Accused killer mistakenly set free after mix-up over court papers

The Broward Sheriff’s Office, which runs the jail, may have compounded the problem: It wasn’t required to check the clerk’s website to see whether Vail had other cases against him. Sheriff’s officials say checking the clerk’s website is not part of their routine procedures because it’s unreliable “and not an official warrant database.” The jail searches for a capias, a warrant, or a court order, not the clerk’s website. ... Read More

‘Airbnb for cars’ is here, and renting will never be the same

Getaround, which entered the Miami market about a year ago and has about 150 cars on its platform, has added a few cars in Hollywood and plans to have others available near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport within a month, and then in downtown Fort Lauderdale by the end of August, according to Nick Chong, general manager for Getaround in the South Florida market. ... Read More

Buyer beware: CBD products could be this century’s snake oil

Florida hemp rule-making workshops Workshops will take place to provide the public an opportunity to interact with stakeholders in the hemp industry, including growers, processors, lab owners, manufacturers, and retailers, as well as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) officials. Commissioner Nikki Fried, Cannabis Director Holly Bell, and Directors of the Department’s Plant Industry, Food Safety, and Agricultural and Environmental Services Divisions will be... Read More

Reviving Evangelism: An Invitation to Join the Evangelism Leaders Fellowship

A think-tank community for Christian leaders focusing on the practice of mission, evangelism, and outreach. Recently, I competed in and completed my first Ironman (70.3 miles). To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I had been training for about ten months and believed that—at the very least—I would finish. After I finished, my wife and friends asked if I was a one-and-done triathlete. Once I caught my breath (after seven and a half hours plus of exercise), I said,... Read More

Fort Lauderdale opening more neighborhoods to sex offenders with change in strict law

Of the homeless sex offenders, nearly 80 percent of them are registered to Fort Lauderdale addresses, according to the Florida Action Committee. The city attracts more homeless people because of its easier access to food kitchens, the courthouse and mass transit, among other reasons. The Main Jail also is in Fort Lauderdale. ... Read More

Scot Peterson returned to Florida to clear his name, his lawyer says. Instead he wound up behind bars.

When the sheriff was contacted, he informed officers that Peterson was scheduled to appear for a hearing Tuesday. And that happened to be a coincidence: “To be clear, the State Attorney’s Office and FDLE were unaware that Peterson was expected to be in Broward County until after the warrant was signed,” the statement read. ... Read More