SEMINOLE COUNTY

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management is set to host a news briefing Sunday morning to discuss the rising waters and future flood risks to the area’s lakefronts following Ian.

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

News 6 is teaming up with the Salvation Army to get results for those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

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

Seminole County first responders returned to the Spring Oaks neighborhood Friday as residents are continuing to see widespread flooding from Hurricane Ian.

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.

Seminole County leaders are warning people to expect more flooding to hit the area as high water recedes in some areas and moves into area rivers and streams.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — People near the Little Wekiva River had to leave their homes because of damaging floodwaters. During Hurricane Ian, the rain was so bad the National Weather Service issued a “Flash Flood Emergency” warning. LIVE UPDATES: Florida works toward recovery as Hurricane Ian heads toward the CarolinasIt wasn’t long after that the river breached its banks and started flooding backyards, homes, and later, streets. The stormwater remains Friday morning and Little Wekiva Road is under water for blocks. Read: Thousands of utility workers in Florida as Hurricane Ian recovery continuesThe Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and National Guard evacuated residents from the floodwaters.

The Seminole County Fire Department worked over a seven-hour period to help rescue 80 residents from rising floor water in a Winter Springs neighborhood, according to the department.

Seminole County Emergency Management is beginning the task of assessing the full scope of damage done to the county by Ian.

A viewer in Oviedo captured this cute scene of two deer swimming in a flooded backyard in Oviedo.

Hurricane Ian brought “unprecedented historic flooding” to Seminole County, with continued flash flood warnings.

Little Wekiva River, the 18.2-mile stream in Seminole County, experienced record flood levels after Hurricane Ian hit Central Florida, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A seafood restaurant in Sanford was destroyed as Hurricane Ian moved through Central Florida Wednesday night into Thursday.

A tree brought down by Hurricane Ian landed on a home in Altamonte Springs, sparking an electrical fire, according to Seminole County Fire Department.

While Seminole County has not enacted an official curfew, law enforcement officials are warning drivers to stay off the road as Hurricane Ian moves north and Central Florida feels its impact.

Emergency shelters opened in Seminole County after evacuation orders were issued for flood-prone areas, mobile homes and people with special needs who need a safe place to stay.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The streets along the east side of Geneva proudly display the personalities of its residents. This week, it’s the place where people intend to ride out Hurricane Ian despite being in the middle of an area expected to flood. 5PM UPDATE: Seminole County is now under a Hurricane Warning. READ: Universal, Disney World announce temporary closures ahead of Hurricane IanThomas said his brother would stay and hope the St. John’s River stopped before his front door. READ: Utility companies gear up for Hurricane Ian, aftermath“We’ll see,” he said.

As Hurricane Ian gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida counties are preparing for the storm impacts it will bring.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — As Hurricane Ian moves closer, all eyes in Seminole County are turning to the Saint Johns River. Anyone near the river and lakes in the area are at risk of flooding, and emergency officials have concerns with Hurricane Ian approaching because the water is already high due this year’s rain. LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Ian strengthens into Cat. 2; tropical storm watch issued for Central Florida“We are at action stage (at) Lake Harney, we do not need any additional water,” said Alan Harris with Seminole County Emergency Management. READ: Hurricane Ian: How to read the NHC hurricane cone graphicVideo: Power companies preparing for widespread outages during Hurricane Ian Power companies across Florida are preparing for major outages due to Hurricane Ian.

Connor Fernandez – the Seminole County firefighter that was injured in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Sept. 16 – died, according to a statement by the Seminole County Fire Department.

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

A man is dead after a hit-and-run in the area of East Altamonte Drive and Anchor Road, according to the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

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.

The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management will provide an update for the community on Monday in preparation for Hurricane Ian, the county announced.

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...

After Hurricane Ian moved through the area, Central Florida schools announced how they are handling the storm’s aftermath and when they will be reopening.

Three people were injured in a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 in Seminole County, according to the fire department.

People across Central Florida are preparing for any possibility of a storm that could hit Florida in the coming days.

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?

Emergency management officials in Seminole County are offering sandbags for residents to help prepare for possible impacts from a tropical system next week.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida counties are starting to release information about sandbag availability as a tropical system looms in the Caribbean. Tropical Depression 9 formed Friday morning and could impact Florida by next week. Seminole CountySeminole 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 E. Lake Mary Boulevard in Sanford from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Read: Seminole County opens sandbag site as tropical system could impact FloridaVolusia CountyThe city of Ormond Beach has a self-serve sand pile and fillable sandbags at the Nova Community Center, located at 440 N. Nova Road.

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.

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

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A tragic accident has rallied the community together to help a family in need. Seminole County firefighter Connor Fernandez was involved in a horrific motorcycle crash, and now his fellow firefighters are doing what they can to help him and his family. Photos: Blood drive held for Seminole County firefighter injured in motorcycle crashExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 Blood drive held for Seminole County firefighter injured in motorcycle crashFernandez has received 82 units of blood, which is around 10 gallons. Watch: ‘Taking back the night’: Residents plan night walk in neighborhood where jogger was attackedFernandez has served as a firefighter for Seminole County since 2020. In addition to Thursday’s blood drive, a GoFundMe page has also been set up to help Fernandez’s family.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Residents in a Seminole County community say they’re not familiar with the man deputies say attempted to sexually assault a woman who was out for a jog Monday night. According to an arrest report, the jogger removed her headphones because she thought someone was following her. Deputies said the suspect approached the victim from behind and wrapped his arms around her before taking her to the ground. READ: Governor’s office releases documents after migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard“We’re taking back the night,” resident Erin Post said. Post says she and other community members are planning a walk for Monday night.

A Seminole County man who fled the U.S. and was eventually arrested in Croatia has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $7.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters are banding together to host a blood drive after one of their own suffered critical injuries in an off-duty motorcycle crash last week. The department said firefighter Connor Fernandez, 25, was in a serious crash on Friday. You can click here to make an appointment at Red Bug Lake Park and here for the Criminal Justice Center. The department said Fernandez has worked as a firefighter in Seminole County since 2020. Video: Seminole County family loses home to fire over the weekendYou can see his GoFundMe page here.

A hat left behind by a man accused in a sex attack on a jogger along a popular Seminole County trail led to his arrest, according to the sheriff.

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.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office announced early Wednesday that deputies have arrested a man in connection with the alleged attack of a woman who was jogging in a neighborhood near Longwood. William Paul StamperREAD: Person of interest being interviewed in attempted sexual battery on jogger in Seminole CountyOn Tuesday night, SCSO detectives released surveillance video of someone whom they called a “person of interest.”It showed a man running near West Wekiva Trail and Harrogate Place. WATCH: Surveillance video released of suspect accused of attacking jogger in Seminole County Surveillance video released of suspect accused of attacking jogger in Seminole CountyChannel 9 obtained an incident report in the case. READ: Woman attacked while jogging on trail in Seminole CountyThe report detailed how a jogger removed her headphones because she thought someone was following her. Deputies said the suspect approached the victim from behind and wrapped his arms around her before taking her to the ground.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has released video in the hopes the public can help identify a man who attacked a 22-year-old woman who was out for a jog. The sheriff called the attack “attempted sexual battery” and said he has increased patrols to get the suspect off the street. READ: Woman attacked while jogging on trail in Seminole CountySee video of the alleged attacker below:WATCH: Surveillance video released of suspect accused of attacking jogger in Seminole County Surveillance video released of suspect accused of attacking jogger in Seminole CountyIt happened around 8:40 p.m. near Hunt Club Boulevard in the Wekiva subdivision. Throughout the rest of the night, deputies will be patrolling the area and working on the case. READ: Winter Park home damaged in afternoon fireVideo: Woman attacked while jogging on trail in Seminole County, deputies say Seminole County deputies are investigating after a woman said she was attacked Monday.

Here in Central Florida, there’s no shortage of mini golf courses, but let’s take a look at some of the more unique options.

Here in Central Florida, there’s no shortage of mini golf courses, but let’s take a look at some of the more unique options.

The Seminole County Fire Department announced Tuesday one of its firefighters sustained serious, life-threatening injuries after an off-duty motorcycle crash in Altamonte Springs.

A man whose business was contracted with the Seminole County Tax Collector's Office by Joel Greenberg now faces charges in a bribery scheme, according to court records.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead inside a car near Sanford Sunday evening. Investigators said when they arrived at the scene they found a man, dead, inside a car parked at the end of the street. Read: Woman attacked while jogging on trail in Seminole County, deputies sayAnyone with information is asked to contact the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 665-6650 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Read: Body of missing 21-year-old Sanford man found in burning shed, deputies sayThis is the second homicide on Roseberry Lane within the past year. See a map of area below:Video: Deputies: Felon charged with murder after Seminole man’s body found in burning shed Deputies have arrested a man for the murder of a 21-year-old man in Seminole County.

A 30-year-old man was shot and killed in unincorporated Sanford, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County deputies are investigating after a woman said she was attacked Monday. Watch: Man, 19, accused of grabbing woman jogging on Orange County trailDeputies said the woman was attacked while jogging around 8:45 p.m. on the West Wekiva Trail, west of Hunt Club Boulevard. Read: Orlando police seek man accused of attacking woman in downtown apartmentDeputies said they are working to release more information about the attacker to the public. Watch: Central Florida joggers on edge after woman reports being grabbed on trailChannel 9 has a crew headed to the area 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.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is looking for whoever attacked a female jogger on a trail.

The Seminole County Democratic Party office in Longwood was vandalized over the weekend, weeks after the Seminole County GOP headquarters was spray-painted, according to party officials.

Yet another Seminole County political HQ has been vandalized. Mere weeks after some suspiciously neat graffiti was found on the headquarters of the Seminole County...

Oviedo Oktoberfest is back for three fun-filled days.

A crash on State Road 417 involving a pickup truck forced the closure of all northbound lanes before mile marker 53 in Seminole County.

A 37-year-old Lake Mary man died early Sunday after being thrown from a motorcycle during a single-vehicle crash in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

An Oviedo couple is asking for help after a big fire devoured the family's garage.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County is putting your penny to work. Red Bug Lake is undergoing construction to extend the right-turn lane to accommodate greater traffic flow. Read: The 9 biggest announcements from D23 this yearThe work is being done on Red Bug Lake between Tuskawilla Road and Dodd Road. When this part of the project is done, work will begin to enhance the bike lane and work on similar projects in other areas that experience heavy traffic. See: 9 things to know about enterovirus D68The project will be done in phases and is paid for by the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax.

Steven Selph was arrested Friday morning by FDLE and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with 10 counts related to child pornography, police said.

With this over two-week celebration quickly approaching, now is the time to begin your planning.

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people accused of illegally voting in the 2020 election.

Nonprofit Healthy Families Seminole at the Children’s Home Society (CHS) of Florida, which works to keep families together and children out of foster care, has seen a 100% success rate this year.

Train companies around the country are bracing for a potential freight rail worker strike on Friday, and Amtrak is suspending long-distance train service in Florida because of it.

Rail workers across the country plan to go on strike by the end of the week if the nation's railroads don't make a deal with union leaders. This could impact Central Florida's SunRail.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The state fire marshal is investigating what sparked a fire that caused serious damage to a house in Oviedo Tuesday night. Crews with Oviedo Fire Rescue responded shortly before midnight to the home along Goldfinch Court, north of Chapman Road. READ: Tropical Depression 7 forms in the AtlanticNoticeable damage to the front of the home and roof was visible after firefighters knocked down flames. Monitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this story. Crews from Oviedo Fire assisted Seminole County Fire with a residential structure fire at 2140 Goldfinch Court in Oviedo.

Firefighters responded to a fire at an Oviedo home early Wednesday, according to Oviedo Fire Rescue.

The generosity of the church’s congregation allowed the school to update the media center with new furniture, paint, and laptops.

A school resource officer is suspended without pay following a search of his home as part of a child pornography investigation, according to the department.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials at Lyman High School in Seminole County said they are addressing a “non-credible” threat made on social media. Read: Police: ‘Cruel prank’ led to panic at Mainland High School FridaySchool leaders said they were notified Sunday night of a threat to Lyman High School. School administrators and law enforcement quickly identified the source of the threat and made contact, officials said. “Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be applied.”Read: E-PASS offers new discount program for Central Florida driversOfficials said additional law enforcement and heightened security will be present on campus out of an abundance of caution. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

LAKE MARY, Fla. — Several state Democratic lawmakers are calling for state Sen. Jason Brodeur to resign, after allegations he knew about a ghost candidate scheme have come to light. Representative Joy Goff-Marcil of Maitland, who is challenging Brodeur for the newly created Senate District 10 seat, was joined by several other Seminole County democrats demanding that the state senator resign. Read: Joel Greenberg talks ‘ghost candidate’ plan in jailhouse interview: Read the transcriptStanding outside Brodeur’s Lake Mary offices Thursday, Democrats also called on Gov. A third-party ghost candidate, Jestine Iannotti, who didn’t campaign, received nearly 5,800 votes. Also at stake is Brodeur’s role as Seminole County Chamber of Commerce president.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Winter Springs High School was placed on lockdown on Thursday after officials said they received a report of shots fired on campus. Winter Springs High Update: Early report of shot fired on campus is inaccurate. (@SeminoleSO) September 8, 2022The school was immediately placed on lockdown as Winter Springs Police and Seminole County Deputies converged on the school. Parents of Winter Springs High students gathered outside the school as rumors of the shooting spread. The Seminole County sheriff’s office later said that early reports of shot fired on campus was inaccurate and that the school was secure.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County man accused of stabbing his two daughters and killing one will be in court Tuesday. Watch: State attorney seeks death penalty against Longwood man accused of stabbing his daughtersJuan Bravo-Torres is set to appear in a Seminole County courtroom for a hearing Tuesday morning. Police said Bravo-Torres killed his 3-year-old daughter Eva, while her sister, 12-year-old Alina, pretended to be dead after he attacked her. Read: ‘This is devastating’: Longwood neighbors react to father stabbing 2 daughtersLongwood Police arrested Bravo-Torres in 2011 for domestic violence and battery against the mother of his children. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A group of Seminole County nursing students had the opportunity to show a member of Congress what they are learning in their classes Thursday. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy toured Seminole High School’s magnet program for health career training in Sanford. Read: AdventHealth creates new nursing unit to help patients transition from hospital to homeThe program will help students feel comfortable in the field when they graduate. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Rep. Stephanie Murphy visits Seminole County nursing students The Congresswoman Murphy plans to help fund Seminole County High's nursing program (WFTV/WFTV)The program trains students to become nurses, medical technicians and clinical laboratory technicians. Read: Troopers investigate deadly crash on I-4 in Seminole CountyMurphy said she is working on securing more than $5,000 to expand the program and train more students for health care careers.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 28-year-old man has died following a crash on U.S. Highway 17-92 Saturday. Troopers said the crash happened around 4 a.m. in Seminole County. According to a news release, a 2009 Infiniti G37 was traveling south on U.S. Highway 17-92, south of Golden Birch Lane, while a 2012 Ford F-350 pickup truck with a trailer was traveling north in the left lane. ‘Gridlock,’ ‘bumper-to-bumper traffic’The 28-year-old driver of the Infiniti was transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital and died. Read: Joel Greenberg talks ‘ghost candidate’ plan in jailhouse interview: Read the transcriptFHP is still investigating the crash.

One of those cases involved the ghost candidate scheme in the 9th District state Senate race in 2020. A third party ghost candidate, Jestine Iannotti, who didn’t campaign, received nearly 5,800 votes. Watch: Woman accused in Seminole County ‘ghost candidate’ investigation takes the standParis was convicted on campaign finance violations on Thursday. Greenberg told investigators in a jailhouse interview that Brodeur was aware of the plan to run a ghost candidate in his race. According to a 119-page transcript from the June 23 jailhouse interview, Greenberg told investigators Brodeur was present along with Ben Paris during conversations about running a third-party candidate.

Seminole County GOP Chair Ben Paris was found guilty for his part in a scheme to run a progressive ghost candidate to siphon votes from...

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash on Interstate 4. Watch: FAA investigating after close call between small plane and jetliner at Orlando International AirportThe deadly crash happened around midnight on I-4 eastbound near Lake Mary Boulevard. Photos: Troopers investigate deadly crash on I-4 in Seminole CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Troopers investigate deadly crash on I-4 in Seminole CountyIt’s unclear what caused the crash and who was involved. Read: Orlando woman charged in fatal shooting over Instagram ‘trash talk’Channel 9 is working to gather more details and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Watch: Plane crash at Orlando Executive Airport that killed 1, injured another under investigationClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida Mental Health Therapist wants to help local parents and their kids avoid getting into trouble in the name of going “viral” online. The Jackson Heights Middle School student posted a video filled with racial slurs to TikTok, she says, in an attempt to go viral. “I was hurt that my daughter even had posted something like that,” the girl’s mother said. The girl’s parents alluded to that as well as they asked the community- the other parents and their kids- to forgive her. READ: Orlando woman charged in fatal shooting over Instagram ‘trash talk’“I totally understand,” the girl’s mother said.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Security will be increased at Lake Howell High School Friday after a threat against Central Florida schools was made on social media. The high school was put on a code yellow lockdown Thursday as law enforcement investigated a suspicious phone call, according to the school’s web page. It was determined there was no threat to the campus. READ: UCF football fans can now buy alcohol during gamesElementary school teacher, 2 children found dead inside home, police say The officers were conducting a welfare check at the house when they found the three people dead inside. ©2022 Cox Media Group

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The mother of a Jackson Heights Middle School student who posted a video filled with racial slurs on TikTok is apologizing on her behalf and offering a warning to other parents. The video shows several students pointing at the camera, with audio that repeatedly features a racial slur. The video, which was posted for about three hours before it was taken down, has caused concern for parents and students on campus. She said the middle schooler wanted more followers on social media. Read: Florida’s failing insurance market contributing to rent crisis“I was hurt that my daughter had even posted something like that.

SANFORD, Fla. — The Seminole County Republican party chairman at the center of a “ghost candidate” investigation was found guilty by a jury Thursday afternoon. Benjamin Paris was accused of illegally using his cousin’s name to make a campaign contribution to an NPA candidate for the District 9 Senate race in 2020. Read: Jury returns guilty verdict in ‘ghost candidate’ case against GOP leader in Seminole CountyDuring closing arguments Thursday morning, prosecutors told jurors that Paris conspired with District 9 Senate candidate Jestine Iannotti and political consultant Eric Foglesong to illegally use the name of another person to make a campaign contribution to Iannotti’s campaign. Watch: 3 charged in connection with 2020 state Senate race ‘ghost candidate’ controversyParis’ defense attorney claimed the state did not prove where the money came from, and that there was no proof that Paris donated the money. Read: Third-party ghost candidate in local Senate race the focus of FDLE investigationTrial dates for Foglesong and Iannotti have yet to be set.

SANFORD, Fla. — The fate of the head of Seminole County’s Republican Party is now in the hands of a jury. Watch: Woman accused in Seminole County ‘ghost candidate’ investigation takes the standBenjamin Paris is accused of illegally using the name of his cousin to make a campaign contribution to an NPA candidate for the District 9 Senate race in 2020. Watch: 3 charged in connection with 2020 state Senate race ‘ghost candidate’ controversyThey said there is a mountain of evidence that they put into a timeline of phone calls and text messages between the three individuals during May and June of 2020. But the biggest piece of evidence was from Paris’ cousin, Steven Smith, whose name appears on the campaign contribution list. Read: Third-party ghost candidate in local Senate race the focus of FDLE investigationSmith said he never met Iannotti or Foglesong.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Both sides have rested in the trial of a man charged in a “ghost candidate” investigation. Prosecutors said Ben Paris used his cousin’s name to make a contribution to that state Senate candidate in 2020, and he’s not the only one charged in this investigation. They allege Paris used his cousin Steven Smith’s name to make a $200 cash contribution to ghost candidate “Jess Iannotti,” which they say was illegal. Watch: 3 charged in connection with 2020 state Senate race ‘ghost candidate’ controversyParis’ defense attorney told jurors his client is innocent, as there is no evidence his client ever donated to Iannotti’s campaign. Video: Trial to begin Wednesday for Seminole County ‘ghost candidate’ case A trial is set to begin Wednesday for a man accused of trying to influence a Central Florida election.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials extended a health alert for Lake Jesup after blue-green algae were detected in the lake. After a sample taken on Aug. 24 detected that the algal bloom was present, the health alert for the lake was extended to Sept. 23. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is advising residents and visitors to take precautions around the lake and not drink, swim or boat in waters where the algae are visible. If you do come in contact with the lake water, you’re urged to wash your clothes and skin with soap and water. ©2022 Cox Media Group

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

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County residents will soon be paying more to have their trash picked up. Officials said the county’s reserve fund has been taking a hit for years, so they haven’t passed on any huge trash fee increases. But they said with the reserve fund low on cash, it’s not sustainable anymore. Timothy Jecks, chief financial officer for Seminole County, says rates for residents have remained flat for several years as costs have increased. Read: Seminole County Public Schools seek parents’ input on new textbooksFor 2020 and 2021, residents paid $235 a year.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Working parents know the struggle. Yvette Hartsfield is the director of Kidzone and Beyond, which provides before and after care for Seminole County Public Schools. Photos: Seminole County parents struggle to find open, affordable child care programsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Seminole County parents struggle to find open, affordable child care programsIt’s a program parents rely on when they must get to work early or get off late. Watch: Central Florida schools work to fill pandemic learning gapOfficials said each school has about a 30-kid waitlist. “They’re coming back to school saying, ‘OK, we need child care,’ and what we’ve been trying to do is accommodate as many as we can,” Hartsfield said.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Fire chased a family out of their Seminole County home Tuesday morning. Firefighters rushed to the house along Prairie Lake Cove just before 5:30 a.m., the Seminole County Fire Department said. Seminole County house fire Fire damaged a house on Prairie Lake Cove in Altamonte Springs Tuesday morning. (Seminole County Fire Department)READ: 2022 Florida primary: What you need to knowWFTV’s Drone 9 was there as well. Seminole County house fire Fire damaged a house on Prairie Lake Cove in Altamonte Springs Tuesday morning.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of people in Seminole County say the library system needs some major improvements. Watch: Oviedo High School’s new lunchroom design hopes to keep more students on campusNearly 7,000 residents participated in a survey about the current libraries built in the late 1980s. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Seminole County residents frustrated with outdated library systemThe county’s study found there is a strong need for new libraries. Watch: Seminole County expands program to help homeless children in schoolOther branches would be renovated to add more technology and programs. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — While the pandemic has subsided, supply chain issues are still struggling to catch up. Read: ‘Tragic’: Woman killed by lightning strike in Seminole County identifiedThe Seminole County Fire Department said they have had to relax some of their uniform standards as they wait for those shipments to arrive. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Seminole County Fire Department sees uniform shortage The Seminole County Fire Department said they have had to relax some of their uniform standards. Seminole County has tried to hire new firefighters for several years with 50 to 60 firefighters/paramedics a year. VIDEO: Seminole County Leaders Say the Library System in Desperate Need of Revamp“We’ve been experiencing delays in getting our uniforms in, really since COVID,” said Thiebert.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Investigators identified the woman killed by a lightning strike in Seminole County as a mother of two and wife of an Orlando Sanford International Airport police officer. “This is a tragic, tragic incident,” Winter Springs Police Chief Matthew Tracht said Friday during a news conference at Orlando Sanford International Airport. Read: Mother dies, child hurt after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police sayTracht said he’s never seen something like this happen in his 25-year law enforcement career. Photos: Child hurt, mother dies after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police sayPolice chief Tom Fuehrer said the family is “overwhelmed with kindness and support” but asking for privacy to grieve. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Child hurt, mother dies after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police sayVideo: Child hurt, mother dies after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police say A lightning strike killed a mother and hurt two others in Seminole County.

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.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — A lightning strike killed a mother and hurt two others in Seminole County. Watch: ‘It fried her work car!’: Incredible video shows lightning bolt strike near Florida deputy’s cruiserPeople in Winter Springs said they are devastated after hearing about the woman’s death. Photos: Child hurt, mother dies after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Child hurt, mother dies after lightning strikes tree in Winter Springs, police sayPolice and first responders were seen surrounding the tree where it happened Thursday afternoon. The deadly lightning strike happened at Trotwood Park, not far from Keeth Elementary School. Read: 2 people injured by lightning strikes in New Smyrna BeachPolice said the victims were just waiting for a sibling to get out of school.

Video: Seminole County expands program to help homeless children in school Seminole County Public Schools is expanding its services to help students who leave campus every day, with no home to go to. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County Public Schools is expanding its services to help students who leave campus every day, with no home to go to. As the trend of more homeless students and families continue to increase, there is more help being made available. It’s called the Families in Need program in Seminole County, which provides wraparound services and educational stability for families who are going through hardships, and students who are homeless or in foster care. WATCH: Law enforcement stepping up patrols now that school is back in sessionBecause there is so much need, it’s a program that is growing in Seminole County.