Florida
Florida wildlife officials warn more black bear sightings expected during this season
Bill would make it legal to kill bears
A bill that will be discussed in the Florida Legislature on Tuesday would allow people to shoot bears on their property if it’s in self-defense. However, bear advocates plan to travel to Tallahassee to voice their opposition.
ORLANDO, Fla. – You may see a potential increase in black bear sightings this season.
During this time of year, more bears are spotted in suburban and urban areas, including in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and other portions of Florida, as juvenile bears start to leave their mother’s home in search of new locations to settle down, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC).
“Juvenile or yearling bears – between the ages of 1½ -2½ – start dispersing in spring and summer each year,” FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando, said in a press release. “The best thing people can do if they see a bear in an unexpected area is to give them plenty of space and to never approach or feed them and they will typically move along on their own.”
TRENDING: Video shows battle between swimming bear and 2 Florida gators
When Florida Attacks: How to live with bears
FOX 35 talks with Mike Orlando, the lead bear program manager with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, about bears in Central Florida. How many are there? Where do they go? Why do we see them in backyards? And do bears attack, and why?
Though you may see the curious creature in unexpected places, like your residential neighborhood, wildlife officials said it should not cause for alarm. It is important, however, for residents to secure items such as food and garbage, pet food and bird feeders, which could attract a bear.
The FWC said the black bear is not typically aggressive, but will defend itself if it feels threatened.
MORE: Big bear wanders inside Florida home and is scared off by homeowner
It’s also important to keep dogs close when walking them and to be aware of your surroundings, to prevent a problem with the wild animal.
If you are having an issue with a bear, spot one that is injured or dead, or know of someone feeding them, you’re asked to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
A Florida woman confessed to stabbing her 76-year-old roommate to death before covering his body with a tarp, stealing his truck and driving away from the scene, according to authorities.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Shannon R. Giblin, 48.
Shannon R. Giblin (Photo: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office)
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said deputies were dispatched to a home on Sunday after they received a report about a person who was not breathing. When they arrived at the home, they found a man, later identified as Paul De Wayne Bradley, who was dead.
Police said they tracked Giblin down in Bradley’s truck, which was missing from the driveway, in Sarasota County.
“As Charlotte County detectives questioned Giblin, she provided a confession to stabbing Bradley following an argument,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said in the release.
“After realizing that the victim was beyond help, Giblin then covered Bradley with a tarp and left the scene in the victim’s pickup truck,” Prummell added.
Online jail records show Giblin was charged with second-degree murder, as well as grand theft of a motor vehicle.
“I want to recognize my Major Crimes detectives who worked this case through the night and identified the suspect quickly,” Prummell said. “They truly show a dedication to their craft and the results are irrefutable. I also want to thank the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for their quick actions in locating and detaining her based on the intelligence my team was able to share. As I have always said, Southwest Florida is fortunate to have law enforcement who work together so effectively for the people we serve.”
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Giblin is being held without bond, according to the release.
There are two No Kings protests planned for the Treasure Coast; one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce.
No Kings Day protests are scheduled for March 28, with over a thousand protests planned across the United States.
Organizers say the No Kings events will challenge President Donald Trump as he escalates “his attempts to control us.” Dozens of protests are planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast.
Here’s what to know about the protests.
What is a No Kings protest?
No Kings is a nationwide protest organized in response to President Donald Trump and his administration.
“It is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country,” according to the nokings.org website. “If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken.”
One core principle of No Kings is a commitment to nonviolent action. The organization’s website states participants should seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with dissenters and act lawfully.
No Kings protest in Stuart
No Kings protest in Fort Pierce
No Kings protests in Florida
There are dozens of protests planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast, with one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce. Find a protest near you.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
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