Tag: Florida

Florida fire map shows live updates on wildfires burning in Broward and Miami-Dade

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Two wildfires in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are now mostly contained after burning thousands of acres and impacting air quality across parts of South Florida for days, according to the Florida Forest Service and other state and local agencies. The fires are highlighted on Florida’s Active Wildfire Points map, an interactive tool that tracks current wildfires across the state and provides updated information on acreage burned and containment levels. You can check it out here:

Source: Florida fire map shows live updates on wildfires burning in Broward and Miami-Dade – CBS Miami

The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

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Man arrested at Trump’s Miami golf club for disorderly conduct, Secret Service says

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A man was arrested Saturday at President Trump’s Doral National Golf Club just outside of Miami after an alleged disturbance, the U.S. Secret Service said. Mr. Trump was not at the club at the time, Secret Service said. According to Secret Service Miami acting special agent in charge Michael Townsend, a man approached a security area at the golf club at around 4:15 p.m. He then became “disruptive and failed to comply with lawful orders,” Townsend said in a statement. 

The man “made physical contact with a member of the Secret Service and was taken into custody without further incident,” he said. The man, who was not immediately identified, was arrested by the Doral Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting without violence, Townsend said. “At no point did this situation impact the established security posture for the President’s visit to Trump Doral National Golf Club by Secret Service,” Townsend said. The alleged incident occurred one week after shots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and Mr. Trump was rushed off the dais. A Secret Service agent was hit by a round but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president. 

Source: Man arrested at Trump’s Miami golf club for disorderly conduct, Secret Service says – CBS News

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

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2 men plea guilty in the 2013 killings of a Miami Gardens pastor and her grandson after over a decade of delays

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After 13 years, a case involving the July 2013 killings of a Miami Gardens pastor and her grandson has concluded, with the two convicted men accepting plea deals for two counts of second-degree murder. Reginald Jackson and Roderick Martin stood before Judge Ellen Sue Venzer in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Wednesday and were sentenced to a combined 65 years in state prison. “Mr. Jackson, you’re pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm along with two counts of robbery with a firearm, deadly weapon,” Judge Venzer said. “Yes, ma’am,” Jackson responded.

Jackson and Martin pleaded guilty to the lesser charges in connection with the deaths of 70-year-old Annette Anderson, a pastor, and her 20-year-old grandson, Tyrone Walker Jr. “Are you pleading guilty to these charges because you are guilty of these charges?” the judge asked Martin. “Yes,” Martin replied. Why the plea deal was delayed  The plea deal was delayed last week after Jackson had an outburst in court when his family was misinformed about the hearing time. Jackson said in court, “I’d rather my mom see me at trial so I can see her one last time,” referencing his grandmother, who he said died months after attending a previous hearing.

Source: 2 men plea guilty in the 2013 killings of a Miami Gardens pastor and her grandson after over a decade of delays – CBS Miami

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1 John 4:20

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Florida teacher Angela Faith Jourdan fired after calling herself ‘million dollar prostitute’ and twerking in class

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A Florida substitute teacher who called herself a “million-dollar prostitute” was fired after she twerked and allegedly grabbed a student in a classroom meltdown. Angela Faith Jourdan was arrested on Monday when she was accused of acting erratically at Lake Minneola High School in Minneola, Fla. The district said her employment was terminated the same day as the incident. “Good afternoon. We are aware of the arrest. Parents have been notified. The substitute teacher was hired 2/4/2025, and employment was terminated today,” the district said in a statement to News 6.

Source: Florida teacher Angela Faith Jourdan fired after calling herself ‘million dollar prostitute’ and twerking in class

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours

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A massive wildfire in Putnam County in northern Florida left Amtrak passengers stranded on a train for more than 24 hours. One train heading to New York City was forced to turn around, arriving back in Miami Monday night, including one passenger who said he had been on that train for about 38 hours. He says he and other passengers were left uncertain about what was going on. “Angry, confused, uncertain, in the dark,” said John Reardon. Reardon, who lives in New York City, says he boarded the train around 7 a.m. Sunday to go back home. He said around 3 p.m. Sunday, the train stopped near Jacksonville.

“Finally, after about 5 hours, they said we’re not going to New York, we’re going back to Miami,” Reardon said. “One stop at a time.” Amtrak said for the safety of its passengers, the train couldn’t continue going north because of the fire. “Amtrak sends a notification to the phone saying, ‘Hey, there’s an issue with the wildfire, it’s too close to the railway,'” said passenger Katrinia Wheeler. Multiple crews are battling multiple fires in two Florida counties, leaving at least 3,000 acres burned.  “I saw that there was a lot of smoke coming from the woods, and then I saw the fire trucks and emergency services,” Wheeler said. The train that left Miami at 7 a.m. on Sunday returned around 9 p.m. on Monday, leaving passengers frustrated. Amtrak corporate says they made the decision out of safety for their customers and said customers would receive full refunds and vouchers.

Source: Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours – CBS Miami

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1

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1 dead after small plane crashes into Florida yard

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A small plane crashed Sunday in the yard of a home near Tampa, Florida, killing one person, authorities said. The crash sparked a fire on the property, and the residence itself “sustained some damage,” said Sarah Andeara, the Pasco County public information officer, in a statement that CBS affiliate WTSP shared with CBS News. Pasco County includes the neighborhood of Wesley Chapel, where the incident happened. A neighbor’s ring camera footage showed a plume of smoke rising up from the yard where the plane crashed. Flames had been extinguished by 10:30 a.m. ET, said Andeara.

Source: 1 dead after small plane crashes into Florida yard – CBS News

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
John 14:2

Illegal Alien Charged with Killing Florida Father, Leaving Mother of 3 in Critical Condition

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Illegal Alien Charged with Killing ‘Beloved’ Florida Father, Leaving Mother of Three in Critical Condition Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office/GoFundMe JOHN BINDER17 Apr 202637 2:36 An illegal alien is accused of killing 37-year-old Giovany Negron Talavera, a father, and leaving a mother of three children in critical condition following a hit-and-run in Hillsborough County, Florida. Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, a 27-year-old illegal alien, has been arrested by the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office and charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, and driving without a valid driver’s license.

According to police, on April 11, Rapalo-Lorenzo was driving when he crossed into another lane and crashed head-on into a motorcycle with two passengers. The driver of the motorcycle, Giovany Negron Talavera, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second passenger, a woman named Ana, with whom Talavera worked, was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition. Family and friends have created a GoFundMe for Talavera’s funeral expenses as well as helping Ana’s family pay her medical bills. They describe Talavera as an “exceptional father, son, brother, and friend.” “He was also a dedicated mechanic who worked hard every day to provide for his family.

He was known for his kindness, his strong work ethic, and his willingness to always help others,” the GoFundMe reads. “His presence brought comfort, his smile brought light, and his love will forever remain in all of us.” Meanwhile, Ana continues fighting for her life in the hospital. She has three children, including a 15-year-old. “This tragedy has not only taken a loving father, but has also left a mother fighting for her life and children holding on to hope,” the GoFundMe reads.

Source: Illegal Alien Charged with Killing Florida Father, Leaving Mother of 3 in Critical Condition

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

Asian swamp eels are spreading in South Florida

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Burmese pythons, lionfish and iguanas are invasive species spreading through South Florida … now Asian swamp eels? Yes, invasive Asian swamp eels are slithering into the canals of South Florida – and the University of Florida wants the public’s help to track them. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) map of nonindigenous aquatic species, Asian swamp eels – or Monopterus alba – have been sighted all around Miami-Dade County, including in Hialeah, Kendall, North Miami, Homestead and Pembroke Pines. “Public participation is critical to detecting this hard-to-find species before it becomes more widespread,” according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Source: Asian swamp eels are spreading in South Florida

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Pembroke Pines woman arrested in theft of SNAP benefits from around 200 people, BSO says

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A Pembroke Pines woman has been arrested after she was accused in the theft of SNAP benefits from around 200 people, authorities said. Tamica Brown, 43, was arrested on April 7 on charges of criminal use of personal identification information involving over 30 victims and trafficking in counterfeit credit cards involving 50 or more cards, Broward jail records showed. Broward Sheriff’s Office officials said an investigation began in July of 2025 when deputies responded to the Walmart at 4700 S. Flamingo Road for a report of a fraudulent use of an EBT card.

Investigators found Brown was operating an organized fraud scheme where she unlawfully obtained EBT card numbers belonging to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP recipients, along with the associated PINs and account balances. The card numbers were stolen by unknown means and transmitted to Brown electronically through phones, and after she received the info she conducted unauthorized transactions, authorities said. The purchases included high-demand items like energy drinks and sports drinks, which Brown then resold to corner stores and convenience stores, officials said. Investigators identified about 200 victims who’d suffered a combined loss of over $120,000, but have been able to track down more than 30 victims so far, officials said.

Source: Pembroke Pines woman arrested in theft of SNAP benefits from around 200 people, BSO says – NBC 6 South Florida

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Woman arrested after video shows her dumping kittens at Wilton Manors park, cops say

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A woman was arrested Thursday after police say she was caught on camera dumping five kittens at a park in Wilton Manors. The suspect, Katherine Luciano, was arrested after the footage recorded on April 5 sparked community outrage. In the video, a woman can be seen “grabbing a taped box” from a red Kia and carrying it into Donn Eisele Park as another person stands and watches from the vehicle’s passenger side, police said.

She then opens the box and tosses out the cats. Both people then left the area, police said. NBC6 spoke to Peter Carey, who said he was walking his dog when he saw the woman dump the kittens. “I didn’t really know what I was watching,” he said. When he realized what had happened, the pair was gone. “I couldn’t go through the rest of my day just even thinking that I just saw what I saw and not do anything about it. So I tied my dog up and went to see in the bushes, and sure enough, I counted them. There was five of them, and they were super scared,” Carey said.

Source: Woman arrested after video shows her dumping kittens at Wilton Manors park, cops say – NBC 6 South Florida

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
Philippians 1:29

Edgewater firefighters rescue 8 ducklings trapped in storm drain

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On April 7, members of the Edgewater Fire and Rescue’s crew 57 received a dispatch call about eight baby ducks trapped in a storm drain in the Florida Shores. When driver engineer Zach Shannon and firefighters Scott Schenke and Aidan Rivero arrived on scene, they saw exactly what the resident had described. “A mother duck was on top of the storm drain, and we heard the duckling in the storm drain,” Shannon said, adding that the incident happened on Fern Palm Drive near 27th Street. After a rescue that involved both scooping some of the ducklings out of the drain and guiding the others out through the drainpipe, they safely rescued all eight of them. Here’s how they did it.

Edgewater firefighters used a hose line to flush ducklings out of storm drain Shannon said that although it is not uncommon for him and his crew to respond to animals rescues, circumstances are often different and require responders to adapt. “With this (storm drain) in particular, it had a couple of access (points) to it, and there was water in the drain and flowing out of each exit and entry,” Shannon said. The team had to lift the drain’s cover to go inside, but they faced a slight complication. “As soon as we would go in, the ducklings would scatter and go into the tubes,” Shannon said. “We had to wait for them to come back into the drain.”

Source: Edgewater firefighters rescue 8 ducklings trapped in storm drain

For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
Romans 14:11

Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states

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Article Dig Deeper The Justice Department said this week that it has wrapped up health care fraud investigations in three states which had cost Americans over $500 million among the respective parties. The announcement comes the same week that the Justice Department created its National Fraud Enforcement Division, which is a major step in the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on misuse of public funds. The Justice Department said it has finished its healthcare fraud investigations in California, Florida and Nevada and secured either guilty pleas, settlements or sentences.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.” The largest haul came from California, where a scheme defrauded American consumers of $269.1 million, according to the Daily Signal. Paul Randall, 66, of Orange, pleaded guilty this week for his role in the pharmacy plot. Two others pleaded guilty in the scheme in 2024 and 2025.

Source: Justice Department says it has prosecuted $500 million in healthcare, COVID fraud claims in 3 states | Just The News

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27

FWC investigating viral video of influencer shooting at alligator in Everglades

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Florida wildlife officials are investigating a viral video that shows people shooting at an alligator from an airboat in the Everglades. “The FWC is aware of a video depicting individuals in the Everglades on an airboat who appear to be discharging firearms at an alligator,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wrote in a post on Thursday. “FWC officers are looking into the in…

Source: FWC investigating viral video of influencer shooting at alligator in Everglades | firstcoastnews.com

I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
John 1:33

Ireland Out of Gas

Things have been dicey for a while on the Emerald Isle. But great googly moogly, do they look just awful right now. Mass protests have broken out across the country over…

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by Drink of Jesus

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill

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SEBRING, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290, the Florida Farm Bill, legislation that strengthens Florida’s agricultural industry, protects consumers, and reinforces the state’s commitment to food security, public safety, and rural land conservation.  “Today in Sebring, I signed SB 290,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This important farm bill builds on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ reforms to protect Florida agriculture, consumers, and rural communities. It also protects the health, security, and freedom of Floridians.” “The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “With the legislative leaders’ hard work this session and Governor DeSantis’ signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law – protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I’m proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you’re fighting for Florida’s future.” “What a great opportunity to have our Governor sign this bill right here in Florida’s Heartland,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “Florida’s agriculture industry is the key to thriving families, businesses, and communities across our state. Agriculture matters, and that’s a fact. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Simpson, Senator Truenow, Representative Alvarez, and so many others who have prioritized Florida’s agriculture industry and the legacy farm families who dedicate their lives and livelihoods to growing the fresh, wholesome foods Floridians need. This is an exciting time to be involved in Agriculture in the great, free state of Florida. The best is yet to come.”

Source: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill | Executive Office of the Governor

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

Cuba signals possible compensation for seized U.S. properties, but Cuban Americans remain skeptical

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Havana may pay billions in claims tied to properties seized after the 1959 revolution — but questions remain over who qualifies and whether payments would ever materialize.

Source: Cuba signals possible compensation for seized U.S. properties, but Cuban Americans remain skeptical – CBS Miami

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

6 SeaWorld Orlando Guests Reportedly Taken to Hospital After Ride Malfunction

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Six SeaWorld Orlando guests were reportedly taken to the hospital after a ride paused for seven minutes on Friday, leaving the riders feeling unwell. The incident reportedly occurred on the Manta roller coaster, which brings riders on a “head-first, face-down inverted nosedive,” according to the park’s website.

Source: 6 SeaWorld Orlando Guests Reportedly Taken to Hospital After Ride Malfunction

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

Border Collie Who Fell 180 Feet Down a Waterfall Has People in Awe

A woman and her Border Collie recently took a scary fall, dropping 180 feet down a waterfall while hiking in New Zealand last week. The dog, who goes by the name of Molly, was nowhere to be found when this woman was airlifted to safety via a helicopter. As this story broke, people reached out…

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Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, sources familiar with the decision told CBS News.  One of the sources said Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Trump and Hegseth’s vision for the Army.  Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell…

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🚀To the Moon and Back; Artemis II crew begins “crazy first day” in space after exhilarating launch

With an exhilarating launch behind them, NASA’s Artemis II astronauts are turning their attention to the next big challenge of their historic mission: a “crazy first day” in space.    The crew is spending about 24 hours orbiting the Earth while they put their Orion capsule through its paces before finally heading for the moon. Their spectacular launch…

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The Story of a Japanese Wallet; Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Japan wallet analogy draws conservative backlash

Liberal Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson faced viral backlash from conservatives over a comment during oral arguments about birthright citizenship where she floated an analogy comparing the issue to stealing a wallet in Japan.  “I was thinking, you know, I’m a U.S. citizen and visiting Japan and what it means is that, you know, if…

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Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia’s Molucca Sea kills 1 person, sets off small tsunami

An undersea magnitude -7.4 earthquake toppled buildings in parts of northern Indonesia, sent people fleeing from their homes, killed at least one person and generated a small tsunami Thursday. Waves up to 30 inches above normal tides were recorded at several monitoring stations about a half-hour after the earthquake, which was centered in the Molucca…

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Christian Persecution News Roundup: March 25–April 1, 2026

Christian persecution made headlines this Holy Week, with violent attacks in Nigeria dominating coverage alongside targeted incidents in South Asia and restrictions in the Holy Land. Advocacy groups like International Christian Concern (ICC), Open Doors, and Aid to the Church in Need highlighted ongoing patterns of violence, mob attacks, and surveillance. Here are the key…

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Supreme Court to hear arguments over Trump’s birthright citizenship order today

Washington — The Supreme Court will convene for arguments Wednesday to consider the legality of President Trump’s executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship. The question in the case, known as Trump v. Barbara, is whether the president’s directive complies with the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause and federal immigration law enacted in 1952. Mr.…

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Abortion News Roundup: March 25–April 1, 2026

Here’s a focused summary of the key abortion-related developments from the past seven days, based on legislative activity, court-adjacent races, and fresh data. Activity remains centered on medication abortion restrictions, state-level enforcement, and national incidence trends post-Dobbs. National Data Update Federal Legislative and Political Developments State-Level Actions Other Circulating Notes No major new court rulings…

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