OSCEOLA COUNTY

Osceola County sheriff gives details on gas station fire that severely burned man (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez gave an update Thursday afternoon about the moments that led to a gas station fire that left a motorcyclist burned on more than 75% of his body. Barreto, 26, was burned from his neck to his ankles after an Osceola deputy used a Taser while Barreto was filling up his motorcycle. READ: Attorneys for motorcyclist burned in gas station fire ask Osceola deputies to turn case over to FDLESources told Eyewitness News that Deputy David Crawford will be charged with culpable negligence, which is a misdemeanor. READ: Woman describes how stepson was badly burned in confrontation with Osceola deputies at gas station“This is horrible, but you know what, what else can you do? Video: Sources: Charges recommended against Osceola County deputy following gas station fire Sources say the sheriff’s office is recommending that Deputy David Crawford be charged with culpable negligence, which is a misdemeanor.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is working to get results and help people become homebuyer ready.

Video: Sources: Charges recommended against Osceola County deputy following gas station fire Sources say the sheriff’s office is recommending that Deputy David Crawford be charged with culpable negligence, which is a misdemeanor. OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Sources tell Channel 9′s Shannon Butler that the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is recommending that an Osceola County deputy be charged following a fire at a gas station that severely burned a motorcyclist. Sources say the sheriff’s office is recommending that Deputy David Crawford be charged with culpable negligence, which is a misdemeanor. Jean Barreto Jean Barreto, 26, was burned from his neck to his ankles after an Osceola County deputy tackled him while he was filling up his motorcycle. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is set to provide his own update on the case on Thursday afternoon.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County sheriff is expected to talk Thursday afternoon about a gas station fire that left a motorcyclist burned on more than 75% of his body. The state fire marshal said the explosion happened after an Osceola County deputy used his Taser near a pool of gasoline. Motorcyclist Jean Barreto, 26, was burned from his neck to his ankles in the fire and remains hospitalized nearly three months after it happened. READ: Woman describes how stepson was badly burned in confrontation with Osceola deputies at gas stationStay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates. Video: Attorneys for motorcyclist burned in gas station fire ask Osceola deputies to turn case over to FDLE Jean Barreto, 26, was burned from his neck to his ankles after an Osceola County deputy tackled him while he was filling up his motorcycle.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is set to provide an update Thursday afternoon on the incident during which three deputies and a suspect caught fire in an attempted arrest at a gas station months ago.

Dozens of volunteers came together Wednesday to make repairs and improvements to a military veteran's home in St. Cloud.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola School District is once again asking the governor to weigh in on the fate of one of its board members. READ: Osceola County Schools asking governor again to decide fate of embattled board memberAccording to court documents, Arguello violated district policy. The school board decided to let the governor decide Arguello’s fate. READ: Osceola County school board asks DeSantis to decide fate of member accused of intimidationArguello claims he has done nothing wrong. VIDEO: Osceola County Schools asking again for governor to decide fate of embattled board member Osceola County Schools asking again for governor to decide fate of embattled board memberClick 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.

OVIEDO, Fla. — Flames ripped through a Seminole County home early Wednesday, forcing a family to flee to safety. The fire broke out at a house along Worthington Court off of North Pine Avenue in Oviedo shortly after 2 a.m.READ: Family of man burned in gas station fire after confrontation with Osceola County deputy speaks outThe Oviedo Fire Department told Eyewitness News the fire appeared to start in the garage area before spreading. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 21 Seminole County house fire (WFTV.com News Staff)WFTV learned that Oviedo police helped family members and their two dogs escape the burning home. READ: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectAs of 4:30 a.m., crews with Oviedo Fire and Seminole County Fire Department remained on scene. Stick with WFTV.com watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.

VIDEO: Osceola County Schools asking again for governor to decide fate of embattled board member Osceola County Schools asking again for governor to decide fate of embattled board memberOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County School District is again asking Gov. READ: Embattled Osceola County school board member responds to investigationThere’s a lot of bad blood between Arguello, other board members and a lot of people working for the district. The investigation found the concerns were politically motivated and was because the man was a “perceived political enemy.”READ: Osceola County school board asks DeSantis to decide fate of member accused of intimidationSome of Arguello’s targets asked during Tuesday’s board meeting for the governor or law enforcement to stop the attacks. READ: Another harassment complaint filed against Osceola County school board memberTwo were against Arguello. READ: Osceola superintendent says board member is creating ‘hostile work environment’ in letter to stateVIDEO: Second complaint made against Osceola County school board member accused of intimidation A second complaint has been filed against Osceola County school board member Jon Arguello.

The same lawyers representing the victims of the deadly Target Osceola deputy shooting are set to hold a news briefing Wednesday afternoon on an incident during which three deputies and a suspect caught fire in an attempted arrest at an Osceola gas station months ago.

Video: Family of man burned in gas station fire after confrontation with Osceola County deputy speaks out For the first time, we are hearing from the family of a motorcyclist burned in an explosive confrontation with Osceola County deputies at a gas station. OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time, we are hearing from the family of a motorcyclist burned in an explosive confrontation with Osceola County deputies at an Orange County gas station. Surveillance video from the Wawa captured the moment an Osceola County deputy tackled Barreto off his bike at a gas pump. She said the first thing he said was, “The police burned me.”READ: 3 Osceola County deputies burned while arresting suspect at Orange County gas station, sheriff saysOn Tuesday, Barreto underwent his sixth surgery since the fire. Video: Osceola County deputy’s Taser caused gas station fire that injured man, 3 deputies, report says The electric discharge from an Osceola County deputy firing his Taser caused a fire that injured three deputies and another man, a new report says.

A business in Kissimmee is on a mission to help Hispanic residents in Central Florida purchase homes and educate home buyers and realtors about the process toward homeownership.

Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk Inc. held a news briefing Tuesday afternoon on the deadly deputy shooting that occurred outside an Osceola Target last month.

CLOUD, Fla. — Students and teachers at an Osceola County school got quite a surprise when they arrived at school Monday morning. As students began arriving at Michigan Avenue Elementary school around 7:30 a.m., they found a 6-foot alligator blocking the entrance. Read: Saharan dust coming to Central Florida: What to expectThe alligator, whom students named “Gary”, was safely removed from the doorway by a school resource officer. Photos: Firefighters battle brushfire near Marion County high schoolThe alligator was later taken to a nearby pond and released. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Saint Cloud gator at school (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.

It’s alligator mating season, which means you never know where you might run into one of these scaly reptiles.

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is on the lookout for an Osceola County girl after she was reported as missing, deputies said.

The Osceola School District will hold a job fair to hire 40 more bus drivers and 140 additional bus attendants for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Kissimmee man pleaded guilty last week to making ricin, a biological toxin, in an attempt to kill his former business partner, according to United States Attorney Roger Handberg. According to the plea agreement, in Dec. 2021 law enforcement learned that Jones had manufactured ricin intending to use it to kill his former partner and was planning to travel out of state to where his former partner lived. On Dec. 17, police stopped Jones, who admitted to manufacturing ricin. Law enforcement found additional tubes containing ricin, along with castor beans, documents pertaining to ricin, and approximately 200 rounds of various types of ammunition in Jones’s residence. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

VIDEO: Free college program for Osceola County students leads to uptick in applications Free college program for Osceola County students leads to uptick in applicationsOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of students in Osceola County are taking advantage of Osceola Prosper, a new program that’s covering their college tuition. Thanks to money set aside from the American Rescue Plan, all Osceola High School graduates in 2022 get a free ride for a two-year degree for either Valencia College or Osceola Technical College. READ: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges freeValencia College said its enrollment rate has faced a steep decline of 20% since 2020. Osceola Prosper said it’s expected to put hundreds more students in classrooms this fall, while giving many an opportunity they would’ve otherwise written off due to finances. The college also said it has already received applications for more than 800 students since Osceola Prosper was announced in March, making the new total of Osceola County seniors applying to Valencia College more than 1,400.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The electric discharge from an Osceola County deputy firing his Taser caused a fire that injured three deputies and caused another man to be burned on more than 75% of his body, according to a report completed by the state fire marshal this week. The report says Osceola County deputies were in a vehicle pursuit attempting to stop a man on a dirt bike prior to the fire on Feb. 27 at a Wawa in Orange County located at John Young and Central Florida parkways. Surveillance video from the incident shows an Osceola County deputy tackling a man, identified as Jean Louis Barreto Baerga, filling up his dirt bike with gas. READ: Stun gun used during arrest led to gas station fire that burned 3 deputies, suspect, witnesses sayThe fire caused minor injuries to two deputies, and third-degree burns to another deputy. According to the fire marshal’s report, Barreto Baerga was burned on 76% of his body and was not expected to survive.

A woman was found critically injured after a hit-and-run crash in Osceola County early Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Leaders in one tourism-dependent Florida county battered by the pandemic are giving graduating high school seniors free tuition at either the local community college or the county technical school.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A judge in Osceola County will decide whether to sentence a convicted police officer killer to death. Kissimmee police officers killed in line of dutyIn 2019, we told you Everett Miller was convicted of their murders. WATCH: Jurors of Everett Miller trial talk about what went on behind the scenesHis fate rests in the hands of an Osceola County judge, who will decide if he will be sentenced to life in prison or death. At a hearing back in September, Baxter’s widow talked about the impact the murder had on her life. READ: ‘You guys constantly harassed me and my family,’ sister of convicted cop killer saysAs soon as we learn what the judge decides, we’ll pass it along to you.

Everett Miller was convicted in 2019 for the murders of Sgt. Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter.

The plan calls for approximately $13 million in restoration and maintenance of 1,550 acres of Split Oak Forest for a 30-year period.

Eva waters, a New York resident visiting Florida, said she was at the Target store on West Irlo Brunson Memorial Highway when a man was killed during an Osceola deputy-involved shooting outside the store.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office released its body camera policy Tuesday evening, nearly a week after News 6 requested the policy.

The Pirate and Princesses event is just a piece of the summer activities inside the resort atriums and outside at Cypress Springs Water Park.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Lawyers and state investigators are combing through surveillance video that shows the moments deputies shot at four people outside a Target. READ: Attorney for young men shot outside Osceola Target accuses sheriff of twisting narrativeAttorney Mark Nejame said the details don’t add up. This week, the sheriff shared surveillance video and a picture of a gun that was found in the driver’s lap. WATCH: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County TargetThere are still a few unanswered questions. VIDEO: Surveillance video released in deputy-involved shooting outside Kissimmee Target Surveillance video released in deputy-involved shooting outside Kissimmee TargetClick 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.

Video: Democratic lawmakers speak out over decision to dissolve Reedy Creek Central Florida lawmakers said Monday that the financial impact on Orange and Osceola County property owners if Disney’s self-governing district is dissolved. (Shannon Butler, WFTV.com)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The state’s move to repeal the Reedy Creek Improvement District at Walt Disney World Resort has cleared its first court battle. A judge dismissed the lawsuit against both the state and Gov. Ron DeSantis, which would have blocked the state from repealing Reedy Creek. READ: First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strengthThe judge said the claims are not “sufficiently mature” and is not “sufficiently defined and concrete, to permit effective decisionmaking by the court.”As expected, the Reedy Creek lawsuit against Gov.

Sheriff: Mother admits to making both her children drink bleach, killing one (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County deputies have released new details in the case of a mother and her two children found unconscious in a car near Poinciana on Mother’s Day. On Tuesday, the Osceola County Sheriff said Joanne Zephir admitted to making both her children drink bleach and choking her three-year-old to death. See map of location below:When deputies arrived, they found Zephir unconscious inside the car with her 3-year-old child and the 8-year-old unconscious near the roadway. Zephir is currently in the Osceola County jail facing attempted murder and child abuse charges. Video: One child dies, another hospitalized after woman found unconscious in car in Poinciana, deputies say Deputies in Osceola County are investigating the death of a child on Mother’s Day.

A Kissimmee man pleaded guilty Tuesday to manufacturing a biological toxin in an attempt to kill his former partner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced in a news release.

A 3-year-old died and an 8-year-old was injured after their mother forced them to drink bleach before trying to kill herself outside a Poinciana church Sunday, Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez said in a news briefing Tuesday.

In total, Disney World teams collected more than $30,000 for Give Kids the World Village.

Law enforcement agencies across Central Florida are teaming up to protect trail users as the school year wraps up and summer vacations begin.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez released surveillance video on Monday and talked about the moments before deputies opened fire. WATCH: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County TargetSurveillance video fills some gaps but there are still a lot of details that have yet to be released. Channel 9 continues to press the sheriff’s office for answers into how a petty theft investigation turned into a deadly deputy-involved shooting. READ: Teen shot by deputies outside Osceola County Target recalls moment bullets started flyingBaez was killed. VIDEO: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County Target Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County TargetClick 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.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A man and woman died Monday in what is an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 7700 block of Silver Pointe Boulevard around 8:25 p.m. When they arrived, deputies found the man and woman, both in their 20s, dead, according to a news release. WATCH: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County TargetNo further information was immediately available. READ: Former Orlando Magic player shot, killed in east Orange County neighborhoodVIDEO: Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County Target Surveillance video released of deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola County TargetClick 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.

Documents and surveillance video released Monday by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office provided more insight into the fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred in a Target parking lot last month.

Attorneys Mark NeJame and Albert Yonfa are accusing Sheriff Marcos Lopez of distorting the facts in the deadly shooting at an Osceola County Target.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told a lunchroom full of students at Ventura Elementary School in Kissimmee that they could go to the moon on NASA's next rocket heading that way.

Four Osceola sheriff’s office vehicles were rammed into prior to the fatal deputy-involved shooting of a 20-year-old in a Target parking lot last week, new documents released Monday revealed.

Community leaders in Osceola County are announcing a life-changing new program designed to help families purchase their first home.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County leaders are launching a program to help combat the housing crisis. The Salvation Army and other community organizations are teaming up to start a new housing program in Osceola County. They hope to expand this program to help more people down the road. READ: Why Orlando’s housing market is so attractive to investorsOsceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry announced a new program called “Pathway to Housing.” The initiative is an effort to combat the housing crisis. The program will pay rent for families, so they can save up for a down payment to purchase their first home.

Osceola County deputies responding to a report of a suspicious incident in the Poinciana area early Sunday located an unconscious woman and two children, one of whom later died, according to a news release.

A man was pronounced dead after being found shot in St. Cloud Friday evening, and investigators said Sunday the man’s death was considered suspicious.

Understanding Alligators Gators - 5 Fast Facts (NCD)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Wild Florida is working to debunk common myths about the American alligator with its upcoming Gator Week. Gator Week will run from May 23 to 28 and serve to educate visitors on one of Florida’s most recognizable but misunderstood animals. The week will feature daily gator-themed activities and demonstrations. Officials said everyone who makes a small cash donation will get free admission to Gator Park during Gator Week. Bills donated will go towards the park’s Wild Florida scholarship to help graduating seniors pay for college.

Deputies search for missing and endangered teen from Osceola CountyKISSIMMEE, Fla. — Deputies in Osceola County are searching for a missing and endangered teenager who was last seen Friday morning. WATCH: Embattled Osceola County school board member responds to investigationDeputies said 17-year-old Jessica Mahadan was last seen at her home on Mickey Johnson Court around 6:40 a.m.Mahadan was supposed to head to school, but never arrived and did not come home Friday night, investigators said. WATCH: Student drawings of Nazi party, Hitler displayed in Osceola County high school under investigationShe was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants, and left her home in a 2013 white BMW X5 with Florida tag PLZ-V63. Deputies said her cellphone last showed her in the area of Country Way Boulevard in Tampa. WATCH: Identities released of young men involved in deadly deputy-involved shooting outside Osceola TargetAnyone who knows about Mahadan’s location is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222 or call 911.

Deputies in Osceola County are searching for a missing and endangered teenager who was last seen Friday morning.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday said its deputies were searching for a 17-year-old girl who went missing out of Kissimmee on Friday, according to a news release.

VIDEO: Student drawings of Nazi party, Hitler displayed in Osceola County high school under investigation Student drawings of Nazi party, Hitler displayed in Osceola County high school under investigation, Fla. — An investigation is underway tonight over drawings referencing the Nazi party and Adolf Hitler in Harmony High School. The principal said he didn’t know about the drawings and would look into it, then directed us to a district spokesperson who said the pictures were inappropriate. In a prepared statement, the school district said, “The drawings have been removed. Nowhere in our Curriculum Unit Plans that teachers follow are students asked to create such items as part of any approved lessons. “That’s a hate symbol.”It’s not immediately clear if the drawings were part of some assignment.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — There’s even more controversy surrounding an Osceola County school board member already facing potential removal from office. Ron DeSantis, and a second letter may be sent after Arguello is sanctioned again next week. Three months ago, John Kalish filed a complaint, telling the school board that he was being harassed on social media and at school board meetings by Arguello. Kalish said after a bus was donated to him by Osceola County schools last August, a complaint was made against by Arguello. VIDEO: Second complaint made against Osceola County school board member accused of intimidation A second complaint has been filed against Osceola County school board member Jon Arguello.

As Walt Disney World welcomes guests to its 50th anniversary celebration, the company continues to give back to the Central Florida community.

The lawyer representing the family of the man who was killed when two Osceola County deputies opened fire in the parking lot of Target is questioning why none of the responding members of law enforcement were wearing body cameras.

Joseph Lowe Joseph Lowe, 19, remains hospitalized more than a week after he lost a finger when Osceola County deputies opened fire on the car he was in outside a Kissimmee Target store. (Attorney Mark NeJame)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Joseph Lowe, 19, remains hospitalized more than a week after he lost a finger when Osceola County deputies opened fire on the car he was in outside a Kissimmee Target store. Deputies shot Lowe and Michael Gomez outside of Target on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway last week. READ: Attorneys: Osceola County deputies didn’t identify themselves before deadly shooting outside TargetThe 20-year-old man behind the wheel of the car Lowe and Gomez got into, Jayden Baez, died of his injuries after bullets started flying. READ: Report: Teens stole Pokémon cards, pizza before deputies fired shots outside Target storeVideo: Attorneys: Osceola County deputies didn’t identify themselves before deadly shooting outside Target The attorneys for the 20-year-old man shot and killed after deputies opened fire outside an Osceola County Target provided new details on the case Wednesday.

In the wake of the recent deadly shooting by two Osceola County deputies at a Target on April 27, questions have loomed about the policies at the sheriff’s office.

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto said the Supreme Court is getting closer to taking away a "fundamental right" from women.

Farm Share, which bills itself as the state's largest food bank, is planning a free food distribution event in DeLand.

VIDEO: Orange County: Controversial Osceola Parkway extension is in Osceola County’s hands Orange County: Controversial Osceola Parkway extension is in Osceola County’s handsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County officials said a controversial proposal to put part of the Osceola Parkway extension through the Split Oak Forest is not in their hands. Both Orange and Osceola counties invested in the land in the early 1990s, but an Orange County spokesperson is telling Channel 9 that, as far as a proposal to build a toll road through the land, it falls on Osceola County’s side of things. READ: Attorneys: Osceola County deputies didn’t identify themselves before deadly shooting outside TargetThe fight over Split Oak started at the end of 2019, when Orange County voted in favor of allowing an $800 million toll road to cut through it. Last month, a state agency voted in favor of allowing construction on the toll road. READ: 2 dogs rescued from house fire south of downtown OrlandoOrange County officials sent Channel 9 a map showing that the proposed route doesn’t touch Orange County, and that none of the 160 acres are in Orange County.

A jury convicted Deputy Dirio Sinclair for the May 2021 incident.

Three Central Florida residents are suing the state of Florida over the recent law to dissolve the special district that governs Walt Disney World property.

Deputies involved in Target shooting were not wearing body cameras, according to Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.

Osceola County's sheriff is continuing to not answer direct questions about why his deputies opened fire on four men outside a Target store on April 27.

Ceremony held to honor officers who died in the line of duty (WFTV.com News Staff)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement agencies in Osceola County held their annual law enforcement memorial service on Wednesday. The hourlong ceremony honors the men and women who died in the line of duty over the years. READ: May the Fourth be with you: 9 things to know about ‘Star Wars’“I think it is a great experience,” said Katie Shouvlin. We bring my family and friends as well.”Her father, Thomas Bartholomew died as a Kissimmee police officer in 1983. READ: Dave Chappelle tackled onstage during Los Angeles stand-up showLaw enforcement honored officers who died on and off duty.

Osceola County deputies are searching for a sex offender who cut off his ankle monitor and absconded.

Attorneys representing the family of a 20-year-old man shot and killed by Osceola County deputies in a Target parking lot are revealing new details in what led up to the shooting.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County School District announced more than half a dozen administrative shifts on Wednesday. See a list of the changes below:READ: Osceola County school district buys land for new construction project• Gary Dunn, the current assistant principal at Discovery Intermediate, will be the principal at Discovery Intermediate. • Steven Louis-Jean, currently the assistant principal at Celebration High School, will be the assistant principal at Liberty High. • Justin Seabolt, currently the assistant principal at NeoCity Academy, will be the assistant principal at Celebration High. • Amanda Soto, currently the assistant principal at Ventura Elementary, will be the assistant principal at East Lake Elementary.

A man shot and killed by Osceola County deputies last week at an area Target was identified Tuesday by the attorney for the family.

A 23-year-old Florida rapper who goes by the name Rod Wave has been arrested on a domestic battery charge.

Fuel spill Osceola County firefighters said approximately 50 gallons of fuel spilled on the roadway (Osceola County Fire Rescue)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike were shut down in Osceola County Tuesday morning as crews worked to clean up a fuel spill. Osceola County firefighters said approximately 50 gallons of fuel spilled on the roadway after a commercial vehicle overturned near Partin Settlement Road. Officials said no injuries were reported in the crash, but hazmat crews were on scene cleaning up the fuel. SB lanes blocked while our HAZMAT unit works to mitigate ~50gal fuel spill. pic.twitter.com/rqv0xdGiUP — Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS (@OSCFR) May 3, 2022Click 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.

Manuel Rodriguez, 40, is accused of offering girls nicotine vape or marijuana edibles in exchange for their silence about the abuse, according to arrest records.

A Florida lawmaker is now pressing the Osceola County Sheriff's Office to release more information about a deadly deputy shooting in the parking lot of a Target store five days ago.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The School District of Osceola County bought 63 acres from resident Jerry Lee Brownon April 5 for $6 million, according to county records just released. The school district will build a transportation facility on the site called Transportation West. It will be a mirror to a $16.15 million project proposed at 5702 Nova Road in St. VIDEO: Osceola County charter school in danger of closing speaks out Osceola County charter school in danger of closing speaks out©2022 Cox Media Group

A 37-year-old Kissimmee man driving a motorcycle was killed Saturday morning in a crash with a van in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Kissimmee man died Saturday after a crash early that morning involving another car and a tree in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol

Osceola County crash Osceola County firefighters have lanes of Neptune Road shut down due to a serious crash that injured multiple people. (WFTV.com News Staff)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County firefighters have lanes of Neptune Road shut down due to a serious crash that injured multiple people. Firefighters said the crash happened near Partin Settlement Road around 1:30 p.m. Friday. Drivers are asked to use US-192 as an alternate route and be cautious of emergency vehicles and first responders in the area. Our crews currently have lanes of Neptune Rd closed near Partin Settlement while responding to a serious crash with multiple patients.

Multiple lanes are closed in Osceola County as fire officials respond to a serious crash Friday afternoon, according to a tweet issued by the fire rescue.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A new report ranks Florida third in its ranking of the top high schools in the United States. READ: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges freeThe highest ranked high school in Central Florida was Westshore Junior/Senior High School in Melbourne. READ: National Teacher of the Year honored in White House ceremonyHere is a list of the top 10 schools in Central Florida, including their rank in the state:Westshore Junior/Senior High School, Melbourne, #4. Timber Creek High School, Orlando, #50. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School, Cocoa, #57.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doubles down on Disney paying taxes.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — It has been more than 24 hours since deputies fired shots outside a Target store, leaving one person dead. An arrest report for one of the suspects shows the incident started with Pokémon cards and pizza. READ: Young men accused of stealing pizza, Pokémon cards from Target prior to deputy-involved shootingDeputies called store security, who already had an eye on the suspects. The report said the two masked suspects had just stolen Pokémon cards and pizza. The report said that deputies tried to arrest them, but doesn’t explain why the deputies opened fire.

A popular food festival celebrating Florida's signature sandwich, the Cubano, is returning to Kissimmee for its seventh year.

Officials said they’re anticipating even more permits will be pulled this year as developers build single-family and multifamily homes across the city.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A man is dead after a deputy-involved shooting outside of Target. The shooting happened in the parking lot of the Target on U.S. 192 near Vineland Road in Osceola County. Video from around 8 p.m. Wednesday showed an extremely busy scene in the parking lot. READ: 1 dead in shooting involving 2 deputies in Kissimmee, sheriff’s office saysExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Man shot, killed by deputies in Target parking lot (WFTV.com News Staff)The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said two deputies were involved in the shooting and a suspect is dead. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said his deputies are “fine” this morning.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — One man is dead following a deputy-involved shooting in Kissimmee, officials said. It happened Wednesday evening near the Target in the 4700 block of West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. READ: ‘A wrong has been done’: Man freed after serving 30 years for murder could be sent back to jailThe shooting involved two deputies. — Nick Papantonis WFTV (@NPapantonisWFTV) April 28, 2022READ: Kissimmee police officer fired, accused of threatening to kill fellow officerThe investigation is being turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Channel 9 reporter Nick Papantonis is on the scene trying to gather more details.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers said a body was found along U.S. 192 in Osceola County on Wednesday morning. SEE: Large alligator stops traffic on SR 417The body was found by Osceola County deputies in the area of St. Cloud Village Court and U.S. 192, according to FHP. WFTV has a crew on the way to the scene. READ: ‘You probably would have killed both of them’: Kids weren’t buckled up while mom drove 91 mphCheck back and watch Eyewitness News for details on this breaking story.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida state troopers said someone has died after a crash in Osceola County. The deadly crash happened at Osceola Parkway and Seralago Boulevard around 10 p.m.We saw an Osceola County deputy at the scene and a sheriff’s office helicopter flying overhead. WATCH: Deputies rescue baby from apartment fire in Orange CountyWe’ve reached out to the sheriff’s office to find out what the chopper was looking for. The person who died in the crash has not been identified. READ: Pedestrian killed attempting to cross busy intersection, troopers sayChannel 9 will let you know when we find out more information.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Split Oak Forest currently offers 1,700 acres of tranquility, but it may not be that way for long. The Central Florida Expressway Authority wants to extend Osceola Parkway more than a mile across the southwest corner of the forest. In Tallahassee on Wednesday, the Florida Communities Trust Governing Board decided that the Osceola Parkway could, in fact, go through the forest. In December 2019, Orange County approved an $800 million toll road to go through the forest. Officials with the environmental group Friends of Split Oak said they will sue forwhat was not only promised, but was also decided on by voters.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Dozens of Central Florida educators will be celebrated and thanked during this year’s Florida Puerto Rican Parade in downtown Orlando, including Osceola County Assistant Superintendent Belinda Reyes. READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival: How to watch“I was able to master the language enough to turn around and teach it,” Reyes said. READ: ‘Pearl of the south’: Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival to highlight city of Ponce“She’s respectful. Osceola County assistant superintendent Belinda Reyes (WFTV.com News Staff)Reyes is being honored as the grand marshal of this year’s Florida Puerto Rican Parade. READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade announces launch of 2022 scholarshipFrom the floats to the music, the event in downtown Orlando will embrace Puerto Rican culture.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Orlando Health is hosting a career expo in Kissimmee this week to hire for more than 20 different positions in both clinical and non-clinical work. The jobs are based at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital and the Orlando Health Emergency Room and Medical Pavilion - Osceola. The event will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kissimmee Civic Center, 201 E. Dakin Ave. Interested candidates should bring updated copies of their resume and applicable certifications to the position for which they intend to apply.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Osceola County after a pedestrian was hit and killed on the Florida Turnpike early Saturday morning. The deadly crash happened at 1:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike near mile marker 217, which is between the U.S. 441/State Road 60 exit and the Canoe Creek Service Plaza. Troopers said a car that was traveling southbound had stopped on the shoulder. For an unknown reason, the passenger got out of the car and ran across the southbound lane and into the northbound lanes. The passenger began walking in the northbound lanes and was hit by a vehicle traveling northbound, according to troopers.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — School bus driver shortages have led some districts to warn parents about getting students home from school on time this afternoon. Osceola County school officials issued their warning earlier this week. They feared bus drivers would take the day off because of Good Friday. Like every other school district in Central Florida, Osceola County is already dealing with a driver shortage because of the pandemic. Eyewitness News also checked with Seminole County Public Schools, which said it did not have any bus driver issues on Friday.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — If you’re a parent in Osceola County, you might want to plan for some delays with your kids’ school bus. The school district said so many bus drivers are out Friday that routes are bound to run behind. READ: New program allows Osceola County class of 2022 to attend Valencia, Osceola Technical colleges freeThe school district is expecting a lot of bus drivers to call out because of Good Friday. READ: Osceola School District officials raise concerns about increased cost of fueling busesParents getting their kids to school could be the only way to make sure students get to class on time. The school district is holding a bus driver job fair on April 19 at the bus compound in Kissimmee.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An Osceola County jury has returned a guilty verdict on all counts in the trial of a Celebration man accused of killing family. It took the jury several hours and briefly being deadlocked to reach a verdict in the trial of Anthony Todt. Anthony Todt was accused of killing his wife, their three children and the family’s dog in December of 2019, then living in the home with their bodies until they were discovered a month later. READ: ‘I came home and my kids were dead’: Celebration man accused of killing family testifies in courtOn Wednesday, Todt said his wife was responsible for the deaths of his family, and that when he came home that day in 2019, his wife and children were already dead. WATCH: Defense can’t discuss mental health of Celebration man accused of killing family, judge says“I came home and my kids were dead,” Todt said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Jury deliberations are underway in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his family in 2019. Anthony Todt is accused of killing his wife, their three children and the family’s dog in December of 2019, then living in the home with their bodies until they were discovered a month later. Prosecutors said Todt originally confessed to the killings and said they were part of a murder-suicide pact. READ: ‘I came home and my kids were dead’: Celebration man accused of killing family testifies in courtOn Wednesday, Todt said his wife was responsible for the deaths of his family, and that when he came home that day in 2019, his wife and children were already dead. WATCH: Defense can’t discuss mental health of Celebration man accused of killing family, judge says“I came home and my kids were dead,” Todt said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The man accused of killing his wife and three children in Celebration took the stand during his murder trial on Wednesday. Todt, 46, testified that his wife, Megan, killed the kids before killing herself. READ: Opening statements set for Monday in trial of Celebration man accused of killing wife, 3 children“I came home and my kids were dead,” Todt said. “This is being blindsided with a Mack truck full of dynamite.”READ: Testimony underway in trial of Celebration man accused of killing familyTodt said that while he was home, Megan stabbed herself and died. WATCH: Defense can’t discuss mental health of Celebration man accused of killing family, judge saysTodt concluded his testimony just after noon.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Osceola County school bus routes almost went without drivers on Tuesday. School officials said two routes for Osceola High School and one for Gateway High School didn’t have drivers to pick up students due to absenteeism. The gap in available drivers highlights what the district calls a “dire need” for additional drivers. People interested in applying to fill the jobs are invited to attend a job fair on April 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Simpson Road compound, located at 401 Simpson Road, Kissimmee. Districts across Central Florida have also reported issues hiring school bus drivers to fill their routes.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The man accused of murdering his family and killing the family dog in their Celebration home is now on trial for those crimes. On Monday, prosecutors started calling witnesses in Anthony Todt’s murder trial. At the Todt family home in Celebration in January 2020 police discovered a gruesome scene, the bodies of Megan Todt, her sons Alek and Tyle and daughter Zoe. Emily Seda, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office forensic supervisor, told prosecutors that deputies found rosaries in each of their hands. “On the floor two mattresses side by side, a body on one mattress, a body on the other mattress,” said Osceola County deputy Chris Boos.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Opening statements are set to begin Monday in Osceola County in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his family in 2019. Anthony Todt is accused of killing his wife, their three children and the family’s dog in December of 2019, then living in the home with their bodies until they were discovered a month later. WATCH: ‘I don’t remember anything,’ man accused of killing family in Celebration home says in jailhouse callTodt, who has pleaded not guilty to the killings, blamed the deaths on his wife and told his sister that his wife may have tried to harm them before. In June 2020, in a letter to his father, Todt said when he returned home, his wife told him she gave the children “Benadryl pie,” stabbed them and suffocated them. WATCH: Defense can’t discuss mental health of Celebration man accused of killing family, judge saysIn January, a judge ruled Todt’s defense team will not be allowed to discuss Todt’s mental health during the trial.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Opening statements are set to begin Monday in the murder trial of a man accused of killing his Osceola County family in 2019. WATCH: ‘I don’t remember anything,’ man accused of killing family in Celebration home says in jailhouse callLast week, a jury was seated in the Anthony Todt trial. Prosecutors are going to lay out their case to jurors and try to convince them beyond a reasonable doubt that Todt killed his wife, three children and the family dog. WATCH: Father of man accused of killing Celebration family tried to have wife killed in 1980s, records showTodt has pleaded not guilty to killing his wife Megan and their three children: Tyler, age 11; Alek, age 13; and 4-year-old Zoe. WATCH: Defense can’t discuss mental health of Celebration man accused of killing family, judge saysAfter that he wrote he wanted to die too, he took large amounts of Benadryl and doesn’t remember much until after his arrest.