Tony Atkins

Orlando

Nightside Reporter at WESH-TV (Orlando, FL)

Vice President at Central Florida Association of Black Journalists

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Articles

Conservation group pushes back on black bear hunt proposed by FWC

2 days ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is proposing a black bear hunt in December to address, what it says, is a fast-growing bear population. It’s set to meet May 21 and 22 in Ocala. The meeting comes on the heels of a historic first in the state. For the first time in recorded history, a black bear in Florida has killed a human. On May 5, a bear attacked an 89-year-old man and his dog in Collier County, marking a tragic end to a long life.
Port Orange woman charged with impersonating officer speaks about confrontation

5 days ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

A Volusia County woman is speaking out after her arrest. Port Orange Police said an argument over a parking spot ended with her pulling out a badge, impersonating an officer. I have a good heart, I care about people, and when I saw that situation, it bothered me, seriously,” said Alexis Rosati, who is out on a $3,000 bond. She faces felony charges for impersonating an officer at a Port Orange Walmart. Police said it was all over a parking spot reserved for law enforcement.
Trump executive order creates uncertainty for public broadcasting funding

1 week ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

The future of federal funding for public broadcasting is uncertain after President Donald Trump signed an executive order blocking federal support to PBS and NPR. Daniel Crozier, Fred Rogers' nephew and a music professor at Rollins College, reflected on the potential impact, recalling his uncle's dedication to children's programming and his successful 1969 Senate appearance where he convinced lawmakers to maintain public broadcasting funding.
Public maintains support for Brevard Co. teacher following decision not to renew her contract

1 week ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

Dozens of people gathered at the Brevard County School Board in support of a teacher whose contract won’t be renewed. The district says it’s because Satellite High School teacher Melissa Calhoun used a student’s preferred name without their parents’ permission.“I want kids to be learning.
Volusia County sheriff discusses immigration enforcement at community meeting

1 week ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County hosted a community meeting on Thursday to discuss the county's immigration enforcement and cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), urging citizens to follow the law."There's 67 counties in the State of Florida. Every sheriff is obliged to follow the law," Chitwood said.Resident Angeles Martinez expressed her concerns, stating, "Many administrations have passed. But I feel they're very aggressive in this one.
Osceola sheriff's 'Operation: Spring Purge'

2 weeks ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says it is wrapping up a monthlong operation that netted dozens of arrests. It’s called "Operation: Spring Purge.”Sheriff Marco said his goal is taking on street crime and hopes these concentrated efforts will make busy areas safe for both tourists and residents. He’s focusing on heavily trafficked areas as we approach the county’s busy summer months. “You know, you get a lot of tourism there.
Volusia County woman accused of abandoning pets during Hurricane Milton

2 weeks ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

A Volusia County woman is in jail after deputies said she left her pets to starve during Hurricane Milton. The new charges come as state lawmakers look to up the penalties for abandoning pets during declared disasters. Volusia County sheriff's deputies said Calsie Volkers left for over a week to get away from Hurricane Milton. They would soon discover the deplorable conditions the animals were left in.
Tow driver speaks after surviving deadly Brevard County crash

2 weeks ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

For the first time, we’re hearing from a survivor of a deadly Brevard County crash that killed three people. Two men and a woman died after a speeding Mercedes crashed into tow trucks on I-95. One of those tow drivers is John Youmara. He’s still bandaged up and says he’ll never forget the moment he nearly lost his life that day. “[When I’m] Just trying to go to sleep. [I hear] The sound. That’s the scary part,” Youmara said.
Orlando exploring new permit for businesses operating near homes after midnight

2 weeks ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

Orlando city leaders are looking at the possibility of a new permit for new bars serving alcohol near residential areas after midnight. It’s called a “conditional use permit” and would be for new establishments near residential zones. Separate from the after-midnight sales permit in downtown bars – this would impact new bars serving alcohol after midnight if they are within 300 feet of residentially-zoned areas.
Orange Co. committee seeks public input for redistricting

4 weeks ago | wesh.com | Tony Atkins

The public got an opportunity to weigh in on redistricting within Orange County. The Orange County Redistricting Advisory Committee held one of its open meetings on Tuesday. During the meeting, the public got a look at the first proposal from a committee member, including a seventh and eighth district. Currently, Orange County has six districts.