Good Morning! On this day in 1898, the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind issued its first diplomas. Two of those students married and had a son. Verle A. Pope, a future Florida lawmaker, came to be known as the Lion of St. Johns.
Wondering why we haven’t been having our usual afternoon storms to go with the heat? Here’s why.
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Sheriff’s Lieutenant Retires over Mermaid Investigation
Lt. Jeff Mellies submitted an “irrevocable letter of resignation” following an internal affairs investigation around an episode of Max’s show, It’s Florida, Man, on which he appeared with his wife, Mia Mellies.
The investigation found that Mellies violated multiple Broward Sheriff’s Office policies related to his actions in the episode about his years-long feud with three burlesque-performing mermaids.
While on the show, the former officer and his wife admitted that they are pagans who perform religious rituals. “Pagans, witches, we’re all normal people,” Lt. Mellies said. “There is no craziness, per se, to it.”
Mellies submitted a resignation letter and waived arbitration as part of a negotiated settlement agreement. He retired in good standing on May 1.
NASCAR CEO’s Grandson Tied to Videos
The grandson of NASCAR’s chief executive officer appears on a YouTube channel featuring motorcycles weaving through traffic at high speeds, running red lights, and performing risky stunts.
Dallas Ashley, 25, is the great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and the grandson of the family-owned racing company’s billionaire CEO Jim France.
The videos show the motorcycles at speeds exceeding 150 mph while zigzagging around vehicles on I-4, Florida’s Turnpike, the 417 expressway, Semoran Boulevard, and other local streets.
The Florida Highway Patrol has assigned an investigator to review the Speed Demon 407 YouTube channel.
Black Bear Hunt Moves Forward
Florida wildlife officials have taken a major step toward reinstating a black bear hunt for the first time in nearly a decade, despite heated opposition from conservationists and animal rights activists.
More than 170 people voiced opinions on the proposed hunt during a packed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting in Ocala on Wednesday.
The commissioners granted preliminary approval for rules that could see the hunt begin as early as this December.
Supporters of the measure, including wildlife managers and hunting advocates, argue that the state’s estimated black bear population—around 3,800—can sustain a regulated harvest.
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➤Statewide: On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an anti-swatting bill increasing penalties for making false 911 calls and a school safety bill allowing districts to either train existing staff or hire specially trained personnel to protect schools. (More)
➤Martin County: The Florida Department of Health issued a warning regarding blue-green algae detected in Lake Okeechobee. The advisory warns residents and pets to avoid coming into contact with potentially contaminated water. (More)
➤ Brevard County: City commissioners voted to implement a 37% fire assessment fee for property owners to fund better pay for firefighters. Starting salaries can be as low as $15 an hour, prompting concerns about recruitment and retention. (More)
➤Pinellas County: William Braddock III, a political opponent of Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna in the 13th District, was sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday for threatening to have her killed. (More)
➤Duval County: Free lunch for every student will no longer be offered at 37 schools starting next school year. Students can still apply for the free or reduced-price lunch program. (More)
➤Volusia County: A new barber training program was launched earlier this month at the county jail to give inmates a second chance. The initiative is part of a first-of-its-kind partnership between the county and Daytona State College. (See Photo)
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➤ The Florida Panthers dominated Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference Final, beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-0 and increasing their lead in the series to 2-0. (More)
➤ Meanwhile, Sports Business Journal named the Florida Panthers the Sports Team of the Year, doubling viewership in 2024 and generating an $125+ million impact on the local economy. (More)
➤ Orlando Pride soccer player Kerry Abello, 25, was called up to the U.S. women’s national team. Her first chance at in-game action will come against China on May 31. (More)
➤ Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach announced it’s lowering prices to hold true to its founding motto that everyone should be able to afford a meal. (More)
➤Curaleaf, which operates 66 Florida cannabis dispensaries, plans to expand its hemp store concept after last month’s grand opening of The Hemp Company West Palm Beach. (More)
➤ Company plans to invest in an autonomous vehicle factory in Jacksonville and a Publix pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in St. Johns County were recognized as Deals of the Year by the Florida Economic Development Council. (More)
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➤ University of Florida researchers have discovered that two of the world’s most destructive termite species are crossbreeding in South Florida, creating hybrid colonies that grow twice as fast as their parent species. (More)
➤ Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills completed an extensive renovation to its guestrooms, clubhouse restaurant, and spa. (More)
➤ President Trump honored the 2025 NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators at the White House on Wednesday, joined by several Florida politicians, AG Pam Bondi, and Tim Tebow. (See Photo)
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Sheriff’s Lieutenant Retires over Mermaid Investigation
