THREAD: florida hero cops

FLORIDA HERO Cops Save DAY: Rogue Boat Drama in Deadly Storm

01 May 2025 — Florida police stopped a rogue boat during dangerous weather, but officials have not shared where it happened or why the boat was out of control. This comes as storms and floods slam Oklahoma and Texas, raising safety worries across the country.

No injuries or property damage have been reported from the boat incident. Still, this reminds us how tough it is for first responders to keep people safe when wild weather hits.

After the Surfside condo collapse, Florida lawmakers passed tougher building safety laws to protect families. Safety stays front and center as states battle new emergencies every week.

We’ll bring you updates as soon as more details come out about this breaking story in Florida.

FLORIDA SHOOTING Horror, Trump Strike Fallout, and UK Gender Shock Rock Politics

19 April 2025 — A deadly shooting at Florida State University left two people dead and several hurt. The shooter used his stepmother’s deputy weapon. He did not know the victims. Video shows students running for cover and hiding in fear. The attack has sparked new arguments over campus safety and gun laws as police investigate. A radical activist linked to Cori Bush is now speaking for the suspect.

Fresh details have come out about a Trump-era U.S. airstrike in Yemen that killed over 70 people targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels near a key oil port. This bold move showed President Trump’s hard line against Iran’s allies, standing apart from President Biden’s softer approach on Iran issues. Some experts warn this could lead to fuel shortages for millions living under Houthi rule as debate grows over America’s part in the Middle East.

Senator Marco Rubio says the U.S. may walk away from Ukraine-Russia peace talks if there is no progress soon. He slammed both sides for wasting time with endless meetings that go nowhere, saying results are what matter most right now before leaving for France to talk more about European security.

The UK Supreme Court ruled that being a woman means biological sex at birth — not gender identity — when it comes to legal rights and spaces like bathrooms or shelters just for women.

CHINESE MIGRANTS Surge: Florida’s Wealthy Enclave Under Pressure

31 March 2025 — A wave of Chinese migrants arriving by boat in South Florida is sparking a human smuggling investigation. Coral Gables, known for its wealthy neighborhoods and Mediterranean Revival architecture, is seeing this unusual influx. The rise in migrant interceptions highlights a broader trend across Florida since 2020.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows a big jump in Chinese nationals entering the state, from 406 in 2020 to 723 by 2024 — a shocking 78% increase. This trend raises concerns about China’s growing influence near affluent American areas like Coral Gables’ Gables Estates, the priciest housing market nationwide according to Zillow.

Eric Brown, a retired Green Beret and CEO of Imperio Consulting, notes that Coral Gables’ closeness to international waterways makes it an appealing entry point for migrants. “Coral Gables is right next to international waters,” Brown explained, stressing its strategic location just 90 miles from Cuba’s coastline. This geographical edge may be aiding the recent rise in migrant arrivals from China.

“LAST Of The FEW”: RAF Hero John “Paddy” Hemingway Passes at 105

19 March 2025 — John “Paddy” Hemingway, a celebrated Irish national and Royal Air Force veteran, died at his Dublin home on Monday. He was 105. Hemingway joined the RAF before World War II and played a key role in defending Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill praised these young pilots for their bravery against Nazi forces, famously stating that “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” The Battle of Britain Memorial honors 2,941 Allied airmen who fought in this critical battle.

Hemingway’s bravery shone when he twice bailed out of his Hurricane fighter during dogfights with German aircraft. Despite receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1941, Hemingway downplayed his heroism, saying he was just doing his duty as a wartime pilot.

In a 2020 BBC interview, Hemingway spoke about the inevitability of joining war efforts: “The world was at war, and you couldn’t go somewhere and say, “I’m at peace and I don’t fight wars.”” His death marks an end to an era for those who remember “the few” who saved Britain from danger.

SpaceX STARSHIP Explosion ROCKS Florida Skies, Sparks Air Traffic Chaos

07 March 2025 — SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft exploded midflight, shaking up Florida air traffic. The blast happened during its eighth test flight as the rocket attempted a tricky booster catch maneuver. Residents watched in shock as a fireball lit up the Caribbean sky when the spacecraft broke apart.

British Columbia plans to end the PST exemption on used electric vehicles starting May 1. This decision has sparked criticism amid rising electric vehicle sales in the province. Critics argue this move could deter consumers from buying eco-friendly vehicles.

A Vancouver forum on organized retail theft drew hundreds of attendees, highlighting growing worries about retail crime and violence. Participants discussed strategies to combat these increasing threats effectively and emphasized community efforts to boost safety and security in local businesses.

SPACEX STARSHIP Explosion Shocks Florida Residents

07 March 2025 — SpaceX’s STARSHIP spacecraft exploded midflight during its eighth test over the Caribbean. Despite a successful rocket booster catch, the craft burst into a fireball. Eyewitnesses in Marathon, Florida, caught the dramatic event on video as it flew eastward.

The explosion disrupted air traffic in the region and raised safety concerns about SpaceX’s activities. Residents felt shockwaves from the blast and shared videos online, boosting public interest. This incident highlights potential risks tied to ambitious space projects.

SpaceX’s testing program now faces scrutiny as it works to refine technologies for future Mars missions. The explosion could impact regulatory assessments and future tests significantly. As SpaceX pushes boundaries, ensuring safety is crucial for both space travel and civilian air traffic.

HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction

10 October 2024 — More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.

Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.

Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.

Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue

TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN

22 August 2024 — A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.

Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.

The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.

Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.

BIDEN’S SACRILEGIOUS Act at Florida Rally Sparks Outrage

14 May 2024 — Bishop Thomas Paprocki criticized President Joe Biden for making the sign of the cross at a Florida abortion rally, calling it “sacrilegious” and a mockery of Catholic faith. This incident occurred as Biden stood beside Nikki Fried, who was criticizing Florida’s six-week abortion limit.

The sign of the cross is deeply revered in Catholicism as it symbolizes respect for Christ’s death and belief in the Holy Trinity. Bishop Paprocki argued that by using this gesture during an abortion rights speech, Biden blatantly contradicted these sacred beliefs.

On a diocesan podcast, Bishop Paprocki further highlighted that Biden’s public support for abortion directly opposes the Fifth Commandment, which forbids murder. His remarks have ignited widespread debate and backlash across various online platforms.

The bishop’s condemnation points to a broader conflict between political actions and religious convictions, stirring intense discussion among both supporters and critics of President Biden’s stance on abortion rights.

FLORIDA DEPUTY’S Controversial Shooting Caught On Camera

10 May 2024 — A Florida sheriff has released body camera footage of a deputy shooting Roger Fortson, a Black man, who opened his apartment door with a handgun pointed downward. The incident has ignited debate, with Fortson’s family labeling the act “unjustifiable.” Sheriff Eric Aden shared the video to dispute allegations of misconduct.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump contended that the deputy had failed to properly announce himself and had approached the wrong apartment. Contrarily, Sheriff Aden asserted that the footage clearly depicted the deputy loudly announcing his presence before Fortson opened the door.

The video records a tense scenario outside a Fort Walton Beach apartment where, after knocking and identifying himself, the deputy shot at Fortson holding his gun aimed at the ground. Commands for Fortson to drop his weapon persisted even after he indicated it was set aside.

This incident has amplified discussions concerning police protocols and racial dynamics in law enforcement interactions. The sheriff’s release of this footage aims to enhance transparency amid increasing public scrutiny of police conduct.

PEARL HARBOR Hero Returns at 103: An Unforgettable Tribute to Fallen Comrades

07 December 2023 — World War II veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, a Pearl Harbor survivor, recently journeyed back to Hawaii for the 82nd anniversary of the infamous attack. At an impressive age of 103, Schab received a warm welcome and applause upon his arrival in Honolulu from Portland.

Schab was just a young man of 21 when Japanese pilots launched their devastating attack on the naval base on Dec. 7, 1941. Now, more than eight decades later, he vividly remembers that fateful day — some memories are painful yet indelible.

During the attack, Schab wasn’t just playing his saxophone in the band aboard the USS Dobbin; he also assisted in loading his ship’s anti-aircraft guns. Despite harboring painful memories from that day, he remains committed to honoring and remembering those who tragically lost their lives.

FLORIDA BRAVERY: Good Samaritans Spring Into Action, Halt Alleged Publix Robbery

06 December 2023 — In an exemplary display of quick thinking and courage, several good Samaritans in Riverview, Florida managed to put a stop to an alleged robbery on Monday. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a local Publix store where a 65-year-old woman was reportedly targeted by 42-year-old Robert Moore.

Moore is accused of knocking the woman down and seizing her car keys. However, three observant bystanders didn’t hesitate to intervene. They rushed to assist the woman after witnessing Moore’s violent behavior.

While one Samaritan promptly called 911, the other two held Moore at bay until law enforcement arrived. As per Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports, Moore now faces charges including robbery by sudden snatching and battery against a victim over 65 years old.

FLORIDA BRAVERY: Good Samaritans Thwart Alleged Robbery, Protect Elderly Victim

06 December 2023 — In a commendable act of courage, several quick-thinking good Samaritans in Riverview, Florida stepped up to prevent a suspected robbery on Monday. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Robert Moore who allegedly attacked a senior woman in a Publix parking lot and took her car keys.

Three vigilant witnesses saw Moore knock the 65-year-old woman down and immediately sprang into action. One dialed 911 while the other two held Moore until law enforcement arrived.

Moore now faces charges of robbery by sudden snatching, battery of an elderly victim over 65 years old, and battery. This incident shines light on everyday heroism displayed by ordinary citizens stepping up to protect their community when it counts most.

TRUMP BACKLASH: Former Arkansas Governor Booed at Florida Freedom Summit Over Anti-Trump Remarks

06 November 2023 — Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, was met with a chorus of boos during his speech at the Florida Freedom Summit. This strong reaction from the crowd was triggered when Hutchinson hinted that Donald Trump could potentially face a felony conviction by a jury next year.

Having served as both a federal prosecutor and representative, Hutchinson is currently not making any waves in the Republican primary race with his polling numbers flatlining at zero percent. His remarks sparked widespread disapproval among the more than 3,000 attendees present at the event.

Despite facing an unfavorable response from his audience, Hutchinson didn’t back down. He maintained that Trump’s potential legal troubles could sway independent voters’ view of the party and influence down-ticket races for Congress and Senate.

FLORIDA TEACHER’S Heartbreaking Death in Murder-Suicide Shocks Community

05 September 2023 — Maria Cruz de la Cruz, a beloved 51-year-old elementary school teacher, was tragically killed in a murder-suicide incident that unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Palmetto Estates, Miami. The dreadful event occurred on Friday afternoon and left another victim injured. Detective Angel Rodriguez from the Miami-Dade Police Department has confirmed these chilling details.

For nearly a decade, Cruz had been an inspiring figure at Doral Academy K-8 Charter School where she passionately taught math. In her memory and to provide support for her bereaved family during this tragic period, a GoFundMe account has been established.

The male suspect involved in the incident remains unidentified. Before turning the gun on himself, he shot another man present at the house. Both victims were immediately transported to Jackson South Medical Center where Cruz succumbed to her fatal injuries while the condition of the second victim is yet to be disclosed by authorities.

Detective Rodriguez classified this horrifying event as a murder-suicide case and stated that “the investigation is ongoing”. Authorities are currently piecing together what led up to this heartbreaking occurrence that has left an indelible mark on their community.