Quantcast
Channel: Top Stories
Viewing all 12140 articles
Browse latest View live

Thieves steal wallets from Aventura, Pinecrest supermarkets

$
0
0

Police in Aventura and Pinecrest are searching for a group of thieves who have been targeting shoppers at supermarkets.

Police said in each case a black woman distracted the victim by asking questions about the merchandise in the store, while a black man snatched the wallet out of the victim's purse.

The latest incidents were reported hours apart on April 26 at a Publix supermarket at 18995 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura and a Publix at 13401 S. Dixie Highway in Pinecrest.

The first incident was reported Nov. 22, 2014, at a Whole Foods at 21105 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura.

In that case, police said an older white woman was captured on surveillance video attempting to use a stolen credit card at a Target to make a $2,500 purchase.

Anyone with information about the identity of the thieves is asked to call Det. S. Marquez at 305-466-8989 Ex. 8136.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


Cocaine found in passenger's fried fish at Miami International Airport

$
0
0

Federal agents sniffed out more than fried fish on a flight from Jamaica to Miami last weekend.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Keith Smith said officers seized more than 2 pounds of cocaine sealed inside the fried fish at Miami International Airport.

The fish was being carried in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Jamaica on Saturday morning.

RELATED: Woman inspired by movie uses honey to swallow cocaine pellets

During an X-ray examination of the passenger's luggage, officers noticed some anomalies in some of the cooked fish, Smith said. Upon further examination, officers discovered that the bellies of some of the fish were sewn together, and certain fish felt thicker than the rest, Smith said.

"Drug smugglers are using increasingly innovative methods, and this interception is an excellent example of how our highly trained officers continue to use their experience and knowledge to detect and interdict the flow of illegal narcotics," CBP Miami Port Director Christopher Maston said.

Smith said the 38-year-old passenger was arrested. Her name was not released.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10

Jeb Bush says he'll run for president in 2016

$
0
0

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said he'll run for president in 2016.

Bush, 62, made the announcement Monday during an appearance at the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College.

It's a family tradition for Bush, who is following in the footsteps of his brother, George W. Bush, and father, George H.W. Bush.

"We will take Washington -- the static capital of this dynamic country -- out of the business of causing problems," Jeb Bush said.

Bush gets into the race six months after saying he was considering a campaign. In his kickoff speech, he said Democrats are responsible for "the slowest economic recovery ever, the biggest debt increases ever, a massive tax increase on the middle class, the relentless buildup of the regulatory state, and the swift, mindless drawdown of a military that was generations in the making."

Bush said he is "not eager to see what another four years would look like under that kind of leadership."

"We will take Washington -- the static capital of this dynamic country -- out of the business of causing problems," Bush said.

His mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, was in attendance, but his father and brother were not.

Bush's entry in the crowded race sets up an in-state contest with former colleague, one-time protégé and friend, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. On his website Monday, Rubio welcomed Bush to the race.

"In politics, people throw around the word 'friend' so much it often has little real meaning," Rubio said. "This is not one of those times. When I call Jeb Bush a friend, I mean he is someone I like, care for and respect. He and I have worked closely together for many years, on issues big and small. He is a passionate advocate for what he believes, and I welcome him to the race."

Video

If his campaign is victorious, the Bush clan will become the only American family to have elected three of their own to the highest office in the land.

"If Jeb wins, we have the most successful dynastic line in American political history, bar none," said historian Rick Perlstein, author of multiple books tracing the history of the Republican Party. "I don't think you see this level of accomplishment across the generations with the Kennedys. You have a senator in Prescott Bush, and the son becomes president, then the grandson is also president, and now you throw in a former governor who might be a president."

RELATED: Who's in and who could run in 2016?

Bush has suffered a few stumbles in the months leading up to Monday's announcement, most notably when he struggled to answer questions about his brother's invasion of Iraq, a line of questioning many Republicans said he should have anticipated. And he's gone out of his way to avoid declaring himself a presidential contender -- until now -- so he could keep raising money for the Right to Rise super PAC backing his candidacy.

With his brother's presidency still deeply polarizing in the mind of the electorate, and foreign policy once again rising as a top public concern, his campaign will test the nation's appetite for another Republican named Bush.

Should Clinton capture the Democratic nomination, a 2016 campaign between Bush and Clinton would undoubtedly be clouded by questions about legacy, nepotism and the vitality of a political system seemingly dominated by a pair of powerful families with close ties to wealthy elites in Washington and on Wall Street.

Those anxieties would unfold against the backdrop of an America confronting dramatic shifts in demographics, economic behaviors and generational tastes, challenging the maxim that presidential campaigns are about the future rather than the past.

Before that dynamic comes to pass, the pragmatic Bush must first overcome the more pressing challenge of securing the GOP nomination, a steep hill to climb for a self-styled reformer who has called for an ever-more-conservative Republican Party to temper its rhetoric, change its thinking and expand its appeal to nontraditional voters. In pre-campaign visits to the early nominating states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Bush promised to run a "joyful" campaign that capitalizes on optimism rather than fear.

"I know we can fix this," Bush said. "Because I've done it."

As Bush introduced his mother Monday, a group of several young people removed their outer shirts, revealing yellow t-shirts underneath that spelled out, "Legal status is not enough."

"Just so that our friends know, the next president of the United States will pass meaningful immigration reform, so that that will be solved -- not by executive order," Bush said, departing from the prepared remarks of his speech.

Bush prefers creating a path to legal status for the millions of immigrants now living in the country illegally as part of an overhaul, rather than a path to U.S. citizenship.

He opposes the executive actions taken by President Barack Obama to grant work permits and stays of deportation to millions of immigrants living in this country illegally. Those actions were later put on hold by a federal judge.

"I will run with heart, and I will run to win," he said.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10

Who's in and who could run in 2016?

PHOTOS: Cuba's Classic Cars

$
0
0

On a recent visit to Havana, our Local 10 crew snapped some photos of the classic cars that drive through the streets of Cuba

1 injured in northwest Miami-Dade County drive-by shooting

$
0
0

One person was injured in a drive-by shooting outside a General Food Store in northwest Miami-Dade County.

The shooting was reported Tuesday morning at Northwest 183rd Street and 47th Avenue.

Police said the store's front window was shattered and a man was grazed by a bullet in the arm.

The victim was treated for his injuries at the scene.

Police are looking for two men who opened fire from a Chevrolet Impala.

Part of the shopping plaza has been roped off as detectives continue their investigation.

A description of the gunmen has not been released.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Woman burned in Fort Lauderdale photo shoot explosion identified

$
0
0

Police have identified a woman who was severely burned in an explosion during a photo shoot last week at a Fort Lauderdale junkyard.

Jenny Meiler, 48, of Boca Raton, was sitting inside a car at the junkyard off Northwest 19th Street and 27th Avenue on June 9 when candles being used as a backdrop caused gas fumes to ignite, Fort Lauderdale police Detective Tracy Figone said.

Meiler and her photographer, identified by family members as Helmut Montoya, were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami to be treated for burns.

Stacey Montoya said her husband's face was "burned pretty bad," but he is expected to survive.

"I'm extremely grateful that he's alive," she told Local 10 News.

Meiler's family is keeping her condition private, but a source told Local 10 News that she suffered burns to 75 percent of her body.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Cuban exile community outraged over Cardinal's comments

$
0
0

The Cuban exile community, including former political prisoners, is outraged over comments Cardinal Jaime Ortega made during an interview with Spanish media outlet, Ser.

"In Cuba now, you won’t find those prisoners," Ortega said.

"There aren’t political prisoners?" the reporter asked.

"Not political," he added.

Jorge Luis Garcia Perez, known as Antunez, calls the comments irresponsible.

Antunez, a high profiled dissident and former political prisoner, still lives on the island.

He’s not surprised Ortega said what he said, because Antunez argues Ortega is an instrument of the Castro government, who uses his high-profiled religious position to squash the dissident movement.

But some in the religious community defend Ortega and argue he is walking a fine line in a communist country where religion was once banned.

It was just recently the Castro government gave the church permission to build a cathedral. Christmas and Good Friday are now national holidays.

During a press conference in Little Havana, Antunez called Ortega a coward, who the Cuban people and dissidents should not recognize as a servant of God.

His silence makes him an accomplice of the Castro government, which jailed and expelled priests and closed down churches in the past.

On Spanish radio, Ortega said, "You don't really find this so called dissident movement in Cuba. You find it more in foreign media, places like South Florida."

The timing of Ortega’s comments, Antunez said, is no coincidence as the island is getting ready for a papal visit, a chance he argues for the Castro government to be redeemed in the eyes of Pope Francis and the international community.

Antunez said there is little hope he and other dissidents will be able to meet with Pope Francis.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

North Miami police conduct safe street sweep

$
0
0

Police in North Miami conducted a crime sweep across the city on Tuesday, trying to get fake guns that look real out of kids' hands and targeting those involved in everything from petty crimes to repeat offenders.

During the sweep, which is conducted once a month, police focused on the city's most hard-hit areas.

"It's to keep our streets safe, and that's exactly what it is, a safe street sweep," said Officer Natalie Buissereth. "We're going through it, we're taking care of code enforcement issues. This is an abandoned building, however this is where thieves are hanging out and we need to find them and get them off the streets."

The sweep included focusing on abandoned buildings, like the one addressed by Buissereth, and handing out fliers in the area with the faces of identity thieves.

In a recent case, police said two women were caught on surveillance camera on May 5, breaking into a car parked outside the Biscayne Animal Hospital.

Just hours later, they were spotted using the credit cards at an nearby Walmart.

Police said a disturbing trend they're seeing is young people on the streets who look like they're, but are actually holding toy guns.

Police said they have found fake weapons on children as young as 12 years old, that resemble everything from pellet guns to AK-47s.

Last Thursday, police said two officers stopped a 12-year-old and 14-year-old lurking in an alley near a bank. They looked armed, but the weapons in their waist bands turned out to be fake.

While owning or carrying a pellet gun is not a crime, police said the fake guns are often used to commit real crimes.

"They feel real, they look real and some of them even have magazines like real guns," said Buissereth. "We don't want to be at the other end of the story."

Officers said they are particularly disturbed by seeing the fake guns in the hands of very young children.

Police ask parents to be aware of their children's belongings and not allow them to carry these could-be weapons in public.

One arrest was made during the morning shift of Operation Safe Streets Sweep. Evening roll call was conducted on the west side of the city.

Police said another part of the concentrated effort is to show the community that officers are watching.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

 


Miami commission holds talks over boat show stall

$
0
0

The heated debate over whether to move the Miami International Boat Show to Virginia Key continued as a stand-off between Miami and the Village of Key Biscayne, at a mediation session mandated by Key Biscayne's lawsuit.

"Let's see if it works -- once," offered Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

"There is one road in, one road out and there's no parking," said Key Biscayne Mayor Mayra Lindsay.

The annual boat show, in its 74th year, has become a financially important annual event in South Florida. Because its usual venue at the Miami Beach Convention Center is about to undergo renovation, Miami has contracted to move it to Virginia Key's Miami Marine Stadium site on the Rickenbacker Causeway waterfront.

City staffers presented detailed mass transportation and parking plans

"I applaud your Herculean efforts," Lindsay said. "But I think this demonstrates and highlights some of the challenges with this site."

"We are willing to commit to Key Biscayne that we would not have more than one event of this magnitude," said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. "We have 'Ironman,' we have marathons ... if we want to do it there, who is going to tell you not to do it?"

Turning the tables, Regalado challenged Key Biscayne officials on the annual tennis tournament at nearby Crandon Park that creates traffic issues for Miami residents who live near the entrance to the causeway.

"For three consecutive weeks there is gridlock, it is a nightmare. We need your support to cancel the tennis tourney or modify it," he said.

The cities' face-to-face meeting Tuesday was part of mediation required in Key Biscayne's lawsuit that alleges Miami's boat show plans violate the master plan for the public parcel surrounding the Marine Stadium. Currently, Miami is investing $16 million to create a park and site for events there.

"It's the possibility of creating a special events and convention venue that house 30,000-40,000 people. That is not public use and is not park use and that is what we object to," Lindsay said.

The meeting was packed with people wearing white T-shirts reading "I support the Miami Boat Show." One of the workers said they represent those who benefit from the business the annual event brings.

Also in the audience were environmentalists arguing to protect the fragile shoreline and sea life, and Key Biscayne residents concerned for their community and quality of life.

Addressing the lack of movement in either side's positions, Miami commissioner Sarnoff proposed a partnership, challenging Key Biscayne leaders to split the cost of the $16 million park renovations at the Marine Stadium site.

"If you want to tell the city of Miami what to do on our property, come in and help improve our property and be part of the process," said Sarnoff.

Sarnoff and Lindsay will represent their cities at the next meeting to search for compromise and solution, the date to be determined.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Miami Lakes mayor crashes into tree after avoiding animal in road

$
0
0

Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi suffered a minor head injury after crashing into a tree in a residential enclave, Miami-Dade police said.

The crash happened Monday night in the area of Northwest 82nd Avenue just south of Commerce Way.

Police arrived at the scene about 10:45 p.m. after receiving calls about a possible hit-and-run crash.

Police said Pizzi swerved to avoid hitting an animal that ran across the street and crashed into a tree, but left the scene before officers arrived.  

According to an accident report, officers spotted fresh blood on the driver seat and center console.

Police said traffic homicide detectives were called in and questioned Pizzi after he returned with a cut on his forehead.

Police said Pizzi did not appear to be intoxicated, but "it was evident that he was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash."

Pizzi released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying, "Like any other human being, I can have a traffic accident. Thank God no one was injured and there were no other cars involved and the only property damage was to my car and a tree, which I hope it survives. I am happy that all of the police officers found me to be cooperative and respectful. I am grateful that I was not injured and want to thank those who have reach out to me to express their concerns."

Pizzi recently made headlines for his fight to get his job back as mayor of Miami Lakes.

Gov. Rick Scott suspended Pizzi after he was charged with bribery and extortion in August 2013. Pizzi was acquitted last year, and his attorneys argued that he should have been reinstated to his position, citing state statute.

Pizzi was reinstated as mayor in April.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Hooded man robs BB&T Bank in Davie

$
0
0

The FBI is searching for a man who robbed a BB&T Bank branch in Davie Tuesday afternoon.

The robbery was reported about 4:15 p.m. at 13636 W. State Road 84.

Agents said a man wearing a black hooded sweater and grey sweatpants entered the bank and demanded money from an employee.

An undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information about the identity of the robber is asked to call the FBI at 754-703-2000.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Brothers mow woman's lawn to keep her from jail

$
0
0

Convincing most teens to mow the lawn in the middle of summer break is a task best left to a powerful magician or the promise of a hefty allowance.

But the Reynolds brothers from Central Texas are living proof that sometimes good deeds are a greater motivator than good fun.

The brothers sprung into action after hearing that 75-year-old Gerry Suttle was in danger of being arrested and sent to jail for having grass higher than the city limit of 18 inches.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Suttle after she had failed to appear in court following multiple summons.

According to KWTX-TV, the Reynolds boys, who had never met Suttle, went to her property and mowed the entire lot.

"We haven't met her yet but she's 75 years old and she needs some help mowing," Blaine Reynolds told KWTX. "That's the least we could do."

Suttle was left speechless when first told of the work by the Reynolds brothers, but the boys said they didn't think twice.

"I really wouldn't want her coming out here and doing it or paying someone else to when we could have just done if for free," Brandon Reynolds said.

Dania Beach vice mayor's organization accused of failing to pay taxes

$
0
0

You pay your taxes, so why doesn't she?

Local 10 News has learned that an organization run by Dania Beach Vice Mayor Bobbie Grace is once again failing to pay its taxes.

Local 10 News reporter Jeff Weinsier first exposed the issue last year. Eventually, back taxes on several properties were paid.

But records now show that close to $9,000 is owed again on seven properties owned by Dania Economic Development Corporation.

Records show that tax certificates have been issued on the properties.

In addition to being vice mayor, Grace is the president of Dania Economic Development.

Outside her Dania Beach home, Grace told Weinsier that she had no idea that the money was owed and referred Weinsier to her executive director, Jerry Carter.

"That is so incorrect and for the media to report that is wrong," said Carter. "You're attempting to paint a picture that is incorrect."

Local  10 News confirmed the debt with the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office and the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.

In an unrelated issue, Local 10 News has also learned that the Florida Elections Commission recently fined Grace $225.

According to a five-page order, Grace's 2014 contribution reports filed with the state were not complete on several occasions.

Click here to read the full order.

Watch Weinsier's report tonight on Local 10 News after Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Follow Jeff Weinsier on Twitter @jweinsier

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10

Wounded man arrives at Hollywood Police Department, says he killed family

$
0
0

Police are investigating after a wounded man showed up at the Hollywood Police Department claiming he had killed his family.

Hollywood police Officer Meredith Elrich said the man, identified as Inta Peralta Correa, 38, was in the parking lot of the police station Tuesday morning suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Elrich said the man told officers that he had harmed his family.

Police said the knife was still sticking out of his chest when he arrived at the police station, and it appears it was self inflicted.

"The call came in that he had hurt his family and he hurt himself," said Officer Anthony Gomez. "They (officers) just observed a man with bloody hands, a bloody T-shirt and a knife sticking out of his chest."

Correa was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Police tape surrounded the Hollywood Police Department while detectives investigated the man's claim.

Detectives were also seen rummaging through a white car with New York license plates. The car was eventually towed away.

Elrich said detectives have contacted some of Correa's relatives in Florida and in other states. So far, Elrich said, everyone is accounted for. 

Detectives said they hope Correa will be well enough to interview later in the afternoon.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Body found in pool at home in Hollywood

$
0
0

Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found floating in his pool Tuesday.

Neighbors told Local 10 News reporter Carlos Suarez that a realtor found the body at the home on Hollywood Boulevard just east of Young Circle during a showing.

It's unclear how long the home has been up for sale, but neighbors said the man lived there with his family. They said his relatives are currently out of town.

Police are questioning the realtor and said it's unclear whether foul play was involved in the death. 

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10


Former co-defendant to take stand in Miami Subs founder murder trial

$
0
0

A man allegedly wanted for hire in the execution of Miami Subs founder Gus Boulis said you don't turn down Anthony "Big Tony" Moscatiello. And if you do, expect to be next.

Dwayne Nicholson is one of the prosecution's key witnesses in the murder trial of Moscatiello. Nicholson was the former bodyguard for Anthony "Little Tony" Ferrari, who was convicted of murder in the case and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Ferrari and Moscatiello are both alleged members of the Gambino crime family, and the state claims Ferrari reported to Moscatiello.

Nicholson continued his testimony Wednesday, claiming that Moscatiello recruited him to kill Boulis a year before the hit actually happened. But he never went through with it. The killing was allegedly carried out by John "J.J." Gurino, who was killed in a dispute with a Boca Raton delicatessen owner.

Nicholson said he realized that he knew too much, and was likely to be killed next, so he went into hiding.

"I'm thinking they're looking for me now because I knew what was going to happen," Nicholson said. "I knew who was going to do it. I was supposed to be involved in it and I wasn't, you know. I pretty much had ducked them out prior to that, so I stayed away from him. I avoided all of his phone calls. I stopped going down to my jobs."

Shortly after the murder, Nicholson contacted police to implicate Ferrari, Moscatiello and James "Pudgy" Fiorillo.                             

Fiorillo cut a deal with the state and pleaded guilty to being an accessory in the murder and agreed to testify against his former co-defendants.

Fiorillo took the stand later in the afternoon, describing how he was ordered to get rid of the murder weapon and car, and told to "wipe it down good."

Moscatiello faces the death penalty if convicted.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

2 girls thrown from horses, teen kicked by horse in Davie

$
0
0

A 6-year-old girl was taken to a hospital after being thrown from a horse in Davie, and a teenager was also injured after she was kicked by a horse at the same park.

The incidents were reported Wednesday at Wolf Lake Park.

Davie police Sgt. Pablo Castaneda said two girls, ages 6 and 7, were thrown from their horses while attending summer camp. Castaneda said the 6-year-old complained of neck and back pain and was taken to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, where she was treated and released.

The 7-year-old girl wasn't hurt.

Castaneda said both girls were wearing helmets.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old camp volunteer was walking along a trail, guiding the girls' horses, when she was kicked in the face by one of the bucking horses, Castaneda said.

Police said it appears the horses somehow got spooked.

She was also taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Man accused of beating 10-year-old daughter with extension cord

$
0
0

A father from Miami-Dade County is facing child abuse charges after he beat his 10-year-old daughter with an extension cord, police said.

Jean Simin, 45, was arrested Tuesday on one count of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm.

According to an arrest report, Simin discovered that his daughter had taken "inappropriate" photos of herself on a disconnected cellphone.

Police said Simin told his daughter to get on her knees so he could punish her. Police said Simin then beat the child all over her body with an extension cord.

The child suffered multiple lacerations on her back, arms, shoulder, hands and legs.

Police said Simin admitted to beating the victim and was taken into custody.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Miami-Dade County under severe drought alert

$
0
0

Miami-Dade County is under a severe drought alert.

County officials said water levels in parts of the county are now below average.

Officials said one reason is the area has experienced an unusually arid dry season.

In fact, the lowest amount of rainfall in seven years was recorded in May.

The rainy season has also been very slow, and is usually in force at this time to replenish canals and wells to supply water.

Forecasters said little is expected to change over the next two weeks.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

2 flesh-eating bacteria cases reported in Broward County

$
0
0

Florida health officials are warning residents and tourists a rare form of flesh-eating, potentially deadly bacteria has made its way to Florida beaches.

The Vibrio vulnificus bacterium grows fastest in warm saltwater and has already infected at least seven people, killing two this year in Florida. The state health department says there have been 32 cases in the past 12 months. Officials say a spike in cases occurs from May to October when water is the warmest.

Two Vibrio vulnificus cases have been reported in Broward County. In one case, the patient was infected after eating raw seafood out of the state and another contracted the bacteria while swimming in the ocean with an open wound.

Florida Health Department spokeswoman Mara Burger said consuming or handling raw shellfish and swimming in warm saltwater can put people at risk. People with open wounds can also be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater.

The bacterial infection can cause gastroenteritis, sepsis and can lead to amputation.

Common side affects include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Those infected through open wounds may notice redness or lesions on their skin.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10

Viewing all 12140 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images