Ocoee
CRIME & SAFETY
Body Found at Starke Lake in Ocoee, Police Investigate Potential Drowning
Authorities in Ocoee are currently carrying out an investigation after a body was found Friday along the shoreline of Starke Lake. Police responded to the scene around 11 a.m. following a distress call from a passerby who discovered a man not breathing. Local emergency services have preliminarily identified the cause of death as drowning, as reported by WESH.
Orlando church pastor who called himself a 'prophet' on trial for wife's death
ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando church pastor who called himself a “prophet” is going on trial for allegedly murdering his wife. Sylvester Ofori, 39, is charged with first degree murder for the shooting death of his wife Barbara Tommey. She was killed as she walked into work at a Navy Federal Credit Union in 2020.
Kitchen Fire at Orlando Apartment Causes Damage, Displaces Residents
Local firefighters responded to a kitchen fire at an Orlando apartment unit that spread, causing damage to multiple units and displacing residents. On Friday, July 19th, Orlando Firefighters responded to a reported kitchen fire at an apartment unit on the 1800 block of South Semoran Blvd. Upon arrival, crews found...
Orlando Police Apprehend 20, Confiscate Crime Guns in Major Downtown and Parramore Operations
Over the weekend, the efforts of the Orlando Police Department's specialized squads in combating illegal drugs and gun-related crimes yielded significant results in the city's Downtown and Parramore neighborhoods. In a concerted operation encompassing Downtown, Parramore Bikes, and TAC units, officers succeeded in apprehending 20 individuals and confiscating five firearms described as "crime guns," a term often used to reference weapons used or intended for use in criminal activity. The operation's success was announced by the Orlando Police Department's social media.
‘The hotel burned down,’ but a Florida woman’s reservation refund was denied
MAITLAND, Fla. – A Maitland woman, who spent hundreds to secure a hotel room for a trip to Mississippi, was denied a refund after the hotel caught fire and shut down. Celia Myres said she had planned the trip to Hernando, Mississippi in February to attend her godson’s wedding.
Man Indicted for Double Murder in Orlando Hammer Attack
A man was indicted for double murder in a brutal Orlando hammer attack. An Orange County grand jury formally indicted 29-year-old Jose Cantarero for two counts of First Degree Murder (with a Weapon). On January 27, 2024, deputies found the bodies of two men inside a home on Tucker Avenue...
Florida Crime Files: Walgreens pharmacist robbed at gunpoint, man accused of stealing steaks at Walmart
FLORIDA - A Lake County Walgreens pharmacist was robbed at gunpoint, a Florida man is accused of stealing four ribeye steaks from Walmart, and a man is accused of tricking an elderly woman at an Ocala Walmart by stealing $3,000 from her. Here's FOX 35's Florida Crime Files. Lake County...
Family seeking answers after loved one shot in Orlando: 'Did not deserve this'
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orange County Sheriff's Office is still searching for a suspect in a deadly shooting near The Florida Mall. A woman was found shot near The Florida Mall on Friday around 3:50 a.m., and died in the hospital, according to Orange County deputies. Lecia Paul says her sibling was the person killed, and they have very little information on what led up to the shooting. They're hoping the community can come forward with information.
Man on stolen motorcycle suspected of hiding meth while using restroom
A Clermont man on a stolen motorcycle was arrested for drug possession after allegedly trying to hide meth from deputies while using the restroom. Deputies were conducting surveillance at 7445 State Road 33 in Clermont when they saw a man on a motorcycle matching the description of 55-year-old Richard Steven French, who had a felony warrant, allegedly residing at the residence.
Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for attacking deputies in Lake County
An Orlando man was given a guilty verdict and sentenced Tuesday in a 2020 case in which he battered deputies and resisted arrest. In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Cary F. Rada, jurors found 53-year-old Kenlin Anthony Bougouneau guilty on all three counts and sentenced him to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Orlando shuts down Police Review Board due to new state law
The City of Orlando was forced to shut down its Police Review Board following the adoption of a new law that was passed at the beginning of the month by the State of Florida. According to the governor, the legislation was meant to help “prohibit municipalities from using political entities like Civilian Oversight Boards to drive an anti-police agenda.”
My endorsement for Apopka Fire Chief: JP Hodgkins
Those of you who read The Apopka Voice know that while I write editorials, I don't make endorsements, and I don't make predictions. But in this case, I will break both of those rules. JP Hodgkins will be the Apopka Fire Chief one day, and I am endorsing his ascension.
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