Former Orlando police chief offers safety tips ahead of Fourth of July celebration
Last year, thousands of people panicked and rushed away from Lake Eola after someone had yelled there was some sort of incident. However, law enforcement said there was no actual safety threat outside of the unnecessary panic.
Looking back at 2020′s weather for the history books
Here’s a look back at a few weather events, some of which occurred in Central Florida, that made their mark last year. Things started to really heat up in March in Central Florida. Here's how COVID-19 is impacting weather forecastingDuring the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown that dominated headlines around the globe, weather wasn’t free from the pandemic. Sure they’re a part of summer storm hazards in Central Florida, but last year was one many residents in DeLand won’t soon forget. 43 degrees is tied for the biggest drop in temperature ever at the Orlando International AirportChristmas came along and Santa brought Central Florida a cold front.
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Relive these Disney holiday traditions from the comfort of your own home
ORLANDO, Fla – The holiday celebrations are officially underway at Walt Disney World. This includes the EPCOT Candlelight Processional and last year’s new show, ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’ at Magic Kingdom. Both events were canceled this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But have no fear, just like a Christmas miracle, Walt Disney World is bringing virtual encore performances of these holiday shows straight to your home. ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’2019 EPCOT Candlelight ProcessionalDisney said guests staying at the Walt Disney World resort can catch the virtual performances nightly in their hotel rooms on Channel 74.
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Firework alert: Disney to perform routine firework testing near Magic Kingdom
ORLANDO, Fla – Those people living near Disney’s Magic Kingdom park may hear the once-familiar sounds of fireworks Monday night. Disney officials said Sunday they would be performing routine firework testing around the theme park between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and midnight. The theme park closes to guests tonight at 8:00 p.m.[TRENDING: Baby Yoda heads to space station | Highlights from SpaceX, NASA launch | Why did the giant rattlesnake cross the road?] Officials said they would do their best to keep the noise at a minimum and apologize to guests on property and those living nearby. Disney has temporarily suspended firework performances and nighttime spectaculars at its parks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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SeaWorld Orlando to host all-new Flicks & Fireworks event
ORLANDO, Fla SeaWorld Orlando will soon transform its parking lot into a drive-in movie theatre for guests to enjoy beginning this weekend. The all-new Flicks and Fireworks event will give guests the opportunity to watch a family film, enjoy local area food trucks and a fireworks display. Food trucks will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m. on event nights. SeaWorld Orlando Flicks and Fireworks event running July 10-12 (WKMG-TV)Friday July 10: Shark TaleSaturday July 11: A Dogs PurposeSunday July 12: The Karate KidSeaWorld said the event will cost $50 per vehicle and annual pass members can save 20%. *Per the Orange County ordinance face masks will be required if a guest is outside their vehicle.
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Groveland hosts simultaneous fireworks displays
GROVELAND – The City of Groveland didn't host a big Fourth of July celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it did put on two dueling fireworks displays for residents to watch safely from their own homes. “In previous years, our tradition has been to gather for the best things the Fourth of July in Groveland has to offer: food, fun and fireworks,” Wilson wrote. They pinpointed two secret locations where they could set off the fireworks so everyone in the city can watch from their homes. The city estimates more than 21,000 people will enjoy the dueling fireworks display safely from their front porch or backyard. As the fireworks went up in Groveland, the same could not be said through much of Central Florida.
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Why smoke lingers long after the fireworks are over
You may have noticed after seeing professional fireworks displays late in the evening or launching some of your own that the smoke just seems to sit there long after the show ends. During the day, temperature decreases with height in our atmosphere as the sun heats the ground and the ground heats the air around it. During the day the atmosphere is well mixed and things such as smoke are easily dispersed. This process keeps the atmosphere well mixed and doesnt let things like smoke settle in once place. This layer of warm acts as a lid to trap things like smoke close to the surface.
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Health officials concerned about spike in fireworks-related injuries
Health officials concerned about spike in fireworks-related injuriesPublished: July 3, 2020, 8:40 amMany fireworks shows around the country have been canceled because of the pandemic. Health officials are concerned there will be a spike in fireworks-related injuries with people putting on their own displays. Here’s a look at some fireworks safety tips.
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America is running out of fireworks, industry leaders say
Ahead of the July Fourth holiday there is some explosive news about fireworks: America might be running out of them. The problem is imports from China, which supplies more than 90% of the worlds fireworks, stalled earlier this year because the pandemic forced most of the factories to close. Industry leaders expect a supply shortage in the coming days. In fact, one expert said by July 5 there probably wont be many fireworks available until China can start producing and shipping again. On the other end of things, the professional fireworks side of the business is struggling since so many big events have been canceled.
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Celebrate safely: Orlando-area leaders urge COVID-19 caution ahead of July Fourth
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching as COVID-19 cases continue to climb, Orange County leaders are asking that residents celebrate in a smart way that involves masks and social distancing. We encourage people to continue to adhere to all the CDC rules and wear your mask and celebrate safely, Dyer said. Memorial Day weekend in late May saw significant crowds at Floridas beaches and springs. According to Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, thats no coincidence. As of Monday, Orange County has had 10,014 cumulative cases, 56 deaths and 440 hospitalizations.
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Orange City cancels summer fireworks show, donates money to food pantry
ORANGE CITY, Fla. – The Orange City Council voted Tuesday to cancel its Fireworks and Fun independence event this summer, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Fireworks and Fun had been scheduled for June 27. The city said it will donate $10,000, a large portion of the money it will save by not hosting the event, to the Orange City United Methodist Church for its daily food pantry to serve the community. “It wasn’t easy to cancel our annual fireworks; it’s such a great time for everyone, but there isn’t a safe way to do it this year," Mayor Gary Blair said. The church gives away groceries, one bag per family per week, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon and every third Saturday.