LIVE RADAR: Debby continues to bring rain to Central Florida
Central Florida is beginning to see impacts from Hurricane Debby as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, bringing heavy rain and an isolated threat of tornadoes.
Central Florida nonprofit offers virtual reality career training to former inmates
It's a ground-breaking way of teaching a skill in days, not months, that former jail inmates can use to get a job as soon as they graduate from the training.
โWe are ready for that:โ Here are 5 things you should do to prepare for this hurricane season
With this hurricane season already breaking records, state and and local emergency management leaders are urging Floridians to start preparing now.
Next stop: WKMG Hits the Road in Kissimmee/St. Cloud
News 6 is gearing up for its fourth stop in our road trip across Central Florida. We are heading to the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area of the 34744-zip code. Tell us what makes your community special and what News 6 can do to help Get Results.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill to tie Seminole gaming compact revenue to environmental management funding
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Thursday morning at a water treatment plant in Davie.
Florida congressman wants fiber optics crews held accountable after trail of broken sewer, sprinkler lines
The fallout from subcontractors with Colorado-based WIDEOPENWEST, or WOW!, has residents in Seminole and Orange counties more frustrated by the day.
Blue-green algae alert issued for Lake Monroe between Seminole, Volusia counties
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County says a water sample has tested positive for blue-green algal toxins in Lake Monroe, between Volusia and Seminole counties.
Central Florida nonprofit offers $5K grant to artists creating projects with community impact
United Arts of Central Florida is inviting local artists to apply for a $5,000 grant to create a project that impacts the community.
5 Central Florida counties issue burn bans as drought concerns increase
Drought concerns are rising throughout Central Florida, and as of Tuesday, officials in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties instituted emergency burn bans in an effort to prevent fires from going out of control.
Website tracks homelessness trends in Central Florida. New data helps find solutions
Central Florida volunteers are working to combat homelessness by gathering data that will help allocate federal resources, understand local trends and inform policy change.
Power restored to thousands of Duke Energy customers in Orange and Seminole counties
Thousands of Duke Energy customers are without power in Orange and Seminole counties on Christmas Eve, according to an outage map on the companyโs website.
Central Florida families receive thousands of meal kits in annual Thanksgiving Project
Heart of Florida United Way distributed 4,000 thanksgiving meal kits to families across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
D-SNAP third phase opening for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian
The Department of Children and Families announced on Sunday that the third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, will open on Monday, Oct. 24 for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian.
As floodwater recedes in Seminole County, a new concern: Drinkable water
As the recovery continues, the county is concerned about wells that may be damaged by floodwater. They say a well affected by floodwater may have disease-causing organisms in the water, making it unsafe to drink.
Kennedy Space Center offers limited-time ticket deal for select Central Florida counties
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has created a special Mercury Offer for residents of Orange, Volusia, Seminole and Osceola counties.
Oklahoma-based tribes say followed rules on Freedmen rights
Leaders and representatives of five Oklahoma-based tribes have told a U.S. Senate committee they have followed treaties and court rulings regarding the citizenship of Freedmen and that the federal government should respect their sovereignty.
Severe thunderstorm watches issued as cooling storms enter Central Florida
We are cranking up the thermostat even further Saturday. Highs top out in the upper 90s later in the day. With the humidity factored in it will feel more like 100-110 degrees.
Child safety advocates, first responders honored at Orlando heroes event
During the fifth annual Childrenโs Safety Village Community Heroes event, first responders from Seminole and Orange counties came together to honor the efforts of their colleagues and people in the community who are impacting the lives of children through safety.
Last storm exits coast after severe weather slams Central Florida
A tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service Saturday morning for Marion, Flagler, Sumter, Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Polk, Osceola and Brevard counties, lasting until 11 a.m.
โThis is such a blessing:โ Heart of Florida United Way distributes 1,800 Thanksgiving meals
Heart of Florida United Way is making sure struggling families across Central Florida have a Thanksgiving feast this year.
Accountant stole over $129K from child abuse victimsโ center to gamble with it, Seminole deputies say
A former accountant with Kids House of Seminole, a Childrenโs Advocacy Center in Sanford, was arrested Thursday after having fraudulently obtained $129,231.54 from the non-profit, according to the Seminole County Sheriffโs Office.
Hereโs how FDOT is working to prevent wrong-way crashes on I-4
The Florida Department of Transportation and troopers are hoping new technology will stop wrong-way drivers from causing serious crashes along Interstate 4.
โDefinitely felt surreal:โ Orlando fire chief remains hopeful as crews search Surfside collapse site
Crews from Orange, Seminole, Lake and Marion counties are helping in the search for survivors in the debris left over after the Champlain Towers collapsed early Thursday morning in South Florida.
Prosecutors decline pursuing death penalty again for man who killed Brevard deputy
The state attorney for Brevard and Seminole counties announced on Wednesday that he would not seek to relitigate the sentencing of a man who killed a Brevard County deputy in 2012.
Increased fire danger Saturday across Central Florida
A Red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for interior Central Florida including Lake, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and interior Volusia county through Saturday evening.
Florida State beats Colorado, reaches 3rd straight Sweet 16
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)INDIANAPOLIS โ Florida State barely reveled in its return to the Sweet 16 โ exactly as Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton wanted. 4 seed Florida State pulled away in the second half to beat Colorado 71-53 Monday night and advance to the regional semifinal for the third straight NCAA Tournament. AdColorado trimmed its deficit to a point on a 3-pointer by Schwartz, but Florida State quickly answered with a thunderous alley-oop dunk by Sardaar Calhoun. Minutes later, Balsa Koprivica dunked, was fouled and made the free throw to put Florida State up nine. Florida State remained in control, stretching its lead to 19 points.
Central Florida health leaders optimistic about Johnson & Johnson vaccine recommendation
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Health officials in Osceola and Seminole counties said on Friday the progress with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is welcoming news for Central Florida. Health officials also said more underserved communities can be reached once there is more supply. [RELATED: J&Jโs 1-dose shot cleared, giving US 3rd COVID-19 vaccine]Whatโs different is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single dose vaccine, not one that requires two shots like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Health leaders said more vaccines available mean more access. Health officials said with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requiring refrigeration storage, it will require less resources and logistics, making it easier to distribute to minority communities.
Lynx offers seniors with appointments a ride to Orange County Convention Center vaccine site
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Seniors needing a ride to their vaccine appointment at the Orange County Convention Center can ride for free with Lynx. Anyone in Orange, Osceola or Seminole with a vaccine appointment can call 311 to schedule a pickup, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday during a coronavirus update. Deming said 311 will coordinated with the Office of Emergency Management to arrange the ride. โWhen a ride is scheduled youโll get a ride from home to the Convention Center,โ Demings said where a โLynx driver will wait with the senior for entire process then take them home.โMasks must be worn the entire time. The program is for the Convention Center vaccine site only.
LIVE RADAR: Tornado Watch expires for Central Florida, isolated strong storms still possible
The Tornado Watch that had been in effect has been allowed to expire for all of Central Florida. SEVERE WEATHER THREAT SUNDAY MORNINGA cold front is moving through Central Florida producing downpours and storms. A few storms could be strong through the late morning, but the severe threat is lowering across Central Florida. An isolated damaging wind gust or brief tornado is still possible southeast of I-4, but the severe weather threat has come to an end along and northwest of I-4. Future radarMost of Central Florida is dry by noon.
Fire danger increases across Central Florida this week
The drier air combined with dry conditions the region has experienced during the past several months will create an enhanced risk for wildfires to start Thursday. Most of Central Florida is running 3 to 5 inches below normal in the rainfall department dating back to Dec. 1, 2020. The gusty winds that will accompany the cold front will create an environment for any fire that ignites to potentially spread rapidly. Wind gust forecast ThursdayThe greatest risk for wildfires to start and spread will be when the relative humidity is at its lowest between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday. The relative humidity naturally rises at night when the temperatures drops closer to the dewpoint.
Will your house shake again? Navy to continue bombing in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Did you hear loud booms and feel your house shake Thursday? Turns out, it was caused by the Navy dropping bombs during training in Central Florida. Residents across Seminole and Orange counties called 911 about the โboomsโ and posted questions on Facebook groups looking for answers. Itโs common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range. Anyone who has a noise complaint is asked to call the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility in Jacksonville at 800-874-5059.
Florida reports highest infection rate yet, more than 11,800 new COVID-19 cases
Meanwhile, Florida reported its highest positivity rate for new infections in months. The state Department of Health attributed the rate reported Tuesday was over 22% due to less people being tested. [READ YESTERDAYโS REPORT: Florida reports 8,000 new COVID-19 cases as vaccination efforts continue]Across Central Florida, elderly residents, who are the most vulnerable, are also anxiously awaiting word on when theyโll be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Dec. 29:CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 11,887 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the stateโs overall total to 1,292,252 cases since March. Editorโs note: Along with the resources previously utilized by News 6 (state and county-by-county data), as of Dec. 7, WKMG has added state data pulled from the Florida Department of Healthโs Florida COVID19 State Testing Totals.
Florida could see highs close to 80 to close out the weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Foggy conditions are expected to continue into Sunday morning across much of Central Florida. Minimal rain chances are expected throughout Sunday, after the fog dissipates this morning, skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy. Overnight lows will drop into the low 60s. The first will move through the area on Monday, bringing a slight 10 percent chance of rain with highs cooling back to near normal, in the mid 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. By the latter part of the week, highs will drop back in the mid 60s with overnight lows into the 40s.
Woman shot at โLight-Up Eustisโ event was not intended target, police say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. โ A woman was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in downtown Eustis at the โLight-Upโ Eustis event, according to the police department. [TRENDING: Video reveals huge hammerhead shark circling clueless swimmer in Florida | Florida reports latest coronavirus numbers | โDisturbingโ video sent to Seminole students]Eustis police the victim was shot in the arm around 9:38 p.m. on Friday. The woman was standing several feet from where the shooting happened and was not the intended target, according to officials. Investigators said she was transported to the Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford. Anyone with information is asked to contact Eustis police or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Meet the candidates: Hereโs whoโs running for US House District 7
Incumbent Stephanie Murphy currently holds the seat for U.S. House District 7 but is facing two challengers seeking to replace her in the November election. Stephanie Murphy (D)Congresswoman Murphy first assumed office in 2017. Before becoming a congresswoman, she served in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense and was a businesswoman and instructor. On his campaign website, he explains where he stands on key issues like border security and immigration, education and health care. Click here or visit ClickOrlando.com/results2020 to learn more about what you can expect to see on your ballot.
Postal Service in Central Florida set to hire 1,000 employees in Central Florida
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Postal Service in Central Florida is set to hire 1,000 employees in Central Florida. USPS said successful applicants will work at one of seven mail processing and distribution centers from Nov. 7 through Jan. 1. The openings include:Mail Processing Clerk pays $18.15 an hourMail Handler Assistant pays $16.55 an hourUSPS said positions are open in:Fort MyersMid Florida (Lake Mary)OrlandoSeminoleManasotaTampaYborPositions will also be available at annexes in Lakeland, Melbourne, and Tampa, according to the USPS. Anyone interested in applying can click on this link, applications for the positions listed above we be from Sept. 8 through Sept. 12.
Meet the candidates: Here are the Republicans running for US House District 7
Floridas primary election is Aug. 18 and News 6 wants to help you get to know the candidates of the U.S. House District 7 race before you cast your vote. Lets get to know more about the candidates voters can expect to see on their ballots. Click here to learn more about Gobles campaign for U.S. House District 7. Click or tap here to learn more about Valentns career and election campaign. Learn more about Zhaos career and election campaign here.
Today's the day: Parents of students in Seminole, Orange counties must choose fall learning option
Today's the day: Parents of students in Seminole, Orange counties must choose fall learning optionPublished: July 24, 2020, 7:15 amParents of students in Seminole and Orange counties must choose their preferred fall learning option on Friday.
More than half the parents in Seminole, Orange are still undecided about school options
More than half the parents in Seminole, Orange are still undecided about school optionsPublished: July 23, 2020, 6:21 pmMore than half of the parents in both Seminole and Orange Counties have yet to chose on which options they want to send their students to school next month as that decision deadline looms.
Man killed in parking garage at Floridas Hard Rock Casino
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. A Florida man was gunned down in the parking lot of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and authorities are searching for the killers. Pierre Jules LaCroze, 37, was shot and killed after driving onto the sixth floor of the parking garage shortly after midnight Thursday, according to Seminole police. Authorities said they want to talk to two men and a woman captured on surveillance video coming off an escalator and entering the casino. Theyre also looking into the car the three left in. The Miami Herald reports the compact four-door gray sedan was missing its right side hubcaps and had a left brake light burned out.
Businesses in downtown Orlando adapting to face mask requirements
ORLANDO, Fla. โ โI think the message has gotten across all of the county areas, and even in Osceola and Seminole; they know, if theyโre coming to Orange County, itโs required,โ said Roger Wall. [RELATED: Orange County residents will be required to wear face masks under new executive order]Roger Wall is the owner of Embassy Irish Bar on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. While Wallโs bar is open, another bar owner made the decision to close. Will Walker is the owner of three bars in Orlando: Willโs Pub, Iil Indies and Dirty Laundry. [RELATED: Restaurants and bars temporarily close as COVID-19 cases rise in Orlando area]
278 complaints filed against Central Florida businesses amid coronavirus
ORLANDO, Fla. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation received 278 complaints against Central Florida businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, according to records obtained by News 6. Records show complaints were made against a variety of business, including restaurants, retail stores, hair salons and rental properties. Kissimmee businesses saw the most complaints with 45 registered with the state, while Orlando saw the second highest number with its businesses receiving 39 complaints. This is one of the complaints filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation amid the coronavirus pandemic. RG also saw a single complaint during the coronavirus shutdown claiming it was open when it should have been closed.
Longtime Seminole High School coach, teacher, mentor retires
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Theres no question about it. Carlos Merlino bleeds Seminole High Schools black and orange. "I have gone 1,994 consecutive days without missing a day," Carlos says. Carlos has been a coach, phys-ed teacher, assistant athletic director at the school for decades. I sat down with Carlos in his office one what was his last day on the job.
2 Orlando-area postal employees test positive for coronavirus
Two employees of the U.S. Postal Service in the Orlando area have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a USPS release. One employee works at a processing plant in Seminole, while the other works at the Gore Station Post Office. Both employees are quarantined and will return when medically cleared, according to the release. Exposure to other employees at both facilities is believed to be low.
Increased fire danger this weekend
ORLANDO, Fla.- โ Behind the cold front from earlier in the week, extremely dry air continues to settle in. The combination of that dry air and gusty winds through Saturday afternoon will elevate the fire risk. A Red Flag Warning for an increased fire risk is in effect Saturday for Volusia, Seminole and Orange counties. The air will remain dry Sunday, but the winds will weaken. Be mindful of open flames this weekend.
FHP: 1 dead after fatal motorcycle crash in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. โ A person is dead after a crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to troopers, the crash happened at 1:05 p.m. near Wekiva Springs Road and Riverbend Road. Authorities said the crash involved a vehicle and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, troopers said. Stay with News 6 for updates on this developing story.
Strong afternoon storms bring rain, hail
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Storm storms swept across Central Florida Sunday bringing lots of rain and hail in some areas. Tornado warnings were issued for Marion, Flagler and Volusia Counties and expanded into Seminole, Lake, Orange and Brevard as the line of storms moved through the afternoon. Daytona International Speedway officials evacuated the grandstands after the Daytona 500 Race had to be stopped because of the storms. Several fans told Local 6 they couldn't stand the rain, so many called it a night early, missing most of the race. Several viewers sent pictures to Local 6 of hail that came down in Sanford.
Storm sewer work could affect traffic
ORANGE/SEMINOLE, Fla. - Drivers in Orange and Seminole counties will see construction crews blocking at least one lane on several state roads as crews work to inspect and remove dirt and debris from storm sewer pipes. Details:โข Nightly lane closuresโข From 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.โข July 15 (Sunday night) to July 20 (Friday morning)State Roads:โข Alafaya Trail (SR 434)From McCulloch Road (UCF Area) to Mitchell Hammock Roadโข Alafaya Trail (SR 434)From Colonial Drive (SR 50) to Centaurus West Drive (UCF Area)โข Orange Avenue (SR 527) in the Orlando areaFrom Sand Lake Road (SR 482) to Gore Streetโข Alafaya Trail (SR 434)From US Highway 17/92 to SR 419โข Kirkman Road (SR 435) in the Orlando areaFrom Colonial Drive (SR 50) to just south of the Florida Turnpike
Fog lifts; Warm week on tap
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Thick fog blanketed much of Central Florida on Tuesday morning, and temperatues in the 80s are expected for the region through the end of the week. Dense fog advisories for Volusia, Lake, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole and Orange counties expired at 9 a.m. Rain on Monday saturated the ground, trapping moisture and causing the fog to form. Overnight lows into Wednesday morning will hover near 63 degrees. No rain is forecast through the rest of the week.