Deputies bust Volusia County chop shop, recover 10 stolen vehicles
Chop shop bust The vehicles, which deputies said were in various stages of dismantlement, were reported stolen from Orlando, Winter Garden, Brevard County, and Burlington, Alabama, from as far back as 2012. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies said they recovered 10 vehicles that were reported stolen from across Central Florida over the last decade at a chop shop in Volusia County. Deputies said the operator of the chop shop, Raymond Clark, 34, was arrested in March by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in the Florida Keys. Raymond Clark Deputies said the operator of the chop shop, Raymond Clark, 34, was arrested in March by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in the Florida Keys. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)Photos: Deputies bust Volusia County chop shop, recover 10 stolen vehiclesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Chop shop bust The vehicles, which deputies said were in various stages of dismantlement, were reported stolen from Orlando, Winter Garden, Brevard County, and Burlington, Alabama, from as far back as 2012.
wftv.comAdventHealth opens inpatient tower in Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — AdventHealth announced the opening of a new inpatient tower at its Winter Garden campus. Read: Lockheed Martin wants to hire you so it can get to the moonThe five-story, 80-bed tower adds about 227,000 square feet to AdventHealth’s Winter Garden campus and provides more space for new services. AdventHealth Winter Garden CEO Kari Vargas said the new tower will allow the hospital to better serve the area. Read: Winter Park dad in need of heart, lung, kidney transplant following COVID-19Hospital officials said the new inpatient tower will also bring an extra 400 medical and support jobs to the community. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 AdventHealth opens inpatient tower in Winter Garden (AdventHealth Winter Garden)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comWinter Garden community reeling from back-to-back house fire, shooting
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A home engulfed in flames, and a Street riddled with bullets. One Winter Garden community has gone through two tragedies back-to-back, and some neighbors think the incidents are connected. READ: 2 men shot after community event at park in Orange CountyAt 2:45 a.m. April 6, a fire took over half a home on Siplin Road in Winter Garden. On Friday, 18 minutes after a community healing event ended, police told Channel 9 two men were shot. READ: Winter Garden home damaged in early morning fireMultiple neighbors told Channel 9 that the owner of the home was in the hospital recovering from a shooting.
wftv.comBodycam footage shows cheerleading coach accused of molesting girls getting emotional during arrest
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Garden police released body camera footage Thursday showing the arrest of a cheerleading coach accused of molesting young girls. Officers said Vigiland D’Haiti, 39, was arrested at his home in Winter Garden on Sunday. D’Haiti has coached at several other gyms, including at high schools in the Central Florida area. He was with Lake County Schools a couple of times, most recently at East Ridge High School from 2016 to 2019. He’s also been with Orange County Public Schools, Cypress Creek High School and Dr. Phillips High School since 2005.
wftv.comDriver critically injured after crash with semi-truck in Winter Garden, FHP says
A driver was hospitalized with critical injuries Thursday afternoon after losing control of their car, entering the path of oncoming traffic and striking a semi-truck in Winter Garden, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Winter Garden home damaged in early morning fire
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — The State Fire Marshal is investigating after an early morning fire damaged a Winter Garden home Thursday morning. Crews with the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department responded to reports of smoke from a home at 507 Bethune Avenue just after 1:30 a.m.See a map of location below:WATCH: Motorcyclist crashes while trying to cross raising drawbridge in Daytona BeachFire officials said the home was without power and it appeared to be vacant. Read: Gas prices set to fall this week, analysts sayThe fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Winter Garden home damaged in early morning fire Crews with the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department responded to reports of smoke from a home at 507 Bethune Avenue just after 1:30 a.m. (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.
wftv.comComplete Streets plan prioritizes road safety, infrastructure funding for Central Florida
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.
Police make arrest in shooting of Winter Garden teen
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Police have made an arrest in the shooting of a Winter Garden teen from earlier this month.
Detectives identified 16-year-old Tony Maurice Madison as the person who opened fire on a group of teens near Zanders Park on Feb. 13.
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Winter Garden woman accused of stealing from local little league baseball club
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Winter Garden woman is accused of stealing from a local little league baseball club. Police said Jaclyn Lowe was a board member for the Winter Garden Little League. Investigators said she spent the club’s money shopping at places like Best Buy and Amazon dating back to July 2020. READ: Trial set for man jailed for placing flowers at fiancee’s graveThey said she also withdrew thousands of dollars from the league’s SunTrust account. Lowe faces a charge of grand theft.
wftv.comOCPS leaders to discuss building bus depot in Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Winter Garden residents will have a chance to voice their concerns regarding a proposed Orange County Public Schools bus compound. “For 11 years, OCPS has been looking for a site for a bus compound in the Winter Garden area,” said Lauren Roth. But residents in Winter Garden aren’t happy about the proposed location. So it just seems kind of ludicrous,” said Austin Arthur, with One Winter Garden. That’s because buses currently servicing the Winter Garden area have to come from the bus depot in Pine Hills, about 20 minutes away.
wftv.comJuvenile found shot in yard of Winter Garden home, police say
Juvenile found shot in yard of Winter Garden home, police sayWINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Police in Winter Garden said a juvenile was shot Sunday afternoon. A juvenile victim was found in the yard of a home with gunshot injuries, officers said. WATCH: Orlando man found shot in driveway, dies at hospital, police sayOfficials said no other people were hurt in the shooting. Officers said despite multiple people being in the area during the shooting, no one is cooperating with the investigation. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call Detective Christopher Bertz at 407-656-3636 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
wftv.comFamily still looking for answers in shooting death of Winter Garden man
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Just after 1 a.m. on Nov. 21 Winter Garden police were called to a home on Social Lane for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived at the home they found 48-year-old Anthony Washington dead from a gunshot wound. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Anthony Washington (Latisha Washington)In the months that have followed there still hasn’t been an arrest in the shooting but Sgt. Dave Clarke with Winter Garden police said the case is far from cold. Read: Man arrested, accused of killing 2 men in Orlando in 1987“It looks as though someone was lying in wait for Anthony,” Clarke said.
wftv.comThieves target local non-profit organization, impacting services for people in need
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Central Florida non-profit organization is down a bus and struggling to carry out its mission after it was targeted by thieves. “This person knows what they’re doing.”Billue shared surveillance video showing the suspect vehicle backing in next to the bus then leaving with the part in a matter of minutes. Matthew’s Hope uses the bus to transport people in need to their facility where they can receive medical care, food, clothing and other services. Coupled with the cost of replacing the catalytic converter, Billue says the theft of such a small part is going to end up being a very expensive endeavor. “If we find you, we will prosecute.”READ: Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer retiring, reports sayThe suspect vehicle was described as a dark-colored Nissan Maxima.
wftv.com19-year-old awarded Carnegie Medal after saving man from burning car in Winter Garden crash
Nineteen-year-old Corey A. Purinton, of Homosassa, earned the title of hero after rescuing a 62-year-old man from a fiery car crash last year, and because of this act of courage, is now among one of 17 recent recipients of North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism: the Carnegie Medal.
Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade rolls on one week after crash canceled it
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — One week after a car crash in downtown Winter Garden ultimately canceled their popular Golf Cart Christmas Parade, the event went on Sunday without incident.
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Winter Garden Christmas parade rescheduled, one week after crash canceled parade
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — It’s been one week since a car crashed in downtown Winter Garden, hitting a car with a family inside and nearly striking an officer, and ultimately canceling its Golf Cart Christmas Parade. Read: Police records give details of how man drove into Winter Garden Christmas paradeLast Sunday, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Winter Garden police were preparing to close the roads for the parade. Winter Garden police said, before the parade reached downtown, a driver of a car approached downtown on Plant Street, traveling at a high rate of speed. Read: 2 arrested after crash cancels Winter Garden Christmas paradeA police officer attempted to slow the driver down and was almost hit by the car. Terryous Baker and Elizabeth Chavez Winter Garden police arrested Baker on multiple charges Sunday evening.
wftv.comPolice records give details of how man drove into Winter Garden Christmas parade
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Documents from Winter Garden Police Department details what happened after chaos unfolded when a man drove into a crowd during a Christmas parade Sunday, hitting a car with a family inside and nearly striking an officer. In a report, an officer said he was waiting for the parade to begin when someone flagged him down. READ: 2 arrested after crash cancels Winter Garden Christmas paradeThe driver told the officer they were driving when they heard screaming, and their car was hit twice before the person who hit them took off. READ: Investigation underway at Central Florida Zoo over insurance contractTerryous Baker and Elizabeth Chavez Winter Garden police arrested Baker on multiple charges Sunday evening. The driver of the car Baker that hit was taken to the hospital.
wftv.comHigh-speed crash forces Winter Garden Christmas parade to be canceled
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — An investigation is underway after a vehicle crashed in downtown Winter Garden, canceling its Golf Cart Christmas Parade.
At approximately 5:55 p.m., Winter Garden police were preparing to close the roads for the parade.
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City of Winter Garden launches ‘Living Local’ campaign ahead of Small Business Saturday
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — In September, the City of Winter Garden launched a “Living Local” campaign, aimed at building awareness of the city’s attributes and promoting small businesses. READ: Towering musical theater master Stephen Sondheim dies at 91Winter Garden business owner Natalie Galligan says she’s hoping for a big boost this weekend. “As a small business owner, you realize there is never a given,” Galligan said. For Small Business Saturday, she hopes customers will shop local, and a lot. You won’t find this online”Conway traveled from North Carolina to see family in Winter garden, and do some local spending.
wftv.comWinter Garden man shot and killed exiting his car, suspect at-large, police say
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Winter Garden after a man was shot and killed getting out of his car. Winter Garden police said they responded to the 13000 block of Social Lane on Saturday around 1:15 a.m. According to police, the victim, 39-year-old Anthony Lewis Washington, arrived home and was approached by an unknown person after getting out of his car. Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact Detective Sergeant Dave Clarke at 407-877-4876 or CRIMELINE 407-423-TIPS. Read: Police: Motorcyclist killed in crash along Colonial DrivePolice have not released any other details at this time.
wftv.comScattered showers remain Sunday, cold front moves in
ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday morning remains pleasant with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Winds will be out of the east-northeast at 10-15 mph, with gusts near 20 mph. As the day moves on, temperatures will warm up and could reach 80 degrees. Scattered showers are back in the forecast Sunday. Read: Deputies: 3 people found dead from drug overdoses inside Orange County homeThis front will bring a big fall swing in temperatures.
wftv.comTeens arrested after shooting at each other outside Winter Garden home, police say
Teens arrested after shooting at each other outside Winter Garden home, police sayWINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Police in Winter Garden said they have arrested two teens who were shooting at each other Saturday afternoon. Units with Winter Garden Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Park Police Department and the Apopka Police Department all responded to the location. Swat team at this home on Windford Ct in Winter Garden @WFTV pic.twitter.com/eqLMKjU1Fi — Ashley Edlund (@AshleyEdlund) November 20, 2021Officers said the two teens are known to law enforcement and have been arrested. READ: Florida woman arrested after Canadian border agents seize 56 illegal weaponsSWAT members are looking inside the home to see if anyone else is inside, police said. Teens arrested after shooting at each other outside Winter Garden home, police sayOfficers said there does not appear to be any injuries at the home.
wftv.comDeath investigation underway after deadly shooting in Winter Garden, deputies say
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation following a fatal shooting in Winter Garden.
Deputies said they responded to 3000 Old Winter Garden Road at 2:30 a.m. in reference to multiple shots fired.
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Counseling resources continue to expand in Orlando amid spike in pandemic depression
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Multiple studies have shown a pandemic spike in depression and suicidal thoughts for teens. It’s just one of the reasons a counseling center has expanded into Orlando to help. In late June, The Nurture Place expanded into Winter Garden. The expansion in the Orlando area continues in preschool and after-school programs at multiple schools. READ: Study: Pfizer effective against hospitalization; declines against getting infectionTo learn more about The Nurture Place click here.
wftv.comNew York City Beer Project breaks ground on 24,000-square-foot brewery in Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN, Fla, — The New York Beer Project, a New York-based brewery, broke ground in Winter Garden for its new 24,000-square-foot facility. The project will feature a gastropub, indoor beer garden, tap room, sidewalk bistro and three New York City themed event spaces. New York Beer Project 2The facility is located on the corner of Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard. READ: Inspiration4 ‘Go’ for historic all-civilian launch from Kennedy Space CenterThe brewery, which is 5,000 square feet in area, is being built to recreate an early 1900s indoor beer garden from New York’s Lower East Side. Owners Kelly and Kevin Krupski created the New York Beer Project (NYBP) to pay homage to the history of brewing and beer gardens in the United States.
wftv.comBusinesses report strong summer season – but room to grow
ORLANDO, Fla. — Business owners in Mount Dora, Winter Garden and elsewhere across Central Florida said they had a strong summer season, closing in on levels last seen in 2019. Lot of people coming out, some locals, but a lot of out-of-towners.”Ganung’s experience matches reports by Visit Florida. The tourism agency’s Q2 report said domestic travelers had exceeded 2019 levels, but international travel was still down. #ICYMI: @VISITFLORIDA’s marketing helped deliver skyrocketing growth for Florida tourism in the second quarter of 2021, including a 6% increase from 2019 domestic visitation. Despite the statewide unemployment average increasing throughout the summer, unemployment rates in local counties dropped between June and July 2021, according to state labor statistics.
wftv.comWoman accused of pushing baby in stroller into oncoming traffic on busy Orange County road
A woman was arrested on Wednesday after she allegedly pushed her baby in a stroller into oncoming traffic, Winter Garden police said. On June 17, police said they were called to the intersection of West Colonial Drive and Avalon Road after a woman was reportedly seen pushing a stroller into traffic. Witnesses told police they saw Laronda Pressley laughing as she pushed the stroller into oncoming traffic. A witness also told police that the woman later pushed the stroller into a bush, and then walked toward a nearby post office. READ: Man fatally shot at Orange County hotelPressley is being charged with aggravated child abuse and attempted homicide, police said.
wftv.comOrange County residents on guard after alligator kills dog on popular trail
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — An Orange County woman lost her pet dog after it was attacked by an alligator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The attack happened this week along the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden. FWC said the dog had chased a duck into a pond in the area when it was attacked and killed by the alligator. One man said the alligator ended up near his house a few months ago, and he lives just a few blocks from the pond where the dog was killed. WATCH: Local non-profit joins with summer camp to teach people with Down Syndrome, autism how to ride bikesFWC confirmed the alligator was captured and killed.
wftv.comFriday’s forecast: Cloudy, stray shower possible
Sunrise on Johns Lake in Winter Garden (Scott Timney)ORLANDO, Fla. — Friday’s forecast is looking cloudy, with the possibility of a stray shower this evening. Through the afternoon hours, the clouds will remain in several areas. The storms won’t move in until this evening. In the tropics, potential Tropical Cyclone Three is likely to develop further in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday.
wftv.comPolice: ‘Several’ people shot in front yard of Winter Garden home
Winter Garden shooting Winter Garden police said several people were shot in the front yard of a home on Wednesday afternoon. (WFTV.com News Staff)WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Police said “several” people were shot in the front yard of a Winter Garden home on Wednesday afternoon. READ: Deputies: Man dies after being shot several times at Orange County apartment complex“Information on the victims and their injuries are not being released at this time. Investigators are currently working several leads in the investigation, and our department is not releasing any more additional information at this time,” the department said in a statement. Channel 9 has a crew on scene working to gather additional details.
wftv.comWinter Garden woman tests positive for COVID-19 between vaccine doses
Fla. – A Florida woman says she was diagnosed with COVID-19 after she received her first dose of the vaccine. Gladys Mackroy, 60, of Winter Garden, said the first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine did not prevent her from contracting the coronavirus. At the hospital, she was told to consult her doctor after one to two days. Data by the New England Journal of Medicine found infection can occur among partially and completely vaccinated people. The study indicates 112 out of 6,144 partially vaccinated people in the study contracted the infection, yet only 4 out of 8,121 fully vaccinated people in the study became infected.
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ puts Garden Theatre’s first Black director in the spotlight
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – For the Garden Theatre, “A Raisin in the Sun” was full of firsts: First solo Black written show, first Black scenic designer and first Black director. It's Shakespearean in that it will last forever,” said Emerson, the Garden’s first Black female director, of “A Raisin in the Sun”. “What Hansberry did in 1959 was put a Black family on stage and made people realize that they weren’t so far away from any other family, from the white families sitting in that Broadway audience. And hopefully, at the end of those two and a half hours, when people walk out, there’s some change.”AdIn Emerson’s stint at the Garden, Walsh said he noticed the change. It makes me a better person, makes me a better artistic director,” Walsh said.
Missing 88-year-old Winter Garden man found safe
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – UPDATE: Police said Monday that Thomas Roland Eastman was found safe. Original story below:A silver alert has been issued for an 88-year-old Winter Garden man who hasn’t been seen or heard from since Feb. 10. Family members who live out of state recently asked that a wellbeing check be conducted on Thomas Roland Eastman, who lives on West Colonial Drive. He drives a 2017 Nissan Versa, which has also been missing from his residence since Feb. 10. Anyone with information concerning Eastman’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Cody Hudson at 407-636-3636 or Crimeline at 407-836-TIPS.
This Black-owned, all-female business is beating the odds and thriving during the pandemic
Up until the beginning of last year, business had been booming for Worthy Cakes, which was located in Ocoee at the time. “We just got a cascade or a wave of canceling weddings, canceling parties, canceling events, just … cancel, cancel, cancel, cancel, cancel,” Worthy-Robinson said. I mean … you might be the meanest person but when you walk in the bakery, we don’t see that,” Grace Worthy joked. You didn’t have to -- some of them purposely said, ‘Hey, we’re here to support Black business,’” Grace Worthy said. To learn more about Worthy Cakes and all they have to offer, visit their website, Facebook page and Instagram.
New Orlando restaurants 2021: All the new food halls, sushi bars, burger joints, pizza places and doughnut shops expected to open this year
Hope, indeed, sits on the horizon, and if this list of newly open and soon-to-open restaurants is any indication, 2021 will be a year that'll live in normality. (Opening March, 140 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, firstwatch.com)ForeignerChef Bruno Fonseca will lend permanence to the "Foreigner Experience" — his high-end chef's tasting pop-up concept — in Audubon Park this spring. (Opening February, Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, thehamptonsocial.com)Hangry Bison Winter GardenThe burger joint that opened inside Winter Park Village back in 2018 is expanding to Winter Garden but, then again, who isn't? (Opening spring, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, hungerstreettacos.com)JollibeeOf all the restaurants listed here, this Filipino fast-food joint is arguably the most anticipated, thanks to its addicting brand of Chickenjoy! (Opening spring, 349 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, kyotosushiandgrill.net)
orlandoweekly.comHunger Street Tacos will open a second location inside the Plant Street Market in Winter Garden
click to enlarge Rob Bartlettclick image Hunger Street TacosRendering of Hunger Street Tacos inside the Plant Street MarketIt's been a long time coming, but Hunger Street Tacos, the popular Winter Park taqueria run by brothers Joe and David Creech, will open a second location inside the Plant Street Market in Winter Garden this coming spring.During the downturn, the Creeches took the opportunity to amp up their offerings, first by making nixtamalized stone-ground tortillas from heirloom Oaxacan corn, then unleashing the most buzzworthy bite of the pandemic — birria machete.Now residents of Winter Garden will be able to enjoy all the items offered at the Winter Park location and more.The new location, teased by Hunger Street on their Instagram page yesterday, will feature an open kitchen housing two trompos for proper tacos al pastor, as well as a retail area stocking various items. "We'll have retail offerings that include salsa macha, tortillas and masa by the pound," Joe Creech says.Hunger Street Tacos will take over the space currently occupied by Press'd Juice Bar & Kitchen. Press'd will move to an adjacent space.For updates, be sure to follow Hunger Street Tacos on Instagram
orlandoweekly.comMDCA falls to CFCA in 2A-10 title game, ending hopes of unbeaten season
MDCA loses Class 2A-District 10 championship to Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy, ending dreams on an unbeaten season. WINTER GARDEN The Mount Dora Christian Academy boys basketball teams dream of an unbeaten season ended Friday with a 54-49 loss to Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy in the Class 2-District 10 championship game at Foundation Academy. With the loss, MDCA dropped to 26-1 and will hit the road on Thursday for a Class 2A-Region 3 quarterfinal game. From there, MDCA regrouped and made a game out it, closing the gap to 40-37 heading into the fourth quarter. MDCA had multiple opportunities in the closing seconds to tie the game or take the lead, but couldnt get the ball to fall.
dailycommercial.comMDCA cruises into 2A-10 title game with win against First Academy
Mount Dora Christian Academy cruised to an 81-30 win against First Academy of Leesburg on Tuesday in the Class 2A-District 10 boys basketball tournament. WINTER GARDEN Mount Dora Christian Academy jumped out to an early lead and cruised to an 81-30 win against First Academy of Leesburg on Tuesday in the Class 2A-District 10 boys basketball tournament at Winter Garden Foundation Academy. With the win, MDCA improved to 26-0 making it the only FHSAA-championship eligible team with an unbeaten and will face Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy on Friday for the district championship. MDCA led by 21 at the end of the first quarter, 27 at halftime and 39 after the third quarter. Webster led all scorers with 20, following by Bryant with 19 and Chatman with 11.
dailycommercial.comFamily remembers 'wonderful' father found slain 40 miles from home
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Michael Kotait was a hard-working 61-year-old mechanical engineer who traveled the state, his family said. Kotait's body was found Saturday near Wildwood about 40 miles from his Winter Garden home. Sumter County Sheriff's Office officials said his death is being investigated as a homicide. Torres said her father left his Winter Garden home Friday night to visit family in Gainesville. On Monday, Sumter County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Michelle Keszey said the investigation is active and ongoing.
Winter Garden Popcorn shop still closed after roof collapse
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Tarps still cover much of the downtown storefront at Ms. Bee's Gourmet Popcorn and Candy Shoppe four months after it was forced to close. And I want it to be downtown Winter Garden." "Ms. Bee's will be open again, hopefully sooner than later." And I want it to be downtown Winter Garden." "Ms. Bee's will be open again, hopefully sooner than later."
Man hides in laundry room after breaking into occupied home, police say
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A man who broke into a home while the resident was sleeping hid in a laundry room as officers pounded on the front door, according to the Winter Garden Police Department. Police said they were first called to the neighborhood Monday morning in reference to a man peering through windows, but they did not locate him. Shortly after that report, around 10:15 a.m., a call came in about the same man crawling through the window of a home on Cypress Street, according to the affidavit. When officers searched the home, they said they found Wilfredo Resto hiding in a laundry room. Resto was arrested on a charge of burglary of an occupied dwelling.
How common is it for fuel caps to fall off planes?
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A Winter Garden woman was shocked on Aug. 1 when a fuel plane cap plummeted down from the sky and landed smack dab in her swimming pool with a splash and a bang. The FAA said it is going to take a few more weeks to find out where the aircraft fuel cap came from. He characterized the incident as "very unusual," noting that there are mechanisms in place to keep these kind of things from happening. No matter the approach, it's up to the fueler to make sure the fuel cap is securely in place before the aircraft departs. Caps of this type can weigh anywhere from a few ounces to 2 pounds.
Object that fell in Winter Garden likely military fuel cap
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A Winter Garden woman, who claimed a fuel cap fell from the sky into her pool Thursday, said federal investigators arrived Friday to assess what happened. Dara Hackett called News 6 after she said the 8-inch-wide fuel cap sliced through her screened enclosure and narrowly missed hitting her and her friend. She said an investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration visited her home Friday and told her the fuel cap most likely came from a military-type aircraft. "Being so close to Orlando International Airport, we have airliners and military aircraft coming in all day," said Parker Brown, pilot for Sky 6. He said the fuel cap could have traveled a long way.
Fuel cap falls from sky, misses Winter Garden woman in backyard
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A Winter Garden woman said she narrowly missed getting hit by an object that fell from the sky and landed in her backyard swimming pool. Dara Hackett said she and her friend were sitting on her patio Thursday afternoon when they both heard a very loud noise. A quick internet search using the codes on the disc showed it was a "commercial aircraft grade fuel cap." The Federal Aviation Administration told News 6 there were no emergency landings reported at Orlando International Airport or Tampa International Airport on Thursday. Representatives from the agency said they were going to contact the family to get more details about what happened and find out where the fuel cap came from.
Winter Garden police arrest 13-year-old suspect in deadly shooting
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - A 13-year-old boy suspected of fatally shooting a 25-year-old man Thursday morning turned himself in to Winter Garden police. Investigators responded to the shooting along West Crown Point Road at Edgeway Drive around 2 a.m. and found a man shot. Police said it's believed Bacon and Bostic were involved in an ongoing dispute, but no other details have been released. Police said they obtained a warrant for first-degree murder for the 13-year-old, who turned himself in Thursday afternoon. That's all he wanted was to get back on track and take care of (his) son," Kendrick Bacon said.
Second arrest made in death of Winter Garden teen at center of Amber Alert
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Authorities have made another arrest in the death of a 16-year-old boy who was at the center of an Amber Alert case last month before his body was found in a shallow grave, according to the Winter Garden Police Department. [PREVIOUS: Police say suspect in Amber Alert case destroyed evidence, helped bury body | Teen at center of Amber Alert found dead in shallow grave, police say]Rivera Jr. was extradited to Orange County overnight Tuesday and is now being held without bond, police said. His arrest comes weeks after Luis Rivera Sr. was facing charges related to tampering with evidence in the case. Police said Rivera Sr. then bought his relative a plane ticket out of state. Rivera Jr. is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder with a weapon and tampering with evidence.