All clear given after ‘swatting’ call to Satellite High School, officials say
Read full article: All clear given after ‘swatting’ call to Satellite High School, officials sayAn all clear has been gives after a “swatting call” prompted two schools to temporarily go on a lockdown, according to Brevard Public Schools officials.
Orange County commissioner calls for e-bike safety study as concerns rise
Read full article: Orange County commissioner calls for e-bike safety study as concerns riseOrange County leaders are preparing to take a closer look at e-bike safety amid rising concerns about injuries, speed, and young riders on local roads and sidewalks.
Florida launches Campus Guardian Angel drones in Volusia County Schools, 2 other districts
Read full article: Florida launches Campus Guardian Angel drones in Volusia County Schools, 2 other districtsFlorida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced on Monday that Volusia County Schools and two other districts in the state will participate in the Campus Guardian Angel pilot program which will use drones to enhance safety and security measures, according to a news release.
‘Isn’t here to take your job:’ Volusia County’s 911 center uses AI system to handle non-emergency calls
Read full article: ‘Isn’t here to take your job:’ Volusia County’s 911 center uses AI system to handle non-emergency callsInside Volusia County’s 911 communications center, a new voice is answering the phones and it’s not human.
Florida unveils AI system to predict deadly drug threats before they hit
Read full article: Florida unveils AI system to predict deadly drug threats before they hitFlorida law-enforcement and public-health leaders unveiled a first-of-its-kind artificial-intelligence system designed to detect and warn communities about new drug threats before they become fatal.
Bomb squad responds after mortar found in Belle Isle backyard; device rendered safe
Read full article: Bomb squad responds after mortar found in Belle Isle backyard; device rendered safeThe discovery of a possible mortar found in a Belle Isle backyard has explosive experts from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on scene investigating the device, according to a news release.
Orange County parents invited to workshop on new social media lessons
Read full article: Orange County parents invited to workshop on new social media lessonsOrange County school leaders are hosting a “Local School Wellness Workshop” on Tuesday to help parents better understand new lessons being added to middle and high school classrooms across Florida.
Parents demand Seminole County superintendent resign after school employee admits ‘concerning’ thoughts
Read full article: Parents demand Seminole County superintendent resign after school employee admits ‘concerning’ thoughtsSome parents in one of Central Florida's largest school districts are calling for the superintendent to resign after a paraprofessional admitted he had "concerning" thoughts about students.
Seminole County officials urge residents to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries after fires
Read full article: Seminole County officials urge residents to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries after firesLithium-ion batteries are igniting fires in homes, trucks and even airplanes across the nation — with a growing threat that has local officials urging residents to handle these power sources carefully.
11-year-old in Volusia County arrested for making threat against his middle school, deputies say
Read full article: 11-year-old in Volusia County arrested for making threat against his middle school, deputies sayAn 11-year-old boy faces charges after the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the child made online threats against his middle school.
What you need to know about rip currents at the beaches and how to escape one
Read full article: What you need to know about rip currents at the beaches and how to escape oneRip currents occur all year round in Florida, but they become more noticeable in the summer when more people venture out into the warmer water.
Volusia County e-bike crash simulation provides valuable training for first responders
Read full article: Volusia County e-bike crash simulation provides valuable training for first respondersLaw enforcement, paramedics, and hospital workers came together on Wednesday for a training exercise designed to increase awareness about e-bike safety.
‘Step in the right direction:’ New Smyrna Beach city leaders agree to raise firefighters’ pay
Read full article: ‘Step in the right direction:’ New Smyrna Beach city leaders agree to raise firefighters’ payThe New Smyrna Beach city commission is set to discuss its budget Tuesday night that will include a big pay raise for the city's fire fighters.
Metal detectors now up at 4 Volusia County high schools, with more on the way
Read full article: Metal detectors now up at 4 Volusia County high schools, with more on the wayFour Volusia County high schools now have metal detectors in place as part of their security protocol, according to an update from the school district Tuesday. More metal detectors are on the way.
Lake County Schools to vote on adding school bus cameras to capture drivers illegally passing stopped buses
Read full article: Lake County Schools to vote on adding school bus cameras to capture drivers illegally passing stopped busesLake County Schools is set to move forward on a plan to use cameras to capture drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
AAA launches safe streets campaign in Florida as e-bike, e-scooter injuries rise
Read full article: AAA launches safe streets campaign in Florida as e-bike, e-scooter injuries riseVolusia County teen Hunter Ford is speaking out for the first time since he was hit by a car while riding his e-bike on his way to school, as he tries to encourage safe riding habits in others.
‘People just don’t want to stop for us:’ Orange County to vote on adding cameras to school zones
Read full article: ‘People just don’t want to stop for us:’ Orange County to vote on adding cameras to school zonesOrange County is considering installing speed detection cameras at 12 schools to improve pedestrian safety in school zones.
Crosswalk safety: What to know as students head back to school in Central Florida
Read full article: Crosswalk safety: What to know as students head back to school in Central FloridaWhether you’re a parent dropping off your child, a driver heading to work or a student walking to school, crosswalk safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Officials push e-bike safety as students in Central Florida soon return to school
Read full article: Officials push e-bike safety as students in Central Florida soon return to schoolExperts and law enforcement are encouraging kids and parents to discuss e-bike safety as children get ready to head back to school.
Volusia County firefighters warn budget cuts could impact residents
Read full article: Volusia County firefighters warn budget cuts could impact residentsVolusia County firefighters are urging county leaders to reconsider plans to lower the tax rate, warning budget cuts could seriously affect residents. It’s made the county leaders rethink their plans to lower the tax rate.
AI gun-detection system expands to Volusia County schools
Read full article: AI gun-detection system expands to Volusia County schoolsAs students in Volusia County prepare to return to class, a new layer of security is being added to help keep them safe: artificial intelligence that detects guns on campus.
‘A tribute to a hero:’ Fallen Lake County deputy memorialized with highway dedication
Read full article: ‘A tribute to a hero:’ Fallen Lake County deputy memorialized with highway dedicationA year after Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link was killed in the line of duty, a stretch of Highway 27 has been dedicated to him.
Lake Helen debates future of police department, possible Volusia Sheriff’s Office takeover
Read full article: Lake Helen debates future of police department, possible Volusia Sheriff’s Office takeoverLake Helen is considering whether to disband its police department and contract with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.
Lake County school district hosts active shooter drills ahead of students’ return
Read full article: Lake County school district hosts active shooter drills ahead of students’ returnAs students are preparing to head back to class later this month, Lake County Schools is wrapping up active shooter training for resource officers and deputies.
‘Not a good thing:’ Pierson residents raise alarm after town leaders cut services from Volusia Sheriff’s Office
Read full article: ‘Not a good thing:’ Pierson residents raise alarm after town leaders cut services from Volusia Sheriff’s OfficeThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will pull full-time emergency services from Pierson after the town decided to end its contract with the office, leaving residents uncertain about who to call for help.
Parents’ safety concerns make Palm Bay playground fence happen
Read full article: Parents’ safety concerns make Palm Bay playground fence happenA Palm Bay playground that has inclusive equipment for children with special needs will now have a fence to keep kids away from the nearby pond, after parents took their concerns to News 6.
Fourth of July fireworks: What to know before lighting up the Central Florida sky
Read full article: Fourth of July fireworks: What to know before lighting up the Central Florida skyFor many, fireworks are a staple of Independence Day celebrations, but before you set off those colorful displays, it is crucial to know what’s legal in your city.
Seminole County Fire Department shares tips to prevent fireworks mishaps
Read full article: Seminole County Fire Department shares tips to prevent fireworks mishapsFrom burns on the hands and face to the loss of fingers and other limbs, Seminole County firefighters say they see a spike in injuries around the Fourth of July – mainly due to fireworks accidents.
MetroPlan Orlando backs Casselberry’s ‘Road to Zero’ pedestrian safety project
Read full article: MetroPlan Orlando backs Casselberry’s ‘Road to Zero’ pedestrian safety projectA plan to improve pedestrian safety in Casselberry could take another step forward after an endorsement from MetroPlan Orlando.
Orlando Fire Department installs free door alarms in homes to combat child drownings
Read full article: Orlando Fire Department installs free door alarms in homes to combat child drowningsThe Orlando Fire Department is taking proactive steps to prevent child drowning incidents through a new safety initiative that provides free door alarm installations for families living near water.
Volusia County Schools using AI to detect weapons on campus
Read full article: Volusia County Schools using AI to detect weapons on campusVolusia County Schools purchased and activated an artificial intelligence-powered security system called ZeroEyes, which is now active in all Volusia secondary schools with plans to expand.
‘Harden our schools more:’ 1K locks being replaced at Lake County elementary schools
Read full article: ‘Harden our schools more:’ 1K locks being replaced at Lake County elementary schoolsLake County Schools will begin switching out locks on elementary school campuses in order to ensure student safety.
Orange County leaders recommend jail reform, but can it be done?
Read full article: Orange County leaders recommend jail reform, but can it be done?After four months of discussion between leaders across Orange County, a flurry of recommendations for jail reform has been released — but challenges remain for implementing these changes.
Trooper Steve on Patrol kicks off National Police Week
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol kicks off National Police WeekThis week, communities across the country pause to recognize National Police Week, a time to honor and remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Trooper Steve on Patrol highlights pedestrian safety on Rinehart Road, SR-46 in Sanford
Read full article: Trooper Steve on Patrol highlights pedestrian safety on Rinehart Road, SR-46 in SanfordIt’s an area many of you know well—lined with businesses on both sides, and a road that sees thousands of drivers every single day. It’s the kind of place where safety should never be an afterthought.
Experts gather in Central Florida to discuss school violence prevention
Read full article: Experts gather in Central Florida to discuss school violence preventionJust weeks after a shooting at Florida State University left two dead and six others injured, people from across the country are gathering in Central Florida to discuss ways to enhance student safety and security.
Winter Park to vote on school police officer agreement following tense funding standoff
Read full article: Winter Park to vote on school police officer agreement following tense funding standoffThe City of Winter Park is set to vote on whether to move forward with a new agreement to keep police officers on public school campuses, ending a monthslong standoff with Orange County Public Schools.
Winter Park commissioners to vote initiative to to make sidewalks safer near Hungerford Elementary
Read full article: Winter Park commissioners to vote initiative to to make sidewalks safer near Hungerford ElementaryCommissioners in Winter Park are voting on a project designed to improve safety for students walking near Hungerford Elementary School.
Osceola County ramps up school zone safety with fines, additional speed cameras
Read full article: Osceola County ramps up school zone safety with fines, additional speed camerasOsceola County is set to launch its second phase of its school zone safety program on Wednesday, where drivers will receive a $100 fine and a citation if caught speeding in a school zone, according to a news release from the county.
Osceola County leaders push for statewide hands-free driving law
Read full article: Osceola County leaders push for statewide hands-free driving lawOsceola County leaders are calling for tougher distracted driving laws, formally backing a bill moving through the Florida Senate that would make the state hands-free.
‘We have to do our part:’ Orlando neighborhood watch helps keep communities safe
Read full article: ‘We have to do our part:’ Orlando neighborhood watch helps keep communities safeIn Orlando, right next to Holden Heights on the other side of John Young Parkway, you’ll find Johnson Village, an area where the neighborhood watch has eyes and ears everywhere.
Teen arrested after making online threats to ‘shoot up’ Seminole High School, police say
Read full article: Teen arrested after making online threats to ‘shoot up’ Seminole High School, police sayA 17-year-old was arrested after he was accused of making online threats to “shoot up” Seminole High School, according to the Sanford Police Department.
In Florida, March is the deadliest month for teen drivers. Here’s why
Read full article: In Florida, March is the deadliest month for teen drivers. Here’s whyThe month of March is statistically the deadliest time for teen drivers in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Lifeguards wanted! Volusia County now offering nearly $20 per hour and a BIG bonus
Read full article: Lifeguards wanted! Volusia County now offering nearly $20 per hour and a BIG bonusVolusia County is grappling with a lifeguard shortage, and officials are increasing pay in hopes of attracting young adults and teens to join their ranks.
Public meeting set for U.S. 1 bike, pedestrian upgrades in Daytona Beach
Read full article: Public meeting set for U.S. 1 bike, pedestrian upgrades in Daytona BeachThe Florida Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting Wednesday to talk about pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements along a roughly three mile stretch of U.S. 1 in Volusia County.
Orlando reopens downtown streets on weekend nights as part of safety improvements
Read full article: Orlando reopens downtown streets on weekend nights as part of safety improvementsOrlando is set to reopen Orange Avenue during weekend evenings in downtown as part of the city’s plan to improve safety.
‘On a mission to save lives:’ Dad fights for hands-free distracted driving law in Florida
Read full article: ‘On a mission to save lives:’ Dad fights for hands-free distracted driving law in FloridaIn 2019, News 6 and a devoted team of advocates successfully changed Florida law, making texting while driving a primary offense.
Orange County holds large-scale exercise to prep for potential attack
Read full article: Orange County holds large-scale exercise to prep for potential attackThis Wednesday, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Orange County Fire Rescue and the sheriff’s office conducted a full scale exercise with actors using fake blood and weapon to play out mass shootings and other violent attacks at the Orange County Convention Center.
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.
‘Never want to leave anything unattended:’ Lake County fire officials share safety tips after home explosion
Read full article: ‘Never want to leave anything unattended:’ Lake County fire officials share safety tips after home explosionDays after a home exploded in Lake County, fire officials have confirmed that a build up of gas in the kitchen caused it.
Holiday shoppers beware: This item is 1 of leading causes of toy-related injuries for kids
Read full article: Holiday shoppers beware: This item is 1 of leading causes of toy-related injuries for kids'Tis the season for all those holiday gifts, but it's also important for families to keep safety in mind.
Orange County school board members look for solutions to fund school resource officers
Read full article: Orange County school board members look for solutions to fund school resource officersThe Orange County School Board will begin meetings with five cities in January regarding school resource officer contracts.
Sharewear bands, Volusia County agencies come together to try to prevent autism deaths
Read full article: Sharewear bands, Volusia County agencies come together to try to prevent autism deathsThree children with autism have drowned in the last month in Central Florida after or wandering away from their families.
Recalls, risks and counterfeits: Tips for safe toy shopping
Read full article: Recalls, risks and counterfeits: Tips for safe toy shoppingForty-seven percent of parents say they purchased a toy from an online source that they later found or suspected was fake, according to a survey by The Toy Association.
How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangers
Read full article: How Central Florida counties are protecting autistic children from water dangersThe heartbreaking story of 4-year-old Waylon Childs, who was found dead a body of water in Ormond Beach on Sunday, has brought renewed attention to a critical issue: The heightened risk of drowning among children with autism.
Lithium-ion battery on mobility device sparks Daytona Beach house fire
Read full article: Lithium-ion battery on mobility device sparks Daytona Beach house fireA fire at a house in Daytona Beach forced two people from their homes Sunday night, and crews believe a lithium-ion battery helped cause the fire.
New ID bracelets allow anyone to help, not just police
Read full article: New ID bracelets allow anyone to help, not just policeThe identification bracelets invented by Port Orange nurse Amanda Anderson promised to be revolutionary: no longer did a rubber wristband need the help of police officers to be interpreted and, thus, useful
Precautionary boil water notice in parts of Marion County after Hurricane Helene
Read full article: Precautionary boil water notice in parts of Marion County after Hurricane HeleneFollowing Hurricane Helene, Marion County Utilities issued a precautionary boil water notice due to power outages in the area. The notice applies to residents in the Sheri Oaks, McAtter Acres, Stone Oaks MHP and Libra Oaks communities.
Orange County Public Schools discuss renewed security measures after recent threats
Read full article: Orange County Public Schools discuss renewed security measures after recent threatsFollowing a series of incidents involving firearms and threats at local schools, Orange County School District leaders are reevaluating safety protocols, including the potential reinstatement of metal detectors.
Melbourne High School to become 1st in Brevard district to test new metal detectors
Read full article: Melbourne High School to become 1st in Brevard district to test new metal detectorsMelbourne High School will be the first public school in Brevard County to test out new metal detectors for students.
Volusia County woman invents bracelet that provides vital info to first responders
Read full article: Volusia County woman invents bracelet that provides vital info to first respondersA Volusia County startup is being praised by law enforcement for its invention to keep children and vulnerable adults safe.
Orange County high school metal detector pilot fizzles out, but random searches still on the table
Read full article: Orange County high school metal detector pilot fizzles out, but random searches still on the tableOrange County high school students will not need to pass through metal detectors every morning, but the schools themselves and events related to them will still be subject to random searches, according to a district spokesperson.
Sugar Mill Elementary in Port Orange makes safety changes for 1st day of school after death of 10-year-old
Read full article: Sugar Mill Elementary in Port Orange makes safety changes for 1st day of school after death of 10-year-oldThe first day of school consisted of several safety changes following the death of Shaolan Kamaly, 10, who was struck and killed while riding her bike on the crosswalk back in May.
Osceola County schools to conduct random searches in upcoming school year
Read full article: Osceola County schools to conduct random searches in upcoming school yearStudents at Osceola public schools in grades 6-12 will have their belongings subject to routine random searches starting this school year, Osceola School District said in a statement.