According to new court documents, the first message came a day after the incident when Shauntel Kepner, Anna Kepner’s stepmother, texted her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson: “I need you to call me [as soon as possible], it’s an emergency.”

Hudson responded that he would pick up their youngest child to get her away from the crisis. In a response he wrote:

“I know it’s probably a no but I can come get (REDACTED) tonight, just to get her away from the situation. I promise I’m not going to keep her from you or anything, as soon as you guys are able to head home I can bring her to you. Or is there anything else I can do,” responded Hudson.

But Shauntel rejected the idea, claiming it would traumatize their daughter. She wrote:

“I really appreciate it and I’m not trying to be any which way, I just think it’ll be more traumatizing for her to be removed as of right now, she doesn’t know anything about (REDACTED). The only thing I told her is that he was having a hard time coping with losing Anna so he’s getting checked out by the hospital,” responded Shauntel.

Kepner was found underneath a bed on the Carnival Horizon by a ship employee. The cruise ship was returning to Port Miami when Kepner’s body was found.

Two days after the initial conversation, the ex-couple texted again, with Shauntel telling Hudson about the short interaction she had with Anna’s 16-year old step brother, who is the subject of the investigation. She wrote:

“I was able to talk to him last night for under two minutes briefly. He just keeps repeating over and over he can’t remember anything. I don’t even know if they were allowed to let me talk to him or not, but the nurse was very nice and let me talk to him just to tell him that you and I love him.”

Hudson then replied:

“I just want him to know that he isn’t just dead to everyone. Regardless of everything at the moment he needs his parents. I know you know that. I just would like to have a chance to talk to him as soon as possible.”

Shauntel replied once more:

“We (Chris, me and his parents) told him that yesterday before they took him, we told him no matter what you and us are with him [and] he isn’t alone,” responded Shauntel.

The court documents came to light amid a custody battle between Shauntel and Hudson involving two of their children.

Jamie Copenhaver, a retired detective, shared his thoughts on how he was concerned on the family’s reaction the day after Anna Kepner’s death.

“My Spidey sense went off after, for a number of reasons. You have a dead 18-year old family member, and they’re more worried about [public relations] and optics and protecting family members,” said Copenhaver.

Court documents have also revealed Anna died from asphyxiation. Her death has been ruled a homicide.

Derek Rosa, who was 13-years-old when he was accused of fatally stabbing his mother over two years ago, appeared virtually where he was asked by the judge presiding over his case if he’s doing OK with his defense team.

“If you have any difficulty with your lawyers, or you feel that they’re not doing what they’re required to do, and you want me to know about it, please tell them to bring that to you,” said Judge Richard Hersch.

The question came weeks after one of his defense attorneys withdrew from the case. Rosa, however, told Hersch that he had no issues with his representation.

“Your Honor, I would prefer if Ms. Dayliset would speak for me because I trust her with my thoughts,” said Rosa.

Hersch then said he will make a decision soon as to whether Rosa needs a competency determination.

“I am concerned whether I need to order up a competency determination of your client,” said Hersch. “I will address that on [January] 23rd, unto any objections to this court doing so,” he said.

According to police said that Irnia Garcia was stabbed more than 40 times while she was sleeping in her bedroom at their Hialeah apartment in 2023, next to her newborn baby, who was unharmed. Officials say that Rosa called 911 and confessed to the crime.

Prosecutors suggest Rosa may have been motivated by horror movies such as “Friday the 13th” and violence, a theory rejected by his defense team.

Rosa has pleaded not guilty to the alleged crimes.

Despite Rosa’s defense team asking for more time to prepare for trial, the judge said the process will move forward and his trial is scheduled for Jan. 26.

Katherine Banegas told the jury about the close relationship the two had growing up.

“It’s like we share the same soul. I feel everything he feels and I’m pretty sure he feels everything I feel,” said Katherine.

The defense showed a baby picture of Jason to the Broward courtroom in hopes jurors remember that image as they contemplate whether the confessed killer will spend the rest of his life behind bars or be sentenced to death.

Earlier in the day, the defense called on a clinical psychologist to describe the Banegas’ “family dysfunction” in detail.

“We know that there is poverty, that there is family dysfunction and distress, and there is substance abuse,” said doctor Yenys Castillo.

Castillo met with Jason in jail on eight separate occasions since the shooting happened in October 2021.

He was 18-years-old when he shot and killed Yandy Chirino while the Hollywood Police officer was responding to reports of someone trying to break into cars in the Emerald Hills neighborhood.

A struggle ensured between the two before Banegas would ultimately fatally shoot Chirino in the face two times.

Back in court, Castillo described Jason’s life as being trouble from the start, testifying that his father was a cocaine and sex trafficker, who abused his mother.

“At one point, an event happens when they are traveling in a car and Omar throws Ingrid out of a moving car, he opens the door and throws her, and she ends up in the hospital, and the kids remember this,” she said.

On Wednesday, his mother, Ingrid Villanueva, provided testimony by video asking for her son’s life to be spared.

“I ask for forgiveness on behalf of my son. My son has never been inhuman. He has always been a very humble person, and I ask the judge to please spare his life,” said Villanueva.

Castillo then told jurors that Jason got into trouble as a juvenile but never received the help he needed, leading to multiple suicide attempts.

“He tried to hang himself, and it was so tight around his neck, that knot, that they had to use what they call ‘the knife of life,’ knife hooked and doesn’t harm kids, were able to cut it,” said Castillo.

Prosecutors then asked Castillo if she acknowledged that Jason understood what the consequences would be for pulling the trigger on Chirino.

“Yes, he knew them. I’m not saying at the moment he was thinking of those consequences…,” said Castillo.

“But he knew right from wrong?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes, correct,” said Castillo.

With Banegas pleading guilty to killing Chirino, the jury is only determining what his sentence will be.

Willy Suarez Maceo appeared in a court hearing four years after Miami Police arrested him, after detectives described him as a serial killer who targeted several homeless men in the city.

“Homeless individuals for apparent no reason had been brutally targeted,” Miami Police Chief Manny Morales said in 2021.

During Maceo’s court appearance on Wednesday, he brought a handwritten letter he was adamant about reading to the judge.

“You may, but you don’t have to, and I’m aware that the defense, in general, these specific lawyers, any defense attorney would prefer that you not say anything,” the judge told Maceo.

Despite the advice, Maceo continued speaking his mind.

“I am not a criminal. I am not an evil person. I suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar type II disorder, and depression,” Maceo read aloud. “I am not guilty by reason of insanity.”

Maceo continued reading his letter, questioning the evidence against him.

“Where is the evidence that proves that what happened was intentional and premeditated?” he asked.

Prosecutors say there’s strong evidence that links Maceo to the crimes, including surveillance footage from 2021 that shows a man parking a Dodge Charger in the same area where someone was fatally stabbed.

In the video, you can see an individual walking toward the location before prosecutors say Maceo is shown running.

“You will see him now coming back, running away from the scene,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

In another video, a Dodge Charger is shown pulling to a stop next to a man who was sleeping on a sidewalk.

Prosecutors say the driver shot and killed that man.

Investigators say the footage provided a clear view of the license plate on that Charger, which was registered to Maceo.

While taking Maceo into custody, body camera video shows officers finding a loaded handgun on his waist, a weapon they believe was connected to the crimes.

Maceo is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Back in court, Maceo continued to share his thoughts on the case until his own attorney had had enough, pleading with him to stop talking.

“After four years, I have…,” Maceo said before being interrupted.

“Sir, I’m gonna stop you. You are saying things that are going to be used to incriminate you at a trial,” public defender Manuel Alvarez said. “And what you are doing is you’re harming your case. But if you want to go ahead, I can’t stop you.”

After giving a brief pause, Maceo continued to lambast the evidence brought by the prosecution.

“I have yet to see any evidence that proves that what happened was intentional and premeditated,” Maceo said.

Maceo asked the judge to be taken from the jail to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. A request that the judge told him she did not have the power to grant.

She did encourage Maceo to allow his attorneys to handle his case going forward.

“They are trying to save your life. The death penalty in the state of Florida is real,” she told Maceo. “Please let them do their jobs.”

Following Wednesday morning’s hearing, Maceo’s public defender filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

“This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in our mission to bring joy, creativity and healing to the children and families we serve,” said Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

The area is the first bilingual studio made by Seacrest, making content in both English and Spanish.

With Spanish speaking patients, we are able to have the full programming to listen to engage with and programing we are gonna film here… we are gonna share with all of our Seacrest studios across the country — this will be the premiere studio to help us of all of our programming,” said Meredith Seacrest, Ryan Seacrest’s sister.

The TV host created the radio and TV centers to give children and families at the hospital a sense of normalcy and hope during challenging times.

“We call it the No Poke Zone. you go in there and you became the star, you have fun, you host shows, you play the music you wanna play. We’ve had patients who come in, who were shy, didn’t wanna come out of their room, they came down, and next thing you know they’re hosting bingo every night and they’ve made friends for life,” said Ryan Seacrest.

Seacrest plans to build state of the art studios in hospitals across the country.

“We want to create this fun, center for the hospital, a heartbeat at the center of the hospital for patients and families to come and smile, laugh and be stars,” said Ryan Seacrest.

The studio is the 14th that has opened in a children’s hospital nationwide.

“The patients here will be national stars. They wont just be stars here in Miami, we are gonna send them all over the place which is fun.” said Ryan Seacrest.

Other celebrities at the opening ceremony included actor Anthony Ramos and influencer Lele Pons, who were interviewed by patients.

In a statement, the unidentified healthcare worker said the situation escalated quickly.

“From the very beginning of the encounter, there was clear intimidation. To clarify, I did roll down my window the moment they pulled me over, and any claim saying that I refused to do so is completely false,” she wrote.

The video was recorded by Miami Herald reporter David Goodhue, who witnessed the detainment of the woman on Dec. 3. As agents dragged her on the floor, she yelled she was a U.S. citizen.

“I’m a U.S. citizen. Please help me! This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?” she said.

The woman’s screams and story sparked international attention.

“I think they’re asking her for her ID. Didn’t appear like she had her identification on her, and then, after a while, things got rough, as you can see,” said Goodhue in an interview with 7News after his video went viral.

The woman’s statement addressed this moment, where she said: “Before I could even reach for my driver’s license, the individuals surrounding my vehicle threatened to break my window, creating fear and pressure instead of allowing me a moment to comply. Their tone and actions made it extremely difficult to remain calm or feel safe.”

The video shows the woman being handcuffed and put into an SUV before being released minutes later. She said the men who detained her never told her who they were, and their vehicle had no visible identification.

“Being surrounded by masked, unidentified men was terrifying. I have seen many incidents online of people impersonating law enforcement, and in that moment, I panicked. My body began shaking, and I went into severe anxiety and possibly a panic attack, genuinely afraid for my safety,” she wrote.

At the end of her statement, the woman said what happened to her should not be taking place in America. She wrote:

“I want to make something absolutely clear: This is not the America that I grew up in, and this is not the America that we represent. I refuse to allow anyone, identified or not, to violate my rights or strip away my dignity.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the woman refused to comply with repeated orders to identify herself and that she was driving her boyfriend’s car, a man the agency said is in the country illegally.

Officials added that once the woman’s identity was confirmed, she was “promptly released.”

Jeffrey Parker, the Animal Protection and Shelter Chief in Hanover County, Virginia, addressed the outlandish sight.

“My officer came in and told me, ‘I pretty much apprehended a suspect. I was like, ‘fantastic, what happened?'” Parker said.

The naughty critter broke into the liquor store through the ceiling. It knocked down bottle after bottle and had more than a couple of drinks.

Then the four-legged burglar passed out near the toilet.

“It was just more or less hilarious of where he passed out, in the bathroom beside the toilet,” Parker said.

Wildlife officials “apprehended” the suspect over the weekend. They let the furry perpetrator take a little nap at the shelter before releasing it back into the wild unharmed.

The Animal Protection Chief had his team post about the “Black Friday break-in” on Facebook. It received an unexpectedly enormous response.

Comments on the post included:

“Somebody get this racoon a sponsor,” “If I get reincarnated… there will be signs!!” and “Are we sure it was a he?? Sounds like a momma who has had enough.”

“You can’t make this stuff up. It happens, and people just don’t realize it, and I actually gave my officer a high-five. I was like, ‘Fantastic. I wish we had little handcuffs to put on him,’ you know?” Parker said.

In total, the racoon broke about 14 bottles worth about $250.

The official FIFA World Cup 26 Miami host city poster captures the essence of Miami’s dynamic culture and community.

Artist Rubem Robierb, who is a part time South Florida resident, said he used some kickin’ creativity to fit all of South Florida’s magic into one frame.

“As an artist, it’s a huge honor to represent the City of Miami. It’s such a global stage,” he said.

Robierb said the poster showcases Miami as a city where art, culture, and futbol unite in a bold and diverse celebration.

“An image that everyone from all over the world, as soon as they see the image, they will immediately relate to Miami, and that’s what we did,” he said.

The artist said that making the poster was a bit of a challenge, as he tried to fit all that makes the city special into one artwork. But he believes the final product manages to do that very well.

“As an artist, it was really special that opportunity to do that poster because representing the City of Miami in such a global stage and connecting with such a big audience is a blessing for us, as an artist, because you are not close just in the art world, but you bring your art to everyone,” said Robierb.

He gave 7News a deep dive into what each part of the poster represents.

For example, the ball represents Miami as a cultural melting pot with every neighborhood represented. The background, including the crowd on the beach, depicts people welcoming those from around the world.

But he said the highlight of it all was the flamingo.

“For me, it’s the most unofficial symbol of Miami because people from all over the world relate flamingos with Miami, and I want to make the flamingo really fun, really playful, and that’s why I picture the flamingo as a soccer player,” said Robierb.

He said he put his own finishing touches on the poster, adding a splash of glitter to top it off.

Since its unveiling, the artist says he’s happy about what he’s heard about the poster and the opportunity to connect with people around the world.

“Me and FIFA Miami, we are really happy about the feedback we got from the poster, because we got to connect with people all over the world. Here in Miami, everyone feels represented, everyone. If you’re from Hialeah or from South Beach or from Coconut Grove, you will see yourself here in the poster because you know what represents you,” said Robierb.

The poster is one of 16 distinctive posters representing each host city in next year’s World Cup.

It’s the first time in World Cup history that each host city is commemorated with its own bespoke artwork.

Archie McKay Sr., who turns 100 on Friday, was surprised by the staff at Jackson North Medical Center, who gathered his family members and after-care friends to throw this big centennial party on Monday.

7News cameras captured McKay walking into the room with his stroller as everyone cheered him on in celebration.

“I know, and I’m happy to know, that so many people care for me, love me and think about me,” said McKay.

Those who know him best said they couldn’t miss this special moment with him.

“He is a walking, talking history book, and he’s truly an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with, including our other patients and our staff. He’s really just amazing,” said Traci Urruela, Director of Rehab at Jackson North Medical Center.

“He’s a good brother. Why do you think I’m here?” said Emma Walker, McKay’s sister.

The celebration also celebrated McKay’s military service.

He was drafted in 1944 at age 18, and he spent part of World War II in Europe, serving in the U.S. Air Force and the Reserve.

Upon his return to the States, he joined the City of Miami Police Department, rising to the rank of sergeant before retiring in 1980.

Following his retirement, he continued to serve the community and helped restore the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum in Overtown. He worked as a tour guide at the museum, sharing stories of the city’s early Black police officers.

“That’s the least known place in Miami. If you don’t do it for anybody else, not even yourself, all of you should take a journey to that place,” said McKay.

Even at nearly 100 years old, he continues to stay active and engaged, as he is showing no signs of slowing down.

At the event, celebrating the gift of a long life and seeing his loving family and dear friends he’s made along the way, McKay choked back tears expressing his gratitude.

“That’s what I’m doing right now, holding back the tears. This is awesome. I appreciate it highly,” he said.

McKay credits his long life to faith, family and the will to keep moving.

Monday, October 24th. Hurricane Wilma struck Southwest Florida with 120 mile-per-hour winds.

The monster Category 3 storm covered most of Florida as it headed east toward Miami-Dade and Broward counties, hitting here as a strong Category 1, with some areas experiencing Category 2 force winds.

Woman: “It took our hurricane shutters right off the window.”

Wilma’s eyewall was between 55 and 65 miles wide. It covered all of South Florida.

The storm’s winds left a path of destruction from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.

The Broward County School Board headquarters suffered extensive damage, as did the Broward County Courthouse.

Woman: “Broward County, the district. Basically, it’s destroyed — it’s glass everywhere, it’s debris everywhere, papers everywhere.”

In North Bay Village, a man was rescued from a houseboat.

First responder: “We put the gentleman on a lounge chair and a backboard and pulled him off to safety.”

Other nearby boats were sunk from Wilma’s winds.

Man: “We’re watching docks ripped out, we’re watching boats sinking. This is our community, our friends, and we’ve lost it all. It’s all gone.”

Also gone: electricity. Ninety-eight percent of customers in South Florida lost power, primarily due to downed trees.

Woman: “They’re estimating us to be maybe another teo to three weeks before we get power back.”

Grocery stores had no power. Gas stations had no power. People waited hours in long lines for fuel.

Woman at gas station: “I’ve been here all morning!”

It wasn’t long before tempers flared.

Man at gas station: “Before you know it, everyone was out of their cars. Thank God the police came to squash the problem, but people’s tempers are high.”

Police had to be called to the few stations that had generators.

Gas station employee: “They were pushing towards the pumps. We had to shut the pumps down. They lined up, the police [were] in front of them, and even then, they were pushing against the police. It was pretty scary.”

With grocery stores closed, families became desperate to find ice and food for their families.

Reporter: “Did you eat anything?”

Girl: “Cereals.”

Reporter: “You had some cereals?”

[The girl nods.]

Reporter: “Anything else?”

Girl’s father: “Did you have milk?”

[The girl shakes her head.]

Girl’s father: “No?”

People who had gas could drive to government distribution sites. Others had to improvise.

For many it was a daily struggle.

Woman: “We eat what we can. Just ends and odds. It’s hard, it’s really hard, it’s hard “

Weeks after the storm, the hardships weren’t over.

Woman: “Water was everywhere. I was wondering where the water was coming from.”

Buildings damaged by the storm became unlivable.

Man: “They never told us that we had to move out or anything. I get here, and they told us, ‘This building has been condemned.'”

Hundreds of people were given hours to leave their homes, taking only what they could carry.

Woman: “I don’t know where we’re going to go. I don’t know.”

Wilma caused more than $20 billion worth of damage in Florida, and as a result of the storm’s impact, gas stations and grocery stores were mandated by law to have backup generators.

Police body camera video shows the JSO officer approaching Erika McGriff as she was leaving her daughter’s school on the afternoon of Oct. 7.

Authorities say McGriff left her car running in an intersection and when confronted by police, she hit the officer, also biting and punching him.

McGriff can be seen being pushed against a vehicle and placed into custody.

McGriff now faces charges for battery on an officer, resisting with violence and driving on a suspended license.

Criminal defense attorney Chris Carson says based on the video it’s unclear if the officer was justified in using escalating force when making the arrest.

“However, based on the footage of what we’ve seen so far, I think it’s kind of hard to tell exactly whether that force was warranted and exactly what resulted in the escalation because there’s a gap in the video and, really, until the entirety of the video is out there or until we have more information, it’s probably gonna be hard to say,” said Carson.

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels are now representing McGriff, arguing the officer went too far during the arrest.

They say this wasn’t only a case of excessive force, but a traumatic experience for her daughter.

A statement from Crump reads:

“This disturbing video shows yet another example of unnecessary and excessive force used against a Black woman during what should have been a routine encounter. No mother should be brutalized in front of her child and community for something as minor as a parking issue.”

Crump also referenced another recent arrest made by JSO, involving William McNeil Jr., a Black college student, as part of an alleged pattern of police aggression involving Jacksonville’s police officers.

Sheriff T.K. Waters disputed the claim, saying when his officer attempted to talk to McGriff, she escalated to physical violence.

“If you violently resist our officers, if you punch them, if you bite them, you will be arrested,” said Waters.

Ultimately, Carson says they intend to push for a thorough review over whether the officer’s actions during McGriff’s arrest were justified.

McGriff’s attorneys are also calling for authorities to release the unedited body camera footage.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 60-year-old James Edward Daniels is behind the December 2020 murder of two people in the area of 18th Avenue and Service Road, and had since been serving a life sentence in state prison in Lake City.

Daniels was transferred to Miami-Dade custody last Wednesday to face additional charges, but was mistakenly released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center two days later.

Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department cited “a procedural error” as the reason for his release.

“Well, we’re reviewing everything, and we’re going to be making any necessary improvements, but this does happen from time to time, not only here, but in other facilities [due to] human error, but this is definitely unacceptable and we’re doing everything possible,” said Levine Cava.

MDSO deputies, the United States Marshals and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are looking for Daniels.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $30,000 reward.

Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South officials said it was a banner year for cocaine seizures, with a haul that represents 378 million lethal doses, or enough cocaine to kill every American.

“We’re not going to have a cartel, operating or masquerading as a government, operating in our own hemisphere,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a recent interview.

The effort targets smugglers moving drugs through waters between South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Authorities say they intercepted the equivalent of 42 dump trucks, 16 shipping containers or four football fields, denying cartels more than $11 billion in revenue.

Officials call it the largest seizure in U.S. history, and note it does not include recent operations against Venezuelan traffickers.

In recent months, President Donald Trump has ordered increased military operations in the Caribbean — pledging to step up pressure on cartels and narco-terrorists.

“They killed 300,000 people in our country last year, we’re not gonna let it happen anymore,” said Trump. “All you have to do is look at the cargo, like it’s spattered all over the ocean. Big bags of cocaine and fentanyl all over the place.”

The taskforce operates across 42 million square miles — from the Eastern Pacific to the Western Atlantic, stretching from international waters North of the Antilles to the Southern tip of South America at Cape Horn.

Since its launch on Aug. 4, the ABC and 7News team are already a match made in heaven.

ABC World News Tonight Anchor David Muir thanked everyone involved in the partnership and said 7News viewers may see him anchoring from the Newsplex.

“I think we’re going to be anchoring from the Newsplex at some point. It’s an honor. It’s infectious,” said Muir.

“Good Morning America” correspondent Sam Champion called Miami his second home and said weather coverage brings a strong connection between ABC and 7News.

“I think weather is some of the most important news that happens in this area. You’re the best, I think we’re the best, so together, weather coverage becomes the most important thing we can do together,” he said.

ABC correspondent and Miami native Gio Benitez said that the partnership is a fabulous fit.

“Nobody in Miami covers breaking news like 7News. On the national level, nobody covers breaking news like ABC News. For those two worlds to collide is really special,” he said.

Andy Ansin, CEO of Sunbeam Television, the parent company of WSVN and ABC Miami, also attended the event. He told the audience that becoming an ABC affiliate is a fitting next chapter for the company.

“We want to thank ABC for trusting us with their brand, and we look forward for the fourth generation to work with you as well,” he said.

Sunbeam Co-President James Ansin said he looks forward to an exciting future.

“I also particularly want to thank our new ABC family, for your trust, knowing that combining the most watched broadcast network with our strong local news will make a perfect marriage,” said James.

The addition of ABC brings a flurry of daytime and prime-time programming to 7News viewers. TV stars attended the luncheon and met top executives.

When it was her turn to the microphone, talk show host Tamron Hall told the crowd working for 7News was an early career goal for her.

“Fun fact: I applied for a job, a very green reporter, at WSVN. I did not get the job. Thirty years later, I’m back!” said Hall.

The event was a perfect party to celebrate what is yet to come.

Thursday’s 4-1 decision is a reversal from the commission’s initial vote to join Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach in a lawsuit fighting the Florida Department of Transportation’s ban on street art.

You don’t undertake litigation because – for the sake of just saying, ‘We want to feel good about it,’ when you’re dealing with taxpayer dollars,” said Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney during the hearing. “If you want to fund it yourself, fund it yourselfm but not with taxpayer dollars.”

The commission to comply with FDOT’s demands to remove the rainbow-colored mural rather than face the loss of state funding.

Vice Mayor Rob Long was the sole dissenting vote.

The state has been pushing to remove similar displays, which are considered social or political.

FDOT crews already painted over the Delray Beach mural, located at Northeast First Street and Second Avenue, earlier this week.

“Nobody thinks we can win — nobody, nobody,” said Carney.

The lawsuit claims their crosswalks and Progress Pride flags are on city-owned roads, but once FDOT denied a formal hearing, most decided the fight wasnlt worth the possible consequences.

Delray Beach commissioners are expected to discuss other option to show support to the LGBTQ+ community on Monday.

Bodycam video from the patrol officers showed them walking into a Chick-Fil-A on June 24 where they spotted something unusual: a child eating breakfast with no parents in sight.

“I have children, so the first thing, you know, you get that knot in your stomach, because you know somebody else who’s a parent is missing their child,” said Patrol Officer Perri.

The officers set out to help him get back home safely.

“You know where your house is, buddy?” a patrol officer asked the child.

The boy, 5-year-old William, told officers he lived across the street.

The officers grabbed a parting gift from an employee of the fast food restaurant for William as they brought him outside.

William asked the officers if they were taking him to jail as they made their way to the police cruiser.

The officers told William he wasn’t going to jail, but he was going on a ride-along as they drove around the surrounding neighborhood to find where his house was.

After some time, they found William’s home with the front gate locked.

The officers hopped over the fence, knocked on the door and delivered the stunning news to William’s parents.

“Yeah, he was down at the Chick-Fil-A,” an officer said.

“Are you kidding me?” said Victoria, William’s mother.

“No, we have him in our police car. You want to go get him?” said an officer.

The family was relieved to be back together.

According to police, William opened the gate and got locked out during the early morning hours. After he couldn’t find his parents, he decided to go somewhere familiar.

“I know he knows how to get to Chick-Fil-A because we walk there. I would have never expected him to come down here on his own,” said Victoria.

William and his family got to reunite with the officers who helped him weeks later at the same spot, with William bringing a special gift as a thank you for their help on that day.

Authorities said William’s parents were asleep at the time he made his escape.

They said the parents aren’t in any trouble, but this incident serves as a strong reminder for parents to make sure their children know their address, a phone number and their parents’ names.

Fort Lauderdale Police said 13-year-old Rachel Nisanov died when the personal watercraft she was riding with her 16-year-old sister, Aviva, struck a concrete dock near Northeast 24th Court in the Intracoastal Waterway on Aug. 12.

Moments after the incident, eyewitnesses called 911 to report the crash.

“This is a wave acc– what exactly happened ma’am? Tell me exactly what happened,” said the 911 operator.

“I don’t know. I just drove past it. It’s a two person wave runner accident. Jet Ski. They’re being held by someone that was in a tree. I just pulled up, it looks like it capsized,” said the woman.

“OK, stay on the phone with me, OK? I’m sending rescue now,” said the 911 operator.

Soon after, another person called as he watched from his apartment across the waterway.

“They’re in the Intracoastal Waterway. If you’re sending vehicles there, you’re gonna have to access them by Bayview Drive,” said the man.

“Are they still on the water?” said the 911 operator.

“Yeah, there’s a couple of jet skis helping them out, but I’m in the building across the way so I can’t really see the person, but they hit really, really hard,” he said. “They’re yelling and screaming so I’m assuming someone hurt pretty bad.”

At one point, callers provide an update on the victims.

“One is out of the water?” said a 911 operator.

“Yes, and they are trying to pull the other one out of the water right now,” said a man.

“Were they able to pull the other person out of the water?” said the 911 operator.

“Yes, they’re pulling them out right now,” said the man.

Officials said the family was on vacation from New York when the tragic incident occurred. The girls’ parents were not too far behind them when it took place.

Last Wednesday, Rachel’s family mourned her loss at a funeral in New York. Cameras inside Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Queens captured the father surrounded by grieving family members and friends.

Now, the family is grieving Rachel’s loss and providing support to Aviva, who was able to be released from the hospital on Tuesday evening.

“I’m feeling amazing on one hand that my sister is doing great. On the other hand, it’s terrible that my other sister wasn’t able to make it,” said the victims’ brother Eli Nisanov.

Eli said Aviva’s recovery will continue at home surrounded by her family and community.

“Amazing. We have the best community, family and best people in the world and with God’s help, everything is going to go very quickly,” he said.

He also shared how the family is using their faith to get through this hard moment in their lives.

“God has his way. Everything is calculated and I have no questions. We just don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” said Eli.

The incident remains under investigation by various law enforcement agencies.

The 80-ton crane’s boom snapped, sending a huge chunk of a tree through Scott Fitzwater’s home in Bartow, located east of Tampa, Tuesday morning.

“All of a sudden, we hear a boom,” said Fitzwater.

The impact caused damage to the home’s bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchen.

The homeowner said the crane boom came dangerously close to the couch he and his daughters were sitting on at the time.

“It ended up two feet above our heads. I did get hit on my legs and then my hands with debris coming down, because I sheltered my girls to protect them,” said Fitzwater.

A day before the crash, Fitzwater said, he hired a tree service to remove the tree, adding that the tree service contracted the crane company.

After the incident, the homeowner said, he might have to take a break from his work.

“I’ve coached wrestling at Bartow for four years. This will be year number five for me, and I can’t do it, so I already reached out to the high school and the middle school, and I told them, ‘Unfortunately, I can’t do it, with everything going on, six to eight months to rebuild this,'” he said.

Moreover, Fitzwater said, some of his exotic pets died after losing power in the home, and he’s had to sell others.

Now Fitzwater and his family are looking for a temporary place to stay, but he’s still grateful to have survived and hopeful no one else has to go through anything like this.

“Yeah, a lot of people told me that, ‘You have a better chance to win in the lottery than this actually happening,'” he said.

Fitzwater said his insurance should cover the damages. It remains unknown why the crane snapped.

Officials in Doral spent the last few days putting the new machines to the test.

“For the big four in November, we’re ready to go, and we’ll be ready to go for the midterm elections,” said Miami-Dade Elections Supervisor Alina García

The county upgraded from the previously used DS-200 models to the newer DS-300. It’s the first upgrade to the county’s machines in 15 years.

“After 15 years, we have changed our DS-200s to the DS-300s. It’s important to replace machines, because 15-year-old technology becomes obsolete and, of course, there is no parts anymore for these machines, so we needed to change them,” said García.

García said the new machines will be ready to go in several cities just in time for November’s election.

“In November, we’re going to have the City of Miami, the City of Miami Beach, the City of Homestead and the City of Hialeah,” said García.

Officials said the new machines offer faster scanning, enhanced security and improved accessibility, all while still allowing a voter to use a paper ballot.

“These machines have a new capability, and they can take a picture of the ballot. It will generate, like, a computer card, so everything that we do, we do on paper, which is the way that Floridians like it, and it’s the way that the Legislature tells us to vote,” said García.

Voters will also have a digital option with another new machine, known as the “ExpressVote.”

“This would be a screen where you vote on,” said García.

The ExpressVote is generally used by voters with impairments, offering a controller in Braille and headphones for audio assistance, but it can be used by any voter in a finely tuned process.

“We have two machines. We have the DS-300s, which is the machine that counts the ballots; the ExpressVote, we have 900 of those machines, and you can vote on those machines, and then when you’re done voting, the ballot, which is like a computer card, you insert into the DS-300, and the DS-300 will capture the image,” said García.

Each new machine has been put through several trial runs.

Election officials said everything has gone off without a hitch, with the results being uploaded quickly and with no errors.

“We’re very happy that everything is functioning properly,” said García.

As a reminder, voters are given up to three ballots if a mistake is made on one.

The ExpressVote machines will be brought to community events to allow voters opportunities to familiarize themselves with how to operate the machine ahead of the November election.

Spearfishing is something Chance Armand does every week off Pensacola, but on Saturday, things took a dangerous turn.

“We have a shark by – near the Mahogany Mill Boat Ramp,” a caller told a 911 dispatcher.

The 28-year-old victim said he is thankful to have survived a bite from a bull shark.

The survivor said he was spearfishing 65 feet below the surface. He caught a fish, then noticed the 8-foot marine predator coming right at him.

“I was making my way up shortly after, and I probably got to about 55 feet, and my Spidey senses kicked in, and I looked down, and I saw this bull shark come flying up,” said Armand. “By the time I realized that, he was not going to stop. All I could do was just throw my knee in between him and my chest.”

At first, Armand said, no one on the boat realized he was hurt.

“Nobody knew that I was bit. I just told them there was a shark down there, and so, my buddy came over to help do exactly that, like, fight off the sharks,” he said. “With his mask in the water, he saw my knee filleted open, and that’s whenever he realized, he was like, ‘Oh, like, we need to get everybody in the boat.'”

Though his leg was bitten and bloody, Armand said, he only needed stitches.

With no medical kit on board, the survivor said, he’s lucky the bite didn’t end up worse.

Armand said he uses this incident as a reminder to anyone going on a boat or fishing to always have a medical kit with them.

At least a dozen shark bite incidents have been reported in the U.S. this year to date.

Shawn Turner, an officer from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to a kayaker in distress near Marathon, July 16. The officer found the man struggling to stay afloat far from shore.

“Come here, grab this,” Turner can be heard telling the man. “Here, give me your hand, give me your hand. Hand, hand, hand!”

Bodycam video shows the FWC officer jumping into action to save the man clinging onto an overturned kayak with his head barely staying above water.

Officials say the man, identified as Michael Krevat, wasn’t wearing a lifejacket and was too exhausted to get back onto the vessel.

Turner can be seen tossing a line into the water for Krevat to grab before pulling him to his vessel.

“Give me your bag. Watch your head, watch your head, watch your head,” said Turner. “Let go of the kayak.”

“Can we save it?” Krevat asked.

“We will, I’ll get it. I’m worried more about you right now,” said Turner.

After securing Krevat on board, Turner went back to recover the overturned kayak.

Krevat said he had been trying to stay afloat for a long time.

“Man, I was paddling water for 23 minutes,” Krevat told Turner.

The pair returned to shore, where first responders checked out Krevat.

Fortunately, he was not hurt.

With the release of the bodycam video, the FWC wanted to emphasize the importance of carrying all required safety equipment, including a life jacket, while out on the water.

ABC’s morning show “Good Morning America” is celebrating everything South Florida all week long.

“What fills your cup this morning? It’s Cuban coffee, Robin,” said ABC News reporter Sam Champion.

Champion introduced the “GMA” audience to a local Cuban coffee shop called “Tinta Y Cafe.”

“At Tinta Y Cafe, you’re immersed right into the heart of South Florida’s Cuban culture,” he said.

Champion also spoke to the restaurant’s owners, Carlos Santamarina, about what keeps the coffee shop so popular.

“We’re a family culture, business since 2005 and on our 20th year, we decided to create our own coffee blend and name it after my father,” he said.

Champion was joined by 7News’ Belkys Nerey and Craig Stevens as they all enjoyed a cup of Cuban coffee to start their morning strong. Champion had a big mug while Nerey had a small espresso cup and Stevens had a mini disposable cup for his espresso.

“We’re in Miami and we’re getting a little coffee. We’re used to having coffee in something like this, but Belkys when we get Cuban coffee?” asked Champion.

“Cortadito, little cup,” said Nerey as she showed off her small cup.

“And Craig? What would it be?” said Champion.

“When you want the jet fuel,” said Stevens.

“Give me the nuclear option!” said Champion.

Nerey and Stevens used the coffee drinking time to explain the appeal of Cuban coffee and the walk-up window to Champion and his viewers.

“South Florida, Miami runs on this. This city would not move if we didn’t have this,” said Stevens.

“This is the Ventanita which means little window. It’s sort of, you park your car, you walk up, you grab a coffee, there’s no sitting. You grab it, drink it quickly, hop back into the car,” said Nerey.

Champion said Cuban coffee is unmatched.

“When you’ve had this coffee, it will spoil coffee, anyone else’s coffee for the rest of your life,” he said.

On Monday, Craig and Belkys also got the chance to chat with “World News Tonight” anchor and managing editor David Muir during the 6 p.m. newscast.

“Let me just say Craig and Belkys, just to be a part of your team now. The two of you are like institutions there in South Florida. I’ve watched you many times when I come into town and I cannot believe that finally, finally, our name is on one of those banners going over South Beach,” said Muir.

Muir told the duo anchor team that he’s no stranger to South Florida, having covered several major stories including the 2021 Surfside building collapse.

“I met so many families there at the time who were so hopeful for so long, and all of the changes that have now come in the wake of that collapse,” said Muir.

The network star said he’s excited for the South Florida community to make the switch to ABC Miami.

“You guys have the best reporting team, and i can’t wait to be part of seven news now,” said Muir.

Muir’s interview can be watched in full below:

But ABC Miami’s celebration is not over yet. Wednesday, 7News anchors Lynn Martinez and Joe Roetz will join Champion at South Florida’s iconic music and dance hall “Ball & Chain” in Little Havana.

“We are an oasis in the middle of Miami, unlike any other place where you get to come in, sit down, have live music any time of the day,” said Nethan Watson, manager at Ball and Chain.

GMA will also be highlighting other top South Florida spots all week long on Channel 18 and 7.2.

Patricia and Manuel Oliver brought the voice and face of their son during Joaquin’s would-be 25th birthday celebration at the Joaquin Oliver Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. on Monday.

“Hey it’s me Joaquin ‘Guac’ Oliver. I should be turning 25 this year and I want you there to celebrate with me,” said Joaquin in an AI video.

His parents said the technology allows the nation to remember their son in a unique and emotional way.

“It’s not just about remembering, it’s about living. We will laugh, dance, party and we keep pushing for the kind of world I deserve to grow up in,” said Joaquin in an AI video.

Joaquin was one of 17 victims killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Now seven years later, his story is still inspiring action and calls for change to America’s gun laws.

This isn’t the first time his parents have used the power of AI to bring their son’s words back to life. Several years ago, his parents launched a campaign that helps victims of gun violence tell their own stories.

“It’s been six years and you’ve done nothing, not a thing to stop all the shootings that have continued to happen since.” said Joaquin in an AI video.

His family hopes the image and his words is a celebration of his life and spotlights victims and loved ones impacted by gun violence.

“The thing is, I died that day in Parkland. My body was destroyed by a weapon of war. I’m back today because my parents used AI to recreate my voice to call you,” said Joaquin in an AI video.

Joaquin’s family said they’ll keep using every possible tool, including technology, to honor their son and keep pushing for change.

Attorney Chris Carson is one of thousands of people reacting to a video that sparked JSO to open an investigation into one of their own officers.

“I will say that video seems very over-the-top in terms of the officer’s behavior,” said Carson.

The video starts with William McNeil Jr. being pulled over by officers on Feb. 19.

McNeil claims he was being pulled over for not having his headlights on during the cloudy conditions that day.

“I said, ‘So, what did I do wrong?’ He said, ‘Well, for one, your headlights are off under this weather,'” McNeil told officers in the video.

When he locked himself in the car and asked for a supervisor, things quickly escalated.

An officer standing outside McNeil’s window breaks the window and hits McNeil in the face.

Moments later, multiple officers can be seen forcing McNeil to the ground, with one officer throwing another punch that struck him near the jaw.

Carson, after watching the video, believes the officer’s use of force appears to be unjustified.

“It doesn’t really seem there was really any criminal behavior that was alleged on the part of the gentleman. It’s a traffic stop. It happens hundreds of times a day,” said Carson.

Following the rough arrest, McNeil posted on social media saying he suffered a chipped tooth, a concussion, required nine stitches in his lip and suffered short-term memory loss.

“There are definitely are circumstances where force can be warranted, but from everything that we’re seeing in the context of this video, I just don’t really see it there and, frankly, it seems unnecessary,” said Carson.

Carson said the legal issues could go beyond policy violations for the sheriff’s office; he believes civil action may be possible, as well as possible criminal charges against that officer.

“We have seen cases over the years, I’ve handled cases where law enforcement officers were actually charged with crimes for things that they did in the course of their police work. That is something, albeit it is rare, but it certainly legally can happen,” said Carson.

Authorities said they found a large unsheathed serrated knife inside of McNeil’s custody and ultimately took him into custody.

McNeil plead guilty to resisting a police officer without violence and driving on a suspended license.

JSO said the officers have been cleared of all criminal wrongdoing by the State Attorney’s Office, however their internal review is ongoing.

The sheriff also said at no time since the February incident has McNeil filed a complaint.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on Wednesday against the Trump Administration, where they say attorneys are being turned away when they arrive at the gates of the detention center.

“We’ve seen many attorneys try to meet with their clients at the detention facility, drive up to the facility, only to be met at a military checkpoint, met with armed military guards,” said ACLU attorney Eunice Cho. “They have said some of the attorneys have been made to wait for hours, only to be told they’re not allowed to enter the facility.”

The lawsuit says, in part:

This class action lawsuit challenges the government’s attempts to prevent people detained in civil immigration custody at Alligator Alcatraz from communicating with legal counsel and from filing motions with the immigration court that could result in their release from detention.

It also mentioned:

Defendants in this case have blocked detainees held at the facility from access to legal counsel. No protocols exist at this facility for providing standard means of confidential attorney-client communication, such as in-person attorney visitation and phone or video calls that are available at any other detention facility, jail or prison.

Those named in the lawsuit include Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“They’re being required to turn over documents to the facility for review that they’re applying to discuss with their clients,” said Cho. “All of these are fundamental constitutional violations, and we need to make sure that if and when you’re in government custody that you have the right to speak with your attorney.”

An attorney who spoke with 7News said she faced similar obstacles when she visited the site hoping to meet with her client last week.

“I went out there on Thursday morning requesting legal visits with those five individuals,” said immigration attorney Katie Blankenship. “Our one client and our four prospective clients, and was denied entry.”

The migrant detention site came under scrutiny over worries about environmental impact and the treatment of those being housed inside.

“Sink’s attached to the top of them so that you are literally defecating and urinating where you brush your teeth, and that’s where their drinking water is.” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)

Lawmakers were given a tour last Saturday, reporting disturbing conditions, hot temperatures, unsanitary conditions and mosquitos.

Other lawmakers on the same tour, however, refuted those claims.

“The first thing I will tell you is that the rhetoric does not match the reality from what you guys have been hearing from. I would say, Democrats, especially congressional Democrats,” said Florida State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R). “It’s actually a very well-run facility.”

Noem denied the allegations being made of the conditions detainees are facing.

“Alligator Alcatraz is held to the same standards that all federal facilities are,” said Noem.

As the Trump administration’s deportation efforts ramp up, ICE will now be given access to the personal data of the nation’s 79-million Medicaid enrollees. That includes things like home addresses and ethnicities to help them track down immigrants who may be living in the US illegally.

Jamie Schuyler said she was at St. Augustine Beach Pier earlier this month when bad weather moved in. She and her family decided it was time to go but it turned out to be too late.

Schuyler shared photos of her and her 82-year-old parents, Diane and Phillip, minutes before getting struck by lightning.

The strike occurred during what was supposed to be a day of relaxation.

“He’s the most wonderful, wonderful person in the world and he takes care of everyone else before himself. So that’s why I wanted him to have this trip,” she said.

Schuyler said the moment she saw lightning strikes off in the distance, she told her family it was time to start leaving but the lightning bolt reached them before they could safely go.

“All of a sudden I felt like a ton of bricks hit me in the head. So, I got I got struck, but then it kind of knocked me sideways. It struck him in the head and came out of his chest. So, they had a big hole in his shirt where it came out. So, from what I understand, I got 10% of it and he got 90% of it,” she said.

People rushed quickly to help the injured family. Phillip was airlifted to a Gainesville hospital while Schuyler stayed behind with her mother.

“My dad, he’s the primary caregiver for my mom. She has dementia and mobility issues, so he doesn’t really get a chance to get a break very often,” she said.

Schuyler’s mother, who was in a wheelchair, was spared from the strike because of the rubber on her wheels.

Now, as she recounts this scary story, she says this was a major lesson learned.

“When we first saw that lightning, that’s when we should have started walking back. Even if you don’t see lightning and you hear thunder and you’re outside like that, then get in indoors.”

She said they are all grateful to be alive.

“Even after all this happened, he said, ‘I don’t care what happens after this. I’m thankful to be alive.’ That’s what he keeps saying., ‘I’m so thankful to be alive.'”

All three are expected to be OK.

Following the incident, St. John’s County officials said they are working on expanding their lightning detection systems.

Mailén Díaz Almaguer was the only person to make it out alive after the plane crashed in 2018, killing over 100 people — including her husband.

Speaking in Spanish, she provided an update on her ongoing recovery and revealed why she believes she survived the horrific event.

“I don’t remember anything from the plane that day. I do remember details from the airport, but of the impact, nothing,” she said in Spanish.

Díaz Almaguer said she remembers being in the hospital and learning of the crash. She suffered paralysis in both legs, and doctors would need to amputate her lower left leg.

“I was treated and am treated by a brilliant doctor, but they definitely admit that I am alive by a miracle from God. It’s not something you see every day,” she said.

Since the crash, Díaz Almaguer said, she’s undergone several operations and does physical therapy for many hours every day. Still, she she hopes to travel outside of Cuba for additional treatment.

Díaz Almaguer credits her faith with saving her life and is studying to be a seminarian in the Methodist church in Cuba.

Her story has repeated itself in recent months. Back in June, a plane crash in India left only one survivor. She said hearing about it affected her deeply, and she had a message to her fellow survivor.

“God has a purpose for our lives ,and by being here, we have to continue and not quit. Continue, search and fight, until we discover what that purpose is,” she said.

Despite her injuries and her physical challenges, Díaz Almaguer said she has learned to drive and resumed traveling by plane.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and an eyewitness, Israeli settlers killed 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet as settler violence against Palestinians ramps up in the occupied territory.

At a news conference held Monday, CAIR-Florida, the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, addressed what they described as the United States’ failure to protect one of its citizens abroad.

“This press conference is about if the United States of America is protecting its citizens abroad or not,” said Wilfredo Ruiz, the communications director for CAIR-Florida.

Sayfollah’s family members were also at the press conference. They described the 20-year-old as a young man of integrity.

“He was just like a regular kid. I remember him from when he was born. He grew up in Port Charlotte, he went to school in Port Charlotte. Everybody knew him, everybody who ever met him just fell in love with him because he was just so loving, respectful,” said Hesam Musallet, his uncle.

Sayfollah lived in Tampa and worked at his family’s ice cream shop. They said Sayfollah, who went by Saif, had been in the West Bank since June 4 to visit family and friends.

“Saif’s mother and father will never get to hug their son again,” said Hiba Rahim, the deputy executive director for CAIR-Florida.

According to a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Health on Friday, Musallet “was martyred after being severely beaten all over his body by settlers in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah.”

The council said this is part of a pattern of violence committed by Israeli settlers toward American citizens, and they are calling for action from the U.S.

“Where is the outrage from our government? Where is the accountability? Where is the justice for a family that is grieving?” said Rahim. “It should not be that your passport only protects you if you come from a certain religion or belong to a certain ethnicity.”

A second Palestinian man died in the attack in Sinjel after he was shot in the chest by settlers, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said. Ten others were wounded in the same attack, officials added.

A memorial for the victims is scheduled for Saturday.

The U.S. State Department said it’s aware of the reports, while Israel said its law enforcement will continue its investigation into the attack.

Those residents, who have refused to leave the community despite eviction orders, appeared in front of local officials Monday night to say the debris left behind by the company has made living conditions unsafe and unsanitary.

“People are getting sick because the people who’s dumping, whoever is breaking all the trailers, they’re leaving everything behind,” said resident Roberto Guido.

The demolition of the community is underway after residents received notices to leave last November. The deadline to evacuate the premises was May 20.

But several weeks later, many residents remain inside their homes as they wait to see if their class action lawsuit can allow them to stay in their homes.

“They don’t care about our safety. They want to have it as a construction zone to bring in more money to their city,” said resident Samantha Morales.

Residents said they’ve been living among piles of garbage for weeks and with hurricane season already underway, the debris is an even greater safety concern for the community.

“And now, when the hurricane comes, that thing is going to hit everything,” said Guido.

“I feel they’re just trying to brush it off their shoulders, saying that it’s an evacuation zone,” said Morales.

Now, they expressed to officials that they want commissioners to order a clean-up of the community.

“When they destroy the trailers, they’re supposed to pick everything. They didn’t do it,” said Guido. “They’re getting away with everything.”

According to the owner of the community, about 600 residents accepted a payout to move out, while 200 remain living there.

Those residents remain hopeful that their lawsuit against several organizations will play out in their favor.

As of Tuesday afternoon, commissioners had not voted on the matter raised by residents.

Jeff Hiserodt suddenly collapsed near home plate in the middle of Thursday’s baseball game, which sparked panic.

“I feel like I got hit with a baseball bat and I lost the fight.” said Hiserodt.

Hiserodt said he was suffering a heart attack.

His colleagues and some kids yelled out to the people in the bleachers for help.

“Basically someone said, ‘Is there a doctor?’ And I sat there for a while, and I was like, ‘Well…'” said Jen Poole.

Luckily, Poole is a doctor, and happened to be in the bleachers. She sprang into action to save Hiserodt’s life.

She admitted her uncertainty, due to the fact that she is not an emergency room doctor and wasn’t specialized in resuscitating strangers.

“The adrenaline’s going, you’re second guessing if you’re doing the right thing. But, you just know, you have to help.” she said.

Poole is captured on video, seen wearing a green sweater and blue hat, running to Hiserodt on the field before performing life-saving measures.

“I was doing CPR for probably like seven to 10 minutes, which is a really long time,” she said.

“My joke to her is she’s not a big lady to get through all of this.” said Hiserodt.

Poole persisted in her efforts, and said she was able to get his heart going again multiple times.

Looking back at the footage, Hiserodt said he was in awe.

“Picked the legs up, started cutting this, and you can see her start giving directives,” said Hiserodt. “To acknowledge what’s happening and be the person that runs to the problem, to the fire, that’s rare in today’s day and age.”

Hiserodt said he died and came back to life because of Poole taking the lead.

“That’s very deep, and that’s a lot, and so, I would just hope that I kept him going and he didn’t die,” said Poole.

Paramedics who arrived at the scene used a defibrillator on Hiserodt.

Hiserodt and Poole are now hoping this experience can serve as a way to inform people of the importance of CPR and for community spaces to have defibrillators.

“So that, if things go wrong, we are able to support the people who are injured or hurt.” said Poole.

Hiserodt said that, at the end of the day, the baseball gods weren’t done with him yet.

“I have some reason, some teachings to pass on,” said Hiserodt. “My love and my passion for the game to continue to pass on to the next generation is, I assume, why I’m still here.”

Hiserodt said his colleagues and other doctors also played a crucial role in saving his life, and he thanked the entire team who worked on him.

The 13th annual contest brought ravaging pie-oneers from around the country to the Florida Keys on Independence Day to devour the city’s signature dessert during the Key Lime Festival.

Each contestant plunged into nine inches of graham cracker crust, Key lime juice, egg yolks and condensed milk. All of them kept their hands behind their backs, with some wearing goggles as they chowed down.

“There’s no place I’d rather be on the Fourth of July than in Key West eating a nine-inch Key lime pie. It beats a New York hot dog every single time,” said Liz Love, the festival’s co-producer.

Tom Luciano, who lives in Venice in Southwest Florida, would be crowned champion after going mouth-to-crust against 24 other contestants in the pie-eating frenzy.

Luciano thanked his wife for coaching him prior to the friendly competition.

“My strategy today was listening to my wife, who told me to use my chin, open my mouth and just swallow, and less chewing,” said Luciano.

His wife’s words of wisdom paid off, as Luciano devoured his pie in just two minutes and 46 seconds.

Luciano said he’s not done for the day, with dinner plans Friday night, including even more pie.

“I actually am going to have dessert tonight. I feel like I haven’t had enough Key lime pie yet,” he said.

While Luciano’s performance was fast enough to win the Key Lime Pie Eating Champ title this year, it wasn’t the fastest on record. Trey Bergman, an attorney from Houston, holds that record when he consumed his pie in just 40 seconds in 2018.

The pie-eating contest is a centerpiece of Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival, which runs five days and features everything from sip and strolls to the famous Key lime pie drop from the top of the Key West Lighthouse.

The festival wraps up Sunday.

The shocking cellphone footage shows reporter Tabitha Turner being pepper-sprayed in Haperville, Georgia.

“I requested a call…” Turner is seen saying in the video.

“Ger the [expletive] out of the car,” said the driver as she pepper-sprayed Turner.

The Uber driver took to social media about Saturday’s confrontation.

Turner said the post has led to harassment and threats, turning her life upside down.

“I have received threats via social media about my karma, that’s coming to me, defaming my character,” she said.

The Uber driver indicated she was attacked by Turner.

“I just want to share something,” said the driver in the video of her account.

But Turner, a reporter who covers the NBA and WNBA, said she is the victim here.

“”[The driver is] trying to paint me as somebody violent. They flooded my social media with threats,” she said as she fought back tears. “They’ve reached out to people I work with and work for.”

Turner said it all started when she asked the driver to turn on the AC and roll up the windows.

“She likes to leave the windows down in case customers are sick,” she said,

The driver pulled over and ordered Turner to get out. She said she would, as long as the driver would call police and return her money.

That’s when Turner said the driver used pepper spray and assaulted her.

Another driver saw the pair tussling on the side of the road and called police.

Turner said she now fears for her safety, adding that the driver’s actions could cost her her job.

“And that’s very hurtful. I love what I do, and I work very hard to get where I am. Very hard,” she said.

Police reviewed the video and determined the driver was the aggressor. There is a warrant out for her arrest. She will face battery charges.

His rescue served as a beacon of light to the community as its members coped with back-to-back drownings.

Captain Ryan Foster with Towboat US recalls the moment he spotted a missing teen who was clinging to a boogie board about a mile from the shore.

“I was just scanning the water. I looked directly north, and all I saw was the top of his hand waving over the waves,” said Ryan. “He was resting his arms up on the boogie board. He was trying to tread water as best he could. He had to have been out there probably well over an hour at that point.”

Photos provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office show the boy and rescuers from several agencies out there looking for him.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the boy had been at the beach with his family when his father called 911 when he could no longer see his son in the water.

“He drifted north nearly 2 miles,” said Martin County Fire Rescue Chief Joshua Shell.

MCSO, Fire Rescue, the Coast Guard, Jupiter Island Public Safety, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service all assisted in the search.

“We’re actually calling this a miracle recovery because usually when someone gets pulled away, they kind of stay in the general area depending on the wind and the currents,” said MCFR Chief Joshua. “But he unfortunately got pulled very far away, and by the grace of God, he was able to stay afloat.”

According to officials, this occurred at an unguarded beach at the Blowing Rocks Preserve. They advise all beachgoers to swim at a beach where there are lifeguards on duty, whenever possible.

What started as a lesson on how to properly capture a python turned into a record-breaking discovery.

While training an intern, biologist Ian Bartoszek with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida captured a 17-foot, 153-pound female python near Naples, making it the team’s largest python of the season.

“You’d be surprised; it’s fairly easy to wrangle a predator of 150 pounds or more if you have a little bit of training,” he said.

Just this year, the Conservancy reported the milestone removal of more than 6300 pounds of invasive snakes from a 200-mile area near Naples.

The python hunting season started in November and ended in April, the species’ breeding season.

“According to scientists, their main targets are females. Any female averaging over 12 feet will have more than 46 eggs. We’ve seen upwards of 120 developing eggs in pythons,” Bartoszek said. “The whole reason here at the Conservancy we’re laser-focused on this problem is because the Burmese python is eating its way through the food chain. I have seen a 10-pound python eat a six-pound fawn.”

Through its more than 10 years of history, the team has been recognized for capturing the largest male python ever on record, at about 140 pounds, and the largest female python ever, weighing 215 pounds.

Bartoszek, however, says their work is far from over.

“It’s going to take an advancement of technologies and tools to really get after this problem Everglades-wide,” he said.

If you or anyone you know happens to come across a python or any other nonnative species, do not hesitate to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission here or call the Invasive Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681).

Former MDPD Lt. Evelyn Fernandez was accused of shooting at her ex-boyfriend in October 2023. Fernandez barricaded herself inside a home near Southwest 142nd Place and 174th Street.

MDPD officers and SWAT teams surrounded the residence, employing robots and using tear gas in attempts to root her out of the home’s attic. The standoff lasted nearly 12 hours before Fernandez was taken into custody.

She was charged with attempted first-degree murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and resisting an officer with violence. In May 2024, a judge denied bond for Fernandez.

On Tuesday, Fernandez appeared in court to change her plea.

“It’s my understanding that you are willing to change your previously entered plea deal of not guilty to a plea of guilty in exchange for the state’s plea offer that is encompassed in this plea offer, that I will go over with you. Is that your understanding?” Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Christine Hernandez told Fernandez in court.

“Yes, it is,” Fernandez responded to the judge.

The judged sentenced her to seven years in prison and nearly 20 years probation. The terms of her probation include seeing a licensed psychiatrist and giving up her firearms.

“Punishable by up to 15 years in state prison, you’re also charged with resisting an officer with violence, third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in state prison. You’re also charged with battery on a police officer,” Hernandez said.

This isn’t the first time a rocky relationship involving Fernandez has made the news. In April of 2016, her ex-boyfriend, former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after being accused by Fernandez of domestic violence. Alvarez’s charges were eventually dropped after Fernandez failed to testify against him during his court appearance.

If Fernandez serves her probation in Florida, she will be required to wear a GPS monitor and has been ordered to have no contact with her ex-boyfriend or any of his children.

Last week’s mass shooting on campus claimed the life of South Florida native Robert Morales, a dining coordinator at the university, and 45-year-old Tiru Chabba, a husband and father of two from South Carolina who was on campus for work.

Six others were injured, five of whom have been discharged from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

“Our generation deserves to grow up in a world where we don’t have to worry about getting shot at school,” said Andres Perez, president of FSU Students Demand Action.

“But grief is not enough. Action must follow. Their deaths will not be in vain,” said FSU student Stephanie Horowitz, who also survived the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Investigators said student suspect 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner used the former service weapon of his stepmother, a sheriff’s deputy, to carry out the shooting. Ikner was shot and wounded by police, but is expected to survive.

Days later, dozens of students and gun reform advocates came together to call on lawmakers for stronger gun control laws.

“It starts with responsible gun ownership,” said another rally speaker.

In recent weeks, Florida lawmakers passed a bill lowering the age to buy long guns from 21 to 18. Students argued against this on Tuesday.

“Let’s be clear: This is not the answer,” said Katie Hathoway, a volunteer for Florida Moms Demand Action. “Putting more guns into the hands of young people is not a solution to gun violence, it’s the exact opposite.”

“You have the power to help us. We’re not asking for miracles; we’re demanding common sense gun safety laws that save lives,” Horowitz said. “Nobody should ever have to experience a school shooting, let alone two, just to have to beg lawmakers to care enough to stop the next one.”

It has been eight weeks since 67-year-old Leela Lal was attacked while on the job by a patient at Palms West Hospital.

The attack left nearly every bone in her face broken as she was beaten unconscious.

Lal has spent this time recovering from the beating.

Now, her daughter has posted a letter giving an update on her recovery and urging lawmakers to protect healthcare workers.

In a statement, her daughter, Cindy Joseph, said her mother is walking.

“My mom has been cleared to start walking within her rehab room, which is a wonderful milestone in her recovery,” she wrote.

But she made clear that her mother’s road to recovery will be a long one.

“She also sustained cranial nerve injuries from the trauma, which have left her with double vision and limited eye movement,” said Joseph. “Her right eye remains mostly closed, and she may require additional surgeries in the future. That said, she is healing well from her facial surgeries.”

Joseph also said that while everything is going well on the physical front, there is a big emotional side for her and the entire family.

“We are still deeply angry that this happened. It has stolen precious time — time she should have spent with her grandchildren, enjoying her life and doing the things she loves,” she wrote.

Joseph ended her note by calling for better laws and better protection for healthcare workers like her mom.

“There is an urgent need for federal and state regulations to ensure their safety … No one should fear for their life when they show up to care for others,” she wrote.

The suspect in the attack, Stephen Scantlebury, remains at the Palm Beach County Jail on second-degree attempted murder charges.

The homeowner, Tiffany Nuñez, said her neighbor committed the cruel act randomly.

“My cat was just sleeping in her little house. He came over and knocked on it and he woke her up and she ran out and he tried to hit her,” she said.

Video captures a man walking up to the little house on the porch of a home near Southwest 154th Place and 98th Terrace.

He tapped it with what appears to be a box cutter. The cat comes out — only to be whacked with the object — sending the cat running.

“He has always told me he doesn’t like cats, however, I have tried my best to keep my cats away from his property. I’ve bought him different kinds of repellants and stuff,” said Nuñez.

She said she was at work at the time of the attack and the cat was outside of the home because Nuñez said they don’t like being in the house.

Nuñez added she is relieved the cat wasn’t hurt. The cats generally stay on her property, only occasionally wandering off.

“They’re the world to me. I take them to the vet, I feed them, I pet them, I give them love every day, so, they’re just like if they were inside pets,” she said.

Now she’s worried other stray cats or animals aren’t safe from the neighbor.

“Honestly, I don’t feel safe anymore, not just for me or my pets, but in general. There’s like a million strays in this area and he could not only hurt a stray animal, a cat, a raccoon, a dog, he could also hurt a person if he was willing to do that,” said Nuñez.

She has reported the incident to the police.

Investigators said the patient, identified as 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, beat up the victim while she was working at HCA Palms West Hospital, Tuesday afternoon.

The brutal beating resulted in the patient breaking almost every bone in her face and leaving her at risk of losing both eyes, according to the arrest report.

Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested Scantlebury, who ran out into traffic moments after the attack.

Officials said he was Baker Acted for paranoia before he jumped out of bed and repeatedly hit the nurse’s face.

However, the hospital isn’t one of Palm Beach County’s five designated Baker Act facilities, which is raising some serious concerns.

That fact has left some people, such as Baker Act attorney Mark Astor, wondering whether he should have been in that facility at all.

“Are they saying that there were no other beds anywhere in the county? That would be the first time I ever heard of that, but I guess it’s a possibility,” he said. “Let’s say there were no other beds available, and this was just the nearest place to take him, knowing that this was not a facility that could cope with mentally unstable patients. Then he shouldn’t have been taken there.”

Experts in the psychiatry field said it’s possible the training the nurse received may not have been adequate.

“They end up in the emergency department, and the staff there are dealing with them the same way they would deal with any patient, and if they have a severe mental illness, the staff may not be equipped or trained to deal with them,” said Dr. Daniel Bober, Chief of Psychiatry at Memorial Regional Healthcare System.

Bober added that training and proper resources make all the difference.

“They know how to diffuse confrontation. They have obviously certain physical environments they work in. They have access to, you know, for example, panic buttons and things like that. So they are used to dealing with violent, aggressive patients,” said Bober.

Nurses union leaders reacted to the incident and said that while it’s unfortunate, this kind of attack is not unheard of.

“It’s a lot of anxiety, a lot of fear, a lot of pressure to go into work every day knowing that workplace violence will happen at some point. It’s a part of the disease process for many patients,” said Jane Thomason, Lead Industrial Hygienist with National Nurses United.

Scantlebury is facing more than just an attempted murder charge. On Thursday, investigators have added a hate crime enhancement.

If convicted, he could face harsher penalties.

7News cameras captured the couples walking up the steps of the historic building on Friday, as they took part in the annual Valentine’s Day tradition.

“It’s one of my favorite days of the year, I’m incredibly excited,” said Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin.

When Fernandez-Barquin asked the couples if they will wed their partner “for as long as you both shall live,” the couples replied “yes” in unison.

Moments later, they kissed. It was a romantic sight for all.

Valentine’s Day is especially significant for some of these couples.

“It’s the day of love, you know? It’s been like that for years now, so it just makes sense to be honest to do it on this day,” said one of the grooms as he stood next to his husband. “It was like close, we did it like two weeks ago. We didn’t think we’d do it the previous day, but we got [the marriage license], so we’re here.”

Sonya and Alberto Lazo finally said “I do” after 23 years together.

“Definitely a long shared companionship with him,” said Sonya.

“And she’s pregnant, so I’m being forced to do this,” said Alberto.

“Shotgun wedding,” said Sonya.

The Lazos took this step for plenty of lovely reasons.

“Our kids are grown, and I thought it was time for us to tie the knot,” said Sonya.

“Yes,” said Alberto.

“After all this time. I put it on the back burner, but it’s really something I wanted to do.,” said Sonya.

After marriage usually comes a honeymoon. Some of these couples are already making plans.

“Actually, we’re doing a honeymoon, We’re leaving next week, and we’re gonna celebrate it as a honeymoon,” said Sonya.

“We’re leaving next Thursday for Spain, so it’ll be our honeymoon,” said Alberto.

This is the last year that the ceremony will happen at this location. That’s because a long awaited new courthouse right across the street is due to open soon.

Flames consumed the home near Fort Myers in just minutes, giving responding deputies only minutes to save the man trapped inside.

Body camera footage showcased the deputies’ heroic moments after one woman informed them a disabled and injured man was trapped inside a bedroom.

“How do I get to the bedroom from here?” said one deputy.

“It’s here, come here, hon!” said the woman.

With little time to act, one deputy crawled on her hands and knees inside, inching closer to the bedroom before the heat and heavy smoke became too much to handle.

Thinking quickly, she was forced to come up with another plan, and she smashed through a window on the floor level to make another entrance directly to the bedroom.

A deputy trainee joined the effort, rushing inside to help and finding the man trapped inside.

“Help me get through the window!” she said. “Get in there!”

The officers moved the man a safe distance away while the house behind them was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.

Paramedics responded and transported the man to the hospital.

The deputies were praised for their heroism, showing no hesitation to help someone in urgent need.

According to officials, the victim currently is still recovering in the hospital.

Marc Theaman said he and his family would never have imagined their Monday would play out like this.

“I keep reliving it. It’s only been a couple of hours, but I can’t get it out of my mind,” he said.

Theaman said he heard a loud noise coming from the backyard of the Lake Worth home he rented at around noon.

“And I could smell the smoke, and I could see the flames from the backyard had made their way into the dining room,” he said.

The homeowner, Kayla Ogilbee, said she was told a vape pen’s lithium-ion batteries caused the blaze.

“Just, like, such a small device could cause this type of damage is unbelievable and scary,” she said.

The Theamans never thought the device could nearly cost their dog, Borris, his life.

“When the firemen came, I kept saying, ‘My dog, my dog, my dog,’ and thank God, they got the dog,” said Theaman.

Borris was rescued by firefighters.

“This is our white dog, that is now very dark and black,” said Theaman.

The Theamans said they were prescribed the vape pen, and his wife is undergoing breast cancer treatment. They now plan to ditch the device after Monday’s life-altering incident.

“[We] follow the doctor’s instructions, and this is what happens,” said Theaman.

Both the Theamans and Ogilbee have lots to replace and repair, but they are relieved the situation wasn’t worse.

“I’m just grateful that everyone made it out OK,” said Ogilbee. “It turned, like, real real when you actually see what happened and how bad it could have gotten.”

Making matters worse, Ogilbee said, she does not have homeowner’s insurance to help with expenses related to the fire.

A law banning social media is now in effect for children under 14 and requires parental permission for 15- and 16-year olds.

“Now with things like social media and all this, you can have a kid in the house, safe seemingly, and then you have predators that can get right in there, into your own home,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The new law will also require platforms to find underage profiles and delete them.

Supporters in Florida hope the law will withstand legal challenges, because it prohibits social media sites that do not just focus on content, but those drawing people in with addictive features like notification alerts and auto-play videos.

“More crimes against children happen on these platforms than any other venue. We know that. We also know that social media platforms have caused a devastating effect on the mental well-being of our children,” said Florida State Rep. Paul Renner.

Critics argue the law is unconstitutional and that the government shouldn’t interfere with decisions parents make with their children.

State lawmakers like Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said children are not mature enough to protect themselves.

“If we cannot protect our children in this digital frontier of the Wild Wild West, there is no way, with their maturity level and inexperience in life, they will ever be able to protect themselves,” said Moody.

Social media companies are not required to enforce the age limits immediately.

If the law withstands legal challenges, companies could face penalties, including $50,000 in fines per violation.

Meanwhile, three and a half years after the Champlain Towers South in Surfside collapsed, killing 98 people, condominium owners are met in the new year with the probability of higher costs from condo associations.

A safety law passed by state lawmakers in 2022 requires condo associations to have sufficient reserves to cover major repairs and to conduct an audit of reserves every decade.

Older condos found largely in South Florida, according to state records, are facing hefty increases in association payments to fund the reserves and repair costs.

“There’s another Champlain Towers around the corner,” said condo owner Kelli Roiter,” and I hate to say it when you’re here, but you’re sitting in one. Ticking time bomb.”

Many condo owners sympathize with people having trouble paying the higher fees, but support the rules if it means their aging condo buildings get the repairs they need.

“There are nights I wake up hearing a creak, and I jump,” said Roiter, “and then I remind myself that, ‘No, no, no, we’re safe.’ But am I safe?”

An owl decided to perch on top of it, replacing the star that was already on the tree.

The family believes the owl got into their Arlington home through the chimney, just like Santa Claus.

Animal control was called and they were able to capture the owl and release it back into the wild.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene on Friday afternoon near Everglades City, where, officials said, the airboats collided with each other and injured several people.

The boats were operated by Wooten’s Airboat Tours.

According to first responders, at least 24 passengers were hurt and 16 had to be rushed to the hospital.

New details include that the group on one of the boats was part of a youth football and cheer team based out of California. The ages of the children reportedly are eight years old and under.

“Two pediatrics that we saw, one of them being carried away by a fire rescue personnel. We also saw an adult female that was on a gurney that was being placed in the back,” said 7Skyforce reporter Ralph Rayburn.

The youth league, MEGA Football, and Cheer, were competing in a national tournament in Naples, Florida.

“Best West. MEGA in the house, checking in,” said a man in a video posted on social media with the youth league.

MEGA released the following statement:

We want to inform you of an incident that occurred during our 8U team’s trip to Florida for the AYF Nationals. Some of our team members and parents were involved in the airboat accident in the Everglades while on a swamp tour attraction. We’re relieved to share that as of this morning, everyone is in stable condition. However, a couple of our cherished parents face a road to recovery. We’re grateful for the strength and resilience of our MEGA community during this challenging time.

Most of the team returned home over the weekend, but according to reports, at least two people remain in the hospital.

FWC continues to investigate the incident.

Witnesses watched the yacht, called the Aurora, as it slammed into the side of the Allure of the Seas, which hit one of its lifeboats.

7News on Thursday spoke to witness Dayanni Bhagwandin, who recorded of the crash.

“When it got to, like, a third of the way past the cruise [ship] as it was entering the port, it swung to the right and then just kept coming at a diagonal [angle] towards the cruise,” Bhagwandin said. “So I saw that happening, and then I was like, ‘Maybe I should grab my phone, because this is kind of weird, it looks like it’s coming really close to the boat.’ And then, as I was grabbing my phone, I heard the initial impact of the yacht hit the side of the cruise.”

The yacht Aurora’ hit the ship’s port side while it was docked in Nassau, Thursday.

The impact took out the yacht’s antenna and radar.

“The yacht kept going along the cruise so I guess it kind of just kept hitting it and touching the side as it moved forward. And then eventually went on to the port,” Bhagwandin said.

The impact caused minimal damage to the 225,000 ton ship. Still, it’s departure was delayed by about 40 minutes.

Passengers on the other side of the ship said they did not feel or hear the impact, and some were only made aware of the incident when the captain made an announcement.

Another passenger video showed the immediate aftermath and reaction to the crash.

A police boat was also seen pulling up next to the yacht.

“A few other boats came by to assess the situation and there was one boat close to where the impact happened, they were taking pictures,” Bhagwandin said.

Just a few days ago, a pipe burst in a stateroom on the Royal Caribbean’s cruise liner, flooding a deck.

Last October, a woman fell overboard during a Taylor swift themed Bahamian cruise.

She was never found.

This time around, though, it appears the ship and its passengers avoided major disruption.

“It looks like the yacht definitely had much more damage so I just hope everyone on the yacht is ok,” Bhagwandin said.

It is not known if there were any injuries.

The ship is scheduled to undergo a $100 million refurbishment in just a few weeks before returning to sea in April.

No word if any additional repairs will be needed as a result of this incident.

Several agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded Tuesday morning to reports of two dolphins stranded in a shallow water lagoon.

They were stuck deep within some mangroves near Matlacha, west of Fort Myers.

The dolphins were placed on floating mats and pulled more than 300 yards to safety.

Satellite tags were placed on them before they were released into deeper water.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the couple beat up Deputy Julia Curtin at Deltona Middle School.

Things started out relatively calm in the bodycam video, where Curtin is seen speaking to the parents about their son’s battery charge for allegedly shoving a girl at school.

“He was the primary aggressor,” said Curtin.

“Because she was getting at him, and that’s aggressive,” said the student’s mother, Dagmarie Aponte Iturrino, as she cut off the deputy.

“I’m going to finish,” said Curtin.

“You failed a kid. You’re failing kids right here. We’re not talking about us because, believe me, if it were about the adults, we could solve this a whole different level,” said Jorge Rivera, the student’s father.

Things escalated rather quickly from there.

“Why are you so worthless? Do you feel proud that you are this worthless lady?” Rivera asked Curtin.

Curtin ushered the couple into the hallway, where a physical altercation began.

“Put your hand in my face one more time,” said Curtin.

In the video, Curtin reaches for her Taser, but she falls backwards.

Deputies said Rivera punched Curtin and grabbed the Taser, leading to a concussion.

Curtin was able to get back up and pull out her gun.

“Put it down right the [expletive] now! Put it down right now! Put your hands behind your [expletive] back right now,” yelled Curtin.

Rivera was arrested, but he bonded out of jail Wednesday night.

The father was a man of few words when he walked out of jail, hand-in-hand with his wife, refusing to make a comment.

Both parents now face several charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer.

Rivera also faces armed robbery, grand theft and hate crime charges for reportedly calling the deputy a slur.

The sheriff’s office said Curtin is recovering and on bed rest for the next few days. She is expected to be OK.

As for the child at the center of the incident, he faces a civil citation and could ultimately face court-imposed counseling or community service.

The incident remains under investigation.

The Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience, or TOME, truck is an 18-wheel, 80 thousand-pound interactive laboratory that aims to bring advanced robotic systems and instruments to hospitals across the country.

“The truck has the equipment that we use to take care of lung cancer,” said Dr. Mohamed El Zaeedi, a thoracic surgeon at Memorial Health Care System. “With such technology, which here at Memorial Health Care System, we are very fortunate to have it, we can provide the patient with the most advanced way of early diagnosis and precise treatment of lung cancer.”

As diagnoses of lung cancer become more frequent, the event aims to share its technologies so doctors can treat the disease more efficiently. 

“It was a great experience. I got to use three of the four articulating arms. We were just practicing using the Da Vinci machine after learning about its capabilities,” said Maxwell Whitney, a student. “It’s a life goal of mine to solve issues in the world as well has helping others, so this culminates my goals in life as well as my passions for robotics.”

The T.O.M.E. featured Intuitive’s complete portfolio of robotic technologies to help facilitate the further improvement of patient outcomes. Students studying robotics received the opportunity to learn more and practice with such devices, ranging from detection to intervention. 

“Very few people know that we lose close to 140-thousand Americans every year to lung cancer,” said Luis Raez M.D., the chief scientific officer and medical director of the Memorial Cancer Institute. “That’s why we really need a lot of awareness.”

Lung Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout November.

On Monday, officials continued working non-stop to get operations in their towns back to normal as many residents remained in disbelief in the storm’s aftermath.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the cleanup effort will take a long time.

“This is going to be a massive effort. The state is collaborating with county emergency management partners to open recovery shelters throughout the impacted area. They are working to provide travel trailers for people to live while on their property,” said DeSantis.

Over the weekend, residents and officials surveyed the damage left behind by Helene’s strong winds and storm surge.

“Widespread devastation is the best way to kind of view it and put it into words. It’s hard to put into words. It’s unimaginable,” said business owner Dylan Hubbard.

Roads that were covered by mounds of sand due to the storm are slowly getting cleaned up, allowing aid to get into the hardest-hit areas.

Some homes in the area were reduced to their foundation.

Residents lucky to be spared the worst said they understand how devastating it could have been for them.

“Unfortunately, a lot of damage was left behind. It looks devastating around the area. We’re very blessed that we are still here and we’re very blessed in our case at Hubbard’s Marina that our boats made it through the storm,” said Hubbard.

In Clearwater, the Marine Aquarium, a key tourist destination, was hit with catastrophic damage by Helene. Most of the aquarium’s life support systems were lost by flooding. The saltwater damage took out other vital equipment.

Aquarium officials said two manatees that were getting care there had to be moved to Zoo Tampa while sea turtles that were under their care had to be moved to Boca Raton.

Residents, like Hubbard, who has lived through multiple storms, said Helene was one of the more destructive hurricanes he has seen.

“We had Adalia in my time, which was a pretty tough ride for us. We had really bad flooding and then Ada as well was kind of historic for us. That was even a little bit more flooding. And then this storm, I mean, just made those storms look like child’s play,” said Hubbard.

But Florida officials strike an optimistic tone that Florida will get right back on its feet in no time.

“Florida, we have it handled, we got approved for the individual assistance things we’ve wanted, we have what we need,” said DeSantis. “I think most of the efforts should be in western North Carolina right now.”

The governor also said he is sending rescue teams to North Carolina, where many Floridians have second homes.