SUMMARY: In the third quarter of 2024, Florida welcomed 34.6 million visitors, marking a 1.7% increase over the previous record, despite hurricanes Debby and Helene. This follows strong tourism growth in the first two quarters, totaling 109.7 million visitors so far this year. Last year, over 140 million people visited, with 92.1% being domestic tourists. International traffic also rose by 1.8%. Florida’s tourism is supported by priorities like public safety and freedom. Notably, 38.1% of visitors traveled by air, with Orlando and Miami seeing the highest numbers of enplanements.

Read the full article

The post Florida boasts record visitor numbers despite inflation, hurricanes | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: A recent audit from the Florida auditor general’s office revealed that the Commission on Offender Review failed to comply with the state constitution regarding victim rights notifications. The audit identified issues with the storage of confidential victim records and inadequate document scanning equipment. The commission, which oversees post-prison supervisory release programs, did not consistently notify victims about offender releases. Several parole cases lacked proper documentation, and some victim notification letters were incomplete. Auditors recommended updating procedures to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements and improve the commission’s documentation and supervisory review processes. The commission plans to implement changes within the next year.

Read the full article

The post Audit: Commission didn’t properly execute victims rights notifications | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: A deadly crash occurred in Miami Gardens involving an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck. A tow truck responded but could not extract the semi, which remained lodged on top of the pickup. Investigators are on the scene, and the truck was likely departing from a nearby Publix Distribution Center when it collided with the pickup. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that no one was hospitalized, but one individual from the pickup did not survive. Miami Gardens Police are now in charge of the investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Morgan Rynor reports the force of the crash left a pick-up truck lodged under the Publix 18-wheeler.

Source