Florida
College students across Florida are receiving their diplomas
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – More than 10-thousand graduates from all 50 states as well as 86 other countries are receiving their diplomas from the University of Florida during tonight’s commencement ceremony.
UF President Ben Sasse went on to say that 719 of those students are first-generation graduates.
National Geographic photographer and former Gator graduate ‘Carlton Ward Junior’ was the keynote speaker tonight.
He is recognized and known for his photography, capturing images of the rare Florida panther.
Students at Santa Fe College walked to claim their diplomas after completing their AA, AS, and Bachelor’s degrees.
1-thousand 5-hundred and 65 students graduated during the college’s commencement ceremony.
College President Paul Brodie highlighted the accomplishments of Daniel Wilson, who he says despite being a full-time caregiver for his daughter, volunteering at the Children’s Table, and being a former marine, he was able to receive his degree after some years.
And more than 300 students graduated from Florida Gateway College in Lake City today.
Guest speakers included student government president Zamaria Granado of Branford and Zoey Nettles who is taking her Associate’s degrees to ‘Flagler College’ in Saint Augustine.
Special graduates who were acknowledged included members of FGC’s ‘national champion’ flag football team.
Graduation ceremonies underway in North Central Florida
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Florida
Florida Attorney General warns about upcoming ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody is set to provide a warning on Thursday about the upcoming “100 Deadly Days of Summer.”
That refers to the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is nationally considered the most dangerous time for teen drivers.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, this timeframe typically sees a huge increase in fatal crashes among teen drivers — hence the name.
While Florida’s deadliest month for teen drivers is actually in March — thanks to Spring Break and St. Patrick’s Day — Moody is planning to warn parents about the risks posed to their teens during this 100-day stretch.
FHSMV reports that as of May 5, over 200,000 Florida teens ages 15-19 are driving with a learner’s license.
In a release from Moody’s office, state officials said that Moody will be joined by the following people during her declaration:
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Florida Highway Patrol Col. Gary Howze
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Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving Program Manager Sharon Hall
The news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Land O’ Lakes at the FHP Suncoast Operations Center.
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Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
Florida
Florida skate rink owner says canceled party sparked riot involving kids: 'They came to fight'
A riot broke out at a Florida skate rink after the venue called off what was supposed to be a child’s birthday party. Now, the rink owner is speaking out and is set to discuss the incident with law enforcement.
Chris Manganias, owner of Astro Skating Center in Hillsborough County, explained on “Fox & Friends First” that the event was booked as a child’s party from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., but a manager saw the clients were advertising the event online as a teen dance party.
Manganias said the clients violated their contract by advertising the event without approval and failing to hire an off-deputy officer for security, which the rink requires for teen events.
He then decided to cancel the event entirely.
FLORIDA MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER AT 19 RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL, CALLING FOR MORE POLICE AND YOUTH RESOURCES
“So we exercised our option, called [the client] on Friday, gave her her money back,” he explained.
“She screamed and cussed, carried on, called us all sorts of filthy names. And then on Saturday started posting on social media platforms to ‘go to the skating rink and give the police and the skating rink a hard time.’ And that’s what they did.”
Police say as many as 400 people showed up, and the situation escalated to a massive brawl.
“It’s a different world, man. You’ve got 12, 13, 14-year-old kids cussing, screaming, threatening the police. And then the mamas come and say that, ‘Oh they’re just children.’ And I’ve been dealing with children my whole life. What you see on that camera? Those are not children.”
Footage provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows dozens of people fist fighting, breaking through windows, and shocking violence.
Manganias said a crowd gathered outside the rink after being denied entry, but when efforts were made to disperse the large group, violence broke out.
Police ultimately arrested 23 juveniles and six adults.
“The climate has changed dramatically with the teenagers,” he said, adding that many rinks don’t host events on Friday or Saturday nights at all.
FLORIDA MAN ON THE RUN FROM POLICE FOR 2 MONTHS FOUND HIDING IN CLOTHES DRYER: ‘TUMBLE-READY’
“When the crowd smells like marijuana, when there’s nothing but profanity, all sorts of those words that we’re not allowed to use – that’s my call. And I said, ‘look, we’re done. We’re not going to let any more people in.’”
“They dispersed, but then they went up and down the block attacking people and destroying people’s businesses. So this is the climate right now with that element.”
Manganias said security was on-site when the violence broke out, as his rinks always employ off-duty officers, but the crowd didn’t seem to care.
“If you look at these videos of these people fighting up and down the street, none of them have roller skates in their hands. None of them have skates on their feet. They came to fight. That’s what they do,” he said.
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Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
Florida
Sunshine dominates forecast as Florida heats up. How hot for the holiday weekend?
ORLANDO, Fla. – A large surface high will continue to build in over the eastern seaboard, promoting warmer and drier conditions Wednesday and Thursday across Central Florida.
With a steady onshore flow, a dominant east coast sea breeze is forecast to push inland Wednesday afternoon, keeping a few isolated showers developing inland. Coverage both days stands at 5-10%.
Afternoon temperatures are expected to warm up a bit on Wednesday — into the upper 80s along the coast and the low 90s further inland.
By the Memorial Day holiday weekend, temperatures will soar to near record highs, reaching the upper 90s west of I-95 and the upper 80s along the coast. Heat index values are forecast to run between 97-102 degrees on Friday, and to 100-107 degrees by Monday, nearing heat advisory criteria.
As you prepare and plan for your long holiday weekend festivities, remember to have ways to stay cool. Make sure you take frequent breaks in the water or in other cooler places while remaining hydrated.
Rain chances through the outlook remain low at 10-20%.
Tropical Update
The latest tropical outlook shows no tropical development expected in the next two to seven days. Hurricane season officially begins in 10 days.
On Thursday, NOAA will issue its official 2024 Hurricane Season forecast.
Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
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