Florida

Agriculture commissioner urges residents to be diligent as Florida faces increased wildfire risks amid dry conditions

Published

3 months ago

December 21, 2025

Agriculture commissioner urges residents to be diligent as Florida faces increased wildfire risks amid dry conditions

FLORIDA – Florida state officials warned of heightened wildfire risks across the state as dry conditions were expected to continue into 2026.

“I’ve been with the agency a long time, and this is the driest winter that I can remember in quite a while,” Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan said during a Friday press conference.

The number of wildfires had increased significantly, with more than 3,000 reported in 2025 compared to approximately 2,000 in 2024. This surge came months before Florida’s typical peak wildfire season, which usually occurs between April and June.

50-acre wildfire in Hilliard contained, drivers still asked to use caution in area

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson emphasized that human activity was a major concern. “The majority of those fires are started by backyard fires, arson, things of that nature,” Simpson said. “We need everyone to be diligent as we come into the new year with the drier conditions.”

The dry conditions were reflected in rainfall statistics. While 2024 saw above-average precipitation with 62 inches of rain compared to the typical 52 inches, 2025 recorded only 42 inches — creating a deficit of nearly 10 inches, according to Meteorologist Michelle McCormick.

The state was increasing its investment in wildfire management. The 2024-25 budget allocated $45 million for combating wildfires, with a proposed increase to $64 million in the upcoming budget.

Multiple counties across Florida had implemented burn bans. In Duval County, burning leaves was prohibited, with violations carrying fines starting at $250. While recreational campfires using clean, dry wood grown on private property were permitted, officials urged residents to verify local restrictions before any burning activity.

“There are many counties in our state currently with burn bans. Please check with your counties before you have any fires,” Simpson advised.

Residents can check the current burn ban status through the Florida Forest Service’s online dashboard, which displays county-by-county restrictions. Counties such as Hillsborough, Orange, and Duval maintained permanent yard debris burn bans.

A recent wildfire in Hilliard, Nassau County, which consumed approximately 50 acres, served as a reminder of the current risks facing the state.

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Florida

Judge cites ‘stand your ground’ law in clearing 3 more Florida officers in shooting of a UPS driver

Published

4 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Judge cites ‘stand your ground’ law in clearing 3 more Florida officers in shooting of a UPS driver

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida judge on Monday cleared three more police officers of wrongdoing in the shooting death of a UPS driver who had been taken hostage during a 2019 robbery.

Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra ruled that Miami-Dade police officers Richard Santiesteban, Leslie Lee and Rodolfo Mirabal — who had been charged with manslaughter in the death of UPS driver Frank Ordonez — could not be prosecuted because Florida’s “stand your ground” law justified the shooting. The same judge cleared officer Jose Mateo in September for the same reason.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office said it will appeal all four rulings.

“Immunity from prosecution is not the same as a defense presented to a jury from this community,” the state attorney’s statement said. “It is our belief that Stand Your Ground immunity does not apply in matters involving innocent bystanders, like Frank Ordonez and Richard Cutshaw, who presented no danger to officers. In this incident, two innocent men were killed, and the lives of numerous other innocent bystanders were endangered.”

Cutshaw was also killed in the barrage of gunfire that afternoon.

Ordonez, 27, had been delivering packages in Miami-Dade County on Dec. 5, 2019, when police said two would-be jewelry store robbers abducted him and forced him to drive from the scene. A rush-hour police chase ended at a busy intersection in neighboring Broward County.

Prosecutors said Mateo fired the shots that killed Ordonez. The two robbers and a passerby were also killed in a hail of gunfire at an intersection in Miramar, Florida.

Footage from a body camera that was played in court showed Mateo’s pursuit of the UPS truck that afternoon. His partner could be seen in the passenger seat with a long gun drawn. The video also showed Mateo approaching the UPS truck. He emptied his firearm’s magazine, reloaded and then pulled Ordonez from the vehicle.

The judge ruled the officers had reason to believe deadly force was necessary to end the confrontation.

The four officers are currently suspended from the their jobs.

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Florida

South Florida to enjoy plenty of sunshine, warm weather this week with low rain chances

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

South Florida to enjoy plenty of sunshine, warm weather this week with low rain chances

March 23, 2026 / 7:43 AM EDT
/ CBS Miami

After a beautiful weekend across South Florida, the warm weather continues for the workweek.

A cool start mostly in the lower to mid-60s will lead to a warm and sunny afternoon with highs in the lower to mid-80s.

The forecast high temperatures in South Florida over the next seven days.

CBS News Miami

Afternoon highs linger in the lower to mid-80s each day for the workweek with changes not arriving until the weekend.

Beachgoers can expect excellent conditions with a low rip current risk as water temperatures remain in the mid-70s.

The beach forecast on Monday, March 23, 2026.

CBS News Miami

The NEXT Weather Team will continue to monitor an enhanced fire weather risk due to dry air and the ongoing drought conditions.

While there are no major wildfires being reported in South Florida, light north and northwesterly winds overnight have been bringing smoke from ongoing fires along the Gulf Coast and the Southeast U.S. into South Florida, lowering our air quality for the morning hours.

Conditions improve by midday as the wind shifts.

Warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine are expected in South Florida on Tuesday.

CBS News Miami

No significant rain chances will be found throughout the workweek with just a slim 10% shower chance Wednesday through Friday.

However, rain chances will be on the rise over the weekend as our team monitors a possible disturbance bringing the potential for scattered showers on Sunday.

These showers could help lower afternoon highs to upper 70s by the end of the weekend.

The forecast in South Florida over the next seven days.

CBS News Miami

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Florida

Florida takes lead in ICE arrests this year

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Florida takes lead in ICE arrests this year

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida has become the country’s busiest hub for immigration arrests this year, with ICE agents in the Miami Field Office — which oversees Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands — logging more detentions than any other region in the nation according to our news partners at the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

According to figures reported by the New York Times, agents under the Miami office are averaging about 120 arrests a day, totaling nearly 9,900 arrests as of March 10. That pace puts Florida well ahead of other regions experiencing federal “surge” operations, including Minnesota, where a high-profile enforcement push drew national scrutiny after two U.S. citizens were killed.

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