Central Florida Faces Major Weekend News From Deputy Shooting to Swan Relocation

Deputy Shooting Rocks DeLand Community

A driver is dead after a deputy-involved shooting in a Walmart Neighborhood Market parking lot in DeLand early Saturday morning, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Investigators say the incident began Friday night when DeLand police tried to stop a reckless driver who nearly hit a pedestrian in downtown DeLand.

According to the sheriff's office, the driver took off with headlights off, ran red lights and fled west on State Road 44 while officers pursued the vehicle. Deputies later found the vehicle around 4:30 a.m. at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on South Woodland Boulevard. The sheriff's office says as deputies approached, the driver accelerated and tried to flee again. "One deputy fired a shot through the windshield, striking the driver," the sheriff's office wrote in a social media post Saturday morning.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community safety, as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. This marks another significant use-of-force incident in Volusia County, raising questions about police pursuit protocols and public safety measures.

Rolling Loud Brings Massive Festival Crowds to Orlando

Thousands of hip-hop fans packed the area near Camping World Stadium Friday night as Rolling Loud officially began its three-day festival in Orlando. Orlando police and festival organizers say increased staffing and special event zones will be in place this weekend as Rolling Loud draws tens of thousands to Camping World Stadium.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is cracking down on illegal house parties at vacation rental properties ahead of Rolling Loud, announcing several arrests and promising a heavy law enforcement presence this weekend. The festival's arrival has prompted coordinated law enforcement efforts across multiple counties to manage crowd control and prevent unauthorized gatherings.

This marks the first time Rolling Loud has been held at Camping World Stadium, bringing new logistical challenges and opportunities for the Orlando area. Local businesses are anticipating significant economic impact from the tens of thousands of visitors expected throughout the weekend.

Orlando Ends Century-Old Swan Program at Lake Eola

The city of Orlando is relocating its iconic flock of swans from Lake Eola Park after an outbreak of avian flu killed 29 birds in recent months, city officials said. As previously reported by Bungalower, the outbreak began in December and eventually claimed dozens of birds at the downtown lake, including at least 26 of the park's Royal Mute swans. The Orlando Sentinel reported Friday that the city now puts the remaining flock at roughly 44 birds.

The relocation also comes as the city prepares for a major construction project at Lake Eola Park. Officials said any future return of the swan program would require additional protections, including safer enclosures for young swans and improved medical holding areas. City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, a longtime backer of the flock who has purchased birds and sought donations for others, said she agreed with the decision, even if she didn't like it. She said the transmissibility of avian flu among birds without a known cure made keeping the birds safe a tall task.

For more than a century, the swans at Lake Eola have been among the most iconic symbols of the city of Orlando. But on Friday, officials announced the city has decided to move its famous swan flock to new homes, putting a "pause" on the program that has kept dozens of birds in the city's signature park for decades. The decision represents a significant cultural shift for downtown Orlando, where the swans have been featured on postcards, public art, and tourism materials for generations.

Health Crisis Hits Caribbean Cruise Ship

More than 100 passengers are sick with Norovirus aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, which is scheduled to dock at Port Canaveral on Monday, May 11. News 6 investigative reporter Pavlina Osta spoke with a passenger on board who says the outbreak has not stopped everyone from enjoying their trip.

The outbreak adds another layer of concern for Central Florida's tourism industry, as Port Canaveral serves as a major cruise hub for the region. Health officials will likely implement enhanced screening and sanitation protocols when the ship arrives, affecting thousands of passengers and crew members returning to the area.

These interconnected stories reflect the complex challenges facing Central Florida communities, from public safety and law enforcement issues to environmental health concerns and major tourism events. Each incident demonstrates how local decisions and circumstances can have far-reaching implications for residents, visitors, and the broader regional economy.