Stephanie Rodriguez

Orlando

News Reporter at WKMG-TV (Orlando, FL)

Emmy-nominated Reporter @CBS58 @TelemundoWI • VP @NAHJWisconsin • Cat + Coffee Lover • [email protected]

Articles

Study suggests Florida's traffic signals are outdated. AI could be a solution

2 days ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

ORLANDO, Fla. - Perhaps nothing is more frustrating for drivers than mistimed lights during their commute, and a new study suggests that artificial intelligence could fix this. Frank Chaput, a driver, shared how often he finds himself stuck at lights that feel out of sync. "I live in east Orlando, so on Colonial, I'm there all the time, and it takes two or three cycles to get through a red light," he said. Drivers are fed up with the delays, and AI might be the solution.
'Gatorland Global' becomes a nonprofit with hopes to expand education, conservation efforts

5 days ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Gatorland has turned an existing portion of its organization into a nonprofit to increase its reach, work to protect alligators and educate the public on how to live safely near the dangerous animals. "Gatorland Global" was established in 2018 to foster a world that loves and respects all animals. Now, the organization is ramping up its efforts to save alligators and crocodiles by becoming a nonprofit.
Florida Highway Patrol advocates push for funding amid staffing crisis

6 days ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Highway Patrol advocates want lawmakers to increase funding in the budget as the agency faces a trooper shortage that leaves them and the public vulnerable. "The public safety impact of having too few troopers and the companion problem of paying our troopers far too little is staggering. We have thousands of people dying on the roads every year. Literally thousands.
Technology repair workshops aim to boost employment for neurodivergent adults in Central Florida

1 week ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - For adults who have autism or are neurodivergent, finding and holding a job can present challenges. To help support them and provide them with the skills to enter the workforce, one local nonprofit is teaching them how to repair technology.
Orange County’s blueprint for affordable living takes shape. Here’s how Ready Set Orange works

1 week ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

Share ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County’s initiative to streamline the construction of affordable housing is taking shape. Last summer, the county announced “Ready Set Orange,” a program created to increase the inventory of affordable and attainable housing. The program aims to reduce barriers to homeownership by simplifying the permitting process, ultimately cutting down on costs and time.
Orange County's blueprint for affordable living takes shape. Here's how Ready Set Orange works

1 week ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County's initiative to streamline the construction of affordable housing is taking shape. Last summer, the county announced "Ready Set Orange," a program created to increase the inventory of affordable and attainable housing. [Watch video below to see how the process works] The program aims to reduce barriers to homeownership by simplifying the permitting process, ultimately cutting down on costs and time.
Deltona's Elkcam Boulevard project aims to reduce flooding risks

1 week ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

DELTONA, Fla. - Frequent flooding has trapped residents in Deltona as roads remained closed for weeks and even months after major storms. Elkcam Boulevard in particular has been a focal point of these issues, especially after hurricanes Nicole and Ian. After years of challenges, the city is close to financing a project to elevate part of the street.
Swim class teaches children with autism life-saving skills

1 week ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

ORLANDO, Fla. - Nemours Children's Health Autism Center is helping children with autism learn water safety. "So, what we wanted to do was use our knowledge and work with children with autism-spectrum disorders and get them a safe and effective way to learn those water safety skills that are very important for survival here in Florida," Lindsey Wright said. Wright is the lead behavior analyst at the Nemours Children's Health Autism Center.
Florida's property tax reform committee to hold first meeting

1 week ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - On Thursday, a select committee studying the potential elimination of property taxes will meet for the first time. State Rep. Daniel Perez, the Republican Speaker of the House, announced the committee on Tuesday. "This is about bringing the very best proposals before the people of Florida, so that they have an opportunity to decide their own fate," he said. Removing property taxes would require an amendment to the state constitution, which could be on the ballot in 2026.
Experts gather in Central Florida to discuss school violence prevention

2 weeks ago | clickorlando.com | Stephanie Rodriguez

ORLANDO, Fla. - Just weeks after a shooting at Florida State University left two dead and six others injured, people from across the country are gathering in Central Florida to discuss ways to enhance student safety and security. The 19th Annual National Student Safety and Security Conference will run from Wednesday to Friday at the Holiday Inn Resort: Kissimmee by the Parks.