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WEATHER ALERT

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Family waits for news of Cuban who survived voyage on boat made out of Styrofoam and rebar

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Juan Ruiz said his cousin spent his 46th birthday on Thursday away from family and friends. He said they were all grateful that he had survived a treacherous voyage from Cuba to Florida’s east coast in a boat made out of blocks of Styrofoam and rusty rebar. AdRelatives in South Florida believe Luis Quinonez survived a 16-day voyage from Cuba in a makeshift vessel and was in ICE custody at a detention center in Broward. (Courtesy family photo)Ruiz said he was worried about Quiñónez, who was hospitalized after the rescue. They are all making their case for asylum in the U.S.Ruiz said Quiñónez has family from South Florida to Cardenas, Cuba, where he is from, who are worried.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says more Publix pharmacies will offer COVID-19 vaccine to seniors

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Tuesday morning outside a Publix Super Market in Vero Beach to announce that the state is expanding its partnership with the grocery store chain. DeSantis said eight Publix pharmacies in Indian River County will now offer the COVID-19 vaccine to people 65 and older, as well as 11 Publix pharmacies in St. Lucie County. This brings the total number Publix pharmacies offering the vaccine in the state to 261 in 20 counties. Last week, DeSantis announced that all Publix pharmacies in Palm Beach County and two in Monroe County would also be offering the vaccine to seniors.

Florida man gets 62 stitches after 250-pound alligator attack

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. – A Port St. Lucie man is recounting the terrifying moments when he was bitten on the leg by an 8-foot alligator while walking his dog. Mark Johnson, 61, said he and his dog, Rex, were walking near a canal Sunday morning around 9:30 a.m. He said he slid and that’s when his foot got stuck in the mud. The reptile has been relocated to an alligator farm. [RELATED: Facts about the American alligator from the FWC.]

Driver discovers body on side of I-95 after car becomes disabled

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. The St. Lucie County Sheriff Offices has taken over an investigation involving a body that was found Tuesday on the side of Interstate 95. According to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Yanko Reyes, a drivers car became disabled in the southbound lanes of I-95 at Mile Marker 127. Reyes said the driver pulled over and discovered the body of a woman. Troopers responded to the scene, but the Sheriffs Office has since taken over the investigation. The womans identity is not yet known and its unclear how she died.

Miami Seaquarium camp keepers help release sea turtle back into ocean

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. – A loggerhead sea turtle was released back to her natural habitat Tuesday after she was successfully rehabilitated. Miami Seaquarium camp keepers came out Tuesday morning to release Winnie and send her off into the ocean in Key Biscayne. Winnie is a loggerhead sea turtle who was rescued April 29 from the water off St. Lucie County. The Miami Seaquarium took her in for treatment and, in just two months, Winnie gained 11 pounds. The Miami Seaquarium has a summer camp program, in which they teach children about rescue, rehab and release, and provide them with a hands-on experience.