Early morning fire shuts down turnpike in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An early morning fire shut down part of Florida’s Turnpike Monday morning in Osceola County.
The fire happened near the 229-mile marker just south of Canoe Creek service plaza just before 5 a.m.>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
Complaints, calls for action growing in traffic-laden Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Jan Cornish is a few years removed from her teenage escapades, but still places a curfew on herself that would make any adolescent shudder. Her neighborhood is one of many that have popped up in recent years around Pleasant Hill Road, one of the numerous traffic-clogged arteries running through Osceola County. READ: Osceola County sales tax referendum could be tossed out depending on new lawsuitCitizens who shared Cornish’s opinion packed Monday night’s Osceola County Commission meeting to oppose an array of rezoning requests that were poised to add additional homes — and cars — to the county in the coming years. “Apparently you don’t, because your loved ones have to drive on these roads every day.”County officials say there are improvements to roads across the county in the works. They also can’t attract commercial development to communities — which cuts down on trips in and out — without the residential spaces.
wftv.comPerson hit, killed while walking across Florida’s Turnpike after crash
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A person was hit and killed while walking across Florida’s Turnpike following a crash in Lake County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the person had previously lost control of their car and crashed into the road shoulder. After the crash, troopers said the person walked across the southbound lanes, crossed the median and walked into the northbound lanes, where they were hit by an SUV. Troopers said the person, who has not been identified, died on the scene near mile marker 276The driver of the SUV was not injured and stayed on the scene following the crash, troopers said. Read: Lake County teen arrested after bringing gun on school bus, deputies sayClick 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.comCommunity leaders to talk negative impacts of northern Turnpike extension
Video: Community leaders to talk negative impacts of northern Turnpike extension The group calls their effort the “No Roads To Ruin” campaign. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)OCALA, Fla. — Community leaders from Citrus, Levy, Marion and Sumter counties will talk Tuesday about their fight against a Turnpike project. WATCH: Troopers search for hit-and-run driver who killed bicyclist in Orange CountyThe group calls their effort the “No Roads To Ruin” campaign. Recently, the Florida Department of Transportation agreed that the northern Turnpike extension would disrupt local neighborhoods and paused the project. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comCentral Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over
Once known as Picketville, it was founded by freed slaves in 1865, during the “40 and a mule” era of Reconstruction. Driving around, you’re welcomed by people greeting each other by name, calling out from porches or along the paths of the community park. Once set upon miles of fields with only the town of Wildwood in sight, it now has I-75 slicing through its westernmost portion and is bordered by the Florida Turnpike to the south. See a map of the proposed development below:Sumter County development Central Florida community founded by freed slaves could be permanently paved over (wftv.com)Florida’s state government has longed to extend the Turnpike to the northwest, up toward Marion County and the Gulf Coast, to help develop the mostly rural area and provide another hurricane evacuation route. Hughes, Steele and others want the highway routed away completely, preferably through a conservation district where the road currently meets I-75.
wftv.comAll southbound lanes along stretch of Florida’s Turnpike shut down in Osceola County due to crash
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — All southbound lanes on Florida’s Turnpike are shut down in Osceola County due to a crash. The crash happened near Kenansville just after 5 a.m.Channel 9 traffic anchor Deneige Broom said you will be stuck if you get onto the turnpike southbound at Kissimmee Park Road. READ: Police: Person hit by stray bullet in home near vigil being held for teen shot dead a year agoNo other details were available. READ: Woman dies after being found shot, unresponsive in Orange County, sheriff’s office saysTurnpike SHUTDOWN in Osceola County/Kenansville. If you get onto the Turnpike SB at Kissimmee Park Rd, you'll be stuck!
wftv.comFree rides take $104M toll on Pennsylvania Turnpike finances
Turnpike's Uncollected Tolls Traffic going eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike proceeds through the electronic toll booths in Cranberry Township, Pa., on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. More than $104 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went uncollected last year as the agency fully converted to all-electronic tolling. Under a 2017 state law, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has gone through PennDOT to suspend Pennsylvania vehicle registrations, and as a result, about 10,000 are currently suspended. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is finalizing such an agreement with Delaware and is in talks with New York. The variation among states about the penalties and fees they assess on turnpike drivers is another issue, Compton said.
wftv.comArrest made after man threatens driver with gun during road rage incident, deputies say
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Flagler County Sheriff deputies arrest a man after he threatened a delivery driver with a gun during a road rage incident. READ: Turnpike reopens after 2 semi trucks collide in fiery crash in Osceola CountyWhen deputies arrived, they were informed that the suspect had fled the scene in a white Ford F-150 after a potentially dangerous road rage incident. According to deputies, the victim, a delivery driver, was stopped in traffic near the Brass Tap when the suspect parked in the middle of the road, blocking traffic. “Here’s another example of how road rage can turn potentially deadly,” Sheriff Staly said. According to deputies, Wilson has a long criminal history dating back to 1988.
wftv.comTraffic alert: Part of Turnpike shut down in both directions due to vehicle fire
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Turnpike is shut down in both directions through Osceola County due to a vehicle fire. Officials said drivers will be forced off at Kissimmee Park Road if they are traveling southbound. Turnpike still shutdown in both directions through Osceola County. SB traffic forced off at Kissimmee Park Rd. The sun is up and we have a better look at this #BREAKING news along the Turnpike—SB- exit at Kissimmee Park RoadNB- avoid at all costs!
wftv.comPerson dies in crash involving semi truck in Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A person died in a crash involving a semi truck in Lake County, according to firefighters. Lake County firefighters said the crash happened on County Road 470 in Okahumpka. Officials said County Road 470 between State Road 33 and the turnpike is closed due to the crash. CR470 in Okahumpka, between SR33 and the Turnpike entrance is closed due to an accident with fatality. pic.twitter.com/ldHWFJX06A — Lake County Firefighters (@LakeCountyFFs) May 12, 2021READ: Dunkin’ employee in Florida accused of fatally punching customer who used racial slurIt is not known if anyone else was hurt in the crash.
wftv.com19-year-old Orlando woman killed in rear-end crash on Florida Turnpike
A 19-year-old Orlando woman was killed Tuesday night when her car was rear-ended from behind on the Florida Turnpike in Orange County, troopers said. The fatal crash was reported in the southbound lanes of the turnpike near John Young Parkway. The FHP said the woman was driving a Scion xB when a Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by a 41-year-old St. Cloud man, failed to slow for an unknown reason and struck the back of her car, which then crashed into a barrier wall. Cloud man was not injured.
Ball of fire rages from semi on Florida Turnpike
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A semi caught fire early Monday on the Florida Turnpike in Orange County, shutting down the roadway for hours. The fire was reported in the northbound lanes of the turnpike near State Road 417. [TRENDING: ‘Christmas Star’ forming soon | This holiday drone light show is way COOL | Can I legally pass a police car in traffic?] The Florida Highway Patrol said at least one person was injured in the fire, but no other details have been released. The northbound lanes were reopened hours after the fire was extinguished.
Driver killed in crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A driver who crashed into the back of a semi-truck on Florida’s Turnpike died Thursday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. [TRENDING: Iran behind ‘Vote Trump or else’ emails | CDC redefines close contact | 2-headed snake found at Fla. home]FHP troopers responded to the crash in Osceola County at mile marker 198 around 9:10 a.m. The car came to a final rest off the roadway after the crash. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
New report provides clues to origin of Gotha flooding problems
GOTHA, Fla. – A new engineering report may have uncovered clues in the chaos surrounding flooding issues with land-locked lakes in one West Orange County community. Last year, News 6 detailed the record flooding in the Gotha area, specifically at Lake Fischer, Lake Nally, Lake Hugh, Mills Pond and Gotha Pond, as neighbors searched for answers as to what was causing the flooding. As a result, Orange County leaders commissioned a $200,000 study into matter in November. David Hamstra with Pegasus Engineering co-authored the report, entitled Gotha Lakes Watershed Management Plan Update. “There are other lakes in West Orange County that have the same problem, which leads us to believe this is primarily rainfall driven.
Female truckers group hands out PPE to fellow drivers on Florida’s Turnpike
From the warehouse to local stores, truck drivers have been on the road delivering goods. Many drivers say PPE has been hard to come by. I've even encountered drivers having to put a dirty sock on their face or a dirty t-shirt," said Desiree Wood. Those experiences motivated Desiree Wood, President of Real Women in Trucking, to partner with Florida's Turnpike Enterprise to collect and distribute donated PPE and supplies to truck drivers. With vans filled with much-needed supplies, Real Women in Trucking plan to continue traveling across the country delivering PPE to truck drivers who need them.
Elementary school students learn about engineering using chocolate
Elementary school students learn about engineering using chocolatePublished: February 21, 2020, 12:58 pmAs part of National Engineers Week, Florida's Turnpike engineers taught students how to build roads from the bottom up using "Chocolate Asphalt."
Elementary school students learn about engineering using chocolate
As part of National Engineers Week, Florida's Turnpike engineers taught students how to build roads from the bottom up using "Chocolate Asphalt." Thanks @ezzycastro @news6wkmg for coming to Florida's Turnpike #EWeek2020 Chocolate Asphalt event at Tildenville Elementary School! https://t.co/dPoprtXqCm @DiscoverEorg pic.twitter.com/eLiSJaxSeu — Florida's Turnpike (@FloridaTurnpike) February 21, 2020Students used ingredients like chocolate, walnuts, oats, coconut, and sugar to build their road. Banet is Florida’s Turnpike Program Director. He said doing a hands-on project like “Chocolate Asphalt” is a way to inspire young students.
7 vehicles involved in fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A portion of Florida’s Turnpike was shut down following a multi-vehicle crash that left at least one person dead in Orange County, according to officials. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said the fatal crash took place in the Turnpike’s southbound lanes near the State Road 50 exit around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. A total of seven vehicles were involved in the crash, according to the Highway Patrol. @FHPOrlando#BREAKING View incident map on @pulsepoint https://t.co/YWZTUWyZ4f pic.twitter.com/BCyizyLlVN — OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) February 4, 2020All southbound lanes were shut down following the crash. Investigators said for an unknown reason another vehicle left the roadway and hit the car on the shoulder.
4-month-old baby dies after Florida Turnpike crash
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The infant involved in last week’s Turnpike crash has died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Four-month-old Nolan Panetta was critically injured during a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes near mile marker 261. The infant was in a car seat in the back of a 2011 Toyota Corolla, according to the crash report. Alexandre suffered minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital, according to a crash report. The child’s grandfather and his wife were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.
Construction worker arrested in fatal stabbing of employer on Florida’s Turnpike, deputies say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was on the run for hours after fatally stabbing his employer at a construction site on Florida’s Turnpike Monday morning has been taken into custody, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, identified Monday afternoon as 28-year-old William Steven Knight, was pronounced dead at the scene, Orange County sheriff’s spokesman Christian Marrero said. UPDATE: Mason Toney has been captured by OCSO and taken into custody without incident. https://t.co/OHuT7gTvUl — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 20, 2020Toney fled the area driving a stolen white Dodge Ram with the Florida Tag of LGZX24, according to deputies. Exit 254 was closed for hours on Monday as deputies investigated the fatal stabbing but it has since been reopened.
1 killed in crash on Florida Turnpike in Osceola County
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A 48-year-old Orlando man was killed Friday in a two-vehicle crash on the Florida Turnpike in Osceola County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal wreck was reported around 10:35 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the turnpike at mile marker 226. The FHP said a semi collided with a tow truck that was pulling a vehicle. FHP said witnesses told investigators the tow truck traveled into the right lane and hit the left side of the semi’s trailer. Investigators said the tow truck traveled off the roadway and hit a tree.
Florida’s Turnpike to offer free coffee during Thanksgiving travel
ORLANDO, Fla. – You can grab free coffee at Florida’s Turnpike service plazas to keep awake and alert during the Thanksgiving travel season. The java will be available at Shell locations on the Turnpike, as well as the lobbies of the Turkey Lake, Canoe Creek, Fort Drum, Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach service plaza lobbies. Free coffee will be offered during the following peak travel times:11 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27 to 6 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 2811 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1 to 6 a.m., Monday, Dec. 2The free coffee offer is available to promote driver safety. The State Farm Safety Patrol will also provide around-the-clock coverage in urban hours, and extended hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. north and south of Orlando.
Big rig crash slows Turnpike near I-4
ORLANDO, Fla. – A crash involving a big rig caused major slowdowns Monday morning on the Florida Turnpike near Interstate 4. One person suffered serious injuries in the crash, which was reported in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike. All southbound lanes were closed in the area but later reopened. Details about the wreck are not immediately known. Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.
Crews battle brush fire near Florida's Turnpike in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Crews are battling a brush fire near Florida's Turnpike in Orange County. The fire was reported Monday afternoon on the west side of the Turnpike, near Orange Blossom Trail, according to Orange County Fire Rescue officials. Smoke could be seen near the highway around 5 p.m., crews said. #BrushFire west side of @fl511_turnpike at 255 milepost (near Orange Blossom Trail). #BREAKING view on @pulsepoint @FHPOrlando pic.twitter.com/tksjWa2oSV OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) September 30, 2019Multiple units were working to control the flames.