Latest News
February 13, 2026
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911 Recordings Detail Events Leading Up to Murders in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota: Recently released 911 recordings provide insight into a multiple homicide case that spanned Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota. A concerned daughter contacted authorities about her mother, leading police to discover the bodies of Larisa Blyudaya and her son in Victoria Park. The suspect, Russell Kot, is accused of also killing three more relatives in Sarasota. The recordings help illustrate how concerns about an acquaintance led to rapid police intervention and the discovery of the victims. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 13)
February 12, 2026
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Multiple Homicides in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota Leave Family Grieving: A tragic series of shootings in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota resulted in six fatalities across two cities. Larisa Blyudaya and her son Ben Azivov were found shot in their Fort Lauderdale apartment after a welfare check. Authorities allege Russell Kot, temporarily staying with Blyudaya, also killed three of her relatives and a family friend in Sarasota before dying of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedies. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 12)
February 11, 2026
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Fort Lauderdale Double Homicide Connected to Sarasota Multiple Shooting Deaths: Authorities report that a double homicide in Fort Lauderdale has been linked to a subsequent shooting in Sarasota that resulted in five additional deaths, including the suspected perpetrator. Investigations suggest the suspect had a personal relationship with one of the Fort Lauderdale victims, who in turn was associated with the Sarasota victims. Law enforcement officers assure that the incidents appear isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Details on the motive remain undisclosed. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 11)
January 20, 2026
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Fort Lauderdale Ranked Among Top U.S. Cities for New Arrivals, U-Haul Survey Finds: Fort Lauderdale has been identified as one of the top destinations for people relocating to Florida, according to a recent U-Haul survey of one-way residential moves in the United States. The report places Fort Lauderdale at number seven nationally, while Florida remains the second-highest growth state overall, following Texas. The survey highlights continued population growth in Florida, with eight cities in the state appearing in the top ten. This reflects an ongoing trend of residents choosing Florida for its economic and lifestyle opportunities. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 20)
January 8, 2026
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South Florida Woman Sentenced to Probation After $11 Million Dental Fraud Case: A 43-year-old woman from South Florida was sentenced to probation and time served for her role in operating unauthorized dental clinics that received more than $11 million. Evelyn Cruz was initially charged with over 50 felonies but ultimately pleaded no contest to grand theft and illegal proprietorship in a plea agreement. The court credited her for 28 days already served and ordered 48 months of probation along with restitution. The investigation found she used licensed dentists’ identities to run practices without proper authorization. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 8)
October 29, 2025
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Florida Proposes Ending Longstanding Childhood Vaccine Requirements Amid Doctor Concerns: Florida officials have announced plans to eliminate all school-age vaccination mandates, ending nearly 50 years of required childhood immunizations for illnesses such as measles and polio. Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo are leading this initiative, arguing against government-mandated vaccinations. Critics, including many healthcare professionals, have expressed concerns about public health risks but are reportedly hesitant to speak out. The decision has sparked debate over the potential return of preventable diseases. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 29)
October 22, 2025
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Debate Continues Over Florida Law Granting Charter Schools Free Use of Public School : A new Florida law now permits certain charter schools, known as 'schools of hope,' to request free access to unused space within public school buildings. Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican legislators argue that the measure aims to offer more educational options in areas where traditional public (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 22)
October 9, 2025
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Charter School Group Proposes Rent-Free Use of 27 Broward Campuses: A Miami-based charter school operator has formally requested to share space rent-free on 27 public school campuses in Broward County, aiming to open new charter programs by August 2027. Similar proposals have been made in other Florida districts, raising concerns about potential impacts on local K-– (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 9)