SUMMARY: Volusia sheriff’s detectives arrested 56-year-old Cory Woodall for defrauding Carol West, a 70-year-old victim of a six-week romance scam. West believed she was communicating with retired Army General Paul Lacamera via Facebook, but was tricked into sending about $60,000 through gift cards, Bitcoin, and cash mailed to North Carolina. Woodall admitted spending the money, including buying a 2023 Hyundai Kona, claiming he laundered funds for scammers he met through his girlfriend. Romance scams are common in Florida, with nearly 3,400 reports and $93 million lost last year. Authorities advise skepticism, discussing online relationships with loved ones, and never sending money to online-only contacts.

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SUMMARY: The Islamic Society of Tampa Bay has been operating a food pantry every Sunday since May, offering free food to families in need regardless of religion. Volunteers pack and distribute essentials like beans, rice, chicken, fresh vegetables, and bread through a drive-thru system. The pantry helps people stretch their budgets to cover critical bills such as rent and utilities amid growing food insecurity in Tampa Bay. The Muslim community continues to expand, with plans to complete a second floor in their school funded by donations. Alongside food assistance, the society offers additional services to support those in need.

Every Sunday since May, the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay has set up a drive-thru food pantry. Organizers say everyone is welcome, no matter their religion.

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SUMMARY: South Florida faces high tides and potential minor flooding over the next few days due to persistent afternoon showers and storms, especially along the east coast near Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Heavy rain, sometimes exceeding 3 inches, is driven by west winds maintaining storm activity near the coast. While evenings and mornings remain mostly quiet, afternoon storms continue, raising flooding risks during higher-than-normal tides, especially with a full moon tonight. Temperatures will hover in the mid-80s to low 90s. Tropical activity remains quiet with no developments expected. Rain chances and temperatures are forecast to decrease by the weekend with a shift in wind direction.

This time of year South Florida sees higher than normal tides. The region is also expected to see showers early in the morning and afternoon on Monday, but they should clear out by the evening.

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