WFTV Channel 9
Man killed three Orlando tourists waiting for rental car, sheriff says
- Title
- Man killed three Orlando tourists waiting for rental car, sheriff says
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Deputies in Osceola County have identified the victims of a deadly triple shooting.
The shooting happened around 12:13 p.m. on Saturday inside the Indian Hill Subdivision, near Kissimmee.
Deputies said they arrived after 911 calls about a shooting and found three people shot to death at a home on Indian Point Drive.
The victims have been identified as Columbus, Ohio residents James Puchan, 68, and Douglas Kraft, 68, and Holland, Michigan resident Robert Kraft, 70.
Deputies said Ahmad Bojeh was arrested and is facing charges after killing the men.
Investigators said the victims were renting a house for vacation when the shooting occurred.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/victims-identified-after-deadly-triple-shooting-inside-kissimmee-area-vacation-rental/YRKXZ4IN3FFMHHLCR3XXW3TRX4/
- Title
- ICE tours warehouse in Orlando as agents seek to open new detention center
- Runtime
- 3:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Federal immigration officials are considering Orange County as the site of a new detention facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
ICE Senior Advisor David Venturella confirmed this with Channel 9 Investigative Reporter Ashlyn Webb after more than 30 people, including ICE officials and federal contractors, were seen leaving a site visit at a vacant warehouse off Transport Drive Friday.
Venturella says it’s “exploratory,” and ICE is in very early talks.
Several sources told 9 Investigates ahead of the site tour that ICE may be looking at this specific property.
The warehouse is located at 8660 Transport Drive in the back of an industrial park in Sunbridge and is surrounded by woods.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ice-considering-orange-county-warehouse-new-detention-facility/VKOR5DF7UVEHTONXDONQYFTYLQ/
- Title
- Proposal to block community feedback for mega developments runs into trouble
- Runtime
- 2:27
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Florida lawmaker has promised to re-work his proposal after it was criticized for removing local control over big housing projects.
In a hearing Tuesday, Sen. Stan McClain (R-Ocala) described SB 354 as a test or starting point and said he would’ve already brought changes to the table if he thought lawmakers would’ve had time to review them.
McClain is the primary backer of the “Blue Ribbon Projects” proposal, which would create a set of standards for developments 10,000 acres or more. If the projects met those standards, the local government would have to approve them, regardless of how much they differed from the community’s desired growth plan.
Some of the conditions included setting aside 60% of the land for conservation, parks and utilities, creating walkable neighborhoods and mandating that 20% of the housing must be affordable to people making less than the area median income.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/loc...
- Title
- Freeze warning: Central Florida gets coldest air in three years
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Weather Alert Day is in effect for tonight, as the coldest air in years moves into the area.
A strong cold front has cleared the region, and temperatures will tumble quickly this evening.
A Freeze Warning is in effect for most of Central Florida for the overnight. Morning lows will be around freezing in Metro Orlando, with 20s likely in areas northwest of the city.
This will be the coolest air to impact the region since Christmas morning 2022.
- Title
- ICE in Central Florida: What we know about ‘Operation Tidal Wave’
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- If you’ve noticed a heavy law enforcement presence at local motels today, you aren’t imagining it.
A massive immigration crackdown—dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave”—is officially moving through our neighborhoods. While we’ve seen plenty of videos circulating on social media, local leaders are now confirming the activity is very real.
U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost says his office has confirmed that ICE agents are securing “pretty large” hotel reservations as staging areas. According to Frost, agents have been spotted in:
* UCF / East Orlando
* Winter Garden
* Altamonte Springs
The focus seems to be in Kissimmee. FL Congressman Darren Soto has already started posting “Know Your Rights” guides online to help local families navigate the surge.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ice-central-florida-what-we-know-about-operation-tidal-wave/24V2CO4BLFGJZDOBACVBXZ4MFM/
- Title
- Deputies who fatally shot Target Pokémon thieves can't claim qualified immunity
- Runtime
- 3:22
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A federal judge says two Osceola County deputies do not have qualified immunity in a deadly shooting from 2022 outside a Target store.
Judge Gregory Presnell explained in 60-page order that a series of “reckless and unreasonable decisions” by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and their deputies led to this minor misdemeanor case turning into chaos, with a full takedown and later, a homicide scene.
On April 27, 2022, at a Kissimmee Target, deputies pursued two people accused of shoplifting Pokémon cards and a pizza worth about $40. The teens got into an Audi with two others and then deputies in unmarked vehicles blocked them in. The driver Jayden Baez tried to escape but collided with unmarked law enforcement vehicles. Then, deputies fired more than 30 shots into the vehicle, killing Baez and injuring Joseph Lowe.
The deputies were cleared of criminal charges in 2022, but now, the families of the victims are suing the Sheriff’s Office an...
- Title
- Florida neighborhood terrorized, attacked by loose dogs
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Neighbors on Seacrest Drive in Ormond By The Sea, Florida claim they’ve been terrorized by two loose dogs for months. Ring doorbell camera video shared with only Channel 9 shows the dogs lunge at a homeowner and bite his dog.
“I heard all this commotion outside and I open the door and here’s these 2 big dogs trying to attack I guess our dog but if my husband had fallen or something, who knows they could have gone after him,” said Patti Schoenwetter.
Patti Schoenwetter shared the video with us from the couple’s ring doorbell camera. She’s one of several neighbors on the street who has had a run in with the dogs.
An Animal Services spokesperson told us they’ve stepped up patrols in the area and that the dogs’ owner has received multiple citations for not keeping the dogs restrained on their property.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/volusia-county/ormond-by-the-sea-neighbors-terrorized-by-loose-dogs-months-excl...
- Title
- Florida officials launch review of deputy fire chief’s $14K of overtime
- Runtime
- 3:13
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The city of Daytona Beach is now investigating how a fire battalion chief was able to make more than $14,000 in overtime in six weeks.
That review of the department’s spending is in direct response to our reporting. 9 Investigates revealed that the employee held a Monday through Friday position but clocked overtime hours on weekends and during time off.
The payroll report 9 Investigates exposed from 2023 shows that a former battalion chief, who is now the deputy fire chief, doubled her paycheck during a six-week period. Jessica Matthews clocked 200 hours of overtime between May 27th and July 8th.
Her paycheck for that timeframe included $14,414 in overtime, in addition to her regular paycheck. Several of those days show Matthews was on personal leave but still logged overtime hours, including a 23.50-hour shift on a Saturday.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/daytona-beach-officials-launch-review-deputy-fire-chiefs-14k-over...
- Title
- Disney performer who stopped boulder from hitting audience says he's no hero
- Runtime
- 3:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Disney cast member is being called ‘a hero’ after a stunt went dangerously wrong at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios on Dec. 30. Video that went viral shows a 400-pound boulder prop rolling off course during the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and one longtime performer stepping directly into its path to protect the audience.
Channel 9 spoke exclusively with Robert Herrick, the cast member who didn’t hesitate to jump into action.
Herrick said the only thing on his mind at that moment was to stop the boulder from rolling.
With no hesitation, video shows Herrick using himself as a shield for the hundreds in the crowd.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/only-9-disney-world-performer-describes-moment-he-stopped-runaway-400lb-boulder-protect-crowd/HYTYFP5MNNFPHGTERVXTXT6ZYE/
- Title
- Disney cast member who stopped 400-pound boulder prop speaks out for the first time
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Disney cast member who put himself between a 400-pound inflatable boulder prop and the "Indiana Jones" audience watching the Hollywood Studios show is recovering at home after being injured.
Robert Herrick fractured two vertebrae when he collided with the ball, which was captured in videos that went viral.
Herrick, a longtime cast member and stuntman on the show, downplayed the significance of his actions and said he is excited to get back to his Disney family after he finishes recovering.
We will post more from his interview in a follow-up video.
- Title
- Florida home builder taking money but making no progress, couple claims
- Runtime
- 4:06
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Florida couple said building their dream home turned into a nightmare.
Stephen said even though the builder was taking draws on the construction loan there were delays and excuses.
“There was always, like a common excuse of, like, medical issues or health problems or something,” he said.
Around $170,000 was taken out on the $280,000 project. A lumber supplier placed a lien on the property claiming they weren’t paid. The DeMatties said they had to pay out of pocket to have the lien removed and they paid other subcontractors, too.
They aren’t the only clients with complaints. In February of 2025, another couple, Ivan and Maria Rodriguez sued claiming it was well past the 215 business days required in their 2022 contract and Michael Olm failed to substantially complete the project. The lawsuit also alleges multiple subcontractors Olm hired put liens on their home after he failed to pay them.
Read more: https://www....
- Title
- Teen says he wasn't driving 90 miles per hour when he hit this bus, killing two
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The 18-year-old driver of a Ford Mustang who crashed into the side of a Lynx Access bus in Apopka in November said he was driving the speed limit when the bus turned into his path.
Denis Maldonado Reyes’ account of the crash differs from the report troopers who investigated the crash submitted. They estimated his speed at 90 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone.
“It was 50 and he was going that,” Reyes’ younger brother relayed as he translated for the teen, who had stated the incorrect speed limit.
Reyes said he swerved when the bus turned as he approached the intersection of Rock Springs Road and Alexandria Place Drive, but not enough to avoid the 12,000-pound vehicle. His 17-year-old friend and passenger took the brunt of the impact and spent weeks in the hospital.
Troopers had long believed speed was a factor in the crash based on the damage to both vehicles. They have since ruled out drugs, alcohol and distracted driv...
- Title
- Florida deputy fire chief racked up $14k in overtime in just six weeks
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- 9 Investigates is asking Daytona Beach Fire how a battalion chief was able to make more than $14,000 in overtime in six weeks.
Documents we obtained show that the employee, who is now the city’s Deputy Fire Chief, held a Monday through Friday position but clocked overtime hours on weekends and during time off.
The payroll report from 2023 shows Jessica Matthews doubled her paycheck during a 6-week period. Matthews clocked more than 200 hours of overtime between May 27th and July 8th. Her paycheck for that timeframe included $14,414 in overtime, in addition to her regular paycheck.
Several of those days show that Matthews was on personal leave but still logged overtime hours, including a 23.5-hour shift on a Saturday.
- Title
- Florida weather update: widespread showers to come with cold blast
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Temperatures will be noticeably cooler in Central Florida starting Monday.
Highs around 70 degrees for a couple of days before another cool down occurs.
The week ahead will be cloudy with limited sunshine and minimal rain chances for most of Central Florida.
A weather front is expected to arrive on Wednesday, bringing widespread showers throughout the day on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Rain totals could reach up to half an inch, although no severe weather impacts are expected with this change.
- Title
- DOUBLE cold front will send temperatures plummeting in Florida this week
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Temperatures in Florida will fall throughout the week, culminating in a near-freezing morning throughout the Orlando and Ocala metro areas Friday.
Tomorrow, our temperatures will be noticeably cooler. Highs will be back around 70° for a couple of days before another cool-down heads our way.
The next front is expected to arrive on Wednesday and will be the largest change we have seen in the past couple of months.
Widespread showers will be possible most of Wednesday and Thursday. Rain totals could reach half an inch. No severe weather impacts are expected.
- Title
- They're coming home! Astronauts head to earth amid undisclosed 'medical issue'
- Runtime
- 2:21
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- NASA is finalizing plans for the return of Crew-11 after an undisclosed medical issue involving one of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
The agency says the situation is stable, allowing the crew to remain in orbit while doctors continue to evaluate the astronaut’s condition. Space analyst Ken Kremer of Space UpClose told us, “Coming back to Earth isn’t a piece of cake either, all right? You’re going to hit three or four G’s, and you’re going to have a lot of stress on your body coming back.”
NASA says it is not making any special accommodations for splashdown. Astronauts onboard the ISS are medically trained and remain in constant contact with flight surgeons on the ground. The station is also equipped with a pharmacy and medical hardware to treat a wide range of conditions—capabilities that have been used repeatedly during the ISS’s 25 years of continuous operations.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/loc...
- Title
- Florida county eliminates most public bus routes
- Runtime
- 2:34
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- All but four Lynx bus routes in Seminole County are coming to an end this weekend.
The cuts will eliminate eight LYNX routes across the county, including all routes in Sanford.
A spokesperson for LYNX explained the decision, saying, “This all ties back into the direction Seminole County gave us to eliminate service because they no longer wanted to fund bus service… If a funding partner does not want to fund a route, that service will be eliminated.”
The funding for the LYNX bus service has been slashed from $10 million to $5 million annually as part of the county’s decision to transition to a more cost-effective ride-share model.
Seminole County is replacing the public transit option with an on-demand service called “Scout.”
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/most-lynx-bus-routes-will-end-across-seminole-county-this-weekend/XQ5JXS36WRBIZCLOQULXT65YJY/
- Title
- Money is pouring in to fix one of Florida's deadliest roads
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- One of Central Florida’s most dangerous roads is about to undergo a critical construction overhaul.
Millions of federal dollars will be used to address issues on Semoran Boulevard.
The construction improvements will target the nearly four and a half mile stretch of State Road 436 from 17-92 to Aloma Avenue, which has been the site of 19 deadly crashes and 28 serious injuries since 2018.
- Title
- Florida immigrants are being handed over to ICE – and then sent right back to jail
- Runtime
- 2:23
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Approximately half of all immigrants booked into the Orange County, Florida Jail last month without any criminal charges were handed over to ICE agents and then sent directly back to the jail, data from jail leaders showed.
The process, known as “repeat booking,” had been rare in Orange County until this summer as immigration officials struggled with a lack of available beds at federal detention facilities.
Under the county’s agreement with federal authorities, immigrants without criminal charges can be housed at the jail for a maximum of 72 hours.
After that clock runs out, they must be handed over to ICE, which then books them back at the jail, resetting the clock.
- Title
- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Arrested woman shoots deputy with gun hidden in her pants
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Exclusive new video shows the moment a Florida woman reached into her pants, pulled out a gun, and shot a Marion County deputy while she was in the back of his cruiser.
Deputies said Rheanna Harden was “flexible” enough to grab a gun from her pants and open fire as she was inside of the cruiser.
The video shows the 22-year-old's arrest in June and the deputy checking her multiple times. It also shows her trying to cover the car's camera with her hat.
Both Harden and the deputy were okay after the shooting, which also saw the deputy return fire.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy arrested Harden for driving with a suspended license, providing a fake ID to law enforcement and for possessing drugs.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/woman-shoots-deputy-with-secret-gun-her-pants-while-handcuffed-back-seat/3BSTCT5M7NHDDH4QOQC3DOLXQE/
- Title
- Florida businesses hit by rash of 'fake money' scams
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- If you’re a small business owner in Lake Mary, Florida, you might want to double-check that $50 bill before making change.
Over the past few weeks, at least six local shops—including SoBol, Bronx House Pizza, and an Ice Spot ice cream shop on Wheelhouse Lane have been targeted by suspects using convincing counterfeit $50 bills to buy cheap items… then walking away with real cash.
The scam is simple: pay $50 for a $10 smoothie or pizza slice, take the change, and leave. In one case, the suspect didn’t even wait for his order. He walked out as soon as he got his money back.
SoBol owner Jeff Busick showed us surveillance footage on his phone of the moment it happened at his acai and smoothie shop on December 16.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/fake-50-bills-scam-hits-lake-mary-small-businessessuspects-caught-camera/VQAHA7YX3FEUZORLC222TKEFXA/?outputType=amp
- Title
- Florida man shot homeowner who was gardening, police say
- Runtime
- 2:29
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- An Ocala neighborhood is in shock after a resident was randomly shot to death in his front yard, according to police.
Officials said 64-year-old Harold Harper was killed in a random act of violence while he was gardening.
Officers said 29-year-old Isaac Toye was arrested after the shooting and has been charged with homicide and aggravated assault.
The incident occurred around 3:34 p.m. on Wednesday, in a quiet neighborhood on Southeast 11th Avenue.
According to police, the situation began with a report of a suspicious person when a driver saw Toye, dressed in black, motioning for him to stop just before pulling into his driveway.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/ocala-resident-randomly-shot-death-while-gardening-police-say/PI2X6LACRRAWDIZRAS6OAZLA4I/
- Title
- Florida launches investigation into neighborhood that spent $900,000 in 20 days
- Runtime
- 3:09
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Residents in a Florida neighborhood are accusing the board for Concorde Estates Community Development District of spending roughly $900,000 in 20 days with no receipts as to how.
It’s now got the attention of state auditors, lawmakers and investigators.
9 Investigates planned to ask Concorde Estates board members about the spending at the scheduled meeting Wednesday, but majority of members, including the chairman, didn't show up.
According to her letter requesting the audit, when the Osceola County Tax Collector’s office deposited nearly $2 million into the districts account in December 2024, nearly half of it was spent within 20 days.
Klass, who was on the board at the time, says he never voted on it. McNeil, who was nominated to the board afterwards, say he hasn’t been able to learn how this money was spent.
“I want to know what's going on. I'm on the board, and I cannot even talk to any members because they d...
- Title
- Floridians call for ICE to be abolished after deadly Minneapolis shooting
- Runtime
- 3:33
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Several dozen people gathered outside the city hall in Orlando, Florida to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a woman was shot by agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota Wednesday.
The shooting has generated controversy, with ICE leaders saying the woman was trying to run agents over. Critics of the agency, including the mayor of Minneapolis, said the agent was not justified in pulling the trigger.
He called on President Trump to remove agents from his city.
The several dozen people who protested in Florida included many regulars of protests since President Trump was elected in 2024.
See the video of the shooting: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/see-video-ice-agent-shoots-kills-woman-during-immigration-operation/4C2KOD3LRBCZ5LIJZ37LLS2XTY/
- Title
- Florida's Venezuelan immigrant population grapples with uncertainty after Maduro's fall
- Runtime
- 2:19
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Days after the U.S. capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Narco-terrorism charges, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state is considering opening its own case against Maduro.
Florida now has the largest population of Venezuelans in the U.S., more than 49 percent, driven mainly by economic hardship and oppressive rule under Maduro’s regime.
Data analyzed by the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub shows that Orange County’s Venezuelan population has more than doubled from 2021 to 2024, going from just over 33,000 to more than 70,000.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/orange-countys-venezuelan-population-doubles-community-grapples-with-uncertainty/WOK7BXO2SNA3TBZY6CBNVNAR5U/
- Title
- Florida man offered teenager $300, then tried to kidnap her, police say
- Runtime
- 2:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Eustis Police Department reports that a man has been charged with attempted kidnapping and battery on a minor following an incident on Jan. 3.
Gregory Lockwood, 55, was identified by the victim as the driver who tried to carry out the abduction. He was taken into custody without incident on January 6 at around 2:15 p.m.
The Eustis Police Department reported an attempted abduction around 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 3, when a Nissan SUV approached a victim near East Pinehurst Boulevard and South Grove Street. The driver spoke to the victim and offered $300 to get in, but the victim refused.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/lake-county/police-seek-assistance-after-attempted-abduction-eustis/7IKXXGJY7FGNPH5RQ3UFUVAX3U/
- Title
- Florida 15-year-old helped sex offender lure, kidnap child, deputies say
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Flagler County, Florida Sheriff’s Office is answering our questions about a recent kidnapping where two minors ended up in a car with a registered sex offender. Eyewitness News was the first to tell you on Friday that the suspect and a 15-year-old lured an 11-year-old to a campsite and tortured him for days.
Detectives are currently investigating a new case involving 15-year-old Junior Bishop. He has already been arrested for fleeing in a sex offender’s truck during a traffic stop and crashing into a deputy’s patrol car.
But now, because he’s not answering any questions, detectives have subpoenaed all of his social media accounts, where they said he was talking to the 11-year-old victim.
A tip that 60-year-old Darnell Hariston, a registered sex offender, had two kids in his truck led deputies in Flagler County to find a missing 11-year-old boy from St. John’s County. Bishop was also with Hariston at the time.
Read more: ...
- Title
- Floridians, asylum seekers celebrate end of Venezuelan dictator's rule
- Runtime
- 7:23
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Ousted Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, was defiant Monday as he and his wife appeared before a U.S. judge in a New York Federal courtroom.
He and his wife both pleaded not guilty to all their federal drug trafficking charges.
It comes as the Venezuelan Vice President, Delcy Rodrgiuez was sworn in as interim president, as the country continues to grapple with the arrest of Maduro.
This big story is hitting home for the tens of thousands of Venezuelans who live in Central Florida.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/florida/central-floridians-detail-escape-maduros-authoritarian-regime-celebrate-his-ouster/CC4V5PMMEJE5FAQLAGUB356MU4/
- Title
- Venezuela latest: Maduro appears in court as Venezuelans hope for new era
- Runtime
- 6:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is making his first appearance Monday in an American courtroom on the narco-terrorism charges the Trump administration used to justify capturing him and bringing him to New York.
Maduro and his wife are appearing before a judge for a brief, but required, legal proceeding that will likely kick off a prolonged legal fight over whether he can be put on trial in the U.S.
His lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of a foreign state. But the U.S. doesn't recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate leader.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/latest-maduro/KN3ZVML3IY3GVGNEMMCTEIHASU/
- Title
- Man waited 2 hours for help after being hit on Florida highway
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Two months ago, Kyle McCombs was ready to start his cargo transportation business.
Today, he’s at home, out of work, adjusting to a life with only one leg after a hit-and-run crash.
“Right now, I’m just stuck in a wheelchair 24-seven,” said McCombs, “I’m just so tired of sitting around and doing nothing.”
McCombs was hit by what investigators believe was a semi tractor-trailer while on the side of I-95 in Volusia County. McCombs said he had just bought his first box truck for his business and was driving it from Miami back to Jacksonville when it broke down. He was hit while trying to make repairs on the side of the interstate.
“The doctors told me, straight up, that 90% of people with trauma like I had don’t make it,” McCombs said.
- Title
- Protests, celebrations in Florida after US forces raid Venezuela, capture Maduro
- Runtime
- 7:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Hours after a dramatic military operation ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power and removed him from the country Saturday, President Donald Trump said the United States would "run" Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations.
U.S. operations on Saturday represented America's most assertive action to achieve regime change in a country since the nation's 2003 invasion of Iraq. The actions raise stark new questions about the legality of the U.S. moves under a broader campaign against the South American nation.
The middle-of-the-night seizure of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were being transported on a U.S. warship to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in New York, is beyond even the most high-profile historical examples of aggressive American actions toward autocratic governments in Panama, Iraq and beyond, legal experts said. It came after a surprise U.S. incursion into the Venezuelan capital,...
- Title
- Venezuelan dictator Maduro captured by US troops -- who will run the country?
- Runtime
- 8:41
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Trump administration's capture of Venezuela's president and claims that it will "run" the country are raising stark new questions about the legality of the U.S. actions and its future operations in the South American nation.
The middle-of-the-night seizure of Nicolás Maduro, who was transported with his wife on a U.S. warship to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges in New York, is beyond even the most high-profile historical examples of aggressive American actions toward autocratic governments in Panama, Iraq and elsewhere, legal experts said. It came after a surprise U.S. incursion that rocked the Venezuelan capital with overnight explosions.
“This is clearly a blatant, illegal and criminal act,” said Jimmy Gurule, a Notre Dame Law School professor and former assistant U.S. attorney.
The stunning development caps months of aggressive U.S. military action in the region, including the bombing of boats accused of trafficking drugs and se...
- Title
- Man kills ex-police officer, flees 90 miles to evade capture, investigators say
- Runtime
- 1:57
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Florida man is in jail after investigators say he shot and killed a retired police officer, then fled to a rural county where he was captured.
Dennis Turner served in the Orlando Police Department until 2019, when he was fired for arresting two 6-year-olds who threw tantrums in their elementary school classrooms.
Police say he was shot and killed by a family member during an argument, but did not say what the connection between Turner and Jeffery London was.
- Title
- Florida sex offender tied up 11-year-old with shoelaces in kidnapping, report says
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A registered sex offender is facing more charges after Florida detectives say he strangled an 11-year-old boy, tied him up, and forced him to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana for three days at a campsite.
Flagler County deputies found the missing 11-year-old from St. Johns County when they pulled over 60-year-old Darnell Hairston off U.S. 1 on New Year’s Eve.
Authorities received a tip that Hairston, a known sex offender, was seen with two teens.
While deputies were making the arrest, deputies say 15-year-old Junior Bishop took off in Hairston’s truck, nearly hitting a deputy. Bishop later crashed with a deputy cruiser.
- Title
- Florida sex offender lured 11-year-old to campsite, tied him up for days, deputies say
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Channel 9 has obtained new details about the Flagler County kidnapping case - the suspect lured the child to a campsite and tortured him for days.
The sheriff’s office reported that the child was tied up, drugged and provided alcohol by Hariston. Authorities stated that during a traffic stop, deputies found Hariston with the kidnapped child and another 15-year-old juvenile.
A neighbor alerted law enforcement after observing Hariston with the children.
The sheriff’s office told Channel 9 the child thought he was going to die.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/flagler-county/suspect-allegedly-lures-child-campsite-tortures-them-days-deputies-say/LMLQTOPYGJCE5OIQRVHEPKVLGY/
- Title
- Multiple Florida homes hit by celebratory New Year's gunfire as residents slept
- Runtime
- 2:12
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- People sleeping after celebrating the beginning of 2026 in Florida woke up to bullet holes in their homes -- and in one case, inches from their head.
At least one person was arrested for celebrating New Years with a gun, firing bullets that hit their neighbors' houses.
The scary situation is generating calls to practice responsible gun ownership and gun safety.
- Title
- Disney World cast member blocks runaway 'Indiana Jones' boulder from hitting audience
- Runtime
- 2:24
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A runaway prop left a performer hurt during a live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
It happened Tuesday at “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.”
A Disney spokesperson confirmed to WFTV that the cast member’s injuries were caused by a prop that moved off its track.
Videos circulating online appear to show a large boulder rolling briefly along a track and then leaving its intended course; it then bounces forward onto the stage area before making contact with a performer.
The videos show audience members witness the performer being forcefully knocked to the ground upon impact with the boulder prop.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/performer-injured-during-live-show-disneys-hollywood-studios/LICSAHNGNVHIFK2YHMLOLISMB4/
- Title
- Disney cast member stops 'Indiana Jones' boulder
- Runtime
- 0:18
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A Walt Disney World employee placed himself in front of a 400-pound inflatable ball that served as the boulder in the Indiana Jones show in Orlando, Florida, stopping it from hitting audience members after it bounced off the track.
- Title
- Florida charter school bought building it never moved into as deficits grew
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Legends Academy Charter School spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more than it was bringing in for at least three years. This is as more than 200 of its students are now searching for a new school to attend next week after the board for the charter school officially voted to close its doors Monday.
Parents and teachers tell 9 Investigates the school only gave them two days’ notice before school let out for winter break.
These records raise even more questions about why the school gave such short notice. Legends Academy Charter School is required to file tax-exempt records with the IRS because it’s a not-for-profit. The latest filings from the 2023 tax year show Legends Academy spent nearly $720,000 more than it brought in.
The year before, it spent roughly $645,000 more than its revenue. In the 2021 tax year, Legends Academy spent $900,000 more than it brought in. It’s a sudden turn from 2020, where the school brought in $360 thousand do...
- Title
- Florida setting up for COLD night tonight
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- A strong winter front has moved through overnight, bringing cold air to the Orlando area Tuesday.
Many Florida residents will experience temperatures dropping into the 40s and afternoon highs reaching only the upper 50s and low 60s.
The cold air will cause temperatures to be about 20 degrees cooler than Monday.
A freeze watch is in effect for Sumter, Lake, Marion and interior Volusia counties, with temperatures in Ocala forecasted to reach 29 degrees Tuesday night.
- Title
- 200 kids stranded after Florida charter school shuts down with little notice
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- More than 200 Central Florida students are searching for a new school to attend next week.
The board for Legends Academy Charter School in Orange County voted officially to shut down the school Monday. The Board said there is insufficient funding for the school to continue operating beyond Dec. 31. The school, previously named Nap Ford Community School, has been open the last two decades.
Parents say school leadership let them know just two days before school let out for winter break that the school doors likely wouldn’t reopen. Next week, instead of going back to work, many parents told us they are forced to take time off to find another school to enroll their kids at.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/legends-academy-charter-school-closes-doors-with-little-notice-families-teachers/FLBQ4UE35ZCINEJTIGBB5H5XZU/
- Title
- 12 swans found dead in famous Orlando lake
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Twelve swans have recently been found dead at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida.
The first two swans were discovered on Dec. 23, and the number has since increased significantly over the past five days.
The deaths are now raising concerns about a possible avian flu outbreak.
The deaths during the holiday period have complicated response efforts, as specialized veterinary experts were not available.
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan has indicated that this situation may echo a similar avian flu outbreak that occurred in February of last year, and the city is taking precautions.
In response to these concerns, the feeders at the park have been removed, and sanitation efforts are underway.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/12-swans-found-dead-lake-eola-orlando-raising-bird-flu-concerns/HBOBTA5ZOZA3NNQGQIPBSMGXIQ/
- Title
- New Year's cold weather blast coming to Florida: temperatures to plummet
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Temperatures will fall across Florida as cold weather moves in this week.
Frost could be a possibility for some parts of the Orlando metro area and greater Central Florida.
Nighttime temperatures could dip into the lower 40s.
Meteorologist David Heckard provides the full weather forecast as people prepare for the New Year's holiday and welcoming 2026.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/cool-air-is-making-its-way-through-central-florida/JC5RAOIADZGQHLWIVZEGUIY67U/
- Title
- 13-year-old Florida girl shot by 15-year-old on Christmas Day
- Runtime
- 2:25
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The family of the 13-year-old girl shot and killed on Christmas Day held a candlelight vigil in her honor Saturday evening.
Orange County deputies say a 15-year-old boy admitted to shooting Emony Nicole Jackson.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that Jackson was taken to the hospital after being shot, but she died from her injuries.
A 15-year-old male who approached deputies at the scene admitted responsibility for the incident, claiming it was accidental.
“A 15-year-old, what is he running around with a gun for,” Cynthia Williams said. “In my eyes there can never be an accident like that.”
Williams is Jackson’s aunt. She helped organize the vigil on Saturday.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/family-friends-honor-13-year-old-killed-christmas-day-orlando-shooting/WZBC75LP4JELJBDSBKEMOZQ5YA/
- Title
- Tougher penalties could be coming for people who hit school crossing guards
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- They’re out there every school day, standing in the middle of busy intersections with nothing more than a stop sign, a vest, and a whistle. But what you might not realize is just how dangerous the job of a school crossing guard can be.
Our months-long investigation scoured news reports and social media to compile data on crossing guards who were hit. We contacted law enforcement for more than 225 accidents we found and obtained police records and outcomes for 180 of them.
More than 70% of those drivers received just traffic tickets or no charges at all.
At least 40 of the crashes involving crossing guards were hit and run accidents. Law enforcement was never able to identify at least six of the drivers who fled the scene.
After we ran our initial story, state lawmakers across the United States are taking a look at crossing guard laws and the penalties a driver can face for crashing into one.
Read the original report: ht...
- Title
- Orlando travelers forced to sleep in the airport overnight after dozens of flights canceled
- Runtime
- 3:39
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- On Friday, MCO airport flight boards glowed like Christmas trees, but the flashing red spelled delays, not holiday cheer, as travelers nationwide faced widespread disruptions.
Nearly 600 scheduled flights were delayed in and out of Orlando International Airport as of 11 p.m. Friday, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware. It is roughly 40 percent of the airport’s scheduled flights.
A total of 69 flights were canceled.
This is all happening as travelers attempt to return home. Some were trying to take a vacation after the Christmas holiday.
Airport officials say these disruptions were a result of a ripple effect from Winter Storm Devin in the Northeast and heavy rain out West.
Friday night, many slept on airport sofas and benches, including children.
- Title
- 6-year-old Florida boy rescued from pond for the 2nd time
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Volusia County, Florida deputies pulled a 6-year-old boy with autism out of a pond for the second time in a year and a half.
The boy, named Coco, is attracted to water like many children with autism. He was found unharmed after escaping from his home. Deputies used a helicopter to find him.
Coco is nonverbal. Deputies said he started swimming lessons after the last incident.
Deputies said they spoke with his family about improving precautionary measures on the house and having Coco wear his AngelSense tracker at all times.
- Title
- Alligator fights, stolen police cars: everything Florida Man did in 2025
- Runtime
- 24:36
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Alligator wrestling. Head-butting sharks. A wetsuit-wearing bandit. Florida Man brought its A-game in 2025 -- and tried to throw it in the back of the police cruiser it stole.
WFTV has kept careful track of all the have-to-see-it-to-believe-it stories to come out of the Sunshine State over the past year and put together some of the most notable for you.
This year-end reel is a mixture of short clips and full news stories. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments.
Subscribe for daily Florida news stories!
0:00 Stealing 911 vehicles
0:56 'Bombs' exploding overhead
2:20 Head-butting shark
4:45 Fight causes crash
5:31 Wetsuit bandit
6:41 Watering the children
9:37 Backyard bungle
10:55 Super speeder
13:01 Hoax abduction
14:29 Excavator rampage
16:22 Fast food felony
18:21 Middle school slap
19:39 Secret pants gun
22:02 Pepper spray neighbors
#fl...
- Title
- Woman last seen swimming in Florida park still gone 4 years later
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- An Orange County, Florida father is searching for answers exactly four years after his daughter disappeared from Wekiva Springs State Park.
Paola Miranda Rosa, 35, was last seen swimming in the Otter Camp area of the park on December 18th, 2021, in a video captured by hikers.
Her family has never given up hope that Paola will be found alive and says they’re optimistic about renewed effort from new Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon to solve the case.
Channel 9 first reported Wednesday about the new $5,000 reward for information leading to Paola’s whereabouts.
Paola’s father, Gustavo Miranda, told Channel 9 in the 4-years since Paola’s disappearance, time has not brought peace as questions about his daughter’s whereabouts went unanswered.
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/i-need-answers-four-years-after-woman-vanished-wekiva-springs-state-park/I4TKHFODUFEKFAHHH65HEOQCTI/
- Title
- Signs posted warning of growing bacteria outbreak, 100 cases confirmed
- Runtime
- 2:36
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Amid an increase in Legionnaires’ disease in Florida, legionella bacteria has been detected in the drinking water system of the Federal Courthouse in Orlando.
Signs posted near bathrooms and water fountains on nearly every level of the George C. Young Federal Annex Courthouse in downtown warn employees of potential risks.
The warning signs are displayed in both English and Spanish, advising that “Normal use of the water may continue, however, individuals in higher-risk groups may consider alternate methods of hygiene like filling sinks slowly to reduce mist, or temporarily avoiding showers at the facility.”
Read more: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/orange-county-leads-central-florida-legionnaires-disease-cases-100-confirmed/7IAV2VZHPVD7ZO7FSJCHLJYOEE/
