Sam Martello

Orlando

Reporter at WFTV-TV (Orlando, FL)

Weekend Morning Anchor @WFTV // @FSUCCI alum

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Articles

Orlando hopes new community farm with plant seeds of hope in Parramore

1 week ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

ORLANDO, Fla. — The City of Orlando is digging into innovative ways to provide accessible food to in-need communities. City leaders celebrated the grand opening on Thursday of the South Street Urban Farm. It’s located off South Street in Parramore. “Right now, we’re growing Ethiopian kale, eggplant, Tuscano kale, tomatoes,” Vern Renzette, the Sustainability Project Coordinator for the city, said. Those are just a few of the produce items the team is currently growing on the farm.
Orlando hopes new community farm will plant seeds of hope in Parramore

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Sam Martello |James Tutten

The City of Orlando is digging into innovative ways to provide accessible food to in-need communities. City leaders celebrated the grand opening on Thursday of the South Street Urban Farm. It’s located off South Street in Parramore. “Right now, we’re growing Ethiopian kale, eggplant, Tuscano kale, tomatoes,” Vern Renzette, the Sustainability Project Coordinator for the city, said. Those are just a few of the produce items the team is currently growing on the farm.
Run-down hotel turned into affordable housing property in Orlando

1 week ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

ORLANDO, Fla. — A run-down hotel has now transformed into an affordable living community. City leaders cut the ribbon Wednesday morning for the grand opening of the Palm Garden Orlando Apartments. The 150-unit property features one-bedroom units. Five lucky new residents were randomly selected to receive a completely furnished apartment, all the way down to towels and plates. Nathaniel Longston was one of those lucky residents.
Central Floridians prepare for Memorial Day travel stretch

2 weeks ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Memorial Day travel period is here. That means a busy weekend on local roads and at the Orlando International Airport. Central Floridians are preparing for the long weekend ahead to honor Memorial Day. Many headed to the Orlando airport Friday. The airport is expecting a 2% increase in travel from this time last year. “Didn’t even think about it,” one traveler said.
Standing-room only crowd hears FWC lay out plan for proposed statewide black bear hunt

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Gene Saladna |Sam Martello

Florida wildlife officials met Wednesday morning to discuss a proposal to reinstate black bear hunting for the first time in nearly a decade. It was standing room only as hundreds gathered at the College of Central Florida in Ocala during Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s quarterly meeting. FWC has reported that the bear population has grown to over 4,000 statewide. Staff presented proposed rules for the possible hunt.
Newest service dogs now serving their owners through Canine Companions

4 weeks ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

ORLANDO, Fla. — Only Channel 9 was there as the newest round of service dogs finished their training through Canine Companions.
Alligator attack: Wildlife officials to give update Wednesday on canoer’s death on Lake Kissimmee

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Beatriz Oliveira |Gene Saladna |Sam Martello

It was quiet Wednesday morning as the sun rose over Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales. But the investigation into an alligator attack remained active less than one day after a woman canoeing lost her life on the lake, which lies between Polk and Osceola counties. A woman canoeing near Lake Kissimmee died Tuesday after a gator attack, Florida wildlife officials said.
Experts give advice on preventing children from drowning

1 month ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — In just the last month, two children died from drowning in Seminole County. It’s a harsh reminder for the Martin family, whose 2-year-old son, Gunner, died from drowning in 2016. Over the span of a decade, the family is turning tragedy into action. “It happens to normal people, it happens when you don’t think it does, it happens in the easiest moments,” said Christina York, the executive director for the Gunner Martin Foundation.
Experts give advice on preventing children from drowning

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Sam Martello

In just the last month, two children died from drowning in Seminole County. It’s a harsh reminder for the Martin family, whose 2-year-old son, Gunner, died from drowning in 2016. Over the span of a decade, the family is turning tragedy into action. “It happens to normal people, it happens when you don’t think it does, it happens in the easiest moments,” said Christina York, the executive director for the Gunner Martin Foundation.
Extreme or severe drought levels parch much of Central Florida

1 month ago | wftv.com | Sam Martello

ORLANDO, Fla. — The risk of wildfires continues throughout Central Florida. As of Friday morning, there were two active wildfires in the region. The largest, “Cowpen 2” in Flagler County, had burned 250 acres and was 90% contained at last report. The “Palm Cay” fire, a smaller blaze in Marion County, measured about a half-acre in size and was also about 90% contained. The lack of rain has significantly contributed to dry conditions, with not much relief in sight.