Lake Mary woman hit in face by bullet from celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve, police say
LAKE MARY, Fla. — A Lake Mary woman is recovering after being hit in the face by a stray bullet on New Year’s Eve. Police said Katherine Wilson was at a New Year’s Eve party in the Crystal Ridge subdivision when she was struck. Watch: Casselberry police arrest man accused of knocking woman to ground while stealing her pursePolice said the bullet was traveling in a downward motion and believe it was celebratory gunfire. Read: Police: Man, 18, confesses to robbing, fatally shooting man outside I-Drive hotelOfficers have not said if they have any suspect information. ©2023 Cox Media Group
wftv.com1 dead after SunRail train, vehicle collide in Sanford, fire officials say
SANFORD, Fla. — One person is dead after a SunRail train and a vehicle collided Monday afternoon, according to Seminole County Fire Rescue. It happened near the tracks between the Lake Mary and Sanford stations. A bus bridge is being implemented, SunRail tweeted. READ: Orlando celebrates completion of new Orlando Wetlands Park boardwalkVideo: 2 hospitalized after road rage shooting in Ocala, police say Ocala police said a busy roadway was shut down after a road rage shooting Monday morning. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/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.
wftv.comApopka, Lake Mary advance to regional final
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Lake Mary upset Seminole 12-8 Saturday night to advance to the regional final. Noah Grubbs found Caden Harshbarger with under ninety seconds left for the game-winning touchdown. The Rams will visit Apopka on Friday. The Blue Darters handled busines against Winter Park Saturday 28-7. Friday’s regional final is set for 7:00.
wftv.comPedestrian killed in early morning crash, police need public’s help to identify victim
LAKE MARY, Fla. — The Lake Mary Police Department needs help identifying a pedestrian that was hit in Lake Mary early Saturday morning. The crash happened on West Lake Mary Boulevard and Primera Boulevard. If anyone has information regarding the crash or the pedestrian, Lake Mary Police Department urges you to call 407-665-6445. LMPD needs assistance in identifying a deceased pedestrian. On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at approximately 1:35 AM, officers responded to the area of W. Lake Mary Blvd., and Primera Blvd., in reference to a traffic crash investigation.
wftv.comSeminole, Winter Park advance to regional semifinals
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Seminole beat Mandarin in Jacksonville Monday night 30-28 to advance to the 4M regional semifinals. The Seminoles will host Lake Mary for a spot in the regional final. Elsewhere, Winter Park blanked Lake Brantley 31-0 to set up a date with Apopka in the second round. In the 3M playoffs, Oviedo knocked out Wharton from Tampa 22-21 in overtime. The Lions went for two in OT and got it to advance.
wftv.comFather, son wanted in Lake Helen wedding reception beating arrested
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Volusia County men whom deputies say severely beat a Lake Mary man at a wedding on Sept. 3, have been arrested. Deputies said Joel O’Grady, 38, and his son Julian Falkinburg, 21, both of Sanford, were arrested by Daytona Beach police late Friday night. Investigators said O’Grady and Falkinburg then kicked the victim as he lay unconscious on the ground. Read: Volusia County man found not guilty on kidnapping, battery charges back in courtThe seriously injured victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. After their arrest, O’Grady and Falkinburg were booked into the Volusia County jail on aggravated battery charges before posting bond.
wftv.comDemocrats demand Brodeur resign, drop out of race following ghost candidate allegations
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Several state Democratic lawmakers are calling for state Sen. Jason Brodeur to resign, after allegations he knew about a ghost candidate scheme have come to light. Representative Joy Goff-Marcil of Maitland, who is challenging Brodeur for the newly created Senate District 10 seat, was joined by several other Seminole County democrats demanding that the state senator resign. Read: Joel Greenberg talks ‘ghost candidate’ plan in jailhouse interview: Read the transcriptStanding outside Brodeur’s Lake Mary offices Thursday, Democrats also called on Gov. A third-party ghost candidate, Jestine Iannotti, who didn’t campaign, received nearly 5,800 votes. Also at stake is Brodeur’s role as Seminole County Chamber of Commerce president.
wftv.comSeminole County middle school student, 13, arrested after striking resource deputy in ‘groin area,’ sheriff’s office says
A 13-year-old student of Greenwood Lakes Middle School was arrested on campus Friday in a physical struggle between the teen and a school resource deputy, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
Diverging diamonds: FDOT looks to improve rush hour traffic on I-4 in Seminole County
Video: FDOT looks to improve rush hour traffic on I-4 in Seminole County Anyone who drives I-4 during rush hour knows there’s always a backup around the Lake Mary and Sanford exits. (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The I-4 Ultimate project might be finished, but the Florida Department of Transportation still has a lot of work in store for the interstate. Part of FDOT’s plans is to improve the driving experience through Seminole County. Anyone who drives I-4 during rush hour knows there’s always a backup around the Lake Mary and Sanford exits. The other plan in Lake Mary is to add a new exit ramp at Lake Emma Road by Topgolf.
wftv.comHow do Seminole County deputies handle troublemakers in school? Juvenile intervention officers
Every week, John Girard and his fellow intervention officers (who are civilians, not deputies) meet with six Markham Woods students that the school identified as high-risk for dropping out or getting kicked out.
Happening now: Toys for Tots ‘Stuff the Sleigh’ event in Lake Mary
LAKE MARY, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners Gold Key Roofing, Fun Spot America, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store are proud to support Toys for Tots again this year!
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Stuff the Sleigh
ORLANDO, Fla. — Join 9 TV 27 Community Connection and our partners Abercrombie, P.A., ACR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Karma Roofing & Restoration, and McCoy Federal Credit Union on Sunday, December 5th at Top Golf Lake Mary (1010 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746) from Noon-2pm to help us “Stuff the Sleigh” with new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. We’ll have special guests and you can help us make sure thousands of local children will have a brighter holiday season with your donation. If you can’t join us but would like to still support Toys for Tots, you can easily shop online for a toy at Toys for Tots 2021 Information – WFTV©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comStuff the Sleigh!
ORLANDO, Fla. — Join 9 Family Connection and our partners Gold Key Roofing, Fun Spot America, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store on Sunday, December 5th at Top Golf Lake Mary ( 1010 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746) from Noon-2pm to help us “Stuff the Sleigh” with new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. We’ll have special guests and you can help us make sure thousands of local children will have a brighter holiday season with your donation. If you can’t join us but would like to still support Toys for Tots, you can easily shop online for a toy at Toys for Tots 2021 Information – WFTV©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comJoel Greenberg’s estranged wife seeks to sell couple’s Heathrow home
As former Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg awaits sentencing on child sex trafficking and other federal charges, his estranged wife is asking a judge for permission to sell the couple’s home in Lake Mary’s Heathrow community.
Orlando Health to build hospital in Lake Mary
Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital rendering Orlando Health recently broke ground in Lake Mary for a brand new hospital (Orlando Heath)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County will soon have a brand new hospital.
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Orlando Health breaks ground for new hospital in Lake Mary
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Orlando Health leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest hospital in Lake Mary. The Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital will have 180 beds housed in two six-story towers with the ability to expand up to 240 beds. A key focus area for the new hospital will be women’s health, including labor and delivery services, and a future neonatal intensive care unit, Orlando Health said. @orlandohealth officially broke ground on its newest hospital today ushering in a new era of healthcare and amenities in Seminole County. pic.twitter.com/yqtnRoQZma — Q McCray (@QMcCrayWFTV) November 9, 2021READ: Dozens of Florida lottery players strike gold from non-winning scratch-off ticketsOrlando Health Lake Mary Hospital will be located at 380 Rinehart Road.
wftv.comSeminole County deputies need help finding family of senior woman found lost and confused
Seminole County deputies need help finding family of senior woman found lost and confusedLAKE MARY, Fla. — Deputies in Seminole County are looking for help to identify an elderly woman who was found lost and confused inside a subdivision. Deputies said the senior woman, who said her name is Deloris Johnson, was found walking around the Chase Groves subdivision of unincorporated Lake Mary on Wednesday morning. READ: Marion County parents charged after 2-year-old daughter dies of fentanyl overdose, deputies sayShe was walking around the neighborhood ringing doorbells, deputies said. Deputies said she could not recall where she lived or how she got there. READ: IRS sends out new batch of corrected tax returns; refunds averaging nearly $1,200Anyone with information about her is asked to call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.
wftv.com‘They kept my money’: Multiple complaints about the same contractor prompts Action 9 investigation
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Several central Florida families have contacted Action 9 about the same fence contractor. She found the contractor, Allstate Fence and Rail, through Thumbtack. Here’s what experts, data say is leading to labor shortagesShe signed a contract in June and gave Allstate Fence a deposit of $1,200. “I think they’ve stood me up, you trust in a business and they kept my money,” Barnes said. Allstate Fence and Rail, is rated F at the Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to complaints and Action 9 has received 5 complaints from consumers about lost deposits.
wftv.comFirm plans to relocate its headquarters to the Milk District
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A Lake Mary developer and property management firm plans to relocate its headquarters to a trendy neighborhood near downtown Orlando -- and build apartments nearby. The sellers were Lochrane Brothers Investments LLC and T & G Lochrane Investments LLC. Forness Properties’ Drew Forness and NAI Realvest’s Jeff Bloom were the brokers involved in the land deal. Read: Orlando leaders to vote on Main Street program for West Lakes communityClick here to read Jack Witthaus’ story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comA Tudor-style ‘castle’ is now on the market in Lake Mary
Central Florida is about as far from merry olde England as you can get. Luckily, modern technology allows us to import ideas from wherever we want while still being within lunch break distance of Beefy King. One area homeowner wanted to bring the reign of Henry VIII to our not-so-rocky shores, plopping down a Tudor-style microcastle in Lake Mary. The shock of this place comes out front, where a stone turret stands ready to intimidate any passersby on their way to Lake Marietta. The way into the home is through the turret, behind a large door that we're sure slams shut with a satisfying and slightly threatening clatter.
photos.orlandoweekly.com‘Are you kidding me?’: Woman claims car was damaged while in for routine maintenance
LAKE MARY, Fla. — A Lake Mary woman said she never thought taking her car for routine maintenance would be so risky. Karen Arbutine couldn’t believe what she heard and saw when she picked up her car from the repair shop. She had taken her Mercedes to Jerry’s MB Service in Oviedo for routine maintenance. “I did get two brand new rear tires, and he said everything else was fine, so I know he inspected the tires on the car,” Arbutine said. Jerry’s MB Service is rated A+ at the Better Business Bureau and has been in business for 20 years.
wftv.comTraffic alert: Crash causing major delays on I-4 in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Major delays are building on Interstate 4 in Seminole County due to a crash. The crash forced officials to shut down two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane on I-4 near mile marker 98 in Lake Mary. Skywitness 9 flew over the scene which showed what appeared to be a semi truck laying on its side, along with debris all over the median. MAJOR DELAYS on I-4 through Lake Mary. Crash has traffic down to 1 lane in both directions near Lake Mary rest stop @WFTV pic.twitter.com/oFEA0kixAX — Deneige Broom (@deneigebroom) July 20, 2021It is not known if anyone was hurt in the crash.
wftv.comLake Mary Police pilot program changes how law enforcement responds to mental-illness
LAKE MARY, Fla. — It is not uncommon for police officers to encounter people suffering form mental health issues. to try to break that cycle, the Lake Mary police department started a public-private partnership called the Mental Health Intervention Group. Under the program a mental health counselor is made available to assist officers on the scene of an incident to determine if a person needs to be involuntarily committed under the Baker Act and ultimately get counseling. READ: Unemployed IT worker finds ‘workaround’ to Florida’s unemployment systemOn Tuesday, officers and mental health professionals met to get an update on the program and its progress. Zach Hudson with the Lake Mary Police department says so far indications are the program is working.
wftv.comSeminole County residents receive free smoke detectors
Seminole County Fire Rescue distributes more than 1000 free smoke detectors Seminole County Fire Department Partners with Lake Mary Fire Department and American Red Cross on Smoke Alarm Home Installations as Part of Federal Grant (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in Lake Mary received free smoke alarms thanks to a community outreach program run by Seminole County. More than 30 community outreach personnel from Seminole County Fire Rescue, Lake Mary Fire Department, and the American Red Cross went door to door handing out free alarms to area residents. Surfside condo collapse live updates: 4 dead, 159 unaccounted for as search continuesThat is because the average smoke alarm lifespan is 10 years. This year alone Seminole County Fire Rescue has distributed and installed more than 1,000 smoke alarms. Seminole County residents can request a free smoke alarm here.
wftv.comMan accused of hitting, killing woman with truck stays silent at first appearance before judge
Lake Mary hit and run A 35-year-old Sanford woman was killed in a “suspicious hit-and-run” crash late Monday night, according to Lake Mary police. (WFTV.com News Staff)LAKE MARY, Fla. — The man accused of hitting and killing a woman he was dating with his truck went before a judge Friday afternoon, but had little to say. When asked if he needed a public defender, the suspect, Toivante Williams, just stared blankly without answer the judge. The chief said the two got into some kind of argument before Williams hit Redden with the truck and took off. READ: ‘It’s just wrong’: Woman, dog killed in hit-and-run crash near busy Orange County intersectionWilliams will be back in court for his arraignment on Aug. 10.
wftv.com‘Person of interest’ located in Lake Mary deadly hit and run
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Lake Mary police have released new details about a recent hit and run crash that killed a Sanford woman. The crash, which happened along Lake Mary Avenue near County Club Road late Monday night, claimed the life of 35-year-old Katrina Redden. On Tuesday, police called the incident “suspicious.”READ: Woman killed in ‘suspicious’ hit-and-run crash in Lake Mary identifiedLake Mary hit and run A 35-year-old Sanford woman was killed in a “suspicious hit-and-run” crash late Monday night, according to Lake Mary police. State troopers located the pickup -- a white Ford F-150 -- on May 25, abandoned in the area of SR 417 and SR 408, according to Lake Mary police. He added that the individual was not being “terribly cooperative” with Lake Mary detectives.
wftv.comWoman killed in ‘suspicious hit-and-run’ crash in Lake Mary, police say
LAKE MARY, Fla. — A 35-year-old Sanford woman was killed in a “suspicious hit-and-run” crash late Monday night, according to Lake Mary police. Police said the crash happened at about 11:45 p.m. at Lake Mary Avenue and Country Club Road. READ: Father arrested after 8-year-old son shoots self in hand, police sayThe woman was taken to a hospital, where she died. Lake Mary Avenue is shut down in both directions as police investigate the deadly crash. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comRep. Matt Gaetz friend Joel Greenberg set to plead guilty in sex case, agrees to cooperate with federal authorities
A friend of Rep. Matt Gaetz is set to plea guilty to multiple crimes — including one involving sex with a minor girl — in the case that led to an ongoing sex trafficking investigation of the Republican lawmaker from Florida.
cnbc.comLake Mary's Kona Pok expanding to second Seminole County city
click to enlarge Photo via Kona Pokclick to enlarge Photo via Kona PokYou can find out more about the new Kona Pok contender at konapokebowls.com. click to enlarge Photo via Kona PokWe told you back in January about Kona Pok opening in Lake Mary, when the fast-casual Hawaiian-style concept joined an already crowded market of new poke places. The first location in Lake Mary celebrated their opening with a sale on all Kona Beers for $2. The owners have yet to announce the official opening details or date for the new location, which will be at 1813 WP Ball Blvd. Pok Hana opened on Colonial, and Island Fin Pok is opening down in Lake Nona.
orlandoweekly.comOrange County Brewers hosting grand re-opening at new Lake Mary location on Saturday
OCB will regularly carry 12 to 16 different styles of house-made beer on tap, including their lager, Weizenbach, Schwarzebier, NEIPA and Blonde Ale. They also plan to occasionally host live music.Despite the Orange Ave. foot traffic, the overhead at their previous downtown Orlando location proved untenable, but OCB owners Jeremy Roberts, Travis Barr, Michael Kolodiin and Sandeep Bahgnater always planned to continue the brand. "We are extremely happy to open our doors in Seminole County and join the Lake Mary community," said Roberts in a statement. "The support from Lake Mary and OCBs loyal brew crew has been outstanding. OCB Lake Mary's normal business hours are 11 a.m. to midnight daily.
orlandoweekly.comDrivers brace for traffic backups with I-4 construction project
SANFORD, Fla. - Drivers on Interstate 4 could see delays in Seminole County as work begins on a phase of construction at the end of the I-4 Ultimate Project. Williamson Road between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The work is part of the I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Project and will allow for widening of the interstate. FDOT said Eastbound I-4 is receiving an additional lane to accommodate traffic that will be coming from the end of the I-4 Ultimate express lanes, which are under construction. Williamson Road bridge will include a sidewalk on the eastbound side, a trail on the westbound side and bike lanes along both directions of the road.
Orange County Brewers moves from downtown Orlando to Lake Mary
click image Photo via Orange County Brewers/InstagramFrom becoming a home toand both aanddealership before the brewers entered into the picture, the space has seen its fair share of bygone businesses. After the announcement of their "Brew Theory" event just a year ago, Orange County Brewers is finally giving up on downtown Orlando. OCB is closing its downtown location and moving to Lake Mary after Sunday.The closing announcement came as no surprise to many locals, who have seen businesses come and go over the years in the downtown multi-tenant location.When Orange County Brewers, a team dedicated to craft beer, opened to the Orlando public in 2017, things seemed to have settled down.Orange County Brewers got off to a great start with thebefore replacing it in June 2018 withserving lobster rolls and pizza pies. That lasted until October before again being replaced bywhich stopped downtown service in April of this year. Then chef Eliot Hillis of Orlando Meats openedanother pizza concept.Located at 1117 International Parkway, the Lake Mary location will feature a large outdoor seating area and will target the older and middle-to-older crowd, as opposed to the younger crowd that filters through the downtown area.Although there is no official opening date, Jeremy Roberts, one of the brewery's owners, told thethere will be a soft opening in the next two weeks.However, the Lake Mary location is just the beginning of OCB's expansion plans, as a pub is expected to open in Orlando International Airport's new South Terminal C in 2021, featuring six craft beer options.Although brewing will continue at the downtown location until the end of August, Sunday will be the last day for the downtown taproom located on Orange Avenue.
orlandoweekly.com2 cars hit by bullets in Altamonte Springs
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - Two cars were hit by bullets in the area of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and First Street in Altamonte Springs on July 18, according to an offense report from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Cory High, 39, of Lake Mary, told officers he was driving south on Ronald Reagan Boulevard around 8:15 a.m. when his 2004 blue Honda CRV was hit by bullets. An officer said he could see what appeared to be a bullet hole near the center of the rear door of the Honda. While the Lake Mary man was talking to an officer, a 50-year-old Winter Springs woman said she was driving her 2019 gray Lexus NX300 just ahead of the Honda. High also said that he is counting his blessings that his young children werent in the vehicle at the time.