SEMINOLE COUNTY

A Seminole County elementary school is getting results by pairing fourth graders and kindergarteners in its Reading Buddies Program. Students at Evans Elementary meet twice a month for the program.

Two men and a woman face a number of charges after multiple vehicles were stolen from an auction business in Longwood, police say.

The body of missing woman out of Seminole County has been identified after 37 years thanks to Georgia investigators and genealogy technology.

The Econ River Wilderness Area is closed for the next two weeks while the Seminole County Natural Lands program prepares the park for prescribed burns.

A senior woman’s home near Winter Park was burglarized after she let someone claiming to work for the YMCA enter her backyard, the sheriff’s office said.

Three Disaster Recovery Centers in Central Florida are permanently closing.

A USPS postal worker was robbed by assailants wearing ski masks in Altamonte Springs, according to a spokesman with USPS Inspection Service.

A new pack is in town.

Altamonte Springs police announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information in the case of a fatal hit-and-run crash back in September 2022.

Operation Best Foot Forward is returning to Central Florida for another year of pedestrian safety and an enforcement of Florida’s driver yield law.

A community is surrounding the family of a man shot dead over the weekend during a candlelit vigil where the mother of the victim is now calling for answers.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orlando Sanford International Airport helped inspire the local community on Saturday. Seminole County students and families attended Aerospace and Aviation Day at the airport and learned about careers in mechanics and avionics. Read: LYNX Air takes off from Toronto to Orlando International AirportThe event displayed more than 25 aircraft. Read: Fresh-picked: Orlando Squeeze pickleball team chooses head coachChildren went inside cockpits, met pilots and took part in flight simulators at the hangar. Read: Red Cross, fire department Sound the Alarm for fire safetyStudents also signed up for a flight above the airport.

Police and deputies’ response to a shooting incident early Saturday in Casselberry turned up a damaged vehicle, shell casings and a body, all located not far from a condo complex, according to a statement.

Reaction is being heard across Central Florida following the release of footage showing the violent, deadly arrest of Tyre Nichols.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered three state buildings to lower the state flag at half-staff to honor the memory and military service of Col. Joseph Kittinger, according to a release sent out on Friday.

A 60-year-old woman was killed in a head-on crash on State Road 417 in Seminole County, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Texas-based chain Torchy's Tacos is getting ready to open its first location in the Sunshine State and a second location will not be too far behind.

A Florida congressman is getting attention after welcoming his fellow lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives with two strange gifts: letters and grenades.

The Econ River Wilderness Area closes Monday.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Attorney Ben Crump has threatened to sue Gov. Ron DeSantis over the rejection of AP African-American Studies courses in public schools. READ: Orange County approves new ‘Tenants Bill of Rights’ ordinance to protect rentersVIDEO: Gov. DeSantis addresses controversy after AP African American studies course banned in Florida Gov. DeSantis addresses controversy after AP African American studies course banned in FloridaClick 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.

A Longwood man was arrested Saturday after attacking a homeless woman whom he had invited to live with him, according to the police department.

Central Florida volunteers are working to combat homelessness by gathering data that will help allocate federal resources, understand local trends and inform policy change.

As Seminole County Animal Services continues to renovate parts of its shelter, workers have created a new approach to finding animals a forever home.

A Seminole County man accused of burning down his condo as “revenge” against his homeowners’ association owed nearly $29,000 in unpaid dues and other costs to the HOA, court records show.

A suspect is in custody and another is on the run after the two carjacked a vehicle outside of a Deltona smoke shop, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

A man accused of setting his own apartment on fire at a Longwood gated community is now facing an arson charge, according to an arrest affidavit.

A woman was hospitalized after being hit by a white van while crossing the street, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.

Chris Chen, Phil Nguyen and Mike Cho all met in college as members of the same fraternity.

With approximately $3 million in federal funding administered through the HUD Home American Rescue Plan Act, the county is now asking for the public’s input on best to use the money locally.

A pair of twins from Altamonte Springs was arrested earlier this month after being accused of sexually battering a woman in her home and stealing her belongings, according to the Kissimmee Police Department.

The Florida Smash Beer Festival is making its way to Longwood, for an unforgettable day of sunshine, music and beer.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is notifying residents near Deep Lake of blue-green algae bloom. Officials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose, or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. READ: How Disney is using recycled glass to touch up resort horse trailsBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. More information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

One of the people who was hurt in a deadly shooting in Sanford on Monday is now sharing her story.

Three men and one teen were arrested following an armed robbery in Winter Springs on Wednesday, according to the police department.

A man attempting to carjack a Sanford bar employee was shot and killed by the woman’s significant other, according to the police department.

A celebration to start the new year ended with one teen in the hospital, missing pieces of his right hand.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County officials are sounding the alarm after a fire at a waste station likely sparked by rechargeable batteries caused nearly $500,000 in damage. READ: SpaceX to launch GPS satellite for U.S. Space ForceBefore they hauled away the twisted, charred trailers, county officials used them as a backdrop for an opportunity to discuss the dangers and proper disposal of rechargeable batteries. “Right now, the most plausible culprit is rechargeable batteries such as lithium batteries, or perhaps a lead acid battery in one of the trailers,” Seminole County Fire Marshal Christina Diaz said. Lithium-ion batteries (like the ones in e-bikes🛴) can cause fires in bins, garbage trucks, and waste facilities. Diaz recommends taking lithium ion batteries and charges to the county’s household hazardous waste facility at the transfer station for free.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office does not believe a shooting at a busy intersection early Monday morning was random. Deputies said six people were shot inside a transport van just before 2:30 a.m. at the intersection of State Road 46A and Rinehart Road. The five other victims remain in stable conditionVIDEO: 1 dead, multiple injured during shooting along busy Seminole County road 1 dead, multiple injured during shooting along busy Seminole County roadAlthough deputies do not believe this was a random shooting, they have not released a motive. Deputies told Channel 9 that multiple search warrants have been executed in the area and investigators are following active leads. Read: Deputies investigate deadly shooting in KissimmeeOn Monday afternoon, a vehicle that may be connected to the shooting was recovered and processed.

The Orlando Regional Realtor Association released its latest state of the market report Tuesday that looked at the housing market in both Orange and Seminole counties.

Just a few days after Christmas in the middle of the night at the Seminole County Solid Waste Transfer Station in Longwood, a fire started deep inside a trash trailer and slowly started to spread. Eventually four trailers were engulfed and burned to a crisp over three hours.

A vehicle believed to be involved in a shooting that killed a 31-year-old woman and injured “multiple” others has been found, according to Seminole County deputies.

José Eslava was 10 years old when he discovered a passion for the flute.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — At least one person is dead after a shooting along a busy Seminole County road early Monday, deputies said. It happened just before 2:30 a.m. on County Road 46-A at Rinehart Road. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t said how many people were shot, but that at least one person has died. READ: Deputies investigating deadly shooting in Seminole CountyDeputies said the people in the two cars were involved in an altercation, and shots rang out injuring multiple people and killing one. It’s not clear yet if this was a road rage incident or what the motive is, but deputies did confirm this was not a random shooting.

A large police presence is spotted at a major intersection in Seminole County.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association announced four $1,200 scholarships, according to Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Chris Anderson. The scholarships will be awarded to college students for the 2023 school year. According to a news release, applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county in which the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist to send to the FSE Scholarship Committee for consideration. Read: Temps stay below average Sunday, plenty of sunshineApplications are available online at www.voteseminole.gov/scholarship.

Fire crews respond to address in The Springs.

Meriwether Farms — among many other farms in Florida — has had a tough few years.

If you look up in the sky from time to time you may get lucky and see an owl, hawk or eagle.

Scotland is coming back to Central Florida.

Grammy award-winning performer Barry Manilow is set to award Lake Howell High School’s Director of Bands José Eslava $10,000 at a one-night-only concert on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said it is on scene of a shooting Wednesday afternoon. It happened around 4 p.m. at a home in the 2400 block of Jennifer Hope Boulevard in unincorporated Longwood. These 113 people are missing from Central FloridaDeputies said they are attempting to communicate with the shooting suspect. The shooting is believed to be domestic in nature and isolated to the home. READ: Teen shot at Orange County high school wasn’t target, sheriff saysNo further information was immediately available.

Two people were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at Longwood home, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

A freight train derailment in South Carolina caused a cascade of problems for Amtrak this week, forcing hundreds of passengers on the Amtrak Auto Train to arrive a day late.

New photos released by the Sanford Police Department show six suspects in the shooting death of an 18-year-old in November.

A Longwood father accused of killing his 3-year-old daughter and slashing his 12-year-old’s throat at their home in July 2022 entered a guilty plea Wednesday afternoon.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters believe a battery charger caused a house to go up in flames. Smoke was seen coming from this charred home near Bithlo on Tuesday afternoon. Photos: Firefighters say battery charger likely cause of house fire in Seminole CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Firefighters say battery charger likely cause of house fire in Seminole CountyInvestigators said a battery charger in the garage started the fire. Watch: Most flights delayed, canceled at Orlando International Airport after FAA nationwide system failureCrews from Seminole, Oviedo, and Orange County all responded. Read: Passengers stuck on delayed Amtrak train nearly 29 hours to arrive in Central FloridaOnly one person was inside the home as the fire broke out.

An Oviedo woman was arrested after she took more than $27,000 in forged checks from her parents in November, according to the Oviedo Police Department.

A sign posted on the door of an apartment unit where a man got his foot stuck when part of the floor collapsed Friday deems the unit "unsafe" by order of the city of Altamonte Springs.

A car crashed off a bridge in Seminole County, officials say.

OVIEDO, Fla. — Firefighters made two successful animal rescues in Oviedo this week. Seminole County first responders saved a hawk and a kitten on Thursday. According to a release, the county notified the Seminole County Fire Department to try to rescue a hawk that had gotten stuck in an alcove at Evans Elementary School in the morning. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Firefighters rescue hawk, kitten in Oviedo Firefighters made two successful animal rescues in Oviedo this week. Read: Seminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4Officers arrived at the scene, but the stray cat ran into a nearby parking lot and inside the engine bay of a Lexus.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a landlord was shot in Sanford. On Saturday night, deputies responded to a shooting call on 120 South Crystal View. Baker said that if Matthews and his girlfriend did not leave the residence Baker would have his friend remove the two by force. Read: Man found shot, killed Saturday night in Orange County, deputies sayDeputies said that after Baker returned 15 minutes later, Matthews grabbed a gun and waved it at the victim. Baker told deputies that he turned to leave the room and was shot in the shoulder.

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — A man accused of a violent purse snatching is in the Seminole County jail. Casselberry police said Brycen Williams tried to grab a woman’s purse. Read: Police: ‘Multiple people’ injured in shooting outside Miami-area restaurantHe missed the first time, but he came back seconds later. Read: Body of woman in her 20s discovered at Orange County apartment complexShe was treated for cuts but didn’t need to go to the hospital. Police said someone identified Williams as the suspect after a video of the attack was released.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters extinguished a car fire in Altamonte Springs on Thursday. Fire crews responded to the fire on Interstate 4 near mile marker 91 around 5 p.m. Photos: Seminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Seminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4 Fire crews responded to the fire on Interstate 4 near mile marker 91 around 5 p.m. The Seminole County Fire Department said it was a “quick stop,” and there were no injuries. Investigators did not release the cause of the fire.

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.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — An alert was sent out Wednesday morning for a teenager reported missing in Seminole County. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a missing child alert for 14-year-old Kyleigh Curtis. Alert issued for 14-year-old girl reported missing in Seminole CountyPolice said Kyleigh was last seen in the 1100 block of North Highway 17-92 in Winter Springs. Here are your rights as a passengerShe is around 5 feet, 1 inch tall, and weighs around 95 pounds. Watch: Manatee viewing at Blue Spring has visitors lined up for milesAnyone who knows her whereabouts is asked to call the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-100 or 911.

Gabriella Plants distributed over 2,800 plants to around 800 people at the Oviedo giveaway on Tuesday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 33 Oviedo plant shop gives away free plants before Christmas Gabriella Plants distributed over 2,800 plants to around 800 people at the Oviedo giveaway on Tuesday. Video: Aerial views of Oviedo plant shop gives away free plants before Christmas (Gabriella's Plants)Read: Here’s where you can find cold-weather shelters in Central FloridaShane Maloy, founder and CEO of Gabriella Plants, said this year was difficult for many and they were glad to be able to put a smile on people’s faces. Read: Orlando International Airport sees holiday travel spike as flights impacted by winter stormMaloy said this is the second time the plant shop has organized this giveaway. 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.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Altamonte Springs Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man for having a weapon after the death of his wife. Deputies said that the victim, Brandi Jiles, 35, was found lying in the apartment’s hallway in front of the master bedroom door. According to the arrest report, deputies found her husband, Johnathon Jiles, inside the bedroom urinating in a closet. Read: Osceola County deputies have arrested 5 people accused of murder in St. CloudAn officer asked Jiles, “Where is the gun?” Jiles asked his wife, “Baby, where is your gun?”Brandi Jiles, who was severely injured at the time, responded, “on the table,” according to investigators.

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters are warning everyone about dry Christmas trees. Firefighters used a side-by-side trailer to show how fast a tree can catch on fire. Photos: Seminole County firefighters warn residents on dangers of dry Christmas tree firesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Seminole County firefighters warn residents on dangers of dry Christmas tree firesThe average person has two minutes to get out of their home during a fire. Watch: Good Samaritans help Tampa police, firefighters save grandmother and child trapped under carThat is much shorter than the response time of firefighters. Read: Tips to keep your furry friends safe from the cold this winterResidents can keep their homes safe by keeping Christmas trees watered and away from any source of heat.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Four people are injured after a truck drove into a bar Sunday, the Orlando Police Department said. Investigators said officers were called to the Hideaway Bar on 516 Virginia Drive shortly before 6 p.m.Read: Man dies after Seminole County head-on crash, troopers sayFour people were transported to the hospital by the Orlando Fire Department in stable condition, Orlando Police said. The driver remained at the scene. Read: Casselberry police search for driver in fatal hit-and-run crashOPD told Channel 9 that officers were conducting a DUI investigation but the charges are still pending. Read: Law enforcement and troopers encourage safe driving as fatal crashes increaseWatch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.

SE,MINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A man has died following a head-on crash Sunday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the crash happened at about 9:30 a.m. in Seminole County. Investigators said the driver of the Mitsubishi tried to turn left and traveled in front of the Ford truck. Read: Orange County man hospitalized after shooting, deputies sayTroopers said the 66-year-old Mitsubishi driver and the 69-year-old passenger were transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. Read: One person killed in head-on crash in Osceola County, troopers sayThe Ford driver, 52, was not injured and remained at the scene.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An off-duty Volusia County sheriff’s deputy was arrested in Seminole County and charged with driving under the influence. Florida Highway Patrol troopers pulled over Volusia County Deputy Julia Curtin Saturday at around 11:30 p.m. on Interstate 4, near State Road 46, due to her driving pattern. Read: One person killed in head-on crash in Osceola County, troopers sayCurtin was in her personal vehicle when she was stopped by troopers. Following FHP’s investigation, Curtin was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to the Seminole County Jail. Read: Coldest weather of the season on its way Sunday nightAccording to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Curtin, 23, was hired in 2019 and will be placed on administrative leave with pay due to her arrest.

A man in central Florida captured a large bear on video stealing his family's Chick-fil-A dinner delivery right off his front porch.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County man has been found guilty of killing his ex-roommate over a stolen PlayStation video game console. A jury decided that Jake Bilotta lured Joshua Barnes to a home in 2018, and stabbed him several times. Read: ‘Wanted’: Orange County man convicted of raping teen for years skips court on his trial’s last dayBilotta had claimed self-defense. Bilotta told the jury he was chopping up marijuana with a large knife when he went to open the door for Barnes with the knife in hand. Channel 9 has a crew in the courtroom and will provide more details on Eyewitness News.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol investigated a deadly crash near Oviedo early Friday. Troopers responded to State Road 417 in the area of mile marker 41 shortly after 1 a.m.READ: Woman dies after going overboard on MSC cruise ship near Port CanaveralFHP reported the crash at the southbound exit ramp. Deadly crash in Seminole CountyTroopers shut down that stretch of SR 417 for a few hours to conduct their investigation and clear wreckage. READ: Emergency Room physician reacts to body camera video of Tavares officer’s fentanyl exposureThe road has since reopened. Channel 9 has reached out to investigators for details on what might have caused the crash and who was involved.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of murdering his former roommate over a stolen PlayStation and other items got emotional on the witness stand, calling it self-defense and saying “It wasn’t supposed to happen.”Jake Bilotta is accused of stabbing Joshua Barnes 17 times over the theft of a PlayStation in 2018. Bilotta said he screamed and tried to attack him, going for the knife so he stabbed him in self-defense. READ: Trial begins for Seminole County man accused of killing ex-roommate over PlayStation theftProsecutors said Barnes was lured to the home in Maitland by Bilotta, who was upset about items missing from the home including the PlayStation 4, a bong, a scale and a watch. Bilotta said he didn’t lure Barnes to the home, and when he answered the door with a knife, Barnes overreacted coming at him. Watch: Tavares police officer exposed to fentanyl shines light on opioid dangersVideo: Trial begins for Seminole County man accused of killing ex-roommate over PlayStation theft The man accused of stabbing his ex-roommate to death as revenge over the theft of a PlayStation is on trial this week.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — At their meeting Tuesday, the Seminole County Board of Commissioners voted to attempt to take permanent custody of 38 dogs seized from a Midway Kennel Operator. As a result of the investigation, Seminole County Animal Services has been in custody of the dogs. READ: Former Oviedo High football player files lawsuit over alleged locker room assaultOn Dec. 2, the board filed a petition in county court to obtain permanent legal custody of the dogs. READ: Orange County schools ranks in top 10 largest school districts in the US“When the decision is made is when we will decide when we will be able to adopt,” Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris explained. See the entire Board of Commissioners discussion below:WATCH: Seminole County Commissioners discuss taking custody of dogs seized from kennel At their meeting Tuesday, Seminole County Commissioners voted to attempt to take permanent custody of 38 dogs seized from a Midway Kennel Operator.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida woman and her dog are home safe after a serious crash. Seminole County firefighters had to cut the roof off after their car flipped on its side. Photos: Central Florida woman, her dog rescued after being trapped inside car during crashExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Central Florida woman, her dog rescued after being trapped inside car during crashThe crash happened Monday night near Raymond Avenue and East Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs around 8:30 p.m.Read: Brand-new Norwegian Prima cruise ship now sailing from Port CanaveralFirefighters comforted the woman’s dog while crews assisted her. Watch: Vendors and the City of Orlando make strides in keeping food carts in downtownThankfully both the woman and her dog are going to be fine. Watch: Breezy onshore flow to bring spotty coastal showers TuesdayClick 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.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Parts of Seminole County are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Ian. Work continues in Winter Springs to make repairs to infrastructure - two and a half months after flood waters washed them out. On Monday night, the city commission will discuss the use of FEMA money to repair several bridges that are still out. Roads like Dyson Drive and Edgemon Avenue are completed but Winter Springs Boulevard is under construction right now. “It was in fact, an unprecedented storm with an unprecedented response.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 12-year-old girl for having a firearm at Greenwood Lakes Middle School. Deputies said they received a call from the school’s dean, who had found a black Glock 48 inside of a student’s backpack. The student had the gun loaded with a round inside of the chamber, according to SCSO. She was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property and weapon offense of someone under 18. 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.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County is preparing for its last round of hurricane debris pickup. Debris haulers will make their last pass to pick up curbside debris through unincorporated Seminole County on Monday, Dec. 12. Read: Orange County continues to collect hurricane debris after Ian, NicoleDuring this final pass, haulers will not pick up green or freshly trimmed debris or black plastic bags of yard waste. If hurricane debris remains curbside, you can click here or call 407-665-0000 to submit a service request. What WILL be collected by the debris hauler:🍂 Piles of vegetative debris (such as branches, limbs, sticks, etc.)

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County bus driver and a monitor who were both arrested in connection to abuse charges bonded out of jail shortly after their incarcerations, records show. James Blanton, 73, was charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. Read: Seminole County school bus driver, monitor arrested after allegations of child abuse, district saysBus monitor Lisa Florio, 61, was sitting one row behind the student and was also arrested, according to a case report. Despite receiving annual training about child abuse and believing Blanton’s moves were excessive and clearly painful to the student, she did not report the incident, the report said. They said the next step would be to review videos from previous days on that bus to see if abuse had happened other times.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A new class for the Seminole County Fire Department trained this week at the Altamonte Mall. Recruits and instructors used one of the mall’s parking garages to train for high-rise fires. Photos: Seminole County firefighter recruits train for high-rise fire responseExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Seminole County firefighter recruits train for high-rise fire responseThey carried heavy equipment up the garage’s stairwell and practiced operating fire hoses inside. Watch: Search underway for suspect who drove on wrong side of 520, killing motorcyclistOne of the “new” recruits for Seminole County was a former Orlando firefighter who worked for the department for nearly 30 years. Read: ‘Zombie viruses’ found as Siberian permafrost melts, researchers sayThe 27 recruits should complete their eight-week training this week.

Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The ex-politician and onetime GOP wunderkind was found to have...

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County bus driver was arrested late Thursday afternoon for allegations of child abuse after an incident on a school bus, the district said. The incident happened on Monday, but school and law enforcement were not notified until late in the day on Nov. 30. READ: Search underway for suspect who drove on wrong side of 520, killing motorcyclistThe employee was immediately removed from his duties and then placed on administrative leave while the investigation is pending, according to Seminole County Public Schools. A bus monitor who was present at the time was also placed on administrative leave for failing to report the incident. READ: Search underway for suspect who drove on wrong side of 520, killing motorcyclistVideo: Joel Greenberg: Disgraced former Seminole County tax collector sentenced to 11 years Disgraced former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Thursday.

Joel Greenberg will be sentenced this morning. The former Seminole County Tax Collector has pleaded guilty to fraud, sex trafficking and stalking, but his sentencing...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg is set to be in court one last time before he’s sentenced. Greenberg pleaded guilty to six charges, including sex trafficking of a minor. Watch: Joel Greenberg: Former tax collector to pay Seminole County nearly $1.3MIt stems from an investigation into his spending habits at the tax collector’s office. Watch: Ex-tax collector Joel Greenberg pleads guilty to 6 charges, including child sex traffickingLast month, Greenberg agreed to wire the county more than a million dollars to make up for the money investigators said he misused while in office. Watch: Joel Greenberg talks ‘ghost candidate’ plan in jailhouse interview: Read the transcriptClick 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.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A former Seminole High School student shot on campus in January is now suing the Seminole County school district. Jhavon McIntyre claims school officials failed to follow district policy before the shooting on Jan. 19, 2022. TIMELINE: Here’s what happened during the Seminole High School shootingIn the suit, McIntyre claims there were two separate incidents where 16-year-old Da’revius Smith threatened him. READ: Police detail Wednesday shooting at Seminole High SchoolJust before noon on Jan. 19, police say Smith then shot McIntyre several times outside a classroom on the Seminole High School campus before running away. Eyewitness News has reached out to the Seminole School district for a statement on the lawsuit, but they have yet to respond.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Casselberry man has died following a crash in Seminole County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Read: Cloudy and warm after foggy start Friday in Central FloridaAccording to a news release, a Mazda was traveling southbound on Bird Road, approaching the intersection of East Lake Drive. Read: Central Florida residents get ready for Black Friday shopping this yearA motorcyclist was traveling westbound on East Lake Drive. The Mazda driver made a left turn and tried to travel on East Lake Drive but entered the direct path of the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to strike the Mazda. The 21-year-old motorcyclist was transported to Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital and was pronounced dead.

, Fla. — Orlando police are investigating a suspicious death in the wooded area of the 4200 block of South Semoran Boulevard. Human remains and a firearm have been discovered at the scene. READ: Seminole County man accused of animal cruelty after 30 dogs found living in deplorable conditionsHomicide, crime scene investigation and the medical examiner are on scene. The investigation is ongoing. (Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com)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.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County deputies said more than 30 dogs were rescued from a kennel where they were living in deplorable conditions. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“It looks clearly like a puppy mill where they were just he was breeding dogs and cared absolutely nothing about the dogs whatsoever,” Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris said. Brandon Blake is facing 26 charges involving animal cruelty and confining an animal without sufficient food or water, and the county has revoked his kennel license. The investigator said they noticed several dogs in various states of poor health, and when the investigator went outside she noticed even more dogs in deplorable conditions. Read: ‘No room for error’: Team of 11 Orlando Health doctors perform back-to-back surgeries on mom, babyThe dogs are now being cared for by Seminole County Animal Services, which is nearing capacity.

SANFORD, Fla. — Law enforcement is investigating a shooting that took place in Sanford on Monday, according to Seminole County’s Sheriff’s Office. The shooting happened on the 200 block of Petunia Terrace in the Vista Haven Apartment Homes complex. Blood and shell casings were found throughout the breezeway of the complex before officers found blood on an apartment door. Read: Florida sheriff’s deputy killed by passing vehicle during traffic stop; woman arrestedA man was found dead inside, according to investigators. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact CrimeLine at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Homeowners near Lake Markham are living with flooded yards, and worry they won’t dry out and anytime soon. According to the Seminole Water Atlas, the waters along the 70-acre private lake in unincorporated Seminole County have gradually been rising over the past five years, and back-to-back hurricanes made it so much worse. READ: How Hurricanes Ian, Nicole impacted the Central Florida systemThe county told Channel 9 that Lake Markham “is part of a watershed management plan currently underway by the county. This study will look at changes in land use (development) and potential future drainage projects in the Markham area.”A meeting with the Wekiva River Basin is set for Monday. READ: ‘We didn’t create this’: Apopka residents still looking for solution with neighborhood floodingVIDEO: How Hurricanes Ian, Nicole impacted the Central Florida system How Hurricanes Ian, Nicole impacted the Central Florida systemClick 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.

, Fla. — We’ve made it easy for you to shop for a toy to help a local child. Find your county below and click on the link to safely shop for your local Toys for Tots campaign. NORTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcnorthbrevard2022SOUTH BREVARD: https://www.roonga.com/9fcsouthbrevard2022ORANGE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcorange2022OSCEOLA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcosceola2022SEMINOLE COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcseminole2022VOLUSIA COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcvolusia2022LAKE/SUMTER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fclakesumter2022FLAGLER COUNTY: https://www.roonga.com/9fcflagler2022Click 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group