Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers responded on Wednesday to a be on the lookout (BOLO) alert from the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, who attempted to stop a stolen silver Lexus that was traveling south on Interstate 75 (I-75). The suspect vehicle refused to stop for the…
Latest News
Federal Appeals Court In Florida Rules Miami-Dade Cop Can Face Lawsuit Over Dog Shooting
In the first time it has issued such a decision, a federal appeals court Wednesday cleared the way for a lawsuit against a Miami-Dade County police officer who fatally shot a resident’s American bulldog. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…
Georgia Appeals Court Temporarily Halts Trump Election Interference Case
The Georgia Court of Appeals has issued a temporary stay, effectively putting the brakes on the high-profile Trump case while it reviews a pivotal ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the matter. This decision by the appellate court carries…
With 46 Florida Child Drownings In 2024, State Urges Swimming Safety
State officials Wednesday urged Floridians to emphasize safety while swimming this summer, as dozens of children have drowned in 2024. “So far this year, 46 children have tragically lost their lives due to drowning,” Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez said during a press event. She added,…
News Scroll
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Florida Felon Who Escaped Jail, Arrested After 115 MPH Chase In Stolen Car On I-75
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers responded on Wednesday to a be on the lookout (BOLO) alert from the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, who attempted to stop a stolen silver Lexus that was traveling south on Interstate 75 (I-75). The suspect vehicle refused to stop for the…
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Federal Appeals Court In Florida Rules Miami-Dade Cop Can Face Lawsuit Over Dog Shooting
In the first time it has issued such a decision, a federal appeals court Wednesday cleared the way for a lawsuit against a Miami-Dade County police officer who fatally shot a resident’s American bulldog. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…
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Georgia Appeals Court Temporarily Halts Trump Election Interference Case
The Georgia Court of Appeals has issued a temporary stay, effectively putting the brakes on the high-profile Trump case while it reviews a pivotal ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the matter. This decision by the appellate court carries…
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With 46 Florida Child Drownings In 2024, State Urges Swimming Safety
State officials Wednesday urged Floridians to emphasize safety while swimming this summer, as dozens of children have drowned in 2024. “So far this year, 46 children have tragically lost their lives due to drowning,” Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez said during a press event. She added,…
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Florida Democrats Appeal Ballot Image Ruling
The Florida Democratic Party and other plaintiffs are appealing the dismissal of a lawsuit about elections officials preserving digital ballot images. Attorneys for the plaintiffs filed a notice last week that is a first step in appealing an April 25 ruling by Leon County Circuit…
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Michigan Child With Special Needs Receives Spectacular Dream Trip To Florida
Jayla Burch was granted a Magical Dream from the Sunshine Foundation for a family trip to Florida. Jayla lives with a Severe Developmental Delay. “Thanks for everything you all did for my Jayla; we really appreciated it. God bless you and everyone who helped make it possible,” said Jayla’s mom,…
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Polk County Sheriff Charges Two More Suspects In Brutal Homicide Of Ethan Fussell
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made significant strides in the investigation surrounding the tragic homicide of 21-year-old Ethan Fussell. In a recent development, detectives have arrested and charged two additional suspects – Crystal Droweingo and Autumn Thomas – for their…
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U.S. House Approves Florida Rep. Steube’s Measure To Prohibit VA From Using Resources On Illegal Immigrants
The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved U.S. Representative Greg Steube’s amendment to H.R. 8580, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The amendment prohibits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using any funds from this act to process medical claims for the…
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Man Who Ambushed, Murdered Ex-Wife And Her Boyfriend In Tampa Will Remain Jailed
TAMPA, Fla. – A man accused of the first-degree murders of his ex-wife and her new boyfriend will be held behind bars until trial. Assistant State Attorney Chinwe Fossett successfully argued that no conditions of release or bail would protect the community from the defendant’s…
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Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils Hope Florida Resources For Law Enforcement
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a meeting with over 100 sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials from across the state to highlight new resources for officers to utilize to direct individuals to Hope Florida. This summer, law enforcement agencies, departments, and offices…
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Respiratory Virus Interrupts Dog Adoptions, Intakes And Rescue Transfers In Pasco County
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is suspending dog adoptions, intakes, surgeries, and rescue transfers for at least the next four weeks at our Land O’ Lakes shelter due to the presence of Canine Influenza, a highly contagious virus that causes…
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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Leads Intro Of GAZA Act, “Guarding American Zones Against Palestinian Immigration Act”
The United States has long grappled with the complex issue of immigration, and the latest development in this ongoing debate is the introduction of the “Guarding American Zones Against Palestinian Immigration Act” (GAZA Act) by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Republican colleagues. This bill seeks…
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Hillsborough County Commissioners Present Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized three outstanding student-athletes with the 18th annual Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award and two Honorable Mentions during today’s meeting. The Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award honors a high school baseball player or team…
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Nine Charged In Drug Trafficking Network Spanning California, Arizona, And Florida: DOJ
The world of illicit drug trade is a complex and ever-evolving landscape where criminal organizations employ sophisticated tactics to evade law enforcement and expand their reach. One such intricate case unfolded across multiple states, showcasing the determination of federal authorities to dismantle a sprawling drug…
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Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Challenge Democrats’ Contraception Bill
Florida Senator Rick Scott, along with 21 of his Republican colleagues in the U.S. Senate, has issued a scathing rebuke of the Democrats’ so-called “Right to Contraception Act.” This controversial legislation, first passed by the Democrat-controlled House in 2022, now faces renewed scrutiny as Senate…
Sports
Hillsborough County Commissioners Present Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized three outstanding student-athletes with the 18th annual Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award and two Honorable Mentions during today’s meeting. The Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award honors a high school baseball player or team…
Baker Mayfield ‘It’s Expected To Underestimate The Bucs’
TAMPA, Fla. – Most so-called NFL media experts are predicting the Bucs to fall short of winning the NFC South. Some even have the Bucs finishing 3rd behind the Falcons and Panthers. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield doesn’t seem surprised and, in fact, welcomes it. “It doesn’t matter,”…
Florida High School Athletic Association Approves Athlete-Pay Rules
The Florida High School Athletic Association on Tuesday opened the door for student-athletes to earn money from business agreements such as endorsement deals, with the organization’s president calling the move a “good starting point.” The FHSAA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a seismic…
New Study: Florida Named Top US State For Golfing Getaways
New data has pinpointed the best states for a golfing vacation, with Florida leading the rankings with a score of 64.42 out of 100. The study, carried out by relocation experts My Baggage, analyzed the distribution of golf courses, driving ranges, tournaments, and golf coaches…
Cops And Crime
Polk County Sheriff Charges Two More Suspects In Brutal Homicide Of Ethan Fussell
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made significant strides in the investigation surrounding the tragic homicide of 21-year-old Ethan Fussell. In a recent development, detectives have arrested and charged two additional suspects – Crystal Droweingo and Autumn Thomas – for their…
Man Who Ambushed, Murdered Ex-Wife And Her Boyfriend In Tampa Will Remain Jailed
TAMPA, Fla. – A man accused of the first-degree murders of his ex-wife and her new boyfriend will be held behind bars until trial. Assistant State Attorney Chinwe Fossett successfully argued that no conditions of release or bail would protect the community from the defendant’s…
Cold Case
Pasco Deputies Searching For 2 Teens Missing Out Of Land O’ Lakes
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco Sheriff’s deputies are currently searching for Taina Padilla, a missing/runaway 17-year-old, and Nevaeh Scott-Whyte, a missing runaway 14-year-old. Padilla is 5’5”, around 240 lbs., with brown/blonde hair and brown eyes. Padilla was last seen on June 3, around 12:45 a.m.,…
14-Year-Old Zain Tamayo, Last Seen In New Port Richey, Located Safe
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Zain Tamayo has been located and is safe, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Pasco Sheriff’s deputies were searching for Zain Tamayo, a missing/runaway 14-year-old. Tamayo is 5’7”, around 120 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Tamayo was last seen…
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Investigating Lakeland Missing Persons Case As Murder
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media and public this afternoon with an update on the investigation into a missing man, 21-year-old Ethan Fussell. Fussell went missing on May 7, 2024, from the Driggers Road Area of Lakeland. “This was…
Florida Agriculture
UF Study Shows How Strawberry Growers Can Use Less Pesticide To Control Destructive Chilli Thrips
Florida strawberry growers can use less pesticide and save money as they try to control a mighty pest known as chilli thrips, University of Florida research shows. An invasive pest in the southeastern United States, chilli thrips was introduced to the United States from Southeast…
Campfires Banned On Florida District Conservation Lands Due To Dry Conditions
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is prohibiting campfires and other sources of open flames on District conservation lands in conjunction with numerous county burn bans and dry conditions. The lack of rainfall this spring has made grasses and other light vegetation extremely dry…
Another Florida Family Farm Preserved Through Rural And Family Lands Protection Program
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Thursday the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The Limestone Creek Ranch property, a more than 470-acre cattle operation in Hardee County, is…
Politics
U.S. House Approves Florida Rep. Steube’s Measure To Prohibit VA From Using Resources On Illegal Immigrants
The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved U.S. Representative Greg Steube’s amendment to H.R. 8580, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The amendment prohibits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using any funds from this act to process medical claims for the…
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Leads Intro Of GAZA Act, “Guarding American Zones Against Palestinian Immigration Act”
The United States has long grappled with the complex issue of immigration, and the latest development in this ongoing debate is the introduction of the “Guarding American Zones Against Palestinian Immigration Act” (GAZA Act) by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Republican colleagues. This bill seeks…
Lottery
Florida Woman Wins $1 Million On $20 Cashword Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket
The Florida Lottery announced Friday that Anita Ervin, 61, of Tallahassee, claimed a $1 million prize from the $5,000,000 CASHWORD Scratch-Off game at Lottery’s Headquarters in Tallahassee. Ervin chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $780,000.00. Ervin purchased her winning ticket…
Florida Man Wins $1 Million On $5 Lottery Scratch-Off From Publix In Winter Haven
The Florida Lottery announced Friday that Carlos Cole, Sr., 53, of Winter Haven, claimed a $1 million top prize from the SEVEN FIGURES Scratch-Off game at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Cole chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $695,000.00. Cole purchased his…
Winning $214 Million Powerball Ticket Sold In Florida
A lucky POWERBALL player in Florida won a whopping $214 million in the May 6 drawing! The winning ticket was purchased at Publix at 9050 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami Shores. The winning ticket was purchased at Publix, located at 9050 Biscayne Boulevard. The winning numbers…
Georgia Woman Wins Whopping $2 Million On Florida Lottery Monopoly Scratch-Off Game
The Florida Lottery announced Thursday that Lavoncis Armstrong, 64, of Riverdale, Georgia, claimed a $2 million top prize from the $10 MONOPOLY DOUBLER Scratch-Off game at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Armstrong chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $1,597,848.00. Armstrong purchased…
Job News
Pinellas County Government To Hold Career Fair On June 14
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County Government will hold a Career Fair on Friday, June 14, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Florida Botanical Gardens (Magnolia Room), 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Hiring managers from Pinellas County Government, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Pinellas County Schools…
Tampa Ranks In The Top 15 Best Cities For Summer Jobs: WalletHub
TAMPA, Fla. – WalletHub issued its study on 2024’s Best Places for Summer Jobs on Wednesday. With summer quickly approaching, many businesses are ready to hire due to labor shortages. WalletHub compared more than 180 markets in the U.S. across 21 key metrics. The data…
Florida Jobless Claims Increase
The number of first-time unemployment claims filed in Florida last week was the highest total since January. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor released a report that estimated 7,051 jobless claims were filed in the state during the week ending May 11, up from…
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Substitute School Crossing Guards Across Polk County
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified men and women in Polk County who desire to work as substitute crossing guards this year. Substitute school crossing guards are needed in the following areas: Lakeland, Fort Meade, Bartow, Highland City, Lake Wales…
Good Eats
Rick’s Coffee House: It’s A God Thing
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Since the age of 14, Rick Smith has been a coffee enthusiast. About 30 years ago, his friend, for whom he’d created a successful marketing idea, bought Smith his first coffee maker, an Italian hand press. This marked the beginning…
Spread The Sunshine With Carolyn: Low-Carb Hot Dog Sauce Recipe
This is a recipe I experimented with this week. It was my Grandmother’s hotdog sauce recipe, but since I’m a type 1 diabetic, I tweaked it a little so it wouldn’t interfere with my blood sugar or my low-carb diet. I must admit it turned…
Spread The Sunshine With Carolyn: Strawberries And Cream Cake
Today is my sister and I’s birthday. We were born on the same day, three years apart. Growing up, we always hated having to share our birthdays. Since we are grown, I just wanted to tell her, “ Sister, you are the best birthday gift…
Spread The Sunshine With Carolyn: Old Fashion Potato Soup
This is a recipe I got from my grandmother. This was her ‘go-to’ recipe for years, especially when someone in the family was sick. It is delicious and very filling. She is no longer with us, but she would be so proud that I’m sharing…