According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old Orlando Wedderburn was fatally shot outside of a home, just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

BSO also said a woman was grazed by a bullet but will be OK.

New details Friday morning revealed that the shooting was a domestic incident and that all parties involved knew each other, but the exact relationships are unknown at this time.

Investigators said the incident took place off of Northwest 71st Street.

Home surveillance footage captured the moments paramedics attempted to transport Wedderburn to the hospital, but the teen would not survive.

Detectives spent hours outside the home into Thursday, leaving no stone unturned.

“I just came outside, and it was just caution tape all around, sheriffs all around,” said neighbor Carlos Chirinos.

The shooter stayed to speak to detectives following the incident. Officials he was defending himself and was released after questioning.

Area residents said they’re not used to law enforcement activity and were left rattled.

“Something shocking for the whole neighborhood,” said Chirinos.

“Very quiet, very safe, this is a big shock for me. I’ve been living here 25 years; nothing like this has ever happened,” said another neighbor.

Officials have not shared further information and said that the case has been taken over by the Broward Counry State Attorney’s Office.

Water surrounded a block of homes and apartments in the area of A1A and Oklahoma Street, prompting crews to shut down two southbound lanes, Friday morning.

Drivers were forced to maneuver around the street closures as officials investigated the situation.

Officials say the break impacted nine homes.

Cell phone video from Thursday night captured water gushing out like a geyser.

A man who lives nearby told 7News he stepped outside to see the water spraying out.

“I came outside, I don’t remember what time but there was, like, a geyser in the middle of the road and shortly after that, we lost the water and it’s been off ever since,” he said.

Beyond just the impacted homes, some tourists are now unable to reach their hotel nearby with their cars, forcing them to pay to park elsewhere as crews continued to work on repairs, Friday afternoon.

“It is a very big inconvenience, yes. We can’t have access to the parking lot so I don’t know what’s gonna happen tonight,” said Patricia. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning anyways.”

Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said there was no construction going on in the area at the time and that a broken valve triggered the break. He said the valve was previously installed decades ago with non-stainless steel bolts that corroded over time leading up to the burst.

While those repairs were made, the surrounding residents faced a major inconvenience with no water for hours.

“Huge, ’cause we’re renting so we don’t even, I mean, we can’t even get ahold of the landlord and we’re just trying to figure out when it’s gonna come back on,” a local area resident said.

City officials say that while the valve issue is fixed for now, there was also damage to other parts of the water system, which will require more repair work.

A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory has been issued directly to the nine impacted residential properties on A1A, meaning those customers should not consume water without boiling it first until further notice.

Officials advise that all water for consumption be brought to a boil and then left to continue boiling for one minute, and only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, making coffee and for food preparation.

As of Friday night, water has begun flowing again but crews still have the area blocked off to traffic. City leaders say the damage to other parts of the water system will require more expansive repair work that is set to begin on Monday.

Margate Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a traffic crash along the 800 block of Northwest 66th Avenue, at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle that had barreled through a fence before crashing through the concrete wall and coming to a stop inside the kitchen.

One of the homeowners told 7News she was in the living room with her wife and children when it happened.

“The house just shook, and the kids were screaming, and there was a blaring horn,” she said. “We didn’t know what happened, maybe something fell, and I ran, and I looked into the kitchen, and there was a car there.”

Officials said nobody was hurt, but the damage to the home caused a gas leak, and hazmat teams were called in to make repairs.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a shooting outside of a home along the 7900 block of Northwesr 71st Avenue, at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, deputies found the 16-year-old victim, later identified as Orlando Wedderburn, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Surveillance footage from a nearby home captured paramedics preparing Wedderburn to be transported to the hospital.

He was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Residents in the area told 7News the neighborhood is normally quiet.

“Very quiet, very safe. This is a big shock for me,” said an area resident. “I’ve been living here for 25 years; nothing like this has ever happened.”

A woman was also grazed by a bullet. She was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Authorities detained a man for questioning, who told investigators he was just defending himself.

After answering questions, the man was released by deputies.

The shooting remains under investigation and is expected to reach the Broward County State Attorney’s Office.

Fort Lauderdale Police units responded to a call of a possible shooting late Wednesday night at 17 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers secured the scene, and tactical medical aid was immediately given to the teen, who was later identified as Joshua Gipson Jr.

Cellphone video captured the moment panic spread, as witnesses ran for cover.

“That’s real deal, better get down,” a man is heard saying in the video.

Jeff Saylor told 7News he heard gunshots ring out.

“I heard another shot, a couple of shots, I believe about five total,” said Saylor.

Investigators said someone began shooting outside the CVS pharmacy in the Beach Place complex.

Some witnesses recognized that the popping sounds weren’t fireworks going off in the sky.

“And I said, ‘That’s not fireworks,'” said Bob McDonald, another witness. “It scared the heck out of me.”

Guests at a nearby hotel even received a text message from the building’s management warning them to stay indoors.

“It was alarming, right, because you don’t know what’s going on, you know. In this day and age, you don’t know what it is or what it could be,” said Chris Pate.

Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue promptly transported Gipson, who had just turned 17, as a trauma alert to Broward Health Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The teen’s grieving father, Joshua Gipson Sr., said his son was out with friends when he believes the teen was caught in the crossfire.

“He was doing the right thing, he didn’t have no problems,” he said. “An innocent bystander. Some people were arguing when the shooting started and he got shot.”

One witness who did not wish to be identified told 7News the shooting appeared to happen after two people got into an argument, but authorities have not made any conclusions.

“A guy, he just passed away right there, he just got shot,” said the witness. “I’m 18 years old, and I saw him, he was 17 years old, and it just broke my heart seeing that.”

“I just hate it happened,” said a longtime friend of the teen who did not wish to be identified.

The elder Gipson said his son was a football player for several South Florida high school teams and planned to attend Virginia Tech.

“He made good choices in life, you know what I’m saying? He wasn’t making anything bad,” he said.

A lifelong friend of Gipson, who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera, said the two had known each other since they were kids who played football together.

“He was funny, he was fun to be around, he was always a happy soul. He was a good person,” he said.

Detectives have not shared many details but said they believe this to be an isolated incident.

Gipson’s death comes a few days after, police said, five people were hurt in a shooting just a few miles away, in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee Village district.

Detectives said someone started shooting outside Dicey Riley’s Irish Pub on Southwest Second Street, off Third Avenue, at around 2 a.m. on Sunday.

The FBI has since joined forces with local police, as they work to track down who was behind this overnight shooting.

As for Gipson’s loved ones, they are still trying to make sense of it all.

“I went blank. I don’t know how to – it’s just crazy,” said his friend. “I mean, I expected a lot on New Year’s night, but when it’s one of your peoples, or one of your old friends or somebody you grew up with, you don’t know what to think.”

The victim’s mother described him as the kind of kid that younger children looked up to and that he was fearless.

The incident remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

If you have additional information regarding this shooting or the gunman’s whereabouts, please contact Detective J. Sanchez of the homicide unit at 954-828-4900 or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

It’s cold — by South Florida standards — and residents, including the little ones, made sure to bundle up as they braved the elements.

“Like it used to be so hot, I didn’t want to go outside, but now it’s super cold,” said Michael Lalo.

In Fort Lauderdale, Fletcher Schrodt and his neighbors invested in a fire pit to stay warm for the evening.

“We use the fire pit a little bit just for fun, but tonight, we’re gonna use the fire pit to stay warm,” said Schrodt.

For most of the year, the investment would be a novelty, but on this New Year’s Eve, it’s a necessity.

“We sit out here every night. It started to get chilly so we decided to buy the fire pit and now it’s like a neighborhood staple, it’s like moths to a light, everybody comes over here,” said area resident Mike Altieri.

Meantime, along Las Olas Boulevard, residents came prepared for the weather with their best winter fits.

“Because we’re going to a fancy restaurant and I can’t wear a sweater, got to wear something cute, you know?” said one resident.

Some people who are visiting South Florida for the New Year said they loved the brisk weather compared to back home.

“We love Florida. So we come down very often, might be a bit cold but for us, it’s a lot warmer than what it is at home so we’re good,” said a tourist.

The chilly temperatures are expected to carry through the rest of the week before starting to warm up over the weekend.

Authorities say Donna Baxter, 71, was last seen near the 50 block of West Sample Road at approximately 9:05 a.m. on Dec. 23.

Baxter stands at 5 feet, 4 inches and weighs around 150 pounds.

Officials urge anyone with information on Baxter’s whereabouts to contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-321-4274 or 911.

Those three boys known by friends and family fondly as the Three Musketeers, were killed in a crash along the 1600 block of North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach, Monday night.

The crash took place on a very busy stretch of Federal Highway, where many people witnessed the tragedy and called for help.

“Hurry up!” a caller told the 911 dispatcher

“How many vehicles?” said the dispatcher.

“Ma’am, it is bad. Oh, my God, ma’am,” said the caller.

“Sir, tell me exactly what happened,” said the dispatcher

“Oh, my God, is anybody in the backseat? Yes, there is,” said the caller.

Investigators said 18-year-old Richard Alcocer was driving in the car with his cousin, 16-year-old Miguel Montez, and their friend, 15-year-old Ruben Baltazar, known by loved ones as Junior.

Witness Jerry Garcia described what he saw.

“The white car in particular was flying by to try and make the light. The light was already yellow turning to red, and he flew by,” said Jerry.

The victims’ BMW hit another car before hitting a concrete pole and a bus stop.

First responders worked quickly to pull the boys from the wreck, bit their woulds were too severe. They were transported to Broward Health North, where they were pronounced dead.

Tuesday night, 7News cameras captured a small makeshift memorial at the scene of the crash.

“This is – it’s a real sad situation,” said Williamson Joseph, a friend of the victims.

“We wanted to come out here and show love and support,” said another friend of the victims.

“I don’t kow what to say. I’m speechless. It just hurts,” said a third friend.

“They were like the Three Musketeers, always together, every day, always together,” said Juan Alcocer, Richard’s older brother.

“Junior, he was a respectful child, Miguel, he was a funny kid, and Richard, he was fun to hang around with,” said Joseph. They sure was joyful, you feel me? They spread good around them.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Police said the shooting occurred along the 300 block of Southwest Second Street, in an area known as Himmarshee, which is home to multiple bars and nightclubs, at around 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Officers responding to the scene found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported the patients to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment.

Police have not released details on the victims’ conditions or the suspect’s identity, but investigators said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.

Fort Lauderdale Police posted a flyer on social media on Wednesday asking the public for assistance in the investigation.

Tips, photos or videos can be submitted to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 954-828-4900, to the FBI tip portal or anonymously to Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Rewards of up to $25,000 may be offered for information given to the FBI that leads to an arrest and conviction.

City officials said they are implementing a revitalization plan for the Himmarshee Village Historic District to address late-night safety concerns and will take “additional steps to ensure a safe environment” for New Year’s celebrations.

All across the region, celebrations are planned Wednesday, from Fort Lauderdale to Miami and even all the way down to the Florida Keys.

The Big Orange will rise in downtown Miami, it will be anchors away in Fort Lauderdale, and the shoe will drop in the Keys, as tens of thousands of revelers ring in 2026.

At Bayfront Park, the Big Orange — a 35-foot, 2,000-pound LED sculpture — will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a 400-foot rise to the top of the InterContinental Miami at midnight. The iconic “Mr. Neon” will begin its ascent at 6 p.m.

An estimated 100,000 people attended last year’s event at Bayfront Park in what organizers called the “biggest Hispanic New Year’s Eve gathering in the country.”

In true Miami fashion, South Florida didn’t wait for midnight to start the party.

There’s no better place than Miami to celebrate New Year’s, no better place. We had to be here,” said a woman.

Some came from across the world to celebrate in the 305.

“I’m from Zimbabwe. 20 hours in the plane,” said one woman.

The Miami skyline will be lit up by thousands of fireworks synchronized with music the second midnight strikes.

Great views aren’t the only thing partygoers will get to see at night.

Willy Chirino, Flo Rida, and Marshmello are all scheduled to perform Wednesday night.

“We’ve got a fusion of Latin hip hop, all the talent of South Florida is gonna be out here tonight,” said a man.

“I’m very excited to see Marshmello,” said a woman.

The crowds will have several bites available to eat as they enjoy the beats throughout the night.

All of the excitement will lead up to the moment everyone is waiting for.

“Two minutes ’til, we’ll raise it to the top,” said Steve Carpenter, the designer of the Big Orange.

The iconic orange will make its climb up the side of the InterContinental at 11:58 p.m. for everyone to begin counting down.

“It’s free to the public, so anybody and everybody can come down and see it and they have food trucks and they have bands, it’s amazing,” said Carpenter.

The party in downtown Miami is expected to carry on past midnight.

In downtown Fort Lauderdale, a 900-pound anchor made of steel and covered in 5,000 LED lights will slowly drop as the clock strikes midnight. The anchor was chosen to reflect the city as the marine capital of the world.

“We’re here to celebrate the New Year and say goodbye to the old year,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.

As with years past, kids got to start ringing in the New Year early in the afternoon.

“There’ll be activities for kids, there’ll be kiosks for food, it’s gonna be a great festival for everyone to enjoy,” said Trantalis.

“We’re gonna have a DJ on stage, we’ll have a bunch of inflatables over here in the park. We’re gonna have pony rides, petting zoos, face painting, arts and crafts,” said Todd Stilphen, the Fort Lauderdale community program manager.

The anchor lit up at 7 p.m. for those that need to be in bed before midnight.

As the night rolled in, the crowds grew and the excitement escalated.

For many visiting from out of state, the mild temperatures made for the perfect time to be outdoors for the countdown.

“This is the best place on earth, I guess, I don’t know,” said a tourist.

As for some of the youngest partygoers, they shared their New Year’s resolutions with 7News as they wait for the anchor to drop.

“I wanna learn to do times,” said one girl.

“Play outside more,” said another girl.

“Eat more veggies,” said a boy.

“I’m gonna practice skateboarding more often,” said another boy.

For anyone looking to head to downtown Fort Lauderdale, officials have Southwest Second Street closed between Southwest Fifth Avenue and Southwest First Avenue, with the surrounding streets restricted to local traffic.

“We’re gonna ring in the New Year, we’ll be safe, we’ll be happy and I hope we’ll be successful for everyone,” said Trantalis.

Officials also said there will be an enhanced police presence during the festivities to ensure everyone’s safety.

In the Keys, a giant red shoe will drop outside the Bourbon Street Pub on Duval Street. Year after year, a drag queen sits inside the supersized heel as a rowdy crowd of revelers gather on the street below.

No matter where you eventually decide to celebrate, officials say they just want you to do it safely.

“The best way to stay safe while celebrating New Year’s is by leaving the fireworks to the experts,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Erika Benitez said. “If you decide to celebrate at home, only buy fireworks from approved vendors and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”

First responders work to prevent many of the thousands of fireworks-related injuries and fires reported nationwide every year. One way they do this is by reminding revelers to wear protective eyewear, light fireworks on pavement, and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Better yet, they say, sit back and leave it to the professionals.

“Make sure that you have a sober adult, a sober, responsible adult who is in charge of discharging the fireworks. Make sure you’re shooting the fireworks off of a hard flat surface,” Dan Peart, the Director of Government Affairs for Phantom Fireworks, said. “I know a lot of people are shooting fireworks from their lawn. If it’s possible, you can lay down a piece of plywood to give yourself a hard flat surface, and again, you can brace the items in there if you’re shooting aerial fireworks.”

So, no matter how you decide to celebrate the New Year this year, be sure to do it safely and responsibly.

If you’re going to be outdoors, remember to bring a jacket as temperatures are forecasted to be in the 40s by the time the clock strikes midnight in some parts of South Florida.

Officials are making final preparations for the Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown before hundreds of residents and families gather to celebrate the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

The event, which takes place along Southwest Second Street and Southwest Fifth Avenue, will have games for children, including bounce houses, face painting, and an early kids countdown at 7 p.m. There will also be contests, live music and fun for both children and adults.

The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday afternoon.

Officials say residents should expect road closures around the area.

Southwest Second Street will be closed between Southwest Fifth Avenue and Southwest First Avenue beginning at 7 a.m., New Year’s Eve until 9 a.m., New Year’s Day.

During this time, access to the Broward Center will be accommodated using the eastbound lane of Southwest Second Street.

Access to Southwest Second, Southwest Third, and Southwest Fourth Avenues south of Broward Boulevard will be restricted to residents who live in the area and employees of businesses on those streets.

According to the Margate Police Department, Alina Shellenberger was last seen by family members inside her home along the 6100 block of Royal Palm Boulevard, at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday.

Shellenberger stands 4 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs around 100 pounds, and has long dark red hair and brown eyes. She was seen wearing a hoodie at the time of her disappearance.

Detectives said the teen meets the criteria for a missing endangered juvenile.

Officials urge anyone with information about Shellenberger’s whereabouts to contact Margate Police at 954-972-7111.

Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Juan Alcocer said the victims in Monday evening’s crash were his little brother, his cousin and a family friend.

“I didn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it,” he said.

Late Tuesday morning, Alcocer visited the spot along the 1600 block of North Federal Highway where, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said, the victims were killed.

“It’s unbelievable still, still trying to cope with it, you know,” he said. “Devastating, right now, it’s unbelievable.”

“It’s just, it’s a real sad situation,” said a family friend. “We really wanted to come out here to show respect and support.”

Alcocer identified the victims as his 18-year-old younger brother, Richard Manuel Alcocer; their 16-year-old cousin, Miguel Montes; and their 15-year-old family friend, Ruben Balthazar, known to loved ones as Junior.

“They were like the Three Musketeers, always together, every day, always together,” said Alcocer.

“I just came here to see how it happened, for real. They sure was joyful, you feel me? They spread good around them,” said Williamson Joseph, a friend of the victims. “Junior, he was a respectful child, Miguel, he was a funny kid, and Richard, he was fun to hang around with.”

A cousin of the victims, Maria Gonzales, also spoke out on her family’s loss.

“Three Musketeers, like they always hanged out together, every day; that’s why they named them the Three Musketeers,” she said. “They’re all gonna be missed.”

Investigators said the victims’ white BMW lost control and crashed into a bus stop and concrete pole.

Witnesses Jessica and Jerry Garcia described what they saw.

“The white car in particular was flying by to try and make the light. The light was already yellow turning to red, and he flew by,” said Jerry.

Deputies said the white car collided with another car before crashing into the light pole and the bus stop.

“So loud, it was so loud, like we’ve just – we’ve been shaking.” said Jessica.

Cellphone video captured first responders as they worked quickly to remove the three victims from the vehicle as nearby drivers watched in fear.

Paramedics rushed the patients to Broward Health North.

“Sadly, all three were pronounced deceased,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd. “To have three young people die in a crash like this, it absolutely breaks your heart.”

Alcocer said their families found out about the crash because the mother of one of the victims got an alert on her phone.

“It notified her that her son, they were going super fast. All of a sudden, it stopped, and it stayed there for quite some time,” he said. “And they tried calling. No pickup, nothing.”

The crash left the bus stop torn apart and the light pole on its side, with shattered glass thrown about the sidewalk.

“We have teenage boys, and so, for us, this is just so painful,” said Jessica.

Deputies shut down a portion of North Federal Highway for hours. Their investigation lasted well into the night.

“They are taking witness statements, gathering evidence, looking for video that will help them try and understand what led up to this tragedy,” said Codd.

Tuesday morning, crews removed the debris left behind.

Family members told 7News all three victims were students at Blanche Ely High School, with Richard having graduated this past spring.

Detectives stated that excessive speed from the driver of the sedan may have been a contributing factor in the crash, as they continue their investigation.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a traffic crash along the 1600 block of North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach, at around 7 p.m. on Monday.

According to investigators, the victims — ages 15, 16 and 18 — were killed in the two-vehicle crash.

“One of those vehicles had crashed into a light pole and also impacted a bus stop,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd.

Deputies said all three victims were inside a white car when the crash occurred.

Witnesses Jessica and Jerry Garcia described what they saw.

“The white car in particular was flying by to try and make the light. The light was already yellow turning to red, and he flew by, at least in excess of 80 to 90 miles an hour. He was really flying fast,” said Jerry.

“We could feel it,” said Jessica. “So loud, it was so loud, like we’ve just – we’ve been shaking.”

“He was about to hit the car in the center lane. He swerved over the get away from it, hit the car in the left-hand outer lane,” said Jerry.

Another witness said the sound from the impact was deafening.

“I was actually at the light, about to make a left, and I heard the loud boom, which, automatically I had to just stop the car and try to get out to see if anyone – but, it was bad to the point where from what I saw, it was a bad accident,” he said. “Ran over, obviously I saw a lot of blood, don’t know who, or what happened, but I was just terrified.”

The crash left one of the vehicles involved facing the opposite direction, the bus stop torn apart, the concrete pole on its side and shattered glass across the sidewalk.

Cellphone video captured how massive the response was, as first responders descended upon the busy road. They worked quickly to pull the victims from the car.

“The deputies and paramedics immediately attempted to provide any type of lifesaving medical treatment that they could,” said Codd.

The cellphone video shows one of the victims being removed from the car and put on a stretcher.

“That sound that I heard, I didn’t think that someone would have survived that, to be honest,” said a witness.

“Three individuals inside the white car that hit the light pole and bus stop were transported to [Broward Health North]. Sadly, all three were pronounced deceased,” said Codd.

“My heart goes out to the families, you know, who’ve lost lives,” said a witness.

“We have teenage boys, and for us, this is just so painful,” said Jessica.

“It makes me feel sad and angry at the same time, because why?” said another witness.

“To have three young people die in a crash like this, it absolutely breaks your heart,” said Codd.

Investigators said it appears as though the individuals who were in the other car involved were not injured.

Deputies shut down a portion of North Federal Highway for hours, as they combed the scene well into the night.

“They are taking witness statements, gathering evidence, looking for video that will help them try and understand what led up to this tragedy,” said Codd.

Tuesday morning, the sound of saws filled the air as crews removed debris at the scene.

Authorities have not released the victims’ identities or an official cause, as they continue their investigation into the crash.

Authorities say Levene Smith has been found safe and reunited with his family.

Firefighters with the Oakland Park Fire Department responded to the 2100 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard near an animal hospital on Monday afternoon.

As officials worked on burning off the gas, area residents were briefly evacuated.

No injuries were reported.

It remains unclear what caused the leak.

Speaking with 7News on Monday, Miami DJ Lyrikill and resident Christian Ojeda recounted their experience late Saturday night.

Lyrikill said at first, he thought the sound he was hearing was fireworks, but he quickly realized it was something else entirely.

“I heard the first shot, then a bunch of rapid shots afterward,” he said.

Lyrakill was on Himmarshee Street to have a good time when he witnessed the shooting.

“I just saw people running, and maybe I wasn’t even thinking, you know, ‘What am I listening to?’ but it was just trying to get out of there,” said Lyrakill.

Lyrakill’s footage, captured on his phone, shows police surrounding a fire rescue truck as a person is wheeled inside on a stretcher.

Fort Lauderdale Police said five adults were left with gunshot wounds and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Lyrakill stated that he hopes this event was isolated and that people be careful.

“A lot of the people partying, you know, be more responsible, you know, there are people overdrinking, not watching out for their friends, getting into arguments over stupid things,” he said. “So everybody, as a whole, could preserve the entertainment district that we all love.”

Ojeda also saw the shooting and shared what he saw.

“Everybody was like screaming, yelling, running, I didn’t know what to do at that time,” said Ojeda.

Ojeda was enjoying the night with his friend and brother when he saw the chaos unfold.

“I saw one guy, like, on the floor, another girl on the floor, like, it was terrible,” he said.

Video shared by Ojeda to 7News shows a medical team moving an injured victim on a stretcher towards a fire rescue truck.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has not released any information on the status of the victims or information about the suspect.

In a press release on Monday afternoon, city officials said they are “working on a multifaceted revitalization plan to address issues related to late-night activity in the Himmarshee Village Historic District,” and will take “additional steps to ensure a safe environment” around the city ahead of New Year’s.

If you have any information related to this shooting or the whereabouts of the subject or subjects involved, contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 954-828-5700 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Cherfilus-McCormick was scheduled to be arraigned, but her attorney requested the proceeding be rescheduled to Jan. 20 so that she could finalize her legal team. Prosecutors didn’t object, and Judge Lisette Reid agreed to the new date. The hearing lasted less than five minutes.

“I just want to make it very clear that I am innocent,” Cherfilus-McCormick said immediately after leaving court. “In no way did I steal any kind of funds. I’m committed to the people of Florida and my district.”

Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, has pleaded not guilty. She is facing 15 federal counts that accuse her of stealing funds that had been overpaid to her family’s health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021. The company had a contract to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, said the case involves mistakes that generally aren’t even misdemeanors, let alone felonies. He said he believes the case is politically motivated.

Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and then freed on a $60,000 bond. In addition to bail, the judge said Cherfilus-McCormick must surrender her personal passport, and is allowed to travel only between Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia.

She has been allowed to retain her congressional passport so she can perform certain duties for her job.

According to the federal indictment, prosecutors said that within two months of receiving the funds in 2021, more than $100,000 had been spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman.

The health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick’s family had received payments through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, the indictment said. Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000, but they mistakenly received $5 million and didn’t return the difference.

Prosecutors said the funds received by Trinity Healthcare were distributed to various accounts, including to friends and relatives who then donated to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign for Congress.

Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 to represent Florida’s 20th District, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021.

The charges she faces include theft of government funds; making and receiving straw donor contributions; aiding and assisting a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return; money laundering, as well as conspiracy charges associated with each of those counts.

According to a previous statement provided by Cherfilus-McCormick’s chief of staff, she doesn’t plan to resign from office. She said she has cooperated with “every lawful request” and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved.

The group of cloggers took their last photo in South Florida on Sunday before packing up a bus in Davie and heading straight to Miami International Airport to fly to England and perform in the London New Year’s Day parade.

“I’m super excited and nervous at the same time, but I feel like it’s going to be a really cool experience,” Madison King, one of the 29 South Florida Cloggers, said.

The journey for King and the South Florida Cloggers began two years ago. That’s when they were handpicked for America’s Clogging All-Stars, an elite dance group made up of teams across the nation who combine together to perform in large professional settings. In total, the team is composed of 100 All-Stars representing 10 states and 18 teams nationwide.

“It’s just been a lot of practice and a lot of hard work,” clogger Cayla Calcaterra said.

The next stop for the 100-member national team? London on New Year’s Day.

Rebecca Veter is the director of the South Florida Cloggers.

“There has been rumor that the royal family will be in attendance of the parade, so that will be an incredible experience,” she said.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to watch these South Florida dancers in the parade from the streets of London, while even more can watch the televised broadcast around the world.

This parade is just one stop on a 10-day tour for the team. They’ll be showcasing their skills at various festivals and events throughout London.

Shakira is performing a three-night gig at the hotel in Hollywood. She’ll be singing one more time, Monday night, as her last concert of the year as part of her Hard Rock exclusive “Up Close & Personal” performances.

Tickets are still available as of Monday morning. You can learn more about the event here.

According to Hallandale Beach Police, one of their officers responded to the 400 block of Northwest Seventh Street in reference to a crash report, Sunday afternoon.

During the investigation, police said, a physical altercation took place involving the officer. Additional officers arrived to assist and found the situation had escalated, placing another officer in immediate danger.

Detectives said responding officers were able to gain control of the scene and take the subject into custody.

Two officers and the subject were transported to area hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening. They are listed in stable condition.

Police said it is too early in the investigation to determine the cause of the altercation or provide further details.

Detectives urge anyone with information that may assist in this case to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Ido Da Silva-Beserra was safely located, according to detectives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit.

Fort Lauderdale Police units responded to a call about a shooting at the 300 block of Southwest Second Street, where there are a number of bars and nightclubs, at around 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Responding officers arrived to find the victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Video posted to social media shows that the shooting could have been at a bar. Footage shows people being loaded into ambulances by first responders as music blares and nightlife bustles around the taped off crime scene.

Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue transported the patients to Broward Health Medical Center, according to officials.

As of Monday morning, there is no word on the condition of the victims or the identity of the shooter. However, detectives said they believe this event to be an isolated incident with no active threat to the public.

If you have any information related to this shooting or the whereabouts of the subject or subjects involved, contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 954-828-5700 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

The fire broke out at 2861 North Oakland Forest Drive, where flames caused damage to the entrance and windows of the apartment building.

No injuries were reported.

Lauderhill Police Department officials stated that the victim was sitting outside a home on Northwest 55th Terrace in Lauderhill when a stray bullet from a gun hit a window and injured the victim.

The victim was taken to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries, and police are still investigating.

Fort Lauderdale Police stated that officers responded to the 1400 block of West Broward Boulevard, and discovered the body of an adult male next to the street. The person was pronounced deceased by officers, with no signs of foul play.

Police were seen examining the body with medical examiners, and the individual’s name has not been released until next of kin are notified.

The incident is currently being investigated by FLPD.

The fire began at 11801 Heron Bay Blvd, and fire rescue crews responded to the blaze.

Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department officials stated that when crews arrived, the building was fully engulfed in flames, but that the fire was put out after work was done to reduce the spread.

CSPFD officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Thirty-seven-year-old Mario Ramirez appeared before a judge on Friday after being charged with second-degree murder.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a domestic incident near Northeast 41st Street and First avenue at around 1 a.m., Tuesday.

Deputies found a woman with multiple stab wounds inside of a home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities found Ramirez suffering from alleged self-inflicted injuries and arrested him.

The security footage shows a white Mercedes-Benz SUV driving past a home near the 4400 block of Northwest 43rd Court, Dec. 10.

The vehicle is seen going by the residence several times before parking nearby.

The shooter, dressed in all black with a black hoodie covering his head, is then seen running toward the back of the home. Seconds later, he is seen firing more than two dozen rounds into the property before getting back into the Mercedes and leaving the scene.

Residents who spoke with 7News off-camera said they were very surprised that something like this would happen in their neighborhood.

Detectives said no one was seriously hurt during the shooting, but they have not yet determined who the shooter is.

They urge anyone with information about this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Hollywood Police units responded to a call of a possible deceased person on the sand near Cleveland Street, at around 7:15 a.m. on Friday.

Responding officers arrived to find one person dead on the sand. The body was wrapped in a white sheet.

“It was literally a body covered in some type of cheap tarp or something,” said Monie Hann, who is visiting from North Carolina.

Authorities have confirmed the deceased person was a woman between 40 and 50-years-old.

Residents in the area told 7News they were shaken by the discovery.

“My aunt was the one that found it actually,” said area resident Ruby Burr. “That was definitely alarming. Don’t wanna die on Christmas.”

Others who were visiting the beach said this disturbing news was the last thing they expected to encounter.

“It was just saddening because it’s the day after Christmas and somebody just lost their sister, their daughter, their mother and yeah, I’m still kind of shocked,” said Hann

Hann shared cell phone video with 7News that shows investigators removing the body from the beach.

Hollywood PD officials stated that a person of interest was identified, and detectives believe that the individuals involved knew each other.

Authorities are working on notifying the deceased woman’s family. They currently suspect foul play in her death.

If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Davie Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze off the 6800 block of College Court Manor, just after 9 a.m. on Friday.

According to Davie Police Department officials, the woman was identified as Gloria Dickenson, who was 73-years-old.

Her next of kin was on scene and notified.

Police also stated that the fire off College Court Manor was deemed accidental.

Crews arrived at the scene to find heavy smoke pouring out of the building. They began to evacuate the structure.

Residents described the ensuing chaos.

“The alarm is sounding and the fire. The neighbors are coming [outside] the house,” said a man. “Everything is happening very, very fast.”

“[I saw] only smoke. Yeah, like a lot coming out of, like, over there, like the window, I think,” said a girl.

Fire officials said crews located the woman inside the structure. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

7News footage shows that there is not much external damage to the residential structure.

Early Friday afternoon, fire officials remained at the scene as they conducted their investigation.

Neighbors have since been able to return to their homes. Volunteers with the American Red Cross are helping those impacted by the fire.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze in a canal south of River Reach Drive, just after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Video from FLFR captured the 30-feet vessel engulfed in flames from a distance.

Firefighters were able to knock down the flames.

No one was hurt.

Fire officials are now investigating the cause.

According to Lauderhill Police, the gunfire occurred in the area of Northwest 22nd Street and 56th Avenue, at around 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Security footage shared with 7News shows a group of people arguing in the parking lot of the Sunny Lake apartment complex.

Neighbors said that the people were from two different apartments and had been fighting for most of the day over loud music and parking spots. They said the arguing had been going on for more than a day, but things escalated quickly on Christmas night.

In a separate video shared with 7News, that is too graphic to air, a woman in an orange dress is seen waving around a gun and within seconds a man shoots her, she falls to the ground, and screams follow.

When officers arrived at the apartment complex, investigators said, they found the victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound outside of a home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Service requested for someone suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Caller is a passerby,” can be heard over the police scanner detailing the scenario.

Detectives said they have accounted for everyone involved and believe this is an isolated incident.

Neighbors said the victim, identified as 36-year-old Octavia Stewart, had lived at the apartment complex for a few years with her daughter and that the gunman was a guest of one of the apartments. The identity of the woman or if anyone will face charges has yet to be confirmed.

Officials still ask that if anyone has any information that could help with their investigation to call Lauderhill Police Department at 954-497-4700 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

On Thursday, several protesters gathered outside of the Broward Transitional Center to send a message on the holiday.

“The United States of America treating people like this, it’s unbelievable to me,” said demonstrator Nancy Horn.

“On Christmas Day, it was important to shed light on the people inside that are missing their families on Christmas, and to show solidarity with the people on the outside missing loved ones that are wrongfully detained on the inside,” said Christine Calareso Bleecker, from the Joyful Resistance activism organization.

Demonstrators at the event — organized by Joyful Resistance, Resist Wilton Manors and Wilton Manors Indivisible — held signs containing various messages, including “ICE can’t disappear all of us” and “Detention for Profits.”

The words they used for each sign, protesters said, were focused on what they believe is happening inside detention facilities.

“I hope in some way the people on the inside can feel our presence,” said Calareso Bleecker.

Demonstrators said they will continue to fight for those who have been separated from their loved ones.

“We want to be on the right side of history, and if we sat back and we did absolutely nothing, it doesn’t make sense,” said John McNeice from the group Resist Wilton Manors.

“I find everything that is happening completely unconscionable. It’s illegal, it’s immoral, it is the most anti-Christian thing that we could possibly do,” said Bleecker.

“We feel horrible for these people who are in there. They are torn apart from their families, they did nothing wrong,” said Horn.

Over the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term in office, immigration enforcement has escalated across the country as part of a longstanding promise made by Trump during his campaign.

For Christmas Day, the organizations Joyful Resistance, Resist Wilton Manors and Wilton Manors Indivisible wanted to share their message and they all hope others will begin listening.

“The GOP and everybody really because a lot of people aren’t aware of what’s going on in there,” said Calareso Bleecker.

“I live in Coconut Creek. I never knew that this facility even existed here,” said McNeice.

Organizers said they plan to hold several more demonstrations like this across South Florida. They plan to hold protests every other Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m.

The teens spent Christmas Day making the holiday a little brighter for children in need across Fort Lauderdale.

“We’re delivering toys to families throughout Fort Lauderdale area. During this week, we gave out toys to families that came and picked them up, but certain families, we’re gonna show up this morning and give the toys to the kids,” said former Florida state senator Chris Smith.

It’s part of the All-Star Toy Giveaway by Jack and Jill America’s Fort Lauderdale chapter.

For Meshauna Thomas’ family, the toy delivery helped give them a memorable morning.

“Our Christmas is going really good. It’s been a blessed day so far, especially with everything that we have been experiencing,” said Thomas.

She and her family have been living in hotels since their previous home caught fire.

They just recently settled into a new place and feel grateful for the love shown by the community.

“Everything has really been a blessed past couple of months, and Christmas and New Year’s will just be icing on the cake, you know?” said Thomas.

The teens for Jack and Jill America first got to work wrapping presents last week, ensuring everything was ready for Santa to deliver each gift for struggling families, Christmas morning.

“As a mother, I cannot tell you how excited they are to see that,” said Crystal Bland, who received gifts.

All the hard work put in by these elves brought a magical day for several kids who otherwise might not have enjoyed the holiday.

“The help is tremendous. Every little bit helps. Anybody that’s willing to, it definitely does. I appreciate everything that you guys are doing here and continue to keep doing it. Thank you so much,” said Bland.

In addition to the toy giveaway, the group also collected donations to help families cover rent payments and other bills.

The fire broke out at a home near Taft Street and 54th Avenue, Thursday.

Crews arrived to find an active fire on the home’s roof along with heavy smoke pouring out.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames a short time later.

Officials determined the fire sparked at a grill that was outside of the home before spreading through the attic.

All of the residents were safely evacuated.

For more than two decades, the Benevolent Association Christmas Express, hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, has been delivering gifts to families and children who may otherwise not receive any during the holiday season.

At Fire Station 63 on Thursday morning, volunteers and first responders told 7News that there were three U-Haul truck full of toys and that more were on the way.

Every year, these first responders and community volunteers take time out of their own Christmas, away from their families, to give back and put a smile on the faces of so many.

They loaded up a few trucks and traveled to several neighborhoods around Pompano Beach, all with the goal of spreading joy and being there for the community when they need it most.

Kori Christmas and Kathy Oliva are among the event’s organizers.

“Something that looks like a simple toy to us means so much to that family,” Oliva told 7News at a previous gift giveaway. “And where I find my joy is in the faces of the moms, the dads and the grandparents who have tears pouring down their faces because we’re able to help supplement them for Christmas, to be able to put the smiles on those kids’ faces.”

Christmas, who works for the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, said the event has expanded over the years.

“It was originally ran with a teacher, actually handing out teddy bears out of the back of her truck, and the local police department and fire department heard about it and has taken it over since,” she told 7News at this year’s giveaway. “We used to be in small little U-hauls with boys and girls on one truck, and now we’ve built it over to three [trucks], with an overflow truck, which is amazing. We’re so thankful to be able to do this and, you know, support the community. As a firefighter, I serve the community working, but now also on my off time, and it’s just like an amazing thing to be able to do.”

Oliva, meanwhile, detailed plans for this year’s event.

“It’s going to be an amazing day. We have nine stops today, and we’re going to go all through the community. We go led by the fire truck, the ambulance and then the three toy trucks, followed by the sprinter with the bikes, and then we actually have one other truck with big things in it, too,” she said. “At each stop we pull up, and it’s amazing. It’s amazing to see the kids in the line. It’s amazing to see their smiles. It’s amazing to see their mothers, their grandmothers, their parents just so blessed with sometimes tears pouring down their eyes. And it’s neat to see how one toy puts a smile on a child’s face, and it warms my heart to do it.”

The volunteers and first responders drove the trucks full of toys to nine different locations around Pompano Beach. Hundreds of children lined up at each stop.

D. Hicks brought her nephew for the gifts.

“Just to see him excited to get up out the bed and to come over here, it means everything to see him happy,” Hicks said.

Her nephew got a Nerf gun.

Oliva explained how the event is not just for the community, but supported by the community.

“Kori and I get started quite early in the year. Actually, I’ll be shopping starting next month again, but we are so so blessed by businesses that are around here in Pompano, and some not in Pompano,” she said. “People that just start seeing what we’re doing and start sending us the either toys or donations, and we shop, and we shop, and we shop to fill up these trucks. It takes a lot, and we are so, so blessed by all of our vendors that come out and support us.”

The toy deliveries started at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers spent about half an hour at each stop.

Jennifer, one of the volunteers, told 7News that this is not the first time she and her daughter have participated in the event.

“I have an 18-year-old daughter, and we were invited to be a part of this three years ago, and it’s just such an honor to be able to see her, be able to give back, and just show love and community. So we really love doing this,” she said.

Another volunteer said that he and his mother have been helping with this event for almost as long as it’s been around.

“Yeah, it’s a beautiful thing. Me and my mom, we’ve been doing this for 20 years now,” he said. “It’s just – we want to just bring happiness and joy and just show that the community that we can just all get together and just spread joy for all the kids. It’s just – it’s so beautiful, absolutely.”

Later in the morning, Oliva caught 7News up with how the event was going now that it was fully underway.

“Now that the word is getting out, we’re getting longer lines and everything like that. Our toys, our trucks are still very, very full. We still have an overflow truck. We’re just expecting all the same,” she said. “We’re expecting more kids, more smiles, more happy faces and sometimes some joyous tears, and we are fully blessed to be able to do this.”

One mother, Brittany Pullam, brought her daughter to the gift giveaway.

“It’s very sentimental,” she said. “You have some families who’s not able. So, it’s tough times. Times are tough right now, and these guys come every year and we appreciate everything they do.”

Pullam’s daughter walked away with a Barbie doll.

Christmas said things were going well as the volunteers worked on their third gift-giving stop.

“It’s going really great, actually. We’ve already gone over a couple hundred kids now, and it’s only the third stop,” she said. “So we’ve got a couple more to go, and I’m hoping that there’s more and more kids, a lot of smiles on faces and a lot of people happy to see Santa Claus.”

Christmas said this event is not only important to the community, but for her as well.

“I mean, it’s a big deal, honestly, to me. You know, I spend most of my holiday season doing this and planning and stressing out, and then being able to be here on Christmas Day and actually seeing the smiles on people’s faces and just the appreciation by the community is just like such a good feeling,” Corey said.

Christmas said that the event has been going on for over 25 years, and she hopes it can continue for many years to come. She said, “I just hope to spread joy and happiness and just, you know, that we’re a community and that community helps community.”

Organizers told 7News that as soon as they handed out the last toy, they would immediately start planning for next year.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, 26-year-old Jamisha Shamari Sylvain created a false identity, working as a caregiver to gain access to the homes of elderly residents and steal their bank cards to withdraw thousands of dollars from their account.

“[She] posed as a caregiver to prey on elderly victims and steal thousands of dollars from them,” said BSO spokeswoman Miranda Grossman.

The alleged con began in October at the B’nai B’rith Apartments complex in Deerfield Beach.

Investigators say Sylvain posed as a caregiver to get past security at the assisted-living facility and gain access to seniors’ apartment units.

In one instance, she managed to steal one elderly man’s debit card and later withdrew $1,600 from his account at an ATM, according to the police report.

Authorities say he wasn’t her only victim.

“She had done similar, sadly, similar crimes with additional elderly victims in that same apartment complex and possibly surrounding complexes,” said Grossman.

On Wednesday, the 26-year-old appeared before a judge.

“In one probable cause affidavit, the alleged victim, 84-years-old. In the second probable cause affidavit, the victim, 85-years-old. The third probable cause affidavit, a 91-year-old,” a prosecutor told the judge. “In every single case, she gained entry to their home under false pretenses, perpetrating a fraud, seeking to victimize them and she was targeting these individuals. In one case, she targeted a blind woman and took advantage of her disability to defraud her.”

The prosecution argued for the judge to set a hefty bond for Sylvain along with having her fitted with an ankle monitor.

“So your honor, I think these bonds are necessary and appropriate to ensure and deter her from even thinking about continuing this criminal behavior,” the prosecutor said.

Sylvain’s defense attorney argued a harsh penalty wasn’t necessary because she had no passport and would not attempt to flee.

The judge ultimately agreed with the prosecution, leaving Sylvain behind bars for the time being.

Her bond was set at just over $100,000. When she does post bond, she will be placed under house arrest and won’t be allowed to access the internet. She was also ordered to stay away from the elderly and vulnerable.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit, Odessa Boone was last seen near the 250 block of Southwest Seventh Avenue, at around 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Boone stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs around 155 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black shirt and green shorts at the time of her disappearance.

Officials urge anyone with information on Boone’s whereabouts to contact BSO Detective Chris Blankenship at 954-321-4268 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).

Brandon Billmaier and his uncle, Randy Spivey, who were 33 years old and 57 years old, respectively, went on a fishing trip on Friday and never returned, leaving their loved ones distraught.

Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife, shared the sorrow she feels for losing her husband.

“He loved fishing, that’s all he talked about. He lived for it, he lived for his family, for me,” she said.

Deborah shared the last text message she received from Brandon before he headed out to sea.

“He texted me that morning, and he said, ‘I love you. I will see you tonight, be back home tonight,” said Deborah.

The Billmaiers were newlyweds and had recently celebrated their first anniversary in Paris.

The U.S. Coast Guard searched for the two missing men off the coast of Fort Myers, which was their last known location, since Friday night. But on Monday evening, officials called off the search.

Deborah said that the two men may have looked over one more fishing spot on the way back when one of them fell overboard.

“It must have been an emergency because the other person jumped in after them. I guess in the moments whoever jumped in after, whoever was in the water, they didn’t realize the engines were on,” said Deborah.

Deborah was thankful that the two men were together and said that her husband always admired his uncle.

“He became an attorney to follow in Uncle Randy’s footsteps. Our first date, he told me he moved to Florida because he wanted to be like Uncle Randy, and that his whole life he was working to be just like him, law school, passed the bar exam,” said Deborah.

While the holiday season will be difficult for her and their family, she is grateful for the support she has received.

“I think we are really grateful that people everyone from everywhere are praying for us and keeping them in their minds,” said Deborah.

The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation.

The driver told FBI agents that the men used a fake name to order the ride, put a rope around her neck from behind her, dragged her into the backseat and threatened to kill her, according to a court affidavit filed late Tuesday and obtained by The Associated Press.

The inmates were able to “compromise” a portion of a cell inside the DeKalb County Jail to make their escape, said DeKalb County Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins. He didn’t provide more specifics because jailers don’t want other inmates to know the facility’s weaknesses.

“We repaired the area that was compromised, and we’re looking at other areas that are similar to that to fortify them to make sure that they are not compromised in the same manner,” Atkins said at a Tuesday news conference.

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox described the jail as an “aging facility that’s deteriorating right before our eyes.” The jail is in Decatur, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of downtown Atlanta.

The escape was discovered early Monday during a routine security check, authorities said. After jailers realized the three were gone, investigators listened to recordings of conversations they’d had on recorded phone lines. They learned that one of the inmates had contacted people on the outside who helped them evade capture after the escape, U.S. Marshal Thomas Brown said.

The inmates were picked up by an unnamed man and taken to one of their girlfriends’ homes, Brown said. Then, a Lyft ride was ordered using a fake, female name.

Officers tracked the car as it traveled to south Florida with the aid of license plate readers, devices that can alert law enforcement to the locations of wanted vehicles. When they caught up with the car and tried to stop it, one of the inmates jumped out and ran but was arrested along with a second inmate, according to a court affidavit.

Investigators also learned that the men used the Lyft driver’s credit card for a short-term rental of a home in Miramar, Florida, where officers apprehended the third inmate and rescued the driver, court records state.

The driver told investigators that she was held in the car for six to 10 hours as they tried to gain access to her phone and online banking records. After trying to escape once, she endured “increased threats of being shot, raped, and tortured,” an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit.

“As you can imagine, the Lyft driver is very traumatized by this,” Brown said.

All three inmates were charged with kidnapping as well as the escape, according to criminal complaints.

A lawyer with the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Fort Lauderdale appointed to represent one of the men, 24-year-old Stevenson Charles, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Tuesday evening, nor did a Miami attorney representing a second, Naod Yohannes, 25. There was no lawyer listed in court records for the third, Yusuf Minor, 31.

Charles was being held before the escape on charges including murder and armed robbery. The other two faced charges including armed robbery and arson.

The sheriff’s office had warned that the men might be armed and were considered dangerous after their escape.

Before they were captured, federal authorities had issued particularly strong warnings advising the citizens to be wary of Charles, who has had several run-ins with law officers in Georgia and Florida. He had been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of kidnapping and bank robbery, a federal agent wrote in a Monday affidavit regarding the recent jail escape.

After being sentenced, the agent wrote, Charles was turned over to DeKalb County authorities on Dec. 5 to face the murder charge, details of which were not immediately available.

In one of multiple cases involving Charles in South Florida, he is accused of meeting a man through the Grindr online dating application and then pulling a gun on him when they met in person at a Miami residence in 2022. Charles then drove the man to various Miami area banks, withdrawing money from the victim’s accounts, court records show.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident near the 100 block of Northeast 41st Street and First Terrace at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Responding deputies arrived to find the woman suffering from stab wounds inside a corner unit on the first floor of the apartment building. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said deputies made contact with the subject, identified as 37-year-old Mario Alejandro Ramirez, who was suffering from a self-inflicted wound. Deputies struggled with him while applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

Deputies were able to control Ramirez and take him into custody, detectives said.

7DroneForce captured part of the complex cordoned off with crime scene tape.

On the ground, 7News cameras captured crime scene investigators near a stairwell and outside a first floor unit.

Residents say they are shocked to hear what happened.

“I see like a body laying on the floor and I was like, ‘What’s going on?'” said an area resident.

“Definitely shocked to hear that,” said a man.

Neighbors said they witnesses investigators walking around the apartment complex throughout the night and were asked questions by the officials.

“Asking us if we heard anything, if we knew the neighbors and such,” said the resident.

Paramedics with Oakland Park Fire Rescue transported Ramirez to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown.

Crime scene investigators spent hours investigating the first floor unit, as they collected evidence and attempted to piece together the circumstances that led up to the stabbing.

Early Tuesday morning, the medical examiner’s office responded to the scene and removed the woman’s body from the apartment unit on a stretcher.

Ramirez now faces one count of murder in the second degree.

Detectives have not released information on how the two were related as the investigation continues.

Eldil-Berto Buenano faces one count of child abuse without great bodily harm.

According to Coral Springs Police, the gummies made the child sick and sent her to the hospital.

Detectives said that the defendant also gave the child’s mother laced gummies without her consent, and both the mother and stepdaughter were taken to the hospital.

A judge gave Buenano a $50,000 bond during his bond court appearance on Monday.

Family members say the prominent Fort Myers lawyer, 57-year-old Randolph Spivey and his uncle, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier left for a trip to go fishing Friday, but never returned.

In a statement posted on social media, the Coast Guard said they would suspend the search on Monday at sunset.

The concerned family of the two fishermen said they called the Coast Guard on Friday, who launched a search and rescue mission that lasted until Monday.

“It’s been a nightmare, it feels like I’m in a horror movie,” said Deborah Billmaier, the wife of one of the missing men.

The Coast Guard reported that they had found the boat that the men used, but not the two men.

“He’s an amazing husband, and an amazing father, he’s got to come home,” said Tricia Spivey, the wife of the other missing boater.

Family and friends gathered to find the two men, and help support the family during their difficult experience.

Loved ones say Spivery has been an experienced fisherman for over 30 years, alongside Billmaier, who is from Weston.

The annual tradition helps spread joy and lift spirits for pediatric patients who are unable to be home for the holidays.

Firefighters dressed up in festive costumes, including Santa and the Grinch, and rappelled down along the exterior of the hospital, to the delight of the children who were watching.

After making the dramatic entrance, volunteer crews handed out toys and festive treats to the hospital’s children.

Miguel Mourino and his family have been looking to sell their home during the holiday season. Over the weekend, they came home to find their front door busted open and more than $30,000 worth of jewelry taken.

“When we got to the house, we grabbed the baby, the door was open, and we noticed somebody had been inside the house,” said Mourino.

Mourino’s wife immediately went to check their closet, where the valuable jewelry was stored inside a locked drawer.

“This drawer is the only one locked, the only one with a locking mechanism. They ripped it right out, it’s right here,” said Mourino.

After reviewing his home’s security system, Mourino said he recognized the man who may have broken in.

On Saturday, Mourino spoke with the man, who appeared interested in visiting the home, and asked him about an open house for potential buyers.

“So I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ He said, ‘I thought you did,’ and I said, ‘No, no, I don’t have an open house,’ and he turned around and said, ‘Blessings,’ and walked away,” said Mourino.

The next day, surveillance cameras captured the same man pulling up to the house while Mourino and his family were away, remaining out of frame for about five minutes before walking back to his car and pulling away.

Mourino and his family arrived shortly thereafter.

The shocking theft has left his family shaken in a home they’re trying to sell and now don’t feel safe in.

“I don’t sleep. I didn’t sleep last night at all,” said Mourino. “My wife stays up most of the night; we just can’t, it’s like in and out.”

The high-priced heist also comes during a holiday season they would typically be able to enjoy together.

“This is the Grinch that stole Christmas,” said Mourino.

Authorities have not been able to determine whether the man shown in the surveillance footage was responsible for the stolen jewelry.

If you have any information on this burglary or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The call came from a man in the store, who reported that an elderly driver had broken through the entrance.

“OK, tell me exactly what happened,” said a 911 dispatcher.

“A car just came through the front door,” said the man.

“A car, a vehicle?” responded the dispatcher.

“Yes. There’s a lady inside the car,” said the man.

“Is she injured?” said the dispatcher.

“Stay inside the car, don’t move,” the man is heard saying to the driver. “Stay right there, the police are on their way, ok?” said the man.

Officials say the incident happened at 5620 West Sample Road last Thursday.

The caller said that the woman seemed to be OK, and gave the phone to the woman, who spoke with dispatchers.

“Here, talk to the dispatch,” said the man

“Who is this?” said the woman.

“It’s the police,” said the man.

“I can’t get out of the car, I’m alright though,” said the woman.

“How old are you ma’am?” said the dispatcher.

“Ninety,” said the woman.

The woman was in disbelief that the car did severe damage to the business, and left the entrance destroyed.

“I can’t believe that my foot slipped off the gas pedal,” said the woman.

First responders soon arrived and took the driver out of the car and to safety.

“I’m here! I’m here!” said the woman.

“OK, you can go ahead and meet with them,” said the dispatcher.

“OK,” said the woman.

Officials say the driver is OK.

Sixty-one-year-old Ivan Gallardo greeted members of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Station #8 on Monday afternoon.

7News cameras captured the group shaking hands, hugging, and conversing about his recovery.

Gallardo suffered cardiac arrest in September at his office. His colleagues found him slumped over and quickly began CPR before first responders were able to arrive.

The victim said those first seconds of action from his coworkers helped save his life.

“I think that fast response, them seeing me unconscious, and they reacted quickly,” he said.

Station 8 raced into the office, placed him in an ambulance, and headed to a nearby hospital.

“As we were rounding the corner, it got upgraded to CPR in progress,” said FLFR firefighter GW Depauw.

Firefighters said they had to shock Gallardo twice to get him breathing as they made their way to the hospital. Depauw said it’s a miracle that patients who suffer through these kinds of incidents get a second chance at life.

“I’ve been 23 years with Fort Lauderdale. I’ve had very few of these where we run on cardiac arrest or a code, and we get to shake hands days later and meet the person,” said Depauw.

“Had everything not aligned perfectly, he wouldn’t be here with us today. Because of all of those things coming together, in a timely fashion, get another Christmas and hopefully many more years to come,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan.

Ivan said he’s thankful for the quick work of his colleagues and first responders who saved his life and allowed him to celebrate the holidays and the rest of his life.

“My coworkers say, you know, I had a rebirth. I have to celebrate my birthday twice from now on,” he said.

Gollan said this story is a good reminder to the public to take a CPR course.

7Skyforce hovered above the scene on Monday afternoon near 5638 NW 27 Court where authorities could be seen searching for clues.

According to Lauderhill Police, officers found one man suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk upon arriving to the scene. Another man was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside a nearby residence.

Both men were treated by paramedics before being transported to Broward Health Medical Center.

Officials say one of the men was pronounced deceased at the hospital and the other remains in stable condition as of late Monday night.

Authorities say there is no known motive for the shooting and there are no known suspects in custody.

If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Through his Hand-Off Foundation, Dolphins legend John Offerdahl is trying to make a big difference in the community by providing nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

And, at his Off the Grill restaurant in Lighthouse Point, Offerdahl oversees each and every prepackaged meal that is delivered to the seniors.

“The whole, amazing thing about our senior meals is that they’re made fresh. No other provider in the state of Florida makes fresh, home delivered meals; they all make frozen,” said Offerdahl. “This is the chicken we use in our restaurant, and this is high-quality food. I think our seniors, basically, if they don’t get nutrition, their ability to live independent and in our community versus in an institution is minimized, so nutrition is huge, but another component to what we do is relationships.”

Relationships like the one Offerdahl with 93-year-old Barbara Mundy, a former teacher who spent decades in the Broward County school system.

“Let me tell you what we’re gonna give you from a home-delivered meals perspective: We’re going to give you five fresh dinner meals, dinner entrées, and an array of bagels, egg sandwiches and all that stuff,” Offerdahl told Mundy.

Offerdahl and his wife, Lynn, began the nonprofit Hand-Off Meals for Seniors in 2023. With an army of volunteers, they continue to prepare and deliver the free meals to the elderly.

“We do 450 to 500 clients. Each client gets 10 meals, so that’s for 4,000 to 5,000 meals a week,” said Offerdahl.

For Mundy, the visit from Offerdahl and his wife has created a special bond that goes beyond just delivering her much-needed meals.

“What goes with it, filters down from Lynn and John, which is a feeling of, oh, what’s the word? Not only compassion, but a feeling of generosity, and it brings the world into me as a person that lives alone. This is a different angle on the joy that I have at 93,” said Mundy.

“We all have grandparents, parents, peers who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, and to feel like you’re helping a vulnerable population, and not only with sustenance, but also with relationship, you know, it brings you back, brings you back to your family,” said Offerdahl.

Mundy also happens to be a huge longtime Dolphins fan.

“This is the star of the Dolphins team, back when I had a brain in the ’80s, and he played football beautifully, and he hit the line hard,” said Mundy.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and deliver those meals. If you’re interested in lending a hand, click here.