BREAKING NEWS
Only on News 6: 1-on-1 with Osceola County’s new sheriff Chris Blackmon
Read full article: Only on News 6: 1-on-1 with Osceola County’s new sheriff Chris BlackmonNew Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon gave News 6 Community Correspondent Laverne McGee an exclusive interview today on how he is going to deal with the crisis unfolding in the office.
Court hearing for Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez canceled
Read full article: Court hearing for Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez canceledFormer Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was scheduled to have a motion hearing on Wednesday, according to the Lake County clerk of courts website. But that hearing is now canceled.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrest
Read full article: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrestThe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that it has terminated its executive director just days after former Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested amid a massive investigation involving illegal gambling and public corruption.
Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison time
Read full article: Central Florida drug conspiracy leaves 5 people facing major prison timeFive people have pleaded guilty to a cocaine conspiracy stemming from an apartment in Kissimmee, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates say
Read full article: Trump budget plan threatens key money to Central Florida’s homelessness fight, advocates sayThe Trump Administration is aiming to transform how homeless services are funded by slashing budgets, distributing money to states instead of local agencies, and ending a program that houses previously unsheltered people with disabilities
Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Osceola County, FHP says
Read full article: Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Osceola County, FHP saysFlorida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a suspect vehicle after a bicyclist was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run crash near Poinciana.
‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced to a year in jail for slamming dog to ground
Read full article: ‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced to a year in jail for slamming dog to groundA man was sentenced to 366 days in prison after being caught on camera throwing a dog to the ground in 2024, court records show.
‘We sold a lot:’ St. Cloud restaurant mocks former Sheriff Lopez with new menu item
Read full article: ‘We sold a lot:’ St. Cloud restaurant mocks former Sheriff Lopez with new menu itemCharged with two felony counts of racketeering and facing a prolonged suspension from his position as Osceola County Sheriff, Marcos Lopez has more pressing challenges than having become the source of mockery on social media.
Kissimmee approves fire department changes to schedule, property assessment to cover costs
Read full article: Kissimmee approves fire department changes to schedule, property assessment to cover costsA major change for Kissimmee and its fire department aims to improve the lives of firefighters, but it comes with a cost.
Meet Christopher Blackmon, Osceola County’s new interim sheriff
Read full article: Meet Christopher Blackmon, Osceola County’s new interim sheriffFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez from office, in accordance with state law, and appointed Christopher A. Blackmon to take his place while the case against Lopez plays out.
Kissimmee approves fire department changes to schedule, property assessment to cover costs
Read full article: Kissimmee approves fire department changes to schedule, property assessment to cover costsA major change for Kissimmee and its fire department aims to improve the lives of firefighters, but it comes with a cost.
Who is Marcos Lopez, Osceola County sheriff arrested in gambling, corruption case?
Read full article: Who is Marcos Lopez, Osceola County sheriff arrested in gambling, corruption case?In his time in office, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez implemented a number of public safety upgrades and sought to expand the agency’s relationship with the community. He also proved to be a controversial figure at times.
Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacations
Read full article: Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacationsKissimmee leaders are working to attract more visitors to the city through new initiatives and research-driven marketing strategies.
Bank ‘jugging’ is back: Crooks watch you withdraw cash and steal it, sometimes by force
Read full article: Bank ‘jugging’ is back: Crooks watch you withdraw cash and steal it, sometimes by forceAn old crime is new again. Bank “jugging” is sweeping across Central Florida. Crooks are following their victims from banks, waiting for the right opportunity to rob them.
Need for unsheltered services for homeless people growing in Osceola County
Read full article: Need for unsheltered services for homeless people growing in Osceola CountyGroups like The Salvation Army are finding themselves serving more people who are homeless in Osceola County. But these groups see funding trouble on the horizon.
Troopers looking for vehicle involved in fatal Osceola County hit-and run crash
Read full article: Troopers looking for vehicle involved in fatal Osceola County hit-and run crashThe Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a vehicle that struck a pedestrian before leaving the scene in Osceola County, according to a news release. Troopers said the crash happened on April 29 around 12:38 a.m.o n Osceola Parkway near Plumwood Circle.
Osceola County sees improvement in school zone safety with new camera enforcement program
Read full article: Osceola County sees improvement in school zone safety with new camera enforcement programIn February, Osceola County launched the first phase of its school zone safety program, where drivers would receive a $100 fine and a citation if caught speeding in a school zone. Phase two began in March, with both phases having a warning period of about a month before citations started going out.
‘Getting squeezed:’ St. Cloud annexation poses huge property tax hikes for some
Read full article: ‘Getting squeezed:’ St. Cloud annexation poses huge property tax hikes for someSome residents living under the jurisdiction of Osceola County are now being informed that they will soon become part of St. Cloud, raising concerns about potential property tax increases.
40-year-old man accused of sexually abusing foster children in Osceola County, sheriff says
Read full article: 40-year-old man accused of sexually abusing foster children in Osceola County, sheriff saysA 40-year-old man was arrested after being accused of sexually abusing foster children in his care, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
4.5% of Osceola County students face housing insecurity. How the school district tries to help
Read full article: 4.5% of Osceola County students face housing insecurity. How the school district tries to helpAmong the 73,558 students in Osceola County schools, there is a segment of students—3,314, at last count—who struggle with more than projects, peer pressure, testing, and tardiness. These students face all those things in addition to some form of homelessness.
These may be Florida’s 2 most popular cities, study shows. Here’s how they compare
Read full article: These may be Florida’s 2 most popular cities, study shows. Here’s how they compareOn Thursday, U.S. News & World Report issued its list of the top places where people are thinking about moving so far in 2025.
VIDEO: Storms send tree onto Palm Bay home; hail reported across Central Florida
Read full article: VIDEO: Storms send tree onto Palm Bay home; hail reported across Central FloridaThunderstorms swept across Central Florida on Saturday afternoon, producing hail and strong winds that caused part of a large oak tree to land on a Palm Bay home.
Victim robbed at Florida hotel by woman using different name, man in a ski mask, deputies say
Read full article: Victim robbed at Florida hotel by woman using different name, man in a ski mask, deputies sayA woman and a man arrested by Osceola County deputies are accused of working together to rob someone at a hotel near Kissimmee, according to the sheriff’s office.
Checkers employee shoots, kills customer during dispute over food order, Florida deputies say
Read full article: Checkers employee shoots, kills customer during dispute over food order, Florida deputies sayAn employee at a Checkers in Osceola County fatally shot a customer during an argument over his food order, according to the sheriff’s office.
Elementary school employee accused of tampering with evidence in Osceola County homicide, deputies say
Read full article: Elementary school employee accused of tampering with evidence in Osceola County homicide, deputies sayJessica Rivera was taken into custody at Whispering Oak Elementary School in Winter Garden on charges of tampering with evidence during a capital felony proceeding.
1 airlifted to hospital after being trapped under shelving at Gaylord Palms, Osceola County officials say
Read full article: 1 airlifted to hospital after being trapped under shelving at Gaylord Palms, Osceola County officials sayA person was taken to the hospital via Air Care after being trapped under shelving at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, according to Osceola County Fire Rescue.
Osceola County breaks ground on $47 million Reedy Creek Elementary rebuild
Read full article: Osceola County breaks ground on $47 million Reedy Creek Elementary rebuildOsceola County officials broke ground on a $47 million comprehensive rebuild of Reedy Creek Elementary School, a project aimed at expanding the school’s capacity and providing modern learning spaces for students.
Elementary school substitute teacher, 71, arrested for throwing student in classroom, St. Cloud police say
Read full article: Elementary school substitute teacher, 71, arrested for throwing student in classroom, St. Cloud police sayA 71-year-old substitute teacher was arrested after St. Cloud officers said he grabbed a student by the collar and threw him into a classroom wall as punishment, according to the police department.
Osceola County code enforcement officer caught on camera stealing $600 cellphone, deputies say
Read full article: Osceola County code enforcement officer caught on camera stealing $600 cellphone, deputies sayThe victim reported that a package containing a $600 cellphone had been delivered to her property and was stolen by an Osceola County code enforcement officer, the sheriff's office said.
School districts warn parents about TikTok challenge encouraging students to damage Chromebooks
Read full article: School districts warn parents about TikTok challenge encouraging students to damage ChromebooksSchool districts across Central Florida are warning parents about a dangerous new TikTok challenge that encourages students to intentionally damage their district-issued Chromebooks.
State to pay $40K settlement tied to Florida Gov. DeSantis suspension of Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: State to pay $40K settlement tied to Florida Gov. DeSantis suspension of Orange-Osceola state attorneyNearly two years after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, state officials have agreed to pay $40,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by one of Worrell’s former employees, records obtained by News 6 show.
Central Florida school district warns of ‘unacceptable’ new TikTok challenge
Read full article: Central Florida school district warns of ‘unacceptable’ new TikTok challengeThe Osceola County school district reached out to parents on Wednesday, warning about an “unacceptable” new TikTok challenge involving local students.
Technology repair workshops aim to boost employment for neurodivergent adults in Central Florida
Read full article: Technology repair workshops aim to boost employment for neurodivergent adults in Central FloridaFor adults who have autism or are neurodivergent, finding and holding a job can present challenges.
Alligator attacks, kills woman canoeing with her husband on Lake Kissimmee in Florida
Read full article: Alligator attacks, kills woman canoeing with her husband on Lake Kissimmee in FloridaA kayaker was attacked while on the water in Lake Kissimmee on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Kangaroo captured, ‘chemically immobilized’ in St. Cloud, sparking search for owner
Read full article: Kangaroo captured, ‘chemically immobilized’ in St. Cloud, sparking search for ownerA loose kangaroo was found in Central Florida on Monday, sparking a response by wildlife investigators, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Is ChampionsGate finally getting some relief on I-4?
Read full article: Is ChampionsGate finally getting some relief on I-4?Recently, construction crews wrapped up work adding extra lanes in both directions. And while that sounds like music to the ears of daily commuters, the big question is, has it actually made a difference?
‘Why are you hauling ass?’ Off-duty Osceola deputy stopped for speeding
Read full article: ‘Why are you hauling ass?’ Off-duty Osceola deputy stopped for speedingA sergeant with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office who had once been fired from the agency for speeding in his patrol vehicle was pulled over in February for driving his personal car too fast, News 6 has learned.
Missing 3-year-old with mental disabilities rescued from Osceola pond, video shows
Read full article: Missing 3-year-old with mental disabilities rescued from Osceola pond, video showsOsceola County deputies managed to find and rescue a missing 3-year-old boy who had wandered into a retention pond near his home last month, according to the sheriff’s office.
These Central Florida events will help you get ready for hurricane season
Read full article: These Central Florida events will help you get ready for hurricane seasonWith hurricane season on approach, Central Florida is hosting a few different county events where you can come and finalize your preparations for the season ahead.
Experts gather in Central Florida to discuss school violence prevention
Read full article: Experts gather in Central Florida to discuss school violence preventionJust weeks after a shooting at Florida State University left two dead and six others injured, people from across the country are gathering in Central Florida to discuss ways to enhance student safety and security.
Drought raises fire fears, leaves nearly all of Central Florida under burn bans
Read full article: Drought raises fire fears, leaves nearly all of Central Florida under burn bansThis past weekend, Osceola County issued the burn ban, prohibiting residents from burning anything outside. This includes campfires, burning waste, and setting off fireworks.
‘A good thing for sure:’ FDOT opens relief lanes on I-4 in Osceola, Polk counties
Read full article: ‘A good thing for sure:’ FDOT opens relief lanes on I-4 in Osceola, Polk countiesDrivers along one section of Interstate 4 are seeing shorter travel times with the opening of new congestion relief lanes.
5 dead, 7 injured when van rolls over on Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola County
Read full article: 5 dead, 7 injured when van rolls over on Florida’s Turnpike in Osceola CountyIn addition to the confirmed five fatalities at the scene, troopers said that multiple occupants were taken to the hospital via air care.
Deputy, pickup truck driver injured in Osceola County patrol car crash
Read full article: Deputy, pickup truck driver injured in Osceola County patrol car crashAn Osceola County deputy and a 59-year-old woman were injured after a crash involving a patrol car and a pickup truck on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
1 killed, 3 injured when car overturns in crash on I-4 in Osceola County, FHP says
Read full article: 1 killed, 3 injured when car overturns in crash on I-4 in Osceola County, FHP saysA 20-year-old Orlando woman was ejected and killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 in Osceola County that left three other people with serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Orlando police officer accused of snatching person’s phone during confrontation in Osceola County
Read full article: Orlando police officer accused of snatching person’s phone during confrontation in Osceola CountyAn Orlando police officer is accused of snatching someone’s phone and striking it out of his hand during a confrontation at an apartment complex near Kissimmee.
New nursing school opens as Florida faces critical nursing shortages
Read full article: New nursing school opens as Florida faces critical nursing shortagesAs Florida’s hospitals grapple with severe shortages across all health professionals, a new option for aspiring nurses is now open in Osceola County.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alerts
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sign up for Central Florida emergency alertsFrom boil water notices to sand bag locations to shelters, emergency alerts are sent out by the county to get important information to its residents — especially during a major storm or hurricane.
72-year-old man arrested in 1991 St. Cloud cold case murder, police say
Read full article: 72-year-old man arrested in 1991 St. Cloud cold case murder, police sayMore than three decades after 27-year-old Julia Sue Wilbanks was found stabbed to death in St. Cloud, police said they’ve solved the cold case using DNA evidence and genetic genealogy.
Madeline Soto’s accused killer has ‘confidential information’ about case, defense claims
Read full article: Madeline Soto’s accused killer has ‘confidential information’ about case, defense claimsThe man accused of raping and murdering 13-year-old Madeline Soto is asking a judge to delay an upcoming court hearing because his attorneys have recently obtained “confidential information” related to the case, court records show.
Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns River
Read full article: Big improvements coming to I-4 bridge over St. Johns RiverOf all the roads in central Florida, I-4 is one of the busiest. And if you live in Seminole County, you've probably sat in traffic where it gets backed up over the St. Johns River Bridge.
This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account for
Read full article: This group tells Florida cities how much growth they need to account forThe Bureau of Economic Business and Research is contracted by the state to tell cities and counties how much growth they need to accommodate in the coming years.
Progress Report: Central Florida homelessness 4 months after new state law
Read full article: Progress Report: Central Florida homelessness 4 months after new state lawIn 2024, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill to force local governments to dismantle homeless camps. Here's how the law has affected the fight against homelessness, and how a group of journalists are trying to raise awareness.
Body of 71-year-old man recovered after van crashes, submerges into lake near Celebration
Read full article: Body of 71-year-old man recovered after van crashes, submerges into lake near CelebrationA man’s body was recovered after his vehicle plunged into a lake in the Celebration area on Tuesday, according to Osceola County Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol.