OSCEOLA COUNTY

ST.CLOUD, Fla. — Water levels are expected to rise in parts of Osceola County over the next several days. Cloud are currently under a voluntary evacuation in order to prepare. “We have city staff and volunteers going door to door to notify residents and give them any assistance they need in evacuating,” said Veronica Miller, city manager of St. The flooding is expected to be at its highest from Oct. 7 through Oct. 12. All of Osceola County is working to pump water out of flooded neighborhoods.

Officials said there are now 58 deaths attributed to Hurricane Ian, according to an update by FDLE on Sunday evening.

The City of St. Cloud on Sunday announced voluntary evacuations had begun in Blackberry, Pemberly Pines, Summer Cove, Sugar Mill, St. Cloud Village, Soleil Blue, Jade Isle, Savannah Park, Edgewater and surrounding areas due to encroaching floodwaters.

Members of the Florida National Guard were rescuing people Saturday in Osceola County after high water levels trapped many in their homes.

KISSISSIMMEE, Fla. — Residents participated in a voluntary evacuation Saturday at Shingle Creek Reserve at the Oaks in Kissimmee. This evacuation comes after days of recovery in Osceola County, where heavy flooding occurred following Hurricane Ian. Neighbors saw significant flooding In the Pebble Point neighborhood, where Sen. Rick Scott toured Saturday. Photos: Hurricane Ian causes damage to homes, communitiesA lot of people were out and about during the day as they cleaned up their homes. Read: Hurricane Ian: Video shows rough seas washing away part of Daytona Beach Sunglow PierScott said those people should contact his office directly.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced on Saturday that they added four more counties to disaster declaration after Hurricane Ian.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, federal loans are being offered to help Central Florida businesses that were impacted by the storm.

Many streets in Central Florida are damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Groups are coming together to help storm victims. Here are places offering assistance right now. We will update this list as we get more information.

Walt Disney World is starting to reopen its parks in phases on Friday after Hurricane Ian came through the area.

At least 44 people are dead after Hurricane Ian ripped across Florida, according to the latest numbers provided by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Osceola County officials provided an update Saturday on the ongoing evacuations and cleanup efforts following the historic flooding seen since Hurricane Ian swept through the area.

Osceola County faced intense flooding from Hurricane Ian and that may be to blame for damage to train tracks in the downtown Kissimmee area.

An Osceola County deputy was rescued via airboat early Thursday after their vehicle became stalled in flooding brought on by what is now Tropical Storm Ian.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The city of Kissimmee and Osceola County are being flooded due to Hurricane Ian. Channel 9 reporter Sabrina Maggiore saw one drover get stuck in floodwaters and the driver rescued by SWAT officers. LIVE UPDATES: Ian weakens to tropical storm as strong winds and heavy rains continue in FloridaThe rain continues to fall, worsening the devastating flood. Residents in Osceola County are sharing photos and videos with Channel 9 of flooded homes around the county. Flooding in Osceola CountyChannel 9 reporter Nick Papantonis found flooding in a strip mall parking lot.

Hurricane Ian is hammering Central Florida with rain prompting flash flood warnings across the area and bringing severe flooding to portions of Kissimmee.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm after noon on Wednesday, but has since been weakened to a Category 1 storm. The storm is expected to bring significant impacts to Central Florida. See live updates below:12:10 a.m.A flash flood warning is in effect for southeastern Orange and north central Osceola County until 2:45 a.m.VIDEO: Why is the lightning we're seeing during Hurricane Ian so unusual? Hurricane Ian has begun to produce unusual amounts of lightning in Central Florida. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Hurricane Ian is prompting severe weather warnings in Central Florida.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County residents were busy Tuesday getting their last-minute preparations in place as they braced for Hurricane Ian. Osceola County resident Robert Wietor says he lives directly across from a lake in a low-lying part of Kissimmee. “This is a critical time,” Osceola County Emergency Manager Bill Linton said. READ: Power companies prepare for outages before Hurricane Ian impacts Central FloridaThere are also specific shelters for those with special needs. Separate from those, all registered sex offenders must go to the Osceola County courthouse if they need shelter.

Hurricane Ian is set to slam into Florida along the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain and wind to large swaths of the state.

Publix Supermarkets announced store closing information for hundreds of Florida stores Tuesday, including most Central Florida counties, because of Hurricane Ian.

A 23-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

School districts across Central Florida are closing as Hurricane Ian nears a likely landfall in the region. Orange County Public Schools have called off Tuesday...

A county by county breakdown of where you can find the closest shelter near you, if you need to evacuate.

SunRail is set to resume service with a modified schedule on Monday, Oct. 3 as Central Florida begins to recover from the flooding and damage left behind by Hurricane Ian.

Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties are allowing residents to fill free sandbags on Monday ahead of the approach of Hurricane Ian. The hurricane that is...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Friday across 24 counties that could potentially fall in the path of Tropical Depression 9, which is projected to become a Category 3 hurricane next week.

As Hurricane Ian is moving closer to the Florida gulf coast, residents are filling up gas tanks and buying supplies to be prepared.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday said its deputies were searching for a St. Cloud woman reported missing.

Osceola County residents are lending a helping hand for the victims of Hurricane Fiona.

While thousands remain without power in Puerto Rico, residents in Central Florida are getting results for those in need after Hurricane Fiona.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — First responders in Osceola County responded to a deadly crash Wednesday morning. Osceola County Fire Rescue said the crash involves a semi-truck, transit bus and pickup truck. We are currently responding to a fatal crash at SR 60 and Peavine, west of Yeehaw Junction in south @OsceolaCountyFl. The crash involved a semi, transit bus, and pickup truck. pic.twitter.com/iOyr2lMpW6 — Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS (@OSCFR) September 21, 2022Osceola County Fire Rescue said SR-60 may be closed for some time.

At least one person was killed and 16 others were injured in a multivehicle crash on State Road 60 in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A Kissimmee LYNX bus service route will shut down at the end of September, according to transportation officials.

A relief drive at a Kissimmee church will collect items to send to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona left the island without power.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers are searching for a driver who hit and killed a cyclist early Monday morning in Osceola County. Investigators said the driver drove into the bike lane on U.S. Highway 192, east of Simmons Road around 6 a.m., hitting and killing a cyclist. Troopers said the driver fled the scene. Based on pieces of a headlight found on the scene, troopers said they are looking for a light-colored Ford F-150 that could possibly be involved in the crash. Read: Troopers search for driver who hit and killed cyclist in Volusia County Saturday nightTroopers said the medical examiner is working to identify the cyclist.

A person on a bicycle was killed early Monday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Osceola County, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Seniors living in Central Florida may qualify to receive assistance with their energy bills, according to the Senior Resource Alliance.

The Osceola County Emergency Rental Assistance program began accepting applications Monday.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket with projects from some Central Florida students on board did not go as planned Monday. Read: Bezos rocket fails during liftoff, only experiments aboardThe capsule fired its launch abort system after a failure in its booster. Thankfully no crew was on board, but the capsule carried projects by six NeoCity Academy students in Osceola County. Video: Blue Origin’s rocket suffers failure in booster during launch (WFTV)Read: US military invests billions in rocket launch companies to transport weapons, supplies, peopleTheir three-minute experiment was meant to test the effects of gravity on ultrasonic waves. Watch: Orlando-area couple launches into space on Blue Origin flightCrews said they are responding to the issue and more information will soon be available.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County’s emergency rental assistance program is accepting applications for $7 million in aid starting Monday. The money is available to residents who are past-due on their rent because of hardships caused by or during the pandemic. You can also contact the Osceola County Housing and Community Services at 407-742-8400. 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. ©2022 Cox Media Group

A 62-year-old Kissimmee woman died from her injuries in an afternoon crash on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Some Osceola County families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost on Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Kissimmee. READ: Recall alert: 17M Philips CPAP, BiPAP masks recalled over ‘serious safety concern’Organizers said the giveaway will be held in conjunction with Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer. READ: Neighbor saves Florida woman’s life during alligator attack in retirement communitySaturday’s food giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will operate until supplies run out. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

A private jet went down in the area of Lake Tohopekaliga Friday afternoon, coming to rest in a marshy area behind a neighborhood, according to Osceola County Fire Rescue.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A small plane crashed into a marshy area of a lake in Osceola County on Friday afternoon. Osceola County Fire Rescue said the single-engine plane crashed into a marshy area of Lake Tohopekaliga. Firefighters said there were three people inside the plane. They said one person is in serious condition and the other two are in fair condition. The crash was reported just after 3 p.m.Read: Plane crash at Orlando Executive Airport that killed 1, injured another under investigationChannel 9 has a crew on the way to the scene.

The county supervisor of elections offices in Florida are gearing up for the November elections and some say they need more people to work the polling places and help others vote.

The massive hurricane made a total of seven landfalls, four of which as a category 5 hurricane causing devastation over the northwestern Caribbean Islands.

Osceola County continues to see massive growth, and with that comes transportation problems. A recent study found drivers in Osceola County have the worst commute in the state.

More people in Central Florida are dialing 988 for mental health help since the number was introduced this summer, according to the group that runs one of 12 call centers in the state.

A Kissimmee woman was arrested Wednesday, accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly woman in a scam known as a “Jamaican Sweepstake Scheme.”

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Two men accused of stealing an expensive necklace in Osceola County are still in jail Wednesday morning. Watch: Snorkeling tourist on cruise out of Port Canaveral killed by shark in BahamasInvestigators said Eli Aldana-Rodriguez walked into a Kay Jewelers in Kissimmee last month and asked to see a necklace. Read: Florida judge faces criticism following order in Trump caseHe jumped into a car with Luis Chavez-Madrid and they drove away. Watch: 20 families displaced after lightning strikes Orange County apartment building, sparking fireDeputies later arrested the two men and recovered the necklace in Polk County. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A committee formed by the Osceola County School District recommended that four controversial books be restored to at least high school library shelves. In a 13-3 vote, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” should remain on high school library shelves. By a unanimous vote, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” should remain on high school library shelves. should remain on high school library shelves. In a 15-1 vote, “Out of Darkness” should remain on high school library shelves.

Following a heated discussion about book review guidelines, the Osceola County School Board pulled book approval items from its Tuesday evening agenda.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has created a special Mercury Offer for residents of Orange, Volusia, Seminole and Osceola counties.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County has $1.4 million available to help small businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. The Osceola County Housing and Community Services Department’s Microenterprise Assistance Program is offering one-time $5,000 grants to qualified, for-profit businesses located within unincorporated Osceola County to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. Here are the requirements needed for businesses to apply:Read: Looking for work? Business must meet HUD’s microenterprise definition: a for-profit business with five employees or less, including prospective owner(s). Read: Eliza Fletcher abduction: Body found during search ID’d as kidnapped Memphis teacherMore information, including income requirements and an application, can be found here.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The White House announced Friday that its first major investment in microchips will be made in Osceola County. The Central Florida Coalition was one of 60 finalists and more than 500 applicants. NeoCity serves as a manufacturing research center, specializing in a form of semiconductor manufacturing called advanced packaging. Read: See: 9 things to know about brain-eating amoebas“This is a significant validation of Osceola County’s grand vision to create high-wage, high-tech jobs at NeoCity,” Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said in a statement. Video: Osceola County Schools awarded $2.6M to help fund gifted education program The Osceola County school district is getting $2.6 million to help support exceptional students.

Osceola County will receive a huge influx of money from the federal government after it was awarded a grant to help with semiconductor production at the planned NeoCITY development.

After yet another police suicide in Central Florida, deputies have come up with a solution: the Osceola County Sheriff's Office has finally hired a full-time in-house mental health expert.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday it had been chosen to host a meeting of the Florida Sheriffs Association Cold Case Advisory Commission.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County school district is getting $2.6 million to help support exceptional students. The district was awarded a highly-competitive grant to spend over the next five years. Out of 47 applicants, the district is the only recipient in Florida and only one of three school districts to receive the Javits grant money. Right now, less than 0.5% of students in the district are in a gifted program. Read: Osceola County school district faces teacher shortage before the school year beginsPart of the money awarded from the Javits grant will help figure out who else falls in the category, especially targeting those who speak a second language.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Leaders in Orange County could vote Tuesday to extend the county’s rental assistance program. Watch: Family of Osceola County woman who drowned in retention pond calls for justiceThe program is currently set to close on Sept. 30, but the county commission is considering opening another round. The American Rescue Act has allocated more than $50 million to struggling renters across Central Florida. Watch: Sheriff: Door Dash driver charged with theft after being caught on cameraChannel 9 will have a crew covering the meeting and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Read: Man charged with hiding camera in public beach restroom in FloridaClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Despite months of job fairs and incentives, Randy Wheeler with Osceola County Schools Transportation Services said there are currently 23 bus routes that still do not have drivers.

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — (AP) — A local GOP office in Central Florida was vandalized over the weekend, the perpetrator referring to members as fascists in spray paint on a front window. Watch: Family of Osceola County woman who drowned in retention pond calls for justiceThe words “Eat s—- fascists” was spray-painted on the entrance to the office of the Republican Party of Seminole County, located in a suburb of Orlando, Florida. Super glue also was squirted into the front door lock, according to an incident report filed Monday by the Casselberry Police Department. Watch: $5K reward being offered in woman’s shooting deathThe police report said there was no surveillance video and the estimated damage to the window and door lock was $700. ©2022 Cox Media Group

FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — A vegan woman convicted of murder in the malnutrition death of her young son was sentenced Monday to life in prison. Her sentencing in Lee County, Florida, had previously been postponed four times. Her husband, Ryan Patrick O’Leary, remains in jail while awaiting trial on the same charges. Investigators said the couple told them the family ate only raw fruits and vegetables, although the toddler also was fed breast milk. The Cape Coral couple had two other children, ages 3 and 5, who also were malnourished, investigators said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A shooting injured a man in Orange County’s Orlo Vista neighborhood early Tuesday. Deputies were called out to North Hudson Street near Old Winter Garden Road just a few minutes after midnight. READ: $5K reward being offered in woman’s shooting deathChannel 9 saw crime scene tape stretched across the street and watched as detectives searched for clues. Orange County Hudson Street shootingAt the scene, deputies said they located a man in his 20s who had been shot. He told detectives he does not want pursue criminal charges against the gunman, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers on Interstate 4 in Central Florida need to use caution Tuesday morning. Watch: Family of Osceola County woman who drowned in retention pond calls for justiceA rollover crash on I-4 near mile marker 126 has all eastbound lanes shut down. The crash was reported around 5: 38 a.m.Watch: $5K reward being offered in woman’s shooting deathIt’s unclear if anyone is hurt, but fire rescue crews have all three eastbound lanes of I-4 shut down for their response. Read: DUI manslaughter suspect returned to Florida to face sentencing years after fleeing to IrelandChannel 9 has a crew headed to the scene and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

The family of an Osceola County woman is calling for accountability within the sheriff’s office, after she drowned in a retention pond while deputies stood on the shoreline just yards away.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The family of an Osceola County woman is calling for accountability within the sheriff’s office, after she drowned in a retention pond while deputies stood on the shoreline just yards away. Read: Intense body-cam video shows the moment Osceola County deputy’s Taser sparked gas-station fire“I want justice for my daughter,” Meryl’s mother, Melany Perkins, said. “This is the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office speaking to you, ma’am, in the water,” the deputy is heard saying on dash camera video. We spent weeks asking Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez whether he would talk to us about why his deputies did not go in after Meryl Ann. Unfortunately, Ms. Smith ignored these commands.

A man was arrested on Aug. 18 about a month after a Georgia man was found dead in Davenport, according to the Osceola Sheriff’s Office.

A 20-year-old Saint Cloud man died early Sunday in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 192 in Osceola County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington is looking to hire additional bilingual workers ahead of the November election.

Twice a week, Maggice Porter tutors an eighth-grade AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class at Narcoossee Middle School. But it’s what she does outside the classroom that earned her this week’s Getting Results Award.

Osceola County's supervisor of elections, Mary Jane Arrington tells News 6 that one of the reasons that could have caused a low voter turnout is because there was no momentum built up for the candidates on the ballot.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health said there have been 900 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Florida so far this year. The Center Kissimmee has partnered with the state Department of Health to get monkeypox shots into arms quickly. READ: More than 100 confirmed monkeypox cases in Central Florida, including 1st toddlerThe Center is offering more than 100 shots Monday through Thursday next week. Last week, the combination of confirmed and probable cases in Osceola County was 10; the total is now 17. READ: Florida health officials recommend monkeypox vaccine as global outbreak continuesVIDEO: How effective is the monkeypox vaccine The rollout of the monkeypox vaccine has started in counties across Central Florida.

A crash shows I-4 in Osceola County.

The "largest touring dinosaur show" is coming to Kissimmee.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Publix Super Markets Inc. has made a real estate acquisition in a fast-growing area within Osceola County, with one of its own stores serving as the property’s featured tenant. Read: Small plane crashes in Orange County roadwayReal Sub LLC, an entity related to the Lakeland-based grocery giant, bought the 121,445-square-foot, Publix-anchored Osceola Village for $36.05 million on Aug. 5. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Woman holding pitchfork, whip, arrested outside Publix during rainstorm (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s primary election is only days away. Do you know where you need to go to vote? To make sure you end up in the right place to cast your ballot on Tuesday, Aug. 23, Channel 9 compiled a county-by-county list of resources to help you find your polling place. See the list of polling place locators below:Orange CountySeminole CountyBrevard CountyRead: Florida elections: Can you take a selfie with your ballot? Osceola CountyMarion CountyVolusia CountyRead: Early voting for primary election underway in all Central Florida countiesSumter CountyLake CountyFlagler CountyRead: Demings, Fried, and DeSantis all lead in new UNF PollVideo: Early voting for primary election underway in all Central Florida counties It’s time for residents in Central Florida to pull out their sample ballots.

VIDEO: Guidelines given for how parents can report schools not complying with ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law Guidelines given for how parents can report schools not complying with ‘Don’t Say Gay’ lawOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — It’s one of the most controversial Florida laws this year: the state is allowing parents to challenge classroom discussions in their child’s classroom. The law, called the Parental Rights in Education law and dubbed by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, has two key elements: it bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. It also only allows those discussions in older classrooms if deemed “age-appropriate.”READ: ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law confuses some Florida schoolsSee the form below:Osceola County is one of many Central Florida school districts still studying new requirements based on the law. On Wednesday, the state’s Department of Education laid out guidelines that explain how parents can ask for state intervention if a district isn’t complying. READ: Despite heavy consequences, Tallahassee still mum on teacher ‘Don’t Say Gay’ do’s and don’tsOsceola County is working to review the rules.

Video: Kissimmee food drive reflects growing demand amid rising prices (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Mercy Foundation hosted a food drive Saturday morning to help local families in need. Inflation has raised concerns for some families who need to find their next meal, but organizations are struggling to keep up with demand. Read: Central Florida food banks are seeing more people due to inflationThe event was meant to meet food insecurity needs in Osceola County. Osceola County may force them out“It doesn’t matter where you are, there’s a need in every community,” Aalim said. Aalim said the Mercy Foundation is planning to launch a permanent food pantry, hopefully in September.

Families in the Kissimmee area will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost Saturday morning. VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Some Osceola County families will have a chance to pick up food items at no cost on Saturday morning. Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will distribute free, fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods in Kissimmee. If you need to find a food pantry or a food distribution in your community, log on to https://t.co/bn1cdtHVvI for information! #Food pic.twitter.com/GopUVbrGbn — Farm Share, Inc. (@FarmShareFL) August 12, 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Video: Osceola parents charged with killing 6-year-old child, abusing their 5 other children, sheriff says Osceola County deputies said they have arrested a couple who killed their 6-year-old child. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County deputies said they have arrested a couple who killed their 6-year-old child. Osceola County may force them outDeputies said the couple are also charged with abusing their 5 other children. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is planning to release more details at a news conference at 3 p.m.WATCH: ‘Trying to be a good citizen’: Woman fined $500 after taking lost dog to Lake County Animal ShelterNo other details were released by law enforcement. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Semitruck overturns and kills driver on I-4 ramp in Osceola CountyOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Osceola County are asked to use caution after a deadly crash Wednesday morning. Osceola County may force them outTroopers said a semitruck driver was killed in a crash on the westbound Interstate 4 exit ramp to eastbound Osceola Parkway in the area of mile marker 65 in Kissimmee. The I-4 westbound exit ramp to eastbound Osceola Parkway is closed and the westbound ramp to Osceola Parkway is open. WATCH: ‘Trying to be a good citizen’: Woman fined $500 after taking lost dog to Lake County Animal ShelterTroopers said the semitruck driver overturned and collided with the guardrail. The driver was the only person inside the semitruck and died on the scene.

Video: Osceola County showcases enhanced security as students head back to school As Central Florida districts head back to school Wednesday, many now have enhanced safety features to make sure students are safe. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As Central Florida districts head back to school Wednesday, many now have enhanced safety features to make sure students are safe. WATCH: Mental health problems to plague schools again, counselor saysIn Osceola County, seven new mental health professionals will look out for safety red flags. Photos: Osceola County showcases enhanced security as students head back to schoolExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Osceola County showcases enhanced security as students head back to schoolIf issues are seen, teachers and school staff plan to keep in touch with law enforcement. “This isn’t the guy you wanna see on campus if you have a gun,” said Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.

Osceola County may force them out They’ve been in their home for 36 years. Osceola County may force them outOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Dave Cramp knew he’d grow old in northwest Osceola County the moment he laid eyes on his little slice of paradise. READ: Osceola County details affordable housing project for low-income seniors“It was right before Thanksgiving,” Ruiz recalled. Osceola County officials said in this case, the government wasn’t leaning one way or the other, at least publicly. “We develop new standards and the alignment hadn’t been looked at in several years,” Osceola County Assistant Manager Tawny Olorie said, reassuringly.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for Fish Lake near Kissimmee. Video: WATCH: Momma bear and cubs break into back porch of Orlando homeOn Tuesday the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a heath alert after water tests showed the presence of the harmful toxins. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination Aug 4. Read: ‘Trying to be a good citizen’: Woman fined $500 after taking lost dog to Lake County Animal ShelterBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. Read: Mental health problems to plague schools again, counselor saysMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

Video: Osceola County details affordable housing project for low-income seniors Osceola County officials released more details Friday on an affordable housing grant. (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County officials released more details Friday on an affordable housing grant. READ: Senate panel debates solutions to address housing market crisisThe federal money would be used to build 60 one-room apartments in Buena Ventura Lakes. Only low-income seniors would be eligible to live there. Photos: Osceola County details affordable housing project for low-income seniorsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Osceola County details affordable housing project for low-income seniorsThe apartments could be ready by the end of next year.

District trains new bus drivers ahead of upcoming school year in Osceola County (Alexa Lorenzo, WFTV.com/WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As local districts kick things into high gear for the upcoming school year, the need for more teachers isn’t the only shortage they are facing. Central Florida is short of more than 200 school bus drivers. Channel 9′s Alexa Lorenzo recently visited the School District of Osceola County, where officials are training as many new drivers as they can. As a matter of fact, Osceola County closed out this past school year with 35 bus routes lacking drivers. Video: Osceola County school district faces teacher shortage before the school year begins Osceola County school district faces teacher shortage before the school year begins.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies are investigating a suspicious incident after a person was found dead in the parking lot of the Red Lobster on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. Deputies arrived on scene Wednesday and saw a dead person in a vehicle on property. READ: Police identify family of 5 found dead in apparent murder-suicide near OrlandoDetectives are investigating the case as an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. READ: Lake Wales Police canine killed during a shooting in Polk CountyAnyone with information is asked to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Video: Osceola County school district faces teacher shortage before the school year begins Osceola County school district faces teacher shortage before the school year begins. Channel 9 has reported on how the teacher shortage has impacted many school districts. In Osceola County, Superintendent Debra Pace said the school district had to get creative on filling hundreds of vacancies. There is a lot of excitement in the air with only eight days away but the school district has some uncertainty. Read: Osceola County charter school makes case to stay open after contract terminated“We’re short about 200 teachers,” Pace said.

VIDEO: Osceola County charter school makes case to stay open after contract terminated Osceola County charter school makes case to stay open after contract terminatedOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A charter school in fighting to convince the Osceola County School Board why it should stay open. On Monday, a judge ordered the termination of a contract between the school district and American Classical Charter Academy. READ: Florida judge denies Osceola County charter school appeal, terminates contractThe business manager for the charter school told the board that those financial issues are normal for charter schools, and said the school’s academics should be taken into consideration. READ: How the Parental Rights in Education Act will impact Central Florida school districts this yearThe school had only been open for three years. READ: Here’s when schools start across Central FloridaVIDEO: Osceola County charter school won’t reopen after judge terminates contract VIDEO: Osceola County charter school won’t reopen after judge terminates contract (Shannon Butler, 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.

VIDEO: Osceola County charter school won’t reopen after judge terminates contract VIDEO: Osceola County charter school won’t reopen after judge terminates contract (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida judge has upheld a decision by the Osceola County School Board to terminate a contract with a charter school, denying an appeal filed by American Classical Charter Academy. Update:The American Classical Charter Academy sent a letter to parents on Monday night telling them that their school will not open next week. The Osceola County School District told Channel 9 they will now be working with students to get them into other schools, just a week before school starts. In April, the school board voted to terminate the contract. On Tuesday, the Osceola County School Board will take up the issue during its board meeting.

Get back!’ High-tech ‘super bus’ means business in Osceola County (Alexa Lorenzo, WFTV.com/WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Central Florida children will soon be back in the classroom — and that means school buses will be back on area roads. READ: Here’s when schools start across Central FloridaIn Osceola County, Channel 9 reporter Alexa Lorenzo got a chance to check out a “super bus” that takes student safety to the next level. The “super bus” is rigged with a handful of live cameras to catch violators in the act. The School District of Osceola County first tested these buses out on the streets last school year. Get back!”Watson said in a perfect world, all district buses would be this high-tech, but it’s not possible under current funding restraints.

VIDEO: Osceola County trash collection struggles to keep up with population growth Osceola County Commissioners say so many people are moving to the area that they’re struggling to keep up with trash collection. (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County Commissioners say so many people are moving to the area that they’re struggling to keep up with trash collection. The growth has meant challenges for Osceola County’s waste transfer stations where garbage from around the county gets collected before it’s shipped off to a landfill. That can then lead to interruptions and delays in residential curbside waste collection. READ: Seminole County sheriff’s office helps kids get back to school with ‘shop with sheriff’ eventNow, county commissioners are working to get ahead of the problem.

Cloud High School to change football field from grass to turf This will make the field a bit safer and more reliable for students. CLOUD, Fla. — Just in time for the new school year, an Osceola County high school is getting some much-needed changes to their football field. Cloud High School’s football field from regular grass to turf. Cloud High School to change football field from grass to turfExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 St. Cloud High School to change football field from grass to turfThe field is also in a low-lying area that has experienced flooding issues in the past.

Giraffe and antelope Wild Florida will partner with an Osceola County education organization for a back-to-school supply drive. (Wild Florida)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The school year is about to start and one zoo will help make an impact in the community. Wild Florida will partner with the Education Foundation of Osceola County for a good cause. Read: Osceola County school buses equipped with new safety lightsWild Florida said more than 70% of teachers in Osceola County report that their students don’t have all of the supplies they need to be successful. Read: YMCA of Central Florida hosts back-to-school celebrationsThe most requested items are loose-leaf paper, pencils, earbuds, highlighters and dry-erase markers.