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Tag: Volusia County

  • DeSantis issues emergency declaration for 54 Florida counties

    DeSantis issues emergency declaration for 54 Florida counties

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in 54 counties Thursday ahead of a potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Counties affected by the declaration include:

    Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

    The order comes as tropical wave Invest 97L “is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” DeSantis’ executive order said.

    The order said that conditions are favorable for Invest 97L to develop into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week “over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula.”

    Based on meteorological reports, the emergency declaration said that there is a “significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days.”

    It is expected that any “prolonged heavy rainfall” from the potential storm could result in “river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.”

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • DeLand SunRail station gets an opening date, holds preview event

    DeLand SunRail station gets an opening date, holds preview event

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    DeLAND, Fla. – Hopeful train hoppers up in DeLand will soon be able to try out SunRail as the affordable passenger rail system plans to open a station next month in Volusia County’s seat.

    SunRail’s DeLand station at 2491 Old New York Avenue is set to open on Aug. 12, according to the rail service. Visitors to the station on Saturday even got a free tour.

    “We just live down around the corner and so we just wanted to see all of the activities this morning,” Jake Jacobs said.

    Jacobs lives in DeLand with his wife, Rachel, and came by to check out the preview event. The couple said they were excited about what the new station could mean for DeLand.

    “They’re going to bring a lot to this small town,” Rachel Jacobs said.

    While Rachel said she and Jake don’t use SunRail very often, the new station could encourage them to take more trips with the rail service.

    “Especially going out toward Kissimmee for the restaurants, Winter Park, and then you have Lake Mary, which I love Lake Mary,” Rachel Jacobs said.

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    The DeLand station will serve as SunRail’s northernmost stop, connecting Persimmon Hollow to DeBary, Poinciana, and more than a dozen stations in between along 61 miles of tracks.

    “Having the ability for residents to take the train in and work somewhere like Orlando Health or Advent and just get off the train and go to work is huge,” said DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman.

    Cloudman said work is also underway to better connect people with downtown DeLand and the train station, too. SunRail suggested passengers from the south take advantage of Volusia County’s VoRide service, offering rideshare transport for a flat rate of $2. Bicycle travel was also encouraged, as bicycles are welcome on SunRail trains.

    “The train has always been accessible to bring your bicycle on and bring it with you and when you get to your destination you can go enjoy the surrounding areas and then we have a number of options that will be available once you get here to get into town,” Cloudman said.

    The station off Old New York Avenue is about 3 miles from the heart of downtown DeLand. The city is now working with the county and state to put in a mixed-use trail so people can easily walk or ride a bike between the station and downtown.

    “Hopefully, this will become a popular destination and we’re looking at alternative means of transportation as well for that last-mile connection,” Cloudman said.

    SunRail recently rolled out a more efficient way for riders to purchase tickets. These changes come as SunRail is hoping to expand even further with the Sunshine Corridor, connecting Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs.

    “Now that the station is opening, it’ll be time for us to really examine what’s in the future, including possibly the Sunshine Corridor,” said Cindi Lane, public information officer for FDOT District 5.

    Learn more about SunRail and purchase tickets starting at $2 — with discounts available for seniors, youth, and passengers with disabilities — by clicking here.

    For additional information about the so-called Sunshine Corridor and how it could connect SunRail to Brightline, Orlando International Airport and beyond, click here.

    SunRail stations

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    Brandon Hogan, Molly Reed, Emily McLeod

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  • Avelo Airlines expanding service in Central Florida

    Avelo Airlines expanding service in Central Florida

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Less than two months after opening service from Lakeland’s airport, Avelo Airlines is expanding service with multiple routes from the airport.

    And the airline is adding a route from another Central Florida airport as well.


    As part of the largest expansion in company history, Avelo Airlines announced today it is adding seven new nonstop destinations from Lakeland International Airport.

    Beginning Oct. 24, Avelo will offer seven new nonstop routes from Lakeland, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, Atlanta, Boston/Manchester, N.H., Charlotte/Concord, Hartford, Conn., Philadelphia/Wilmington, Del. and Rochester, N.Y.

    With the addition of these seven new routes, Avelo will serve eight nonstop destinations from Lakeland.

    These new destinations join Avelo’s current nonstop service to Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport.

    The low-cost carrier’s fast growth in Central Florida has it bringing service to Daytona Beach as well.

    Avelo also is announcing nonstop service this fall between Daytona Beach International Airport and Hartford’s (Conn.) Bradley International Airport.

    Beginning Nov. 8, 2024, Avelo will operate this route to Hartford twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays utilizing Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

    Avelo Airlines is a low-fair provider that flies between 50 destinations in the U.S.

    Lakeland International worked for months to launch Avelo’s passenger service, with an update of its security checkpoint, as well as ramps to accommodate Avelo’s passenger planes.

    It is the first passenger service from Lakeland’s airport in 12 years.

    “You will see some growth here at Lakeland,” said airport director Kris Hallstrand. “We don’t know what the future holds, but there is a lot of work to do with terminal expansions and parking lot expansions, but we are working toward that diligently and our goal is to provide the best service we can in Lakeland.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Important deadlines for Florida’s primary election

    Important deadlines for Florida’s primary election

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    The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters have until Monday, July 22 to register to vote or update their registration.


    Florida is a closed primary state, which means voters will need to lock in their party affiliation by that date in order to participate in their chosen primary elections.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, August 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be recieving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from August 5 through August 18.

    After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on November 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before October 7, and early voting will take place from October 21 through November 3.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Cameras installed to monitor crowds on Daytona Beach’s Seabreeze Boulevard

    Cameras installed to monitor crowds on Daytona Beach’s Seabreeze Boulevard

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    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Cameras now line Seabreeze Boulevard, one of Daytona Beach’s busiest entertainment strips, to help police keep an eye on the crowds.

    The eight high-tech cameras are attached to 20-foot aluminum poles and have a 24/7 livestream the police can watch.

    “It feels really good, and it makes me feel really good that we have an added level of security,” said Commissioner Ken Strickland.

    It’s a concept commissioner Strickland had been working on for almost two years. Strickland and the mayor funded the majority of the $147,000 project using COVID funds.

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    “We’ve been allowing a minority — or a handful of people — to create havoc, and we needed to take care of that,” Strickland said.

    Strickland first went to the city asking for cameras after the 2022 Bike Week murders. Police at the time said the suspect, Jean Macean, randomly attacked and killed a couple in the Seabreeze Historic District. Police identified Macean by piecing together businesses’ surveillance video.

    Since then, police have responded to several shootings and other crimes around Seabreeze.

    “I think once the word spreads that we’re monitoring everything on the street, they’ll start to behave a little better,” Strickland said.

    People who work and live around Seabreeze told News 6 they hope so, too.

    “I think it’ll make a huge difference,” said resident Shiloh Barry. “When you walk outside your door at nighttime and you’re ready to go home and there’s a shooting going on less than 100 feet away, that’s a problem.”

    Strickland said the city is also getting the ball rolling to get the cameras along Main Street and in Midtown Daytona Beach as well.

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    Molly Reed

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  • New Florida law bans local heat protections for workers

    New Florida law bans local heat protections for workers

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    PIERSON, Fla. — One of Florida’s newest laws is getting a lot of attention, and it deals with something Floridians know a lot about, hot temperatures.

    What You Need To Know

    • House Bill 433 bans Florida cities and counties from requiring employers to give their employees water breaks and other protections when temperatures soar

    • Migrant workers in Pierson already work long days in the heat and now people are saying if municipalities can’t get involved to help them, more needs to be done

    • In Florida, there are no laws that provide heat exposure protections for outdoor workers

    • Florida Rep. Tiffany Esposito, the bill’s sponsor, says the goal of this legislation is to prevent different counties and cities from having different regulations


    House Bill 433 bans Florida cities and counties from requiring employers to give their employees water breaks and other protections when temperatures soar.

    Migrant workers in Pierson already work long days in the heat and now people are saying if municipalities can’t get involved to help them, more needs to be done.

    According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. 

    Since 2011, more than 400 workers have died due to environmental heat exposure, with thousands more being hospitalized.

    Conditions like this, Maria Elena Valdivia says, are tough to work in. She used to work as a farmworker when she moved from Mexico to Pierson in 1994.

    “Farmworkers are literally working for their own death,” Valdivia said.

    In November 2022, she founded the Migrants and Minorities Alliance, an organization dedicated to advocating for farmworkers’ rights.

    “They don’t think about the human beings that are doing the work for their own benefit,” Valdiva said. “It’s inhumane.”

    Ernesto Ruiz, research coordinator for the Farmworker Association of Florida, agrees with Valdivia. This legislation doesn’t cut it. 

    “It’s not just farmworkers. It’s construction workers, it’s the people who put the fiber optic cables that we use for internet, for cable. The people who build our infrastructure deserve basic consideration,” Ruiz said.

    In Florida, there are no laws that provide heat exposure protections for outdoor workers.   

    Florida Rep. Tiffany Esposito, R-District 77, is the bill’s sponsor. 

    She says the goal of the legislation is to prevent different counties and cities from having different regulations.

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    Devin Martin

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  • Central Florida counties with burn bans in effect

    Central Florida counties with burn bans in effect

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    FLORIDA — Several Central Florida counties are now under burn bans as dry conditions and high heat could spark dangerous wildfires.

    Burn bans are activated when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, reaches or exceeds 500 and no measurable rainfall is forecast soon.

    A burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days.

    Burn ban in effect since May 8

    Due to ongoing dry weather conditions, Brevard County is favorable to the risk of wildfires. The county has implemented a ban on open burning, such as bonfires, campfires, trash burning and other incineration, throughout the county.

    The burn ban does not include state-permitted burns, the use of barbecue grills, authorized public fireworks displays and fireworks sales, which are authorized by state law.

    Read more on Florida burn laws and ordinances.

    Burn ban in effect since May 28

    Polk County has issued a burn ban throughout the county due to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index averaging over 507.

    The burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard and household trash, burning construction debris, burning organic debris, igniting fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.

    The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.

    Burn ban in effect since May 28

    All outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires and yard debris — is prohibited throughout the county. Above-ground charcoal, gas, barrel-style barbecue smokers and electric grills are permitted, but officials urge you to ensure the charcoal is extinguished after you finish cooking your food.

    Burn ban violators can be fined up to $500 or jailed for no more than 60 days.

    In Seminole, the burn ban remains in effect until the drought index dips below 500 for seven consecutive days or until further notice. 

    Burn ban in effect since May 29

    A ban on open fire pits, campfires, and yard debris is in effect within the unincorporated areas. Osceola County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the burn ban will be lifted there.

    Burn ban in effect since May 31

    A burn ban is currently in effect for unincorporated areas of Orange County and any municipalities that Orange County Fire Rescue services, including Edgewood, Belle Isle, Oakland, and Eatonville.

    The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted. Outdoor burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service is not affected by this ban.

    Burn ban in effect since June 5

    Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective 5 p.m. June 5 and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The ban remains in effect for seven days.

    The burn ban prohibits the following:

    • Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”

    • Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers

    • Outdoor cookers and grills unless attended by an adult at all times

    • Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles

    • Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas

    Burn ban in effect since June 6

    Volusia County has implemented a countywide burn ban, prohibiting the ignition and burning of open fires until further notice. The countywide restriction bans all outdoor burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires, and yard debris burning. However, the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills is permitted.

    Here are steps to take to protect your home and business from wildfires:

    • Create a 30-foot area of “defensible” — clean and green — space around your home or business.

    • Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyard.

    • Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.

    • Have an Emergency Plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home is near wildlands.

    • Monitor your county’s social media and local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards.

    • Use extreme caution when grilling, camping and discarding cigarettes.

    • Call 911 if you see smoke or fire in your area.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Fire rescue: Crews at the scene of large brush fire in Volusia County

    Fire rescue: Crews at the scene of large brush fire in Volusia County

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    Fire crews in Volusia County battled a major brush fire near Pell Road on Saturday.”Around 12:30 this afternoon is when we got a report that possibly broke out of the main fire that happened a couple of weeks ago or a week and a half ago,” Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Scott Smoak said. “Since then, we’ve had units out here trying to work on this fire.”Smoak said the original fire had grown to 905 acres, with the breakout fire covering roughly 250 acres. Crews were also worried about various spot fires.At last check, the fire was 25% contained, and several helicopters dropped water over the area.The Volusia County Fire Rescue is at the scene with support from Forestry and Seminole County, along with other agencies.Officials blocked off part of Pell Road near Eagle View Road in Osteen until roughly 9 p.m. Zachary Miles and his cousins were waiting for the road to reopen. Miles was concerned about the animals at his house.” I was worried about the cows and the dogs, and then I remembered, oh yeah, all the other stuff we have, too,” Miles said. Officials said weather conditions only made battling the fire worse.”We’re extremely dry, especially in this part of the county. Any bit of people burning outdoors, any type of, you know, vehicles that creates sparks, those are our main concerns,” Smoak said. There is currently no information on what initiated the fire.

    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —

    Fire crews in Volusia County battled a major brush fire near Pell Road on Saturday.

    “Around 12:30 this afternoon is when we got a report that [a fire] possibly broke out of the main fire that happened a couple of weeks ago or a week and a half ago,” Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Scott Smoak said. “Since then, we’ve had units out here trying to work on this fire.”

    Smoak said the original fire had grown to 905 acres, with the breakout fire covering roughly 250 acres.

    Crews were also worried about various spot fires.

    At last check, the fire was 25% contained, and several helicopters dropped water over the area.

    The Volusia County Fire Rescue is at the scene with support from Forestry and Seminole County, along with other agencies.

    Officials blocked off part of Pell Road near Eagle View Road in Osteen until roughly 9 p.m.

    Zachary Miles and his cousins were waiting for the road to reopen. Miles was concerned about the animals at his house.

    ” I was worried about the cows and the dogs, and then I remembered, oh yeah, all the other stuff we have, too,” Miles said.

    Officials said weather conditions only made battling the fire worse.

    “We’re extremely dry, especially in this part of the county. Any bit of people burning outdoors, any type of, you know, vehicles that creates sparks, those are our main concerns,” Smoak said.

    There is currently no information on what initiated the fire.

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  • Florida State, Florida, UCF open with NCAA baseball regional victories

    Florida State, Florida, UCF open with NCAA baseball regional victories

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  — Carson Dorsey allowed two runs, one earned, and struck out seven over 8-2/3 innings to lead host Florida State to a 7-2 victory over Stetson on Friday in the opening round of the NCAA Tallahassee Regional Baseball Tournament.

    The Seminoles (43-15), seeded No. 8 nationally, move on to face the UCF on Saturday.

    Dorsey (6-4) scattered nine hits and walked only one. The junior college transfer barely missed pitching his first complete game, exiting after a single and Florida State error in the ninth.

    Stetson (40-21), which won the ASun Conference Tournament, got a runner to third before reliever Brennen Oxford struck out Yohann Dessureault to end the game.

    Florida State added to what was already the largest turnaround in the nation, winning 20 more games than last season.

    The Seminoles jumped out with solo homers in the first two innings from Daniel Cantu and Max Williams, who opened with a leadoff shot over the right-field fence in the bottom of the first.

    Marco Dinges went 2-for-4 with a walk, and Jaime Ferrer also had two hits for the Seminoles. James Tibbs III drew four walks and scored three runs.

    Sundean’s pinch-hit RBI in 9th lifts UCF over Alabama

    Pinch-hitter Andrew Sundean’s two-out, RBI single in the ninth inning broke a 7-all tie and sent second-seeded UCF to an 8-7 victory over No. 3-seeded Alabama in the Tallahassee Regional at the NCAA Tournament. Jack Zyska led the inning off with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Danny Neri. After Alabama reliever Alton Davis II got the second out on a fly ball, Sundean sent a single to left to bring home Zyska with the winning run.

    Alabama (33-24) got a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth. But UCF reliever Kris Sosnoski got William Hamiter on a groundout to end the game.

    It was a back-and-forth game, with Snell giving Alabama a 3-2 lead with a three-run homer in the first. UCF rallied with for a 6-5 lead in the fifth on RBI doubles by Matt Cedarburg and Zyska. Alabama tied the game a final time, 7-7, on Hodo’s RBI single in the eighth.

    Sosnoski (1-0) pitched the final two innings for the victory. Davis (4-2) took the loss for Alabama.

    UCF (36-19) will take on top-seeded and home-standing FSU on Saturday.

    Alabama plays Stetson to avoid elimination.

    Wilson’s hot hitting powers Florida past Nebraska

    Ashton Wilson doubled three times and hit his first home run for Florida, and the Gators opened the NCAA Stillwater Regional with a 5-2 victory over Nebraska. Wilson made just his fifth start of the season, all since May 16, after transferring from Charleston Southern. His two-run double in the third inning gave the Gators (29-27) the lead for good, and his homer to left field in the ninth put them up three runs.

    Freshman starter Liam Peterson (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits, walked three and struck out seven over 5-1/3 innings for the Gators, who will play Saturday against the winner of Friday night’s game between Niagara and Oklahoma State.

    Big Ten pitcher of the year Brett Sears (9-1) gave up three runs on 10 hits and a walk in five innings and took his first loss. The Cornhuskers (39-21), in their first regional since 2021, will play the Niagara-Oklahoma State loser in an elimination game on Saturday.

    The Gators, the national runners-up to LSU last year and in their 16th consecutive regional, went ahead 1-0 when leadoff man Cade Kurland hit Sears’ third pitch over the left-center field fence. Nebraska got that run back in the bottom of the first, but Wilson’s double down the left-field line in the third restored the Gators’ lead.

    Gabe Swansen’s homer in the sixth pulled the Huskers within 3-2. The Gators got their final runs on Kurland’s single in the eighth and Wilson’s first home run since April 16, 2023, when he played for Charleston Southern.

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    Associated Press

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  • Florida beachgoers arrive before sunrise to stake spot in sand on Memorial Day

    Florida beachgoers arrive before sunrise to stake spot in sand on Memorial Day

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    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Beachgoers arrived before sunrise as large crowds were expected for the Memorial Day holiday.

    In Daytona Beach, they wanted to get their spot on the sand before it was taken.

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    “We knew it was going to be a lot of traffic and people coming here, so it’s better to get here early and not struggle to find a parking spot,” said beachgoer Aaliyah Woulard, who drove to Daytona Beach with her friends, Makena Harkness and Sky McKinney, to enjoy Memorial Day.

    The combination of the holiday weekend and near-record high temperatures were expected to bring crowds to the beach.

    “It’s been so hot! Like Sunday, I was playing basketball outside (and) I was sweating bullets,” 11-year-old Jeremiah Ferreira said.

    Volusia County Beach Patrol said swimmers should beware of rip currents.

    According to officials, there were 46 rescues on Saturday and Sunday.

    “Especially with all the crowds and all the tourists, most people aren’t really experienced with the ocean so it’s definitely something to watch out for,” Harkness said.

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    Ezzy Castro

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  • 2 killed, 3 injured in crash that shut down I-95 in Ormond Beach

    2 killed, 3 injured in crash that shut down I-95 in Ormond Beach

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    ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A 38-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl were killed in a crash that shut down part of Interstate 95 Volusia County for hours on Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

    Troopers said the crash happened in the northbound lanes of the interstate in Ormond Beach, south of U.S. 1, near mile marker 272 around 3:45 p.m.

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    According to a crash report a Ford Fiesta, a Toyota Corolla and a Ford Ranger were all traveling north on I-95, approaching U.S. 1.

    Troopers said the Fiesta was in the inside lane, the Corolla was in the center lane and the Ranger was in the center lane behind the Corolla.

    According to the report, the driver of the Fiesta lost control of the vehicle and ran off of the roadway left and onto the inside shoulder. The driver, identified as a 38-year-old Palm Coast woman, overcorrected right, causing the vehicle to rotate. While the vehicle was rotating, it collided with the Corolla.

    Troopers said after the collision, the Fiesta continued rotating in the center lane and into the outside lane into the direct path of the Ranger.

    The front of the Ranger then crashed into the left side of the Fiesta, according to the FHP.

    In addition, troopers said the initial impact caused the Corolla rotate onto the center median, causing it to collide with the guardrail.

    According to the report, the drive of the Fiesta was pronounced dead at the scene. A 2-year-old Palm Coast girl who was a passenger in the right rear of the vehicle was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. A front passenger in the vehicle, identified as a 20-year-old Palm Coast woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

    The driver of the Corolla, identified as a 33-year-old Kissimmee woman, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

    The Ranger’s driver, identified as a 59-year-old Palm Coast man, was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

    All lanes of I-95 have reopened.

    The crash remains under investigation, troopers said.

    Troopers said the driver of one of the vehicles, identified as a 38-year-old Palm Coast woman, died at the scene.

    The crash remains under investigation.

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    Jacob Langston

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  • Motorcyclist killed in crash on LPGA Boulevard in Volusia County

    Motorcyclist killed in crash on LPGA Boulevard in Volusia County

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    Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Friday night crash on LPGA Boulevard in Volusia County that killed a motorcyclist.According to FHP, the crash happened around 5:41 p.m. Friday on LPGA Blvd near Derbyshire Rd. Troopers said a Yamaha motorcycle heading east on LPGA approaching Derbyshire was struck by a Ford Escape turning left to head southbound onto Derbyshire from the westbound lanes of LPGA. The front of the Yamaha motorcycle and the front of the Ford Escape collided, throwing the motorcycle’s rider from the vehicle.Troopers said the motorcyclist, a 34-year-old Ormond Beach man, was pronounced dead at the scene.Witnesses told FHP troopers that the Yamaha appeared to be traveling over the posted speed limit at the time of the crash.The Ford’s driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Halifax Daytona Hospital.

    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —

    Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Friday night crash on LPGA Boulevard in Volusia County that killed a motorcyclist.

    According to FHP, the crash happened around 5:41 p.m. Friday on LPGA Blvd near Derbyshire Rd. Troopers said a Yamaha motorcycle heading east on LPGA approaching Derbyshire was struck by a Ford Escape turning left to head southbound onto Derbyshire from the westbound lanes of LPGA. The front of the Yamaha motorcycle and the front of the Ford Escape collided, throwing the motorcycle’s rider from the vehicle.

    Troopers said the motorcyclist, a 34-year-old Ormond Beach man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Witnesses told FHP troopers that the Yamaha appeared to be traveling over the posted speed limit at the time of the crash.

    The Ford’s driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Halifax Daytona Hospital.

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  • SunRail marks 10 years with expansion on the horizon

    SunRail marks 10 years with expansion on the horizon

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SunRail marks 10 years of service on May 1, as the commuter rail line looks to a future of expansion and changes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Since SunRail service began 10 years ago, there have been more than 9.6 million riders

    • DeLand SunRail station to open this summer

    • Plans underway to extend SunRail to Orlando International Airport, convention center & Disney

    • Polk County is studying extending SunRail to Haines City

    The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found that since service began in 2014, SunRail has served more than 9,650,000 riders.

    It is currently in its third year of double-digit ridership increases since the pandemic.

    The pandemic did bring a big hit to SunRail’s growth as a slew of people transitioned to working from home.

    “It’s clean, efficient, it’s cheap — I can’t say enough about it,” said Kevin Lawrenson, a retiree from Maitland.

    Lawrenson and his wife, Carma, take SunRail whenever they have business in downtown Orlando, or want to do some shopping or exploring at the other stops along the 49 miles of track from DeBary to Poinciana.

    “Taking the SunRail is the easiest way to go because there’s literally no parking downtown whatsoever,” Lawrenson said.

    Work is underway to extend SunRail another 12.2 miles to the north, to the new DeLand station, which is set to open this summer.

    After 10 years of operating SunRail, FDOT will hand over the reins at the beginning of next year to the five local funding partners: the city of Orlando and Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.

    They’ll be responsible for the estimated $50 million to $65 million deficit to operate SunRail annually.

    “No rail pays for itself, so we all understood that’s what’s going to occur,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

    Dyer says the city will be responsible for more than $15 million.

    Despite the financial challenges, Dyer has been one of the biggest champions for SunRail.

    Before he finishes his final term in office, he wants to see construction begin on a connection to Orlando International Airport.

    “The estimates are the piece to the airport will triple the ridership and we’ll have to go seven days a week, longer hours as well, so I think that’s the critical piece, getting to the airport,” said Dyer.

    Just last week FDOT released a study detailing plans to connect SunRail to Orlando International Airport in the east with the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive and Disney Springs to the west.

    It’s called the Sunshine Corridor.

    If just the connection to the airport was made, FDOT found 3.7 million people would ride on SunRail. Currently, a million people ride SunRail each year.

    If the entire Sunshine Corridor were built, SunRail would see 6.4 million riders. The cost to build the entire project is estimated to be $3.1 billion to $4.4 billion.

    Funding would depend on federal, state and local governments, along with private partners like Brightline and the theme parks.

    Brightline wants to use the tracks as they have plans to connect Orlando International Airport to Tampa.

    Universal Orlando has offered up land for a station near the convention center and its new Epic Universe theme park.

    Orange County approved a new special district last year tied to Universal’s proposed SunRail station.

    After a planned Brightline stop at Disney was nixed, Walt Disney World told Spectrum News a SunRail stop is a possibility.

    “We have long been open to discussions around the proposed SunRail expansion to Disney Springs and have been engaged with state and community leaders on the topic,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to Spectrum News.

    Next up for Sunshine Corridor are meetings between FDOT, local leaders and the Federal Transit Administration. A $5 million to $6 million project development and environment study is also on the horizon.

    Polk County is also working with FDOT to look at extending SunRail, from where it currently ends in Poinciana.

    Currently, FDOT is in the process of hiring a consultant firm to lead an expansion study for the first phase, which would connect Poinciana to Haines City.

    Lawrenson is excited about the future of SunRail.

    As someone that tries to avoid I-4, getting to the antique store in Kissimmee may have been less desirable if he had to drive on the Interstate.

    “We most probably wouldn’t have come down here without SunRail,” Lawrenson said. “It’s just so convent for us.”

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    Jerry Hume

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  • 1 dead after house fire in DeLand, officials say

    1 dead after house fire in DeLand, officials say

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    DeLAND, Fla. – A person who firefighters pulled out of a smoke-filled DeLand home Friday night later died at a hospital, according to the fire department.

    Crews with the DeLand Fire Department and Volusia County Fire Rescue responded around 10:30 p.m. to the 700 block of West Beresford Avenue, reporting that one person was already outside of the burning single-story residence when units got there.

    Firefighters performed an initial search of the home through heavy smoke and located one person, the fire department said in a statement. Volusia County EMS took the individual to a local hospital where they later died, the statement reads.

    A dog was rescued from the home and was provided oxygen, firefighters said, adding the Red Cross had been contacted to assist the family that the fire displaced.

    The fire originated from the kitchen and appears to have been accidental in nature, according to the statement.

    Photos shared by the DeLand Fire Department show the home’s scorched kitchen area.

    1 dead after house fire in DeLand, officials say (DeLand Fire Department)

    The State Fire Marshal is still investigating.

    Note: This map depicts the general area of this fire and not necessarily its exact location.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Brandon Hogan

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  • Construction begins on buried seawalls along A1A in Flagler, Volusia counties

    Construction begins on buried seawalls along A1A in Flagler, Volusia counties

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    FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Construction started on the first of two buried seawalls along A1A to help protect the roadway in Flagler and Volusia counties.

    The Florida Department of Transportation said on Monday that work began on the first seawall, which is south from South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach to one-half mile north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County.

    “This is one of the longest, continuous sections of S.R. A1A where drivers enjoy unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. However, that proximity to the sand and waves also makes this segment of A1A vulnerable to storms,” the department said in a release.

    Work on the second wall, which will be from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea, will begin later this summer.

    The department said work was sped up after recommendations were made by the S.R. A1A Resiliency Strike Team, which has representatives from FDOT, Flagler Beach, Flagler County, Volusia County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    During this construction, some dune walkovers will be temporarily removed. Beachgoers will be able to still access the beach from nearby walkovers and the area in front of the walls will be open for use.

    “State Road A1A is a treasured corridor that provides tremendous quality of life and economic vitality to the communities along its length,” FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E, said in a statement. “Our goal through this project was to develop a plan through community partnership and start construction as quickly as possible. At the same time, we have ensured all steps are taken to protect the natural environment.”

    Residents who live on this stretch of A1A told News 6 the sounds and sights of construction are welcome for this project after dealing with washouts in the road creeping closer to their buildings.

    “We are on this little barrier island and there’s nowhere else for A1A to go other than I guess close us down and tell you hey your condo is now worthless,” said resident Tim Currie, “This seawall is encouraging.”

    FDOT said the seawall design “incorporates reinforced concrete piles, which are then capped. The entire wall will be covered with sand and vegetation that appears as a regular, natural dune.”

    “The Department is adhering to state and federal regulations to protect sea turtles and other wildlife. During sea turtle nesting season, no work can begin until an inspector who is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inventories the beach for any nesting activity. No work will be done within 10 feet of a nest, and all work will be done during daylight hours,” FDOT said in a release.

    The first wall is expected to be done in the fall and the whole project is expected to be done by fall 2025.

    To see the full project’s website, click here.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Brenda Argueta, Molly Reed

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  • Stetson taps experienced leader Ricky Ray as athletics director

    Stetson taps experienced leader Ricky Ray as athletics director

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    DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson has hired Ricky Ray, an experienced leader in intercollegiate athletics at William & Mary, as the Hatters’ new director of athletics, the university announced.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ricky Ray will be the new Stetson athletics director as of May 6

    • Jeff Altier is retiring after holding the position for 27 years

    • Ray has been executive associate athletics director for external operations at William & Mary

    • Stetson will welcome him to campus at 2 p.m. Friday in an event open to the public

    Ray, who has been the executive associate athletics director for external operations at the historic college in Williamsburg, Va., will start May 6.

    He replaces Jeff Altier, who is retiring after 27 years as the Hatters’ AD.

    Ray will be introduced to the campus community at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lynn Presentation Room in the Marshall & Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center. The public is invited to attend.

    Stetson conducted a national search to select the person to lead its department of about 85 coaches and staff and more than 440 student-athletes on 18 teams, including its men’s basketball program that recently played in its first NCAA Tournament.

    “Obviously, the entire community saw what that kind of success can do for the institution as a whole,” Ray said. “Now is the time to build on that.”

    Ray has more than 20 years of experience in intercollegiate and professional sports and a doctorate of education degree from Marshall University in West Virginia.

    At William & Mary, Ray oversaw marketing, ticketing, creative services, communications and licensing for the college’s 23 NCAA Division I sports. He has set revenue records during his two years there and served as its interim chief financial officer.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Ricky Ray as Stetson’s athletics director,” Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke said in a statement. “An excellent fundraiser with considerable financial acumen, Ricky has accomplished so much in promoting student-athlete well-being, the fan experience and community engagement through athletics. I and the entire senior leadership team are looking forward to working with Ricky for years to come.”

     

     

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Port Orange honors resident for over 40 years of volunteer service

    Port Orange honors resident for over 40 years of volunteer service

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    PORT ORANGE, Fla. – Today’s Trooper Steve on Patrol stream is dedicated to a very special lady.

    Mary Wittmeyer was honored at her Centenarian Celebration and National Women’s Month by the Port Orange Police Department and the City of Port Orange.

    Wittmeyer joined the Port Orange Police Department’s Volunteers In Policing Services back in 1984, when she moved to Port Orange from Buffalo, New York.

    Today, Wittmeyer still volunteers, over 40 years of volunteer service to both the department and her fellow citizens in Port Orange.

    Wittmeyer received proclamations from: U.S. Congressman Cory Mills, Florida State Sen. Tom Wright, Volusia County’s Matt Reinhardt, City of Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette and fellow members of the City Council. Wittmeyer will also receive accommodations from Port Orange police Chief Manuel Marino and Port Orange police VIPS Maj. Ken Nichols.

    Check back for the full video.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Steve Montiero

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  • Iconic New Smyrna Beach restaurant likely a total loss after overnight fire

    Iconic New Smyrna Beach restaurant likely a total loss after overnight fire

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    NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A fire broke out early Monday at a popular New Smyrna Beach restaurant.

    The fire started just after 1 a.m. Monday at Pappas Drive-In on North Dixie Freeway. Crews say the fire was in the attic area towards the back of the building when they arrived. New Smyrna Beach’s fire chief says it took six engines and 25 crew members to get the fire under control, and hours to knock it down.

    “These older buildings are stubborn, heavier timber, heavier conventional lumber layers of roofing material, they are really stubborn to put out,” Fire Chief Shawn Vandermark said. “We’ve been here 8 hours and you can see there’s still spots we’re having to go back and put out just to get them totally extinguished.”

    No injuries were reported.

    Firefighters with the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department are investigating what caused the fire, but the building is likely a total loss.

    Pappas Drive-In opened in 1970 and is known for its famous burgers and fried chicken.

    “It was a great place to be and we’re gonna miss not being able to go to it,” said customer Betty Dysterhouse. “And I feel for the owners and all the workers because they worked their buns off and really tried to make people happy.”

    Customer Mary Timmerman says she hopes the owners are able to rebuild.

    “I am very sad about this, we were just here for breakfast a couple days ago with our granddaughter and it’s just hard to believe and sad,” Timmerman said.

    The restaurant also made headlines earlier this year when it was announced that superstar Brad Pitt filmed part of his movie about Formula 1 racing at Pappas.

    The movie is scheduled to be released in 2025.

    A GoFundMe for the restaurant was set up to help the 35 employees — some of whom have worked for the restaurant for decades — as they deal with the aftermath of the fire.

    To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

    Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates.

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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    Ezzy Castro

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  • Stetson’s 1st trip to the NCAA Tournament is a short stay

    Stetson’s 1st trip to the NCAA Tournament is a short stay

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    NEW YORK — Donovan Clingan scored 19 points and Cam Spencer added 15 as top-seeded UConn began defense of its national championship by overpowering 16th-seeded Stetson 91-52 Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

    What You Need To Know

    • Stetson falls to No. 1-seeded UConn 91-52

    • The Hatters, the Atlantic Sun champions, were making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament

    • Donovan Clingan scored 19 points to lead the Huskies

    • Senior guard Stephan Swenson led Stetson in scoring with 20 points

    The top-ranked Huskies (32-3) will face ninth-seeded Northwestern on Sunday in the second round of the East Region at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

    Stephan Swenson scored 20 points for the Hatters (22-13), the Atlantic Sun champions who were making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

    They never had a chance against UConn, which scored the first eight points and went on to its most lopsided NCAA victory since beating Chattanooga by 56 in the first round of the 2009 tournament.

    Less than a week after the Huskies won the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, they were back in New York City, a few subway stops south in Brooklyn.

    Clingan slammed home an alley-oop from Tristen Newton to make it 8-0 with 17 minutes, 16 seconds left in the first half.

    Stetson got its first points with 15:33 to play in the first half when Treyton Thompson took a pass from Jalen Blackmon and dunked it.

    Stephon Castle made a 3 to push the lead to 20 with 9:06 left, and it was up to 31 when the 7-foot-2 Clingan got free underneath for another easy layup with 5:00 left.

    Newton’s straight-on 3 gave UConn 50 points with a little under two minutes left in the half.

    Newton, a first-team All-American, finished with 13 points and eight assists.

    At the half, UConn led 52-19. The Huskies had shot 68.8%, committed only three turnovers and outrebounded the Hatters 18-11 for good measure.

    Less than 20 seconds into the second half, Castle scored on a baseline drive and was fouled. He converted the three-point play to make it 55-19.

    The Hatters picked it up the rest of the second half and the Huskies cooled off, but still UConn — the most efficient offensive team in the country — reached 90 points for the ninth time this season.

    The Huskies have won seven consecutive NCAA Tournament games by double-digits after their dominant run to a title last year as a No. 4-seeded team.

    Milestones

    Stetson junior Jalen Blackmon, who scored 42 in the ASun title game against Austin Peay, became the program’s career leader with 744 points. He scored 14 against UConn. … The Huskies’ 32 victories are the second-most in program history behind the 2013-14 national championship team (33) and the most under sixth-year coach Dan Hurley.

    Up next

    UConn: The Huskies have never played Northwestern and last played a Big Ten team in the NCAA Tournament in 2021, losing to Maryland in the first round.

    Stetson: The loss ends the season for the Hatters.

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    Associated Press

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  • Deputies: Couple found passed out, drunk on Volusia beach while young children were in pool alone

    Deputies: Couple found passed out, drunk on Volusia beach while young children were in pool alone

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    A Georgia couple was arrested on Saturday in Volusia County after deputies say the two were intoxicated and asleep on the beach while their children were nowhere to be found. According to an arrest affidavit from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Timothy Stephens was charged with two counts of child neglect. According to deputies, an anonymous caller reported to officials that a male and female on the beach appeared to “have too much to drink” and were “possibly passed out” while having two children with them. Deputies were able to locate Stephens and his fiancé, Alyssia Langley, sleeping on a towel on a Daytona beach. Deputies say there were two chairs set up around them, as well as various children’s beach toys, but there were no children in the area. Deputies say they also located several empty cans of beer, a glass bottle of Crown Royal whiskey and other unsealed alcoholic beverages. According to the affidavit, deputies attempted to talk to the couple to wake them up, but when that didn’t work, they began to nudge Stephens’ arm. When the couple still wouldn’t wake up, deputies began to yell, which finally woke the the two up. According to deputies, both were in “a state of confusion.” Deputies asked the couple if they had children with them, and it was eventually revealed that they did. When asked where they were, Stephens could not point out specific children or give their exact location, the affidavit states. Deputies then escorted the couple to a nearby pool, where VCSO said their 5-year-old and 7-year-old were swimming unsupervised. The children were unharmed and healthy, according to the affidavit. According to deputies, the children are not biologically related to Stephens, but Langley said he shares responsibility of the children with her. Deputies say Stephens assumed a legal guardian role of the children, and for this reason, “had a responsibility to ensure their safety while at the beach,” the affidavit reads. Deputies say he was “passed out, unconscious, with no idea as to the children’s whereabouts or safety on a crowded beach.” Officials also noted there was no lifeguard in the area. Stephens was placed under arrest for two counts of child neglect and possession of alcohol on the beach. While deputies attempted to gather more information from Stephens, they said he unexpectedly ran away. During the pursuit, deputies say Stephens tripped and landed in the hard, packed sand. He had to be transported to a local hospital after becoming unconscious. He was eventually released from the hospital and transported to jail without incident, deputies say. Stephens is also facing charges for the attempted escape. According to the arrest affidavit, Langley was also arrested for child neglect.

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

    A Georgia couple was arrested on Saturday in Volusia County after deputies say the two were intoxicated and asleep on the beach while their children were nowhere to be found.

    According to an arrest affidavit from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Timothy Stephens was charged with two counts of child neglect.

    According to deputies, an anonymous caller reported to officials that a male and female on the beach appeared to “have too much to drink” and were “possibly passed out” while having two children with them.

    Deputies were able to locate Stephens and his fiancé, Alyssia Langley, sleeping on a towel on a Daytona beach. Deputies say there were two chairs set up around them, as well as various children’s beach toys, but there were no children in the area.

    Deputies say they also located several empty cans of beer, a glass bottle of Crown Royal whiskey and other unsealed alcoholic beverages.

    According to the affidavit, deputies attempted to talk to the couple to wake them up, but when that didn’t work, they began to nudge Stephens’ arm.

    When the couple still wouldn’t wake up, deputies began to yell, which finally woke the the two up. According to deputies, both were in “a state of confusion.”

    Deputies asked the couple if they had children with them, and it was eventually revealed that they did. When asked where they were, Stephens could not point out specific children or give their exact location, the affidavit states.

    Deputies then escorted the couple to a nearby pool, where VCSO said their 5-year-old and 7-year-old were swimming unsupervised. The children were unharmed and healthy, according to the affidavit.

    According to deputies, the children are not biologically related to Stephens, but Langley said he shares responsibility of the children with her. Deputies say Stephens assumed a legal guardian role of the children, and for this reason, “had a responsibility to ensure their safety while at the beach,” the affidavit reads.

    Deputies say he was “passed out, unconscious, with no idea as to the children’s whereabouts or safety on a crowded beach.” Officials also noted there was no lifeguard in the area.

    Stephens was placed under arrest for two counts of child neglect and possession of alcohol on the beach. While deputies attempted to gather more information from Stephens, they said he unexpectedly ran away. During the pursuit, deputies say Stephens tripped and landed in the hard, packed sand. He had to be transported to a local hospital after becoming unconscious.

    He was eventually released from the hospital and transported to jail without incident, deputies say. Stephens is also facing charges for the attempted escape.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Langley was also arrested for child neglect.

    Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

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