Florida
Giant sinkholes open up around Florida after Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton produced dozens of tornadoes and rainfall estimates that topped more than a foot across west-central Florida, but a sight now opening up across many counties is that of sinkholes.
Large sinkholes were reported in both Polk and Hillsborough counties, where local authorities warned residents to stay alert in the aftermath of the storm, as the terrain features can expand without warning.
Photos shared by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office showed pipes, part of a sidewalk and a roadway all being devoured by a sinkhole in the residential community southeast of Tampa.
The sheriff’s office didn’t report any damage to homes, and the road to the community was shut down with signs and caution tape.
Due to the location of the event, a local resident said they were virtually trapped in their neighborhood and had to walk around the giant depression.
It’s a similar sight further east in Polk County, where a large hole opened between two homes in a community between Lakeland and Zephyrhills.
A homeowner told Tampa’s FOX 13 that their dog woke them up barking when their yard started to give way during the overnight hours.
No one was reported injured, but a truck and part of a garage were devoured by the hole, which threatens to cause more damage in the neighborhood.
Central Florida is no stranger to these events and is often referred to as the sinkhole capital of the U.S.
During Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, dozens of sinkholes developed across northern-central Florida.
Sinkholes can form during episodes of heavy rainfall because of the increase in the weight of the surface soil, leading to underground erosion and the creation of voids.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, long term weathering of limestone plays a significant role in changes to the terrain.
Depressions and holes caused by broken drainpipes, septic tanks and improperly compacted soil are often misclassified as sinkholes.
According to the Chief Financial Officer, not all homeowners’ policies provide coverage for sinkholes, but all licensed insurance companies in the state must offer special coverage.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Trump threatens tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba
Trump warned Cuba to reach an agreement with the U.S. after signing an executive order to impose tariffs on countries that supply the island with oil.
HAVANA (Reuters) – Four people were killed and seven others were wounded on Feb. 25 after a speedboat from Florida entered Cuban waters and opened fire on Cuban forces, who returned fire, Cuba’s Interior Ministry said.
All four dead were aboard the Florida-based speedboat, and another six were injured, Cuba said. In addition, the Cuban commander of border patrol boat was wounded, Cuba said.
The wounded foreign attackers were evacuated and received medical attention, Cuba said.
The incident took place amid heightened tension between Cuba and the United States, which has blocked virtually all oil shipments to the island, increasing pressure on the Communist-run government. American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 3, removing a key Cuban ally from power.
“Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region,” the Cuban statement said.
Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Havana.
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