THREAD: hurricane milton crushes florida ecoli outbreak

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

NO CHARGES for Pulse Nightclub Owners: Families Outraged

29 August 2024 — The Orlando Police Department has closed its investigation into the former owners of Pulse nightclub without filing any charges. Victims’ families and survivors had requested the probe, alleging criminal culpability. Police found no probable cause for involuntary manslaughter by culpable negligence.

About two dozen people, mostly survivors and family members of those who died in the 2016 shooting, gave statements to investigators. They cited issues like unavailable building plans, unpermitted renovations, and possible overcapacity at the club. Despite these claims, investigators concluded that these factors did not impede rescuers or contribute to the tragedy.

Investigators were unable to interview former owners Barbara and Rosario Poma but determined their actions didn’t show reckless disregard for human life. The report stated they couldn’t have reasonably anticipated a terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub.

A spokesperson for the Pomas declined to comment on Wednesday. On Facebook, Pulse Families and Survivors for Justice called the investigation a “sham.” The police report emphasized too many unknowns about how gunman Omar Mateen entered the club that night.

HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force

08 July 2024 — Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.

Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.

DEADLY Houston STORMS Leave City in Ruins, Power Restoration Underway

20 May 2024 — Deadly storms ravaged Houston last week, leaving seven dead and causing widespread damage. Thunderstorms and hurricane-force winds destroyed businesses, uprooted trees, and shattered glass in downtown skyscrapers. A tornado also touched down near Cypress.

By Sunday evening, 88% of Houston area customers had power restored, according to CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Paul Lock. “We expect everyone to be back on by end of business Wednesday,” Lock stated. Over 289,000 homes and businesses in Texas remained without electricity Sunday evening.

More than 3,900 customers in Louisiana were also without power due to strong winds and a suspected tornado. CenterPoint Energy deployed 2,000 employees and over 5,000 contractors to restore power in the Houston area. Lynnae Wilson emphasized the urgency given the high temperatures: “Getting the lights and air conditioning back on is even more important.”

HOUSTON BATTLES Deadly Heat And Smog After Storms

19 May 2024 — Houston is working to restore power to hundreds of thousands after deadly storms left at least seven dead. The area faces a smog warning and scorching temperatures.

National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard forecasts highs around 90 degrees through the start of the week, with heat indexes approaching 100 degrees by midweek. “We expect the impact of the heat to gradually increase,” Chenard said.

The weather service warns residents not to overexert themselves during cleanup efforts. Poor air quality could also pose health risks over the weekend in Houston.

PARASITE OUTBREAK Contaminates Water In England: 16,000 Homes At Risk

17 May 2024 — A fishing village in southwest England has been told to boil its tap water for a third day due to a parasite outbreak. Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, was found in the water supply affecting 16,000 homes and businesses in Brixham. At least 46 cases have been confirmed with over 100 more reporting symptoms.

South West Water’s Chief Executive Susan Davy apologized and stated that technicians are working non-stop to resolve the issue. “I am truly sorry for the disruption and wider anxiety this has caused,” Davy said. The contamination may have originated from a pipe in a cattle pasture.

This incident highlights ongoing issues with Britain’s aging water system, which has faced criticism for frequent sewage overflows into rivers and oceans. These problems have sickened swimmers and polluted fishing streams, leading to public outcry for improvements.

PORT CRISIS Triggered by Baltimore Bridge Collision: Full Recovery Weeks Away, Temporary Channels Opened

02 April 2024 — The MV Dali’s catastrophic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge continues to wreak havoc on Baltimore’s port operations. The primary shipping channel, designed to handle large Evergreen A-class container carriers, is still obstructed by remnants of the bridge. However, a smaller secondary route has been temporarily opened for use.

This new pathway is not dredged and only reaches a depth of 11 feet. It passes under the first standing span of the destroyed bridge. The Tugboat Crystal Coast marked its inaugural journey along this alternate route near the Dali container vessel site while pushing a fuel barge. This narrow passage will primarily serve barges and tugs involved in clean-up operations.

Governor Wes Moore from Maryland has revealed plans for another temporary channel south of the disaster area with a marginally deeper draft at 15 feet. Despite these advancements, obstacles and limited air drafts continue to hinder full port reopening efforts. Rear Admiral Gilreath from Coast Guard has stressed that reinstating access to the central deep water channel remains his main concern.

The incident has forced significant changes in East Coast ports as they accommodate cargo redirected from Baltimore harbor. Salvage specialists are now tasked with clearing debris from what was once an integral bridge serving thousands daily. With six people feared dead and two survivors rescued from Patapsco River

CENTRAL US RAVAGED: Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction and Heartbreak

15 March 2024 — A series of violent tornadoes tore through the central U.S., causing extensive damage and claiming at least three lives. The storms left a path of devastation, flattening homes and trailers in an RV park, with Ohio’s Logan County bearing the brunt of the destruction. Lakeview and Russells Point villages were among the hardest hit areas.

On Friday, search crews accompanied by cadaver dogs sifted through the debris for any additional victims. Despite challenges posed by gas leaks and fallen trees obstructing some neighborhoods, authorities conducted a thorough second sweep in areas initially checked right after the storm hit.

Sheriff Randy Dodds cautioned that recovery operations would take time but assured that he was not aware of anyone still missing. Meanwhile, residents like Sandy Smith shared chilling accounts of seeking shelter while their homes crumbled around them during the storm’s onslaught.

The aftermath paints a grim picture — twisted metal wrapped around tree tops, damaged campgrounds and laundromats, roofs sheared off houses. Snowplows were dispatched to clear roads strewn with debris as communities begin to grapple with their new reality.

HAITI NIGHTMARE: Gangs Unleashed as Prisons Breached and Thousands Set Free

04 March 2024 — Haiti is grappling with a violent crisis. In a shocking turn of events, armed gang members infiltrated the nation’s two biggest prisons over the weekend, setting free thousands of prisoners. To regain control, the government has enforced a nighttime curfew.

The gangs, believed to have dominance over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, have grown alarmingly bold and organized. They are now daringly attacking previously untouched sites such as the Central Bank — an unprecedented escalation in Haiti’s ongoing battle against violence.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is pleading for international assistance in forming a UN-backed security force to stabilize Haiti. However, with only around 9,000 officers responsible for more than 11 million citizens, Haiti’s National Police force is frequently outmatched and outgunned.

The recent onslaught on state institutions has led to at least nine fatalities since Thursday — including four police officers. High-profile targets like the international airport and national soccer stadium were not spared from these coordinated attacks.

DEFEAT for Disney: Court TOSSES Lawsuit Against Governor DeSantis

01 February 2024 — On Wednesday, a significant legal victory was scored by Governor DeSantis and his administration. The court dismissed a lawsuit brought by Disney, asserting that the entertainment giant lacked the necessary standing to sue.

The basis for dismissal centered on Disney’s inability to demonstrate any imminent harm or injury directly linked to actions taken by either the Secretary or governor.

While the court acknowledged that Disney could potentially bring a case against members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CTFOD), it was determined that even then, they would not prevail.

The case in question, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts v. DeSantis (No. 4:23-cv-163), took place in the U.S. District Court for Northern Florida.

CHEMICAL ATTACK Accusations at Columbia: Israeli Soldiers in the Eye of Storm

25 January 2024 — Columbia University finds itself in a storm after two student groups, “Students for Justice in Palestine” and “Jewish Voice for Peace”, levelled accusations against Israeli soldiers. The soldiers, who are also students at the university, were accused of using a “chemical weapon” known as “skunk spray” during a protest. Pending an investigation into these allegations, the accused individuals have been temporarily barred from campus.

The accusing student groups had previously faced suspension by the university due to repeated violations of protest policies. Critics argue that Columbia has not been stringent enough when it comes to enforcing these suspensions. An unnamed student voiced their disappointment to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency saying: “The university is turning a blind eye...it’s just disappointing.”

Despite no arrests being made following a police report on the alleged chemical attack, protests continued on campus. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M Friedman expressed his dismay on Twitter: “Permitting a protest right in the middle of your campus advocating for Israel’s destruction by violent revolution? I am sickened by this!”

This incident has ignited heated discussions about balancing free speech rights with safety concerns on college campuses across America.

STORM ISHA Unleashes Fury: UK and Ireland Brace for Deadly Winds

22 January 2024 — The United Kingdom and Ireland are on high alert as Storm Isha ushers in torrential rain and potentially fatal winds. The Met Office, which serves as the national weather service, has declared a comprehensive wind warning covering virtually the entire U.K. Additionally, there’s a tornado risk looming over Northern Ireland, northern England, and certain regions of Scotland.

Meteorologist Tom Morgan cautions against “life-threatening” winds that could trigger power outages. Coastal areas might confront massive waves hurling debris onto roads while trees stand a chance of being uprooted. Gusts clocking 90 miles per hour have already been reported in Wales’ mountainous Snowdonia region.

Storm Isha is wreaking havoc on travel schedules with Scotland’s railway operator halting service from Sunday night through Monday morning’s peak hours. Network Rail is enforcing speed restrictions to ward off accidents caused by fallen trees or debris strewn across tracks. In western Ireland, locals are advised to steer clear of the coast owing to destructive gusts

This marks the ninth storm named since September to assail parts of the U.K., leading to toppled trees, power failures, and river valley floods. The harsh weather conditions persist in disrupting everyday life while posing considerable safety hazards.

NEW ENGLAND Grapples with Fierce Winter Storm: Power Outages and Treacherous Travel Conditions Unleashed

07 January 2024 — New England residents were greeted by a fierce winter storm on Sunday, prompting the need for shovels and snowblowers. The Northeast was blanketed with winter storm warnings, with treacherous icy roads reaching as far south as North Carolina.

The storm triggered power outages across the region. Over 13,000 customers in California and upwards of 16,000 in Massachusetts found themselves without electricity. By Sunday morning, some Massachusetts communities had already seen nearly a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal areas reported less snowfall while Boston recorded only a few inches. However, the snow was predicted to continue falling throughout the day with some regions receiving over a foot. The storm also affected Maine where certain areas saw up to 12 inches of snowfall.

Vermont braced for moderate to heavy ongoing snowfall expecting total accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph threatened to cause blowing and drifting snow across southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.

TOILET To TAP": California’s Bold Move to Battle Drought with Recycled Sewage Water

12 December 2023 — In a daring attempt to tackle severe droughts, California is contemplating the adoption of a new technology that recycles sewage water. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently unveiled proposed regulations for direct potable reuse — a process that swiftly transforms wastewater into drinking water within hours.

This innovative method stands apart from the current indirect potable reuse system, which gradually enhances treated wastewater through groundwater recharge or dilution with surface water.

The SWRCB is set to review testimonies on these regulations before making their final decision next week. If given the green light, “toilet to tap” projects could soon be underway in Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, and San Diego among other communities.

Anticipating these regulations, water agencies in Santa Clara, San Diego and Los Angeles have already initiated pilot projects. Globally too this concept is gaining traction — countries like Israel are also testing similar ideas while examining potential risks such as pharmaceutical byproducts reentering the public supply post-treatment.

HEARTBREAKING Havoc: Tennessee TORNADO Claims Six Lives, Leaves Dozens Wounded

11 December 2023 — Tennessee was struck by a series of deadly tornadoes over the weekend, leaving six people dead and dozens injured. The violent storms wreaked havoc across central Tennessee communities, causing extensive damage to buildings and vehicles.

Among the victims were Floridema Gabriel Pérez and her young son Anthony Elmer Mendez. Tragically, their mobile home was obliterated when another was thrown onto it during the storm’s peak. Two other children from the family miraculously survived with only minor injuries.

In Montgomery County alone, three more lives were lost including that of a child. Local medical facilities treated approximately 60 people for various injuries related to the storm. Nine of these individuals were in such critical condition they had to be transferred to a Nashville hospital.

The aftermath of the storms saw power outages affecting tens of thousands and residents picking through debris on Sunday morning. Now, emergency workers alongside community members are left with an enormous task of cleaning up in wake of this devastating event.

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.

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.

STORM BABET Unleashed: Fourth Life Claimed in UK’S Brutal Downpour

23 October 2023 — The relentless storm battering the U.K. and northern Europe has claimed a fourth life. Derbyshire Police reported an elderly woman found dead in her Chesterfield home, central England, with her death attributed to area flooding.

The River Derwent, near Derby, surged to its highest recorded level during the storm. This torrential downpour dumped an unprecedented 8 inches of rain on parts of Britain.

The storm, christened Babet by the U.K. Meteorological Office, has been wreaking havoc since Thursday. It has taken five lives across Britain, northern Germany and southern Scandinavia.

Beyond the fatalities, severe flooding forced over 300 homes to be evacuated in eastern Scotland. A North Sea oil platform had to airlift more than half its staff after four out of eight anchors came loose during Saturday’s tempest.

BRUTAL HAMAS Attack on Israeli Music Festival: An Unprecedented Horror Revealed

16 October 2023 — This past weekend, the Supernova music festival in southern Israel fell victim to a savage attack by Hamas militants. This brutal assault marked one of the first targets and resulted in widespread devastation across several towns. The attack led to at least 260 deaths, making it one of the most deadly civilian incidents in Israel’s history.

ABC News collected accounts from survivors and relatives of the missing to reconstruct this chilling event. They scrutinized and authenticated witness videos as well as security footage. Numerous festival attendees also contributed their experiences and original cell phone videos.

The pandemonium erupted just after sunrise at 6:40 a.m., signaled by initial rocket trails streaking across the sky. As crowds tried to escape by car, roads quickly became jam-packed and impassable. One witness reported close-range fire from Hamas militants while fleeing via the main road north—a claim backed up by images of their bullet-riddled vehicle.

ABC News has confirmed video evidence that emphasizes the intentional nature of this attack on Supernova. This episode marks a bleak moment in Israel’s history, spotlighting an escalating conflict with potentially wide-ranging implications.