Arrests Made in ‘Operation Mongolian Beef’

Twenty-eight people were arrested Wednesday after an investigation into a gang-related shootout that occurred at a gas station in New Smyrna Beach in March, injuring two people.

Called “Operation Mongolian Beef,” the multi-agency investigation targeted members of the Mongol and Warlock biker gangs.

Officials recovered 38 handguns, 15 long guns, about $10,000 in cash, marijuana, meth, and fentanyl as part of the operation.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood about the March incident, “Bullets were flying…innocent people were there, children—a busy, busy, busy day.”

Coral Transplanted to Help Save Reef

For the first time anywhere in the world, scientists are transplanting crossbred coral fragments to restore a reef off Miami’s coast, damaged by coral bleaching two years ago.

“We were able to cross the spawn from those corals…to produce babies. One parent from Florida, one parent from Honduras…So we’re really excited to see how these do,” said Andrew Baker, director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab.

The coral from Honduras were growing in a reef off of Tela that is currently 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the water off the coast of Florida.

Scientists hope the added genetic diversity will make Florida’s coral reefs more resilient.

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➤ Pinellas County: Veterans are working to rebuild Madeira Beach VFW Post 4256 after damage from Hurricane Helene last year. They hope to reopen by Jan. 2026. (See Video)

➤ Lowell: The state has allocated $2 million to build a new water main, ensuring clean drinking water for residents and businesses after soil contamination was discovered that could pose health risks for those relying on wells. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: A man received his diploma from his former high school principal nearly 30 years after dropping out, thanks to a program that gives students a second chance at education. (See Video)

➤ Fort Lauderdale: A woman was arrested on Thursday for her role in stealing $2.58 million from former Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones over a two-year period. (Details)

➤ Tampa: Local couple Scott and Jennifer Freitas dug up a 3.36-carat diamond estimated to be worth around $10,000 at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas while on vacation. (See Diamond)

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