Lagoon Waterpark will open for the 2023 season on March 4, the park announced Monday.

OCALA, Fla. — Buc-ee’s lovers rejoice: The gas station chain is expanding in Central Florida. There are two Buc-ee’s locations in Florida, one in Daytona Beach and another in St. Augustine. Read: Buc-ee’s receives approval for new Central Florida location; here’s where it will be4. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Buc-ee's Daytona Beach (WFTV.com News Staff)Video: Gov. Ron DeSantis participated in a ribbon cutting at the Buc-ee's location in Daytona Beach.

The smell of leather and exhaust returns to Volusia County in March as the 82nd annual Bike Week rolls into town.

OCLALA, Fla. — A popular gas station chain received the green light to open a new location in Central Florida. Buc-ee’s is known for its selection of snacks, clean bathrooms and over 100 gas pumps. Read: Jimmy Hula’s set to open new restaurant in Central FloridaThe project’s start date is still to be determined. DeSantis participates in ribbon cutting at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach Gov. Ron DeSantis participated in a ribbon cutting at the Buc-ee's location in Daytona Beach.

A 27-year-old man from Daytona Beach died in a two-vehicle crash early Sunday on U.S. Route 1 in Flagler County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A cyclist was struck in a Daytona Beach crash that resulted in injuries Friday evening, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on allegations of firing a shot inside a building on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach police arrested a 24-year-old man on Friday after they said he fired a gun inside a building on Bethune-Cookman University’s campus. Officers said campus security got a report around 12:45 p.m. that a shot was fired inside a campus building. Officers said the man, identified as Jordan Carty, 24, then fell down the stairs, allowing security to take his gun and detain him. Carty is facing a charge of possession of a firearm on a school campus. Read: Bethune-Cookman University announces its new head football coachVIDEO: Bethune-Cookman leaders announce plans for major upgrades to campus facilities Bethune-Cookman University officials held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce a series of major upgrades to campus facilities.

A woman accused of fatally shooting her terminally ill husband at a Daytona Beach hospital is requesting bond again.

A motorcyclist is in critical condition following a crash in Daytona Beach on Thursday, according to the police department.

Daytona Beach area home sales plummeted in January to low levels not seen since the last major recession.

A Florida grand jury has indicted Ellen Gilland on four counts after she allegedly shot and killed her husband in a murder-suicide plot at a Daytona Beach hospital.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The charges against an elderly woman accused of shooting and killing her terminally ill husband at a Daytona Beach hospital have been reduced. Ellen Gilland, 76, was initially arrested on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to the death of her husband Jerry Gilland. She’s been in custody since the shooting at AdventHealth Daytona Beach on Jan. 21. Ellen Gilland Ellen Gilland, 76, is facing the possibility of life behind bars for shooting and killing her terminally ill husband, Jerry, inside AdventHealth Daytona Beach last month. Read: ‘She’s lost the love of her life’: Niece of woman accused of shooting terminally ill husband speaksVideo shows tense moments after woman allegedly killed terminally ill husband at hospital Police on Monday released body-worn camera video of the tense moments after a woman allegedly shot her terminally ill husband to death Saturday at a hospital.

The woman accused of shooting her terminally ill husband at a Daytona Beach hospital and engaging in a standoff with police is no longer facing first-degree murder charges.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is promising to take down antisemites who he said are continuing to spread hate in the community. The antisemitic banners and flyers were displayed in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach over the weekend. Watch: ‘One of the easiest crimes:’ White supremacists mock area man arrested in Baltimore power grid plotChitwood released a statement Tuesday night that he is hearing more reports of white supremacists harassing people. He went on to say, “as Volusia sheriff, I will use every legal measure in my power to crush these antisemitic racist cowards. I hope they keep their cameras rolling and get it all on video.”Watch: Sheriff: ‘Cowardly scumbags’ spread anti-Semitic flyers throughout Volusia CountyChitwood said he will have more to say in the near future.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of demonstrators said they plan to protest Wednesday over the death penalty at the courthouses in Orlando and Daytona Beach. Ron DeSantis to put a stop to the execution of death row inmate Donald Dillbeck. Read: Death warrant signed, execution set for Florida man in woman’s 1990 slayingDeSantis signed Dillbeck’s death warrant last month. Watch: Central Florida sheriff pushes for tougher penalties for fentanyl drug dealers“On this death penalty, I respect people that don’t agree with it, but that’s the law in Florida,” DeSantis said. There are 299 people on death row in Florida, including 15 men who have been there for more than 40 years.

Leaders in Marion County are set to make a final vote to approve a new Buc-ee's gas station.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and his Crew Chief Mike Kelley won the 65th Daytona 500 Sunday night for JTG Daugherty Racing. Kelley guided Stenhouse Jr. to a pair of Xfinity Series titles earlier in his career and in their first race back together, they recaptured that magic to win the Great American Race. "We believe and we believe today. "@StenhouseJr's Crew Chief @MkelleyJTG put a note with those words in the top of his rollbar so only he could see it before Sunday's race began. pic.twitter.com/CsnMZ6ZmGc — Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) February 21, 2023In Victory Lane, Kelley told us he wrote Stenhouse Jr. a note before the race started and it said: “We believe and we believe today.”That belief from this small 40-person team propelled Stenhouse Jr. to break his 199-race winless streak at Daytona International Speedway.

A hate group used a portable projector to display antisemitic messages on the side of the Daytona International Speedway until deputies managed to block the projection, law enforcement officials said.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said “cowardly scumbags” spread anti-Semitic leaflets throughout the county during the Daytona 500 weekend. Chitwood said the fliers were found in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and other parts of the county. Read: Residents in West Orange County neighborhood find antisemitic flyers on doorstep“It’s reprehensible, its disgusting but its under that free speech umbrella,” Chitwood said. “There is a point where hate speech becomes threatening speech or dangerous speech and I happen to feel this crosses the line,” Lennick said. I want to join @ChiefJakari @DaytonaBchPD & Chief Godfrey @ORMONDBEACHPD in expressing my disgust with the antisemitic flyers in our area this weekend.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won his first Daytona 500 Sunday night to snap a 199-race winless streak. 47 Chevrolet Camaro won in double overtime under caution. His last win came in 2017 at the summer race at Daytona and six years later, he takes the checkered flag at the World Center of Racing again. At 212 laps, this is the longest Daytona 500 in the race’s 65-year history. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Wins the Daytona 500.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Sunday was race day at the Daytona International Speedway, and more than 100,000 people watched the “Great American Race” in person. Thousands of fans at the track helped to fuel the Central Florida economy by spending money at local businesses and hotels. Read: Volusia County businesses ready for the start of the Daytona 500But hundreds of families still live in hotels after back-to-back hurricanes slammed into our coast last year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency told Channel 9 that Hurricanes Ian and Nicole impacted more than 30,000 households in Volusia County. Volusia County Emergency Management will host mitigation meetings next week before the next hurricane season.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won his first Daytona 500 race on Sunday, edging Joey Logano in a race that was decided under caution in double overtime. The longest race in Daytona 500 history -- it actually covered 530 miles -- went to a pair of green-white-checkered flags, as eight caution flags flew. But after the seventh caution flag flew in the first two-lap overtime, Busch lost the lead to Stenhouse. A caution flag also was raised two laps into the third and final stage of the race after Ryan Blaney’s tire shredded. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Daytona 500: Cars roar to a start as the 65th annual Daytona 500 began on Sunday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the Daytona 500 in double overtime and under caution Sunday night in the longest running of “The Great American Race.”The two overtimes pushed the 65th running of the race to a record 212 laps — a dozen laps beyond the scheduled distance. Stenhouse's win in a Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing — a team part owned by former NBA player Brad Daugherty — was the third of his career. His only other victories came in 2017 — at Talladega and the summer race at Daytona. Now he's got a repeat win at Daytona in NASCAR's biggest race of the season. Reigning Cup champion Joey Logano finished second in a Ford for Team Penske, which won the race last year with Austin Cindric.

The Daytona Beach Police Department released a statement from Chief Jakari Young on Sunday denouncing recent antisemitic propaganda being distributed throughout the city.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Despite back-to-back devastation during hurricane season, Sunday is a victory for Daytona Beach Businesses as excited fans gear up for the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway. Sunday is the 65th running of the Daytona 500 and more than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the stands. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“The Daytona 500 is a slice of Americana,” said Daytona track president Frank Kelleher. “It goes back to gladiators racing on the beach here in Daytona beach. The guest experience has really helped with the eight consecutive sellouts but also the content on the track,” Kelleher said.

NASCAR fans from around the country said they were more than happy to spend money at businesses that were hit hard during the pandemic.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — IndyCar driver Conor Daly raced Floyd Mayweather into the Daytona 500 for a second consecutive year by bobbing and weaving his way through myriad issues for the ill-prepared team. Daly will become the 62nd driver in history to race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500. Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves had the first talks with Mayweather's team about entering Sunday's Daytona 500 but passed because he didn't think the entry had time to be properly prepared. It meant the Indiana native had to race his way into the Daytona 500 in one of Thursday night's qualifying races. “Not how we wanted that, but (Hill) are like family, but holy mackerel, we made our second Daytona 500!!!

Turns out fast-food burger wars were on the menu in the run-up to the Daytona 500 over, of all things, the paint schemes for cars sponsored by McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Wendy’s countered with a picture of a, well, super-sized beefy cheeseburger with the slogan “The Beef” emblazoned on Noah Gragson’s No. Wendy's CMO Carl Loredo trashed McDonald's logo selection as if it was a paper bag full of day-old fries. “I can tell you our focus @23XIRacing is on results so pretty happy with our 11th place qualifying result last night…you?”Gragson was 28th in the Daytona 500 time trials. Perhaps the big chill between the companies will continue into Sunday at the Daytona 500.

The fast-food burger wars were on the menu in the run-up to the Daytona 500.

Turns out fast-food burger wars were on the menu in the run-up to the Daytona 500 over, of all things, the paint schemes for cars sponsored by McDonald’s and Wendy’s. McDonald’s stamped its ubiquitous golden arches logo on the hood of 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota. Wendy’s countered with a picture of a, well, super-sized beefy cheeseburger with the slogan “The Beef” emblazoned on Noah Gragson’s No. 42 Chevrolet.

Smith, the reigning Truck Series champion, will make his Daytona 500 debut. “Crazy, I don’t even know what’s going on,” Smith said after earning his spot in the 500. “I don’t even know what life is right now.”By making the race, Smith ensured it will be the first Daytona 500 that includes the reigning champions from the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series. Smith beat Chandler Smith in a Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing for the available spot in the Daytona 500. The second race featured a showdown between IndyCar star Conor Daly in a car fielded by Floyd Mayweather, and Austin Hill for Richard Childress Racing.

NASCAR champion Joey Logano won the first qualifying race for the Daytona 500 on Thursday night for his third victory in the event that sets the field for “The Great American Race.”.

A Volusia County man has filed a lawsuit against the Daytona Beach Police Department.

A new bill filed in the Florida Senate was inspired by a recent incident in Daytona Beach where a 76-year-old woman allegedly shot and killed her terminally-ill husband in a hospital.

Weather impacts stock car races in more ways than you think. It's not just the fans, but the track and the crews that work to keep the track safe when rain rolls in.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Wildlife crews in Central Florida are using artificial intelligence to help track sea turtles. Sea turtle numbers are dwindling along Florida’s Atlantic coast. Officials say tracking their movements can help protect the population. Drones are being equipped with artificial intelligence to help track the turtles. 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.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Alex Bowman will start on the Pole for the third time in the Daytona 500 on Sunday. He had the fastest qualifying time on Wednesday night at Daytona International Speedway and will start on the front row for the sixth straight Daytona 500. Alex Bowman wins the pole for the Daytona 500. @WFTV — Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) February 16, 2023Hendrick driver William Byron was third fastest in the final round at 180.727 mph. Bowman went 181.686 mph and Larson went 181.159 mph.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Alex Bowman won his third career Daytona 500 pole and will be joined by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson on the front row for NASCAR's season opener. “I think I really have a shot to win,” Johnson said before he qualified. Pastrana said racing in the Daytona 500 was one of his last motorsports goals and this was his last, best shot to get there. So can Bowman, who has yet to parlay the top spot into a Daytona 500 win, and Larson. Bowman, who received a new contract entering this season, turned a top speed of 181.686 mph and Larson hit 181.057.

Alex Bowman won his third career Daytona 500 pole and will be joined by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson on the front row for NASCAR’s season opener.

Wednesday’s qualifying rounds were just the beginning of what’s going to be a record-setting crowd come Sunday. NASCAR said it’s making some changes when it comes to qualifying, moving to Wednesday instead of the Sunday before the race. 36 drivers are locked in the field, and six drivers will compete at 8 p.m. Wednesday for a chance to participate in Sunday’s race. The six drivers trying to qualify for the race includes Travis Pastrana and seven-time cup series champ Jimmie Johnson. NASCAR media day©2023 Cox Media Group

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR fans will get their first glimpse of the excitement ahead of this year’s Daytona 500. The qualifying round starts Wednesday night. The two fastest qualifiers will lock into the front row for this year’s “Great American Race.”Read: Kyle Busch convicted of having gun in Mexico; sentenced to more than 3 years in prisonThe big race will be held Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m.A Brief History of NASCAR A Brief History of NASCARLike the previous 8 years, tickets are all sold out. Watch: Sports Night on 9 conversation with NASCAR driver Ty GibbsChannel 9 has a crew at the speedway and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. 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.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Volusia County judge has ruled that a man accused of murdering a Daytona Beach couple is incompetent to stand trial. Investigators said Jean Macean stabbed Terry and Brenda Aultman to death during last year’s Bike Week. Watch: Police: Suspect in fatal stabbing of Daytona Beach couple confessed to murdersMacean was arrested in Orlando after days on the run. A judge ordered Macean to be placed in a mental health facility for treatment. Read: Man accused of fatally stabbing Daytona Beach couple transported to Volusia County JailClick 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.

Jean Macean, the man accused of stabbing a Daytona Beach couple to death during Bike Week last year, has been found not competent to stand trial.

A fight over a relationship at a Daytona Beach apartment complex led to a fatal shooting, according to police.

A 25-year-old man on a scooter was struck by a dirt bike in a hit-and-run crash in Daytona Beach last month, according to the police department.

The Daytona 500 is a sellout for the eighth consecutive year.

A high wind gust caused construction scaffolding to collapse at a Volusia County hospital on Sunday, according to the Daytona Beach Fire Department.

A wedding in Daytona Beach had an unfortunate accident after a passing bird pooped on the bride in the middle of her vows.

After being given no bond at her first appearance in Volusia County court following the fatal shooting of her terminally ill husband at AdventHealth Daytona Beach last month, Ellen Gilland was up for bond again this week.

Raymond Woodie, Jr., a BCU graduate and most recently a coach at Florida Atlantic University, will be the university's 16th coach.

A kitten stranded for three days in a tree was rescued by Daytona Beach fire crews, according to the department.

In the same week as the Superbowl, it's pickleball that is popular in Holly Hill.

The Sage ‘n Sand Motel on South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores is no more.