FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – School threats are on the rise across the state and now one Florida sheriff is making a stern warning to kids and their parents.

Broward County has already seen nine students arrested for making violent threats to schools since August.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood was candid and direct as he spoke to the public about this ongoing problem.

“This is absolutely out of control and it ends now,” said Chitwood. “Since parents, you don’t want to raise your kids, I’m going to start raising them. You think it’s a joke, you’re going to find your ass in handcuffs.”

Chitwood was not holding back Friday when he warned parents and students alike about making threats against schools.

“For the little bastards out there who think its funny, ha, ha, ha, I’m going to get on social media,” Chitwood said. “You ain’t that smart, you an’t that smart. You’re getting caught.”

It’s a growing problem in Volusia County and around the state.

Chitwood said his office has received 207 tips about threats to schools already this school year.

In South Florida, a similar problem. On Wednesday. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn announced the arrest of nine students for posting online threats.

“If you did an assessment of every time one of these pranks happens, we’re probably burning up about $50-60K for that operation,” said Tony. “That’s serious folks.”

Those ultimately fake threats mentioned six locations, including the Broward County School Board offices.

“It can change the trajectory of their life, often ending up in arrest and expulsion from our schools,” said Hepburn.

Florida strengthened its penalties for making threats in 2018, making it easier to charge those making the posts with felonies.

“Go talk to the families who have lost a loved one in a school shooting,” said Chitwood. “These little knuckleheads think it’s funny, go talk to those parents.”

All of those arrests in Broward County were students between the ages of 11 and 14.

All of those threats were posted online or in text messages, and all of those kids now facing possible jail time.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Homes across Florida are being stolen, many without the knowledge of the homeowner.

Criminals are committing fraud by changing property titles, even if someone already lives in the home. A recent LexisNexis study found mortgage scams were up 51% last year.

Matt Cox served 12 years in federal prison after he stole titles and used fake identities to take mortgages on property in Florida and other states. He stole tens of millions of dollars from more than 100 victims.

“I knew nobody was going to be notified and I knew that was difficult to find me after the crime had occurred,” Cox said. “I believe the FBI said it’s one of the fastest-growing property crimes out there.”

Florida politics:

Counties in Florida are trying to prevent this crime by offering a title alert program.

“Hopefully this will encourage even more people to sign up for these owner alerts in order for us to combat fraud,” Florida Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, (D) Parkland, said.

Hunschofsky said this new law is all about protecting consumers.

“We want to make sure you’re protected, to make sure nothing is happening to your property or title that could take away property from you,” Hunschofsky said.

Lawmakers considered other proposals to fight title fraud, but they died during the last legislative session. Cox said more needs to be done to prevent the crime.

“You being notified allows you to notify law enforcement and they can look for me. But even if they find me they are not going to fix the title to your home,” Cox said.

It’s hard to track title fraud because often criminals are charged with other crimes like mortgage fraud.

Residents can contact their local property appraiser to check if they have a monitoring service that notifies people of any changes to their home title.

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The Florida Gators bring a burgeoningly-explosive passing offense against a rather stingy Texas A&M pass defense. Now, both teams play their just their third game and one game versus an FCS opponent. However, players don’t control who they play. 

As a result, the numbers count just the same and the film aligns well. One thing you should expect is that SEC speed, regardless of team, is really a constant. Even Vanderbilt can boast fast skill position players. This matchup, between the Florida passing game and the Aggies’ pass defense, looms large in determining who walks away with the victory.

Sound Tackling

Normally, college defensive backs would rather chew glass than tackle without help. Yet, the Aggies will make the open field tackle without hesitation. They drive down and secure the stop. After the catch, within arm’s reach, the A&M defenders are sure tacklers. Furthermore, the Gators need to expect a fight from snap to whistle. 

TAMU brings a bully aspect to the field. While Florida will lean on speed and quickness, the Aggies will never care. Florida needs to use their explosion to negate this trait. Yet, it looks as though the offense, or at least, this week’s version doesn’t lend itself to progress.

Reversion to Mediocrity

With Billy Napier expected to reinstate Graham Mertz as the starter, that shortens the field for the Aggies. Linebackers won’t need to deepen their drops. Additionally, defensive backs can hang back a bit. 

Mertz will not threaten the Aggies vertically. Now, he truly should, but too often, he errs on the side of caution. Despite the litany of explosive options on offense, Mertz chooses the absolute opposite approach. When DJ Lagway enters the game, expecting a much different tact. Florida will take the chance to throw the ball vertically.

Serious Advantage

On paper and on film, the Florida passing game should easily dispatch the TAMU pass defense. Of the nine players that caught a pass over the first two games, six averaged over fourteen yards per reception. Meanwhile, the Aggies cannot stand toe-to-toe with Florida receivers. That includes tight end Arlis Boardingham, who provides an immediate issue for coverage linebackers and safeties.

In this game, two Florida players look primed for monster receiving days. First, Trey Wilson broke out against Samford with six catches and 143 yards with a touchdown. Next, Boardingham will find open spots and the opportunities to turn upfield and make big plays. All he needs is the ball.

Outcome

Florida, by whatever metric you choose, from a passing offense standpoint should enjoy a big day ahead of them. Their biggest opponent will not wear maroon and white. Instead, the offense and play calling remain the elephant in the room and hold this unit back. Can Florida overcome coaching decisions as well as the Aggie pass defense?