Public Safety · Winter Garden, FL
A 71-year-old Winter Garden man was killed Friday by an approximately 12-foot alligator while reportedly fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka, according to Winter Garden police. Police and fire departments responded around 5 p.m. to the park. The alligator was subsequently killed by trappers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the man's body was recovered from the water. No further details were provided in the police news release.
Public Safety · Orange County
Florida's quarterly theme park injuries report for the third quarter lists guest ailments on six attractions, including Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Starring the Muppets, Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios, and several water rides at Walt Disney World properties. SeaWorld Orlando closed its Mako coaster out of caution after a 42-year-old man died on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia; both coasters were built by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard. The report also notes that a 54-year-old man with a pre-existing condition suffered a cardiac emergency on "it's a small world" earlier in the year and later died. Florida theme parks self-report injuries requiring at least 24 hours of hospitalization under an agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Social Events · Orlando, FL
The Banana Ball Open tournament will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Orlando from April 15-18, with all six teams attending and the top four competing in the venue's 9,500-seat stadium. This marks the second year Walt Disney World hosts the entertainment-first baseball league, which was founded by the Savannah Bananas. Fans can enter a ticket lottery at BananaBall.com before Oct. 31 for a chance to purchase tickets starting at $35. Additional Florida stops include Jacksonville in March, Tampa Bay and Pensacola in May, and Miami in September.
