Fourteen Arrested In Undercover Predator Sting In Volusia County
(DeLand, FL) --Over a dozen men are facing charges after an undercover sting targeting child predators in Volusia County. The sheriff's office announced yesterday 14 men were arrested as part of Operation Travel to Gavel. The men are accused of trying to meet a minor for sex, but the teenagers they thought they were going to meet turned out to be undercover detectives. A Marion County man is also facing charges for allegedly hitting a deputy with his car and breaking the deputy's leg. Another suspect is from Nicaragua, and an ICE detainer has been placed on him. Thirteen of the suspects live in Central Florida, but one man is from North Carolina and was on vacation with his girlfriend and three kids.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office Employees Fired
(Kissimmee, FL) --There's more shakeup at the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. First, Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested last week for racketeering. Now, Executive Director Nirva Rodriguez and civilian employee Ruben De Jesus are out. There's no word on why, but Rodriguez said yesterday her firing has nothing to do with Lopez' arrest. She writes on Facebook she's proud of the good work that was accomplished during her time at the agency, and she's deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of Osceola County. As for Lopez, he's suspended and in jail in Lake County while awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty. Christopher Blackmon is serving as interim sheriff.
Broward County Sheriff Warned About Not Cooperating With ICE
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Broward County's sheriff is being warned about refusing to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently sent Sheriff Gregory Tony a letter. It was sent in response to comments Tony made last week at a meeting with county commissioners. Tony said immigration is not one of his agency's priorities. Uthmeier writes that Tony is obligated to work with ICE agents as they enforce federal immigration laws, and he wants Tony to clarify his comments. Uthmeier also seems to threaten Tony with removal from office if he doesn't participate in federal immigration operations. Tony responded with a letter of his own. He writes the BSO will continue to comply with Florida law regarding immigration enforcement.
Panthers Rout Oilers, 6-1
(Sunrise, FL) --The Florida Panthers have the upper hand in the Stanley Cup Finals. They beat the Edmonton Oilers, 6-one, last night at Amerant Bank Arena. The rout started early with Brad Marchand [[MAR-shahnd]] scoring in the first minute of the game. It was the fastest Stanley Cup Finals goal in franchise history. It was two-nothing before the Oilers scored their first goal, but it was all Panthers after that. Florida leads the series two games to one. The Panthers will host Game Four on Thursday night at 8:00.
Burmese Python Record
(Southwest FL) --It's been a record-breaking Burmese python season in southwest Florida. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has removed 63-hundred pounds of the invasive snake, marking a milestone for its python program. Biologists target adult female pythons to stop reproduction. Since 2013, the team has stopped 20-thousand python eggs from hatching. Meanwhile, registration for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, a ten-day event to remove invasive Burmese pythons, is open. This year's hunt runs from July 11th to July 20th.
Today in History
1985, Coca Cola announced the return of its 99-year-old formula.
1943, the ball point pen was invented.
1854, the first class graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
1752, Benjamin Franklin took a kite out into a storm to see if the key attached to the string would draw an electrical charge.
1692, Bridget Bishop was the first victim of the Salem witch trials. She was hanged for witchcraft in the colony of Massachusetts.