Latest News
December 29, 2025
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Brightline Seeks $100 Million and Lists Fort Lauderdale Garage Amid Financial Strains: Brightline, which operates higher-speed rail service between South Florida and Orlando, is seeking to raise $100 million to support its operations. As part of its efforts, the company has listed its seven-story parking garage near downtown Fort Lauderdale for sale. Although both ridership and revenues have improved, financial reports indicate this growth remains insufficient to address operational and debt needs. Credit agencies have further downgraded Brightline’s bonds due to ongoing financial challenges. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 29)
December 22, 2025
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South Florida Hotels and Businesses Face Decline in Canadian Winter Visitors: Hotels and businesses across South Florida are experiencing a notable decrease in visits from Canadian tourists this winter, who historically make up the largest share of international winter travelers to the region. Industry officials cite concerns ranging from higher travel costs and increased border scrutiny to dissatisfaction with diplomatic tensions as factors behind the decline. Some Canadian travelers are also choosing alternative destinations like Mexico. The downturn has prompted widespread concern within South Florida's tourism sector. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 22)
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Miami Beach Man Arrested at Port Everglades for Alleged Child Pornography Possession: A 35-year-old Miami Beach resident was arrested at Port Everglades following a border search after disembarking a cruise ship. U.S. Customs officials allegedly found images and videos of child sexual abuse on his personal electronics during the inspection. The man reportedly admitted to receiving the illegal content via a foreign website and storing it online. He was later released on bond pending further legal proceedings. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 22)
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South Florida Expecting Ideal Holiday Weather, but Northeast Storms May Affect Travel: South Florida residents can look forward to predictable holiday weather, with mostly sunny skies and daytime highs in the upper 70s forecast through Christmas. Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain mild, and only occasional winds are anticipated early in the week. However, those traveling to the Northeast should be prepared for snow, with accumulations likely across New York State, Pennsylvania, and southern New England. These conditions may disrupt travel plans for some South Floridians. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 22)
December 18, 2025
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Florida License Plate Law Prompts Detention and Wrongful Arrest in Broward County: A recent incident in Davie highlighted the consequences of Florida's updated license plate law, which criminalizes having any part of a license plate obscured. During a routine stop, immigration agents detained two passengers, raising concerns about potential misuse of the law. Advocates say the statute, which took effect in October, could be employed as a pretext to stop and question immigrants. Legal experts are calling attention to the risk of wrongful arrests stemming from this regulation. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 18)
December 16, 2025
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Broward Judge Acknowledges Misjudgment During 2024 Campaign Activities: Broward County Court Judge Lauren Peffer admitted to using poor judgment during her 2024 campaign by referencing a controversial and unsubstantiated book and a fabricated recording to criticize judicial trustworthiness. Peffer, now seated on the bench, expressed regret during a Judicial Qualifications Commission hearing, acknowledging her error took place before she assumed office. The commission reviews such incidents to determine potential disciplinary action. The book in question contained unverified allegations and did not prompt any official discipline. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 16)
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 6, 2025
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South Florida Chefs Share Their Favorite Fast-Food Picks in Broward Gatherings: A group of notable South Florida chefs regularly gathers at a Broward County restaurant for camaraderie and conversation. Organized by Eric San Pedro, co-owner of Palm Beach Meats, these meetings began after the pandemic as a way for friends in the culinary scene to reconnect. Attendees include bakers, pizza chefs, and food-truck operators from across the region. Their discussions span industry trends and, notably, their preferred fast-food indulgences. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 6)
November 26, 2025
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Homeowner Insurance Rate Increases Stall in Florida for September: Homeowner insurance premiums in Florida showed minimal growth between August and September, with the statewide average for all-perils coverage on owner-occupied homes rising by just $1 to $3,748, according to newly released data from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. This marks the smallest monthly increase since regular reporting began earlier this year. Since January, average premiums have risen by only 1.5%. Homeowners in South Florida typically face higher premiums than the state average. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 26)
November 23, 2025
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Analysis Finds Limited Reduction in Florida Homeowners Insurance Costs: A recent investigation examined whether recent trends in Florida's insurance market have led to lower premiums for homeowners. The Sun Sentinel enlisted four homeowners from southern and central Florida and secured quotes from four agents representing multiple insurers. Out of 13 private insurers, only two companies offered reduced rates to select participants. Many policies quoted contained significant limits on water and roof damage coverage, highlighting continued challenges in the market. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 23)
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 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)
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Flight Reductions at South Florida Airports Cause Delays for Travelers: Travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and other South Florida hubs faced significant delays after the Federal Aviation Administration required airlines to cut their daily schedules by 4%. The move was prompted by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The reductions have affected major airports, including Miami and Orlando, with many passengers experiencing missed connections and rerouted flights. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 10)
October 29, 2025
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Experts Address Widespread Sleep Issues Affecting Nearly Half of Floridians: Nearly half of Florida residents face sleep difficulties, a trend health professionals attribute to factors such as increased use of electronic devices and daily stress. In response, a growing network of medical and behavioral specialists across the state now offers solutions ranging from sleep labs to coaching and cognitive behavior therapy. These interventions are geared toward improving sleep quality and overall well-being. Experts emphasize the importance of actionable techniques that support natural sleep improvement. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 29)
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Here comes the first cold front of the year strong enough to reach South Florida: South Florida has flirted with cold fronts a few times this fall, but never really got one. This weekend we should get (a little) lucky, as forces are aligning for the first cold front of the year to actually reach the region. A front will be descending across the South and into Florida, but it will get a little extra push in the coming week from a low off the coast of the Carolinas. That low’s counter-clockwise spin will push cooler dry air in behind the front. That cool dry air will surge south of Orlando and reach South Florida, starting Saturday. “It won’t feel like fall, but we’ll see a little bit of dip because this front will actually make it through (to South Florida),” said Sammy Hadi, meteorologist with the Miami office of the National Weather Service. “It’ll be the first one to do so this year.” Meteorologist Chris Fisher, also the National Weather Service, said mid-October is when we normally start to see fronts like this having a cooling impact on South Florida. Saturday evening, overnight temperatures should reach low 70s on the coast and upper 60s inland. The National Weather Service’s long-term forecast said “the upcoming weekend should experience what we could call the first hint of fall season weather behind the front.” The cooler air behind the front should drop maximum daytime temperature to the low to mid 80s, a reprieve from summery autumn thus far. Overnight lows may drop into the upper 60s to low 70s, said the forecast. Inland areas will be cooler than the coast throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Humidity will ease as well, said Fisher, with dewpoint dropping from the low to mid 70s to the upper 60s or lower. Dewpoints of 55 to 60 are considered pleasant, 60 to 65 is comfortable, according to the NWS. “It’s not a significant drop off, but it’s enough for people to notice,” said Fisher. “It’ll feel fairly comfortable. Not as good as some of the strong fronts we see in the middle of winter, but it’s a good start for this time of year.” Related Articles Tropical Storm Jerry forecast to become hurricane northeast of Caribbean South Florida’s drought is on the way out “This isn’t a really strong front,” said Fisher. “That’s why we’re only going to see a negligible drop in temperature and humidity. The stronger fronts usually come in the wintertime when we start getting arctic air dropping down from Canada into the U.S. We’re not quite there yet.” Fisher said the slightly cooler and drier air should stick with us through midweek next week. The front will also impact Tropical Storm Jerry, helping to push it north and back east, away from the U.S. east coast. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 9)
October 28, 2025
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Florida Hospitals Clash Over Proposed Organ Transplant Program Rules: Several major Florida hospitals are at odds over a new state proposal that would change the approval process for organ transplant programs. Nemours Children’s Hospital, along with Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County and AdventHealth Orlando, have backed the rule introduced by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. In contrast, Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands in Gainesville, and Jackson Memorial in Miami have challenged the proposal, citing concerns regarding quality-of-care safeguards. A consolidated hearing on the issue is scheduled for December 17. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 28)
October 24, 2025
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Deerfield Beach Welcomes Three New Oceanfront Restaurants Amid Revitalization: Deerfield Beach has introduced three new oceanfront restaurants along the revitalized S-Curve area near Hillsboro Boulevard and the International Fishing Pier. Bravo Mar and Lucky Lou’s Raw Bar have opened, with The Break House Kitchen & Beach Bar set to join them in the coming month, offering Peruvian, Caribbean cuisine, and the area’s first rooftop bar. These openings coincide with the city’s significant public infrastructure investments, including $8 million in pier upgrades. These changes mark a new chapter for the neighborhood. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 24)
October 19, 2025
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Florida enacts law permitting charter schools to operate within public school spaces: A new state law in Florida now allows certain charter school operators to establish their programs inside existing public school buildings without paying rent. The legislation, passed unexpectedly at the end of the legislative session, is expected to significantly affect traditional public schools, (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 19)
October 15, 2025
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Fort Lauderdale Continues Legal Effort to Preserve Pride-Themed Crosswalks: Fort Lauderdale remains engaged in a legal dispute to maintain its pride-themed street art and rainbow crosswalks, despite a statewide initiative to remove such installations. The city stands out as other Florida municipalities have complied with state directives, citing concerns over driver safety. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 15)
October 13, 2025
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Forensic Anthropologist and Students Assist in Human Remains Cases Across South and B: A Florida Gulf Coast University professor and her students are frequently called to assist local authorities when human remains are found in South Florida, including recent discoveries near Lake Worth Beach. Their work supports investigations into both recent and historic cases, collaborating with B (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 13)
October 12, 2025
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Home insurance premiums in Florida rise 1.5% in early 2025: Homeowners in Florida saw average insurance premiums increase by 1.5% during the first eight months of 2025, according to state data. While this is a slower rate of growth compared to recent years, most policyholders have not experienced a decrease in costs. The outlook for future premium reductions (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 12)
October 9, 2025
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Democratic Senators Propose Measures to Address High Insurance Costs in Florida: Florida's Democratic state senators have introduced a set of legislative proposals aimed at lowering property insurance costs for residents. The measures include increased oversight of insurance company owners, an emergency fund to assist low-income homeowners, and a multi-state risk pool. The bills (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 9)
September 30, 2025
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Spirit Airlines to Receive $475 Million in Financing During Bankruptcy Process: Spirit Airlines' parent company has arranged up to $475 million in new funding from creditors to support operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The plan includes immediate interim funds, additional financing pending court approval, and a restructuring of aircraft leases to reduce (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 30)
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South Florida Hosts Taylor Swift 'Showgirl' Album Events Across Region: Multiple venues in South Florida are organizing events to celebrate the release of Taylor Swift's 12th album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' Activities include listening parties, karaoke nights, brunches, and screenings of a related film at local theaters. These gatherings offer fans opportunities to get (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 30)
September 27, 2025
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Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Changes to Property Tax System: State legislators are evaluating proposals to significantly alter or potentially eliminate property taxes, which fund essential local services such as police and fire departments. The discussions, held in Tallahassee, focus on balancing the needs of property owners with the financial requirements of (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 27)
September 25, 2025
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Broward Democratic Leaders Announce Support for David Jolly in Governor Race: A significant group of current and former Democratic officials from Broward County have endorsed David Jolly's campaign for Florida governor. The endorsements include county commissioners, school board members, state legislators, mayors, and city commissioners. Broward County, a Democratic strong-h (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 25)
September 18, 2025
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Two Additional Home Insurers Approved to Offer Policies in Florida: Florida regulators have authorized two more companies, Stand Insurance Exchange and Praxis Reciprocal Exchange, to provide home insurance in the state. These approvals are part of ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and expand private market options. Both insurers (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 18)