Miami, FL
Miami Beach makes history with appointment of first female fire chief
MIAMI – History has been made in the City of Miami Beach with the appointment of a new fire chief.
“Today I said, before you with the most gratitude and profound humility, as I accept the appointment as a 14th fire chief of Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Fire Deputy Chief Digna Abello.
After 19 years with the city of Miami Beach Fire Department, Abello has just been appointed the 14th fire chief and the first female fire chief in the county.
“There is no doubt in my mind that she is ready and prepared to take on this new role,” said Rickelle Williams, Miami Beach Interim City Manager.
It’s a role outgoing Chief Virgil Fernandez served for 10 years, including his 42 of service in the city of Miami, as well, as Hollywood.
“I thank, the mayor, the vice mayor, commissioners… Thank you for your support throughout the years thank you to the residents and businesses, some of whom are more than just friends, but family,” Chief Virgil Fernandez Miami Beach Fire said.
Abello will be following in his footsteps to serve the city she is so proud of.
“This city doesn’t discriminate, doesn’t look at who you are, where you’re from and we all have that same equal opportunity to drive and succeed,” said Abello.
Chief Fernandez will officially be stepping down, effective July 1st.
Miami, FL
South Florida mother arrested for leaving daughter chained to fence, police say
Miami, FL
3 hurt in fire on Lincoln Road that started underground
Three people were hurt after a building caught fire on Lincoln Road on Sunday, according to authorities.
The Miami Beach Fire Department said it was working a fire near 230 Lincoln Road.
The flames had spread from a fire in a manhole that “ignited an FPL vault of an adjacent building,” officials said.
Three people were taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center with minor injuries.
The building was evacuated, and FPL has shut off power to the surrounding area, the fire department said.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area of Collins Avenue between 16th and 17th streets while crews worked the scene.
Miami, FL
“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Tommie Lee among 6 arrested during World Cup match in Miami, sheriff says
Reality television personality Tommie Lee — whose real name is Atasha Jefferson — best known for her appearances on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” was among six people arrested during the England vs. Norway FIFA World Cup match in Miami on Saturday, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said 60,024 fans attended the match. Deputies also reported 19 ejections from the stadium, adding that all incidents were isolated and handled quickly.
Authorities have not yet released the circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest or any charges she may face.
A social media account that regularly reports celebrity news claimed Sunday that Jefferson was arrested July 11 and released July 12 after posting a $1,000 bond. The post also alleged she is facing a felony charge of interference with a sporting or entertainment event and said she later shared a video on Snapchat appearing to be in good spirits after her release.
What we don’t know
CBS News has not independently verified those claims, including the reported charge, bond amount or release information, and Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not publicly confirmed those details.
CBS News has also not independently verified what led to the encounter, and the sheriff’s office has not said what prompted deputies to take Jefferson into custody.
CBS News has requested Jefferson’s arrest report, booking information and any charging documents from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. A request for comment has also been sent to Jefferson’s representatives.
Reality TV star’s legal troubles in South Florida amid World Cup festivities
Jefferson rose to national prominence as one of the breakout personalities on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” before later appearing on several Zeus Network reality series, where she has remained a frequent cast member.
This is not Jefferson’s first legal issue in South Florida. In 2024, she was arrested in Miami Beach on a battery charge following an incident outside LIV Nightclub. Court records from that case alleged she physically confronted another person before officers took her into custody.
Saturday’s arrest comes as Miami continues hosting FIFA World Cup matches that have drawn tens of thousands of fans from around the world. Despite the arrests and ejections, the sheriff’s office said the event proceeded safely and described the incidents as isolated.
This is a developing story. CBS News will update this article as additional information, including the exact circumstances surrounding Jefferson’s arrest and any charges, becomes available.
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