Florida Archives

Florida Social Media Ban on Children: What You Need to Know

24Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Florida Social Media Ban on Children: What You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking move, the Florida Legislature has passed a bill that aims to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. This controversial legislation, known as HB 1 (Online Protection for Minors), has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The Florida Legislature's decision to implement a social media ban for children stems from concerns over various issues affecting the youth, including bullying, sex trafficking, depression, and suicide. Lawmakers argue that social media platforms with their addictive features exacerbate these problems. By restricting minors' access to these platforms, they hope to mitigate the negative impact of social media on young individuals. HB 1, also known as Online Protection for Minors, encompasses several provisions...

South Carolina Teen Found in Florida – Man Charged with Abduction

14Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

South Carolina Teen Found in Florida – Man Charged with Abduction

A 13-year-old girl from South Carolina was found in Key Largo, Florida, after being kidnapped by a wanted man. Late on a Tuesday night, Monroe County Sheriff's Office deputies made a startling discovery in the Pink Plaza shopping center in Key Largo. They found a kidnapped 13-year-old girl from South Carolina in the vehicle of Tyler Michael Berlick, a 35-year-old man from Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Authorities swiftly took Berlick into custody on an out-of-state kidnapping warrant, shedding light on a harrowing ordeal. South Carolina authorities revealed that Berlick had met the young girl through an online chatting service and gaming app. She had been reported missing from her hometown of Simpsonville, near Greenville, after she was last seen on Sunday night. Initially described as a runawa...

Alligator Snapping Turtle Rescued in Cumbria

10Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Science

Alligator Snapping Turtle Rescued in Cumbria

In a surprising turn of events, an alligator snapping turtle, a creature native to Florida, was discovered in the tranquil county of Cumbria, in the northwest United Kingdom. This invasive reptile, known for its mean bite and spiked shell resembling that of an alligator, was found in Urswick Tarn, a local beauty spot. The sighting of this prehistoric-looking creature has raised concerns about its impact on the local ecology and the safety of residents and visitors alike. The alligator snapping turtle was first spotted by a dog walker, who quickly alerted Denise Chamberlain, a local parish councilwoman. Equipped with three pairs of layered gloves, Chamberlain carefully rescued the turtle, aptly named Fluffy, using a shopping basket. Transporting it in a large container filled with water ...

Florida Supreme Court Justices Question State on Abortion Ballot Measure

7Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Florida Supreme Court Justices Question State on Abortion Ballot Measure

Abortion rights have long been a contentious issue in the United States, and the state of Florida is no exception. Recently, the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments about a proposed ballot measure that seeks to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. The proposed ballot measure aims to add an amendment to the Florida state constitution that would protect the right to abortion. The amendment states that "no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability." Advocates argue that this amendment is necessary to safeguard reproductive rights and ensure that individuals have control over their own bodies. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with other opponents of the amendment, have raised concerns about its language and potential implicati...

Small Plane Crash Leaves Multiple Fatalities at Florida Mobile Home Park

2Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Small Plane Crash Leaves Multiple Fatalities at Florida Mobile Home Park

A small plane crashed into a mobile home park, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread destruction. The tragic event unfolded on the evening of February 1, 2024, when a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35 experienced engine failure and plummeted into Bayside Waters, a waterfront community. The ill-fated flight took a tragic turn when the pilot reported engine failure, signaling an impending disaster. The plane, carrying an unknown number of individuals, crashed into a mobile home, setting off a massive blaze that engulfed the surrounding area. Fire Chief Scott Ehlers of Clearwater Fire and Rescue confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that there were "several fatalities" both from the aircraft and within the mobile home. The crash site became a scene of devastation, as fla...

$75 Hoax Bomb Threats & Teen Swatters-for-Hire Exposed by Florida Police

1Feb

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

$75 Hoax Bomb Threats & Teen Swatters-for-Hire Exposed by Florida Police

Law enforcement agencies have been grappling with a disturbing trend: the emergence of teenage individuals offering their services as "swatters-for-hire," carrying out dangerous hoax bomb threats and mass shooting calls. These incidents not only put innocent lives at risk but also drain valuable resources. One particular case that has caught the attention of the authorities involves a California teenager named Alan Winston Filion, also known as "Torswats." Filion stands accused of orchestrating hundreds of swatting and bomb threat incidents across the United States. Charging a fee of $75, he targeted high schools, places of worship, US Senators, and even the Supreme Court with his bogus threats. On January 18th, Filion was apprehended at his home in Lancaster, Orange County, and extr...

29Jan

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Palm Bay Shooting: 2 Dead, 2 Injured

In a tragic incident in Palm Bay, Florida, two people lost their lives and two police officers were injured during a domestic disturbance call. The officers responded to the call, encountering a 24-year-old armed man named Brandon Kapas. Despite their commands, Kapas refused to comply, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The officers were injured, and Kapas fled the scene. Additional officers joined the pursuit, and Kapas fatally wounded another person before being engaged by law enforcement and ultimately killed. The Palm Bay Police Department received a call about a domestic dispute, prompting the officers' response. Upon arrival, they confronted Brandon Kapas, who disregarded their commands. The encounter escalated, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire between the officers and K...

Farrah Abraham Slams Proposed Social Media Ban in Florida

28Jan

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Entertainment

Farrah Abraham Slams Proposed Social Media Ban in Florida

According to Farrah Abraham, she is displeased with a potential bill in Florida that aims to prohibit children from using social media. She believes that this bill is focused on blaming the victims instead of addressing the root problem. According to the latest development, the Florida House of Representatives has approved a new legislation on Wednesday, which prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from having a social media account. This measure aims to safeguard the mental well-being of children. View this post on Instagram A post shared by S O P H I A L A B R A H A M (@sophialabraham) The photo shows Farrah Abraham and her daughter Sophia. During our conversation on Friday, Farrah e...

Florida Lottery unveils yet another $1 million scratch-off winner

24Jan

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Florida Lottery unveils yet another $1 million scratch-off winner

Winning the lottery is a dream many people share. The sheer excitement of scratching off a ticket and discovering a life-changing amount of money is unparalleled. Recently, a Fort Myers woman, Carly Cooper, experienced this exhilaration when she won a million-dollar prize in a Florida scratch-off game. Carly Cooper, a 29-year-old resident of Fort Myers, struck gold when she purchased a ticket for the "1,000,000 a Year for Life Spectacular" scratch-off game. This particular game offered not only the chance to win a million dollars every year for life but also 234 tickets worth a million dollars each. Carly's lucky ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven on Three Oaks Parkway, near the San Carlos Boulevard intersection. Her win not only brought her financial security but also garnered the co...

Brightline Train Collides with SUV – Fatal Accident in Melbourne

13Jan

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Local

Brightline Train Collides with SUV – Fatal Accident in Melbourne

Melbourne, Florida has been plagued by a series of tragic incidents involving Brightline trains colliding with vehicles at railroad crossings. These accidents have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, raising concerns about the safety measures in place and the actions of motorists. The first collision occurred on, when an SUV with four occupants attempted to cross the railroad tracks at the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard and W.H. Jackson Street. Tragically, the driver lost their life in the crash, while the three passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Just two days later, on, another collision took place at the same railroad crossing. This time, a Brightline train collided with an SUV, resulting in the death of the d...