WEATHER ALERT
‘It’s just suffocating:’ Florida’s cold snap highlights need for more shelters in Orange County
Read full article: ‘It’s just suffocating:’ Florida’s cold snap highlights need for more shelters in Orange CountyAshley Hildebrandt, who has been homeless for eight years, tells News 6 that this week's bitter temps have gotten to her.
‘Spine-chilling:’ Student brings Holocaust exhibit, awareness to Edgewater High School
Read full article: ‘Spine-chilling:’ Student brings Holocaust exhibit, awareness to Edgewater High SchoolDozens of people in Orlando are getting a rare chance to walk through history this month inside a Hate Ends Now train car, a replica of the cars used to take millions of Jews to concentration camps during the Holocaust.
Central Florida homelessness groups are getting ready for their annual count. They need your help
Read full article: Central Florida homelessness groups are getting ready for their annual count. They need your helpThe Homeless Services Network of Central Florida organizes the annual Point-in-Time Count for Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Over Jan. 28-30, volunteers find people experiencing homelessness and ask them to take a survey. The agency says they need more help.
Matthew’s Hope in Orange County faces overwhelming demand amid cold temperatures
Read full article: Matthew’s Hope in Orange County faces overwhelming demand amid cold temperaturesAs cold temperatures grip Central Florida, Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden has become a lifeline for homeless men, women, and children.
Dawn of the ‘Social Media Hoppers:’ TikTok troubles could be a sign of things to come
Read full article: Dawn of the ‘Social Media Hoppers:’ TikTok troubles could be a sign of things to comeShortly before the Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok to shut down, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a previous ruling that allowed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to take effect. Here's what could happen to more apps going forward.
Arrest made after Orlando man shoots teen during argument over debt, police say
Read full article: Arrest made after Orlando man shoots teen during argument over debt, police sayOrlando police have shared new footage showing the arrest of a man accused of shooting a teen during an argument.
‘I am so proud of January 6th:’ Former Central Florida police officer gets pardon from President Trump
Read full article: ‘I am so proud of January 6th:’ Former Central Florida police officer gets pardon from President TrumpNathan Tuck told News 6 he got a call from his attorney around 11 p.m. on Monday that President Donald Trump pardoned him and others for charges stemming from the attack on the US Capitol.
Memorial fund established for 6-year-old killed by alleged drunk driver in Orange County
Read full article: Memorial fund established for 6-year-old killed by alleged drunk driver in Orange CountyThe Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has established a memorial fund in honor of the 6-year-old boy who was hit and killed while riding his bicycle in an Apopka mobile home park on Saturday.
Residents of southeast Orlando neighborhood concerned about proposed cell tower
Read full article: Residents of southeast Orlando neighborhood concerned about proposed cell towerA proposed cell tower has residents of a Central Florida neighborhood saying they don't want it in their backyard.
Leaders, pastors gather to honor Orlando’s first Black city council member during annual prayer breakfast
Read full article: Leaders, pastors gather to honor Orlando’s first Black city council member during annual prayer breakfastCivic leaders, pastors, and people from around Central Florida came together early Monday to celebrate and honor the legacies of Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Longtime Orlando pub The Hammered Lamb to close. Here’s when
Read full article: Longtime Orlando pub The Hammered Lamb to close. Here’s whenJason Lambert, owner of The Hammered Lamb, told News 6 last year that construction along Orange Avenue, which began in late 2023, had hurt business not just for his pub but for other businesses in Ivanhoe Village.
Provocative billboards along Central Florida highway call out Jewish hate
Read full article: Provocative billboards along Central Florida highway call out Jewish hateA pair of provocative billboards on one of Central Florida's busiest highways are designed to grab attention and highlight the dangerous spike in antisemitism.
Driver faces DUI charges after hitting, killing 6-year-old on bicycle in Orange County, troopers say
Read full article: Driver faces DUI charges after hitting, killing 6-year-old on bicycle in Orange County, troopers sayThe driver of a SUV faces DUI manslaughter charges after he struck and killed a 6-year-old boy on a bicycle on Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Man wanted on ‘half dozen arrest warrants’ out of Orange County arrested in Polk County
Read full article: Man wanted on ‘half dozen arrest warrants’ out of Orange County arrested in Polk CountyA 40-year-old Lake Hamilton man wanted in Orange County for “a half dozen arrest warrants,” including attempted murder, was arrested in Polk County, according to a news release.
Concerns rise in Florida as Trump, DeSantis plan immigration policy shifts
Read full article: Concerns rise in Florida as Trump, DeSantis plan immigration policy shiftsOne of the things DeSantis said he would push for is to require local law enforcement to participate in federal immigration enforcement, which would include Trump's plans to start a mass deportation effort. Governor DeSantis also suggested implementing citizen verification for foreign remittances.
World War II veteran gets Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat honor for 100th birthday
Read full article: World War II veteran gets Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat honor for 100th birthdayNot only was a recent Flag Retreat an honor for U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” Connelly, it added a little extra magic to his 100th birthday.
Ex-Florida lawmaker Carolina Amesty accused of stealing money through COVID loans
Read full article: Ex-Florida lawmaker Carolina Amesty accused of stealing money through COVID loansCarolina Amesty, the former west Orange County state representative, is facing accusations of defrauding the federal loan program for organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teaching kids about money: Libraries bridge the education gap
Read full article: Teaching kids about money: Libraries bridge the education gapThe South Creek branch of the Orange County Library System is doing more than lending books these days. As one of 300 public libraries nationwide selected for the “Thinking Money for Kids” program, it’s using games to teach financial literacy to children ages 3 to 12. See what other libraries are doing.
Trump inauguration festivities kick off this weekend with excitement, anticipation
Read full article: Trump inauguration festivities kick off this weekend with excitement, anticipation“Florida is really a beacon of freedom for the country, and we are looking forward to bringing some of that freedom to Washington, D.C.,” said Orange County Republican Chair Erin Huntley.
Downtown Orlando bars, nightclubs reach agreements with city over alcohol sales violations
Read full article: Downtown Orlando bars, nightclubs reach agreements with city over alcohol sales violationsDowntown bars and nightclubs accused of violating their after-midnight alcohol sales permits had the opportunity to present their case, to avoid having their permits suspended or revoked.
Florida bill seeks to expand mental health medication access. How experts say it would help
Read full article: Florida bill seeks to expand mental health medication access. How experts say it would helpThe Sunshine State ranks 40th in the country for access to mental healthcare, according to Mental Health America. Experts say one of the reasons is the lack of psychiatrists to prescribe medication. House Bill 23, filed this month, could give psychologists the ability to prescribe medication as well.
NTSB finds data errors affected drones in Orlando Christmas show, report says
Read full article: NTSB finds data errors affected drones in Orlando Christmas show, report saysSeveral of the drones that crashed at a Christmas show over Orlando’s Lake Eola last month may not have gotten the computer data needed to properly fly in formation.
Watch the 6-part series followed by a live Q&A with News 6 Investigator Mike DeForest
Read full article: Watch the 6-part series followed by a live Q&A with News 6 Investigator Mike DeForestThe disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto rocked Central Florida and attracted the attention of people from all across the U.S.
FIRST LOOK: Universal Orlando hotel near Epic Universe is a taste of stellar things to come
Read full article: FIRST LOOK: Universal Orlando hotel near Epic Universe is a taste of stellar things to comeIt’s the year of Universal Epic Universe and just a few weeks into 2025, Universal Orlando is showing off its newest hotel that’s loosely tied into the storyline of its upcoming fourth theme park.
‘Heroes:’ Orange County Utilities workers find pajama-clad boy on SR-417 on ramp
Read full article: ‘Heroes:’ Orange County Utilities workers find pajama-clad boy on SR-417 on rampTwo Orange County Utilities Water Division workers are credited with preventing a child on a scooter from entering a busy Central Florida roadway.
Mom sues Orange County district over son’s alleged sex assault in elementary school
Read full article: Mom sues Orange County district over son’s alleged sex assault in elementary schoolA mother is suing the Orange County school district, claiming her 9-year-old son was sexually assaulted in a bathroom at Chickasaw Elementary School back in 2022.
Video shows Winter Park officers, firefighters rescue 80-year-old man from partially-submerged truck
Read full article: Video shows Winter Park officers, firefighters rescue 80-year-old man from partially-submerged truckVideo shows Winter Park officers and firefighters work to rescue an 80-year-old man from a partially-submerged truck.
Gov. DeSantis names Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio as US senator
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis names Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio as US senatorFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has named Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who nears a confirmation vote to become part of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.
A Central Florida boy needed brain surgery after crashing his bike. Now he’s urging bike helmet use
Read full article: A Central Florida boy needed brain surgery after crashing his bike. Now he’s urging bike helmet useAfter falling from his bike and suffering a traumatic head injury, a Central Florida boy has become an advocate for bike helmet safety.
VIDEO: 83-year-old woman robbed of lottery winnings outside Florida store; suspect sought
Read full article: VIDEO: 83-year-old woman robbed of lottery winnings outside Florida store; suspect soughtDeputies said the winner — an 83-year-old woman — was accosted for her lottery winnings in the store's parking lot.
‘Don’t last for 30 years in Florida:’ Insurance chief sparks debate about future of asphalt shingle roofs
Read full article: ‘Don’t last for 30 years in Florida:’ Insurance chief sparks debate about future of asphalt shingle roofsA recent comment made by Florida's top insurance chief has people questioning whether it's time to phase out asphalt shingle roofs in our state.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival returns with rocking concerts, culinary delights
Read full article: SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival returns with rocking concerts, culinary delightsRunning from Jan. 31 to May 4, guests can savor nearly 200 food and drink options inspired by international cultures while enjoying the attractions and animal presentations.
Orlando businesses raise funds for California wildfire relief by selling shirts
Read full article: Orlando businesses raise funds for California wildfire relief by selling shirtsAs millions of Southern Californians are being impacted by the dangerous wildfires tearing through the state, Central Florida businesses are looking to help even if they are thousands of miles away.
Man arrested on DUI charges in 2023 crash that killed 2 motorcyclists near Orange-Osceola county line
Read full article: Man arrested on DUI charges in 2023 crash that killed 2 motorcyclists near Orange-Osceola county lineAn arrest was made in an April 2023 rear-end crash that killed two motorcyclists near the Orange-Osceola county line.
‘The conversation shifted:’ Orange County not proposing church zoning moratorium
Read full article: ‘The conversation shifted:’ Orange County not proposing church zoning moratoriumAfter pressure from the public and a conservative law firm, Orange County is no longer considering a moratorium on churches in rural areas.
Here are the people involved in the brazen Winter Springs carjacking, murder case
Read full article: Here are the people involved in the brazen Winter Springs carjacking, murder caseInvestigators have discovered that several other criminal cases are somehow tied to this carjacking, raising even more questions about why it happened.
‘Immense gratitude for the memories:’ Popular Orlando diner announces closure after 15 years
Read full article: ‘Immense gratitude for the memories:’ Popular Orlando diner announces closure after 15 yearsAfter 15 years serving the Central Florida community, Nick’s Family Diner announced on social media they will soon close their doors for good.
Hearing set for former Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill
Read full article: Hearing set for former Orlando Commissioner Regina HillA hearing is set for former Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who is accused of exploiting a 96-year-old constituent out of more than $100,000 and using the woman’s identity to help secure a $428,000 mortgage for a home in Orlando.
Orange County Schools to resume contract talks to keep school resource officers on campuses
Read full article: Orange County Schools to resume contract talks to keep school resource officers on campusesThe negotiations, which begin Tuesday and are not open to the public, involve the cities of Apopka, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park.
Orlando City Council approves nearly $125K for Parramore Wi-Fi hotspots
Read full article: Orlando City Council approves nearly $125K for Parramore Wi-Fi hotspotsThe Orlando City Council has approved nearly $125,000 in funding through the “Accelerate Orlando” initiative to create Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the Parramore community.
AdventHealth’s strategic response to Central Florida’s growing needs
Read full article: AdventHealth’s strategic response to Central Florida’s growing needsAs Central Florida’s population continues to rise, AdventHealth said it is building for the future to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region.
Project Opioid data shows historic drop in overdose deaths across Central Florida
Read full article: Project Opioid data shows historic drop in overdose deaths across Central FloridaNew data from Project Opioid shows a “historic” decline in overdose deaths across Central Florida, according to a news release.
Former Disney employee accused of changing allergen info on menu items pleads guilty
Read full article: Former Disney employee accused of changing allergen info on menu items pleads guiltyA former Walt Disney World employee is accused of altering allergy information on food menu items after being fired from the company.
As Florida condo residents struggle with skyrocketing fees, lawmakers begin seeking solutions
Read full article: As Florida condo residents struggle with skyrocketing fees, lawmakers begin seeking solutionsAfter the fatal collapse of the Surfside Condo building in 2021, lawmakers passed a bill mandating stringent structural inspections and increased financial reserves for repairs, escalating costs for condo owners. Lawmakers are starting to look for solutions.
‘An honest life:’ Orlando World War II veteran turns 100, shares his story
Read full article: ‘An honest life:’ Orlando World War II veteran turns 100, shares his storyArmy Veteran Harold B. Gross, a World War II veteran, marked his 100th birthday in an event filled with gratitude, recognition, and reflection.
Could Trump bring back wine tariffs? Orlando restaurant owner eyes upcoming administration plans
Read full article: Could Trump bring back wine tariffs? Orlando restaurant owner eyes upcoming administration plansIn 2019, the U.S. implemented a 25% tariff on wines from multiple European countries. Although that tariff has since expired, we spoke with an Orlando restaurant owner who says he still feels the impact of that decision to this day.
Maitland City Council approves designs for new public library
Read full article: Maitland City Council approves designs for new public libraryWork is set to begin by early 2026 to transition Maitland’s public library from its current and quaint home near Lake Lily to a two-story, 20,000-square-foot facility right up the road, according to the city.
Motorcyclist dies after crash with turning car in Orange County
Read full article: Motorcyclist dies after crash with turning car in Orange CountyA man riding a motorcycle through Orange County died after being struck by a car that turned into his direct path, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Madeline Soto’s mother feared ‘Woody Allen situation’ between boyfriend and daughter
Read full article: Madeline Soto’s mother feared ‘Woody Allen situation’ between boyfriend and daughterAs detectives were searching for missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto last winter, Soto’s mother expressed concerns about the close relationship that had formed between her 37-year-old former boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, and her young daughter.
Howard University swim team visits revamped Eatonville community pool
Read full article: Howard University swim team visits revamped Eatonville community poolThe only Historically Black College and Universities swim team competing at the Division I level paid a visit to Eatonville's community pool on Wednesday.
‘This levels the playing field:’ Orange County opens Financial Empowerment Center
Read full article: ‘This levels the playing field:’ Orange County opens Financial Empowerment CenterIf getting your finances under control is one of your goals for 2025, you're in luck if you live or work in Orange County.
1 wounded by deputies during investigation into 2 Orange County drive-by shootings
Read full article: 1 wounded by deputies during investigation into 2 Orange County drive-by shootingsThere is a heavy law enforcement presence in a Pine Hills neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Sen. Rick Scott pushes to ‘lock the clock,’ make daylight saving time permanent
Read full article: Sen. Rick Scott pushes to ‘lock the clock,’ make daylight saving time permanentTwice each year we change our clocks for daylight saving time and every year it brings up the debate over whether the current system is working or if we should switch to a permanent set time.
Chick-fil-A will soon be available at this major Florida theme park
Read full article: Chick-fil-A will soon be available at this major Florida theme parkIf you have a hankering for a Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries while learning about environmental conservation and riding thrilling roller coasters, your day just got better.
Palm Bay woman killed in crash with semitruck on SR-520 in Orange County
Read full article: Palm Bay woman killed in crash with semitruck on SR-520 in Orange CountyA 24-year-old Palm Bay woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash on State Road 520 near State Road 528 in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Meet Jayko! Dog up for adoption at Orange County Animal Services
Read full article: Meet Jayko! Dog up for adoption at Orange County Animal ServicesAs we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to continue our tradition of shining a spotlight on the incredible animals at Orange County Animal Services that are looking for their forever homes. Surrendered to the shelter back in 2014 as a puppy, Jayko has grown into a calm, gentle and loving companion.
While searching for Madeline Soto, detectives simultaneously questioned key witnesses
Read full article: While searching for Madeline Soto, detectives simultaneously questioned key witnessesTwo days after Madeline Soto failed to show up at school last February, Orange County Sheriff John Mina held a news conference seeking information from the public about the missing 13-year-old.