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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A former Polk County Sheriff’s deputy who left the country after being charged with multiple counts of DUI manslaughter, is now back in U.S. soil. Tampa Police and the former US S-Service teamed up to arrest Joshua Roelofs. TPD said he was arrested and brought back in Colombia. On Wednesday afternoon, Roeloff was denied the bond in court. “It’s a nightmare to know that my brother died alone on the pavement because someone made these choices,” said Victoria Negret, Ricky Gongola’s sister. The State Attorney’s Office provided footage of a fatal DUI accident in April 2022.…

Fort Louderdale, Fla. (WFLA) – Two fires at the Florida Everglades merged into one, sending dense smoke into South Florida, prompting a safety warning from authorities. By Wednesday, the flames had burned more than 19,000 acres, forcing smoke spreading across the southern part of the state to issue air quality warnings to Broward County officials, according to NBC affiliate WTVJ. Hurricane Erin brings worsening weather conditions to North Carolina: NHC A biker in Weston on Wednesday morning told WTVJ that the area appeared to be covered in fog, but a clear smell suggesting that haze in the air was indeed…

st. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – Green Bench is part of St. Petersburg’s beautiful and painful history, but the owners of Green Bench Brewing are using their business to reclaim a portion of the city’s dark past. From 1908, green benches began to consume the city of St. Petersburg. During quarantine, nearly 7,000 green benches lined up on St. Petersburg streets. “The city used it as an expression of a community gathering that shows us we are a great weather, a community, a city of green benches,” Christopher Johnson said. “It strolled around with your community and made the idea of…

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Hillsboro County commissioners are gathering data on lessons learned from the last hurricane season to see more comprehensively what needs to be improved. Teco will outline the hurricane plan on Thursday. TECO customers also pay the price of hurricane damages. They saw a fee increase of about $20 on their monthly bill for storm recovery, listed as storm repair fees. These fees begin in March and will be set for the next 18 months. “A town without music?”: St. Pete Beach locals stuff city halls into quiet time stories Some people worry that it is a…

Animal lovers can get close to and personally reach capybara during special events at Osceola County Animal Rescue. St. Cloud’s nonprofit animal rescue, Amazing Animals, is kicking off on Saturday and shining the spotlight on some of the most popular mammal residents by hosting Capybaras at Sunset, an event that continues twice a month until the end of October. Brian Braitsch, president and CEO of Amazing Animals, said Capybaras began taking over social media during the pandemic by garnering millions of opinions on memes, videos and posts. “People love seeing capybara,” he said. “I think it’s their laidback, really cool…

SeaWorld Orlando is again selling Fun Card Pass, a ticket that allows you to enter the theme park for all the rest of 2025 and 2026. The 2026 Fan Card price is $143.99. The offer will “end soon,” the SeaWorld website warns, but no closing date is listed. There I saw two expiration dates, but it was deleted afterwards. There are also fun cards that include Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park. It is on sale for $199.99 (prices regularly at $235.99). Both types of passes are generally marked with block-out dates around other busy times on holidays and attractions. Fun cards…

Above video: Jimmy Buffett dies following four years of cancer battle (2023 report) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom on Wednesday. Among those awarded were music legend Jimmy Buffett and two former governors. The sheriff explains the final moments before the disappearance of 18-year-old Giovanni Peretier, and his death moment. Buffett, who passed away in 2023, has entertained Floridians for decades with his Margaritaville brand, including his music and hotels, restaurants and products. A release from the governor’s office highlighted Buffett’s environmental advocacy, particularly his efforts to protect the manatees. Bob…

According to Wallethub, Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida was named America’s second most fun state in 2025. Florida led the country with a number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per person. Wallethub compared 50 states with 26 key metrics of less expensive fun times. A general view of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on March 3, 2022. (Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Disney Dreamers Academy)Tampa, FL – June 23: Shay La Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens Amusement Park, held on June 23, 2006 in Tampa, FL. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)St.…

Orlando’s theme parks are rolling out some new things that have become familiar recently. These additions aren’t like encouraging land with cross-country travel or flashy advertising campaigns, but they can enhance the attraction’s outings. Sequel to the Seat Pull up the chair and “Acrobatico!” It can ruin the entire act. Epcot’s France Pavilion’s new performance is a one-person show with feats of balance and strength, hints of Mime, and an increasing number of stacked chairs. It’s gentle and charming humor. It will also remind Epcotters of “Servur Amusant,” a similar act that has not been seen in theme parks for…

Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. consistently calls for a comprehensive long-term cohort study comparing vaccinated vaccinated individuals to investigate vaccines, particularly those containing aluminum, with autism or other health issues. However, Denmark has already conducted research on equal or even larger scales for decades, using its national registration system to provide clear and robust answers. These findings systematically refute the reliable link between vaccines and autism. Epidemiological Strength in Denmark: Civil Registration System Denmark’s success in this study is not due to experimental magic, but due to its robust infrastructure. Founded in 1968, the Danish Civil…