Winter Park Chamber celebrates 100 year anniversary with immersive art exhibit
WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 100 years of supporting the city’s business community with an immersive art exhibit. The exhibit at Mead Botanical Garden will celebrate its grand opening from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4. Organizers said the exhibit will feature art created with found, reclaimed and sustainable items built mostly by the local community. “Admire the imaginative art, play with the giant game pieces, read a free book in the garden, and learn some cool history along the way,” organizers said. The exhibit is free and will be on display from Feb. 4 through April 30.
wftv.comHow much Winter Park’s biggest house may cost to build
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. An under-construction Winter Park mansion owned by Central Florida real estate veterans and Blue Origin astronauts Marc and Sharon Hagle will be one of the priciest in the city’s history. For comparison, the most anyone has paid for a single-family home in Winter Park’s high-end real estate market is $10.7 million, according to Orange County Property Appraiser data. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Video: Casa Feliz in Winter Park to receive official marker as Florida historic site The city of Winter Park and Friends of Casa Feliz will dedicate an official marker to commemorate the old mansion as a historic site.
wftv.comFull Sail alumni instrumental in Grammy-nominated projects
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Stars will be gathering in Los Angeles next month for the 65th Annual Grammy awards. In 2023, alumni contributed projects nominated across 38 categories, including Best Rock Album, Best Musical Theater Album, and Best R&B Album. Full Sail also pointed out that three of those alumni are eligible to earn their very own Grammy of their own. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)“We are humbled to celebrate our amazing alumni population who continue to make us proud daily,” Full Sail Vice President of Alumni Jay Noble said. The 2023 Grammy Awards will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
wftv.comUnity Heritage Festival returns to Winter Park this weekend
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park’s annual festival to promote family heritage and raise funds to benefit economically disadvantaged children returns this weekend. The 21st annual Unity Heritage Festival is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15, and Monday, Jan. 16, in Shady Park at Hannibal Square. The event will include children’s games, career booths, food and retail vendors, and job training/health literacy services provided by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Nu Iota Omega Chapter. Sunday will feature various gospel artists and mime and praise dance performances. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comNew luxury wine and spirits shops planned; see where
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. A Winter Park-based startup plans to open seven of its luxury wine and spirits shops around metro Orlando in 2023. The potential conversion of the former True Value Hardware store in Longwood is set to be discussed Jan. 4 during a development review committee meeting. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. 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.comBody of 2nd snowmobiler found after Colorado avalanche
DENVER — (AP) — Searchers have located the body of a second snowmobiler killed in a Colorado mountain avalanche, authorities said Sunday. Crews using dogs and probing the avalanche field with recovered the body of a 52-year-old Colorado man in the area of Corona Pass outside Winter Park on Sunday, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The sheriff's office said that victim was a 58-year-old Colorado man. Avalanche danger in the high country over the weekend was rated "considerable," or midway up a five-tier scale from "low" to "extreme," according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Winter Park is a popular ski destination about an hour’s drive west of Denver.
wftv.comSnowmobiler search resumes after deadly Colorado avalanche
DENVER — (AP) — Searchers resumed looking on Sunday for a snowmobiler missing in a Colorado mountain avalanche that killed another snowmobiler the day before. Searchers were using dogs and probing the avalanche field with poles in the area of Rollins Pass, which is also known as Corona Pass, outside Winter Park, he said. They were looking for the 58-year-old from northern Colorado amid avalanche danger rated "considerable" — midway up a five-tier scale from "low" to "extreme" — in the high country Sunday, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. On New Year's Eve, an avalanche buried the president of the University of Northern Colorado and his 22-year-old son while they were backcountry skiing near Breckenridge, killing the son. Winter Park is a popular ski destination about an hour’s drive west of Denver.
wftv.com‘Disheartening’: Couple who moved from Arden Villas after Miya Marcano’s murder faced with deja vu
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators are working to identify a suspect in a shooting that left a man in his 30s dead early Friday. The couple lived at Arden Villas when 19-year-old Miya Marcano was killed nearly two years ago. The couple said the complex is filled with young people and college students from Full Sail around the corner. READ: Police: Man, 18, confesses to robbing, fatally shooting man outside I-Drive hotelChannel 9 reached out to the apartment complex to ask about security but has not yet heard back. READ: Man accused of strangling pregnant girlfriend at Orange County apartment complexVideo: Man found shot to death at apartment complex in Orange County Orange County deputies are investigating after a man was found shot to death at an apartment complex Friday morning.
wftv.comMan found shot to death at apartment complex in Orange County
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Orange County deputies are investigating after a man was found shot to death at an apartment complex Friday morning. 9 a.m. update:Deputies said they are investigating a deadly shooting at the Seabrook apartment complex in east Orange County. Original report:Several Orange County deputies responded to an active crime scene at an apartment complex Friday morning. Photos: Several Orange County deputies respond to crime scene at apartment complexExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Several Orange County deputies respond to crime scene at apartment complexSeveral police cruisers and deputies were seen at the apartments as crime scene tape was placed around one of the apartment buildings. Read: Police: Brevard County man may have lived with mother’s dead body for weeksOrange County deputies have not released any details about the incident.
wftv.comFootball fans gather for Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands in Winter Park
WINTER PARK, Fla. — It’s game day for football fans in Central Florida. To help kick-off the celebrations, people gathered in Winter Park on Thursday around noon for the Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands. Photos: Football fans gather for Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands in Winter ParkExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Football fans gather for Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands in Winter ParkThe event featured marching band members of Florida State University and the University of Oklahoma. Watch: Orlando focused on safety as thousands to gather for Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World StadiumIt was a symphony of Seminoles and Sooners fans at the event in downtown Winter Park. Watch: Florida State, Oklahoma set to battle in Cheez-It BowlFans gathered before the big game to celebrate their team before they face-off Thursday evening.
wftv.com‘Do you have a sense of peace?’ AdventHealth officials ask patients questions to check mental health
With the end of the year quickly approaching, many of us are squeezing in those last-minute doctor’s appointments. But you may have noticed some interesting questions your physician may be asking you.
Winter Park police search for 12-year-old girl reported missing for more than a week
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Police in Winter Park are asking for help to find a missing child. Officials said 12-year-old Chyanne Finley disappeared on Nov. 26. Watch: Archaeologists: Mystery object unearthed by hurricanes in Volusia County could be 1800s cargo shipPolice said Finley is around 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs around 180 pounds. Watch: 4th person dies after last week’s fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworksAnyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-836-4357. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comPedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Winter Park, FHP says
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening in Winter Park, Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash happened at North Semoran Boulevard and Aloma Avenue. READ: DISH customers: Call 800-333-3474 & demand they bring back WFTV Channel 9; switch TV providers todayThe pedestrian was transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. READ: Atlantic disturbance could form into a tropical storm this weekNo further information was immediately available. (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.comTis’ the season for free admission and live music at the Morse Museum in Winter Park
WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is kicking off “Holidays at the Morse” this Thanksgiving weekend. The Morse Museum offers exhibits that house pottery, late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, graphics, and decorative art by Louis Comfort Tiffany and other artists. To celebrate the holiday weekend, the museum is offering free admission until Sunday. 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. Smithsonian’s Museum traveling exhibition on water and its impact making waves in Palm Coast Smithsonian’s Museum traveling exhibition on water and its impact making waves in Palm Coast (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comSeminole, Winter Park advance to regional semifinals
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Seminole beat Mandarin in Jacksonville Monday night 30-28 to advance to the 4M regional semifinals. The Seminoles will host Lake Mary for a spot in the regional final. Elsewhere, Winter Park blanked Lake Brantley 31-0 to set up a date with Apopka in the second round. In the 3M playoffs, Oviedo knocked out Wharton from Tampa 22-21 in overtime. The Lions went for two in OT and got it to advance.
wftv.comHurricane Nicole: All Winter Park lakes closed due to high water levels
WINTER PARK, Fla. — All lakes in Winter Park are closed following Hurricane Nicole. The city said the closure is due to high water levels. While the closure is in place, the city said no daily boat permits will be issued and people are asked not to boat, jet ski or participate in other water sports on the lakes. The said its Lakes Division is also testing the lakes for water contaminants. Read: Popular Southern breakfast franchise to open first of 20 Orlando-area locationsWinter Park lakes and public access ramps are closed until further notice.
wftv.comNew education program looks to curb nursing shortage in Central Florida
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A new hands-on program is helping curb the nursing shortage in Central Florida. The dedicated education unit at AdventHealth Winter Park provides students with a nursing teacher and a clinical instructor. Watch: Subtropical Storm Nicole prompts hurricane, storm surge watches for parts of Central FloridaA total of 550 people are enrolled right now. The program plans to have 16 more students start in the spring, with another 16 at Orlando Health. Read: Florida medical board bans certain transgender treatments for minors“When we’re actually doing it with the patients, I feel like we get to do a lot more education,” said senior nursing student Kelly Andrews.
wftv.comMan found guilty of robbing 3 banks throughout Orange County faces up to 80 years in federal prison
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A federal jury has found a man accused of robbing two Winter Park banks earlier this year, guilty, according to the Department of Justice. LaTavis Deyonta MacKroy, 28, faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison after he was arrested by Winter Park police as the suspect involved in two bank robberies back in April. Read: Man accused of robbing 2 Winter Park banks taken into FBI custodyHe stole more than $10,000 from three of the four banks, federal law enforcement said. Mackroy was a federal prisoner residing at a halfway house in Orlando and was scheduled to be released soon. On April 26, with the assistance of the FBI, MacKroy was taken into federal custody for violation of probation.
wftv.comPopular Southern breakfast franchise to open first of 20 Orlando-area locations
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A popular Southern breakfast franchise is set to open 20 locations in the Orlando area in the next five years. Representatives from Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken said the first of those locations is set to open in Winter Park in early 2023. “We expect to grow the greater Orlando area to 20 locations over the next five years,” operator Don Schnurr said. “The Winter Park location has great demographics and is on a busy shopping street with very little inventory to rent. Rise Winter Park will be located in a former mattress store at Lakeside Crossing 110 S. Orlando Ave, Unit #5.
wftv.comStreets flooded in Winter Park after heavy rain Friday morning
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Several streets in Winter Park were flooded after early morning storms on Friday. Streets in and around North Denning Drive were flooded after the rain moved through the area. Photos: Streets flooded in Winter Park after heavy rain Friday morningExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Streets flooded in Winter Park after heavy rain Friday morningStrong storms impacted parts of Orange County, including Winter Park for hours. Valencia College sent out an alert Friday telling students its Winter Park campus will open late due to flooding in the area. Watch: Early morning storms flood streets in Orange CountyChannel 9 meteorologist Brian Shields said the increased flooding is due to the water levels being so high in Florida following Hurricane Ian.
wftv.comGrand opening: Paris Baguette set to open in Winter Park
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A taste of Paris is coming to Winter Park. Paris Baguette, a bakery café known for its irresistible baked and brewed treats, will open its first Florida location on Oct. 26. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Grand opening: Paris Baguette set to open in Winter ParkMayor Buddy Dyer and other city officials will be on hand for the café's first day of business in the Sunshine State. The café brings over 25 career opportunities to the local job market. Read: Mermaids return to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium this monthThe café's ribbon cutting ceremony is at 8:45 a.m. and doors open at 9 a.m.
wftv.comCentral Florida professor nominated for prestigious United Nations women’s award
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Rollins College professor, Dr. Mary Conway Dato-on, has earned a nomination for the U.N. Women Award. Conway Dato-on is a professor of international business and social entrepreneurship at the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell, Crummer Graduate School of Business. The award recognizes women around the world who have made significant commitments to empowering others while demonstrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Click here to vote for the UN Women USA Rise and Raise Others Award. Congratulations to business professor Mary Conway Dato-on for earning a nomination for the prestigious @UN Women Award, recognizing women who've made outstanding contributions to others in an effort to uplift women around the country & beyond.
wftv.comKOS coffee bar plans Nordic restaurant in Maitland, Bruno's Oysters and Norigami open at Plant St. Market, and more local food news
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS: KOS, the socially conscious coffee shop on Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, will open a restaurant and roastery in Maitland featuring a...
orlandoweekly.comAdventHealth University, Full Sail University open health care technology lab
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A new technology lab will help advance health care with virtual reality at Full Sail UniversityAdventHealth University and Full Sail University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the lab’s opening. Read: Full Sail University to launch Computer Science Graduate Degree ProgramThe facility will be located on Full Sail’s campus, where students will conduct research projects and increase learning. Photos: AdventHealth University, Full Sail University open health care technology labExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 AdventHealth University, Full Sail University open health care technology lab Full Sail University and AdventHealth University partnered to help train students with new technology. (Full Sail University /Full Sail University)The two universities continue their partnership, as they had created a rapid deployable video simulation and the Automated Medicine Dispensing System, a simulated virtual reality technology to assist remote nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read: Full Sail University launches new user experience bachelor of science degree programDr. Shawn Stafford, director of research and course director at Full Sail University, said this knowledge will help students create solutions to the real-world problems they will face when they enter the workforce.
wftv.comFirst round of Winter Park debris pickup should be completed this weekend
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park residents will soon have the opportunity to eliminate the debris left by Hurricane Ian. CERES Environmental, with Federal Emergency Management Agency-imbursed, contracted crews, is expected to finish its “first-pass” debris collection in Winter Park by Sunday. Read: Hurricane Ian debris pickup underway this week in Central FloridaSolid waste provider Waste Pro, which is responsible for picking up bagged and bundled vegetation, should be complete on Saturday. Read: Hurricane Ian: Cleanup efforts continue as piles of debris await collectionCity of Winter Park employees will also provide teams to help pick up the bagged debris on Saturday. Last-pass/final debris collection will begin on Monday and could last from two to three weeks.
wftv.comKorean bakery chain Paris Baguette opened in Winter Park, MM Club gets exclusive, Taco Kat is coming soon and more food news
OPENINGS/CLOSINGS Taco Kat, the newest concept from Team Market Group (Plantees, The Wellborn, Robinson Room, Mathers Social Gathering), opens Oct. 18 at 11 S. Court...
orlandoweekly.comHurricane hit areas led US with missing 2020 census data
Two Louisiana parishes devastated by two hurricanes and two rural Nebraska counties had among the highest rates of households with missing information about themselves during the 2020 census that required the U.S. Census Bureau to use a statistical technique to fill in gaps.
Winter Park Autumn Art Festival to return in October
WINTER PARK, Fla. — The annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival will return to downtown Winter Park next month. The event, which is hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event will feature visual art and live entertainment in Winter Park’s Central Park and along Park Avenue. Click here for more information about the event. Read: Winter Park eyes putting beloved ‘Castle Park’ into history booksClick 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 Park home damaged in afternoon fire
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Fire officials are investigating after fire damaged a Winter Park home Tuesday afternoon. According to Winter Park Fire Rescue said crews responded to reports of smoke from a home at 1433 Chapman Circle in the Windsong subdivision just after 4 p.m.Read: Meteorologists tracking 3 systems in the tropics: Here’s where they’re headedHouse Fire - Chapman Circle - Winter Park (Winter Park Fire Rescue)Officials said when they arrived on the scene they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home’s garage. Read: Woman attacked while jogging on trail in Seminole CountyFire crews were able to get control of the fire quickly and there were no reports of injuries. Officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation but say there was heavy lightning in the area at the time of the fire. See a map of location below:Video - House Fire - Chapman Circle - Winter Park Video - House Fire - Chapman Circle - Winter Park (WFTV)Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.
wftv.comRailroad crossing: Here’s how Florida drivers, pedestrians can stay safe around train tracks
Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson David Parks said the goal this week is to show drivers across Central Florida just how easy it is to not get hit by a train by simply paying attention to existing road markings and signs.
Winter Park teen accused of bringing gun to school previously accused of breaking into middle school
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Court records show that a Winter Park High School student accused of bringing a gun and bullets to school this week was previously accused of breaking into a middle school campus. The 15-year-old boy, who Channel 9 is not naming because he is underage, appeared in court on Thursday. Police reports show that he’s accused of breaking into Apopka Middle School in May. He has a hearing next week for his felony burglary case and he’ll be back in court in October for what happened in Winter Park. Read: Winter Park High student, 15, accused of bringing gun, bullets to school in backpackVideo: Winter Park High student, 15, accused of bringing gun, bullets to school in backpack Police arrested a freshman at Winter Park High School after they said he brought a handgun, magazine and bullets to school in his backpack on Wednesday.
wftv.comCentral Florida schools consider increased security in wake of gun scares, threats
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Yet again, Central Florida police are investigating a security threat at a local school. Now, staff at Winter Park High School are dealing with a student with a gun on campus. Watch: Winter Park High student, 15, accused of bringing gun, bullets to school in backpackWhen word of the lockdown spread, parents rushed to Winter Park High School on Wednesday after receiving texts from their children inside the school. We found out officials will do walkthroughs at 10 middle and high schools by this Friday. They also plan to go through each school’s safety plans with law enforcement and will be ordering metal detectors.
wftv.comStudent in custody after report of gun causes lockdown at Winter Park High School
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park High School was placed on a brief lockdown Wednesday after reports of a student with a possible weapon on campus. Out of an abundance of caution, Winter Park High School was placed under lockdown due to receiving information concerning a student who was in possession of a handgun on campus. — Winter Park Police (@WinterParkPD) September 14, 2022Disciplinary action will be taken against the student, according to the Code of Student Conduct, a school spokesperson said. Watch: Orlando police search for man who threatened to rape woman walking in Lake NonaOfficials said all students and staff members at Winter Park High School are safe. A Connect Orange message was sent out to all Winter Park High School families.
wftv.comNew Winter Park bagel shop offering free bagels
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A new Winter Park bagel shop is offering free bagels to customers this Saturday. The Bagel Shop, located at 211 W. Fairbanks Ave., is offering bagels, sandwiches and coffee for free and bulk orders of bagels at 20% off. Alex Tuccio, who owns The Bagel Shop along with his brother Hunter, said the offer is an attempt to connect the community that they serve. The Winter Park location, which opened three weeks ago, is the family-owned chain’s first shop outside of Massachusetts. He said iced coffee is really where they shine, but in Massachusetts that’s really only a big seller in the summer.
wftv.com2 new Barnie’s brewing in Central Florida, remodel coming to flagship Winter Park store
ORLANDO, Fla. — Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. has two new locations brewing in Central Florida. The Orlando-based coffee roaster will also give its flagship Winter Park location a facelift. The company said the new locations will be at the University of Central Florida and the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Barnie’s at OIA’s Terminal C is expected to open to travelers this fall. Read: 9 not-so-basic facts about pumpkin spiceThe renovated cafe on Park Avenue in Winter Park is expected to be complete in early February 2023.
wftv.comCasa Feliz in Winter Park to receive official marker as Florida historic site
WINTER PARK, Fla. — The city of Winter Park and Friends of Casa Feliz will dedicate an official marker to commemorate the old mansion as a historic site. Watch: Orlando International Airport to give update on Terminal C openingThe ceremony will happen at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Casa Feliz, or “happy house,” is an old farmhouse that was saved from the wrecking ball in 2001. Watch: For restaurants, hiring remains ‘a challenge’ beyond pandemic recoveryThe site is now sued by Winter Park as an event space for the city. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comFlorida man issued $3,500 after 2 years of disqualifying for jobless benefits
A Winter Park man was finally issued his unemployment benefits after two years of never having received a single payment between jobs because, according to the Department of Economic Opportunity, his requests were “disqualified.”