CENTRAL FLORIDA

Barb Bergin, executive director of Central Florida’s Crimeline, said a new reporting tool entirely for students is getting results together more than ever, especially for children in mental health crisis.

State Troopers say they are looking for a full size pick-up truck or van involved in hit-and-run crash.

Central Florida parents are feeling the effects of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, which has left the nation in mourning.

The weather is heating up and the deals are rolling out this Memorial Day weekend! This deal includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, parking, lockers, towels, snorkel gear and floatation devices (seems like a deal to me!) For non-Florida residents, complimentary drink packages will be added to your ticket if you book by May 30, 2022. Busch GardensFrom now until May 30, guests can save up to 45% off regular admission. must be shown to receive these dealsWritten by Jessica Tucciarone.

Central Florida has been spared of any significant hurricane in the last few years but while it’s been this way for the last several hurricane seasons, Floridians should not be anticipating a similar season.

Central Florida schools are reinforcing security measures in reaction to the deadly shooting of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A rising crime trend is impacting dozens of drivers in Central Florida. It all has to do with a pricey car part — catalytic converters. In Orange County, law enforcement officers responded to 67 catalytic converter thefts in April. Detective Alex DeLuca led the UCF police department’s investigation into a string of catalytic converter thefts in March. Catalytic converter thefts (UCF police)DeLuca said criminals are after the metal inside catalytic converters.

ORLANDO, Fla. — We will have another hot day in Central Florida. Daytime highs will be near 92 degrees. It will be partly cloudy most of the day. LIVE UPDATES: Texas school shooting live updates: 2nd of 19 slain children identified by family membersAfternoon storms will return Friday and into the weekend. READ: SpaceX launch will send cremated remains of loved ones into space on WednesdayDaytime highs will be near 90 degrees this weekend.

Following the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 18 students and 3 adults, several Central Florida school districts have announced special measures to ensure students safety as the school year wraps up.

VIDEO: Orlando church hosts gas card giveaway as fuel prices reach record highs yet again Gas prices in Florida and across the country have reached new highs again. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Gas prices in Florida and across the country have reached new highs again. READ: 14 students, 1 teacher, gunman dead in Texas school shootingExperts say gas prices typically reach their highest levels around Memorial Day, which is now less than a week away. Pastor Duron Dixon of The Kingdom Church of Orlando recently held a gas card giveaway in an effort to help people who are struggling to fill up their tanks. Mitchell says she intends to keep trying to help, even if gas prices continue to rise.

VIDEO: Central Florida RV park underwater after severe flooding, county says it’s not their responsibility VIDEO: Central Florida RV park underwater after severe flooding, county says it’s not their responsibility (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com/WFTV)BUSHNELL, Fla. — Parts of a Central Florida RV park have been underwater for days and the county said it’s not responsible for the flooding. “And we can’t get out without wading out, we can’t get in without wading in,” said resident Maxine Williams. Williams bought her home in February and told Channel 9 that the area around her home has flooded twice since then. Sumter County told Channel 9 that it’s private property and the responsibility is on the owner. “You’d have to call my corporate office, but I’m not going to give you that number right now because I don’t have it on me,” the property manager told Channel 9.

The Biden administration is considering tapping a rarely used diesel reserve to help ease the pain at the gas pump as inflation continues to drive up prices.

VIDEO: Florida lawmakers examine condo insurance during special session Florida lawmakers examine condo insurance during special sessionTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are trying to come up with a solution for the skyrocketing insurance premiums across the state, including Central Florida. On Tuesday, they expanded the session to deal with condo insurance following the Surfside condo collapse that killed nearly 100 people last year in South Florida. READ: The Florida Senate wants to fix the state’s insurance market. VIDEO: The Florida Senate wants to fix the state’s insurance market. Here’s how The Florida Senate wants to fix the state’s insurance market.

Gas prices in the U.S. and in Florida have reached new record highs.

This summer the Florida Underground Fest returns, bringing together bands from throughout Central Florida and the entire state for a two-day musical blowout. Running from...

Another hot day in Central Florida.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tuesday looks to be hot and mainly dry with a high of 92 degrees. Central Florida will still see some lingering effects from Saharan dust today, but the air quality will improve as we move into the weekend. Saharan dust is still in place today, but the air quality will improve later this week. pic.twitter.com/5BLPUwPQks — Brian Shields, WFTV (@BrianWFTV) May 24, 2022Meteorologist Brian Shields said the chance for more storms will increase later this week. Going into the Memorial Day weekend, we will see a 50% chance of afternoon storms on Friday, with highs around 90 degrees.

VIDEO: Central Florida woman accused of injecting patients with Botox without license Central Florida woman accused of injecting patients with Botox without licenseBREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is accused of illegally injecting people with Botox in Central Florida, and a doctor allegedly helped her practice medicine without a license. Ferrara, 65, is now facing a charge of unlicensed practice of a health care profession. Deputies said Ferrara is accused of injecting Botox, PRP and non-FDA approved medications into joints, necks and faces. Rigdon is not facing charges, but the Florida Department of Health has filed an administrative complaint before the Board of Medicine requesting that a penalty be imposed. The requested penalties for Rigdon range from a reprimand and fines to having his doctor’s license revoked.

A News 6 investigation into a fraudulent real estate transaction has prompted thousands of Central Floridians to sign up for free property fraud alert notifications.

For the first time since the pandemic began, festival-goers packed the Ocoee Lakeshore Center and Bill Breeze Park to attend Sunday’s Asian Cultural Festival.

The 911 call obtained by News 6 reveals the man’s father dialed Lake County for help.

DeLand police are investigating two similar attempted carjacking incidents, one of which was armed, that occurred Saturday night and Sunday morning at a Walmart and college parking lot respectively.

If there is talk about a hurricane on the way to Florida and you still haven’t set up a preparedness kit, you may be forgetting key items to survive without power.

The latest initiative to promote Mental Health Awareness Month has brought several alarming statistics to light, including the record number of drug overdose deaths in 2021.

Hot

ORLANDO, Fla. — Monday will be mainly dry across much of Central Florida for most of the day with a 20% chance of storms in the afternoon. Tuesday looks to be more of the same with increasing clouds during the afternoon with a possible stray shower or thunderstorm. On 9 now... pic.twitter.com/rVNB9BfeRe — Brian Shields, WFTV (@BrianWFTV) May 23, 2022Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the chance of rain is low through mid-week. Heading into the weekend, the chance of afternoon storms will increase with the potential for rain at about 40%. Monday forecast: Hot, dry with a lower chance of storms (WFTV)Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:Visit our hurricane section: EYE ON THE TROPICSClick 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.

First tropical disturbance of 2022 Atlantic hurricane season may form in GulfORLANDO, Fla. — The National Weather Service is monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida. Disturbance, depressions, tropical, subtropical storms, hurricanesThough there is a low chance for development, this disturbance would become the first named tropical storm in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season if it strengthens. The first 'disturbance' of the year for NHC Atlantic tropical weather outlooks, although looks unfavorable for significant development, still watching heavy rain threat for Central Gulf Coast/Florida Panhandle. WATCH: Severe storms trigger tornado warning, bring strong winds and hail to parts of Central FloridaIt is possible the tropical disturbance could bring heavy rain to the Central Gulf Coast and Florida panhandle. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

NHC is watching the tropics for low chance of development in the Gulf of Mexico.

Video: Florida lawmakers to address home insurance crisis during special session on Monday Florida lawmakers are just one day away from taking on the state’s crumbling home insurance industry. (WFTV)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are just one day away from taking on the state’s crumbling home insurance industry. READ: Florida House, Senate Democrats call for relief for renters during special sessionThe special session in Tallahassee on Monday will focus on major homeowners’ insurance carriers that have been pulling out of the state. Lawmakers have been speaking out on this growing problem, heading into the session. READ: Florida bills limit roof refusal by insurers, add new fund“This is an industry in collapse,” said state Sen. Jeff Brandes.

Two Leesburg homeowners are cleaning up after storms hit Central Florida Saturday night, causing a tree to split in two and crash into a house.

Just like Saturday, most of your Sunday will be dry and humid. Storms Sunday will likely get an even later start than Saturday. While the storms will be less widespread, a few could again be strong.

The water service and pressure was restored soon after the outage, but the city still issued the boil water notice as a precaution.

Ron DeSantis’ congressional redistricting plan, which dismantles a North Florida district likely to elect a Black candidate, will be used for this year’s primary and general elections, at least for now. As it stands now, DeSantis’ congressional plan would divide North Florida Blacks among four districts dominated by white voters, each sitting next to each other: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5. Smith decided to lift the automatic stay of his ruling striking down the DeSantis map. A separate federal legal attack on the DeSantis map is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. In the state case, DeSantis cites U.S. Supreme Court precedents disfavoring using race as a predominant factor in drawing political boundaries.

, Fla. — Orlando police said one person was injured after an apparent accidental shooting at a gun show Saturday morning. Read: Pregnant Florida woman caught on video throwing violent tantrum at McDonald’s arrestedOrlando Fire Department responded to the Central Florida Fairgrounds off Colonial Drive just after 11 a.m. after reports of a person with a gunshot wound to the leg. See map of location below:According to gun show organizers, a man was unloading his weapon in his car when the gun fired hitting him in the leg. Read: 1 dead, 3 injured in drive-by shooting outside Osceola County convenience storeThe victim, who has not been identified, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 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.

Federal health officials are warning areas in the U.S. where COVID-19 cases are rising to consider indoor masking once again.

Kids Bowl Free is back this summer.

The Country Thunder festival is returning to Central Florida this autumn, with three days' worth of bid-name country headliners set to hold court in Osceola...

We know the weather will be hot, and there’s plenty of splash pads around Central Florida where you can cool off.

Here’s your chance to work for the No. 1 local news website in Central Florida!

Orlando Fringe Festival is starting this weekend. Monster Jam World Finals are returning to Camping World Stadium this weekend, drawing fans from all over the globe. (Monster Jam)MEGACON Orlando is happening this weekend. This weekend will be your last chance to check out Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando. READ: Viva La Música returns to SeaWorld Orlando this weekendExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 SeaWorld Orlando Viva La Música food (SeaWorld Orlando)The Daytona Beach Beer Fest is happening this weekend.

Rain moving in Get ready for a wet day ahead across Central Florida. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — Get ready for a wet day ahead across Central Florida. Some of that rain will be heavy, and some areas can expect up to 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. READ: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectHigh rain chances are forecast to remain on Saturday with an 80% chance and a high temperature of 87 degrees. Shields said that by Sunday, the afternoon rain chance will go down to 50%.

Florida Rising, an organization for racial justice, hosted a vigil at Lake Eola Park in memory of the Buffalo mass-shooting victims.

A Merritt Island man was arrested by deputies after defrauding thirteen Central Florida residents for roughly $207,450, according to a report released by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

A Texas man was found with 17 pounds of marijuana in his car after deputies pulled him over for a traffic stop, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

VIDEO: State officials differ in response to high gas, groceries costs State officials differ in response to high gas, groceries costsTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — People in Central Florida are eager for prices to drop at local gas stations and grocery stores. READ: Central Florida economist: Anticipate another recessionThe governor’s office said that move would hurt drivers further. The average cost of a gallon of gas in Florida remains at $4.50, an all-time high. DeSantis passed a tax relief package for a quarter off a gallon of gas in October. However, University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith said none of these are an answer that will stick.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will hold a news conference at a fire station in Lakeland.

Steve Montiero is no stranger to Central Florida.

Saharan dust is expected to move in and could cause allergies to flare up more than spring blooms.

What was once a 47-foot majestic sperm whale was later devoured by hungry sharks off Big Pine Key.

It's really hot out there.

IN-DEPTH: Central Florida economist: Anticipate another recession Central Florida economist: Anticipate another recessionU.S. stocks took another hit on Wednesday as jittery investors absorbed news from retail giant Target that profits had been cut by half. READ: ‘Nothing at all on the shelf’: Parents seek imported baby formula amid shortageUniversity of Florida economist Dr. Amanda Phalin said she also anticipates a recession to form over the next year or two despite efforts to avoid job losses. However, she said the consensus was that a 2022 or 2023 recession would be minor, with minimal job losses and a quick recovery. Phalin compared such a scenario to 2000, rather than the Great Recession of 2008 that’s still a fresh scar on many minds. “I don’t want us to get to a point where even in a mild recession, our economic growth recovers, but our job market doesn’t,” she said.

VIDEO: Orlando charter school breaks ground on new, state-of-the-art campus One of Central Florida’s oldest charter schools will soon have a permanent home. (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — One of Central Florida’s oldest charter schools will soon have a permanent home. Legends Academy broke ground Wednesday on a brand new campus in Washington Shores that will provide local kids with a better education experience. READ: Man injured after opening fire on Orlando officers during traffic stop, chief saysCurrently, students at Legends Academy are taught in portable learning spaces. Legends Academy has served Central Florida students for decades, working to close the academic gap in lower income areas.

The Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida is back with its Asian Cultural Festival for the first time since the pandemic.

The 90′s English virtual band Gorillaz announced a tour stop at Orlando’s Amway Center as part of their premiere North American tour.

Video: ‘We have got to do something’: More than 3,700 died in crashes across Florida in 2021 (Alexa Lorenzo, WFTV.com)ORLANDO, Fla. — New data shows more than 3,700 people died in crashes across Florida last year. In the state of Florida, we lose eight people in our crashes every day,” said Loreen Bobo with the Florida Department of Transportation. Bobo said the goal is “getting to zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.”It’s a massive undertaking but it starts with us. Some European countries have reduced their traffic fatalities by 50% to 60% under the Vision Zero program. Hoboken, New Jersey hasn’t seen a single traffic-related death in four years under its Vision Zero strategy.

Hot, hot, hot out there.

ORLANDO, Fla. — We’ll have another hot day in Central Florida. This afternoon, we will have a 30% chance of pop-up storms. On Thursday, temperatures will be near 96 — close to records. There will be a 70% chance of afternoon rain and storms. READ: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectThe tropical downpours will drop our temperatures into the 80s for the weekend.

Following the Buffalo shooting this past weekend, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood spoke out in support of ‘red flag’ laws in Florida, stating that they’ve helped him in preventing crimes during his time in law enforcement.

Summer Guide 2022

Summer Guide 2022

A business in Kissimmee is on a mission to help Hispanic residents in Central Florida purchase homes and educate home buyers and realtors about the process toward homeownership.

Walt Disney World announced the reopening dates for two of its popular family experiences at the Magic Kingdom.

Three different property insurance companies told Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation Tuesday they want big increases:

The Dr. Phillips Center will be exploring China before communism with performances of “Shen Yun” from May 20-22.

VIDEO: Walt Disney Co. sees spike in Q2 earnings Walt Disney Co. sees spike in Q2 earningsORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. California-based The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) has had a major presence in Florida since the 1960s when the early stages of Walt Disney World were under development. Read: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectYet, the company is set to grow its foothold here exponentially. That is due to Disney planning to build a campus in Central Florida and relocate thousands of workers to metro Orlando. Read: How much income does a Central Florida family need to make ends meet?

Read: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectAs one of the world’s top tourism destinations, Central Florida is home to many high-end short-term vacation rentals. Short-term rentals, easily marketed and rented through popular sites like Airbnb, are becoming increasingly common across the nation. More U.S. properties are becoming short-term rentals, according to Denver-based AirDNA LLC. Read: How much income does a Central Florida family need to make ends meet? The short-term rental industry data firm estimates there were 1.06 million short-term rental listings in the U.S. last year, and forecasts that will grow to 1.22 million this year.

VIDEO: First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strengthORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The state of Florida may be the new overseer of whatever replaces the Walt Disney World’s (NYSE: DIS) Reedy Creek Improvement District after that governing body is dissolved next year, according to Gov. Read: How much income does a Central Florida family need to make ends meet? A concern was that costs and debts -- upwards of $1 billion -- held by Reedy Creek would fall to taxpayers in Orange and Osceola counties, but DeSantis has been adamant that won’t happen and alluded to the state taking over control of governing the Disney area. VIDEO: Texas congressman pushes to eliminate no-fly zones over Disney parks Texas congressman pushes to eliminate no-fly zones over Disney parks©2022 Cox Media Group

A House panel is set to hold a public hearing on Tuesday on "unidentified aerial phenomena."

WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 Saharan dust making Central Florida's skies hazy. This picture was taken by Joe in Merritt IslandORLANDO, Fla. — Saharan dust is marching across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust plume should arrive this weekend. READ: Here’s how much a Central Florida family needs to earn to make ends meetThe dust also helps prevent tropical storm development. This is our first big batch of dust this year, and we will get more plumes of dust as we enter the summer months.

It’s alligator mating season, which means you never know where you might run into one of these scaly reptiles.

Video: Gas prices break another recordORLANDO, Fla. — Gas prices have hit another all-time high in Florida and across the country. The average price for a gallon of gas in the state is now one cent higher, at $4.50. “The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. Pump prices will likely face upward pressure as oil prices stay above $105 per barrel. Gas prices reach new average national high Rising gas prices may put a lot of summer road trips on hold this year.

Hot, hot, hot!

VIDEO: Youth violence spree continues in Central Florida as kids prepare for summer break Youth violence spree continues in Central Florida as kids prepare for summer breakORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Nationally, the weekend’s attention was focused on Buffalo and Los Angeles as two hate-motivated men walked into a grocery store and a church respectively and opened fire, killing and injuring senselessly. UPDATE: Man, 2 teens arrested in connection with downtown Orlando shootingThe teens’ arrests – one was 17 and the other 16 – raised a few eyebrows of its own, as a streak of violence involving youths continued in Central Florida. READ: Buffalo supermarket shooting: What we know about the 10 victims“These guys are just acting out, and then here comes to the violence and aggression,” he said. He lamented about the lack of opportunities for kids, especially Black males on the west side of town. VIDEO: Burglary report leads police to suspects in shooting in Downtown Orlando Police say an attempted burglary report led them to the three suspects in a shooting in downtown Orlando early Monday morning.

The Central Florida Urban League — a group that promotes educational training and entrepreneurship in Central Florida — announced it will be partnering with Central Florida Community Arts to put together free summer camps for local youth in grades K - 8.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that the state is likely to take over Walt Disney World’s special taxing district, removing the power the company has had to regulate much of what goes on within the 25,000 acres company founder Walt Disney purchased more than half a century ago.

Baby formula shortage Some parents across Central Florida are struggling to find a way to feed their babies. The U.S. baby formula supply has been lacking since the Abbot Nutrition plant shut down and a recall was issued in February, which led to shortages across local stores and online. Central Florida parents are offering trades for formula or even to pay for gas to get it to where they need it. READ: Baby formula maker Abbott reaches agreement to restart largest production plantAt Mothers Milk Bank of Florida, their phones have been ringing off the hook. Baby formula shortage: What you need to know The lack of baby formula isn't expected to end soon.

Heart of Florida United Way United Way officials discussed the "State of Our Families” at its annual breakfast on Monday. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — A new report says Central Florida families are struggling to afford just the basics. According to numbers released Monday by the Heart of Florida United Way, a family of four would need to make $93,000 a year to make ends meet. United Way officials discussed the “State of Our Families” report at its annual breakfast. “Working for minimum wage on their feet all day wasn’t the lifestyle they wanted, a lot of folks have re-directed, pivoted in their careers,” said Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way.

Non-profit partnership Orange County is teaming up with Rollins College in Winter Park to support Central Florida non-profits. (WFTV.com News Staff)WINTER PARK, Fla. — Orange County is teaming up with Rollins College in Winter Park to support Central Florida non-profits. Mayor Jerry Demings announced the partnership, which will focus on small and diverse non-profits based in Orange County, on Monday morning. READ: Rollins College Valedictorian with autism delivers inspiring ‘silent’ commencement speech“When we strengthen our non-profits, we strengthen our community,” Demings said. Orange County is funding it with $4 million collected from the American Rescue Plan.

Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated his promise that Florida's taxpayers will not take on Walt Disney World's debt when and if the Reedy Creek Improvement District dissolves in 2023, teasing that he may have some legislative measures in place to prevent that from happening.

It found 39% of families in Central Florida made more than the federal poverty line, but not enough, or barely enough, to make ends meet in 2021.

When it comes to staycations for locals, our expert suggests hidden gems and new destinations.

SANFORD, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will be in Central Florida to make an announcement. The governor will be joined by Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s surgeon general, and Wilton Simpson, president of the Florida Senate. READ: Florida gas prices remain at record highsDeSantis’ office did not provide details about the announcement. READ: Lunar eclipse 2022: 10 stunning photos of May’s ‘super flower blood moon’Check back and watch Eyewitness News for the latest developments.

It will be hot, and we mean hot, this week.

Florida gas prices remain at record highsORLANDO, Fla. — It might sound like a broken record — but quite frankly, it is. The price of gas in Florida hit another new high Sunday, according to AAA. We watched as the price of gas climbed during the past week, consistently reaching new highs. Video: Record-high gas prices put pressure on drivers in Central Florida Drivers in Central Florida have seen another week of record-high gas prices. Gas hadn’t climbed that high in Florida since 2008, when it reached $4.08 per gallon.

A six-mile stretch of the Wekiva Parkway is opening Monday, marking a major milestone toward the completion of Central Florida’s beltway. Drivers can now get on at State Road 429 in Lake County and west of Longwood-Markham Road in Seminole County. “We’re really excited to be opening this up to traffic,” said Jessica Ottaviano with the Florida Department of Transportation. READ: FDOT celebrates completion of Wekiva Parkway wildlife crossingThe Florida Department of Transportation said the $1.6 billion project will help alleviate congestion and new wildlife crossings will make it safer for animals. FDOT said it built the Wekiva Parkway with nature top of mind.

The outrage and frustration about what happened in Buffalo is extending here to Central Florida.

Video: Pain at the pump: Record-high gas prices put pressure on drivers in Central Florida Drivers in Central Florida have seen another week of record-high gas prices. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Drivers in Central Florida have seen another week of record-high gas prices. Rep. Val Demings posted on social media Sunday that gas prices are now surpassing $5 a gallon in some parts of the state. Photos: Record-high gas prices put pressure on drivers in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Record-high gas prices put pressure on drivers in Central FloridaChannel 9 spoke with some drivers who said at the rate the prices are going, they are trying to stay home as much as possible. WATCH: Orange County COVID positivity rates on the rise, testing sites remain closed“It’s crazy because I’m just trying to survive in this world with these gas prices.

VIDEO: Central Florida couple delivers donated medical supplies to Ukraine VIDEO: Central Florida couple delivers donated medical supplies to Ukraine (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida couple recently returned from their humanitarian trip to Ukraine, in which they delivered much-needed medical supplies to the war-torn country. Julia and Oleg Kostyuk felt the need to act when they saw their family and friends suffering. After doing some research, they found out about a major demand for medications, like insulin. AdventHealth donated around $14,000 worth of medication and medical supplies for the couple to deliver to Ukraine. Read: Floridians encouraged to get out and garden with free starter seed packetsThe couple said their children donated their own toys for families in Ukraine.

Video: Strong afternoon thunderstorms to build across Central Florida Scattered storms are firing up with the potential for downpours and isolated street flooding, dangerous lightning, small hail and strong gusts of winds. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Scattered storms are firing up with the potential for downpours and isolated street flooding, dangerous lightning, small hail and strong gusts of winds. Severe t-storm warning and quarter size hail threat until 3:30pm for Rockledge, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Suntree, Viera in Brevard County until 3:30pm. For the remainder of the afternoon, strong storms will build inland across Central Florida. Small hail, torrential rain, strong wind gusts will be the main threats, however, just before 2pm today, a tornado was reported in the Jacksonville area.

The moon, Earth and sun are putting on a show tonight with the first total lunar eclipse visible from Florida in more than three years.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Just in time for summer break, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has teamed up with the National Association of Letter Carriers to collect nonperishable items to help stock shelves at food pantries across Central Florida. The annual event aims to stamp out hunger and assist families in need during the summer break. Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America participate in the NALC Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Second Harvest - Stamp Out HungerOn Saturday, postal carriers picked up donations on their routes, and Second Harvest volunteers were standing by to sort the food for distribution. Read: Happening this weekend: Wine tasting event to support big catsDonations will be delivered to the nonprofit’s network of more than 500 feeding partner sites.

VIDEO: Developers: Here's how to solve Central Florida's housing crisis Developers: Here's how to solve Central Florida's housing crisisORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A Sarasota-based developer plans to convert an Orlando hotel into affordable apartments. Read: Gas prices surge again, set another new recordThe project would be One Stop Housing’s second in the city of Orlando and its third in the region. Mark Vengroff, One Stop Housing’s managing partner, told Orlando Business Journal the developer is under contract to buy the property from Orlando-based Sammys Investments LLC. Video: ‘This crisis is only going to get worse’: Many struggling to find affordable housing in Florida (Christy Turner, WFTV.com)©2022 Cox Media Group

9 things to do this weekendORLANDO, Fla. — Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Mess Fest will take place at the center on Saturday and Sunday. The Big Cat Summer Sip & Stroll is taking place at the Central Florida Animal Reserve on Sunday. Gatorland is hosting its Gatorpalooza Fun Fest this weekend. There will be music, food, a silent auction and door prizes.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Another record was set overnight — but it’s one you probably won’t feel like cheering about it. The price of gas in Florida again landed at a new high on Friday, averaging $4.46 per gallon, AAA reported. AAA: Florida Gas Prices The price of gas hit another record high in Florida, AAA said Friday. READ: ‘It’s borderline abusive’: How you can fight back against robocallsWFTV’s Q McCray is looking into the latest spike in gas prices and will bring you live reports beginning at 5 a.m. on Eyewitness News. Central Florida gas prices (WFTV.com News Staff)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.

We’ll have scattered showers and a few storms this afternoon. We’ll have a nice start to the day in Central Florida. READ: No relief for struggling parents in sight as formula shortage stretches onAs we get into the afternoon hours, we’ll have a 40% chance of rain. We’ll have early scattered showers Friday night. READ: ‘It’s borderline abusive’: How you can fight back against robocallsTemperatures will be in the mid-90s all week long.

Flu season Doctors say flu cases are going up as mask requirements are relaxed or removed. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — Flu season in Central Florida is in full swing, and doctors said it’s happening later than usual. He said flu cases are going up as mask requirements are relaxed or removed. Now we’re all getting the flu, we didn’t have much of a flu season,” Hendrix said. “We’re having a very late flu season right now.”The CDC says that typically, the flu season starts in October and ends in May, but warned ahead of time that this year may look different.

Christopher is an investigative reporter at WFTV with a focus on uncovering corruption and wasteful spending across central Florida as part of the Eyewitness News 9 Investigates coverage. In addition to reporting on television, Christopher also hosts a podcast focused on politics in Florida called, “Battlegound Florida with Christopher Heath.”[ To listen to Christopher's podcast, click here. [ To read some of the stories Christopher has covered in Central Florida, click here. ] Three years after returning home from Iraq, Christopher was once again dispatched to Fort Hood, this time to cover a shooting spree that left 13 people dead and more than 32 injured. Joining Christopher in central Florida is his beautiful wife, Moriah, his sons Raymond and Benjamin, and two dog, Lando.