THREAD: florida teachers

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.

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.

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.

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.