Jooish

Turnpike Reopens In Hollywood After Excavator Strikes Major Gas Line An excavator struck a main gas line this morning near Northwest 62nd Avenue and Arthur Street in Hollywood, triggering a major leak and forcing the closure of Florida’s Turnpike in both directions. The line was hit around 11 a.m. while crews were working on a barrier wall along the highway. Northbound and southbound traffic was shut down between Hollywood Boulevard and Griffin Road, with drivers diverted to alternate routes. A two-block residential area nearby, including an assisted living facility, was evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported. Officials say the leak has now been capped and the Turnpike has reopened. Evacuation orders remain in place until final air quality readings come back clear.

The Town of Surfside swore in Jay Matelis as its permanent chief of police Friday, Oct. 16, recognizing his more than 24 years of law enforcement experience and nearly two decades of service to the community. Matelis joined the Surfside Police Department in 2008 and rose through the ranks, serving as a police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and interim chief before his permanent appointment. The promotion reflects Surfside’s commitment to developing leadership from within its own ranks. Congratulations to Chief Matelis on his new role and continued service to the Surfside community!

Romi From The Shul Teens Shares Her Parsha Thought For Noach Romi just dropped her Parsha thought of the week for Parshat Noach. She shares a quick message ahead of Shabbat, tying into this week’s portion about Noach, the flood, and building again after the storm. Shabbat Shalom from The Shul Teens.

Havdalah Held At Chabad Of Ocean Drive Havdalah was held at Chabad of Ocean Drive in Hollywood this Motzei Shabbos. The gathering marked the end of Shabbos with the usual spices, wine, and candle, followed by Shavua Tov wishes all around. Locals and visitors joined the Kudan family for the short ceremony right off South Ocean Drive. Shavua Tov from Chabad of Ocean Drive.

Byron Donalds Urges Floridians To Choose Freedom At The Ballot Box Congressman Byron Donalds is calling on Floridians to get out and vote. “Freedom is not passed along in the bloodstream. It has to be chosen at the ballot box,” Donalds said. He added that Democrats can keep the crazy in California, the idiocy in Illinois, and Mamdani in New York, but they will not have power in Florida. Election Day is November 3, with early voting already open in many counties.

Former Congressional Candidate Elijah Manley Bonds Out Of Broward Jail After Facebook Threat Charges Elijah Manley, the Fort Lauderdale activist who ran for Congress this year, bonded out of the Broward County Jail early Saturday morning. The 27-year-old Democrat surrendered Thursday and was booked on two counts of written threats to kill or injure. The charges stem from Facebook posts he made after losing the August primary, including one in which he wrote that anyone not supporting Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon would get their head cut off. Manley finished third in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, behind Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Bond was set at $40,000. He has previously described the situation as a First Amendment issue. The Broward State Attorney’s Office recused itself from the case because the listed victims had participated in charitable drives organized by the office. A different state attorney’s office is expected to handle it.

Democratic Florida Gubernatorial Candidate David Jolly Agrees With Tampa Group’s Call To Denounce Israel Tampa’s Muslim and Arab-American community met with Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly on Thursday. The group pressed him on Florida laws they claim target their communities and pushed him to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide while demanding he stand against Israel on human rights grounds. According to the community, Jolly agreed. Organizers say Arab and Muslim voters across Florida are organizing to back candidates who share those positions and reject equal treatment for Israel. The meeting signals where Jolly stands on Israel as the race for governor heats up.

Michigan Father Of Temple Israel Survivors Presses Vance On Right Wing Antisemitism Lifelong Democrat Eddie Rubin, whose two young children survived the March terrorist attack at Temple Israel preschool in West Bloomfield, asked Vice President JD Vance at a CBS town hall if he would commit to combating antisemitism from the right and those who continue to spread it. A man rammed a truck into the building in March while more than 100 preschool children were inside. Security stopped the attack. No children were hurt. The FBI later called it a Hezbollah-inspired terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community. Rubin has said he has a hard time feeling at home in the Democratic Party right now and wants leaders from both sides to treat antisemitism as a human issue, not a partisan one. Vance responded: “I condemn antisemitism. I condemn Jew hatred. I condemn anybody who would judge another human being based on who their mother or father were or what their ethnicity was, what their religion is.” The exchange happened during CBS News’ “Things That Matter” town hall in Michigan, weeks before the midterms.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office motors and the green light crew were heading westbound on Southern Boulevard Friday night, reopening the roadway to regular traffic after President Trump’s motorcade. Trump landed at the newly renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport shortly after 8 p.m. in heavy rain before the motorcade moved to Mar-a-Lago for an RNC event. Local drivers on Southern Boulevard and nearby routes saw temporary closures and delays as the escort passed through.

Stephen Ross Sells 2.1 Percent Of Dolphins At Record $12.5 Billion Valuation Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has agreed to sell a 2.1 percent stake in the team and related properties to Chilean billionaire Jean Eric Salata at a valuation slightly above $12.5 billion. That sets a new high for an NFL minority stake. The deal covers pieces of the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the F1 Hard Rock Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open. NFL owners are expected to approve it next week in New York. Ross previously sold a 1 percent stake to Xiaomi co-founder Lin Bin in March at a $12.5 billion valuation, and larger pieces to Ares Management and Joe Tsai’s group in late 2024 at a lower number. Salata, 60, chairs Swedish firm EQT AB and is worth an estimated $8.4 billion.

JetBlue Adds Daily Nonstop Flights From Fort Lauderdale To Cali, Colombia JetBlue just started daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Cali, Colombia. The first flights launched October 15, making Cali the airline’s fourth Colombian city from Fort Lauderdale. It joins Cartagena, Medellín, and Barranquilla, which began earlier this month. Flights leave Fort Lauderdale at 10:05 a.m. and land in Cali at 12:52 p.m. The return departs Cali at 2:10 p.m. and arrives back in South Florida at 7 p.m. (all times local). Cali is known as Colombia’s salsa capital, and the new route gives South Florida travelers another convenient nonstop option for visiting friends and family or exploring the region.

Breezy Sunday With Scattered Showers And Dangerous Beach Conditions Across South Florida A breezy Sunday is underway across South Florida, with scattered showers mainly across the eastern half of the region. Hazardous marine conditions will stick around all local waters, including Biscayne Bay, and dangerous beach conditions are in place along the Atlantic coast. Strong northeast winds are gusting into the 30s, and a high rip current risk is in effect for Atlantic beaches through Thursday evening. High Surf Advisories are also in place for Palm Beach beaches starting today and Broward beaches starting Monday. Skip the water today if you can. Swim only near a lifeguard if you do go, and boaters should stay off the water under the Small Craft Advisories.

United Hatzalah Miami Gala Set For December 15 At JW Marriott Turnberry United Hatzalah is hosting its Miami Gala on December 15 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry. The evening will honor Steve Witkoff with the Ambassador of Peace Award, Bruce and Amy Gelb with the Pillars of the Community Award, and Rabbi Guido Cohen and family with the Leight Legacy Heroes Award. Prof. Miriam Adelson is serving as Gala Chair, with Alex Witkoff as Gala Young Leadership Chair. Tickets are on sale now at UHMIAMIGALA.com.

🍂 FALL SPECIAL AT NOAM! Everyone came to see the wonder. Now it’s your turn to experience NOAM! 💧 Hot, cold & room-temperature water. Weekdays. Shabbos. Yom Tov. ✓ CRC & OU Certified 🔥 SPECIAL OFFER — THIS WEEK ONLY! *👉 ORDER NOW & SAVE! https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=15165184484&text=(flog)+Hi,+I%E2%80%99d+like+more+info -- 📣 To Advertise on the Florida Scoop - Message us!

Surfside Mayor Meets DBPR Secretary On Building And Condo Safety Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger met with Florida DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin and town Building Official Manuel A. Salazar to discuss building and condominium safety reforms. The conversation focused on challenges unique to South Florida and coastal communities. Secretary Griffin shared available state resources, heard from small local governments, and talked about ways DBPR can better support towns like Surfside. The town thanked Secretary Griffin for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage on issues that matter to residents.

Rising Antisemitism in Britain Drives Jewish Families to Consider Move to Boca Raton BOCA RATON, Fla. (VINnews) — A growing number of Jewish families in Britain are considering relocating to South Florida as rising antisemitism prompts concerns about their safety, their children’s future and whether they can continue living openly as Jews, according to a Boca Raton relocation specialist. READ MORE ⤵️ https://vinnews.com/2026/10/18/rising-antisemitism-in-britain-drives-jewish-families-to-consider-move-to-boca-raton/

Trump Endorses Netanyahu For Reelection During Palm Beach Visit, Calls Him Partner For Peace President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection Sunday while in Palm Beach. In a Truth Social post, Trump called Netanyahu “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combating the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 national elections, the first since the 2023 Hamas attack. Air Force One landed Saturday evening at Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach. Trump’s motorcade went to Mar-a-Lago for a MAGA Inc. meeting and candlelight dinner before he headed to Trump International Golf Club on Sunday. Netanyahu, who leads Likud, has long pointed to his relationship with Trump as a key reason to keep him in power.

Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg took a break from the campaign trail to watch The Miami Hurricanes defeat the Florida State Seminoles in overtime on Saturday evening.

YJP Of Palm Beach Reflects On Cheshvan As Married Life After The Wedding After a full month of spiritual highs, celebrations, and closeness with G-d during Tishrei, Cheshvan has arrived with a sudden quiet. YJP of Palm Beach put it this way: if Tishrei is the wedding, Cheshvan is married life. Real connection is not built on the high points alone. It grows in the small, ordinary moments of everyday life. The month is also tied to Noah’s Flood, a reminder to build your own ark, a personal sanctuary of calm when life gets chaotic. At this month’s Women’s New Moon Circle, the group focused on navigating quieter seasons, turning inward, and finding that the deepest growth often happens in the ordinary.

Mayor Danzinger Hosts Senior Brunch With Safety Discussion And Free Blood Pressure Checks Surfside seniors got a warm Friday gathering as Mayor Shlomo Danzinger hosted a Senior Brunch filled with good food and community connection. Special guests from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Surfside Police Department joined the event for discussions focused on safety. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also provided free blood pressure checks on site for anyone who wanted one. The town continues to support its seniors with programs aimed at well-being, safety, and quality of life.

President Trump Arrives At Trump International Golf Club In Palm Beach President Donald Trump was seen entering his Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach this morning. Video from local content creator Michael Solakiewicz shows the president arriving at the club. He spent several hours there before departing in the early afternoon and returning to Mar-a-Lago. Local residents may have noticed increased security and motorcade activity in the area.

🇮🇱 🇨🇴 - Netanyahu And Sara At Reception Celebrating Colombia’s New Embassy In Jerusalem Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attended a Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception this week marking the inauguration of Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem. Colombia became the tenth country to open an embassy in Israel’s capital. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called it a major milestone after the number of embassies in Jerusalem doubled since he took office. Netanyahu praised Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella for his courage and vision in keeping a promise to move the embassy to Jerusalem just months after taking office. He said Colombia stands with Israel and expressed hope to visit Bogotá again with Sara. The opening reverses the previous Colombian government’s decision to sever ties in 2024. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula also attended, along with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and both countries’ ambassadors.

Wheels Up For President Trump As He Leaves West Palm Beach Heading Back To DC President Trump is wheels up from West Palm Beach and heading back to Washington after spending the weekend at Mar-a-Lago. Air Force One took off around 6:25 p.m. from President Donald J. Trump International Airport. His motorcade passed a large crowd of supporters on the bridge on the way to the airport. Earlier Sunday he was at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach before heading to the airport. He is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews later this evening.

Port St. Lucie Mayoral Candidates Face Off In Debate Airing Thursday Incumbent Mayor Shannon Martin and challenger Steven Giordano are going head-to-head on key issues facing Port St. Lucie ahead of Election Day. The special debate, moderated by WPBF 25 anchor Todd McDermott, covers growth, traffic, infrastructure, public safety, and the city’s future. It airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on WPBF 25 News. Port St. Lucie voters will choose between Martin and Giordano in the November runoff after neither cleared 50% in the August primary.

Chabad Of Bradenton Starts The Week With Amazing Local Kids Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch shared a look at their amazing children today, highlighting the energy and joy coming out of their local programs.

Byron Donalds Joins Fox News To Discuss France Riots, DeSantis Endorsement, And Bill Clinton In Florida Congressman Byron Donalds sat down with Peter Doocy on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing this morning. He addressed the violent riots in France, where protesters set fire to the historic Limoges town hall, Governor Ron DeSantis’s endorsement of him for Florida governor, and why he believes Bill Clinton campaigning for David Jolly is a losing move. Donalds is the Republican nominee to replace DeSantis. He faces former Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly in the November 3 election. Clinton is scheduled to appear with Jolly at an interfaith event in Hollywood next week, as early voting gets underway in parts of the state. Fox News rates the Florida governor’s race “likely Republican.”

Cooler, Less Humid Air Moves Into South Florida This Week A front is bringing a real taste of fall across South Florida this work week, with cooler and less humid conditions settling in and sticking around through Friday. Highs will mostly stay in the low to mid 80s, while overnight lows drop into the upper 60s and low-to-mid 70s, especially farther inland and across the west. Rain chances stay low early in the week, with only isolated showers possible mainly along the east coast. The bigger issue is the persistent gusty northeast winds. Those winds are creating dangerous beach and marine conditions, with a high risk of rip currents through at least Thursday evening and high surf advisories in effect for Palm Beach and Broward beaches. Large breaking waves are expected, so swimming is risky even for experienced people. Small craft advisories are also in place for local waters. Stay out of the surf this week if you’re heading to the beach.

Florida Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Cuban Leader Raúl Castro in 1996 Shootdown MIAMI (VINnews) – Florida authorities have issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian planes operated by the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue, an attack that killed four men, officials said. READ MORE ⤵️ https://vinnews.com/2026/10/19/florida-issues-arrest-warrant-for-former-cuban-leader-raul-castro-in-1996-shootdown/

Beautiful Morning Of Community And Connection At Fresko In Aventura Rebbitzen Raizel Rosenfeld of Lubavitch Aventura South led her weekly Torah class this morning at Fresko, bringing together a room full of community. The gathering was filled with meaningful connections and a warm, local atmosphere as women came together for learning and conversation. These weekly classes continue to be a steady point of connection for the Aventura community.

New Upscale Kosher Pan-Asian Restaurant Opens In Fort Lauderdale Koji & Coal just opened on North Ocean Boulevard, bringing steaks, sushi, ramen, and a creative mix of Asian flavors under one roof. The ORB-certified restaurant at 3558 N Ocean Blvd focuses on fire-driven cooking. Early looks highlighted dishes like pastrami egg rolls and Korean fried chicken alongside the rest of the menu. Local food creator Sruly Cooks shared a first look from opening night. Reservations recommended. Call or WhatsApp 561-769-4044.

Florida Man Killed by Alligator While Fishing WINTER GARDEN, Fla. (VINnews) — A 71-year-old musician known in Central Florida for nearly four decades was killed by an alligator while fishing at a park near Orlando, authorities said. READ MORE ⤵️ https://vinnews.com/2026/10/19/florida-man-killed-by-alligator-while-fishing/

Surfside Welcomes Isabel Blanco Rangel As New Finance Director The Town of Surfside has named Isabel Blanco Rangel as its new Finance Director. She brings more than 20 years of experience across municipal government, higher education, nonprofits, and the private sector. Most recently she served as Director of Finance for the City of West Miami, overseeing budgeting, accounting, payroll, utility billing, and cash management while upgrading systems and internal controls. Before that, she led budget and finance work for Florida International University’s Office of Business Services. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting from FIU. Town officials say the hire continues their push to strengthen the team and keep delivering high-quality services for residents. Welcome to Surfside, Isabel.

North Bay Village Police Officer Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges A North Bay Village police officer was arrested after her boyfriend told Hialeah police she scratched and bit him when he tried to end their relationship and leave her home. Marcia Sangronis, 38, was taken into custody Tuesday night. According to the arrest report, the couple had been together about two years. The victim said he told her he was done, tried to leave, and she blocked the door, bear-hugged him, scratched him on his arms, face and back, and bit him multiple times on the forearm. Officers documented bite marks, including one that broke the skin, along with scratches. Sangronis was off duty at the time. She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. In court the next day, she was ordered to stay away from the victim and released on a $1,000 bond. Some reports note the charge was reduced from aggravated battery to simple battery. North Bay Village Police said Hialeah notified them of the incident. Sangronis has been relieved of duty with pay while the investigation continues. The department said it holds all personnel accountable for their actions on and off duty.

Governor DeSantis Awards Medal Of Freedom To Baseball Hall Of Famer Andre Dawson Governor Ron DeSantis presented the Governor’s Medal of Freedom today to Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. Known as “The Hawk,” Dawson grew up in Southwest Miami, played at FAMU, and went on to a legendary MLB career. His longtime support of FAMU’s baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor DeSantis can give a Floridian, and he said Dawson has earned it.

Early Voting Underway Across South Florida Ahead Of November 3 Midterms Early voting is open now in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Voters can cast ballots at any early voting site in the county where they are registered. Hours are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monroe has slightly different hours). It runs through Nov. 1 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, and through Oct. 31 in Monroe. Key races include the governor’s contest between Byron Donalds and David Jolly, the U.S. Senate special election, congressional seats and local ballot measures. Check your county Supervisor of Elections site for exact locations and any wait times before you go.

Yiras Shamayim or Anxiety? 🤔✨ Ask the Rabbi – Question 1 📣 NEW PROJECT: ASK THE RABBI! Have a Halacha or Hashkafa question? Send it to Rabbi Wiesenfeld! 📧 [email protected] Answers will be shared on our Status & Shorts Chat! 📲 Status: https://wa.link/4u4c36 💬 Shorts Chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtBVtuBgJvzBvnPnh0Y22B

A 44-year-old man was arrested after allegedly damaging a menorah outside Chabad of Coral Springs, Florida, causing an estimated $5,000 in damage, police said. Matthew John Ryan also allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to grab an officer’s Taser. He faces charges including criminal mischief involving a religious institution or article.

Sunrise Police Respond To Suspicious White Powder Envelope At Wasserman Schultz Office First responders rushed to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Sunrise office Monday afternoon after a staffer reported a suspicious envelope containing white powder. The envelope was never opened. Sunrise Police secured it safely. Its contents remain unknown. Wasserman Schultz said her district office received the letter and thanked Sunrise Police and first responders for acting quickly to protect her staff. She called it a cowardly act of intimidation that has no place in politics. The office is at 777 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway. Fire rescue was also on scene. The incident comes as federal authorities investigate a wider series of similar suspicious mailings sent to congressional and election offices around the country, some containing an unknown white powder substance.

Gubernatorial Candidates Hit South Florida Trail Ahead Of Nov. 3 Election

Surfer Rescued After Getting Pounded By Waves Near South Pointe Park Pier A surfer was pulled from rough water near South Pointe Park Pier in South Beach after struggling for several minutes on Sunday afternoon. Cellphone video shows the man getting battered by waves and pushed toward the rocks. He was first spotted around 1:30 p.m. by Jawad Aflak, who was out on his weekly run when he saw a surfboard fly into the air. Aflak realized the board was still attached to a surfer who couldn’t stand and was being slammed repeatedly. He and others on shore called for help while trying to keep contact with the man so he knew responders were coming. First responders reached him and brought him to safety. His identity and current condition have not been released.

Zibby Owens In Conversation At David Posnack JCC November 12 The David Posnack JCC is hosting a conversation with author Zibby Owens and guest speaker Dara Levan on November 12 at 7PM. Owens will discuss her book Between Chapters, which follows her decade of reinvention from Upper East Side stay-at-home mom of four to divorced and remarried author, publisher, award-winning podcaster, bookstore owner, and book-fluencer. The event takes place on the Nina and Louis Silverman Campus at 5850 S Pine Island Rd. Tickets are $18 for members and $25 for the community. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit DPJCC.org/InPerson to register.

Chabad Of Lake Worth Hosting Pilates Glow-Up Ladies Night Out Chabad of Lake Worth is bringing a refreshing Ladies’ Night Out with The Pilates Glow-Up: Feel the Reset. The evening features an expert-guided Pilates session with Atar Lifchin, practical insights into body mechanics, a gourmet build-your-own salad bar, and time for meaningful connection. Give yourself the gift of movement, nourishment, and inspiration. RSVP at chabadlakeworth.org/pilates.

Weekly In-Depth Parshah Class Held At Lubavitch Aventura South The Aventura Community members gathered tonight at Lubavitch Aventura South for the weekly In-Depth Parshah class. The session, part of an ongoing Torah Studies and JLI partnership, focused on making the weekly portion engaging, interactive, and relevant through discussion and deeper insights. Participants sat around the table with texts open, following along as the topic was explored in a collaborative setting. The class runs every Monday at 8:30 PM at the same location.

Florida State Introduces Fort Lauderdale Transfer Shon Abaev In New Get To Know Reel Florida State Men’s Basketball just dropped a “Get to Know: Shon Abaev” reel, giving Noles fans a closer look at the 6-foot-8 sophomore wing who transferred in from Cincinnati. Abaev grew up in the Fort Lauderdale area after moving from Israel at age four. He starred at Calvary Christian Academy, where he averaged 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a senior, led the team to a Florida Class 3A state championship and a No. 5 national ranking, and earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a top-30 national prospect. After a freshman season at Cincinnati (7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 24 games), he entered the portal and committed to FSU. He is already contributing: in the Seminoles’ recent exhibition win over Auburn, Abaev scored 15 points with 8 rebounds.

Gabe Groisman Discusses Trump’s Endorsement Of Netanyahu On Newsmax Former Bal Harbour Mayor Gabe Groisman joined Newsmax to break down the impact of President Trump’s full endorsement of Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. Trump called Netanyahu a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and warned that any other Israeli leader could leave the U.S. to confront Iran alone. The endorsement came just nine days before voters head to the polls. Groisman, a longtime South Florida Jewish community leader and host of the Standpoint podcast, weighed in on what the move means for the U.S.-Israel relationship and the tight race in Israel.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Preparing For G20 Summit In Doral The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office says it is already coordinating with the U.S. Secret Service and other local, state, and federal agencies ahead of the 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Doral. The summit is set for December 14 and 15 at Trump National Doral. Officials say public safety and limiting disruptions to nearby communities are the top priorities as planning continues. Residents, businesses, and visitors are being told to expect traffic impacts, road closures, and security measures in the area. MDSO is urging people to plan ahead and stay informed as more details come out.

Hazardous marine and beach conditions remain today. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for all local waters. A High risk of rip currents remains for the Atlantic beaches. Also, a High surf advisory remains for Palm Beach and Broward through at least this evening.

Truck Fire Shuts Down All Southbound Lanes On Florida’s Turnpike In St. Lucie County A truck fire is blocking all southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike near mile marker 161 in St. Lucie County. The fire was reported just before 8 a.m., roughly nine miles before the Okeechobee Road exit. Fire crews are still working to put it out. Dark smoke is visible from the roadway. No word yet on the cause or whether anyone was hurt. Expect heavy delays if you’re heading south through the area.

Looking for a great kosher gym in North Miami Beach? 💪 K-Fitness offers separate hours for men & women, plus Surfset, Pilates, kickboxing, cycling, yoga, Zumba, personal training, and more. 👥 Group specials available! Great for schools, camps, offices, friends, and community groups. 🎟️ Mention this flyer and receive 1 FREE CLASS! 📍 1119 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach 🌐 K-Fitness.us https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=17863962810&text=I%20saw%20your%20ad%20on%20Florida%20Scoop -- 📣 To Advertise on the Florida Scoop - Message us!

Suspect Arrested After Ramming Shopping Cart Into Chabad Of Coral Springs Menorah During Shabbat A suspect has been arrested after allegedly vandalizing the large outdoor Menorah at Chabad of Coral Springs on Saturday morning. The incident happened around 11 a.m. while congregants were inside the sanctuary for Shabbat services. According to reports, the individual rammed a shopping cart into the electrified Menorah display, causing thousands of dollars in structural and electrical damage. Chabad of Coral Springs, ADL Florida, and the Jewish Federation of Broward County are commending the Coral Springs Police Department and the synagogue’s security team for their quick response that led to the arrest. The Jewish Federation of Broward County is now coordinating with Chabad of Coral Springs to add immediate security equipment and upgrades at the facility. Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement. Antisemitic or bias-motivated incidents can also be reported to the ADL at adl.org/report.

For anyone looking for a luxury home 🏙️ or investment close to Tel Aviv and within walking distance of the beach—ISA Group just opened pre-sale pricing for their new Jaffa-Bat Yam project. It’s located right on Jerusalem Boulevard (🚆literally 35m from the Light Rail and a short stroll to the beach🏖️), giving you high-end city-and-coastal living at a fraction of central Tel Aviv prices. Units range from 2–4 bedrooms and penthouses. 💎starting at 2.M NIS. If you want to check out the floor plans or set up a quick consultation, see all details here👉🏻https://short.jmgads.com/4eCjCGr -- 📣 To Advertise on the Florida Scoop - Message us!

Palm Beach County Officials Warn Amendment 3 Could Force Major Service Cuts Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo and other South Florida government leaders say the proposed property tax changes in Amendment 3 would slash local revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars. The measure, on the November 3 ballot, would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School taxes stay the same. Abruzzo has said Palm Beach County alone could lose roughly $250 million annually once fully phased in, with Fire Rescue facing a separate $150 million hit. He and others warn some smaller cities may struggle to stay afloat, potentially shifting more costs onto the county. They joined Miami Springs Assistant City Manager Omar Luna and attorney Neil Schiller on a South Florida Business Journal podcast to break down how the lost revenue could affect police, fire, parks, and other local services.

Surfside Police Chief Jay Matelis is featured in a new video series designed to introduce residents to the department’s leadership and public safety priorities. The series, titled “Chat with the Chief,” will give residents an opportunity to hear directly from Matelis about the department’s work and its commitment to community safety. The Surfside Police Department is also inviting residents to submit questions in the comments for consideration in future episodes.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has ordered about 1,000 cowboy hats for deputies as a new addition to the department’s uniforms. Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz announced the change Sunday in a social media post. The hats cost $132.50 each, according to the sheriff’s office. The department told Local 10 News that deputies of all ranks will be eligible to receive the hats, but wearing them will not be mandatory.

Suspicious Envelope Sent To Wasserman Schultz’s Sunrise Office A staffer at Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s district office in Sunrise reported a suspicious envelope Monday afternoon. The office is located at 777 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway. The envelope was not opened. Sunrise Police and hazmat teams responded, secured it, and initial tests came back negative for hazardous material. Further analysis is still underway. Wasserman Schultz said the letter was clearly meant to intimidate her and her staff, but that it will not work. She noted similar suspicious mail has been sent to other members of Congress recently, and that this is not the first time her office has received threatening mail. No ongoing threat to the building or area was reported after the response.

Florida Senator Rick Scott Says Iran Conflict Continues Until Regime Change​ Florida Senator Rick Scott told CBS News that the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran will continue until the Iranian regime is changed. He added that he believes the people of Iran will rise up.​ Scott said, “I don’t want to be killed by a nuclear weapon. I don’t know anybody that does. I think if they get one, they’re going to do everything they can to kill us.”​ The comments come as the conflict stretches on, with Scott previously calling for stronger action against Iran’s nuclear program and the current regime.

The Florida Bar placed computer technician Kade McLendon on administrative leave Tuesday while investigating racist and homophobic messages sent to Miami football player Damon Wilson II following the Hurricanes’ 43-35 win over Florida State. Wilson, who is Black, shared screenshots of the messages Sunday, calling them a “glimpse into the life of a black student athlete.” The Bar said the messages violated its employee social media policy and were “ethically and morally reprehensible.” The investigation is ongoing.

St. Pete Man Charged In Two Pinellas Bank Robberies While Wearing Old Man Mask A 40-year-old St. Petersburg man is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing banks in Largo and St. Petersburg while wearing a realistic prosthetic “old man” mask. David Sartin, Jr. is accused of hitting a Largo bank on August 24 and a St. Petersburg bank on September 15. In both cases, he walked up to the teller counter in the mask (with gray facial hair), a hat, glasses, and gloves, demanded cash, and told the tellers not to include dye packs. Sartin was already on supervised release for a previous federal conviction. He was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after robbing five banks in Texas in 2016 using a similar disguise. Investigators say they recovered the old-man mask, another prosthetic mask, dark-framed glasses, paint-stained work gloves, a fake handgun, and clothing matching the surveillance footage from his home and a storage unit. They also found a handwritten journal titled “God’s Best friend is a Bank Robber!” Each charge carries up to 20 years in federal prison. A criminal complaint is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Heavy Rain And Isolated Flash Flooding Possible Across South Florida This Weekend NWS Miami says rounds of heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding to large parts of southeast Florida this weekend. There’s a medium chance of 3 to 5 inches of rain across the region, with some localized spots possibly seeing double that. Training bands of heavy rain may lead to road closures and impassable areas, especially along the east coast metros from around Homestead up through Boca and West Palm. Gusty winds are also expected by late weekend, with a medium chance of sustained winds over 25 mph and gusts over 40 mph along the east and west coast metros. Those winds could bring down limbs and palm fronds and displace unsecured items. King tides are peaking around the same time, which could add to coastal flooding concerns. Stay weather aware and check for updates from NWS Miami.

Congressman Randy Fine Says Florida Will Never Become Like New York Or California Congressman Randy Fine is urging Floridians to vote early, saying keeping the state free from “Democrat chaos” starts with showing up at the polls. Early voting is already open in most counties across Florida and runs through October 31 in many places. Election Day is November 3. Fine, who represents Florida’s 6th District, shared the message while appearing on Fox News as the governor’s race between Byron Donalds and David Jolly continues to draw attention. Voters can check their local early voting sites and hours through their county supervisor of elections or at dos.fl.gov/elections.

Almog Italie Shares Survival Story From Flydubai Flight At Rok Family Shul The Rok Family Shul and YJP Miami welcomed Almog Italie last night. Almog, a survivor of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, shared his firsthand account of the terrifying moments on the flight and how he and his family made it through. The story has made headlines around the world. It was a powerful evening of courage, resilience, faith, and gratitude for the miracle of life.

Florida Poly Unveils Nation’s First Flying Police Vehicle Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland just showed off Astro, a manned electric aircraft its police department plans to use for campus patrols and emergency response. The single-seat vehicle can take off and land vertically, reach about 63 mph, and stay airborne for roughly 20 minutes. Students in computer science and mechanical engineering are already training with it while the university waits on final FAA approval, which officials hope could come later this year. Once cleared, campus police say Astro will help monitor the grounds, reach areas that are hard to access by road, assist with missing-person searches, and support post-storm recovery efforts. The department also plans to work with other local agencies on larger public safety responses. It’s the first law enforcement agency in the country to integrate this kind of piloted electric aircraft into its operations.

Byron Donalds Calls David Jolly A Fraud Over Insurance Plan And Debate Refusal Congressman Byron Donalds is calling his opponent David Jolly a fraud, saying the Democrat’s plan for a state takeover of Florida’s insurance market would make life more expensive for homeowners. In a new post, Donalds said Jolly refused to debate because he cannot defend his “failed left wing policies,” specifically the proposal to pull hurricane and wind risk out of private insurers and into a state-run catastrophic fund. Jolly has declined debates with Donalds, calling them unconstructive. It would be the first gubernatorial election in 50 years without one. Donalds has repeatedly labeled the plan socialism that shifts risk onto taxpayers. He says it could lead to large assessments on households (critics have pointed to roughly $1,000 a year in some scenarios) while undoing progress from recent tort reforms that brought private insurers back to Florida. Jolly argues the opposite: moving hurricane risk into one state fund (funded partly by stopping insurers from shifting profits out of state and using existing reserves) would cut premiums 60-70% because wind risk currently drives most of the cost. Florida already has some of the highest home insurance rates in the country. The race is between Trump-endorsed Donalds and Jolly, a former Republican now running as a Democrat. Insurance costs remain one of the biggest day-to-day issues for families across the state.

Over 1.3 Million Votes Already In As Florida’s Lead Keeps Swinging More than 1.3 million Floridians have already cast ballots ahead of the November 3 election. The lead between registered Democrats and Republicans has been moving back and forth as more early votes and mail ballots come in. Early in-person voting is already open in many counties and becomes mandatory statewide starting this Saturday. Track the latest numbers in real time here: https://flvoicenews.com/florida-turnout-tracker/ Every ballot matters. Get out and vote.

Florida Fentanyl Deaths Down Nearly 60% Since 2023 Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that fentanyl-caused deaths in Florida have fallen nearly 60% since 2023. The state went from about 5,000 fentanyl deaths in 2023 to roughly 2,000 by the end of 2025, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission’s 2025 Annual Drug Report. DeSantis tied the drop to the S.A.F.E. grant program, which launched in 2023 to fund multi-agency trafficking investigations. The program has led to almost 3,000 arrests of dealers and traffickers, plus major seizures including more than 600 pounds of fentanyl and over 65,000 fentanyl pills. Other drug deaths also declined from 2024 to 2025, including opioid-caused deaths down 33%, methamphetamine deaths down 23%, and cocaine deaths down 16%. Florida officials say the work continues on enforcement, prevention, and treatment.

Ongoing marine and beach hazards continue today. Also, minor coastal flooding is possible along the SE FL coast around high tide today.

Holocaust Museum Groundbreaking Set For Early 2027 In Downtown Orlando Orlando’s Appearance Review Board has unanimously approved the new design for the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity, clearing the path toward construction. The $63 million project will repurpose the former chamber of commerce building at 75 S. Ivanhoe Blvd. in the Ivanhoe district and add a 10,000-square-foot exhibition hall. The finished museum will total about 25,345 square feet, 3.5 times larger than the current space. Construction documents are expected by mid-November, after which the city will review permitting. Leaders had hoped to break ground before the end of this year, but the timeline has shifted to early 2027. The core exhibit, called “Hope & Humanity,” will focus on the stories of 10 Holocaust survivors who settled in Central Florida.

A soggy weekend ahead for South Florida! Saturday brings a risk of heavy rain, with 3–5 inches possible and locally higher amounts. 🌧️ Wind gusts up to 40 mph and King Tides could worsen street flooding. More rain is expected Sunday. Stay weather aware!

Palm Beach County Advances New E-Bike Rules As Judge Tosses Wellington School Zone Ticket Palm Beach County commissioners voted 7-0 Tuesday to move forward with a new micromobility ordinance that would set tighter rules for e-bikes and scooters. The proposal would require riders to be at least 14, carry a government-issued photo ID, stay at or under 15 mph on paths, and slow to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians. County data shows 613 micromobility injuries since January 2023, with 59% involving kids ages 12 to 15, plus eight related deaths between January 2025 and September 2026. Many local cities already have their own limits. The county version still needs another reading before it becomes final. In Wellington, a judge threw out a school-zone speed camera ticket after ruling the system lacked required state approval from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Without an approved speed reading, there wasn’t enough evidence to prove the violation. The Ticket Clinic says the same argument could be used by other drivers. The ruling applies only to that one ticket for now. Separately, the Florida Bar has placed employee Kade McLendon on administrative leave while investigating alleged racist and violent Instagram messages sent to Miami Hurricanes linebacker Damon Wilson II after the team’s double-overtime win over Florida State. Wilson posted screenshots of the messages. The Bar called them “ethically and morally reprehensible.”

Get your business seen by thousands of Florida Scoop readers. Interested in advertising? https://wa.me/14434142306?text=I%27m%20interested%20in%20advertising%20with%20Florida%20Scoop -- 📣 To Advertise on the Florida Scoop - Message us!

Florida carried out its 18th execution of the year on Tuesday under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ’ aggressive use of the death penalty in his final term. William Reaves, 77, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the September 1986 shooting death of Indian River County sheriff's deputy Richard Raczkoski. The death chamber curtain went up promptly at the 6 p.m. execution time with Reaves already strapped to a gurney with an IV in his arm. Asked if he had any last words, he replied ”No, I do not.”

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested Wednesday morning, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Espinosa faces charges of grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud. Uthmeier announced the arrest in a social media post. We will be holding a press conference at 2pm at our Orlando office with CFO Ingoglia and FDLE Commissioner Keefe to provide more information. He said.