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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Gov. Ron DeSantis spotlighted the 11-foot-long Burmese python Tuesday, making it clear the fight to protect the Everglades from invasive species continues. For people in the Sunshine State, removing Python is nothing new. Whether it’s the efforts of the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife or the annual Python Challenge, the state is now working with other partners to help achieve record numbers of removals in the Everglades. Clearwater police remove 5-foot-tall boa constrictor from woman’s car: ‘Another day in Florida’ Burmese pythons are not native to Florida, but they do live in the Everglades. Snakes…
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida Rep. Bernie Jacks (R-Seminole) proposed a bill Tuesday that would make victims of “illegal immigration crimes” and their loved ones eligible for financial compensation. If passed, HB 229, the Shane Jones Act, would impose a $10,000 fine on law enforcement agencies that “fail to enforce and comply with existing state immigration laws that require law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officers.” Tampa Police make arrest in ‘tragic’ hit-and-run that left woman dead The bill further states that the fines collected will be used to compensate victims of crimes illegally committed by suspects…
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota County leaders are considering changes to regulations regarding motorboats and jet skis on the south side of Lido Beach.Commissioner Mark Smith said: “Maybe we can get some of the bad guys out of the water, but families will still be able to go to the shallows and enjoy themselves.”Commissioners considered several options for changing the rules, but decided on one that would prohibit boaters and jet ski riders from riding within 300 feet of the beach.”There are rules and regulations when you rent a jet ski, and the people at this park are a little…
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — WalletHub releases a report on the best and worst college towns in the United States, naming Tampa as the fourth best college town. The three main dimensions used in WalletHub’s study, “America’s Best College Cities 2025” were wallet-friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities. WalletHub said it evaluated these aspects using relevant indicators, and the survey evaluated each indicator out of 100. A score of 100 represents the most favorable conditions for college students. According to WalletHub, a weighted average of all metrics gave Tampa a total score of 60.55 out of 100. WalletHub looked…
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Documents released this week reveal what caused a 5-year-old girl to fall off a Disney cruise ship in June, and her father jumped to save her. According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the family was aboard the Disney Dream on June 29 when the incident occurred. The family stopped to take photos on Deck 4, according to documents. The five-year-old girl climbed into the porthole and sat on the railing, facing her mother. The girl lost her balance and fell backwards into the water approximately 49 feet below, documents said. The girl’s father told…
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Two of America’s most iconic warbirds still flying today have landed in Bay County. The B-29 Superfortress, known as “Doc,” will be on display at Northwest Florida Beach International Airport this weekend alongside the legendary P-51 Mustang Gunfighter. Both planes are rare survivors of World War II. The B-29 DOC is one of only two B-29s still flying today. The pilots said they were honored to fly the planes, remembering the brave men and women who built, maintained and flew them during the war. “We want to educate and we want to connect with the…
ARCADIA, Fla. (WFLA) — The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that its volunteer and K9 units received quilts from the K9 Quilt of Honor program in recognition of their dedication and service to the community. Carolyn Bloom of the K9 Quilt of Honor program said the K9 Quilt of Honor recognizes law enforcement, military, four-legged heroes and their handlers who serve the community. “We are deeply grateful to Carolyn and Rudy Bloom of the Quilt of Honor and Mt. Quilt of Honor for this meaningful tribute and for continuing to honor both the two-legged and four-legged heroes who protect…
La Femme du Fromage has been part of East End Market since day one 12 years ago. “It’s the whole school life for our kids,” says La Femme’s own Tonda Corrente. “The time has come for La Femme to graduate.” And by almost the end of the month, the original Audubon Park Garden District food hub that helped put Orlando on the global culinary map will close its doors downstairs. It was a decision she struggled with for the past two years, but she says it’s ultimately one that will help her grow both personally and professionally and move into…
Beaming Books, a progressive book publisher, is publishing a series of children’s Bible stories with “political correctness” themes aimed at church readers with more progressive views than traditional Christians. The publisher says its “Open Bible” will introduce more topics dealing with social justice, diversity and inclusion. Some of the 52 Bible stories feature characters with black, brown, and tan skin tones. It shows more women involved in Jesus’ ministry and portrays the Son of God as a “feminist.” Beam Book editor Naomi Krueger said the children’s series has a counterculture message and is appropriate for today’s times. “This book focuses…
“It’s not the Democrats who are blocking pro-gun legislation, it’s the Florida Republicans in the state Senate who are blocking pro-gun legislation,” said Luis Valdez, state director of Gun Owners of America (GOA). Valdez and other gun groups want Republicans to take action on several proposed bills that would strengthen gun rights at the state level. Top of the list, open carry. After the Florida Court of Appeals overturned the open carry ban, the debate over what areas open carry is allowed and where restrictions are imposed became clearer. One argument being debated is that open carry would be treated…