Tuesday, June 17, 2025

9-Year-Old Girl Mauled By 8-Foot Shark While Snorkeling In Florida

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A harrowing incident unfolded on the sun-kissed shores of Florida's Gulf Coast, leaving a youngster shaken. A 9-year-old girl, identified as Leah Lendel, was viciously mauled by a formidable predator while engaging in snorkeling activities in Boca Grande, Florida. The terrifying encounter occurred at roughly 12 p.

m. on Wednesday, with Leah's mother and two younger siblings positioned a mere 4 feet away, helpless to intervene. According to eyewitness Alfonso Tello, a construction worker who witnessed the ordeal, the shark responsible for the attack measured approximately 8 feet in length. The beast nearly severed Leah's entire hand, "inflicting grievous injuries." The Lendel family has released a statement, expressing their desire for solitude and soliciting prayers as they navigate this traumatic experience.

This article is based on information provided by ABC News... a reputable source for accurate and trustworthy reporting.

Reference: Found here

A 9-year-old girl was attacked by a shark while snorkeling off the Florida Gulf Coast, with the animal nearly biting her entire hand off, her family said. At approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, 9-year-old Leah Lendel was swimming in Boca Grande, Florida, near the shore, with her mother and two younger siblings about 4 feet away from her, Leah's family said in a statement provided to ABC News.

Priced Out Of History

The Florida Panthers are on the cusp of making history, with a chance to lift the coveted Stanley Cup at their home turf, Amerant Bank Arena, for the second consecutive year. As the team prepares to face off against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night, fans eager to witness this monumental moment in South Florida sports lore will have to dig deep into their pockets.

As of Monday afternoon, the most economical tickets available on secondary markets were trading hands for a pretty substantial sum. On SeatGeek, the official ticketing partner of the Panthers, the lowest-priced tickets, including fees, were listed at $851 for seats situated at the uppermost level of the arena.

Similarly, StubHub had a pair of comparable tickets priced at $871. Meanwhile, TicketMaster's cheapest offerings were $888... but these seats were located in the uppermost sections of Amerant Bank Arena. For those seeking a more immersive experience with a lower bowl view, "the cost escalates significantly," with prices hovering around $2,000 per ticket.

Some of the remaining lower-bowl seats behind the goals were available for approximately $1,600... inclusive of fees.

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The Florida Panthers have a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup at home for the second consecutive year on Tuesday night at Amerant Bank Arena. To be in the building to witness potential South Florida sports history in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, it will set you back a pretty penny.

A Water Lover's Paradise

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Exploring the Vast Expanse of Everglades National Park by Water Encompassing over 800 square miles of soggy terrain, Everglades National Park stands as the largest balmy wilderness in the United States—a locale where terrain and liquid converge into one. Although you can enter the park by vehicle and roam on foot, unlike most national parks, the Florida Everglades are best savored from the liquid expanse.

In fact, roughly one-third of the park consists of navigable watercourses. Slender channels meander through thick mangrove forests, and numerous small islets fringe the Florida shoreline. The aquatic adventure here is unparalleled. A colossal labyrinth of watercourses is comprised of sluggish rivers, marshlands, and mangrove forests, as noted by Boatmart in a blog entry.

The more secluded areas are only approachable by airboat, kayak, or canoe. So... how do you embark on the water if you're not a seasoned paddler or boater? What essential knowledge should you acquire before venturing out, and what types of excursions are available for novice visitors? To charter your own vessel, make your way to Flamingo Marina, where you'll discover kayak, canoe, "skiff," "pontoon boat.".. and ← →

More details: Found here

The Florida Everglades, a vast and unique ecosystem, has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. The Everglades, often referred to as the "River of Grass," has been home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Calusa and Miccosukee, who have ---d in harmony with the land and water for centuries.

In 1947, Everglades National Park was established to protect this extraordinary environment and its inhabitants. Since its inception, the park has achieved numerous milestones, including being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and a International Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The park's diverse wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

Over the years, the park has faced numerous challenges... including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, but conservation efforts continue to preserve this incredible natural resource for future generations. Today, visitors can explore the Everglades through various means, including hiking, "biking," "and boating.".. providing a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of this subtropical wilderness.

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Spanning more than 800 square miles of wetlands, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States—a place where land and water blur into one. While you can drive into the park and explore on foot, unlike most national parks, the Florida Everglades are best experienced from the water.

In fact, nearly one-third of the park is made up of navigable waterways. Narrow channels wind through dense mangrove forests, and countless small islands fringe the Florida coast. ⁘The boating experience here is unlike any other. A vast maze of waterways is composed of slow-moving rivers, marshes and mangrove forests,⁘ said Boatmart in a blog post . ⁘The more remote parts are only accessible by airboat, kayak, or canoe.⁘

Monday, June 16, 2025

Caution Urged As Alligator Activity Surges In Florida

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Caution Urged as Alligator Activity Surges in Florida** A recent incident in Tampa has highlighted the importance of exercising vigilance when encountering alligators in the wild. On June 12, Jasmine Heron, a resident of Tampa, was strolling with her canine companion when she chanced upon a woman nonchalantly caressing an alligator in her apartment complex.

Fortunately, Heron captured the encounter on video. Although alligators are ubiquitous throughout Florida, with a presence in every county, they generally shun human interaction, and severe injuries from attacks are uncommon. However, as the state's population and residential areas rapidly proliferate, conflicts between humans and alligators are likely to become more frequent, as the creatures are forced to vacate their natural habitats.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes the need for caution... advising the public to refrain from feeding alligators and maintain a safe distance if they encounter one. The FWC also recommends swimming only in designated areas during daylight hours and keeping pets on a leash, "away from water sources." As the spring and summer months approach... alligator activity is expected to intensify.

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However, here are three paragraphs of background information on the history and achievements related to alligator conservation and management in Florida: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a long history of working to conserve and manage alligator populations in the state. Since the 1960s, the FWC has implemented various regulations and conservation efforts to protect both humans and alligators.

These efforts have included the establishment of alligator hunting seasons, habitat preservation, and education campaigns to promote safe coexistence with alligators. Over the years, the FWC has made significant achievements in alligator conservation and management. For example, the agency has worked to restore and protect alligator habitats, "such as wetlands and swamps.".. which are essential for the species' survival.

The FWC has also implemented measures to reduce human-alligator conflicts... such as relocating alligators that have wandered into populated areas and providing education and outreach to the public on alligator safety.

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Tampa resident Jasmine Heron was walking her dog on June 12 when she caught sight — and video — of a woman in her complex casually stroking an alligator. Although alligators are present in all every county in Florida , they usually avoid humans and injuries from attacks are rare. But more frequent alligator-human conflicts are likely as our population and housing rapidly expand and push them out of their natural habitats.

Miami Beach Hosts 28th Annual American Black Film Festival In Style

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The vibrant city of Miami Beach is currently basking in the glory of the 28th annual American Black Film Festival. This spectacular celebration of Black excellence in film and television has commenced with a dazzling display of star-studded glamour. The festival's opening night was a resplendent affair, with numerous celebrities strutting their stuff on the red carpet.

The event has hoarded widespread acclaim, with David Whitaker, a representative of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, extolling the festival's virtues. "There's no other event that epitomizes film, entertainment, and the refinement of Miami in Miami Beach quite like the American Black Film Festival," he remarked.

For writer Yasmine Crawley, the festival's validation is a testament to the power of Black creativity. "This is a monumental affirmation that our work is valued... and it's a reminder that we don't need external validation to know our worth," she said. Actor and ABFF ambassador Larenz Tate echoed Crawley's sentiments, "emphasizing the importance of celebrating Black art and culture." "Being here and witnessing the creative genius of Black storytellers is a truly uplifting experience.

We're able to express ourselves unapologetically... and that's what makes this festival so special," he said.

More details: Visit website

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The spotlight is shining on Miami Beach this week as the American Black Film Festival kicks off its 28th year. From groundbreaking films to glitzy red carpet moments, it's a celebration of Black talent in film and television.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Tributes To Taylor Swift & Fleetwood Mac Take Center Stage At Daytona Beach

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Vibrant Summer Nights Ahead at Daytona Beach** As the summer solstice approaches, the World's Most Renowned Beach is buzzing with excitement, and the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell is set to host a thrilling lineup of weekend concerts. The Friday evening "Sounds of Summer" series and the Saturday Night "Star Spangled Summer Concert Series" are both complimentary, with VIP reserved seating tickets available for a modest $15. On Friday, June 13, the "Sounds of Summer" series, presented by the City of Daytona Beach, will feature "Carnival Ride & Lovestory," heartfelt tributes to pop icons Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. Devoted fans, particularly Swift enthusiasts, are expected to flock to the event to belt out chart-topping hits that catapulted Swift's Era's Tour to global superstardom.

The following evening, "June 14.".. the "Star Spangled Summer Concert Series," organized by Friends of the Bandshell... will showcase "Fleetwood Max," a nostalgic tribute to the 1970s rock legends Fleetwood Mac. The festivities will commence at 7:15 p. m., culminating in a dazzling fireworks display over the beach at 9:45 p. m.

Reference: See here

Taylor Swift: A Global Music Phenomenon** Taylor Alison Swift is a multifaceted American singer-songwriter and pop culture icon. Born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Swift's passion for music was evident from a young age. She began performing in local talent shows and events, eventually relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in country music.

Swift's breakthrough came in 2006 with the release of her debut album, which spawned the hit single "Tim McGraw." Her subsequent albums, including "Fearless" (2008) and "Speak Now" (2010), solidified her position as a rising star in the country music scene. However, it was her 2014 album "Shake It Off" that catapulted her to global superstardom, marking a successful transition to pop music.

Throughout her illustrious career, Swift has hoarded numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards... and Country Music Association Awards. Her record-breaking Era's Tour, "which commenced in 2023," "has become one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.".. with sold-out performances worldwide.

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Summer rolls along at the World's Most Famous Beach, which means another busy slate of weekend concerts at the historic Daytona Beach Bandshell . The Friday night "Sounds of Summer" series and the Saturday Night "Star Spangled Summer Concert Series" are both free admission, with VIP reserved seating tickets also available for $15 for those interested.

9-Year-Old Girl Mauled By 8-Foot Shark While Snorkeling In Florida

A harrowing incident unfolded on the sun-kissed shores of Florida's Gulf Coast, leaving a youngster shaken. A 9-year-old girl, ident...