Ethan Stein
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Articles by Ethan Stein
My Mom, 55, and Grandma, 85, Swear By Murad’s Age-Reversing Creams and Retinol Serums for Firm Skin
Credit: Getty Images My mom and grandmother both use Murad’s anti-aging skin care products. Murad’s Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream is a staple in both of their routines. They also use the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My mom has always taken care of her skin. It’s a habit she gets from her own mother. So, when I found out that both of them use products from Murad, my interest was immediately piqued.
Winter Park commissioner faces scrutiny over Magic tickets and synagogue deal
A Winter Park commissioner accepted five Orlando Magic tickets before voting on a proposed synagogue and residential development, according to records obtained by Channel 9. Text messages show Commissioner Elizabeth Ingram thanked Chabad of Greater Orlando for the game invitation and offered to meet about the synagogue proposal. "We had a great time at the Magic game thanks again. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss the synagogue," Ingram wrote.
Orange County approves more than $780 in TDT Spending Original
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Commissioners voted to spend more than $780 Million of the county’s Tourist Development Tax on Monday. The commission made the decision as some elected officials, union officials, and members of the tourism industry urged commissioners to pause their decision to spend money collected from the 6% tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals of less than six months.
Timeline: How the Michelle Parker case unfolded before Dale Smith Jr.’s arrest
Nearly 15 years of searches, evidence reviews and unanswered questions preceded the arrest of Dale Smith Jr. in the disappearance of Orlando mother Michelle Parker. Orlando police arrested Smith, Parker's former fiancé, Wednesday morning and charged him with second-degree murder. Police said investigators recently reexamined witness testimony, Smith's previous statements and digital evidence collected during the original investigation.
Hurricane Isaias will bring storm surge and flooding to Florida
Follow Hurricane Isaias will bring storm surge and flooding to Florida Fri, October 9, 2026 at 1:29 PM EDT Florida officials are stepping up emergency preparations as Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast, threatening the Panhandle with dangerous winds, storm surge, flooding and possible tornadoes.
State looked at expanding road where deadly school bus crash occurred Original
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation has been studying a road expansion project on the road where re a deadly school crash injured 30 people and killed two people in Polk County, according to department records.
Groveland faces frequent boil notices amid aging water infrastructure Original
GROVELAND, Fla. — Groveland’s Public Utility planned to spend more than double on “Growth Driven Needs” than their existing infrastructure needs, according to the city’s Utility Master Plan published in April 2022. Channel 9 found the report as the city deals with its third boil warning notice within the month of September. Most recently, a water main broke near the city’s Sunshine Water Treatment Plant, creating a boil notice advisory in the city’s northern service area.
‘The War Zone is Goldsboro:’ Locals concerned about talking to Sanford police after mass shooting Original
SANFORD, Fla. — People around Sanford’s Goldsboro community said they’re scared to talk to the city’s police department after a mass shooting sent six people to the hospital. According to an incident report, multiple witnesses to the mass shooting at Coastline Park on Saturday refused to discuss the events with police officers who responded to the scene. Police Chief Cecil Smith said they need the public’s help to make arrests.
Sanford police chief asks for community’s help after mass shooting injuries 8 Original
SANFORD, Fla. — An eyewitness to a mass shooting in Sanford told police the shooters used “long guns.” The witness also said the shooters were driving around a crowd multiple times at Coastline Park, according to an incident report the police department released Monday night.
Parents will have to approve AI usage in Florida schools starting in 2027 Original
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Parents will have to sign off on students’ use of AI in public schools, according to new rules the Florida State Board of Education passed on Wednesday. The rule would require parents to “opt-in” to using tools inside the classroom after the district reveals a tool’s name and purpose. Florida will also ban AI tools in schools that are used to meet a student’s social or emotional needs or to simulate companionship.
Florida Sheriff’s Association launches ad campaign against Amendment 3 Original
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Seminole County Dennis Lemma (R) was blunt Tuesday afternoon. “It would be devastating,” he told the Seminole County Board of Commissioners about a possible budget reduction due to Amendment Three. “It is the biggest threat to the office of sheriff.” Lemma is talking about the ballot initiative, which would lower property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
Man charged after 110 mph cross-county chase and officer-involved shooting Original
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Nicholas Delatorre is facing new charges after leading Levy County Deputies on a cross-county chase, resulting in an officer-involved shooting, according to various records WFTV obtained through a public records request. The 35-Year-Old man, according to the sheriff’s office, was shot after pointing a Model 1911-style weapon in a wooded area in Dunnellon.
DOT targets 110 trucking schools following fatal St. Lucie County crash
The Trump Administration is stopping more than 100 truck driving schools from operating, accusing the schools of giving Commercial Driver's Licenses to people who do not speak English. According to the Department of Transportation, the “English” requirement has existed for almost 90 years. However, the administration is more aggressively going after schools after a deadly crash on Florida's Turnpike in St. Lucie County more than a year ago.
DOT targets 110 trucking schools following fatal St. Lucie County crash Original
WASHINGTON — The Trump Administration is stopping more than 100 truck driving schools from operating, accusing the schools of giving Commercial Driver’s Licenses to people who do not speak English. According to the Department of Transportation, the “English” requirement has existed for almost 90 years. However, the administration is more aggressively going after schools after a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike in St. Lucie County more than a year ago.
Teen accused of speeding over 120 MPH nearly a year after deadly crash Original
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County teenager was arrested last week after deputies said he drove over 120 miles per hour on a suspended license. Denis Josue Maldonado-Reyes pleaded not guilty to reckless driving charges. The 19-Year-Old was arrested for a driving-related offense while under investigation for his role in a deadly crash nearly a year ago.
E. coli detected in water supply at Osceola County’s Maxwell at Xentury City Original
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County said it was aware of a water sample testing positive for E.Coli at the Maxwell apartment at Xentury City According to the Toho Water Authority, the apartment complex in Osceola County was found to have cross-connected its potable water and reuse irrigation systems. Channel 9 learned about the issue at the Maxwell at Xentury City after a viewer reported yellow- and brown-tinted water in her apartment.
Oviedo officials set to grill Flock Safety reps during Monday meeting
Follow Oviedo officials set to grill Flock Safety reps during Monday meeting Brody Wooddell,Ethan Stein Mon, August 31, 2026 at 1:03 PM EDT Oviedo city leaders are expected to question Flock Safety on Monday about the company's controversial license plate-reading cameras, nearly two weeks after the City Council considered removing the technology from the city.
Former Gringos Locos employees missing final paychecks Original
, Fla. — Employees like Harry Alicia, a former line cook at Gringos Locos, said he’s struggling to pay bills after not being paid the remaining few hundred dollars owed to him prior to the restaurant’s closure earlier this summer. He’s one of dozens of employees still waiting for money almost three weeks after one of the restaurant’s owners committed to liquidating company assets to meet payroll.
Where Florida is looking at building new temporary detention facilities Original
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is asking firms for information on planning, costs and construction on temporary adult detention facilities. Although the request doesn’t commit to building facilities yet, it does acknowledge the information would be used to develop costs and a schedule for a possible future competitive solicitation.
City of Sanford employee arrested after fatal dump truck crash kills cyclist
SANFORD, Fla. — Newly released police records and 911 calls are shedding more light on the deadly crash that killed a cyclist in Sanford, after investigators say a dump truck struck the man and the driver kept going. According to the police report, the crash was captured on the dump truck’s dash camera at the intersection. Investigators say the dump truck and an e-bike were traveling on the same road when they collided as the cyclist made a right turn.
Attorney: PBIA renaming deal gives Trump Organization unprecedented control over branding, merchandise
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time, we’re learning some of the details behind a plan to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. A licensing agreement, which Palm Beach County commissioners approved in a 4-3 vote on Tuesday, reveals a series of different logos for the new airport as well as establishes ground rules for the county’s use of the name.
West Palm Beach waterfront redevelopment proposal would remove affordable event venue, records show
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A proposal to redevelop West Palm Beach’s downtown waterfront area would remove a city-owned event center called the Lake Pavilion, according to mock-ups the city published two weeks ago. Although a spokesperson for the city told WPTV there was no decision or plan regarding the event center, nonprofits and residents told us they were concerned the proposal would remove one of the few venues considered affordable in Palm Beach County’s largest city's downtown area.
Unattended U-Haul with fireworks prompts closure of Parker Avenue in West Palm Beach
The West Palm Beach Police Department said an unattended U-Haul rental truck prompted the closure of Parker Avenue. The incident occurred Thursday just after 9:30 a.m. when a police officer on patrol spotted the truck that seemed out of place. K-9 officers trained for bomb detection responded and the dog alerted the truck, police said. Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Indiana Miranda said the U-Haul had fireworks in the back of the truck.
Letter: Council member threatened to 'deal' with city manager over CFO dispute
Riviera Beach City Council Member Bruce Guyton threatened City Manager Jonathan Evans to “deal” with the city’s Chief Financial Officer Randy Sherman or face consequences, according to a Notice of Claim letter WPTV obtained.
Letter: Council member threatened to “deal” with city manager over CFO dispute
RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — Riviera Beach City Council Member Bruce Guyton threatened City Manager Jonathan Evans to “deal” with the city’s Chief Financial Officer Randy Sherman or face consequences, according to a Notice of Claim letter WPTV obtained.
Lawsuit filed against Palm Beach County, FDOT over Belle Glade crash that killed 9 family members
BELLE GLADE, Fla. — A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in the August 2024 crash near Belle Glade, killing nine people — including six children. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday by the family members' estates and lone survivor Jorden Hall, blames Hatton Highway for creating the deadly crash and seeks damages from Palm Beach County, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and five private companies for their alleged role in creating "dangerous" conditions for drivers.
Palm Beach County parents express concern after measles case at Wellington High School
Parents are expressing concern after the Palm Beach County School District announced Wednesday that a member of the Wellington Community High School community contracted measles. The district is not saying if the infected individual is a student or a staff member, only noting the person was not at school while contagious. Neil Cohen, a parent who received an email from the district about the diagnosis, expressed his worry. "It's not just something the human body can fight off," Cohen said.
West Palm Beach police investigating death of Sen. Mark Warner's daughter
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The death of 36-year-old Madison Warner, the daughter of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., is under investigation by the West Palm Beach Police Department. A spokesperson for the department confirmed to WPTV’s Ethan Stein there is an “open investigation” into Madison Warner’s death. The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office said they are in possession of Madison Warner’s body and they are working to confirm her cause and manner of death. On Monday, Sen.
Jensen Beach High School safe after report of active shooter, bomb threat deemed 'not credible'
A false threat of a possible active shooter and bomb threat at Jensen Beach High School prompted a "massive" response by law enforcement on Tuesday. During an afternoon news conference, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said a threatening 911 call to Stuart police was made just before noon.
Developer allegedly diverts taxpayer funds from a Pahokee affordable housing project to other sites
PAHOKEE, Fla. — A developer allegedly diverted money earmarked for a taxpayer-supported affordable housing complex in Pahokee to other projects, according to records WPTV reviewed. The Everglades Townhomes, which were still not completely built by April, were scheduled to be finished about four months ago. They received incentives from multiple government agencies to build 60 housing units with rents tied to 60% of the area's median income and a day care center.
192 teachers could lose jobs if School District of Palm Beach County approves 3.5% raise
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV has obtained a breakdown of the budget impacts the school district would face if it meets the demand of educators and the Classroom Teacher's Association to give teachers a 3.5% raise.
Faith leaders push Palm Beach County for 'real' affordable housing as rents surge
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A justice ministry is asking Palm Beach County to create a new affordable housing program where developers could build more housing units on a single piece of land if some apartments are reserved for people with incomes at 60% of the area median income.
Riviera Beach tenants organize over dangerous conditions and dozens of code violations at apartment complex
RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — Tenants at a Riviera Beach apartment complex are organizing, alleging their landlord is forcing them to live in dangerous conditions by failing to perform repairs on their units. Conditions inside the Indian Trace Apartments include cracked ceilings and indicators of black mold or water damage in multiple units.
Okeechobee residents voice concern over proposed data center as opposition grows across South Florida
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. — Another data center is starting to gather vocal opposition, this time in Okeechobee County. Indian River State College’s “Okee-One” data campus would turn a 205-acre site near the town of Okeechobee off Highway 441 into an operational data center and technology campus.
West Palm Beach residents wait for flood relief after DeSantis vetoed funds to fix Australian Avenue
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are once again asking the state to help pay for drainage improvements to Australian Avenue, a throughway to and from downtown West Palm Beach known for flooding. Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $742,000 to fix the problem last June, along with more than $500 million in state spending. This year, we learned about $430,000 is in the state’s budget for the project, which WPTV has tracked since October 2023.
Palm Beach County halts Singer Island beach restoration as residents raise concerns over property values
SINGER ISLAND, Fla. — Palm Beach County said it has no plans to restore beaches along Singer Island this year, according to records WPTV obtained from the county. County staff said it made the decision not to place sand on the 1.3 miles of beach, with some areas accessible and not accessible to the public, based on the feasibility of construction, along with cost effectiveness and partial budget considerations.
No state standard for poll worker vetting raises security concerns after Palm Beach County arrest
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — There is no background check requirement for Florida poll workers, according to Martin County Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis (R). The lack of a requirement has led to each elections office in the state setting their own policy for vetting people working in the state’s election.
Community advocates challenge PBSO's immigration claims at West Palm Beach protest
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A few dozen people came to the Palm Beach County Courthouse on Friday to protest immigration enforcement policies across the country. The protest’s location was purposeful, after more suspected undocumented migrants were arrested in Palm Beach County than anywhere else in Florida, according to data from the State Board of Immigration Enforcement over an eight-month period.
Forest Hill Community High School lifts boil water notice, says campus safe after nearly week-long crisis
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A boil water order was lifted at a West Palm Beach high school after students and staff went days without drinkable water. Multiple students told WPTV the toilets inside Forest Hill Community High School weren’t flushing when the water main break occurred on March 27.
Norton Museum of Art gets approval to double in size, citing city's 'extraordinary growth'
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — West Palm Beach’s city commission approved the Norton Museum of Art’s proposal to double in size during their regular scheduled meeting on Monday night. The Norton, one of the largest art museums in Florida, received prior approval to expand more than a decade ago from a previous commission, yet it needed additional approvals after bringing a larger proposal to the city.
Palm Beach County poll worker background checks limited to 10 years, election supervisor says
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections said their background checks on poll workers only review an individual’s criminal history from the past 10 years. WPTV learned about the policy after learning John Panicci, the man arrested over the weekend for stealing election equipment, faced multiple theft charges in Martin County more than two decades ago.
Employees struggle to pay basic bills, buy food as partial government shutdown continues
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — More than 450 Transportation Security Administration workers have quit during the partial government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security said.
Boca Raton CRA approves controversial 12-story Mizner Plaza hotel project by 4-1 vote
A new 12-story hotel project in Boca Raton was approved by a 4-1 vote by the city's community redevelopment agency on Monday afternoon. The "Mizner Plaza" hotel project is set to be built on about 1.65 acres along Northeast Second Street, south of Mizner Park. The proposal includes the construction of a two-tower hotel with 219 rooms and two levels of underground parking. The east tower would feature 115 units, while the west tower would have 104 units.
Boca Raton CRA approves controversial 12-story Mizner Plaza hotel project by 4-1 vote
BOCA RATON, Fla. — A new 12-story hotel project in Boca Raton was approved by a 4-1 vote by the city's community redevelopment agency on Monday afternoon. The "Mizner Plaza" hotel project is set to be built on about 1.65 acres along Northeast Second Street, south of Mizner Park. WATCH BELOW: Boca Raton approves new hotel project Boca Raton CRA approves controversial hotel project The proposal includes the construction of a two-tower hotel with 219 rooms and two levels of underground parking.
West Palm Beach rally urges President Donald Trump to create regime change in Cuba
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A few dozen people held a rally in support of regime change in Cuba on Sunday, right along the route President Donald Trump uses to get to Palm Beach International Airport. Some people at the event said they chose the rally’s location along Southern Boulevard to lobby the president to continue pushing for a change in Cuba’s government.
Documents show Florida problem gambling hotline funds flow from nonprofit to for-profit company
New documents show a private for-profit company is gaining revenue from Florida's gambling hotline. The Florida Gaming Control Commission, which is the government agency overseeing the contract that provides money for programs to curb gambling addictions, switched the state's hotline last year from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling to a new nonprofit called Kindbridge Research Institute. They created a new website and number, 1-833-PLAYWISE, branded with Playwise.
Candidates in House District 87 special election have different plans to fix affordability crisis
JUPITER, Fla. — State Democrats are trying to flip a district containing some of the wealthiest areas of Palm Beach County, including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Singer Island, Palm Beach, Lantana, and parts of Lake Worth Beach and West Palm Beach. House District 87 went without a representative this session after Governor Ron DeSantis (R) appointed Mike Caruso as Palm Beach County’s new court clerk and comptroller in August, replacing Joseph Abruzzo (D), who became county administrator.
Survey reveals low ratings of Boca Raton police chief months leading to shake-up
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Before Boca Raton Police Chief Michele Miuccio was removed from her position last week, the city's police union conducted a survey in August 2025, which resulted in criticism of the police chief's performance. The survey of more than 100 officers ranked her “overall performance” a 3.8 out of 10. It’s the second survey WPTV has uncovered describing frustrations from rank-and-file employees directed at leadership over two years before her removal from the job last week.
Residents raise environmental concerns over proposed 30-story condo tower on Singer Island
RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — A New York-based developer wants to build a 30-story condominium tower with a retail strip mall along with a parking garage at 2525 Lake Drive, just next to Palm Beach Shores. The lot is currently zoned for buildings of around seven stories. WATCH: Residents push back on proposed condo Singer Island residents push back on proposed 30-story condo tower Historically, 30-story buildings have not been permitted within the city's Community Redevelopment Agency.
Andy Thomson declared winner of Boca Raton mayoral race by 5 votes after recount
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Andy Thomson was declared the new mayor of Boca Raton by a razor-thin margin following a Friday recount of Tuesday's electionsin Palm Beach County. At about 5 p.m., Thomson was declared the winner of the race by five votes — 7,572 for Thomson and 7,567 votes for challenger Mike Liebelson.
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