Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is requesting regular access to the Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility, though she says she doesn’t intend to go alone.
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“I have asked for my own monitoring access because I need a team of experts and I need to go in [on a] regular basis,” Levine Cava told CBS News Miami.
“So that is what I’ve asked for again in a letter to the director of the Division of Emergency Management today, and I hope I have an answer soon.”
The mayor’s request comes as state and federal lawmakers prepare to tour the remote facility this weekend, amid growing scrutiny over its conditions. Levine Cava has not yet been granted a scheduled visit.
Facility faces scrutiny
Located about an hour outside of Miami, the facility has drawn criticism from lawmakers and local officials who cite safety and transparency concerns.
Levine Cava said her concerns were initially referred to the Florida Division of Emergency Management by State Attorney General James Uthmeier. She emphasized the need for oversight from a professional monitoring team and expressed skepticism about the facility’s use of public funds.
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“Not productive” spending, says mayor
When asked what troubles her most about the facility, Levine Cava responded, “I think we are spending money on things that are really not productive. We need to find pathways for those who are here contributing to our society, the vast majority are here with legal permission.”
Levine Cava also noted that the state seized control of the property from Miami-Dade County, raising further questions about local authority and oversight.
No response has yet been made public by the Florida Division of Emergency Management regarding the mayor’s latest request.
Peter D’Oench is a reporter for CBS4 News. He came to CBS4 from WKRN in Nashville.
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/ CBS Miami
Grim testimony was presented Thursday in a Miami courtroom during a bond hearing for two teenagers charged as adults in the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl at an Overtown apartment building last summer.
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The testimony happened as attorneys for 13-year-old Nelson Nuñez and 12-year-old Jusiah Jones requested that the youngsters be released on bond. The case is being heard by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Richard Herschel.
Detective Louis Joseph testified that the suspects “held her down” and that the attack “went on for 30 minutes.” He said rocks were placed in her mouth to silence her during the attack and that Jones was accused of doing that.
“The victim had rocks in her mouth and spat out the rocks. The victim did not tell her father because she was afraid she would get into trouble,” Joseph stated.
Jones’s attorney argued that his client was forced by the others involved to place the rocks in the girl’s mouth and claimed Jones never participated in the sexual assault or held the girl down. The attorney said the suspects threatened to punch Jones if he did not participate and that Jones actually tried to stop the attack.
Nelson Nuñez’s brother, father, and mother testified through a translator, saying Nuñez would be well supervised if allowed out on bond, was not a danger to the community, and would not flee. They also said he had no prior criminal history. Nuñez’s soccer coach, a family member, said, “He’s a very good kid. I would say he is a follower. He does not fight or curse.”
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Nuñez is being represented by defense attorney Bijan Parwaresch, a former prosecutor.
Judge Herschel said he wanted to hear more testimony before ruling on the bond and scheduled the hearing to continue at 9 a.m. Monday.
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VITALS: The Miami Heat (38-31) and Los Angeles Lakers (44-25) Lakers meet for the second and final regular season matchup. Earlier this season, LA recorded a home win on November 2. Last season, the teams split the series, 1-1, with each squad winning on their home floor. The Heat are 34-41 all-time versus the Lakers during the regular season, including 23-14 in home games and 11-27 in road games.
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PROJECTED STARTERS
HEAT
G Davion Mitchell
G Tyler Herro
C Kel’el Ware
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F Pelle Larsson
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F Bam Adebayo
LAKERS
G Luka Doncic
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G Austin Reaves
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C DeAndre Ayton
F Marcus Smart
F LeBron James
INJURY REPORT
HEAT
Bam Adebayo: Probable – Calf
Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Available – Hip
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Andrew Wiggins: Out – Knee
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Trevor Keels: Out – G League (Two-Way)
Jahmir Young: Out – G League (Two-Way)
Vlad Goldin: Out – G League (Two-Way)
Terry Rozier: Out – Not with team
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LAKERS
Maxi Kleber: Out – Back
Drew Timme: Available – G League (Two-Way)
Chris Mañon: Available – G League (Two-Way)
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Nick Smith Jr.: Available – G League (Two-Way)
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Spread: Heat -3.5 (-110), Lakers +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Heat -146, Lakers +124
Total points scored: 239.5 (over -110, under -110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call .
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Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets: “That was disappointing to see. There were parts of the game where it was just highly competitive, both sides. Both teams were going back and forth. It was set up to be a great finish. Once they got it to 10, that’s when it really changed and the floodgates went from there.”
“So, it’s a disappointing end to that game and now we just have to focus on getting ready for Thursday. We’ll learn what we can but we have to move on and get on to the next fight and make sure we’re ready and do what we need to do for Thursday night.”
For more Miami Heat information and conversation, check out Off The Floor.
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Alexander Toledo is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI and producer/co-host of the Five on the Floor podcast, covering the Heat and NBA. He can be reached at Twitter: @tropicalblanket
Authorities identify man allegedly involved in shooting of Miami-Dade Water and Sewer employee – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
NORTH MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – Authorities are asking for the public’s help finding a man they believe was involved in the shooting of a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer employee, Tuesday.
According to authorities, 37-year-old Nathan J. Cooper pulled the trigger during a confrontation with a county employee, later identified as 33-year-old Sean Webster, which led to the man being hospitalized overnight.
Investigators said Webster got into an argument with Cooper outside a townhome on Northwest 84th Street, off Fourth Avenue in North Miami-Dade, just after 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
Webster was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. Webster’s mother told 7News his condition has been improving after being shot in the chest.
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On Wednesday, authorities say they’ve positively identified the shooter to be Cooper.
If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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