Latest News
December 15, 2025
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Debate Grows Over Use of License Plate Readers by South Florida Police: Law enforcement agencies across South Florida are increasingly utilizing license plate readers provided by private company Flock Safety. These systems collect detailed information about passing vehicles, including make, color, and distinguishing features, by capturing numerous photographs with motion-activated cameras. The technology enables police to search large databases using advanced artificial intelligence tools and to share collected data between agencies. Despite their crime-solving potential, the expanded use of these systems remains controversial. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 15)
December 11, 2025
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Deputy and Civilian Injured in Margate Shooting During Burglary Probe: A Broward Sheriff's Office deputy and another individual were hospitalized following a shooting during a burglary investigation in Margate on Thursday afternoon. Authorities said the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the 6100 block of Northwest Second Street, where both a deputy and a suspect sustained injuries. The deputy was reportedly protected by a bulletproof vest, preventing life-threatening harm. Officials have not released further details on the incident at this time. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 11)
December 10, 2025
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Mother of Missing 10-Year-Old in Margate Charged as Search Efforts Continue: The mother of a 10-year-old girl who disappeared in Margate has been formally charged with two felonies—child neglect and concealment of a minor during an investigation—and a misdemeanor for providing false information to police. Passha Davis, detained at the Paul Rein Detention Facility, did not attend her arraignment after reportedly refusing court orders. Investigators have yet to report new developments, and the search for the missing girl continues. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 10)
December 8, 2025
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Ten Notable South Florida Restaurants That Closed in 2025: South Florida experienced a significant wave of restaurant closures in 2025, marking the end of several well-loved local eateries. Favorites such as Lucille’s American Cafe in Weston and Loch Bar in Boca Raton were among those shuttered, highlighting the challenges faced by the local restaurant industry this year. The closure of these establishments has been felt deeply by residents who frequented them for memorable dining experiences. This list reflects on the loss and enduring impact these restaurants had on the community. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 8)
December 4, 2025
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Guide to Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings Across South Florida This Season: Communities throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties are offering a range of holiday festivities, including parades, tree lightings, and themed events. Attractions such as drive-through light displays, decorated boat tours, and chances to take photos with Santa bring a local twist to the celebrations. Highlights include the 31st annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park & Stables in Coconut Creek. These events aim to foster a festive atmosphere across the region for residents and visitors. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 4)
November 21, 2025
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Reward Raised to $10,000 in Search for Missing Margate Girl Last Seen in June: Broward County Crime Stoppers has increased the reward to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the disappearance of Gabrielle Terrelonge, a 10-year-old Margate girl missing since June. Gabrielle was last seen with her mother at the Florida Mall in Orlando on June 30. Her father reported her missing to Margate police after her mother was arrested and jailed in mid-October. The investigation is ongoing and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 21)
November 19, 2025
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Veteran Sun Sentinel Photographer Lou Toman Dies at Age 90: Lou Toman, renowned for his extensive career capturing significant moments across South Florida, has died at 90 in Plantation. From 1956 to 2009, Toman documented a range of historic and local events, including pivotal sports matches and celebrity appearances. He was especially known for covering major moments such as Cassius Clay’s title fight and Elvis Presley’s tour. A memorial event is scheduled for December 13 at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 19)
November 13, 2025
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Six South Florida Restaurants Closed After Violations Cited in Inspections: Six restaurants in South Florida were temporarily closed after recent inspections identified major health and safety violations. Issues cited included the presence of rodent droppings, dead and live roaches, and unsanitary water conditions at several establishments in Broward and Palm Beach counties. According to state regulations, affected restaurants must remain closed until they successfully address the violations and complete a follow-up inspection. The closures are part of ongoing routine checks by state officials. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 13)
November 11, 2025
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Founder of Ministry and Daughter Identified in Coral Springs Plane Crash: Authorities have identified Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter Serena as the victims in a plane crash that occurred on Monday in Coral Springs. The pair were on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa when their plane crashed into a lake in the Windsor Bay community. Wurm was known in the area as the founder of Ignite the Fire, an evangelical Christian ministry active in the Caribbean. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 11)
November 10, 2025
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Reward Offered Following Disappearance of 10-Year-Old Margate Girl: Authorities have offered a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest in the disappearance of 10-year-old Gabrielle Patricia Terrelonge from Margate, Florida. The child was last seen on June 30 in Orlando after arriving at the Florida Mall with her mother and a caretaker, Passha Davis. Davis was later arrested by Margate Police on unrelated charges and now faces a count of child neglect. The case remains open as investigators seek the public’s help to locate Gabrielle. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 10)
October 31, 2025
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West Boca Raton Ding-Dong Ditch Incident Leads to Armed Confrontation and Arrest: A recent incident in West Boca Raton involved a group of local teenagers participating in a 'ding-dong ditch' prank. One 14-year-old participant ended up on his knees while a resident confronted the group with a firearm, claiming he thought they were attempting a break-in. The homeowner was arrested for aggravated assault as authorities initiated a temporary risk protection order. The case highlights rising safety concerns around such pranks, which have recently resulted in injuries and fatalities across Florida. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 31)
October 14, 2025
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Teenager Recovering After Shooting Near Rock Island Road in Margate: A 15-year-old boy was shot Monday night near Rock Island Road and Forest Boulevard in Margate. He was taken to Broward General Hospital and underwent surgery, remaining in stable condition as of Tuesday. Police have not identified a suspect and are continuing their investigation. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 14)
October 13, 2025
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Margate Middle School student dies in house fire on Southwest Sixth Street: A 13-year-old Margate Middle School student died in a house fire on Southwest Sixth Street in Margate. Two adult relatives escaped the blaze, while the boy was found deceased by firefighters. One dog also died and another was rescued. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, and authorities are now (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 13)
October 9, 2025
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Fatal Fire Reported at Margate Residence on Southwest Sixth Street: A residential fire in the 5500 block of Southwest Sixth Street in Margate resulted in one fatality on Thursday afternoon. Emergency crews from Margate and North Lauderdale responded to the scene. A child and a dog were also reportedly affected. Authorities have not released further details as the 5: (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 9)
October 8, 2025
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Fall Events and Halloween Activities Planned Across West Broward: Families in West Broward can look forward to a range of autumn activities, including pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, hayrides, and local festivals. Some events feature unique options like floating pumpkin patches in community pools. The guide covers public events in Broward and Palm Beach, with (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 8)
September 27, 2025
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Fort Lauderdale Day of the Dead Festival to Continue Without Founder: The annual Day of the Dead celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale will return this November, marking the first year without founder Jim Hammond at the helm. Hammond, who started the event in 2010, is stepping back following challenges including the loss of parade puppets in the 2023 floods. Local, (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 27)
September 16, 2025
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Man Dies After Golf Cart Enters Canal Near Dania Beach Business: A 40-year-old Margate resident working as a security guard died after driving a golf cart off a dock and into a canal near 2965 State Road 84 in Dania Beach. The incident occurred Sunday evening. Authorities recovered the vehicle and the individual from the water. The investigation is ongoing. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 16)