SUMMARY: Nearly a decade after the Pulse nightclub shooting claimed 49 lives, Orlando is set to take significant steps toward building a permanent memorial. The city council will vote on a $1 million land purchase adjacent to the nightclub and finalize selecting Gomez Construction Company, known for the 2016 Pulse memorial garden, to lead the project. The memorial, designed with input from the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee and the public, aims for completion by 2027. For Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community, this long-awaited tribute represents safety, support, and remembrance of the victims, survivors, and the community’s resilience. Construction is expected to start in 2025.

Read the full article

The post Orlando City Council expected to approve key steps for permanent Pulse memorial appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: Severe storms in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia have raised lightning safety concerns after two Ware County teens, Joey Nelson Jr. and Randall Martin III, died while fishing. Within 24 hours, a lightning strike ignited a house fire in St. Johns County, though no one was home. Another strike at St. Augustine Beach Pier hospitalized two individuals, one seriously. Mayor Dylan Rumrell urged caution during thunderstorms, emphasizing the importance of seeking shelter when thunder is heard. The National Weather Service reports over 500 U.S. lightning deaths since 2006, with fishing as the leading risky activity. They advise avoiding tall trees and using enclosed shelters during storms.

Read the full article

The post NWS, local officials give lightning safety advice after 2 killed, 2 more hospitalized from strikes in recent days appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: A local church in Ruskin is addressing fear among its Hispanic parishioners caused by recent ICE raids and deportations. About half of Saint Ann Catholic Church’s congregation identifies as Hispanic, many anxious about being questioned or detained. Father Kevin invited an expert to educate parishioners on their rights if stopped by immigration agents to ease their worries. While Homeland Security emphasizes targeting violent criminals and urges unauthorized immigrants to self-deport, community members call for more flexibility toward those seeking better lives. Father Kevin stresses that faith calls for compassion and safety for all, regardless of political views.

A Ruskin pastor says ICE raids are hitting close to home for some Hispanic parishioners. He says some are even scared to go the church. The Diocese is now training clergy on how to respond.

Source