As election nears, Florida’s marijuana legalization fight finds new subject: Your kids

A new wave of anti-Amendment 3 messaging paints a sinister picture of Florida’s future: brightly colored packages brimming with gummies, cookies and chocolates, just waiting to get into the hands of children and send them to the emergency room. It’s a major push of the anti-marijuana legalization movement, targeting parents and families who worry about their children. But proponents say many of the claims are disinformation. ... Read More

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance enlists Panthers star to promote Broward as it touts job-creating projects

Businesses know the value of hitching their wagons to successful professional sports teams — such as the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers. As the entirety of Broward County seemed to descend on the beach, bars and restaurants last June, several area CEOs marveled at the success of their companies’ commercial partnerships with the team. “We’ve gotten a lot of brand recognition,” Jerry Plush, the chairman and CEO of Amerant Bank, whose name adorns the side of the Panthers’ arena... Read More

Daily Horoscope for October 25, 2024

General Daily Insight for October 25, 2024 Erratic energy makes way for peace. The emotional Moon squares nervous Mercury at 12:41 am EDT, making it easier for anxiety or distraction to throw us off course. As the Moon harmonizes with sore Chiron, we can settle down, regaining clarity as we work out our nervous tension. Later on, the Moon works with abundant Jupiter to provide us with a dose of luck, in addition to putting a positive lens on how we see the world. Don’t stress — let... Read More

USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at 43

By FRED GOODALL TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — South Florida coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Bulls to the American Athletic Conference’s regular-season championship a year ago, has died, the school announced Thursday. He was 43. The school said he died from complications that presented while he was undergoing a procedure at a Tampa-area hospital. “He was authentic, driven, and his infectious personality captivated all of Bulls Nation,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. “Coach... Read More

Two former BSO detention deputies convicted at trial of COVID loan fraud

Two former Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Detention deputies were convicted at trial Wednesday of defrauding the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program in 2021, the latest cases to be resolved out of at least 17 deputies charged last fall. A federal jury convicted Tracy Wade, 51, and Carolyn Denise Wade, 49, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to make false statements and making false statements to the Small Business Administration for... Read More

Woman killed and dumped in Lake Pontchartrain in 1986 is identified as Fort Lauderdale resident

COVINGTON, La. (AP) — It’s taken 38 years, but Louisiana authorities have finally identified a woman whose body was found floating in Lake Pontchartrain. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office said the homicide victim’s body was found June 19, 1986, near the Interstate 10 Twin Span bridges close to Slidell. For years, she was known only as “Lake Lady Jane Doe.” The woman has now been identified as Pamela Lee Hupp, also known as Deborah Gail Justice, the sheriff’s office said... Read More

Fight over Broward felon voter fraud case going to Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court could decide a legal dispute stemming from a high-profile move by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials in 2022 to target alleged voter fraud by convicted felons. The case at issue is focused on charges that were dropped against a Broward man, when a judge said the state didn’t have jurisdiction. Originally Published: October 24, 2024 at 5:31 p.m. ... Read More

The ‘Disney World’ of restaurants: Emily’s Garden replaces Fort Lauderdale’s O-B House with a blooming concept

Pamela and Peter Deibele sit at a wrought-iron table in the cozy al fresco area of Emily’s Garden restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, vibing on the chill sounds coming from a DJ, the small bites and wines being passed around by servers, and the afterglow from a rainstorm two hours before. “I think it’s charming,” Pamela says. “It reminds me of an Italian garden. It’s like a little courtyard that’s hidden. And the bocce ball, of course. Who doesn’t want to play bocce ball?” The... Read More

Ukrainian teen who killed grandmother set to withdraw ‘not guilty’ plea

Sofia Koval, a traumatized teenager who witnessed horrors after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, beat her grandmother to death in May, according to records. She’s ready to withdraw her not guilty plea Oct. 30 and may face a lighter sentence of juvenile sanctions or, at worst, a 15-year prison term. Originally Published: October 24, 2024 at 3:11 p.m. ... Read More