Deputies Rescue Family Lost in Forest

Rescuers found a family of four in Lake Talquin State Forest last Saturday after they became separated. The group—two children, their mother, and grandmother—had only a 911-enabled phone to call for help.

The mother and one child were found within an hour, but it took rescuers two more hours to locate the other child and the grandmother, who was suffering from shortness of breath and lightheadedness.

Officials stress the importance of bringing fully charged cell phones, flashlights, backup batteries, and bottled water when planning a hike.

Rescues can be costly. Chief Ron O’Brien with Leon County Sheriff’s Office said, “It costs several hundred dollars an hour to fly a helicopter, and … gas for the other vehicles, the salaries. If you totaled it up, I would say it could run in the tens of thousands of dollars pretty quickly.”

Activists Sue to Stop ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Environmentalists filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to halt construction of the migrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” until a full environmental review can be completed.

Florida has already started converting a deserted airport in the Everglades into a detention center capable of housing up to 3,000 illegal immigrants.

“This is going to be a place where DHS has said we need help with the space so illegals can be processed, and then they can be deported right from here,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday.

The first group of detainees could arrive as early as next week.

Fishing Tournaments Planned in Keys

Several fishing tournaments are set to make a splash over the next month in the Florida Keys.

The Poor Boys Tarpon Fly Tournament kicks off this Friday in Islamorada, offering an affordable, no-frills alternative to high-dollar competitions. Open to anglers of all skill levels, the tournament aims to keep the sport fun and laid-back.

On July 7-10, the Del Brown Permit Tournament will be held in Key West. It’s the longest-running permit tournament in the world and is by invitation only.

A record-breaking payout of $260,000 at the Key West Marlin Tournament will bring anglers in on July 23-26, coinciding with Hemingway Days, an annual tribute to the legendary writer.

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➤ Deltona: A new report reveals that $50 million in fire station repairs are needed to help reduce the city’s average emergency response time from seven minutes to the national average of four. (More)

➤ Gainesville: The nephew of a victim of the 1990 student murders credits the care the police department showed to his family as his inspiration for joining the force. He plans to “let that legacy live on.” (See Video)

➤ Jacksonville: “Duval Day,” a festival created by comedian Lil Duval 10 years ago, has found a new home after the city denied permits for its previous location. (Details)

➤ Niceville: The Niceville Exchange Club received a donation to replace flags that disappeared after a volunteer mistakenly left a “Take a Flag” sign next to large flags intended to be a permanent part of the display. (See Photos)

➤ Sanford: An explosion shook homes along Stargazer Terrace on Friday when a house erupted in flames. (See Photos)

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➤ Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett has agreed to a new contract with the team, worth $64 million over the next eight years. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins won a wild game against the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-8 on Friday after this double play ended the game and the Diamondbacks’ comeback hopes in the ninth inning. (Watch Video)

➤ Orlando Magic first-round pick Jase Richardson has announced he will wear No. 11 in the NBA. (More)

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

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➤ A drone captured dozens of sharks swimming in “Shark Alley” off the coast of Dunedin on Wednesday. (See Video)

➤ A bayfront home in Key Biscayne featuring a two-level pool and rooftop pickleball court just sold for $31.7 million—the highest price ever recorded on Harbor Drive. (See Photos)

➤ Four women vacationing at Marco Island last weekend were knocked unconscious when lightning struck the tiki hut they were sheltering beneath. They have now gotten matching tattoos to commemorate their survival. (See Video)

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Have you ever gone on a cruise?

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