SUMMARY: 9-year-old Leah Melnick was attacked by a shark while swimming at Boca Grande Beach, leaving her hand nearly severed. She recounted the terrifying moment, saying her hand was covered in blood and she screamed for her mom. Bystanders and first responders quickly acted, and Leah was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. Doctors were able to revascularize her hand within 4.5 hours, crucial for recovery and future function. Though her healing continues, doctors are optimistic she’ll regain full use of her hand. Her parents called it a miracle, and Leah, determined and brave, says she’ll return to the water someday.

It’s hard to imagine from her smiling face the unimaginable experience 9-year-old Leah Lendel has gone through.

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SUMMARY: Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is requesting a $16 million budget increase to address recruiting and retention challenges amid competitive local job markets. Deputies earn the county’s lowest starting salaries, lagging behind neighboring cities and counties offering sizable signing bonuses, such as Pinellas County’s $70,000 bonus. The sheriff’s proposed $196.6 million budget is a 9% rise, driven mainly by personnel costs, making it the first time the request exceeds property tax revenue growth. Lemma emphasized the risks of inadequate funding, including losing experienced staff and declining morale. Commissioners acknowledge budget difficulties amid broader countywide tax considerations. Lemma plans cost-saving measures and ongoing budget negotiations.

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The post ‘Out of balance:’ Seminole County sheriff asks for $16M more as county mulls tax hikes appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump signed a third executive order extending TikTok’s operation in the U.S. for 90 more days, aiming to finalize a deal transferring ownership to American hands. Initial bans and deadlines were postponed due to negotiations collapsing after China’s objections. Despite ongoing uncertainty and a lack of clear legal authority for the extensions, TikTok remains accessible to its 170 million U.S. users. Public opinion on banning TikTok has declined, with about one-third supporting a ban, largely over data security concerns. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner, argue the administration ignores legal and national security risks posed by China-owned TikTok.

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