Winter Park Current

Gas just hit $4.28 a gallon in Florida and could climb even higher

Gas prices are dominating conversations across the country, and Central Florida is no exception. As of Friday, the average price per gallon across Florida sits at $4.28, which is a bit lower than the national average of $4.39, according to AAA.On Thursday, oil briefly jumped to $126 a barrel before cooling off.That’s a stark comparison to what we saw in February - before the war - when oil was trading around $70 a barrel. The spike is tied to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.Central Floridians are trying to figure out what to do. We’ve seen posts all over social media of people chiming in on how they feel, talking about their shock and strategy as prices rise.But what are you seeing? News 6 wants to know.Are you driving less? Letting your tank drop as low as possible to save money? Sharing a car with a neighbor or coworker? Or maybe you’ve stopped going into work at all!We want you to send us pictures of things like your gas tank if you’re keeping it close to empty, or hey, even the lowest prices you’ve seen across the area! Share those here at our PinIt page!

Marcus Chen

CommunityWFTV Orlando Local•Yesterday

Florida attorney general confirms investigation into ‘Sloth World’

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded Friday to a request from Rep. Anna Eskamani for a criminal investigation into “Sloth World.” The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will assist the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit in the animal welfare investigation.The Office of Statewide Prosecution’s authority in animal welfare matters is generally activated by evidence of a pattern of racketeering activity. Unless such evidence emerges from the investigation, prosecution authority, including for offenses under Section 828.12, Fla. Statutes, remains with State Attorney Monique Worrell, Uthmeier stated in his letter.Sloth World is filing for bankruptcy, and the remaining sloths have been turned over to the Central Florida Zoo for proper care.One of our Statewide Prosecutors is assisting the Ninth Circuit with the ongoing criminal investigation. pic.twitter.com/GalgtbxBZI Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) May 1, 2026Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day has been cross-sworn and is assisting the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office on behalf of the Office of Statewide Prosecution. According to Uthmeier's letter, Day is an animal welfare law expert who brings invaluable insight to the investigation.Uthmeier reiterated his office's dedication to justice. "Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves," Uthmeier wrote. He added that his office "will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires."Channel 9 has reached to the Worrell’s office for comment about Uthmeier’s letter.This is a developing story. Monitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

HealthClickOrlando Local•Yesterday

Florida looking into criminal investigation for Orlando Sloth World deaths

Florida prosecutors are looking into whether criminal charges are possible after dozens of sloths died ahead of the opening of Sloth World in Orlando.On Friday, Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to a call for a criminal investigation from State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando.Sloth World was supposed to open as an attraction on International Drive. But that is not happening now, after it was learned that 31 sloths intended for the attraction had died between December of 2024 and February of last year. [WATCH: Lawmaker calls for criminal investigation after sloth dies following rescue from Orlando attraction]Another 13 sloths meant for the attraction were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Doctors say the animals were in various states of dehydration and malnutrition. One of those animals, a three-month-old baby named Bandit, died this week, the zoo reported.In the wake of Bandit’s death, Eskamani called on state and federal agencies to investigate the business and its owner.[WATCH: Central Florida Zoo doctors say 13 Sloth World sloths have dehydration, malnutrition]In talking to News 6 earlier this week, Eskamani also raised concerns about potential gaps in Florida law, warning that without enforcement or legislative changes, similar situations could happen again.“If there’s not criminal charges and if there’s not a closing of these loopholes in Florida law, nothing stops someone from pursuing the same type of business model,” she said.According to Uthmeier, it will be up to Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell to determine if any criminal charges can be brought against Sloth World’s owners. Sloth World is filing for bankruptcy, and the remaining sloths have been turned over to the Central Florida Zoo for proper care.One of our Statewide Prosecutors is assisting the Ninth Circuit with the ongoing criminal investigation. pic.twitter.com/GalgtbxBZI Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) May 1, 2026Uthmeier said Lauryn Day, a senior assistant statewide prosecutor and animal welfare law expert, is working with Worrell’s office.“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves,” Uthmeier wrote to Eskamani. “We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires.”Eskamani said the investigation was about making sure nothing like this happens again in Florida.“Grateful to see this become a bipartisan issue. We’ll keep up the drumbeat for accountability until there are real answers and real consequences,” she posted on X.com .Grateful to see this become a bipartisan issue. We’ll keep up the drumbeat for accountability until there are real answers and real consequences.This is about honoring the sloths that died and making sure nothing like this ever happens again in Florida. https://t.co/B0KDnYZQUb Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, PhD 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) May 1, 2026

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SportsClickOrlando Local•Yesterday

Orlando Magic fans bring playoff fever to Kia Center for Game 6 against Detroit Pistons

The Orlando Magic are heading to Game 6 in round one of the NBA playoffs.The last time they got this far, the Kia Center wasn’t even done being built - so it’s been a long time coming. With the current standings against the Detroit Pistons in favor of the Magic, fans say they’re feeling pretty good about this game.“Playoff atmosphere is always great and exciting because everyone is dressed the part and they’re cheering strongly and celebrating,” said Magic fan Elizabeth Ykimoff. “The season has been a rough season for them, but now they’re working together and doing better than expected.”Ykimoff says as long as the Magic play together, they’ll pull out a win.Brian Hastings was not happy when the Magic lost their most recent game to the Pistons. “The TV was not happy with me. I was yelling at it, and it did not help.”News 6’s Amy Russo asked him if having home-field advantage would help the TV.Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Kia Center.

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SportsClickOrlando Local•Yesterday

Scorching heat, severe storms to sweep Central Florida. Here’s the weather whiplash timeline

From scorching heat to strong storms, a dramatic weekend weather whiplash is setting up across Central Florida.FRIDAYIt will be another very hot afternoon as highs climb into the lower 90s inland and upper 80s along the coast. Heat risk levels remain elevated as rain chances remain low.SATURDAYCentral Floridians will notice the biggest whiplash on Saturday as we see the hottest day of the year, followed by a chance of strong to severe storms into the evening.Strong west-southwest winds will increase through the day, with gusts between 30 and 35 mph possible, pushing highs into the low 90s inland and along the coast. Storms are expected to develop earlier in the day, Saturday afternoon, as a cold front approaches. Due to the early arrival, during the peak heating of the day, the concern for strong to severe storms has increased. The greatest threat appears to be north of Orlando, where a Slight Risk (Level 2/5) for severe weather is in place and a Marginal Risk (Level 1/5) for the rest of the area. Damaging wind gusts and hail will be the main concerns, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. For this reason, the News6 Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Saturday evening into Sunday morning. SUNDAYOnce the front clears, there will be a noticeable difference with highs falling back into the upper 70s.

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TechnologyWFTV Orlando Local•Yesterday

Hot Friday in Central Florida, cooler temps and storms on the way

It will be another hot day in Central Florida, with afternoon highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. Meteorologist Kassandra Crimi says rain chances will be limited on Friday, with only a 10% chance for isolated showers.But there’s weather on the way this weekend for parts of the Channel 9 viewing area. A front will dip southward on Saturday, increasing rain and storm chances for Central Florida.Crimi said it’s looking like the rain will start around late afternoon on Saturday. Some storms could become strong to severe. Primary threats will be strong thunderstorm wind gusts and hail. That threat will favor northwest portions of Central Florida.Beyond the front, Crimi said it will become much cooler. Afternoon highs on Sunday will remain in the 70s.Download the Channel 9 weather app to help you stay safe and have a great weekend!Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

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