Eustis fire station, engine renamed to honor legendary Lake County firefighter Amos Roach
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Eustis fire station and engine were renamed after a Lake County Firefighter who dedicated his life to his community. The Lake County Fire Department dedicated Engine 21 and Station 21 to local legend Amos Roach. Photos: Eustis fire station, engine renamed to honor legendary Lake County firefighter Amos RoachExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Eustis fire station, engine renamed to honor legendary Lake County firefighter Amos RoachHis friends and family gathered with county officials Monday to celebrate his community service. Watch: 10 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police sayHe is credited with helping to start fire services in Eustis. Amos died in 2015.
wftv.comDeltona man accused of killing father, shooting at deputies to be in court Tuesday
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of killing his father before getting into a shootout with law enforcement will be back inside a courtroom Tuesday. Investigators said Jonny Santiago killed his father in Volusia County and dumped the body 30 miles away near Lake Avalon in Orange County last summer. Santiago may be seeking a plea deal in court on Tuesday. Read: Deltona teen accused of shooting at deputies, killing father to receive mental examBody camera video captured the moments, investigators say he got into a gun battle with Lake County deputies, before his arrest. No deputies were hurt in the shooting.
wftv.comLake County set to name station after firefighter who passed away
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Fire Department is honoring one of its own, with the naming of one of its stations on Monday.
The Lake County Fire Department will name and dedicate Engine #21 in honor of Amos Roach.
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Lake County child arrested after punching school bus driver, aide
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Lake County school bus driver and a bus aide are recovering after deputies said an out-of-control, 12-year-old student hit them. A short time later, deputies said the student punched the bus aide too. School district officials told Channel 9 that it might have been an accident, but deputies said it escalated from there, and the bus aide was also in the middle of it. READ: Woman found dead after being hit by multiple cars on I-4 near downtown OrlandoThe bus aide told investigators that after she removed the arrestee from the bus, he charged at her and struck her in the face. READ: Sheriff: Prowler caught on camera peeking into a DeBary woman’s window arrestedThe bus driver was hospitalized Thursday, but family said she is doing OK.
wftv.comWoman accused in stabbing death of Mount Dora elderly couple indicted on murder charges
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Lake County woman has been indicted on murder charges in connection with the stabbing deaths of an elderly Mount Dora couple on Jan. 1. Sharon and Darryl Getman Sharon and Darryl Getman, of Mount Dora. (MDPD)Read: Affidavit: Mount Dora elderly couple stabbed to death at senior living communityOn New Year’s Eve, the Getmans were stabbed inside their home in the Waterman Village senior living community. Read: Woman accused of killing retired Mount Dora couple faces murder chargesWhen detectives interviewed Williams, she told them she hadn’t been to Florida since 2019. Read: ‘Stunned, devastated and heart-broken’: Children of couple killed in Mount Dora release statementDetectives also said several items found inside the home helped tie Williams to the crime.
wftv.comFHP investigates deadly Lake County single-car crash
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened Sunday night in Lake County.
The crash happened around 7:35 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 46 and State Road 453.
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Affidavit details brutal stabbing murders of elderly Florida couple
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Court documents made public this week offer a look at what led Florida authorities to arrest a Georgia woman for the brutal stabbing deaths of an elderly couple. The couple were found dead inside their home in the Waterman Village retirement community in Mount Dora. A grisly crime sceneThe affidavit, written by a Mount Dora police detective, details what took place after a neighbor sought a welfare check on the retired couple the afternoon of Dec. 31. Security officers at Waterman Village let the officers into the house using master keys, the affidavit states. >> Read more trending newsAccording to Mount Dora police officials, Williams was an apparent stranger to the couple, and their killings appear to be random.
wftv.comLake County man accused of harassing neighbors facing hate crime charges
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The word “love” is spray-painted on Frank Norviel’s front door, but Lake County deputies say he’s facing hate crime charges Thursday afternoon. “He would ride by on his bicycle and use derogatory statements to reference their sexual orientation,” Lt. Fred Jones said. Read: Lake County man claims winning $1 million scratch-off ticket“It seems to have caused him to kind of ramp it up since he had the injunction,” Jones said. Read: Trash troubles for Lake County residents continue into the new yearThe sheriff’s office believes Norviel targeted the neighbors because of their sexual orientation. Norveil remains locked up in the Lake County Jail on a bond of more than $100,000.
wftv.comTrash troubles for Lake County residents continue into the new year
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — When Lake County contracted with a new waste company for residential waste collection last year, residents expected some hiccups. Lake County resident Jody Mullens said the problems are leaving neighbors frustrated. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches OneWeb Launch 16 mission aboard Falcon 9 rocketIn November, Lake County commissioners sent a letter to residents acknowledging the issue. “the board of county commissioners (board) recognizes that the delayed or missed residential garbage collection has created a stressful situation for many residents,” the letter said. Along with the letter, the county sent a refund check for $16.83 and asked residents for patience while fcc became familiar with the new routes.
wftv.comWoman accused of killing retired Mount Dora couple faces murder charges
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple appeared before a Lake County judge for the first time Saturday. A Lake County judge announced Williams is now charged in the murder of the retired couple. Woman accused of killing retired Mount Dora couple faces murder charges Vickie Williams, accused of killing a Mount Dora couple, appeared before a Lake County judge for the first time Saturday. (WFTV/WFTV)Read: ‘Stunned, devastated and heart-broken’: Children of couple killed in Mount Dora release statementMount Dora Police Chief Mike Gibson said this investigation spanned three states. Williams is now officially facing murder charges in connection with the case, and those warrants have been served, Gibson said.
wftv.comCentral Florida students head back to the classroom as winter break ends
As the winter break comes to an end, many Central Florida students will be returning to the classroom this week. Students in Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties will head back to class Wednesday. Read: ‘Varsity Blues’ mastermind faces sentencing for college scamSeminole County and Lake County students returned earlier this week. Now hiring: Osceola County schools hosting job fair for bus drivers, attendantsBrevard, Marion, and Polk counties will have students return to class on Thursday. While Sumter County and Flagler County students go back on Monday.
wftv.comLake County deputies search for missing 16-year-old
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is looking for help to find a missing teenager. Lake County police said they are searching for 16-year-old Jonathan Torres. These people are still missing in FloridaAgents said he left his home Tuesday on Kansas Avenue, near Astatula Elementary School, and hasn’t been seen since. Watch: Sole survivor of Orange County fireworks warehouse remains hospitalized as investigation continuesThey said he could be in a white Chevy Malibu with Florida license plate Y14-4ZT. Watch: Miya’s Law now in effect, strengthens renter safety in FloridaAnyone who sees Torres or the car is asked to call 911.
wftv.comBurglar killed after being shot while breaking into home in Lady Lake, deputies say
LADY LAKE, Fla. — Lake County deputies said a man is dead after he was shot while breaking into a home in Lady Lake. Deputies said they were called to a home on Lakeview Street around 5:30 p.m. Monday for reports of a home invasion. Read: Florida man accused of temporarily blinding Brevard Sheriff’s Office pilot with laser pointerBaldasare was pronounced dead at the scene as deputies investigated the shooting. Read: $10K reward offered after suspicious death of couple at senior living community in Mount DoraLake County deputies said that based on the evidence gathered so far, the incident appears to be a case of self-defense and the victim is cooperating with detectives. 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.
wftv.comLake County prepares for cold weather with shelters, supplies
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County said they do not want families to be caught off guard with the winter weather heading to Central Florida. The church is just one of the locations that is opening its doors to provide food and shelter. People in Lake County started to notice the temperature drop Friday afternoon. Read: Orange County warming centers open despite staffing concernsLake County Emergency Management is working with local churches to open cold weather shelters for the frigid weekend. “Cold exposure is very serious, especially since this is going to be a weekend-long cold weather event,” said Nicholas Gerth, emergency management deputy director.
wftv.comFather of alleged Highland Park shooting suspect charged with 7 felonies
CHICAGO — The father of the alleged Highland Park shooting suspect that reportedly killed seven people and injured dozens of others at a July 4 parade has been charged with seven felonies. >> Read more trending newsLake County State Attorney Eric Rinehart said Robert Crimo Jr. surrendered to police on Friday, according to The Associated Press. Rinehart said Crimo’s charges are based on sponsoring his son’s gun license application in 2019, when he was then 19 years old. “Parents and guardians are in the best position to decide whether their teenagers should have a weapon,” said Rinehart, according to the AP. “In this case, the system failed when Robert Crimo Jr. sponsored his son.
wftv.comNonprofit launches chair program for mobility-impaired visitors to Seminole State Forest
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Friends of Seminole State Forest will launch a brand-new program to help those who are mobility-impaired, starting in 2023. The nonprofit has approved the establishment of the first tracked chair program in the 38-state forest system. The chairs will also be accessible to those participating in the annual Run for The Woods fundraising event. Read: Central Florida nonprofit weighs cuts as donations declineThe program will be fully functional on March 3, 2023. 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.
wftv.comWednesday: Farm Share food giveaway in Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Some Lake County residents will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Tuesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Lady Lake. READ: Cold front to bring severe storms, gusty winds ThursdayOrganizers said the giveaway will be held in conjunction with North Lake Presbyterian Church. Wednesday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until supplies run out. Oviedo plant store to give away thousands of houseplants next weekFarm Share has also scheduled a food distribution event in Central Florida for Thursday.
wftv.com23-year-old woman dies after ATV crash in Lake County, troopers say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A 23-year-old woman has died after an all-terrain vehicle crash in Lake County, Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash happened at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday on Duda Road near Orlando North Airpark, troopers said. The woman was ejected and became trapped under the ATV. Read: Troopers search for suspected driver involved in deadly wrong-way crash that killed 3 peopleThe woman and the other passengers were transported to Advent Health Apopka, where the woman died. Read: Polk County firefighter resigns after fraud arrest, deputies sayFHP is still investigating what caused the crash.
wftv.comOrlando Health celebrates milestone in construction of new patient tower
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and Clermont City officials celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its new, 95-bed patient tower. On Thursday, the final beam of the new hospital expansion was moved into place in Lake County. “This an exciting milestone for our hospital and the community,” said Lance Sewell, president of OrlandoRead: American soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies covering World Cup in QatarHealth South Lake Hospital. “Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has met the healthcare needs of the Lake County community since it was founded 75 years ago. Read: Orange County investigating if explosives are being stored near homesOrlando Health said the completed patient tower will create more than 150 full-time hospital positions and more than 500 construction jobs.
wftv.comAtheist group demands apology from Lake County, citing discrimination over invocation
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A local chapter of an atheist organization is demanding Lake County apologize after chapter leaders said they were discriminated against at a recent commission meeting. Chapter officials also said until now, Lake County has been great to work with. “We try to be inclusive and welcoming here in Lake County. The Central Florida Freethought Community has facilitated the invocation in Lake County four times since May 2021. The group sued Brevard County in 2015 after the county rejected the group’s attempts to deliver an invocation before a commission meeting.
wftv.comCause of death for fifth family member in Buffalo Grove case also due to ‘sharp force,’ coroner says
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek on Friday said an autopsy on a fifth person found dead in a Buffalo Grove home on this week showed their death was also a result of sharp-force injuries following a “domestic-related incident.”
chicagotribune.comCloudy and cool Thursday as front moves through Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will be cloudy and cooler Thursday after a front moved through Florida overnight. Our area will have high temperatures in the mid-70s. SEE: Apparent sinkhole opens up in Lake CountyThursday will also be breezy. Cloudy and cool Thursday as front moves through Central FloridaTemperatures in our area will drop to the 50s and 60s this evening. Read: Forecast: 2023 home sales, pricesThe extended forecast shows Central Florida will have several partly cloudy and dry days ahead.
wftv.comSEE: Apparent sinkhole opens up in Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — An apparent sinkhole has opened up in Lake County, the sheriff’s office posted late Wednesday. READ: DISH customers: Call 800-333-3474 & demand they bring back WFTV Channel 9; switch TV providers todayThe sinkhole has closed Montevista Road and Bradley Circle in Clermont until further notice. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area while engineers address the problem. READ: Pain and no easy fix: Florida prepares to tackle homeowner’s insurance, againSinkholes: What you need to know Sinkholes form when the land below the surface can no longer support it. (NCD)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.
wftv.comLake County firefighters respond to blaze inside Leesburg freezer facility
LEESBURG, Fla. — Investigators are trying to figure out what caused a fire at a warehouse in Leesburg. Firefighters were called to a storage facility around 9 p.m. Tuesday and said they found smoke and flames coming through the roof. Photos: Lake County firefighters respond to blaze inside Leesburg freezer facilityExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Lake County firefighters respond to blaze inside Leesburg freezer facilityThe fire broke out at a freezer facility located on Bradford Avenue, off McCormack Street. See: Mysterious structure unearthed by erosion in Volusia CountyLeesburg firefighters called in reinforcements from Lake County Fire Rescue and the Eustis Fire Department. “There was some difficulty because of the construction of the building,” said Leesburg Fire Chief Joe Mera.
wftv.comLake County Department of Health offers free Narcan kits to fight opioid deaths
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — With the rise of dangerous drugs like fentanyl flooding the streets, the Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is announcing the availability of free naloxone (Narcan-brand) nasal-spray-kits. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“Naloxone is a great tool to reduce opioid overdose fatalities. According to a news release, the kits contains two Narcan nasal sprays that can be administered even without a health care professional present. Health officials said individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering naloxone.
wftv.comHere are the Thanksgiving closures and changes to services in your county
ORLANDO, Fla. — Thanksgiving is this week, and services and offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Lake CountyThe following offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday:-Lake County Board of Commissioners-Property Appraisers-Supervisor of Elections-Tax Collector-Lake County Extension CenterThey will reopen on Monday. Read: Basket Brigade packs food for families in need ahead of ThanksgivingSome services will be affected by the following changes:There will be no curbside collection on Thanksgiving Day. The Lake County Animal Shelter will be closed on Wednesday through Friday and will reopen on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.All Lake County Library System libraries will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. There will not be any garbage, yard waste, and recycling collection on Thursday and Friday, but curbside collection will resume on Monday.
wftv.comLeesburg man arrested by Lake County Sheriff’s Office for drug-related death in summer
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Leesburg man on Wednesday after investigating a drug-related death from the summer. Detectives said they began investigating a home located at 4100 Holly Hill in Lady Lake back in June when they found a 38-year-old man dead. The sheriff’s office said that it initially ruled Cooper’s death as an accidental drug overdose of fentanyl, based on the medical examiner’s findings. Read: Man found shot in Brevard County backyard dies at hospital, police sayHowever, it said that after going through a series of evidence, it was able to track down a suspect. Albert Robert Springs, 33, was arrested and charged with death by unlawful distribution of fentanyl, which is categorized as a capital felony.
wftv.com73-year-old man dies, another man injured after Lake County crash, troopers say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A 73-year-old man has died following a crash on State Road 44, Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the crash happened around 2 p.m. Saturday in Lake County. According to a news release, a Honda was traveling southbound on State Road 44, north of Rory Lane, while a Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling southbound on the same road. The Chevrolet driver, 18, was ejected due to the force of the impact. Read: Volusia deputies, task force arrest two teens involved in recent DeLand shootingThe Honda driver was transported to Advent Health Hospital where he died.
wftv.comCharges dropped against Florida prison guards accused of beating an inmate
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV 9 Investigates has learned that the Lake County state attorney has dropped charges against four former corrections officers in a case of inmate beating caught on video.
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FHP: Winter Garden man arrested in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Lake County student
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested 59-year-old Enrique Ramirez in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Lake County teen Thursday morning. Troopers said the teen was thrown into the southbound lanes, where he was hit by a pickup truck driving the opposite way on County Road 455. He’s being held in the Lake County jail on no bond and should face a judge Friday morning. Wells was a student at nearby Lake Minneola High School, where the district had grief counselors on hand to help students and staff deal with the loss of their classmate. Video: Lake County student fatally struck by car Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed by a car Thursday morning.
wftv.comFHP: Teen killed in early morning hit-and-run crash in Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Lake County teen Thursday morning. According to the FHP, 14-year-old Owen Wells was crossing County Road 544 near Willo Pines Lane just before 6:30 a.m. when he was hit by a car driving northbound. See map of location below:Read: Lake County student fatally struck by carInvestigators said the driver of the car — a Pontiac G6 — that first hit Wells never stopped, and drove away from the scene. Read: OPD, state investigating funeral home after family complains of unlicensed activityAfter putting out a description of the car, FHP said Lake County deputies found the Pontiac they believe hit the teen abandoned nearby. Video: Lake County student fatally struck by car Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed by a car Thursday morning.
wftv.comLake County student fatally struck by car
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Public Schools said a high school student was killed after being hit by a car Thursday morning. The deadly crash happened on County Road 455 near Willo Pines Lane in Clermont. Watch: Orlando Police Dept., state investigating funeral home after family complains of unlicensed activityOfficials said a Lake Minneola High School student was hit by a car and passed away from his injuries. School leaders said grief counselors are at the school this week for any students or employees who need their services. Read: Florida construction worker killed when crushed by 3,000-pound bundle of lumberThe crash is still under investigation.
wftv.comWednesday: Farm Share food giveaway in Lady Lake
Lake County, Fla. — Some Lake County residents will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Wednesday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Lady Lake. READ: New report shows home interest rates in Orlando highest in 20 yearsOrganizers said the giveaway will be held in conjunction with North Lake Presbyterian Christian Church. READ: Publix to serve beer, wine at these Florida locationsWednesday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until 11 a.m. or until supplies run out. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
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