Fact or fiction? There’s more than meets the eye with manatees
The gentle giants cruising Florida's waterways are one of the state’s most beloved creatures. On the surface, they may seem like slow, gray lumps grazing on sea grass but there is more than meets the eye with the ancient anatomical and ancestral traits still visible in manatees today.
Tampa author highlights history of Florida’s female trailblazers in ‘They Dared to Dream’
Doris Weatherford earned her place in the Sunshine State’s hallowed hall of women’s history by chronicling it, documenting everything from the achievements of Florida’s pre-colonial, Native American women to matriarchs championing the 19th amendment to women reaching for the stars in space travel.
Disney, Cirque du Soleil open new show ‘Drawn to Life’ to standing ovation
The highly anticipated new collaboration from Cirque du Soleil and Disney, Drawn to Life, premiered Thursday night at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort to a full house of enthusiastic fans who demonstrated their appreciation with a lengthy standing ovation.
Brevard fire medic under investigation for allegedly insensitive remark to shooting victim
A member of the Brevard County Fire Rescue staff is under investigation after he allegedly made a racially insensitive remark to a shooting victim while the person was being transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.
10 surprising things you can do with peanut butter
Peanut butter is not only a tasty treat, but it can also do some very surprising things. In honor of National Peanut Butter day today, here are some clever tips from Lifehack.org you could try with peanut butter. Shaving creamYou’ve run out of shaving cream and you desperately need to shave, peanut butter to the rescue. Take a tablespoon of peanut butter and fry it up for a minute or two in a frying pan. Moisturize your hairThis doesn’t sound fun, but you can rub peanut butter into your scalp to help moisturize your hair.
Florida man called for jihad, tried to join ISIS, officials say
A Florida man accused of attempting to join ISIS has been indicted on federal terror charges. A grand jury in Gainesville formally charged 33-year-old Mohamed Suliman with attempting to provide material support for a terror organization. Officials said they also found dozens of audio files of Suliman calling for jihad, a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty. AdIf Suliman is convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
Remember when SpaceX launched a sports car to Mars?
This image from video provided by SpaceX shows the company's spacesuit in Elon Musk's red Tesla sports car which was launched into space during the first test flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. At 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2018 Falcon Heavy fired up all 27 Merlin engines on its three boosters, lifting off from the same pad where astronauts launched to the moon almost 50 years ago. AdAbout three minutes after the launch, Falcon Heavy's three boosters performed an amazing aerial ballet as all three came back to Earth. Next, SpaceX won the internet by sharing video of the red Tesla -- one of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's cars-- floating in space. The car is identified as SpaceX Roadster (spacecraft) (Tesla) -143205 in JPL’s Horizons system that tracks objects in the solar system.
Firefighters battle strong blaze Thursday at Ocala home
OCALA, Fla. – Ocala Fire Rescue crews battled a strong fire Thursday that destroyed a home. When crews arrived they found a single-story residential structure engulfed in fire, with heavy flames coming out through the roof. AdWhen firefighters gained control of the flames, they forced their way into the home to search the area. Crews continued to pump water onto the fire until there was no sign of flame or hot spot left. The Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utility and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the fire.
Suspects in botched murder-for-hire plot will not face death penalty
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Osceola state attorney’s office will not seek the death penalty against the people accused of being involved in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, according to court records obtained by News 6. Two years ago, Prosecutor Christopher Smith filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Glorianmarie Quinones Montes, Alexis Ramos-Rivera, and Ishnar Lopez-Ramos. This past May the state attorney’s office said they would not seek the death penalty against Quinones Montes. On Monday, the state attorney’s office would not seek the death penalty against Ramos-Rivera and Ishnar Lopez-Ramos. [RELATED: State attorney won’t seek death penalty for any cases]This past October, State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced she would not seek the death penalty in any case.
Former Brevard County prosecutor accused of stalking, extortion
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: Patrick Landy accepted a plea agreement in June 2020. Original story below:A Former Brevard County prosecutor is accused of aggravated stalking and extortion, according to court records. Patrick Landy, 28, made his first appearance before a judge Thursday afternoon at the Brevard County Jail. He had no comment for News 6 as he walked out of the Brevard County Jail at around 8:30 p.m. with his head covered with a jacket. Landy worked for the State Attorney’s Office in Brevard County from June of 2017 to January of 2019.
Here’s where you can cut down your own Christmas tree in Orlando area
Getting a Christmas tree can be a magical time for families, but few in Central Florida, for obvious reasons, actually cut down their own tree. Santa's Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis allows guests to cut down their own tree. "Guests have the unique opportunity to cut a real Florida Christmas tree in the field," the website said. Florida Christmas trees aren't for everyone, Judy Ewing said, adding that they have soft branches and don't hold heavy ornaments very well. Here’s a link to other Christmas tree businesses, but be sure to call before going to ensure they’re still open.
Shop local at these popular Orlando area farmers markets
There is no reason to spend a weekend freezing in air-conditioned grocery stores when Central Florida offers a huge selection of year-round farmers markets. There are open air markets across the greater Orlando area, many that accept SNAP benefits and support local farmers, food markers and artisans. Check out the list below of popular outdoor markets offering local handmade goods, live music and fresh produce. Did I miss your neighborhood weekend market? Let me know at especk@wkmg.com.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk coming to Space Coast to investigate scrub issues
Some locals are calling the unusually long streak of launch scrubs “Scrubtoberfest” but to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk it’s not a joke. The ultimate goal is for the Cape to run as efficiently as an airport with rockets being able to take off within hours of each other on multiple launch pads, News 6 partner Florida Today said. Over the past month, United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy launch of a top secret military satellite has scrubbed five times due to weather, hardware and technical issues causing two SpaceX launches to reschedule multiple times. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Here’s how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] Musk attributed the Friday night abort to an “Unexpected pressure rise in the turbomachinery gas generator.”Musk tweeted that his team will be problem-solving all weekend.
Man charged with murder after drug overdose death at Comfort Inn, police say
An arrest has been made after officials say a man died of a drug overdose at a DeLand hotel. According to authorities, DeLand police officers responded to the Comfort Inn, located at 400 E International Speedway Boulevard. As the investigation begun, officers contacted Hiram Oyola, who investigators said was in the room with the man when he died. During their investigation, investigators determined that Oyola sold Oxycodone to the man on the day of his death. Medical examiners determined the cause of death to be a combination of Oxycodone and Fentanyl Toxicity.
Deck the halls: Walt Disney World reimagines 2020 holiday celebration
ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World released new details Tuesday about its upcoming holiday celebrations. Just like some of its popular fall events, leaders at Walt Disney World have had to adjust and change plans due to ever-changing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the cancellation a number of other holiday offerings will be available. (Walt Disney World)Minnie Mouse will put on a yuletide gathering for families at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant. Walt Disney World’s holiday offerings will be available till Dec. 30.
Orange County deputies continue searching for possible drowning victim
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County Sheriff's Office and Belle Isle police are continuing their search efforts after receiving reports of a man possibly drowning in the lake. OCSO said around 7:53 p.m. Saturday they responded to the 2900 block of Nela Avenue in reference to a possible drowning. The marine patrol with the sheriff's office searched the waters Saturday night. "This is a sad Sunday morning for us to hear that there might be a possibility of someone in the water," Rivera said. "It's very concerning because this is somebody's loved one that's a possibility that's out there and we don't know who this is going to affect," she said.
Heres the process behind naming tropical storms and hurricanes
News 6 meteorologist Candace Campos explains the history and process behind naming storms during hurricane season. How did naming storms come to be? Naming storms as they development over water, started by the late 19th century. By 1978, changing times and increased political pressure pushed the National Hurricane Center to request a change to the hurricane naming list. For example, the Atlantic hurricane list is compiled of named derived from English, Spanish and French cultures, due to the countries that surround the Atlantic basin.
Ample Hills Creamery will not reopen at Walt Disney World
The Brooklyn-based shop, Ample Hills Creamery, said it will not reopen its doors after being forced to close in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our agreement with Ample Hills Creamery ended earlier this year. As a result, Ample Hills will close at Disneys Boardwalk and the proposed Ample Hills location at Disney Springs will not open later this year, a Disney spokesperson said. Ample Hills Creamery at Disneys BoardWalk (Disney Parks Blog)To add to the companys trouble, the owners were forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. Fans of the popular ice cream shop will still be able to order ice cream online through the companys website.
Where to watch SpaceX Crew Dragon launch on the Space Coast
Read more about the variety of launch viewing hot spots, known to locals and space enthusiasts alike, then click through the map embedded in the story to learn more. Due to the launch, the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic one hour after the launch. Titusville parksLaunch spectators have staked out their spots below the Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville. (WKMG)In Titusville, 15 miles across the Indian River, almost parallel to multiple launch pads are two Brevard County parks popular to locals for launch viewing. Titusvilles Parrish Park is a 36-acre park on both sides of the A. Max Brewer Causeway off State Road 402.
5 simple ways you can support local businesses during coronavirus pandemic
While there isn’t a whole lot we can do as restrictions are put in place, there are a few measures we can take to support our favorite local businesses during these unsettling times. Buy gift cards from your favorite restaurant or boutique. We’re all pretty used to shopping online (Amazon Prime Day is basically a holiday at this point), so one way you can support a local business is shopping from your computer or cellphone. Not all boutiques or retail stores may have the option to offer online shopping, but if they do, it’s a great way to support a small business and practice social distancing. Not everyone is able to do this, but if your income won’t be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, consider a donation to a local business that could need it.
Avoid distracted driving (and a ticket) with these smartphone apps
Now that Florida’s law enforcement officers will be ticketing drivers for texting and driving it might be a good time to download a smartphone app so you can put the phone down and focus on the road. Florida’s new distracted driving law began July 1, but motorists were given a six-month period during which warnings were issued for people spotted texting while driving. On Jan. 1, law enforcement officers will begin issuing tickets if drivers are handling their phones in hands-free zones, including school and construction areas. To help you avoid a costly ticket and drive safely we’ve compiled a list of 12 smartphone apps that can help you achieve that goal. Read on below for information about apps to help you avoid distracted driving.
Retired Navy captain recalls when women weren’t allowed to serve on ships
Among the branches that help in the fight against terror, is the Navy but it wasn't until 1993 that Congress approved women to serve on combat ships. "At that point in time the women couldn't go on ships. I was a little ahead of that wave so I didn't have that opportunity," retired Navy Capt. I did that for a number of years and when you're in that field you're in very remote locations," Drury said. I wouldn't tell them I wasn't Navy SEAL and they were all like 'yeahhh' and the Russian guy in particular said, 'No wonder we can't win.'"
NASA reveals VIPER moon rover to map resources
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine revealed Friday that the space agency plans to launch a golfcart-sized roving robot, called the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, to roam the surface collecting samples and mapping resources. NASA says it plans to deliver VIPER to the moon in December 2022. VIPER will "collect about 100 days of data that will be used to inform the first global water resource maps of the Moon," according to a NASA news release. NASA plans to create a sustainable base on the lunar surface within a decade. NASA did not announce what launch provider would deliver the rover to the moon.
NASCAR encouraging women, minorities to take bigger role in male-dominated sport
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Fifteen years ago, NASCAR launched its Drive for Diversity combine program with the purpose of changing the faces of the American sport dominated by men. At 14 years old, Isabella Robusto is one of the youngest up-and-coming female drivers in NASCAR. Robusto is among this year's participants of the NASCAR'S Drive for Diversity program. Jusan Hamilton, director of racing operations for NASCAR, said the organization wants the sport to be open to everyone, but there are barriers to entry when not everyone has the same opportunities. Ten finalists are handpicked by NASCAR to compete for spots to drive with the Rev Racing team and in different NASCAR competitions.
Lawsuit: Volcano Bay slide left tourist paralyzed
ORLANDO, Fla. – A New York man claims in lawsuit that his neck snapped while he was riding the Punga Racers water slide at Universal's Volcano Bay, causing a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Documents show the man decided to race his 15-year-old daughter, 13-year-old daughter and 7-year-old daughter on the Punga Racers, which has four lanes to accommodate multiple riders. Attorneys allege the man followed employees' instructions to lie with his stomach on a mat they provided, then slide down headfirst. The impact caused a compression injury to the man's spine that left him paralyzed, facedown in the water, attorneys said. The suit claims Universal was negligent by failing to maintain and inspect the ride, failing to supervise riders and failing to warn visitors about the potential dangers.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Commission meets in Central Florida
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission is meeting in Central Florida to discuss their second annual report on findings and recommendations for school safety. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who is the commission chair, opened the meeting on Tuesday with a discussion about a recent incident in Volusia County. Complacency is an issue that the commission spoke about, as some districts in Florida have had trouble complying with school safety mandates following the Parkland school shooting in 2018. "If you call the school today and say 'I'm going to shoot it up,' that's not a crime," Gualtieri said. After the two-day meeting, the commission will finalize their report before submitting it to the governor on Nov. 1.
Disney gondolas reopen to guests after stranding passengers
Passengers stranded on the Disney gondola system took to social media as the incident unfolded around 8 p.m. on Oct. 5. Guests’ posts on social media said that some of the capsules crashed into each other, but Disney insisted that the cars did not collide. Firefighters were called to the Orlando-area theme park, and several guests posted to social media, saying rescues were underway. Video from Sky 6 showed the Skyliner cars started moving again around 11 p.m.Disney officials never specifically said what happened. The theme park's statement read, "We have a team diligently looking into the cause of Saturday’s malfunction on the Epcot line of the Disney Skyliner.
Using your phone in school, construction zones is now illegal
ORLANDO, Fla. – Better keep your hands off that cellphone if you are driving near a school or in a construction zone in Florida. As of Tuesday, it is against the law to hold a cellphone while driving through a school or construction zone. Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kim Montes said law enforcement agencies across the state won't start issuing tickets until Jan. 1. “We don’t want to see a child hit or killed because somebody was on their phone,” Montes said. [MORE: What you can, can't do with your phone while driving | These Smartphone Apps are helping combat distracted driving]Watch News 6 for more coverage.
Florida lawmaker files bill to require drivers to put down phones
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The same Florida lawmaker who championed the state's new law that prohibits texting while driving is now behind a new effort that would force Florida motorists to put their phones down completely. Rep. Emily Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, filed a bill Monday that would outlaw driving while “manually holding or otherwise touching a wireless communications device," according to the News Service of Florida. The proposal was filed a day before the hands-free part of Florida's new texting and driving law, which makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone in school and construction zones, goes into effect. Texting while driving became illegal on July 1. Florida Highway Patrol officials said that between July 1 and Sept. 17, troopers issued 438 warnings while law enforcement agencies across the state have given out 542 citations.
Hands-free part of Florida's texting & driving law starts Oct. 1
ORLANDO, Fla. – The hands-free part of Florida's new texting and driving law goes into effect in a few days, which makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone in school and construction zones. "We're talking about children, and in a school zone, they're getting off the school bus, they're darting in and out of traffic, they're really not paying attention. For people to be on their cellphones in a school zone increases the danger that there is going to be a fatality," Thompson said. Troopers said they will start giving warnings when the hands-free portion of the new law going into effect. Thompson said this is a great start to toughening Florida's texting and driving laws, but she still wants to drive change.
Here's how many Florida drivers have been ticketed for texting and driving
ORLANDO, Fla. – Recently released numbers show that hundreds of drivers across the Sunshine State have been ticketed or warned since Florida's new texting and driving law went into effect. Florida Highway Patrol troopers began issuing warnings on July 1, when texting while driving officially became illegal in Florida. Representatives with Florida Highway Patrol delivered their report Wednesday to members of the Florida House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. [READ: Florida texting and driving statistics]"I think it's low, principally because it's new," Florida Representative Geraldine Thompson said. News 6 was a major force behind helping to get the new law banning texting and driving enacted with an initiative called Driving Change.
What do the hurricane categories mean?
It's important to know what different strength hurricane categories mean. The National Hurricane Center determines what a storm's category, between 1 and 5, based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which estimates potential property damage based on the storm's sustained wind speed. Category 3 (major hurricane): 111 to 129 mph sustained windsDevastating damage will occur: Well-built frame homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. When Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane in September 2017 it devastated the island. Hurricane Michael became the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States as a Category 5 since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Local businesses bounce back after Hurricane Dorian
DELAND, Fla. – Many local businesses are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Now, many shops and restaurants are struggling to make up for lost Labor Day weekend business and remindreminding folks how important it is to shop local. Reed is the owner of The Table in Downtown DeLand and said the restaurant is still trying to recover from Hurricane Dorian after she closed up shop for five days. She closed her doors for four days due to Hurricane Dorian and said she usually counts on the Artisan Alley Farmers Market on Friday nights for business. Bobo was back to work today, gearing up for her wine event called Yappy Hour, where 10% of the proceeds go to Halifax Humane Society.