LAKE EOLA

Sinkholes are common in Florida. There's even "Sinkhole Alley" that's not too far from Orlando.

Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla held a news conference at Lake Eola to continue her push for a rent stabilization ordinance.

A free vegan festival is popping up in downtown Orlando.

Orlando Police determined that "no criminal activity" led to the panic at Lake Eola during Orlando's 4th of July celebration. The party at Lake Eola...

Video: Police: No criminal activity found after Lake Eola fireworks scareORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police said the chaos at a Fourth of July event at Lake Eola was not the result of criminal activity. A stampede of people was caught on camera after people thought they heard gunshots at the Lake Eola fireworks show. READ: ‘People were getting trampled’: Hundreds run from Lake Eola fireworks show after ‘noise’ scareInvestigators had asked the community to send in tips about two people who they believed may have started the chain reaction. But now, police have said there was no crime. WATCH: Video shows moments before crowd runs from Lake Eola fireworks showVideo: WATCH: Video shows moments before crowd runs from Lake Eola fireworks show (Q McCray, WFTV.com)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.

An investigation found “no criminal activity” at the source of the July 4 shooting scare at Lake Eola, Orlando police announced Monday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Surveillance video shows the moment when sightseers were frightened by sounds they believed were gunshots and made a run for it, starting a chain reaction at the Lake Eola fireworks show on Monday. “The people who attended our event were in a totally different mindset than people who attended other events,” Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolon said. READ: Orlando police looking to gather more footage, information from Lake Eola fireworks scareIt was only intensified by the deadly Fourth of July shooting hours earlier in the Chicago area. WATCH: Video shows moments before crowd runs from Lake Eola fireworks show“It’s the fight or flight people do not want to do. READ: ‘People were getting trampled’: Hundreds run from Lake Eola fireworks show after ‘noise’ scarePolice want to speak to anyone who was in the area near the Waverly and TD Bank.

Mental health professionals say feeling anxious or even traumatized after the Fourth of July fireworks scare in downtown Orlando is completely warranted.

Cassidy Temple says a group of five people came to her door Monday night. She lives more than half a mile away from the lake.

VIDEO: Orlando police looking to gather more footage, information from Lake Eola fireworks scare Orlando police looking to gather more footage, information from Lake Eola fireworks scareORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police released new video Tuesday showing people duck for cover and huddle together during Fireworks at the Fountain Monday night. People thought it was a shooting, but Chief Orlando Rolon reaffirmed there’s no indication anyone fired a gun. Police said they believe it was someone who possibly set off their own fireworks that started it all. WATCH: Video shows moments before crowd runs from Lake Eola fireworks showPolice said the domino effect first started near Central Avenue, just east of Rosalind Boulevard. READ: ‘No evidence of a shooting’: Scare sends panicked crowd running from Lake Eola fireworks showVernon Price grabbed his daughter and ran when it happened.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A worker died Tuesday after he fell off the roof of an apartment building in Orlando, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It happened around 11:45 a.m. at the ARIUM Greenview Apartments on Bastille Lane. READ: Highland Park parade shooting: 7th victim of preplanned attack has diedThe victim, identified as a man in his 30s, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said. READ: Apopka police officer charged with DUI in marked patrol car, police sayNo further information was immediately available. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Orlando Commissioners Regina Hill and Patty Sheehan applauded the quick response of law enforcement as no serious injuries were reported from the resulting mass exodus of people.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the body of a 30-year-old man found in an Orange County lake on July 4.

Film buffs have a new reason to see more movies over the next few months.

The mayor of Orlando is praising the city’s police, firefighters and city staff amid the chaos from Monday night’s incident during the Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola.

Video: WATCH: Video shows moments before crowd runs from Lake Eola fireworks showORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police released surveillance video that shows the moments before mass hysteria spread at the city’s Fireworks at the Fountain celebration at Lake Eola. The first part that Rolon focused on was a couple of guys in hoodies running through the crowd. READ: ‘People were getting trampled’: Hundreds run from Lake Eola fireworks show after ‘noise’ scare“They actually caught the attention of the people who were there. He then focused on a flash of light behind the crowd seconds later, which made the crowd turn around in a panic. READ: ‘No evidence of a shooting’: Scare sends panicked crowd running from Lake Eola fireworks showAnyone with information about what started the chaos is asked to call the police.

Panic caused a crush of people to run from Lake Eola during Monday's Fourth of July fireworks display, ultimately causing 12 people to suffer injuries from the stampede.

A body was found in a retention pond off Lake Mary Boulevard in Sanford, according to fire officials.

Many people ran from Lake Eola during a scare at the Fourth of July fireworks show, leaving behind various items.

New video showing the start of chaos erupting at Lake Eola during the city’s fireworks show was released by the Orlando Police Department during a news conference Tuesday.

At least 12 people were injured in a stampede at Lake Eola as Fourth of July parkgoers ran from what they thought was a shooting.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people ran away from the Lake Eola fireworks show after people started talking about a shooting. Witnesses told Channel 9 they thought they heard gunshots. READ: ‘No evidence of a shooting’: Scare sends panicked crowd running from Lake Eola fireworks showAt this time, it appears that a noise during the fireworks show confused some spectators, causing the reaction. — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) July 5, 2022Witnesses told Channel 9 that the event had just started when a crowd began making a run for it. People just kept running,” a person told Channel 9.

Watch live coverage of Orlando's Fireworks at the Fountains at Lake Eola from News 6 on ClickOrlando.com, with several livestreams and headlines from Orlando, Florida.

Here's the best way to watch the fireworks in Orlando.

Here's the best way to watch the fireworks in Orlando.

Marquis McKenzie, 31, started a cleaning business from the ground up and this week, his hard work paid off after he landed a big contract with the city of Orlando.

A woman opened fire outside an Orlando bar, grazing another woman who was not the intended target, according to police.

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

Orlando’s signature Lake Eola Park will expand after a building is demolished.

Orlando to vote on tearing down former 7-Eleven location for new green space at Lake EolaORLANDO, Fla. — Say goodbye to the home of the old 7-Eleven near Lake Eola. The building will be demolished Monday to make room for more green space at Lake Eola Park. City officials said demolition of the building, located at 1 N. Rosalind Ave., will begin at 10 a.m.Once the building is down, the city said it will be replaced with a new interim plaza and green space for the park. READ: Orlando to vote on tearing down former 7-Eleven location for new green space at Lake EolaThe city said the project is expected to be completed in fall 2022. Video: Orlando to vote on tearing down former 7-Eleven location for new green space at Lake Eola Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando may get larger, sooner than expected.

Thousands of people are expected at the event this year, which will celebrate the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city.

Sweet spot

During a ceremony Friday, city leaders unveiled the changes made to the boats and dock at the northwest corner of the lake.

The swan boats on Lake Eola will return after a month of refurbishments. Channel 9 caught up with the crew adding the final touches on the newly updated dock and landing area at Lake Eola. Photos: Annual Lake Eola Swan Round UpSo the swan boats have been cooped up for about a month and a half while workers made the improvements. Lake Eola swan boats (WFTV.com News Staff)“We needed more space because we purchased new boats about three years ago,” Richardson said. But perhaps the biggest change was done to the swan boats themselves.

Lake Eola is a giant sinkhole, let that sink in.

April 7 is 407 Day.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida continues to show support for the people of Ukraine. READ: Companies are pulling out of Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Here’s a listOrganizers of a local Ukrainian festival said they will be rallying Sunday at Lake Eola in Orlando and in Daytona Beach. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Ukraine invasion protest More than 100 people rallied in solidarity with Ukraine in downtown Orlando, FL, after Russian forces invaded the country the night before. WATCH: Orlando man holds on to hope as his fiancé ‘shelters in place’ during Russian invasion of UkraineThe planned rally Lake Eola on Sunday starts at 2 p.m.Their Daytona Beach gathering to support Ukraine is planned for 5 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The iconic Lake Eola swan boats are out of service this month. The city of Orlando said a larger dock is necessary to accommodate the four new swan boats recently purchased. Photos: Annual Lake Eola Swan Round UpConstruction on the $105,000 project began this week. Lake Eola swan boats (WFTV.com News Staff)“If it’s for the betterment of the community and Orlando in general, I think it’s amazing. The @LakeEolaPark Swan Boats will be closed starting on February 28 for the installation of a new larger dock.

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store are proud to support the 2022 Matt Morgan Walk for Wishes which will be held in Downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. There is a virtual option available too, so you can walk anywhere! We Walk So They Can Wish! Walk For Wishes® is a nationwide Make-A-Wish® fundraiser that celebrates the more than 315,000 wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. Parking is available around Lake Eola.

We are pinpointing a hot several days in store as high pressure continues to dominate the forecast.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Saturday’s Paws in the Park event at Lake Eola raised a record amount of money for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Officials said Monday that the event raised more than $163,000 to benefit the shelter and their efforts to find dogs and cats their furever homes. Last September, a devastating fire destroyed Pet Alliance’s shelter on Conroy Road. The shelter’s goal was to raise $150,000 to help with general operations, cover day-to-day costs and build a temporary downtown shelter as well as a permanent location by 2023. ©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando held the 28th annual Paws in the Park event at Lake Eola on Saturday. Thousands of people and their pups came out to today’s event to support Pet Alliance and their efforts to find dogs and cats their furever homes. “We are extra happy about the return of our Paws in the Park festival this year,” says Pet Alliance Executive Director Steve Bardy. So, this is just a way for us to keep going and this will help with recovery and rebuilding,” said Pet Alliance Development Director Cathy Rodgers. If you would like donate to Pet Alliance, CLICK HERE.

Thousands of dogs and their owners visited downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola to enjoy Paws in the Park on Saturday.

The Orlando Museum of Art will open a new exhibit this weekend. Photos: Orlando Museum of Art’s new exhibition takes you back to the 1980sExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 35 Orlando Museum of Art new exhibition (WFTV.com News Staff)Organizers said the collection will feature a rare group of paintings from a private collection that are being shown for the first time at the Orlando Museum of Art. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is back this weekend with live concerts, parades and great food from around the world. Musical legends, global superstars and Grammy-nominated DJs are some of the acts you’ll be able to see as part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. READ: Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration 2022 begins this weekendOn Saturday, Diana Ross will perform during the celebration.

Lake Eola with Orlando skyline Nighttime photo of the Lake Eola fountain and downtown Orlando skyline. (Nick Papantonis)ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will give his annual State of Downtown Address on Monday. City officials said Dyer will host the event in a style of a town hall, allowing for attendees to ask questions about the downtown directly to the mayor. Dyer is expected to share the latest on the continued revitalization of downtown Orlando, as well as plans and advancements for development in the area, economic competitiveness and small business assistance. He is also set to address the challenges of housing and helping the homeless, and furthering opportunities through expansions in mobility options.

The city of Orlando will ring in the holiday season tonight with a celebration around Lake Eola and a ceremonial tree lighting. The annual bash...

The big Christmas tree made its return to Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city beautiful’s most beloved birds got top treatment at Lake Eola on Saturday. It’s part of the annual checkup to give the birds vet care, shots and to make sure they’re all microchipped. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Orlando Lake Eola Swan Round UpDuring Saturday’s checkup, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan introduced the newest additions of two donated female trumpeter swans to Lake Eola. “It’s a very labor-intensive thing, but these are our beloved pets in Lake Eola and the most recognizable part of the city,” said Sheehan. If you would like to donate to Swan-A-Thon and help support the health and well-being of Lake Eola’s swans, CLICK HERE.

ORLANDO, Fla. — TV 27 Community Connection and our partners Abercrombie, P.A., ACR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Karma Roofing & Restoration, and McCoy Federal Credit Union invite you to join us for the 32nd Annual Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K Thanksgiving Morning! Join us at beautiful Lake Eola bright and early Thanksgiving morning and burn some calories before you feast! Participate as runners, joggers and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving themed hats. Hit the 3.1 mile course for a morning of fun to raise money for Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in our community. REGISTER TODAY at https://events.hakuapp.com/0989b26a32c5a867a648Event DetailsThursday, November 25, 20217:00 am: Costume judging begins by Track Shack Registration tent7:45 am: Turkey Call judging begins by Start/Finish Line8:00 am: 5k (3.1 miles)9:15 am: FREE Tot TrotCox Media Group

Lake Eola with Orlando skyline Nighttime photo of the Lake Eola fountain and downtown Orlando skyline. Throughout November and December, the city is offering free, family-friendly holiday events and activities for all to enjoy. Since then, the Star has come to symbolize the start of the holiday season in downtown Orlando. Friday, Dec. 107 p.m. — Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park — “The Polar Express”Pack your blankets, chairs, and snacks for the whole family to enjoy “The Polar Express” at the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park. Friday, Dec. 177 p.m. — Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park — “The Santa Claus”Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy “The Santa Claus” at East Lawn at Lake Eola Park.

The 50th annual Lake Eola Fall Fiesta is returning to downtown Orlando this weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners Gold Key Roofing, Fun Spot America, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store invite you to join us for the 32nd Annual Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K Thanksgiving Morning! Join us at beautiful Lake Eola bright and early Thanksgiving morning and burn some calories before you feast! Participate as runners, joggers and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving themed hats. Hit the 3.1 mile course for a morning of fun to raise money for Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in our community. REGISTER TODAY at https://events.hakuapp.com/0989b26a32c5a867a648Event DetailsThursday, November 25, 20217:00 am: Costume judging begins by Track Shack Registration tent7:45 am: Turkey Call judging begins by Start/Finish Line8:00 am: 5k (3.1 miles)9:15 am: FREE Tot TrotCox Media Group

Michelin, the French tire company which also rates and reviews restaurants, is partnering with Visit Florida to bring out its first-ever guide to the state's best dining establishments.

At least 7 hurt in separate downtown Orlando shootings Orlando police lined the streets near Lake Eola for a shooting. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — At least seven people were hurt in two separate downtown Orlando shootings overnight, according to police. The first shooting happened at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday in the 600 block of East Robinson Street near Lake Eola. There was no suspect information or information on what led to the shooting. READ: 1 dead, 4 wounded during outdoor boxing match in FloridaCheck back and watch Eyewitness News This Morning for live updates on this developing story.

City officials released a list of roads to be closed for events in downtown Orlando this week.

Tens of thousands are expected in downtown Orlando this weekend as one of Florida’s largest pride festivals returns to Lake Eola Park.

This weekend, Orlando will host its annual LGBTQ festival that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and queer social and self-acceptance.

Come Out With Pride festival and parade is on Saturday, October 9, Extra Covid precautions will include an extended parade route to accomodate social distancing. Those attending are being asked to wear a mask.

Pride Week in Orlando starts with a Drag Race 5k and ends with a parade.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The deadline is approaching for Orange County employees to get vaccinated or risk termination. Another group gathered at Lake Eola on Sunday and threatened a recall effort against the Orange County mayor. READ: Firefighters protest against Orange County vaccine mandateThe protestors said they are getting ready to gather signatures and have already gained support online. READ: Orange County government to stop asking job applicants if they have criminal convictionsThose who don’t get the vaccine could be terminated. Around 80% of Orange County workers have received at least one shot, but hundreds of workers remain unvaccinated.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Join WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners Gold Key Roofing, Fun Spot America, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store for the Track Shack SimplyIOA Corporate 5k on September 30th at Lake Eola! Over 700 local companies form teams to run, walk, and give to our neighbors in need. Join the Track Shack Fitness Club team! Proceeds are donated to the Track Shack Youth Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Regisiter today: https://www.trackshack.com/event/90Run DetailsThursday, September 30, 20216:15 pm: 5k Runners Start – on Central Blvd6:30 pm: 5k Walkers Start – on Eola Dr.7:00 pm: Awards at Gold ZoneLake Eola Orlando, FL 32801©2021 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Join 27 Community Connection and our partners Abercrombie, P.A., ACR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Karma Roofing & Restoration, and McCoy Federal Credit Union for the Track Shack SimplyIOA Corporate 5k on September 30th at Lake Eola! Over 700 local companies form teams to run, walk, and give to our neighbors in need. Join the Track Shack Fitness Club team! Proceeds are donated to the Track Shack Youth Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Regisiter today: https://www.trackshack.com/event/90Run DetailsThursday, September 30, 20216:15 pm: 5k Runners Start – on Central Blvd6:30 pm: 5k Walkers Start – on Eola Dr.7:00 pm: Awards at Gold ZoneLake Eola Orlando, FL 32801©2021 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla — The City of Orlando will hold the final presentation of the Lake Eola master plan this Thursday. The final plan will provide details on changes needed but also provide a vision for the park’s future for the next 50 years. READ: Orlando working on plan for Lake Eola’s next 50 yearsThe City of Orlando started holding community meetings on Lake Eola’s master plan back in October 2020. The city held a series of community and stakeholder engagement opportunities, including a citywide survey, to gather input on the park’s future. READ: What should Lake Eola Park look like in the future?

When a developer wanted to build a 28-story building on the same block as Lake Eola, two women, who describe themselves as 'little old ladies' decided to stop it.

About 200 people came out on Sunday to Lake Eola for a rally, with many hoping for change in the communist Cuban government.

In Central Florida, another rally is planned for this weekend at Lake Eola. It’s a song that has become an anthem of the uprising and a rallying cry heard across the world. READ: US imposes new Cuba sanctions over human rights abuses“Patria y vida” has led the way from Cuba to the streets of Central Florida, with the music video playing at protests in the area. See the music video below:The phrase translates to “homeland and life.” It’s a song written by Cuban musicians. “This is unprecedented, and there is an artistic component to it,” said Dr. Luis Martinez Fernandez, a history professor at the University of Central Florida.

A viral tweet showing SOS Cuba protesters marching in the streets around Lake Eola with the aid of a police escort has led to questions around who gets to protest and when in Florida. For the uninitiated, the state recently passed harsh crackdowns on the right to protest within the state. A video shared by Twitter user @NeeNeinNyetNo showed a march of protesters encouraging US intervention in Cuba heading down Rosalind Avenue in Downtown Orlando. The police escort was made all the more ridiculous by one portion of the Florida law that received a fair amount of attention. The law grants civil immunity to people who hit street protesters with their car.

After nearly one week, historic anti-government protests continue from Cuba to throughout Florida.

The lone female black-necked swan in Lake Eola is now a mother. The City of Orlando's plan to find a mate for Lake Eola's prized...

On Wednesday, the offspring of Queenie and Big Boy will make their debut at Lake Eola.

Fireworks at the Fountain is returning to Lake Eola this Fourth of July weekend.

Fireworks at the Fountain is returning to Orlando and News 6 viewers will have more than a dozen ways to watch this Fourth of July.

Mayor Buddy Dyer just shared some great news for patriotic families and firework fanatics alike. After having to cancel the 4th of July fireworks at...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The City of Orlando announced the return of Fireworks at the Fountain Tuesday, its free, annual Independence Day celebration at Lake Eola. The show was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. READ: Orlando releases guide to making events greener, more environmentally friendlyIt features live music, family-friendly activities, and food vendors with a 20-minute fireworks display for a finale. Fireworks at the Fountain starts at 5 p.m. July 4 and runs until 10 p.m.READ: Universal Orlando to eliminate temperature checks, reduce social distancing to 3 feet starting ThursdayThe fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. and will be accompanied by a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band. ©2021 Cox Media Group

After a year without Fireworks at the Fountain, the city of Orlando is bringing back the annual July 4th show.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police said they rescued two baby swans that were stolen from a nest at Lake Eola. The two baby swans, called cygnets, are safe and sound. READ: Dunkin’ employee in Florida accused of fatally punching customer who used racial slurPolice said a group of detectives and officers tracked the babies down after a man took them on Sunday. 🦢RESCUED: You may have heard about the 2 cygnets stolen from a Lake Eola nest Sunday. They were rescued yesterday, and the man who took them is charged with grand theft.

Orlando police detectives arrested a man accused of taking two baby swans from their nests at Lake Eola Park.

The video shows a man batting away a mother and father swan at Lake Eola Park to grab their babies.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Since its renovation more than 30 years ago, Lake Eola has become a destination for residents and visitors for decades. Having hosted millions of annual visitors, the city of Orlando is now working to re-envision the park in anticipation of the next 50 years. READ: What should Lake Eola Park look like in the future? Voice your opinionThe plan is broken down into three parts:The foundation The exploration And finally, the visionREAD: Orlando Land Trust looking to develop new greener entrance to Lake Eola ParkLearn more about the planning process in the video above. Click here for more information.

A mobile vaccine site at Lake Eola is offering Johnson & Johnson vaccines Sunday at the Orlando Farmers Market.

Warm and sunny -- enjoy the day!

As an experienced arts critic, I don't ordinarily get especially excited about attending opening nights, much less become emotional over the curtain speech before a...

Orlando Shakes has returned to its original home at Lake Eola for live performances.

April Fool's Day is a bad holiday for bad people. Anyone who wants to celebrate liars should go to a family reunion and leave the...

click to enlarge photo courtesy World of BeerThe World of Beer Bar & Kitchen at Lake Eola is offering a free burger on Friday, Feb. 12, to those with a COVID-19 vaccine.Anyone who want to take advantage of the offer must bring proof that they have received the vaccine to a participating WOB location to redeem their free burger. The offer is only available on Feb. It's a "blackened Angus beef burger loaded with Danish blue cheese, crispy onion, shredded lettuce and garlic mayo on a toasted brioche bun. "WOB first opened its doors in Tampa in 2007, and has since grown to be a global franchise with more than 50 locations in the United States and China, according to the press release.The COVID-19 virus was first detected in Florida almost a year ago . Now, several versions of a COVID-19 vaccine are being distributed across the state.

The Lake Eola fountain lights will glow amber Tuesday in honor of the lives lost to COVID-19. (City of Orlando)ORLANDO, Fla. – Lake Eola will have a different somber glow Tuesday night. The City of Orlando announced the fountain lights will be amber to take part of a national moment of unity, meant to honor the lives lost to COVID-19. [TRENDING: Fla. leads nation in cases with new COVID variant | 12-year-old Orlando girl still missing | Biden inauguration will be different]Tonight, the Lake Eola Park fountain lights will be amber as we join communities across the country for a national moment of unity and remembrance to honor the lives lost to COVID-19. The Biden-Harris administration has invited other cities and towns to illuminate buildings and ring church bells at 5:30 p.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando city officials said bacteria levels at Lake Eola are within normal range and swan boat rentals will be available again starting on Saturday. [TRENDING: Man shot by Daytona Beach police charged at officers | This is your best defense against skimming devices at gas stations | Raccoon in Christmas tree surprises Florida woman]Earlier this week, the city issued a lake alert and halted boat rentals after elevated levels of the bacteria were found. The alert has now been lifted. Swan boat rentals will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday. City officials said the Lake Eola swan veterinarian was notified on Monday and worked with crews at the park to oversee the care of the swans while the bacteria levels were elevated.

click to enlarge Photo via The City Beautiful/InstagramIn a move that's sure to silently delight Lake Eola's swans, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced on Tuesday that the city's annual Fourth of July Fireworks at the Fountain event has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The annual tradition draws thousands of gawkers from all over Central Florida and drives nearby dogs bonkers from the loud noise. Still, the cancelation of what would have been the event's 43rd iteration is a first for the city, and will be a loss for many. click to enlarge Photo via The City Beautiful/InstagramCalling it an "incredibly tough" and "difficult decision," Dyer said in a video statement on his Facebook page , "public safety was our chief concern ... While we are disappointed, we feel this is the right and responsible thing to do.

It's going down tonight at Cheyenne Saloon on Church Street Station. - LINK A Tampa boat captain says he was only trying to help when he tapped a manatee on the back with a fishing pole. - LINK Grab your appetite, this weekend the 10th Annual Arab Fest is heading to Lake Eola. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

A full day of food, dance and culture awaits at the 10th Annual Orlando Arab Festival. Expect more types of traditional and modern dancing, including belly dancers.All communities are invited to join their Arab brothers and sisters and eat, drink and be merry. For more information, check out the Facebook event page or hit up DJ Khalil at 321-960-1461 or email dj_khalil@live.com. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

Okay, so maybe I mentioned it yesterday but ICYMI - LINK Do you fancy yourself a matchmaker and do you have a single friend? Head over to the Ivanhoe Brewing Company tonight where you can pitch your single mate! - LINK And not to be outdone, the folks at Floridabilt at Church Street Station are throwing a Valentine's Day Murder Masquerade Ball. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

Lake Eola will host hundreds of breeds and thousands of dog lovers this weekend and all for a good cause. - LINK If you missed them the last time they were in town, you have another shot to see The Rolling Stones in Central Florida. - LINK Have you seen Sea World's Seven Seas concert line-up for 2020? Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

The potential for bad weather this weekend meant they were forced to move up tonight's performance of the Nutcracker at the Walt Disney Amphitheater on Lake Eola. - LINK Central Florida's own, Congressman Val Demmings is playing a key role in Washington recently. - LINK Local steakhouse, Bull & Bear is recognized nationally as one of our nation's best! Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

First performed in Russia in 1892, the two-act ballet features music composed by Tchaikovsky, including popular selections "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Flowers." The story includes the infamous Rat King and his army.None of this would be good in the rain.The annual performance at the Lake Eola amphitheater has become a much-loved tradition over 19 years for an entire generation of Orlando families. "The holiday season wouldnt be the same without our production of The Nutcracker," said Russian Ballet of Orlando artistic director Katerina Fedotova. "Our dancers and our community always look forward to the wonderful music, gorgeous costumes, and festive spirit. The earlier date may throw off enough people to actually get a chair, since seating usually fills up quickly each year.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolon identified two men Saturday that his department has linked to two separate violent attacks in downtown Orlando. He said DNA evidence linked James Calixte, 36, to a sexual assault that happened on the 1300 block of East Jefferson Street in Thornton Park on Oct. 25. News 6 found out the sexual assault happened two days after Calixte was released from the Orange County Jail. He was arrested on Sept. 3 after a woman said he attacked her outside her downtown apartment on East South Street. Rolon and his detectives said both men are dangerous, and if they are seen in public, residents should dial 911.

Police search for man accused of attacking woman walking her dog near Lake EolaA few days after Orlando police released a composite sketch of a man who randomly attacked a woman on the 400 block of Cathcart Avenue, another victim has come forward. The man said the suspect assaulted him Friday night as he was walking down the street following a birthday dinner with friends. The man said he believes the suspect in the sketch released by Orlando police may be the same man who assaulted him. The victim said following this incident, numerous people have reached out to him said they have been attacked, too. The man said he is pressing Orlando police to investigate these incidents thoroughly before another person is badly hurt.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Police Department released a sketch of a man accused of attacking a woman walking her dog near Lake Eola. Investigators said the victim told officers she was walking her dog and returning to her apartment when she saw a man behind her. The victim told officers as she was entering her apartment he pushed her door open and covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, according to police. "We heard her neighbor knock on the door and let us know that someone just broke into the apartment," said Middleton. Kelly Magyar said that she's called Lake Eola Heights home for nearly 30 years.