Orlando

Traffic Change; The 408 & 417 Interchange Opens New Ramps Saturday

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 12:08

Orlando, Fla. -

Starting Saturday, traffic traveling on the 408 eastbound will see a major change in traffic pattern as the new 417 northbound ramps open. It is all part of the 408 & 417 interchange revamp which has been under construction for a while.

Drivers on the 408 eastbound wanting to get on the 417 north will not have to exit to the right and take the new fly-over ramps, while drivers who continue east on the 408 will have to stay to the left. This change reverses the sides traffic has had to be on and is in keeping with more commonly practiced traffic patterns.

More Birds Suddenly Fall From Sky And Die, This Time On UCF Campus

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Fri, 03/09/2012 - 12:46

Orlando, Fla. -

Strange occurrences of birds falling from the sky and dying in large groups have been reported in the past in Arkansas and Louisiana and even London, but this time it has happened on the University of Central Florida, in Orlando. The cause of Sudden Bird Death is not yet understood.

The incident happened near the music building where student and faculty found dozens of dead birds and incident is still a mystery. School officials said it might have something to do with the fact that the windows are large and tree reflections can be easily seen.

Florida Cities Ranked Most Dangerous For Pedestrians,... Again

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Sun, 03/04/2012 - 15:08

The year 2011 was not easy for pedestrians who live in Florida, with Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami rounding out the top four most deadly cities in America for pedestrians.

In the top 10 order were; Orlando/Kissimmee, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Jacksonville, Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano, Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, California, Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada, Memphis, Tennessee, Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Arizona, Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown, Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas.

Publix to open new Orlando distribution center

Submitted by News Desk 3 on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 19:14

Lakeland based Publix Super Markets announced the opening of a $188.5 million distribution facility for frozen food and produce. The facility is set to add 156 jobs to the economy at the site being built off Sand Lake Rd near an existing Publix distribution center. The supermarket giant is getting $3.6 million in taxpayer money and a $1.5 million impact fee credit in response to their choosing of Orlando. The facility is slated to open in 2015

Sports spot light on Central Florida this weekend

Submitted by News Desk 3 on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 12:14

With the NBA All-Star game in Orlando and the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach this weekend Central Florida is getting a much needed boost in money and public relations. The NBA mega-game which almost did not happen due to the strike earlier in the season is a competition between the east and west coast for bragging rights only. The game itself is more of an exhibition and excuse for mostly high profile fans from around the country to gather in one place to party.

Orlando Riot Police Keep Back Mob At Mall, Nike Shoe Released Timed For NBA AllStar Game In Town

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 10:40

Orlando, Fla. -

Nike had planned to release a new shoe with the opening of the NBA AllStar game in Orlando this weekend but crowds became mob like forcing Orlando police in riot gear to push back the crowd at the Florida Mall on South Orange Blossom Trail and Sand Lake Road.

The crowd had been ordered to wait across the street until the store inside the mall opened but after some made a dash, the rest followed. Riot police formed a barrier and pushed the crowed back.

So far no injuries or arrests have been reported.

Florida Economy Starting To Live Again, Planned Spending At Small Businesses Is Up 28%

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 14:54

Good news for Florida, small business have begun hiring again, and a record number report they plan ti increase spending over the next year. Small businesses in the U.S. account for nearly two-thirds of the nations GDP and are considered a critical indicator of the economy and consumer confidence.

In Orlando, small business report the highest growth rate in spending for the state, due in large part to increased tourist as people begin to feel comfortable taking vacations again. Construction jobs have inched up, along with the hospitality industry and service industry.

Bomb Squad Responds To Orlando International Airport Over Unknown Metal Canister

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 19:53

Orlando, Fla. -

Orlando police closed part of the Avis and Budget rental car return area which is located just outside the OIA main terminal today after an abandoned SUV was discovered with an unknown metal canister inside.

After investigating the canister they discovered it was a scuba tank. No flights were delayed over the incident because each of the four airside gate areas are located a considerable distance from the main ticketing and baggage terminal accessed by four different monorail trains.

Police have not released the name of the SUV owner.

Orlando Police Shoot Elmer Banner At Lake Nona Home After Allegedly Killing 2 Women

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Mon, 02/20/2012 - 13:05

Orlando, Fla. -

Orland Police responded to a call from residents in the Lake Nona area saying they heard gun shots and quickly realized two women had been killed and after Elmer Banner, 42, their prime suspect, refused to put his weapon down after exiting the house said they had no choice but to shoot him. He was taken to ORMC.

Police say he killed Debra Banner, 45, and Carol Minich, 69 who were found in the home dead. Also in the home were two teenagers who were unharmed.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, FDLE, is investigating the incident.

Orange County Man Dead After Standoff With Police

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Mon, 02/20/2012 - 12:06

Orlando, Fla. -

Police responded to a house in the Lake Pickett area of Union Park to reports of a disturbed man who kept police at bay for a while before eventually taking his own life.

According to police reports, they were responding to a report that he was threatening to kill himself and when they finally entered the home, they found him dead from what appeared to be a self inflicted wound.

Orange County deputies evacuated several nearby homes during the standoff.