CLEVELAND, Ohio — A total of $24.6 million in economic impact for Cuyahoga, Lorain and Lake counties was generated across 12 events hosted as part of the 2024 solar eclipse, according to Destination Cleveland.

In order to come up with that number, Tourism Economics, looked at “visitor spending, including money spent on hotels, meals, retail purchases and transportation,” according to a news release.

They also looked at data for these events:

• Total Eclipse Fest (Great Lakes Science Center/NASA Glenn Research Center)
• Lights Out in The Land (Lake Erie Crushers)
• Solar Eclipse Viewing Party (Lorain County Metro Parks)
• Eclipse Day (Cleveland Metroparks)
• Rooftop Eclipse Party (Music Box Supper Club)
• Avon Lake Eclipse Watch Party (City of Avon Lake)
• Solarfest Weekend (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
• Total on the Oval (Wade Oval)
• Eclipse & Sips Viewing Party (Fahrenheit restaurant)
• Solar Eclipse Party on the Runways (The Aviator)
• Total Eclipse at Children’s Museum Cleveland (Children’s Museum of Cleveland)
• Total Eclipse of the Park (Crocker Park)

They note the figure does not account for those who stayed with family or friends or smaller/less formal gatherings because of a lack of available data.

Destination Cleveland also highlighted hotel occupancy increases during the time of the eclipse compared to the previous year, which they say increased 84% in Cuyahoga County, 78% in Lake County and 82% in Lorain County.

“These figures from Tourism Economics show that the eclipse – and the organized events related to it – drove visitation and visitor spending as anticipated,” said David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, in the release. “Additionally, being in the path of totality put Cleveland in the national spotlight with many national news outlets choosing to broadcast or report from our area. That, combined with the excitement and impact of hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship just the day prior, has a direct and lasting impact on how people perceive Cleveland.”

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police have arrested the suspect in the hit-and-run accident that took the life of seven-year-old Amir Maclin.

Donald Mynatt, 32, is charged with not stopping after an accident and causing a death.

U.S. Marshals arrested Mynatt around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at an apartment building in the 4800 block of E. 355th St. in Willoughby.

According to police, around 7:20 p.m. on Aug. 16, Amir was riding his skateboard in the parking lot at 16024 Lakeshore Blvd. when he was struck by a large SUV.

The little boy was dragged under the vehicle and the driver continued out of the parking lot and fled the scene.

Amir was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

“The loss of Amir has impacted our community and the Division of Police. Our teams have worked tirelessly investigating and following all leads to bring closure for Amir’s family. We ask the community to keep his family in your prayers,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd.

Previous coverage: Mother demanding justice after her 7-year-old son was killed while riding his skateboard

A felony warrant was issued for Mynatt on Aug. 28.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is hosting another Trick-Or-Treat Fest this fall!

Tickets are now on sale for the fifth annual event, hosted by Citizens.

Zoo officials say the family-friendly event is happening every weekend from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning October 4 to October 27.

Guests can trick-or-treat at over a dozen candy stations throughout the zoo, meet costumed characters and dance at the Monster Mash Dance Party, according to a release from the zoo.

Tickets include access to the Dino Cove experience, officials say, and prices will be reduced for the Boomerang Line train, Circle of Wildlife Carousel and 4-D Theater.

Tickets for Trick-or-Treat Fest are $11 for non-members and $9 for members, according to the zoo.

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