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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

During Tuesday’s opening statements and subsequent testimony, officers who responded to the scene testified about the tragic shooting that killed their colleague, Officer Yandy Chirino.

“His death didn’t just take a friend away from me, it took away a future. He deserved to live.” said Hollywood Police Officer Henry Martinez while on the stand.

The testimony was part of the trial where a jury will decide whether Jason Banegas, who was 18 at the time of the 2021 fatal shooting and has pled guilty to the charges, will face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

According to officials, Banegas shot and killed Chirino during an armed struggle, after Chirino responded to reports of someone checking car handles for unlocked cars.

Officers raced to the scene to assist and saw their colleague shot. One of them shared his emotional testimony in the courtroom.

“He was pointing at his face,” said Hollywood Police Detective Manuel Rodriguez-Blevins.

“What could you see?” said a prosecutor.

“I could tell that he’d been shot,” said Rodriguez-Blevins.

Chirino was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

In court, surveillance video was shown of the drive to the hospital.

“How did you know Officer Chirino was still alive on the drive to the hospital?” asked the prosecutor.

“He was squeezing my finger,” said Martinez.

In a tearful testimony, Martinez mourned the loss of his close friend and said he was one of a kind.

“I had the privilege of knowing one of the best human beings God has created. A man who loved his family, loved his job and lived every day fully.” said Martinez.

Court adjourned on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Only eight of 12 jurors need to vote yes in order for Banegas to be sentenced to death.

The incident took place at 3 Natives Acai and Bakery on Wednesday.

The subject is seen coming in with a fake $100 and walking out with $20 worth of food and real $80.

Store manager Andrew Michael said it is a major blow to the small business.

“We are essentially a small business. We are trying to feed everyone healthy, fast food. We want to give back to the community in a healthy way and for this to happen,” he said.

The employee working at the register checked the bill, even holding it up to the light, before eventually accepting it.

“He was caught off guard, because we don’t carry that much smaller change for big bills especially when it’s a low dollar amount,” said Michael.

But only after the incident did the employee realized that it was fake.

“Gave him his change, he walked out with the two bowls and $80 in change.” said Michael. “Held it up to the light that’s where it shows the face is Hamilton which is on the $10, not the $100.”

This latest crime comes after a previous counterfeit incident last January.

Now, Michael says he will ban $100 bills.

Members of the College Football Playoff Committee were in Miami on Thursday to celebrate the game’s return to the Magic City, which will take place in January.

“It is a destination city, but the best thing is that Miami knows how to throw great events, big events to a grand scale,” said Rich Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff.

Clark was flanked by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who had one message to the crowd: We got this.

“We are veterans. We know how to do this, we’ve done this multiple times, so many Super Bowls,” she said.

And while it remains unclear who will play in the game at Hard Rock Stadium, the College Football Playoff has announced its star-studded lineup of artists, as well as some more fun for the attending fans.

These fun events include a Playoff Fan Central at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Media Day, a Taste of the Championship event, and the Baptist Health CFP Trophy Trot.

Some of the artists playing at the free two-day concert on Miami Beach ahead of the game include DJ Calvin Harris, John Summit, XANDRA, Mexican trailblazer Peso Pluma, trio Latin Mafia, and Latin Pop powerhouse Greeicy.

As for the teams participating in the event, it’s unknown. Currently, the University of Miami is ranked 13th, just one spot out of a playoff position.

Clark said if UM wants a spot at the playoffs, they have to earn it.

“I would say if Miami were able to earn its way into this, it would be spectacular. I can’t even imagine the level of excitement that that would bring,” he said.

Local fans would be very excited to see Miami take home the national championship.

“Hope is alive right because they are knocking at the door. They just have to keep on playing some good football and then see how the field lines up,” said Clark.

The two-day concert will take place on Jan. 17 and 18. The championship is set for Jan. 19.

Speaking with the press in Orlando, Gordon Terrelonge spoke about the last time he saw her and said he wants her to come home.

“Please, I beg, I’m begging from the bottom of my heart. I just want to find my daughter. I want her to come home,” he said.

Terrelonge added he is seeking the public’s help in providing any information that can reunite him with her.

“If she’s out there, and if she can hear me now, we’re going to find you. Just hold on,” he said.

According to Margate Police, Gabrielle Patricia Terrelonge was last seen in June.

Officials said Gordon is the one who reported Gabrielle missing. They said he took a polygraph test and passed.

Gabrielle’s mother, Passha Davis, was arrested last month for shoplifting at a Dollar Tree store in Margate.

Eleven days after her arrest, police learned of Gabrielle’s disappearance and issued a Missing Endangered notice for her.

Davis has since been charged with child neglect and remains behind bars.

As for Gordon, he just wants his baby girl back home, and he won’t give up searching.

“She likes to eat Funyuns chips, she likes pizza. She wants to be a princess,” he said. “We definitely have leads, and they’re doing something about it and best believe that she’s somewhere. We just need to keep searching.”

Anyone with information about Gabrielle’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, or call the Margate Police Department at 954-972-7111 or 911.

According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the boy suffered a minor leg injury after he was bitten by a dog near 1812 Northwest 15th Court, at around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Vonda Kates, a good Samaritan who helped the boy, said he was playing with other children when the attack happened.

“They were playing as usual, then all of a sudden, ‘Ow,’ he just went to howling, and I said,’ Oh, mercy, mercy, mercy’,” said Kates.

After being bitten, the little boy ran to Kates’ home for help.

“I just ran in the house and got the peroxide and gauze, just to clean it up, just to try to make him feel better,” said Kates.

Another neighbor called paramedics, who arrived a short time later.

Officials said the young boy suffered minor injuries but was transported to Broward Health Medical Center as a precaution.

The boy’s close call made Kates emotional on what could’ve happened.

“For me it was devastating, because these are my children, you know, the children of the neighborhood are like my children,” she said.

Kates said she wishes people in her neighborhood would do a better job keeping their dogs under control.

“They need to put them on leash, they need to just stop all of this. Come on, don’t just let the dogs roam the neighborhood like this,” said Kates. “It’s a danger.”

Meanwhile, the boy and others in the area are fortunate to have a watchful, caring eye looking after them.

“That’s just me — kindhearted, tend to them. You know, I just have a thing for little children,” said Kates. “It’s in me. Lord knows the kindness is in me.”

Wednesday morning, Broward County Animal Care confirmed the dog’s owner voluntarily surrendered their pet on Tuesday evening, and the animal has since been put down in accordance with county protocol.

The young boy is expected to be OK.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies evacuated both the arrivals and departures levels, late Tuesday morning.

In a travel advisory posted early Tuesday afternoon, the airport said the investigation is affecting pre-security portions at both levels.

Passengers and visitors were diverted to other terminals while authorities conduct a security sweep.

“As a matter of fact, they stopped me right here and they said, ‘No, you got to get out on Terminal 3,'” said one traveler.

The emergency response caused some confusion for travelers who were unsure of where to go.

“I just walked up and I asked that guy, he said it was an emergency,” said another traveler.

Others reached out to their airlines after missing their flights due to the confusion.

“It’s just unfortunate. They said they’d call us back in maybe half an hour, trying to get her on her flight, there was nothing else they can do,” said Hunter Lloyd who was dropping his mom off at the airport.

She was on her way to New York City but missed her flight due to the terminal closure.

“I’m like, ‘I have a Maroon 5 concert to get to in Madison Square Garden. That’s wrong,” said Donna Nicotera.

She said she’s hoping to rebook her flight but might be cutting it very close to get there in time for the concert.

“I’m very inconvenienced by that. I had plans, my family’s waiting on me,” she said.

Despite the major inconvenience, travelers said it’s something they can tolerate since it was done to ensure their safety at the airport.

“Everybody’s safety is way more important than my concert, I was only poking fun at it, but, yeah, I understand why they need to do what they need to do,” said Nicotera.

Investigators said BSO’s Bomb Squad Unit has secured the bag and the terminal was deemed safe.

Officials said the incident has not affected operations at FLL, as the investigation continues.

The man who made the threat has been detained. He could possibly face federal charges.

Davie Fire Rescue units responded to the home located on the 8500 block of Southwest 21st Street on Sunday morning to find the home engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the sky.

7News cameras captured fire crews fighting the flames and damaged windows.

Lisa Binger and her husband, Marco, said they spotted the flames and immediately tried to see if anyone was trapped inside.

“He was knocking on the doors and stuff like that, and he said, ‘Let’s break the windows.’ They took a planter and threw it through the window,” said Lisa.

She described the fire she witnessed to 7News.

“The smoke was black and high. The fire was red, orange, and it was crazy,” she said.

Despite several attempts, the couple were unable to make their way to the man living inside because of his belongings blocking their path.

“To find out that there was somebody inside, and they had passed away, and we were just right here, and I don’t know if a little faster, or if he had died before. I don’t know, but it was nerve-racking all day long,” said Lisa.

Fire crews quickly battled the blaze, ultimately extinguishing it.

Neighbors said the man was found deceased in his tub.

“He was in the tub with water, I guess trying to survive, I guess,” said Lisa.

They said they are shocked to learn of his death.

“We’re all in a bit of shock right now, as you can see by everybody that’s here. It’s just very surreal,” said neighbor Kim Baumgardt.

The United Teachers of Dade and the UTD Retiree Chapter on Monday identified the victim as Martin Hoffer, a retired teacher and member of the union.

“United Teachers of Dade and the UTD Retiree Chapter are deeply saddened by the passing of Martin Hoffer, a dedicated educator and cherished member of our union family. Martin retired as a teacher from Miami Lakes K-8, where he inspired generations of students and colleagues with his commitment to education and his unwavering support for public schools. Martin was not only a respected teacher but also a valued member of the UTD Retiree Chapter, where he continued to advocate for educators and contribute to the strength of our union community. His legacy is one of service, compassion, and a lifelong dedication to the well-being of students and teachers alike. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Martin’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. We honor his memory and the impact he made on our schools and our union. Martin Hoffer will be remembered as a true champion of public education and a beloved member of the UTD family.”

Statement from United Teachers of Dade and the UTD Retiree Chapter

Officials with Miami-Dade Schools told 7News Hoffer retired as a special ed teacher in June.

Back at the mobile park, Baumgardt said Hoffer’s wife passed away just a few years ago.

“And after that, we did not see much of Martin anymore,” she said.

Hoffer’s best friend, Mike Schlossberg, told 7News he had gone to check on him after not being able to get in touch with him throughout the day.

“Since his wife died, I call him every day to make sure he’s OK, and I tried calling yesterday,” said Schlossberg.

Hoffer’s neighbors broke the news to Schlossberg that his lifelong friend did not survive.

“I knew Marty since before 9 years old. We grew up in the same apartment house, went to high school together, it’s terrible,” said Schlossberg.

7News cameras captured the victim’s clothes and mementos charred and covered in soot from the fire.

But in the midst of ash and rubble, neighbors are honoring the man, whom they described as a devout husband.

“We’re not all the same. He was a little bit different but he was a wonderful guy,” said Schlossberg. “I can’t believe I’m saying this.”

“They seem to be very lovely people. They seem to have a very loving marriage. They were very wrapped up in each other,” said Baumgardt.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

In exclusive surveillance footage obtained by 7News, an ocean rescue lifeguard’s F-350 truck is captured accidentally driving over a 59-year-old man who was sunbathing on South Beach near Fourth Street last on Nov. 17, 2024. The front and back tires seen on camera rolling over the beachgoer.

The accident occurred on a picture-perfect and busy day on the beach near a lifeguard stand.

The moment prompted panic among beachgoers and quick calls to 911 to report the incident.

“The victim got struck by an ocean rescue. He was brought to [Jackson Memorial Hospital] Ryder Trauma,” said a police officer. “He is aware, alert, conscious, breathing.”

Immediately after the incident, both lifeguards inside the truck got out and rushed to the victim’s aid. The man suffered minor injuries.

After initially breaking the story of the scare on the beach, 7News filed a public records request to learn more about the incident.

Nearly a year later, 7News has obtained documents that reveal the lifeguards in the truck, Kevin Stockhausen and Christopher Diaz, were under internal affairs investigation by police, and “disciplinary action, including termination, is being considered.”

Body camera footage of that day provides audio of the driver being questioned by responding officials.

“Kevin?” said an officer.

“Yes, sir?” said Stockhausen.

“What happened?” said the officer.

“We were [inaudible]…Had to sign some papers, and I just drove away from the tower. I didn’t see him,” said Stockhausen.

“OK,” said the officer.

According to the materials obtained by 7News, ocean rescue members are not supposed to go east of the garbage cans placed on the beach unless they have their emergency lights on.

But the documents go on to say that the lifeguards displayed “disgraceful conduct while on or off duty” and “gross negligence” during that incident. It also reveals that the lifeguards were driving eastward in the area of the lifeguard stand.

As for Stockhausen, the report says he expressed deep remorse over the mishap and called it one of the most difficult experiences of his career.

Witnesses interviewed by officers described what happened.

“I watched the whole thing happen. They didn’t see him, like at all, and it was both front and back tires,” said a beachgoer.

The report concludes the victim suffered cuts to his legs and stomach.

Speaking with reporters at the ICE facility in Miramar, federal authorities on Thursday released the results of a 10-day sweep that started in late October and went into November.

Officials said ICE agents worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the operation that targeted registered sexual offenders. These were people who, authorities said, had already been convicted of a sexual crime, were registering with the state, had immigration issues and had been told to leave the country but had yet to do so.

Some of those arrested include a man charged with a sex crime on a child under 12 years old, a man charged with attempted murder and a third man charged with sexual assault of a child.

“These heinous criminals have gone and attacked children at their most vulnerable state and law enforcement has stepped up to the plate to remove them from the communities,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan.

Officials said they also targeted those who have criminal histories with drug charges, battery and even murder, describing them as the worst of the worst. These were people who have been convicted of violent crimes and also had immigration issues.

Officials had coined this operation “Operation Criminal Return, but Sheahan had another nickname for it.

“Operation Dirtbag, to go after people who have attacked children in our communities. In just 10 days, we’ve been able to remove, in partnership with the State of Florida, over 230 of the worst of the worst heinous criminals from their streets,” said Sheahan. “Our job as law enforcement is to protect the most vulnerable.”

Sheahan added ICE’s partnership with the FDLE and other state agencies is a model for the country.

“We are able to work side by side as partners and not overreach as government to be able to go and remove the worst of the worst criminals,” she said.

Following the press conference, the deputy director spoke to 7News about their efforts across the country, including in some states where ICE has gotten no cooperation from officials.

“In the City of New York, we’ve seen widely that they’re not going to work with ICE here into the future and we’re just not going to stand for it. We’ll still go into those areas,” she said. “If you came into this country illegally, we encourage everybody to use the CBP Home app and go back home and ultimately, you can go through the correct process to come back into the United States.”

ICE officials said anyone who has entered this country illegally has broken a federal law and is subject to deportation.

The organization Ignite the Fire Ministry announced its founder, 53-year-old Alexander Wurm, and his daughter, 22-year-old Serena Wurm, died in Monday morning’s plane crash.

The relief group said the two victims were headed to storm-stricken Montego Bay when the incident occurred.

City of Fort Lauderdale officials confirmed the aircraft departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport with supplies for victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica when it went down along the 5500 block of Northwest 57th Terrace, off Creekside Drive, in the Windsor Bay neighborhood.

“It sounded to me like two race cars, then ‘boom,’ like a quick hit or explosion,” said area resident Dawn Marrill. “I looked up, and I saw, like, all this debris in the air. Like, it looked like somebody blew up a building, and it was just everywhere.”

The devastating chain of events happened shortly after the Wurms took off from the airport, at around 10:20 a.m.

Witnesses watched as the plan began to nosedive.

Robert Swinger-Vargas said he saw the plane go down from his car and quickly called 911.

“Next thing we know, it just took a dive, and it went straight to the ground,” he said.

Video recorded from nearby cameras captures the moment the plane crashes into the lake in Coral Springs.

The National Transportation Safety Board has identified the plane as a Beech B100.

Investigators said the aircraft clipped a one palm tree and struck a fence bordering the backyard of a home before parts of the aircraft went into the lake behind the house, leaving a trail of debris in its path.

“I heard like [airplane noise] and then boom,” said area resident Elizabeth Schenell.

Multiple fire rescue and technical rescue units were dispatched to the scene within minutes. Investigators said the damage was so extensive that divers initially couldn’t find the aircraft.

“We have not found an entire plane yet. We believe that it may be broken into smaller pieces,” said Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Mike Moser.

7News cameras captured a plane tire in the backyard, as well as bubbles in the water from where the aircraft landed.

7Skyforce captured debris from the plane scattered across both sides of the neighborhood facing the lake. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

Fire officials said divers reached the fuselage but initially did not find victims or survivors. Officials later confirmed two lives were lost.

Authorities said it’s unclear what led to the crash.

The Beech B100 was more than just a plane but a passion project. Alexander had recently purchased the King Air specifically for his missions across the Caribbean.

Those who were waiting for Alexander on the ground spoke about the kind of person he was.

“He really made a difference, and he gave his life for the people in the nations that were on his heart,” said Sean Malone, CEO of Crisis Response International.

In a statement, Ignite the Fire Ministry said:

“We grieve the tragic loss of our beloved brother, Alexander Wurm (53), and his daughter Serena (22), who passed away in a plane crash, November 10, 2025, while bringing humanitarian aid to Jamaica. Alexander, known for his warmth and unwavering kindness, devoted his life to serving others-both through his actions and by sharing the gospel of Jesus across the globe. Throughout his life, Alex travelled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need. His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives.

Evangelist Wurm is the founder of Ignite the Fire Ministry, dedicated to empowering youth through missions and evangelism across the Caribbean. They aim to cultivate volunteers who are passionate about making a difference, fostering leadership and community involvement.

Alexander leaves behind his beautiful wife, Candace, and two children, son James (17) and daughter Christiana (20).

Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, was a beacon of empathy and hope, inspiring all with her commitment to humanitarian work. Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage, reminding us of the power of service and love.

As we honour their memory, may we continue their legacy of generosity, compassion, and faith. Rest in peace, Alexander and Serena-your light endures in all whose lives you changed.”

Alexander leaves behind a wife and two other children.

Neighbors are now left devastated as they come to terms with how two lives who were headed to help others were lost.

“Like, how could something like that happen to good people, like doing good things?” said Josh Quildon.

“It’s heartbreaking. I can’t believe how sad it is. It’s terrible,” said Marrill.

Coral Springs Police urged residents in the area to avoid being outdoors and to keep doors close for the remainder of the night due to a strong odor of fuel. The police department set up a command center in the neighborhoos and were seen conducting their investigation on Tuesday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are also investigating this crash, with NTSB taking the lead.

A statement from Coral Springs Police issued Tuesday reads:

“Coral Springs Police, Fire, and Emergency Management personnel will remain on scene throughout the day to support recovery efforts related to the plane crash.

Street crews have worked throughout the day to clear roadway debris, and our Public Works teams are assisting with environmental cleanup of the impacted area within Windsor Bay.

All roadways in the area are now open, with access into the Windsor Bay community limited.

All inquiries related to the plane crash and victims should be referred to the FAA or NTSB.”

According to court records, Daniel Curran was taken into custody on Wednesday. The 34-year-old appeared before Broward Circuit Court Judge Corey Friedman on Thursday.

Curran was charged with violating a domestic violence injunction and battery on a person 65 years of age or older

During the hearing, Trantalis, who is 72 years old, said he had opened the door to reconnecting with the suspect to some degree, but the encounter became violent.

“I thought maybe there was some way to rehabilitate Danny by trying to reconnect and hopefully steer him into counseling and mental health treatment, and I failed at that,” said Trantalis. “At the end, this past weekend, he threw me to the ground. He committed everything that’s in the information with regard to the violent act against me, and then I realized that there was no hope for this relationship.”

At some point, Trantalis called the police, and Curran was arrested.

In bond court, Trantalis told the judge he’s afraid of his former domestic partner.

“He has exhibited extreme violence and I can’t have him in my life anymore,” said Trantalis.

According to a domestic violence injunction filed by the mayor, “When [Curran] fails to take his medication, which is often, he becomes wild and violent!” The mayor added Curran “would smash objects, take out this knife and violently cut through things, as if I was next!”

The judge also ordered Curran to have no contact with the mayor, as well as refrain from returning to the location of the incident and possessing firearms, weapons or ammunition.

Curran bonded out of jail on Friday night and sprinted away from media cameras.

“Is there anything you want to say about the charges against you?” asked a 7News reporter as cameras captured Curran running.

“I love him,” he said.

“You love him? Despite everything?” said the reporter.

“No matter what. I always have and will love him,” he said.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office said they have “sent a request to the Governor’s Office for an executive assignment to have this matter handled by a State Attorney’s Office in another jurisdiction.”

According to Miami Gardens Police, 41-year-old Ramone O’Neil Clayton was taken into custody Oct. 27 in San Diego by members of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“I want the community to hear this loud and clear, we don’t forget. Justice has no expiration date,” said Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt.

Investigators said Clayton shot and killed his wife, 35-year-old Stephanie Ulette Clayton, during a gathering at a home on Northwest 207th Street in Miami Gardens on Sept. 23, 2012.

“Mr. Clayton pushed Mrs. Clayton into the ground, and then proceeded to shoot her in the head,” said officer Jeanty.

Witnesses identified Clayton as the shooter, and he fled the scene in a vehicle, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued at the time for second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, but Clayton managed to evade capture for 13 years despite ongoing efforts by Miami Gardens detectives and U.S. Marshals.

Authorities said they received a recent tip about Clayton’s whereabouts in San Diego, leading to his arrest.

“He said, ‘You got me.’ That was it, his exact words,” said Sergeant Jeremy McIntyre.

Officials held a press conference on Wednesday where a family member of Stephanie spoke.

“She was always the life of everything, [the] life of the family,” one relative said. “When she walked in a place, you can’t help but love her.”

Her youngest daughter had a message for the accused killer.

“It hurt and I honestly hope that one day he’ll be able to hear my voice and see my face,” she said.

He is currently being held without bond at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Central Jail, pending extradition to Florida.

He is expected to face second-degree murder charges.

7News cameras captured several pallets being loaded onto a cargo plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tuesday morning. The aircraft was loaded woth about 6,000 pounds of supplies and was scheduled to fly to Jamaica in the afternoon.

Organizers with Greater Good Charities said it will take weeks, if not months to help the people of Jamaica get back on their feet in the aftermath of the catastrophic storm.

The nonprofit began gathering and storing donations well before Melissa barreled through Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. Representatives rode out the hurricane and then relayed back to South Florida exactly what supplies are needed on the ground so they can pack planes accordingly.

“We will kind of have people on the ground in Jamaica assessing what the needs are, and then we’ll prioritize the supplies so that we can send out the most important things first,” said Greater Good Charities spokesperson Gabbie Vilanova. “The most important thing is that we listen to the local communities who are in the disaster and make sure that we know what they need so that we send them the supplies that are essential to them in that moment.”

The plane scheduled to fly to Jamaica on Tuesday is filled with food, cleanup supplies, pet supplies and other items.

“Greater Good Charities supports these communities even long after the disaster happens, so we help the so they can sustainably grow after the disaster happens, and they continue to do all the great things that they do,” said Vilanova.

Down south in Aventura, Mobile Mike Public Relations partnered with the Florida Highway Patrol to collect goods to send to Jamaica. Organization officials say that following Melissa, the country basically needs everything.

“Hurricane Melissa absolutely destroyed Jamaica. It’s heartbreaking to say the least. People don’t have homes, they have no running water, no electricity, they have no pet food for their pets, no canned food products at all,” said Mobile Mike.

7News cameras captured residents offloading items from their cars to donate to the drive.

“We got lucky this year. We dodged a bullet, no hurricanes here in South Florida, so let’s re-gift the items that we collected,” said Mobile Mike.

Jamaica will need help for months on end and item collections will continue all week.

For more information about donating to Greater Good Charities’ relief efforts, click here.

For more information on the humanitarian relief drives occurring this week in South Florida, click here.

7News cameras on Sunday morning captured Reynier Santiesteban as he shoveled broken glass into a bucket at his home along the 200 block of Northwest 109th Avenue in West Miami-Dade.

“My son was sleeping. Me and my wife were in our bedroom just watching Netflix. We hear like a big boom, and when I came down, I saw that a pickup truck parked in my family room,” he said.

The chaotic crash sent debris such as furniture, glass and drywall flying across the living room, just after midnight on Sunday.

“We could be dead right now,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he immediately dialed 911.

“I called 911. They responded right away. I was looking because he was like breathing and stuff,” he said.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene shortly after.

The homeowner said the truck had plowed through several fences before going straight through the wall. The impact appeared to leave the driver unconscious.

“Drove from that street over there. He broke that fence, my fence, and those walls that you can see,” he said. “That guy was passed out when I called 911. He was passed out.”

Paramedics transported the driver to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition.

7News cameras captured the aftermath of the crash, showing the black pickup truck that went barreling straight through Santiesteban’s yard.

The truck was eventually pulled out and towed away.

All day Sunday, neighbors were seen helping the family pick up the pieces of debris caused by the crash. The big hole in the townhome’s wall has since been boarded up.

“We got a little bit shocked. I feel like I’m venting out a little bit my frustration because just imagine, we just bought this house, and this happened, you know,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he and his family are grateful to be OK.

“I feel blessed, man. All the neighbors passed by here to help me, and the [best] part is that neither my wife nor my son suffered some physical injury or something like that,” said the homeowner.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. It remains unclear whether or not the driver will be facing any charges.

The news of Grier’s departure after a 10-year tenure came after the Dolphins lost 28-6 against the Ravens at home, Thursday night, dropping the team’s record to 2-7.

Fans in the crowd voiced their displeasure with the team’s major backslide this year, booing throughout the game and much of the season.

Some devoted fans said they are fed up with years of up and down performances, with no playoff success to show for it.

“Season ticket holder, I go to every game and it’s just, it’s time, you know, we’ve been dealing with this for, what, 20 years,” said Russell Sweet.

Team owner Stephen Ross announced that he and Grier came to a mutual agreement to part ways, Friday.

Some fans who were enjoying a day of nice weather outside at Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale welcomed the news about Grier.

“Whatever makes us better ’cause it’s been an awful season, it really has,” said Maria Sweet, a season ticket holder.

Thursday night’s blowout was an amalgamation of miscues and struggles in a tumultuous season for the Dolphins, including several penalty calls and only two field goals accounting for the team’s points.

Fans said it was a painful game to watch.

With 2 minutes and 36 minutes left in the first quarter of the game, fans could be heard on the broadcast already booing the team as they faced a 7-3 deficit.

“Something had to change, and the changes probably are not finished at this point,” said David Heartness, a Fins fan. “You get frustrated when things aren’t going the way that you want to and nobody’s out there to lose and these are grown men, paid professionals, and you want to win.”

For weeks, rumors have suggested Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been on the hot seat.

Now reports suggest McDaniel is expected to remain in his position at least through the rest of the season.

With a new general manager on the way, it’s unclear if McDaniel will keep his job beyond this season.

Fans at the game believed McDaniel made some questionable play calls in a game riddled with problems from the opening kickoff.

“We were at the game last night. There’s some head-scratching plays and decisions that were made there so you have to make some changes,” said Heartness.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Breanna Evans was taken into custody on Wednesday, hours after the crash along the northbound lanes of the highway, just south of the Palmetto Expressway. The 26-year-old faces two counts of attempted murder, one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle and one count of shooting from a vehicle.

“She decided to shoot, just shoot on I-95, in the afternoon in South Florida,” the prosecutor said as Evans faced a judge, Thursday.

According to investigators, Evans opened fire on another driver in the northbound lanes of I-95 near Palmetto Park Road and Hillsboro Boulevard. The victim called 911 advising that he had been shot in the head.

“He got shot in the head, so that’s where the gun was pointed,” said the prosecution.

Prosecutors say Evans, who was driving a black SUV, was upset because a man driving in a box truck wasn’t driving fast enough in the fast lane on the highway.

“Her own admission, she cut him off because she doesn’t like people that don’t drive fast enough in the fast lane,” the prosecution said.

They say Evans had plenty of time to consider how to react to a slow driver.

“She had time to think, to reach for the gun, turn the safety off, point and shoot, and shoot the victim in the temple,” said the prosecution.

Authorities say the bullet grazed the driver of the box truck.

The driver has not been identified, but officials said he and Evans remained on the scene.

“Female appears to still be in her vehicle about 100 yards away from us,” said a dispatcher.

Traffic heading northbound was backed up for miles as investigators tried to determine what happened.

Evans’ lawyer told the judge she felt threatened behind the wheel.

“She was in fear, she really felt fear for her life,” said Evans’ attorney.

Prosecutors argued the entire situation was created by her own actions.

“It was her reckless driving that created the dynamic that caused those cars to come together,” said the prosecution.

Evans remains behind bars with no bond.

The man she was accused of shooting at is expected to be OK. A passenger that was also in the vehicle is also expected to be OK.

7News cameras captured pallets of food and supplies at Greater Good Charities’ warehouse in Wilton Manors, Wednesday afternoon.

The nonprofit has been collecting items for days before the storm made its final approach into Jamaica as a Category 5 storm.

The goods they have collected are expected to be flown to Jamaica Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

“This may be an enduring response. This could take a month or two for us to have folks on the ground to distribute goods,” said Jay Humphrey with Greater Good Charities. “We just really don’t know what we’re up against in this case now, but oftentimes, it does take up to several weeks to a month before we can head back and start to resupply our caches and look for, unfortunately, the next disaster.”

For more information about Greater Good Charities, click here.

Wednesday morning, the City of Tamarac confirmed they’ve launched a supply drive to help the people of Jamaica. Officials said they are accepting new, unopened items only at multiple drop-off locations between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Those locations are as follows:

• Tamarac City Hall: 7525 NW 88th Ave.
• Fire Station 15: 6000 Hiatus Road
• Tamarac Community Center: 8601 W Commercial Blvd.
• Tamarac Recreation Center: 7531 N University Dr.
• Fire Station 36: 7499 NW 72nd St. 

For more information about Tamarac’s supply drive, click here.

South of the county line, Global Empowerment Mission continues its relief efforts out of their headquarters in Doral. For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

On Tuesday, Broward County Aviation Department official Michael Nonnemacher held a media briefing to tell residents they are listening to their concerns.

“We are concerned about the perception of North Perry Airport in the eyes of the residents. It’s getting this negative stereotype,” he said.

Residents have complained for months about the airport following multiple crashes in the area.

“There are a number of crashes here at North Perry Airport, especially in the past few years.

The City of Pembroke Pines has compiled a list of 42 incidents over five years, from fatal crashes to mechanical mishaps.

One of the most recent crashes had a family of four onboard when it went down in a Pembroke Pines neighborhood, just east of the North Perry Airport.

A few years before that, a single-engine Aventura II crashed into a Miramar home just south of the airport, killing two people. In 2021, a plane crashed into a car, killing a 4-year-old child.

The frequent incidents have also piqued the interest of city leaders. They held a meeting this past summer where the airport’s safety was on the agenda.

Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said North Perry Airport, now one of the state’s busiest general aviation airports, could be incompatible with a densely populated city.

“There’s a takeoff and landing, and this is rough math, every minute in the time that it took me to just say that, there’s already been a takeoff and landing, on average, at North Perry Airport,” he said.

Following the meeting, city leaders and residents asked Broward County to conduct a safety study. On Tuesday, Nonnemacher said that’s what is going to happen.

“They will speak with residents, business owners, flight schools, pilots, mechanics and they’ll gather a lot of information and do a really hardcore assessment,” he said.

The airport also discussed some of its operations and history during Tuesday’s event. Built in 1943 for the U.S. Navy, it now serves largely as a flight training facility.

As one of the largest flight schools, Wayman College of Aeronautics officials told 7News that safety is their top priority.

“It is day one. Safety is fundamental to becoming a pilot,” said Wayman Eduardo, the son of the school’s founder.

He said the airport hosts “Airport Days” several times a year, which could offer a way to ease residents’ concerns about the operations of the airport. It is an event that is open to the public to interact with airport and flight school officials.

“The best thing I can say for our neighbors who live nearby in Hollywood, Miramar and Pembroke Pines is come across the fence, see what’s going on, meet the flight school and the students,” said Eduardo.

The next Airport Day will be held on Nov. 8.

The Category 5 storm is barreling toward Jamaica after wreaking havoc in Hispaniola. Heavy rain and landslides are sweeping the region, destroying homes, uprooting trees and knocking out power.

The system, which has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica Tuesday afternoon.

Jamaicans are preparing for the worst, as the storm surge is forecast to reach up to 13 feet.

“I worry about, you know, the Caribbean. This might be the worst one,” said a fisherman.

“I just take things easy. I don’t worry myself. As long as I have food, can eat, that’s the most important thing,” said another resident.

Homes across Jamaica are now boarded up. This past weekend, grocery store shoppers scrambled to grab essential items.

“I was hoping to get some bread; the shelves are empty,” said a shopper.

“There’s still a lot of people who, like, got paid late, so they’re rushing now to get items, food items,” said resident Gabrielle Maurice. “Lots of people really don’t have the financial means to get all that they would need.”

Miami resident Nicole Doyon said her girls trip to Jamaica with her friends has turned into a travel nightmare. Now she’s forced to hunker down.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, especially when, like, everybody’s kind of panicking, trying to get on a flight, like every man for himself,” she said.

While Melissa is expected to be the strongest hurricane to impact Jamaica in more than 35 years, hundreds of miles away in South Florida, help is already on the way.

In Miramar, the city is collecting supplies at all its fire and police stations.

Over at the Global Empowerment Mission’s headquarters in Doral, volunteers spent the past several days filling boxes with necessities, including nonperishable food, hygienic items and water.

“The impact will be so difficult, with persons having to be without the necessary essential items, these family necessity kits will at least help them get through a few days,” said lead volunteer Marlon Hill.

At GEM, at least 5,000 relief boxes will go from its headquarters to those most impacted.

“Right now, our team’s gonna be out there, and then we are prepping to see what’s gonna happen after the impact,” said Billy Richardson, GEM’s Director of U.S. Warehousing. “After the impact, we’ll send some more people over, as well as our first plane load, which should be about 50,000 pounds of aid, followed by about six 640-foot containers by sea.”

Richardson said the supplies will be in the sky and on the way by the middle of the week.

“We have hygiene kits, food, water, laundry detergent, and all these things kind of help people when that first initial response is needed right after the storm,” he said.

Kanniga Anderson, who has his family back in Jamaica, said he’s concerned, but any help will go a long way.

“I don’t really feel good, but they got to take what they get, ’cause it’s a natural thing, right?” he said.

Bob Grant, owner of Hot Off The Grill, a Caribbean restaurant in Pembroke Pines, said he has family on the island and expects Jamaica to be hit hard by the storm.

“This is the first time a Category 5 has hit Jamaica, and there’s a lot of rural places where the infrastructure is not that great,” he said. “We are a praying country, and we pray, my family prays, everyone I know is praying for no loss of life and as least damage as possible.”

Grant’s restaurant highlights the beauty of Jamaica, a beauty that he hopes survives the powerful hurricane. He showed 7News several photos he has taken from the island that are hung on his restaurant’s walls.

“I call this the windows to Jamaica. That’s like Ocho Rios,” he said.

Fire and police stations in the City of Miramar are collecting items like tarps, flashlights and water bottles. If you would like to help, click here.

One volunteer, who did not want to be identified, told 7News said she’s helping those impacted because she’s gone through these storms in the past.

“I am from the Caribbean, and I have gone through a hurricane where I lost everything. It’s life-changing, you never forget,” she said.

In Lauderhill, city officials have launched a relief drive to support Caribbean residents in need. Their drop-off locations for essential supplies are as follows:

• Lauderhill City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th St., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Joy’s Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

Here is a list of the items GEM is collecting.

Nonperishable foods:

• Canned protein/vegetable/fruits/beans
• Snacks like dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips and beef jerky
• Cereals
• Ramen
• Meals ready to eat
• Cases of water

Temporary household needs:

• Generators
• Chainsaws/rotary rescue saws
• Tarpaulins/tarps
• Wheelbarrows
• Multi-use yard tools
• Cleanup kits/shovels/rakes/large industrial trash bags
• Bug repellent/mosquito repellent
• Work gloves (new)
• Sleeping bags (new)/military cots/cots (new)
• Air mattresses (new)
• Flashlights
• Batteries – AA/AAA/D
• Portable radios
• First aid kits
• LifeStraw water filters
• Solar-powered lightweight portable lanterns/portable emergency lighting/solar-powered devices
• Power banks (solar power)
• Gas cans for generators – all sizes

George Argenio, 86, said he’s feeling emotional after his wife passed away on Thursday in the hospital after their Hollywood apartment unit went up in flames earlier this week.

He described the moments the unit above theirs burst into flames on Tuesday evening.

“Smelled a little smoke, went out in the hall, it was worse there. I told Barbara, ‘I’m going to check,'” he said.

By the time he went to check, the fire was already raging and there was no way he could get back upstairs.

When fire crews arrived, he notified them of his wife who was stuck in their unit.

“I say, ‘My wife’s up in 1101. Here’s my key. It’s hard for her to walk,'” said Argenio.

Firefighters found her and paramedics rushed her to a local hospital.

While she held on strong for two days, Argenio said she ultimately didn’t make it.

“[At] 2 a.m., she couldn’t breathe. She was saying, ‘I can’t breathe,'” he said.

He said nurses took her down to the emergency room, but unfortunately, his wife of 53 years slipped away.

“Took her down to ER. In 20 minutes, she was gone,” he said emotionally.

Officials declared Argenio’s apartment a total loss.

The elderly man says he is heartbroken.

As of Friday afternoon, he is staying on the third floor and getting help from the Red Cross.

He says after spending more than half a century together with his wife, a lot of those years on Hollywood Beach, it will take a lot to recover from the loss.

“Terrible. What a mess,” he said.

A firefighter and police officer were also hospitalized from the fire. They are expected to be OK.

Officials say it could take some time for residents affected by the fire to return to the apartment complex.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, detectives on Wednesday arrested 45-year-old Dandrea Johnson after a Crimestoppers tip. He faces a charge of felony battery causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement.

The arrest follows an investigation into the Oct. 11 attack right outside the entrance to the Aldi grocery store at 3301 North State Road 7.

Detectives said Johnson argued with the victim inside the store, possibly over the victim having a service dog inside the business, then waited outside by the doors.

Surveillance video captured the moment Johnson punched the shopper in the face without warning as he exited with his dog.

The blow caused the victim to fall backward and strike his head, leaving him in a coma.

Since the attack, deputies have been looking for Johnson, even posting flyers outside of the store and offering a $5,000 reward.

Johnson appeared in bond court on Thursday. A prosecutor mentioned the surveillance video of the incident.

“I’ve seen the video of this case, and it is just as brutal as described in the report,” said the prosecutor. “There is nothing to indicate this was an act of self-defense, Your Honor. Mr. Johnson left the Aldi’s first, he stayed there at the entrance. When the victim left, the victim didn’t approach him. Mr. Johnson sucker punched him, and now he’s in a coma.”

The defendant’s attorney said the dog became aggressive.

“And that pitbull basically attacked Mr. Johnson,” said the attorney.

But prosecutors pushed back.

“From what I saw there was nothing that that dog was a threat to anyone. No one else was concerned,” said the prosecutor. “There is nothing to indicate this was an act of self defense your honor.”

Family members said the victim, described as a father and grandfather, remains in critical condition.

“He’s a father, he’s a grandfather, he’s a brother, he’s a son and everybody is just devastated,” said the victim’s brother.

It’s unclear whether Johnson was taken into custody or surrendered to authorities. He is being held at the Broward County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Hollywood Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a fire at an apartment building in the area of New York Street and Hollywood Boulevard, near Hollywood Beach, Tuesday evening.

“We have a multi-residential structure with black smoke visible coming from the roof,” said a dispatcher.

Flames could be seen shooting out of the windows and balcony of one of the building’s top floor units.

Broken glass from the apartment’s window was captured scattered across the sidewalk directly below the unit.

Witness John Stinson told 7News he was sitting on the nearby broadwalk with the man who lives inside the unit that caught fire.

“He had moved to the north side on the top floor, so I went to go look up to see his apartment, and it was full of smoke coming out of the sliding glass doors,” said Stinson. “He jumped up, immediately ran in. He’s distraught.”

The apparent resident of that unit was seen speaking with people outside of the building.

“There was so much smoke in the hallway, I dropped my phone, I couldn’t see, I dropped my phone in the hallway, along with the keys, so I couldn’t open the door because there was so much smoke inhalation,” the resident told the crowd.

Witnesses said the fire quickly intensified.

“It just got worse from there. Fifteen minutes later, windows are blowing out. Thirty minutes later, it’s coming out of the front patio,” said Stinson. “I feel sorry for the guy.”

Firefighters arrived to find the raging flames torching the unit.

7Skyforce captured the fire ripping through the apartment, with the entire corner of the building left charred.

Several crews from nearby cities assisted to battle the intensifying fire.

“We had everyone from Davie Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Office and then us as well,” said Chai Kauffman, a spokesperson for Hollywood Fire Rescue.

Officials said an elderly woman, a police officer and a firefighter were taken to the hospital to be treated for possible smoke inhalation. They were described as being alert.

Residents were unable to go back inside while investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire.

Adrianna DiCarlo told 7News she was desperate to get back inside to her two dogs.

“I’m sure they’re scared to death, poor little things, and it’s, somebody telling you, ‘Your dogs are OK’ is quite different than you actually having them in your arms, you know,” said DiCarlo. “They’re my babies.”

While the fire is out, it left behind several marks both inside the unit and along the outside.

“Tragic. I don’t know how it happened, but hopefully everything’s gonna work out in the end,” said a man.

Officials are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

The American Red Cross was called to assist those affected by the blaze.

Snoopy’s Smoke Shop employees say it’s possible that the two break ins could be the same crooks involved.

“Either it’s the same people or they got the idea from the people that did it at the other places, ’cause it’s the same thing,” said an employee.

The first time, a trio broke into the store through the front door and made off with more than $1,000 in merchandise.

It happened again on Saturday, when two burglars broke a window and climbed inside, taking as much product as they could carry.

“We’re, you know, running a business to feed a family, like, this is ridiculous,” said a woman.

The Fort Lauderdale crimes are similar to two recent ones in Margate.

Sky World Smoke Shop on Royal Palm Boulevard and Rock Island Road and Vapor Shark, located at 5514 West Sample Road in Margate were also broken into last week.

“They had bins, it looked like a bank heist. They came and knew exactly what they were doing,” Vapor Shark’s owner told 7News.

And it appears the burglars are using similar looking bins as ones involved in other break-ins.

“They just use the bin tossing everything in broke the window closest to behind the register, so it seems like it’s all the same thing,” said an employee.

Snoopy’s Smoke Shop employees say the best advice for other businesses is to spend extra money on security.

“If you have the money for it, definitely like hurricane shutters or something, and then cheaper alternative is the bars on the window. Even night security. Have someone stay in the shop or in the plaza,” said an employee.

Police say this is an active investigation and have yet to determine if any of the burglaries are related.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, Kendrick Javonne Lesesne, a South Carolina native, was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside his Hyundai, Sunday night.

Lesesne’s three aunts told 7News on Monday night they are devastated and the family is coming to terms with this unimaginable loss.

“Shocking is an understatement,” said Tamara Ragin. “There’s no words that can express the grief that the family is going through right now.”

FHP said the incident involved a black Cadillac SUV and Lesesne’s silver Hyundai, at around 7:35 p.m. along the northbound lanes, just south of Northwest 199th Street.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, an off-duty Biscayne Park Police sergeant spotted the Hyundai weaving in and out of traffic. Then, the officer heard a loud bang and saw the car losing control and crashing into the Cadillac.

Authorities said the gunfire caused the Lesesne to lose control and crash into the Cadillac SUV.

The off-duty sergeant rushed to the car where the passenger alerted him that Lesesne had been shot. The sergeant tried to save him, but the 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe it all started as road rage.

The shooting and crash led to a large investigation that unfolded into the night, leading to the closure of the Turnpike and several other roadways.

The victim’s family said Lesesne moved to Miami three years ago to work as a longshoreman at the Port of Miami like other men have done in his family. His aunts said he was shot while heading home to Broward to get ready for a drive to South Carolina the next morning.

“He told his mom he was coming back to see her, and its so unfortunate at this time. My sister, my older sister, had to get the news the way she got it. That she’ll never see her only son ever again,” said Tamara.

They said the loss has hurt the entire family and they will remember him as the kind man he was.

“Kendrick was a humble guy, a peaceful guy,” said Shantel Ragin.

“He was really something to be around because that smile was something serious,” said Alicia Ragin.

Investigators say the shooter took off, though it’s still not clear who fired the bullets and from where. Fortunately, no one else was hurt.

As the search for the shooter continues, the family says they have a message to the person behind the death of their loved one.

“Just have a heart and know that if it was your family, you’d want the same thing that we want and we ask and plead for you to come forward,” said Tamara.

And they are also pleading for anyone to come forward with information that could give the family closure and justice.

“Yesterday was our door. Tomorrow, it could be your door. We just want justice and peace,” said Alicia.

MDSO is leading the ongoing homicide investigation, and FHP is investigating the crash.

Detectives have not released any further details about who they may be looking for, as they continue to investigate.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s 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.

Speaking to 7News on Friday, 79-year-old Andrea Edwards said the attack occurred on Monday near Riverland Drive. The dogs came from the street over.

“They just wouldn’t stop. They wouldn’t stop,” she said. “I was screaming my head off and there was no one that could help me.”

7News obtained surveillance video of the attack.

Edwards’ son said it’s not the first time the family has seen these dogs, but this time was different.

“They’re a nuisance. They’re always out here. I’ve chased them away, I don’t know how many times,” he said.

Her son told 7News his mom and the dog named Max never had a chance against the four dogs.

“He tried. He fought them off for a minute until the cops got there,” he said.

Edwards was rushed to the hospital where she spent the last few days. Friday, she was home recovering as her arm remains bandaged.

“They sliced me here. They ripped my arm, they ripped this arm,” she said.

Max sadly did not survive.

“My best friend, I’ve had him for five years. He was the most intelligent dog I’ve ever seen. I could talk to him like I’m talking to you. He knew what I was saying,” she said.

According to the Broward County Animal Care, six mixed-breed dogs were recovered and impounded from the area. One of them was Max.

Fort Lauderdale Police officers told Animal Care officials that four of the six dogs became aggressive toward the officers and two of them may have been Tased.

The owner of the other five dogs received multiple citations from Animal Care and surrendered ownership of the dogs.

The four dogs involved in the attack have since been euthanized, according to Animal Care.

According to investigators, deputies responded around 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 11 to the Aldi grocery store at 3301 North State Road 7 following a reported battery.

Detectives said the suspect argued with the victim inside the store before stepping outside to wait for him.

Surveillance video shows that seconds after the victim exited the store with his dog, the suspect punched him in the face without warning.

The blow caused the victim to fall backward and strike his head, investigators said.

The attack has since left the victim in a coma and permanently damaged.

“You can see on that video the victim suffered a significant and severe injury. Imagine that happening to one of your family  members while they’re at the grocery store,” said BSO Spokesperson Carey Codd. “This is an unprovoked and a violent attack.”

BSO released surveillance images and video of the suspect as detectives continue their search. A flyer has also been posted at the entrance of the grocery store.

7News cameras also captured the reward flyer as a mobile billboard.

Deputies also released video of the victim’s brother telling authorities, off camera, the family is stunned.

“He’s a father, he’s a grandfather, he’s a brother, he’s a son and everybody is just devastated,” he said.

Now, the family wants justice for their loved one.

“This is a total nightmare for my family. We’re going through it,” he said. “You have a confrontation with somebody because you have a service animal and then the person stands outside and waits for you and cold cocks you and knocks you unconscious. Let us know who he is so somebody else doesn’t have to go through this nightmare.”

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to contact BSO Detective Karina Hernandez at 954-321-4236 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

According to BSO, deputies and Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue responded to the 3900 block of Northwest 35th Avenue just before noon on Tuesday to reports of a dog bite.

Authorities say the man who was being attacked by two dogs is Claude Lafort.

A security camera captured the chaos as deputies arrived the moment the two dogs run across the street to attack.

A gunshot can be heard just moments later, off-camera. According to officials, the deputy was forced to fire on one of the dogs to rescue Lafort.

A witness described what she saw from inside her home.

“I was right at the window, everything was happening, and they rush in and when I look, I said, ‘Oh, my God, they’re going to kill him,” said Jenny, a witness.

The gunshot injured one of the dogs and scared the other away.

Both dogs would later be euthanized.

Authorities said Lafort suffered multiple bites in the attack. He was rushed to a local hospital.

As of Wednesday afternoon, BSO confirmed Lafort is still in the hospital and is expected to be OK.

According to an arrest report, Arthur Miller faces a charge of vehicular homicide in the November 2022 crash that claimed the life of Rushawn Daley.

Investigators said Miller was driving a 2021 Dodge Challenger northbound on Northwest 23rd Avenue when he lost control near Northwest 19th Street on Nov. 16, 2022.

His car crossed into oncoming traffic, veered onto the sidewalk in a school zone where the speed limit was 15 mph, and struck two pedestrians, including Daley.

The impact sent Miller’s vehicle into a chain reaction, hitting multiple cars, including a Toyota Yaris and a U.S. Postal Service truck, before coming to a stop.

Miller’s attorney argued he experienced a medical episode behind the wheel.

Detectives noted that Miller was traveling between 22 and 36 mph in the school zone and that evidence of steering input indicated he did not lose consciousness before the crash, contradicting earlier claims that he had blacked out.

Daley, who at the time had recently moved from Jamaica, was standing on the sidewalk when he was hit.

He was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died.

At the time, the boy’s mother, Shantoy Speid, pleaded for justice.

“My son didn’t deserve this,” she said. “He was on the sidewalk. These drivers just driving crazy.”

Family and friends described Rushawn as a kind, joyful child who “always made someone feel loved.”

It remains unclear what new evidence led authorities to arrest Miller nearly three years after the crash.

Miller was booked into the Broward County Jail on a vehicular homicide charge involving a person or viable fetus, according to arrest records.

The judge has set Miller’s bond at $50,000 and ordered he be fitted with an ankle monitor if he posts bond.

A 15-year-old, who has not been identified, was shot during an apparent incident involving other teenagers Monday night.

The victim or some of the people involved crossed the line into North Lauderdale, where police made contact with them.

Investigators were seen surrounding car at the intersection of Rock Island Road and Forest Boulevard.

The teen was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center where they underwent surgery and is expected to be OK.

Margate Police is lead agency on this investigation as they believe the incident originated in that city.

The circumstances that led to the shooting remain unknown and an investigation is now underway.

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

Members of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation sang with joy as they took down the posters of those who had been missing up until Monday morning.

“These people were civilians who were taken out of their homes and to see those moments of joy after two years is incredibly emotional and powerful,” said Scott Kaufman, the president and CEO for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

It was an emotional day, one that many weren’t sure they’d get to see after two long years.

“This is huge. It’s hard to describe the emotions, it’s something that, really, that we’ve wanted for so long,” said Ayellet Black, Israel’s Deputy Consul General in Miami.

7News spoke with Ceci Azus-Serphos, who had family members killed by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attack and in captivity, to describe the bittersweet moment.

“It is, really, a bittersweet reaction that I have,” said Azus-Serphos.

She said the images of families being reunited after two years brought her immense joy, but reminded her of the reality that many families lost loved ones in the conflict.

“I’m still mourning together with all those families that didn’t have the pleasure of having back our loved ones,” said Azus Serphos.

While many across South Florida take in the joyous moment of celebration and optimism for peace, they also acknowledge this was just the first of many steps toward a long-lasting peace.

“There’s a long way to go on a 21-point plan for a lasting comprehensive peace, but I have hope,” said Kaufman.

“Sooner or later, we are all going to recuperate and we are all going to be able to dance again and be happy again,” said Azus-Serphos.

Speaking with 7News on Friday, Gavin McCoy identified his brother as Gianni Jackson.

The victim’s father had break the news to the school bus driver Friday morning that son was killed in a house fire Thursday afternoon.

McCoy told 7News off camera that his brother had Down syndrome, but that never stopped him from being independent and was loved by everyone.

Neighbors and nearby witnesses were reeling over the family’s loss.

“Can’t even begin to understand what he’s feeling right now,” said Erick, a neighbor of the family.

The house fire along the 5500 block of Southwest Sixth Street and took the life of the boy and one of the family’s dogs, after it tore through and destroyed the home.

A neighbor who did not want to be identified shared cellphone video with 7News that captured heavy smoke and flames as she alerted others about the burning home.

“I witnessed the grandma and a friend of hers were in the driveway. She said her grandson was inside the house because he had just gotten off the school bus and he said, ‘Grandma, I’m going to take a shower.’ She said he’s of special needs,” she said.

The neighbor said she was devastated when she learned the tragic news.

“Just imagine as a 12-year-old special needs child, you’re in the shower, and you come out to see blazing smoke. You wouldn’t know what to do. It was so sad when we heard he passed,” she said.

According to the Margate Fire Department, the flames were so extreme that one of their firefighters’ gear and pants caught on fire. Fortunately, that firefighter was not injured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

More king tides rolled in throughout coastal areas Thursday morning, the worst of them during high tide in Fort Lauderdale, just before 11 a.m.

However, conditions are gradually improving. The tides aren’t going as high as they had in the past few days, with winds dying down, possibly contributing to the regression.

Nonstop onshore winds throughout the week contributed to the heavy flooding, but now there appears to be less water for people to deal with in the affected areas.

The same area in Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park neighborhood that saw the worst flooding Tuesday and Wednesday was considerably less flooded Thursday.

Dania Beach and Hollywood saw significant tide earlier in the week, and while water remains on the roads again Thursday morning, it was not as high.

In Lighthouse Point, the water reached the top of the seawall, but as of Thursday afternoon hasn’t crested.

7News asked locals if conditions are as bad as earlier in the week.

“No, I guess not, well, it’s still got time, it’s coming in,” said a man.

City officials continue to divert traffic in an effort to keep vehicles from heading through the deepest parts of the affected areas.

No more water has come in as of Thursday afternoon, but high tide is expected again on Thursday night.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said they received a 911 call in reference to a fire at a multi-unit structure along the 1100 block of Northwest Fifth Court, just before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Crews arrived at the scene to encounter smoke emitting from the eaves of the structure, which houses four neighboring units.

The fire started in one unit, with smoke from the fire spreading to a nearby unit, where a pit bull mix dog named “Pandora” was home alone.

The 1-year-old dog was removed from her crate by firefighters and given oxygen. She is reportedly “doing well”.

7News cameras captured Pandora’s owner, Mario, carrying her with a smile on his face. When asked if he’s glad she’s OK, he said “very glad, very grateful.”

Fire crews say if it wouldn’t have been for their fast response, it could’ve ended very badly.

“The dog didn’t have much longer with the level of smoke that was in there. It would’ve suffocated,” said FLFR Assistant Chief Tim Heiser.

The fire fight lasted approximately 10 minutes, according to officials.

Mario said he’s thankful for the firefighters’ actions.

“Thankfully they were here because nobody was here so the dog was just in the house in the cage so she couldn’t get out,” he said. “She was heavy breathing a little bit.”

Neighbors worked together, going door to door to make sure anyone else who was asleep was also woken up.

A resident in another unit was woken up by the fire and safely evacuated.

The unit in which the fire started was vacant.

No injuries were reported, but two units were damaged by the flames.

One resident said the fire likely started from a faulty charger in a closet, though officials have not confirmed that information.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

King tides are typical this time of year, but when accompanied by a full moon, the water’s gravitational pull on the ocean is amplified, which leads to coastal flooding.

The forecast calls for king tides to be in the area for a few days. Residents who live by the water said they are used to seeing their streets flooded around this time of year.

7News cameras captured Julie keeping a close eye on the king tides outside her Fort Lauderdale home on Tuesday night.

“I get a kick out of watching it come in and see how high it goes,” she said. “It’s coming up through the grass and eventually will come over the seawall.”

It is the second time in one day that residents dealt with the flooding.

Lynette Coleman lives in Victoria Park, east Fort Lauderdale. She said Tuesday’s morning flooding is one of the worst she’s seen.

“It is really driven by the king tides, but this is unprecedented. It comes right up here, you can see the tide line,” she said. “Sometimes it’s worse where you cannot see the difference between this river and this street.”

Water began to swarm the streets of a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood near Northeast Seventh Street and 20th Avenue, Tuesday morning, reaching heights of nearly three feet.

“I love my location, apartment, everything is good, so I’m not complaining, but I gotta get boots,” said area resident Carol.

These king tides are pushing salty seawater into South Florida streets, leaving roads in low-lying areas inundated.

7Skyforce hovered over several flooded neighborhoods, on Tuesday morning, capturing drivers slowly crawling through the waters.

In one neighborhood in Miami and another along the Intracoastal Waterway in Hollywood, some streets were covered by water. In another Fort Lauderdale neighborhood, cars and boats looked like they were parked in water.

These king tides have arrived with no rain added to the mix. Coleman said she worries how neighborhoods will look if a storm makes landfall.

“This is my problem with it. I’m a native. Can you imagine having a storm surge with rain and wind driving this? It’s scary. It’s quite scary. It’s distributing,” she said. “I can’t come and go when this happens. It is detrimental to people who have walkers.”

The next high tide is set for 9:39 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale, 10:08 a.m. in Miami and 11:47 a.m. in Key West, Wednesday morning. King tides are also expected to return later in October.

According to Fort Lauderdale Police, Sunshine State Sonar, a private search group, located Mackrell’s white 2013 Ford Fusion around 7:20 p.m. Thursday in a lake at 900 Peninsula Corporate Circle.

Mackrell’s family had been searching for answers for the past 10 years, left wondering what happened to him.

“To lose a child, that’s one of the hardest things any mother can go through,” said Astrid Mackrell, his mother.

After officials discovered his remains inside a submerged vehicle, his family has finally received some closure.

“I have cried for 10 years, and I’m still crying, and I’m still gonna cry,” said Astrid. “10 years thinking ‘What happened? Where is he?'”

“We’re all gonna miss him, you know, I was looking at pictures of him and it was hard to even go back and all that,” said Carolina Pascucci, his aunt. “At least we have a little bit of closure.”

Mackrell was 25-years-old when he disappeared in July 2015.

After work, he had gone to Lucky’s Tavern on Las Olas Boulevard to meet up with some friends.

A few hours later, he was seen on security camera footage at a gas station in Pompano Beach.

His family didn’t know anything after that for the next 10 years until Sunshine State Sonar discovered his remains inside a submerged vehicle in Boca Raton last week.

Dental records were used to confirm his identity.

“Finding him, being the car in the water was in the back of my mind,” said Astrid. “In the front was always ‘He’s gonna knock at the door.'”

The discovery hit his family hard, who even after 10 years, held out hope that he was still alive.

“I wasn’t really, really into finding Steven this way, you know, I was always that hope that he’ll come home, but now he’s not gonna come home,” said Astrid.

“We’ve been through a lot. She’s been through a lot with her son,” said Pascucci.

Over those 10 years, Astrid and her family never gave up on searching for Steven, who left behind a daughter who’s now 11-years-old.

Each year, the family gathered to keep his memory alive, releasing balloons in his honor.

Monday evening, his loved ones gathered together to honor his life.

“I needed this. It’s necessary to be in family,” said Astrid. “Steve would like that.”

Despite the heartbreak of knowing he’s gone, his family can finally say goodbye.

“I thank God for, that we finally found him because I’ve been praying for that for 10 years,” said Astrid.

“We miss him, but at the same time we have hope that we’re gonna see him in the future, in a new body, in a new resurrection,” said Victor Navarrete, his uncle.

Mackrell’s family was also thankful for all the support they’ve received.

“I want to thank everybody who has been with us through the 10 years with their prayers and support ’cause without the prayers, we could not keep going,” said Astrid.

Mackrell’s family said they are working on funeral arrangements.

While it’s assumed Mackrell drove his car into the lake, authorities have not confirmed that as they continue to investigate what happened.

7Skyforce hovered above the submerged vehicle near 2510 Sands Way, in a neighborhood east of the intersection of Flamingo Road and Sheridan Street, just before noon on Friday.

7News has learned the car is believed to have gone into the water late Thursday night but was not spotted until Friday morning.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue’s dive team searched the water and did not find anyone.

The car has since been pulled from the canal.

Fort Lauderdale Police units responded to the scene of the house fire along the 2500 block of Middle River Driver, just before 7:30 a.m. on Friday.

Crews arrived at the home to encounter heavy flames spewing from the garage’s roof.

The firefight lasted roughly 40 minutes, according to officials.

While the blaze posed a severe threat to the home, the damage was minimized since crews were able to contain the fire to the garage.

Mark Von Zwhel was home with his puppy, Sedona, and 9-year-old son Zander when the fire broke out.

“I was terrified, but I’m good under pressure,” said Von Zwhel.

Although the house sustained some smoke damage, its structural integrity doesn’t appear to be affected and it’s likely still habitable.

Von Zwhel said he’s just relieved he and his family made it out unharmed.

“So I was in the backroom, and I heard some knocking on the side of the house, but as soon as I walked out the bedroom door, I saw smoke, I grabbed my son, the dog was following me — she’s right behind me, she isn’t going to leave me — and we got out of the house, and I called 911,” he said. “I went back in, opened the garage door, because it seemed to be the heat source, and flames are coming out of the garage door, so I shut the door and I got back out of the house. Just left everything behind, and everybody is safe. The best thing to do is just leave.”

Firefighters gifted Zander a department T-shirt, giving the young boy a reason to smile as his family navigates this unforeseen misfortune.

“That’s awesome! Did one of the firefighters give that to you?” asked 7News reporter Dannielle Garcia.

“Yeah,” Zander replied.

“What do you think about that?” she asked.

“Good,” he replied.

“I mean, how was the fire for you this morning?” Garcia asked.

“Scary,” the child said.

“Yeah, I’m sure it was scary, but now how are you feeling?” Garcia asked, to which the boy replied “OK,” adding that he lost some valuables in the fire.

Some of his father’s most prized possessions were damaged in the fire as well.

“Oldsmobile I inherited, a 1969 Oldsmobile, so I’m really worried about that. The other car was my wife’s uncle’s, and he gave me the car, and it reminded me of the car that my sister had when we were younger, a 1972 Cadillac, so I treasure that car, I put all my work into that car, so hopefully I can get it fixed,” said Von Zwhel.

On the brighter side, Von Zwhel said, he’s grateful for the fire department’s quick response.

“The fire department came right away. There were a tremendous amount of trucks and everybody lined up, and then they just said, ‘This is what you have to do, but take it slow,'” he said. “It’s a very emotional moment, but I appreciate the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department and the City of Fort Lauderdale. I mean, the services were unbelievable; they saved my house.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though the fire department said it’s likely a lithium battery that caught fire.

Fort Lauderdale Police units were dispatched to the 6800 block of Northwest 29th Avenue in reference to a burglarized vehicle, at around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.

At the scene, officers learned that not one, but roughly 12 vehicles had been targeted.

The apparent burglaries spanned several blocks.

7News obtained surveillance video that shows a person next to a car. Shortly after, the car’s alarm begins to sound, its lights start flashing, and then the individual is seen running away.

One victim told 7News that the crook ravaged cars belonging to him and a family member.

“I ain’t even make it to work yet. Then I realized my car got broken into, and I’m like, ‘Bro, somebody broke into my car? Why is there glass on my seat?” said Billy Johnson. “I’m like, ‘Bro, all right.’ I went to work, came back, my mom’s car got broken into.”

Another victim had several important documents inside her car stolen.

“I had my passports, my social security card, my son passport, his social,” said Latisha Dukes.

Jah Wisk said he went outside to find two of his family’s cars broken into.

“I see my brother’s back window down, my mom’s back window down,” said Wisk.

For the several victims affected, it was a brutal way to start their day.

“We woke up this morning and come outside here to put a few things in the truck and take kids to school and I notice that my window’s broken,” said Julian Detwiler. “Glass everywhere, someone had rummaged through the truck.”

“People who work hard for their money and y’all want to come here and steal from us?” said Wisk.

“Got the rear driver-side window but didn’t take anything so that’s good but how am I going to get a window fixed here when I’m supposed to go on vacation today,” said Fred Harper.

Now they’re left to pick up the pieces, starting with having to pay for repairs they shouldn’t have to be dealing with.

“This right here, damage is gonna cost me $430 from one quote that I have,” said Dukes.

“It’s really disheartening living in a neighborhood here where your vehicles get broken into,” said Julian Detwiler.

Some residents were left fed up, hoping to pass a message to the thief.

“If you ever have a car, I hope somebody does this to you, too,” said Harper.

The burglaries remain under investigation.

If you have any information on these car break-ins or the subject or subjects involved, 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 South Florida based airline is also in a $150 million agreement with AerCap Ireland, which is one of companies from which the airline leases its aircraft.

In an effort to reduce operational cost, the settlement will end leases on nearly 30 planes and will scale back flights at some airports.

After a bidding war in 2022, JetBlue Airways was set to buy Spirit for a whooping $3.8 billion after Spirit’s attempt to merge with rival discount carrier Frontier Airlines failed.

The deal with JetBlue had the potential of increasing competition for the U.S. airline industry, but ultimately it fell apart after a federal judge blocked the buyout of the nation’s lowest-costing airline.

7News on Wednesday spoke with frequent Spirit Airlines flyers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to get their reaction.

“It’s easy. It gets me where I need to go fast, and it’s very cheap and makes my life easier. I am going back and forth to Baltimore every two days,” said traveler Edward Smith.

“Honestly, I don’t think there’s any other really cheap options, you know what I mean? You kind of can’t beat it, and there’s a lot of nonstops, so all of that, like, I just feel like it would give everyone else a chance to monopolize over the industry, you know,” said traveler Alex Pittsley.

The move to scale back flights made sense to some of Spirit’s loyal flyers.

“First, analyze their routes and what the occupancy is on the flights, you know, if they have to trim down some of the flights so it will reduce some of the overhead, you got to be profitable on every flight,” said traveler Will Evans.

Other travelers are concerned it could lead to the normally cheap tickets going up in price.

“Honestly, it’s the cheap prices, otherwise I wouldn’t be taking it,” said Pittsley.

“I would miss Spirit. I love the, like, $100 flight anywhere. I think that’s the best part of Spirit, like, no other airlines is like that,” said traveler Xavier Phillips.

Overall, Spirit travelers are optimistic their preferred airline will continue offering travel-friendly prices.

“They’re becoming very guest-centric, that’s something that’s very important in the corporation business, it’s a people business,” said traveler Ray Delmont. As long as they support and they keep doing what they’re doing, I think they can pull it off.”

Spirit said it will “continue to right-size the business and to generate cost savings again,” as they navigate through a second bankruptcy.

Speaking to 7News on Tuesday, Stephanie Carafa and her family said they believe they saw the coyote across the street from their home on Garfield.

“We saw it on Monday morning. It looked like a dog but it was really a coyote. It was maybe 50, 60 pounds, about the size of the German Shephard just going down the street around the corner.

But it isn’t the first time. Coyotes have been spotted all over the neighborhood recently.

“There’s been several sightings from many of the neighbors here on Garfield Street and one street over on Arthur. I think people have caught it on Ring doorbell cameras, when they’re coming out at night to take their garbage out, into the alleys, when they’re coming out in the morning to walk their dogs. It’s been several sightings,” said Carafa.

Another video, shared with 7News, captures a coyote darting around a Hollywood Hills residential area.

It appears almost exactly like the one area resident Daniel saw days ago and took video of.

“We’ve been tracking them, and next thing you know, we see it again, so I got a good video of it, and it’s just wondering around, doing its thing,” said Daniel.

A week before Daniel spotted the coyote, a similar looking one was captured by area resident Tom’s Ring camera.

“I was shocked at how big he was!” said Tom. “Middle of the day, like no fear in the world.”

Wildlife officials say coyotes can and will attack smaller animals.

Last October, a cat in Fort Lauderdale was attacked by one. A few months before that, a group of coyotes went after a Pomeranian in Miami.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Hollywood residents haven’t reported any similar attacks, but they say they don’t want to take any chances.

“Usually the last time of the night that we let the dog out, I just let him out in the front yard off the leash to go out and go to the bathroom, but we’ve just been letting him out in the backyard where it’s fenced. We figured it’s just a little safer,” said Carafa. “We see raccoons and possums and iguanas. the usual suspects but to have wildlife like that around, it’s a little disconcerting.”

Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say coyotes are in every county in Florida and that encounters are becoming more common.

The controversial comments in the classroom were brought to light after a student recorded her teacher’s rant the day after conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was killed.

Steven Babice, a social studies teacher at Everglades High School in Miramar, got into a heated disagreement with a student in his classroom, and many believe that Babice crossed a line by cursing and bringing his own political beliefs into the classroom.

“How come there’s a parade and riots and murders and burning cities down? Because George Floyd, a career criminal, died. But when that white girl on the train got stabbed in the neck, just whispers.”[…] “Why do black people hate white people? Because the cops are killing blacks? Is that what’s going on? Are more whites getting shot by cops than blacks? Somebody say yes, because that’s the fact.”

7News spoke with the mother of the student who recorded the incident, and masked her voice to keep her identity private.

“My initial reaction was, I was appalled. It was OK to say this if he was having drinks with his buddies, it was okay to vent with his children, his wife, but to a classroom full of 18 and 17-year-old kids, absolutely not!” said the concerned mother.

She said it all started when a student made a comment about Kirk.

“He told them that things could be open discussion, but as soon as the child said, ‘Charlie Kirk was a racist,’ he kicked him out,” said the mother.

She said the student claimed that Babice also said that Charlie Kirk had done more for black people than people like President Barack Obama did.

Ultimately, Babice kicked the student out of his class, and can be heard in the recording very displeased talking about the teenager in a controversial manner.

“The black kid’s got the balls to say that to me. He don’t know. He’s ignorant to the whole situation,” he is heard saying in the audio.

The concerned mother said that not only did he go off on a political tangent, he also became physically aggressive in the class.

“Why should our children have to sit in a classroom and see a man pound his fist into a desk? My daughter doesn’t even see that at home,” said the mother.

Babice appeared to also touch on the issue of race relations in America during the political rant.

“[…] I grew up white OK? Everybody I know was taught to not be racist. We’re all equal, that’s what we were taught, then I become an adult and guess what? I find out as an adult that black people are taught to hate white people so who’s the racist?” said Babice in the recording.

The concerned mother told 7News Babice’s comments on Black households were untrue.

“That is absolutely untrue. I don’t teach hate in my home. I don’t really know a Black person who does teach hate,” she said.

Students at the school say they’re not really surprised by the teacher’s words.

“That’s like one thing about him. That was his whole like persona. I feel like he was a very like a political guy,” said a former student of Babice, Ahmed Dogan.

7News then asked him if he could tell which way Babice swung politically, and Dogan said yes.

“Yeah, 100%, everyone did, it was like a matter of time that something like this happened,” responded Dogan.

Another student suggested that biases should be left out if politics are going to be brought up by educators.

“If teachers want to bring politics into a classroom, they should definitely take the nonpartisan route of it,” said Taylor Berry.

Broward County Public Schools released a statement on the situation that reads as follows,

“We take all allegations seriously and will thoroughly investigate to ensure our learning environments remain safe, respectful, and inclusive for every student and family. The District is aware of the allegations involving this employee. He has been placed on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of an investigation by professional practices.

The teacher had previously been reprimanded by the school district, and the mother says she will use this as a learning lesson for her daughter on how to have proper political discourse, even when you disagree.

“I know they are doing a thorough investigation. I really don’t know what they really need to investigate. There’s a recording. This is not hearsay, this is not the child’s word against the teacher’s word; you heard it for yourself, what more do you need?” said the mother.

Twenty-nine-year-old Jamir Clarke was seen leaving jail Thursday afternoon after being charged with four counts of child abuse without great bodily harm.

Authorities said the suspect got into a physical altercation with four different students while they were inside a weight room during football practice, at around 4 p.m. Monday.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, when players on the team criticized Clarke’s nephew, the team’s quarterback, he attacked.

In the arrest report, authorities claim, “Clarke struck [victim] in the face with a closed fist” and “after punching [victim] the rest of the team rushed Clarke who then began swinging punches on any team members coming at him.”

Clarke remained silent when asked if he regrets anything that happened inside the weight room as he left Broward County Jail.

But Monday’s scuffle is not Clarke’s first time being accused of harming students.

A video believed to be from Monarch High School in Coconut Creek appears to show Clarke roughhousing with multiple students.

Clarke was taken into custody by authorities on Tuesday after a football practice meeting.

Students reacted to the video, and allegations made against the coach.

“It was a dumb situation. It shouldn’t have happened,” said one of the football players.

“No one should be hitting on someone else’s kids,” said student Camiya Fowler.

“It’s just shocking,” said another student.

Clarke appeared before a judge on Wednesday, who ordered him to stay away from any Broward County Public Schools property and avoid contact with the victims and with minors — aside from his family.

Clarke must also refrain from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

Travaughn Gaines was arrested Saturday, days after, investigators said, he stole a vehicle parked in front of the One Price Dry Cleaners, located at 8263 West Broward Blvd., at around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.

According to a warrant for his arrest, it was a rainy day when a woman was going back and forth from her vehicle to the dry cleaners. She left her car running with her children inside to try and quickly enter the dry cleaners.

But officers said that’s all the time Gaines needed to slip inside the vehicle and flee the scene.

A dry cleaners worker described the tense moment.

“A gentleman that was pacing the parking lot, he just went into her car and drove off. There were children in the car and everything,” he said.

The woman immediately contacted police after realizing that her vehicle had been stolen and her children had been kidnapped.

The worker said he tried to help the woman secure her children.

“We started chasing the car, but it was driving too fast. It drove to the Westside Hospital and took a right, and it was gone,” he said.

Not long after, police received a 911 call from the Renaissance Hotel, located at 1230 S. Pine Island Road, where, dtectives said, Gaines dropped off the 10-year-old girl and her sister, and the children asked for help from hotel workers.

The warrant stated that “…as the vehicle is leaving the parking lot the rear driver side door opens, indicating 10-year-old daughter is contemplating jumping from the moving car, but ultimately decides to remain inside with her [8]-month-old sister.”

After dropping off the girls and dumping the car, police said, Gaines began using their mother’s debit card. He took a cab to a smoke shop in Hollywood where, detectives said, he used his own name and then charged the card $120.

The clerk would later tell investigators he seemed nervous at the register.

Days later, Gaines would be arrested. He appeared in court on Sunday.

The worker at the dry cleaners says he’s happy to hear the children are OK.

“That’s the most important thing. That’s what I cared about the most. I was really concerned about the children,” he said.

Gaimes remains behind bars at the Broward County Jail. He is charged with kidnapping a child under 13, confining a child under 13 without consent of a parent, grand theft auto, and grand theft between $10,000 and $20,000.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident began Monday morning when a patrol unit observed a silver Ford F-150 commit a traffic violation involving an improper stop at a stop sign and illegal window tint near State Road 84 and Pine Island Road, just off Interstate 595.

After initiating the stop, troopers made contact with the driver and five other passengers inside the truck.

FHP said the driver provided proper documentation and complied with instructions, but troopers said one of the passengers, Jonathan Guzman, showed his Mexican passport and was having immigration issues.

Guzman exited the vehicle at the trooper’s request and was in the process of being placed in handcuffs when he aggressively turned around, causing the trooper to lose grip with him and cutting the trooper’s right hand with the strand rivet of the handcuff.

Guzman then escaped detention by climbing the river divider, jumping into the canal and swimming northbound.

Several law enforcement officials, including Plantation Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, created a perimeter around the area to locate Guzman.

Neighbors said the law enforcement presence was large.

“I’ve never seen so many cop cars on this street. Must have been 10 or 12,” said resident Mark Ahrens.

“[He] jumped into the canal, swam across and disappeared into our neighborhood,” said resident Bob Snead.

Snead said as the search for Guzman was underway, residents were told to stay inside.

“They told us, ‘You got to shut this down. You got to lock up, you got to get in your house. We got dogs coming out and we’re going to be doing house to house search,'” he said.

Soon after, officials advised on radio that Guzman was found by an officer’s K-9 in between some bushes of a home and was in custody. He still had one hand cuffed. The K-9 did not attack or injure Guzman.

“The guy came out voluntarily and they grabbed him and put him into custody,” said Ahrens. “He looked fairly compliant and knew he was done for.”

Guzman was transported to Broward County Jail. The injured trooper was taken to Cleveland Clinic Hospital by paramedics where he had to get nine stitches to his right hand.

The driver is not facing charges, troopers said. Border Patrol was contacted to assist with the identification of the remaining passengers.

Roy Ordonez on Friday spoke on Broward County Circuit Court Judge Ernest Kollra ruling for the first time since it was delivered, expressing his disappointment at the outcome and blaming police for causing his brother to be killed.

“Like I said many times, they did a horrible job. The only thing they did do a good job at is protecting themselves,” said Roy Ordonez, Frank’s brother.

Kollra handed out an order Thursday saying, “After applying the statutory and case law to the facts of this case and determining the credibility of the witnesses who testified, the Court finds the fact and testimony to support the application of immunity under Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ law.”

Roy said the ruling sets a concerning precedent.

“If you really think that this is justifiable, to shoot 200 plus rounds in 25 seconds in a street full of civilians going home, if they think that this is what they’re trained to do, I’m scared for myself and the public going forward,” he said.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office released a statement insisting the state’s “stand your ground” law does not apply if an innocent bystander is killed in a confrontation.

“…’Stand your ground’ immunity does not apply in matters involving innocent bystanders, like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, who presented no danger to officers. In this incident, two innocent men were killed and the lives of numerous other innocent bystanders were endangered.”

Mateo spoke with 7News on Thursday. He said he knew all along every action he took that day to confront two men who had robbed a jewelry store and taken Ordonez hostage inside a UPS truck.

“I had to pull out my gun and take action, you know. I’ve had faith that I did my job; that I did what I was supposed to do,” he said.

The convicted felons who led police on a multi-county chase were killed in the shootout, along with Frank and Richard Cutshaw, who was struck by a stray bullet that pierced his back windshield.

In the weeks following the deadly shootout, Mateo and three other officers were charged with manslaughter and were all headed to trial until Mateo’s attorney filed a motion under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, claiming his client was just doing his job.

After nearly two weeks of testimony from other officers and witnesses, Kollra would ultimately agree, stating, “…Body Worn Camera video confirms the testimony of the law enforcement witnesses and civilian witnesses as to how it was the two convicted felons who started, continued and chose to fire first at anyone that came near the UPS truck.”

Mateo’s attorney, Richard Diaz, said Kollra’s ruling is historic.

“Those officers can go to work knowing they’re gonna have a law that protects them,” said Diaz.

The state attorney’s office has said they intend to appeal Judge Kollra’s decision and plan to move forward with the manslaughter charges brought against the three other officers.

Broward County Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra handed out an order Thursday saying, “After applying the statutory and case law to the facts of this case and determining the credibility of the witnesses who testified, the Court finds the fact and testimony to support the application of immunity under Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ law.”

Kolllra added, “The Court finds that the State has not established by clear and convincing evidence that the Defendant did not have a reasonable belief that his use of deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or another.”

Mateo’s attorney, Richard Diaz, argued that his client was within his right to defend himself and others when he opened fire on two convicted felons who had robbed a Coral Gables jewelry store before stealing a UPS truck and kidnapped the driver, 27-year-old Frank Ordonez.

The judge agreed with Mateo’s claim that the felons fired first. He said “…Body Worn Camera video confirms the testimony of the law enforcement witnesses and civilians witnesses as to how it was the two convicted felons who started, continued and chose to fire first at anyone that came near the UPS truck.”

The charge stemmed from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement saying that the bullets that hit Ordonez were fired by each of the indicted officers. Civilian Richard Cutshaw was also fatally struck by the gunfire.

That December 2019 day turned busy Miramar Parkway into a war zone. Cellphone video from bystanders captured a large law enforcement presence surrounding the truck as officers fired some 200 rounds in the middle of rush hour traffic. Bystanders ducked and tried to drive away from the gunfire and mayhem.

The hearing played out in court over the course of several weeks, with the prosecution and defense calling a wide array of witnesses to the stand, including bystanders, a FDLE agent and a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sergeant, deputy and pilot.

Following the decision, 7News cameras captured Mateo, all smiles as he hugged his attorneys.

Mateo told 7News that he did what he had to do and is saddened by the lives lost.

“It’s been mentally tough since I had to pull out my gun and take action,” he said. “It was unfortunate and very sad that lives were lost, innocent lives.”

He said through it all, he’s had great support.

“I’ve had my wife and God with me who have supported me,” said Mateo.

The suspended officer said he will return to the police force and continue saving lives.

“It will be what I was meant to do: go back and protect those who can’t protect themselves,” he said.

Diaz said this ruling will help other law enforcement officials who are doing their job right.

“As long as the officer was doing as he or she was trained, and was acting in good faith and firing at the direction of that threat, or using other levels of force directed toward the threat, they’re not going to worry about a manslaughter charge against them,” he said. “Those officers can now go to work knowing that they have a law that protects them.”

Ordonez’s family said Thursday they were disappointed with the judge’s decision.

“The facts were there. I’m just numb at the whole thing. I’m trying to digest my feelings and my thought process, and it comes back to disappointment,” said Joe Merino, Ordonez’s stepfather.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office said in a statement:

“Immunity from prosecution is not the same as a defense presented to a jury from this community. It is our belief that Stand Your Ground immunity does not apply in matters involving innocent bystanders, like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, who presented no danger to officers. In this incident, two innocent men were killed and the lives of numerous other innocent bystanders were endangered.”

They go on to say that they will appeal the judge’s decision and to expect the trial of the three other officers involved in this case to proceed.

When asked to respond to the expected appeal, Diaz said, “Bring it on.”

Last year, during the fifth anniversary memorial, Ordonez’s family hung a photo of him on a light pole, near the area where he died. His photo was decorated with Christmas lights to celebrate his favorite holiday, along with flowers.