Looking back at 2020′s weather for the history books
Here’s a look back at a few weather events, some of which occurred in Central Florida, that made their mark last year. Things started to really heat up in March in Central Florida. Here's how COVID-19 is impacting weather forecastingDuring the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown that dominated headlines around the globe, weather wasn’t free from the pandemic. Sure they’re a part of summer storm hazards in Central Florida, but last year was one many residents in DeLand won’t soon forget. 43 degrees is tied for the biggest drop in temperature ever at the Orlando International AirportChristmas came along and Santa brought Central Florida a cold front.
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‘I’m back!’ Vendors, shoppers excited about Orlando Farmer’s Market reopening
ORLANDO, Fla. – A popular downtown Orlando event is making a comeback after it was on hiatus for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Orlando Farmer’s Market reopened in Lake Eola Park on Sunday. Vendors showed up early to set up their tents, cook food and put the finishing touches on their booths. The Hobarts said they used to shop regularly at the Orlando Farmer’s Market. Click or tap here to learn more about the Orlando Farmer’s Market.
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Orlando seeks input on makeover to Lake Eola Park
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orlando city officials are designing a master plan to breathe new life into Lake Eola Park. In a virtual community meeting, city officials and consultants said they are looking for public input and would like the public to take a survey to guide their plans. “What might the city be like in 50 years and how might Lake Eola Park fit within the context of that new city,” Frank Bellomo with GAI consultants said. The city said the iconic park which attracts more than 100 events a year needs a makeover. “We really want to hear from people about what those pieces of architecture mean to them,” Bellomo said.
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Helping others is like a walk in the park for these UCF students
ORLANDO, Fla. – A walk around the park is taking on added importance for a small group of UCF students. “We all got together and we were thinking what do they really need and what, as students, can we afford to do.”Now, every other Saturday, a small group of students bring what they can to help the homeless who gather in the park. “We just decided to start something small,” Orindas said. And that’s the reaction from all the students as they walk the pathway handing out the care packages and having short conversation with whomever they encounter. Orindas says she hopes to inspire other students to take initiative when they see a need.
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Protestors gather to bring attention to overwhelmed unemployment system
LAKE EOLA, Fla. – Over a dozen protesters gathered in Lake Eola Park Wednesday to bring attention to delays in jobless benefits from the state's unemployment system. The rally was part of the “Fix It DEO” day, which brought together unemployed workers in Orlando, Tampa and Tallahassee. Jennifer Kane drove from Melbourne to attend the protest and said she's been waiting for more than 12 weeks for jobless benefits. "People are struggling and they need the money and they need the money now," she said. State Sen. Linda Stewart of Orlando is meeting with the Governor’s staff Wednesday to talk about the people still waiting for benefits.
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Protesters gather all around Orlando to make voices heard
For hours Sunday, protesters made their voices loud and clear on the streets of Orlando. Im mad.From Lake Eola Park to Orlando City Hall, then to Orlando police headquarters, hundreds marched for justice for George Floyd after his death in Minneapolis. Its time out for just sitting back and letting people kneel on our necks, said protester Archangel Bryant. In the meantime, hours before police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina shared the grief of Floyds death. This came one day after protesters made their way across the streets of Orlando and even blocked parts of I-4 and State road 408.
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Another one: Clermont cancels Fourth of July event due to coronavirus pandemic
CLERMONT, Fla. – Clermont is the latest Central Florida city to call off its Fourth of July event in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. City officials said in a Facebook post Wednesday that Red, White and Boom, the city’s annual fireworks show, has been canceled. Officials did not say whether they would attempt to hold the event at a later time. 📢 ANNOUNCEMENT: As determined at the May 26 Clermont City Council Meeting, the Red, White and Boom event planned for July 4 has been canceled. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
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Orlando woman accused of breaking multiple goose eggs at Lake Eola
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando woman is accused of cracking multiple goose eggs from a nest at Lake Eola Park. Gayle Wessel, 55, was arrested Sunday evening after she admitted to breaking three to five eggs at the park on East Washington Street in downtown Orlando, according to police. Orlando police said 16 eggs were found broken not far from the nest on Sunday, according to an arrest report. The volunteer told police the eggs were not rotten. The total damage for all 16 broken eggs cost about $3,200, the volunteer said.