WFTV Channel 9
We got an exclusive tour of Florida's first highway that charges electric cars
- Title
- We got an exclusive tour of Florida's first highway that charges electric cars
- Runtime
- 3:09
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- For the first time, construction crews allowed access to a new highway that will connect two parts of Central Florida -- and charge electric vehicles.
The road connects Orange and Lake counties and gives people in the western parts of the Orlando metro area access to the highway network throughout the city.
The charging capabilities installed into the road are seen as a potential leap into the future, providing people greater range as they drive electric vehicles long distance.
In the near-term, the charging capabilities will be limited to test vehicles with specially-installed equipment.
- Title
- YouTube star "Adam the Woo" dies in Florida
- Runtime
- 0:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Famous Disney, theme park and abandoned places YouTuber Adam the Woo was found dead in his Osceola County, Florida home.
He was 51.
TMZ reported police responded to his home after a neighbor saw him through a window.
He accumulated approximately 1.2 million subscribers across two channels and garnered over 400 million total views on his videos.
- Title
- Florida tow company accused of taking car before time expired
- Runtime
- 4:36
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Central Florida family had their car towed after paying to park in downtown Orlando. City of Orlando surveillance video shows the car was towed before the time expired on their parking receipt.
Kim Quillinan spoke to Action 9 Consumer Investigator Jeff Deal about it because she wants other people in the community to be aware of the issue.
“I would hate for this to happen to other people,” she said.
Kim Quillinan and her husband John attended the Tate McRae concert at the Kia Center in September. The Lake County couple enjoyed the concert, but knew they had to watch the clock because of their parking time limit.
Kim said, “We were almost at the lot, and there was a tow truck coming out of the parking lot, and I’m like, ‘That looks like my car.’”
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-tow-company-accused-taking-car-before-time-expired/FMFKFU5WHFDD5C2JUDOFCJUUK4/
- Title
- Roadside traffic worker killed in I-95 crash during holiday travel rush
- Runtime
- 3:01
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Florida led to the death of a roadside traffic worker and caused major travel disruptions on one of the busiest holiday travel days.
The crash occurred Monday morning, as the roadside traffic worker was responding to an earlier incident involving a car on fire in the northbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 228 in Mims.
Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that two lanes of the highway reopened just after 3 p.m. but the crash caused-hour long back-ups and diverted cars at State Road 46.
FHP stated that the roadside worker’s Maintenance of Traffic Truck was parked in the outside lane, fully operational with activated lights and an arrow board when a semi-truck driver failed to slow down or move over, striking the vehicle.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/roadside-traffic-worker-killed-i-95-crash-during-holiday-travel-rush/55CHVEWO7BEARL64QHZYUBOGFU/
- Title
- Six more Florida firefighters fired for hazing incident
- Runtime
- 1:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Six additional Marion County Fire Rescue employees have been terminated in connection with a November hazing incident.
Back in November, four Marion County firefighters from Station 21 were arrested and fired for hazing a 19-year-old firefighter.
Since the incident, MCFR, alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an internal review.
Back in November, four Marion County firefighters from Station 21 were arrested and fired for hazing a 19-year-old firefighter.
Since the incident, MCFR, alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an internal review.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/six-additional-firefighters-fired-connection-with-hazing-incident-marion-county/JKUFGLEKTBHUBJWZAIGI7HUGBU/
- Title
- In Florida, secretly tracking your ex is now a felony
- Runtime
- 2:31
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Cocoa police say Lateef Williams never denied placing a GPS tracking device on his ex-girlfriend’s car to monitor her movements, an act investigators say violated Florida’s newly strengthened anti-stalking law.
According to police reports, the Orlando firefighter told officers exactly where to find the device, which had been attached underneath the woman’s vehicle without her knowledge in October. Investigators said the tracker was still active and transmitting the victim’s location as recently as December 13th.
Authorities said concerns escalated after the victim reported Williams repeatedly showed up at her workplace, followed her, and left a handwritten note on her car warning that she had “nowhere to go and no place to hide.” Police said Williams claimed the woman had stolen medication from him.
Williams’ arrest comes as Florida enforces a new law that makes it a felony to secretly place or use a GPS or other tracking device to f...
- Title
- Oil change mistake led to ruined $20k transmission, woman says
- Runtime
- 4:16
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What was supposed to be quick trip for an oil change left Shannon Gerdauskas of DeLand with major concerns about her car.
Recalling that day in October, Gerdauskas said, “I was like ‘Oh, my God, is something wrong with the car?’”
It was a simple mistake made at the Take 5 Oil Change in DeLand that could have cost her nearly $20,000.
Take 5 Oil Change specializes in oil changes. But Action 9 found similar complaints across the country from drivers who say technicians drained fluids from their car and didn’t replace them – at times leaving drivers on the hook for huge repair bills.
“He was like, ‘Oh my God, oh my God. I am so sorry. We actually, oh my God, we emptied the transmission fluid instead of the oil.’”
A shop worker later followed up with text messages that included a claim number and a message apologizing. A follow up text message explained her transmission was mistakenly emptied.
...
- Title
- Florida proposal: make toll roads free for residents
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- As Florida families continue to battle affordability issues and confront the cost of living, Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed making Florida's toll roads free for drivers who live in the state.
Florida tolls can cost families hundreds per year. DeSantis believes the state can pay for infrastructure maintenance using tolls from businesses and tourists.
- Title
- Legendary NASCAR driver Greg Biffle dies in fiery plane crash in North Carolina
- Runtime
- 3:54
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Famed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family died in a plane crash in North Carolina Thursday.
Cox Media Group reported that a Cessna C550 business jet crashed as it was trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
The FAA and local officials have said that six people were killed on the flight.
The crash happened at the end of a runway, the airport director said. But John Ferguson said during a brief news conference that they have “no information on any cause."
There was fog at the time of the crash, but officials have not said if that contributed to the crash. Weather conditions are being investigated.
Biffle is remembered for helping hurricane victims and other humanitarian work.
Read the latest: https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/cessna-business-jet-crashes-north-carolina-airport/5CS53Y4LDJDJFIKN7RPR73FYAM/
- Title
- State Investigation: Troopers fumble DUI case involving Florida deputy
- Runtime
- 3:57
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- We now has more insight into why an Osceola County Deputy wasn’t charged with DUI after he crashed into a state trooper on the Florida Turnpike.
It happened eight months ago near the intersection of 192 and 441 in Kissimmee.
Only Channel 9 Anchor Daralene Jones obtained a copy of the Inspector General investigation, confirming that the DUI investigation appears to have been botched by the state.
Investigators determined Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Carlos Alves-Ferrer conducted an improper DUI investigation, but also arrested Osceola County Deputy Hunter Perkins for DUI without probable cause.
Florida Highway Patrol Captain Elias Sanchez was also sustained for instructing a subordinate to make an unlawful arrest for DUI, all of it stemming from the time lapsed during what should’ve been a DUI investigation from the start.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/florida/state-investigation-fhp-fumbles-dui-case-involv...
- Title
- Florida is cutting sugary, unhealthy foods from SNAP benefits
- Runtime
- 0:23
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Florida's Department of Children and Families, which oversees the SNAP benefits program, is making a major change in 2026.
Foods high in sugar or so-called "ultra-processed" foods will not be covered by benefits.
The agency says this aligns with SNAP's goal to promote healthy families and eating habits.
- Title
- Florida school district moves forward with closing 7 schools
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Orange County Public Schools, Florida leaders are moving forward with their school closing plan that would see 7 campuses emptied and consolidated into other buildings.
OCPS leaders blame the immigration crackdown, school vouchers and demographic changes for the smaller number of students.
The push is coming as Florida is allowing charter schools to use empty classrooms rent-free, which OCPS would have to pay the expenses for like cafeteria, janitor and maintenance services.
District leaders are also forecasting enrollment to decline for years.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/ocps-considers-closing-7-schools-because-significant-drop-enrollment/6SYVQBOEUFAYRCTCWKYBGWKK6A/
- Title
- Days after release, a Florida man who attacked a jogger is back in jail
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The man who attacked a jogger in College Park, in Orlando, Florida in April is now back in jail for violating probation.
The victim told police then, Tyler Feight jumped on her and tried to overpower her as she was running on Northumberland Avenue.
For the past week, neighbors have shared concerns about him being out on probation and that his sentence wasn’t enough.
State Attorney Monique Worrell’s Office offered Feight a plea deal. He served 225 days in county jail and was ordered to 3 years’ probation.
She says prosecutors didn’t have enough evidence that he committed attempted sexual battery. The plea deal was for just battery.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/college-park-man-who-attacked-jogger-back-jail/VCLHFECQMBFQPEGMYF7IDWZLUY/
- Title
- Rare $45,000 item disappeared from UPS shipment, man claims
- Runtime
- 4:12
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A package sent through UPS didn’t make it to its intended recipient. When it later got returned to the original UPS Store, the sender claims the valuable item inside was missing.
Though an interpreter, Gustavo Gonzalez said, “We’ve been trying to get answers from UPS. We’ve called them, emailed them, faxed them.”
The box Gonzalez sent back in February contained a very large piece of specialized equipment valued at more than $45,000.
Gustavo Gonzalez expected he wouldn’t have any problems after shipping three boxes from the UPS Store in Hunter’s Creek. Two of the boxes made it to a client in Miami. Gonzalez said the third one didn’t.
It contained a spare safety component of a hydrogen compressor, a very rare part that’s pretty heavy.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/man-claims-45k-item-disappeared-ups-shipment/6OASRPEU6RFG5FJHWPAZ5FBF7I/
- Title
- Girl missing for more than 40 years found after tip, mother charged
- Runtime
- 2:57
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A Kentucky family has been reunited with their daughter, Michelle Newton, more than 40 years after her abduction in 1983.
Michelle Newton disappeared from Louisville when she was only three years old, allegedly abducted by her mother, Debra Newton.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an age-progressed image of Michelle in 2024, hoping someone would recognize her.
Read more about the Florida Crime Stoppers tip: https://www.wftv.com/news/florida/child-missing-40-years-found-after-florida-crime-stoppers-tip-mother-charged/KWBIHIV5N5G3VKBNM76PYZRUD4/
- Title
- Struggling Florida city stashed millions in bank accounts instead of spending on improvements
- Runtime
- 9:04
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Documents we obtained today show Daytona Beach is sitting on tens of millions of dollars that are supposed to be used to revitalize struggling areas. The money is in Community Redevelopment Agency zones, which use future property tax growth to pay for public works projects.
Some commissioners said the amount of money surprised them, and they’re responsible for approving projects and plans, but claim the city never made the exact numbers available until this week.
But the budget we got ahold of shows that in some zones, more money is being spent on staff salaries than on actual approved projects.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/questions-grow-daytona-officials-let-cra-millions-go-unspent/XBP5WK5HKZE5LM6QCHPXIVFT4M/
- Title
- It's raining plastic in this polluted Florida lagoon
- Runtime
- 3:13
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A new study from University of Central Florida researchers found microplastics in the air are “raining” down into the Indian River Lagoon. The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Environments.
UCF Pegasus Professor of Biology, Dr. Linda Walters, said earlier water sampling estimated a significant amount of plastic already present in the lagoon.
She estimates there are 1.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the lagoon. She added, Scientists have spent years trying to figure out where it’s coming from. UCF researchers determined a primary source is atmospheric deposition—particles in the air that fall back to Earth. Those particles include microplastics, and the issue is not unique to the Indian River Lagoon.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/florida/ucf-study-finds-microplastics-are-raining-into-indian-river-lagoon/QDOQFH4TFNAFJHAGKD23RCBLNM/
- Title
- Florida sues Starbucks over 'mandatory DEI system'
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier is suing the Starbucks coffee corporation over a series of diversity and inclusion initiatives the company implemented with employees over the past several years.
WFTV anchor Alexa Lorenzo explains the legal action and Starbucks' response.
- Title
- Universal posts new warnings after man dies riding roller coaster
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A newly released report from the Orange County Medical Examiner details the extent of injuries that led to a death on an Epic Universe roller coaster.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died nearly three months ago; the medical examiner ruled his death an accident from over a dozen blunt impact injuries.
The autopsy released by the medical examiner on Friday said Rodriguez Zavala sustained eight injuries to the head and neck, bruises on his torso, and multiple injuries to extremities including a fractured femur.
The new report was released just one day after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office found no Universal Orlando Resort employees were negligent in Rodriguez Zavala’s death.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/autopsy-released-man-who-died-epic-universe-roller-coaster/YDKDG4EWTZFWDKOL6B6IIFSHQ4/
- Title
- Florida man smuggled guns in shipments labeled food, agents say
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Federal court documents reveal that a Central Florida man is accused of smuggling at least a dozen guns from Orlando to the Caribbean using false labels to hide the weapons.
Court documents first identified by Court Watch reveal that authorities found one package in Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean. It was labeled as containing clothes, but authorities found it was packed with 150 rounds of ammunition, 13 magazines, and six guns with “obliterated” serial numbers.
Another package labeled as canned food was found in South Florida, also bound for Dominica, containing six 9mm handguns and 12 magazines.
Both shipments were traced back to an Orlando shipping company, where employees confirmed the name of the man who dropped off the packages to ship to Dominica.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/central-florida-man-accused-smuggling-guns-caribbean-hidden-shipments-labeled-food-clothes/CHYHZO34RNABJHZ3OLQHZ7BESM/
- Title
- High school student accused of attacking women, videotaping assaults
- Runtime
- 3:26
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Deputies in Orange County said a man is facing several sex crimes charges, and they believe there could be more victims.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Rafael O’Reilly Lerner on 13 charges, including sexual battery and false imprisonment.
Detectives believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward, as Lerner’s tactics are described as emotionally and physically brutal.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county-detectives-say-suspected-rapist-could-have-more-victims/WAFPD6GRIRDMPCSMRZB2VPKFAY/
- Title
- $218 million highway project to begin to cut Orlando traffic during big events
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Construction will soon begin on the 408 eastbound, with crews adding a fifth lane between Orange Blossom Trail and I-4.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) has approved the project, which includes not only the expansion of the 408 but also improvements to Rio Grande and Tampa Avenue.
The enhancements are part of a broader effort to accommodate increased traffic and improve road safety in the area.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/traffic-relief-horizon-408-expansion-toll-overhaul-moves-forward/HSBCO4O2QFBYLIOWL5XC6MUQPY/
- Title
- 84-year-old shot son in the face because he didn't visit over the weekend, police say
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- An 84-year-old Palm Bay, Florida man is behind bars without bond after police say he shot his son during a family visit Tuesday evening.
Palm Bay Police say the shooting happened at Nowak’s home on Hawksbill Street NW, where his son and daughter-in-law routinely visit each week.
Investigators say Nowak became upset the couple hadn’t visited over the weekend. The argument escalated, and police say Nowak told his son, “Get out of my house or I’m going to shoot you.” Nowak’s daughter-in-law told police, Nowak walked into a bedroom, got a gun, returned to the kitchen and shot the victim in the face. William Nowak appeared frail as deputies brought him before a judge Wednesday.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/elderly-palm-bay-man-held-without-bond-after-allegedly-shooting-son/PUQ4ZRH6HBBZTIJCKWTAMNJL7A/?outputType=amp
- Title
- Florida's 'Road to Nowhere' is finally getting its promised destination
- Runtime
- 2:40
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Construction has begun on a long-awaited road connecting two Florida counties. It promises Lake County residents direct access to State Road 429, Disney World, and Winter Garden by March 2027.
The road, which has been in the works for over a decade, has been a source of frustration for Lake County residents who protested the lack of progress, and even created their own cut-throughs on unpaved land.
But according to Orange County, the private developer building the road, MI Homes, got a notice proceed with construction on November 24th. Construction should be complete within 14-months.
On Thursday, Channel 9 saw a crew clear debris away from about a quarter-mile stretch connecting Sawgrass Bay Boulevard to Flemings Road.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/weve-been-promised-this-so-long-construction-starts-new-road-linking-orange-lake-counties/CWXTUDC4KJDWJK73IMDA4PQ5UI/
- Title
- Man flew forward, slammed his head on first drop of 'Epic Universe' ride
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe on September.
The investigation determined that his death was accidental, and no criminal acts were involved.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being found unresponsive at the theme park.
In their report, officers wrote that Rodriguez Zavala was found slumped over after the ride and his girlfriend was screaming. They said his femur was broken and he was found in an unusual position.
They said his parents discouraged him from riding roller coasters because of his spine injury, but he didn't listen.
- Title
- As public schools weigh closing, DeSantis defends Florida voucher system
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- As the Orange County School Board considers closing schools, the Governor is defending a charter school program.
Autumn Ewing’s daughter attends kindergarten at Bonneville Elementary, which is one of 7 schools that the Orange County Public School district may close.
She is trying to keep it open.
“We have put together a petition to help save our school and we ask anybody we can to sign the petition and help us keep Bonneville doors open.”
Currently, there are 380 students, but there’s room for 938 kids.
The Orange County School District reports that enrollment has decreased by 8,000 students over the last three years.
Some blame the loss on demographic changes. Board members acknowledged that many students are going to private schools, charter schools, or being home-schooled.
This is happening as approved charter schools, known as “Schools of Hope,” are requesting to relocate int...
- Title
- Florida's Broken HOA System Could Finally Change
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- After years of homeowners complaining that Florida law makes it impossible to hold their HOA board accountable, a new proposal by a South Florida Republican would tip the scales back in their favor.
HB 657, sponsored by Juan Porras (R-Miami Dade) would be the biggest overhaul of HOA laws in the Sunshine State in years.
The bill would remove many requirements for homeowners to seek mediation before suing their HOA, which homeowners complain is burdensome, opaque and favors the HOA.
If homeowners decide their HOA is dysfunctional or is actively working against their interests, the bill would let them vote to dissolve their HOA entirely.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/florida/proposal-could-end-dysfunctional-florida-hoas-push-accountability/RYV7FQ2SNNADTJTMSSAZQ2DC5Q/
- Title
- Florida deputies wrangle alligator at gas station
- Runtime
- 0:17
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Sarasota County deputies had to capture a nearly 11-foot alligator outside a 7-Eleven convenience store this week! The gator thrashed around as they tried to get the animal out of the way of customers in the store's parking lot.
- Title
- Florida school districts face wave of closures as enrollment declines
- Runtime
- 4:21
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Orange County Public Schools (Florida) is considering closing seven campuses due to financial constraints and a significant decline in enrollment.
This year, OCPS is estimating a $41 million funding deficit. The school district reports that enrollment has decreased by 8,000 students over the last three years. School board members acknowledged that many students are going to private schools, charter schools, or are being home-schooled.
Cape View Elementary parents are speaking out as Brevard Public Schools moves closer to a decision on whether to consolidate their under-enrolled Cape Canaveral school with Roosevelt Elementary in Cocoa Beach.
It’s at about 48% enrollment. Many parents are hoping the board finds away to keep Cape View open.
And in Marion County, leaders have long talked about closing campuses on the district's north side.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ocps-considers-closing-7-schools-because-s...
- Title
- Plane lands on Florida highway, crushes Toyota Camry
- Runtime
- 2:40
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The FAA is investigating two separate crashes after planes landed on Central Florida roads Monday, leading to traffic and detours in Brevard and Volusia Counties.
Florida Highway Patrol says a 27-year-old pilot made an emergency landing on I-95 and crashed into a Toyota Camry. Troopers say the 57-year-old woman was driving in the center lane when the plane collided. The woman was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Both the pilot and his passenger on the aircraft are okay.
Troopers say the plane had double-engine failure.
Flight data shows the plane taking off from Merritt Island just after 4:30 p.m., flying in circles around Brevard and Volusia counties for a little over an hour up until the last couple minutes of the flight.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/faa-investigates-two-separate-plane-crashes-central-florida-roads/I3U46G2FA5AX5M5SYXUCG6KRWM/
- Title
- Fury over Florida city's credit card spending grows
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Tallahassee will scrutinize how Daytona Beach spends your tax dollars on Monday. The call for an audit follows a Channel 9 investigation that exposed questionable credit card spending, lax oversight, and generous car allowances.
Hundreds of pages of documents reveal possible discrepancies in how the City of Daytona Beach hands out credit cards and approves the purchases made on them. Eyewitness News is going through every transaction made on credit cards issued from the past two years.
Eyewitness News went through the transactions line by line and found ten people who aren’t city employees using the cards. They’re all contractors or employees of contractors.
So far, we have found receipts at restaurants, stores, and hotels, which are not allowed by city rules.
One of the card users spent $76,000 in one year. The charges include payments on 11 cell phone bills, a $1,107 hotel stay, $100 food bill at a local restaurant, and thousand...
- Title
- Blue Origin Faces Public Pushback Over Florida Wastewater Discharge Plan
- Runtime
- 2:45
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Brevard County leaders voted to ask the state to have a public hearing before allowing Blue Origin to discharge industrial wastewater into the water.
This is after the Florida Department of Environmental Protections issued a draft permit that would allow Blue Origin to discharge nearly 500,000 gallons of treated and untreated industrial wastewater per day into a retention pond that feeds directly into the Indian River Lagoon.
Dozens of residents as well as some commissioners were outspoken in opposition of the proposal Tuesday night. Many called Blue Origin’s proposal a cheap solution for the company but a costly one to this community and the environment.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brevard-county-calls-public-hearing-blue-origin-wastewater-discharge-into-indian-river-lagoon/PQDKGMIT7JFITHITMMFRNYSH7E/
- Title
- We tested a popular Kratom drink sold at gas stations to find out how addictive it is
- Runtime
- 5:16
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- TikTok and Instagram are flooded with warnings from users about addiction and side effects from kratom products.
The Florida State Attorney General banned concentrated kratom products earlier this year, but there are several products like kratom drinks still legally sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online.
They’re often marketed as natural herbal drinks, powders or supplements. Behind all the wellness claims lies growing concern about kratom’s opioid-like high and addictive grip.
9 Investigates obtained Sheriff’s Office reports showing investigators found six empty bottles of Feel Free in a drawer next to a man who died along with two empty packages of this kratom powder in his backpack. Both products are still legal in Florida.
9 Investigates bought samples of Feel Free. It’s readily available at gas stations and smoke shops across the state.
We traveled to this University of Florida drug lab to ask Profess...
- Title
- New details emerge in teen's cruise ship death during family court hearing
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Shauntel Kepner, the stepmother of 18-year-old homicide victim Anna Kepner, declined to answer questions as she left the Brevard County courthouse Friday.
But inside the courtroom, she was required to respond during a hearing focused on whether her youngest child with ex-husband Thomas Hudson was at risk in her care, given Anna’s death aboard a cruise ship and an ongoing FBI investigation involving her 16-year-old stepbrother.
Kepner said she last saw her stepdaughter on the evening of November 6, 2025. She was sharing a cabin with her brother and stepbrother.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/family-court-hearing-sheds-new-light-cruise-ship-death/WAPLG6UIUJFKRPUXEKTSIST2VM/
- Title
- Toys for Tots drive in Orlando, chance to win free tickets!
- Runtime
- 1:02
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- We are collecting toys for Toys For Tots' annual drive! The Marines have a goal to collect 100,000 unwrapped toys before Christmas. The warehouse is still very empty.
Stop by the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando in the next few hours to win tickets to Straight No Chaser on December 27!
- Title
- Florida college student arrested for bringing AR-15 onto campus
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A 21-year-old student at Rollins College, Constantine Demetriades, was arrested for allegedly having an AR-15 rifle in his dorm room.
Demetriades faces up to five years in prison after campus safety discovered an online delivery order of ammunition to his on-campus apartment, leading police to search his bedroom and find an AR-15, a tactical vest, and multiple knives.
Demetriades, who has been on the rowing team since his freshman year and has won medals for the sport, told police he knew his concealed carry permit from New Jersey wasn’t valid in Florida and admitted he shouldn’t have had a gun on campus, according to a Winter Park Police report.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/rollins-college-student-arrested-bringing-ar-15-onto-campus-police-say/5E2UOJWTV5BGRE64XNFLUIIG4A/
- Title
- Florida deputies seize 92,000 POUNDS of illegal substance
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- When we arrived in Palm Bay this afternoon, Overseas Organix was locked up tight — and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says so is its operator, 26-year-old Maxwell Horvath.
Agents seized approximately 92,000 pounds of a substance suspected of containing a concentration of a potent opioid-like compound called 7-OH. Testing is underway, but the haul could have an estimated street value of $4.7 million.
Investigators say they also recovered automatic guns, ammunition, and five improvised explosive devices inside the business.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brevard-county-man-arrested-after-suspected-7-oh-weapons-seizure/6NJ27TXGTNHHTFUYF6OUSGSCLU/
- Title
- $12,000 auto repair bill will be covered after WFTV investigation
- Runtime
- 3:12
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A central Florida man stuck with a $12,000 car repair bill after a water bottle spill will no longer have to cover the costs. After an Action 9 investigation made headlines around the world, his insurance company reconsidered and will pay for the costly repairs.
Michael McCormick believed he would have to shell out the money himself to repair the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that’s just a couple of years old. Now, he’ll just have to pay a deductible of $250.
Action 9 reported last month that McCormick loved almost everything about his 2023 Ioniq 5.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/12000-auto-repair-bill-will-be-covered-after-action-9-investigation/DB42JPSVNBGNTDFN53COXU3QIM/
- Title
- Florida jewelry store explodes after crews patch gas leak
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A jewelry and gemstone business blew up in downtown Eustis Thursday after crews repaired a gas leak outside the store.
Fire Chief Michael Swanson said crews doing road work had found the leak, which seeped into nearby utility lines, which he said was not uncommon.
After they capped the leak and began to clear the scene, a fireball erupted from the store.
Video from Tip Tops, a screen printing business across the street, captured the explosion, which blew out the building’s windows and sent at least one pedestrian running.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/building-explodes-downtown-eustis-after-gas-leak/KNYCZ6KHJVG4DBH6462HOMEQPA/
- Title
- What to know about the gym-linked disease outbreak in Florida
- Runtime
- 3:42
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- UPDATE: Crunch says its facility tested negative: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/crunch-fitness-ocoee-says-state-testing-found-no-evidence-legionnaires-bacteria/G6MYFJB2HRCETHDGRKBBMR36GY/
The Florida Department of Health said in the email to Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith that all 14 cases were tied to “gym exposure” but, so far, had not released any specific source.
The Orange County Health Department did not confirm how many possible sources of the illness it was investigating.
Channel 9’s Ashlyn Webb broke the story in late November that Crunch Fitness on East Silver Star Road in Ocoee said it closed sections of its gym for testing.
“It’s frustrating because we shouldn’t have to wait for a state senator to formally request information about a major outbreak of a disease like Legionnaires’ in order to get that information,” Smith said.
“The Florida Department of Health needs to be more transparent,” h...
- Title
- Driver freed under Florida's ‘Stand Your Ground’ law after deadly road rage shooting
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Detectives from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal shooting that took place early this morning in unincorporated Longwood, believed to be linked to a traffic dispute.
Deputies arrived around 1:00 a.m. after a shooting was reported on Rutledge Road at the 1700 block. Investigators found that two drivers, each armed with a handgun, got into a verbal altercation following a traffic incident near the entrance to Mandarin Estates, the decedent’s subdivision.
Detectives report that the decedent aimed his firearm at the shooter, who then fired several rounds, causing the decedent’s death. He was declared dead at the scene, and his firearm was recovered in the roadway. The decedent’s name is kept confidential until family notification.
- Title
- Florida city spends THOUSANDS on cars for office workers, audit reveals
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A new report obtained today by nine investigators shows that some Daytona Beach employees may not be paying federal taxes on their car allowances. The findings come from an auditor hired by commissioners to review the city’s finances.
The 11-page report shows the city of Daytona Beach spends more than $350,000 a year on employee car allowances, many of whom have office-based jobs.
A city auditor was not able to find mileage logs or an explanation of use, meaning some staff members may not be paying federal taxes on their car allowances because the payments aren’t being reported to the IRS as income.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/volusia-county/daytona-beach-spends-350k-car-allowances-many-office-workers-pay-no-tax-them-audit-reveals/6ULGGOSTDNBY7IAX23SNWQ73UY/
- Title
- Dead people’s disabled parking tags seized in Florida crackdown
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- During a two-day enforcement period, officers seized 59 placards that were being used illegally, including some from deceased individuals. The fines for these violations are $183.
Mt Dora police are cracking down on the illegal use of disabled parking placards, issuing fines throughout the holiday season.
During a two-day enforcement period, officers seized 59 placards that were being used illegally, including some from deceased individuals. The fines for these violations are $183.
Officer Keith Vidler explained, “He was pretty mad. Yes he was upset yes. He said he’s worked all his life and has a disability himself. He can go get his own placard, but he cannot use his wife’s.”
- Title
- Half of U.S. Truck Driving Schools Fail Federal Rules, report finds
- Runtime
- 2:55
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The U.S. Department of Transportation says nearly half of truck driving training schools in the country are not following government regulation.
It raises questions about the estimated three and a half million commercial drivers on the roads across the nation.
The department found thousands of schools that either aren’t training their drivers up to standards or didn’t have proper documents on file. Because of that, as many as three thousand schools could lose accreditation in the next 30 days.
In August, a viral video from inside a semi showed the fatal crash that killed all three in this minivan. Investigators say the van had no time to brake after the truck driver, Harjinder Singh, made an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/nearly-half-us-truck-driving-schools-fail-meet-federal-standards-dot-report-finds/KQYH7DMQPRG65EIK4KGW73WKZQ/
- Title
- Apartment complex towed family's belongings after PODS missed move, renter says
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A woman said she decided to move, rented a PODS container, and loaded it. the woman said the apartment complex told her she had to move it within four days, or they’d tow it. She says she told PODS.
“They reassured me that they would be there to pick it up in time and not to worry,” she told Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke. “And I went on their word what they told me as a consumer. I trusted them.”
But the woman says four days came and went, that it was sitting there six, but not for long.
- Title
- Teen killed on cruise: when will FBI make an arrest?
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- As the homicide investigation into 18-year-old Anna Kepner's death continues, an attorney who has worked with cruise ships for 40 years shares insights into the challenges of investigating a suffocation on a cruise ship and when FBI agents could make an arrest.
The primary suspect in Kepner's death is her 16-year-old stepbrother. Their family is scheduled to return to court this week.
- Title
- Florida charter school operators demand free classroom space from 60 public schools
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- As soon as the calendar shifted to November, Florida public school districts were flooded by demands from charter school operators seeking space inside public schools – without paying rent.
The letters came after Florida law changed to expand the state’s “Schools of Hope” program. Previously open to the state’s worst-performing schools, the program now allows charter schools to operate within public-school buildings that have vacant classrooms located near traditionally disadvantaged communities.
Criticism of the expanded program has grown, even among traditional school choice advocates. The private, nonprofit companies have been accused of double-dipping by accepting Florida’s education voucher money while demanding access to cafeteria space, support staff, and maintenance on the public district’s dime.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/charter-operators-wanted-classroom-space-60-public-schools-heres-list/VSIYR3PKPNH7ZMQGR4...
- Title
- Crashes surge 300% at Florida intersection, fix remains years away
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The Florida Department of Transportation says three State Road 50 projects are underway that should improve safety on the busy East Orange County highway.
It comes after a deadly four-car crash at the intersection of Lansing Street and East Colonial Drive in Bithlo claimed the life of a 48-year-old man on Thursday.
That crash prompted residents to reiterate longstanding safety concerns about State Road 50 (East Colonial Drive).
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating Thursday’s crash, which is not the first incident at this intersection.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/crashes-surge-300-percent-state-road-50-intersection-fdot-fix-remains-years-away/RXGYA467XJCJZIUAAAX5DYW4MM/
- Title
- Florida lawmakers back proposal to eliminate local control over big developments
- Runtime
- 2:30
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In a state where voters are increasingly calling for tighter restrictions on housing developments, a new proposal has been submitted in Tallahassee to help developers sidestep local control altogether.
The proposal, filed as SB 354 and commonly referred to as the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, establishes a set of rules that developers must follow if their property meets specific criteria. In exchange, it would essentially force the local county or municipal board to rubber-stamp the approval of the development regardless of a community’s feelings toward it.
To be considered a “Blue Ribbon Project,” the development must be greater than 10,000 acres and located near a highway interchange, rail line, or airport.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/lawmakers-back-proposal-exclude-mega-developments-local-control/76JUNEUIQFF5RGQ3LHEQOT2MQY/
- Title
- Uber driver choked by passenger while driving down highway, police say
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- A man is being held in jail on a $48,500 bond after he was arrested for attacking an Uber driver and exposing himself.
Carlos Cruz-Garcia, 27, made his first appearance in court. Investigators say he hired an Uber to pick him up from a party at around midnight on Monday.
According to the arrest report, during the ride he grabbed the female Uber driver from behind, even though she told him to stop. As they drove along the 429, the report states Cruz-Garcia became more aggressive, touching the victim inappropriately.
As he wrapped his arms around her from behind, the victim stated it was almost impossible to breathe, and she remembered thinking that “this is the day she is going to die.”
Investigators say Cruz-Garcia placed the victim in a choke hold. She tried fighting back and even stopped her vehicle in the middle of SR 429, waving her arms out the window to get help from other drivers. She was unable to get out of the car becaus...
