APOPKA

ORLANDO, Fla. — The first official weekend of summer is here and the heat has arrived in Central Florida. When it’s hot outside, and you’re looking for cool things to do, check out our top nine picks:1. Go to a water parkCentral Florida has a lot of water parks for visitors and locals, including Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Volcano Bay and Island H2O Water Park. Take your family and friends to New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach. Enjoy an ice-cold craft beerIf you are over 21 and looking for a cool drink, check out Deviant Wolfe Brewing in historic downtown Sanford.

Six months after admitting he had been duped by international conmen to move more than $3 million to offshore bitcoin accounts, the Apopka custodian who fell for the photograph of a porn star told News 6 he did it again.

Investigators are looking into a man who was found dead in some bushes Saturday afternoon, according to the Apopka Police Department.

VIDEO: Advocates protest treatment of homeless in Apopka Advocates protest treatment of homeless in ApopkaAPOPKA, Fla. — Apopka’s City Council chambers were relatively full Wednesday night as advocates turned up to protest the treatment of the homeless throughout the city. “We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness, though we’ve tried to do that,” Pastor Scott Billue, of Matthew’s Hope, said. After Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Bryan Nelson took time to rebut some of the claims the advocates had made. He said the city had not changed any policies toward the homeless and wasn’t targeting them. “At some point, one of his family members, extended family, immediate family… might themselves become homeless,” she warned.

A person was transported to the hospital after a shooting in Orange County Wednesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said.

It's mating season and this alligator was making Apopka Wildlife Drive guests aware.

An Orange County woman won a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery’s 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game, according to a news release Wednesday.

A reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot and killed a man in Apopka on Friday.

Video: $5K reward offered to help deputies find gunman who killed man at church near Apopka Deputies in Orange County are looking for the gunman who killed a man near Apopka on Friday evening. (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Orange County are looking for the gunman who killed a man near Apopka on Friday evening. READ: 19-year-old ‘career felon’ arrested after armed robbery at Flagler gym, deputies sayDeputies said Albert Gonzalez Jr. was shot and killed at a mobile home park on East 13th Street. READ: Central Florida man arrested after running from deadly crash that killed elderly ladyAnyone with information that can lead deputies to an arrest can call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) to be eligible to receive a $5,000 reward. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

A man was shot Friday night in a mobile home park in Apopka and later died, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brew Theory is expanding to Apopka. The popular contract brewing facility said it plans to open the new Brew Theory Marketplace food hall in 2023. In addition to downtown Orlando, Brew Theory will open a 50,000 square foot production facility in Sanford next year with plans for another location in Lowell, Massachusetts. READ: Paul McCartney returns to Orlando: A guide to parking and road closuresBrew Theory Marketplace in Apopka City Center is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023. More information on Brew Theory Marketplace can be found here.

Brew Theory is set to open a new food hall in Apopka in the summer of 2023.

National Weather Service Melbourne announced a Flood Advisory that is set to last until 10:45 p.m. Friday.

Check out this week's Sonic Prep Player of the Week featuring Dhnizia Turner from Apopka High School.

Video: 3 garbage trucks destroyed in Apopka fire Three Apopka garbage trucks were destroyed in a fire on Wednesday afternoon. (Q McCray, WFTV.com)APOPKA, Fla. — Three Apopka garbage trucks were destroyed in a fire on Wednesday afternoon. City officials said it could’ve been caused by anything ranging from hot trash to rodents chewing on wiring. The city was already able to rent a replacement for the yard waste truck, which is on the road now. Photos: 3 garbage trucks destroyed in Apopka fireExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Apopka garbage truck tire Three Apopka garbage trucks were destroyed in a fire on Wednesday afternoon.

New documents show a former Apopka police officer charged for his involvement in the Capitol Hill riot served as a leader of a local Proud Boys chapter at the time of his arrest.

A viral video showed the terrifying moment that a black bear chased an Apopka family and their dog into their house. Rachel Smith shared the...

The Apopka Fire Department responded to a recycling facility early Saturday morning to deal with 2 acres of burning mulch and brush, according to a news release.

Jason and Rachael Smith say they were walking their dog around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in their neighborhood near Wekiwa State Park when the bear appeared.

Seminal funk outfit the Isley Brothers are heading to Central Florida — Apopka to be exact — this fall for an outdoors festival, and that...

The supermarket chain Sprouts Farmers Market is getting ready to open its fifth Central Florida location.

An Apopka man was killed Friday night after losing control of a motorcycle and crashing it into a median on East Semoran Boulevard in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Jomar Bonano has helped collect donations for Ukrainian refugees from local businesses, organizations and community leaders.

Churches of different denominations cater to Ukrainian populations across Florida. And since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began last month, there has been an outpouring of support for these churches from

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Some Apopka-area families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Friday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold a food giveaway in conjunction with Apopka Area Concerned Citizens Coalition. Attendees must also wear a mask and arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed. READ:Friday’s giveaway event will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until supplies run out. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

An investigation is underway after two men were found shot in Apopka, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The Wekiva High School band has been working for years fundraising for new uniforms. They’re still short about $20,000 and event organizers for the Apopka International Jazz Festival is trying to help.

Leaders with an Apopka church are in Poland offering prayers and meals to Ukrainians as the crisis continues to escalate.

Voters in Apopka are will choose some members of their city’s government Tuesday.

APOPKA, Fla. — Voters will head to the polls in the City of Apopka Tuesday. Among the open seats are mayor and three commission seats. Incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson will face off against former commissioner Kyle Becker. Erick Mock and Nick Nesta are vying to replace Becker, who resigned his Commissioner — Seat 4 seat to run for mayor. Read: Florida Senate passes controversial Parental Rights in Education billIn the Seat 2 commissioner race, Wes Dumey is running against incumbent Diane Velazquez.

Music lovers, here's your chance to win some tickets.

Hundreds of volunteers are making meals that will be sent to Ukraine to help those seeking refuge from war.

Members of St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church are collecting humanitarian relief items to send to Ukraine.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Wednesday will start off chilly but temperatures will quickly warm up throughout the day. Temperatures will start out in the 40s and 50s throughout Central Florida. READ: Mother of 11-year-old Apopka boy arrested: ‘I’m prepared to fight for justice for my son’Much warmer weather is around the corner. We’ll have temps in the mid-80s late week, upper 80s this weekend and near 90 next week. Channel 9 meteorologists are monitoring a fire threat.

APOPKA, Fla. — The mother of an 11-year-old Apopka boy is demanding police officers become better trained to handle situations with children. Officers briefly put her son in handcuffs and made him sit in the back of a squad car last week. Apopka Police Department said they responded to a robbery call, and police identified 11-year-old Jamir Bradford as the person who punched one person and stole the bike of another. After taking a closer look at the bike, officers let the boy go. “I’m prepared to fight for justice for my son.”Under Florida law, it’s illegal for police to arrest anyone under 6 years old.

One Central Florida man is using faith and fitness to make a difference in his community.

Musicians and singers, listen up!

Many prayed for their loved ones back home.

A crash on West Orange Blossom Trail at Albrecht Avenue prompted a roadblock there Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

APOPKA, Fla. — Apopka city officials presented a congratulatory proclamation Friday in the honor of the Founder of Hope Community Center. The center provides legal immigration services and citizenship preparation classes to people in Central Florida. Photos: Immigration services center honored by city of ApopkaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Immigration services center honored by city of ApopkaKendrick said if you need assistance, don’t hesitate. Citizenship and Immigration Services awarded the center a grant to help prepare lawful permanent residents for citizenship. WATCH: Timeshare owners who pay thousands to end their contracts feel trappedIt was one of 39 organizations nationwide that received a citizenship grant that year.

APOPKA, Fla. — Some local religious leaders came together Thursday night to pray for the people of Ukraine. LIVE UPDATES: Russia attacks Ukraine: Explosions heard in KyivA small prayer service was held at St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Apopka. Photos: Central Floridians gather to pray for the people of UkraineExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Central Floridians gather to pray for the people of UkraineThe parishioners said they are sending prayers for millions of men and women seeking shelter as Russia attacks. READ: Russia attacks Ukraine: How to donate to people in UkraineThe priest said he will continue to hold these prayer services for the foreseeable future. READ: Explosions heard in Kyiv as Russia presses Ukraine assaultClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

A three-day festival planned for this weekend to celebrate Ukrainian culture will now be a rally and demonstration as Russian begins to invade Ukraine's borders.

APOPKA, Fla. — Russian forces have moved into Ukraine from the north and the south. A Ukrainian church in Apopka sent out a message condemning Russia’s attacks. READ: Ukraine-Russia live updates: Ukraine says 40 killed in attackThe church posted a lengthy but heartfelt message on its Facebook page. He works with some of the people displaced by this fight with Russia that has killed thousands of Ukrainians since 2014. There’s a lot more preparation internally than we’ve ever seen before,” Sullivan said.

Local elections can take place throughout the year in Florida, and in March six cities and towns in Orange County elected city commissioners, mayors and charter amendments.

An occupant of a vehicle that crashed in Orlando near Apopka Saturday afternoon became entrapped in the car and had to be rescued, according to the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

Apopka police released body camera footage Friday showing four officers punching and arresting a man who is suing the department for using excessive force.

All Orlando-area Fuddruckers have closed, per a post shared to the locations' Facebook pages. Until recently, the Orlando metro had three outposts of the fast-casual...

Fuddruckers abruptly closed its two Central Florida locations on Monday.

APOPKA, Fla. — An incident captured on an Apopka police officer’s body camera in 2018 is now at the center of a police brutality lawsuit. The officers describe Sims as “extremely intoxicated and yelling obscenities” from inside the home, and body camera video shows the moment they went inside. READ: Man files lawsuit claiming Apopka police beat him following noise complaint“They didn’t knock,” Sims said. READ: $5K reward offered after man found shot dead on Apopka roadside“I want to see justice be served,” she said. The three officers were disciplined, but Sims is taking her claims to court, claiming police brutality.

A viral TikTok is bringing increased scrutiny to Apopka police. The clip shows members of that department violently arresting former law enforcement officer Jason Friend....

APOPKA, Fla. — The city of Apopka and the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the groundbreaking of the Apopka City Center on Thursday. The new development will include Brew Theory Marketplace — a 12,000-square-foot food hall — and a Starbucks. “Today we celebrate a significant milestone that brings quality amenities to the residents of Apopka,” said Jeff McFadden, managing director at Taurus Investment Holdings. READ: In reversal of policy, Medicare will cover free COVID-19 home tests for millionsClick 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

Jason Friend said he was sitting in his car, thinking about his late mother when the cops arrived for a noise complaint. Friend, a former law enforcement officer from Maryland, said the way he was treated wasn’t following procedure. READ: $5K reward offered after man found shot dead on Apopka roadsideIn their arrest report, officers said they heard a radio playing loudly. They claim Friend was drunk and when they tried to speak to him, and he never responded. Several members stopped by the Apopka City Hall Wednesday asking the people of Apopka to speak to commissioners so more action can be taken.

The Farmwork Association of Florida, along with other advocates for migrant workers, held a news conference Wednesday to call out recent anti-migrant and immigration rhetoric from State Rep. Anthony Sabatini and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A former Maitland cop is holding a news briefing with his attorney Wednesday accusing several Apopka officers of beating him unprovoked when he was listening to music in his car.

A day after some residents and an elected official made false claims about a group of immigrant workers dropped off at a Maitland hotel, the CEO of Dewar Nurseries, the company that temporarily hired the group spoke to News 6.

A discussion about temporary work visas recently surfaced following false allegations implying migrants staying at a Maitland hotel were illegal immigrants.

Despite pronouncements to the contrary by a Central Florida lawmaker, migrants reportedly staying at a Maitland hotel are in the country legally as farmworkers.

A man died after his truck struck a guardrail on State Road 414 in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The brother of a high-profile missing Central Florida woman has been found dead, according to Apopka police.

Deputies have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred in Apopka Friday afternoon, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies have not released any information about the suspect or the victim.

Well-known Central Florida barbecue chain Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que has now closed its Apopka restaurant, leaving only two restaurants open.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that left a 26-year-old man dead.

APOPKA, Fla. — Orange County deputies are investigating after a man was found shot and lying on the ground near an intersection and subsequently died. At about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies said they found a 26-year-old man with at least one gunshot wound at East G.H. Firefighters tried to provide aid to the man but he later died at the scene. READ: Trooper hits, kills trooper brother, detained driver while responding to traffic stopInvestigators said the man was injured in a nearby neighborhood. READ: Notes left on cars in Florida warn people to leave if ‘woke’No suspect information is available.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A multi-county search continues from an Osceola County woman last seen by her family two weeks ago. “It’s my baby...my friend...my everything,” Paola’s mother Ivonne Rosa said. “They have a best friend relationship,” family friend Bianca Aponte said of Paola’s relationship with her mother. Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are... Posted by Osceola County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, December 26, 2021READ: Mother of man shot by Orlando police says he’s an army veteran being treated for PTSDTips lead Miranda-Rosa’s family to Apopka where they gathered New Years Eve to hang flyers. “It’s a bad nightmare, and we just want it to end with her coming home.”The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says their search continues as an active investigation, but that they don’t suspect any foul play.

Orange County is opening a third COVID-19 testing site Thursday to help meet the demand.

APOPKA, Fla. — The city of Apopka was just fined for an issue one man has been complaining about for years. He said the backflow preventers weren’t being inspected. The contraption on water pipes allows for water to flow in one direction, which keeps drinking water from being contaminated. READ: Police in Ohio investigate after 58-foot bridge disappearsThe department fined the city $34,000 for three years of non-compliance. It’s up to homeowners to have their backflow preventers tested and inspected, but the new ordinance voted on will make sure the city does what it can to let people know what they need to do and when.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There was heavy smoke and flames coming from an Apopka home when Orange County firefighters responded Thursday morning. Firefighters said the house was 60% involved when they arrived at the home on East 15th Street. They said the only occupant of the home was safely evacuated. Firefighters were able to get the fire out, and Duke Energy responded to the scene to deal with a live wire on the ground. There is a live wire down on the ground.

A house fire broke out at a home in Apopka.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Central Florida families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost this morning. READ: Two shot near Apopka, deputies sayRep. Daisy Morales (D-Orlando), in partnership with Farm Share and other community agencies, will hold a food distribution event in Orlando. The giveaway starts at 10 a.m. and will be held at the E3 Community Church, located at 7308 Pershing Ave., Orlando, FL 32822. “Many of our neighbors are in much needed assistance to feed their families. The free food distribution is to help those in need of the most basic necessity of food,” said Representative Morales.

A man and woman were shot in Orange County, deputies say.

A Central Florida nonprofit is spreading holiday cheer through random acts of kindness. Members went door to door to sing Christmas carols and passed out free gifts to unsuspecting homeowners.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It could still be more than a month before Central Florida finds out how much money it gets as part of the Biden administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill. With $39 billion of the $1.3 trillion set for public transit nationally, the hope is the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can create more blue-collar jobs in Central Florida. “When we invest in the people, our community does better, our state does better and America does better,” Demings said. Read: Action 9 exposes the high risk for consumers hiring movers onlineApopka mayor Bryan Nelson hopes Congress can help the city with much needed infrastructure. Apopka’s got a lot of opportunities for road infrastructure, water infrastructure and waste water infrastructure,” he said.

A man was found shot to death in a vehicle in Apopka on Wednesday night, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Surveillance cameras at Layton Sports Cards in Apopka captured footage of a suspected bobcat peering in its front doors on Tuesday afternoon around 2:10 p.m.

Apopka Middle School on lockdown after reports of student with weapon on campus, police sayAPOPKA, Fla. — Police in Apopka said a middle school was placed on a hold Friday afternoon after reports of a student with a weapon on campus. Officers said they were called to Apopka Memorial Middle School after reports of the possibly armed student. Orange County Public Schools released a statement saying the school was placed on a “secure and hold” and not on a lockdown. School officials said the secure and hold status at Apopka Middle School has recently been lifted. Channel 9 has a crew headed to the middle school and will provide update on Eyewitness News.

An Apopka middle school has been placed under lockdown Friday as officers investigate reports of a student who may possibly have a weapon at the school, according to the Apopka Police Department.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County hopes to make some quick hires to keep operations running smoothly. A job fair is being held at the Apopka maintenance facility. The job fair will speed up the process, with candidates interviewed in-person. READ: DeSantis to take legal action against COVID-19 vaccine mandates“It’s been a challenge to fill the positions,” said Eduardo Avellaneda, with Orange County Public Works Department. The Orange County Public Works Department is shorthanded.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A new indoor soccer facility is in the works on the south side of the city of Apopka. Read: Gabby Petito: FBI finds backpack, notebook belonging to Brian Laundrie in reserveThe 42,408-square-foot facility is planned for 0.25 acres at 104 W. Michael Gladden Blvd. Read: Brian Laundrie search: Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, what you need to knowThe project is called " Apopka Indoor Futbol Center,” via documents. Click here to read Richard Bilbao’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

APOPKA, Fla. — A week before her 16th birthday, Nykeria Simmons was gunned down on Main Street in Apopka, not far from where she grew up. Lashunda Redd said there isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t think about her sister. Varsity Football gameNykeria’s family said they hope someone will come forward and help them get the justice they’re looking for. I wish somebody would come forward so we can get justice, and my sister can rest in peace,” Lashunda said. The FBI urges anyone with information to contact the FBI Tampa Field Office at (813) 253-1000, or the Central Florida Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).

APOPKA, FLA. — A person was shot in a south Apopka neighborhood early Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said. At about 12:45 a.m., deputies said they responded to a home in the 1100 block South Central Ave. for an aggravated battery via firearm call. Deputies said they found a person with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The person was taken to a hospital, where they are in stable condition. READ: Leesburg parents arrested after infant dies covered in dirt, feces, police sayNo other details were available.

Woman in her 20s found shot to death inside car in Apopka, deputies sayOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A member of Osceola County’s Fire-Rescue team was sent to the hospital Wednesday after being struck in the head with an ax while responding to a call. Crews from Osceola County Fire Station 62 were called to a home in Kissimmee for a woman who was having difficulty breathing. The victim was taken to Osceola County Regional Hospital to be treated and is now listed as stable. READ: Port Orange man charged with dozens of counts of possessing child pornThe suspect has been taken into custody, but deputies haven’t identified him or said what charges he’ll be facing. Deputies have not said what the motive for the attack might have been.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A woman was found dead inside a car after a shooting on Sunday, according to Orange County deputies. Deputies said the woman was found dead at around 1:40 p.m. on Ashville Street in Apopka. READ: Man in critical condition after shooting in downtown Orlando, police sayThe woman was not identified but deputies said she is in her 20s. WATCH: Person dies after shooting at 7-Eleven in Orlando, police sayNo other details were released. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando will offer the COVID-19 vaccine at several mobile sites this week. Crews will administer the Pfizer vaccine to individuals 12 and older, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine also will be available for adults. WATCH: 17 Apopka church members test positive for COVID-19 following July 4 gatheringCity officials said the mobile clinics ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is accessible to all, especially for families, prior to the start of the school year. 🚌 Tomorrow's #IGotMyShot COVID-19 Vaccine Trailer Event 🚌✅ Engelwood Neighborhood Center (6123 La Costa Drive, Orlando, FL 32807)✅ Monday, July 12 from 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.💉Pfizer and J&J brands available. Our neighborhood centers are conveniently located throughout the city and it only takes about 30 minutes to get the vaccine there.

APOPKA, Fla. — More than a dozen members of Journey Christian Church in Apopka have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 4. It started with one positive case during a Fourth of July celebration. The church has another campus in Lake County, and between both campuses there are more than 1,200 members. READ: Pfizer to ask permission to give booster shot; FDA, CDC say it’s not necessary“The people that have been impacted that have tested positive have been at both campuses. They have been throughout the different department levels, from pastors to staff to lay people in the congregation,” Aagaard said.

On a slightly overcast day, the sun peaked through the clouds just enough to glisten off the water of Lake Sumter and give the Camp Villages teenagers a perfect day

Now it’s beyond money,” Haslip said. The credit card company denied her request because she was outside of the timeframe that would give card holders protection for disputed charges. Generally, credit card dispute protection only lasts three months. Konadocks is rated F at the Better Business Bureau, and several consumers claim they also paid deposits for work that was not done. He said Monroe’s credit card refund has been honored and she still owes him $2,500 for the old dock demo.

While we wouldn't have thought to do it on our own, soaring high above Apopka in a glowing hot air balloon this Memorial Day weekend...

APOPKA, Fla. - For the second time in about 24 hours, an Orange County resident was struck by a bullet after shots were fired from outside the home. The most recent shooting was reported just after 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of Robinson Avenue. The Orange County Sheriff's Office said shots were fired into the home, striking a resident inside. The victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition, deputies said. Earlier this month, an 8-year-old girl and her 20-year-old brother were injured when bullets were fired into their home on Robinson Avenue.

APOPKA, Fla. - One person was injured early Monday in an armed home invasion in Orange County, sheriff's officials said. The home invasion occurred around 1:50 a.m. in the 6400 block of Seabury Way. According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, three unidentified people carrying guns forced their way into the home and demanded property from the victims. One victim was struck during the incident and suffered minor injuries, deputies said. The group then ran away, possibly to a waiting vehicle, deputies said.

APOPKA, Fla. - Six years ago, the Farmworker Association of Florida helped develop a way to help workers put food on the table. It's through community gardens that many farmworkers are growing the same produce they pick on the fields. The organization advocates for farm workers and helps them get access to land so they can harvest their own foods. "Right now, we don't have any funding, so we're basically working with volunteers, with community garden members like farm workers," Sarmiento said. The lands that hold the gardens are loaned to Farm Worker Association of Florida for a small rate from the cities or community centers to support them.

APOPKA, Fla. - A Central Florida native is getting ready to teach the art of glassblowing at a new studio in Apopka. Since then, he's been creating designs that include sea life animals, wine glasses and other glass sculptures. Stokes is currently in the process of opening a new glassblowing studio to teach others. The Old Kinderhook Gallery in Apopka will offer lessons on how to make pendants, wine glasses, ornaments and tobacco pipes inside an air-conditioned studio. Stokes said it's a unique studio because most glassblowing studios use a furnace while Old Kinderhook will use propane and oxygen torches.

APOPKA, Fla. - A second arrest has been made in connection with a shooting that happened near an elementary school one afternoon, according to the Apopka Police Department. Police said witnesses reported the occupants of a Chevrolet Malibu and a silver Lexus shooting at each other on Vick Road and Old Dixie Highway at 1:15 p.m. Oct. 14. Patrol vehicles surrounded the Lexus after it spun out of control and the driver, Brandon Ayrow, ran from the car, according to the report. Ayrow denied firing his weapon, records show. Ayrow was arrested after the shooting on charges of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and resisting arrest without violence.

APOPKA, Fla. - A plane rolled over and ended up upside down during a touch-and-go landing at the Orlando Apopka Airport Thursday morning. Officials from the Apopka Police Department said the incident happened at about 9:45 a.m. when the plane struck the ground during landing, causing it to roll over. No one on board the Tecnam Bravo light sport plane, which is owned by a private aviation school located at the airport, was injured. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident. A photo shared with News 6 shows a small white plane flipped over.

APOPKA, Fla. - Apopka police identified Delfino Vasquez, 59, as the pedestrian killed after being struck by two cars. The crash happened at the intersection of North Park Avenue and East Nightingale Street around 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Police said Vasquez was in the center turn lane waiting to cross North Park Avenue when a car hit him and sent him into the path of another vehicle that struck him, police said. "We definitely need a light, maybe a street light or something saying slow down, we need more precautions," Daniel Vasquez said. Apopka police issued a statement to News 6:"The City is currently working with Duke Energy to make street lighting improvements to Park Avenue.

APOPKA, Fla. - One person is in custody following a shooting involving people in two vehicles Monday afternoon. The shooters used assault-style rifles, according to Apopka police. Police responded to the area of Vick Road and Old Dixie Highway at 1:15 p.m. for reports of people in two vehicles shooting at one another with rifles. An American Tactical AR-15 rifle was found in the passenger seat of the Lexus, according to the report. with a "chopper," the street term for an AK-47-style rifle, according to the report.

APOPKA, Fla. - A judge has denied bond for a man Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies identified as the gunman in a shooting outside the Blue Jeans Lounge in Apopka. During the initial appearance, the state went through details of the shooting and discussed how Crimeline, an anonymous tip line, played a role in Mosely's arrest. [RELATED: Orange County deputies arrest man in parking lot shooting at Blue Jeans Lounge | Video shows fight, shooting outside Blue Jeans Lounge in Apopka]"There were multiple tips identifying this defendant based on the media release of the surveillance video as the person that did the shooting," the prosecutor said. Last month, deputies released video of the Sept. 21 shooting, which showed two men getting into a fight before another man opened fire. Prosecutors said deputies were able to link Mosley to the SUV and shooting scene through tips and the vehicle's identification number.

APOPKA, Fla. - A man is facing multiple charges months after he ran a stop sign in a BMW that he took from his girlfriend, caused a crash that killed a 64-year-old woman, then fled the scene, according to the Apopka Police Department. Authorities said the crash happened around 11:40 p.m. on April 1 at the intersection of West Michael Gladden Boulevard and South Hawthorne Avenue. Through their investigation, police said they learned Emmanuel Cazeau Jr. was driving his girlfriend's BMW when he ran a stop sign going at about 60 mph, entering the direct path of a Chevrolet van. The impact of the crash caused the van to flip and the BMW to land on top of a fence line. He's facing charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash with death, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, and reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.