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.
Holiday stops Celtics' last 2 plays, Bucks take 3-2 lead
Bobby Portis made a putback off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw with 15 seconds left, Jrue Holiday snuffed Marcus Smart on Boston’s final two possessions and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Celtics 110-107 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 series lead.
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Purim celebrations threaten fresh virus outbreak in Israel
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls wear costumes to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the biblical Book of Esther. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)JERUSALEM – Mass gatherings took place in Jerusalem on Sunday as Israelis celebrated the Jewish holiday of Purim in violation of coronavirus restrictions. Authorities had been concerned about a repeat of last year, when Purim celebrations helped fuel an initial wave of the coronavirus in the earliest days of the global pandemic. Purim marks the victory of Jews over a tyrant in ancient Persia and is celebrated with costumes, drinking and parties.
That’s more like it, Florida! Big warm up to end the year
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday is the transition day to warmer times for the last week of 2020. After another cold start, temperatures warm back into the upper 60s. Future radarTemperatures warm back to the 70s Monday and through the middle of the week. Rain chances return later in the day New Year’s Day. Slightly cooler air returns for the first few day beyond New Year’s Day.
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Mother and daughter donate Christmas stockings for Angel Tree program
ORLANDO, Fla. – Christine Dathe is along time volunteer at the Salvation Army along with her teenage daughter, Megan. This year, they are donating dozens of Christmas stockings to boys and girls in need. Dathe volunteered during the Angel Tree distribution day last year which motivated her family to help out even more. They are even thinking of donating bikes to the Angel Tree program this time around. “I really enjoy it like I enjoy looking for that special thing that treat.
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WATCH: News 6 presents 2020 Lake Eola Tree Lighting Ceremony
ORLANDO, Fla. – Lake Eola is about to be lit. Orlando city officials have installed downtown Orlando’s iconic Christmas tree. Crews have also decked the halls at Lake Eola’s Park Washington Plaza, but city leaders have decided to host its annual tree lighting ceremony online. To safely ring in the holiday season, the city of Orlando will host a live virtual tree lighting celebration of the 64-foot tree on Dec. 5. After the tree is officially lit, the Christmas Tree Show will play each night at Lake Eola Park starting at 5:45 p.m. each hour until 9:45 p.m.As the city’s token tree gives Lake Eola a festive glow, people can also enjoy the sounds of the season as the lights will musically sync with the lights at the Lake Eola fountain providing precise animation during the shows.
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Many turn to real Christmas trees as bright spot amid virus
Josh and Jessica Ferrara shop for Christmas trees with son Jayce, 1 year and Jade, 3 years, at Sunnyview Christmas Tree farm on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in Salem, Ore. The real Christmas tree industry, which has been battling increased interest in artificial trees, is glad to see that more Americans appear to be flocking to fresh-cut evergreens this season, seeking a bright spot amid the virus's worsening toll. Plus, fresh-cut Christmas trees are largely displayed outside, where there's a lower risk of viral spread, said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. 1 supplier of fresh-cut trees, expects to ship nearly 6 million evergreens this season to places as far away as Japan and China. “Having that real tree smells so good in your house, something to take care of and decorate together, that nothing beats that for the holiday season.”____Follow Flaccus on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus.
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Ocala cancels Christmas parade amid growing concerns from the pandemic
OCALA, Fla. – The City of Ocala canceled its Christmas parade Thursday after the coronavirus pandemic showed no signs of getting better. The city’s annual Christmas parade joins the lengthy list of events and celebrations that were forced to cancel over concerns from the coronavirus. According to officials, the decision was made after hours of discussion on whether or not to cancel the parade. “We look forward to seeing the smiles again as well as the friendly competition it fosters with the community float participants and bands,” officials added. The decision to cancel the parade follows a recent decision by the Marion County School Board that restricted students and school groups from participating in the parade.
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Americans to spend more on Thanksgiving despite pandemic hardships, survey found
Despite the pandemic, Americans are still planning to spend hundreds of dollars on Thanksgiving dinner. A new survey from Lending Tree, an online loan marketplace, found that Americans will spend an average of $475. About 2,000 Americans answered the online survey. It makes sense since families are having smaller gatherings because of the pandemic. According to the survey, hosts are expecting about nine people at the thanksgiving table this year.
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Orlando International Airport prepares for most travelers since pandemic began
ORLANDO, Fla. – Leaders at Orlando International Airport announced they plan to see their highest numbers of passengers since the pandemic began for Thanksgiving travel. Travelers are warned that lines could be long, but not in the way you remember them. Brian Engle serves as the Director of Customer Experience at Orlando International Airport. Enforcement continues when it comes to social distancing and safety precautions, said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Phil Brown. Travelers may also notice fewer fellow passengers, since TSA data shows airport travel is down 74% since May, and as cases continue to climb nationwide.
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Operation Safe Holiday underway in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – While the shopping experience may look different this year because of the pandemic, law enforcement agencies say the threat of crime is the same and are launching their annual safety initiative across Orange County. Operation Safe Holiday kicked off Tuesday during a news conference at the Waterford Lakes Town Center. “The idea of the operation is to really make it safe for our shoppers,” Sheriff John Mina said. Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight.”Operation Safe Holiday underway in Orange CountyWith the pandemic, a big focus this year has shifted to online retail and keeping delivered packages in the hands of the right person. Once at home, shoppers are also urged to properly dispose of big-ticket item boxes to avoid becoming a target after the holidays.
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Here’s how to get huge discounts on Thanksgiving food at Walmart
The nation’s biggest retailer is teaming up with a tech company to offer huge discounts on a holiday meal. Walmart teamed up with Ibotta for a Thanksgiving promotion this year. According to Ibotta, customers shopping for food at Walmart online can get 100% cash back on nine traditional Thanksgiving items. To get the deal, first people have to download Ibotta’s extension and link it to their Walmart account. To learn more about the 100% cash back offers, check out Ibotta’s website.
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AP Source: Bucks getting Holiday to play with Antetokounmpo
The Pelicans are getting Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and a package of future first-round draft picks from the Bucks, the person told The Associated Press. The Pelicans are getting Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and a package of future first-round draft picks from the Bucks, the person told The Associated Press. The trade of Holiday was the second blockbuster involving a point guard since the league allowed transactions to begin again Monday. Holiday is due to earn $25.4 million this season and holds a $26.3 million player option for next season. And it’s now almost certain that the Bucks will have to fill out their roster for this season with several minimum-salary players, since they’ll owe about $86 million to just Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Holiday this season.
‘From our family to yours:’ Stuffed Mickey tugs at your heartstrings in Disney Christmas advert
The company packs all the holiday sentiment in its new Christmas advert that of course tugs at the heartstrings. The animated tale begins in 1940 with a little girl named Lola who was given a stuffed Mickey Mouse plushie as a Christmas gift. Fast forward to 2005 and Lola is a grandmother and even decades later, she still has her beloved stuffed Mickey. [WATCH BELOW: 2020 Disney Christmas Advert]Lola wakes up on Christmas day to annual holiday decorations that take her back to her childhood and her granddaughter’s Christmas gift -- a mended Mickey, almost as good as new. Additionally, the vintage Mickey Mouse toy in the advert is also available to purchase either at the Disney Store or via the online shop.
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3 Central Florida Walmarts to offer free drive-thru trick-or-treating events
If you’re hesitant about traditional trick-or-treating this year or just want a fun, candy-filled event to attend, Walmart is here to help. The retailer announced it is hosting free, drive-thru trick or treat events at several Central Florida stores ahead of Halloween. Walmart is transforming some of its store parking lots into “spooky street” where kids can have contact-free and socially distanced Halloween fun, according to a news release. [TRENDING: Trump holds rally in Sanford | Mystery space object may be old rocket | NFL coach: Virus outbreak shows who the ‘whiners are’]Families are invited to dress up for the drive-thru experience. These are the Central Florida Walmart locations that will host the event:Orlando Walmart Supercenter - Thursday, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.8990 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL, 32819Orlando Walmart Supercenter - Friday, Oct. 30 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.11930 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL, 32817Orlando Walmart Supercenter - Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.11250 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL, 32817
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Maitland officer repeatedly cried, vomited during DUI arrest, troopers say
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A Maintland officer cried, threw up, screamed and laughed in what troopers called a series of mood swings as he was being arrested on a DUI charge Wednesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. When the vehicle was located, troopers said they noticed the driver, off-duty Maitland Police Department officer Lucas Patrick Holiday, had an open bottle of Olde English malt liquor in the car and was showing signs of impairment. Records show the trooper who initially pulled Holiday over called his supervisor when he realized that Holiday was an officer. Holiday, 26, said he had been in Sanford, although he couldn’t remember exactly where, and was on his way back home to Maitland, troopers said. The Maitland Police Department said Holiday has been placed on administrative leave as a result of his DUI arrest.
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Holiday lights display returning to Daytona International Speedway
The holiday season is right around the corner and we know Christmas lovers are ready for all things festive and this news will surely bring excitement. The Daytona International Speedway announced Thursday it’s Magic of Lights drive-thru extravaganza would be returning for its fourth year. The speedway will be decked out in lights and ready for family-friendly fun starting Nov. 13. If one pass through the lights isn’t enough, there will be “double drive-thru” on Tuesday nights, excluding Dec. 22, where one ticket will be enough. Advance tickets are on sale now at magicoflights.com/Daytona with a pre-sale price of $22 for cars and $40 for oversized vehicles.
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TSA reports its busiest travel day since March over Labor Day weekend
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)It was a busy holiday weekend for air travel. The Transportation Security Administration says it screened almost a million people on Friday, a record high since the pandemic began. In comparison, they saw double that number the year before. The TSA say they saw less people on Saturday, only about half a million people traveled that day.
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6-year-old Florida girl found safe after missing child alert
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: A 6-year-old Florida girl was located safe after she was reported missing. EARLIER REPORT:A missing child alert has been issued for a 6-year-old Florida girl who may be with a 39-year-old woman, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The child is believed to be traveling with 39-year-old Ashley Norsworthy in a 2017 gray Toyota Rav4 bearing license plate number 846LFD. Padilla has brown hair, hazel eyes and is 3 feet, 4 inches tall. Norsworthy has brown hair, brown eyes and is 5 feet, 5 inches tall.
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UPDATE: Missing Florida boy found safe; man taken into custody
HOLIDAY, Fla. – An Amber Alert was canceled Monday morning after a missing 9-year-old Florida boy was found safe, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued the alert for Michael Morris earlier in the day after he was reported missing in Holiday. Deputies said Haralampos Savopoulos, 50, was taken into police custody. “Michael Morris has been located and is safe,” deputies said. “We are very grateful to everyone who shared these posts and provided information.”Details about the boy’s apparent abduction have not been released.
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Section of New Smyrna Beach reaches capacity
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Hours into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, beaches have begun to hit capacity. New Smyrna Beach between Flagler Avenue and Crawford Avenue was the first area to reach its capacity Saturday morning. Officials urge people to visit less populated areas and said itll be all hands on deck to make sure beachgoers are following the rules. Beaches in Volusia County were closed for all non-exercise related activity up until the beginning of May, when Florida entered phase one of reopening. All the access ramps were opened up in time for Memorial Day weekend a few weeks later, which according to the sheriff, drew large crowds.
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Share your everyday hero nomination with News 6
ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 has teamed up with the city of Orlando to honor members of the community who are everyday heroes, especially those that have gone above and beyond for their neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic. Do you know someone who has gone the extra mile to help get results for others? Submit a photo or video of your honoree and describe how they have been doing their part for others this year. Be sure to include their name and your contact information in case we need more details. Nominated heroes could be featured as part of the special airing Saturday, July 4, on News 6 and ClickOrlando.com.
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Our City of Heroes: A July 4th Celebration
ORLANDO, Fla. This year, Fourth of July celebrations may look a little different, but theres some added meaning. News 6 has teamed up with the city of Orlando for a special 90-minute show entitled Our City of Heroes: A July 4th Celebration.Typically, the city presents a grand fireworks show at Lake Eola each year, with up to 150,000 in attendance. But Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said this year, because of COVID-19 concerns, things are going to look a little different. The special runs from 8-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, and will feature a compilation of the brightest and biggest fireworks from the past several years at Lake Eola. Youll be able to watch on News 6 or right here on ClickOrlando.com.
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Here is how you can show your support on this unique Memorial Day
And Monday marks Memorial Day, the federal holiday in the U.S. for honoring and mourning the military personnel who’ve died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a great way to show your followers that this day means more to you than just a barbecue or the day off work. Another neat way to honor the ultimate sacrifice is to create an online memorial for a loved one with the Veterans Legacy Memorial Website. If you really want to show your support, hang up an American flag outside your home or perhaps honor the day with a sign or sidewalk chalk in your front yard. That’s likely the easiest way to honor the day while still socially distancing and following CDC guidelines.
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Daytona International Speedway’s Magic of Lights brings new elements
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – This holiday season, Magic of Lights is returning to Daytona International Speedway for its third year, this time with new routes and out-of-car experiences. The “World Center of Racing” is introducing a S’Elfie Tunnel, refreshments, snacks and extended routes. It takes more than 45,000 hours of work to create the light show, which contains more than 10 miles of LED lights. $40 for an advanced ticket for over-sized vehicles, $45 at the gate and $50 on weekends. This year, Daytona International Speedway is donating a portion of the proceeds to AdventHealth facilities in both Volusia and Flagler counties.