Allison Petro Journalist Profile

Articles

Gov. DeSantis approves using silver and gold coins for transactions in Florida

1 month ago | wptv.com | Justin Schecker |Allison Petro

FLORIDA (WESH) — Gov. Ron DeSantis while in Apopka on Tuesday signed a bill allowing Floridians to use precious metals for everyday transactions alongside traditional currency. Under HB 999, gold and silver coins that meet specific purity standards can be used for payments. WATCH: Florida is first big state to pass law Gov. DeSantis approves gold and silver as legal tender in Florida Florida is the first major state to pass this law.
Eatonville receives $34 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects

Mar 28, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro |Paola Tristan Arruda

The historic town of Eatonville is getting a major update to its drinking water and sewer systems. The town was awarded approximately $34.4 million for the infrastructure renewal projects. For decades, the town has experienced aging and outdated drinking water and wastewater systems. "Although they meet regulatory requirements those pipes are very expensive to replace, and what it does is it continues to put a burden on our operations and maintenance over the years.
Woman drowns dog at airport after denied boarding flight, Orlando police say

Mar 20, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro |Spencer Tracy

A woman was taken into custody after authorities discovered a dead dog inside a bathroom at Orlando International Airport in 2024, according to police.The Orlando Police Department said they responded to MCO on Dec. 16, 2024, about a dead animal found by an employee inside the woman's restroom. WESH2 spoke with a spokesperson from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, (GOAA) and they also confirmed a woman drowned her dog in a women's public restroom.
Starship 8 rocket explosion: Video shows debris rain down on Florida

Mar 6, 2025 | wesh.com | LeeAnn Huntoon |Allison Petro

SpaceX launched another Starship test flight on Thursday. Similar to test flight seven in January, the Starship lost contact within minutes of the launch. Related: SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ends with another explosionThe spacecraft came apart and exploded after launching from Texas, according to SpaceX officials. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Shooting investigation leads to law enforcement presence in Marion County

Feb 26, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro |Hayley Crombleholme

A large presence of law enforcement was reported in a Marion County neighborhood on Wednesday. Marion County deputies, a crisis negotiation team and a SWAT team were reported in the area of SW 47th Avenue Road and SW 48th Avenue. Neighbors told WESH they heard negotiators trying to talk with someone inside a home. "You could hear him on his PA like shouting instructions to must be somebody in the house," said Michael Norman, who lives in the neighborhood.
10-year-old boy fighting for life after mom and man arrested for 'gruesome' abuse

Feb 25, 2025 | krdo.com | Allison Petro |David Jones

By Allison Petro, David JonesClick here for updates on this story TAVARES, Florida (WESH) — A 10-year-old boy is still fighting for his life days after his mother and another man took him to the hospital with obvious signs of severe physical abuse. Now, Tavares Police are detailing the abuse’s serious nature and saying the boy was “tortured” in his home on Dora Avenue. “It is clear to this agency that this child underwent gruesome abuse,” said Tavares police Det. Courtney Sullivan.
Firefighters battle brush fire near Lake and Orange County line

Jan 25, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro

Multiple fire agencies worked on Saturday to contain a brush fire reported near the Lake County and Orange County line.According to officials, the fire was about 50 acres. However, no structures were involved.The Lake County Fire Department, the Department of Forestry and the Orange County Fire Rescue Department battle the fire.Firefighters created a control line to contain the fire entirely. No injuries have been reported.
Police: Pedestrian struck, killed by vehicle in New Smyrna Beach sidewalk

Jan 25, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro

A woman is dead after she was struck by a vehicle at a New Smyrna Beach sidewalk on Saturday, according to police.The New Smyrna Beach Police Department said officials responded to a crash involving injuries at 4 North Causeway. Police said the woman and her husband were walking on the sidewalk when they were suddenly struck by a westbound vehicle. Once officials arrived, they treated the woman and her husband. The woman was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Orlando police officers accused of time clock fraud after receiving extra payments

Jan 24, 2025 | ourcommunitynow.com | Allison Petro

Share The Orlando Police Department confirmed three employees are under criminal investigation after committing time clock fraud. The OPD said the department supervisor discovered payroll irregularities as officers were receiving extra duty payments. This prompted an internal investigation, which evolved into a criminal investigation. The OPD said the three officers were relieved of duty.
Orlando police officers accused of time clock fraud

Jan 24, 2025 | wesh.com | Allison Petro

The Orlando Police Department confirmed three employees are under criminal investigation after committing time clock fraud.The OPD said the department supervisor discovered payroll irregularities as officers were receiving extra duty payments.This prompted an internal investigation, which evolved into a criminal investigation. The OPD said the three officers were relieved of duty.Due to the incidents, the department has implemented a new extra-duty software system called Off Duty Management.