Latest news with #FOX35News
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Palm Bay officials say more than 3 million gallons of sewage was released when pipe broke unexpectedly
The Brief The city of Palm Bay says a failed pipe caused a massive sewage spill in the city this week. Preliminary estimates by the city indicate approximately 3.19 million gallons of wastewater were released as a result of the break. Neighbors are worried about the city's infrastructure since this isn't the first sewage spill. What we know ORLANDO, Fla. - On Monday, the city of Palm Bay started an emergency response on Clearmont Street after a pipe near the wastewater plant broke. After more than a day of seeping sewage, the break was contained. The city is blaming a faulty pipe for causing the massive spill. The city says the break couldn't have been anticipated because of routine checks. The last check was done two weeks ago and things appeared okay. Since the spill, neighbors who live near Turkey Creek have been on high alert, with many very frustrated to see another spill. FOX 35 reported on another sewage spill in the city during hurricane season last year. Neighbors are worried about development and what's being done to improve infrastructure with additional strains on the system. The city is still doing restoration efforts in the area and urging people to stay out of the water, posting signs near homes and parks. What we don't know FOX 35 News has reached out to Florida's Department of Environmental Protection multiple times since the spill was reported to see if they are investigating and if the city will be fined. They have not yet responded. Some dead fish have been spotted in the water. It's unclear if more wildlife will be impacted post-sewage spill. What they're saying Neighbors are upset about the spill and say they don't understand why tax dollars aren't going to help strengthen the city's system. "All of a sudden, a pipe's breaking, but who's actually doing something about this?" said Bart Hynes, who lives near Turkey Creek and has been worried about stormwater runoff and sewage discharge for years. "We just put band-aids on it, and we move on and people forget about it until the next one," said Sandi Finch, who lives near the sewage spill. "Now they're building these large apartment units. They really haven't improved the infrastructure to do anything with all that extra waste," said Clyde Harmon who's particularly concerned about overdevelopment taxing the infrastructure. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower met with homeowners on Wednesday who live near the spill. She's been following updates from the city since Monday. On Wednesday, she asked the city for an interview on the spill but wasn't able to speak with anyone. The city instead provided written updates. She emailed Florida's DEP a second time this week asking if the agency is investigating the spill. She hasn't heard back.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
3-year-old hit by car in Sanford, officials say
SANFORD, Fla. - A 3-year-old was struck by a vehicle in Seminole County on Thursday, officials said. What we know The crash occurred on Persimmon Avenue near Southwest Road in Sanford. Seminole County Fire Department reported that the child was transported to a local hospital. What we don't know FOX 35 News is working to learn more about the toddler's condition, and whether any charges were filed. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Seminole County Fire Department on June 6, 2025.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Families to announce lawsuit after deadly Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando
The Brief The families of two men killed in a 2024 Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando are expected to file a lawsuit against the city, police, and event organizers for alleged negligence. The shooting left 10 victims—two dead, seven shot, and one trampled—amid a crowd of up to 100,000 people. Suspect Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, remains in jail and faces murder charges. ORLANDO, Fla. - The families of two men killed when a teenage gunman opened fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando last year are seeking to file a lawsuit. The parents of 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr. and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill are scheduled to hold a joint news conference with attorneys Michael Haggard and Douglas McCarron – who represent victims of gun violence – at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday. It will mark the first public statement by Schmidt's parents since their son's death. WATCH LIVE: FOX 35 News will stream the news conference in the video player at the top of this page. Dig deeper They plan to file a lawsuit against the City of Orlando, the Orlando Police Department, and several businesses and event organizers involved in the 2024 Halloween celebrations. The families allege negligence in crowd control, security planning, and overall public safety during one of the city's largest annual events. They are seeking justice, accountability and systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. RELATED | Remembering the victims in the downtown Orlando shooting The backstory Shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2024, a shooting occurred near Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, sending people running and yelling throughout downtown Orlando. Minutes later, the alleged suspect opened fire near Orange Avenue and Washington Street, feet from a group of Orlando police officers and people milling around downtown. Within moments, the suspect is tackled to the ground and detained. Surveillance video and bodycamera video show the moment the suspect fired his gun, and the moment he was tackled by authorities. The Orlando Police Department said between 50,000 and 100,000 people were downtown at the time of the shooting. Nearly 100 officers were already downtown in anticipation of the busy holiday weekend. The shooting resulted in 10 victims: two were killed, seven others were injured by gunfire, and one was trampled. The victims ranged in age between 18 and 39. What we know Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, has remained in the Orange County Jail since the shooting on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Police said Edgar was armed with a handgun, though it wasn't clear how he came into possession of the weapon. He did not appear to visit any bars, clubs, or businesses downtown. A motive in the shooting is not known. He has a status hearing scheduled for August 25 at 9 a.m., Orange County court records show. He will be tried as an adult. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the attorneys representing the parents of Tyrek Hill and Timothy Schmidt Jr on June 3, 2025. Additional details regarding the shooting was previously shared by the Orlando Police Department.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane season begins with warmer than normal waters in Caribbean, Gulf
The Brief Florida faces a heightened hurricane risk this season amid warming ocean waters. Experts warn preparation is critical even in early June. A potential system may form off the Southeast coast later this week. ORLANDO, Fla. ( - As the Atlantic hurricane season enters its second day, forecasters are warning Floridians to stay prepared, with experts predicting a higher-than-average chance of a storm making landfall in the state this year. What we know Forecasters say the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season poses a higher-than-average threat to Florida. Meteorologists point to elevated ocean temperatures — especially in the Gulf, Caribbean, and western Atlantic — as key indicators. The Caribbean, in particular, is about two months ahead of schedule in terms of hurricane-favorable conditions. What we don't know No specific storm is currently expected to form, though there is a small chance of tropical development off the Southeast coast later this week. The intensity, path, and exact timing of future storms this season remain unknown. The backstory Florida has seen a streak of major hurricanes in recent years, including Michael, Ian, and Idalia. This pattern is part of what meteorologists describe as a 20- to 30-year cycle of heightened tropical activity. Past storms have brought widespread impacts — not just at the center — reinforcing the need for comprehensive preparation. Big picture view This year's warning isn't just about a single storm but an ongoing era of frequent, powerful hurricanes striking the state. Despite a quieter start to the season, experts say warmer-than-average waters and early-season trends point to a potentially active few months ahead. Communities are urged to treat every season with seriousness and to prepare early. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Edgewater community expresses concerns about e-bikes
The Brief Several people in Edgewater are raising concerns about the potential dangers of e-bikes being on sidewalks and roadways. Florida statute says e-bikes can be wherever regular bicycles are. E-bikers are not supposed to go over 28 miles per hour in Florida, but some have the capacity to go faster than that. ORLANDO, Fla. - Several people in Edgewater are raising concerns about the potential dangers of e-bikes being on sidewalks and roadways. What they're saying There are differing opinions on who should drive e-bikes and where. "If you're gonna be on the street, then you should be licensed to be on the street," said Hayden Sias. "My son wanted an e-bike that goes 35. And he's 12. He has no business being on the road. And the sidewalks – they're just not big enough for that kind of a vehicle." Douglas Henry doesn't think sidewalks are a good option either. "If the vehicle or scooter has a motor, then it shouldn't be on the sidewalk in general," he said. The other side Not everyone shares this view. "If you don't want to see kids riding bikes, move to a 65 and up community," said Whittney Haynes. "It's summertime, kids just got out of school. Let them have fun." What's next The City of Cocoa Beach is considering toughening regulations on e-bikes. Edgewater District 4 Councilmember Eric Rainbird suggests the City Council discuss the possibility of doing the same. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35 News Reporter Marie Edinger talked with people in New Smyrna and Edgewater who had varying opinions on e-bikes. She went to a park where a Facebook poster complained e-bikers put passersby in danger, and did see multiple children on e-bikes and e-scooters heading down sidewalks at high rates of speed. Edinger reviewed Florida statute regarding e-bikes, as well as several studies on bike speed published in the National Library of Medicine. She talked with Edgewater's District 4 Councilmember about the potential dangers of e-bikes. She called Orlando Health Hospital, HCA Sanford, and Halifax Regional Medical Center, along with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office to see if complaints and accidents involving e-bikes are on the rise.
