Charges filed against boater in 2022 Biscayne Bay crash that killed 17-year-old girl
Nearly a year after a Labor Day weekend boat crash on Biscayne Bay that killed a 17-year-old girl and injured nearly a dozen others, charges have been filed against the vessel’s operator, prosecutors announced Friday.
Where’d summer go? Halloween begins Tuesday at Walt Disney World
Halloween has officially commenced at Magic Kingdom inside of Walt Disney World in Orlando, despite the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases across the state. Spooky, colorful, and haunted decor will be unveiled on Tuesday to mark the start of the fall season.
Man was driving 92 mph in 35-mph zone before he killed pregnant woman, cops say
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A North Lauderdale man was speeding nearly 60 mph faster than the limit before a crash that killed a pregnant woman over the Labor Day holiday weekend in Oakland Park, investigators say. Faustin, 27, turned himself in to BSO detectives last month and faces charges of vehicular homicide, four counts of reckless driving, driving while license suspended and violation of probation. Investigators say Faustin was driving a 2019 Toyota Corolla westbound on East Oakland Park Boulevard in the center lane, approaching the intersection of North Dixie Highway. Ybanez, who was six months pregnant, was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead. BSO also says Faustin was driving while knowing his license had been suspended since May 15, 2017.
Coronavirus: Florida reports 2,056 new COVID-19 cases and 200 deaths
Florida reported 2,056 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday along with 200 more residents deaths. The new deaths reported Wednesday include 74 in Miami-Dade County, 10 in Broward, eight in Palm Beach County and one in Monroe. Latest totalsThe United States has passed 6.3 million confirmed cases, with over 189,000 deaths from COVID-19, the highest numbers in the world. Over 2.3 million Americans have been deemed recovered, according to data compiled from various sources by Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, the number of COVID-19 cases reported has surpassed 27.6 million.
Coronavirus: Florida reports 1,823 new cases as numbers dip to June levels
Florida reported 1,823 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday along with 44 residents deaths. A look at Florida's COVID-19 positivity rate over recent days. Latest totalsThe United States has passed 6.3 million confirmed cases, with over 189,000 deaths from COVID-19, the highest numbers in the world. Over 2.3 million Americans have been deemed recovered, according to data compiled from various sources by Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, the number of COVID-19 cases reported has surpassed 27.3 million.
As California burns, the winds arrive and the lights go out
That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. The fire danger also is high in Southern California, where new fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California. The fire moved 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a single day during the weekend and burned 56 square miles (145.04 square kilometers). California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August.
Asian shares rise as US set to reopen from Labor Day holiday
Asian stock markets were mixed Monday after Wall Street turned in its biggest weekly decline in more than two months. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Asian shares rose Tuesday, after European stocks rallied and U.S. markets were closed for the Labor Day national holiday. Wall Streets slide on Friday followed a Labor Department report that showed U.S. hiring slowed to 1.4 million last month. In Europe, another round of Brexit trade talks is scheduled in London for later in the day. The Asian region depends heavily on a healthy Chinese economy, and trade with the U.S., as well as with China.
Gas prices have reached a 6-month high. Heres why.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Floridas gas prices are at their highest since March, jumping an average of 13 cents early last week, according to the American Automobile Association. We can expect the prices to lower some from where they are now, though there could be more spikes in the coming months, Jenkins says. Florida gas prices should begin to trickle down this week, the AAA spokesman said. Labor Day traditionally marks the last big travel weekend of the summer, which leads to lower gasoline demand during the fall. While pump prices should remain low, its possible that some volatility continues in the coming months.
Labor Day caravan held in Miami Springs to honor local frontline workers
MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. – The Miami Springs community is paying tribute to the healthcare heroes who have been working so tirelessly during the pandemic. On this Labor Day, amid a pandemic, it’s been a year where many became familiar with the term ‘essential workers’ to talk about our frontline community members. Added Mitchell: “We have people out of work on Labor Day, people worried sick,” people not sure how to make ends meet. Added Mitchell: “Labor Day becomes a different monster during the pandemic we got to look at what needs to happen. Right now, local, state and municipality governments are having to pick up the reins because we don’t have a national plan.
Smaller crowds on South Florida beaches this Labor Day
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A socially distanced South Beach is making for a very different-looking Labor Day. While there has been some rainy and cloudy weather, there have been noticeably fewer people on Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach than a normal Labor Day holiday. Larger crowds were seen gathering at South Florida beaches earlier in the weekend. “I did think there would be more people,” said Jimmy Moses, who was visiting Miami Beach from Los Angeles. The beaches across South Florida have remained open, however.
Two tropical storms (Paulette and Rene) forecast to form today
In fact, two tropical depressions that formed overnight in the Atlantic are forecasted to strengthen into tropical storms Monday. Paulette and Rene are the next names and both would be record-breakers for the earliest of their letter. Some slow strengthening is forecast over the next few days, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today, the National Hurricane Center said. Advisory summary for Tropical Depression SeventeenTropical Depression Eighteen is further east, about 225 miles east of the Cabo Verde Islands at 8 a.m., and expected to bring tropical storm winds and heavy rainfall to those islands later today and tonight. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today or tonight.The extended forecast for Tropical Depression Eighteen shows that it could further strengthen into a hurricane later this week.
Labor Day bringing Biden to Pa., Harris and Pence to Wis.
Biden was heading Monday to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an AFL-CIO virtual town hall with union President Richard Trumka. Harris will meet IBEW union workers and Black business owners in Milwaukee, while Pence will tour an energy facility in La Crosse. The Biden campaign believes its labor support could help get out the vote in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Labor Day typically marks the unofficial start to the fall campaign season as candidates accelerate their activity for the final sprint to Election Day. Aides say to expect both Biden and Harris to increase their campaigning for the remaining weeks.
Florida coronavirus cases labor day
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Florida reported 1,838 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, along with 22 more resident deaths. PALM BEACHCases: 43,187 (+120)Deaths: 1,168 (+2)For more detailed data on every county from the latest Florida Department of Health report, click here. Latest totalsThe United States has passed 6.2 million confirmed cases, with over 188,000 deaths from COVID-19, the highest numbers in the world. Over 2.3 million Americans have been deemed recovered, according to data compiled from various sources by Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, the number of COVID-19 cases reported has surpassed 27.1 million.
The Summer of COVD-19 ends with health officials worried
Many Labor Day parades marking the unofficial end of summer were called off, and masks were usually required at the few that went on. "Please, please do not make the same mistakes we all made on Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. had about 1.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around Memorial Day, before backyard parties and other gatherings contributed to a summertime surge. It was their first trip out of state since COVID-19 started spreading. They had time off because the Labor Day weekend fair where they typically sell concessions canceled this year.
This Week in South Florida: Dale Holness
There has been some positive news recently regarding COVID-19 in Broward County, as the positivity rate from testing has consistently been below five percent. Before the county can move into Phase 2 reopening, that rate needs to hold for 14 days. The Labor Day holiday weekend poses a concern for those managing the pandemic. Broward County Mayor Dale Holness was pretty optimistic at his news conference last week, and he joined This Week in South Florida hosts Glenna Milberg and Michael Putney to discuss. Their conversation can be seen at the top of this page.
Heedless behavior threatens rise in coronavirus cases in South Florida
MIAMI – Before the coronavirus pandemic, Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends were opportunities to socialize by the pool and the beach in South Florida. Now the three-day weekend comes as Broward County’s coronavirus testing positivity rate is under 5% and Miami-Dade’s positivity rate is hovering at about 7%. In hope of keeping it this way, officers will be enforcing social distancing and face coverings at public beaches, restaurants and at popular tourist attractions. “We don’t want a repeat of Memorial Day where we got complacent,” Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation officers warned they will also be enforcing safety measures in the water.
Officer to boaters: ’Do the right thing to ensure you can get home safely’
MIAMI – Authorities are asking boaters and people with personal watercraft to take safety precautions such as wearing life jackets and staying sober while having fun in the water during this Labor Day weekend. Officer Ronald Washington, a spokesman for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation, said doing so is a matter of life or death. “Do the right thing to ensure you can get home safely,” Washington said. Miami Fire Rescue personnel took Ndiokwelu to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center where a doctor pronounced him dead. For more information about boating safety, call the FWC’s Boating Safety Section at 850-488-5600.
Crowds pack beaches as California bakes in weekend heat wave
Numerous parking lots to San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County beaches closed after they filled to capacity and lifeguards reported seeing large crowds. People stuck close to the surf line at beaches along Los Angeles County's 72 miles (116 kilometres) of coastline. Because of the pandemic, L.A County beaches were closed during the Fourth of July weekend. Downtown Los Angeles reached 110 degrees (43.3 Celsius) on Saturday. Los Angeles County was providing close to 50 centers the largest site activation in memory in libraries, community centers and even a museum in the L.A. suburb of Gardena.
Will long Labor Day weekend mean another coronavirus spike?
The fear is that backyard parties, crowded bars and other gatherings will cause the coronavirus to come surging back“I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert. Over the summer, the U.S. saw a rise in infections, deaths and hospitalizations, primarily in the South and West, that was blamed in part on Americans behaving heedlessly over Memorial Day and July Fourth. And a few states are heading into the holiday with less room in hospitals than they had over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. More beaches will be open on Labor Day than on Memorial Day, but Fauci said that is not cause in itself for concern, as long as people keep their distance. The 20 members normally run the local roads together every weekend but haven't seen each other since March.
Broward mayor holds news conference ahead of Labor Day weekend
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Broward County Mayor Dale Holness is holding a news conference Friday afternoon regarding Labor Day weekend. Holness is expected to address the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations, Labor Day beach enforcement, the Rental Assistance Program and the proposed Police and Criminal Justice Review Board.
Hurricane Nana makes landfall while the tropics hit pause for a few days
The storm intensified to hurricane strength in the last few hours before reaching the coast as predicted by National Hurricane Center forecasters. The slightly hostile upper winds let up and gave the tiny storm a short window to intensify. Tropical Storm Nana: 8 a.m. Thursday advisory. Its fighting the dry air and hostile upper winds, but hanging together. Over the next few days, it will slowly make a move to the west and has a good chance of organizing into a tropical depression or tropical storm.
Virus crisis easing across Sun Belt but could heat up again
The torrid coronavirus summer across the Sun Belt is easing after two disastrous months that brought more than 35,000 deaths. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)The torrid coronavirus summer across the Sun Belt is easing after two disastrous months that brought more than 35,000 deaths. Whether the outbreak will heat up again after Labor Day and the resumption of school and football remains to be seen. Now they worry that Labor Day will contribute to the virus's spread. If we were to see the same effect from Labor Day, we would be in worse shape than we were after July Fourth, said Williamson.
Broward leaders talk beaches, bars and stiff fines for people not wearing masks
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Broward County continues to see encouraging trends in its coronavirus numbers, but with the Labor Day holiday weekend approaching, local leaders have actually decided to up the ante. $100 Fines will be coming for people not wearing masks indoors or near others, with code enforcement out patrolling. That was decided Friday as Broward Mayor Dale Holness held another meeting with the city mayors from across the county. We now have to prepare for the holiday weekend coming up, which means were going to see a lot of people coming into town, Holness said. The county has a 7-day positivity rate of 5.13% and a 14-day positivity rate of 6.2%, according to Fridays data from the Florida Department of Health.
Telluride Film Festival canceled due to pandemic
NEW YORK The Telluride Film Festival, the annual film retreat held in the Colorado mountains and one of the fall movie season's top launching pads, has been canceled. Organizers said Tuesday that the festival's 47th edition, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, was scuttled entirely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Through much of the summer, Telluride had clung to hopes that cancellation wouldn't be necessary. Telluride is part of a late summer-early fall foursome of major festivals, along with the Venice Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Recently, Telluride organizers were told that two of their usual venues at local schools couldnt be used this year.
Last missing victim from California dive boat fire has been located
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. (CNN) - The last missing victim of the Conception dive boat fire in California was located Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said. "The Conception Incident Unified Command is relieved to report that search and recovery efforts today were successful in locating the last missing victim," a tweet from the sheriff's office said. The 75-foot dive boat sank off the Southern California coast on Labor Day following a fire that claimed the lives of 34 people on board. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire aboard the dive boat, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation said this week, noting the boat has not even been brought to the surface.
Cause of California diving boat fire remains unknown
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. The Conception sank off the Southern California coast on Labor Day following a fire that claimed the lives of 34 passengers. "Reports that the remaining body not recovered is for certain in the boat are inaccurate," Raney said. We need to get divers back in the water to search parts of the boat that were unstable during prior searches." The escape hatch in the lower bunk level on the Vision -- the similar boat -- was small and difficult to see, access and maneuver, she said.
Crew of diving ship tell investigators they tried to save passengers
Of the 39 people aboard the 75-foot dive boat Conception, only five crew members, including the captain, were found alive. The crew members tried to get down the ladder, but it was engulfed in flames. Crew members then went to the double doors of the galley to try to get to the passengers, but it too was engulfed in flames, NTSB investigators were told. They then tried and failed to get in through a window in the front of the vessel, Homendy said. Alcohol testing was done on four out of five surviving crew members, Neubauer said.
Flames blocked escape routes, trapped sleeping scuba divers
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The 34 people feared dead in a California dive boat fire likely got trapped when the roaring blaze blocked their escape routes and confined them to the lower sleeping deck, authorities said. Passengers were not locked in the sleeping deck, but they were unable to flee the burning boat, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. The boat was about 20 miles off the mainland coast, near Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Rapid DNA technology to be used to ID victimsAuthorities will use rapid DNA technology to identify those whose bodies were burned beyond recognition, Brown said.
What we know about the California dive boat and its last excursion
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. The Conception was a hit with scuba divers and actor Rob Lowe, who said he had been on the California-based boat "many times." Organizers said Truth Aquatics, the company that operates the boat, is known for its professionalism. A veteran of the boat narrowly escapes tragedyDale Sheckler, co-founder of California Diving News, has traveled on the Conception more than 100 times. I just can't imagine, as the names come out, I know I'm going to be shocked when I see the names."
Beachfront businesses take hit in revenue due to Hurricane Dorian
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Beachfront businesses in Hollywood usually experience a bustling Labor Day weekend each year, but things were a little slower this holiday weekend due to Hurricane Dorian. Boarded up but open for business, a frozen yogurt shop owner told Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer on Tuesday that she closed her shop Monday, but reopened Tuesday with limited hours. Next door, Luggage3 owner Susana said she kept her shop open for the entire Labor Day weekend. Down the broadwalk at Florio's of Little Italy, the restaurant co-owner said he noticed some neighboring businesses closed but he took a risk, staying open Monday and Tuesday. Business owners said they saw a dip in customers over the Labor Day weekend, but nothing they can't bounce back from."
Couple who rescued California boat fire survivors saw vessel in flames
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. Bob looked over the side and saw five people in their underwear, he told CNN affiliate KEYT-TV. Then he saw another boat in the distance, fully engulfed in flames. The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. Shirley said some of the rescued crew members told them about the moments on the boat before the fire.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to close Monday as Hurricane Dorian approaches
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will close Monday due to potential tropical storm-force winds from Hurricane Dorian. Airport officials made the decision to close the airport at noon in coordination with the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen. Authorities from Florida to North Carolina are planning airport closures during Dorian's impact, as the eye of the storm remains offshore. Broward County airport officials are asking travelers to check with their airlines for information on their flight's status. According to the FAA, more than 600 Labor Day flights were canceled in the U.S."Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
Hollywood Beach businesses see slowdown in customers despite latest forecast
HOLLYWOOD BEACH, Fla. - The Hollywood Broadwalk was empty Saturday morning and the beach was looking just as barren as Hurricane Dorian looms in the Atlantic Ocean, putting a damper on Hollywood Beach businesses. A lot of people come for the last day before school starts for everyone," Elizabeth O'Neill said. Those who live year-round on Hollywood Beach are still getting prepared despite the latest forecast, including Heather Elliott, who just moved to the area from Maine. "I think we're going to be OK from the latest, but I live right here on the beach and I'm planning on staying," she said. "Considering the view and how close I am to the ocean, that's a little unnerving."
Hurricane Dorian doesn't deter South Beach visitors
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - It was business as usual along bustling Ocean Drive early Saturday in South Beach. "We weren't sure what to do if we left Monday," one woman told Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer as Hurricane Dorian poses a threat to Florida. "We tracked flights to see if there were any earlier flights going out, but all flights were booked," she said. "It ain't Miami without the hurricanes," a man tells Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer as he parties on South Beach ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Some Miami Beach locals told Anwer they have still prepared for the storm, but are optimistic.
Miami Beach takes extra precautions in anticipation of severe flooding from king tides, Dorian
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - King tides and Hurricane Dorian are posing a big concern for Miami Beach residents ahead of Labor Day weekend. Miami Beach has been leading the national conversation about sea level rise and has been pioneering projects involving fortifying the city from sea level rise and king tides. I'm used to hurricanes, king tides. And now all together at once, and that's why we have these wonderful flood barriers that we've installed," the property manager said. The property manager said that sadly, taking these precautions seems to be the new normal for South Floridians, as tape on windows just isn't cutting it anymore.
Threat to South Florida increases as Hurricane Dorian slows down
The threat of Hurricane Dorian is increasing for South Florida. Unsure where Hurricane Dorian is going to land over Labor Day weekend, many Florida residents faced a sense of helplessness as they prepared for what President Donald Trump said could be an "absolute monster" of a storm. "All indications are it's going to hit very hard and it's going to be very big," Trump said in a video he tweeted Thursday evening, comparing Dorian to Hurricane Andrew, which devastated South Florida in 1992. Two of the most reliable computer models -- the European and U.S. models -- have come into better agreement, bringing Dorian closer south. CLICK HERE to download the FREE Max Tracker App for real-time storm informationInitially, it appeared Dorian could hit Florida on Labor Day, but the latest forecast shows a Tuesday arrival.
11 p.m. update: Dorian is expected to become major hurricane Friday
Hurricane Doria will start spinning over Florida on Monday as a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 11 p.m. update. Meteorologists expect Dorian to become a major hurricane on Friday and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through the weekend. The hurricane hunter aircraft found Dorian continued to strengthen about 295 miles away from the southeastern Bahamas and about 580 miles away from the northwestern Bahamas. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK----------------------At 1100 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Dorian waslocated near latitude 23.3 North, longitude 68.4 West. Dorian is expected to become a major hurricaneon Friday and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through theweekend.
Grand Bahama International Airport to close Friday night
GOOGLE MAPSNASSAU, Bahamas - Bahamian authorities are asking tourists who had Labor Day weekend vacations planned to Northwest Bahamas to check with airlines, hotels and cruise lines about Hurricane Dorian's impact on travel plans. The Grand Bahama International Airport plans to close at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopen at 6 a.m., Tuesday. Hotels and resorts are preparing for the hurricane in Nassau and New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, North Andros, Bimini and The Berry Islands. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Celebration will be accommodating passengers who booked a sailing on Saturday or Sunday. Grand Bahama Island's Freeport Harbour plans to close at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Grand Bahama International Airport to close Friday night
GOOGLE MAPSNASSAU, Bahamas - Bahamian authorities are asking tourists who had Labor Day weekend vacations planned to Northwest Bahamas to check with airlines, hotels and cruise lines about Hurricane Dorian's impact on travel plans. The Grand Bahama International Airport plans to close at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopen at 6 a.m., Tuesday. Hotels and resorts are preparing for the hurricane in Nassau and New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, North Andros, Bimini and The Berry Islands. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Celebration will be accommodating passengers who booked a sailing on Saturday or Sunday. Grand Bahama Island's Freeport Harbour plans to close at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Dorian could hit Florida or Georgia as hurricane by Labor Day
(CNN) - Once Tropical Storm Dorian is done thrashing Puerto Rico, southeastern U.S. states could get lashed on Labor Day weekend. The powerful storm -- which keeps getting stronger -- could strike Florida or Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane by Monday, CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said. But this much we do know: The tropical storm is hurling 60-mph winds Wednesday morning and is expected to intensify. TRACK THE STORMA tropical storm becomes a Category 1 hurricane when maximum sustained winds reach 74 to 95 mph. It becomes a Category 2 hurricane when those winds reach 96 to 110 mph.