Orange County leaders call for change after teen hit, killed while walking to school
The Brief
After a 16-year-old girl was fatally struck while walking to Oak Ridge High School, Orange County leaders are pushing for a reduced speed zone and traffic cameras near the campus.
Commissioner Mayra Uribe is urging immediate action, calling the current 45 mph limit unsafe and advocating for a school zone to prevent future tragedies.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County leaders are calling for change after a 16-year-old girl was killed Monday while walking to Oak Ridge High School.
What we know
The speed limit outside Oak Ridge High School is 45 miles per hour. There isn't a school speed zone placing the limit at 15 or 20 miles an hour the way you'd see outside elementary or middle schools.
The Florida Department of Transportation says school speed zones placed at high schools have to be done on a case-by-case basis and justified by an engineering study.
District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who happens to be an alumnus of Oak Ridge High School, wants a speed zone established at that school. She also wants traffic cameras installed there that would automatically catch people driving over the speed limit near the school.
What we don't know
The Florida Highway Patrol has not said yet whether speed was a factor in the crash.
We also don't know whether there has been any major push in the past to classify Oak Ridge Road as a school speed zone, though Commissioner Mayra Uribe says residents have complained about the road being unsafe.
What they're saying
"That's too fast for lots of kids coming out of the school," said Penny Brecker, who lives near the school. Jose Rosario, who also lives nearby, seconded that. "They do run fast through here," he said.
Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe says what happened was a tragedy that she wants to make sure never happens again. She also believes there have probably been many close calls that preceded the deadly crash. She wants a school speed zone established and traffic enforcement cameras installed.
"I am reaching out to Assistant Secretary with DOT and saying we need this to happen yesterday," said Commissioner Mayra Uribe. So that's my goal. And I mean, that's not going to bring back, you know, the tragedy that we went through and the grief that this community is going on, but it will start having some more accountability."
What's next
FDOT told FOX 35, the County would be the ones to plan, fund, and carry out an engineering study establishing a school zone, since it's their road.
Commissioner Uribe says she wants that process started right away. She and the other County Commissioners are also finalizing their lists of where they want traffic cameras installed.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source
FOX 35 reporter Marie Edinger covered the story, highlighting Commissioner Mayra Uribe's push for a reduced speed zone and traffic cameras near Oak Ridge High School following the death of a 16-year-old student.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Interim Osceola County Sheriff: We're going to get back to respect, trust
Christopher Blackmon, a leader at Florida Highway Patrol who was appointed to lead the Osceola County Sheriff's Office after the arrest and suspension of former sheriff Marcos Lopez, said one of his immediate goals is to ensure the agency's deputies and staff – and the community – know that there is not a systemic issue with the law enforcement agency. "We're trying to ensure the employees here that this is not a systemic problem, this is a problem that occurred with the sheriff, and he has to answer for his charges," he said. Watch his full remarks in the video player above. "It's very unsettling," Blackmon said. "To the community, I can assure you we're going to do everything we can to get back to respect and trust in the sheriff's office." The backstory Florida Gov. DeSantis suspended Marcos Lopez as Osceola County sheriff in an executive order on Thursday, and appointed Christopher Blackmon to the position, effective immediately. Lopez – and four others – are accused of running an illegal gambling operation for years in Kissimmee, where people could play the lottery and slot machines. Officials said the enterprise brought in more than $20 million over the years. Lopez has been charged with two counts of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, both felonies under Florida statutes. In Florida, there are strict rules on the types of gambling, betting, and games that people can play – and the organizations and businesses that can operate those types of games. It's managed and overseen by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Lopez was booked on no bond and is expected to make his first appearance in front of a judge early Friday morning. He has not commented publicly, and it's unclear if he has an attorney representing him. Christopher Blackmon serves as chief of troops, overseeing Florida Highway Patrol's Troops C, D, and K in Orlando, Tampa, and the Florida Turnpike. He was promoted from Major to Chief in December 2023, according to an X post from FHP Orlando at the time. He oversees more than 850 FHP troopers and 95 civilian employees. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Blackmon has worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years. He also leads immigration-related operations across all 67 counties in Florida, according to DeSantis' executive order. In his free time, he volunteers with groups like the Special Olympics, Clermont Little League, and Make-a-Wish. He has a college degree in Homeland Security from Vincennes University. Dig deeper Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested on racketeering charges, officials say Who is Christopher Blackmon? Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez mug shot released Video: Marcos Lopez arrested by HSI agents What gambling is legal and illegal in Florida? STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order on June 5 suspending Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and appointing Christopher Blackmon as sheriff; a statement from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier; the criminal complaint filed in court; and FOX 35 reporting.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Week-long active threat training held with Hillsborough County deputies
The Brief HCSO held a week-long active threat training at schools, "designed to ensure our deputies are fully prepared to protect students and staff as they return to school." The sheriff's office gave an inside look at what the sheriff called, "Some of the most intense mentally and physically demanding training that any member of the sheriff's office goes through." Deputies conducted training exercises in schools, classrooms and on school buses, among other locations. SEFFNER, Fla. - Video released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows deputies armed with mock weapons searching different areas of the schools, even firing the fake guns. It was part of a week-long active threat training at schools. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said training scenarios include clearing rooms, evacuations, lockdown procedures and emergency first aid. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "Their adrenaline is going in hostage rescue, some shooting, different shooting scenarios as the students are running by you, and you're trying to process who's a good guy, who's a bad guy," Chronister explained. Dig deeper During a news conference at Jennings Middle School Seffner, the sheriff said deputies are also incorporating improved tactics. HCSO will now have real-time access to cameras in schools so they can see live video of potential threats as they happen. The department is also making sure every deputy is prepared, even some who weren't planning to participate in the training. READ: Hillsborough mom names daughter after HCA Florida Brandon nurse who helped during high-risk pregnancy "They were told to come to the school here," Chronister explained. "The moment they got here, they took their guns and their weapons off of them and gave them one of the less lethal weapons that shoots a projectile and said, 'here, you're going to help the deputy. Go run.'" During the annual training, the agency also practices adjusting to new school security laws. Last year, lawmakers required all campus access points, including gates and doors, to remain locked during school hours. What we know This year, however, a new law gave schools more flexibility to determine which access points are locked and when. Local perspective Chronister said his School Threat Assessment and Response Team, or STAR Squad, continues to play a major role in their preparation and response. MORE: Superintendent faces state board over Hillsborough book removals amid backlash at home The team assesses reports of possible threats that come in through the state's Fortify Florida program. Last year, the STAR squad received more than 1,300 complaints, marking an increase of almost 300, compared to the previous year. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Waukesha child abandonment case; parents charged, wanted
The Brief Two children were found "in a completely wild, unkept state" at a Waukesha apartment that was "a complete and total mess." The parents are now charged with child abandonment, and a warrant was issued for their arrest. WARNING: Details of this story may be disturbing to some readers. WAUKESHA, Wis. - Waukesha County prosecutors said two children were found naked "in a completely wild, unkept state" at an apartment that was "a complete and total mess." Now, the parents are charged with child abandonment. In Court Court records warrants were issued for the arrests of 31-year-old Jessica Borkert and 36-year-old James Domoracki after they failed to appear in court on Thursday. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android What they're saying Waukesha police were called to a multi-level apartment on Jan. 9. A criminal complaint states the kids, ages 2 and 4 at the time, were found screaming and crying. Prosecutors said Borkert and Domoracki left their children with a grandmother, who has mobility issues. The grandmother said she tried to stay on top of things but could not travel up and down stairs, did not have a vehicle and could not go anywhere to get food, supplies or medicine and was unable to take the children out of the residence. Court filings described the apartment as "a complete and total mess." The front door could not fully open because there was "junk everywhere." One of the children slept on a bare mattress "with stains and cockroaches." The apartment was "cluttered with toys, bags of garbage, clothes and blankets." The walls were "covered in dirt, dust, and other unknown substances." Both children are nonverbal and were "in a completely wild, unkept state," per the complaint. One of the children had bruises, scratches and dirt "all over him." The child also had matted hair and smelled of urine. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Dig deeper Court filings said the grandmother told investigators that she lived with Borkert, Domoracki and the children until the parents left roughly two months earlier and did not come back. A detective spoke to Borkert days after the children were found. The complaint states she said she had gotten work in the Grafton area, which was "too far to come back to Waukesha." She said she and Domoracki had been staying at an Oak Creek motel, which court filings said appeared to be further away from Grafton than Waukesha. Prosecutors said detectives questioned Borkert on how the parents were supporting the grandmother while they were gone, during which she was "evasive." Domoracki said he would try to send food and diapers "via Walmart shopping" but he "ran out of money." Detectives reviewed the parents' shared cellphone, per the complaint, which found the "majority of text conversations" were indicative of "active participation in narcotics use and trade." The Source Information in this report is from the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court.
