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Shelter dog dies in Miami-Dade County facility amid criticism over heat and conditions

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Shelter dog dies in Miami-Dade County facility amid criticism over heat and conditions


A recent death inside a Miami-Dade County animal shelter is sparking outrage among animal advocates who are calling for immediate changes to shelter conditions — particularly at an overflow facility in Medley.

Rocky, a 3 to 4-year-old black pit bull mix, died over the weekend while housed at the Medley shelter. Miami-Dade Animal Services confirmed his passing and said the exact cause of death remains under investigation, though they have sent samples to a lab for analysis.

“Our staff and volunteers both felt the loss of Rocky,” said Annette Jose, director of Miami-Dade County’s shelter system. “He was a very affectionate, cuddly dog, and they’re grieving his loss.”

According to shelter staff, Rocky appeared to be alert and playful Saturday morning. But by midday, a volunteer noticed the dog was lying down and had vomited.

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Rocky was rushed to the on-site clinic, where he received IV fluids. When his condition did not improve, he was taken to the main Doral shelter for further care. A veterinarian there determined he could not recover, and Rocky was humanely euthanized.

Animal rights advocates are already pointing fingers at the shelter’s infrastructure and rising temperatures.

“The conditions, the heat — especially during Miami’s extreme heat waves — are taking a toll. The dogs are suffering,” said Nicolette Acosta, a concerned citizen.

Photos taken inside the shelter by a former volunteer show kennel thermometers reading 91 degrees. Large yellow fans are visible, but critics say they’re ineffective.

“Fans that I witnessed were blowing past kennels into a concrete wall,” said Melissa French, a former volunteer. “They were placed horizontally, offering no relief for the animals—and no plan.”

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In response, the shelter director defended the facility, describing it as an open-air building with large industrial fans running continuously. Jose also emphasized the availability of cold water, shaded play areas, and small pools to help the animals stay cool.

“We’re providing the best care we can,” she said, acknowledging the challenges of operating during an overpopulation crisis.

Miami-Dade Animal Services is urging the public to consider adopting or fostering pets to help reduce overcrowding and improve conditions for the animals in their care.



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Miami, FL

Hundreds of Caribbean flights canceled, leaving travelers stranded at Miami International Airport

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Hundreds of Caribbean flights canceled, leaving travelers stranded at Miami International Airport


Travel disruptions continued Sunday at Miami International Airport after hundreds of flights to and from the Caribbean were canceled, leaving passengers stranded, separated from their luggage, and scrambling to salvage vacation plans.

The Federal Aviation Administration closed airspace in and around Venezuela following the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, triggering a ripple effect across Caribbean travel routes.

By Sunday, long lines had formed inside MIA as travelers waited hours to track down luggage that had been sent ahead — even though their flights never took off.

“As you can see, there’s a lot of people, and apparently thousands and thousands of bags,” said Jennifer Heimann, who was traveling from Tampa.

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Heimann and her family were scheduled to sail on a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands. Their flight to St. Thomas was canceled, but their luggage still made the trip.

“They said, ‘Your bags are in St. Thomas,’ and I said, ‘Wait — our bags are there and we’re not?’” Heimann said. “We can’t even get a flight until Thursday, and they just sent the bags ahead.”

The family is now renting a car to drive back to Tampa and hoping their luggage eventually finds its way home.

Similar frustrations were echoed by other travelers across the terminal.

The Cookson family, traveling from Tyler, Texas, had their flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico canceled just before they were set to board a cruise.

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“They’re shipping our bags out to the Caribbean and not allowing us to retrieve them,” said Pamela Cookson. “We don’t know when we’re going to get our luggage.”

American Airlines says it added six additional flights out of Miami, bringing the total to roughly two dozen extra flights and nearly 5,000 additional seats to help impacted customers. Even so, many passengers told CBS News Miami the earliest rebooking available wasn’t until Thursday.

Susan Daniel, traveling from Little Rock, Arkansas to St. Croix, said the delays forced her family to make last-minute arrangements.

“We had to Uber, leave our bags, get an Airbnb, then come back today, take another Uber, and stand in this long line just to hopefully get our bags and our computers — everything we need,” Daniel said.

Some travelers reported waiting hours in one line, only to be directed into another long wait for their luggage. Others tried to make the best of the situation.

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“Guess we’re vacationing in Miami now for three days or something like that,” said Jake Boylin, who was traveling from St. Louis. “Then going back home and rescheduling the trip.”

The next unanswered question for many travelers: whether they’ll be reimbursed for canceled trips, hotels, and cruises.

Travel experts advise passengers to keep all receipts and documentation in case refunds or reimbursements become available.



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Miami, FL

Venezuela supporters join Cuban Americans in Miami show of solidarity

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Venezuela supporters join Cuban Americans in Miami show of solidarity


In Little Havana, Cuban and Venezuelan Americans gathered outside an iconic restaurant to show solidarity following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. Crowds waved Cuban and Venezuelan flags throughout the afternoon and evening, describing the moment as one they had hoped for over decades.



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Miami, FL

Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputy opens fire on vehicle after altercation during traffic stop, officials say

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Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputy opens fire on vehicle after altercation during traffic stop, officials say



An investigation is underway in Northwest Miami-Dade after the sheriff’s office said a deputy opened fire after an altercation occurred during a traffic stop on Sunday night.

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According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, a deputy received an alert about a stolen vehicle Sunday evening and eventually located the vehicle in the area of NW 17th Avenue and NW 95th Street in West Little River and conducted a traffic stop.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that as the deputy approached the vehicle, an altercation began, and the deputy opened fire, striking the vehicle.

That vehicle then fled the scene and was located nearby.

The sheriff’s office said a gun was located inside the vehicle, and the driver fled the scene.

That person is still at large as of early Monday morning, officials said.

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The deputy was not injured in the incident, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).



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