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.

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.

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.

The Canes will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic, Wednesday night.

The talk is over, and the smiles were polite for 30 minutes, as Canes head coach Mario Cristobal and Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day fielded questions on Tuesday. All their answers given with an abundance of restraint ahead of their quarterfinal matchup.

“You know, we have to continue to be who we are and be aggressive. But at the same time, we have to understand we’re up against and our opponents, so we’ve got to be on our game,” said Day.

“We all understood that within the building, we’re our biggest supporters, we are our best family members, and that we’re going to find a way and to put ourselves in a situation where we could have a chance,” said Cristobal.

There were no more interviews or press conferences afterwards, just preparation, pressure and execution.

“I think the biggest thing is focusing on us, obviously, you have to prepare for your opponent, you have to prepare for what they’re going to do, and they’re a very, very talented team, right?” Said Canes quarterback Carson Beck. “They’re very well coached, they’re very disciplined, and then the talent speaks for itself, but for us, it’s about us and what we’re able to do.”

“They’re elite at every level. I’m expecting great effort, I’m expecting a hard-nosed game, hard battle, like, they fly around, so it’s going to be a great game,” said Canes running back Mark Fletcher Jr.

However, the fans making the trip to see the game live love to talk that smack.

“So my freshman year at University of Miami was the national championship game where we lost to Ohio State, so I remember that heartbreak, and we are here to revenge that this weekend, so I’m excited,” said Canes fan Tim Jones.

“We have a very good defense, we’re not going to score a lot, but we maybe don’t need to if our defense can play the way they played all year,” said Buckeyes fan Mark Price.

So, two programs, one stage. When the ball is kicked, whoever executes best wins.

“A hundred thousand deep, all rooting against you, I love that feeling, I love it, I love that, i love the adversity, I love silencing the crowd, I just love knowing that I’m in enemy territory, and there’s 100,000 of them rooting against us,” said Canes defensive linemen Akheem Mesidor.

“Puts a little bit of a chip on your shoulder, but at the end of the day, no matter what, we are going to come out and compete and play the way we’re supposed to play, be 1-0 at the end of the day and just do what you’re supposed to do,” said Canes defensive linemen Rueben Bain Jr. “But going in as the underdog, when people doubting you and don’t think you get the job done, and you get the job done, that’s the best feeling.”

The countdown to kickoff is almost over, and 7Sports will be on the sidelines inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

South Florida will host the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on New Year’s Day, where the Oregon Ducks will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to a call of a house fire in the area of Northeast Fifth Avenue and 177th Street, just before 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Crews arrived at the scene to find smoke billowing from the residence.

Firefighters were able to successfully get the fire under control.

No injuries were reported.

Kickoff at the Cotton Bowl looms, with the lights brighter than ever this season for the Canes’ quarterfinal matchup against Ohio State at AT&T Stadium, Wednesday night.

“I’m going to be super amped up, I know this team is going to be super amped up. I think the first time I walk on the field will be a really, really cool feeling, you know?” said Canes quarterback Carson Beck. “Just look around, take everything in, and once I do that, it’s go time.”

The Hurricanes arrived in Dallas with swagger, confidence and zero interest in playing the underdog role.

“I knew that we would get to this point, I knew that we were going to have to go through some hard times, I knew it was going to be a grind, but I believed in the process the entire time,” said Canes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. “As soon as I signed that pen to the paper, I believed in the process, trusted the process, and I’m just very, very, very grateful that we’re here.”

“The unity of this team has been founded in just really hard work, been through some real trying times and situations and adversity, and it’s been exciting watching the growth and development of our guys just galvanized throughout the process,” said Canes head coach Mario Cristobal.

The players admitted the butterflies are very real.

“It’s a game, and I love this game, and I block out the noise, I block out the crowd,” said Canes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor. “It’s just the game I fell in love with when I was 8 years old; it’s the same thing.”

This is the best team the Canes have had in over 20 years. Wednesday night, they’ll be given a chance to remind the college football world what Miami football is all about.

The dual coaches press conference will be held Tuesday afternoon.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Florida Highway Patrol units were dispatched to the scene of the crash, just after noon Monday.

According to FHP, the driver of the truck failed to negotiate the curve and drove off the roadway and onto a grassy embankment, where it overturned

Paramedics checked out one adult patient at the scene and transported them by ground to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The exit ramp closed for most of the afternoon and evening, but late Monday night it reopened.

A tech startup named Homa allows buyers to self-represent, which cuts out agents and allows them to pocket the savings or apply them toward costs.

The AI-driven home purchase has quickly taken shape in Florida, and now buyers in other states may soon have access to the technology.

Homa was cofounded by a former senior product director at Zillow.

The team is now back in Texas, where they’ll face Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday night.

During the media day session, players were pretty tight-lipped, keeping key details close to the vest, but they did say they are ready for the face-off.

“I’m going to be super amped up. I know this team is going to be super amped up. I think the first time I walk on the field, it’ll be a really cool feeling. Just look around, take everything in, and once I do that, it’s go time,” said Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck.

Players said they have zero interest in playing as the underdogs.

“I knew that we would get to this point. I knew that we were going to have to go through some hard times. I knew that there was going to be a grind, but I believed in the process the entire time,” said Hurricane running back Mark Fletcher Jr. “As soon as I signed that pen to the paper, I believed in the process, trusted the process, and I’m just very grateful that we’re here.”

Coach Mario Cristobal said he wants the team focused and on task.

“The unity of this team has been founded and just really hard work, been through some real trying times and situations and adversity, and it’s been exciting watching the growth and development of our guys, just galvanized throughout the process,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Canes settled into their hotel after their flight from Miami to Dallas. They told 7Sports they are ready to get to work.

“I had a bed seat, I slept the whole ride, so I feel like it was a good thing,” said Canes defensive lineman Anez Cooper.

While the beds are different, the preparation routine remains the same.

“We’re the same team every week — no matter who we play, where we play, what we’re playing — and we’re going to prepare the same way and be the same team, same team we’ve been all year,” said Canes defensive back Jakobe Thomas.

Miami is focused on maximizing the time before its first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal game. However, players admitted during the presser that despite their professional status, the nerves are still there.

“It’s a game, and I love this game, and I block out the noise, the crowd. It’s just the game I fell in love with when I was 8 years old. It’s the same thing,” said Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.

The stage is set, and now is the time to lock in with the Canes bringing their best team they’ve had in more than 20 years.

“They got a lot of talent from depth, starters, the guys that are on the bench, all through the depth,” said Thomas.

“And I just feel like that’s a big challenge for us that we’re going to go into come Wednesday, and I feel like we’re excited for the challenge, we’re just focused, and we’re just ready to play,” said Cooper.

There’s a lot of excitement from the Canes and their fanbase ahead of the New Year’s Eve matchup.

But until then, Canes players say they will rest, stay calm, and get ready to play well enough that they enter the new year still playing football.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin tells 7News’ Sports Anchor Josh Moser that he’ll be flying into Irving on Tuesday night to witness the game.

The college postseason is well known for its offbeat traditions, so as the CFP’s quest to crown the nation’s best teams continues, fans have also enjoyed a full slate of famously eccentric and wacky bowl games like the Xbox Bowl.

Other examples include The Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl, which ended in Ohio University’s coach getting gallons of iced coffee dumped on his head, or the famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where Washington State’s coach had French fries poured over his head.

Now coming off of his halftime performance on Christmas Day, Snoop Dogg will host the second Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, which started in 2024 and featured him driving out in a convertible to present the trophy.

However, the internet’s gold standard for wacky bowl games may be the Pop-Tarts Bowl, which had its mascot become a social media sensation two seasons ago in 2023, where he was eaten by the winning team after the game, as well as their trophy that doubles as a working toaster.

Ahead of this year’s game that kicks off Saturday, the Pop-Tarts Bowl released a teaser video to build anticipation once again, with a parody of Hulu’s “The Bear.”

Next Wednesday, the Miami Hurricanes will face the Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year’s Eve. 7Sports’ Josh Moser will have you covered live in Dallas beginning Sunday for the highly anticipated Cotton Bowl matchup.

Smoke could be seen pouring out of the building at Northwest 91st Street and 87th Avenue, late Friday morning.

Nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

According to officials, the flames have been brought under control.

However, hazmat units and Medley Police were called to the scene.

It remains unclear whether or not anyone was hurt.

According to Miami Beach Police, Christopher Pike shattered the front glass at Fleisch 41, located off West 41st Street, in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Surveillance video captured the suspect, 45, covering up the shattered glass before entering the deli, and that’s where, police said, they found him behind the counter.

Now detectives have linked Pike to a separate incident that took place moments earlier on Chase Avenue, at Temple Beth Sholom.

That related incident has led to the criminal mischief charges being upgraded to a hate crime.

The deli shop sustained over $7,000 in damages.

Pike remains in custody.

Now a reunion two decades in the making resulted in a more cordial run-in than the first time.

On Christmas Eve 2005, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison slammed Cleveland Browns fan Nathan Mallett to the ground after a little too much liquid courage and Christmas cheer in the stands led him to run onto the field.

“So we got over there, ran into some other guys, they were dressed as elves and things,” said Mallett. “We just kept going; we got in there, and once we got in there, I was in no shape to be anywhere at that point.”

Harrison stopped Mallett with a wrestling-style tackle, and Mallett was eventually slammed by a judge following the incident.

Fast forward a couple decades, and this time around, the men’s rematch looks a lot different, with no flags or handcuffs this time around.

“Sober?” asked Harrison.

“Yeah,” said Mallett.

“OK. Congratulations,” said Harrison

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” said Mallett.

“Yeah, that’s nice, that’s good,” said Harrison.

“I get in too much trouble with it,” said Mallett.

“Yeah,” said Harrison.

“It makes me do things I otherwise wouldn’t be trying to do,” said Mallett.

Mallett told Harrison, that what felt like a hit at the time ended up being a wake-up call.

“I’m thrilled that you did that. That’s the kind of players I want; I like that, flat out like, not on my watch,” said Mallet.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss,” said Harrison.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette organized the reunion dinner. Mallett said he has been sober 16 years now.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene of a traffic crash in the area of 165th Street and Old Cutler Road.

Officials say the 16-year-old bicyclist and a 15-year-old passenger both fell off after running into a vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle contacted 911 for assistance and remained on the scene.

The 16-year-old was taken to an area hospital to be checked out. The 15-year-old was treated on scene for some minor cuts and bruises.

At Dolphin Mall on Wednesday, shoppers picking up last-minute Christmas gifts lit up at the mention of the $1.7 billion jackpot.

The prize has risen after months without a winner, and now local and out-of-town shoppers hope to get that Christmas Eve cha-ching.

“I’m going home rich, yes, from Pittsburgh, yes,” said a shopper visiting from Pennsylvania.

“She called me, she told me, we’re playing now, she called me, she said, we definitely gotta play,” added her family member.

7News asked these shoppers what they would do if they won the jackpot.

“When we get done with this cruise, me and my family would go to another island,” said the shopper from Pennsylvania.

“That’s my mother-in-law, wifey, we’re done, I’m going to marry her now,” joked the woman’s son-in-law.

Other shoppers’ answers varied when asked the same question.

“It’s impossible to think about it, I mean, I wouldn’t know,” said a man.

“I’d give it away. You can’t have that much money and not give it away,” said another man.

At My Market and Deli in Fort Lauderdale, several shoppers were testing their luck just before the next drawing.

“Those look like the winning numbers,” said a shopper visiting from Toronto. “I played. I need a $1 billion.”

Despite his baseball team coming up just short in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hopes his luck turns out better.

“I’m hoping so, I’m hoping so,” he said.

Some hoped a lucky draw would make for an unforgettable Christmas gift.

“It’d be really fun to put this in my mom’s stocking and it actually won. Can you imagine?” said a shopper.

“I would make sure family is financially stable,” said LaTosa Simmons.

The excitement didn’t stop with shoppers.

Employees were keeping their fingers crossed to be the ones to sell the winning ticket.

“[They] could be from right here. We’re hoping,” said an employee. “Even if two or three people won that money, that would still be awesome.”

Meanwhile, others picked up their tickets from a 7-Eleven along Miller Drive and Southwest 67th Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade with high spirits on their odds.

“We’re all very wishful that we have the winning ticket in hand and everything, and, you know what, it’s a blessing and we leave it to God,” said one man.

Each shopper told 7News that it may all come down to luck but the only way to win is by playing.

The Powerball drawing will take place Wednesday night.

Simmons has put a pause on his professional basketball comeback to pursue a career in pro fishing.

The three-time All-Star now leads the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship, which Simmons calls “the F1 of fishing,” competing in tournaments for marlin and sailfish.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze near Northwest 32nd Avenue and 135th Street, just before 10:20 p.m. on Monday.

Flames and heavy smoke stretched out from a large pile of debris up to the roof.

Officials said crews initiated a coordinated fire attack, applying water to both the debris pile and the roof.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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.

The new garage added 2,240 parking spaces just in time for the holiday travel season.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the garage was long overdue.

“We put out all kinds of notices asking people not to try to park, we have people standing by showing the spots that are available,” said Levine Cava. “They text me and say, ‘We’re here, we’re abandoning our cars in the middle of the busy freeway, so it is really, really important, we want everyone to have a great customer experience as for our locals and visitors alike.”

The new garage joins the Dolphin and Flamingo parking garages to provide airport goers with over 10,000 parking spaces.

Glades Middle School students in Miramar had their gym turned into a winter wonderland full of toys and goodies.

Staff said seeing the kids happy made it all worth it.

“It’s a lot of work, but in the end it’s totally worth it when I come in and I see the smiles on their faces and they’re having fun, I’m like okay, I know why I’m doing this,” said Natasha Marino a literacy coach at Glades Middle School.

In addition to the students from Glades Middle, around 150 other students from across Miramar were given the chance to join the holiday fun.

Band members boarded buses at the Coral Gables campus and departed for College Station, Texas, Thursday morning.

They are famously known as “The Frost Band of the Hour”, and for hyping up the crowd at “The U’s” games and events.

The Canes are set to face Texas A&M at noon on Saturday and you can watch it on ABC Miami Channel 18.

Mayors from different municipalities and community leaders gathered Thursday in an effort to denounce antisemitism and send a strong message that hatred in South Florida will be confronted.

At the annual gathering, held at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, candles were lit during the fifth night of Hanukkah. Speakers frequently referenced how a small light can destroy darkness.

In light of the recent mass shooting in Sydney’s Bondi Beach and the 2023 October 7 attack, these leaders have taken action to be a light and reassure the Jewish people and those of different faiths that they can feel safe in their communities.

“After incidents like Sydney, Australia, not only did our police activate its high-risk patrols, I personally called the heads of the state’s law enforcement, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the sheriff, and we made sure that we had additional patrols,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

The Miami Beach mayor said the city will have increased security in neighborhoods, synagogues and Jewish holiday gatherings.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also called for residents to be alert.

“So I call upon everyone, don’t be a bystander to hate, don’t be a bystander to antisemitism,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Other speakers said the recent uptick in antisemitism in the United States and around the world has caused a chilling effect for American Jews.

“We are here today because Jewish people are being singled out,” said Steven Scheck, Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Relations Council.

“More than half of American Jews, 56%, say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism,” said Brian Siegal of the American Jewish Committee.

They also stood firm that hatred would be confronted in South Florida.

“I promise that in Miami, fear will never be allowed to silence faith, identity or belonging,” said Siegal.

“If you violate a Miami Beach ordinance, and there’s a hate crime attached to it, you will get mandatory jail time,” said Meiner.

As a crowd gathered to light the next candle Wednesday afternoon in observance of Hannukah, many stay hopeful that its light will fend off darkness.

Yessica Ramirez was traveling down a road in DeLand when she saw what she thought was just another car near her.

“I suddenly saw an object, I thought it was a car, you know, a vehicle, then I just hit the brakes, and then I stopped,” said Ramirez. “I didn’t even see it coming from the sky. If I didn’t hit my breaks, the aircraft would’ve hit me, obviously.”

After making the abrupt stop, she didn’t think twice about checking on the pilot and passenger aboard the small aircraft.

“The first thing that went through my mind like, ‘I got to help the people get out, let me go see if they’re okay,'” she said.

Ramirez and another witness worked together to force open the plane’s door, rescuing the pilot and passenger onboard.

“I told him like, ‘Come on, let’s get them out of the airplane. Help me, help me.’ The pilot, he was bleeding really bad. I think he hurt his forehead really bad,” she said.

According to deputies, the plane suffered significant damage and the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Fortunately, the people on the plane did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

“While I was talking to the copilot, I’m like, ‘Come on, let’s get out of here,’ and the copilot. he was not that hurt, like, not as much as the pilot,” said Ramirez.

Both drivers, complete strangers with no specialized training, met a terrifying moment with a life-saving response.

“Never in my life would I imagine an aircraft would land in front of me, literally,” said Ramirez.

On the same day this crash happened, another small plane crashed along I-95 in Brevard County.

The school district collected relief donations for Hurricane Melissa for over a month, from first-aid kits to batteries, and will now send them to hurricane-impacted areas.

Hurricane Melissa left several regions severely damaged when it passed through Jamaica back in October.

This international relief effort highlights the power of community and humanitarian aid in a crisis.

A panel of NHL executives and alumni spoke to the students, Tuesday.

In honor of the first outdoor regular-season hockey game in the state of Florida, the students were treated to 100 tickets to the game.

The Cats will face off against the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at loanDepot Park, Jan. 2.

Police departments, fire stations and professional sports teams all got into the spirit of the season, Wednesday.

The Miami Heat organization held a toy giveaway and pizza party for students at Riverside Elementary School. The event included an appearance from team mascot Burnie to bring some early Christmas cheer.

“I got a makeup pallet so I could do makeup a little bit,” said Barbara, a student.

The lively event featured a party with pizza for students.

“I feel like it’s a great experience for everyone here and for kids that just don’t celebrate Christmas. They get to know what it feels like to be a part of this,” said Barbara.

Meantime, Heat legend and hall of famer Alonzo Mourning greeted students at Paul Laurence Dunbar K-8 Center.

“These kids, you know, come from impoverished environments so having a day like this, a very rewarding day for them,” said Mourning.

Mourning was joined by Burnie to help deliver unforgettable holiday memories.

The giveaway was started by the late Larry Share, a founding Heat season ticket holder who passed away in 2022.

The organization and Share’s daughters, Amy Share Brennan and Marni Share Bloomster, have continued his annual tradition for the 18th year.

“Part of this tradition with buying toys for kids and he’s partnered up with the Miami Heat, so God rest his soul,” said Mourning.

“Father wanted to be sure that everybody could celebrate and to bring some cheer to everybody and their families,” said Share Brennan.

“And it means so much to come here, see the joy on the kids’ faces,” said Share Bloomster.

Across South Florida, many other local organizations held multiple events of their own to spread holiday cheer.

Firefighters for the City of Miami helped Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive at Watch Me Grow Learning Center in style to deliver presents to students.

“We’ve been blessed with a wonderful visit from Santa and his wife. The kids are super excited,” said Kari Valdez

At a Target in Midtown, the Miami Police Department teamed up with the Miami Police Athletic League to host their annual “Shop with a Cop” event. Students who were selected got to pick out their favorite gifts with a cop by their side.

“The greatest events we do all year, ‘Shop with a Cop,’ these are kids from all over the City of Miami, where our officers are able to spend some time with them and have them be in charge and have a great holiday season,” said Miami Police Assistant Chief Richard Perez. “Great opportunity for our officers to give back and spend some good quality time with our most important kids in Miami.”

Firefighters with Miami Fire Rescue went along with Santa and his helpers on Wednesday morning to deliver toys to schools across the Magic City.

In Broward County, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office took students on a shopping spree at Walmart.

The young participants were each given a $200 gift card and filled up carts with their favorite gifts.

“When I grow up, I either wanna be an entrepreneur or I wanna be a police officer,” one student said.

“She’s completely in the spirit of Christmas and she’s just made my day,” the officer accompanying her said.

The Miami-Dade County Commission heard two proposals to build a new incinerator during Tuesday’s meeting, three years after flames destroyed one in Doral.

“I’d like to hear from the two proposers today,” Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez said.

One came from Florida Power & Light, and the other from FCC Environmental Services.

“The opportunity to partner with Miami-Dade County on an innovative waste energy solution,” said an FPL representative.

“We are honored to share our vision of a sustainable solid waste campus,” said an FCC representative.

However, commissioners were not ready to decide because they said they didn’t have all the information on the cost to build and maintain the site.

The delay is also partially due to the board not yet selecting a site for the proposed waste site.

“We haven’t settled on even a location,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins

“We cannot decide with a range that has such an enormous gap,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado.

Residents have also spoken out against the plan for economic and environmental reasons.

“There are so many better ways we could be handling our waste management,” said one resident.

“I see a commission that was very intent of keeping the cost per resident stayed below $700, and I look as soon as the next election is completed, that fee is going to jump way up,” said another resident.

Commissioners ultimately voted in favor of a motion to delay the decision, to see if FPL and FCC could team up on a single proposal.

The new deadline for determining whether both companies can work together on a single proposal is January 21.

Feeding South Florida has a proud record of meeting a need, especially during the holidays, and this year, many major players in the community have teamed up to ensure South Floridians don’t go hungry.

“Even though we are competitors, we are partners for making this community great,” said Rita Case of Rick Case Automotive.

South Florida Kia Dealers, in collaboration with the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, and JM Family, presented Feeding South Florida with a $400,000 donation that will translate to over a million meals for families in need.

“We’ve all come together to raise the most amount of money that we ever have for a philanthropic organization, and we chose Feeding South Florida because food is an important part of everyone’s health,” said Case. “We don’t want children to go to school hungry, we don’t want anyone to go to bed hungry.”

The donation will go directly to providing more food for needy families at their pantry in Pembroke Park and their food distribution events across the community.

“So the $400,000 that was donated today has been translated to 1.6 million meals that goes out to the community. We have over 1.2 million individuals who struggle to put food on the table throughout the course of the year, and we’re seeing record numbers of families come to our doors,” said Feeding South Florida CEO Paco Velez.

Velez said the generous donation comes at a critical time, when families will be gathering to celebrate the holidays and will need that support to deliver bountiful meals.

“The holiday’s a great way to get family together, get family and loved ones to fellowship around the dinner table, and pass traditions down from generation to generation,” said Velez. “When you’re missing that food, it’s hard to do that, and this group made it possible.”

“Food insecurity impacts so many around the holidays, and these are our friends, these are our neighbors, these are hard-working, deserving families, our postal workers, our hospital workers, our hospitality workers, hard-working, deserving families that are facing food insecurity,” said Lisa Davis of JM Family Enterprises. “So we realize that sometimes in the automotive industry we’re competitors, but when it comes to philanthropy, we come together to make an even stronger impact.”

South Florida car dealerships and Miami sports teams’ competitiveness has driven the group of organizations to set a record for the most donations to Feeding South Florida.

“You know, it’s a partnership. A healthy community is gonna be a community that can have transportation, that can have the freedom of an automobile, and what better way to do it than with food,” said Case.

The group beat their $380,000 donation last year with a $400,000 donation this year, and their goal for next year is to beat Publix, which is now on top with its $500,000 donation.

Case told 7News that the plan for next year is to donate $500,001 to beat that record.

Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Andy Plaza said he’s happy he took action to come to his neighbor’s aid.

“I’m glad I came outside, you know, to assess her, and I’m glad I followed my instincts,” he said.

According to Hialeah Police, the victim was sexually attacked at knifepoint inside the laundry room of the apartment complex located along West Okeechobee Road, Dec. 9.

The woman’s screams alerted Plaza, who immediately sprang into action.

Plaza’s instincts and quick actions saved his neighbor from a terrifying situation.

“It was around 2:30 in the morning, and I hear a scream; it came down from the laundry room, so I went to check it out,” he said.

The good Samaritan arrived to what was a brutal assault inside the laundry room.

“She was just pushed against it, and the guy was leaning behind her with her pants down,” said Plaza. “He had a knife close to her body.”

Plaza said the man took off running when he realized that he wasn’t alone.

Detectives used surveillance video from the area, and days later, were able to track down her attacker, whom they identified as 21-year-old Luis Rodas-Martinez.

“Through video surveillance, our detectives were able to find videos, still images of him, and work in the streets, were able to identify him,” said Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.

Rodas-Martinez was arrested and charged with attempted sexual battery and kidnapping with a weapon. He appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Monday.

“He’s using a knife to try and forcefully sexually batter the victim,” said Glazer as she read the police report.

Plaza said his neighbor was shaken but grateful and told him that his actions saved her.

“She wanted to thank my wife, you know, my mother-in-law, that I pretty much saved her life,” he said.

While Rodas-Martinez sits behind bars, police said they fear more victims who have not yet come forward could still be out there.

“As an abundance of caution, we are asking the community, take a look at him. If you feel that you’ve been a victim of this man, please contact detectives as soon as possible,” said Rodriguez.

If you or someone you know believes to be a victim of Rodas-Martinez, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Hundreds of people gathered and took part in the annual Miami-Dade Heart Walk, hosted by the American Heart Association, Saturday.

The event’s goal was to raise funds for heart research and heart health, as well as teaching bystanders how to save lives.

“We are here to make sure everyone knows how to do CPR, but most importantly, we are honoring someone, Dr. Eduardo Salinas, who lost his life to a sudden cardiac event this year, and we are here with his family today showing up,” said HCA Florida Mercy Hospital CEO and Heart Walk Chair Allyssa Tobitt.

For the second year in a row, “Today in Florida” anchor Tavares Jones had the honor of being emcee of the event.

The event raised more than $438,000.

For more information on the American Heart Association and heart health, click here.

“The Greatest Show on H2O” will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 and will feature 12 miles of exciting holiday fun.

2025’s Grand Marshal will be Romero Brito and singer Montel Jordan.

7News’ Vivian Gonzalez was along the parade route outside the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas on Friday morning, where she spoke to the President and CEO of Winterfest Lisa Scott-Founds for a sneak peak at what to expect. Here’s the conversation:

Vivian Gonzalez: “Now Lisa tell us what are going to be some of the wow boats that we’re going to be seeing tomorrow night?

Lisa Scott-Founds: “Well, obviously, we’re starting with our fireworks that are going to be presented by GEICO. And we’ve got a magnificent Grand Marshal showboat featuring Romero Brito and Montel Jordan. And as a matter of fact, about the Grand Marshal showboat by Fifth Third, it is featuring Romero Brito’s artwork because he did our poster this year. So it’s going to be absolutely magnificent. And We have an EDM this year we’ve never done before and I just learned what EDM is, electric dance music for all you youngers. And then we have got a motorcycle experience in a floating cage the entire 12 miles. We have fire dancers on board. We have got a junk and new band. There are so many things this year that we’ve never been doing. I mean, we haven’t been doing what you haven’t done. It’s just going to be like a one-off parade and the weather is going to cooperate. And at the very end, you know, this is our 54th year for Winterfest. So we are culminating with a huge grand finale by Visit Lauderdale featuring Studio 54. And we’ve got dancers and aerial acts. So everybody’s going to want to stay to the very end, usually at Santa Claus. But Santa, he flew in a little early from the North Pole, by the way. So he is coming and going to be right at the very beginning of the parade, which, by the way, starts at 6:00 p.m., opposed to 6:30.”

Vivian Gonzalez: “And can you tell us where can we track Santa? Like how can we track Santa the night of the parade?”

Lisa Scott-Founds: “So if you go to winterfestparade.com, there’s information there. But we do have a Winterfest app that everybody should plug into. And you can find out all the details and vote for your favorite boats. There’s so much information on our app. So I think everybody should just plug into it for sure.”

Vivian Gonzalez: “Also, what celebrities can we see along the parade route?”

Lisa Scott-Founds: “Right, so besides our Grand Marshals, we’ve got Miss Florida USA, we have Miss Teen Florida USA, and on the entertainment side, Ryan Cabrera and Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC will be on a boat as well.

Vivian Gonzalez: “And can you talk to us about the FPL Junior Captain this year?”

Lisa Scott-Founds: “That’s such a beautiful story. Our Junior Captain, which a boat is typically behind us, but you’ll see it on the waterway tomorrow, two men in a truck and FPL. Do a program throughout Broward County celebrating a child between the ages of 7 and 16 and they become our junior captain and then we have the other children that were nominees on board the Amazon Santa boat so there’s something for everybody with the kids.

Vivian Gonzalez: “And are tickets still available?”

Lisa Scott-Founds: “So we have tickets available and we have a special code which I’ll give you but at the Nicklaus Children’s Health System we have a parade viewing area. On Los Olos and the Intercoastal, it is front row seats. The weather is going to be perfect and there are seating. I mean, they’re perfect seats, nice and comfortable. But NICKLAUS 25, all in caps, for $5 off code. Yes. We’re so excited. It’s going to be an absolutely phenomenal parade and everybody needs to come out and see it. And we’re so grateful. WSVN, ABC Miami, and of course, Seminole Hard Rock. I’m our partner for 23 years.”

Vivian Gonzalez: “It’s going to be an amazing night. Thank you so much, Lisa.”

Like Scott-Founds said, there are going to be so many boats, mega yachts, beautifully decorated all around on Saturday night and Winterfest is just a wonderful time to be able to celebrate with family and friends the holidays here, South Florida style.

Santa will also be making an early appearance in the parade Saturday night, aboard the Jungle Queen.

And you’ll also be able to track Santa the night of the parade if you download the Winterfest app sponsored by Visit Lauderdale.

If you can’t watch the parade in person you’ll be able to catch it on WSVN and ABC Miami on the following days and times:

• WSVN:

• FRIDAY, 12/19/25 7:00-8:00P.M.
• THURSDAY, 12/25/25 5:00-6:00A.M.
• THURSDAY, 12/25/25 12:00-1:00P.M.
• THURSDAY, 1/1/26 5:00-6:00A.M.
• THURSDAY, 1/1/26 12:00-1:00P.M.
• ABC MIAMI:
• THURSDAY, 12/25/25 5:00-6:00A.M.
• THURSDAY, 1/1/26 5:00-6:00A.M.
  

There are still tickets available for the best seats along the water to see this holiday spectacular, and There are also tickets available for the Riverside parties because this is party central as well and you can get those tickets here.

For information on bridge and waterway closures click here.

Demetrius Etienne faces charges of leaving an accident causing death and tampering with evidence.

The 23-year-old was arrested Thursday in connection to the Nov. 22 crash that took place near the 5000 block of North State Road 7.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, surveillance video of the crash shows the pedestrian as he crossed the southbound lanes of the roadway, just north of Commercial Boulevard, when Etienne’s silver Toyota Camry sideswiped him, striking the victim with the front bumper.

As the victim lay on the roadway, detectives said, an unknown black sedan ran him over and continued traveling southbound.

Paramedics rushed the pedestrian to an area hospital, where he died days later.

Etienne is being held on a $55,000 bond.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Sixty-eight-year-old Gregory McKnight filled Broward Health Medical Center’s cafeteria with music on Thursday.

During his visit, he surprised his trauma surgeon who kept him alive and able to play his saxophone again, in a full-circle moment following his health scare.

“If it wasn’t for Dr. [Jose] Lozada, I wouldn’t be able to play my horn anymore,” said McKnight.

McKnight, a Vietnam veteran, was worried he would never be able to play his instrument ever again after he was run over by a U-Haul truck in 2021 and was taken to Broward Health with severe life threatening injuries.

“He got hit by a U-Haul, protecting his wife. He pushed his wife out of the way and took the whole hit of the U-Haul,” said Lozada.

The doctor said he made it his mission to help the victim regain his mobility and his quality of life.

“I wasn’t only worried about having you be alive, but also having your life back,” said Lozada.

On Thursday, Lozada was surprised by McKnight when he performed for him as a way of showing his gratitude for saving his life all those years ago.

“I really can’t say this enough, I can’t thank Lozada,” said McKnight.

Lozada and McKnight shared a moment together as the performer said he is not only surviving, but is also thriving.

“For me, this is the best reward I can have. When you’re back playing that saxophone, that is going to be my gift,” said Lozada.

“Thank god, and thank you,” McKnight told the doctor.

“I think today is proving the fact that you got your life back,” said Lozada.

Now, McKnight is back making music and grateful for a second chance at life.

Hollywood Police units responded to the scene of the wreck near Northwest 62nd Avenue and Monroe Street, Thursday morning.

Investigators said the driver involved slammed into a pole, and the impact left the victim’s dark colored sedan wrapped around the pole.

A tire can be seen in the front seat of the car.

The condition of the driver is unknown, as police attempt to determine the cause of the crash.

A small gesture made quite an impact on several South Florida veterans, leaving them with wide eyes and full smiles when their group home in Lauderhill was given a Christmas makeover, courtesy of Florida Power & Light and other organizations.

They aimed to inspire a simple joy for those who served our country.

Veterans like Rafael Castro were honored with a little bit of holiday cheer.

“I like it pretty well,” said Castro.

Castro was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and served during the Korean War. He now embraces his Puerto Rican heritage and enjoys his time playing dominoes with his housemates.

Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant described the moment they walked outside and saw the surprise.

“They were elated, seeing the lights and the children as well,” said Grant. “Very surprised that kids were there too, so their families were there to celebrate this moment as well.”

FPL “elves” were hard at work hours before, preparing for the grand reveal.

Thousands of LED lights, solar-powered displays and other energy-efficient décor were installed throughout the home.

A House with Heart Homes, an organization that provides shared housing to people like seniors and veterans, said that for some, the cheer is much needed.

“One of them is blind, another, the other one has Parkinson’s, so this is actually, like, the first time they recall celebrating the holidays since coming to us,” said A House with Heart Homes’ CFO, Roxane Rowles

Other residents were left in good spirits ahead of the reveal.

“It feels real good, I mean, I was surprised, I’m one of the newer residents, so I didn’t know, but for the guys inside, well, for everybody, but yeah,” said Michael Rudick.

FPL said the effort was well worth it to give the veterans a piece of the holiday spirit.

“It’s such a wonderful feeling being able to acknowledge the sacrifices they made for us and our country and to give back a little bit and make sure they get to really enjoy the holiday season with their families as well,” said FPL North Broward External Affairs Manager Christine Shaw.

This home makeover marks the 18th year that FPL has brought this holiday tradition to local heroes in the community.

The accident happened Wednesday morning near State Road 84 and Southeast Fourth Avenue along the truck driver’s morning route.

Police were in the vicinity at the time and diverted traffic while Florida Power & Light crews picked up the fallen power lines.

No injuries were reported.

The now former Miami-Dade County commissioner also became the city’s first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades.

During Wednesday morning’s news conference, Higgins spoke about her plans and priorities for the city’s future, saying she will be a mayor for everyone, regardless of political party.

“It was a very exciting day yesterday in the city of Miami. I am so honored that our incredibly beautiful, diverse community selected me to take on this task in the coming years,” she said. “I promise to go to work every day and make sure that this city does deliver on the promise of the Magic City.”

Higgins earned the seat after defeating Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, whom President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backed.

She believes the election’s outcome sends a message.

“The residents decided to embark upon a different direction,” she said.

Higgins’ campaign priorities were affordability, climate change, and modernizing the city.

“The city has to get to work, become more efficient, be more modern in how it embraces technology. The affordability crisis, we are the tip of the spear in America. We’ve got to build more affordable housing,” she said.

The mayor-elect was asked about immigration and the future of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Miami.

“There’s no reason in the City of Miami that our police department should be in the job of federal immigration enforcement,” said Higgins. “When I speak to our residents, it’s not just about frustration, it’s also about fear. They’ve never been afraid of their government before, and now they are.”

She added that residents tell her they are worried that their family members may be detained.

“We want a strong border, a path to citizenship, but we don’t want law-abiding people to be ejected from our country, impoverishing their families and driving our economy into ruin,” said Higgins. “We are and have always been an immigrant city. I will speak respectfully about them, their families and more importantly about their contribution to our thriving economy.”

While the mayor’s position is officially nonpartisan, the race drew national attention, as the Democratic and Republican parties watched for clues ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Higgins’ opponent, Emilio Gonzalez, conceded the race. He admitted the outcome was not what he wanted, but encouraged voters to support the incoming mayor.

“Obviously, I don’t like the result,” he said. “I think we all owe her our respect, and we owe her our loyalty. She is our mayor, and we need to all do everything we can to make sure that she succeeds, because if she succeeds, our city will succeed.”

7News political analyst Brian Fonseca said Higgins’ win is a major victory for the local Democratic Party.

“It’s important to note that the Democrats did show up, but you’re talking about a turnout of about 20-plus percent, so it’s still relatively low given these are out of cycle elections. Still, it’s unprecedented in the last 30 years to have a Democrat win the election,” he said.

He added voters based their vote on real issues affecting the Magic City.

“Two of the things that have probably been most meaningful in terms of moving the Miami-Dade voter to the Democratic side in this recent election was cost of living and maybe immigration policy,” said Fonseca.

Higgins will begin her term as mayor later this month.

Miramar Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze near Southwest 22nd Court and 64th Avenue, at around 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officias said firefighters were able to get everyone out safely and knock down the flames. No injuries have been reported.

A drone camera hovered above the charred home, where items inside were damaged and burnt.

Miramar Police officers and fire rescue cordoned off the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The first of Monday’s crashes happened earlier in the day, when a small plane landed across from a high school parking lot in DeLand.

“We were running by, we see the traffic, like, it’s blocked off. We look over, and there’s a plane on the ground,” said witness Seth Singer.

The plane ended up on its side with a door hanging open. According to police, both people on board the aircraft were conscious and taken to the hospital.

“It’s scary, everyone just be safe, and I’m praying for everyone, whoever was on the plane,” said Singer.

Officials said the plane lost power in both engines during a training flight.

The second crash happened Monday evening on Interstate 95 in Brevard County.

Officials said the plane’s pilot reported engine problems and was forced to land on the highway.

The plane later struck a car in its path, ripping apart the roof, passenger door, and trunk.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 57-year-old driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

“They’re very lucky; they’re very lucky that they made it,” said a witness.

The plane was carried away on a flatbed truck, leaving nearby drivers in shock by what they heard.

“I just thought it was a huge wreck, like a semi hitting something; that’s what it sounded like,” said a witness.

The Federal Aviation Administration said two people were on board but were not injured in the crash.

“I saw the airplane up on the concrete barrier, FAA, a lot of people, helicopters flying around, so pretty exciting out here,” said a witness.

Both of the plane crashes remain under investigation.

Fifty-one-year-old Yuddy Mejias, 54-year-old Miguel Gonzalez and 29-year-old Angel Gonzalez were arrested at their home near 97th Avenue in Miami’s Olympia Heights neighborhood early Monday afternoon.

The family of three are accused of grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.

Authorities say the family worked at Brickell Motors, where Mejias allegedly received payments in the form of refund checks instead of cash, which directly led to their arrest.

All three are being held on $120,000 bond each.

The governor took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Monday to announce an executive order that designated the Council on American Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations in Florida.

In the four page order, the state claims both organizations have ties to Hamas, specifically stating “CAIR was founded by persons connected to the Muslim Brotherhood” and “was created… as ‘an official U.S. cover representing the Islamic community’ to conceal ties to Islamic extremist groups.”

“CAIR was an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation trial, it was the largest terror financing trial in the history of the United States of America,” said DeSantis.

Those two organizations are recognized as the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy groups in the country.

Tuesday morning, DeSantis touted state dollars for Biscayne Bay and Everglades restoration during a stop at Florida International University’s Biscayne Campus in North Miami. Reporters pressed him to comment on Monday’s announcement and why these designations were made.

While the governor didn’t give a clear answer, he did react to the news of a possible lawsuit from those organizations who called the state’s action defamatory and unconstitutional.

“You know, a lot of it’s financial, there’s no question, a lot of it is financial. That’s why I think a lawsuit is something that we very much welcome for that, but I would expect there to be some follow-up on legislation,” said DeSantis. “Texas has a little bit more robust architecture in their statutes than Florida does. I think you’re going to see the legislature probably mirror what Texas has done.”

Meanwhile, in Sunrise, leaders with CAIR Florida and their South Florida chapters addressed the designation by the state.

“Illegal on its face. It’s unconstitutional, it has no basis in facts,” said Wilfredo Ruiz for CAIR Florida. “We have an impeccable record of standing for justice and standing for the civil rights of not only Muslims, but all minorities and religious minorities, ethnic minorities, that want to live and thrive in this state.”

“It does nothing except increase the divisions, increase the hatred,” said Omar Saleh, an attorney for CAIR Florida. “In his final months of office, instead of focusing on the pressing issues affecting Floridians, Gov. DeSantis chooses to leave a legacy full of hate and also, frankly, full of crap.”

CAIR has asked a federal judge to strike down a similar proclamation made by Texas a few years ago as well that approximates what Florida has just done.

They said in the lawsuit that the action by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is not only contrary to the United States Constitution, but finds no support in any Texas law.

CAIR Florida said they intend to sue the state for the organization’s designation.

“This is not a Muslim thing, it is a constitutional thing. We’re here in the United States. We’re not asking for special treatment for Muslims in Saudi Arabia, this is the United States where we have religious freedoms,” said Saleh.

Heat legends Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice were on hand Monday evening to help spread holiday cheer at the downtown Miami venue.

“Everyone who came out had the most beautiful smile on their faces, and you could see the appreciation,” said Rice. “We appreciate them, ’cause any time we can get an opportunity to make them happy or in contact with them, that’s just a blessing.”

The event provided laptops, backpacks and school supplies to 300 students and families from local schools and community programs.

“It is incredibly important to address issues of this magnitude. The digital divide is not something that will be solved overnight or in the span of a year. It truly takes a village, so we are super fortunate to have partners like AT&T, like Kaseya, like Human I.T., that are invested in this cause, in helping to advance communities and in helping to advance families in our community,” said Ralph Leon, the Miami Heat’s Senior Director of Social Responsibility.

Guests were treated to some holiday fun with photos, music, games, food and special performances by the Heat dancers.

Mourning and Rice helped in the team’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community.

The FIFA Miami Host Committee partnered with Brightline to launch a new volunteer program at the train company’s Miami station.

“This is the face of the whole effort and they will be in the front line, welcoming all the people into our community,” said Rodney Barreto, the committee’s chairman.

The station will serve as a volunteer center hub for all things FIFA, including training, uniform distribution and deployment ahead of the city playing host for multiple games during the 2026 World Cup.

“It’s important we have people who are trained, who can direct people in the right direction and make sure they stay out of harm’s way,” said Barreto.

Thousands of volunteers are expected to go out and represent the City of Miami on a global stage.

“It’s a great environment for them to really get to understand what the mission here is in terms of hosting a World Cup, and being the face of Miami at all of these events that are going to be happening throughout the course of the summer,” said Brightline Florida CEO Patrick Goddard.

While there will be many first time volunteers, several volunteers from the Club World Cup are already committed to return and are eager for the new experience.

“I look forward to meeting another group of friends that I made from Club World Cup at FIFA World Cup here in Miami,” said volunteer Eric Romeo. “And also just the experience of having something like the World Cup here in South Florida, it’s an honor just to be part of it.”

Officials say the hub’s location will emphasize Miami’s commitment to connectivity, sustainability and hospitality, ensuring volunteers and visitors will be able to move efficiently across South Florida.

Officials hope this approach shows Miami’s readiness and unity, combining efforts from the Host Committee, FIFA, Brightline, local government and the slew of volunteers from the community and deliver a world-class FIFA World Cup experience for fans.

“This is gonna be like seven Super Bowls in one summer. It’s gonna be very exciting. We say bring it on, it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” said Goddard.

You can catch some of the action starting in June on Channel 7.

The pool first welcomed the community, nearly 100 years ago, as Coral Gables was founded.

In celebration of the city’s centennial, the Miami Symphony Orchestra performed a historic open-air concert under the stars inside of the pool itself.

Defense attorneys representing Jason Banegas on Monday said that life without the possibility of parole is appropriate in this case, adding that jurors will hear from those closest to Banegas to make that case.

“Everyone here agrees that Jason deserves to be punished for what he did without a doubt. Life in prison without the possibility of parole is a severe enough penalty,” said defense attorney Krista Richman.

Despite the display of sadness shown by the officer’s family during court last Thursday, Banegas’ defense attorney says jurors should not use the power of those emotions to send their client to death row.

His defense team argued in front of jurors that the defendant’s age at the time and background contributed to the fatal October 2021 shooting of Officer Yandy Chirino.

“…And once you hear his story, you’ll know in your heart [that] a vote for life is the right vote,” said Richman.

According to authorities, Banegas, then 18, shot Chirino during an altercation in the Emerald Hills neighborhood in 2021.

Chirino, who was just 28 years old at the time, encountered Banegas while responding to a call of a possible burglary.

Banegas has since pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Richman claims life in prison would bring justice, and she again promised jurors that they would hear from those closest to the defendant to describe his turbulent life. She said he grew up around abuse and violence and, at one point, even attempted suicide.

Several experts were brought in by the defense on Monday, one of whom shared new information that questioned whether the second shot was fired by Banegas, as described by the medical examiner.

“There’s nothing that suggests that because two bullets were fired, that both of them hit the officer. One of them clearly did,” said forensic pathologist William Anderson.

Another expert, Dr. Robert Ouaou, a neuropsychologist, testified that an 18-year-old’s brain was not that of an adult.

“More impulsive, less attentive, more risk-taking,” he said.

Inside the courtroom, near the jury box, was the bicycle that Benegas was riding the day of the shooting.

Only eight of the 12 jurors have to vote yes for Banegas to be sentenced to death.

More testimony is expected on Tuesday.

A family in Port Saint Lucie searched for days for their 16-year-old dog, Colt, who doesn’t walk fast but somehow made it a mile and a half from home when their front door didn’t latch.

Doorbell camera footage captured him slipping out the front door Thursday night.

The family printed flyers, knocked on doors, and posted in Facebook groups, but had heard nothing back.

“Devastated, not knowing if he was suffering, He’s my baby,” said Colt’s owner, Kristy Underwood, “and by Saturday, we were crying, we didn’t think we were going to see him again, we’ve had him since he was six weeks old.”

Colt, unbeknownst to the family, had been trapped at the bottom of a deep, narrow construction hole.

“It was cold Thursday night, it rained Friday, I mean, he’s been through it,” said Underwood.

Luckily, a cyclist who happened to be passing by at the right time heard some strange noises.

“And that’s when I stumbled across little Colt, in dire need, and, you know, not looking too good,” said Andrew Balaschak.

The man then called 911 and stayed with Colt until help arrived.

“Just kind of hanging out right here, trying to get some water down in his mouth, as much as I could,” said Andrew Balaschak.

When animal control arrived, they pulled Colt out and alerted his family that he had been found.

“Ecstatic, I’m shaking, I’m crying, I couldn’t believe it, so I ran in, and I actually woke my husband,” said Underwood. “I’m like, we got to go, we got to go, they found Colt, he jumped up, he’s like, what? where?”

And now Colt’s doing much better, with enough food, water, and lots of sleep.

“I mean, look at this guy,” said Underwood. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The family is asking anyone with open construction sites to secure them.

The Miami Project at the Lynn Rehabilitation Center hosted its annual holiday party at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Friday morning.

They transformed a conference room into a “How the Grinch Stole the Holidays” wonderland.

Pediatric patients ranging from newborns to teenagers enjoyed lots of green-themed fun that included games, crafts and treats.

“They’ve invited us in like family and things like this during the holiday season when we are just trying to chase normalcy, it’s really special to be here ” said one parent.

“I wanna thank you, Lynn, for inviting me to the holiday party,” said one child.

Staff said the event is all about celebrating their progress and giving the children a day to just be kids.

The official first tilt took place on the eight-acre lot at the Miramar Park of Commerce, located near Red Road and Miramar Parkway, Friday morning and it occurred on a special day for the Ansin family.

“We picked this day because it was December 5, 1962 when Sid Ansin purchased Channel 7,” said Sunbeam Television CEO Andrew Ansin.

The headquarters will be the future home of WSVN Channel 7 and ABC Miami Channel 18.

Andrew said it’s not just a TV station but an investment in the future of local news and the South Florida community that the family has served for over 60 years.

“It’s super exciting. We’re here in Miramar, terrific location, great access to the highways. We’re building a building that’s extremely strong,” said Andrew Ansin. “It’ll be able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. We have to stay on air with people in the building during storms, is very important.”

Earlier in the year, Sunbeam Television reached an agreement with ABC and now simulcasts 7News on WSVN and ABC Miami.

Many of the key players involved and the family who’s making it happen spoke about their excitement for the new building.

“We’re so excited to share this groundbreaking event with our neighbors at Miramar, the dignitaries, our businesses, and we’re thrilled to be able to have Channel 7 and Channel 18 under one state-of-the-art modern facility,” said Sunbeam Television Co-President and General Manager James Ansin.

“[We are here] to commemorate this day with a tilt-up wall and begin the foundation of the TV station here. It’s going to be amazing,” said Sunbeam Television Co-President and General Manager Paul Magnes.

“It won’t just be for Miramar, it will be for all of South Florida to enjoy, so, to have this as one of the catalyst projects to show the progress and transformation of the City of Miramar,” said City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.

“We’re very excited, we’ve been working on this for three years and to see it come out of the ground, it’s an exciting day,” said Traci Miller with the Miller Construction Company.

It was an exciting day for the Ansin family, Channel 7 family, City of Miramar and all of South Florida as well.

“It’s all been a terrific collaboration between our family and the City of Miramar for the past 60 years,” said Andrew. “It’s going to help us amplify the message to support the nonprofits in town. It’s one of the great things in becoming the ABC affiliate, now we have two conduits, Channel 7 and 18 to push that message out.”

Construction for the new headquarters is expected to take between 18 and 24 months.

There was little left to be salvaged in what remained of the Raky family home after Mina Raky’s prized Tesla caught fire.

The garage was left a charred mess and completely gutted in the aftermath.

“Just the trauma, we are all traumatized at this point,” said Mina.

Mina said he heard pops and crackling at around 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, when he checked his garage, he saw smoke coming from the bottom of his Tesla, which was charging at the time.

“I saw this black smoke coming out, black smoke coming out from everywhere,” said Mina.

Mina then frantically raced to get his four children and wife out of the house.

His oldest daughter, Lily, who was trying to do the same, almost didn’t make it as she searched for her brother.

“I was not supposed to get out of the house,” said Lily. “After I walk into his room, that is where I lose all sight, hearing, I can’t feel my body anymore.”

She said she didn’t know how, but she managed to jump out of the second-story window, landing on the screened-in porch, where she was then able to get down to safety.

A Sanford Police officer returned to the home to rescue their dog, Leo, after the entire Raky family had made it out safely.

Mina said he’s haunted by the look on Leo’s face during the fire.

“I saw him crying the last time,” said Mina. “I’m glad he’s out; then there’s hope.”

According to a report from the Sanford Fire Department, “the origin of the fire was found to be at or around the Tesla charging station in the garage.”

The remains of the charging station can be seen charred, and the Tesla was towed outside the garage, where only the shell remained.

After the smoke cleared, Lily was able to save some simple things: cards, words of kindness from friends and loved ones.

“This is a note from my boyfriend when we first started dating,” said Lily.

She also rescued a little statue of Jesus, but, as Lily sees it, he rescued her.

Tesla has not commented on the fire.