โItโs crazy hot:โ Tourists in Orlando switch up plans in face of record-breaking Florida heat
In the heart of Orlandoโs tourist district along International Drive, visitors to Central Florida told News 6 on Sunday that they were struggling to find ways to escape from yet another day of scorching heat.
2 found dead in apparent murder-suicide at Orange County resort on International Drive
A woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s were pronounced dead Saturday morning after being found by deputies responding to a shooting call at a resort on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office.
Police search for man accused of exposing himself, grabbing woman along Orlandoโs I-Drive
Officers are asking for help from the public after a man is accused of exposing himself to two different women and grabbing one of the victims along the International Drive corridor in Orlando, according to police.
ICON Park to celebrate Super Bowl LV. Hereโs how
ORLANDO, Fla โ ICON Park is showing its spirit ahead of Super Bowl LV. This weekend, the entertainment complex along International Drive will celebrate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Officials said any fan wearing a Bucs jersey or apparel on Saturday or Sunday can receive 50% off their ticket to The Wheel. Ole Red Orlando: watch the game and listen to live music while enjoying good olโ country cooking. Parking at ICON Park is free.
Florida teachers get unlimited admission to ride The Wheel
ORLANDO, Fla โ ICON Park is offering an incredible deal for Floridaโs hard-working teachers. To request a pass, ICON Park officials are asking teachers to submit a form that includes their name, phone number, school district, and Florida Department of Education number. Once submitted, a member of the ICON Park school groups team will call the teacher to approve their request. ICON Park recently opened the new Museum of Illusions which allows guests to experience 50 interactive exhibits that are immersive and photo-worthy for social media. Click here to learn about some of the other attractions at ICON Park.
How did they do that? Orlandoโs Museum of Illusions now open
ORLANDO, Fla โ Central Florida has a new mind-bending experience with the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park along International Drive. Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) โMany international guests are familiar with our concept through social networking,โ said Museum of Illusions Orlando General Manager George Youngdahl. Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) News 6 producer Landon McReynolds steps inside to experience the Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)
Man injured in stabbing on International Drive
A man was rushed to the hospital after a stabbing on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A man was hospitalized after being stabbed on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. The incident happened in the Pointe Orlando area of International Drive. Deputies said at 5:35 p.m. authorities responded to International Drive for a stabbing call. The Sheriffโs Office said when deputies arrived at the scene they found a man with a non-life-threatening stab wound.
Orlandoโs ICON Park getting 2 new record-setting attractions in 2021
Two new record-setting attractions are coming to Orlandoโs ICON Park in summer 2021, the Slingshot Group of Companies announced Monday. The additions to International Drive include the worldโs tallest drop tower and the worldโs tallest slingshot ride. The ICON Park Drop Tower will stand at 430 feet lifting 30 riders up to see the beautiful sites, according to a news release. The ICON Park Slingshot reaches 300 feet and will launch two riders out of an โexploding volcanoโ to approximately 450 feet into the sky at more than 100 mph, company officials said. Two new record-setting attractions are coming to Orlandoโs ICON Park in summer 2021, the Slingshot Group of Companies announced Monday.
Thanksgiving weekend brings business to some I-Drive spots -- but not as much as experts had hoped
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Following the Thanksgiving holiday, some hotels in the area of International Drive said they saw an uptick in occupancy. One hotel said they were sold out on Friday, with others that said they were 70-75% full over the weekend. But Keri Burns, the regional director of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association of Central Florida, said the holiday wasnโt good news for everyone. In fact, I was so excited to hear that over Thanksgiving weekend, some of our properties had 85% occupancy,โ Burns said. โIf Thanksgiving was strong, I would expect the rest of the holiday season to be equally as strong, if not stronger,โ Snaith said.
Armed guest who hadnโt paid bill barricaded himself inside room at I-Drive hotel, deputies say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A guest who was asked to leave an International Drive hotel because he hadnโt paid his bill instead got a gun and locked himself in a laundry room, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. Deputies said they responded to the WoodSpring Suites extended-stay hotel at about 12:20 p.m. Thursday because the property manager said Alric Freeman hadnโt paid his bill and he needed to be trespassed, but Freeman refused to leave his hotel room. The manager said Freeman left the hotel room with a gun in his hand and went to the lobby to yell for the manager, who was hiding under a desk in fear, according to the report. As multiple deputies entered the lobby to confront Freeman and ask him to put his weapon down, he locked himself in a laundry room, records show. Heโs facing charges of armed trespassing, resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct.
Guests at Fun Spot repeatedly violated Orange Countyโs mask mandate, records show
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Fun Spot near International Drive has been put on notice three times in the past few months after strike teams found that guests werenโt always wearing masks while at the amusement park, according to records provided by Orange County. The first strike team visit occurred on Aug. 13 after a citizen complaint. Orange County has had a mask mandate in place for months to stop the spread of COVID-19. While strike teams have been visiting businesses to make sure theyโre complying with that rule, the focus has been on educating rather than fining or punishing, according to the mayor. News 6 has contacted Fun Spot for comment.
High school seniors win art competition to paint parking spots on I-Drive
ORLANDO, Fla. โ While using a brush and a variety of colorful paints, Freedom High School senior Zaphra Ward had a specific vision for her artwork. That gave Colonial High School senior Andrew Graham a chance to show off his school spirit and give his classmates a special message. Orange County high school seniors paint parking spots off I-Drive in Orlando, Fla. after winning the "Paint Your Pointe." Joanne Helbourg with Pointe Orlando said this was a special event for the class of 2021 since many students are still taking virtual classes at home because of the virus. They are still seniors and they are still going off to school they can still change the world,โ Helbourg said.
Woman drowns in pool of Orlando hotel, deputies say
ORLANDO โ A woman drowned in a pool Saturday at the Clarion Hotel on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. Deputies said the woman was found face down at the bottom of the pool and after attempts to revive her, she was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The woman has not yet been identified, deputies said.
Halloween Horror Night veterans create hair-raising maze at โOrlando Forum of Fearโ
ORLANDO, Fla โ Premier dinner entertainment venue, the Orlando Forum, is about to transform into a frightfully fun Halloween event. (Orlando Forum)The haunted house attraction has been designed and created by Halloween Horror Nights veterans Patrick Braillard and Kim Gromoll. Leaders said the maze will feature 20 masked actors and will wind 480 linear feet of horrifying madness through the venue. (Orlando Forum)During the โDark Seance Haunted Dinner Experience,โ guests will be treated to a four-course dinner and hear tales of the most notorious and nefarious souls to ever walk among the living. The dinner experience costs $87.50 per person and runs daily at 6 p.m. with a limited capacity.
Worker falls to his death from StarFlyer attraction in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A 21-year-old man fell to his death Monday morning while conducting a daily safety check on the StarFlyer attraction in Orlando touristโs district, deputies said. | Search ongoing for gunman who shot deputies]Orange County Fire Rescue said Kaminsky was about halfway up the 450-foot ride, dubbed the worldโs tallest swing ride, when he fell onto the platform. Ena Hillsman and her family from Augusta, Georgia were vacationing this week to Orlando. She planned to bring her son to ride the StarFlyer swing ride at Icon Park before learning about the tragedy. Ride officials said theyโre cooperating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and deputies in the investigation.
I-Drive sees much needed boost from visitors during Labor Day
ORLANDO, Fla. โ It was a fairly busy Labor Day weekend for businesses along International Drive, a popular tourist destination in Orlando. This is what Orlando is,โ Tereso Guevara, an Orlando native said. Guevara spent the day at Pirateโs Cove Adventure Golf with his family. He said heโs happy to see I-Drive and some of its most well-known entertainment spots back to life. At Fun Spot America things seemed to be picking up as well as people enjoyed several of their rides.
Woman drowns after falling off jet ski on Lake Bryan, deputies say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A woman drowned Friday afternoon when she fell off her jet ski while riding in Lake Bryan, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. The Sheriffโs Office and Orange County Fire and Rescue responded to a drowning at the lake around 2:50 p.m. on Friday. The 49-year-old was taken to Dr. Phillips Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Lake Bryan is located behind several resorts along east of Interstate 4 and west of International Drive. No other information was immediately available.
I-Drive cafe owner arrested after selling liquor without license, report says
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A cafe and lounge owner is facing charges after deputies say she was selling liquor at her establishment without a proper license. When authorities asked for the cafeโs liquor license, the part-owner did not have one or show any paperwork. It was a man who identified himself as Brewsterโs husband that said they had applied for a liquor license and were waiting for approval from the state. The individuals agreed they would not sell liquor without a proper license, according to a sheriffโs office report. The 36-year-old was arrested and is now facing a charge for possession of alcohol with the intent to be sold without a proper license.
I-RIDE Trolley service prepares to halt operations until further notice
ORLANDO, Fla. โ One Central Florida travel accommodation that carries passengers along International Drive is suspending service until further notice. The I-RIDE Trolley is the exclusive, convenient and affordable transportation option within the International Drive Resort Area. โBy using the areaโs exclusive and convenient I-RIDE Trolley service you can sit back and ride up and down the miles of fun that make up the International Drive Resort Area,โ the trolleyโs website says. The I-RIDE Trolley service consists of 17 green replica trolleys. For more information on the I-Ride Trolley service click or tap here.
Bike camp gets results for families with disabilities
It was all part of the โiCan!โ bike camp put together by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. โWe wanted to be able to help families with those things that we felt helped our children,โ Gardiner said. Gardiner says the bike camp is her favorite event of the year because sheโs able to get to know the families and be part of their progress. Burns says the camp has changed their lives and she wanted other families to know itโs an option. bike camp happens every summer and is scheduled around space availability at the Orange County Convention Center.
I-Drive businesses banking on Disneys reopening to bring much-needed financial boost
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The partial reopening of Walt Disney World, which is set to begin Saturday, is expected to bring visitors to Central Florida and other local attractions are banking on the business. Many businesses on and near International Drive said the parks reopening could give them a much-needed boost after a difficult few months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is looking forward to Disney reopening and bringing travelers in from out of town as well, Goodman said. Having a major player like Disney open up will help bring some guests to these hotels up and down I-Drive.Not far away at Top Golf Orlando, workers said business still hasnt fully bounced back. Disney and Orlando have a long-time partnership, and were exited for it to be reopening, Upchurch said.
Video shows persons of interest in fatal I-Drive shooting
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orlando Police Department released video Wednesday of two persons of interest wanted for questioning in connection with a fatal shooting on International Drive in hopes that someone will recognize them. They are persons of interest in the shooting death of D'Quan Prentice on I-Drive June 13. pic.twitter.com/g1Pxe4tHn3 Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 24, 2020Recently released video shows a man wearing a white shirt, khaki shorts and a black baseball cap leaving a business with a woman wearing a multi-colored dress or romper. Police said the man and woman are persons of interest in the fatal shooting but didnt provide details on how why theyre suspected of being involved. Anyone who recognizes the man or the woman is asked to call Detective Michael Fields 407-246-2979 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Shooting in I-Drive parking lot leaves one man dead
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The Orlando Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead. According to police, the shooting occurred in a parking lot on International Drive early Saturday morning. Officers said that 26-year-old Dโquan Prentice was taken to a hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound. Prentice was linked to the shooting scene on International Drive, authorities said. โAs this investigation is active and ongoing, there are no other details to release at this time,โ officers said.
Blake Sheltonโs Ole Red Orlando announces opening date
Blake Sheltonโs Southern-style Ole Red Orlando announced its opening one day after the country music starโs birthday, June 19. โMy birthday is June 18, but Ole Red Orlando is opening June 19, thatโs way more important,โ Shelton said in a video on Instagram. (Credit: Ole Red Orlando) (WKMG)The 17,289 square foot Ole Red will offer a live music experience and feature concert-quality lighting, up-to-date acoustics and seating for about 500 people. (Credit: Ole Red Orlando) (WKMG)The restaurant still has open positions and candidates are encouraged to apply online to pre-schedule an interview with the hiring manager, officials said. For more updates, follow Ole Red on Facebook.
Orlando Starflyer reopens with new safety protocols
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ After shutting down operations on March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Orlando Starflyer reopened on Friday night. He said they reopened at 5 p.m. only to shut down two minutes later due to a thunderstorm. New cleaning protocols were also in place up International Drive at Fun Spot America on Friday night. "As we increase economic activity, we could see an increase in the number of cases, and we have seen a slight increase in the number of cases," he said. Park owners said they're confident their new safety measures will make a difference, and they're banking on a successful Memorial Day weekend.
Restaurants at Icon Park on International Drive to begin opening for dine-in
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Orlandoโs once-bustling tourist district is starting to see movement again for the first time in more than a month as restaurants at Icon Park on International Drive begin accepting customers once again. At Icon Park, the home base for Orlandoโs Wheel, select restaurants are opening their dining rooms and outdoor patios. Sugar Factory is accepting reservations for Wednesday. Carrabbaโs Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse are donating meals to the Orange County Fire Department Substation 57 and Orange County Sheriffโs Department Sector 5 Substation as part of the Icon Park meal donation program. No new opening date has been given for country star Blake Sheltonโs restaurant Ole Red, which was supposed to start accepting guests at its new spot next to the Wheel on April 13.
Ripleyโs Believe It or Not is first I-Drive attraction to close amid coronavirus pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Shops and attractions on International Drive are beginning to feel the pressure as major attractions around Central Florida close to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The first attraction on I-Drive to shut its doors is Ripleyโs Believe It or Not Odditorium. RELATED: From tickets to FastPasses: The latest on Disney Worldโs coronavirus closure | This will be the longest closure ever for Disney WorldโFollowing advice from health officials to practice social distancing, Ripleyโs will be temporarily closed starting on Wednesday, March 18,โ Ripley Entertainment Inc. told News 6. If you have already purchased a ticket, the ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase. We look forward to reopening our doors, and welcoming our guests back soon,โ Ripleyโs said in a statement.
Man shot at hotel on International Drive, Orlando police say
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A man was shot Wednesday while at a hotel near International Drive, according to the Orlando Police Department. The shooting was reported at about 4:15 p.m. at I-Drive Grand Resort & Suites on Kirkman Road. Police said two men were in a hotel room with a woman when one of the men was shot. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately available. The man who was shot suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Orange County mayor showcases economic impact of I-Drive tourism corridor
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ For the first time ever, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a State of International Drive speech he says to showcase the economic impact the 11-mile tourism corridor has for the county. Opening his speech by saying I-Drive hosts more than 75,000 workers and brought 14.8 million visitors in 2018. โThese millions of guests, families and residents of all ages come to I-Drive for an exciting experience they can find nowhere else,โ he said. The county is finalizing plans for a major pedestrian bridge at the intersection of I-Drive and Sand Lake Road. It failed because the connectivity they talked about was connecting the airport to the I-Drive corridor and itโs much more than that,โ Demings said.
Everything is not what it seems: Museum of Illusions set to open location in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla โ Your senses are about to be tricked this summer at ICON Park. The entertainment complex located along International Drive is set to welcome the Museum of Illusions this summer. Museum of Illusions to join ICON Parkโs entertainment lineup (Museum of Illusions)The museumโs website lists 15 locations already around the world and the brand continues to expand. Museum of Illusions to join ICON Parkโs entertainment lineup (Museum of Illusion)ICON Park is already home to popular attractions like the Orlando Starflyer, The Wheel, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. The complex is set to welcome two new record breaking attractions, the Orlando Slingshot and the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower, sometime in 2020.
Hereโs whatโs coming to the Orlando area in 2020
ORLANDO, Fla. โ The new decade means lots of exciting new features coming to the Central Florida area. Orlando Gyro Drop Tower and the Orlando Slingshot - 2020The Orlando Slingshot and the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower that will open in 2020 at ICON Park on International Drive. Museum of Illusions - Spring 2020The Museum of Illusions will open at ICON Park in spring 2020. (City of Orlando)The $8 million renovation of Lake Lorna Doone Park in Orlando is expected to be completed in the middle of 2020. White Castle - Late 2020White Castle is coming to Orlando in 2020.
Police tactical vest found in stolen vehicle on International Drive, police say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A police tactical vest, five guns and drugs were found inside a stolen vehicle that was located Monday morning in a high-crime area on International Drive, according to the Orlando Police Department. Police said they looked through the windows of the Camry and saw a pistol grip shotgun, a black handgun, an AR pistol and a black tactical vest all within plain view. Five guns were found in the stolen vehicle, police said. Police said they determined that the tactical vest was stolen from an Orlando officerโs patrol vehicle in Orange County last year. Rosado is facing charges of grand theft motor vehicle, open carrying a firearm, possession of cocaine, possession of Alprazolam, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance.
Shooting near Universal Studios leaves one injured, officers say
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Officers said a person is in the hospital after a shooting near Universal Studios. According to the Orlando Police Department the shooting happened around 11:16 a.m. Saturday inside the SonoHotel. When OPD officers arrived at the hotel, they found a man who had been shot. The unidentified man told officers that he had met the person online and was unable to give any other details, officers said. According to authorities, the shooting took place inside the manโs hotel room.
Which movies in theaters are worth the price of admission?
Here are the highest-rated films to catch, based on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer Score, which reflects the opinions of hundreds of film and television critics. With a Tomatometer Score of 94% and an Audience Score of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Avengers: Endgame" has become a favorite since its release on April 26. With a Tomatometer Score of 91% and an Audience Score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Rocketman" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on May 31. Set to be released on Friday, June 14, "Late Night" already has a Tomatometer Score of 82% and an Audience Score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. With a Tomatometer Score of 66% and an Audience Score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, "Pokรฉmon Detective Pikachu" is well worth a watch.
I-Drive attractions offer special event for children with sensory sensitivity
For parents such as Todd Andrus, who has a son with sensory sensitivity, sometimes local attractions can be a challenge. Karen Thompson, a volunteer chair for the Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks, explained that these children are just trying to cope with the sensory overload. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium will each have a room called a quiet space. It will be for parents to bring in their children in case they are feeling some anxiety or become overwhelmed by the attractions. Places like Madame Tussauds and Sea Life want to do their part to make it easier for everyone to enjoy their time with wax figures of celebrities and colorful sea life.