Anti-Semitic flyers distributed in 2 South Florida cities
Anti-Semitic flyers were distributed over the weekend to hundreds of homes in two South Florida cities with large Jewish populations, authorities said. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber tweeted that flyers in plastic sandwich bags with small pebbles were distributed to hundreds of homes. In neighboring Surfside, the same type of flyers were distributed to homes, officials said in a “community alert" email to residents.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach says law-breaking partiers no longer tolerated
South Beach's sizzling party scene is about to undergo a massive boost in police presence and tougher crackdowns on raucous crowds and crime, weeks after a tourist eating dinner with his family was fatally shot at a Miami Beach restaurant, authorities say. “The many years of troubling incidents in this district can no longer be tolerated,” City Manager Alina Hudak said in a memo Friday disclosing plans to “create the highest level of regular police presence this area has ever seen.” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber ordered police, along with fire rescue, parking, sanitation and other departments to devise a unified strategy to deal with the crowds.
news.yahoo.com‘The Pied Piper leading us off a cliff’: Florida governor condemned as Covid surges
Ron DeSantis’s desire to keep state open amid Delta surge draws criticism from local leaders to the White House Ron DeSantis on Tuesday at a news conference. ‘You try to fearmonger, you try to do this stuff,’ DeSantis snapped at a reporter who asked him about the state’s record number of hospitalizations. Photograph: Wilfredo Lee/AP Florida governor Ron DeSantis earned a new moniker this week as the resurgent coronavirus continued to wreak havoc on his state: the “Pied Piper of Covid-19, leading
news.yahoo.comTragedy casts pall over July Fourth holiday in South Florida
The Fourth of July holiday was marked with somber tones in South Florida, where a collapsed building has left at least 24 dead and more than 120 missing under rubble. “July 4 is ordinarily a time to gather with our loved ones and to celebrate our freedom and our independence, and this year the holiday looks very different," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach replaces July 4 fireworks with ‘shine a light’ moment to honor Surfside
As a tribute to the first responders, victims and families of those missing in the partial condo collapse, Miami Beach announced Thursday it will replace its originally planned fireworks celebration with a moment for residents to “shine a light in a symbolic gesture of unity,” according to a city press release.
news.yahoo.comClevelander sues Miami Beach over 2 a.m. alcohol-sales rollback, Ocean Drive closure
The Clevelander, one of South Beach’s best-known hotels, sued the city of Miami Beach Monday over what its attorneys called a “series of regulatory attacks” that will soon force the popular entertainment venue — and others — to turn down the music and end alcohol sales hours earlier.
news.yahoo.comHotels excited for Memorial Day crowds as Miami Beach hopes to avoid spring break woes
After playing host to a chaotic spring break, Miami Beach is once again bracing for large crowds as Memorial Day Weekend approaches, with hoteliers optimistic about a spike in business even as the mayor promises to crack down on misbehavior.
news.yahoo.comMiami Beach extends curfew as police chief says partying couldn't "go on any longer"
Commissioners gathered virtually Sunday and extended for another week the emergency declaration issued Saturday in response to the unruly South Beach crowds, CBS Miami reported. People enjoy themselves along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. A military-style vehicle was seen rolling down the palm-tree lined Ocean Drive as outnumbered Miami Beach police officers struggled to disperse the raucous crowds Saturday. Miami Beach police officers keep an eye on people along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he has trouble sleeping at night, worried about the out-of-control parties.
cbsnews.comMiami extends curfew as police chief says partying couldn't "go on any longer"
People enjoy themselves along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. A military-style vehicle was seen rolling down the palm-tree lined Ocean Drive as outnumbered Miami Beach police officers struggled to disperse the raucous crowds Saturday. Miami Beach police officers keep an eye on people along Ocean Drive on March 19, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said he has trouble sleeping at night, worried about the out-of-control parties. Miami tourism officials say billions of dollars were lost when the pandemic first erupted last year, canceling spring break and forcing beach closures across the Sunshine State.
cbsnews.comHundreds arrested in Miami Beach as spring breakers ignore COVID-19 protocols, mayor says
The mayor of Miami Beach said hundreds of people were arrested and at least two police officers were injured this weekend as thousands of spring breakers flocked to the popular South Florida destination — ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols. 1/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021On Saturday night, 30 more people were arrested in South Beach, police said. "If you're coming here because you think anything goes, you're going to have a terrible time. On March 10, the city of Miami Beach extended its state of emergency declaration and emergency measures through March 17, which includes a midnight curfew. Some colleges and universities have scaled back days off or canceling spring break altogether, as officials try to curb partying that could lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
cbsnews.comHundreds arrested in Miami Beach as spring breakers ignore COVID-19 protocols, mayor says
The mayor of Miami Beach said hundreds of people were arrested and at least two police officers were injured this weekend as thousands of spring breakers flocked to the popular South Florida destination — ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols. 1/2 — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) March 13, 2021On Saturday night, 30 more people were arrested in South Beach, police said. "If you're coming here because you think anything goes, you're going to have a terrible time. On March 10, the city of Miami Beach extended its state of emergency declaration and emergency measures through March 17, which includes a midnight curfew. Some colleges and universities have scaled back days off or canceling spring break altogether, as officials try to curb partying that could lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
cbsnews.comMiami Beach mayor to would-be spring breakers: "We are enforcing zero tolerance"
Miami Beach mayor to would-be spring breakers: "We are enforcing zero tolerance" Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss what his city is doing to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks as travelers flock to Florida during spring break.
cbsnews.comDoctors, mayors issue heartfelt plea: Wear your mask
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of Florida doctors united with mayors on Tuesday to deliver what they called a heartfelt plea for residents to remain vigilant in combating the coronavirus. Dr. Mohammed Reza, an infectious diseases specialist in Jacksonville, said he sees patients who are suffering from COVID-19 right now. More than 1,200 doctors throughout the country and state, most of them located in Northeast Florida, signed the letter to DeSantis. “I think we both think it’s really important to wear a mask. Clifton is pregnant, and she and her husband, Thomas, hope more people wear masks.
Florida nearly set precarious precedent for electors in 2000, former state leaders say
The same thing nearly happened in Florida during the 2000 recount. A resolution was proposed to appoint electors for president and vice president who would be ordered to vote for a specific candidate. John McKay was the Senate president at the time. What nearly happened in Florida 20 years ago likely would have set a precedent for today’s legislatures in contested states. And the window for any state legislatures to vote is narrowing.
Florida mayors plead with governor to take action on virus
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Five Florida mayors on Wednesday said they were extremely concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state, and begged Gov. Following a monthslong decline from its huge summer spike in the outbreak, Florida has seen a mid-autumn climb in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Still, the governor has resisted a return to statewide restrictions in place earlier in the year. “What Florida is doing right now isn’t working,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, during a sharply worded news conference on Zoom. Gelber was joined by the mayors of Hialeah, Miami Shores Village, Sunrise, and St. Petersburg.
Gov. DeSantis backs ‘anti-mob’ proposal in response to protests
The proposal titled “anti-mob legislation draft” would expand the list of “forcible felonies” under Florida’s self-defense law to include property crimes. “We don’t want to see our cities burning like across the nation without consequences, so Gov. Meanwhile, a rally to protest the proposal is planned for 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Duval County Courthouse. The first survey question by AP VoteCast found 42% of Florida voters surveyed have a gun in their household. Only 32% of Joe Biden voters have a gun in their house compared to 51% of President Donald Trump voters.
As 1st wave of Miami pupils return, some worry about safety
MIAMI – As Florida's largest school district prepares for a first wave of students to return to physical classrooms on Monday, several teachers and parents say schools are struggling to be ready. Parents and teachers told the Miami Herald that the ventilation and air quality at some schools are concerning because of the way the schools are designed. A teacher told the newspaper that staff hadn't received face masks, wipes or hand sanitizer at one school in order to protect against the new coronavirus. A district spokeswoman said the school had given out cloth masks and the teacher was asking for a different type of mask. Gelber also told the governor in a letter that local governments should be able to enforce mask requirements.
In Miami Beach, live theater returns — in vacant storefronts
NEW YORK – This fall, the seven deadly sins will be found all along an iconic Miami Beach thoroughfare — but they'll be socially distanced, thankfully. “This pandemic has shown in stark light the fragility of our world,” said Miami New Drama Artistic Director Michel Hausmann. The Miami City Ballet recently took over a vacant storefront. The move by Miami New Drama is just the latest attempt by theatermakers to offer their art to the public despite the ongoing pandemic, which has stuttered traditional theater venues. The Public Theater in New York City has turned to audio plays, while the Vineyard Theatre plans digital and outdoor productions.
Miami Beach has issued $14,400 in fines to mask violators
Police and city officials in Miami Beach have issued $14,400 in fines to people who weren't wearing facial coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19. One man was issued a citation after he had taken his mask off to answer his phone, while another was walking alone and maskless on a quiet street, the Miami Herald reported. The city has issued 288 $50 fines since July 23, the newspaper reported. Body-camera footage from Miami Beach Code Compliance captured three stops from July 23, which offers a glimpse into how the city enforces its order, the newspaper reported. Each inspection began the same way, with a code officer taking a photo of the alleged violator, and then approaching to ask for ID to write the ticket.
Pandemic becomes politically fraught for Florida governor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, arrives for a roundtable discussion with Miami-Dade County mayors during the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.
Pandemic becomes politically fraught for Florida governor
Ron DeSantis, center, arrives for a roundtable discussion with Miami-Dade County mayors during the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The coronavirus pandemic has become politically fraught for Florida Gov. The video ends with the governor declaring, "I'm a hundred percent confident we're going to get through this." Susan MacManus, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida, said the governor struck the right message of unity in turbulent times. Another Republican, state Rep. Rene Plasencia, called reopening campuses potentially catastrophic" in a letter earlier this week addressed to school board members.
The Latest: S. Korea baseball fans will have to wear masks
Residents wearing masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus line up for COVID-19 test outside the Worker's Stadium in Beijing on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Test sites have sprung up through the Chinese capital as test have become a daily normal after the latest outbreak of the coronavirus, (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
The Latest: S. Korea baseball fans will have to wear masks
(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL, South Korea -- South Koreas professional baseball league says it will require fans to wear masks, sit at least a seat apart and prohibit them from eating food in the stands as it prepares to bring back spectators in the coming weeks amid the coronavirus epidemic. The Korea Baseball Organization said Tuesday that teams will be initially allowed to sell only 30% of the seats for each game. South Korea has been actively tracing the contacts of virus carriers using credit card information, cellphone location data and surveillance camera footage. Virus cases worldwide hit 10 million and deaths have surpassed 500,000. Kansas health officials reported on Monday at least 14,443 confirmed coronavirus cases, an increase of 905 since Friday.
Memorial Day tempts Americans outdoors, raising virus fears
Many Memorial Day commemorations have been canceled or downsized, including concerts and fireworks shows. I know I am.In Virginia Beach, Virginia, the famed 40-block boardwalk and sandy shoreline reopened, but with spacing guidelines and groups limited to 10. For the hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry, there is modest hope Memorial Day will mark the start of something resembling recovery. Data and consulting firm Tourism Economics projects travelers will spend $4.2 billion on Memorial Day weekend, compared with $12.3 billion last year. Oklahoma resident Seth Rott this week boarded a plane for the first time since the pandemic to visit a friend in Washington for Memorial Day.