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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida SNAP recipients are close to losing their November benefits as the government shutdown continues into its 24th day Friday. Without federal funding, USDA would not have the resources to assist those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is administered at the state level. Feeding Tampa Bay prepares to help more people during government shutdown October’s SNAP benefits continued as usual, but November’s benefits are now in jeopardy. “If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for November will not be issued until federal funding is restored.” Recipients may receive notification…

A suspect involved in a $20 million fraud ring turned himself in on Friday and is in custody, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The sheriff’s office announced in a social media post that a man named Hai Liu from Staten Island, New York, turned himself in to the Volusia County Precinct after being identified by detectives in connection with a scam that cost a Deltona woman $12,000. They say the victim was contacted by a fake Apple Support technician, which resulted in the victim purchasing $12,000 in Lowe’s gift cards. Detectives reported that Liu was later…

FORT LAUDERDALE – The prowl continues. Florida Panthers Director of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito and his wife, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to create Panthers on the Prowl in March, a fundraising campaign to support cancer research. Inspired by Chicago’s famous Cows on the Prowl, donors to Panthers on the Prowl will receive a blank, life-sized Panther sculpture that they can design in any way they wish. “We wanted to do something different,” Julie said at the launch of the initiative. “People want to be more involved in something unique…

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida drivers will soon receive nearly $1 billion in auto insurance reimbursements as the state’s insurance market continues to show signs of stabilization and improvement with reform. Reimbursements will be made by Progressive Insurance, which cites Florida’s 2023 tort and insurance reform as the driving force behind reducing loss costs and increasing profitability. DeSantis was joined by Insurance Commissioner Michael Jaworski to highlight how the state’s sweeping insurance reforms have reduced litigation, attracted new insurance companies and lowered auto and homeowners insurance premiums. “Florida’s insurance market has stabilized with lower auto and home insurance premiums…

PORT STREET LUCIE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida teenager is accused of throwing a rock at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle after agents arrested his father. The Port St. Lucie Police Department said the incident happened Tuesday morning at a Wawa gas station while ICE and Border Patrol agents were “conducting an operation.” Pascual Velazquez Martin, 19, is accused of picking up large rocks and throwing them at passing vehicles. Photos provided by police showed the shattered rear windshield. (Port St. Lucie Police Department) Police have not said why Martin’s father was arrested. Martin left the area and…

Jensen Beach, Fla. (WJW) – Authorities in Florida are searching for a suspect who investigators say carried out an elaborate robbery this week that stole thousands of dollars worth of shoes from a Martin County shopping mall. The suspects reportedly broke through the concrete roof of the Treasure Coast Mall and entered the Champs Sporting Goods store between midnight and 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said the suspects stole hundreds of pairs of Nike shoes, stuffed them into bags and loaded them into a getaway vehicle parked outside before leaving the scene. Cost of…

Guest Columnist JC Bowman The staggering increase in the U.S. federal debt, from a modest $380 billion in 1925 to an astonishing $37.64 trillion in 2025, is more than just a number: it reflects serious challenges to the future of the U.S. economy. As we teeter on the brink of reaching an alarming $38 trillion, it is becoming increasingly clear that this relentless accumulation of debt is not just a fiscal statistic. It threatens the very fabric of our economy. The Joint Economic Committee revealed some startling facts. The national debt has increased at a rate of approximately $69,714 every…

ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — Universal Orlando has launched new multi-day tickets for 2026 that give guests access to all theme parks. Universal says the new tickets will be valid at all Universal theme parks, including Universal Epic Universe. Guests can purchase tickets for 3, 4, or 5 days in 2026. The parks included are: Universal Studios Florida Islands of Adventure Universal Epic Universe Upgrade options include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Universal Orlando launches new multi-day tickets for 2026 Ringling Brothers. Earth’s Greatest Show Comes to Tampa Universal Orlando said, “Whether you choose a multi-day ticket with…

After pulling in Bobrovsky with 3:42 left in regulation to take a 6-on-5 advantage, the Panthers continued to put shots on Pittsburgh’s net, but couldn’t get past Jarry, who made a season-high 34 to seal the Penguins’ victory. Despite the loss, the Panthers believe they took a step forward. “I think in the first half of the game, it was kind of a wait-and-see situation,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “In the second half of the game, we hit a good pace. We had a little bit more freedom. I thought we were very tight on the puck and were…

In a strategic move announced Thursday, Target announced it would cut about 1,800 corporate roles, representing about 8% of the company’s workforce worldwide, according to Business Insider. Target’s job cuts consist of cutting about 1,000 existing employees and 800 open positions, according to Reuters. The decision comes as Target faces continued headwinds. The company has reported weak or declining same-store/same-channel sales in nine of the past 11 quarters, and its stock price has fallen for the first time in nearly three years since the start of the year. To those involved, the move signals Target is moving into cost discipline…