Latest news with #SeminoleCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
An explosion causes a structure fire in Maitland
The Seminole County Fire Department and the Maitland Fire Rescue Department responded to a structure fire Sunday morning off of S Lakewood Drive. According to SCFD the fire started in a shed between two homes and rapidly spread after an explosion. No injuries were reported from the explosion. The fire remains under investigation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Seminole County shed explosion sparks fire at 2 homes: officials
The Brief A shed explosion sparked a fire at two Seminole County homes on Sunday morning. It happened in Fern Park near S Lakewood Drive. The cause of the fire is under investigation. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - An investigation is underway after a fire erupted in Seminole County, sparking fires at two homes on Sunday morning. What we know The Semniole County Fire Department said the blaze broke out around 11 a.m. in the Fern Park area off S Lakewood Drive. Officials believe the fire began in a shed located between two homes and quickly spread after an explosion. Authorities said the damage was mostly at the ends of both houses, but it was serious enough that the families had to be displaced until repairs are done. The residents of both homes were there when the fire happened, but no one was hurt, officials said. At least one firefighter is being evaluated for over-exertion but is stable and expected to be OK. What we don't know The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. 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 This story was written based on information shared by the Seminole County Fire Department on June 1, 2025.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
We have to be prepared for FEMA not showing up.': Seminole County braces for hurricane season
It was an all-hands-on-deck kind of day on Friday at the Emergency Management Office in Seminole County. Officials and first response teams were doing what they tell residents to do every year ahead of hurricane season: be prepared. 'Once the storm is already here, is too late. We see the rushes at the grocery stores, gas stations,' said Chief Imeson, Seminole County Fire Department. 'We are making the best of our assets, identifying areas we can improve upon. Working on communication for a very large-scale incident.' The men and women who will take action when a storm hits gathered for the training - they all came to the emergency operations center on Friday for a crucial exercise. From law enforcement to the fire department, to solid waste, they used the experience from previous storms to prepare for what's next. 'This gives us an opportunity to run through like it's a real event and we are cutting all of the kinks and will be ready for when a real storm hits,' said Oliver Bond, Solid Waste Division manager. Volunteers called the office about all sorts of real-life issues during hurricanes - from requesting shelter for special needs children, to support with hurricane kits, to even requesting emergency services for non-English speakers. 'We have anything from hazmat calls, hazmat releases from trucks being flipped over we've had interesting calls with kids playing in waterways and water rescues,' Chief Imeson said. Channel 9 learned Seminole County had requested 300 thousand dollars from FEMA to help with generators for emergency operations. The money was denied due to the recent budget cuts. 'We just have to be prepared for FEMA not showing up,' said Alan Harris, Emergency Manager in Seminole County, when he was asked about the budget cuts impacting the emergency response ahead of the hurricane season. 'This is a different kind of year because usually with disaster relief centers, we may be responsible for that now.' County officials said they have partnerships with other counties for first response, which means the training keeps Seminole County safe and all communities across Central Florida. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Best Youth Baseball Complex
Big League Dreams Several Cities Photo courtesy of 33ft/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of 33ft/iStock by Getty Images Ever wanted to take the field at Yankee Stadium? At Big League Dreams sports parks, you can. Spread across California and Nevada, BLD has created six scaled-down versions of iconic American ballparks that host youth baseball and adult softball. After warming up in the batting cages or grabbing a hot dog, your team can face Fenway Park's Green Monster or aim for the ivy at Wrigley Field. Boombah Sports Complex Sanford, FL Photo courtesy of Seminole County Photo courtesy of Seminole County With 15 ball fields (all lighted for night games) that have movable mounds and bases, Boombah Sports Complex can handle any size baseball tournament for any age group. If your little sluggers aren't in the bullpen or the batting cages, they can cut loose at the playground or fuel up at the concession stand. While the pristine fields are designed for baseball, other sports are welcome, like soccer and football. CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches West Palm Beach, FL Photo courtesy of cmannphoto/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of cmannphoto/iStock by Getty Images Spend a day where the pros play! CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches acts as a spring training facility for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals, but when the MLB's not in town, you can grab your bat and take some swings on one of eight professionally manicured baseball diamonds. Cheering on your child's team in the main stadium? Head to Sailfish Bar for cold margaritas and great views. Champions Park Newberry, FL Photo courtesy of kali9/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of kali9/iStock by Getty Images Champions Park has become incredibly popular for regional tournaments and local leagues alike thanks to 16 lighted fields that work for any level of baseball or softball. Covered seating areas and multiple concession stands keep spectators happy, and batting cages help players get ready. Another advantage: the park has certified umps ready to call balls and strikes. Cooperstown All Star Village Oneonta, NY Photo courtesy of Moussa81/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Moussa81/iStock by Getty Images Teams feel like sports celebrities when they stay at Cooperstown All Star Village. Booking an on-site bunkhouse (all themed to famous MLB ballparks) gets your group reserved parking and access to a pool shaped like a baseball glove—and you'll be steps from the complex's 11 fields. The best part of tournaments played here might be what happens after they're over: free admission to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Cooperstown Dreams Park Cooperstown, NY Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr/iStock by Getty Images Cooperstown Dreams Park invites top prospects and the country's best 12U teams to live their baseball fantasies. Each summer, the complex hosts dozens of tournaments, camps and skills competitions across 22 fields. Teams can stay on site at Baseball Village, and all meals are provided. Even if your team doesn't win, the new friendships made and the spectacular fireworks send-off make every kid feel like a champion. Elizabethtown Sports Park Elizabethtown, KY Photo courtesy of Jeremy Fletcher/Upsplash Photo courtesy of Jeremy Fletcher/Upsplash The premier facilities at Elizabethtown Sports Park attract Little League stars with big-league ambition and even adults who want a friendly game of wiffle ball. It's home to a world-class Ripken Experience program that helps young baseball players reach their potential. When you're not swinging for the fences on one of 12 diamonds, you can play on 12 soccer and football fields or stroll down a three-mile walking trail. ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex Orlando, FL Photo courtesy of RBFried/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of RBFried/iStock by Getty Images Disney magic comes standard with every tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Walt Disney World Resort venue has pro-size ball fields lined with palm trees along with a retro-style stadium—when kids step up to the plate, it'll feel like their Major League debut! If that weren't enough, Disney sports photographers capture magazine-worthy moments on the field, and TVs around the venue air game highlights. Grand Park Sports Campus Westfield, IN Photo courtesy of CasarsaGuru/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of CasarsaGuru/iStock by Getty Images Once an empty field, Grand Park is now one of the largest sports campuses in the U.S. and home of the Indianapolis Colts training camp and host to Bullpen Tournaments' baseball and softball programs. You'll find dozens of play spaces spanning 400 acres, from baseball diamonds and lacrosse fields to basketball courts inside Pacers Athletic Center. Even marching bands are welcome to rent a field and practice their sets. LakePoint Sports Baseball Village Emerson, GA Photo courtesy of DustyPixel/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of DustyPixel/iStock by Getty Images If your young sluggers are looking to take their talents to the next level, a trip to LakePoint Sports may be in your future. The massive complex hosts invitational tournaments held by Prep Baseball, a scout agency scouring the nation for the MLB's next generation. But it's not all work here; kids can have fun at the Aqua Park or learn to play pickleball and futsal. Lasorda Legacy Park Yaphank, NY Photo of courtesy of Lasorda Legacy Park/Steel Sports Photo of courtesy of Lasorda Legacy Park/Steel Sports Inspired by Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda's winning ways, Lasorda Legacy Park encourages thousands of promising baseball players each summer to believe in their big-league dreams. Seven lighted fields, sunken dugouts and stadium seating set the stage for terrific tournaments for ages 8 to 18. Dodgers fans will love the Tommy Lasorda Museum, and everyone will want to devour Nathan's Famous hot dogs at the Baseball Café. Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Peoria, IL Photo courtesy of Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Photo courtesy of Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Batter up! Louisville Slugger Sports Complex not only has lots of outdoor baseball fields; its Slugger Dome can field two teams indoors. For a diamond that's worthy of a championship game, check out the Slugger StadiumPlex with full concessions and ballpark seating for over a thousand fans. Need more than nachos? Head to the on-site Suite Fire Bar + Grill for gourmet burgers and chicken wraps you can cheer about. Old Settlers Park Round Rock, TX Photo courtesy of Airwave Dynamics/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Airwave Dynamics/iStock by Getty Images With its 25 baseball and softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, pro-level disc golf course and regulation cricket field, it's no wonder Old Settlers Park fits perfectly in the Sports Capital of Texas. When you aren't relaxing in the Texas sunshine in one of 40 picnic areas (each with a grill), get tickets to a Triple-A Round Rock Express game at the park's Dell Diamond. Orange County Great Park Sports Complex | Irvine, CA Photo courtesy of MattGush/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of MattGush/iStock by Getty Images Irvine welcomes everyone in the community to Great Park Sports Complex. While mostly popular for its dozens of soccer fields, the venue's baseball diamonds are also top flight, with two championship stadiums that make teams feel like all-stars. Want to watch the game from a new perspective? Take a ride on the Great Park Balloon for a bird's-eye view of the action. Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC Photo courtesy of Craig McCausland/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Craig McCausland/iStock by Getty Images You'll get a coastal vacation and a blue-chip baseball clinic all in one at the Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach. The nine fields aren't your average ballparks; they're designed after historical MLB parks like Cincinnati's Crosley Field and New York's Polo Grounds. Kids love the tournaments here as they listen to their names announced over the PA system before heading to the plate with the perfect walk-up music playing. USSSA Space Coast Complex Viera, FL Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/iStock by Getty Images The pros head to Florida for spring training, and so can high schoolers at USSSA Space Coast Complex. Weight rooms, covered batting cages, 15 ball fields, FlightScope pitching radars—this former MLB facility helps aspiring players soar toward their big-show goals. Its three championship stadiums can hold thousands of fans, creating an out-of-this-world atmosphere that'll boost every team that takes the field.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former Seminole Schools Superintendent Paul Hagerty dies at 86
Former Superintendent Paul Hagerty, who led Seminole County Public Schools for a decade and whose name graces one of its high schools, died May 20. He was 86. Hagerty ran SCPS from 1992 to 2002 and was the district's first superintendent hired by the school board rather than elected by voters. After his retirement, the Seminole County School Board named a new high school after him — Hagerty High School near Oviedo, which opened in 2004. During Hagerty's tenure in Seminole, he helped the school district pass a school sales tax, negotiate the end of the federal government's 1970 school desegregation order and open 14 new campuses. He called his time in Seminole the 'highlight' of his 42-year education career which he began as a high school math teacher in his hometown of Milwaukee. A devout Catholic, his sons said his faith motivated him to help others. He grew up in a poor family and watched his mother work multiple jobs to provide for him and his two sisters and pay for their schooling, which made him realize how important education was to upward economic mobility. Though educated in Catholic schools, he dedicated himself to public education. 'His mission in life is ensuring that everyone had free access to the best education,' his son Timothy Hagerty said. Hagerty was born July 25, 1939 in Milwaukee. During high school, he worked as a janitor to help his family out financially. He was accepted into Marquette University and received a basketball scholarship, but gave up basketball so he could work more and help put his sisters through school, his son Patrick Hagerty said. 'He knew how important education was for society and for himself,' he said. 'You're sort of born into your economic condition, and you're stuck there and seeing education as a means to to grow and succeed in life.' While at Marquette he met his wife, Nancy, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at a dance held by a local church. Timothy said it took a while for his father to ask her out because he was embarrassed that he didn't have a car. 'The way my mother told it was almost like Cinderella, that when the dance was ending, he just disappeared every night,' he said. 'He ended up borrowing a friend's car and it bloomed from that.' The two married in 1961, the same year he graduated from Marquette. He would later earn two master's degrees from Marquette and a doctorate degree from Florida State University. His retirement from Seminole marked the end of his education career. He'd previously been a superintendent in Georgia and Missouri school districts. In Seminole, he told his family he was most proud of how he'd helped modernize the district's technology and negotiate the end to the federal government's desegregation order, which the U.S. Department of Justice imposed because the district was still running segregated schools in 1970. That effort involved rebuilding campuses and upgrading academics at schools in the Sanford area, which then lagged academically. 'That was something that he really had to engage lots of different communities to say 'This is the right thing to do, and this is why we're doing it',' Patrick Hagerty said. Hagerty received numerous awards over the years, including superintendent-of-the-year honors in Missouri and Florida. He was very involved in his church throughout his life, his sons said. He served as the first chairman of the pastoral council at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Oviedo and in 2018 was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal honor for outstanding service to the Catholic Church. He was a voracious reader and he and Nancy loved to travel and to play duplicate bridge. A funeral Mass will take place Wednesday at the Basilica of the Assumption in Baltimore, where he had lived with his son Patrick since 2022. Nancy Hagerty died in 2020. Hagerty will then be interred at 2 p.m. Thursday beside Nancy at Queen of Angels Catholic Cemetery in Winter Park. He is also survived by his daughter Kathy Hagerty, his son Dan Hagerty, four grandchildren and his two sisters.
