Misc. (Listicles, Reviews, Briefs, etc.)

Orlando Sentinel • March 28 2024

Affidavit: Orlando man who raped, tried to kill woman sought to keep her off witness stand

An Orlando man accused of rape and attempted murder in a 2022 attack was arrested last week on a witness tampering charge for trying to keep the victim from testifying against him, according to the arrest affidavit.

Bruce Whitehead, 55, a registered sex offender after a 1987 conviction in Duval County for kidnapping and sexual battery, already faces charges of sexual battery, attempted murder, armed kidnapping, robbery and aggravated battery for the incident on Orange Blossom Trail in Oak Ridge

Orlando Sentinel • March 21 2024

Maitland officials release new details about $19M library project

With voter approval of a $14 million bond referendum for a modern public library in the rearview mirror, Maitland city officials are looking ahead and expect to have it open in three to four years.

The bond referendum won Tuesday with 62% of the vote: 1,804 in favor, 1,119 opposed.

Bryan Stewart, chairman for Vote for Maitland’s Library, said he was “elated” that the effort paid off.

“The people of Maitland really looked forward to seeing this project succeed,” Stewart said. “Now we’re going

Orlando Sentinel • March 17 2024

Sneezes, sniffles and scratchy throats: Orlando ranks high for worst seasonal allergies

Few cities across the country can compete with Orlando — at least when it comes to hay fever.

Orlando ranks among the top 20 most challenging cities for those living with allergies in the 2024 Allergy Capitals report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The report ranks the 100-largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. Based on Orlando’s No. 16 ranking, the city is considered to be “worse than average” in taking on the burden of seasonal allergies. The only other Florida city on the

NSM.today • February 28 2024

Bill prohibiting minors from social media awaits DeSantis' approval

A bill that would prohibit minors from using social media has been approved by the Florida Legislature and now awaits Gov. DeSantis’ signature.

HB 1 would require age verification for minors across social media platforms, and if it is found that the user is not 18 years of age or older, he or she will be denied access to make a new account.

The bill does not specify social media platforms that will be subject to the regulation.

This bill will only affect individuals attempting to make new acc

Orlando Sentinel • February 15 2024

Orlando officer pepper-sprays, arrests 12-year-old at school

An Orlando officer pepper-sprayed and arrested a 12-year-old student Wednesday who allegedly struck the officer.

The student faces charges of battery and resisting an officer after becoming verbally and physically violent with staff members at Lake Nona Middle School.

The student then struck the school resource officer and removed the officer’s radio mic, according to a press release from the Orlando Police Department.

After several failed attempts to de-escalate the situation, the officer pe

Orlando Sentinel • February 9 2024

Orlando man sentenced to life for murder of Orange County attorney

An Orlando man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of former Orange County government attorney Erin Hartigan.

William Ramon Franklin, 36, was arrested in August 2020, and has been awaiting trial for over three years.

In a six-day trial, a jury found Franklin guilty earlier this week of first degree murder with a weapon, according to a press release by the Ninth Judicial Court State Attorney’s office.

The victim was found dead at around 4:00 a.m. on Augu

Orlando Sentinel • February 1 2024

Saturday plans in downtown Orlando? Good luck – unless you’re planning for the Olympic trials

If you’re thinking about heading to downtown Orlando this weekend, you might want to think again.

The City of Orlando is hosting the U.S. Olympic Team Trials marathon on Saturday and many roads along the marathon route will be closed for the historic event.

Road closures are expected to disrupt traffic patterns, pedestrian movement and vehicular access to businesses and residences.

There will be increased law enforcement throughout downtown and the Orlando Police Department will have officers

Orlando Sentinel • January 25 2024

Winter Park authorities seeking lookalike suspects in eight residential burglaries

Residents of Winter Park are on edge after eight reports of residential burglaries were made within the last three weeks.

The burglaries took place within a two-mile radius of Mayfield Ave., Winter Park police said in a crime alert.

Surveillance footage captured by a Ring camera at one of the targeted residences shows the suspects in similar clothing, with matching baseball caps and face masks. Police suggested the burglars are attempting to “blend in with landscaping crews or pest control ser

Orlando Sentinel • January 23 2024

Two arrested in fatal birthday-party shooting in Kissimmee

Osceola County sheriffs have arrested two men for a fatal shooting at a Kissimmee residence.

Maximo Mercado, 41, and Liam Roland Nicholson, 28, are facing charges in the homicide of Steven Jesus Perez, 31. At around 1 a.m. Sunday morning, Osceola sheriffs found Perez on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds in front of a home on Doncaster Ct. near Deerwood Elementary School, where the three men were attending a birthday celebration.

The incident began as a physical altercation among the thre

The News-Press • July 6 2023

Fast and tasty: Bubbakoo's Burritos offers Mexican fusion, fast-casual cuisine in Estero

Enjoy the taste of Mexican fusion cuisine at Bubbakoo’s Burritos in Estero.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened a location in Estero Town Commons Place in early April. It was the second Southwest Florida location for the New Jersey-based fast-casual restaurant brand, founded in 2008, which has grown to more than 100 U.S. locations.

What to expect when you visit

Friendly employees provided quick and convenient service. And guests can expect an assembly-style fast casual dining experience. The menu offe

Naples Daily News • June 26 2023

Fourth of July: What to know about events in Naples, Marco, Everglades City, East Naples

Fourth of July: What to know about events in Naples, Marco, Everglades City, East Naples

The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on celebrating July Fourth in recent years, and Hurricane Ian has continued the trend.

Southwest Florida continues to recover from the major storm that struck Sept. 28. That means some events have been canceled, such as fireworks at Naples Pier and at Fort Myers Beach.

Even so, there's still plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day from Everglades City to Cape Coral.

Fort Myers News-Press • June 26 2023

Fourth of July: What to know about events in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs

The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on celebrating July Fourth in recent years, and Hurricane Ian has continued the trend.

Southwest Florida continues to recover from the major storm that struck Sept. 28. That means some events have been canceled, such as fireworks at Naples Pier and at Fort Myers Beach.

Even so, there's still plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day from Everglades City to Cape Coral.

Freedom Fest: This annual downtown Fort Myers party for the whole family is 6-10 p.m. Tu

Fort Myers News-Press • June 24 2023

Port Charlotte man dies after motorcycle hits SUV driven by Lehigh woman

A 59-year-old Port Charlotte man died in a collision at State Road 776 and Cornelius Boulevard shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday morning near Port Charlotte.

He was driving a motorcycle and traveling west on SR 776 (El Jobean Road) and rear-ended an SUV when it pulled out in front of him.

The man was pronounced dead on scene, according to a press release by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The SUV, driven by a 61-year-old woman from Lehigh Acres, was traveling south on Cornelius Boulevard, and turn