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Lakeland city officials are considering the installation of additional red-light cameras due to increasing traffic and a rise in violations. Currently, there are 19 red-light cameras in operation, with recent data indicating a significant number of violations at intersections. Police officials believe that these cameras could enhance safety and reduce accidents.
The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced its theme for the 2025 event, titled "The Stage is Set." This year’s festival promises to honor its rich traditions while introducing new entertainment features, including a new soundstage to host top artists.
A Plant City teen was safely located after being lured from her home by 38-year-old Edward Rodriguez, who met her through social media. Law enforcement arrested Rodriguez in Broward County, charging him with lewd and lascivious molestation and interference with child custody.
A man named Charles Williams IV has been arrested and faces felony charges after a street racing incident in St. Petersburg, Florida, that resulted in the death of an innocent driver. The police are also searching for a second driver involved in the race. This tragic event highlights ongoing issues with street racing and public safety in the area.
The House of Representatives rejected Speaker Mike Johnson's government funding plan, which included measures to curb noncitizen voting, just days before a potential government shutdown. The vote saw bipartisan opposition, complicating the path forward as the new fiscal year approaches on October 1.
Iranian hackers attempted to engage President Joe Biden's campaign with information stolen from Donald Trump's campaign, according to the FBI. The unsolicited emails were sent to individuals associated with Biden's campaign but went largely unacknowledged, showcasing ongoing foreign interference in the 2024 election.
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed Latino voters at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's annual leadership conference, highlighting her campaign proposals and criticizing former President Donald Trump's deportation plan. Her speech emphasized the importance of Latino voters in the upcoming November elections, particularly in battleground states like Nevada and Arizona.
At least 20 people were killed and over 450 wounded in Beirut, Lebanon, due to a series of explosions involving electronic devices, one day after a similar incident involving pagers resulted in multiple casualties. The attacks are believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of further conflict in the region.
Alaska Airlines has completed its $1 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which will continue to operate as a separate brand. The deal comes after regulatory approval, with conditions ensuring service levels remain unchanged and consumer protections in place.
The wildlife commission recently restocked a pond in Tampa with catfish to help sustain local fish populations and promote a balanced ecosystem. This initiative highlights the importance of conservation efforts in urban areas and the role of community engagement in environmental stewardship.