Wild Florida workers shoot, kill white rhino after it escapes its enclosure
Staff members at Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park shot and killed a 2,000-pound white rhinoceros after it escaped its enclosure, according to a report compiled by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Kissimmee man shot after fight breaks in victim’s driveway, deputies say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies are investigating a shooting that happened Sunday in Osceola County. The Osceola Sheriff’s Office responded to Peppermill Circle in Kissimmee in response to a shooting call. The suspect, Luis Joel Delgado, was located shortly after the shooting and was placed into custody, according to deputies. The victim and Delgado started fighting in the driveway when Delgado went to his vehicle, retrieved a firearm, and shot the victim. Read: Orange County deputies resign after tip leads to investigation into them having sex on dutyHe is currently being held at the Osceola County Department of Corrections with a zero bond.
wftv.comOsceola County woman accused of stabbing father, 2 children
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is accused of stabbing a 10-year-old and 14-year-old and their father. Sheriff Marcos Lopez said deputies entered the home where they saw the resident, Alleton Ricks, holding down Doris Espinoza-Rodriguez. Lopez said Espinoza-Rodriguez lived in the home with Ricks and his two children. Ricks was eventually able to get the knife away from Espinoza-Rodriguez and hold her down until deputies arrived. READ: Man accused of strangling his wife in their Delaney Park home found competent to stand trialVideo: Man accused of strangling his wife in their Delaney Park home found competent to stand trial The man accused of murdering his wife in their Delaney Park home has been found competent to stand trial.
wftv.comGood Samaritan to sell Florida properties
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Good Samaritan Society has announced that it is selling its Florida properties as part of a consolidation move. Florida is one of more than a dozen states the Good Samaritan Society is gradually transitioning out of, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, Montana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Wisconsin. READ: Displaced, homeless Good Samaritan residents say they must move againRead the full statement from Good Samaritan Society President & CEO Nate Schema below:As part of a leading integrated health system, the Good Samaritan Society has an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of senior care and services, and reimagine how care is delivered at every stage of life. The Good Samaritan Society is consolidating services and investments to seven core states, which include South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. READ: Good Samaritan tells residents to start paying rent as safety concerns are raisedVIDEO: Attorney General ‘gathering information’ as Good Samaritan residents demand accountability Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s staff members drove down to Osceola County recently to meet with displaced Good Samaritan residents.
wftv.comOsceola County Sheriff’s deputies vote to unionize
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies with Osceola County Sheriff’s Office voted in favor of unionizing Wednesday. Deputies and sergeants will now be represented by the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Steve Zona, President of the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, said this was a tremendous victory for the men and women of the Osceola Sheriff’s office. We look forward to working with the county and the sheriff’s office to improve the working conditions and compensation of our members,” Zona said. According to the Sheriff’s office, over half of the approximately 439 eligible employees participated in the vote.
wftv.comAdult, child die after two-vehicle crash in Osceola County, troopers say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a deadly crash in Osceola County. Troopers said the crash occurred on State Road 60 near Peavine Road. The crash involved two vehicles, and there is an adult and a child that have died at the scene, officials said. Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comOsceola County deputies recover body in retention pond near Kissimmee
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County deputies said the search for a missing woman has come to a tragic end. Investigators found a body in a pond Wednesday around 11:45 a.m.Channel 9 reporter Q McCray spoke to Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez this morning. He said his deputies recovered the body of a woman out of a retention pond at the Springlake Village subdivision. Read: Sheriff: Search crews recover body in pond near KissimmeeDrone 9 recorded video of the search effort this morning. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Search crews recover body in pond near Kissimmee (WFTV/WFTV)Osceola and Brevard County crews worked together to search for this woman.
wftv.comDeputies investigate deadly shooting in Kissimmee
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that happened Monday night.
Deputies responded to a shooting call on the 1200 block of Arisha Drive in Kissimmee.
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Sheriff: One person killed after stolen SUV involved in Osceola County crash
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — One person was killed when a stolen is dead after a stolen SUV crashed into another car while fleeing from deputies. Read: Suspects in stolen SUV cause fatal crash in Osceola County, deputies sayAs deputies began breaking up the crowd, a deputy noticed a Range Rover SUV, with an expired tag. See map of location below:Read: 3 arrested after man robbed, shot in the back in Sumter County, deputies sayAfter learning that the SUV had been stolen deputies began to pursue the SUV into neighboring Osceola County. Sheriff: Arrests made after stolen SUV rams Polk County deputy car, causes Osceola County crash The three suspects were identified as Alaric McFarlane, Angel Rosello and Jarquez Page, each with several criminal charges. (Polk County Sheriff's Office /Polk County Sheriff's Office)Deputies said they found a weapon inside the vehicle which was reported stolen from Martin County in 2022.
wftv.comTemps stay below average Sunday, plenty of sunshine
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a cold start to Sunday and will get a bit warmer this afternoon, but temperatures will stay well below average.
There will be plenty of sunshine on Sunshine with high temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s.
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Sheriff: Arrests made after stolen SUV rams Polk County deputy car, causes Osceola County crash
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — One person is dead and six people were arrested after a house party in Polk County. This led deputies to a police chase and a fatal crash in Osceola County. Investigators said around 1 a.m. Saturday, Polk County deputies were called to a Davenport home for complaints of fighting in the streets. The deputy notified law enforcement that the SUV was stolen, and the suspect then evaded deputies on Ronald Reagan Parkway, eventually ending up in Osceola County. This is deja vu,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
wftv.comSuspects in stolen SUV cause fatal crash in Osceola County, deputies say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that happened in Osceola County early Saturday morning.
The crash happened near the intersection of Marigold Avenue and Peabody Road in Kissimmee around 1:52 a.m.
Troopers said a Range Rover was traveling southbound on Marigold Avenue, fleeing from Polk County sheriff’s deputies.
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Osceola County man accused of posing as police officer, taking elderly man’s jewelry
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County deputies have arrested a man who is accused of posing a police officer and taking an elderly man’s jewelry. Deputies said James Davis was arrested Thursday and is charged with robbery, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and false imprisonment. Osceola County man accused of posing as police officer, taking elderly man’s jewelryOfficials said the incident happened at a 7-Eleven gas station on Dec. 7Watch: She wanted to immigrate to the U.S. to live with her daughter. After helping with the gas, Davis told the man he was a police officer and said the man looked too tired to drive. Davis then told the man to park in one of the parking spots in front of the gas station, investigators said.
wftv.comSon of Osceola High football coach killed in shooting
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola High School football coach’s oldest son died in a shooting on Wednesday, the coach posted on social media Thursday. Coach Eric Pinellas said his son died Wednesday night. “Lost my oldest son to senseless gun violence last night,” Pinellas said in a tweet. These 113 people are missing from Central Florida“Our Osceola High School Kowboy family and the Osceola School District ask everyone to keep the Pinellas family in their thoughts in light of this heartbreaking loss,” the school district said in a statement. Lost my oldest son to senseless gun violence last night.
wftv.comOsceola County deputies investigate possible road rage shooting
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Deputies in Osceola County are looking into a possible road rage shooting. The shooting happened near Simpson Road in Buena Ventura Lakes. Photos: Osceola County deputies investigate possible road rage shootingExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Osceola County deputies investigate possible road rage shootingInvestigators said the victim followed the shooter to Boggy Terrace Drive and called 911. Watch: Elderly man kills woman before killing himself at Seminole County home, deputies sayOfficials said the shooter was then taken into custody. Watch: Orca dies after beaching itself in Palm CoastDeputies did not say what led up to the shooting.
wftv.comCentral Florida school librarians say new mandated training needs to be redone
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — School librarians and media specialists across Central Florida have to undergo an hour-long training session to help them understand new rules on what can and can’t be in school libraries. That includes the Parental Rights In Education Act and the governor’s so-called “Stop WOKE” Act. But some Central Florida media specialists think the training, which has to be completed by July, needs to be redone. Some slides tell school librarians that pornography found in their collections could lead to a third-degree felony. Video: ‘Stop WOKE Act’ puts pressure on Florida universities to cut critical race theory from curriculum The governor’s office is putting pressure on universities across the state as part of support for the Stop WOKE Act.
wftv.comNew build-to-rent project to break ground; see where
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Work has begun in Osceola County on a new build-to-rent project, with the official groundbreaking taking place Jan. 10. Why this matters: Build-to-rent projects such as Encanto Isla may represent an important way to add inventory of housing product in Central Florida, where a shortage is present, at a time when buying a home has become more difficult. 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. As of the week before Christmas, the Orlando region had fewer than 5,000 homes available for sale, approximately half the normal amount.
wftv.comDisplaced, homeless Good Samaritan residents say they must move again
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Former residents of the Good Samaritan Village complex in Kissimmee said they’re being told to leave their hotel by Friday to free up rooms for reserved guests, three months after flood waters overtook their homes during Hurricane Ian. The residents of the senior living community were evacuated quickly after the storm passed with often just the clothes they were wearing. Good Samaritan was known for offering apartments and mobile home lots below market cost, making it a secure place to live for a senior on fixed income. According to court documents, two pairs of residents refused to move out of their condemned apartments by the December 1 deadline Good Samaritan gave. “We don’t want to be in a hotel.”Warren said she found a new place in Good Samaritan – one without a history of flooding -- and was planning to move back.
wftv.comBrazil’s ex-president hospitalized in Central Florida during the country’s political riots
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — While his country faces political turmoil, Brazil’s former president is hospitalized in Central Florida. Supporters of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro want him back in office. Bolsonaro has condemned the attacks against Brazilian government buildings over the weekend, during which 100 buses full of Bolsonaro supporters arrived for a planned protest. Read: As Brazil reels from riots, Bolsonaro finds home in FloridaBolsonaro has been compared to former president Donald Trump. He has claimed president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, won in a stolen election.
wftv.comArrest made in Osceola County beating death, deputies say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida man is behind in Seminole County after being arrested for manslaughter.
Bryant Scott Demelo, 34, was arrested in Seminole County for an active warrant and is waiting to be extradited back to Osceola County.
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'Don't Say Gay' feud advances with new proposed legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Florida lawmakers will move to increase state control of Walt Disney World's private government, according to a notice published Friday, the latest development in a feud over a law critics have dubbed "Don't Say Gay." The notice serves as a procedural step in what has become a closely watched process between Disney and Florida. DeSantis and statehouse Republicans slammed Disney, saying the entertainment giant had become a purveyor of so-called woke ideologies that are inappropriate for children. The squabble marked a rare moment of discord between the state and Disney, one of Florida's largest employers and a major political donor. Having a separate government allows the company to provide zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure services on its sprawling property.
wftv.comCentral Florida students head back to the classroom as winter break ends
As the winter break comes to an end, many Central Florida students will be returning to the classroom this week. Students in Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties will head back to class Wednesday. Read: ‘Varsity Blues’ mastermind faces sentencing for college scamSeminole County and Lake County students returned earlier this week. Now hiring: Osceola County schools hosting job fair for bus drivers, attendantsBrevard, Marion, and Polk counties will have students return to class on Thursday. While Sumter County and Flagler County students go back on Monday.
wftv.comDeputies search for missing man last seen Friday in Osceola County
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County deputies are searching for a man who hasn’t been seen since last week. Officials said Jesus Daniel Bernal was last seen around 10:30 a.m. Friday near Tierra Vista in Kissimmee. Deputies search for missing man last seen Friday in Osceola CountyWatch: SpaceX launches 1st rocket of 2023, lands booster at Florida’s Space CoastDeputies said they are asking for help from the community to find Bernal. Read: $10K reward offered after suspicious death of couple at senior living community in Mount DoraAnyone who knows where his whereabouts is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222 or 911. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNow hiring: Osceola County schools hosting job fair for bus drivers, attendants
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — If you’re looking for a new job in the new year, the School District of Osceola County is hiring bus drivers and bus attendants this month. The school district is hosting a job fair to fill open positions on Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon at 401 Simpson Road, across from the Osceola County Jail. The district said they hope the job fair will help alleviate ongoing issues due to a shortage of bus drivers and bus attendants. To be a bus driver for the district, you do not need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comOrange County mobile maternity clinic helps women receive access to care
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A mobile maternity clinic will help women in Orange County get the pre-and post-natal care they need. Orlando Health said that under and uninsured women can visit the Midwife Bus at several Central Florida locations. Read: First babies born in Central Florida in 2023This bus will expand its care from Osceola County into Orange County for the first time. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Orange County mobile maternity clinic helps women receive access to care This bus will expand its care from Osceola County into Orange County for the first time. (Orlando Health /Orlando Health)Read: New attractions coming to Central Florida theme parks this yearBrooke Schmoe, a central Florida midwife, owns the bus.
wftv.comOsceola County deputies search for burglary suspects in St. Cloud after a Walmart transaction
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect after multiple credit cards were fraudulently used in St. Deputies said they’ve been investigating multiple vehicle burglaries on Hidden Springs Circle in Kissimmee as of Dec. 24. This traced back to credit cards that the suspects were using at Walmart, law enforcement said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Osceola County deputies search for burglary suspects in St. Cloud after a Walmart transaction (Osceola County Sheriff's Office)One of the suspects has a distinct skeleton or bone tattoo covering his entire left hand according to OCSO.
wftv.comOsceola County shooting part of long-running feud, neighbors say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The overnight shooting that sent two people to the hospital in Buenaventura Lakes Friday morning was the latest in an ongoing dispute between neighbors over a woman, according to multiple people living on the street. Deputies responded to the shooting shortly after 1 a.m., blocking off Seabreeze Circle for most of the night. According to neighbors and witnesses, a group confronted a man walking down the road. They said the woman was shot in the stomach, while the man was hit six times, including in the chest. Osceola County deputies confirmed no arrests had been made, the situation was considered isolated and an investigation was ongoing.
wftv.comDeputies conduct investigation in Buena Ventura Lakes in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County Sheriff’s investigators gathered in the county’s Buena Ventura Lakes neighborhood early Friday. Friday morning investigation in Osceola CountySheriff’s officials have not yet revealed the focus of their investigation. The activity has not impacted traffic along nearby East Osceola Parkway. READ: FHP: Motorcyclist killed in crash on I-4 in Daytona BeachStay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comDeputies: 3 South Florida men caught with 13 catalytic converters in trunk of stolen car
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Three South Florida men are facing a long list of charges after deputies say they were caught in a stolen car with a trunk full of catalytic converters. Deputies say they also found 13 catalytic converters in the trunk as well as the tools commonly used to steal them. 3 South Florida men caught with 13 catalytic converters in trunk of stolen car 18-year-old Shancello Gazich, 19-year-old Michael Antunez, and 25-year-old Franko Louis, all facing multiple charges related to theft of catalytic converters. They were booked into the Flagler County jail and have since been released after posting $10,500 bond each. “The theft of catalytic converters is a nationwide problem involving criminals that know no boundaries,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley said in a statement.
wftv.comPolice search for man who allegedly stole donations from Salvation Army in Kissimmee
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Police in Osceola County are looking for a man who is accused of breaking into and stealing from the Salvation Army. Salvation Army officials said a man vandalized and broke into its emergency service center on Union Street in Kissimmee. Photos: Police search for man who allegedly stole donations from Salvation Army in KissimmeeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Police search for man who allegedly stole donations from Salvation Army in KissimmeeThe Kissimmee Police Department said it is working to identify the thief. Watch: Extreme weather across the U.S. leaves travelers stranded at Orlando International AirportOfficials said the man shattered the entryway of the center and stole kettles filled with donations. Read: Deputies: Barricaded man sparks lockdown at Orlando VA after crashing stolen semi into carsAnyone who knows the man or has information on the theft is asked to call the Kissimmee Police Department.
wftv.comDriver dies in early morning near I-4 in Osceola County, troopers say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly early morning single-car crash in Osceola County.
The crash happened Monday at around 6:55 a.m. on Osceola Parkway, east of Interstate 4.
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Walmart helps finish Habitat for Humanity’s holiday wish list
ORLANDO, Fla. — Walmart is inspiring others to give back this holiday season. The company surprised Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County by purchasing the items on this Spark Good registry. Photos: Walmart helps finish Habitat for Humanity’s holiday wish listExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Walmart helps finish Habitat for Humanity’s holiday wish list (Jacques Durand; Jr./Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County)The nonprofit’s wishlist, worth nearly $10,000, included 5-gallon buckets, cleaning and safety supplies that will be used for “Clean Up Buckets” to help with Hurricane Ian disaster recovery. Read: Disney and Marines help give out toys for Toys for Tots during the holiday seasonClick 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
wftv.comPedestrian hit and killed crossing near busy Central Florida intersection, troopers say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash involving a pedestrian in Osceola County.
The crash happened Saturday at around 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Old Vineland Road.
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Here’s where you can find cold-weather shelters in Central Florida
If you need a warm place to take shelter as freezing temperatures move into Central Florida, several counties are opening cold weather shelters in the coming days. Read: Cold weather shelter to open in St. Cloud FridayLake CountyLake County plans to activate shelters Friday through Monday for those vulnerable to cold weather. LakeXpress, Lake County’s fixed route transportation service, will provide free transportation to riders who need assistance traveling to a cold weather shelter. The cold-weather shelter will open at 5:30 p.m. each evening and will close at 8 a.m. the following day.
wftv.comCold weather shelter to open in St. Cloud Friday
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Office of Emergency Management is opening up a cold weather shelter as temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s this weekend. Cloud will open its doors Friday at 6 p.m. to provide shelter from the cold for the homeless. READ: Osceola County deputies have arrested 5 people accused of murder in St. See a map below:The county says they still need volunteers in order for the shelter to open on Christmas day at 6 p.m. Osceola County’s cold weather shelter program is activated when overnight temperatures are forecast to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four consecutive hours.
wftv.comOsceola County deputies have arrested 5 people accused of murder in St. Cloud
CLOUD, Fla. — A woman and 4 men have been accused for the murder of Alexis Vargas-Algarin in St. Cloud according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said that Vargas-Algarin had been shot four times, once in the face. Read: Osceola County deputies ID man murdered in St. Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said that Vargas-Algarin had been shot four times, once in the face.
wftv.comMan in standoff with Osceola SWAT team on his birthday wanted to ‘get high first,’ records show
A wanted Intercession City man was arrested earlier this month after he barricaded himself from law enforcement because he wanted to "get high first" on his birthday, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.
Woman and child killed, 4 hurt in multi-vehicle crash in Osceola County, troopers say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a deadly chain-reaction crash in Osceola County. The crash happened at around 6:10 p.m. Monday in Osceola County on State Road 426, south of Sinclair Road. The impact caused one of the vehicles to rollover in the crash. Watch: 4 injured when driver crashes pickup truck into popular Orlando barTroopers said the crash is under investigation. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comOne person killed in head-on crash in Osceola County, troopers say
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 29-year-old man is dead after a major crash in Osceola County early Sunday. The crash happened at around 5:30 a.m. on Simpson Road and Eagle Bay Boulevard. The driver ran into the path of a Volkswagen Jetta, hitting the front of the vehicle, troopers said. Read: Truck load of onions catches fire in Ocala, firefighters sayThe Volkswagen had a 22-year-old woman driving with a 29-year-old male passenger. Read: Wrong-way crash kills driver on State Road 417, troopers sayThis crash remains under investigation.
wftv.comSheriff: Body found in Kissimmee identified as 73-year-old man missing since Thanksgiving
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez announced Friday that deputies have identified a body that was found in Kissimmee last month as 73-year-old Herman McClenton.
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‘No credible threat’: Police debunk shooting rumors at St. Cloud Middle, beef up security Friday
Cloud police are addressing rumors of a shooting threat at St. Cloud Middle School. On Thursday night, the police department posted on Facebook that it recently received several reports of a threat. READ: Conway Elementary evacuated due to 2nd threat this weekThe information suggested concerns of a possible shooting on campus on Friday, Dec. 16, according to police. Cloud Middle SchoolBut detectives said they have “fully investigated” those reports and determined that there is no credible threat.
wftv.comOsceola deputies seeking officer-impersonating theft suspect
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are asking for help tracking down a man who they say claimed to be a police officer so he could get away with theft. The victim told police that the suspect then told him he looked too tired to drive and advised him to park in front of the store. Deputies say, at that point, the suspect’s vehicle began to flash what appeared to the victim to be patrol lights. Deputies say he was driving a black pickup truck that appeared to have white and yellow flashing lights on the grill. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information on the suspect to call them at (407) 348-2222.
wftv.comPasserby discovers human remains near Osceola County high school
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A passerby discovered human remains Wednesday near Liberty High School, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said. The remains were discovered along Pleasant Hill Road near Kissimmee. A death investigation is now underway. Read: ‘Brutal rapist’ sought after woman mutilated in Orange County, deputies sayCheck back for updates on this developing story. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comRough seas continue at area beaches, cloudy skies keep temps mild
ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday will start with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 60s. Additional cloud cover will move in as we head into Sunday afternoon. Read: 12-year-old arrested for having a loaded firearm at school, deputies sayThese clouds will keep temperatures down a few degrees, although many areas will still hit above-average temperatures. Highs will hit the mid-to-upper 70s. Read: Suspect engages in standoff with Osceola County deputies, sheriff’s office saysSeas will continue to be dangerous with life-threatening rip currents and waves reaching 5-7 feet.
wftv.comSuspect engages in standoff with Osceola County deputies, sheriff’s office says
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A man has been arrested after a standoff Saturday, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said. Suspect Xavier Carlisle was wanted for burglary and battery out of Volusia County. Read: Orlando mother charged with murder after son found dead at extended stay hotelThe suspect fired two rounds, ran into a backyard shed, and fired another shot, deputies said. Read: Deputies investigate deadly hit-and-run crash in LakelandA SWAT team was called to the scene and was able to coax the suspect out of the shed with a less-lethal gas. Carlisle was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.
wftv.comOsceola County deputies say department is trying to discourage them from joining union
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates has learned the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is handing out paperwork to its supervisors asking them to tell deputies the downfalls of joining a union. Sources inside the department said deputies are voting on a union because of concerns about unfair treatment and pay. The documents include a guide for management to know what can be and should be said as well as rules of engagement. It doesn’t say too many nice things about unions and it seems they want management to relay those points. Video: Osceola County deputies file paperwork to unionize For the first time in the history of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, deputies have filed paperwork to start a union.
wftv.comSheriff Lopez, deputies search woods for suspect in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s investigators say a man wanted for aggravated battery could be hiding out near a neighborhood in southern Osceola County. Sheriff Marcos Lopez, along with his deputies, searched a wooded area overnight and throughout the early morning of Wednesday for the suspect. READ: Football coach shot 10 times trying to protect children, attorney saysDeputies have been checking vacant homes in Yeehaw Junction for Philippe. Cory Randall Philippe, suspectThey’ve been concentrating on an area about a half mile east of Highway 60 and Sunshine Avenue. As of late Wednesday morning, Philippe remained on the run and investigators said he could be armed.
wftv.comTroopers investigate deadly crash after man hit by car in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened Tuesday night in Osceola County. Troopers said the fatal crash happened around 9:35 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 192 and Poinciana Boulevard. Photos: Troopers investigate deadly crash after man hit by car in Osceola CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Troopers investigate deadly crash after man hit by car in Osceola CountyTroopers said a man was hit by a car at the intersection and was taken to a hospital, where he died. Watch: Archaeologists: Mystery object unearthed by hurricanes in Volusia County could be 1800s cargo shipFHP and Osceola County deputies taped off the area overnight. Watch: Central Florida non-profit works to educate kids on the dangers of child traffickingThe victim has not been identified by troopers.
wftv.comOsceola County Schools superintendent Debra Pace announces retirement
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County Schools Superintendent Debra Pace has announced she plans to retire on June 23. READ: Atlantic disturbance could form into a tropical storm this weekIn a letter to staff members, Pace wrote:“It has been a tremendous honor, privilege, and blessing to have served the School District of Osceola County as Superintendent since 2016. I am so grateful for the amazing commitment and dedication you bring to our work every day, despite the many challenges we continue to face. She's led our district as superintendent since 2016, but her impact in education began long before then. Dr. Pace graduated from Osceola Schools and shortly after began her teaching career at Poinciana High.
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