SAFETY

The bill, dubbed “Taking of Bears," was filed in the state Senate on Wednesday by Republican Sen. Corey Simon.

Volusia County deputies are changing how they respond to 911 calls, and the sheriff said it will have a big impact on response times going forward.

Even on the flashing crosswalks that alert drivers, many of those who often walk around the county told News 6 they feel it’s a risk.

A release shows that Longwood police are set to enforce new signage on Monday after students return from fall break.

Surfer Tommy Orsini was the only one News 6 saw braving the water Thursday as rough surf advisories and rip current warnings were expected to continue into the weekend.

In recent months, there have been several bear sightings in Central Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission held an informational meeting on Monday to address those concerns.

Recall affects more than 13,000 nightgowns that were sold by iMOONZZZ

The district asked for the council to agree to add seven deputies for several middle schools, but the council unanimously denied the request due to the budget.

An Arab-American group says an Orlando resort canceled its convention due to security concerns.

A new temporary fire station has opened on Avalon Road to better serve residents of southwest Winter Garden.

Safety and creating storefronts are pivotal to transforming downtown Orlando into a “neighborhood that belongs to everyone,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said at the annual State of Downtown address Wednesday.

Thousands of mattresses sold exclusively at Costco have been recalled due to risk of mold exposure, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

It's dangerous out there if you're a pedestrian. The number of pedestrians killed in car crashes has skyrocketed to more than 7,500, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The Flagler County Sheriff just doubled — almost tripled — the number of license plate readers in his county and made them mobile.

Most Central Florida law enforcement agencies have purchased drones because they've found they cannot do without them. Even Sumter County is investing in the newest and best drones.

In a video announcement, SCPS Superintendent Serita Beamon and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma discussed the new measure, which is aimed at improving classroom safety.

County officials explained that the new rule will make sure that drivers have an unobstructed view while driving, improving safety along the beach.

Trader Joe’s issued a recall for some of its multigrain crackers, saying the product may contain metal.

The Brevard County school district is making therapy dog history this year with the help of “cuddly” bloodhounds assigned to four elementary schools, with another canine waiting for assignment.

Volusia County students went back to school on Monday, along with the school resource officers.

Downtown Orlando was filled with bargoers Friday night — one week after two Orlando police officers were shot.

Florida's agriculture commissioner placed the first sticker on a gas pump in the state Friday, which reads: "Never leave children or pets in a hot vehicle."

A police officer will now be working as a full-time School Resource Officer at New Smyrna Beach Middle School after the police department saw an increase in calls last school year.

On the latest episode of Talk to Tom, a researcher says that sharks can actually detect when a hurricane is coming.

Families across Florida are still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole lashed our state.During both storms News 6 Meteorologist Candace Campos helped guide viewers through how to prepare and what to expect as they made landfall.

Orlando city commissioners approved the first reading on a proposed extension of a six-month moratorium on new nightclubs downtown on Monday.

County officials explained that the hole is a reopening of a previous sinkhole that appeared at the site in 2013 and 2015.

Orlando police chief Eric Smith said safety is top of mind as more than 100,000 people are expected to pack Lake Eola Park for the Fireworks at the Fountain celebration.

An employee at a Texas airport was killed after he was “ingested” into the engine of an airplane, according to CBS News.

A release shows that when used — particularly in a bathtub or wading pool — children can slip and fall or sit onto the hard plastic top fin of the shark, posing risks of impalement, laceration and punctures.

The Flagler County School Board said no to a program in a 3 to 2 vote that’s aimed at bolstering security and safety in schools.

Much needed updates are coming to the streets surround the University of Central Florida to make them safer for pedestrians.

As we enter the hot summer months, a social organization is pushing for change when it comes to heat safety protections for outdoor workers.

Daytona Beach leaders are moving forward with their plan to install more lighting and security cameras throughout the city.

Families in Seminole County can get a pool alarm for free.

A big boost in public safety features could be coming to Daytona Beach.

On the latest episode of Talk to Tom, a researcher says that sharks can actually detect when a hurricane is coming.

The Orange County Citizens Safety Task Force is set to reconvene Friday to discuss the best ways to approach keeping the community safe.

An 18-year-old student was arrested after he was found with a weapon at Seminole High School on Thursday, according to Sanford police.

A 2-year-old girl is still recovering after Daytona Beach police said she was injured in a hit-and-run on Tuesday.

The Beach Theater has partnered with Nightlife Security Consultants to host a training session for their employees and surrounding bars and clubs on active shooter events.

Police in New Smyrna Beach said Monday the largest spring break crowd they’ve seen have finally left town with dozens now facing charges.

The Volusia County 911 dispatcher shared his side of the story Wednesday with News 6 after the sheriff's office said he helped save a two year old's life.

Concerned community members in Orange County's Pine Hills neighborhood held a meeting on Thursday evening to tackle violence and improve the public's perception of the neighborhood.

Wednesday, downtown Orlando bar owners and stakeholders packed a room at city hall to meet with city leaders and once again weigh in amid two proposed ordinances aimed at addressing safety downtown.

You have a higher chance of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a gator — but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

Firefighters with Orange County Fire Rescue are taking a plunge by becoming rescue divers for the department.

Love is in the air in the City Beautiful — along with plenty of romance scams.

Florida will conduct a statewide tornado drill to help prepare residents for severe weather events, Wednesday.

Orlando’s City District Main Street organization on Friday called for participants in a new community survey regarding downtown safety measures.

Orlando Hospitality Alliance submitted a proposal to the city Thursday, and it calls for a 5% surcharge on all sales at establishments in Orlando's downtown entertainment district.

The Orlando City Council will have its first reading of two proposed ordinances aimed at improving safety downtown at its meeting on Monday.

Families across Florida are still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole lashed our state.During both storms News 6 Meteorologist Candace Campos helped guide viewers through how to prepare and what to expect as they made landfall.

The preparations to ring in 2023 are underway across Central Florida.

On the latest episode of Talk to Tom, a researcher says that sharks can actually detect when a hurricane is coming.

The push to have a highway memorial marker in honor of 24-year-old Austin Gayne finally happened after the measure passed the state legislature earlier this year.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission normally puts out helpful safety information for the public. However, the agency now wants the public’s help with information.

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions.

BusPatrol shared new footage showing 784 instances of drivers illegally passing a Brevard County Public Schools bus in the span of just two months.

The local sheriff is speaking straight to the smallest of students -- elementary schoolers.

Armoured One builds special glass to slow down an attacker and provide more time for students and teachers to get to safety.

A Florida utility has been fined $500,000 and placed on three years’ probation for a 2017 deadly explosion at a coal-fired power plant that killed five workers.

From Marion County to Maitland, school resource officers and deputies across Central Florida are gearing up for back to school.

With nearly 70,000 children heading back to school in Volusia County on Monday, district officials and Volusia County law enforcement assured parents that officers won't hesitate to enter school buildings in the event of an active shooter.

Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to adopt Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries, according to officials.

There were more than 41,000 traffic deaths in 2021 alone, but experts are creating solutions. Don’t miss the innovations keeping drivers and pedestrians safe.

Florida will begin adding gun storage safety tips when it mails concealed weapons licenses to its residents.

Seminole County firefighters on Wednesday distributed and installed smoke detectors in a Sanford neighborhood after a recent fire badly damaged a home.

Citizens rescued five ducklings after their mom was killed by a car on Thursday, according to Orlando police.

The Daytona Beach area was ranked number one and Metro Orlando number eight in the top 20 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrian deaths in 2022, according to Smart Growth America.

As summer approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging families to make water safety a priority — especially for children ages 5-14 — as they return to pools and summer camps.

As summer rushes in and families get ready to have fun in the water, News 6 spoke to local officials about what parents can do to keep their children safe.

Floridians can get a safe drive home during Memorial Day weekend thanks to AAA.

The Transportation Security Administration said the agency is preparing to handle its “busy” summer travel season as it expects passenger volume will “match and may occasionally exceed” pre-pandemic levels.

Over the past several years, MetroPlan Orlando, a regional transportation partnership, has been developing a regional Complete Streets policy to guide and plan the design of Central Florida’s transportation network.

Florida will conduct a tornado drill this Wednesday to help prepare residents for the chance of severe weather events.

Police officers and deputies across Central Florida teamed up with more than 600 law enforcement agencies on Tuesday for the largest rail safety initiative in the United States.

Clean water is essential to a person's health and well-being.

Here's what parents and guardians should expect this year.

The alarms will alert drivers if something or someone is left in the backseat.

At approximately 10 a.m. Feb. 3, all National Weather Service offices serving Florida will issue a practice tornado warning. AdThe practice tornado warning will be canceled at 10:30 a.m. If severe weather threatens Florida Wednesday, the test will be moved to Feb. 5. School districts, private schools, pre-schools and daycare centers are urged to participate in Wednesday’s drill by enacting their severe weather plan. As a family, come up with a safe meeting place to go to in the event a tornado warning is issued.

ORLANDO, Fla. – On Friday, Orlando International Airport leaders spoke on a conference call to discuss what to “look for” with regard to possible threats to the presidential inauguration this week. Law enforcement is also taking no chances in Florida’s capital. Lookout teams and snipers were seen on rooftops in downtown Tallahassee and Florida Highway Patrol cars swarmed the area around the state capitol building. “We are a resilient community and a resilient state, and we will not be intimidated,” Tallahassee’s Mayor tweeted. “We are encouraged that things have been quiet in Tallahassee, but we are not letting our guard down.”

According to an internal FBI bulletin, nationwide protests at state capitols and courthouses are being planned from Jan. 16 until Jan. 20. Montiero said when law enforcement receives a warning like this one, it’s important for agencies to act quickly. So, the FBI has issued their information, you have the FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) that gathers their own and then the sheriff’s offices,” he said. “Of course, they share information and then they begin to put action to prevent anything from happening.”A likely part of the security plans would be to put officers in places where they can be seen. “You’re going to get an obvious response (and) there’s going to be visual deterrents” Montiero said.

With a global pandemic underway, companies have gotten creative to meet the demand for hand sanitizer but the Food and Drug Administration warns some of that creativity may be dangerous to consumers. The FDA issued a warning this week about alcohol-based hand sanitizers being packaged in containers that may look like food or drink items. Recently, the FDA learned of a person who purchased a bottle they thought contained drinking water but it was hand sanitizer. Ingesting hand sanitizer can be toxic and the FDA is reporting an increasing number of cases where people suffer serious symptoms or even death from drinking the germ killer. I am increasingly concerned about hand sanitizer being packaged to appear to be consumable products, such as baby food or beverages.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. A first of its kind traffic signal is going into service in an effort to improve pedestrian safety ahead of the school year. The Florida Department of Transportation recently installed a pedestrian hybrid beacon across International Speedway Boulevard near Highland Avenue. Officials said the beacon was needed because of the high volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic near the entrances of Mainland High School and Daytona State College. The beacon differs from a traditional traffic signal by staying dark until activated. When a pedestrian presses the push-to-walk button, a flashing yellow light will activate, which warns drivers to slow down.

Nobody anticipates their home will catch on fire; that’s why it’s important to have a plan, and that plan should include your pets.

ORLANDO, Fla. News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated. With the flow of traffic or against the flow of traffic, that is the question. READ MORE: ASK TROOPER STEVE | WHAT THE HONKI personally always thought this was pretty obvious but its almost the number one question I get from people who do ride bikes recreationally. Well, anytime youre traveling in a travel lane you are required to do the same thing that cars are doing. If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

As mid-May arrives, tornado season begins to reach its peak, proving to be a big threat, and nearly every state in the United States can experience a tornado. Having said that, do you know the safest things you can do for you and your family should a tornado strike near your home? Because of that, it’s smart to consider what room may be safest for you, in the event of a tornado. Mobile homes are simply not designed to withstand a tornado or strong winds in severe storms. [WATCH: When you see a tornado while driving, here’s what to do]The time to find shelter is when you are under a tornado warning, so while all of this is helpful information, the best thing you can do is know the signs before a tornado hits.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Officials in Central Florida are urging families to stay vigilant and safe while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. According to officials, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five in Florida. “With people staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, pool season has started earlier than the traditional end-of-school-year,” officials said. Ron DeSantis imposed the stay-at-home order, Orange County Fire Rescue has responded to several pediatric drowning calls. “We want people to enjoy pool time, but we also want them to be safe,” OCFR said in a news release.