Happening Thursday: SpaceX to launch more than 50 Starlink satellites from Space Coast
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink satellites from the Space Coast on Thursday. The company will send more than 50 satellites into orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is set for 9 a.m.READ: SpaceX breaks record with 3 launches in 36 hoursIf it happens, you can watch it on-air and on WFTV.com. The goal of Starlink is to create a network that will help provide internet services to those who are not yet connected, and to provide reliable and affordable internet across the globe, the company said. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comRecall alert: Onions sold at some Wegmans, Publix recalled on listeria concerns
Onions recalled due to Listeria concerns MIAMI, FLORIDA - A&M Farms has issued a recall of some of its Vidalia onions, sold in Wegmans and Publix grocery stores. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images/Getty Images)A&M Farms has issued a recall of some of its Vidalia onions that were sold at Wegmans and Publix grocery stores. The onions were sold at Wegmans stores on June 23 and June 24 and Publix stores on June 22-24. The onions were sold at Wegmans stores in Massachusetts; Rochester, New York; and in Pennsylvania at the Erie West and Erie Peach Street locations. They were sold at Publix stores across Florida and in selected stores (listed below) in Georgia.
wftv.comGas prices in Florida fall for third straight week
Gas prices in Florida fall for third straight week (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A dime — that’s how much AAA said gas prices fell in Florida over the past week. PREVIOUS: Here’s how much Florida gas prices have fallen in the past 2 weeksTen cents might not seem like much — but it starts adding up quickly when it’s time to fill up your gas tank. AAA Florida gas prices Florida gas prices as of July 6, 2022 (AAA)In the last three weeks, AAA reported a 35-cent decline in the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida. “Gas prices are being dragged lower by falling crude oil prices, which suffered steep losses Tuesday, on worries of a global economic slowdown,” AAA’s Mark Jenkins said. “If these futures price drops hold, drivers could see Florida gas prices drift back below $4.10 per gallon.”To see how much gas costs in your neighborhood, click here.
wftv.comMore than half of Floridians oppose abortion bans. Will they push back at the polls?
In Florida, Republicans dominate the political landscape, but 56% of people believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Federal data show that only New York and Illinois have higher abortion rates.
latimes.comOrlando working to turn lives around for juvenile offenders
VIDEO: Orlando working to turn lives around for juvenile offenders Orlando working to turn lives around for juvenile offendersORLANDO, Fla. — He’s known as Tank on the streets of Orlando. And at just 14 years old, he’s already “done time” in juvenile detention for armed burglary. In Orlando, there’s a fight to turn it around before it’s too late. READ: Florida 15-week abortion ban remains in place after State appeals judge’s injunctionIn July 2019, there were 19 juvenile felonies in Orlando. Specifically, he’s working to bring other mentors in to help children turn things around.
wftv.comThousands of Marion County students to receive free backpacks ahead of new school year
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of students in Marion County are set to receive free backpacks filled with supplies just in time for school to start this fall. The first-ever community giveback is a joint effort between AdventHealth Ocala, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County and Marion County Public Schools. It is being supported by Thaddeus Bullard, better known as WWE global ambassador Titus O’Neil, and his Bullard Family Foundation. VIDEO: Orange County schools to offer free meals to students over summer break Orange County Public Schools is making sure that no kids go hungry over summer break. (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)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.comAPI sends president policy suggestions to address energy crisis
Following an ongoing energy crisis that has seen fuel prices soar both in Florida and across the country, the American Petroleum Institute sent a letter to the President Biden’s office with ten “immediate steps” the organization recommends to help increase energy supply.
Florida Man impersonates security guard, steals R2-D2 statue from Disney World — KnightNews.com
Florida man David Proudfoot is being charged with stealing property from Walt Disney World after claiming to be a security guard. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Proudfoot admitted to stealing property of Disney World multiple times including on May 31 when he was found impersonating a security guard at Disney’s Swan Reserve Resort wearing a orange vest pushing a car. AdvertisementAccording to the arrest report, Proudfoot admitted to taking a R2-D2 statue estimated to be worth between $6,000 and $10,000. A Disney investigator found about $730 worth of stolen Disney merchandise that was recovered from Proudfoot’s home during a search warrant. Proudfoot was arrested and sent to Orange County jail on charges of third-degree grand theft, petty theft, burglary and scheming to defraud.
knightnews.comFlorida 15-week abortion ban remains in place after State appeals judge's injunction
VIDEO: Florida 15-week abortion ban remains in place after State appeals judges injunction VIDEO: Florida 15-week abortion ban remains in place after State appeals judges injunction (Christopher Heath, WFTV.com/WFTV)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s new 15-week abortion ban was blocked and then quickly reinstated Tuesday after an appeal from the state attorney general in a lawsuit challenging the restriction. Judge John C. Cooper issued the order temporarily halting the law after reproductive health providers argued that the state constitution guarantees the right to the procedure. The state appealed his order, automatically putting the law back into effect. The Florida law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. Read: Orlando police looking to gather more footage, information from Lake Eola fireworks scareData shows the majority of abortions in Florida occur before 15 weeks.
wftv.comFlorida ice cream possible source of listeria outbreak that killed Illinois woman, CDC says
The estate of an Illinois woman who died earlier this year from a listeria infection filed a federal lawsuit against a Florida ice cream company that health officials have connected to a multistate outbreak.
chicagotribune.comCDC: Florida ice cream possible source of listeria outbreak
MIAMI — (AP) — The estate of an Illinois woman who died earlier this year from a listeria infection filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against a Florida ice cream company that health officials have connected to a multistate outbreak. The lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Florida claims that Mary Billman died after eating contaminated ice cream produced by Sarasota-based Big Olaf Creamery. The company released a statement Sunday saying that the link between its ice cream and the listeria outbreak has not been confirmed and is only speculation at this point. Consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home should throw away any remaining product, officials said. Big Olaf Creamery's ice cream is produced at a central facility in Sarasota and then distributed to Big Olaf Creamery stores and other retailers.
wftv.comWhat’s next for Brightline now that Disney stop is no more?
Private High-Speed Rail Service Brightline Announces Its Service To Start Next Week MIAMI, FL - MAY 11: The Brightline train is seen at the new MiamiCentral terminal during the inaugural trip from Miami to West Palm Beach on May 11, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Brightline welcomed the media, politicians and other dignitaries to ride on the inaugural trip for the privately funded passenger train which is running from Miami to West Palm Beach with one stop in Fort Lauderdale. Brightline still plans for a station near Walt Disney World -- even if the theme park is no longer involved. The Miami-based intercity rail provider confirmed it still has plans for a South International Drive station after Disney said it is no longer going to have one at Disney Springs, the shopping/dining/entertainment complex on property. VIDEO: Brightline trains to chug along by holidays, but without passengers Brightline trains to chug along by holidays, but without passengers©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comFormer Seminole tax collector Joel Greenberg sentencing is being set
More than a year after Joel Greenberg pleaded guilty to six federal charges including child sex trafficking, the former Seminole County tax collector's sentencing hearing is in the process of being set, newly filed court records show.
Florida man facing felony charges for throwing hot dog at police
Florida man facing felony charges for throwing hot dog at police File photo. Officers said that Jason Stoll threw food when officers told him to stop selling hot dogs. (Juanmonino/Getty Images/iStockphoto)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A man was arrested in Florida after police said he threw food at an officer. Police told the station that they had asked Stoll to put down a hot dog, but he continued to try to sell it. “The defendant became extremely upset and intentionally threw the hot dog at [an officer],” an arrest report obtained by WTVT detailed.
wftv.comFlorida judge files injunction, blocking new 15-week abortion ban
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a new 15-week abortion ban days after it took effect in the state, an expected move following an oral ruling last week in which he said the law violated the state constitution. Judge John C. Cooper issued the order in a case brought by reproductive health providers who argued that the state constitution guarantees a right to the procedure. The state is expected to appeal. It does not allow for exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. 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.comFireworks believed to have caused 2 Florida house fires
FISHHAWK, Fla. — Officials believe that fireworks caused two different house fires in Florida on the Fourth of July. The occupant disposed of used fireworks believed to be out in a cardboard box in the garage, failing to extinguish them with water. According to WTSP, another house fire broke out about 30 minutes later in Sarasota County. Fire crews worked for hours to put the fire out and called in the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to assist. However, they believe fireworks may have been the cause.
wftv.comHundreds march across downtown Orlando for abortion rights
ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people marched across downtown Orlando in the name of women’s rights. It is the second-largest demonstration in Orlando since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. READ: Abortion debate continues after Florida judge rules state 15-week ban is unconstitutionalProtesters said they are going to keep doing so until something gets done. This all comes just a day before a Tallahassee judge is expected to publish his ruling, blocking the 15-week ban on abortion in Florida. READ: Judge rules 15-week abortion ban unconstitutional, but access will still be temporarily restricted“It’s more about being a mother and seeing this happen or being a friend to other people who deserve the right to health care regardless of religious belief,” she said.
wftv.comFlorida city apologizes for saying 'a lot of people probably don't want to celebrate our nation right now'
A statement that questioned if July 4 celebrations were appropriate in the wake of “division, hate and unrest” across the country has prompted cheers, backlash and an apology from the city of Orlando, Florida.
news.yahoo.comTroopers: Motorcyclist dies along John Young Pkwy, bike missing from crash site
Motorcyclist dies in crash along John Young Parkway (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A man died late Sunday after crashing his motorcycle along John Young Parkway in Orange County. John Young Parkway motorcycle crash (WFTV.com News Staff)Troopers are now looking for tips on its whereabouts. Investigators said the motorcyclist, 35, of Orlando, was rushed to Osceola Regional Medical Center but did not survive. Troopers said his bike was gone by the time they arrived at the crash site. John Young Parkway motorcycle crash (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.
wftv.comClinic opens in Orange County to offer COVID-19 vaccines for young children
Video: Clinic opens in Orange County to offer COVID-19 vaccines for young children The move to open the site comes after Florida did not pre-order vaccines for kids ages 5 and younger. (WFTV)MAITLAND, Fla. — A new clinic opened in Orange County this week to help vaccinate young children. WATCH: How teachers are addressing the pandemic learning gapState Sen. Randolph Bracy helped open the clinic at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando in Maitland. The move to open the site comes after Florida did not pre-order vaccines for kids ages 5 and younger. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Clinic opens in Orange County to offer COVID-19 vaccines for young childrenBracy said the decision to vaccinate kids should be up to parents and not the government.
wftv.comFlorida students score big in 2022 statewide assessment, achievement gap narrows
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida narrows student achievement gaps in new statewide assessment results. Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. announced the 2022 statewide assessment results for mathematics and English language arts (ELA), which show African American students, students from economically disadvantaged families, and Hispanic students had gains on all mathematics and ELA metrics. “Today’s increases - spanning grade levels, subject areas, and demographics - would not have been possible without our hard-working teachers and staff and their dedication to student success. To view the statewide and district-level results, visit: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/results/2022.stml . ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.com'Join us in California': Newsom targets GOP in Florida ad
Gov. Gavin Newsom is running for reelection in California, but his latest television ad is airing in Florida. The 30-second spot scheduled to air on Fox News starting Monday takes shots at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his policies, while drawing a contrast with California.
news.yahoo.comZooTampa joins forces with Puerto Rico conservation center to rescue manatee
TAMPA, Fla. — When a manatee cried for help, ZooTampa answered the call. Molly Lippincott, the curator of Florida and Manatees at ZooTampa, used her expertise to successfully help Nanichi, a 2-month-old calf at the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, take a bottle. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 ZooTampa joins forces with Puerto Rico conservation center to rescue manatee ZooTampa joins forces with Puerto Rico conservation center to rescue manatee (ZooTampa/ZooTampa)The team in Puerto Rico named the manatee Nanichi, which means “my love or my heart,” from the original Taino language of the Greater Antilles. “Manatees are an incredibly resilient species facing many obstacles.”Burns said the only way they can help the manatee population survive is to collaborate within the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. The Center at the Inter American University currently has five manatee patients, including one long-term care Florida manatee from ZooTampa.
wftv.comVolusia County is looking for volunteers to help with beach cleanup July 5
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County is encouraging residents and visitors to help with a beach clean up after the busy holiday weekend. Volusia beach cleanup (WFTV)Read: ‘How deep can you dig?’: TikTok trend leaves huge holes on Florida beachesAccording to the county, the Monday after the July 4 holiday is one of the busiest beachcleanup days of the year. That’s why the county is coordinating three separate cleanup locations along Volusia County beaches. 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comLakeland detectives ask public for tips in death of 24-year-old man found shot in apartment
Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department on Sunday asked the public what they knew about the death of a 24-year-old man who was found shot Saturday evening at an apartment complex off of Highway 98.
Fourth of July 2022: Florida man loses hand in fireworks accident
Fireworks safety tips Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. — A Florida man lost his hand in a fireworks accident early Saturday, authorities said. In a statement, the sheriff’s office said the man was holding fireworks when one of them exploded in his hand. Man loses hand in fireworks accident, authorities say https://t.co/sEHAOOH5gV pic.twitter.com/3FDE906q1R — South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) July 2, 2022When deputies arrived, the victim had already been taken to an area hospital in a private car, the newspaper reported. Broward Fire Rescue then took the victim to Broward health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
wftv.comPolice in Central Florida looking for person who used flamethrower on flag
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A person using a flamethrower set fire Saturday to a Pan-African flag flying on a pole outside the headquarters of the Uhuru Movement, a Black international socialist group based in Florida. Security video released by the group shows the driver of a white Honda sedan pulling up outside the group’s St. Petersburg headquarters, removing a flamethrower from the trunk and shooting a tower of fire at the flag flying about 30 feet (9 meters) above the ground. The group says the man stopped when a worker inside the building yelled at him. The video shows him putting the flamethrower back in the trunk and then driving away. A photo supplied by the group shows the flag with a large hole.
wftv.comRescue crews searching for missing boater at Lakefront Park in St. Cloud
CLOUD, Fla. — The boat ramp at Lakefront Park in St. Cloud will be closed Sunday while rescue crews search for a boater who went missing. Cloud Fire Department, the boater reportedly jumped off the boat into the lake and never resurfaced. READ: City of Orlando releases apology after controversial Fourth of July statementCrews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Fire Rescue and St. READ: Abortion debate continues after Florida judge rules state 15-week ban is unconstitutionalAccording to the fire department, the boat ramp will remain closed Sunday while the search continues.
wftv.comToxic blue-green algae detected near Lake Marian pavilion in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County has issued a health alert warning people about the presence of dangerous blue-green algal toxins in Lake Marion.
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Freedom Week: 9 things you can save money on during the tax free holiday
Freedom Week runs through Thursday, July 7, and residents can purchase items and experiences exempt from tax. The Florida Department of Revenue said there are a few new items that are eligible during the tax-free holiday, including pool floats and pool nets. Camping suppliesFor the first $200 of the sales price, you won’t be charged sales tax for a tent. Sports equipmentSummer is the perfect time to go outdoors and any item used for individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, is exempt from the sales tax. Video: ‘Freedom Week’: Here’s what is covered by Florida’s new sales tax holiday Gov.
wftv.comFlorida judge won’t delay sentencing for Parkland school shooter
Cruz previously plead guilty to all 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the 2018 shootings. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool) (Amy Beth Bennett)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Florida judge has refused to delay the sentencing trial of Nikolas Cruz in the 2018 shooting at a high school where 17 people were killed. Read: City of Orlando releases apology after controversial Fourth of July statementCruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to murdering 17 people at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. Read: Texas school shooting: Chief Pete Arredondo resigns from Uvalde City CouncilThe sentencing trial is expected to last about four months. Read: Girl seriously injured in shark attack on Florida beachThe Associated Press contributed to this article.
wftv.comAbortion debate continues after Florida judge rules state 15-week ban is unconstitutional
ORLANDO, Fla. — Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the recent decision by a Florida judge to block the state’s 15-week abortion, people on both sides still want to be heard. On Saturday, two groups came head-to-head in front of an abortion clinic in East Orlando. The Florida constitution states that every natural person has the right to be left alone and free from government intrusion into the person’s private life. That is why a judge ruled the state’s abortion ban unconstitutional, saying it violates Florida’s privacy act. Read: Florida boy, 11, recovering after being struck by lightningOnce the ruling is signed, abortions in Florida will stay legal until 24 weeks of pregnancy.
wftv.comWatch: Florida K-9 takes down suspect sought on carjacking, murder charges
NEW SMYNRA BEACH, Fla. — A K-9 with a Florida sheriff’s department made his first takedown of a “violent fugitive” wanted on several felony warrants, including carjacking and murder, authorities said Friday. Deputies attempted to arrest Bacon on Thursday after he was recently observed buying a 60-round AK-47 magazine in New Smyrna Beach, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. K-9 Red “quickly tracked Bacon to his hiding spot,” the sheriff’s office said. Bacon was taken into custody and treated for a bite injury at the scene, the sheriff’s office said. More charges and arrests are pending in the May 22 case, according to the DeLand Police Department.
wftv.comFWC encourages safe boating this Fourth of July weekend
VIDEO: FWC encourages safe boating this Fourth of July weekend VIDEO: FWC encourages safe boating this Fourth of July weekend (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — If you plan on boating this holiday weekend, you may notice more officers on Florida’s waterways. That’s because the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission teamed up with law enforcement agencies to make sure everyone stays safe. FWC agents kicked off “operation dry water” on Friday, urging people to avoid drinking while out on the water. Read: Florida boy, 11, recovering after being struck by lightning“We encourage everybody to file a float plan. That’s as simple as telling someone where you’re leaving from and what time you’re coming back.
wftv.comEmbry-Riddle researchers receive federal grant to improve drone safety
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recently received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve drone safety. The $371,000 grant will be used to study the detection systems of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to improve the safety of their operation. “For example, a radar system might detect and track birds, which could be mistakenly identified as another vehicle that poses a collision threat. “For this project, we are fundamentally focused on maximizing safety, and there’s no greater job than that.”Read: Girl seriously injured in shark attack on Florida beachThe project, which will continue through March of 2024, is a collaboration between Embry-Riddle, Mississippi State University, Ohio State University, University of North Dakota and CAL Analytics. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comTexas Supreme Court blocks order that resumed abortions
Supreme Court Abortion Mahayana Landowne, of Brooklyn, N.Y., wears a "Lady Justice" costume as she marches past the Supreme Court during a protest for abortion-rights, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Jacquelyn Martin)AUSTIN, Texas — (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court blocked a lower court order late Friday night that said clinics could continue performing abortions, just days after some doctors had resumed seeing patients after the fall of Roe v. Wade. It was not immediately clear whether Texas clinics that had resumed seeing patients this week would halt services again. That was quickly followed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asking the state’s highest court, which is stocked with nine Republican justices, to temporarily put the order on hold. “The purpose of these laws anyways is to scare people,” Floren said of states’ bans on abortions and telemedicine consultations for medication abortions.
wftv.comGirl seriously injured in shark attack on Florida beach
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A young girl was seriously injured in a shark attack on a Florida beach Thursday, officials say. READ: One person reported dead in Kissimmee house fireThe shark was only described as being about nine feet long. The girl was flown to a hospital in Tallahassee with severe injures to her right leg, and is expected to survive. READ: WNBA’s Brittney Griner goes on trial in Russian court“Swimmers and scallopers are cautioned to be alert, vigilant, and practice shark safety,” the sheriff’s office added to their report on the incident. “Some rules to follow are: never swim alone, do not enter the water near fishermen, avoid areas such as sandbars, do not swim near large schools of fish, and avoid erratic movements while in the water.
wftv.comOne person reported dead in Kissimmee house fire
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — One person was killed in a Kissimmee house fire Friday afternoon. Kissimmee Fire Department said it was called to a house fire at 2361 Lilly Pad Lane just after noon. Read: Police: Woman shot, son hurt when intruders enter Winter Park homeDuring a search, firefighters found one person dead inside the home. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal and Kissimmee Police Department. 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.comVegan mom found guilty in toddler’s malnutrition death
Vegan mom found guilty in Florida toddler’s malnutrition death File photo. The judge in the case previously said that Sheila O'Leary would be sentenced to life if she was found guilty. (Zolnierek/Getty Images/iStockphoto)FORT MYERS, Fla. — A Florida mother was found guilty of killing her toddler son after prosecutors said she starved the child to death. >> Read more trending newsSheila O’Leary was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and child neglect after 18-month-old Ezra died in September 2019. He was starved to death over 18 months,” Francine Donnorummo, special victims unit chief for the Florida State Attorney’s Office, told The Fort Myers News-Press.
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