THREAD: matagorda texas tropical

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.

TEXAS PANHANDLE On Edge: Immigration Uncertainty Sparks Anxiety

30 April 2025 — A Haitian couple in the Texas Panhandle is facing a wave of worry as immigration policies change. Kevenson Jean and his wife escaped violence in Haiti and found jobs at a local meatpacking plant. Now, they fear for their future after President Trump moved to end some legal immigration programs.

Jean says he isn’t taking jobs from Americans and enjoys living in Texas, working as a truck driver. His wife works two food service jobs while learning English, hoping for stability.

The couple followed all the rules but now feel singled out by new policy shifts. Their story shows how fear is spreading among immigrant families across rural Texas.

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.

TEXAS HORROR: Janitor’s Deadly Deeds Leave 13 Infected

21 March 2025 — Lucio Catarino Diaz, 57, admitted to using a deadly weapon after contaminating water bottles with bodily fluids at a Houston medical office. His plea deal led to a six-year state prison sentence. Other charges were dropped as part of the agreement, court records show.

Diaz, who has herpes and hepatitis A, infected at least 13 women. He urinated in or tainted water bottles on women’s desks. A hidden camera caught him in the act, leading to his arrest and confession.

Judge Teiva Bell’s ruling includes credit for 880 days served while awaiting trial. Diaz might be eligible for parole in 215 days. The affected women have filed a $1 million lawsuit against Diaz and others involved for damages caused by his actions.

Diaz’s citizenship status is unclear as immigration officials haven’t confirmed any records with ICE yet. Though listed as a U.S. citizen, documents hint at potential immigration issues discussed during his plea due to non-citizen warnings from his attorney.

CYCLONE ALFRED’S Fury: Australia Braces for Rare Storm Impact

09 March 2025 — Cyclone Alfred has been DOWNGRADED to a tropical low as it hits Australia’s east coast. The storm neared Brisbane, leading to evacuation orders due to harsh weather. Heavy rain and strong winds are affecting millions in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Meteorologists expect over 200mm of rainfall in the coming days as the system slows and moves inland. Authorities report a man missing in floodwaters linked to the cyclone’s impact. Local kids are taking shelter from large waves on the Gold Coast, showing community worries.

This is the first time in 51 years that a tropical cyclone has approached Australia’s east coast, making it significant. Residents brace for more rough weather as they face this rare event.

CYCLONE ALFRED’S Fury: Families Flee as Storms Rage in Australia

08 March 2025 — Tropical Cyclone Alfred has weakened to a tropical low near Brisbane. It was set to be the first cyclone since 1974 to hit Australia’s east coast, but its impact is still significant.

Authorities have ordered evacuations due to severe wind and rain hitting the east coast. A man is missing in floodwaters, showing the storm’s dangerous conditions.

Children took refuge behind a breakwall in Coolangatta on March 7, 2025, as waves pounded the area. This situation highlights the ongoing threat of extreme weather events in Australia.

“CYCLONE Alfred’s WRATH: Brisbane Braces for Historic Storm”

08 March 2025 — Tropical Cyclone ALFRED has weakened to a tropical low as it approaches Brisbane. It was initially expected to hit on Saturday, marking the first cyclone near Queensland’s capital since 1974.

Severe weather is already causing chaos, with strong winds and rain pounding the east coast. Authorities have issued evacuation orders after reports of a man missing in floodwaters.

Residents are seeking shelter from turbulent seas, highlighting the storm’s potential dangers. This significant weather event is the first cyclone in 51 years to approach Brisbane’s coastline.

MEASLES OUTBREAK in Texas: Shocking Surge Raises Alarm

26 February 2025 — The MEASLES outbreak in rural West Texas has climbed to 124 confirmed cases across nine counties. The state health department announced this concerning rise on Tuesday. Currently, 18 people are hospitalized due to the outbreak.

Local health officials are stunned by the severity of the situation. One resident remarked, “I’ve never seen it this close, ever.” The outbreak’s impact has drawn national media attention as officials work hard to contain the crisis.

Concerns over vaccination rates and public health measures have been highlighted by this outbreak. Health authorities urge vaccinations and increased public awareness to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.

SAN CLEMENTE’S Bold Move: Stopping Illegal Immigration at its Shores

17 February 2025 — San Clemente is taking a stand against illegal immigration by teaming up with border authorities to watch its beaches. The city wants to stop illegal entries using small boats called pangas. City Manager Andy Hall is working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on this effort.

Mayor Steve Knoblock stressed the importance of adding surveillance cameras along the city’s 7-mile coastline. He believes these cameras will help deter illegal immigration and other crimes. “Recently, we’ve seen more pangas landing on our beach,” Knoblock shared with Fox News Digital.

Right now, San Clemente has cameras on its pier for marine safety but none watching ocean activity directly. The City Council decided to look into upgrading technology and turning existing cameras toward the water during a recent meeting, following warnings from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about increased panga sightings used for smuggling in Southern California since 2021.

VENEZUELAN GANG’S Chaos: US Communities Under Threat

17 October 2024 — In New York City, kids as young as 11 are reportedly involved in violent robberies linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua (TdA). Surveillance footage from Aurora, Colorado shows a brutal attack on a worker by men refusing to accept a bribe. In Texas, two foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly planning to transport firearms for criminal use.

These incidents highlight the growing influence of TdA across the United States. The gang has gained notoriety through violent crimes that have alarmed law enforcement and policymakers. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas has been vocal about the threat posed by TdA, especially in border communities unprepared for such brutality.

Gonzales and other GOP lawmakers have urged President Biden to designate TdA as a Transnational Criminal Organization. They warn that if unchecked, the gang could unleash terror similar to its impact in Central and South America. The gang’s activities include drug trafficking and human trafficking, leaving devastation across multiple countries.

Authorities caution that Tren De Aragua’s criminal operations pose an increasing danger to American communities nationwide. With its roots in Venezuela’s prisons, this “thug-for-hire” organization is spreading chaos from major cities like New York City down to small towns along border states like Texas.

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

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.

TEXAS TRAGEDY: Woman Found Dead, Wrapped in Bedding Inside Closet

22 April 2024 — Omar Lucio, 34, is facing murder charges after the body of 27-year-old Corinna Johnson was found concealed in his apartment. FOX 4 Dallas reported that Johnson’s body was discovered wrapped in bedding and hidden away in a closet. The Garland Police Department received a distressing 911 call that led them to the scene.

Upon their arrival at Lucio’s home on W. Wheatland Road, he initially refused to exit his residence. After negotiating for about an hour, Lucio finally surrendered and was taken into custody by the responding officers.

Inside the residence, law enforcement followed a trail of blood leading from the front door to a bedroom closet where they uncovered Johnson’s body among Lucio’s bedding. This grim find has resulted in severe charges being filed against him according to court documents.

TEXAS Villain SLAPPED With Capital Murder Charge in Heartbreaking Audrii Cunningham Case

21 February 2024 — Don Steven McDougal, a 42-year-old man with a criminal past from Texas, now faces the grim reality of a capital murder charge. This comes after the devastating discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s lifeless body in the Trinity River near Livingston.

McDougal found himself in police custody on February 16th for an unrelated aggravated assault charge. However, he had been under scrutiny since February 15th when Audrii failed to show up for her school bus.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed the dreadful find. He made a firm commitment to meticulously process all evidence to ensure justice prevails for young Audrii.

Living behind Audrii’s residence in a trailer and known as a family friend, McDougal is now charged with taking the life of someone aged between 10 and 15.

TEXAS BORDER Rally: Unleashing Patriotic Fervor & Standing Strong for Law Enforcement

04 February 2024 — The “Take Our Border Back Rally” was a vibrant scene of patriotism and support for law enforcement. Media from across the nation flocked to this small ranch, which was alive with food trucks, vendors selling patriotic merchandise, and a stage featuring Christian music.

Attendees, many donned in red, white, and blue or displaying Trump-supporting gear, reveled in the music and speeches. They traveled from various states including Texas, Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and New York to voice their demand for a secure border under a sea of flags supporting former President Donald Trump.

Treniss Evans — one of the event’s organizers — told Breitbart Texas that this rally aimed to back all law enforcement officers working along the border — both federal and state officials alike. The rally is set to remain stationed in Quemado without crossing into Eagle Pass city limits.

Evans made it clear that their group had no plans to disrupt law enforcement operations in Eagle Pass or impede local commuters’ mobility within the city. This declaration comes amid recent media focus on a seized city border park.

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.

TEXAS STRIKES Back: Governor Abbott Signs Tough Laws to Tackle Illegal Immigration

19 December 2023 — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has enacted three stringent laws aimed at halting illegal immigration. These laws, passed in two special sessions this fall, are part of a broader strategy to stem the tide of migrants from Mexico. The governor announced on Twitter that unlawful entry into Texas is now a crime with potential penalties including deportation or imprisonment.

The bill signing event in Brownsville saw the attendance of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd among other border officials. However, House Speaker Dade Phelan was conspicuously absent. Senate Bill 4 from the fourth special session criminalizes unauthorized entry into Texas from foreign countries.

This state legislation mirrors federal statute Title 8 of the United States Code 1325 but takes it a step further by allowing for sentences up to two decades for violators. It also includes mechanisms for deporting offenders back to their home countries and offers legal protection to local and state officials enforcing these rules. Critics claim that current federal immigration laws are not being sufficiently enforced under the present administration.

With these new measures — including funding for wall construction and harsher penalties for human smuggling — Texas is

TEXAS Supreme Court DISMISSES Abortion Challenge: Pregnant Woman with Fetal Anomaly Forced to Leave State

12 December 2023 — Kate Cox, a pregnant woman from Texas, found herself in a dire situation when her unborn child was diagnosed with trisomy 18 — a fatal condition. With the state’s strict abortion ban in place, she had no choice but to leave Texas and seek an abortion elsewhere. This happened just before the Texas Supreme Court rejected her challenge against the stringent abortion legislation.

Cox spent nearly a week trying to get court approval for ending her pregnancy due to health risks and potential fertility issues in the future. However, Attorney General Ken Paxton argued that Cox didn’t provide enough evidence that her pregnancy complications were life-threatening.

Even after leaving Texas, Cox’s case was dismissed by the state Supreme Court. The court ruled that while Cox’s pregnancy complications were severe, they didn’t pose an immediate threat to her life as required by law for an exception.

The Center for Reproductive Rights represented Cox during this ordeal. They reported that she had been frequently visiting emergency rooms due to health concerns related to her pregnancy. However, they did not reveal where she eventually went for the procedure.