Photos provided by Miami Beach Fire show the moments firefighters freed a pooch that was stuck underneath a building, Thursday night.

Officials say the pup got stuck after his leash got tangled around plumbing. Firefighters carefully entered the crawl space and safely freed the dog.

The puppy was unharmed and has since been reunited with his owner.

Jamari Charles’ family told 7News life for all of them changed drastically, New Year’s Day.

“He’s so young. 14 years old, full of life,” said Talia Stewart, Charles’ aunt.

Charles was riding an ATV when he collided with a car near Southwest 220th Street and 118th Avenue as celebratory fireworks continued going off, Thursday night.

Charles had just received the ATV as a Christmas gift.

At first, his family had gotten some good news after he was taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical but stable condition.

“He has no broken bones. There was no internal bleeding or anything like that,” said Stewart.

However, Charles wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and has swelling on his brain as a result.

His doctors are keeping him sedated for the time being.

“He did sustain a head injury so right now we’re just trying to make sure that that is fine, but he is gonna be out of school for the rest of the year and he’s gonna be doing rehab and therapy,” said Stewart.

As an athlete and student at Arthur & Polly Mays 6-12 Conservatory of the Arts, his family described Charles as being passionate about football.

His family also said Charles is kind and loves his family.

“He’s a very respectful kid. We have a very big family, he’s very family-oriented,” said Stewart.

His family now sharing their love for him as he looks at several months to recover from the crash.

“We hate that it happened so young because the brain is still developing. We do believe that God can do anything, all things, God can do anything and God is a healer, so you know that he’ll make it out,” said Stewart.

For now, Charles’ family continues to pray that they receive more good news once he is no longer sedated.

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the crash and no charges have been filed.

The family has created a GoFundMe asking for assistance to cover Charles’ medical expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

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.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a fire in the area of Northwest 22nd Avenue and 183rd Street, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Thursday.

Crews found the truck on fire upon arrival.

The blaze was quickly extinguished.

Officials said it started after a box of fireworks caught fire in the bed of the truck .

No injuries were reported.

In a statement posted on X, MDSO said deputy Leonard Cantave is showing significant signs of improvement after undergoing surgery. He has been extubated and is breathing on his own. They say he is now awake and alert and able to recognize his loved ones.

Cantave was hospitalized after being struck by a driver while assisting FHP troopers who were responding to a traffic crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Northwest 58th Street, Dec. 27.

Investigators identified the driver as 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson.

According to the arrest report, Brinson had admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana before the crash. He had also been driving with a suspended license.

He’s accused of not slowing down as he passed FHP and MDSO cruisers. Brinson reportedly swerved to avoid the crash and struck Cantave.

Brinson faces a felony charge for reckless driving that caused a serious injury.

He has since bonded out of jail and is expected to appear back in court sometime in February.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the crash unfolded near Southwest 220th Street and 118th Avenue, just after 6 p.m., Thursday.

The teen was reportedly riding a four-wheeler he had recently received as a gift for Christmas when he collided with a vehicle.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews transported the teen to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical but stable condition.

The condition of the driver of the other vehicle involved is unknown.

7News cameras were rolling as crews loaded the ATV onto a trailer.

The circumstances that led up to the crash remain under investigation.

Florida City Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a shooting along the 500 block of Northwest 15th Street, just before 5 p.m., Thursday.

Investigators were seen searching for clues in the cordoned-off intersection, where several evidence markers and bullet casings were spotted scattered across the road.

The victim was taken to Jackson South Medical Center in unknown condition.

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.

Hundreds of sea cows were spotted keeping close at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River on New Year’s Eve.

Temperatures there dipped down into the 30s as visitors snapped photos of the manatees huddled together in the water.

Southwest Florida Water Management officials say a project that improved water quality in the area has made it a good spot for manatees to stay warm during the winter.

The families rang in the new year with their newborns coming into the world at the perfect time, shortly after midnight struck, to begin 2026.

At Memorial Regional Hospital, the countdown ended with a cry of joy as baby Isaiah made his grand entrance at exactly 12:16 a.m., Thursday morning.

Isaiah weighs just over 6 pounds and stretched out at 19 inches, making a special entrance for first-time parents Donnica Haynes and Shamar Williams.

“He didn’t want to come on the 31st. He wanted to be special and come Jan. 1. So yeah, this is our New Year’s baby,” said Haynes.

It was a special moment to begin the year, already turning 2026 into something different for the young family.

“It’s good. It’s pretty much good right now,” said Williams.

The couple said they’re looking forward to baby Isaiah’s presence in their home.

“Just having his presence and, you know, to fill the house with joy,” said Haynes.

Just a few miles away, at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, another midnight miracle occurred.

Baby Eden Skye Garrido was born at 12:14 a.m. to join the family of five for the new Year.

“We’re exhausted, but we’re excited, we’re ecstatic. Best way to ring in the New Year,” said mother Megan Garrido.

She said the newborn’s name has a special meaning.

“Eden Skye means a new beginning, like the Garden of Eden. We’re blessed to ring in the new year with baby Eden,” said Megan.

At South Miami Hospital, baby Sienna joined the New Year’s Day celebration at 12:41 a.m., weighing in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces.

And at Broward Health Medical Center, baby Iris Derilus arrived later in the morning at 7:26 a.m., weighing in at 8 pounds and 6 ounces.

Four babies born to four different families, at four different hospitals across South Florida, now sharing the start of their lives right after the start of a new year.

Photos provided by the Coast Guard show crews rescuing four boaters after their 28-foot vessel started sinking.

All four boaters are expected to be OK.

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.

The city hosted the Soup Joumou Celebration at the Joe Celestin Community Center, Thursday morning.

The dish — a point of pride for the Haitian community — consists of a stew of beef, vegetables and squad, which symbolizes freedom and independence.

The annual event commemorates Haiti’s independence in 1804 and is meant to foster pride and unity across the community.

Officials say a fire broke out at a home located near Northwest 182nd Street, Wednesday.

The flames caused extensive damage to the home and the family’s belongings, with authorities determining the structure to be unlivable.

The Red Cross is assisting the family of five find a temporary place to live.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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.

Volunteers from both teams, cheerleaders and their mascots came together to assist the Green Haven Project with some gardening near 1160 Northwest Second Avenue as part of the Orange Bowl community service project.

It’s one of several Orange Bowl community service activities taking place in South Florida ahead of the big game between the Ducks and Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium, Thursday.

“The Orange Bowl committee does so much great work to make this event festive, but it’s also part of our DNA to try and give back and be part of the community, so it’s an honor to be able to have that opportunity,” said University of Oregon president Karl Scholz.

“This is exciting, too, to be able to get engaged and involved in the local community, and we really appreciate the University of Oregon’s invitation, this is a tradition that they began,” said Curt Langford, the senior vice president of the Texas Tech Alumni Association.

The Green Haven Project works to create community gardens and sustainable ecosystems in neighborhoods that lack access to fresh food.

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.

The surveillance video provided by Mitch Novick, the owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, captured the desperate cries for help from a man after he was viciously attacked by someone, as well as his fiancée running away after, police said, she was sexually battered, at around 5 a.m. on Saturday.

“You heard a scream for help, two screams for help,” said Novick. “Followed by what appeared to be a naked woman exiting my neighbor’s property.”

Police said Novick’s security system captured the man they believe was responsible for committing the cruel acts.

“It was a heinous crime, very disturbing,” said Novick.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Alix Innocent, was later taken into custody.

The ordeal began that morning when, police said, a woman was walking home from a club with her fiancé near the 900 block of Ocean Drive.

That was when, detectives said, they were attacked by Innocent.

“Her fiancé was knocked out, left in a pool of blood, and she was forced to a nearby location, where she was sexually battered against her will,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess.

Police said another camera captured Innocent forcing the victim into a building at 918 Ocean Drive.

The victim is heard saying, “You’re going to kill me,” according to the arrest report. The man responded: “I’m not. Shut up! You’re going to listen, right?”

The victim then told police he forced her to go to the building’s rooftop and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t perform sex acts.

According to the report, the victim bit the man’s penis before running away.

That’s when, according to police, surveillance video captured Innocent leaving the building with an apparent limp while trying to track her down.

“I can confirm that that is our suspect. He tried to follow her, and he was apprehended the next day,” said Bess.

Innocent remains behind bars with no bond after he appeared before a judge, Monday.

“There’s probable cause for armed sexual battery. Count two, there’s probable cause for kidnapping. Both counts, no bond,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer.

Investigators said they managed to identify Innocent after he posted an Instagram story bragging about knocking a man out on Ocean Drive.

“Our subject bragged about this on his Instagram stories,” said Bess.

Authorities said Innocent was wearing the same outfit he had on in the surveillance footage and had a backpack filled with marijuana and mushrooms when he was taken into custody.

Officials said Innocent was out on probation and had an active warrant in Broward County.

Cell phone video captured smoke billowing into the sky above a home near Northeast Fifth Avenue and 177th Street in North Miami Beach, Tuesday morning.

The homeowner, Bernie Jadotte, spoke with 7News, saying he had just left the home a few minutes before the fire happened.

“I was doing house cleaning for the New Year’s, I stepped out for a few minutes to go to the Home Depot, five minutes later, 10 minutes later, I get a call, they say there’s smoke in my house. By the time I come inside, the whole house is on fire,” said Jadotte.

7Skyforce soared above the scene as smoke poured out of a large hole in the roof while firefighters battled the blaze.

Jadotte could be seen visibly distraught on the sidewalk outside of the home.

While the rest of Jadotte’s family members managed to escape unharmed, the family’s pet dog did not survive.

“I mean, it’s the worst way to start the New Year’s but at least my mom and my brothers are safe. My dog, he passed away,” said Jadotte.

Jadotte said the house is also a total loss after flames ravaged the inside.

The Red Cross is assisting the family as they figure out their next move.

“We’re gonna figure something. I’m gonna get some help, I’m gonna figure something out,” said Jadotte. “We’ll work it out.”

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is investigating what caused the fire.

According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Public Storage Facility near Northwest 108th Street and Seventh Avenue after receiving reports of a possible grenade.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed there was a grenade and evacuated the surrounding areas as they waited for bomb squad units.

The bomb squad units determined the grenade was inert and posed no danger.

Officials have since given the all clear.

Authorities said 45-year-old Erik Martin was driving under the influence when he got into a traffic crash involving a garbage truck near Northwest 72nd Avenue and 47th Street.

An officer who was asking Martin questions following the crash said he appeared disoriented and his speech was slurred.

Martin was charged with DUI causing damage to a property or person.

He has since posted his $2,000 bond and is now out of jail.

Officials said the blaze broke out inside the building, located near Northwest First Street and Eighth Avenue, Monday afternoon.

Upon arrival, Miami Fire Rescue units found heavy smoke and flames pouring out of a second-floor unit.

Crews extinguished the blaze but determined four units were uninhabitable.

In total, officials said, nine adults, one infant and a cat were displaced due to the fire.

The American Red Cross is assisting the affected residents.

No injuries were reported.

Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

As people across South Florida prepare to ring in the new year, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz joined deputies to spread the message to protect the community this holiday season.

“I’m here to talk about the serious issue that’s killed too many in our community. Celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve,” said Cordero-Stutz.

Authorities are hoping the message will ensure residents can enjoy the end of year festivities safely.

“This is a season of celebration, a time for family, friends and neighbors together safely. Remember: one bullet can end that celebration. Let’s keep Miami-Dade safe,” said Cordero-Stutz.

The same reckless behavior, Cordero-Stutz said, was responsible for the death of 10-year-old Yaneliz Munguia while she and her family were celebrating New Year’s Eve at the end of 2024.

“We have felt this pain here at home, during the most recent New Year’s Eve celebration. Yaneliz Munguia, a little girl of 10 years of age, lost her life in Northwest Miami-Dade,” she said.

Cordero-Stutz also said MDSO will be stepping up their efforts on patrols during the holiday season.

“We will have high-visibility patrols, we will use all available technology to detect gunfire and respond immediately,” said Cordero-Stutz.

Miami-Dade’s top cop said anybody who does fire off celebratory gunshots could face steep consequences, including being locked behind bars.

“It is a crime to discharge a weapon in public. It obviously will matter, the situation, the totality of the situation, how it occurs, but they can be facing anything from fines to time in jail,” said Cordero-Stutz.

She also has a message to any residents who witness others firing off celebratory gunshots in the air.

“If at all possible, get under cover. ‘Cause that’s a first, what goes up must come down,” said Cordero-Stutz. “If you see or hear someone firing into the air, call us. Dial 911. Do not wait, do not assume someone else is going to report it. Lives are at stake.”

The sheriff also said a bullet that’s fired into the air can travel up to three miles in any direction, more than enough to cross over city and county lines before it comes back down.

A video posted by OnlyInDade captured the large reptile passing through Wilfredo Santana’s front yard near Southwest 99th Place and 11th Street.

7News spoke with Santana, who was shocked to see how close the animal got to his home.

“I was working, I saw him through the cameras. That’s a big animal,” Santana said in Spanish.

Nearby residents called 911 to report the wild animal.

A short time later, officers for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed up to wrangle the reptile.

The video goes on to show officers moving in as they worked to corral the gator. The gator manages to spin around several times before officers get it under control.

Not long after, the officers have the gator subdued and secured with tape.

Neighbors said even though there’s a lake nearby, they’d never seen an alligator walking through the area like that.

“More than 40 years I’ve been living here and I’ve never seen one of those but there is a lake back there,” said Santana in Spanish.

The FWC says there are about 1.3 million alligators across all 67 counties in Florida.

Santana told 7News this particular gator posed a real risk, especially to kids and elderly residents.

“It’s a danger, it’s a danger because that is a big animal,” he said in Spanish.

Officials are also reminding all residents that an alligator is considered a nuisance if it’s more then 4 feet long and a threat to people and pets. If anyone has concerns about an alligator in their area, they can call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-392-4286.

New body camera video released by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments deputies dove into frigid waters to rescue a young boy.

Authorities say the 6-year-old boy, Coco, who is nonverbal and has autism, was found in a pond near a Deltona neighborhood.

“Coco! Coco, come here!” a deputy is heard shouting as they searched for Coco.

They say Coco is known to be attracted to water and deputies knew to be extra cautious as they walked through the pond.

“OK, we see him. His chest is above the water,” a deputy said in the footage. “Don’t yell, that makes him laugh.”

After spotting Coco, deputies slowly approached him, finding him chest-deep water.

“Hey, bud. You’re Coco? Come here, my name is Brady,” the deputy tells Coco. “Come here, OK, we’re gonna get you a blanket, OK? Come here.”

Deputies breathed a sigh of relief after finding him safe and sound. Coco was cold but otherwise unharmed.

“I know, we’re gonna get you a blanket, buddy,” a deputy told Coco.

After carrying Coco back to solid land, deputies reunited him with his family.

Coco’s family was overwhelmed with emotions as he was brought back to them for the holiday.

“He’s cold, we have the fire department coming just to check on him,” the deputy tells his father.

This wasn’t Coco’s first time taking an unexpected dive.

In August 2024, Coco fell into a different pond nearby. He was safely rescued and unharmed after that fall.

Since then, Coco has started taking swimming lessons.

Deputies also spoke with Coco’s family about improving precautionary measures and using a tracker to know where he is at all times.

Teams got to work in preparing the big orange, a 35-foot, 2,000-pound LED sculpture to make its climb to the top of the InterContinental hotel when the clock strikes midnight in New Year’s Day in downtown Miami.

The annual tradition has been going strong for nearly 40 years, becoming a staple in South Florida’s celebration tradition.

“We’ve had an amazing run. It works every year, once in awhile we had a little snafu, where we had to bring it down, maybe a transformer went out, put a transformer and take it back up, but it’s worked for 39 years,” said Steve Carpenter, the owner of Mr. Neon.

Carpenter is the mastermind behind the one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve icon.

“It’s unbelievable, when I first built it and designed it to fit this building, I never dreamed it would be going this long, it’s unbelievable,” said Carpenter.

The neon orange returns with a refreshed look and upgraded lighting effects.

Crews got to work in performing test runs for the Big Orange several days before the big countdown begins.

“We like to put it on the building four or five days early just in case we have any problems. So instead of putting it up the day before, that way, it gives us four or five days if we have a bad piece of neon,” said Carpenter.

The Big Orange will soon brighten the Miami skyline as many residents count down the final seconds of 2025.

The annual celebration has steadily grown as people spend the night cheering and celebrating.

“Now we get 100,000 plus people and it’s amazing,” said Carpenter.

Organizers have promised a dazzling show this year, including entertainment, food trucks and family-friendly activities throughout the night.

“They say, ‘When it’s 12:00, it’s New Year’s.’ I go, ‘No, it’s not New Year’s until I say it’s New Year’s,'” said Carpenter.

During the New Year’s celebration, Miami’s new mayor, Eileen Higgins, will reward Carpenter with a key to the city for the decades of work he has put into the Big Orange.

“This is something that is causing a lot of injuries to a lot of kids,” said Doctor Patricio Lau, a pediatric trauma surgeon.

Several doctors from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital are hoping some parents consider putting the brakes on e-bikes and electric scooters, which they say have led to a sharp increase in emergency room visits over the last year.

“We have double the number of patients that we have seen over the last year and so far in the first three-quarters of the year, we saw 40 patients already coming in quite severe. Injuries that we have seen range from little scrapes and bruises to very severe injuries, such as multiple broken bones, internal organ damage and in some cases, punctured lungs,” said Lau.

The hospital’s trauma team said one of the most concerning increases in visits was from patients between the ages of 8 and 16.

E-bikes and electric scooters are considered vehicles in the state of Florida, which is why hospital leaders are urging parents to ensure kids have a lot of experience before riding one.

“Children must master regular bikes and conventional scooter riding before they can go ahead and jump into these higher classified velocity vehicles,” said community outreach injury prevention coordinator Malvina Duncan.

Doctors also have several tips for parents.

They said supervision is critical, along with age-appropriate devices, helmets and giving your child clear rules about where and how to ride.

They also stressed to keep an eye out for the hot batteries on these e-bikes and scooters.

“We want to make sure to avoid burns,” said Duncan.

Doctors recommend making sure kids understand how fast cars can go and not to underestimate them if they need to cross a street.

“In just a matter of seconds, they can be approaching your vehicle,” said Duncan.

As the holiday season continues, trauma specialists say awareness and prevention can make the difference between a joyful gift and a trip to the emergency room.

“With the holidays and everything else coming up and more kids getting this as a present, we will probably see an increase in patients getting hurt from this,” said Lau.

Experts also suggested kids should not be riding these vehicles at night and to avoid busy roads.

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.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a person being shot in the area of Southwest 67th Avenue and 13th Terrace at approximately 10:30 a.m., Friday.

Upon arrival, deputies found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the injured woman to a local hospital in critical, but stable condition.

Authorities say they detained a man but no arrests have been made.

7Skyforce captured several MDSO cruisers blocking off the area around noon.

The investigation is ongoing.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

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.

Officials say Frontier Airlines flight 2802 was enroute to San Juan, Puerto Rico when it was forced to head west over Abaco in the Bahamas to make an emergency landing in Miami.

The Airbus A320 managed to land safely and was taken to Gate F18, where it was met by multiple fire trucks.

Officials have not determined the exact cause for the emergency landing but Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they believe the aircraft experienced a fuel leak from the central tank as it flew over the Atlantic.

Crews were seen inspecting the aircraft after passengers were able to safely disembark.

The flight, which was originally heading directly to San Juan, has since been able to take off from MIA shortly before 8:30 p.m. and is expected to land in Puerto Rico around midnight, Thursday.

The emergency landing did not impact airport operations.

The exact cause of the emergency landing is under investigation.

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 well-known CEO, Bobby Suarez, from the popular TV commercials for SelltoBobby.com, told 7News it “feels like an unexpected Christmas gift” after Miami Gardens Police tracked down his stolen Porsche.

The luxury vehicle was taken from Suarez’s Northwest Miami-Dade home during a burglary in November.

Saurez told 7News that Miami Gardens Police found his Porsche in the backyard of a home near Northwest 39th Place and 190th Street.

A man who lived at that home told 7News he saw another man who would occasionally park vehicles there, but he didn’t know anything else.

Photos taken after the Porsche was recovered shows some damage below the driver’s console. The thieves appeared to have ripped something out of the car, and now it won’t start, according to Suarez.

The terrifying home invasion happened while Suarez and his family were asleep inside.

“We feel violated,” Suarez said at the time.

Surveillance video from his home captured two men wearing black hoodies forcing their way into his home and even going into his children’s room.

The pair rifled through his home for 28 minutes, stealing two bags, keys to another vehicle and the Porsche that has now been returned.

Suarez told 7News the break-in left his family terrified about what else could’ve happened.

“Somebody could get hurt. They could’ve done something to my daughters while they were sleeping. They could’ve done something to me or my wife,” said Suarez in November. “So if you know these individuals, please turn them in.”

In the surveillance footage, one brief moment got a decent glimpse at one subject’s obscured face.

Suarez is still hoping the footage will help authorities identify who was responsible.

Suarez also said there were several other stolen vehicles found at the same address where they found his Porsche. He has not heard of any arrests being made.

7News has reached out to Miami Gardens Police for more information about this case.

Bodycam video shows the moment the officer walked up to the vehicle stopped on the side of the highway.

The officer spoke with Santa and his passenger, Mrs. Claus, noting that Santa was carrying a concealed weapon, or CCW.

“Santa has a CCW?” the officer is heard asking the driver.

“Yes, sir, you have to,” he told the officer. “Times are tough.”

The officer took a moment to get a photo with Santa and wished him a merry Christmas.

He decided to let Mr. and Mrs. Claus go with a friendly reminder to slow down on the roadway.

Lacary came up with the idea of a “Grinch Mobile” after seeing his car’s paint peeling. He wrapped the vehicle with a whopping 2,500 lights and placed several Grinch-themed decorations on the roof.

He said spreading some holiday joy with the one-of-a-kind design made his heart grow three sizes.

“The main reason I do it is the smiles. If it weren’t for the people’s smiles, the kids, the reactions and all the love and joy, everybody, like, coming up to me, I definitely would have not, never did it again,” said Lacary.

Lacary said he’s already planning a design to convert his car into a Mardi Gras mobile after the holiday season comes to an end.

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.

On Christmas morning, the spirit of giving was on full display at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Northwest Miami-Dade.

“They see other people coming in from the community to give them love and that goes beyond anything that words can express,” said David Jenett, the volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army.

It’s the 15th year the Salvation Army has worked alongside the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to provide festive Christmas meals to those in need, turning their compassion into action on a day centered around community and belonging.

“Those that have should be able to give to others and it’s part of a Jewish tradition and value, regardless of what someone has, is there are always people that have less so if we’re able to get something ourselves, whether it’s time, whether it’s money, resources, but more so as a community coming together, it’s part of our tradition,” said Scott Kaplan, the director of the Jewish foundation.

More than 250 guests were welcome for a hot holiday lunch, prepared by chef Gary Lampner, from Eggwhites Catering, alongside dozens of volunteers who began meal prep in the early hours on Thursday.

“We see the appreciation, you know, on the residents’ faces, you know, we make really good food, so it’s not just, you know, an industrial experience or a cafeteria experience, you know, we make an elevated menu and presentation so I think that they really appreciate the fact that they’re getting something special,” said Lampner.

Seeing the hundreds of guests enjoy a lively meal together brought a sense of fulfillment for Lampner, who saw the opportunity of serving these meals as a way of giving back for all the support they provided to his family.

“The Salvation Army was instrumental in helping my dad while he was an orphan at the Hebrew orphanage in New York City during the Great Depression and the Salvation Army was an organization that actually visited and gave the kids toys and shoes, so he always told me to remember the Salvation Army, so it was the perfect opportunity to be able to volunteer our time, help those in need and also to honor my father,” said Lampner.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene near Southwest 91st Street and 83rd Avenue, Wednesday afternoon.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke pouring out of the home.

Crews cut a hole in the roof of the home to get access to the flames.

One person was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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.

Cameras from the Fleisch Classic Jewish Deli on West 41st Street captured the shattered glass covering the sidewalk outside after the man had broken in, just before 3 a.m., Wednesday.

At one point, he’s seen attempting to tamper with one of the deli’s cameras.

Inside the deli, the man, who authorities identified as 45-year-old Christopher Pike, is seen walking through the shop and even enjoying a fountain drink.

A short time later, several Miami Beach Police officers arrived at the deli to confront Pike.

According to the arrest report, officers gave Pike several commands to walk toward them. He reportedly ignored them and continued attempting to pry open the cash register behind the front counter.

Eventually, he moves toward officers, who take him into custody.

Before authorities arrived, Ronald Varagas, an employee who works at a nearby restaurant, heard the commotion outside.

“I saw the guy breaking the window to my neighbor’s business, and I kept my distance and called 911, and police arrived in seconds,” Varagas told 7News in Spanish.

Varagas also recorded cellphone video of Pike standing outside of the deli near the broken glass.

Pike appeared before a judge, Wednesday afternoon.

This arrest comes just days after Pike was released from jail for a separate crime.

“So soon after being released from custody, isn’t this a disappointment,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Victoria Sigler.

Pike faces multiple charges, including burglary, criminal mischief, resisting officers without violence and giving a false name.

The estimated damage caused to the deli was around $1,600.

The deli remains open, but the damaged window has been boarded up for the time being.

Meanwhile, Pike remains behind bars.

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.

Surveillance video provided by Fernando Bantos shows the subject walking through the lobby of the Cedar Glenn Condominium, located in Northeast Miami-Dade, before he picked up a nearby package and walked out.

“You can tell they’re up to no good,” said Bantos.

Another camera showed the same individual exiting his vehicle that was parked right outside and walking through the entrance of the condo, just before 5:00 a.m., Tuesday.

That footage also shows a second person exiting the same vehicle, then accompanying the other individual while carrying a large, square package wrapped in white wrapping paper.

Bantos believes those two individuals used the square package as a decoy, adding that the duo targeted his package since he had received confirmation his order had been delivered just hours before.

“He looks at the table, and he picks up the package, and then they walk out,” said Bantos.

After a few minutes, the brazen thieves are seen leaving the condo and driving away.

“They probably thought it was something expensive, like electronics or maybe a laptop, computer or something, because it didn’t look like a cheap package,” said Bantos.

Bantos told 7News the worst part of the theft was the package had a toy that was intended to be a Christmas gift from Santa for his young son.

“We thought we were gonna give it to him tonight, ’cause we celebrate it at midnight. I don’t know what Santa’s gonna do, I really don’t,” said Bantos. “It’s frustrating, and we actually don’t know what we’re gonna do. It’s not something we can go across the street and buy from Walmart or Target; it came from China. It was not even that expensive, but the frustration is really horrible that Santa is not gonna bring whatever he chose.”

Bantos said he and his wife are now scrambling to find another gift to save Christmas for his son.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

If you have any information on this theft or the subjects’ whereabouts, 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.

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.

Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Nader Zahr and his father, Sam, said the incident occurred just days after opening.

“For it to happen your first week in business is extra demoralizing,” said Zahr.

The owners said they are hurting after their crown jewel, a Lamborghini STO worth $400,000, was never returned after a man rented the car from their business, DRMLXRY, on Northwest Seventh Court in Miami.

“I built this place, basically, from my bare hands,” said Zahr.

Zahr and his family ran a similar business in Detroit before starting one up in South Florida.

He said a lot of work went into setting up the luxury vehicle rental company.

“I put a lot of effort into making this place look nice,” said Zahr. “Leaving everything behind in Michigan and pursuing my dream here.”

On Saturday, Zahr said, a man came to the business to rent the vehicle. He placed a $1,000 deposit and was on his way.

Surveillance video from inside the shop showed Zahr asking the man for his ID shortly before taking the deposit.

The man was supposed to return the Lamborghini on Monday night.

Zahr then received a text message from the man’s phone.

“‘Theoc is in jail.’ That’s the customer’s name,” said Zahr.

After receiving the message, Zahr replied. After getting no response, he kept sending messages.

“Then I sent them another text, and another text after that,” said Zahr.

With no responses from the man and the vehicle’s tracker shutting off, Zahr decided it was time to take action.

“Once we saw that the tracker had been disconnected and he wasn’t responding, that’s when we decided to take action,” said Zahr.

A second tracker kept on the Lamborghini led Zahr to an area near Homestead. Upon arriving in the area, his Lamborghini was nowhere in sight.

He said police told him license plate readers last spotted the stolen Lamborghini somewhere in Miami Beach.

Just days before his Lamborghini was stolen, the renter had rented and returned a Rolls-Royce from his shop, which was stolen earlier this year.

7News covered that theft before authorities recovered the luxury vehicle for one of Zahr’s business partners.

“Thank you so much for helping me to find my car,” said Nader Eldamouni, the owner of that Rolls-Royce.

Zahr said that despite having one of his family’s treasured vehicles stolen from him, he still stands by keeping his business running.

“I love giving people the opportunity to drive exotic cars. Not everybody has that opportunity; you should see the look on some people’s faces. They light up when they see a Lamborghini,” he said.

Now his family is left hoping that authorities can recover the fancy vehicle.

Zahr and his family are offering a $2,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to the return of the stolen vehicle.

If you have any information on this crime, 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.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the arrest of 40-year-old Mario Martinez during a press conference held Tuesday.

Fernandez Rundle said Martinez used his position at the bank and close relations with a disabled client to steal thousands of dollars from her.

“Martinez utilized the victim’s trust and his bank position to allegedly steal over half a million dollars,” said Fernandez Rundle.

According to investigators, it happened at the Bank of America located along Southwest 136th Street, where Martinez worked at in 2024.

Martinez allegedly convinced the client to entrust him with managing her money, using a joint account to transfer her money to himself.

“His scheme included opening a joint account in both their names in order for him to move money into his own account,” said Fernandez Rundle.

The woman, who suffers from a chronic disorder that leaves her unable to walk, told detectives she had no idea that Martinez had made the account.

“Our victim indicated that she was unaware of any of this activity, and obviously she did not authorize the opening of the joint account,” said Fernandez Rundle.

Investigators said the branch opened an internal investigation after discovering what appeared to be fraudulent activity.

They said that during that investigation, Martinez confessed and then quit his job at the bank.

A spokesperson for Bank of America provided a statement on the arrest to 7News:

Whenever we learn of potential wrongdoing, we promptly investigate, fully cooperate with regulators and law enforcement, and work with the client to compensate them for any harm caused by an employee. Putting clients first and protecting client assets have been guiding principles since our founding more than 100 years ago.

Martinez reportedly also attempted to contact the victim several times in an apparent attempt to convince her to not report the crime to authorities, according to police.

“He tried several times to contact our victim via telephone and even contacted our victim’s aides to speak with her,” said Fernandez Rundle. “One of her aides in her house saw him deliver a gift basket at her home. This gift basket from Martinez was an effort to persuade her against reporting this theft to the police.”

With the former banker now in custody, Fernandez Rundle said this arrest is a reminder for the community to keep an eye out for vulnerable members who could fall prey to fraudulent schemes.

“We will not tolerate the victimization of our vulnerable residents, and we will do whatever is necessary to protect them,” said Fernandez Rundle.

“Exploiting someone because of their disability or vulnerability is unacceptable,” said Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. “We will aggressively pursue those who prey on others.”

Martinez remains behind bars, and he appeared before a judge on Wednesday.

He faces multiple charges, including exploitation of a disabled person, organized fraud and first-degree grand theft.

Surveillance footage released on Tuesday shows the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Nicholas Eichorst, tearing down the menorah and pushing it to the ground, Monday night.

The menorah, located outside of the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office, was part of the office’s first ceremony lighting a menorah on Saturday.

Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez issued a statement denouncing the latest act of vandalism, saying it “has no place in Miami-Dade County and no place in a civilized society.”

The county office had celebrated its first ever Hanukkah ceremony over the weekend for the holiday that ended on Monday.

According to the arrest report, it’s not the first time Eichorst has targeted the Tax Collector’s Office. Last month, Eichorst was arrested for throwing a rock at the building, cracking one of the windows.

Fernandez called the vandalism a despicable act and said the county’s tax collector’s office is working with authorities to identify the man in the video.

The tax collector said he wants to focus as well on the good Samaritan who found the vandalized menorah and restored it.

“But the good thing is, in the video, is that one bad actor can, you know, destroy the menorah, but another good person from our community comes back and restores the menorah, and that is the message that we wanted to give to our community,” Fernandez said. “It’s not a message about hate. It’s the message about, we are here to continue to fight for light, and that is the most important message here: that the only way to fight darkness is with light.”

Fernandez’s office said they are also looking for the good Samaritan so they can thank him.

The menorah is standing and lit once again as of Tuesday night.

“It doesn’t matter what’s your faith, we’re going to be here for you,” said Fernandez.

Authorities said the estimated damage for this incident is $500.

Eichorst remains behind bars on $2,500 bond.

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 Udonis Haslem Foundation’s 17th annual B-Wootie Holiday Program, which is named in honor of Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem’s late stepmother, Barbara Wooten, gave kids a chance to go on an unforgettable shopping spree at a Walmart Supercenter on Northwest 177th Street.

The foundation gave 100 outstanding students from Miami-Dade and Broward County schools $200 gift cards for excelling in school despite the challenges they faced.

“Just to see the smiles on their faces, the kids just enjoying themselves, it brings warmth to my heart, especially around the holidays,” said volunteer Angelo Marcelus.

“So many of these kids are buying things for their homes instead of for themselves, so the ability to be able to help them be able to honestly enjoy this time for the holidays for themselves is the main focus of our team,” said Sylvester King, Jr., the chairman of the Udonis Haslem Foundation.

The fun didn’t stop with the shopping spree.

The group then went to Tropical Park to enjoy the rides at Christmas Wonderland.