SANFORD

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Sanford plans to redevelop a property to bring parking and more to its downtown. Why this matters: New development can create jobs in construction, increase taxes collected for a city and draw other nearby development. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Attempted carjacking leads to shooting outside Sanford bar, police say (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

One of the people who was hurt in a deadly shooting in Sanford on Monday is now sharing her story.

SANFORD, Fla. — Police said a deadly shooting outside a Sanford bar started as an attempted carjacking. They said shots rang out when a man tried to steal an employee’s car. Sanford Police officers and crime scene investigators scoured the back parking lot of George’s Tavern after being called to the scene of the early morning shooting. Read: Police respond to deadly shooting near Sanford barEvidence markers lined the ground as crews worked to piece the case together. But her boyfriend was waiting in the parking lot for her and was armed.

A man attempting to carjack a Sanford bar employee was shot and killed by the woman’s significant other, according to the police department.

SANFORD, Fla. — Investigators are at the scene of a deadly shooting in Sanford, Sanford police say. Officers and detectives gathered early Thursday along French Avenue near 10th Street. READ: Man shot, critically hurt in Orlando, police sayA Channel 9 news crew on scene reported police tape in the area of George’s Tavern. Drone 9 saw what appeared to be investigators collecting evidence behind the business. READ: ‘A community of resilience’: Suspect sought after windows shattered at downtown LGBTQ barsThe Sanford Police Department told WFTV that it expected to release more details about the deadly shooting later on Thursday morning.

Many Terminal C passengers agree that the state-of-the-art $2.8 billion complex is stunning, but they hate the long walk from end to end.

The couch racing and beer chasing event of the year

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police are looking to identify six people who are considered murder suspects. Officers released a video showing the people wanted in connection to a murder in November. Watch: Groveland works to restore the community’s original Black cemeteryInvestigators said someone shot and killed 18-year-old Isaiah Diaz while he was sitting in a car at an apartment complex. Watch: Orca dies after beaching itself in Palm CoastPolice said the same group tried to shoot him a week earlier. 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.

A freight train derailment in South Carolina caused a cascade of problems for Amtrak this week, forcing hundreds of passengers on the Amtrak Auto Train to arrive a day late.

New photos released by the Sanford Police Department show six suspects in the shooting death of an 18-year-old in November.

SANFORD, Fla. — A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft was seen streaking across the sky over Central Florida early Wednesday. The uncrewed Dragon spacecraft was heating up in the atmosphere as it was coming in for a splashdown landing off Florida’s east coast. Watch: SpaceX successfully launches OneWeb Launch 16 mission aboard Falcon 9 rocketThe Dragon spacecraft had been docked at the International Space Station for months. The SpaceX Dragon capsule launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in November. Read: Here are 9 space stories that made history in 2022SpaceX confirmed the Dragon successfully returned to Earth and will be returned to Kennedy Space Center.

SANFORD, Fla. — A nightmare train trip is ending for some Amtrak passengers. Sanford will be the final destination for people who were stuck onboard an Amtrack Auto Train for nearly 29 hours. Photos: Passengers stuck on delayed Amtrak train nearly 29 hours to arrive in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Passengers stuck on delayed Amtrak train nearly 29 hours to arrive in Central FloridaThe train left a Washington D.C. suburb on Monday and was supposed to arrive Tuesday morning in Central Florida. At one point, the conductor had to assure everyone they weren’t in a hostage situation, and that they were doing everything they could. Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more details and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

A man renting a bedroom in Seminole County was arrested Sunday, accused of shooting his landlord after being told to leave the residence, deputies said.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a landlord was shot in Sanford. On Saturday night, deputies responded to a shooting call on 120 South Crystal View. Baker said that if Matthews and his girlfriend did not leave the residence Baker would have his friend remove the two by force. Read: Man found shot, killed Saturday night in Orange County, deputies sayDeputies said that after Baker returned 15 minutes later, Matthews grabbed a gun and waved it at the victim. Baker told deputies that he turned to leave the room and was shot in the shoulder.

SANFORD, Fla. — Seminole County Fire Department got a call about a fire in Sanford. The vehicle fire happened at a Walmart parking lot on US 17-92 on Monday night. Three firefighters responded to the scene. There is no information on what caused the fire. 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.

Filipino-American restaurant Taglish will close its last location, located in Sanford's Henry's Depot, before the start of the New Year.

SANFORD, Fla. — Central Florida Zoo is moving some of its animals inside as frigid weather approaches. The big cats like the cold weather, and many of the animals will be on display Saturday despite the cold temperatures. READ: Tips to keep your furry friends safe from the cold this winterHowever, zoo officials said it’s possible the animals may stay inside instead of venturing out into the cold. Zoo officials want visitors to be patient through the cold snap. A list detailing which animals they will see, may see and won’t see due to the weather will be listed at the ticket window.

SANFORD, Fla. — Pets up for adoption at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando are running out of time to find a home for the holidays. Shelter officials said due to increasing costs on everything from food to housing, there’s been a decrease in the number of animals adopted from the shelter this holiday season. “Now, more than ever, we need our community to open their homes to dogs and cats in need of a new loving family,” shelter officials said in a statement. See a photo gallery of animals available for adoption below, and click here for more information on how to adopt. Photos: These pets are still looking for homes for the holidays in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 37 Simba These pets are looking for homes for the holidays at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is brightening up New Year’s Eve in Central Florida with its Asian Lantern Festival.

One person died during a SunRail train crash near Sanford on Monday, the Seminole County Fire Department announced.

SANFORD, Fla. — One person is dead after a SunRail train and a vehicle collided Monday afternoon, according to Seminole County Fire Rescue. It happened near the tracks between the Lake Mary and Sanford stations. A bus bridge is being implemented, SunRail tweeted. READ: Orlando celebrates completion of new Orlando Wetlands Park boardwalkVideo: 2 hospitalized after road rage shooting in Ocala, police say Ocala police said a busy roadway was shut down after a road rage shooting Monday morning. (James Tutten, 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.

Toys were collected through our Toys for Tots campaign at Channel 9′s studios. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Toys for Tots Drop-off at WFTV Thanks to everyone that dropped off more toys this week. These toys will help make sure children in need have a gift to open this holiday season. Read: Drop Off Locations - Toys for Tots 2022The moment that hundreds of families have been waiting for in Seminole County is the day that they pick up their Toys for Tots gift. Read: Toys for Tots helps bring joy to one mother and her family after losing everything in fireFor years, Toys for Tots has used Seminole Towne Center as a distribution site.

A pedestrian was killed in a crash Tuesday evening on State Road 46 in Sanford, according to the Sanford Police Department.

SANFORD, Fla. — The man accused of stabbing his ex-roommate to death as revenge over the theft of a PlayStation is on trial this week. Read: ‘Brutal rapist’ sought after woman mutilated in Orange County, deputies sayBilotta told the jury there was no plan to lure the victim, Joshua Barnes, to the house and kill him. Bilotta said in court that he stabbed Barnes in self-defense and that it wasn’t supposed to happen. Watch: Tavares police officer exposed to fentanyl shines light on opioid dangersHe was emotional while being cross-examined by prosecutors. Channel 9 has a crew in the courtroom and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Nearly two months after reopening, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has received a big dose of financial support to help with the recovery effort from Hurricane Ian.

Seminole County is continuing to seek legal custody of 38 dogs that were seized from a home before Thanksgiving.

Police said Monday evening on Twitter that a section of U.S. Highway 17-92 in Sanford was closed in both directions due to a crash.

A 22-year-old woman was arrested Saturday after repeatedly ramming into a car with children inside before striking a man with her vehicle, according to the Sanford Police Department.

Sanford seafood restaurant The Current is getting ready to open its second location, this time setting up shop in Orlando's College Park neighborhood.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford Police are looking for a suspect after a major hit-and-run crash that closed multiple roads. The crash happened somewhere along 25th street near Hartwell Avenue and Hardy AvenueOfficers said they are possibly looking for a silver Mitsubishi Outlander 2016-2019 model. The vehicle has substantial damage to the front driver side grill and lower “fog light” area, Sanford PD said. Read: Bicyclist dead after crash in Osceola countyThey are urging anyone with information contact Sanford PD at (407) 688-5070. #traffic Due to a vehicle crash, 25th Street is closed from Hartwell Ave to Hardy Ave in both directions.

Sanford police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian in life-threatening condition Friday night.

Employees at Orlando Sanford International Airport took a break from work and picked up the toolbox instead.

The Sanford Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating a missing and endangered woman, according to a Twitter post by the agency on Wednesday evening.

This weekend there are several events in the Orlando area celebrating Krampusnacht, which typically takes place on Dec. 5, the day before the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, in parts of Germany, Austria and other Central European counties.

A 59-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Monday after he took in a 16-year-old runaway in Seminole County and was accused of sexually assaulting her, police said.

A 59-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Monday after he took in a 16-year-old runaway in Seminole County and was accused of sexually assaulting her, police said.

Families in the Sanford area picked up free Thanksgiving meals Wednesday night at the Midway Safe Harbor Center.

SANFORD, Fla. — A man was found dead inside his apartment Tuesday night following a fatal shooting in unincorporated Sanford, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. Deputies responded to Petunia Terrace in Vista Haven Apartments just before 8:15 p.m. after reports of gunshots. Deputies forced their way inside and found a man dead inside, later identified as 33-year-old Phillip Michael McCrimmon Martin, of Orlando. READ: Deputies searching for missing 5-year-old who wandered away from Orange County homeNo suspect information was immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477, text 8477 or call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.

A man arrested in a domestic violence incident is facing new charges after investigators found more than two dozen malnourished dogs at his Seminole County home, according to officials.

SANFORD, Fla. — Law enforcement is investigating a shooting that took place in Sanford on Monday, according to Seminole County’s Sheriff’s Office. The shooting happened on the 200 block of Petunia Terrace in the Vista Haven Apartment Homes complex. Blood and shell casings were found throughout the breezeway of the complex before officers found blood on an apartment door. Read: Florida sheriff’s deputy killed by passing vehicle during traffic stop; woman arrestedA man was found dead inside, according to investigators. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact CrimeLine at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or call the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police officers said they detained six people, including a number of children, after a search Tuesday night. At some point, officers said the group abandoned the vehicle and ran into the woods on the corner of Lake Mary Boulevard and Live Oak Boulevard. Investigators will be tasked with sorting through which charges each member of the group will face, depending on their level of involvement. READ: Police looking for suspects in attempted Saint Cloud jewelry store theftA weapon was believed to be used during the robbery, though officials couldn’t provide any details about it immediately following the search. Along with Sanford Police, Altamonte Springs officers and Seminole County sheriff’s deputies were involved in the search, which included the use of K9s and a helicopter.

Six boys were taken into custody following reports of a robbery in Sanford, according to police.

SANFORD, Fla. — A Central Florida doctor has been charged in a multimillion-dollar drug conspiracy that investigators said started in Michigan and put hundreds of thousands of prescription pills out on the street. Dr. Juan Bayolo is accused of getting paid to illegally write opioid prescriptions for patients who had no need for the drugs. Records show he is still allowed to practice medicine and has two offices in Central Florida; one in Sanford and the other in Deltona. He was indicted last week in federal court along with several people from Michigan and another doctor licensed in Arizona. Investigators said those patients did telehealth visits with Bayolo, who was paid to illegally write prescriptions.

SANFORD, Fla. — An 18-year-old died and another young man was seriously injured in a shooting at a Sanford apartment complex on Saturday afternoon, police said. Police said Isaiah Diaz, 18, died of his injuries, and two other people were injured, one of them seriously. “Looking at the aftermath of this incident, it is clear that this was a cold and calculated assault on these young men’s lives,” Police Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Sanford Police Department, Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or click here. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous, and tips to Crimeline that lead to solving homicides are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

A man is dead and another person is hurt after several people opened fire on a vehicle parked at a Sanford apartment complex, according to police.

SANFORD, Fla. — Friends and family in two Central Florida communities are remembering teens violently killed in the past week. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<18-year-old Kaylin Fiengo was found on November 11, shot to death in a car at Coastline Park in Sanford. Police say Pagan was stabbed by an acquaintance she hadn’t spoken to in years. In Sanford, Sarah Schweickert mourned her 18-year-old daughter, Kaylin Fiengo, at a vigil at Coastline Park Friday. Detectives say Fiengo was at the park to meet up with someone she knew, but they have few answers about what took place after that.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police spent Friday morning investigating a shooting at the Wyndham Crest Apartments. Officials say two people were shot and had non-life-threatening injuries. Read: Kissimmee teen arrested in stabbing death of a 16-year-old girlOur cameras captured Sanford investigators collecting evidence and photographing bullet holes in a tan Ford sedan. Sanford police say they are still investigating what led to the shooting. 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.

Justin Dwayne Johnson Sr., a former foster parent in Florida, was sentenced to 170 years in federal prison after he was convicted of recording and sexually abusing the children in his care.

This year, every single lantern in Central Florida’s Asian Lantern Festival is brand-new.

The popular Asian Lantern Festival is returning to the Central Florida Zoo.

Enter to win four tickets to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police said they need help to figure out who killed a pregnant 18-year-old. Investigators said an officer was on patrol when he found Kaylin Fiengo dead inside a running car, in a parking lot near Coastline Park on Friday. Watch: ‘I pray you pay my bill’: Consumers say religious medical sharing program didn’t cover medical billsInvestigators are searching for any information that could lead to a suspect. Watch: Geneva residents continue to navigate flooded streets after Hurricanes Ian, NicoleFiengo had a young child and was 12 weeks pregnant. Pregnant 18-year-old mother found dead inside car in Sanford, police sayRead: Volusia County puts damage from Nicole at $522 millionHer case has been reclassified as a double homicide.

An 18-year-old woman who was shot and killed in Sanford was pregnant, according to the Sanford Police Department.

Ricky Fiengo is trying his best to stay strong.

Police said Saturday afternoon on Twitter that a section of 17-92 in Sanford was closed due to a downed power line.

The death of a woman found shot in a vehicle Friday night near a park in Sanford is being investigated as a homicide, according to a news release.

SANFORD, Fla. — In Seminole County, emergency officials are bracing for more flooding in the wake of Hurricane Nicole. Some neighborhoods were just drying out from Hurricane Ian. Read: UPDATE: Eastbound I-4 reopens in Seminole County after 2 hurt in rollover crashWhitcomb Road in Geneva dried up from Hurricane Ian, but on Thursday, water was back and covering the road. Harris said they will be closely watching areas like Sanford, where water is already covering Seminole Boulevard. He became known as the water taxi after Ian, as he delivered food and medicine to his neighbors on his boat.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police released a video Thursday showing a car that they believe may have been involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash. Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the vehicle. Officers said the crash happened before 8 p.m. on Oct. 29, on 25th Street just before Georgia Avenue. Read: Nicole: Snails, vegetation appear as Lake Monroe crests over wall in SanfordAnyone with information is asked to contact Sanford police. 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.

The Sanford Police Department released new video in a Sanford hit-and-run crash that killed a 37-year-old man.

SANFORD, Fla. — Channel 9′s Q McCray has been keeping an eye on conditions in areas of Seminole County, including at Sanford’s Lake Monroe. Early Thursday, he watched as water crested over the lake wall along West Seminole Boulevard near Sanford City Hall. READ: Hurricane Nicole: These Volusia County buildings have been deemed structurally unsoundNow, as Tropical Storm Nicole compounds issues brought on by Ian, vegetation from the lake is turning up on walkway around Lake Monroe. Snails near Lake Monroe Piles of snails washed up onto the sidewalk surrounding Lake Monroe in Sanford as Hurricane Nicole approached Florida Thursday morning. (WFTV Staff)SEE: Hurricane Nicole knocks down tree, blocks Kissimmee roadwayLake Monroe is making its onto Seminole Blvd bringing wildlife along with it.

The St. Johns River is already swelling because of Hurricane Nicole, and the city of Sanford is bracing for a new round of flooding because of that.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County issued a rabies alert for neighborhoods in the western Sanford area after a bat tested positive for the disease in that area.

As Tropical Storm Nicole gets closer to Florida, the Orlando Sanford International Airport has announced the storm is forcing it to suspend operations on Wednesday.

The St. John’s River just finally dropped to “minor” flood stage but it won’t take much rain to lift it back to “moderate” flood stage or worse, Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris warned Monday as Subtropical Storm Nicole tracks toward Florida.

SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police said they’re looking for a 17-year-old who’s on the run after shooting a man. Officers said Roderick Hillman ran off after a shooting back in September. Watch: Man in his 20s shot to death in Orange CountyThey said it happened at the Seminole Gardens apartments. Police said the shooting victim is now recovering. Watch: 3 being charged after infant overdoses on meth in Lake CountyInvestigators said Hillman is also wanted for several armed robberies and home invasions in Georgia.

Look out, Sanford. Shit’s gonna get loud and wild with this lineup. The only reasonable expectation from a band whose name is a portmanteau of...

A 17-year-old suspected in a Sanford shooting is also wanted in violent home invasions and armed robberies in Georgia, according to authorities.

Sanford police want to find the driver who hit a man Saturday night, leaving the victim on the road to die.

Looking for some post-Halloween family fun? The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is offering free admission to residents on Nov. 5.

SANFORD, Fla. — Take your axe-throwing to the next level with a new venue in Sanford. Patrons can choose from different laser-projected games to throw their axes at, instead of a wood target. New axe-throwing venue in Sanford adds lasers to the mix Patrons can choose from different laser-projected games to throw their axes at, instead of a wood target. New axe-throwing venue in Sanford adds lasers to the mix Patrons can choose from different laser-projected games to throw their axes at, instead of a wood target. Read: Hurricane Ian: Closure of Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford extendedFor more events in Central Florida visit our event calendar here.

After being pushed back due to Hurricane Ian, Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest celebration is returning in November.

Sanford residents have been puzzled after seeing various wild animals roaming their neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and more take to the sky this weekend in Seminole County.

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo has reopened nearly a month after closing for Hurricane Ian. Watch: Health officials warn of increase in flesh-eating bacteria cases following IanZoo officials have estimated the zoo lost more than $17,000 each day it was closed. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for tortoisesLauren Edwards and her 2-year-old daughter Amelia were the first to show up at the zoo when it reopened. Read: Hurricane Ian’s damage to Florida agriculture as high as $1.8 billionIan caused extensive damage around the zoo grounds and water flooded the entrance. The zoo launched a hurricane relief fund to help make up for lost revenue.

SANFORD, Fla. — Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were at the Orlando Sanford International Airport this week to prepare for an upcoming air show. The Thunderbirds will headline the 2022 Orlando Air and Space Show scheduled for later this month. Photos: USAF Thunderbirds to headline Orlando Air and Space Show this weekendExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 USAF Thunderbirds to headline Orlando Air and Space Show this weekendRead: Powerball jackpot hits $680M after no one wins Monday’s top prizeThe show will also feature other Air Force teams including the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Team, and aerobatic pilots Michael Goulian, Buck Roetman and John Black. Watch: E. coli detected in water in parts of Seminole County, officials sayThe air show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Orlando Sanford International Airport. ©2022 Cox Media Group

SANFORD, Fla. — Nearly a month after Hurricane Ian forced its closure, the Central Florida Zoo is set to reopen on Wednesday. Historic flooding has plagued the area since Ian, with the water flooding the entrance to the zoo. Read: Over $1 billion in federal funding put towards Hurricane Ian recoveryOfficials said the zoo closed on Sept. 28 to prepare for Hurricane Ian and remained closed afterward for cleanup. Zoo officials worked throughout the closure to help the attraction weather being closed to the public. More information on how to donate to help the Central Florida Zoo with recovery efforts can be found here.

The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford announced that it will reopen to guests, nearly a month after Hurricane Ian ripped through Central Florida.

SANFORD, Fla. — The closure of the Seminole County Civil Courthouse in Sanford due to floodwaters from Lake Monroe following Hurricane Ian has been extended. The courthouse was originally scheduled to reopen on Oct. 14, but that has been extended until Oct. 28. Sanford Civil Courthouse Remains Closed through Friday, October 28. — Michelle Kennedy (@PIOFLCourts18) October 24, 2022Chief Judge Jessica Recksiedler ordered the courthouse located in downtown Sanford closed Sept. 28 due to Hurricane Ian. Read: New redevelopment plans for Flea World site in Seminole County take shapeCourt proceedings at the Criminal Justice Center and juvenile courthouse are continuing as normal.

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been closed for nearly a month now due to flooding caused by Hurricane Ian. “At Wekiva Island, we love supporting our Seminole County neighbors,” said Carrie Vanderhoef, Wekiva Island manager, who also serves on the board of directors for the Central Florida Zoo. Read: Central Florida Zoo’s miniature train attraction returns this FallRead more about the Wekiva Island benefit event here. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for radiated tortoises Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises returned to their new home on Wednesday. (WFTV.com News Staff)Video: Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for tortoises Tortoises at the Central Florida Zoo are now living in their own little paradise.

Dead snails could be seen washed up along the edge of Lake Monroe in Sanford — another example of Hurricane Ian's impact on Central Florida.

Chemicals dumped near fuel pumps caused a mini explosion at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Sanford on Tuesday, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.

The help continues for so many families across Central Florida after Hurricane Ian.

SANFORD, Fla. — Channel 9 witnessed a contractor on Friday pumping Hurricane Ian floodwater contaminated with sewage directly into Lake Monroe in Sanford. The contractor was pumping water out of Regetta Shores Apartments. Read: Seminole County businesses deal with flooding, flickering power in Hurricane Ian aftermathThe water had been sitting in the parking lot for the last 13 days. And while pumping all that water out is helping residents, another problem may have been created. Neither Seminole County nor the St. Johns River Water Management District said they knew anything about this plan until Friday afternoon.

West said his own experience as a commercial developer would help improve the fortunes of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, long one of the nation's poorest. And we have been in the top 10 poorest congressional districts for the last 30 years," West told supporters. It shouldn’t be.”West and Bishop are rarities in the Deep South: candidates for a congressional race that is even marginally competitive. Last year, Georgia Republicans redrew the district to make it somewhat more favorable to their party, sparking fresh interest from GOP candidates. Many of those districts heavily favor Democrats, while adjoining districts are often heavily white Republican strongholds, reducing competitiveness.

Southwest Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District may be the only Deep South House race in which the two major party candidates are remotely competitive.

A 62-year-old Sanford man was arrested in connection with the shooting death of Kameron Dominique Olonte Alston who was killed on Sept. 18 in unincorporated Sanford, according to the sheriff’s office.

A Sanford neighborhood was blocked off for hours as police investigated a reported shooting.

SANFORD, Fla. — A week after Hurricane Ian hit Central Florida, some Seminole County home and business owners are still struggling with flood waters and lights that come on and off. Lake Monroe has yet to crest, and some Sanford leaders are calling this the worst flooding in decades. Public Works crews are putting in overtime to stay ahead of the rising water. READ: ‘We’re not going to have anything’: Lake Toho to crest soon, causing more issues for Jade IslesThe flooding along the riverwalk is common, flooding from Hurricane Ian reaching up the steps of the neighboring condos. Most businesses are closed along there, and others were forced to shut down Thursday morning due to power issues.

Flooding continues to increase in Seminole County areas

David Krazeise said they don’t have flood insurance because they never thought they’d need it. Read: LIVE UPDATES: SunRail to resume service Monday“We weren’t under the impression we lived in a flood zone,” Krazeise said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 32 Hurricane Ian floods parts of Central FloridaRead: Need FEMA assistance? But without flood insurance, if the damage is from natural rising waters, it won’t be covered. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 20 People rescued from Ian floodwaters around Central Florida Crews around Central Florida help rescue people from Hurricane Ian’s floodwaters.

SANFORD, Fla. — Tortoises at the Central Florida Zoo are now living in their own little paradise. The zoo unveiled a new living space for the radiated tortoises this week. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for tortoisesThe four special reptiles now have access to a peaceful landscape that includes a babbling brook and cypress stumps. Read: SeaWorld Orlando wants your help to name this baby dolphin“The tortoises couldn’t all share the same space at once, so now we have this giant water feature with a large waiting area for the tortoises so all four of them can enjoy the water at the same time,” said Christopher Torge, director of animal operations at Central Florida Zoo. Read: ‘Right place, right time’: Orlando officer honored for saving infant’s lifeLocal nurseries and pond builders from across Seminole County worked together to build the new habitat.

Seminole County leaders said they started preparations on Wednesday for a possible hurricane that could impact Central Florida next week. In the St. John’s River in Sanford, residents are concerned about this area and are monitoring it. He has worked for Florida Power and Light for 30 years and has been through every storm since Hurricane Andrew. Wilma hit us hard in West Palm, and it was a scary thing.”Tom Terry tracks Tropical Depression 9: In-depth report (WFTV)Evatt said new Florida residents should hit the grocery stores now and fill up their gas and propane tanks. “Our public works team and Environmental Services team is working around the clock to make sure that happens.”Read: New to Florida?

SANFORD, Fla. — Officials in Seminole County are preparing for the possible impact of a tropical system next week. Watch: Tropical Depression 9 forms in Caribbean, could impact FloridaSeminole County announced Friday that a site will be open to offer sandbags for residents looking to prepare for possible impacts and flooding from the storm system. The sandbag site will be open at Boombah Seminole County Sports Overflow Lot at 3450 East Lake Mary Boulevard in Sanford from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Watch: Hurricane Fiona to bring rough surf, strong rip currents to Volusia County beachesSeminole County residents should bring their own shovels and gloves and be prepared to fill and load the bags themselves. Seminole County leaders are also working on opening shelter locations in the event a tropical storm or hurricane threat is imminent.

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises moved into their majorly updated habitat on Wednesday. The tortoises now have waterfront property with a babbling brook and luscious landscaping. Last week, zoo officials said local nurseries and pond builders from across the county worked together to pull together the new habitat for the radiated tortoises. According to the zoo, radiated tortoises, which are native to southern Madagascar, are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss as suitable habitat continues to be converted to other uses, such as charcoal production. Photos: Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises return to renovated habitatExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Central Florida Zoo unveils new habitat for radiated tortoises Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises returned to their new home on Wednesday.

SANFORD, Fla. — Bed Bath & Beyond has announced the closure of more than 50 stores – and one of them is in Central Florida. Read: Bed Bath & Beyond releases partial store closures listThe store in Sanford on Towne Center Boulevard is set to close. The company is trying to rescue itself and keep from having to file for bankruptcy. Read: Florida lottery introduces 4 new scratch-off games, offering players billions in total winningsIt also plans to add more stores to the list. 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.

Sanford residents who gottawannaneedagettahavea Bojangles are in luck once more. The Carolina chicken chain is back open in Sanford after they beat a hasty retreat...

The man convicted in the fatal shooting of a University of Wisconsin physician and her husband in the school's arboretum was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday without the possibility of parole. Khari Sanford abducted Dr. Beth Potter, 52, and Robin Carre, 57, at gunpoint from their Madison home on March 30, 2020, and took them to the UW Arboretum where he shot both of them in the head. Sanford, 21, had been living with his girlfriend — the couple's daughter — in their home until tensions rose over coronavirus precautions.