WEATHER ALERT
Fact or fiction? There’s more than meets the eye with manatees
Read full article: Fact or fiction? There’s more than meets the eye with manateesThe gentle giants cruising Florida's waterways are one of the state’s most beloved creatures. On the surface, they may seem like slow, gray lumps grazing on sea grass but there is more than meets the eye with the ancient anatomical and ancestral traits still visible in manatees today.
Own any of these old Disney VHS tapes? You could be sitting on big bucks
Read full article: Own any of these old Disney VHS tapes? You could be sitting on big bucksAttention all 90s kids! Were you able to convince your parents to hold onto those old Disney VHS tapes? You're in luck, because some of those tapes might be worth more than you're thinking.
Brevard County’s self-Proclaimed “Rocket Hobo” passes away at 72
Read full article: Brevard County’s self-Proclaimed “Rocket Hobo” passes away at 72Ozzie Osband, longtime volunteer and rocket-connoisseur, passed away Sunday morning, according a social media post by the American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame.
Tips, tricks to keep your carved pumpkin looking fresh until Halloween
Read full article: Tips, tricks to keep your carved pumpkin looking fresh until HalloweenThere are plenty of things to be scared of on Halloween -- haunted houses, ghosts and goblins -- but for many households here in humidity-filled Central Florida, a molded out smelly pumpkin can...
Fact or fiction? There’s more than meets the eye with manatees
Read full article: Fact or fiction? There’s more than meets the eye with manateesThe gentle giants cruising Florida's waterways are one of the state’s most beloved creatures. On the surface, they may seem like slow, gray lumps grazing on sea grass but there is more than meets the eye with the ancient anatomical and ancestral traits still visible in manatees today.
Tampa author highlights history of Florida’s female trailblazers in ‘They Dared to Dream’
Read full article: Tampa author highlights history of Florida’s female trailblazers in ‘They Dared to Dream’Doris Weatherford earned her place in the Sunshine State’s hallowed hall of women’s history by chronicling it, documenting everything from the achievements of Florida’s pre-colonial, Native American women to matriarchs championing the 19th amendment to women reaching for the stars in space travel.
Orlando businesses prepare for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations 2 years after COVID closures
Read full article: Orlando businesses prepare for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations 2 years after COVID closuresThose shutdowns and the struggle to get people to return have forced many businesses to close for good. Many local business owners say they’re finally bouncing back, but it’s been a tough two years.
Man accused of killing 16-year-old from Lake County in 2018 now faces first-degree murder charge
Read full article: Man accused of killing 16-year-old from Lake County in 2018 now faces first-degree murder chargeA man accused of killing a 16-year-old girl from Lake County back in April 2018 is now facing a first-degree murder charge, according to an indictment filed Monday at the Volusia County Clerk of Courts.
Here are the stories behind your favorite New Year’s superstitions
Read full article: Here are the stories behind your favorite New Year’s superstitionsAs the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many people follow what, from the outside, may look to be odd traditions in order to bring luck and prosperity in the new year.
Gas Station hit by bullets on two separate nights, owner worried
Read full article: Gas Station hit by bullets on two separate nights, owner worriedAn Orlando gas station owner said he’s terrified and tired of working in fear after he discovered what he says appears to be two bullet holes to his gas station’s front window. The shootings happened over two weeks.
Hold my beer: Heineken offers IOU beverage gift packages ahead of shipping delays
Read full article: Hold my beer: Heineken offers IOU beverage gift packages ahead of shipping delaysHeineken is offering customers experiencing shipping delays for holiday presents the chance to claim a Heineken IOU starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 10.
🔓11-mile drive offers up-close look at Florida wildlife
Read full article: 🔓11-mile drive offers up-close look at Florida wildlifeThe Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive certainly won't disappoint if you're looking for a way to enjoy Florida's great weather while taking in views of wildlife, including more than 360 species of birds.
Disney, Cirque du Soleil open new show ‘Drawn to Life’ to standing ovation
Read full article: Disney, Cirque du Soleil open new show ‘Drawn to Life’ to standing ovationThe highly anticipated new collaboration from Cirque du Soleil and Disney, Drawn to Life, premiered Thursday night at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort to a full house of enthusiastic fans who demonstrated their appreciation with a lengthy standing ovation.
Brevard fire medic under investigation for allegedly insensitive remark to shooting victim
Read full article: Brevard fire medic under investigation for allegedly insensitive remark to shooting victimA member of the Brevard County Fire Rescue staff is under investigation after he allegedly made a racially insensitive remark to a shooting victim while the person was being transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.
‘Fantastic, phenomenal ride:’ Seminole County teacher flies with US Air Force Thunderbirds
Read full article: ‘Fantastic, phenomenal ride:’ Seminole County teacher flies with US Air Force ThunderbirdsClayton Donnan was invited to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds selected him as their “Hometown Hero,” which is a program that honors deserving local people.
Orlando residents’ drops made a difference, city scales back water restrictions
Read full article: Orlando residents’ drops made a difference, city scales back water restrictionsAfter nearly two months, the Orlando Utilities Commission is returning to normal water operations following its plea for Orlando customers to limit water use, read an OUC release Tuesday.
Here’s when to ship your 2021 Christmas gifts
Read full article: Here’s when to ship your 2021 Christmas giftsAccording to the their website, USPS suggests shipping retail ground mail by Dec. 15, first class mail by Dec. 17, priority mail by Dec. 18 and priority mail express by Dec. 23 if you want your packages to arrive by Christmas.
Driver in deadly 128 mph Winter Park crash pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter
Read full article: Driver in deadly 128 mph Winter Park crash pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughterThe driver of a BMW who was going 128 mph before a double fatal crash on Dec. 31, 2017, in Winter Park has pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide, according to court documents.
Drunk driver sentenced to 10 years for deadly Melbourne Beach crash
Read full article: Drunk driver sentenced to 10 years for deadly Melbourne Beach crashA 19-year-old woman behind the wheel of a vehicle involved in a head-on crash that killed a 23-year-old woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to the state attorney’s office.
Doing these 4 things around your house could save you thousands in insurance
Read full article: Doing these 4 things around your house could save you thousands in insuranceImprovements you can make around your home that not only secure it during a storm, but can also cut the cost of your homeowners insurance in half.
Here’s what first responders want you to know before a storm
Read full article: Here’s what first responders want you to know before a stormWhen the worst happens, you might find comfort in knowing Central Florida is home to some great first responders, but what if they can't get to you in a serious storm?
Metro Detroit heart transplant recipient encourages others to become blood, organ donors
Read full article: Metro Detroit heart transplant recipient encourages others to become blood, organ donorsApril is National Donate Life Month, a time to celebrate the generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, bone marrow donors and by making blood donations.
10 surprising things you can do with peanut butter
Read full article: 10 surprising things you can do with peanut butterPeanut butter is not only a tasty treat, but it can also do some very surprising things. In honor of National Peanut Butter day today, here are some clever tips from Lifehack.org you could try with peanut butter. Shaving creamYou’ve run out of shaving cream and you desperately need to shave, peanut butter to the rescue. Take a tablespoon of peanut butter and fry it up for a minute or two in a frying pan. Moisturize your hairThis doesn’t sound fun, but you can rub peanut butter into your scalp to help moisturize your hair.
Florida man called for jihad, tried to join ISIS, officials say
Read full article: Florida man called for jihad, tried to join ISIS, officials sayA Florida man accused of attempting to join ISIS has been indicted on federal terror charges. A grand jury in Gainesville formally charged 33-year-old Mohamed Suliman with attempting to provide material support for a terror organization. Officials said they also found dozens of audio files of Suliman calling for jihad, a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty. AdIf Suliman is convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
Remember when SpaceX launched a sports car to Mars?
Read full article: Remember when SpaceX launched a sports car to Mars?This image from video provided by SpaceX shows the company's spacesuit in Elon Musk's red Tesla sports car which was launched into space during the first test flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. At 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2018 Falcon Heavy fired up all 27 Merlin engines on its three boosters, lifting off from the same pad where astronauts launched to the moon almost 50 years ago. AdAbout three minutes after the launch, Falcon Heavy's three boosters performed an amazing aerial ballet as all three came back to Earth. Next, SpaceX won the internet by sharing video of the red Tesla -- one of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's cars-- floating in space. The car is identified as SpaceX Roadster (spacecraft) (Tesla) -143205 in JPL’s Horizons system that tracks objects in the solar system.
Firefighters battle strong blaze Thursday at Ocala home
Read full article: Firefighters battle strong blaze Thursday at Ocala homeOCALA, Fla. – Ocala Fire Rescue crews battled a strong fire Thursday that destroyed a home. When crews arrived they found a single-story residential structure engulfed in fire, with heavy flames coming out through the roof. AdWhen firefighters gained control of the flames, they forced their way into the home to search the area. Crews continued to pump water onto the fire until there was no sign of flame or hot spot left. The Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utility and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the fire.
Suspects in botched murder-for-hire plot will not face death penalty
Read full article: Suspects in botched murder-for-hire plot will not face death penaltyOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Osceola state attorney’s office will not seek the death penalty against the people accused of being involved in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, according to court records obtained by News 6. Two years ago, Prosecutor Christopher Smith filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Glorianmarie Quinones Montes, Alexis Ramos-Rivera, and Ishnar Lopez-Ramos. This past May the state attorney’s office said they would not seek the death penalty against Quinones Montes. On Monday, the state attorney’s office would not seek the death penalty against Ramos-Rivera and Ishnar Lopez-Ramos. [RELATED: State attorney won’t seek death penalty for any cases]This past October, State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced she would not seek the death penalty in any case.
Former Brevard County prosecutor accused of stalking, extortion
Read full article: Former Brevard County prosecutor accused of stalking, extortionBREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: Patrick Landy accepted a plea agreement in June 2020. Original story below:A Former Brevard County prosecutor is accused of aggravated stalking and extortion, according to court records. Patrick Landy, 28, made his first appearance before a judge Thursday afternoon at the Brevard County Jail. He had no comment for News 6 as he walked out of the Brevard County Jail at around 8:30 p.m. with his head covered with a jacket. Landy worked for the State Attorney’s Office in Brevard County from June of 2017 to January of 2019.
Here’s where you can cut down your own Christmas tree in Orlando area
Read full article: Here’s where you can cut down your own Christmas tree in Orlando areaGetting a Christmas tree can be a magical time for families, but few in Central Florida, for obvious reasons, actually cut down their own tree. Santa's Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis allows guests to cut down their own tree. "Guests have the unique opportunity to cut a real Florida Christmas tree in the field," the website said. Florida Christmas trees aren't for everyone, Judy Ewing said, adding that they have soft branches and don't hold heavy ornaments very well. Here’s a link to other Christmas tree businesses, but be sure to call before going to ensure they’re still open.
Shop local at these popular Orlando area farmers markets
Read full article: Shop local at these popular Orlando area farmers marketsThere is no reason to spend a weekend freezing in air-conditioned grocery stores when Central Florida offers a huge selection of year-round farmers markets. There are open air markets across the greater Orlando area, many that accept SNAP benefits and support local farmers, food markers and artisans. Check out the list below of popular outdoor markets offering local handmade goods, live music and fresh produce. Did I miss your neighborhood weekend market? Let me know at especk@wkmg.com.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk coming to Space Coast to investigate scrub issues
Read full article: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk coming to Space Coast to investigate scrub issuesSome locals are calling the unusually long streak of launch scrubs “Scrubtoberfest” but to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk it’s not a joke. The ultimate goal is for the Cape to run as efficiently as an airport with rockets being able to take off within hours of each other on multiple launch pads, News 6 partner Florida Today said. Over the past month, United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy launch of a top secret military satellite has scrubbed five times due to weather, hardware and technical issues causing two SpaceX launches to reschedule multiple times. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Here’s how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] Musk attributed the Friday night abort to an “Unexpected pressure rise in the turbomachinery gas generator.”Musk tweeted that his team will be problem-solving all weekend.
Man charged with murder after drug overdose death at Comfort Inn, police say
Read full article: Man charged with murder after drug overdose death at Comfort Inn, police sayAn arrest has been made after officials say a man died of a drug overdose at a DeLand hotel. According to authorities, DeLand police officers responded to the Comfort Inn, located at 400 E International Speedway Boulevard. As the investigation begun, officers contacted Hiram Oyola, who investigators said was in the room with the man when he died. During their investigation, investigators determined that Oyola sold Oxycodone to the man on the day of his death. Medical examiners determined the cause of death to be a combination of Oxycodone and Fentanyl Toxicity.
Deck the halls: Walt Disney World reimagines 2020 holiday celebration
Read full article: Deck the halls: Walt Disney World reimagines 2020 holiday celebrationORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World released new details Tuesday about its upcoming holiday celebrations. Just like some of its popular fall events, leaders at Walt Disney World have had to adjust and change plans due to ever-changing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the cancellation a number of other holiday offerings will be available. (Walt Disney World)Minnie Mouse will put on a yuletide gathering for families at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant. Walt Disney World’s holiday offerings will be available till Dec. 30.
Orange County deputies continue searching for possible drowning victim
Read full article: Orange County deputies continue searching for possible drowning victimORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County Sheriff's Office and Belle Isle police are continuing their search efforts after receiving reports of a man possibly drowning in the lake. OCSO said around 7:53 p.m. Saturday they responded to the 2900 block of Nela Avenue in reference to a possible drowning. The marine patrol with the sheriff's office searched the waters Saturday night. "This is a sad Sunday morning for us to hear that there might be a possibility of someone in the water," Rivera said. "It's very concerning because this is somebody's loved one that's a possibility that's out there and we don't know who this is going to affect," she said.
Heres the process behind naming tropical storms and hurricanes
Read full article: Heres the process behind naming tropical storms and hurricanesNews 6 meteorologist Candace Campos explains the history and process behind naming storms during hurricane season. How did naming storms come to be? Naming storms as they development over water, started by the late 19th century. By 1978, changing times and increased political pressure pushed the National Hurricane Center to request a change to the hurricane naming list. For example, the Atlantic hurricane list is compiled of named derived from English, Spanish and French cultures, due to the countries that surround the Atlantic basin.
Ample Hills Creamery will not reopen at Walt Disney World
Read full article: Ample Hills Creamery will not reopen at Walt Disney WorldThe Brooklyn-based shop, Ample Hills Creamery, said it will not reopen its doors after being forced to close in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our agreement with Ample Hills Creamery ended earlier this year. As a result, Ample Hills will close at Disneys Boardwalk and the proposed Ample Hills location at Disney Springs will not open later this year, a Disney spokesperson said. Ample Hills Creamery at Disneys BoardWalk (Disney Parks Blog)To add to the companys trouble, the owners were forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. Fans of the popular ice cream shop will still be able to order ice cream online through the companys website.
Where to watch SpaceX Crew Dragon launch on the Space Coast
Read full article: Where to watch SpaceX Crew Dragon launch on the Space CoastRead more about the variety of launch viewing hot spots, known to locals and space enthusiasts alike, then click through the map embedded in the story to learn more. Due to the launch, the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic one hour after the launch. Titusville parksLaunch spectators have staked out their spots below the Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville. (WKMG)In Titusville, 15 miles across the Indian River, almost parallel to multiple launch pads are two Brevard County parks popular to locals for launch viewing. Titusvilles Parrish Park is a 36-acre park on both sides of the A. Max Brewer Causeway off State Road 402.
5 simple ways you can support local businesses during coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: 5 simple ways you can support local businesses during coronavirus pandemicWhile there isn’t a whole lot we can do as restrictions are put in place, there are a few measures we can take to support our favorite local businesses during these unsettling times. Buy gift cards from your favorite restaurant or boutique. We’re all pretty used to shopping online (Amazon Prime Day is basically a holiday at this point), so one way you can support a local business is shopping from your computer or cellphone. Not all boutiques or retail stores may have the option to offer online shopping, but if they do, it’s a great way to support a small business and practice social distancing. Not everyone is able to do this, but if your income won’t be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, consider a donation to a local business that could need it.
Avoid distracted driving (and a ticket) with these smartphone apps
Read full article: Avoid distracted driving (and a ticket) with these smartphone appsNow that Florida’s law enforcement officers will be ticketing drivers for texting and driving it might be a good time to download a smartphone app so you can put the phone down and focus on the road. Florida’s new distracted driving law began July 1, but motorists were given a six-month period during which warnings were issued for people spotted texting while driving. On Jan. 1, law enforcement officers will begin issuing tickets if drivers are handling their phones in hands-free zones, including school and construction areas. To help you avoid a costly ticket and drive safely we’ve compiled a list of 12 smartphone apps that can help you achieve that goal. Read on below for information about apps to help you avoid distracted driving.
Missing Orlando boy with autism found, officials say
Read full article: Missing Orlando boy with autism found, officials sayAuthorities said they have found a 15-year-old boy with autism who had been reported missing Saturday afternoon. Officials were concerned because the teen, John Baker, has a diminished mental capacity.
Retired Navy captain recalls when women weren’t allowed to serve on ships
Read full article: Retired Navy captain recalls when women weren’t allowed to serve on shipsAmong the branches that help in the fight against terror, is the Navy but it wasn't until 1993 that Congress approved women to serve on combat ships. "At that point in time the women couldn't go on ships. I was a little ahead of that wave so I didn't have that opportunity," retired Navy Capt. I did that for a number of years and when you're in that field you're in very remote locations," Drury said. I wouldn't tell them I wasn't Navy SEAL and they were all like 'yeahhh' and the Russian guy in particular said, 'No wonder we can't win.'"
NASA reveals VIPER moon rover to map resources
Read full article: NASA reveals VIPER moon rover to map resourcesNASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine revealed Friday that the space agency plans to launch a golfcart-sized roving robot, called the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, to roam the surface collecting samples and mapping resources. NASA says it plans to deliver VIPER to the moon in December 2022. VIPER will "collect about 100 days of data that will be used to inform the first global water resource maps of the Moon," according to a NASA news release. NASA plans to create a sustainable base on the lunar surface within a decade. NASA did not announce what launch provider would deliver the rover to the moon.
NASCAR encouraging women, minorities to take bigger role in male-dominated sport
Read full article: NASCAR encouraging women, minorities to take bigger role in male-dominated sportNEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Fifteen years ago, NASCAR launched its Drive for Diversity combine program with the purpose of changing the faces of the American sport dominated by men. At 14 years old, Isabella Robusto is one of the youngest up-and-coming female drivers in NASCAR. Robusto is among this year's participants of the NASCAR'S Drive for Diversity program. Jusan Hamilton, director of racing operations for NASCAR, said the organization wants the sport to be open to everyone, but there are barriers to entry when not everyone has the same opportunities. Ten finalists are handpicked by NASCAR to compete for spots to drive with the Rev Racing team and in different NASCAR competitions.
Lawsuit: Volcano Bay slide left tourist paralyzed
Read full article: Lawsuit: Volcano Bay slide left tourist paralyzedORLANDO, Fla. – A New York man claims in lawsuit that his neck snapped while he was riding the Punga Racers water slide at Universal's Volcano Bay, causing a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Documents show the man decided to race his 15-year-old daughter, 13-year-old daughter and 7-year-old daughter on the Punga Racers, which has four lanes to accommodate multiple riders. Attorneys allege the man followed employees' instructions to lie with his stomach on a mat they provided, then slide down headfirst. The impact caused a compression injury to the man's spine that left him paralyzed, facedown in the water, attorneys said. The suit claims Universal was negligent by failing to maintain and inspect the ride, failing to supervise riders and failing to warn visitors about the potential dangers.