INSIDER
Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns River
Read full article: Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns RiverOf all the roads in central Florida, I-4 is one of the busiest. And if you live in Seminole County, you've probably sat in traffic where it gets backed up over the St. Johns River Bridge.
This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account for
Read full article: This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account forThe Bureau of Economic Business and Research is contracted by the state to tell cities and counties how much growth they need to accommodate in the coming years.
Progress Report: Central Florida homelessness 4 months after new state law
Read full article: Progress Report: Central Florida homelessness 4 months after new state lawIn 2024, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill to force local governments to dismantle homeless camps. Here's how the law has affected the fight against homelessness, and how a group of journalists are trying to raise awareness.
Man gets life in prison after fatally hitting Good Samaritan, motorcyclist in Sanford crashes
Read full article: Man gets life in prison after fatally hitting Good Samaritan, motorcyclist in Sanford crashesA man convicted in a pair of deadly hit-and-run crashes in Sanford was sentenced to life in prison.
Oviedo Mall considers chaperone policy after tenant faces $30,000 in losses from vehicle break-ins
Read full article: Oviedo Mall considers chaperone policy after tenant faces $30,000 in losses from vehicle break-insThe Oviedo Mall is considering a chaperone policy for those under the age of 18 after two recent break-ins.
Floridaโs controversial land development proposal resurfaces in House bill
Read full article: Floridaโs controversial land development proposal resurfaces in House billSenate Bill 1118 and its companion bill in the House both received backlash, but now, a new version of House Bill 579 appears to include some of the same concepts.
Chicken chat coming to Sanford as city considers backyard program
Read full article: Chicken chat coming to Sanford as city considers backyard programCity officials tell News 6 that theyโre getting input from surrounding cities to come up with best practices for a backyard chicken program. City commissioners will get an update during the next work
โWe would have been homeless:โ Free legal aid gets results for families facing housing crisis
Read full article: โWe would have been homeless:โ Free legal aid gets results for families facing housing crisisIn Seminole County, thereโs now expanded access to free legal assistance for low-income tenants facing housing challenges. Itโs a resource provided by Seminole County Legal Aid (SCLA) in a space thatโs now available, thanks to the Clerk of Court.
Husband of woman killed in Winter Springs carjacking pleads guilty in drug ring case
Read full article: Husband of woman killed in Winter Springs carjacking pleads guilty in drug ring caseThe man whose wife was killed last year after a brazen carjacking, caught on camera in Winter Springs last year, pleaded guilty Friday as part of the larger investigation into a massive drug ring and money laundering scheme.
Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing development
Read full article: Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing developmentLocated near the Altamonte Springs SunRail station, Banyan Eastown Apartments includes one- and two-bedroom units in energy-efficient, three-story buildings with elevators. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, computer lab, and meeting rooms.
Frustrated by congestion? Seminole County seeks public input amid plans for future growth
Read full article: Frustrated by congestion? Seminole County seeks public input amid plans for future growthSeminole County has hosted a series of public meetings on growth this week, including one tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oviedo Mallโs community room.
Central Florida lagging in solutions for its homeless population
Read full article: Central Florida lagging in solutions for its homeless populationLast weekโs release of the annual point-in-time count made the challenge abundantly clear: Central Florida still doesnโt have enough ways to house its vast numbers of homeless residents. And a new law banning public camping is making harder to know who needs help.
Shocking details unearthed after Florida woman carjacked, set ablaze in massive drug scheme
Read full article: Shocking details unearthed after Florida woman carjacked, set ablaze in massive drug schemeAguasvivas' body was found in her burnt-out car after a carjacking last year near Winter Springs, though investigative documents have come out revealing her husband's role in the incident.
2 congressmen representing Central Florida to host town halls this month. How you can attend
Read full article: 2 congressmen representing Central Florida to host town halls this month. How you can attendMark your calendars! More Central Florida congressmen are hosting town hall events with constituents either on the phone or in person this month.
Seminole County makes changes to protect firefighters after car break-ins, adds dispatchers
Read full article: Seminole County makes changes to protect firefighters after car break-ins, adds dispatchersSeminole County is implementing changes to enhance safety for its firefighters after several car break-ins.
Rezoning proposal draws concern from neighbors north of Orlando Sanford International Airport
Read full article: Rezoning proposal draws concern from neighbors north of Orlando Sanford International AirportSome families who live just north of the Orlando Sanford International Airport and State Road 46 are concerned about what a potential development could do to their neighborhood.
Donโt touch these fuzzy Florida bugs! What you need to know about the Tussock moth caterpillar
Read full article: Donโt touch these fuzzy Florida bugs! What you need to know about the Tussock moth caterpillarYou have likely seen tussock moth caterpillars around your home or at local parks in the past few weeks. These hairy insects can give you a rash if you touch them.
4 out of 5 Seminole County leaders vote to remove fluoride from water in surprise vote
Read full article: 4 out of 5 Seminole County leaders vote to remove fluoride from water in surprise voteCommissioners in Seminole County voted on Tuesday to end its decades-old fluoridation program, becoming the latest local government to remove the additive from drinking water.
These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?
Read full article: These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?Itโs no surprise that housing costs are an issue for many Central Florida residents โ but some areas are more far more affordable than others.
โA lasting scar:โ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central Florida
Read full article: โA lasting scar:โ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central FloridaA child pornography investigation spanning multiple countries has led to several arrests in Central Florida, according to state officials on Monday.
Meet Rodney: Seminole County man counted as homeless and arrested on the same day
Read full article: Meet Rodney: Seminole County man counted as homeless and arrested on the same dayAdvocates say many homeless are now in hiding after state law legalizes arresting homeless campers, short-circuiting attempts to find traditional housing.
Students hospitalized after getting drunk at Winter Springs High School prom at SeaWorld, officials say
Read full article: Students hospitalized after getting drunk at Winter Springs High School prom at SeaWorld, officials sayStudents at the Winter Springs High School prom being held at SeaWorld Orlando were taken to the hospital on Saturday evening after getting drunk, according to Seminole County Public Schools.
Homelessness in Metro Orlando holds steady, but is โliterally killingโ seniors, advocates say
Read full article: Homelessness in Metro Orlando holds steady, but is โliterally killingโ seniors, advocates saySeniors and children make up more than 40% of the homeless population in Metro Orlando, according to new data released Friday.
Former Winter Springs High School teacher gets 15 years for sex acts with student in classroom
Read full article: Former Winter Springs High School teacher gets 15 years for sex acts with student in classroomA former Winter Springs High School teacher was sentenced to prison Friday for having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student in 2023.
Seminole County leaders unite to combat child abuse during National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Read full article: Seminole County leaders unite to combat child abuse during National Child Abuse Prevention MonthCommunity leaders in Seminole County are teaming up to raise awareness about child abuse and promote actions people can take to help children in dangerous situations.
A walk down memory lane: Discovering The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo
Read full article: A walk down memory lane: Discovering The Pinball Lounge in OviedoTucked away off Broadway Street, inside a very non-descript building that houses the Oviedo Bowling Center, is one of the largest working collections of pinball machines in Central Florida.
Roaches, sewage and more โ Hereโs why these Central Florida restaurants were forced to close
Read full article: Roaches, sewage and more โ Hereโs why these Central Florida restaurants were forced to closeLast week, nearly a dozen restaurants across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a state health inspector, according to the Florida DBPR.
The push to make Oviedo a public arts destination
Read full article: The push to make Oviedo a public arts destinationNestled in the heart of Central Florida, Oviedo is known for its charming neighborhoods and growing community. But city leaders hope one day it will also be recognized for a thriving public arts scene.
The one-of-kind Oviedo campus garden where nature is the teacher
Read full article: The one-of-kind Oviedo campus garden where nature is the teacherJust steps away from Lawton Elementary School, a lush, whimsical garden serves as more than just an oasis; it is an outdoor classroom where nature is the teacher.
Winter Springs pursues Gee Creek stabilization project
Read full article: Winter Springs pursues Gee Creek stabilization projectWith just two months left before the start of hurricane season, projects are underway to alleviate flooding concerns in one of the major areas where residents in Winter Springs had issues in the past.
Public meeting set over plans to connect SR-417, Sanford airport
Read full article: Public meeting set over plans to connect SR-417, Sanford airportAfter nearly two decades of discussions, officials are moving closer to a decision on a proposed connector road between State Road 417 and Orlando Sanford International Airport.
โTheyโre massive:โ Oviedoโs Lake Jesup packed with alligators
Read full article: โTheyโre massive:โ Oviedoโs Lake Jesup packed with alligatorsJust moments after the airboatโs propeller began to roar and the watercraft started gliding across waters of Lake Jesup, we found ourselves surrounded by wildlife.
Oviedoโs baseball legacy: A powerhouse of youth sports in Central Florida
Read full article: Oviedoโs baseball legacy: A powerhouse of youth sports in Central FloridaFor parents across Central Florida, the name Oviedo resonates deeply, especially for those whose children have participated in youth sports.
How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Floridaโs counties
Read full article: How to find help for domestic violence survivors in Central Floridaโs countiesIf you need help getting out of an abusive situation, you can find shelters and groups in almost every Central Florida county.
Oviedo could get arts and entertainment district, new alcohol licenses with this bill
Read full article: Oviedo could get arts and entertainment district, new alcohol licenses with this billOviedo leaders and residents are weighing in on a bill which would allow for open containers within a new arts and entertainment district.
Orlando becomes fastest-growing large region. Hereโs how much itโs grown
Read full article: Orlando becomes fastest-growing large region. Hereโs how much itโs grownItโs widely known that people are increasingly calling Florida home, and according to new data, the Orlando area is a popular choice to plant roots.
Burglars break into Sanford business, steal computer parts worth thousands, police say
Read full article: Burglars break into Sanford business, steal computer parts worth thousands, police sayPolice are asking for information after four unknown people allegedly broke into and stole from a Sanford business, resulting in over $250,000 in losses.
Sanford Pints nโ Paws fest fundraises for animal shelters with live music, over 70 vendors
Read full article: Sanford Pints nโ Paws fest fundraises for animal shelters with live music, over 70 vendorsThe festival will feature over 70 breweries, vendors, food trucks and more all while benefitting animal shelters in the area.
Seminole County works to update floodplain plan, find projects for next 5 years
Read full article: Seminole County works to update floodplain plan, find projects for next 5 yearsWith less than 70 days until the start of the next hurricane season, Seminole County is starting to update its floodplain management plan for the next five years.
4 years of construction? Here are Seminole Countyโs big plans for Slavia Road in Oviedo
Read full article: 4 years of construction? Here are Seminole Countyโs big plans for Slavia Road in OviedoSeminole County is gearing up for a major road upgrade in Oviedo, but drivers will need to be patient and prepare for long-term inconveniences before things get better.
Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of food
Read full article: Federal funding freeze leaves Central Florida food bank without a million pounds of foodSecond Harvest says the federal funding freeze has halted all CCC-funded orders for the USDAโs Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), resulting in the suspension of 28 tractor-trailer loads of food meant for the Central Florida food bank.
Sunshine Corridor: Orange County commissioners to vote on funding SunRail expansion
Read full article: Sunshine Corridor: Orange County commissioners to vote on funding SunRail expansionOrange County commissioners are set to vote on contributing to a $6 million study on expanding the SunRail as part of the Sunshine Corridor project.
โKids were super excited:โ Bear climbs down tree, into woods near Seminole County school
Read full article: โKids were super excited:โ Bear climbs down tree, into woods near Seminole County schoolAfter spending several hours perched in a tree near Markham Woods Middle School, a black bear climbed down shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday and wandered toward the woods adjacent to the school.
DeSantis returns millions in federal funds as Florida cities receive DOGE letters
Read full article: DeSantis returns millions in federal funds as Florida cities receive DOGE lettersFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media, announcing that the state had returned hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Hereโs what we found out
Read full article: Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Hereโs what we found outIf you're planning to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park this summer, you may have visited the state's website and seen that regular day passes are fully booked from late May through August. But it turns out, there are open spots available within that window.
Florida Senate bill aiming to roll back rural boundaries under talks
Read full article: Florida Senate bill aiming to roll back rural boundaries under talksMonday afternoon, a state Senate committee is set to discuss a bill that aims to make changes regarding land use and development regulations in Florida.
20-year-old arrested, faces murder charges in 2022 Sanford shooting
Read full article: 20-year-old arrested, faces murder charges in 2022 Sanford shootingA suspect in a 2022 Sanford shooting who was also wanted in violent home invasions and armed robberies in Georgia is now behind bars, according to an arrest report.
Altamonte Springs police release sketch of man accused of assaulting women
Read full article: Altamonte Springs police release sketch of man accused of assaulting womenPolice released a sketch on Monday of the man they believe is responsible for approaching and assaulting women after dark in Altamonte Springs.
Spectacular spring break week ahead for Central Florida after severe weather Sunday
Read full article: Spectacular spring break week ahead for Central Florida after severe weather SundaySunday has been encompassed by discussions of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes for central Florida. However, after this rather historic storm system which has wreaked havoc for millions across the country moves downrange, a marvelous rest of the spring break vacation is in store for those able to take advantage of the time off.
1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials say
Read full article: 1 injured in crash between boat, personal watercraft on St. Johns River, officials sayA person on a personal watercraft was injured in a crash with a boat on Saturday on the St. Johns River, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.
1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP says
Read full article: 1 dead, 2 children among 5 hurt after wrong-way crash on I-4 in Seminole County, FHP saysAn Orlando man is dead and two children are among five others hurt after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 4 in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measures
Read full article: Florida Senate bill bans, rolls back voter-approved rural boundary measuresMeasures approved by voters in 2024 to tighten development in rural areas of two Central Florida counties would be banned under a bill currently in the Florida Senate. State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, is sponsoring SB 1118, which proposes changes to land use and development regulations.
Seminole Towne Center set for transformation in new mixed-use development deal
Read full article: Seminole Towne Center set for transformation in new mixed-use development dealThe Ardent Companies, a privately held real estate firm based in Atlanta, has closed on a deal for the 76-acre site in Sanford for $17 million.
โWouldโve been dead:' Good Samaritans, first responders honored for saving Seminole County fisherman
Read full article: โWouldโve been dead:' Good Samaritans, first responders honored for saving Seminole County fishermanIn January, Dan Watson was changing out his tackle bait when his boat flipped over near Lake Harney and Jolly Gator area. With the help of fishermen, 911 dispatchers, and Seminole County fire crews, he's alive to tell the tale.