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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Trevor Lawrence’s wild run lifts the Jaguars to a 31-28 over Chiefs

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    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence tripped, got up and scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining — turning a laughable miscue into an improbable score — and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28 on Monday night.

    The crazy ending halted the Jags’ eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs (2-3).

    Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers.

    He was perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars (4-1). Lawrence dropped a precision pass to Brian Thomas Jr. for a 33-yard gain on the go-ahead drive and then hit Dyami Brown for another big gain. Chamarri Conner was flagged for pass interference against Thomas on the next play, setting up Lawrence’s trip and score.

    Right guard Patrick Mekari stepped on Lawrence’s right foot as he took the snap, and he fell several yards in the backfield. But he got up and somehow found the end zone. It helped that several defenders, including Chris Jones, stopped on the play.

    “Sheer panic on the ground,” Lawrence said. “We didn’t have any timeouts. … I was just gonna throw it out of bounds to stop the clock. There was really no one around me. So, went and made a play.”

    Lawrence completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards.

    Patrick Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns, and Kareem Hunt ran for two more scores for Kansas City, which had won 23 straight when leading by at least 14 points. The Chiefs took an early 14-0 lead, thanks in part to a fumble by Lawrence at the goal line.

    The Jaguars led 21-14 in the third quarter and 24-21 in the fourth before Mahomes rallied the Chiefs.

    Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, the AFC defensive player of the month for September, returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown in the third. It was the longest interception return by a linebacker in NFL history.

    Lloyd’s pick looked like it might be a game-changer. He stepped in front of Mahomes’ pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster at the goal line and took off the other way for his league-leading fifth takeaway.

    He juked Mahomes and Hunt, then got up to full speed along the Jaguars’ sideline. He picked up a block from Josh Hines-Allen and then held the ball tight as Tyquan Thornton tried to knock it loose at the 5-yard line.

    Travis Hunter makes a rookie splash

    Jaguars two-way standout Travis Hunter made two big-time plays, including the fourth-longest reception by a rookie this season. Hunter hauled in a 44-yarder in the third quarter — and it was no easy catch.

    The Heisman Trophy winner jumped and reached over Conner to snare the ball and then held on despite getting his legs wiped out by Bryan Cook. The Jaguars scored four plays later to tie the game at 14-all.

    His catch-and-run in the second quarter was nearly as good. He took a short pass in the left flat and juked two defenders en route to a 12-yard gain.

    Key injuries

    Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy hobbled off the field in the third quarter after appearing to tweak an ankle but returned a few plays later. Worthy had been listed as questionable because he got off the team flight with a swollen ankle. Chiefs rookie LT Josh Simmons played despite being added to the injury report shortly before kickoff with an illness.

    Jaguars TE Brenton Strange left the game in the first half with left hip injury and did not return. Jacksonville played without DE Travon Walker, who had surgery last Monday to repair an injured left wrist.

    Up next

    The Chiefs host Detroit on Sunday night.

    The Jaguars host Seattle on Sunday.

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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    Associated Press

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  • Tropical Storm Jerry forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Jerry has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the tenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Jerry formed in the central Atlantic

    • It’s expected to strengthen into a hurricane

    • Jerry likely won’t impact the U.S.


    Tropical Storm Jerry has maximum winds of 45 mph and is quickly moving westward at 24 mph. It’s expected to slow down and eventually turn northward during the next couple of days.

    Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through a favorable environment. Its core will pass near the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday into Friday, bringing the potential for gusty winds and heavy rainfall later this week.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations. Read more about what the cone will display.

    Most models show Jerry curving northward into the open Atlantic, potentially heading toward Bermuda. 


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Mini-figure making and monster dance parties await at Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Have you ever wanted to make a tiny version of yourself—but spooky?

    What You Need To Know

    • On The Town visits Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven for Brick-or-Treat, the park’s annual Halloween event
    • Guests can enjoy candy Stations, googly-eyed food and dance parties 
    • Costumes encouraged for children and parents
    • The event is offered on select weekends through Nov. 2


    You can build at Legoland Florida Resort’s Brick or Treat event. The Lego Shop’s new mini addition comes as Halloween descends on the Winter Haven theme park.

    It’s a chance to get silly with the little ones.

    There are candy stations at Brick-Or-Treat, as well as foods with googly eyes and bright colors to entice the picky eater.

    The next step, post food and sweets?

    Hitting the “Lord Vampire’s Dance Party” to work off all that sugar. You’ll find Lord Vampire on the stage in Kingdoms, along with a few VIM’s (Very Important Monsters).

    “It’s fun for everyone, even the parents,” said Juliette Guedry of Legoland Florida Resort. “We do make you dance.”

    MINILAND USA has a Halloween makeover, with little bats, vampires and witches sprinkled throughout. Make sure you check out the coven in the cemetery.

    “You may see a witch who’s lost her way. And she’s maybe thrown into the Washington Monument and smashed against the side non-violently,” said Model Shop Manager Ryan Wood.

    The Lego Tree of Discovery stands tall inside the Lego Shop. (Spectrum News/Virginia Johnson)

    Now back to the remodeled Lego Shop. The first you see is the Lego Tree of Discovery. It’s 11 feet tall, representing 16-hundred hours of brick-snapping creation time. Guests can also get their own spooky mini-figure there.

    “And it starts with Duplo bricks,” said Guedry. “On the bottom goes to standard bricks in between, Technic bricks on top. It really is showing you the system of play that we have throughout the park.”

    Creating and building — what Lego is all about.

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Fans hope for answers on ballpark plans from new Rays owners

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    TAMPA, Fla. — There’s more questions than answers surrounding the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, but fans hope that ends when the Rays new ownership group speaks Tuesday for the first time since sealing the deal.

    Tampa Bay Rays Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove, and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby plan to speak at a news conference set for 11:30 a.m. at Steinbrenner Field.

    Zalupski and his team are expected to field questions regarding plans for a new stadium, how much they plan to invest in a new stadium, and how much they plan to invest into the team itself.

    The Rays lease with the city of St. Pete to play at Tropicana Field runs through 2028.

    The Rays are scheduled to return to the hurricane-damaged Trop for opening day of the 2026 season, should the brand new roof and extensive repairs be completed by early April. After that, it’s unclear where the new ownership group plans to build a new ballpark.

    Possible locations still include the Tropicana Field site in St. Pete, a location in Tampa, or somewhere else altogether. Nothing has been publicly ruled out by the Rays new owners.

    “It’s great having football, baseball, and hockey in Tampa and to see baseball leave would just be really disappointing,” said fan Jennifer Adams. “We’ve built a really good following and I think it’s just good for the market.”

    Roof repairs continue at Tropicana Field, with a goal of it being ready for the 2026 regular season. (Sky 9)

    Other questions Zalupski and his team are expected to be faced with Tuesday include how much they plan to invest into the stadium and the team itself. The former ballpark deal negotiated by past-owner Stu Sternberg included getting $600 million from Pinellas County and the city of St. Pete to go toward a $1.2 billion ballpark.

    That deal fell apart after Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off Tropicana Field and a series of delayed votes within county and city government.

    “Hopefully the group that purchased them puts some money into the team,” said baseball fan Shawn Molnar. “It’s good for the Tampa Bay area and the economy.”

    The news conference is set for 11:30 a.m. You can watch it live on Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online or the Spectrum News app.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Morning Briefing: Orlando — Oct. 7, 2025

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    Good morning, Central Florida. Here’s what you need to know today.

    Your Weather Planner

    A slight pattern switch with our wind direction as Tuesday will bring drier air south from Georgia and the Carolinas. This drier airmass helps to push the nonstop easterly flow of the past several days farther into South Florida, and turns our winds out of the northeast.

    Get the latest here. 

    Stay up to date on the forecast by downloading the Spectrum News app. You can use Klystron 13 to track the showers and get live weather alerts for your exact location. It’s free to download in your app store.

    Highs: Mid-Upper 80s

    Lows:  Low to Mid-70s

    Rain Coverage: 30%

    Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

    Around Central Florida

    1. Family and attorney condemn weekend reopening of Stardust Racers just weeks after rider’s death
    On Monday afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe spoke out after the ride reopened over the weekend.

    2. State hearings begin for proposed FPL rate hike
    Florida regulators on Monday began a two-week hearing that could determine whether Florida Power & Light can raise rates for its roughly 12 million customers.

    3. United Against Poverty official says $300,000 in grants at risk with government shutdown
    It’s Day 6 of the government shutdown and nonprofits in Central Florida are feeling the pinch as they wait on federal grant funding that might not come through when they expected.

    4. Two areas have potential for tropical development
    There are two disturbances we’re watching with potential for tropical development. One area is in the central Atlantic, the other will be moving into the Bay of Campeche by late Tuesday.

    5. SpaceX launches of nearly 30 Starlink satellites
    After pushing the launch back a day, SpaceX was able to send up another Starlink mission early Tuesday morning. 

    Around the Nation

    1. Supreme Court rejects appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell, imprisoned former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein

    2. Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from sending National Guard troops to Oregon

    3. Israel and Hamas prepare for negotiations in Egypt ahead of possible Gaza ceasefire

    4. Nobel Prize in medicine goes to 3 scientists for work on human immune system

    Quote of the Day

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave its approval Monday to new recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine as well as how children can be immunized for chickenpox and the measles, mumps and rubella.

    The move officially signs off on the closely watched recommendations made last month by a CDC advisory panel that was overhauled earlier this year by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Tampa Bay Rays’ new owners outline future for team, hopes for stadium

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    TAMPA — A new era of Tampa Bay Rays baseball kicked off Tuesday morning when the team’s new ownership group gave its first remarks about the team’s future, both on and off the field.

    Tampa Bay Rays Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby met with reporters at Steinbrenner Field.

    Their purchase of the team became official last week, though previous owner Stu Sternberg will still maintain a stake in the team.

    “We are honored and feel privileged to be the new owners of the Tampa Bay Rays. This moment is not just about ownership; it’s about stewardship,” Zalupski said.

    “We recognize the deep responsibility we now carry to deliver a championship-caliber team on the field and a world class experience for our fans.”

    Zalupski said the ownership team’s goal is to have a “world class ballpark” ready for 2029.


    “It’s no secret that we need a new forever home to secure the Rays’ long-term future in Tampa Bay,” Zalupski said. “Delivering upon that objective is our first priority.”

    The group also announced that President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash remain in their positions. 

    “We’re going to continue to support them,” Babby said. “We believe in what the previous regime has created and want to build to sustain it.”

    The goal for a stadium site encompasses all of the Tampa Bay area, according to the new owners. They referenced the idea of a 100-acre site containing hotels, offices, retail, bars, restaurants and a music venue.

    The three have been meeting with the Atlanta Braves, who opened a new stadium in 2017 and have watched the surrounding Battery area grow since with restaurants, hotels and other businesses. The stadium and shopping district are actually outside Atlanta, instead located in nearby Cobb County.


    “We spent a lot of time studying, evaluating, doing, meeting with the Atlanta Braves, they’ve been incredibly generous with their time and resources,” Zalupski said. “So let us look at the Battery. We think the Battery is the gold standard of what we want to we want to build and develop here in Tampa Bay.”

    Zalupski said he learned from the Braves that the more land, the better — with a balance.

    “For us, this is critical to building a championship team. You have to meet the criteria,” he said. “For us, we think it’s likely 100-plus acres. If you ask the Braves, they’ll tell you what was the one thing you’d do differently if you could, and they’ll say, ‘land, land, land, more land.’ They’re now over 100 acres. More is better, but it’s also balance of location, quality of location and the amount of land. There’s a point that will intersect. So it’s not just, ‘This is 500 acres, 30 miles outside of Tampa.’ That’s not what we’re looking for. Great location and as much land as we can get.”

    The group is meeting this week with leaders from Tampa and St. Petersburg to discuss options.

    Zalupski said part of the deal to buy the team was that they could not meet with city officials until the sale was complete.

    Babby, described as the team’s new CEO, acknowledged there is long-standing “fatigue” in the area about where the Rays would build a new home — with frequent speculation they might decide to leave altogether. But MLB has repeatedly said it wants the team to stay. Several sites in the area have previously been considered, such as the nightlife-rich Ybor City neighborhood, the grounds of a Tampa community college and even an old greyhound racetrack.

    “We’re looking at everywhere,” Babby said. “We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves to one location or site.”

    Meanwhile, work continues on Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The ballpark had its roof ripped off and suffered significant internal damage last October during Hurricane Milton. By the end of the week, Babby said, half of the Trop’s 24 roof panels will be installed.

    Under the Rays’ current lease with the city of St. Petersburg, the Rays are obligated to play at the Trop for three more seasons.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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    Spectrum News Staff, Josh Rojas, Associated Press

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  • SpaceX launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — After pushing the launch back a day, SpaceX was able to send up another Starlink mission early Tuesday morning. 

    What You Need To Know

    • SpaceX will send off Starlink 10-59 mission

    The Falcon 9 rocket sent up Starlink 10-59 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:46 a.m. ET, stated SpaceX. 

    The launch window opened at 12:10 a.m. ET and was set to close at 4:10 a.m. ET. That means SpaceX had during that time period to launch its famed Falcon 9 rocket.

    It was originally supposed to launch Monday, from 12:32 a.m. ET to 4:32 a.m. ET. SpaceX did not give a reason why the launch was pushed back.

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    Going up

    This is the eighth mission for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1090. It has had seven missions before this launch:

    After the stage separation, the first-stage booster rocket landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 28 satellites from the Starlink company, owned by SpaceX, will be heading to low-Earth orbit to join the thousands already there.

    Once deployed and in their orbit, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been recording Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 8,543 are in orbit
    • 7,456 are in operational orbit

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    Anthony Leone

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  • NeoCity Academy High School students are ready for high tech jobs now

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    KISSIMMEE, Fla. — It’s the top ranked high school in Central Florida, and it’s ranked second in Florida. The NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee offers a cutting-edge science and technology curriculum for students.

    It’s also making sure they are ready right away to meet the quickly changing needs of Orlando’s tech companies.

    What You Need To Know

    • Almost 90 students from NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee are working at 14 Orlando area companies

    • High school students who have STEM skills to meet fast changing needs of local tech companies

    • NeoCity Academy working to add artificial intelligence classes to remain competitive


    That includes Skywater Technology, which produces semiconductor chips for the aerospace, defense and automotive industries. The company has a cleanroom at Kissimmee’s NeoCity tech hub.

    Jaylon Prophet is a senior at NeoCity Academy, located right across the street from Skywater. This mechanical engineering student interns there five days a week after school, doing hands-on work.

    “They don’t really focus on the knowledge-based things, but actual application. They are teaching us things about the manufacturing process, getting gowned up and sort of being in the fab,” Prophet said.

    Prophet is one of almost 90 students from the academy working at 14 companies in Central Florida. They are young workers offering high tech skills.

    Almost 90 students from NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee are working at 14 Orlando area companies. (Spectrum News/Keith Landry)

    Jeremiah Swartz is the man behind this movement. The school’s experiential learning coordinator believes many traditional education models lag behind what companies need now.

    “If I can reduce that lag time, that’s what I want to do,” Swartz said.

    Swartz spends every day creating opportunities for students to earn certifications and to learn the most current tech and soft skills.

    “We can be great at our academics, but what are we doing for our students to be workforce ready within their careers? That’s what matters,” Swartz said.

    Senior Josera Barran is focusing on computer science and interns with Skywater Technology as well.

    “They’re seeing that we have all of the technical skills,” Barran said. “They’re seeing that we have all the soft skills, and they know that the workers that are pushed out of that school are going to be great for their companies.”

    Skywater Technology is right across the street from NeoCity Academy. (Spectrum News/Keith Landry)

    Skywater Technology is right across the street from NeoCity Academy. (Spectrum News/Keith Landry)

    Gustavo Gil is Skywater’s director of business operations. His team is comfortable using the school’s students for day-to-day work in the production facility and not just to do paper work.

    “NeoCity Academy in particular has such a strong program that we know we are getting students that are already college level,” Gil said.

    Prophet knows having tech industry experience in high school will make him more competitive when he enters the work force.

    “It’s definitely really important to have the skills on hand, because the industry really progresses really fast,” Prophet said.

    Swartz added that the academy is incorporating more artificial intelligence classes into its curriculum so students can remain on the cutting edge.

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    Keith Landry

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  • Family and attorney to speak after weekend reopening of Stardust Racers

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — On Monday afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe will speak out.

    Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family and attorney Ben Crump will address their concerns at noon at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Orlando, according to a press release from Crump’s website.

    Zavala’s family said they are “horrified” that Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers this past weekend, stated the press release.

    Crump will condemn Universal’s decision to reopen the Stardust Racers. He is demanding that Universal pause the reopening to preserve evidence.

    He said he wants his experts to inspect the ride and that if that’s not done, he will take his fight to court.

    In the days after Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando Resort sent a letter to employees that said the roller coaster functioned properly and employees followed proper procedures the night of Zavala’s death.

    The medical examiner said the 32-year-old died from multiple blunt impact injuries.

    An incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.

    Last week, Crump spoke out, saying an employee at the park helped Zavala get on the roller coaster.

    Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment Monday morning and are awaiting a response.

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Communications Director Aaron Keller sent the following message to Spectrum News via email: 

    “Following the incident, Universal contacted the department as required by Florida Law and voluntarily invited the department to observe all testing and inspections, which exceeded state requirements. Today, Universal informed the department that they intend to reopen Stardust Racers on Saturday afternoon, October 4.”

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    Sasha Teman

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  • Family and lawyer to speak out against Stardust Racers reopening

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — On Monday afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe will speak out.

    Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family and attorney Ben Crump will address their concerns at noon at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Orlando, according to a press release from Crump’s website.

    Zavala’s family said they are “horrified” that Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers this past weekend, stated the press release.

    Crump will condemn Universal’s decision to reopen the Stardust Racers. He is demanding that Universal pause the reopening to preserve evidence.

    He said he wants his experts to inspect the ride and that if that’s not done, he will take his fight to court.

    In the days after Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando Resort sent a letter to employees that said the roller coaster functioned properly and employees followed proper procedures the night of Zavala’s death.

    The medical examiner said the 32-year-old died from multiple blunt impact injuries.

    An incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.

    Last week, Crump spoke out, saying an employee at the park helped Zavala get on the roller coaster.

    Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment Monday morning and are awaiting a response.

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    Sasha Teman

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  • Magic sign former Arkansas G Johnell Davis, waive F Justin Minaya

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    (Photo credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)

    The Orlando Magic signed undrafted free agent guard Johnell Davis and waived small forward Justin Minaya to keep their roster at 21 players on Sunday night.

    The Magic did not disclose terms for Davis, who signed a one-year, non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract, per the Orlando Sentinel, that can be converted into a two-way deal with their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, before the start of the regular season.

    Minaya, 26, played in 57 games (one start) for the Portland Trail Blazers over parts of the past three seasons, including 19 games in 2024-25. He has averaged 1.7 points, 1.4 rebounds and 10.0 minutes per game. He spent much of last season in the G League and was signed as a free agent by the Magic on Sept. 2.

    Davis played his final college season in 2024-25 at Arkansas, where he appeared in 34 games (29 starts) and averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 31.7 minutes.

    His first four seasons were at Florida Atlantic University (2020-24), where he averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 22.9 minutes in 128 games (53 starts). Davis was the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year in 2023-24 and an All-Conference USA first-team pick and the C-USA Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23.

    –Field Level Media

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises tonight

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late tonight.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late Monday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Kansas’ defense stymies UCF to escape with 27-20 win

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    ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Kansas’ defense came up with two decisive plays near the goal line, setting up the Jayhawks’ go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and fumble recovery to stop UCF on three consecutive plays from the 1 with less than two minutes remaining to help Kansas beat the Knights 27-20 on Saturday night.

    Kansas’ Trey Lathan recovered a fumble at the 2 late in the third quarter off a strip sack from Jalen Dye, setting up the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run from Leshon Williams. Lathan then tackled Cam Fancher on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 1:47 to secure the victory.

    “You are expecting to lose in that situation,” Lathan said. “But when you come out with a W, it’s a great feeling.”

    Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) lost last week’s game to Cincinnati after a goal line battle, ending with a Bearcats’ 2-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining.

    UCF drove to the Kansas 22 after getting the ball back, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander, ended the Knights’ final threat.

    Kansas erased an early 14-0 lead from UCF (3-2, 0-2) after Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.

    Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18-for-26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.

    “These guys are growing,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “I think this can be a big one for them to gain some confidence.”

    Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to stake the Knights to an early lead.

    UCF’s Tayven Jackson finished with 97 yards on 14-for-23 passing. He left the game after his turnover and came out of the locker room with his left arm in a sling. Coach Scott Frost said X-rays on his shoulder were negative.

    Fancher, who started UCF’s opening game against Jacksonville State before leaving with an injury, completed 8 of 14 passes for 79 yards.

    The Knights could not find answers in the second half and lost for the second straight game.

    “I think we’re one of the most talented teams in the Big 12, we’ve just got to finish,” UCF receiver Duane Thomas Jr. said. “We have to play a complete football game. We can’t go out the first two quarters and lay down the next two.”

    Off Suspension

    Part of the shift in the game came from Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, who was coming off suspension in the first half after a second-half targeting penalty last week against Cincinnati. Kamara finished with four tackles and provided a boost for the Jayhawks’ defense.

    Memorializing Coach Clark

    Both teams stayed on the field after pregame warmups for a moment of silence to recognize UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Clark passed away Sept. 21. He joined UCF’s staff after five years as the head coach at Appalachian State.

    Fighting through injury

    Several players for Kansas were fighting through injury, including Williams. The biggest was to kicker Laith Marjan, who made two field goals. His 41-yarder in the third quarter just made it over the crossbar, clipping it before going through.

    Leipold admitted Marjan was probably a bit fatigued after he kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds following the short field goal.

    The Takeaway

    Kansas: The Jayhawks have been known for their offense throughout the season, but their defense stepped up in a big way to stymie the Knights.

    UCF: The Knights will again face quarterback questions after Jackson left the game with an injury. Jackson left last week’s game with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Jacurri Brown also missed the game with a shoulder injury.

    Up Next

    Kansas travels to face No. 11 Texas Tech on Saturday.

    UCF hits the road to face Cincinnati on Saturday.

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    Associated Press

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  • 11-year-old arrested in Volusia for online threats, sheriff’s office says

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    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An 11-year-old was arrested in Volusia County on Sunday for making online threats against his school.

    The sheriff’s office says the FBI notified them about a comment the boy wrote on TikTok, which stated he was going to shoot up Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach, and mentioned staff members.

    Deputies say he did not have access to any weapons at home.

    Spectrum News reached out to the Volusia County School District, but officials had no comment to share.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Orlando Halloween events and activities guide 2025

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    Spooky season is creeping up. Below is a list of Halloween events and activities in Orlando for those who enjoy a good scare.Explore spooky scare trails, haunted houses, Halloween theme park events, and even a few to die for dining options. Halloween events in OrlandoEola Pets costume contest and pet paradeCheck in for the 6th annual pet costume contest presented by Thornton Park District and She Sells Orlando begins at 6 p.m., and the first 50 people in line will snag a free goodie bag full of treats.When: Saturday, Oct. 11Where: 431 E. Central Blvd. (In the circle in front of World Of Beer Downtown Orlando) Cost: Free Trick or Treat Safe Zone – Orange County History CenterEnjoy trick-or-treating throughout the History Center and the Orlando Public Library, along with a scavenger hunt, creepy crafts, candy, games, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.When: Sunday, Oct. 12 (1 p.m. –3 p.m)Where: Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801Cost: FreeGatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins*Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is bringing back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event for a seventh year in a row. The daytime, family friendly event is included with park admission.When: Select Dates Oct. 11-26Where: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando, FL. 32837 Cost: Tickets starting at $21.99Orlando Family Stage presents Goosebumps the MusicalThe 75-minute Goosebumps musical has catchy songs, spooky fun surprises. The show is perfect for elementary students, families, and anyone who grew up with the books.When: Showtimes available on Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 2 and Monday, Oct. 13.Where: 1001 E Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803Cost: $20 – $48Adult Halloween Party – OSC after DarkSee the Orlando Science Center transformed for Halloween, all while enjoying a night of thrilling activities and grown-up fun. Costumes are encouraged. Ages 21+ only. When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.Where: 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803Cost: $35 for OSC members and Young Professionals for OSC, $40 early bird, $50 general admission. ICEBAR After Dark SpecialShow a 2025 Halloween Horror Nights ticket for $10 off standard ICEBAR entry. 21+ only. Spooky seasonal cocktails are available for a limited time. When: Monday- Wednesday open – midnight. Thursday and Sunday till 1 a.m.. Friday and Saturday till 2 a.m.Where: 8967 International Drive. Orlando, FL. 32819Cost: Entry for ICEBAR starts at $15 (Additional package options available) Scare trails and ghost tours in OrlandoOrlando Haunts Ghost ToursOrlando Haunts invites guests to explore the haunted history of Orlando with two guided tour options: the Ghosts and Ghouls tour or the “Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.”When: NightlyCost: Tickets start at $25A Petrified Forest Scream ParkA Petrified Forest offers three scare trails, an escape ride, immersive theater and laser tag. Get the big scares without the big price tag. When: Starts Oct. 3Where: 1360 E Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701Cost: Tickets range from $34.98 – $59.98 (Additional add-ons available for purchase) Mortem Manor – Year-Round Haunted HouseNamed one of the scariest haunted houses in America by the Travel Channel, Martem Manor features live actors, animatronics and state-of-the-art special effects. The haunted house in Kissimmee is open year-round just outside Orlando.When: Open year-roundWhere: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746Cost: Tickets start at $21.19 Spooky dining in OrlandoMangoni’s Italian Market Halloween menuStep inside Haunted Mangoni Italian Market Pizza. The Winter Garden restaurant is offering a spooky experience in October, featuring creepy cocktails, eerie decor, and Halloween-themed food items. When: through Oct. 31Where: 251 Tremaine St., Winter Garden, FL 34787Reservations suggested.Helena’s Phantom of Helena Halloween pop-up The Phantom of Helena has turned the usual Mediterranean vibes of Helena Modern Riviera in ICON park into something way more mysterious and romantic. When: October 2025Where: 8441 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819Reservations suggestedHalloween events in Orlando theme parksHalloween Horror Nights 2025Enter 10 haunted houses inspired by popular horror movies and TV series. This year’s latest additions include: “Terrifier,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and “Fallout.” When: Aug. 29 – Nov. 2Where: 6000 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819Cost: Tickets start at $95.99Hall-O-Scream SeaWorld OrlandoNow in its 5th year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando unleashes a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner.When: Now until Nov 1Where: 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL. 32821Cost: Starting at $50.99Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween The Magic Kingdom in Orlando transforms into a not-so-scary Halloween experience. Safe for the little ones, witness a masquerade of characters and a few faces from the Haunted Mansion. Bring your trick-or-treat bag and gather goodies from land to land.When: Now until Oct. 31 (Select nights) 7 p.m. to midnightWhere: Magic Kingdom 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830Cost: Tickets start at $119 (SOLD OUT)

    ORLANDO, Fla. —

    Spooky season is creeping up. Below is a list of Halloween events and activities in Orlando for those who enjoy a good scare.

    Explore spooky scare trails, haunted houses, Halloween theme park events, and even a few to die for dining options.

    Halloween events in Orlando

    Eola Pets costume contest and pet parade

    Check in for the 6th annual pet costume contest presented by Thornton Park District and She Sells Orlando begins at 6 p.m., and the first 50 people in line will snag a free goodie bag full of treats.

    When: Saturday, Oct. 11

    Where: 431 E. Central Blvd. (In the circle in front of World Of Beer Downtown Orlando)

    Cost: Free

    Trick or Treat Safe Zone – Orange County History Center

    Enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the History Center and the Orlando Public Library, along with a scavenger hunt, creepy crafts, candy, games, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    When: Sunday, Oct. 12 (1 p.m. –3 p.m)

    Where: Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801

    Cost: Free

    Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins*

    Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is bringing back its popular Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event for a seventh year in a row. The daytime, family friendly event is included with park admission.

    When: Select Dates Oct. 11-26

    Where: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando, FL. 32837

    Cost: Tickets starting at $21.99

    Orlando Family Stage presents Goosebumps the Musical

    The 75-minute Goosebumps musical has catchy songs, spooky fun surprises. The show is perfect for elementary students, families, and anyone who grew up with the books.

    When: Showtimes available on Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 2 and Monday, Oct. 13.

    Where: 1001 E Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803

    Cost: $20 – $48

    Adult Halloween Party – OSC after Dark

    See the Orlando Science Center transformed for Halloween, all while enjoying a night of thrilling activities and grown-up fun. Costumes are encouraged. Ages 21+ only.

    When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
    Where: 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
    Cost: $35 for OSC members and Young Professionals for OSC, $40 early bird, $50 general admission.

    ICEBAR After Dark Special

    Show a 2025 Halloween Horror Nights ticket for $10 off standard ICEBAR entry. 21+ only. Spooky seasonal cocktails are available for a limited time.

    When: Monday- Wednesday open – midnight. Thursday and Sunday till 1 a.m.. Friday and Saturday till 2 a.m.

    Where: 8967 International Drive. Orlando, FL. 32819

    Cost: Entry for ICEBAR starts at $15 (Additional package options available)

    Scare trails and ghost tours in Orlando

    Orlando Haunts Ghost Tours

    Orlando Haunts invites guests to explore the haunted history of Orlando with two guided tour options: the Ghosts and Ghouls tour or the “Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.”

    When: Nightly
    Cost: Tickets start at $25

    A Petrified Forest Scream Park

    A Petrified Forest offers three scare trails, an escape ride, immersive theater and laser tag. Get the big scares without the big price tag.

    When: Starts Oct. 3
    Where: 1360 E Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
    Cost: Tickets range from $34.98 – $59.98 (Additional add-ons available for purchase)

    Mortem Manor – Year-Round Haunted House

    Named one of the scariest haunted houses in America by the Travel Channel, Martem Manor features live actors, animatronics and state-of-the-art special effects. The haunted house in Kissimmee is open year-round just outside Orlando.

    When: Open year-round
    Where: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
    Cost: Tickets start at $21.19

    Spooky dining in Orlando

    Mangoni’s Italian Market Halloween menu

    Step inside Haunted Mangoni Italian Market Pizza. The Winter Garden restaurant is offering a spooky experience in October, featuring creepy cocktails, eerie decor, and Halloween-themed food items.

    When: through Oct. 31

    Where: 251 Tremaine St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

    Reservations suggested.

    Helena’s Phantom of Helena Halloween pop-up

    The Phantom of Helena has turned the usual Mediterranean vibes of Helena Modern Riviera in ICON park into something way more mysterious and romantic.

    When: October 2025

    Where: 8441 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

    Reservations suggested

    Halloween events in Orlando theme parks

    Halloween Horror Nights 2025

    Enter 10 haunted houses inspired by popular horror movies and TV series. This year’s latest additions include: “Terrifier,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and “Fallout.”

    When: Aug. 29 – Nov. 2

    Where: 6000 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819

    Cost: Tickets start at $95.99

    Hall-O-Scream SeaWorld Orlando

    Now in its 5th year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando unleashes a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner.

    When: Now until Nov 1

    Where: 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL. 32821

    Cost: Starting at $50.99

    Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween

    The Magic Kingdom in Orlando transforms into a not-so-scary Halloween experience. Safe for the little ones, witness a masquerade of characters and a few faces from the Haunted Mansion. Bring your trick-or-treat bag and gather goodies from land to land.

    When: Now until Oct. 31 (Select nights) 7 p.m. to midnight

    Where: Magic Kingdom 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

    Cost: Tickets start at $119 (SOLD OUT)

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  • Florida upsets No. 9 Texas 29-21 in the Swamp

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — DJ Lagway threw for a season-high 289 yards and two touchdowns, both to a true freshman making his college debut, and Florida upset No. 9 Texas 29-21 on Saturday to end a three-game skid.

    Arch Manning and the Longhorns (3-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) had a chance in the final minute thanks partly to a defensive penalty, but he threw incomplete deep and was sacked twice.

    Florida (2-3, 1-1) enjoyed its first victory since beating Long Island in the season opener.

    Lagway looked better than he had in four previous starts this season, and Dallas Wilson had a lot to do with it. The Tampa native showed speed, hands and arguably the most physicality of any Florida receiver in years.

    Wilson’s 55-yard TD catch late in the third quarter was one of the most impressive plays in the Swamp since Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin dominated opponents regularly.

    Wilson tossed aside cornerback Kobe Black at the line of scrimmage, spun out of the grasp of safety Jelani McDonald, tiptoed the sideline, ran through McDonald’s second attempt at a tackle and then powered through safety Michael Taaffe at the goal line.

    Wilson finished with six catches for 111 yards. It was the best debut for a freshman receiver at Florida in program history. Wilson was the star of Florida’s spring game in April but injured his left foot early in fall camp and spent weeks in a walking boot.

    He finally returned to practice during Florida’s off week and provided the jolt the Gators needed to end a three-game slide in which they scored 16, 10 and 7 points.

    Texas struggled to find consistency in front of a hostile crowd of 90,714. Manning was hurried and harassed all afternoon. He threw for 263 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

    Manning was sacked seven times behind a line that got bullied without blitzes in Texas’ first visit to Gainesville since 1940.

    Poll implications

    Texas will surely tumble out of the top 10 in the next AP Top 25 College Football Poll.

    The takeaway

    Texas: The Longhorns have been one of the most disappointing teams in college football. The preseason No. 1 lost at Ohio State to open the season, wasn’t sharp in wins against San Jose State and Sam Houston State, and now this.

    Florida: The Gators may have found something during their off week. Lagway showed significant improvement, and Florida’s pass rush was dominant for the first time this season.

    Up next

    Texas faces nemesis and fifth-ranked Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry in Dallas next Saturday.

    Florida goes on the road to face No. 6 Texas A&M next Saturday.

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    Associated Press

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  • Weekend Digest Central Florida October 4 & 5

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    Your weekend is here, Central Florida! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.

    A tropical wave continues to develop across the Bahamas and is expected to float north over the state of Florida through the weekend. This will provide a high opportunity for rain and storm development starting along the coast and continuing further inland.

    Rainfall totals ranging between 1 inch to 2 inches for interior locations will be common for the weekend with local areas between 3 inches to 5 inches of rainfall along the coast. Pockets of over 8 inches of rain are also possible but will be localized.

    Due to the significant amount of anticipated rainfall, flood watches are in effect for Brevard and Volusia counties through Sunday morning.

    At the same time, high winds and dangerous coastal waterway conditions will remain through Saturday and Sunday. High surf advisories along our Central Florida coastline, along with small craft advisories, remain in place through this time frame. Rip current risks remain high.

    Daytime temperatures for Saturday and Sunday remain in the lower and middle 80s amid high rain chances.

    Take a look at your hour-by-hour forecast

    ORANGE

    • Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew
      Saturday | 7:30 p.m. |       Be sure to arrive early for Fan Appreciation Night that includes extra giveaways, prizes, and fan-centric fun.
    • UCF Knights vs. Kansas
      Saturday | 7:30 p.m.| UCF is set to play its first home Big 12 Conference game of the season on Saturday.
    • The Wiz at the Dr. Phillips Center
      All Weekend | This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.

    BREVARD

    • The Platt’s Patch Family Fall Festival
      All Weekend | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Enjoy holiday crafts and games, capture memories at our beautiful photo ops, take a scenic hayride through the woods, explore an array of local vendors, get lost in a corn maze and explore pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.

    FLAGLER

    • Florida Trucktoberfest 2025 
      Saturday | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |       If you love Trucks this is the event you have been waiting for. Come and enjoy the competition of trucks as well as vendors and food and activities.

    OSCEOLA

    • Kissimmee Kids & Family Expo
      Saturday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |       Enjoy free face painting, balloon animals, character meet & greets, axe throwing, arts & crafts, and hands-on activities that vendors will offer.
    • Viva Osceola
      Sunday | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. |       Viva Osceola, the largest Hispanic festival in Osceola County, is back to bring you an unforgettable experience during Hispanic Heritage Month. Prepare yourself for an explosion of Hispanic music, folklore, and mouthwatering cuisine that will transport you to the heart of our diverse cultures.

    LAKE & SUMTER

    • Amber Brooke Farms 5th Annual Fall Festival
      All Weekend | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |       Join the ultimate fall celebration weekends until Nov. 2. Explore the pumpkin patch, wander through golden flower fields, enjoy live music, festive treats, and fun activities for all ages.

    MARION

    SEMINOLE

    • Oktoberfest in Casselberry
      Saturday | Noon to 9 p.m. |       Casselberry is home of the longest-running, most authentic Oktoberfest in Central Florida — since 1963.

    VOLUSIA

    • County Line Family Farms Fall Festival
      All Weekend | 10 a.m. until close |       Gather the crew for fall fun at County Line Family Farms — corn maze, photo ops, fresh air, and memory-making all day long.

    For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar

    1. Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers roller coaster to reopen following death of guest

    2. After-midnight alcohol sales permit takes effect in Kissimmee

    3. Government shutdown raises concerns for Central Florida’s military simulation industry

    4. Metroplan Orlando asks for community input to help make Central Florida road plans safer

    5. Eatonville mayor optimistic about town’s future after vote on Hungerford sale

    6. This year’s showdown between in-state rivals FSU, Miami is Top 25 matchup

    Tap/Click here for more headlines

    Greg Carr | Cape Canaveral Beach

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