Alexander Island nature park in DeBary moves closer to reality with state funding
Read full article: Alexander Island nature park in DeBary moves closer to reality with state fundingDeBary is getting $2.5 million from the state to bring its massive nature park to life. The city plans to open the 200-acre Alexander Island, just off Fort Florida Road, with an initial phase expected to welcome visitors as early as December 2026.
Orlando reopens renovated Leroy Hoequist Park playground as city continues major upgrades
Read full article: Orlando reopens renovated Leroy Hoequist Park playground as city continues major upgradesThe City of Orlando reopened the newly renovated playground at Leroy Hoequist Park on Thursday — the fifth in a series of 11 playground upgrades the city says it’s committed to delivering.
DeBary’s oldest neighborhood to get stormwater relief after state funding secured
Read full article: DeBary’s oldest neighborhood to get stormwater relief after state funding securedDeBary’s oldest neighborhood is set to get its first stormwater system after the city secured state funding to address a long-standing flooding problem.
Parramore Market aims to bring groceries closer to neighbors facing food insecurity
Read full article: Parramore Market aims to bring groceries closer to neighbors facing food insecurityParramore Market, spearheaded by 30-year-old Jeniffer Hilaire, aims to bring groceries closer to neighbors facing food insecurity.
Rapid growth raises question: Could Horizon West become its own city?
Read full article: Rapid growth raises question: Could Horizon West become its own city?Currently, Horizon West remains an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own city government. Instead, services are managed through Orange County. But the area has experienced rapid growth, with thousands of new residents, homes and businesses moving in. Now people are asking: should Horizon West be its own city?
Heritage Community Church leaders address congregation after longtime volunteer leader’s arrest
Read full article: Heritage Community Church leaders address congregation after longtime volunteer leader’s arrestLeaders at Heritage Community Church addressed their congregation Sunday morning for the first time since the arrest of a longtime church volunteer accused of secretly recording girls inside a church bathroom.
Big plans, big concerns: Controversial 37-story Downtown Orlando tower sparks pushback
Read full article: Big plans, big concerns: Controversial 37-story Downtown Orlando tower sparks pushbackA controversial high-rise development proposal in downtown Orlando has cleared an early approval hurdle, moving forward despite opposition from nearby residents and leaders of a 100-year-old church that would share the block with the planned tower.
Orange County proposes ‘Hopetown’ community for people with disabilities — and neighbors are concerned
Read full article: Orange County proposes ‘Hopetown’ community for people with disabilities — and neighbors are concernedA Central Florida nonprofit founded in memory of a little boy is pitching a major new housing development designed for people living with disabilities.
Neighbors demand answers as abandoned Ormond Beach resort falls into disrepair
Read full article: Neighbors demand answers as abandoned Ormond Beach resort falls into disrepairA hurricane-damaged resort sitting in the heart of one of Ormond Beach’s busiest tourist corridors has become a source of frustration for nearby residents and business owners who say it has turned into a hotspot for crime, trespassing and transient activity — and they want answers.
‘He is always so kind:’ Community rallies around Mayor Demings after cancer announcement
Read full article: ‘He is always so kind:’ Community rallies around Mayor Demings after cancer announcementOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced Friday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is suspending his campaign for Florida governor as he begins treatment.
‘Not happy about it:’ HOA could cut down neighborhood oak trees over foundation concerns
Read full article: ‘Not happy about it:’ HOA could cut down neighborhood oak trees over foundation concernsOak trees may be highly appealing, but at the Solana on the River condos, a fight could be brewing over cutting them down because of foundation concerns.
EPA-funded study tracks air quality differences across Orange County
Read full article: EPA-funded study tracks air quality differences across Orange CountySince August 2023, a new air-quality study has been underway in Central Florida, funded by the EPA for $500,000. The project began in Parramore, with researchers asking people across Orange County to report concerns about the air where they live.
‘Traffic will be overwhelming:’ Concerns and debate dominate over Winter Garden development proposal
Read full article: ‘Traffic will be overwhelming:’ Concerns and debate dominate over Winter Garden development proposalA proposed development in Winter Garden is moving closer to approval, but not without opposition from neighbors concerned about increased traffic and changes to the character of their community.
Florida homeowners call for accountability as teen prank videos spread online
Read full article: Florida homeowners call for accountability as teen prank videos spread onlineA growing social media trend involving teens running up to homes, banging or kicking on doors and then fleeing is leaving some Central Florida residents shaken and calling for accountability.
Longwood commissioners advance water rate increase amid resident concerns
Read full article: Longwood commissioners advance water rate increase amid resident concernsLongwood commissioners approved the first reading of a proposed water rate increase Monday night, drawing strong opposition from residents concerned about rising monthly utility costs.
Teen takeover turns annual Orange County family event chaotic
Read full article: Teen takeover turns annual Orange County family event chaoticAn annual Orange County community event meant to bring families together turned chaotic Saturday after what organizers described as a “teen takeover” promoted on social media.
Orlando venue owner ‘Uncle Lou’ detained on immigration hold
Read full article: Orlando venue owner ‘Uncle Lou’ detained on immigration holdOrlando’s music community is rallying around Uncle Lou’s owner “Uncle Lou” Arguello after he was detained on an ICE hold at the Orange County Jail with no charges listed, according to state records.
Neighbors push for safety changes at Orlando intersection after traffic study camera appears
Read full article: Neighbors push for safety changes at Orlando intersection after traffic study camera appearsNeighbors say speeding drivers and cut-through traffic have made the area dangerous for pedestrians, especially families and children walking to nearby schools.
New data shows Silver Star and Hiawassee among Pine Hills crash hotspots
Read full article: New data shows Silver Star and Hiawassee among Pine Hills crash hotspotsNeighbors met to call for roadway and pedestrian improvements after an Orange County study detailed crash trends on Silver Star Road and Hiawassee Road.
Pine Hills residents weigh in on redevelopment ideas at Orange County meetings
Read full article: Pine Hills residents weigh in on redevelopment ideas at Orange County meetingsOrange County is hosting a series of Pine Hills meetings where residents can share ideas — from new businesses and safety improvements to major development concepts — with a first draft master plan expected as early as this summer.
‘Going to get that b****!’ Deltona commissioner accused of battery over patting colleague on shoulder
Read full article: ‘Going to get that b****!’ Deltona commissioner accused of battery over patting colleague on shoulderA Deltona city commissioner is now facing an accusation of battery after she patted a fellow commissioner on the shoulder this week, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
WOW! drops subcontractor, promises new oversight after repeated Longwood water main breaks
Read full article: WOW! drops subcontractor, promises new oversight after repeated Longwood water main breaksAfter News 6 reached out directly, a WOW! spokesperson confirmed that the company would no longer be working with the subcontractor and outlined what other changes they would be making to prevent future incidents.
‘They use it like a raceway:’ DeBary residents demand safer streets
Read full article: ‘They use it like a raceway:’ DeBary residents demand safer streetsResidents along Azalea Drive in DeBary are calling for safety improvements, saying ongoing speeding and reckless driving have made the roadway increasingly dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians.
Neighbors alarmed by messages painted across Horizon West home
Read full article: Neighbors alarmed by messages painted across Horizon West homeNeighbors off Emerald Berry Drive say they’ve repeatedly contacted authorities and their HOA about a spray-painted home, and the sheriff's office says its Behavioral Response Unit will follow up to offer help and resources.
Altamonte Springs woman arrested after feces vandalism incidents in Spring Oaks neighborhood
Read full article: Altamonte Springs woman arrested after feces vandalism incidents in Spring Oaks neighborhoodA 50-year-old Altamonte Springs woman faces a criminal mischief charge after police say she defaced a neighbor’s vehicle with human feces.