Running into a family of otters at Orlando Wetlands
I thought I had seen it all at the Orlando Wetlands, but apparently not. Back in February, I came across a family of American River Otters there. It was a group of five otters. They were swimming together along near the bank of one of the ponds in the back of the wetlands. Then they decided to come ashore, and I was...
Orlando Police Report Significant Crime Reductions
The Orlando Police Department reported significant crime reductions, crediting proactive policing and community support. The post Orlando Police Report Significant Crime Reductions appeared first on West Orlando News .
Ruthi Critton elected mayor of Eatonville
Eatonville, Fla. – Official results from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections show Ruth “Ruthi” Critton won Eatonville’s mayoral contest with 175 votes, or about 41.8%. Angela Y. Thomas received 201 votes, or about 48.7%, in the race for town council Seat 2, topping Eric McIntyre...
Push for fix to stop dangerous driving near elementary school
Parents at Suntree Elementary School are warning that dangerous driving during school pick-up has resurfaced, despite increased enforcement last year.
Central Florida Hit-and-Run Crash Suspect in U.S. Illegally
A Central Florida hit-and-run crash suspect was in the United States illegally. The post Central Florida Hit-and-Run Crash Suspect in U.S. Illegally appeared first on West Orlando News .
Kissimmee ‘Cop’ Busted After Flashing Lights Traffic Stop On Simpson Road
Flashing blue lights in the rearview mirror usually mean trouble. For one 18-year-old driver on Simpson Road, deputies say the real problem was that the man pulling him over was not a cop at all. A Kissimmee man was arrested after deputies say he used flashing lights and a badge...
Kissimmee police lieutenant, ‘sergeant of the year,’ arrested for misusing surveillance video
The situation you’re referring to involves Lacey Santone, a recently promoted Kissimmee Police Lieutenant who was the department’s 2024 “Sergeant of the Year.”. As of early 2026, she is under both criminal and internal investigation for the unauthorized use of department surveillance systems. Details of the Case.
Car insurance costs drop for many Florida drivers this year
ORLANDO, Fla. — State regulators are announcing that the five largest car insurance companies in Florida are cutting rates for this year, with average savings of 8%. Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky says these new rate cuts will affect 78% of the drivers in Florida. Savings will depend on driving record,...
Child struck by vehicle while riding e-scooter in Avalon Park, fire rescue says she...
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A young girl riding a scooter was struck by a vehicle Friday morning in the Avalon Park area, according to Orange County Fire Rescue. The crash happened at the intersection of Avalon Park Boulevard and Golden Isle Boulevard, less than two miles from Timber Creek Middle School.
Grandmother seeks justice after teen run down on e-bike
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Back in November 2025, Orange County Deputies initially responded to a call reporting a hit-and-run crash along Wakulla Way. Deputies said they found Mikhail Cuba, 16, in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle. Cuba died from his injuries three days later. The Florida Highway...
