Miami, FL
Veteran plants flags in Miami City Cemetery with fallen veterans, aims to restore headstones
MIAMI — Alex Kruger-Dobrota has come to plant flags at the Miami City Cemetery for the last 11 years on Memorial Day weekend.
“I don’t see any other reason to celebrate besides honoring those who gave everything to sacrifice,” Alex said.
Each is a symbol of those who gave months, years, or their life for their country. He came across the headstone of a veteran who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
“If you’ve been through all of that, which is I think the worst of the wars then this is a man who gave it all,” Alex said.
He used to plant the flags with his friend Dalton, who he served with in the U.S. Marines. Dalton passed away two years ago from an overdose. Alex says he was having trouble living a less rigid life than that in the military.
“If you don’t have that anymore, you find alternatives to fill that void,” Dalton said. “And a lot of people in the Military turn to whatever reason to fill that void whether it’s adrenaline sports or drugs.”
The site reminds him of a seven-month tour in Afghanistan. Alex was a sniper and remembers how IEDs were hidden all over the town he was in.
“Two of my good friends from my old unit, unfortunately, were killed in action,” Alex said. “Two buddies had both their legs amputated. The sergeant had his hand taken away. And I think about that almost every day.”
There are veterans buried here that date all the way back to the Spanish-American war. The Local VFW in Miami Beach is starting a campaign where they restore some of these headstones, to keep the memory of these veterans alive.
Miami Beach’s VFW Commander Larry Leitner says it could take years to restore the headstones at the cemetery. He says Many are overdue,
“Some other cases, the headstones are falling below the ground,” Leitner said. “And they’re almost completely covered.”
Alex came across one headstone that was buried under so much dirt that you could barely see it.
“It’s kind of hidden,” Alex said. “His life isn’t really being honored in this way.”
Alex says repairing these stones is the least he can do. A survivor of war, honoring those who didn’t make it back.
“You learn the value of life,” Alex said. “The people that gave it all. They did that so that we can enjoy our life.”
Drew Rasmussen allowed one hit in seven dominant innings, Junior Caminero reached base five times and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Miami Marlins 6-0 on Friday night.
Caminero doubled and walked twice and singled and Cedric Mullings homered for the Rays. Ryan Vilade had two hits and two RBIs while Yandy Díaz had three singles.
Rasmussen (5-2) struck out a season-high nine and retired 17 straight after allowing Javier Sanoja’s opposite-field single to right in the second. The right-hander was lifted after 87 pitches.
Two of Rasmussen’s five victories this season have been against Miami. Rasmussen completed 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball in a 6-3 win at Tampa Bay on May 17.
It was Caminero’s second game of the season that he reached base five times. Caminero had four walks and singled in Tampa Bay’s 9-7 loss against St. Louis on opening day.
After being swept at home by Detroit in a three-game set, the Rays had 12 hits in the series opener against Miami.
Cam Booser relieved Rasmussen and pitched the eighth around a walk to Jakob Marsee. Cole Sulser allowed a leadoff single in the ninth then closed to complete the two-hitter.
The Rays struck quickly against Marlins starter Ryan Gusto (0-1) when Richie Palacios hit a two-run triple and scored on Vilade’s single in the first.
Aranda’s RBI single off reliever Tyler Phillips in the fifth made it 4-0. Díaz followed with a comebacker clocked at 110.2 mph that deflected off Phillips’ right foot for an infield single. Phillips was evaluated by the Marlins trainer, made several warm-up pitches and remained in the game.
The Rays padded the lead on Mullings’ homer to lead off the sixth and Vilade’s run-scoring single in the seventh.
Gusto allowed three runs and three hits over two innings.
Ray’ outfielder Chandler Simpson left in the third inning because of left thumb discomfort. Simpson hit leadoff and grounded out in his two plate appearances before being replaced by Victor Mesa Jr.
LHP Shane McLanahan (6-2, 2.45) was set to start for the Rays on Saturday against RHP Lake Bachar (0-0, 3.45)
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
MIAMI — Wildlife officers are investigating after a woman was reportedly attacked by three raccoons in North Miami.
The attack happened Thursday night in the Keystone neighborhood.
Officials said a resident had hired a professional trapper and had a nuisance raccoon trapped in a backyard.
“The person went out to investigate because of the noise and to secure the area,” North Miami Council Member Kevin Burns said. “And as they were doing that, three additional raccoons came under the fence and attacked the individual, causing severe trauma.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, raccoons are intelligent animals found throughout Florida. The agency says a panicked raccoon can bite.
“We have a large raccoon population,” Burns said.
Burns said he has received many emails from concerned residents following the attack.
“We advise people, along with FWC, don’t feed the animals,” Burns said.
The injured woman is recovering at Ryder Trauma Center, where several FWC officers were seen.
In a statement, the agency said the county health department has been notified.
“FWC Wildlife Assistance biologists will be providing the injured party and neighbors with technical assistance and guidance for prevention of further conflicts with raccoons,” the agency said.
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It’s a battle Royale in Florida when the Miami Marlins host the Tampa Bay Rays for the last series of the season, starting Friday.
These two in-state rivals start their final series of the season when the Miami Marlins host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The Rays are limping into this series after getting swept at home by the then-last-place Detroit Tigers during the week. The Rays have only won two games in their last 10 matchups. Tampa Bay had a firm hold on first place in the AL East, but now it only has a half-game lead over the New York Yankees for the top spot in the division. The Rays are still in good shape, with the best record in the American League at 36-23 and a 15-14 road record. The Marlins are in the opposite boat, going for their fourth straight win in this opener. They swept the Washington Nationals on the road during the week. Miami is crawling its way back to .500, now sitting at 29-34 with an 18-15 home record. Miami is still in fourth in the NL East standings, sitting 13 games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves. Tampa Bay leads the season-series against its in-state rival, 2-1, after winning the first series at home in the middle of May. Tampa Bay is the -143 favorite to extend this season-series lead and end its three-game losing streak on Friday.
How to Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins Today:
Game Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Game Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
TV: Miami Marlins, MLB.TV – Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays
Location: loanDepot park – Miami, FL
Live stream the Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins game on Fubo: Start Watching Now!
The Marlins earned the sweep on Wednesday afternoon, beating the Nationals 4-1. Max Meyer was lethal on the mound for Miami to improve to 6-0, going seven innings while only giving up two hits and a run while striking out seven. That run only came on a fielder’s choice in the third, and the Nats couldn’t score again. Washington only had three hits the whole game. Esteury Ruiz hit a solo shot in the second, but they couldn’t score again until Joe Mack hit a tie-breaking two-run single in the eighth to help Miami break through. The Marlins will try to keep it rolling in this home-opener by starting Ryan Gusto, who has only appeared twice in three innings this season, giving up three runs. This is his first start of the season.
Tampa Bay couldn’t get much offense rolling in its finale against Detroit on Wednesday, losing 7-2. The Rays only had four hits the whole day. The Rays kept pace early with Cedric Mullins tying the game at two in the second on a solo shot, but Tampa didn’t score the rest of the day. Troy Melton was just too much for the Rays to handle after that, with the Tigers’ starter going eight innings. Tampa Bay will have a great shot at bouncing back by starting Drew Rasmussen, who is 4-2 with a 3.36 ERA in 59 innings pitched.
What Time Is The Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins Game On?
The Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins game will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 7:10 p.m. ET. Tune in and catch some great MLB action.
What Channel Is the Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins On?
Looking to watch this game? Fans can tune in to Miami Marlins, MLB.TV – Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays to see the action. Make sure you subscribe to Fubo now to watch this matchup, as well as numerous other sports leagues.
Live stream the Tampa Bay Rays vs Miami Marlins game on Fubo: Start watching now!
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