Top Local News Stories for Clermont, Florida.

Top Orlando Area Local News Stories

First lady fixes on must-dos prior to election run

Gearing up for a tough political season ahead, Michelle Obama said Saturday she's trying to get as much done as possible before the general election campaign starts to drown out everything else. "It's sort of like working before vacation — only it's not a vacation," she said in an interview with a handful of reporters. "It's that same notion of 'How much time do we have? What do I have to do?'" The first lady said she's also reminding herself not to take things personally once the rough-and-tumble of the campaign gets going. "Things are different in a campaign environment," she said. "It's a competition. Things are said. You just take it one day at a time." The first lady said she'll devote three days a week to politics once the campaign is in full swing, but she wants to continue working on her signature issues of fighting childhood obesity and supporting military families. She added that she'll draw a clear line between the campaign and those issues, to keep them from getting bogged down in politics and hurting the credibility of her efforts. The first lady spoke with reporters on the final day of a three-day national tour marking the second anniversary of her "Let's Move" campaign against childhood obesity. She visited Iowa, Arkansas and Texas before spending the last day in Florida. Mrs. Obama also talked about the importance of finding time to escape the White House bubble and have more normal interactions with friends and family — those who know her simply as "Meesh" — shorthand for Michelle. That includes unannounced shopping trips, outings with friends and even visiting her brother's house in Oregon with her daughters, she said. At times like that, she says, "I'm not the first lady." "We sat on the porch and we ate barbeque," she recalled. "It was important for me to go there." Mrs. Obama began her day at Northland Church outside Orlando, where she highlighted the work of churches and faith leaders in helping families to adopt healthier habits. Her last stop was Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where she danced, played tennis and soccer and did other activities with youngsters and a bunch of Disney stars and professional athletes.

Published: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:43:21 GMT

Homeless organization declares Sat., Sun. 'Cold nights'

Due to forecasted low temperatures, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida has declared Saturday and Sunday as “Cold Nights.” This means that the coalition will not refuse any person seeking shelter from the cold, regardless of space. The coalition's main campus can hold up to 375 men and its Center of Women and Families can hold 240 men, women, and children. Overflow space will be available in these facilities for people seeking shelter from the extreme cold temperatures. Room will also be provided at the Women's Residential and Counseling Center Campus. The Coalition for the Homeless main campus is located at 639 West Central Boulevard and the Women’s Residential and Counseling Center is located at 107 East Hillcrest Street. Both are in Downtown Orlando.

Published: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:56:38 GMT

What's your sign? Cheesiest pick-up lines ever!

If you've been on the dating scene you know how rough it can be out there. So if you're having trouble finding "Mr. or Ms. Right", do yourself a favor and stay away from these cheesy pick-up lines.

Published: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:08:56 GMT

Orlando-area mug shot hall of shame

UPDATED DAILY: Here's a look at some of the individuals who have been arrested recently in Central Florida.

Published: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:11:24 GMT

Walt Disney's daughter shares memories of dad

It's only appropriate that the Walt Disney animated classic "Lady and the Tramp" be released just before Valentine's Day. After all, what other movie comes to mind every time you share a romantic spaghetti dinner with your significant other? "It's my favorite scene and it's listed somewhere, officially, too, as one of the most iconic, romantic film scenes of all time," Diane Disney Miller told me in a recent interview. "It would delight my dad to know that. When the dogs' lips meet on the span of spaghetti, it's a moment that's appreciated worldwide as a great romantic scene." Disney Miller, 78, is an integral part of the Blu-ray release of "Lady and the Tramp" (Walt Disney Home Entertainment), which makes its debut in stores Tuesday. Disney Miller, the oldest of Walt and Lillian Disney's two daughters (her sister, Sharon Mae Disney, died in 1993), appears on the disc's bonus featurette, "Remembering Dad." "I love to really let people have insight into what kind of a man he really was," Disney Miller said. Disney Miller said the era of "Lady and the Tramp" -- the quintessential purebred-meets-mutt love story -- was an eventful one for the Disney family, and in many ways, was very personal. "I married my husband, Ron, in early 1954 and our first child was born at the end of 1954, so dad became a grandfather then," Disney Miller recalled. "At the same time, the film was in production and Disneyland was in the works. It was a very exciting, sweet time. The film itself is such a sweet story. It's about all the ups and downs and the drama in that makes a story interesting and exciting. It's basically about love -- and it was a lovely time in our lives." Of course, with all that was going on, Disney Miller saw her father worry, but she knew those fears would be alleviated because he was used to pressure -- or at least the pressure of making an animated film. You have to remember, Walt Disney is the man who risked everything about 20 years before to make "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." "He knew how to do animated films, but the park was something he had never done before," Disney Miller recalled. "But I can't remember any frustrations he had with it. Of course he worried, he and his brother (Roy O. Disney) both worried when they were in debt and how the banks were on their necks, but he never let it get him down. He didn't obsess on it for long. He saw his way out and he always felt that things would turn out right in the end." These days, Disney Miller spends a great deal of time highlighting the stories of her dad's many achievements -- Disneyland and "Lady and the Tramp" among them -- as one of the co-founders of the Walt Disney Family Museum, which opened in 2009 in the Presidio of San Francisco. "I wanted to present my father to people in a way so they could get to know him," Disney Miller said of her dad, who died in 1966 at the age of 65. "They would have to get some prejudiced biographer's opinion of him or lies perpetrated by others. He had a very inspirational story. I hope that people of all ages will walk out of this museum thinking, 'I got to know Walt Disney,' and also be inspired by the way he lives on. In any time of your life, if you want to do something like change your career, you should do it if you can."

Published: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:34:44 GMT

Cocoa Beach plans to replace firehouse

When monstrous Hurricane Floyd flirted with the Space Coast in 1999, fire engines were forced to relocate from the city’s rickety South Orlando Avenue station to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, City Commissioner Skip Williams recalls. And as our news partners at Florida Today report, he fears the same thing will occur if a storm strikes this summer. “They’ve already said: If it’s going to be a Category 2, verging on a 3, those fire trucks are gone. And the bay doors go open so the wind can blow through — so the building doesn’t blow down,” Williams said during last week’s commission meeting. After years of fire-station discussion and debate, commissioners appear poised to take advantage of low construction costs and interest rates. Last week, they unanimously directed City Hall staffers to spend the next three months drafting plans to build a new facility. Maximum cost: $3 million. But Commissioner Ken Griffin, a former assistant fire chief in Highland Park, Mich., said he believes the station can be built for less than $2 million. A public workshop will be scheduled before binding votes occur, per Commissioner Kevin Pruett’s request. The likely construction site is next to City Hall. Vice Mayor Dave Netterstrom proposed the up-to-$3 million fire station idea. He cited the Cape Canaveral City Council’s decision in January to build a new fire station on Jackson Avenue, projected to cost $2 million to $2.5 million. To finance a Cocoa Beach fire station, Netterstrom proposes using money that will be freed after a 10-year, $1.5 million Maritime Hammock Preserve acquisition loan is paid off next year. The city will retire this note after paying $184,674 this budget year and $188,284 during the next year, Finance Director Charles Holland said. “Since we’ve gotten used to that car payment, you might say, we could convert that into servicing a mortgage on a fire station,” Netterstrom said during last week’s meeting. “It fits within our budget. It’s not going to box us into a corner where we might have to raise taxes and things like that,” Netterstrom said. In fall 2010, Cocoa Beach officials shelved plans to construct a new fire station, police station and administration facility because of budgetary constraints. Estimated costs ranged from $8.8 million to $13.3 million, depending on locations and other factors. On Feb. 23, Cocoa Beach and Brevard County Fire-Rescue officials will discuss partnering on fire and EMS services in nearby Snug Harbor.

Published: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:52:04 GMT

Woman found safe; husband still missing

Police were still searching for a man they said forced his wife out of their apartment after his wife was found safe Saturday morning. Orlando police responded to a domestic disturbance call early Saturday at the Waterstone Apartments on Long Road of Clarecona-Ocoee Rd. According to police, witnesses in neighboring apartments heard the victim screaming for help and saw Willie Hollis, Sr. forcing Wanda Hollis out of her apartment through a back window. Willie Hollis has an active warrant for aggravated stalking. Witness told police Willie Hollis then forced her into the woods behind the apartment complex. Officers and K9's did not locate the victim and suspect during an extensive search. Police are continued searching for Willie Hollis Saturday morning. Wanda Hollis was found Saturday morning back inside her home. If anyone knows of his location, please call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Published: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:06:07 GMT

Police: 7 arrested after fake marijuana used

Seven teens, including five juveniles, were charged Friday after a 16-year-old student smoked fake marijuana on school grounds in Polk County and collapsed. Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland on Friday. A 16-year-old female student had smoked K-2, a type of synthetic marijuana, on campus and then collapsed, deputies said. The student was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Deputies said Andrew Ishman, 18, had bought the K-2 at a store in Hillsborough County. Ishman then sold the drug to a 15-year-old student. Deputies said the 15-year-old and four other juveniles met with Dmitria Grasso-Morey, 18, and smoked the K-2 in Grasso-Morey's car. After smoking the drug, the 16-year-old student collapsed. The charges are as followed:15-year old male: charged with possession/sharing a counterfeit controlled substance14-year-old male: charged with manufacture drug paraphernalia15-year-old male: charged with possession of drug paraphernalia15-year-old male: charged with possession of drug paraphernalia16-yearold female: charged with possession of drug paraphernaliaIshman: charged with sale of a counterfeit controlled substance (K-2), contributing to the delinquency of a minorGrasso-Morey: charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia Both Ishman and Grasso-Morey were booked into the Polk County jail. The owner of the store in Hillsborough County was notified of the incident.

Published: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:04:37 GMT

Worst Valentine's gifts you can give her

So with Valentine's Day nearly here, you've got it all figured out, right guys? You've chosen the perfect gift that's you're sure is going to seal your spot in the boyfriend/husband Hall of Fame forever. Sure, there might be a couple Valentine's Day hiccups in your past, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and all that stuff, yeah? But wait. What if you haven't learned? How can you be sure your present will be met with adulation rather than an abhorrence that will send you straight to the couch for the night? Before you give the woman of your dreams something along the lines of athletic socks or tickets to your favorite team's upcoming big game, stop, think it through and make sure your gift isn't one of the following worst Valentine's Day gifts ever ... No. 5: Lingerie Really, getting most any article of clothing for your significant other's Valentine's gift is a decision fraught with peril. God help you if you choose the wrong size -- in either direction -- or choose something so hideous that even Snooki would have second thoughts about wearing it. You might think you're making a grand romantic gesture, but, face it, it's more or less a gift for yourself. A good, thoughtful gift is supposed to be for her enjoyment, as much as if not more than yours, so no, that silky swatch of fabric from Frederick's of Hollywood that requires instructions for putting on just ain't going to cut it -- not this, or any, year. If your Valentine is into lingerie, you're better off buying a gift certificate so she can go and spoil herself on your dime and get exactly what she wants. That way you'll both be happy. No. 4: Anything that's really for yourself Granted, that new Xbox game is beyond cool. With tons of action and eye-popping graphics, you can already see yourself slaying zombies and demons in your living room. But unless your wife or girlfriend is a serious gamer, you better get out of electronics and hightail it to the jewelry counter. That also goes for those new power tools, that sweet grill and that awesome framed "Cool Hand Luke" movie poster that you've had your eye on. Any of those would prove a great Valentine's Day gift if your significant other is a female version of Bob Vila -- hopefully without the beard -- can't get enough of barbecuing or would have left you in a heartbeat for Paul Newman. But if not, don't be that guy. Pretending that a gift you've gotten for yourself is really a romantic gesture doesn't sit well on any holiday, but it's a particularly bad Valentine's Day move. No. 3: 'Helpful' gifts Your Valentine might really need those jumper cables or that new vacuum cleaner, but don't expect them to jump excitedly in your arms when they open it up come Valentine's Day. There are occasions that are perfect for helpful, useful, everyday gifts. Valentine's Day is not one of those occasions. Yeah, it's a holiday we wouldn't be celebrating today if it weren't for the promotional efforts of jewelers, candy makers, greeting card companies and florists that stop just short of blackmail. But it's still a romantic holiday. You want to pick out a gift that says "I love you" and "You're the most special person in the whole world to me," not, "Hey, the couch needs vacuuming under." Put a little thought into your gift and it won't matter how much time or money spent on it, just that you were thinking of ways to show your love instead of your practical side. No. 2: Shape up gifts You're on your own if you are dim enough to buy the woman in your life a treadmill or any other piece of exercise equipment. The same applies to scales, self-help books, workout DVDs, gym memberships and any other gift designed to help her "better" herself. If there are quicker ways to derail a romantic Valentine's Day effort than planting the seeds of doubt in your better half's mind, well, we're not sure what they could be. Valentine's Day is an opportunity to make the love of your life feel like she's beyond perfect in your mind. You want to aim for romance, unconditional love and devotion. But the message you're sending with a fitness, diet or other self-help gift is "If you weren't such a [insert your choice of insult here], you'd be getting flowers and chocolate. Sorry, better luck next year." Better luck to you too. No. 1: Absolutely nothing If your Valentine is watching her weight, candy can be an iffy proposition. Some women just aren't into jewelry and others find flowers that will soon wilt and die either depressing or a waste of money. But even if your wife or girlfriend falls into one of those categories, you're still better off getting her one of those gifts than showing up empty-handed. If you haven't gotten it by now, the key to a romantic Valentine's Day is expressing your love. In the end, it doesn't matter what shape that expression takes, as long as it's heartfelt. If you can't be bothered to remember Valentine's Day with just a homemade card, a corny burned mix CD or even a simple home-cooked meal, you're telling your Valentine she wasn't worth the effort. She might just feel inclined to return the favor, but with a more direct approach. Distributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Published: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:20 GMT

Which movie stars got their start on TV?

George Clooney and Michelle Williams, who are both up for Oscars this year, are just some of many stars who made the leap from the small screen to movies. Click on to see some others.

Published: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Controversies that rocked celeb endorsements

J.C. Penney recently hired talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres as a spokeswoman in an effort to rebuild its image, despite protests. Celebrity spokespeople have stirred controversy before. While Ellen has earned J.C. Penney's support, some celebrities have lost their jobs due to their own bad behavior. Here's how other famous spokespeople have faired.