LAKE EOLA PARK

The city of Orlando is considering a transformative new plan for Lake Eola Park that would make changes to every part of the historic downtown lake.

If you’re looking for a paw-tastic way to spend time with your furry pal, Paws in the Park is the event to mark on your calendar.

National and state lawmakers lead a candlelight vigil over the weekend to honor and reflect on the life of Tyre Nichols who died after being beaten by now-former Memphis police officers.

There's something kind of off-putting about the year after a big anniversary. Saying you're going to the 51st annual running of something or other hits...

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer, and The UPS Store invite you to join us for the 24th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on October 22nd at Lake Eola Park! You can help raise crucial dollars for families in Central Florida that use the amazing services of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida! This is the biggest celebration of love, support, and joy for people with Down syndrome and their families in all of Florida! Every year, thousands of families, friends, and community partners come together to Step Up for Down Syndrome - raising awareness and funds for the more than 50 programs the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida provides to families all year round. REGISTER TODAY: https://dsacfbuddywalk.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=509Cox Media Group

Thursday, Oct. 13 Movies Out Loud Watermark’s Movies Out Loud presents a night of hilarious commentary with hosts Real Radio’s Sabrina Ambra and drag performer...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida, it’s time to show your pride. Come Out with Pride’s Pride event returns to being an in-person event on Saturday at Lake Eola Park, bringing back all the colorful fun we remember from pre-pandemic days. More than 100 groups of participants stroll a mile through downtown Orlando. This year’s grand marshals are community leader Shea Cutliff, student leader and activist Will Larkins, American actor Michael James Scott and posthumous grand marshal Doug Baaser. The Central Florida Trans March will be part of the parade that steps off at 4 p.m. A rally begins at 1 p.m. at The Diva Stage.

Treading water

The strings supergroup, Violectric, announced their 10th annual holiday show is set to rock the Orlando area come Saturday, Dec. 10.

Roam if you want to

Orlando’s big fireworks display will shoot off at Lake Eola Park on Monday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s big fireworks display will shoot off at Lake Eola Park on Monday. The city is apologizing after it made a post online questioning why people would want to celebrate our country. City of Orlando statementThe post struck a chord with many in the city, from taxpayers to elected officials. READ: Fourth of July event guide: 9 places to watch fireworks this eveningThe city of Orlando took notice by posting on Facebook. READ: City of Orlando releases apology after controversial Fourth of July statementThere is an abortion rights protest scheduled to happen in front of city hall at 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Crews will demolish the old 7-Eleven and there are big plans on what to put in its place. The building is at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard, near the southwest corner of Lake Eola Park. READ: Former 7-Eleven near Lake Eola to be demolishedLeaders are going to expand Lake Eola Park. The plan started in 2015, when Lynn Long and Eugenia Sefcik had a vision to turn the 7-Eleven into a green space. A developer had plans to build a 28-story condo complex, but pulled out of the deal.

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.

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s “Paws in the Park” festival is returning to Lake Eola Park for its 28th year on Feb. 12. The...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando may get larger, sooner than expected. READ: ‘When COVID goes up, tourist taxes go down’: How new travel rules could impact local tourismOfficials are planning to tear down a former 7-Eleven store location at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard to build a green space on the property. The store’s lease was originally set to end in the summer of 2023. WATCH: Crowds continue to gather in Florida as health officials keep watch for COVID-19 omicron variantHowever, Orlando city leaders are scheduled to vote Monday on whether to terminate that lease this year instead. Channel 9 will have updates on the Monday vote on Eyewitness News.

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.

Orlando will be hosting free, family-friendly activities, events and spectacles throughout November and December.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police issued a warning Friday about an ongoing scam in the form of a social media post advertising a fake event at Lake Eola Park. Police say Orlando residents reached out to report the fraudulent flyer. Scam Lake Eola event flyerPolice say the event is fake. They’re urging residents who see the flyer in their social media posts to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Click here for a list of permitted events at Lake Eola Park.

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

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.

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 23rd Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on October 16th at Lake Eola Park! Extra measures will take place to ensure the safety of our families, supporters and participants. Stay tuned for the exciting changes coming. It’s the biggest celebration of love, support, and joy for people with Down syndrome and their families in all of Florida! Every year, thousands of families, friends, and community partners come together to Step Up for Down Syndrome - raising awareness and funds for the more than 50 programs the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida provides to families all year round.

Orlando's Come Out With Pride organizers have announced two big-name headliners for the upcoming October celebration at Lake Eola Park, and they'll be very familiar...

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.

Orange County sees increased COVID-19 vaccine hesitation in younger population Orange County leaders said they are concerned about an increase in COVID-19 cases, especially in the younger population. ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is continuing to offer additional opportunities for community members to get the COVID-19 vaccine in their own neighborhood. The city is offering one-day vaccination sites offering the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines throughout the month of August at Orlando neighborhood centers, as well as at the Orlando Police Department headquarters, City Hall and the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park. See the full schedule of events below:READ: CDC mask recommendations: Is your county a ‘high transmissibility’ area? Week of Aug. 1Monday, Aug. 2 — Engelwood Neighborhood Center, 6123 La Costa Drive (2:30 to 5 p.m.)Tuesday, Aug. 3 — Rosemont Neighborhood Center, 4872 Rose Bay Drive (2:30 to 5 p.m.)Wednesday, Aug. 4 — Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd.

President Joe Biden will commemorate Pride Month at the White House Friday and designate the site of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting as a national memorial.

Dozens of people are expected to turn out at a vigil Tuesday night in downtown Orlando to honor the life of George Floyd, one year later.

Orlando Sentinel journalists and members of the community gathered to demand that Tribune Publishing shareholders vote no on selling to Alden Global Capital.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s annual Pride event is set to return to Lake Eola Park for an in-person celebration this fall. Come Out With Pride announced last week that Pride will kick off all day on Saturday, Oct. 9. READ: Orange County population nears 50% vaccination markGet ready! Come Out With Pride is happy to officially announce the return of an in-person Pride to Lake Eola Park on Saturday, October 9, 2021! “We are actively monitoring the latest developments and will comply with all applicable local and CDC guidelines as they are updated.”Pride looked a bit different last fall due to the pandemic, with virtual events and a socially distanced parade.

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.

OPENINGS: A new food truck park will open in Creative Village at 639 W. Robinson St. as early as this fall. It'll also be the...

Our selection of safe and socially distanced events. Wednesday, March 31 Frontyard Festival: Hedwig & the Angry Inch 20th anniversary screening of John Cameron Mitchell's...

click to enlarge Pet Alliance of Greater OrlandoPaws in the Park, a fundraising festival by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, will take place May 8 in Lake Eola Park at 10 a.m.click to enlarge Pet Alliance of Greater OrlandoPaws in the Park, a fundraising festival by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, will take place May 8 in Lake Eola Park at 10 a.m.click to enlarge Pet Alliance of Greater OrlandoPaws in the Park, a fundraising festival by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, will take place May 8 in Lake Eola Park at 10 a.m. The annual Paws in the Park festival returns to Lake Eola for another year.The 27th annual event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, free to all pet lovers and their fur babies. The pet festival is put on every year by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando , the region's oldest and largest animal welfare agency, to help them raise funds to care for thousands of dogs and cats in the Central Florida. "We are thrilled to bring back our biggest event of the year, Paws in the Park," Steve Bardy, Pet Alliance executive director, said in a press release. "Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando was founded in 1937, originally as the Orlando Humane Society.

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.

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.

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.

click to enlarge Photo courtesy ViolectricOrlando classical-pop crossover artists Violectric will be hosting their 8th annual 'Violectric Holiday Show' outdoors at Lake Eola Park in DecemberThe show will mark the first time Violectric has played together on a stage since early in 2020, and you can expect their usual melange of classic rock and pop hits, along with a selection of holiday tunes.“It’s our first show coming out of quarantine, and we couldn’t be any happier that it’s our beloved holiday show,” says Violectric founding member Michelle Jones. “After a very challenging year, we cannot wait to deliver the best live holiday rock strings show in Central Florida.”The Violectric Holiday Show happens at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. The show is free and open to all.Seating capacity for the show will be pared down to 50 percent at the Amphitheatre, but if you don't feel like being that close up, the performance will be simulcast all around Lake Eola on the night.The holiday show is a collaboration with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando to make the concert pet-friendly so feel free to bring your pooch – and they won't even be counted against total show capacity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"I observed approximately 16 eggs broken that were approximately 8 feet to the southwest of the nest," wrote Officer Joshua Brooks on Sunday evening. "Wessel advised she broke a few eggs because she thought they were rotten and saw other ducks eating the eggs. Wessel advised she broke approximately 3-5 eggs. "A city volunteer arrived on scene and identified the nest as belonging to a greylag goose and said none of the eggs were rotten. The city owns the goose, and the eggs were worth approximately $200 apiece.

Lake Eola Park becomes a gastronomic wonderland this weekend as the Downtown Food & Wine Fest returns. Mouth-watering dishes from 30 of Orlandos most recognizable restaurants are on the menu, along with wine from domestic and international vintners. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday; Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St.; $15-$200; downtownfoodandwinefest.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

The night before the U.S. House of Representatives votes on the impeachment of President Donald Trump, a rally will be held in Orlando demanding our lawmakers vote to impeach.Advocacy group MoveOn will be holding a "Nobody Is Above the Law" rally at Lake Eola Park on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m. "Protestors will demand that the House of Representatives fulfills its constitutional duty by impeaching Donald Trump and that the Senate remove him from office for attempting to rig the 2020 elections." Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Unlike many newspapers, ours is free and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

ORLANDO, Fla. - A 7-Eleven and barber shop could soon be torn down as part of a plan to create a green space on the corner of Lake Eola Park at Rosalind Avenue and Central Boulevard. "We believe in development, but we do not think Lake Eola should have shadows on the park from 33-story developments." The two announced plans to purchase the building, which houses a 7-Eleven, a barber shop and several other store fronts through Orlando Land Trust. "This is going to be our first project," Sefcik said. "Orlando probably does need a green space, that's just the wrong spot to put it in," barber Jorge Jiminez said.

click image Photo courtesy Sugar Ray/FacebookSugar RaySurf's up, Thornton Park. Lake Eola Park is the place next year for the Hullabaloo in Thornton Park, an outdoor fest that is set to feature Sugar Ray, Eve 6, local bands to be announced, and professional wake boarders. You read every word of that correctly. Sugar Ray and Eve 6 headline the Hullabaloo in Thornton Park on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

News 6 will host the Fireworks at the Fountain beginning at 4 p.m. (Image: James Gosselin/WKMG)A Florida legislator is once again aiming to move the state capital from Tallahassee to Central Florida. Sen. Kevin Rade, D-Delray Beach, filed Senate bill 112, which is called Capital Relocation Study. In March, News 6 political expert Jim Clark said the chances for the bill to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate are nil. "There's absolutely no chance this bill will pass," Clark said. Would you want the capital to move to Central Florida?

click to enlarge Photos Joey RoulettePeople gathered on March 16, 2019, for a vigil at Lake Eola Park to remember the 50 Muslim lives taken at two Christchurch mosques in New ZealandJoin #Orlando @MomsDemand, @AnnaForFlorida, @march4livesORL along with other great local groups at the Orlando Stands Against Gun Violence: Community Vigil this Friday 8/9 at 5PM. https://t.co/d5cr3no7SH#HonorThemWithAction Elizabeth Rothwell (@bethrain74) August 5, 2019A vigil in Orlando this Friday will commemorate the 31 lives lost in two mass shootings over the weekend.Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and a number of activist groups including Florida League of Women Voters, Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action are putting on community vigil pledging to "honor them with action. "The vigil will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Joy Metropolitan Community Church, 2351 S. Ferncreek Ave. in Orlando.At least 22 people died in El Paso, Texas, when a gunman opened fire at a Walmart during peak back-to-school shopping hours. A day later, at least nine died in a shooting in the nightlife district of Dayton, Ohio.The shootings have revived the debate for harsher gun laws amid reports that the semi-automatic weapons used in both killings are legal to buy in the United States.The El Paso shooting has led politicians to denounce white supremacy following the release of a manifesto by the alleged shooter blaming Latino immigrants for taking jobs from Americans.

ORLANDO, Fla. - News 6 on Thursday will air Fireworks at the Fountain, the Fourth of July show from Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, but this year will also feature extensive coverage on ClickOrlando.com that features new technology. See the coverage hereCopyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

ORLANDO, Fla. - More than 50 swans call Lake Eola Park home, but the park also happens to host the biggest Fourth of July fireworks show in Orlando. So how do our beloved swans feel about the 959-blast, 20-minute fireworks show? According to city of Orlando officials, the swans are very accustomed to the fireworks display and typically find hiding places around the lake if they need them. The city recently released two new black-necked swans into Lake Eola in the hope that one of them will mate with Queenie, the widowed black-necked swan. A program, named Swan-A-Thon, was was created by City Commissioner Patty Sheehan in an effort to raise money for the new swans.

ORLANDO, Fla. - This year marks the 42nd annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Eola, known as Fireworks at the Foundation. Portions of the event, including the 9:15 p.m. fireworks show, will be broadcast on WKMG News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. [STORY: How the Lake Eola swans deal with Fireworks at the Fountain]Best places to parkAlthough biking and ride-sharing is encouraged, there is parking available in the downtown area. A map and list of Downtown Orlando parking options is available at orlando.gov/fireworks. There is a free LYMMO circulator to get to Lake Eola Park from parking locations around downtown.

Maybe you're out of town or can't make it to Lake Eola for the fireworks show tonight. What to know before you goLake Eola Park on July Fourth 2019. City officials also gave us the scoop on our beloved Lake Eola swans and how they prepare for the fireworks. Becoming U.S. citizens on Fourth of July21 people, born in 14 different countries, were sworn in as new citizens during a Fourth of July ceremony. I hope you have a happy Fourth of July spending it with family and friends.

ORLANDO, Fla. - It will be hot as a firecracker for the Fourth of July with highs soaring into the mid-90s inland, lower 90s for the coast. For a few hours Thursday, the feels like temperatures across Central Florida will max out between 100 and 105 degrees. Some storms could produce gusty winds and lightning, but most of the activity should taper off by fireworks time. [WEATHER: Extended forecast | Radar | Warnings | Pinpoint Weather Zones][DOWNLOAD: Pinpoint, Hurricane apps | SHARE: Weather pictures]The forecast for the Fireworks at the Fountain is looking pretty good! Highs will be around 96 with an isolated storm between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday.

Broadcast was developed in collaboration with Graham Media Group, which owns WKMG-TV. Creating high quality live video in the field requires a tremendous amount of resources and costs for broadcasters, publishers and even brands. [SHARE: Your fireworks video could be shown on News 6]Reporting live from the field is what broadcast media does best and we are constantly evolving how and where we reach our audience. In addition to livestreams created via the Broadcast App, News 6 will offer live views of the fireworks from Sky 6, a nearby rooftop, the Bandshell and other angles. News 6 will be the first Arc client to utilize the Broadcast app.