News from the South - Florida News Feed
Initial stages of possible major hurricane brewing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico | Quickcast

SUMMARY: CBS News Miami provides an update on various developing stories, starting with a potential tropical storm threatening the Caribbean, likely to impact Florida’s panhandle with heavy rainfall and flooding. In Coral Gables, a woman was rescued after her car dangled precariously from a parking garage. A suspect in an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump faced court, revealing alarming details about his plans. A dispute over music escalated into a fatal shooting at a Fort Lauderdale restaurant, while police reported a suspect in a hit-and-run killing. Lastly, a poll shows Kamala Harris and Trump tied in key battleground states ahead of the election.

In today’s Quickcast:
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency in 41 of the state’s 67 counties and Attorney General Ashley Moody activated the state’s Price Gouging Hotline in those areas because of a storm that could hit the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Helene.
Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties are not included in decisions by the governor and attorney general. Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties in Southwest Florida are part of the orders.
Potential Tropical Storm Nine will develop into Helene later this week with landfall forecast along the Florida Panhandle, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm is in the Caribbean a few hundred miles from Grand Cayman and the western tip of Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.
Other affected counties are Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.
The governor’s order included activating the Florida National Guard as needed and emergency response teams.
Moody’s price gouging order affects the declared counties.
“To help Floridians prepare for this event, we are activating the price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities,” she said. “As the system approaches, I’m urging Floridians to finalize their storm prep, monitor weather reports and follow the guidance of local authorities. Stay Safe, Florida.”
During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, including equipment, food, gasoline, hotel rooms, ice, lumber and water.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling (866) 9NO-SCAM.
Catch the Quickcast with Najahe Sherman weekdays at 4PM ET streaming on the CBS Miami app and CBSMiami.com
#florida #miami #miamidade #localnews #local #community #politicalnews
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Jim talks with Rep. Robert Andrade about his investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation

SUMMARY: Jim discusses Rep. Robert Andrade’s investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation with him, focusing on the misuse of $5 million intended for charity that was allegedly redirected to political action committees. Andrade aims to uncover why this occurred and the assurances provided by attorney Jeff Aaron and chief of staff James Um. The investigation raises concerns about accountability in the governor’s office, with Andrade questioning the legitimacy of Hope Florida’s claims of assisting families and highlighting a lack of metrics to measure their success. Amid resignations from Hope Florida leadership, Andrade plans further hearings, asserting the issue transcends partisan politics.

The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath last Tuesday that “mistakes were made” with the foundation’s record-keeping, as a skirmish over the group’s finances continued to escalate.
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Countries shore up their digital defenses as global tensions raise the threat of cyberwarfare

SUMMARY: Hackers linked to Russia’s government targeted municipal water plants in rural Texas last spring, testing vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure. These attacks highlight growing global cyber threats amid escalating tensions, with experts warning of a digital arms race. As geopolitical conflicts rise, countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea strengthen cyber cooperation. Despite these threats, former President Trump’s actions, such as reducing cybersecurity resources, have raised concerns. Meanwhile, experts stress the need for stronger cyber defenses and collaboration between governments and businesses to counter growing risks. The situation underscores the increasing role of cybersecurity in national security.
The post Countries shore up their digital defenses as global tensions raise the threat of cyberwarfare appeared first on www.news4jax.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
15 years after Deepwater Horizon oil spill, lawsuits stall and restoration is incomplete

SUMMARY: Fifteen years after the Deepwater Horizon spill, its effects persist in the Gulf Coast. BP paid billions in damages, funding coastal restoration projects, but health-related lawsuits from cleanup workers and locals have struggled in court, with few compensations. Environmental efforts have made progress, with over 300 restoration projects worth $5.38 billion. However, a flagship land-creation project in Louisiana has stalled, sparking controversy over its effects on local industries. Additionally, the Trump administration plans to expand offshore drilling despite warnings about the legacy of the spill. Environmental advocates remain concerned about the future of the Gulf’s restoration.
The post 15 years after Deepwater Horizon oil spill, lawsuits stall and restoration is incomplete appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
Foley man wins Race to the Finish as Kyle Larson gets first win of 2025 Xfinity Series at Bristol
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
Federal appeals court upholds ruling against Alabama panhandling laws
-
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed5 days ago
FDA warns about fake Ozempic, how to spot it
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed5 days ago
Abandoned property causing issues in Pine Lawn, neighbor demands action
-
News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed3 days ago
Thursday April 17, 2025 TIMELINE: Severe storms Friday
-
News from the South - Virginia News Feed4 days ago
Lieutenant governor race heats up with early fundraising surge | Virginia
-
News from the South - Arkansas News Feed6 days ago
Two dead, 9 injured after shooting at Conway park | What we know
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed3 days ago
Drivers brace for upcoming I-70 construction, slowdowns