Florida Releases Immigration Dashboard

The state of Florida has released a dashboard detailing encounters with suspected illegal immigrants. The figures, released by the Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement, span from Aug. 1 to Oct. 9.

Dozens of law enforcement agencies have had a combined 5,074 encounters, with the majority of those stops resulting in arrests.

Nearly two-thirds of those stopped were from Mexico and Guatemala, followed by smaller numbers from Honduras, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

FSU Football Player Released from Hospital

Florida State University linebacker Ethan Pritchard has been released from the hospital and is heading to rehab after suffering a gunshot wound to the head in late August. Pritchard is “alert, responsive and able to communicate.”

His entire team was there to cheer him on as he left the hospital, according to a video posted on the social media site X.

“(FSU coach Mike Norvell’s) players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team,” his father, Earl Pritchard, said. “I can’t fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan.”

Pritchard was ambushed outside an apartment complex in Havana, Florida, on Aug. 31, while driving his aunt home after the Seminoles’ upset win over Alabama. Officials say it was a case of mistaken identity, and four people have been arrested.

Charter School Plans to Co-Locate

Mater Academy, a charter school operator based in Hialeah Gardens, has filed a request with Sarasota County Schools to occupy space on three public school campuses.

“It’s a hostile takeover,” school board member Liz Barker said.

Under Florida’s Schools of Hope provisions, charter schools can co-locate inside traditional public schools, allowing them to set up operations within the walls of a public school—even a high-performing one—if the campus has underused or vacant facilities.

In addition, school districts must pay for charter school expenses associated with the maintenance and operations of the schools, including custodial work, nursing, food services, and student transportation.

Sarasota County Schools said on Thursday that because the new provisions are not yet in effect, the applications are invalid.

➤ Jacksonville: Former Duval Teachers Union President Teresa Brady pleaded guilty Thursday to four federal charges—including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering—after admitting to stealing $1.2 million from the union. (More)

➤ Seminole County: The Central Florida Expressway Authority approved the route for a controversial toll road running from State Road 417 to Lake Mary Boulevard and beyond to the Orlando Sanford International Airport. (More)

➤ Gainesville: City leaders offered to sell Citizens Field Stadium to the Alachua County School District with some conditions. (Details)

➤ Okaloosa County: Crews are making progress on preparing the SS United States to be sunk to form the world’s largest artificial reef later this year. (See Video)

➤ Palm Bay: Unfinished buildings that area residents call the “ghost apartments” have a new owner, prompting hope that safety issues will be resolved. (See Video)

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➤ A fumble return for a touchdown capped a 21-point run for No. 24 South Florida in the first 3:25 of the second half. The Bulls defeated previously unbeaten North Texas 63-36. (Watch Video)

➤ Miami Heat basketball coach Erik Spoelstra is expected to take over as Team USA’s national team head coach. His first test will come in 2027 with the FIBA World Cup, and then a year later in the 2028 Olympics. (More)

➤ Former Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones received a $9.5 million settlement from Merrill Lynch after his former financial advisor stole $2.59 million from Jones’ personal banking accounts. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | NCAAF | WNBA | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, purchased an Islamorada mansion featuring two pools and a private beach this week for $28 million, the highest price the village has ever seen. (See Photos)

➤ Publix, a grocery chain based in Lakeland, announced more than a dozen seasonal ice cream flavors, including Bourbon Eggnog, Rum Nut Bread Pudding, Pumpkin Pie, and Peppermint Stick. (See Full List)

➤ A child who was nearly hit by car while running in traffic was rescued by a North Port police officer. (See Video)

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Are you attending an outdoor fall activity this weekend?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever kept fish in an aquarium?

1. Yes, used to: 53%
2. No: 30%
3. Yes, still do: 17%

What is the name of the hill in Lake Wales that allows your car to roll uphill?

Show me the answer