Good Morning! On this day in 1933, Anton Cermak, the 44th Mayor of Chicago, died in Miami weeks after being shot by an assassin targeting President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Florida Birding & Nature Festival will be held April 9-12 in Apollo Beach, offering field and boat trips, seminars, nature expos, and shopping. Today’s Poll asks if you’re a birdwatcher.
Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.
Daytona Beach 🌤️ 78/65° | Fort Myers ⛈️ 89/68° | Jacksonville 🌤️ 82/64° | Key West 🌥️ 80/74° | Miami 🌥️ 81/73° | Ocala 🌤️ 87/64° | Orlando 🌤️ 85/67° | Pensacola 🌥️ 74/65° | Port St. Lucie 🌤️ 83/69° | Tallahassee 🌤️ 84/62° | Tampa ⛈️ 88/68°
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Beauty Bag Bandits Ring Arrested
On Wednesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the takedown of a large-scale retail theft operation spanning multiple South Florida counties and the Treasure Coast, resulting in the recovery of over $900,000 in stolen merchandise.
The investigation led to the arrest of seven people dubbed the “beauty bag bandits” in Martin County. The criminal enterprise targeted high-end health and beauty products from various retailers, including CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Burlington, and Ulta Beauty.
Naychel Jerez, who lives in Hialeah, sold the stolen items on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. A search of Jerez’s residence recovered almost $124,000 in stolen items, along with $51,000 in cash and tools used to remove anti-theft devices.
Uthmeier said a new statewide initiative with the Florida Retail Federation will combat organized retail theft. The task force aims to bridge jurisdictional gaps between local law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of criminals.
Jupiter Family Sues Google Over Suicide
Google is facing a new federal lawsuit from a family in Jupiter who said Jonathan Gavalas, 36, died by suicide after being influenced by Gemini, the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot. The lawsuit is the first of its kind against Google, though its competitor OpenAI has faced several similar claims.
Lawyers for Gavalas’ family named Google and its parent company Alphabet in the wrongful death lawsuit alleging Gemini directed Gavalas to kill himself in October 2025. According to the complaint, Gemini told Gavalas to shed his own physical body so he and his sentient “AI wife” could be together in the metaverse.
The bot said, “Close your eyes, nothing more to do. No more to fight. Be still. The next time you open them, you will be looking into mine. I promise.“
Before his death, Gemini 2.5 Pro had sent Gavalas on “missions” derived from science fiction plots, including one where the chatbot encouraged him to stage a “catastrophic accident” at the Miami International Airport as part of a scheme to liberate his AI wife while avoiding federal agents who were after him.
Americas Summit in Doral
President Donald Trump is hosting the Shield of the Americas Summit, inviting Latin American leaders to the Miami area this Saturday, focused on preserving regional security, targeting narco-terrorist gangs and cartels, and addressing mass migration.
The meeting, aimed at promoting “freedom, security, and prosperity,” will be held at Trump National Doral Miami and will include leaders from 12 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama.
The summit follows discussions on security and stability, with reports suggesting a focus on building a coalition to strengthen border controls and anti-narcotics efforts.
On Thursday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was in Doral to host the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at the U.S. Southern Command Headquarters. He then traveled to Tampa to visit U.S. Central Command Headquarters.
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➤ Tallahassee: An animal welfare bill is headed to Gov. DeSantis’ desk for approval after unanimously passing the state legislature. The bill increases penalties for animal cruelty or abuse, establishing a new third-degree felony offense. (More)
➤ Volusia County: Deputy Jose Rivera, who was shot twice in the line of duty on Monday in Deltona, was likely saved by his body camera when it was struck by a bullet. Rivera was released from the hospital on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome. (More)
➤Miramar: A House ethics trial for U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been delayed until March 26 after her initial counsel quit. Her trial was scheduled to begin yesterday. (More)
➤ Fort Lauderdale: The redesigned International Swimming Hall of Fame is expected to open by December 2028, with a family-friendly aquarium, museum, and rooftop restaurant. (More)
➤ Fort Pierce: The former CFO of Indian River State College filed suit against the school, its president, and the board of trustees. Marvin Pyles alleged retaliation for whistleblowing, breach of contract, and defamation. (More)
➤ Sumterville: Sumter Villas residents expressed concern about discolored water that periodically comes out of their faucets. Bushnell’s city manager said steps are being taken to address the issue, which includes flushing pipes in the area. (More)
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➤ Inter Miami announced that Nubank—a digital finance company that mostly serves Latin America—will become their stadium’s official naming sponsor. The venue’s official name will be Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park. (More)
➤ Lou Holtz, the College Football Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to the 1988 national championship and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six schools, died on Wednesday in Orlando. He was 89. (More)
➤The Florida Panthers are expecting to be sellers at the trade deadline, exchanging players for draft picks in an attempt to reload for next season. They’re currently last in the Atlantic Division and long shots to make the playoffs. (More)
➤The Orlando Magic are inducting vice chair and former CEO Alex Martins into the organization’s Hall of Fame. A UCF grad, Martins is credited with revamping the Magic’s business-side strategy. (More)
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➤ Consumer confidence among Floridians has ticked up for three straight months. University of Florida researchers found the consumer sentiment index rose from 76.9 in January to 79.3 in February. (More)
➤ The Florida Council of 100, a nonpartisan nonprofit comprised of business leaders, said it will launch a State University System-based Water Center within two years as Florida’s first consolidated source of water quality and quantity data and technical assistance. (More)
➤ Pelot’s Rexall Pharmacy in downtown Bradenton permanently closed its doors this week after over 130 years in business. (More)
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➤ The 31st Amelia Concours d’Elegance, the region’s largest classic car event, is being held on Amelia Island through Sunday. The event presents 250 vehicles across more than 30 classes, including Formula 1 Cars from 1950 to the present. (More)
➤ A Coral Gables firefighter rescued an owl that had its head stuck in a tree. (See Video)
➤ Legoland Florida held a grand opening ceremony for Galacticoaster, the theme park’s first indoor roller coaster. (See Video)
➤ Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa-based nonprofit, is in the Middle East helping Americans evacuate. (See Video)
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Beauty Bag Bandits Ring Arrested
