Judge Halts Alligator Alcatraz Expansion

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled Thursday evening to halt all construction and block the transfer of new illegal immigrants to Alligator Alcatraz following a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and a Native tribe.

She also gave officials 60 days to remove all generators, fuel, sewage, waste, and receptacles that had been installed to support the project.

Williams also ordered all fencing removed to “allow access to the site consistent with the access they (the Miccosukee Tribe) enjoyed before the erection of the detention camp.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has already appealed the ruling.

Everglades Wildfire Impacts Air Quality

The air quality in Broward and Miami-Dade counties dipped to an unhealthy level this week due to a wildfire raging in the Everglades. As of Friday afternoon, the Mile Marker 39 Fire had burned 45,000 acres and was 30% contained.

“It was very hard to breathe this (Wednesday) morning, like I had to come off the (bike) ride. My heart was through the roof. It looked like fog, but you could smell it. It’s not fog; it’s fire,” Daniela Eusse of Weston said.

Some relief from the smoke is expected today thanks to a sea breeze that arrived Friday evening.

Up-to-date information can be found on Florida’s fire map.

DeSantis Awards Millions to Rural Towns

Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $38 million to 19 small and rural communities through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program on Thursday.

The largest award—$6.4 million—went to Arcadia to upgrade the existing biosolids processing system at a wastewater treatment plant.

Florida City will receive $5.9 million for wastewater treatment, while Live Oak was awarded $4.5 million to rehabilitate low-income homes and make upgrades to the city’s water system.

In addition, Webster, Lake Butler, Port St. Joe, Green Cove Springs, Blountstown, Liberty County, Santa Rosa County, Esto, Malone, Lafayette County, Columbia County, and Hamilton County were awarded grants ranging from $1 million to $3 million.

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➤ Statewide: Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters was elected Friday as chairman of the Republican National Committee. (More)

➤ Orlando: A Delta flight from Orlando landed safely in Austin on Tuesday after a wing flap broke midair. (See Video)

➤ Hillsborough County: The City of Temple Terrace is warning residents about a scam involving individuals posing as a water testing company and requesting access to homes. (Details)

➤ Volusia County: An effort to relocate turtle nests for a beach renourishment project ended up saving them from Hurricane Erin’s waves. (See Video)

➤ Polk County: Florida’s new Central Operations and Coordination Office opened Thursday in Auburndale, featuring a warehouse and staging area designed to support future storm response efforts. (More)

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➤ Inter Miami’s head coach will not be punished by the MLS for phoning his assistant coach from the stands following his ejection from the sidelines. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Rays called up their No. 1 prospect, Carson Williams, from the minor leagues on Thursday. A bevy of infield injuries should force Williams into the starting lineup rather quickly. (More)

➤ Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter did not play in Thursday’s joint practice, nor will he play in tonight’s preseason finale as he nurses an upper body injury. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NASCAR |Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ During a shoplifting call on Tuesday, a Sarasota County deputy was challenged by a bystander who said, “If it were me, you wouldn’t catch me.” The deputy put him to the test—with a foot race. (See Video)

➤ Three rare rainbow snakes have been spotted in Wakulla County after The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asked the public to submit photos. (See Video)

➤ Barber Skate Shop in Lakeland helped a formerly homeless man through trade school to become a barber, then gave him a job. (See Video)

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Have you ever ridden a horse?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine?

1. Yes: 27%
2. No: 73%

 In which Florida city is a horse named Bob buried in the Lakeview Cemetery?

Show me the answer