INSIDER
Want to own this luxurious Central Florida estate on a peninsula? Here’s how much it’ll run you
Read full article: Want to own this luxurious Central Florida estate on a peninsula? Here’s how much it’ll run youA massive, luxurious Mediterranean estate sits at the tip of Windermere’s Lake Down peninsula. And it’s now up for grabs.
Central Florida doctor arrested by Windermere police confessed to killing wife, investigators say
Read full article: Central Florida doctor arrested by Windermere police confessed to killing wife, investigators sayA man arrested by Windermere officers confessed to detectives that he killed his wife several days earlier, the police department said.
🚘This Florida car wash turns ‘Tunnel of Terror,’ raising money for students
Read full article: 🚘This Florida car wash turns ‘Tunnel of Terror,’ raising money for studentsTunnel of Terror is back at Sweetwater Car Wash in Windermere with more soap, lights and scares. This year, the event is raising money for local students.
Millions of dollars intended for surrogates vanished, families claim
Read full article: Millions of dollars intended for surrogates vanished, families claimA Central Florida couple who recently became parents through surrogacy is among hundreds of families worldwide who claim they’ve been defrauded by an escrow company that was supposed to handle payments to surrogates.
These Central Florida restaurants are reopening after Hurricane Milton
Read full article: These Central Florida restaurants are reopening after Hurricane MiltonThe good news (and a good sign for the community) is that several popular restaurants will be back open tonight for people looking to take a break from being stuck in their homes.
🛒Enter to win up to $500 in grocery gift cards from Kroger, Boost delivery membership
Read full article: 🛒Enter to win up to $500 in grocery gift cards from Kroger, Boost delivery membershipOur Insiders have spoken and we are answering the call for grocery store gift cards. Twenty winners will be chosen for this contest.
At this Orange County pizza shop, pies are served with a side of election discussion
Read full article: At this Orange County pizza shop, pies are served with a side of election discussionAt Playa Pizza, a giant red oven is the physical heart of the restaurant. But for owner Stephen Facella, community is the real heart.
Florida nurse arrested after prescribing over 1.5M Adderall pills
Read full article: Florida nurse arrested after prescribing over 1.5M Adderall pillsInvestigators claim that she diagnosed Done Members with ADHD so that she could write them Adderall prescriptions and increase subscription revenue for Done Health.
Zumba students get results one step at a time for Light Orlando’s love week
Read full article: Zumba students get results one step at a time for Light Orlando’s love weekThanks to nonprofit Light Orlando, Zumba instructor Katty Cole decided to get results so all her students joined in to make sandwiches for the Coalition for the Homeless following a fire last week that displaced more than 200 men.
🍗 Enter to win a Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey delivered to your door
Read full article: 🍗 Enter to win a Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey delivered to your doorNews 6 is giving away 6 Popeyes Gift Cards that will cover a Cajun-Style Turkey that will feed 8-12 people. The turkeys will be delivered to your door saving time and money so you can enjoy time with family and friends.
‘You’re not invisible, we’ll find you’: FHP warns Florida street racers of consequences
Read full article: ‘You’re not invisible, we’ll find you’: FHP warns Florida street racers of consequencesResidents across Central Florida are complaining about reckless drivers in their communities — and troopers are warning street racers to mind the road.
Windermere couple donates to food pantry as part of their weight loss journey
Read full article: Windermere couple donates to food pantry as part of their weight loss journeyJustin and Karie Hein said they were surprised when they saw how many organizations are in need of food donations after they posted on a Facebook group page that they were looking to donate 216 cans of food to a Central Florida charity.
‘They’re violating our space:’ Ashlin Park residents sick of school traffic
Read full article: ‘They’re violating our space:’ Ashlin Park residents sick of school trafficResidents from the Ashlin Park community in Windermere said the school traffic near there homes is a safety hazard and they are fed up.
Video shows vehicle hit student during Windermere High School dismissal pickup
Read full article: Video shows vehicle hit student during Windermere High School dismissal pickupAn Orange County high school is reminding parents and students about pedestrian safety after a student was hit by a vehicle on school property Wednesday.
Vigil held in Winter Garden to honor local soldier killed in training exercise
Read full article: Vigil held in Winter Garden to honor local soldier killed in training exerciseSeveral hundred people came together on the football field at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden on Tuesday evening to honor the life of Evan Fitzgibbon, 23, who died in Georgia last week during a training exercise.
Orange County deputies investigate after Windermere High student found dead in home
Read full article: Orange County deputies investigate after Windermere High student found dead in homeThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office launched a death investigation after two people were found dead in a Winter Garden home in August.
Ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s Florida townhouse up for sale
Read full article: Ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s Florida townhouse up for saleDerek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer convicted in 2021 of murdering George Floyd, has put up his Orange County townhouse for sale.
Windermere apartment complex sees 2nd string of car break-ins in less than a year
Read full article: Windermere apartment complex sees 2nd string of car break-ins in less than a yearResidents told News 6 there is no security on the property and they hope that with the uptick in cases, the property manager will find a solution.
No charges for officers involved in death of Ocoee man with schizophrenia
Read full article: No charges for officers involved in death of Ocoee man with schizophreniaThe Windermere and Ocoee police officers who responded to a domestic violence call in 2019 resulting in the death of a 33-year-old man will not face any charges, State Attorney Monique Worrell announced Thursday.
2 Orange County volleyball games canceled after positive COVID-19 test
Read full article: 2 Orange County volleyball games canceled after positive COVID-19 testTwo Orange County volleyball games have been canceled after a COVID-19 test came back positive and five people had to quarantine due to this result, according to the district.
Massive fire destroys Alan Grayson’s home in Windermere
Read full article: Massive fire destroys Alan Grayson’s home in WindermereWINDERMERE, Fla. – A Windermere home owned by former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson was destroyed Tuesday morning in a fire. Orange County Fire Rescue tweeted, “All occupants are reported out safely and no injuries have been noted.”Massive fire destroys Alan Grayson’s home in WindermereGrayson’s wife, Dr. Dena Grayson, later tweeted, “Thank you for your support, friends. Grayson, a Democrat, held Florida’s District 9 congressional seat from 2009 to 2011 and 2013 to 2017. https://t.co/lryzTHbNMr — Dena Grayson, MD, PhD (@DrDenaGrayson) March 16, 2021ACTIVE FIRE: Multiple units are battling a house fire in Windermere on Oak Park. Orange County Fire Rescue reported the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
‘I’m good, bro:’ Body camera video shows retired MLB player Johnny Damon failing field sobriety test
Read full article: ‘I’m good, bro:’ Body camera video shows retired MLB player Johnny Damon failing field sobriety testThe initial officer focused his attention on getting Damon secured while a second officer arrived and took Mangon-Damon into custody. Damon repeatedly insisted that he and wife don’t want any problems. We are good people, I’m telling you... we’re good people,” Damon said. “Hey bro, I’m a good (expletive) guy and I know people are trying to target me because I’m a Trump supporter,” he said. Ad“Yeah, I’m good bro,” Damon said repeatedly.
Retired MLB player Johnny Damon, wife accused of fighting with cop during DUI traffic stop in Central Florida
Read full article: Retired MLB player Johnny Damon, wife accused of fighting with cop during DUI traffic stop in Central FloridaWINDERMERE, Fla. – Johnny Damon, a retired Major League Baseball player and Orlando native, bonded out of jail Friday afternoon after he and his wife were accused of struggling with an officer during a DUI traffic stop in Windermere. As the former pro-athlete was released, an unidentified man encouraged Damon to not talk with the media; however, he did speak briefly. So, I apologize and hopefully, I can answer more questions later on.”When asked about his wife’s arrest, Damon was more evasive. His wife, 45-year-old Michelle Mangan-Damon, is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence. Damon and Mangan-Damon both got out of the SUV as the officer approached, despite his commands to stay in the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Windermere teachers celebrate Valentine’s Day despite pandemic
Read full article: Windermere teachers celebrate Valentine’s Day despite pandemicORLANDO, Fla. – Teachers at Lake Whitney Elementary School in Windermere weren’t going to let the pandemic get in the way of giving their students a special Valentine’s Day. “So, they shared Valentine’s Day wishes with everybody in the class. Some of them did like breaking news, you know ,‘It’s Valentine’s Day, happy Valentine’s Day’ and jokes--telling jokes; I can’t give you Valentine’s, but I can give you jokes. Teachers at Lake Whitney Elementary School found creative ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. (Courtesy)“When the district said to think of some alternative ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day, I have to give my hats off to our teachers,” Prince said.
‘It meant so much to me:’ Windermere man heartbroken after mother’s wedding ring goes missing
Read full article: ‘It meant so much to me:’ Windermere man heartbroken after mother’s wedding ring goes missingFor the past six months, he’s been holding on to hope to find his mother’s wedding ring. “My mother and I were extremely close, especially in the last few years.”Nichols is heartbroken after his beloved mother’s wedding ring got lost while on its way to Colorado. “He bought the ring in 1949 and he would literally get $30 a week and he said it took him a long time to pay for that ring, but he was so proud of that ring,” Nichols said. Nichols said his mother also hoped for her wedding ring to be given to her first grandchild. A 4-inch octagon box.’”Nichols’ latest attempt to locate his mother’s ring was last week through a Facebook post that has now gone viral.
West Orange County barber adapts during pandemic to mobile barbershop
Read full article: West Orange County barber adapts during pandemic to mobile barbershopWINDERMERE, Fla. – In a year that changed our boundaries, Jay Johnson moved to mobile. Six weeks ago, the barber based in West Orange County launched “Barber Luxe Mobile Barbershop.”News 6 met with Johnson along a quiet cul-de-sac where one of his clients lived. Johnson gained prominence for a client list that includes PGA golfer Ricky Fowler and Tiger Woods at the Bay Hill Invitational. “People don’t want the in-and-out fast cut.”The mobile barbershop comes decked out with a refrigerator, television, and an array of COVID-19 precautions. I went from 16 services to 8 services a day.
Shaq’s Isleworth mansion discounted by $3 million. Here’s how much it’s going to cost you
Read full article: Shaq’s Isleworth mansion discounted by $3 million. Here’s how much it’s going to cost youORLANDO, Fla. – For the second time in two months, an Orlando sports legend’s sprawling home has become a little more affordable. Shaquille O’Neal’s Isleworth mansion can now be had for a reduced price. Full Screen 1 / 65 NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has listed his Isleworth estate at 9927 Giffin Court for $28 million. (Photo: Uneek)Shaq first put the 31,000-square-foot home on the market in 2018 for $28 million. The mansion features 12 bedrooms, a theater, 6,000-square-foot indoor basketball court and a massive 95-foot-long pool overlooking Lake Butler.
Former Windermere police chief released from prison
Read full article: Former Windermere police chief released from prisonORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Former Windermere police chief Daniel Saylor was released from prison Monday after serving an eight-year sentence on perjury and corruption charges. Records show Saylor, now 54, spent some of his sentence at a work release center in Kissimmee. His friend, Scott Bush, was charged with capital sexual battery of a person younger than 12. Other accusations surfaced detailing how Saylor accepted a bribe for hiring a reserve officer and sold photos of a crash involving Tiger Woods in November 2009. Documents from the Department of Corrections reveal Saylor was to be released to a home in Sanford.
Orange County deputies arrest Windermere-area carjacking suspects
Read full article: Orange County deputies arrest Windermere-area carjacking suspectsWINDERMERE, Fla. – Orange County deputies arrested two men who they say were involved in an armed carjacking incident. On Saturday, deputies arrested Victor Senatore, 24, and GianPiero Gasparin, 17 according to a tweet from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a neighborhood after 10 p.m. after getting the call from a carjacking victim. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released security footage of the incident, showing the two men approach the victim as he pulled up to his home. The victim told deputies one of the thieves drove his car southbound on Remsen Cay Lane.
House passes bill to rename post office after slain Windermere officer
Read full article: House passes bill to rename post office after slain Windermere officerWINDERMERE, Fla. – The House of Representatives passed a bill to rename the post office on Conroy Road in Windermere after Officer Robert German, a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. [Story: Deputies identify 2 people in Windermere officer death]Orange County deputies said 31-year-old German was shot and killed in March of 2014 when he was checking on two people walking down the road and called for officer backup. | Search ongoing for gunman who shot deputies]Goode and Hollinghurst were found dead across the street from the shooting scene. Rep. Val Demings said German was known for his commitment to his community. “He served Windermere honorably for five years, turning down other opportunities in order to stay in the community he loved.
Central Florida residents adapt to honor 9/11 during a pandemic
Read full article: Central Florida residents adapt to honor 9/11 during a pandemicOn Friday, cities across Central Florida held ceremonies to remember the September 11 terror attacks, but there were several changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Windermere, all public events were canceled by local officials, but residents held an observance of their own through the Windermere Never Forgets 9/11 Preservation Committee. His brother John Crisei and his best friend’s son John Napolitano were part of a 19 member Hazmat group that didn’t survive the attack. Gone.”While some were able to gather in-person, other Central Florida cities held virtual ceremonies. Officials in cities who held virtual tributes said the measures were temporary and plan to return to in-person ceremonies in 2021.
Price drop: Shaq’s Isleworth mansion back on the market for a cool $19.5 million
Read full article: Price drop: Shaq’s Isleworth mansion back on the market for a cool $19.5 millionShaquille O’Neal's mansion on Giffin Court in Windermere, Florida is back on the market for $19.5 million. (Image: Levy Public Relations/The Atlas Team)Shaquille O’Neal’s 31,000-square-foot Isleworth mansion is back on the market for a lower price of $19.5 million after it didn’t sell last year for the original asking price of $28 million. But now the mega-mansion is back on the market, this time with a new real estate company, The Atlas Team under Compass Florida. The former NBA star’s home is located within Isleworth Golf & Country Club, one of central Florida’s top gated golf communities. The 6,000-square-foot indoor basketball court is a newer addition to the estate.
School district organizes fundraiser for family of slain father, son in Windermere
Read full article: School district organizes fundraiser for family of slain father, son in WindermereWINDERMERE, Fla. – One week after John and Jay Savey were killed at their Windermere home, the community continues to rally behind their family. A fundraiser organized by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has raised more than $18,000 already for the Savey family since it began on Sunday, August 2nd. There was a lot of laughter around the Savey family. They were really people of joy.”Several of the pastors have regularly visited with Lisa Savey, who continues to recover from the attack. Carter told News 6 the church called out for volunteers to help fund meals for the Savey family.
2 men killed, woman injured in baseball bat attack at Windermere home, police say
Read full article: 2 men killed, woman injured in baseball bat attack at Windermere home, police sayWINDERMERE, Fla. – Two men were beaten to death and a woman was seriously injured late Thursday during an attack at a home in a gated Windermere community while a 10-year-old boy called authorities while hiding in a bathroom, police said. Ezekiel Emanuel HopkinsThe mugshot above of Ezekiel Emanuel Hopkins is from 2012. Police said Hopkins attacked Savey and beat him to death with a baseball bat outside the home. Hopkins then went inside the home, where he beat Lisa Savey and her son, James Savey, who was killed, according to police. According to officials, Ocoee Police noticed Hopkins’ car early in the night and thought it was suspicious but later disregarded.
2 people killed in Windermere home invasion, police say
Read full article: 2 people killed in Windermere home invasion, police say2 people killed in Windermere home invasion, police sayPublished: July 31, 2020, 9:56 amTwo men were beaten to death and a woman was seriously injured late Thursday during an attack at a home in a gated Windermere community while a 10-year-old boy called authorities while hiding in a bathroom, police said.
New report provides clues to origin of Gotha flooding problems
Read full article: New report provides clues to origin of Gotha flooding problemsGOTHA, Fla. – A new engineering report may have uncovered clues in the chaos surrounding flooding issues with land-locked lakes in one West Orange County community. Last year, News 6 detailed the record flooding in the Gotha area, specifically at Lake Fischer, Lake Nally, Lake Hugh, Mills Pond and Gotha Pond, as neighbors searched for answers as to what was causing the flooding. As a result, Orange County leaders commissioned a $200,000 study into matter in November. David Hamstra with Pegasus Engineering co-authored the report, entitled Gotha Lakes Watershed Management Plan Update. “There are other lakes in West Orange County that have the same problem, which leads us to believe this is primarily rainfall driven.
Furloughed Disney cast member spreads magic to coworkers via food pantry
Read full article: Furloughed Disney cast member spreads magic to coworkers via food pantryWINDERMERE, Fla. – With Disney World coming to a halt due to COVID-19, an employee took it upon herself to help fellow cast members in need by creating a pantry. “To be able to give back to them and to help out our fellow cast is really special,” said Lartigue, who has been collecting food since March. Cast members who have been furloughed can go to the storage unit and choose the food items they need, including toiletries like toothpaste, soap and shampoo. But before visiting the Pantry, she requests that cast members make an appointment -- and to adhere to CDC guidelines. She said she wants her fellow cast members to know it’s OK to ask for help.
Dozens of agencies participate in school active shooter training
Read full article: Dozens of agencies participate in school active shooter trainingWINDERMERE, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools conducted an active assailant response exercise at Windermere High School on Wednesday. [RELATED: What should you do if faced with an active shooter situation? | Students protect school, prepare classmates for active shooter situation]"This is all about a lot of improvements. The exercise began with a police officer who acted as an active shooter on campus making his way into a building. *TRAINING EXERCISE* Rescue workers are training to save victims in case of a mass shooting.