Many residents, students still homeless months after Nicole
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Months after hurricanes Ian and Nicole, hundreds of Daytona Beach families are still displaced. In Midtown, streets are lined with empty homes as people live out of hotels or with family members. Ricardo Littles, who grew up in the area, came back to the area to help his mother and said he was shocked at how things had changed. Daytona Beach NAACP president Cynthia Slater said more than 100 students from the neighborhood are now considered homeless. Slater said these students aren’t necessarily living on the streets, but they can still be considered homeless if they’re in a temporary or shared space with other families.
wftv.comFlagler County receives $17 million to help fix coastal erosion
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave Flagler County funding to address coastal erosion. Flagler County will receive $17 million as part of the 2022 Special Session Funding. DeSantis announces additional $500 million in hurricane recovery fundingGov. DeSantis announces over $58 million to help fund central Florida dune restorationAccording to a release, Flagler County received the third-highest funding. Read: Coastal property owners anxiously wait for permits to begin dune restorationThe county also received $5 million in aid from the FDEP in November.
wftv.comGov. DeSantis announces $100 million to help fund Florida dune restoration
Ian and Nicole caused massive losses up and down the coast, especially in Volusia County. Read: Brevard County FEMA disaster recovery center to closeGovernor Ron Desantis announced Wednesday that, in total, $100 million would be given to Florida for dune restoration. DeSantis said $37.7 million would be given to Volusia County, $17 million to Flagler County and 3.2 million to Brevard County. DeSantis announces $100 million will help fund Florida dune restoration Central Florida’s coastal counties will be getting more than $50 million from the state to restore dunes after this year’s hurricanes. Hurricanes Ian and Nicole caused almost a billion dollars in damage to Volusia County.
wftv.comMost Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida will close for Christmas, New Year’s, FEMA says
Disaster Recovery Centers across Florida that remain open to assist people impacted by recent hurricanes Ian and Nicole have posted holiday closures for Christmas and New Year’s, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
SBA offers disaster loans with no interest or payments for 12 months to families after Hurricane Ian
In an aggressive move to help families struggling after Hurricane Ian, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans with a 12-month deferral period “before payments must be paid.”
Mystery object unearthed by Volusia beach erosion could be 1800s cargo ship, archaeologists say
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Archaeologists think they’ve identified the mystery object that was unearthed by beach erosion caused by hurricanes Ian and Nicole in Volusia County. They think the object, which they believe was buried under more than 5 feet of sand just south of Frank Rendon Park, may be a cargo ship from the 1800s. Archaeologists believe it may have been a cargo ship that was following the coast when it sunk, possibly during a storm. Read: Mysterious structure unearthed by erosion in Volusia CountyOfficials said the site is very fragile and any disruption could compromise it. (WFTV.com News Staff)Video: Mysterious structure unearthed by erosion in Volusia County Leaders in Volusia County are looking into a mystery.
wftv.comFloridians impacted by Hurricane Ian offered low-interest SBA loans
Florida homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit groups impacted by Hurricane Ian’s late September fury have received more than $1 billion in super low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance, according to a SBA spokesperson.
Congressman Mike Waltz: Hurricane recovery in Volusia County a ‘top priority’
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of people were displaced after hurricanes Ian and Nicole flooded neighborhoods, damaged seawalls and compromised buildings. The storms also did more than $500 million in damage to Volusia County. Channel 9′s Mike Springer talked to Congressman Mike Waltz, who called the storms a one-punch for the coastline, and the federal government may need to help with some of those more long-term and permanent repairs. READ: DISH customers: Call 800-333-3474 & demand they bring back WFTV Channel 9; switch TV providers today“Florida loves its beaches, loves its coastline,” Waltz said. UPDATE: 2 dead after massive fire breaks out at Orange County fireworks warehouseSee the full story in the video above.
wftv.comMeteorologist working to improve hurricane forecasting, identify ‘worst-case’ intensity at landfall
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Researchers in Volusia County are working on a plan to improve hurricane forecasting. While the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts have gotten more precise over the past 20 years, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole showed us we have room for improvement. Channel 9 spoke with Embry Riddle University meteorology professor Rob Eicher, who may change the way we look at forecast data. He’s working on prototype graphics that will communicate the range of possible intensities and identify the worst-case scenarios as hurricanes hit, so we know how to best prepare. Eicher began working on the project after Hurricane Laura in 2020.
wftv.comVolusia County businesses, engineers seek solution to coastal damage after hurricanes
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Hurricanes Ian and Nicole caused a lot of damage in Volusia County, as seawalls collapsed and buildings were deemed unsafe. Channel 9 has spoken to business owners and engineers about what it will take to fix our coast. “The biggest problem is probably the amount of sand that was taken off the beach by the swells,” Crouch said. He said that lowering the beach about 6 feet and exposing the bottom of the seawall makes them vulnerable. There is less room for trucks to get on the beach because the beach is small.
wftv.comDaytona Beach Shores residents return to condos deemed unsafe after Hurricanes Nicole, Ian
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — About two dozen condos and hotels in Daytona Beach Shores deemed unsafe due to damage from Hurricanes Nicole and Ian are coming back online. It’s one of about seven buildings that have had those unsafe notices removed since Friday. READ: Police investigating deadly shooting in Daytona BeachBob Brown rents a unit at the resort. “My wife was in tears.”READ: Deputies investigating after man found dead in Deltona lakeDaytona Beach Shores officials removed the unsafe notice from the resort Monday morning. It’s one of eight hotels, condos and motels that people can now return to after the storms.
wftv.comWilbur-by-the-Sea man, 89, recalls riding out Hurricane Nicole in beachside home
WILBUR-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — Not once since 89-year-old Jack Allaben and his wife bought their beachside Wilbur-by-the-Sea home in 1965 have they evacuated for a storm. When they bought the home for the bargain price of $1,000, he said it was teetering on the edge of the sand. So they brought in boulders to reinforce it and have been enjoying their ocean view ever since. Allaben was luckier than some of his neighbors, who saw portions of their home fall into the ocean from the combined seawall damage from hurricanes Ian and Nicole back-to-back. “Ian did a lot of damage, but Nicole finished it off,” he said.
wftv.comSubtropical Storm Nicole to strengthen as Florida’s east coast under tropical storm warning
ORLANDO, Fla. — Subtropical Storm Nicole continues to gain strength as its route aims for impact in Florida. The National Hurricane Center said Nicole is forecast to become a tropical storm Tuesday evening. Shields said now is the time to make full hurricane preparations on Florida’s east coast. Subtropical Storm Nicole: How to prepareThe NHC said a dangerous storm surge is expected along much of the east coast of Florida. Watch: Lake County residents still reeling from Ian floodwaters brace for NicoleNicole is expected to cause coastal damage and some inland flooding.
wftv.comTropical Storm Lisa forms in the Caribbean
ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Lisa formed in the Caribbean on Monday. The storm is south of Jamaica and has winds of 40 mph. Channel 9 meteorologist Rusty McCranie said the storm is forecast to strengthen over the next couple of days and become a hurricane before it makes landfall in Belize. Lisa is not a threat to Florida. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comD-SNAP third phase opening for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian
The Department of Children and Families announced on Sunday that the third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, will open on Monday, Oct. 24 for Lake, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia county residents affected by Hurricane Ian.
D-SNAP second phase opening for Orange and Flagler county residents affected by Hurricane Ian
The Department of Children and Families announced on Sunday that the second phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, will open on Monday, Oct. 17 for Orange, Flagler, Highlands, Manatee, Pinellas, and St. Johns counties.
Lessons from Hurricane Michael being applied to Ian recovery
FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — Four years before Category 4 Ian wiped out parts of southwest Florida, the state's Panhandle had its own encounter with an even stronger hurricane, Michael. Tiny Mexico Beach, which was nearly leveled by Michael in 2018, still has fewer structures and people than it did before the storm. With little left in town after Michael, Cathey said, residents gathered daily at a portable kitchen to map out the way forward after the hurricane, and there was an unwritten rule. Residents might be ripe for a buyout or conversion after Ian, particularly since he and others had to repair damage after Hurricane Irma in 2017. But looking back, Wood said, he believes he made the right decision to rebuild and hopes people in Fort Myers Beach do the same.
wftv.comLessons from Hurricane Michael being applied to Ian recovery
FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — Four years before Category 4 Ian wiped out parts of southwest Florida, the state's Panhandle had its own encounter with an even stronger hurricane, Michael. Tiny Mexico Beach, which was nearly leveled by Michael in 2018, still has fewer structures and people than it did before the storm. With little left in town after Michael, Cathey said, residents gathered daily at a portable kitchen to map out the way forward after the hurricane, and there was an unwritten rule. Residents might be ripe for a buyout or conversion after Ian, particularly since he and others had to repair damage after Hurricane Irma in 2017. But looking back, Wood said, he believes he made the right decision to rebuild and hopes people in Fort Myers Beach do the same.
wftv.comNHL: No evidence to substantiate allegations against Cole
NEW YORK — (AP) — The NHL said Saturday it found no evidence to substantiate allegations posted on social media against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and has concluded its investigation. The league said it was unable to make contact with the anonymous source of the Oct. 7 social media post in the investigation conducted by its Security and Legal departments. The NHL said the investigation included two separate interviews with Cole as well as interviews with NHL club personnel and other individuals with potentially relevant information. It added it also included a detailed review of on-line and social media, public data, and court records and law enforcement checks. “The organization takes these accusations very seriously and supports the conclusion from the NHL investigation,” the Lightning said in a statement.
wftv.comHappening today: Orange County mayor to provide Ian recovery update
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is scheduled to give an update on storm recovery efforts Monday afternoon. Read: Two disaster recovery centers open to help Central Florida residents after IanJoining Mayor Demings will be Orange County Office of Emergency Management Division Chief Lauraleigh Avery, Director of Public Safety Danny Banks, FEMA representative Charles Williams, and Orange County Public Schools Director of Communications Scott Howat. Read: DCF announces first disaster SNAP program after Ian, here’s how to registerThe update is set to begin at 12:30 p.m.Two disaster recovery centers open to help Central Florida residents after Ian (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. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comHundreds of Orange County families being evicted after Hurricane Ian damages complex
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There are now 200 Orange County families looking for new homes after being handed eviction notices at a flooded apartment complex. The entire first level of one apartment complex in the county is flooded, with many families losing their cars. READ: ‘That’s my everything’: Man recounts riding out Ian aboard sailboat in Fort MyersHowever, the residents said they’re not being given consistent information. Some said they’ll get their deposits back, and a few mentioned an offer of being put up in a hotel. READ: ‘A nightmare’: Seminole County residents near Saint Johns River still plagued with flooding issuesThe county doesn’t have a shelter nearby, and tenants said the leasing company isn’t offering up any of their other units.
wftv.comMore than 200 face eviction at Orange County apartment complex hit by floods, commissioner says
People living at an Orange County apartment complex devastated by flooding from Hurricane Ian are now being told they will have to leave their homes by the end of the month, according to Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe
WATCH: Drone video shows extensive flooding around large hospital in Kissimmee
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Drone video shows extensive flooding around HCA Florida Osceola Hospital in Kissimmee. HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, formerly Osceola Regional Medical Center, is located on Oak Street near downtown Kissimmee. LIVE UPDATES: Ian weakens to tropical storm as strong winds and heavy rains continue in FloridaThe City of Kissimmee shared a drone video showing floodwaters surrounding a large area around the hospital. The video was taken behind the hospital, near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Rose Avenue. Channel 9 has a crew in the area working to gather more details and will provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.
wftv.comOrlando officials: Shelter in place, stay off roadways
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city officials are asking residents to stay off roadways and shelter in place due to reports of flash flooding. There are reports of flash flooding at the following roadways:Primrose Dr. & Colonial Dr.Semoran Blvd. near Lake Underhill Rd. & Hoffner Ave.South Orange Blossom TrailOrange Ave. & Silver Ct.Richmond Heights pic.twitter.com/PrDSkJN8YN — City of Orlando is Prepared for Hurricane Season (@citybeautiful) September 29, 2022The city is asking people to self-evacuate if there is flooding in your home, and avoid driving on flooded roadways. READ: 10 families saved from flooding in Lake CountyYou can find a shelter at ocfl.net/shelters.
wftv.comHuracán Ian: planes de impacto en el centro de Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — ORLANDO, Fla. — Desde el miércoles por la mañana, Ian es un huracán de categoría 4 con vientos que se mantienen en 155 mph.
Ian continúa moviéndose a lo largo de la costa suroeste de la Florida y se espera que traiga impactos significativos al centro de la península.
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Tracking Ian: How to stay informed if the power goes out
ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 is committed to keeping you informed as we track Ian. We have composed a comprehensive list of the multiple ways you can access our coverage of the storm. While we hope your lives will be disrupted as little as possible, we want you to know we’ve got you covered, whether you lose power and the television or computer won’t turn on, lose your connection to cable or satellite-TV, or are forced to evacuate your home and stay in a shelter. Did you know you can stream weather 24/7? Mobile Apps:WFTV Mobile News app:Free in the app store, but you can also download it by clicking on this link.
wftv.comApopka community struggles to solve flooding issues before Tropical Storm Ian
APOPKA, Fla. — While most central Florida residents are preparing for possible flooding, one Apopka neighborhood is at a standstill. In the past two weeks, Channel 9 has covered the ongoing flooding issues around Clear Water Lake Estates. Read: Florida Keys under tropical storm watch, Central Florida remains in Ian’s pathThis constant standing water has knocked over 62 trees in this neighborhood. Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson said Clear Water Lake is landlocked and there is not much that the city can do to solve the issue. Neighbors said that as soon as they learned the storm could impact central Florida, they went back to the city for help and got a similar response.
wftv.comTropical Storm Ian strengthens as it heads to Cuba, Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Authorities and residents in Florida were keeping a cautious eye on Tropical Storm Ian as it rumbled ominously through the Caribbean on Sunday, likely to become a major hurricane on its path toward the state. Flash and urban flooding is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida peninsula through midweek, and then heavy rainfall was possible for north Florida, the Florida panhandle and the southeast United States later this week. The track forecast by the National Hurricane Center shows a major storm striking the far-western part of the island early Tuesday, close to the country’s most famed tobacco fields. The president postponed a scheduled Sept. 27 trip to Florida because of the storm. Brian Kemp on Sunday moved to activate the State Operations Center to respond to any potential storm damage.
wftv.comTropical Storm Ian strengthens as it heads to Cuba, Florida
Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency throughout Florida and urged residents to ready for a storm that could lash large swaths of the state with heavy rains, high winds and rising seas. The president postponed a scheduled Sept. 27 trip to Florida due to the storm. The National Hurricane Center said Ian was expected to strengthen before moving over western Cuba and toward the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week. A hurricane warning remained in effect for the island and hurricane watches were issued for western Cuba. The track forecast by the National Hurricane Center shows a major storm striking the far-western part of the island early Tuesday, close to the country’s most famed tobacco fields.
wftv.comFlorida monitors a growing Tropical Storm Ian in Caribbean
He urged residents to prepare for a storm that could lash large swaths of the state with heavy rains, high winds and rising seas. The president postponed a scheduled Sept. 27 trip to Florida due to the storm. The National Hurricane Center said Ian was expected to strengthen before moving over western Cuba and toward the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week. Ian was forecast to become a hurricane Sunday and a major storm as soon as late Monday. “Ian forecast to begin rapidly intensifying,” the hurricane center reported.
wftv.comFlorida monitors a growing Tropical Storm Ian in Caribbean
He urged residents to prepare for a storm that could lash large swaths of the state with heavy rains, high winds and rising seas. The president postponed a scheduled Sept. 27 trip to Florida due to the storm. The National Hurricane Center said Ian was expected to strengthen before moving over western Cuba and toward the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week. Ian was forecast to become a hurricane Sunday and a major storm as soon as late Monday. “Ian forecast to begin rapidly intensifying,” the hurricane center reported.
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