Central Florida 16-year-old under arrest, charged with death of her sister
Central Florida 16-year-old under arrest, charged with death of her sister Stock photo of crime scene tape. (Kali9/Getty Images)ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A 16-year-old is under arrest and charged with manslaughter in the death of her sister. Read: Sheriff: Noise complaint leads to arrest of accused child molesterAccording to a news release, the 16-year-old, Charlise Bell, placed a pillow over her sister to quiet her down. Police said that after conducting interviews, they found probable cause to arrest Bell for manslaughter. Read: Investigation set to begin into deadly Central Florida crash involving self-driving carChannel 9 has a crew working to get more details on this incident.
wftv.com16-year-old girl killed 3-year-old sister by using pillow to ‘quiet her down,’ Altamonte Springs police say
A 16-year-old girl was arrested on manslaughter charges in the death of her sister, who was found unresponsive at a MainStay Suites, an extended stay hotel in Altamonte Springs, according to police.
Altamonte Springs boy, 14, drowns at Daytona Beach
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old Altamonte Springs boy drowned at Daytona Beach on Thursday afternoon. Volusia County Beach Safety said the boy was swimming with his friends near the Hard Rock Hotel around 7:30 p.m. The three other teens whom the boy was swimming with started making their way to shore when they could no longer see him, beach safety said. Officials then searched the water with rescue skis, drones and rescue swimmers. Beach safety officials said the missing swimmer was found less than a mile north of where he was reported missing, about 30 minutes later by bystanders.
wftv.comSEE: Red Hot & Boom celebrates silver anniversary after pandemic delays
VIDEO: Red Hot & Boom celebrates silver anniversary after pandemic delays Red Hot & Boom celebrates silver anniversary after pandemic delaysALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Red Hot & Boom has returned with a bang. Thousands of people packed the area at Cranes Roost Park for this year’s 25th anniversary event. The city had special plans for the silver anniversary: 25 minutes of fireworks. PHOTOS: Red Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte SpringsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Red Hot & Boom returns Red Hot & Boom celebrated its 25th anniversary in Altamonte Springs Sunday. (wftv.com)Sunday marked the first Red Hot & Boom display since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
wftv.comCrowds gather for return of Red Hot & Boom despite threat of rain
VIDEO: Crowds gather for return of Red Hot & Boom despite threat of rain Crowds gather for return of Red Hot & Boom despite threat of rainALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Spectators in Altamonte Springs aren’t letting the possibility of showers rain on their parade. Red Hot & Boom is back this year, celebrating its 25th anniversary. It has been three years since the last Red Hot and Boom, and people are excited to be back, with the streets packed. READ: Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatusTo celebrate the silver anniversary of the event, the fireworks show will be 25 minutes long. You can track down the nearest officer and use the number to help meet back up with your child.
wftv.com9 things to do this weekend: Fourth of July events, EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival and more
Billed as Central Florida’s biggest fireworks display, city officials say the show will go on this year, no matter what. You can catch a fireworks display over Lake Apopka this holiday weekend. The fireworks display starts at 9:15 p.m. The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes games, live music, food trucks and more at Earl Brown Park. This weekend will be your last chance to check out the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
wftv.comRed Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatus
VIDEO: Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatus Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatusALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The countdown is on for Central Florida’s largest fireworks display. Red Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte Springs Sunday after being canceled for the last two years due to COVID-19. City Manager Frank Martz said months of planning went into bringing the event back. READ: Fourth of July 2022: 10 sparkling good deals to enjoy during the fireworks“We start planning the day after the last one,” he said. READ: 9 ways to keep your pets safe during Fourth of JulyClick here for more information, including traffic details and road closures.
wftv.comPolice release video of arrest of Altamonte Springs man accused of slashing wife’s throat
Police release video of arrest of Altamonte Springs man accused of slashing wife’s throat (WFTV Only)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Police have released body camera video of the arrest of the man they said murdered his wife last week in their Altamonte Springs apartment. In the video, you can see the moment officers arrested Xichen Yang last week at the couple’s apartment on the corner of Ballad Street and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. According to police, Yang confessed that he had murdered his wife Nhu Quynh Pham because she burned his passport. READ: Judge denies bond for man accused of slashing wife’s throat, playing her favorite music as she diedIn the post, Yang said he was going somewhere he couldn’t return from and would miss everyone. VIDEO: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, police say Altamonte Springs police now say a local man admitted to murdering his wife in their home.
wftv.comMissing Altamonte Springs girl, 13, found safe in Osceola County
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police provided new details Tuesday morning about their search for a missing teen. 6:45 a.m. update:Anaysia Brown, 13, was located late Monday night in Osceola County, according to Altamonte Springs police. Police said Brown was found in good health and has since been reunited with her family. Original Story:Altamonte Springs police need your help finding a missing 13-year-old girl. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt with black shorts and a black religious head covering.
wftv.comHave you seen her? Girl, 13, reported missing since Sunday
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police need your help finding a missing 13-year-old girl. Police said Anaysia Brown was last seen at about 7 p.m. Sunday. They talked to Anaysia’s stepfather, Zaccheus Smith. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt with black shorts and a black religious head covering. 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.
wftv.comMan accused of slashing wife’s throat, playing her favorite music as she died to make 1st appearance
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County man is expected to go before a judge for the first time after police said he murdered his wife. Altamonte Springs police said the man confessed to the murder and some disturbing details. READ: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, Altamonte Springs police sayInvestigators said that it was his employer that called police Tuesday after he didn’t show up for work. Police said Yang then admitted to putting his wife in the tub and “played her favorite music” and “held her hand” for about 10 minutes until she died. We also found out that Yang had previously been arrested for hitting his wife in Orange County but the charges were dropped.
wftv.comMan slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, Altamonte Springs police say
VIDEO: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, police say Altamonte Springs police now say a local man admitted to murdering his wife in their home. (Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com/WFTV)ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police now say a local man admitted to murdering his wife in their home. Investigators say Yang told them he held Pham’s hand and played her favorite music as she died. According to police, Yang, Pham’s husband of less than a year, killed his wife during an argument. Instead of calling the police, investigators say Yang began to clean up the blood on the walls and floor.
wftv.comPlans are underway to widen this major road in Altamonte Springs
Plans are underway to widen this major road in Altamonte SpringsALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — For residents in Seminole County, State Road 436 can be one of the busiest roads they travel on in a day. The congested road, located east of Interstate 4 in Altamonte Springs, has been on the minds of city officials, including Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz. “Altamonte Springs is a regional crossroads. This influx of people is the reason the city plans to improve the barely 1-mile stretch, from Crane Roost Boulevard to Boston Avenue. Read: Work on Altamonte Springs fire station slated to open in 2020 still underwayAnd Pisklo is looking forward to the upgrades.
wftv.comWoman found dead in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police are investigating after they found a dead woman. Just before 9 a.m., officers were called an apartment complex on Ballard Street for a well-being check. That’s when officers and Seminole County firefighters found the woman. READ: Florida officer charged with COVID-19 relief fraud after servicing, repairing vintage carInvestigators said they are interviewing a person of interest. READ: Florida man arrested for allegedly distributing over $230 million of adulterated HIV medicationSee a map of the scene below.
wftv.com3 men facing attempted murder charges for shooting into Altamonte Springs apartment complex
VIDEO: 3 men facing attempted murder charges for shooting into Altamonte Springs apartment complex 3 men facing attempted murder charges for shooting into Altamonte Springs apartment complexALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Three men are facing attempted murder charges after investigators said they shot several bullets into an apartment complex, endangering the residents who live in the Altamonte Springs complex. The three suspects are being held without bond as of Wednesday night due to the attempted murder charges. Investigators said it stemmed from domestic violence between a woman who lived at the complex and her ex-boyfriend. READ: Tornado warning for Seminole County expiresCardell Cannon, Travarias Jones and Atonio Hickson were arrested and charged with attempted murder, weapons charges and shooting into a building. Investigators said Hickson went into the apartment complex to confront his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend.
wftv.com2022 onePULSE Legacy Scholarship honors Pulse Nightclub shooting victim
onePULSE Foundation Announces Third Class of Recipients of 49 Legacy Scholarships (WFTV)ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Sunday, June 12 marks six years since the Pulse Nightclub tragedy that took the lives of 49 people. The onePULSE Foundation, a nonprofit established to honor and preserve the legacy of those killed, announced the awarding of one of 49 Legacy Scholarships on Monday. Thuy-Thuong Nguyen of Davie, Florida was on hand at CITY Furniture’s Altamonte Springs showroom to accept a $10,000 onePULSE Legacy Scholarship in honor of Tevin Crosby. Read: onePULSE Foundation announces third class of recipients of the 49 Legacy ScholarshipThe scholarship is part of the furniture retailer’s goal to make a continuous and lasting impact on equality and acceptance in the community. Nguyen is working toward his dream of achieving a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology at Florida International University.
wftv.comGPS tracker on merchandise helps police find woman accused of stealing more than $17K from Ulta
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Organized retail theft is skyrocketing. The National Retail Federation said nearly 70% of retailers reported an increase in this criminal activity last year. In a matter of three minutes, investigators said suspects stole more than $17,000 worth of perfume and cologne from an Ulta in Altamonte Springs. READ: ‘Violent fugitive’ wanted on animal torture charge arrested in Flagler County, deputies sayAltamonte Springs Ulta theftAs of last check, the search continues for the second suspect. The Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail estimates that it costs retailers roughly $45 billion every year.
wftv.comRed Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte Springs after 2-year COVID hiatus
VIDEO: Red Hot & Boom returns to Altamonte Springs after 2-year COVID hiatus Red Hot & Boom is scheduled to take place this Sunday at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs for the first time in two years. (Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com/WFTV)ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Red Hot & Boom is scheduled to take place this Sunday at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs for the first time in two years. However, this year the event returns for a key milestone as the city celebrates Red Hot & Boom’s 25th year. 🤩🎆 The City of Altamonte Springs and XL 1067 are bringing you the ultimate summer bash on Sunday, July 3,... Posted by Red Hot & Boom on Tuesday, May 31, 2022The city initially started holding the event as a way to teach people how to find Altamonte Springs. Red Hot & Boom is free to the public and will take place July 3rd from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., rain or shine.
wftv.comWork on Altamonte Springs fire station slated to open in 2020 still underway
Video: Work on Altamonte Springs fire station slated to open in 2020 still underway Work on an Altamonte Springs fire station that was planned to open in December 2020 is still underway. (Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Work on an Altamonte Springs fire station that was planned to open in December 2020 is still underway. The $4 million fire station, right near the SunRail Station on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, has been 98% complete for months. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners terminated the contract with the contractor, APM Construction Corp. of New Smyrna Beach, citing COVID-19, supply and workforce delays. As far as when the station will be done, I do not have that information,” said Seminole County Fire Department Fire Chief Matt McKinley.
wftv.comAltamonte Springs offering paid internships for high school, college students
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The city of Altamonte Springs said it is expanding its internship program for high school and college students to help them get paid to further their experience and future career paths. The city is expanding its internship program in collaboration with the Altamonte Springs Global Innovation Lab (AGIL) starting this summer. Officials said interns are paid $15 per hour and can work up to 40 hours per week. READ: Disney’s debt is about to be Central Florida taxpayers’ problemClick here to apply. 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.
wftv.comAltamonte Springs police release body-cam video, 911 calls from Hungry Howie’s hostage situation
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police released body-camera video Wednesday showing officers arriving to what became an hours-long hostage situation in a local restaurant. The body camera video released Wednesday shows the first officers arriving on scene and asking witnesses about what they saw happen in the restaurant. Body camera video from a second officer shows him arriving on scene and evacuating neighboring businesses. As employees of the neighboring print shop prepared to leave, the video shows Pittard releasing the first hostage from inside the restaurant. Manager Ryan Long wasn’t so lucky, as Pittard would go on to hold him hostage for more than seven hours.
wftv.comWitnesses describe hourslong hostage situation inside Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The man who police say held a Hungry Howie’s manager hostage for nearly eight hours is in jail without bond after he faced a judge Tuesday afternoon. It happened last night at the restaurant on State Road 434 near the intersection of State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs. The suspect, Neal Pittard, called his wife and told her he was waiting for her inside the Hungry Howie’s and made suicidal threats to her. UPDATE: Man in custody after taking employee hostage at Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s, police sayMike Bridges owns the printing shop next door and was just closing up as the situation unfolded. READ: Police rescue Hungry Howie’s worker, charge man in hostage situation in Altamonte SpringsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Man takes employee hostage at Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s, police say An employee at an Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s was taken hostage inside the restaurant Monday evening, police said.
wftv.comPolice rescue Hungry Howie’s worker, charge man in hostage situation in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A standoff and hostage situation that lasted more than 8 hours at a pizza shop in Altamonte Springs has been resolved, police said. The ordeal began after a man took an employee hostage inside a Hungry Howie’s restaurant late Monday afternoon. On the hostage situation scene in Altamonte Springs. Report: Orlando FreeFall’s operator made manual adjustments to ride that made it unsafeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Man takes employee hostage at Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s, police say An employee at an Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s was taken hostage inside the restaurant Monday evening, police said. Around 1 a.m. Tuesday, SWAT members used flash bangs in an effort to stun the suspect inside Hungry Howie’s and make their way into the store.
wftv.comMan takes employee hostage at Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s, police say
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — An employee at an Altamonte Springs Hungry Howie’s was taken hostage inside the restaurant Monday evening, police said. On the hostage situation scene in Altamonte Springs. Witnesses say a store manager is inside the Hungry Howie's with the suspect. Made suicidal threats before this started. Anyone with information is asked to call Altamonte Springs police at 407-339-2441 or 911.
wftv.comPolice search for man who robbed Wells Fargo bank in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Police in Altamonte Springs are looking for a man who, they said, robbed a Wells Fargo bank. Photos: Altamonte Wells Fargo RobberyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Altamonte Wells Fargo Robbery (Altamonte Springs Police Department)Police said the man is around 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs around 125 pounds. WATCH: COVID-19 found in wastewater on the rise again in Seminole County, officials sayAnyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the Altamonte Springs Police Department at 407-339-2441 or 911. READ: High winds quickly spread shed fire to home in Altamonte Springs, firefighters sayAnonymous tips can also be given into Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comHigh winds quickly spread shed fire to home in Altamonte Springs, firefighters say
High winds quickly spread shed fire to home in Altamonte Springs, firefighters sayALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A shed caught fire and quickly spread to an Altamonte Springs home on Saturday, firefighters said. WATCH: Orange County deputies investigate 2 shootings overnight, within blocks of each otherFire crews responded to a house fire call around 2 p.m. on Jackson Street. Firefighters said they arrived at the shed fire within four minutes of being called, but wind conditions quickly spread embers to a nearby home, which then and caught fire. Photos: High winds quickly spread shed fire to home in Altamonte Springs, firefighters sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 High winds quickly spread shed fire to home in Altamonte Springs, firefighters sayThe flames were put out within 10 minutes, but the home sustained major damage and the shed was destroyed. Here’s whyChannel 9 has a crew working to gather more details on the fire and will have continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comPilot program works to turn algae from Florida waterways into fuel
Algae A pilot program to fight the issue at Lake Jesup is in its second phase, turning algae into biofuel. (WFTV.com News Staff)ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — From fish kills to ongoing high manatee mortality, algae is a major problem for Florida waterways. A pilot program to fight the issue at Lake Jesup is in its second phase, turning algae into biofuel. Inside 55-gallon drums, algae harvested from Lake Jesup, mixed with solid byproduct from the Altamonte Springs wastewater reclamation facility, begins its conversion into biofuel. READ: Blue-green algae detected in Orlando lake; what to do if you encounter itThe ongoing pilot program will continue through June to analyze how efficient the process could be on a larger city scale.
wftv.comPanCAN Purple Stride 2022 At Cranes Roost Park
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Join 9 Family Connection and our partners McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer, and The UPS Store as WFTV Meteorologist Brian Shields hosts the PanCAN Purple Stride 2022 at Cranes Roost Park on April 30th! We’ll take steps together to fund life saving research, provide critical patient support, and give patients fighting today hope for the future. Register for free today at 9family.com. Read: Forever Family: Foster Kids Are At Higher Risk Of DrowningClick 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
wftv.comSpring breakers arrive in Volusia County as bikers leave town
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Bike week attendees are being replaced by spring breakers in Volusia County on Monday. Just as Bike Week 2022 wraps, spring break is getting started, which means big crowds on local beaches all week long. Volusia County Beach Safety is flying the red flag on the coast, warning beachgoers about strong rip currents. READ: Surfer bit by shark in New Smyrna BeachAs spring breakers flock to Central Florida, big crowds are also expected at Orlando International Airport. More than 300,000 people flew through OIA over the weekend, and crowds are expected to grow every weekend until they peak on April 9 and 10.
wftv.comSurfer bit by shark in New Smyrna Beach
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An Altamonte Springs man became the second shark bite victim of the year in New Smyrna Beach on Sunday. Volusia County Beach Safety officials said just after 3 p.m. the 20-year-old man was surfing in about 7 feet of water when he was bit by what was presumed to be a shark. Officials said the shark was not seen. The man’s injuries were non-life-threatening and he was not sent to the hospital by ambulance. READ: First shark bite of the year reported in Volusia CountyEarlier in the week, officials said a 21-year-old New Jersey man was fishing at around 3:30 p.m. in waist-deep water at New Smyrna Beach when he was bit by a 5-or 6-foot black tip shark, making him the first shark bite victim of the year.
wftv.comSusan G. Komen and 9Family Connection team up to help fight breast cancer
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk Orlando returned on Saturday for its first in-person event after two years of going virtual. 9Family Connection was there from start to finish supporting those impacted by breast cancer. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 37 Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk (Susan G. Komen)Read: Orlando-based nonprofit announces essay contest for kids with top prize worth thousandsWFTV’s Vanessa Echols, a survivor herself, was one of the event’s speakers. Read: Florida Lottery launches new scratch-off game with record-breaking top prize“We are so proud of what this community accomplished today,” said Sean Gross, state executive director of Susan G. Komen, Florida. Read: It’s mating season: FWC asking people to report sighting of horseshoe crabs for researchIf you would like to donate to Susan G. Komen, CLICK HERE.
wftv.comMother, daughter and aunt, all breast cancer survivors, team up for Susan G. Komen walk this weekend
Saturday marks the first Susan G. Komen in-person MORE THAN PINK Walk. READ: Breast Cancer Awareness: Risk factors you can and can’t controlBut in 2022, she has a different title: survivor. I put years of dedication to helping breast cancer patients throughout, you know, our country, but primarily Florida for the last six years,” she said. Her grandmother, mother and aunt also battled breast cancer. “My mother, who will be walking with me for the first time at the MORE THAN PINK Walk this weekend, is 93 years old.
wftv.comAltamonte Springs investment company owner arrested in alleged Ponzi scheme – WFTV
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The owner of an Altamonte Springs investment company was arrested in an alleged Ponzi scheme Thursday morning. The arrest was part of joint investigation was by FDLE, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Taskforce and the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Read: Deputies investigating after body found in Orange County retention pondInvestigators say victims thought they were giving Antunes money to invest, but he instead used the money to fund his lifestyle and operate another company he owned. Orlando-based JetBlue pilot removed from cockpit ahead of takeoff for being drunk, officials sayAntunes was booked into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on racketeering charges and held on an $80,000 bond. 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.
wftv.com‘Cause for optimism:’ Altamonte Springs sees COVID levels remain low in wastewater testing
The latest round of testing from the Altamonte Springs Sewer Service Area shows a continued decrease in the amount of COVID-19 present in the waste water there; however, it also showed an increase in the percentage of "'stealth omicron" present.
Police: One killed in crash along SR 436 in Seminole County
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — One person died following an early morning crash Friday in Altamonte Springs. The crash involved a motorcyclist and another vehicle, Altamonte Springs police said. Investigators said they were working to notify the victim’s family about the deadly crash. Stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story. READ: Housing market sees big drop-off in JanuaryClick 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.
wftv.com21 things that are younger than the ‘I-4 Eyesore’
The most-famous bit of modernist blight in Orlando history turned 21 this year. The Majesty Building -- better known as the "I-4 Eyesore" because building's that don't open don't get to choose their names -- has been standing along the interstate near Altamonte Springs since January 2001. As our bones creak in our office chairs, we here at Orlando Weekly know that time can be a funny thing. 21 years is hard to conceptualize as a hard number, especially as the exponential progress of the '90s and '00s has given way to the holding pattern of the last decade and change. With that in mind, we decided to come up with a list of 21 things that are younger than the Majesty building, to really put how much time has passed into perspective.
photos.orlandoweekly.comTwo 16-year-olds arrested after attempted car break-in leads to shooting
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Two 16-year-old boys were arrested following an attempted car break-in that ended with a shooting in Altamonte Springs. An Altamonte Springs man said he chased the teens with a knife after they attempted to break into his car, and one of the teens shot him. Altamonte Springs police said Courlan Smith, 16, is charged with attempted murder and his accomplice Jamari Williams, 16, is facing a charge of burglary while armed. Police are still investigating and said there could be more arrests. Although the teens are facing juvenile charges now, those could be upgraded.
wftv.comPolice: Altamonte Springs man shot twice after confronting group breaking into his car
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — An Altamonte Springs man was shot twice early Wednesday morning after he told police he confronted three people breaking into his car. The man told police he got an alert from his security camera of someone outside the front of his building, and when he went outside, he saw three people breaking into his car. Police said a physical altercation ensued, and during the struggle the man was shot twice and one of the suspects received multiple lacerations. READ: Bicyclist shot in Orlando neighborhoodOfficers said all three suspects are in custody and being interviewed by detectives. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Altamonte Springs police at 407-339-2441 or dial 911.
wftv.comNew monoclonal antibody treatment sites open in Florida
Monoclonal antibody treatment: What you need to knowORLANDO, Fla. — Florida will open five new monoclonal antibody treatment sites on Tuesday. It is located at the former Walgreens location on State Road 436. Monoclonal antibody treatments are free and vaccination status does not matter. READ: Coronavirus: Total US COVID-19 cases top 65M; Florida becomes 3rd state to top 5M infectionsHealth officials said the monoclonal antibody treatment showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death in clinical trials. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Monoclonal antibody treatment Here are nine things you need to know about the treatment, according to Tampa General Hospital’s Global Emerging Diseases Institute.
wftv.com2 local cities still show high concentrations of COVID-19 in wastewater
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County leaders said there are still high concentrations of COVID-19 in Altamonte Springs’ and Casselberry’s wastewater. The latest sample showed no detectable levels of the delta variant for the first time since July. In Altamonte Springs wastewater, the amount of COVID-19 found Thursday was more than 5,600% since Thanksgiving. Florida is now the third state to top 5 million COVID-19 cases. READ: Coronavirus: Total US COVID-19 cases top 65M; Florida becomes 3rd state to top 5M infectionsThe U.S. surgeon general believes the state is nearing its peak in cases.
wftv.com“I’m going with a gun’: Father arrested for threatening to shoot up Central Florida school
“I’m going with a gun’: Father arrested for threatening to shoot up Central Florida school Police arrested 37-year-old David Gomez on charges of making threats to conduct a mass shooting, after they said he sent several threatening messages to family members.
(Winter Springs Police Department)WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — An Altamonte Springs man was arrested after police said he made threats to bring a gun to a local school and “shoot anyone that got in his way.”>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
Florida company offers 2 free homes as worker incentive
Mechanical One, which provides air conditioning and plumbing for new developments, is planning to hold the drawing next December, president and CEO Jason James told the Orlando Sentinel. James told the newspaper he thought about other incentives, such a giving away a car or a vacation. To qualify for the drawing, employees must be with the company for a full year and take a financial literacy class, paid for by the company. The privately held company of nearly 100 people began operations in July, so no employees qualify yet, the newspaper reported. He had been working in HVAC and plumbing for about six years before starting his own company.
wftv.comInitial results detect omicron COVID-19 variant in Orange County wastewater
Wastewater Orange County officials looking to test wastewater for omicron variant (wftv.com)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The omicron COVID-19 variant has been detected in Orange County wastewater, according to initial testing by Orange County Utilities. The county utility department said the initial results indicate that the omicron variant has been detected in the South Water Reclamation Facility and the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility. The results come two days after Altamonte Springs announced that the omicron variant had been detected in its wastewater. READ: Seminole County extending COVID-19 vaccine events after omicron variant detected in wastewaterOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings will hold an Orange County coronavirus update with Dr. Raul Pino on Wednesday afternoon. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Omicron COVID-19 variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron.
wftv.comAltamonte Springs man wins $1 million from scratch-off lotto ticket
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A 46-year-old Altamonte Springs man used $20 he was gifted by a friend to buy a scratch-off lotto ticket that won him a $1 million prize. Tavores Tymes bought the $5 Gold Rush Supreme Scratch-Off ticket from the Wawa located at 1390 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs, lottery officials said. The store will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket. “The next morning, I used the cash to buy a Scratch-Off ticket — and just like that, I won! I immediately drove up to Tallahassee to claim my $1 million prize!”READ: Florida man wins $1 million lotto prize while back-to-school shopping with daughterLotto officials said Tymes chose to receive his prize as a $880,000 lump-sum payment.
wftv.comOmicron concerns drive Central Florida residents to get COVID-19 vaccine boosters
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading across the U.S. So far, there are no confirmed reports of the omicron variant in Florida. Seminole County emergency manager Alan Harris said the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot events the county is hosting this week are almost all booked up. WATCH: Crowds continue to gather in Florida as health officials keep watch for COVID-19 omicron variantHarris said last week they noticed more people were interested in getting the booster. He said concern over the omicron variant is driving more people to sign up.
wftv.comScientists say sequencing is vital to staying ahead of Omicron variant
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More cases of the new Omicron variant are popping up in the U.S. every day. The South African doctors who found the Omicron variant say we need to increase those sequencing efforts globally so we know where the next variant may be. Dr. Sikhulile Moyo discovered the Omicron variant last month, and he said it’s not a surprise his team found it because they sequence COVID-19 samples weekly. READ: Here’s President Biden’s 9-step plan to fight the new omicron variantMoyo said sequencing will be vital for staying ahead of it. “This is a really important test - this Omicron variant,” said Dr. Roger Shapiro, infectious diseases associate professor at the Harvard T.H.
wftv.comAltamonte Springs testing wastewater for omicron variant
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — As another case of the omicron variant was found in the U.S., one Central Florida city is already working to determine if the variant has spread here. Altamonte Springs took its first official wastewater samples this week. READ: Orange County officials looking to test wastewater for omicron variantThe city has been the lead agency for testing wastewater for more than a year. It uses the results to get a better idea of how widespread certain variants are in the community. READ: Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit bringing art to life at Orange County Convention CenterExperts could see lab results as Monday.
wftv.comWoman charged with attempted murder after striking, shooting man several times, police say
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A woman was charged with second-degree attempted murder after police said she shot a man several times and struck him twice in Altamonte Springs. Just before 10 p.m. Monday, police said they responded to 112 Essex Avenue in reference to a shooting. Officers said they found a 28-year-old man who was shot multiple times. Investigators said Mendez was acquaintances with the man and reportedly had an argument with him before she fired several rounds at the man and struck him twice in the parking lot. READ: Orlando actor charged in US Capitol riot almost talked his way into staying in jailMendez was located in Orange County by Altamonte Springs police officers.
wftv.comMan shot several times in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police are investigating after a man was shot several times. Just before 10 p.m., police said they responded to 112 Essex Avenue in reference to a shooting. Officers said they found a 28-year-old man who was shot multiple times. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. READ: Robot company offers $200K for your facePolice said a female suspect who knew the man left the scene before officers arrived.
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