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Large ship off Florida coast ID’d as high-tech cable-laying vessel
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County’s development boom isn’t just happening on land. A 467-foot French vessel was spotted moving across the Myrtle Beach coast early Sunday morning that ocean traffic data identified as the high-tech Rene Descartes. It was captured by a NewsNation affiliate WBTW camera.
Does Saharan dust affect air quality? Here's how to check in Florida and what you should know
Saharan dust that arrived in Florida over the weekend may be helping keep the tropics quiet, but it can also reduce air quality across the Sunshine State. No location in Florida has an air quality that is considered unhealthy as of 1:30 p.m. Monday. The air quality is considered moderate across most of the state, although there are some locations — especially in the Panhandle and some areas scattered around the state — with a good air quality.
Florida seeks direction from Hillsborough’s school tax referendum battle
The big story: Hillsborough County school district officials say they were caught off guard when county commissioners denied the district’s effort to hold a property tax referendum in November. It surprised observers across the state, too. The expectation was that commissioners would pass through the ballot initiative, as is...
Heavy rains forecast for some areas of Florida as tropical wave approaches. See what to expect
While the tropics continue to stay quiet, you'll need to keep an umbrella handy this week. The good news is that temperatures are expected to drop slightly, although heat advisories were issued for portions of Northeast Florida. Flood advisories are in effect for a few areas in South Florida Monday afternoon. ...
Keep Alachua County Beautiful names new executive director
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Gainesville resident Carlos Gonzalez was named the executive director of Keep Alachua County Beautiful (KACB). This announcement comes after the organization re-located in April, and kicked out their former director Tyler Smith. KACB moved into an office after the city kicked them out of their previous...
‘I wouldn’t wish it on no other parent:’ thousands of teens tried as adults under Florida Statute
Mikhail Lawson, then 14, was charged as an adult for a Feb. 19 armed homicide-robbery case accompanied by two others at Pointe 23 apartments in Gainesville. He’s facing a capital felony which could give him life in prison. His parents, Tamelia Young and Malcolm Lawson, said the incident was...
Florida hopes to reduce ‘diagnostic odyssey’ for children with rare diseases
Tiem Strouse seemed like a perfectly healthy baby boy when he was born in 2013 in St. Petersburg. But at about 13 months his development stalled. The baby words that had come early stopped. He would only walk on the balls of his feet and at times would spin around for no reason, mom Liz Strouse said. He also appeared to be suffering from night terrors.
Girl's death sparks concerns about other Florida facilities run by TrueCore
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice removed TrueCore from a five-year, $31.5 million contract after a girl died at Lake Academy. Some call for contractors to be removed from other facilities.
Historic Black communities often overlooked before and after disaster strikes
Weather watchers everywhere were astounded to see Hurricane Beryl ramp up in just two days from tropical storm strength to a Category 5 behemoth packing wind speeds of 165 mph. Its July 1 emergence as a Category 4 storm and growth the next day to Cat 5 strength were the...
Can Florida football get more consistent play from its linebackers in 2024?
Florida football will bring back a pair of veterans and add some promising newcomers to its linebacker position group in 2024. There's also a new coach — Rob Roberts — who will primarily work with linebackers as Florida Gators co-defensive coordinator with Austin Armstrong., Roberts, the defensive coordinator at Auburn last season, replaced...
UF dining hall workers seek unionization
Employees of Chartwells Higher Education, UF’s campus food provider, are working to form a union after months of turmoil. Unaddressed grievances concerning sudden summer layoffs, inadequate pay and an unprofessional work environment spurred employees to officially announce their unionization effort July 10. In May, 63 associates were laid off,...
Florida's Cassie Carli Law aims for safer, less risky custody exchanges
ORLANDO, Fla. — Named for a mother who was allegedly kidnapped and killed by her child's father during a child custody exchange, Florida's Cassie Carli Law went into effect this month as part of an effort to make similar exchanges safer for parents. The Cassie Carli law requires county...
Summer sports are in full swing as well as the injuries
Dr. Tunc Kiymaz, Rothman Orthopedics Sports Medicine Physician at Advent Health, spoke about the most common injuries when it comes to summer sports and the preventative measures athletes can take to reduce risk.
Traveling democracy exhibit debuts at Matheson History Museum
Echoes of American democracy reverberated through the halls of the Matheson History Museum on Saturday. From vintage campaign souvenirs to interactive displays, the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" exhibit brought national and local political heritage to life. The exhibit, created in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street...
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