Florida
Florida Holocaust Museum closing down until 2025 for renovations
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — People travel from all over to visit the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Starting this fall, the first phase of the Museum’s Transformative Renovation and Expansion Project will begin. The museum will be closed starting July 22.
Some of the renovations that will happen during this first phase are making more space for artifacts, enhanced security measures and a second story balcony.
The museum is a safe space for history to live. It will close its doors for the rest of the year.
“We are a leader and a loud voice in the battle against antisemitism, using the lessons of the Holocaust. Sadly, that’s not going to change either because we are needed more than ever and so, this is really a part of the growth,” said interim CEO, Michael Igel.
One of the big artifacts coming to the museum is the ship, Thor.
“The idea that Thor will now be here, the Danish rescue fishing boat, will be in the museum is really a huge moment and a huge opportunity in the history of the museum,” Igel said.
Neighboring businesses, like Florida CraftArt, said they are excited to see what’s in store for the Museum.
“We’re super excited about it, I mean, anytime there’s an expansion at a museum, it takes about that much time,” said CEO for CraftArt, Jorge Vidal. “It doesn’t surprise me and it’s great they’re able to collapse the timeline for a year.”
To keep visitors and staff extra safe, there will be enhanced security measures.
“For someone who has a mission like that, that’s so important, I would imagine they need the best security,” Vidal said.
“It’s not a shoulders down moment at all, it’s actually a look what’s about to come. So, no rest for the weary, but we’re not tired at all,” Igel said.
Even though people will not be allowed inside, the Museum will continue to be a resource for the community, and continue to share the stores of those who are no longer able to.
“We stand on the shoulders of the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust,” Igel said.
The Museum is planning to reopen in early 2025.
Florida
Central Florida feels record-breaking quake
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Florida
Florida man accused of shooting cat in eye with BB gun, killing it
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was arrested after Brevard County deputies said he shot a cat in the eye with a BB gun, killing it.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the man, who was identified as Lucas Stedman, was upset because a cat that lived in the same home didn’t get along with his cat.
“On May 11, he decided that it would be a good idea to shoot a cat in the eye with a high-powered BB gun and kill the cat,” Ivey said. “I don’t know what kind of outrageous nutjob thinks that’s a good idea.”
Steadman was taken to the Brevard County Jail.
He was charged with animal cruelty and was placed on a $50,000 bond.
Florida
Dry days numbered as summer storm chances return to Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – After a beautiful weekend and dry start to our week, Central Florida is set to see a gradual return to a more typical summertime pattern as moisture increases.
Monday will remain largely dry thanks to high pressure parked over the region. Easterly winds of 10 to 15 mph will continue to bring an onshore breeze, while dry air throughout much of the atmosphere keeps rain chances near zero. A few isolated coastal sprinkles can’t be completely ruled out, but most communities will stay rain-free, with rain chances at 10% or less.
Despite increasing cloud cover, especially across northern portions of the area, temperatures will climb into the upper 80s along the coast and the low to mid-90s inland. Overnight lows will settle into the low to mid-70s.
The weather pattern begins to shift on Tuesday and Wednesday as the atmospheric blocking pattern over the eastern United States breaks down. This will allow moisture to gradually return from the Atlantic, bringing a 20% chance of afternoon showers and storms on Tuesday and increasing to 30% to 50% by Wednesday.
Like a typical Florida summer day, the highest rain and storm chances will occur during the afternoon and early evening hours as the east coast sea breeze develops and moves inland. Conditions should become mostly dry overnight, although a few showers or storms could linger over the nearby Atlantic waters.
Temperatures will remain close to seasonal averages through midweek, with highs reaching the upper 80s along the coast and low 90s inland. As humidity rises, some interior locations could experience heat index values near 100 degrees by Wednesday.
Looking ahead to Thursday through the weekend, moisture steadily increases as a broad area of low pressure develops over the Gulf. At this point, it does not appear likely that this low will become an organized tropical system. This will support scattered to numerous afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms each day, marking a return to a more active summer weather pattern.
While temperatures are expected to stay near or slightly above normal, increasing humidity will make it feel much hotter. Heat index values exceeding 100 degrees are possible late this week and into the weekend, especially across inland communities. Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day.
Beachgoers should also be aware that a moderate risk of rip currents continues at all Central Florida beaches today. Officials recommend swimming only near lifeguards and paying close attention to posted beach safety flags and warnings.
For boaters, generally favorable marine conditions are expected through the week, with seas of 2 to 3 feet and east to southeast winds around 10 to 15 knots. However, increasing moisture will lead to a growing chance for showers and thunderstorms over the local waters beginning Tuesday, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours.
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