News from the South - Florida News Feed
Alligator wrangler helping Hurricane Helene victims
SUMMARY: Mike Drage, known as the Blue Collar Brawler, is shifting his focus from alligator antics to assisting Hurricane Helen victims in North Carolina. He and his team are mobilizing to provide crucial support, particularly chainsaws, to those affected by the disaster. Acknowledging the importance of community, Mike emphasizes that even small acts of kindness can unite people. His nonprofit, Project Savior Outdoors, initially raised funds for veteran suicide awareness and is now redirecting efforts toward storm relief. With $30,000 raised and essential supplies collected, the team plans their first trip to North Carolina next week, continuing their fundraising efforts.
![YouTube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9stLKipRAwM/hqdefault.jpg)
The Blue Collar Brawler, Mike Dragich, is known for his viral gator wrangling videos. Now Dragich and some of his friends are …
News from the South - Florida News Feed
School bus camera program fining drivers has no process to challenge violations
SUMMARY: In Florida, new school bus cameras have recorded over 55,000 drivers passing stopped school buses, leading to hefty fines. Investigative reporter Kat L. Gron highlights issues in Hillsboro County, where drivers claim they were unfairly ticketed and lack options to contest their citations in court. Many argue that the system feels like a money grab, as the school district and camera company profit from fines without a functioning legal process for appeals. Despite generating over $1 million in fines, the fairness and effectiveness of the program remain in question, with concerns about the safety of children and drivers’ rights.
![YouTube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gx7BtZRpkso/hqdefault.jpg)
School bus cameras have caught thousands of drivers in Florida blowing past stop signs. I-Team Investigator Katie LaGrone found that one county is preventing drivers from making their cases in court.
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Reid G. Miller, longtime AP international correspondent and editor, dies at 90
SUMMARY: Reid G. Miller, a distinguished international correspondent and editor for The Associated Press, passed away at 90 in Sarasota, Florida. Over his 43-year career, Miller covered significant global events, witnessing violence and turmoil from Nicaragua to Rwanda. He survived a bombing in Nicaragua and played a key role in securing the release of a kidnapped colleague in Somalia. Known for his supportive leadership and nurturing young journalists, Miller held reporting roles across various cities, eventually serving as South Korea bureau chief. He is remembered fondly by colleagues for his humor, dedication, and encouragement, leaving behind a legacy of camaraderie.
The post Reid G. Miller, longtime AP international correspondent and editor, dies at 90 appeared first on www.news4jax.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Orange County releases videos of drive-by shooting, confrontation with deputies that led to teen’s arrest
SUMMARY: Summarize this content to 100 words: ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Videos released Thursday show two drive-by shootings and a subsequent confrontation with Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies last month that led to one person being shot and a 16-year-old suspect being taken into custody.The incidents happened in the Pine Hills area on Jan. 8. Deputies say they responded to two drive-by shootings in the area of San Jose Boulevard, in a neighborhood that’s south of Silver Star Road and west of Mercy Drive.A home security camera released by the sheriff’s office shows a car stopping in front of the home just before 3 a.m. and someone firing several rounds of bullets, then driving off. The car can then be seen in the distance stopping, and someone fires a gun again.**WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES AND LANGUAGE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.**As part of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to transparency, it is our policy to release body-worn camera video of critical incidents, including deputy-involved shootings.… pic.twitter.com/tPV22VuPw4— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 6, 2025
A second video shows the vehicle returning to what appears to be the same house just before 9 a.m. Deputies say the driver is seen leaving the car, telling children at a nearby bus stop to go home, and then firing at the house again.Deputies believe that shooter was 16-year-old George Spencer Jr. They say they tracked him down to a house off of Montague Place, in the area of North Pine Hills Road just north of West Colonial Drive.Deputies say the suspect had a handgun with an extended magazine when they found Spencer standing with several people. One deputy gave him commands to get down, but they said Spencer ran off into the carport.Two deputies fired their guns. One person, a 24-year-old man, was shot in the foot. None of the deputies were hurt and neither was Spencer. It’s not believed that Spencer ever fired his gun.The sheriff’s office also released OCSO helicopter video and body camera video from the incident.Spencer was arrested and is facing several charges, including attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the use of force by the deputies. The investigation into the shooting is still underway.Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
On January 8, two drive-by shootings occurred in the Pine Hills area of Orange County, Fla. Videos show a car firing multiple rounds at a home, then returning hours later to fire again. A 16-year-old suspect, George Spencer Jr., was tracked to a nearby location, where deputies confronted him. Spencer fled, prompting deputies to fire, injuring a bystander in the foot. Spencer was arrested and faces charges including attempted murder and firearm possession. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputies’ use of force, and the shooting investigation is ongoing.
-
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed7 days ago
WKU Mourns Loss Of Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach Brent Chumbley
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
Oysters for Autism: shucking, sipping, and supporting the Lowcountry community
-
Local News3 days ago
How law enforcement agencies are keeping New Orleans safe ahead of the Super Bowl
-
News from the South - Florida News Feed7 days ago
Air traffic controllers were initially offered buyouts and told to consider leaving government
-
Local News3 days ago
Mississippi made players shine on the NFL’s biggest stage in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59
-
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed4 days ago
Second federal judge issues temporary order blocking Trump spending freeze • Louisiana Illuminator
-
News from the South - South Carolina News Feed6 days ago
Trump transgender order mirrors SC bill
-
Mississippi Today2 days ago
‘This is a stupid bill’: Mississippi House advances DEI ban