Good Morning! On this day in 1622, eight of the 28 ships in the Spanish Treasure Fleet were wrecked on the reefs between the Dry Tortugas and present-day Key West.
The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance over the Atlantic that may become the next named storm, Gabrielle. Learn more in Around Florida.
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Safer Truckers Act Proposed
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fl.) proposed the Safer Truckers Act to require proof of U.S. residency and proficiency in English before a Commercial Driver’s License is issued.
“If you’re a commercial truck driver in America, being able to competently read the road signs in English isn’t optional…it’s the job,” Moody said.
The proposed legislation follows an Aug. 12 traffic accident on the Florida Turnpike, where an illegal immigrant trucker made a prohibited U-turn, killing three people.
The driver had reportedly previously failed a Department of Transportation English Language Proficiency assessment.
‘Operation Van Diesel’ Nets Arrests
Ten people have been arrested during “Operation Van Diesel,” an investigation into a ring of diesel thieves that committed 350 thefts across 70 locations in 13 counties, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Thursday.
The suspects allegedly used modified minivans, outfitted with 500-gallon tanks, pumps, hidden compartments, and floorboards with cutouts to siphon diesel fuel from underground gas station tanks.
The investigation began about six months ago when gas stations in Hillsborough County reported a discrepancy in fuel on hand.
Florida Consumer Sentiment Drops
A University of Florida survey assessing consumer confidence in the state’s economy measured a decline in August, falling 3.5 points to 80.6.
“August’s decline reflects growing pessimism about both current and future personal financial conditions, along with a pullback in spending intentions,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at the University of Florida.
More Floridians are expressing hesitation about making big purchases like appliances or cars, with confidence falling 3.5 points from 78.5 in July to 75 in August.
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➤Statewide: A disturbance in the Atlantic has a 70% chance of developing into a tropical storm over the weekend, but its path remains unclear. (Details)
➤Collier County: An appeals court on Thursday blocked a federal judge’s order to close Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility. (More)
➤Miami: AHolocaust survivor and founder of the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial, David Schaecter, has died at age 96. (More)
➤St. Johns County:County commissioners agreed to slash the budget by $3.6 million in a bid to lower property tax. (Details)
➤Escambia County:The county’s Animal Welfare director pitched a new $33 million animal shelter at a county commissioners meeting on Thursday, saying the current facility is “pretty antiquated” and overcrowded. (More)
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➤ Four-star guard Brandon Bass Jr. committed to Florida State this week. The son of former Magic forward Brandon Bass, he’s the 11th-ranked prospect in Florida. (More)
➤Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls underwent season-ending sports hernia surgery this week. He’s expected to return by spring training next season. (More)
➤ Researchers from Florida State found that sports gambling addiction has exploded in recent years due to increased access. Psychologically speaking, one researcher likened it to substance abuse. (More)
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➤ A viral bagel shop, Pop Up Bagels, known for its “grip, rip, and dip” method and unique schmears, has opened a Tampa location. (See Method)
➤ Where’s TJ? A Seminole County woman is looking for the good Samaritan who helped her after a head-on collision on Tuesday. “TJ is an angel—and we need to find him,” she said. (See Video)
➤A lightning strikecaptured on video in Pembroke Pines charred appliances and electrical outlets inside a home. The owner’s grateful his cats are okay, although “their hair is a little stood up straight.” (See Video)
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Safer Truckers Act Proposed
