Bailey Myers
Orlando
Recovering Journalist who maintains a deep passion for helping her community through productive public messaging
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Articles by Bailey Myers
Herndon Farms and Glory Foods Launch New Vidalia Onion Line - Produce Market Guide
Herndon Farms is partnering with Glory Foods this Vidalia onion season as Glory Foods Vidalia onions ship soon to stores across the country. The companies say this partnership brings together three trusted Southern icons to deliver a fresh opportunity for produce departments. Glory Foods has partnered with Herndon Farms to introduce this new line of Glory Vidalias, combining decades of consumer trust in these two companies with one of America’s most sought-after seasonal produce items.
Family vehicle rolls backward, kills 3-year-old girl
LADY LAKE, Fla. -- A 3-year-old girl died after being struck by a vehicle that rolled backward in her driveway, according to Lady Lake Police. A mother with four children -- ages 7, 5, 3 and an infant -- returned from a grocery store Tuesday evening to a home on East Rose Lane, and the mother took the infant inside. She left the others in the vehicle, police said. The 3-year-old girl got out of the vehicle and walked behind it.
John Legend goes door-to-door for Amendment 4 in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Singer John Legend spent Wednesday in the Pine Hills area of Orange County to get the word out about Amendment 4. Legend went door-to-door and also took part in a rally at Evans High School for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “I don’t care what background you come from, all of us believe in Democracy,” Legend said. Amendment 4 would require voting rights restoration for many felons who have completed their sentences.
John Legend goes door-to-door for Amendment 4 in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Singer John Legend spent Wednesday in the Pine Hills area of Orange County to get the word out about Amendment 4. Legend went door-to-door and also took part in a rally at Evans High School for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “I don’t care what background you come from, all of us believe in Democracy,” Legend said. Amendment 4 would require voting rights restoration for many felons who have completed their sentences.
NextGen America hopes to register students to vote
ORLANDO, Fla. — With national voter registration day on the calendar for Sept. 25, the political action committee NextGen America is taking to college campuses in Central Florida by the masses. "We are the people who are going to have to live with all of the consequences of everything that's being voted on now. We have a privilege to vote. Why wouldn't you want to practice that right?" University of Central Florida student and NextGen Organizer Danielle Amir said Monday.
Teen in serious condition after Orlando hit-and-run
ORLANDO, Fla. —The search is on for a hit-and-run driver that left a teen in serious condition after hitting him on his bicycle. Florida Highway Patrol says it happened around 7:30 p.m., Saturday, on Alafaya Trail near Science Drive in Orlando. Officers say someone driving a white car was traveling north on Alafaya, hit Cody Loechner, slowed down and then drove off. The 13-year-old Loechner was not in the crosswalk and he was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital.
Parramore residents upset over new gun store opening
ORLANDO, Fla. — A new gun store in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood has some people who live nearby upset. They say they don't need any more guns in the area, and they're worried the store will be a target for criminals. "If you are going through revitalization and you are changing what was there, why would you drop something else that in the store that would create the same thing that you are trying to get away from?" asked Parramore resident and homeowners association President Rich Black.
UCF students to have access to on-campus voting site
ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in years, UCF students will have access to an on-campus voting site. This comes just after a Judge ruled a 4-year-old statewide ban for on-campus voting sites was illegal. Now, students are gearing up to raise awareness, in hopes of encouraging busy students to actually visit the site and practice their right to vote. Hitting the pavement is now a trend March for Our Lives organizers and UCF students are used to.
Irma 1 year later: Invasive plant wreaks havoc on Lake County community
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Just as Hurricane Irma began to wreak havoc on Central Florida this time last year, it's only now that the Howey-in-the-Hills community is facing the aftermath of the storm. As water levels rose one year ago, canals were opened up along Lake Harris and a silent invader made its way into the area’s water. "We would have families out here on the lake doing water sports with their kids.
Former NY firefighter, now in Orlando, still struggles with 9/11
ORLANDO, Fla. — It was 17 years ago Tuesday when America was devastated by the largest terrorist attack in U.S. history. On Tuesday, the 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers who died during the Twin Tower collapse were honored in Orlando with a candle light vigil. While the ceremony was a humbling reminder that first-responder jobs can be deadly, one fire rescuer was actually one of those who was at the towers when they collapsed and survived. "I was working the overnight.
One year after Hurricane Irma, the Orlo Vista community thrives
ORLANDO, FLA. — It was one year ago when Hurricane Irma hit Florida with strong winds and heavy rain, causing areas to flood throughout our areas. One of the most impacted areas was the Orlo Vista community in Orange County. More than 200 people were evacuated, and dozens of homes were heavily flooded. Now the neighborhood has been brought back to life with people renovating and moving back in, but it hasn't been an easy process for homeowners who lost everything.
Orange County Dive Rescue Team expands
ORLANDO, Fla. — Following a series of water rescues over the past several weeks, Orange County's dive team is expanding and training new recruits on how to pull people from cars that have crashed in water. "Our dive team, we get calls all throughout the month, and just over the last two or three weeks, we've been called out to more than six calls for water rescue emergencies," said Lt. Brandon Allen with the Orange County Fire Department Dive Rescue Team.
Gillum, Nelson join Democrats at Orlando union event
ORLANDO, Fla. — Statewide Democrats are in Orlando right now to rally union supporters for a hoped-for blue wave this November. Democratic candidates from Sen. Bill Nelson and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, and down the ballot, are meeting with workers at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Democratic candidates to talk to union about Florida's future
ORLANDO, Fla. — In hopes for a blue wave to hit Central Florida during the general election come November, several democratic candidates in Orlando on Friday to meet and talk with local workers about their hopes for Florida's future at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) group. "Our agenda here for us as a union is working families issues, none of this other stuff that they tend to talk about," Steve Hall, the government affairs director for IUPAT, said before the rally.
SunRail considers expanding to Orlando airport
ORLANDO, Fla. — As a new high speed rail gets the green light to move to Orlando, SunRail organizers are talking about an expansion to the Orlando International Airport. This week, $1.75 billion in federal tax exempt bonds were issued for Brightline, the high speed rail that travels from South Florida. The funds would be used to expand the line from the Treasure Coast inland to the Orlando International Airport. The line is expected to be up and running at the airport by 2021.
POLL: Floridians split on President Donald Trump
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Statewide Poll is showing Floridian's are pretty split on their approval of President Donald Trump. A recent exclusive decision Presidential Poll showed about 42 percent of the population approve of President Trump while 50 percent disapprove, and according Political experts, that's something we are seeing nationwide as well. "That Poll is pretty much equal what we are seeing nationwide," said Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett.
POLL: Floridians split on President Donald Trump
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Statewide Poll is showing Floridian's are pretty split on their approval of President Donald Trump. A recent exclusive decision Presidential Poll showed about 42 percent of the population approve of President Trump while 50 percent disapprove, and according Political experts, that's something we are seeing nationwide as well. "That Poll is pretty much equal what we are seeing nationwide," said Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett.
2 Orlando homes catch fire after lightning strikes
ORLANDO, Fla. — Just as severe storms rolled through Central Florida Thursday evening, lightning struck two homes in Orlando, setting them both on fire. Two fires, minutes apart, and just two miles away from one another – the respective fires consumed parts of homes. The first fire was at 11945 Old Glory Dr. off Orange Blossom Trail. Those on the busy road, as well as those living near the home, immediately thought something was wrong following one tremendous bolt of lightning.
School board chair candidates prioritize school safety
ORLANDO, Fla. -- As we inch closer to the upcoming midterm elections, those hoping to represent your school district say school safety is one of their top priorities. "The things that are happening in education we have to change now or we will see the effects in a few years,” Mathew Fitzpatrick told a crowd of teachers, parents and students as the reason he decided to run for Orange County School Board chair.
Longwood commissioners postpone decision on backyard chicken program
LONGWOOD, Fla. — Lack of interest could cause a backyard chicken program in Longwood to fly the coop. City commissioners pushed back a decision on whether or not to allow chickens in your backyards. The commission decided Monday to postpone discussion on a permanent backyard chicken ordinance until Aug. 20 because the pilot program -- slated to expire by Sept. 3 -- hasn't attracted any applicants. "They're quiet. If you keep them clean then there are no issues.
Orange County school resource officers given active shooter response kits
ORLANDO, Fla. — Active shooter response kits are going out to Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies as they prepare their school resource officers for the upcoming school year. "We want to reassure the parents that we learn from all sorts of different situations,and we want to make sure that all deputies are equipped with the right type of equipment for any situation that may occur," Orange County Deputy Sheriff Ingrid Tejada-Monforte said Thursday.
Orange County parents concerned with school safety
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orange County School District moves forward with a new budget plan proposed for the upcoming school year which will put millions towards addressing safety and security concerns on campus. However, not every parent is convinced the changes are happening fast enough. ''If things are not drastically changed from when I used to go up there and the policies and the way ins and the wayouts- I will not be bringing my son to school.
Brevard researcher drawing international attention to work on sharks
MELBOURNE, Fla. — A professor at the Florida Insitute of Technology is bringing international attention to her research on sharks, happening right here on our coastline. "If you enjoy going to the ocean and enjoy the ocean as much as I do, then the best thing to do is have sharks there." said Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, Assistant Professor at Florida Institute of Technology. Daly-Engel is studying sharks throughout the area.
Brevard researcher drawing international attention to work on sharks
MELBOURNE, Fla. — A professor at the Florida Insitute of Technology is bringing international attention to her research on sharks, happening right here on our coastline. "If you enjoy going to the ocean and enjoy the ocean as much as I do, then the best thing to do is have sharks there." said Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, Assistant Professor at Florida Institute of Technology. Daly-Engel is studying sharks throughout the area.
Florida Hospital holds boot camp for potential entry-level employees
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida Hospital is receiving dozens of applications for entry-level positions, but they say they are still struggling to find appealing resumes for those candidates. For that reason, they've launched a new hiring boot camp where they spend an entire day helping eager possible employees work on their resumes and interview skills before officially interviewing them for their available positions.
Eastern indigo snakes need our help
SANFORD, Fla. -- Wildlife experts in Central Florida are tracking creatures who don’t exactly leave a foot print -- the eastern indigo snake. “These guys (eastern indigo snakes) live in Florida and now need our help,” said Central Florida Zoo Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Kettle.
Sanford officials ban puppy mill sales
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford city leaders have banned the retail sale of dogs and cats bred at puppy mills or kitten factories. City officials on Monday approved the new local law to ban the selling of four legged friends bred at particular facilities to be sold at local store fronts, citing sanitation, and overcrowding concerns. "People that are breeding for no reason ... just unconscionable.
LGBT advocate warns of misidentifying trans people
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A transgender woman in Orlando was violently killed, but her identity is lost as she is labeled a man by investigators. "To her friends she is known as Sasha," said Bliss Cares Project Coordinator Ashley Figueroa. Sasha was found killed at apartment complex near Orange Blossom Trial. She was initially identified by law enforcement as a 27-year-old man named Steven who dressed as a woman.
Vehicle sought in gun fight on Alafaya Trail
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Several law enforcement agencies were looking for a vehicle involved in a gunfight on Alafaya Trail on Thursday afternoon. Orange County Fire Rescue, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Oviedo Police and Orange County Sheriff's deputies were at the RaceTrac at 1819 N. Alafaya Trail, which is just north of East Colonial Drive and south of University Central Florida. UCF Police said the occupants of two vehicles exchanged gunfire near the location.
School board chair candidates prioritize school safety
ORLANDO, Fla. -- As we inch closer to the upcoming midterm elections, those hoping to represent your school district say school safety is one of their top priorities. "The things that are happening in education we have to change now or we will see the effects in a few years,” Mathew Fitzpatrick told a crowd of teachers, parents and students as the reason he decided to run for Orange County School Board chair.
SunPass to bill users daily as system catches up
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Many Floridians who use SunPass will soon start start to see their bank accounts billed by the Florida Department of Transportation daily as the system catches up after a more than 40-day delay. Those bills are creating major problems for those who previously depended on the SunPass billing system to submit for reimbursement purposes.
March For Our Lives to rally in downtown Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Student activists from March For Our Lives movement are hosting a block party in downtown Orlando on Friday night. The event is being held at the Lake Eola Park amphitheater. One of the goals of the event is to register voters Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were expected to touch on familiar themes as they work to expand the national conversation on gun control legislation.
Police investigate cop's use of force at The Barn
SANFORD, Fla. -- Sanford Police are investigating one of their own after a video posted on social media shows a violent takedown of a handcuffed man at a popular club. Officer Adam Johnson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation, Sanford Police said Thursday. The video, apparently shot at The Barn on Monday, shows two men, Morrell Byrd and Christopher Hills, being arrested after police said they were damaging property and then resisting arrest.
FL congressmen inquire about drug seizure letters from FDA
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- This week Senator Bill Nelson wrote to the FDA demanding answers as to why low cost prescription drug orders from countries like Canada are being seized. Senator Nelson and other fellow Florida congressmen and women have sent letters requesting more information regarding drug seizure letters people in Florida have received regarding their prescription drug delivers from out of the country.
Gator that trapped teen may have been guarding eggs
ASTOR, Fla. -- A wildlife expert says the alligator that chased and trapped a teen in a tree in Lake County may have been guarding a nest of eggs. Last week, an alligator estimated to be about 11 feet long trapped a 15-year-old girl in a tree for more than a half-hour before being shot dead by a Lake County deputy. The deputy shot the alligator, which continued to hiss and threaten the girl in the tree and even the deputy. "If it's mating season or it's breeding season, they're out and about.
Gator that chased teen up tree may have been guarding eggs
ASTOR, Fla. -- Wildlife experts now believe the alligator which chased a teen into a tree in Lake County may have been guarding a nest of eggs. On Friday, June 29, 2018, a large alligator trapped a 15-year-old girl in a tree for more than a half-hour before being shot dead by a Lake County deputy, authorities said. The deputy shot the alligator who continued to hiss and threaten the girl in the tree and even the deputy. "If it's mating season or it's breeding season, they're out and about.
Gator that trapped teen may have been guarding eggs
ASTOR, Fla. -- A wildlife expert says the alligator that chased and trapped a teen in a tree in Lake County may have been guarding a nest of eggs. Last week, an alligator estimated to be about 11 feet long trapped a 15-year-old girl in a tree for more than a half-hour before being shot dead by a Lake County deputy. The deputy shot the alligator, which continued to hiss and threaten the girl in the tree and even the deputy. "If it's mating season or it's breeding season, they're out and about.
World War II Army veteran honored on Fourth of July
LEESBURG, Fla. -- While the fireworks on the Fourth of July will be beautiful, they symbolize the fight our founding fathers fought for our Freedom. "I graduated high school on a Wednesday, and Thursday morning I was in the army," said World War II Army Veteran Robert Merka. At just 18 years old, Robert Merka, fluent in German, found himself on his way to a country he had never been but one his ancestors called home. At just 18, Merka grew up quickly -- fighting during World War II.
School bus monitor accused of assaulting special needs kids
SORRENTO, Fla. -- A Lake County school bus monitor is accused of assaulting special needs kids while on their way home. James Brunson, 26, was a school bus monitor on May 15 in Lake County when he allegedly assaulted one of the children in his care. Last week, Lake County investigators were finally able to review the tape from the bus that day and say they watched as Brunson physically hurt four of the special needs children riding the bus to school and on their way back home.
Environmental dilemma costing homeowners in Orange County
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Homeowners in Orange County may have to make some pricey changes to their properties after a statewide study shows septic systems could be causing long term pollution problems in the Wekiwa Springs area. In 2016, Florida Legislators voted to identify which Florida Springs needed to be part of a restoration program. Following a series of algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon, and South Florida in 2016, Florida Legislators decided to take a closer look at Florida waterways.
Central Florida reacts to Supreme Court upholding travel ban
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding the Trump administration’s travel ban. The ban restricts travel to and from seven countries, most of which have large Muslim populations. The seven countries under the travel ban are Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea and Venezuela.
Lightning strikes East Orange County home
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Just as storms swept through Central Florida and lightning strikes picked up throughout the area, one hit an East Orange County resident's home, setting it on fire. "All of the sudden we heard a loud boom, and we said 'Oh, Crap. What's going on?’ So we figured it was lightning, but we actually thought it was our house which got struck," said Travaris Woodard, a Rio Pinar Estates resident.
Sinkhole opens up in part of Leesburg road
LEESBURG, Fla. -- On Sunday, a sinkhole opened up on a road in a private neighborhood called Arlington Ridge. The southbound lane of Arlington Ridge Boulevard first looked depressed Sunday morning. Those managing the private community then decided to rip up the roadway and inspect the problem. Immediately they noticed a wide hole under the ground. Geotechnical engineers were called to inspect the area and determine the possible cause of the hole.
Teens convicted of killing Trindade to serve time
The two teenagers who were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Roger Trindade have been sentenced to a juvenile justice center as opposed to doing hard time in a prison, a judge ruled on Friday. It is not known how long Jesse Sutherland and Simeon Hall, who were charged as adults, will serve their time in the juvenile justice center, the judge stated. Two teenagers are accused of attacking and killing the then 15-year-old Trindade.
Isleworth millionaire Bob Ward to be sentence
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Convicted twice in the death of his wife, millionaire Bob Ward is set to be sentenced Thursday afternoon. Back in February a jury found Ward guilty of manslaughter for killing his wife Diane in their Isleworth home in 2009. He was first convicted in 2011, but a judge threw that verdict out. Ward's sentencing was delayed last month after defense attorneys said they found a suicide note from Diane Ward that could prove her husband's innocence. Bob Ward faces 10 to 30 years in prison.
Police: 4 children held hostage killed; gunman kills self
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Just before midnight on Monday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina along with Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings stated that after a nearly 20-hour standoff, law enforcement found Gary Wayne Lindsey Jr. dead in a closet from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and all four children he was holding hostage dead from apparent gunshot wounds. It is unclear when the 35-year-old Lindsey, a convicted felon, killed the children, who were 1, 6, 10 and 11 years old, Mina stated.
Police: 4 children held hostage killed; gunman kills self
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Just before midnight on Monday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina along with Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings stated that after a nearly 20-hour standoff, law enforcement found Gary Wayne Lindsey Jr. dead in a closet from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and all four children he was holding hostage dead from apparent gunshot wounds. It is unclear when the 35-year-old Lindsey, a convicted felon, killed the children, who were 1, 6, 10 and 11 years old, Mina stated.
Deputies to begin detaining undocumented immigrants
TAVARES, Fla. -- The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to let deputies hold undocumented arrestees for deportation.
Port Orange mother still in search of missing daughter
Daytona Beach Shores, Fla. -- On June 4, Laurel Rogers would have celebrated her 37th birthday. Instead, her family went to Daytona Beach Shores to celebrate without her. "If we don't do this then who's going to? And how will they know she's still missing?" said Lauretta Rogers, Laurel's mother. Laurel Rogers went missing February 1, 2010. That night she went out to dinner with friends, returned to her mother's Port Orange home and then went out again.
Soft shell turtles turning up dead -- but why?
COCOA, Fla. -- Florida wildlife officials are investigating a huge spike in soft shell turtle deaths throughout the St. Johns River basin. "We would go by slowly in the boat, and usually, they would run back in the water real quick and we'd get a short glimpse of them," Twister Airboat Tours Capt. Dennis Inman said.
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