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Community seeks justice in transgender woman's slaying near Florida Mall
Read full article: Community seeks justice in transgender woman's slaying near Florida MallOrange County detectives are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help solve the murder of Monique Jade Brooks, a transgender woman who was found near Orange Blossom Trail and the Florida Mall two weeks ago.
LYNX’s new bus route links Orlando’s airport to tourist destinations
Read full article: LYNX’s new bus route links Orlando’s airport to tourist destinationsThe Disney International Airport Destination Parkway Express will be known as Link 3-11 and will take passengers from Orlando International Airport with six stops along the way and back.
The Florida Mall is giving away $20 gift cards. Here’s how you can snag one
Read full article: The Florida Mall is giving away $20 gift cards. Here’s how you can snag oneThe Florida Mall is offering Florida residents a $20 gift card for select stores throughout the month of October, according to the mall’s website.
Deputies search for man behind fatal Orange County shooting near Florida Mall
Read full article: Deputies search for man behind fatal Orange County shooting near Florida MallOrange County deputies are searching for a man suspected of killing a woman and injuring a man in a shooting near the Florida Mall last week.
Operation Safe Holidays in Orange County includes 7 ‘burglar boxes.’ Here’s what that means
Read full article: Operation Safe Holidays in Orange County includes 7 ‘burglar boxes.’ Here’s what that meansLaw enforcement leaders from Orange County are announcing the start of their annual initiative to crack down on holiday crime.
Tavares man arrested for DUI, cocaine possession in Lake County crash that critically injures child, troopers say
Read full article: Tavares man arrested for DUI, cocaine possession in Lake County crash that critically injures child, troopers sayA Tavares man faces charges of DUI with serious bodily injury and possession of cocaine after a crash that critically injured a child and sent another person to the hospital with serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Orange County man faces charges in deaths of 2 men near Florida Mall, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Orange County man faces charges in deaths of 2 men near Florida Mall, sheriff’s office saysAn Orange County man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting deaths of two brothers near the Florida Mall in August, the sheriff’s office said.
Orange County man killed 2 men near Florida Mall, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Orange County man killed 2 men near Florida Mall, sheriff’s office saysAn Orange County man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting deaths of two brothers near the Florida Mall in August, the sheriff’s office said.
Orange County deputies ID 2 shot, killed at hotel near Florida Mall
Read full article: Orange County deputies ID 2 shot, killed at hotel near Florida MallThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified two men who were fatally shot at a hotel near Florida Mall on Saturday, one of whom was shot by a deputy.
Craving retro beach vibes? Barbie Malibu pop-up truck will be at The Florida Mall this Saturday
Read full article: Craving retro beach vibes? Barbie Malibu pop-up truck will be at The Florida Mall this SaturdayIf you’re a Barbie fan or feeling nostalgic for retro sunny days, one pop-up truck in Orlando might have just what you’re looking for.
Here is how Orlando’s Crayola Experience is celebrating National Crayola Day 2021
Read full article: Here is how Orlando’s Crayola Experience is celebrating National Crayola Day 2021ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando’s Crayola Experience is ready for families to celebrate National Crayola Day 2021. This year, the company has a mission of giving away one million crayons across its five Crayola Experience locations. Crayola Experience Orlando at Florida Mall (Crayola Experience)“Opening up a box of crayons is like visiting Crayola Experience—it opens up a world of imagination and hours of fun, which is why we thought this would be a great way to celebrate this unofficial holiday,” said Victoria Lozano, EVP-Digital Strategy & GM Attractions & Retail of Crayola. The Crayola store will be giving away 6,250 crayon boxes at each location through June 2. Click here to learn more about the Crayola Experience in Orlando as well as important health and safety protocols in place.
Vice documentary to feature Orange County deputy-involved shooting of Salaythis Melvin
Read full article: Vice documentary to feature Orange County deputy-involved shooting of Salaythis MelvinORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new episode of the Vice documentary series will include coverage of Salaythis Melvin, the 22-year-old man fatally shot in the back at the Florida Mall last year by an Orange County deputy. The trailer for the Vice episode airing Sunday at 8 p.m. on Showtime also includes interviews with Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Orange County Sheriff’s Office media relations confirmed it did participate in the Vice documentary interview. Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away across the parking lot. Hours of body camera video released by the sheriff’s office video have provided little insight into the shooting itself.
Gunman wearing green mask shot victim outside Florida Mall, deputies say
Read full article: Gunman wearing green mask shot victim outside Florida Mall, deputies sayA man wounded outside the Florida Mall earlier this year was shot by a gunman wearing a green mask, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report. A witness said a man wearing a green mask shot another man in the mall parking lot, according to an OCSO incident report. The victim ran into the Florida Mall with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper abdomen, a deputy wrote in the report. The victim was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in serious condition, deputies said. The victim told a deputy that he did not know who shot him but said the gunman was wearing a green mask, the report stated.
After outrage over Florida Mall shooting, Orange County Sheriff’s Office unveils new video policy
Read full article: After outrage over Florida Mall shooting, Orange County Sheriff’s Office unveils new video policyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the days after an Orange County deputy shot Salaythis Melvin in the back outside the Florida Mall, members of the community protested in Melvin’s memory and demanded that video be released to show what led to the fatal gunfire. More video released on Aug. 26, 2020 showed first responders trying to help Melvin as he laid bleeding in the parking lot. The agent who shot 22-year-old Melvin didn’t have his body camera activated at the time. Public outcry was swift as protesters marched outside the Florida Mall calling for justice, transparency and access to the body camera footage. In the aftermath of the shooting, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the situation was tricky because the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was reviewing the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure.
Pedestrian struck, killed near Florida Mall
Read full article: Pedestrian struck, killed near Florida MallORLANDO, Fla. – A man was struck and killed Tuesday morning while trying to cross a road near the Florida Mall in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal crash was reported around 5:15 a.m. on Orange Blossom Trail at Premier Row near Orlando. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, the FHP said. The driver was not injured. All lanes of OBT and Premier Row were blocked in the area.
Ready to shop? Check out Hello Kitty Café Truck & Barbie Pop-Up Truck at The Florida Mall
Read full article: Ready to shop? Check out Hello Kitty Café Truck & Barbie Pop-Up Truck at The Florida MallFor one day only, on Saturday, Dec. 12, the Hello Kitty Café Truck and the Barbie Pop-Up Truck will be parked at The Florida Mall, offering an outdoor mobile shopping experience featuring exclusive sweets and treats for fans of all ages. The Hello Kitty Café Truck will offer shoppers a new Hello Kitty Café Cookie plush, new hand-decorated cookie sets, sprinkle mugs, pin sets, cookie sets, canvas totes and more. The Barbie Truck will feature exclusive 90s-themed apparel and accessories such as embroidered denim jackets, hats, T-shirts, vinyl “boombox” tote bags, fanny packs, “cassette tape” wallets and more. PHOTOS: Swipe through to see what will be offered at the Barbie Pop-Up TruckFull Screen 1 / 16 Merchandise available at Barbie Pop-Up Truck coming to the Florida Mall on Dec. 12. The Orlando stop is the last destination for the Hello Kitty Café Truck on its 2020 East Coast tour.
Hello Kitty Café Truck coming to Florida Mall in December
Read full article: Hello Kitty Café Truck coming to Florida Mall in DecemberJust in time to do some holiday shopping, the Hello Kitty Café Truck will be in Orlando. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 12 as the truck will be parked outside the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Customers should wear masks and practice social distancing while enjoying the Hello Kitty Café Truck. [TRENDING: Eta floods Florida | Romaine calm: Florida man arrested after lettuce tirade | DeSantis accused of wanting herd immunity]There are several Hello Kitty Café Trucks that take the same café experience on the road for Hello Kitty fans. It offers sweet treats, drinks and merchandise representative of Sanrio friends. To learn more about the event, click or tap here.
FDLE turns over investigation of Salaythis Melvin shooting to prosecutors
Read full article: FDLE turns over investigation of Salaythis Melvin shooting to prosecutorsSalaythis Melvin was shot and killed by an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Aug. 7 while running away, according to deputies and body camera video of the incident. That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was at the time of the incident, body camera video shows. Deputies did not know the weapon was stolen until after the shooting, according to the attorneys for Melvin’s family. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Melvin’s death spurred calls for the deputy to be fired and policy changes at the sheriff’s office.
Deputies respond to shootout on South Orange Blossom Trail, multiple people in custody
Read full article: Deputies respond to shootout on South Orange Blossom Trail, multiple people in custodyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies are on scene Thursday along South Orange Blossom Trail after two men were shooting at each other in a shopping plaza, according to witnesses. Deputies responded to a shopping center along South Orange Blossom Trail Thursday morning to multiple businesses in the area. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded for reports of a shooting in the 8000-block of South Orange Blossom Trail. There are several people in custody but it is unclear what their involvement is, deputies said. There are a lot of deputies near a shooting center not far from Florida Mall.
Video: Security guard held at gunpoint during Florida Mall burglary, deputies say
Read full article: Video: Security guard held at gunpoint during Florida Mall burglary, deputies sayORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida Mall security guard was held at gunpoint by three masked culprits who stole money from him and burglarized a jewelry kiosk, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. While the guard was being held at gunpoint, deputies said the other two culprits smashed the glass case of a Piercing Pagoda kiosk and stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry that had been housed inside. NEED TO ID: On 9/13, after 10PM, these suspects entered the Florida Mall, held a security guard at gunpoint and robbed him. Meanwhile, one of them forced entry into a jewelry kiosk stealing thousands of dollars in items. If you have any info, call @CrimelineFL at 1-800-423-8477. pic.twitter.com/Q34X33nqxH — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) September 24, 2020No arrests have been made.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down to talk about Salaythis Melvin shooting
Read full article: Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down to talk about Salaythis Melvin shootingORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Sheriff John Mina met behind closed doors with state leaders and a local activist on Tuesday to discuss the deputy-involved shooting death of a man at the Florida Mall. Salaythis Melvin, 22, was shot in the back on Aug. 7 as he ran from Agent James Montiel in the parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods. People want know what’s happening with the case, and we’re open to letting people know,” Mina told News 6 after the meeting. The meeting with Mina was held in Bracy’s Metrowest office with Rep. Travaris McCurdy, D-Orlando. Mulrain has helped organize many of the demonstrations that have happened around Orange County since Melvin’s shooting.
Fatal crash involving motorcycle, car investigated in Orange County
Read full article: Fatal crash involving motorcycle, car investigated in Orange CountyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A fatal crash is under investigation in Orange County. The wreck was reported early Friday on Orange Blossom Trail near the Florida Mall. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash involved a motorcycle and a car, but no other details have been released.
March on Washington commemoration held in Orlando
Read full article: March on Washington commemoration held in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. About 100 people gathered in downtown Orlando on Friday night to mark the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington. More than 100 people rallied for reform at a March on Washington commemoration rally in downtown Orlando. Crowd takes a knee at March on Washington rally in downtown Orlando as they shout name of Salaythis Melvin @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/52V8b3RNuZ Erik Sandoval (@ErikSandoval) August 28, 20205:42 p.m. The crowd is listening to Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech at Orlando City Hall. The March on Washington rally in Orlando started at 5:12 p.m.
New body camera video doesn’t offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis Melvin
Read full article: New body camera video doesn’t offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis MelvinThat warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. The Sheriff’s Office said its records department is going through more than 10 hours of body worn camera footage surrounding the shooting before it can be made public. I was just involved in an officer-involved shooting,” Montiel says to someone while speaking on his radio. On Thursday, the sheriff’s office released more video showing the aftermath of the shooting. He said they also plan to sue the Sheriff’s Office and are demanding policy changes.
‘What happened to a taser?‘ Salaythis Melvin’s family demands answers in his shooting
Read full article: ‘What happened to a taser?‘ Salaythis Melvin’s family demands answers in his shootingORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a man shot in the back and killed by an Orange County sheriff’s deputy earlier this month is calling for answers as the investigation into the shooting continues. “Y’all are supposed to protect and serve, but y’all haven’t protected and served nobody,” said Sixx Jones, Melvin’s cousin. Jones and several other family members gathered at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Monday holding up signs demanding more information be released in the investigation into Melvin’s death. That wasn’t welcome news for Melvin’s family, who said they wanted to hear directly from the man who pulled the trigger, James Montiel. We haven’t heard nothing from him, yet.”Mina announced there is more video that shows what happened at the Florida Mall on Aug. 7.
Deputy didn’t use racial slur after man was shot at Florida Mall, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Deputy didn’t use racial slur after man was shot at Florida Mall, sheriff’s office saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After body camera video was released showing an Orange County deputy shooting a man in the back outside the Florida Mall, attorneys representing the family of the man who was killed said it was possible that one of the deputies may have used a racial slur. On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office addressed the allegation in a statement posted on social media. The footage in question shows the moments after Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away. The video provided by the Sheriff’s Office, embedded above, shows several deputies approaching Melvin as he was lying on the pavement. [READ MORE: Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be released | ‘We want justice:’ Family demands answers in fatal deputy-involved shooting outside Florida Mall]The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it launched an inquiry.
‘Make them think twice:’ Family of man killed by Orange County deputy demands policy changes
Read full article: ‘Make them think twice:’ Family of man killed by Orange County deputy demands policy changesThat warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriff’s Office. “Sheriff Mina, is this a good policy to have unmarked vehicles and unmarked officers, serving arrest warrants?” Haynes asked. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s Office said they were notified Tuesday the FDLE completed its last initial interview. News 6 asked the sheriff’s office to explain the process it took to release the videos and we’re waiting for a response.
Body camera video shows deputy shooting man in back at Florida Mall
Read full article: Body camera video shows deputy shooting man in back at Florida MallAccording to an arrest affidavit, Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin, 22, on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall. The video released on Tuesday is too far away to show if Melvin has a weapon in his hands. Carlus Haynes and Bradley Laurent, the attorneys representing Melvin’s mother, have been asking the Sheriff’s Office to release body camera video from the deputy who shot Melvin and those who were in the area. Audio begins recording once the camera is activated, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The first video showing Melvin, shows law enforcement officers approaching a group in the parking lot and Melvin running away.
Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be released
Read full article: Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be releasedORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of demonstrators walked in front of cars in a busy Orange County intersection Friday afternoon calling for the Sheriff’s Office to release body camera video from the deputy who fatally shot a 22-year-old in the back last week. The deputy drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit. Melvin’s family and friends have demanded answers and asked the Sheriff’s Office to release video from the deputy’s body camera. On Friday, protesters on Orange Blossom Trail carried signs and wore T-shirts with Melvin’s photo demanding the video to be released. Demonstrators inside Florida Mall demand the release of body camera video showing a fatal deputy-involved shooting.
Deputies say they can’t yet release body camera video of fatal shooting at Florida Mall
Read full article: Deputies say they can’t yet release body camera video of fatal shooting at Florida MallORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Friday afternoon saying that the agency has been asked to not yet release body camera footage of a deputy-involved shooting at the Florida Mall, despite public outcry. A deputy shot a man in the back last week, killing him, during a confrontation at the Florida Mall, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies were surveilling a felony suspect wanted on a warrant for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon for a gang-related shooting in July. [MORE: Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report shows]Deputies said three of the four of the suspects surrendered. The deputy drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit.
Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report shows
Read full article: Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report showsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot a man in the back, killing him, during a confrontation at the Florida Mall on Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. When deputies approached, 22-year-old Salaythis Melvin ran away and toward Montiel, who got out of his unmarked vehicle and saw Melvin holding a stolen Glock handgun, records show. Montiel drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit. “Agent Montiel stated Melvin turned his head and started to face him while still holding the firearm,” the report reads. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said video exists of the shooting and it will be reviewed as part of an investigation into the deadly use of force incident.
Orange County deputy shoots armed man at Florida Mall, sheriff says
Read full article: Orange County deputy shoots armed man at Florida Mall, sheriff saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was shot by an Orange County deputy outside a mall on Friday died as a result of his injuries on Saturday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The man has been identified as 22-year-old Salaythis Melvin, deputies said. An Orange County deputy opened fire Friday on Melvin, who was armed with a stolen Glock handgun outside the Florida Mall, according to Sheriff John Mina. pic.twitter.com/PrsymC1qqF — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 7, 2020During the encounter, Melvin fled and deputies chased after him. Law enforcement activity near Florida Mall.
Crayola Experience to reopen in July
Read full article: Crayola Experience to reopen in JulyORLANDO, Fla. The Crayola Experience is ready to burst with color come July 1. The Crayola Experience has also modified some of its activities and included additional signage in the interest of social distancing. Annual pass and valid general admission ticket expirations have been extended, and to welcome new guests, Crayola Experience Orlando is replacing its full-price admission ticket with a 2020 Unlimited Pass. The $24.99 ticket purchased this year starting July 1 will be good for unlimited visits to any Crayola Experience attraction through the end of 2020. To learn more about how the Crayola Experience is working to keep guests safe during the pandemic, click here.
Florida Mall packed with post-Christmas shoppers
Read full article: Florida Mall packed with post-Christmas shoppersORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Mall saw large crowds on Thursday, with some shoppers spending Christmas cash, while others made returns. A spokesperson for the mall said the day after Christmas is one of the busiest days of the year. “Just a lot of lines, I think people are buying, which is hilarious the day after Christmas,” shopper Jennifer Duffey said. Some shoppers said they attribute the large crowds to many having off of work. Shoppers said another draw is the post-Christmas sales.
Here’s the list of Central Florida malls open on Christmas Eve
Read full article: Here’s the list of Central Florida malls open on Christmas EveLast-minute shoppers can rejoice as some Central Florida malls and outlets have decided to extend their hours and in turn, the shopping season. Here’s a list of major malls across Central Florida and their hours for Dec. 23 and Christmas Eve. Mall at MilleniaDec. 23: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Dec. 24: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Florida MallDec. 23: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.Dec. 24: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Orlando International Premium OutletsDec. 23: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.Dec. 24: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.Altamonte MallDec. 23: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.Dec. 24: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Seminole Towne CenterDec. 23: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.Dec. 24: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Oviedo MallDec. 23: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.Dec. 24: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Tanger OutletsDec. 23: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.Dec. 24: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Volusia MallDec. 23: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.Dec. 24: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
New videos show Pulse nightclub gunman prepping for attack
Read full article: New videos show Pulse nightclub gunman prepping for attackORLANDO, Fla. – Jurors in the trial of Noor Salman viewed newly-released surveillance videos Thursday showing the defendant's husband buying weapons and casing possible targets including Walt Disney World prior to the Pulse nightclub attack. Investigators said they found Mateen's employer-issued weapon in his rental van outside Pulse nightclub. In a statement to the FBI the day after the Pulse attack, Salman reportedly told agents she and her husband drove around the Pulse nightclub for about 20 minutes after leaving the Kissimmee restaurant. The FBI agent believes the family could not have made the 35-mile round-trip drive to Pulse nightclub in 47 minutes. Cellular location data suggests Mateen then began driving south on Orange Avenue towards Pulse nightclub, where authorities said he began shooting patrons at 2:02 a.m.