MIAMI (AP) — Authorities say they don't suspect foul play in the death of a University of Miami student.
According to police, 21-year-old Nicolas De Lavalette was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment in South Miami on Wednesday afternoon.
Medics found the man's lifeless body.
The Miami Herald (http://hrld.us/2oguqlR ) reports the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's office said there was no trauma to the body. They are conducting an autopsy to determine a cause of death.
No further details were immediately available.
Friday, March 31, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 31
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
WEST INDIAN MANATEES GO FROM 'ENDANGERED' TO 'THREATENED"
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a news release Thursday that challenges remain to ensuring the species' long-term future, even though the manatee population has increased over the years. The new status won't diminish existing federal protections and the manatee will continue to be protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
DEATH ROW INMATE WHO KILLED FLORIDA DEPUTY TO BE RESENTENCED
The Florida Supreme Court ruling Thursday is because the jury that recommended death for Brandon Lee Bradley was not unanimous. A dashboard camera showed Bradley shoot Deputy Barbara Pill during a March 2012 traffic stop shortly after a Melbourne motel owner reported he stole pillows, sheets and an air conditioner from a room.
NEW YORK MAN DIES WHILE SNORKELING IN FLORIDA KEYS
Monroe County Sheriff's spokeswoman Becky Herrin said in a news release that crewmembers from the Reef Roamer noticed John Kollar of Garden City, New York, floating in the water Wednesday. Deputies say he was unresponsive when they pulled him into the boat. The crew performed CPR as they returned to shore, where they were met by paramedics who took Kollar to a hospital.
MINISTER FINED $25 FOR USING METAL HOE TO BUILD A SANDCASTLE IN FLORIDA PANHANDLE
Bryant Rylee of Moundville, Alabama, was building a sandcastle on Panama City Beach with his wife and son on March 23 when a police officer approached. Rylee said the officer told them they couldn't use metal tools on the beach, and Rylee asked to have the law cited to him. Police Chief Drew Whitman says Rylee was given opportunities to fill in the hole but refused.
FLORIDA MAN GETS YEAR IN JAIL FOR BURNING BUNNY THAT BIT HIM
Local media outlets report that 23-year-old Manasseh Walker was sentenced earlier this week after a Sarasota County jury found him guilty of aggravated animal cruelty. No one saw Walker set fire to the bunny, but witnesses say the man had claimed he was bitten by the rabbit moments earlier. Thumper survived, but lost his ears. He now lives at the Wildlife Center of Venice.
WEST INDIAN MANATEES GO FROM 'ENDANGERED' TO 'THREATENED"
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a news release Thursday that challenges remain to ensuring the species' long-term future, even though the manatee population has increased over the years. The new status won't diminish existing federal protections and the manatee will continue to be protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
DEATH ROW INMATE WHO KILLED FLORIDA DEPUTY TO BE RESENTENCED
The Florida Supreme Court ruling Thursday is because the jury that recommended death for Brandon Lee Bradley was not unanimous. A dashboard camera showed Bradley shoot Deputy Barbara Pill during a March 2012 traffic stop shortly after a Melbourne motel owner reported he stole pillows, sheets and an air conditioner from a room.
NEW YORK MAN DIES WHILE SNORKELING IN FLORIDA KEYS
Monroe County Sheriff's spokeswoman Becky Herrin said in a news release that crewmembers from the Reef Roamer noticed John Kollar of Garden City, New York, floating in the water Wednesday. Deputies say he was unresponsive when they pulled him into the boat. The crew performed CPR as they returned to shore, where they were met by paramedics who took Kollar to a hospital.
MINISTER FINED $25 FOR USING METAL HOE TO BUILD A SANDCASTLE IN FLORIDA PANHANDLE
Bryant Rylee of Moundville, Alabama, was building a sandcastle on Panama City Beach with his wife and son on March 23 when a police officer approached. Rylee said the officer told them they couldn't use metal tools on the beach, and Rylee asked to have the law cited to him. Police Chief Drew Whitman says Rylee was given opportunities to fill in the hole but refused.
FLORIDA MAN GETS YEAR IN JAIL FOR BURNING BUNNY THAT BIT HIM
Local media outlets report that 23-year-old Manasseh Walker was sentenced earlier this week after a Sarasota County jury found him guilty of aggravated animal cruelty. No one saw Walker set fire to the bunny, but witnesses say the man had claimed he was bitten by the rabbit moments earlier. Thumper survived, but lost his ears. He now lives at the Wildlife Center of Venice.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 30
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
DISNEY MOVES MAGIC KINGDOM METAL DETECTORS TO TICKET CENTER
The detectors will now by located at the Transportation and Ticket Center starting next Monday. Visitors staying at three resorts along the monorail route, meanwhile, will go through security at the monorail stations there. The metal detectors currently are located at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Visitors typically park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take a monorail or ferry to the park.
ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND CO-FOUNDER'S WIFE ARRESTED IN FLORIDA
Sarasota County Sheriff's officials say 62-year-old Donna Betts was charged Tuesday with 18 counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. She's married to guitarist Dickey Betts. A 911 caller said the woman was standing on the dock behind her home Monday, pointing a rifle toward about 100 teens and coaches from the Sarasota Crew rowing team in boats and on a nearby dock.
FLORIDA STUDENT SUSPENDED FOR TREATMENT OF MUSLIM PROFESSOR
A student at Rollins College in Florida has been suspended temporarily for his treatment of his Muslim professor. The Christian student says he is the victim of religious discrimination. A disciplinary hearing was held Tuesday for Rollins student Marshall Polston. The outcome is pending. Professor Areej Zufari also made a "protection against stalking" request with the courts because of concern over Polston.
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN SHOOTING OF 2 MIAMI-DADE OFFICERS
Miami-Dade police announced an arrest on Twitter Wednesday morning but provide no details. A tip led officers to Damian "Damo" Thompson. The shooting happened Monday night after detectives Terrance White and Charles Wood pulled into the housing project to monitor a suspicious car. Police say a group of men approached their vehicle and one opened fire with a high-powered rifle.
MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE TELLS POLICE SHE WANTED TO DIE
A Boynton Beach police report says 61-year-old Pamela Kruspe was shot in the chest Monday night outside the Parkside Inn Assisted Living Facility she'd moved into in January. Police say 62-year-old Stephen Kruspe then called 911 to turn himself in and stayed on the line until police arrived. The arrest report says Kruspe told investigators his wife smiled as she slumped to the ground.
DISNEY MOVES MAGIC KINGDOM METAL DETECTORS TO TICKET CENTER
The detectors will now by located at the Transportation and Ticket Center starting next Monday. Visitors staying at three resorts along the monorail route, meanwhile, will go through security at the monorail stations there. The metal detectors currently are located at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Visitors typically park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take a monorail or ferry to the park.
ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND CO-FOUNDER'S WIFE ARRESTED IN FLORIDA
Sarasota County Sheriff's officials say 62-year-old Donna Betts was charged Tuesday with 18 counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. She's married to guitarist Dickey Betts. A 911 caller said the woman was standing on the dock behind her home Monday, pointing a rifle toward about 100 teens and coaches from the Sarasota Crew rowing team in boats and on a nearby dock.
FLORIDA STUDENT SUSPENDED FOR TREATMENT OF MUSLIM PROFESSOR
A student at Rollins College in Florida has been suspended temporarily for his treatment of his Muslim professor. The Christian student says he is the victim of religious discrimination. A disciplinary hearing was held Tuesday for Rollins student Marshall Polston. The outcome is pending. Professor Areej Zufari also made a "protection against stalking" request with the courts because of concern over Polston.
POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN SHOOTING OF 2 MIAMI-DADE OFFICERS
Miami-Dade police announced an arrest on Twitter Wednesday morning but provide no details. A tip led officers to Damian "Damo" Thompson. The shooting happened Monday night after detectives Terrance White and Charles Wood pulled into the housing project to monitor a suspicious car. Police say a group of men approached their vehicle and one opened fire with a high-powered rifle.
MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE TELLS POLICE SHE WANTED TO DIE
A Boynton Beach police report says 61-year-old Pamela Kruspe was shot in the chest Monday night outside the Parkside Inn Assisted Living Facility she'd moved into in January. Police say 62-year-old Stephen Kruspe then called 911 to turn himself in and stayed on the line until police arrived. The arrest report says Kruspe told investigators his wife smiled as she slumped to the ground.
Student charged with bringing gun to school
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a central Florida teen has been arrested for bringing a gun to school.
A Lakeland police news release says the 14-year-old boy was taken into custody Wednesday at Southwest Middle School and charged with possession of firearm on school grounds and unlawful carry of a firearm. He was already on felony probation.
The school's principal and a school resource officer found a social media photo of the student with two handguns. Surveillance video showed the student leave his backpack in an empty classroom. Officials retrieved the backpack and found a 9mm handgun and a magazine with 12 rounds. The gun had been reported stolen last week.
A Lakeland police news release says the 14-year-old boy was taken into custody Wednesday at Southwest Middle School and charged with possession of firearm on school grounds and unlawful carry of a firearm. He was already on felony probation.
The school's principal and a school resource officer found a social media photo of the student with two handguns. Surveillance video showed the student leave his backpack in an empty classroom. Officials retrieved the backpack and found a 9mm handgun and a magazine with 12 rounds. The gun had been reported stolen last week.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Man ordered to pay $1.1 million to trafficking victims
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida man has been ordered to pay $1.1 million in payments to six victims of sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution.
A federal judge in Orlando ordered 43-year-old Abdullah Hamidullah to make the payments as restitution to his victims.
The restitution order was issued a month after Hamidullah was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sex-trafficking and interstate prostitution offenses.
Prosecutors say Hamidullah preyed on young victims and exploited them for profit.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Police: Two officers wounded in Miami shooting
MIAMI (AP) — Two Miami-Dade County police officers have been wounded in a shooting.
Authorities say the plainclothes officers were shot in "an ambush-style attack" Monday night while investigating at the Annie Coleman Apartments on the city's north side. The officers were part of the Homicide Task Force-Gang Unit.
Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez says fellow officers used a pickup truck to transport their wounded colleagues to the hospital. Perez says they are listed in stable condition and expected to survive. The extent of their injuries is not yet known.
The suspects remain at large. Perez urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact authorities.
Police continue to investigate at the scene.
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 28
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
FAMILY VISITING SOUTH FLORIDA HIT BY TRUCK WHILE WALKING
The family was visiting from Eagle Mountain, Utah, and preparing to take a cruise out of Port Everglades when they were hit Sunday evening. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles says 24-year-old Raquel Leota had her lower left leg amputated. Her brother, 10-year-old Tyson Wensel, also has a leg injury. Her husband, 31-year-old Thomas Leota, had minor injuries. Four other family members - two adults and two children - were not hurt.
FLORIDA SURFER OK AFTER SHARK BITES FOOT
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue spokeswoman Tammy Marris tells local news outlets the 58-year-old man was about 30 to 40 yards offshore when the shark bit him Monday morning.Marris says the man was treated at the scene.She says it was the first reported shark bite on Volusia County's beaches this year. Last year, 15 shark bites were reported in the county.
WOUNDED USF FOOTBALL PLAYER CHARGED WITH PULLING GUN FIRST
Authorities say a University of South Florida football player who was shot during a road rage incident has been charged with pointing a gun at the shooter and his family. A Tampa police news release says 22-year-old Hassan Childs was charged Monday with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of misdemeanor marijuana possession. He was arrested at a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
FLORIDA OFFICIALS: AGGRESSIVE EFFORTS TO STOP ZIKA CONTINUE
Gov. Rick Scott met Monday with Miami-Dade County officials to discuss Zika preparedness ahead of Florida's rainy season, when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Officials said fewer travel-related cases are being reported in Florida so far this year, compared with last spring.
WOMAN GUILTY OF SMUGGLING WOMAN FOR SURROGACY, FORCED LABOR
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Morrow on Monday said 47-year-old Esthela Clark of Jacksonville pleaded guilty to forced labor and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. According to the plea agreement, Clark paid $3,000 to have the victim smuggled o into the U.S. and assured her the surrogacy would be medically supervised.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Fla. mom charged with lying about daughter's kidnapping
GREENACRES, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a South Florida woman was arrested on charges of neglect and filing a false report after she made up a story that her 6-year-old daughter had been kidnapped.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said that Maria Irias was arrested Sunday after she admitted to making up the story.
The sheriff's office says Irias told deputies she had been drinking all day on Saturday and had no recollection of where her daughter was because she was so drunk.
Her daughter was located a short time later.
Cout records show Irias was being held in jail Sunday morning and couldn't be reached for comment.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 26
Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
COURT CONSIDERS BID BY CONGRESSWOMAN TO THROW OUT MAP
A panel of three judges held a hearing Friday on whether to block the state from using new districts approved by the state Supreme Court last December. The new boundaries could result in the defeat of several incumbents.
FLORIDA GOV. SCOTT SIGNS ABORTION, MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS
The two were among 68 bills Scott signed into law on Friday. The abortion legislation (HB 1411) mirrors what is being challenged in court in other states including Texas. It prohibits state money for any service by an organization that also provides abortions. The medical marijuana bills (HB 307 and 1313) expand its use to terminal patients along with the possibility of adding more distributing organizations.
US REP. CORINNE BROWN ON FEDERAL INVESTIGATION: ‘I’M CLEAN’
During a tumultuous press conference on Friday, the Jacksonville Democrat said “I’m clean” after being asked multiple times about an ongoing investigation. The House Ethics Committee this week announced it has opened an investigation over a number of allegations, including “fraudulent activity” with an unnamed organization.
FLORIDA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DIPS BELOW 5 PERCENT
The state’s employment agency announced Friday that unemployment in February was 4.9 percent, down 0.2 percent from the revised January rate of 5.1 percent. There were about 484,000 Floridians without jobs out of a labor force of 9,793,000.
POLICE: TERMINALLY ILL MAN DEAD AFTER SHOOTING AT HOME
Cape Coral police said in a statement that officers responded to the home Thursday evening following a report of a terminally ill man with a gun. When officers arrived, police say the man came outside and started shooting at officers. An officer returned fire and the man went back inside the house. Officers then heard a shot from inside the house. They found the man dead inside.
COURT CONSIDERS BID BY CONGRESSWOMAN TO THROW OUT MAP
A panel of three judges held a hearing Friday on whether to block the state from using new districts approved by the state Supreme Court last December. The new boundaries could result in the defeat of several incumbents.
FLORIDA GOV. SCOTT SIGNS ABORTION, MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS
The two were among 68 bills Scott signed into law on Friday. The abortion legislation (HB 1411) mirrors what is being challenged in court in other states including Texas. It prohibits state money for any service by an organization that also provides abortions. The medical marijuana bills (HB 307 and 1313) expand its use to terminal patients along with the possibility of adding more distributing organizations.
US REP. CORINNE BROWN ON FEDERAL INVESTIGATION: ‘I’M CLEAN’
During a tumultuous press conference on Friday, the Jacksonville Democrat said “I’m clean” after being asked multiple times about an ongoing investigation. The House Ethics Committee this week announced it has opened an investigation over a number of allegations, including “fraudulent activity” with an unnamed organization.
FLORIDA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DIPS BELOW 5 PERCENT
The state’s employment agency announced Friday that unemployment in February was 4.9 percent, down 0.2 percent from the revised January rate of 5.1 percent. There were about 484,000 Floridians without jobs out of a labor force of 9,793,000.
POLICE: TERMINALLY ILL MAN DEAD AFTER SHOOTING AT HOME
Cape Coral police said in a statement that officers responded to the home Thursday evening following a report of a terminally ill man with a gun. When officers arrived, police say the man came outside and started shooting at officers. An officer returned fire and the man went back inside the house. Officers then heard a shot from inside the house. They found the man dead inside.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 25
MIAMI (AP) - Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
POLICE: FLORIDA MAN CITED FOR EATING PANCAKES IN THE STREET
A Lakeland police news release says Kiaron Thomas was charged Thursday with placing an obstruction in the roadway and disrupting the free flow of traffic. He was not arrested but issued an April 25 court date. A video of the incident had been posted on Facebook and shared in a message to police. Several people tagged the video to Thomas, who police say admitted pulling the prank.
FLORIDA JOBLESS RATE FLAT EVEN THOUGH STATE LOST 5,000 JOBS
State officials announced Friday that the jobless rate remained 5 percent last month. That’s higher than the overall national unemployment rate of 4.7 percent. After leading the nation in job growth in January, however, Florida lost jobs. Still Florida’s overall job growth rate in the past year has been among the highest in the nation.
FLORIDA 911 CALL CENTER CLOSES AFTER ODOR SICKENS EMPLOYEES
Crews from Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue treated the employees Tuesday afternoon and took two of them to the hospital. Officials say some of the dispatchers were complaining of an allergic reaction. Officials say 911 calls were being handled in the agency’s two other call centers. A company was brought in on Wednesday to test the environment inside the center.
POLICE: 3 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS FOUND WITH GUN ON BUS
Sarasota police tell local news outlets that the gun was found after school on Thursday. No students were injured. According to police, on student is 13-years-old and the other two are 14. Detectives questioned the students after the gun was discovered. The students attend Booker Middle School in Sarasota.
US DRUG TRIAL DELAYED FOR HAITIAN POLITICIAN, COUP LEADER
A Miami federal judge granted the delay Thursday for Guy Philippe, whose lawyer says she needs more time to go over prosecution evidence. The trial was reset from April 3 to May 1. Philippe has pleaded not guilty to drug smuggling and money laundering conspiracy charges that carry a maximum life prison sentence. Philippe led a 2004 uprising that ousted then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Friday, March 24, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 24
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
HOUSE PASSES BILL THAT GIVES TERRORISM VICTIMS RIGHT TO SUE
The House unanimously approved the measure (HB 65) on Thursday. It would allow victims of terrorist attacks, such as the Orlando Nightclub massacre, to recover damages of at least $1,000 and attorney's fees. Current law only allows victims of specific criminal activity to do so, and many acts of terrorism don't fall under the legal umbrella.
FLORIDA MOVES AHEAD WITH FIX TO VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT LAW
The Florida House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill (HB 105) that requires county election offices to notify voters if their signatures on their ballot and voter registration forms don't match. Voters would then be given a chance to fix the problem before the election. A similar measure is moving in the Senate. Rep. Janet Cruz, a Tampa Democrat, said the change would make sure that voters are not disenfranchised.
FLORIDA HOUSE SIGNS OFF ON PLAN TO HAND OUT DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL MONEY
The Florida House on Thursday voted unanimously for a bill that would guarantee that $300 million be distributed to eight Panhandle counties that were hardest hit by the spill. Legislators previously passed a law that created a non-profit corporation to administer any economic damages awarded to the state. But House Republicans have pushed to place new limits on how the money can be spent.
FLORIDA HOUSE VOTES AGAIN TO REPEAL RED LIGHT CAMERAS
The House on Thursday voted 91-22 in favor of a bill that would ban the use of cameras starting in July 2020. The legislation heads to the Florida Senate, where a similar proposal was rejected in a Senate committee by a tie vote. Rep. Bryan Avila, a Hialeah Republican, said that red light cameras are being used by cities and counties as a way to make money.
FLORIDA BILL WILL HELP FOSTER CHILDREN GET DRIVER'S LICENSES
The bill passed Thursday would make permanent a pilot program that began in 2014. The program reimburses foster parents or children for driver's education, license fees and insurance. The idea is to help children in state care become more independent. The cost of the program is $800,000. A House bill has cleared three committees with unanimous votes and is ready for a vote by the full chamber.
HOUSE PASSES BILL THAT GIVES TERRORISM VICTIMS RIGHT TO SUE
The House unanimously approved the measure (HB 65) on Thursday. It would allow victims of terrorist attacks, such as the Orlando Nightclub massacre, to recover damages of at least $1,000 and attorney's fees. Current law only allows victims of specific criminal activity to do so, and many acts of terrorism don't fall under the legal umbrella.
FLORIDA MOVES AHEAD WITH FIX TO VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT LAW
The Florida House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill (HB 105) that requires county election offices to notify voters if their signatures on their ballot and voter registration forms don't match. Voters would then be given a chance to fix the problem before the election. A similar measure is moving in the Senate. Rep. Janet Cruz, a Tampa Democrat, said the change would make sure that voters are not disenfranchised.
FLORIDA HOUSE SIGNS OFF ON PLAN TO HAND OUT DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL MONEY
The Florida House on Thursday voted unanimously for a bill that would guarantee that $300 million be distributed to eight Panhandle counties that were hardest hit by the spill. Legislators previously passed a law that created a non-profit corporation to administer any economic damages awarded to the state. But House Republicans have pushed to place new limits on how the money can be spent.
FLORIDA HOUSE VOTES AGAIN TO REPEAL RED LIGHT CAMERAS
The House on Thursday voted 91-22 in favor of a bill that would ban the use of cameras starting in July 2020. The legislation heads to the Florida Senate, where a similar proposal was rejected in a Senate committee by a tie vote. Rep. Bryan Avila, a Hialeah Republican, said that red light cameras are being used by cities and counties as a way to make money.
FLORIDA BILL WILL HELP FOSTER CHILDREN GET DRIVER'S LICENSES
The bill passed Thursday would make permanent a pilot program that began in 2014. The program reimburses foster parents or children for driver's education, license fees and insurance. The idea is to help children in state care become more independent. The cost of the program is $800,000. A House bill has cleared three committees with unanimous votes and is ready for a vote by the full chamber.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 23
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
COMPETENCY TRAINING FOR MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING FLAMINGO AT BUSCH GARDENS
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Tom Barber ordered in-home competency training at a hearing Wednesday for 45-year-old Joseph Corrao. Two doctors recently testified Corrao isn't competent to stand trial on the aggravated animal cruelty charge. Police reports show that on an Aug. 2 visit to the Tampa theme park with his family, Corrao reached into an animal pen, grabbed Pinky and slammed her down.
COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR MAN WHO FELL FROM CRUISE SHIP
A Coast Guard news release says 23-year-old Brandon Paul went overboard from the eighth deck of the Carnival Victory at about 3 a.m. Wednesday. The ship was about 30 miles northwest of Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. Cruise ship crewmembers launched a search boat and contacted the Coast Guard, which directed a search plane and cutter to the area. The cruise ship remained at the scene to help with the search.
OFFICIALS: MAN ARRESTED AFTER GOING AWOL 45 YEARS AGO
Linley Benson Lemburg was arrested Tuesday. He had been living under an alias, William Michael Robertson, and was located by the Marion County Sheriff's Office after military officials sought their help. Sheriff's authorities confirmed Lemburg's identity by comparing his fingerprints to those taken when he was enlisted. Military officials then took him to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
MOM ARRESTED AFTER BOY, 3, SHOOTS GUN IN SCHOOL PARKING LOT
Volusia County Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson tells news outlets 30-year-old Abbie Maldonado and the boy went to Good Shepherd Academy in Deltona to pick up an older child. She left the boy in the vehicle while she walked around with other parents. Davidson says the boy grabbed the .380-caliber Glock pistol from the door pocket and pulled the trigger. The shot shattered a window and lodged in the door frame.
FLORIDA COASTAL COMMUNITIES COULD SOON BAN PLASTIC BAGS
The Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation gave the measure its first-round approval on Wednesday, gifting a small victory to those who have fought for similar legislation to pass since 2013. The bill's co-sponsor, Sen. Gary Farmer, said coastal communities with fewer than 100,000 residents would be eligible to establish pilot programs between January 2018 and June 2020 to regulate or prohibit the use of disposable bags in their municipalities.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 22
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
FLORIDA LAWMAKER: HIRE SNAKE HUNTERS TO ERADICATE PYTHONS
Republican Sen. Frank Artiles, who doubles as a python hunter, said during a committee meeting Tuesday that the effort is needed because "furry creatures" and American alligator nests are being destroyed by the voracious snakes. Members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources agreed and advanced the bill toward its final stop before heading to the full Senate.
APPEALS COURT RULES SKIM MILK CAN BE CALLED 'SKIM MILK'
The ruling overturns a decision last March when a federal judge sided with the Florida Department of Agriculture, which said the Ocheesee Creamery couldn't label its skim milk "skim milk" because the state defines the product as skim milk with Vitamin A added. The state instead said that if the creamery wanted to sell the product, it should label it as "imitation" skim milk.
US HURRICANE CENTER CHIEF GOING BACK TO THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Rick Knabb has been director of the center in Miami since June 2012. Knabb will participate in the National Hurricane Conference next month in New Orleans and the federal government's annual Hurricane Awareness Tour before leaving the center May 12. Knabb left a previous stint as The Weather Channel's tropical weather expert to become chief of the U.S. government's hurricane forecasting hub.
FLORIDA DUI IGNITION INTERLOCK BILL PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE
The bill passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Tuesday. It must go through two more committees before reaching the House floor. The interlock device prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. The current law makes it mandatory for six months for a first offense if the person's blood alcohol content is higher than 0.15 percent or a minor is in the vehicle.
BABY'S MOTHER ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF STARVING HIM TO DEATH
Seminole County Sheriff's officials arrested Michelle Spinicchia on Sunday. She charged with child neglect, domestic battery and resisting arrest. Local news outlets report Benjamin Mitchell and his twin were born in July, each weighing under four pounds. Their parents were told to follow up with doctors because Benjamin was having trouble breathing.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 21
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
DEPUTY FATALLY SHOOTS ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN FLORIDA
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey told reporters the shooting happened around 8 p.m. Sunday when deputies spotted the suspect a short distance from the site of the attempted robbery in Cape Canaveral. Ivey says the man "turned on our deputies with a firearm" and was fatally shot. He says the deputy felt his life was in danger when he fired. He has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
AFTER TRUMP COMPLAINTS, FLORIDA MAY SHARE VOTING INFORMATION
A House panel on Monday approved the bill that is a top priority for local election supervisors. The measure sponsored by Rep. Ross Spano would allow the Department of State to share voter information with other states provided that the effort is not controlled by the federal government. Currently there is a partnership between 20 states and the District of Columbia to share information.
AUTHORITIES FATALLY SHOOT MAN WHO WAS 'SHOOTING UP' BUILDING
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told reporters a woman told dispatchers the 45-year-old man was drinking and suicidal outside a law office. She said he was distraught over marital issues.
CUBANS STILL TRYING TO REACH US BY SEA DESPITE RULE CHANGE
The U.S. Coast Guard says it intercepted 65 Cubans trying to reach Florida or Puerto Rico since Jan. 12. That's when former President Barack Obama ended the so-called "wet foot, dry foot" policy as part of the normalization of relations with Cuba. The change means Cubans are no longer generally granted the right to stay upon reaching the U.S.
TEEN PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDERING HOMELESS MAN
The now-15-year-old boy was sentenced Monday. The boy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last year for the 2014 killing of 54-year-old Thomas Trent. Investigators say surveillance video showed two young men running behind the strip mall where Trent's body was found with something pulled over their heads.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 18
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
NO IMMUNITY IN US CASE FOR HAITIAN POLITICIAN, COUP LEADER
The Miami federal judge ruled Friday that Guy Philippe cannot use his Nov. 20 election to the Haitian Senate to avoid prosecution in the U.S. Philippe was arrested four days before he was to officially take office on Jan. 9. The judge also rejected Philippe's attempt to get the charges dismissed for several reasons, including claims that he was essentially kidnapped and illegally brought to the U.S.
WILDLIFE AGENCY: VIDEO SHOWED MAN TAKING 2 PANTHERS FROM DEN
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Ken Warren said search warrants were served Thursday at the homes of two Miami men suspected of "numerous" wildlife violations, including interfering with the breeding, feeding or sheltering of Florida panthers. Warren said in a statement Friday that one man was arrested because of items found during the search.
FLORIDA DROPS CHARGES IN CASE THAT SHOOK STATE'S POLITICS
Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis was convicted in 2013 of 103 counts of racketeering, possessing slot machines and other charges and sentenced to six years in prison. But an appeals court last year ruled that Mathis deserved a new trial because his attorneys were not allowed to call certain witnesses.
FLORIDA'S ECONOMY STILL GROWING, BUT BUDGET CUTS STILL LOOM
State officials met Friday to draw up new forecasts to predict how much the state will collect in taxes over the next few years. The forecasts will be used by state legislators to draw up this year's budget. Economists predict the state's main budget account will grow by 4.4 percent during the fiscal year that ends in June. Those forecasts estimate growth of nearly 4 percent in the 2017-18 fiscal year.
WOMAN 'ALMOST CRASHED CAR' NEAR VENICE WHEN SNAKE SLITHERED FROM VENT
Monica Dorsett says she was in traffic on March 10 when she saw the snake slither out of the vent to the left of her steering wheel. She cut across two lanes and stopped in a parking lot. She says she slammed the door with the snake half in and half out. Her husband then opened the door and the snake fell to the ground. She says he "euthanized" it.
Friday, March 17, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 17
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
AFTER 2 YEARS, FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DEFINES SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
"Sexual intercourse" isn't just between a man and a woman. The question arose during a case in which a man was charged with a third-degree felony for failing to reveal to his male partner that he was HIV-positive. His lawyer argued "sexual intercourse" didn't apply to sexual activity between same-sex partners. The court rejected that argument Thursday.
PREGNANT WOMAN FALLS ILL AFTER IMMIGRATION DETENTION
A Thursday statement by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations said Ana Isabel Reyes Ramos was detained Tuesday for using false documents in a visa application. The statement says agents placed the handcuffs in front of her "for her comfort," adding that anyone being transported in agency vehicles must be handcuffed.
ORLANDO-BASED SPA COMPANY IS EXPANDING TO INDIA
Marilyn Monroe Spas said Monday that it was partnering with an Indian company to open 250 franchises in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities in India. The franchises owned by La Vida Investment Holding are set to open later this year. Marilyn Monroe officials say India represents one of the world's largest markets for salons and spas. The company currently operates luxury spas in California, Florida, Hawaii and New York.
SHERIFF: FIGHT OVER DOUGHNUTS ENDED WITH 1 DEAD, DEPUTY HURT
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said it began Wednesday when 24-year-old Jeffrey Falsey asked his mother to get him doughnuts. When Susan DiFabbio refused, her son became angry. She called for help. Gualtieri says shots rang out after deputies arrived, sending the deputies scrambling behind cars as Falsey watched from inside through a video surveillance system.
SWEATER WEATHER: COLD FRONT DIPS MIAMI TEMPS INTO LOW 50s
At 7 a.m. Thursday, Miami's temperature was 52 degrees. And National Weather Service forecasters said the temperatures would struggle to reach the mid-70s later in the day. Earlier this week, the region basked in sun and temperatures soared into the mid-80s. In Key West, the temperature dipped to 59 degrees early Thursday.
AFTER 2 YEARS, FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DEFINES SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
"Sexual intercourse" isn't just between a man and a woman. The question arose during a case in which a man was charged with a third-degree felony for failing to reveal to his male partner that he was HIV-positive. His lawyer argued "sexual intercourse" didn't apply to sexual activity between same-sex partners. The court rejected that argument Thursday.
PREGNANT WOMAN FALLS ILL AFTER IMMIGRATION DETENTION
A Thursday statement by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations said Ana Isabel Reyes Ramos was detained Tuesday for using false documents in a visa application. The statement says agents placed the handcuffs in front of her "for her comfort," adding that anyone being transported in agency vehicles must be handcuffed.
ORLANDO-BASED SPA COMPANY IS EXPANDING TO INDIA
Marilyn Monroe Spas said Monday that it was partnering with an Indian company to open 250 franchises in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities in India. The franchises owned by La Vida Investment Holding are set to open later this year. Marilyn Monroe officials say India represents one of the world's largest markets for salons and spas. The company currently operates luxury spas in California, Florida, Hawaii and New York.
SHERIFF: FIGHT OVER DOUGHNUTS ENDED WITH 1 DEAD, DEPUTY HURT
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said it began Wednesday when 24-year-old Jeffrey Falsey asked his mother to get him doughnuts. When Susan DiFabbio refused, her son became angry. She called for help. Gualtieri says shots rang out after deputies arrived, sending the deputies scrambling behind cars as Falsey watched from inside through a video surveillance system.
SWEATER WEATHER: COLD FRONT DIPS MIAMI TEMPS INTO LOW 50s
At 7 a.m. Thursday, Miami's temperature was 52 degrees. And National Weather Service forecasters said the temperatures would struggle to reach the mid-70s later in the day. Earlier this week, the region basked in sun and temperatures soared into the mid-80s. In Key West, the temperature dipped to 59 degrees early Thursday.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 16
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
NOOSE FOUND AT MIDDLE SCHOOL IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
News outlets report several students and staff members at Gotha Middle School saw the noose Wednesday morning before it was taken down. Orange County Public Schools officials say police are investigating, and whoever is found responsible will be prosecuted. School officials say counselors were available to talk to any students and extra security was on hand.
PLANE DIVERTS AFTER SPILLED DRINK SPLASHES ELECTRONIC DEVICE
About 150 people were aboard Flight 1090 from Miami on Monday. Firefighters were on standby as the plane landed at Jacksonville International Airport. Airline spokesman Ross Feinstein said Wednesday the plane was diverted for maintenance after soda spilled on an electronic device in the main cabin. Feinstein said the device was part of the in-flight entertainment system that included a power port for a bulkhead seat.
DRIVE-THRU RESCUE: FAST-FOOD WORKER JUMPS TO AID OF OFFICER
Pedro Viloria told Miami news stations the Miami-Dade County officer had her two children in her car Tuesday at a McDonald's outlet. Viloria says she was struggling to breathe when he returned to the window with their breakfast. He says the officer became unconscious and her foot slipped off the brake.
TRUCK FIRE CLOSES FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE NEAR BOYNTON BEACH
Capt. Albert Borroto of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said crews found the truck engulfed in flames Wednesday morning in the southbound lanes. The turnpike was closed to traffic for about an hour while firefighters put out the blaze.
STUDENT SHOT NEAR CENTRAL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL
The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon near Seminole High School. Sanford police say the boy was taken to a nearby hospital. It wasn't immediately clear where the boy was hit, but his injuries weren't considered life-threatening. Police didn't release his name or age. Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody, but it wasn't clear what charges he might face.
NOOSE FOUND AT MIDDLE SCHOOL IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
News outlets report several students and staff members at Gotha Middle School saw the noose Wednesday morning before it was taken down. Orange County Public Schools officials say police are investigating, and whoever is found responsible will be prosecuted. School officials say counselors were available to talk to any students and extra security was on hand.
PLANE DIVERTS AFTER SPILLED DRINK SPLASHES ELECTRONIC DEVICE
About 150 people were aboard Flight 1090 from Miami on Monday. Firefighters were on standby as the plane landed at Jacksonville International Airport. Airline spokesman Ross Feinstein said Wednesday the plane was diverted for maintenance after soda spilled on an electronic device in the main cabin. Feinstein said the device was part of the in-flight entertainment system that included a power port for a bulkhead seat.
DRIVE-THRU RESCUE: FAST-FOOD WORKER JUMPS TO AID OF OFFICER
Pedro Viloria told Miami news stations the Miami-Dade County officer had her two children in her car Tuesday at a McDonald's outlet. Viloria says she was struggling to breathe when he returned to the window with their breakfast. He says the officer became unconscious and her foot slipped off the brake.
TRUCK FIRE CLOSES FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE NEAR BOYNTON BEACH
Capt. Albert Borroto of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said crews found the truck engulfed in flames Wednesday morning in the southbound lanes. The turnpike was closed to traffic for about an hour while firefighters put out the blaze.
STUDENT SHOT NEAR CENTRAL FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL
The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon near Seminole High School. Sanford police say the boy was taken to a nearby hospital. It wasn't immediately clear where the boy was hit, but his injuries weren't considered life-threatening. Police didn't release his name or age. Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody, but it wasn't clear what charges he might face.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Panthers beat Maple Leafs 7-2
SUNRISE, Fla. – Jonathan Marchessault scored two goals, Thomas Vanek had a career-high four assists and the Florida Panthers topped the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-2 to stop a five-game slide.
Aleksander Barkov had a goal and an assist for the Panthers, who won for only the second time in 10 games. Keith Yandle, Jussi Jokinen, Reilly Smith and Colton Sceviour also scored.
James Reimer stopped 28 shots to win for the first time in eight starts.
Nikita Soshnikov and Leo Komarov scored for Toronto. Frederik Andersen allowed three goals on eight shots before being replaced by Curtis McElhinney to start the second period. McElhinney made 20 saves.
The Maple Leafs had won three straight.
Lightning beat Senators 2-1 in OT
OTTAWA, Ontario – Victor Hedman scored with 55 seconds on the clock in overtime and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Tuesday night for its fourth straight victory.
Ottawa goalie Mike Condon made 35 saves and was nothing short of spectacular at times. Still, the Senators had their six-game winning streak snapped.
Brayden Point also scored for the Lightning, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 31 shots.
Tommy Wingels scored for the Senators.
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 15
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
FLORIDA DAD GETS LIFE IN PRISON FOR KILLING INFANT SON
Gene Anthony Quinones-Rivera pleaded no contest to the 2015 death on Monday. A judge in Panama City gave him the maximum sentence for second-degree murder. The investigation began in December when Quinones-Rivera went to police and confessed that he'd caused the death of his son.
NO CHARGES FOR WEST VIRGINIA WOMEN NEARLY HIT BY CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP IN FLORIDA
Skylar Penpasuglia and Allison Garrett were on the edge of the channel where they are allowed to be before falling off their personal watercraft and into harm's way. A passenger on the Carnival Magic captured the rescue on video Saturday afternoon after harbor pilot Doug Brown spotted the women and Brevard County Sheriff's Deputy Taner Primmer pulled them to safety as the ship bore down on them.
TOP ASSISTANT TAKES OVER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR'S JOB IN FLORIDA
Stephen Muldrow was named the acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida on Tuesday, a day after Lee Bentley's resignation. Bentley was among four dozen U.S. Attorneys around the nation who were asked to resign by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The prosecutors had been appointed during the previous administration of President Barack Obama.
FLORIDA GOVERNOR WANTS REPEAL BUT STAYS QUIET ON GOP HEALTH PLAN
Gov. Rick Scott previously urged President Donald Trump to move quickly on health care. He would only say Tuesday that he's encouraged that there's a real good conservation going on up in D.C. Scott also would not answer specific questions on the new study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that estimates the GOP plan would increase the ranks of the uninsured by 14 million people next year alone, and 24 million over a decade.
CENTRAL FLORIDA MAN SUES MINING COMPANY OVER HEALTH OF HOMES
Lakeland homeowner John Jerue filed the lawsuit last week against Alabama-based Drummond Company on behalf of property owners of the Oakbridge and Grasslands developments. He is seeking unspecified damages for economic losses, cleanup of the properties and medical monitoring. Jerue says phosphate mining slag was used as fill on the land the homes were built on by Drummond.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Lightning beat Rangers 3-2
NEW YORK – Brayden Point scored twice, including the tiebreaking goal with 6:39 remaining to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning over the New York Rangers 3-2 on Monday.
Peter Budaj made 26 saves for his first win since Tampa Bay acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings in a trade for fellow goalie Ben Bishop. Gabriel Dumont also scored and Nikita Kucherov had two assists for the Lightning, who extended their winning streak to three games. They have picked up at least one point in eight of their last nine on the road.
Steven Kampfer and Michael Grabner had the goals for the Rangers, who won 4-1 on Sunday night in Detroit. They still hold a comfortable lead for the first wild card in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay is in a tight race with Toronto and the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot in the East.
Peter Budaj made 26 saves for his first win since Tampa Bay acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings in a trade for fellow goalie Ben Bishop. Gabriel Dumont also scored and Nikita Kucherov had two assists for the Lightning, who extended their winning streak to three games. They have picked up at least one point in eight of their last nine on the road.
Steven Kampfer and Michael Grabner had the goals for the Rangers, who won 4-1 on Sunday night in Detroit. They still hold a comfortable lead for the first wild card in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay is in a tight race with Toronto and the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot in the East.
Kings beat Magic 120-115
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Darren Collison had 19 points and 13 assists, reserve Anthony Tolliver also scored 19 points and the Sacramento Kings beat the Orlando Magic 120-115 to snap an eight-game losing streak.
Tolliver scored five straight points in the closing minutes as the Kings improved to 2-8 since trading DeMarcus Cousins during the All-Star break. The eight-game losing streak was the longest for the Kings since the 2014-15 season.
Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Magic. Evan Fournier made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points, and Aaron Gordon had 17.
Elfrid Payton had 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season, but Orlando dropped its third straight.
Willie Cauley-Stein had 18 points for the Kings and rookie Buddy Hield had 17.
Tolliver scored five straight points in the closing minutes as the Kings improved to 2-8 since trading DeMarcus Cousins during the All-Star break. The eight-game losing streak was the longest for the Kings since the 2014-15 season.
Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Magic. Evan Fournier made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points, and Aaron Gordon had 17.
Elfrid Payton had 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season, but Orlando dropped its third straight.
Willie Cauley-Stein had 18 points for the Kings and rookie Buddy Hield had 17.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Pacers beat Heat 102-98
INDIANAPOLIS – Paul George had 28 points and 10 rebounds in the Indiana Pacers' victory over the Miami Heat, 102-98.
Myles Turner added 15 points for Indiana, and Jeff Teague had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Hassan Whiteside led the Heat with 26 points and 21 rebounds.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Lightning beat Wild 4-1
TAMPA, Fla. – Nikita Kucherov scored two goals, the first on a power play less than seven minutes into the game, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Minnesota Wild 4-1 on Thursday.
Kucherov assisted a goal by Andrej Sustr, giving him nine goals and eight assists in his last eight games. Victor Hedman also scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves. Vasilevskiy is 4-0-1 since the trade of Ben Bishop to Los Angeles, and the Lightning are 9-2-3 in their last 14 games.
Marco Scandella scored for Minnesota with 3:58 remaining, only the Wild’s second goal in regulation in their last three games. Western Conference-leading Minnesota has lost three of four for the first time since early December. The loss also broke the Wild’s streak of 10 straight wins after a loss.
Kucherov assisted a goal by Andrej Sustr, giving him nine goals and eight assists in his last eight games. Victor Hedman also scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves. Vasilevskiy is 4-0-1 since the trade of Ben Bishop to Los Angeles, and the Lightning are 9-2-3 in their last 14 games.
Marco Scandella scored for Minnesota with 3:58 remaining, only the Wild’s second goal in regulation in their last three games. Western Conference-leading Minnesota has lost three of four for the first time since early December. The loss also broke the Wild’s streak of 10 straight wins after a loss.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Heat win again, rallying to beat Hornets 108-101
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI (AP) Dion Waiters made the biggest shot of the night, then started walking toward midcourt with a look of disbelief on his face.
He was acting.
They're all believers in the Miami locker room right now.
Waiters scored 24 points, including an acrobatic 3-pointer with 45 seconds left that helped seal things for Miami, and the Heat continued their improbable playoff push by beating the Charlotte Hornets 108-101 on Wednesday night.
"It came down to who wanted it more," Waiters said.
Goran Dragic scored 22 points and handed out 10 assists for Miami, which moved within a half-game of No. 7 Detroit and No. 8 Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings. Luke Babbitt scored 12 points, Hassan Whiteside had 10 points and 15 rebounds, and James Johnson added 10 points for Miami, which is 20-4 in its last 24 games - the NBA's best record in that span.
"You have to continue to try to get better," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Our game can still get to another two, three, four levels. Whatever it is, we're not going to put a ceiling on it."
Kemba Walker scored 33 points for Charlotte, which got 16 from Nicolas Batum, 14 from Marvin Williams and 12 from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Miami outscored Charlotte 27-15 in the final quarter.
"They made shots," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. "Our defense in the fourth quarter actually was pretty good, much better than the stats will say. Neither team was able to get quality shots in the fourth quarter."
The Heat made 17 3-pointers, outscoring Charlotte 51-21 from beyond the arc.
Miami opened the fourth on a 15-3 run, capped by James Johnson blocking a dunk attempt by Cody Zeller and setting up a Heat breakout where Dragic found Tyler Johnson for a 3-pointer and a 96-89 lead.
After Charlotte got within four on a jumper by Walker with about two minutes left, Miami got offensive rebounds from Waiters and Whiteside on the same possession - one that would last for more than a minute. Waiters capped the marathon trip by the big 3-pointer that put Miami up 105-98.
"Everybody contributed. Everybody played well," Dragic said. "And Dion did his thing again."
Walker missed a layup with about 25 seconds left, one that could have gotten Charlotte within two, and the Heat prevailed.
"We made a lot of mistakes defensively and those guys capitalized off our mistakes," Walker said. "We did some really good things. We've got to keep building to try to keep getting better for this last stretch."
TIP-INS
Hornets: Charlotte held Miami to 18 points in the first quarter, 11.4 points below the Heat average over their last 25 games. ... Johnny O'Bryant left early in the second quarter with a sprained right ankle, and Batum missed some of the second half with a sprained left ankle.
Heat: Dragic got poked in the right eye early in the game. He briefly visited the locker room before returning later in the first quarter. ... Whiteside appeared in his 200th regular-season game, all but 19 of those with Miami.
DRAWING DRAGIC
Dragic has become a savant at drawing fouls on 3-point attempts. He did it twice Wednesday, pushing his total to 18 such calls this season. He drew shooting fouls while beyond the arc only twice in the 2015-16 regular season.
CLOSEOUT WOES
Charlotte is now just 8-9 in road games this season when it leads entering the fourth quarter. The Hornets led 86-81 going into the fourth on Wednesday.
UP NEXT
Hornets: Host Orlando on Friday. Charlotte is 2-0 against the Magic this season, winning by an average of 20 points.
Heat: Host Toronto on Saturday. It'll be the first of three Heat-Raptors meetings in a four-week span.
MIAMI (AP) Dion Waiters made the biggest shot of the night, then started walking toward midcourt with a look of disbelief on his face.
He was acting.
They're all believers in the Miami locker room right now.
Waiters scored 24 points, including an acrobatic 3-pointer with 45 seconds left that helped seal things for Miami, and the Heat continued their improbable playoff push by beating the Charlotte Hornets 108-101 on Wednesday night.
"It came down to who wanted it more," Waiters said.
Goran Dragic scored 22 points and handed out 10 assists for Miami, which moved within a half-game of No. 7 Detroit and No. 8 Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings. Luke Babbitt scored 12 points, Hassan Whiteside had 10 points and 15 rebounds, and James Johnson added 10 points for Miami, which is 20-4 in its last 24 games - the NBA's best record in that span.
"You have to continue to try to get better," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Our game can still get to another two, three, four levels. Whatever it is, we're not going to put a ceiling on it."
Kemba Walker scored 33 points for Charlotte, which got 16 from Nicolas Batum, 14 from Marvin Williams and 12 from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Miami outscored Charlotte 27-15 in the final quarter.
"They made shots," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. "Our defense in the fourth quarter actually was pretty good, much better than the stats will say. Neither team was able to get quality shots in the fourth quarter."
The Heat made 17 3-pointers, outscoring Charlotte 51-21 from beyond the arc.
Miami opened the fourth on a 15-3 run, capped by James Johnson blocking a dunk attempt by Cody Zeller and setting up a Heat breakout where Dragic found Tyler Johnson for a 3-pointer and a 96-89 lead.
After Charlotte got within four on a jumper by Walker with about two minutes left, Miami got offensive rebounds from Waiters and Whiteside on the same possession - one that would last for more than a minute. Waiters capped the marathon trip by the big 3-pointer that put Miami up 105-98.
"Everybody contributed. Everybody played well," Dragic said. "And Dion did his thing again."
Walker missed a layup with about 25 seconds left, one that could have gotten Charlotte within two, and the Heat prevailed.
"We made a lot of mistakes defensively and those guys capitalized off our mistakes," Walker said. "We did some really good things. We've got to keep building to try to keep getting better for this last stretch."
TIP-INS
Hornets: Charlotte held Miami to 18 points in the first quarter, 11.4 points below the Heat average over their last 25 games. ... Johnny O'Bryant left early in the second quarter with a sprained right ankle, and Batum missed some of the second half with a sprained left ankle.
Heat: Dragic got poked in the right eye early in the game. He briefly visited the locker room before returning later in the first quarter. ... Whiteside appeared in his 200th regular-season game, all but 19 of those with Miami.
DRAWING DRAGIC
Dragic has become a savant at drawing fouls on 3-point attempts. He did it twice Wednesday, pushing his total to 18 such calls this season. He drew shooting fouls while beyond the arc only twice in the 2015-16 regular season.
CLOSEOUT WOES
Charlotte is now just 8-9 in road games this season when it leads entering the fourth quarter. The Hornets led 86-81 going into the fourth on Wednesday.
UP NEXT
Hornets: Host Orlando on Friday. Charlotte is 2-0 against the Magic this season, winning by an average of 20 points.
Heat: Host Toronto on Saturday. It'll be the first of three Heat-Raptors meetings in a four-week span.
Payton's 2nd straight triple-double leads Magic over Bulls
TERRANCE HARRIS
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The lack of emotion on Orlando point guard Elfrid Payton's face said plenty after his follow shot with 1:16 remaining had just provided the biggest basket of the night.
He had just put the finishing touches on a masterful triple-double night, but Payton calmly walked back to the bench as the crowd in Amway Center cheered. He finished the night with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in 36 minutes of the Magic's 98-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for his second straight triple double.
"For me, it's more like once it's done," Payton said when asked if he was aware of the night he was having. "I'm trying to help pitch in any way I can. Get a steal, get a rebound, assist to help somebody get going. I know once they get going they are going to play harder on defense. Any way I can help."
Payton, who has been up and down all season and has endured two benchings under first-year coach Frank Vogel, was certainly the catalyst Wednesday night. He made plays driving the ball to the rim, finding the open man for open shots and he even defied his coach's demand of getting back on defense after missed shots, as his six offensive rebounds indicated.
Vogel, whose team ended a two-game losing streak, overlooked Payton's defiance.
"Sometimes you have to break the coach's rule," Vogel said. "We want our point guards back on defense, but those are loose ball plays and that's part of it."
Largely because of Payton's play along with some timely shots by Evan Fournier (20 points) and Terrence Ross (14), the Magic were able to overcome a 13-point, third-quarter deficit and then put the clamps on Jimmy Butler and the Bulls in the fourth quarter to escape with a needed win.
"I was proud of how we closed the game out tonight," said Vogel. "We are happy with how we played for the most part the last two games, but not how we finished."
While the Magic didn't close out as planned against New York on Monday night, they played just good enough Wednesday to preserve the win. The Bulls closed with two points of the lead late in the fourth quarter, but then Orlando turned up the defensive pressure to pull away. Butler finished with 21 points, but he missed some big shots down the stretch and the Bulls were limited to just 14 fourth-quarter points.
"Sometimes we played great defense, and sometimes they missed shots, but we did enough," Vogel said. "We had enough solid defensive possessions to secure the win."
While it was a big win for the Magic, it was another tough loss for the Bulls, who have dropped three straight and four of their last five. They came into the night trying to cling to one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots, tied for seventh place.
"We're playing hard," said Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. "It's not an effort thing. We played very good stretches of basketball. Again, we've got to play a full 48 minutes."
TIP-INS
Bulls: Dwyane Wade sat out with a strained left quadriceps. ... Rajon Rondo returned to action after missing Monday's loss at Detroit with a right ankle injury. ... Bobby Portis's career-best streak of four straight games in double figures was snapped, as he scored just eight points. ... Cristiano Felicio scored six points against Magic rookie center Stephen Zimmerman during an 8-0 run early in the second quarter.
Magic: Nikola Vucevic missed his third straight game with a sore right Achilles tendon. He is listed as day-to-day. ... Payton recorded his fifth career triple-double.
UP NEXT
Bulls: Chicago returns home to take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Houston is looking to sweep Chicago for the second time since 2008-09.
Magic: Orlando travels to Charlotte for the first game of a back-to-back. The Hornets have won five straight against the Magic.
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The lack of emotion on Orlando point guard Elfrid Payton's face said plenty after his follow shot with 1:16 remaining had just provided the biggest basket of the night.
He had just put the finishing touches on a masterful triple-double night, but Payton calmly walked back to the bench as the crowd in Amway Center cheered. He finished the night with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in 36 minutes of the Magic's 98-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday for his second straight triple double.
"For me, it's more like once it's done," Payton said when asked if he was aware of the night he was having. "I'm trying to help pitch in any way I can. Get a steal, get a rebound, assist to help somebody get going. I know once they get going they are going to play harder on defense. Any way I can help."
Payton, who has been up and down all season and has endured two benchings under first-year coach Frank Vogel, was certainly the catalyst Wednesday night. He made plays driving the ball to the rim, finding the open man for open shots and he even defied his coach's demand of getting back on defense after missed shots, as his six offensive rebounds indicated.
Vogel, whose team ended a two-game losing streak, overlooked Payton's defiance.
"Sometimes you have to break the coach's rule," Vogel said. "We want our point guards back on defense, but those are loose ball plays and that's part of it."
Largely because of Payton's play along with some timely shots by Evan Fournier (20 points) and Terrence Ross (14), the Magic were able to overcome a 13-point, third-quarter deficit and then put the clamps on Jimmy Butler and the Bulls in the fourth quarter to escape with a needed win.
"I was proud of how we closed the game out tonight," said Vogel. "We are happy with how we played for the most part the last two games, but not how we finished."
While the Magic didn't close out as planned against New York on Monday night, they played just good enough Wednesday to preserve the win. The Bulls closed with two points of the lead late in the fourth quarter, but then Orlando turned up the defensive pressure to pull away. Butler finished with 21 points, but he missed some big shots down the stretch and the Bulls were limited to just 14 fourth-quarter points.
"Sometimes we played great defense, and sometimes they missed shots, but we did enough," Vogel said. "We had enough solid defensive possessions to secure the win."
While it was a big win for the Magic, it was another tough loss for the Bulls, who have dropped three straight and four of their last five. They came into the night trying to cling to one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots, tied for seventh place.
"We're playing hard," said Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. "It's not an effort thing. We played very good stretches of basketball. Again, we've got to play a full 48 minutes."
TIP-INS
Bulls: Dwyane Wade sat out with a strained left quadriceps. ... Rajon Rondo returned to action after missing Monday's loss at Detroit with a right ankle injury. ... Bobby Portis's career-best streak of four straight games in double figures was snapped, as he scored just eight points. ... Cristiano Felicio scored six points against Magic rookie center Stephen Zimmerman during an 8-0 run early in the second quarter.
Magic: Nikola Vucevic missed his third straight game with a sore right Achilles tendon. He is listed as day-to-day. ... Payton recorded his fifth career triple-double.
UP NEXT
Bulls: Chicago returns home to take on the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Houston is looking to sweep Chicago for the second time since 2008-09.
Magic: Orlando travels to Charlotte for the first game of a back-to-back. The Hornets have won five straight against the Magic.
Police: UF's student president arrested in drunken incident
KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — University of Florida's student body president-elect has been arrested in Key West after police say he knocked over motorcycles while drunk.
The Independent Florida Alligator (http://bit.ly/2mH5kM5) reports that 22-year-old William Smith Meyers was arrested Tuesday and charged with criminal mischief.
Key West police say Meyers climbed on the parked motorcycles and tried to start them and knocked them over when they would not. Police say Meyers was drunk and did not remember being in Key West for spring break vacation.
The Alligator reports that Meyers was elected student body president on Feb. 22 after running a campaign with the slogan "character that counts."
He was detained in the county jail before being released on a $328 bond.
The Independent Florida Alligator (http://bit.ly/2mH5kM5) reports that 22-year-old William Smith Meyers was arrested Tuesday and charged with criminal mischief.
Key West police say Meyers climbed on the parked motorcycles and tried to start them and knocked them over when they would not. Police say Meyers was drunk and did not remember being in Key West for spring break vacation.
The Alligator reports that Meyers was elected student body president on Feb. 22 after running a campaign with the slogan "character that counts."
He was detained in the county jail before being released on a $328 bond.
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 9
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
JUST HERE FOR THE ARTICLES: CITY'S OLD WEBSITE USED FOR PORN
The city of Springfield began receiving complaints last week from citizens who were visiting the city's old website. Mayor Ralph Hammond said the city apparently let the old domain name expire, and the site now contains pornography. Springfield switched its website to a .gov domain about three years ago. The city's information technology department is seeking to buy back the old domain.
RECORDS: GUILTY PLEA FOR WOMAN IN SANDY HOOK PARENT THREAT
A federal judge Wednesday set a change of plea and sentencing hearing for 57-year-old Lucy Richards. She previously pleaded not guilty to charges of transmitting threats to Lenny Pozner, father of 6-year-old Noah Pozner who died in the Sandy Hook school shooting. The plea and sentencing hearing is set for March 29 in Fort Lauderdale federal court. Details of the plea were not announced.
SCHOOL DEAN DEMOTED AFTER SEEKING REVENGE ON STUDENT
A Manatee school district officials discovered that her son's arm was broken Dec. 14 while playing at a bus stop. Investigators say Wende Pendleton-Wicks asked a 15-year-old boy to hurt the boy she believed hurt her son. Pendleton-Wicks told investigators the boy texted her, saying he would pick up the boy "and drop him." The dean replied: "Please do."
MAN DIES AFTER FLEEING DEPUTIES, RAMMING OTHER VEHICLES
A Polk County Sheriff's Office news release says the man was pronounced dead Wednesday after being airlifted to a Lakeland hospital. Deputies say they responded to reports of a suicidal person in Winter Haven Wednesday morning, and the man fled in his truck. During a pursuit, authorities say the man intentionally slammed into two other vehicles.
CENTRAL FLORIDA TODDLER INJURED IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
Tavares police spokeswoman Sarah Coursey says local news outlets the child was playing outside around 9 p.m. Tuesday when a car drove by and its occupants fired multiple shots. She says the child was shot in the abdomen and is expected to make a full recovery. Coursey says police don't know the identities of the people in the car, which was described as a dark grey Chevrolet Malibu.
JUST HERE FOR THE ARTICLES: CITY'S OLD WEBSITE USED FOR PORN
The city of Springfield began receiving complaints last week from citizens who were visiting the city's old website. Mayor Ralph Hammond said the city apparently let the old domain name expire, and the site now contains pornography. Springfield switched its website to a .gov domain about three years ago. The city's information technology department is seeking to buy back the old domain.
RECORDS: GUILTY PLEA FOR WOMAN IN SANDY HOOK PARENT THREAT
A federal judge Wednesday set a change of plea and sentencing hearing for 57-year-old Lucy Richards. She previously pleaded not guilty to charges of transmitting threats to Lenny Pozner, father of 6-year-old Noah Pozner who died in the Sandy Hook school shooting. The plea and sentencing hearing is set for March 29 in Fort Lauderdale federal court. Details of the plea were not announced.
SCHOOL DEAN DEMOTED AFTER SEEKING REVENGE ON STUDENT
A Manatee school district officials discovered that her son's arm was broken Dec. 14 while playing at a bus stop. Investigators say Wende Pendleton-Wicks asked a 15-year-old boy to hurt the boy she believed hurt her son. Pendleton-Wicks told investigators the boy texted her, saying he would pick up the boy "and drop him." The dean replied: "Please do."
MAN DIES AFTER FLEEING DEPUTIES, RAMMING OTHER VEHICLES
A Polk County Sheriff's Office news release says the man was pronounced dead Wednesday after being airlifted to a Lakeland hospital. Deputies say they responded to reports of a suicidal person in Winter Haven Wednesday morning, and the man fled in his truck. During a pursuit, authorities say the man intentionally slammed into two other vehicles.
CENTRAL FLORIDA TODDLER INJURED IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
Tavares police spokeswoman Sarah Coursey says local news outlets the child was playing outside around 9 p.m. Tuesday when a car drove by and its occupants fired multiple shots. She says the child was shot in the abdomen and is expected to make a full recovery. Coursey says police don't know the identities of the people in the car, which was described as a dark grey Chevrolet Malibu.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Rangers beat Panthers 5-2
SUNRISE, Fla. – Henrik Lundqvist made 43 saves to earn his 30th win of the season and lead the New York Rangers over the Florida Panthers, 5-2.
Nick Holden, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider scored goals for the Rangers. Tanner Glass had a goal and an assist. Pavel Buchnevich added an empty-net goal.
Aaron Ekblad and Thomas Vanek scored for the Panthers and James Reimer allowed four goals on 19 shots before being replaced by Reto Berra with 6:46 left in the second. Berra, seeing his first NHL action since Dec. 9. 2015, stopped eight shots.
New York won its fifth straight road game and is 24-8-0 on the road while Florida has won just once in its past six home games.
Nick Holden, Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider scored goals for the Rangers. Tanner Glass had a goal and an assist. Pavel Buchnevich added an empty-net goal.
Aaron Ekblad and Thomas Vanek scored for the Panthers and James Reimer allowed four goals on 19 shots before being replaced by Reto Berra with 6:46 left in the second. Berra, seeing his first NHL action since Dec. 9. 2015, stopped eight shots.
New York won its fifth straight road game and is 24-8-0 on the road while Florida has won just once in its past six home games.
5 Things to Know in Florida for March 8
MIAMI (AP) — Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
POLICE: MAN RAPED, BEAT WOMAN FOR 2 WEEKS FOR LOSING PURSE
Evan Xavier Little was arrested Sunday after the woman reported him to Miami Beach police. The woman told police that Little became upset in January because she left the purse in an Uber vehicle. She says he hit her with a suitcase and a golf club and removed some of her acrylic nails with pliers. The woman attempted to leave their apartment, but she says he threatened and choked her.
JURY SELECTION SLOGS AHEAD IN DOCTOR'S MEDICARE FRAUD TRIAL
Attorneys failed to pick a jury Tuesday, but hope to finish Wednesday and have opening statements Thursday. The panel is to decide whether the 62-year-old doctor stole millions from Medicare between 2004 and 2013. Federal prosecutors say Melgen prescribed unneeded treatments, filed claims for procedures he never performed and charged for medicine he never purchased.
BAD DRAW: FLORIDA JUDGE SIDES WITH HOUSE SPEAKER IN LAWSUIT
Circuit Judge Karen Gievers on Tuesday ruled the Florida Lottery lacked the legal authority to approve a 15-year contract worth more than $700 million. She declared the contract "void and unenforceable." Scott in a statement said that he strongly disagreed with the ruling and would appeal.
MAN ORDERED TO TURN OVER $950,000 FOR FRAUDULENT TAX RETURNS
A federal judge in Orlando issued a civil order Monday that permanently bars Jason Stinson from preparing federal tax returns for others and from owning or operating a tax return preparation business. Stinson's company, Nation Tax Services, had stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
POLICE: WOMAN FALLS TO HER DEATH FROM FLORIDA CONDO BALCONY
Witnesses told police they saw the 50-year-old woman hanging from the side of the building around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Deputy Chief Jakari Young says the woman landed on the pool deck. The witnesses told investigators a man was trying to pull the woman up by her arms. Investigators say they believe Gano committed suicide after she and her boyfriend argued.
POLICE: MAN RAPED, BEAT WOMAN FOR 2 WEEKS FOR LOSING PURSE
Evan Xavier Little was arrested Sunday after the woman reported him to Miami Beach police. The woman told police that Little became upset in January because she left the purse in an Uber vehicle. She says he hit her with a suitcase and a golf club and removed some of her acrylic nails with pliers. The woman attempted to leave their apartment, but she says he threatened and choked her.
JURY SELECTION SLOGS AHEAD IN DOCTOR'S MEDICARE FRAUD TRIAL
Attorneys failed to pick a jury Tuesday, but hope to finish Wednesday and have opening statements Thursday. The panel is to decide whether the 62-year-old doctor stole millions from Medicare between 2004 and 2013. Federal prosecutors say Melgen prescribed unneeded treatments, filed claims for procedures he never performed and charged for medicine he never purchased.
BAD DRAW: FLORIDA JUDGE SIDES WITH HOUSE SPEAKER IN LAWSUIT
Circuit Judge Karen Gievers on Tuesday ruled the Florida Lottery lacked the legal authority to approve a 15-year contract worth more than $700 million. She declared the contract "void and unenforceable." Scott in a statement said that he strongly disagreed with the ruling and would appeal.
MAN ORDERED TO TURN OVER $950,000 FOR FRAUDULENT TAX RETURNS
A federal judge in Orlando issued a civil order Monday that permanently bars Jason Stinson from preparing federal tax returns for others and from owning or operating a tax return preparation business. Stinson's company, Nation Tax Services, had stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
POLICE: WOMAN FALLS TO HER DEATH FROM FLORIDA CONDO BALCONY
Witnesses told police they saw the 50-year-old woman hanging from the side of the building around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Deputy Chief Jakari Young says the woman landed on the pool deck. The witnesses told investigators a man was trying to pull the woman up by her arms. Investigators say they believe Gano committed suicide after she and her boyfriend argued.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Knicks beat Magic 113-105
ORLANDO, Fla. – Courtney Lee scored 20 points, Lance Thomas added 17 and the New York Knicks used a big fourth quarter to rally past the Orlando Magic 113-105.
Willy Hernangomez had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis scored 14 points for the Knicks, who stopped a two-game losing streak. Kyle O’Quinn sparked the comeback with 11 points and eight rebounds, all in the fourth quarter.
Elfrid Payton had his first triple-double of the season with 16 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds. Evan Fournier led Orlando with 25 points and Aaron Gordon had 17 in the Magic’s third loss in four games.
New York outscored Orlando 28-13 in the fourth period, holding the Magic to just 17.6 percent shooting (3 of 17), while shooting 54.5 percent (12 of 22).
Heat beat Cavaliers 106-98
CLEVELAND (AP) Andrew Bogut broke his left leg less than one minute into his Cleveland debut and the Cavaliers were outgunned 106-98 on Monday night by the surging and not-to-be-overlooked Miami Heat, who beat the NBA champions twice in three nights.
Dion Waiters scored 29 points, Goran Dragic added 21 and the Heat held off a late rally by the Cavs, who trimmed a 20-point deficit to 103-98 in the final minute. It could have gotten tighter but LeBron James missed a long 3-pointer before Waiters banked one in with 12.2 seconds left.
Kyrie Irving scored 32 and James had 30 points and 17 rebounds as Cleveland dropped to 26-7 at home.
Miami has won 19 of 23, including victories over Golden State, Houston and two over Cleveland, which now has to find another rim protector after Bogut got hurt.
Rangers beat Lightning 1-0
TAMPA, Fla. – Mika Zibanejad scored 3:56 into overtime, Antti Raanta made 38 saves, and the New York Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0.
Zibanejad beat Andrei Vasilevskiy during a breakaway.
Raanta got his third shutout of the season.
Vasilevskiy stopped 33 shots and Tampa Bay, 8-2-3 over the past 13 games, moved within two points of New York Islanders for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Rangers failed to score on three power plays, and are 1 for 36 over the past 14 games. Tampa Bay, with NHL’s third-best power play, went 0 for 6.
Troipers: 1 dead in wrong-way crash on Florida's turnpike
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Highway Patrol says one person is dead after a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike collided with a tractor-trailer.
Trooper Steven Montiero said in an email that the crash happened early Tuesday near State Road 528.
The southbound lanes of the turnpike were shut down while troopers investigated the crash.
No further details were immediately available.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Wizards beat Magic 115-114
WASHINGTON (AP) – Bojan Bogdanovic scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and made a career-high eight 3-pointers as the Washington Wizards came back from 17 down to defeat the Orlando Magic.
Bradley Beal led Washington with 32 points, and John Wall had 19 points and 10 assists as the third-place Wizards moved a game ahead of Toronto in the Eastern Conference standings.
Otto Porter scored 11 points, and more importantly spotted Bogdanovic in the corner for his final 3 to give the Wizards the lead for good with 48.6 seconds left.
Terrence Ross scored 20 points to lead seven players in double figures for the Magic.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Penguins beat Lightning 5-2
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Mark Streit made an instant impact in his debut with Pittsburgh, beating Peter Budaj early in the third period to lift the Penguins over Tampa Bay.
Evgeni Malkin scored twice off assists from Phil Kessel and added an assist of his own in his 700th career game as Pittsburgh snapped a two-game losing streak. Justin Schultz had a goal and an assist and Tom Kuhnhackl put in an empty-netter for the Penguins as they swept the season series from the Lightning.
Matt Murray finished with 27 saves as Pittsburgh pulled back into a tie with Columbus for second place in the crowded Metropolitan Davison.
Adam Erne picked up his first NHL goal for Tampa Bay and Nikita Kucherov collected his 28th, but the Lightning lost precious ground in the scramble for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Budaj stopped 30 shots in his first start with the Lightning after coming over in a trade from Los Angeles.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Flyers beat Panthers 2-1 in SO
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Newly acquired Valtteri Filppula scored in regulation and Jakub Voracek and Jordan Weal netted goals in the shootout to lead Philadelphia over Florida.
Aaron Ekblad scored for the Panthers, who were trying to tie a franchise record with their sixth straight road victory. Florida has lost four of its past five.
Philadelphia won its second straight game to keep within close range of a playoff berth.
Weal opened the shootout by going high on James Reimer. Aleksander Barkov, Florida’s second shooter, tied it with a nifty move on Steve Mason. Voracek put Philadelphia ahead with a low shot past Reimer before Mason stopped Jonathan Huberdeau to secure the much-needed two points for Philadelphia.
Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo was trying to move into a tie with Curtis Joseph for fourth place all-time in wins, but Luongo left after making 13 saves in the first period because of a lower-body injury. Luongo has 453 victories.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Magic lose to Knicks 101-90
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Derrick Rose scored 19 to help New York cruise past Orlando.
Facing a Magic team adjusting to playing with a smaller lineup, the Knicks used their superior size to their advantage. Porzingis, who missed the previous two games with a sprained right ankle, presented matchup problems for Orlando all night.
Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and Justin Holiday added 14 off the bench for the Knicks.
Evan Fournier led Orlando with 22 points.
Facing a Magic team adjusting to playing with a smaller lineup, the Knicks used their superior size to their advantage. Porzingis, who missed the previous two games with a sprained right ankle, presented matchup problems for Orlando all night.
Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and Justin Holiday added 14 off the bench for the Knicks.
Evan Fournier led Orlando with 22 points.
Heat beat 76ers 125-98
MIAMI (AP) – Tyler Johnson scored 24 points off the bench, and Miami never trailed in a win over Philadelphia.
Wayne Ellington made six 3-pointers for 18 points for Miami, which has won 10 of its past 11 at home. Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic all scored 15 for the Heat, and Whiteside also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
Robert Covington scored 19 for the 76ers, who learned earlier Wednesday that center Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the season with a left knee injury.
Wayne Ellington made six 3-pointers for 18 points for Miami, which has won 10 of its past 11 at home. Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic all scored 15 for the Heat, and Whiteside also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
Robert Covington scored 19 for the 76ers, who learned earlier Wednesday that center Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the season with a left knee injury.
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