Swim With Orcas | Kidnapping Hoax | Holocaust Victim Targeted: FL News

FLORIDA — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Rare Encounter With Killer Whales In FL Keys Caught On Video: Watch

Boaters in the Florida Straits filmed their recent rare encounter with a pod of orcas and some even jumped in the water with the killer whales.

FL Woman Who Stole $2.8M From Holocaust Survivor Gets Prison Time

A Florida woman will spend four years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing $2.8 million from a Holocaust survivor she met on a dating website. Peaches Stergo, 36, was described by U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos as "unspeakably cruel" and motivated by greed.

FL Girl, 11, Faked Kidnapping Call For YouTube Challenge: Police

An 11-year-old girl faces felony charges after Volusia County authorities said she falsely reported that her friend was kidnapped by an armed man in a white van. According to authorities, the girl told deputies she got the idea to prank 911 through a YouTube challenge and thought it "would be funny."

Man Stole 1977 Porsche From Classic Car Museum: Police

A Sarasota man faces charges related to the theft of a brown 1977 Porsche 930 Turbo from the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, according to police. The car, worth around $250,000, was reported missing June 14 after the burglary alarm was activated.

Couple Pleads Guilty To Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Charges: DOJ

A Florida couple that stormed the U.S. Capitol together on Jan. 6, 2021, pleaded guilty Monday to felony and misdemeanor charges related to the breach of the building, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Woman Presumed Dead In FL Keys Yacht Fire: Sheriff

A 51-year-old woman is missing and presumed dead after fire destroyed a yacht they were on in the Florida Keys early Wednesday morning, authorities said. The victim and her family were aboard a 70-foot Viking yacht at the Peary Hotel & Marina on Stock Island; they were visiting the area for lobster mini-season.

Arrest Made In Murder Of Jennifer Odom After 30 Years: Police

Authorities on Thursday announced a man has been charged in connection with the 1993 murder of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom, who disappeared while walking home from school and was later found dead in an abandoned orange grove.

Police Official Offered Resignation Before Shooting Himself

Hours before he pulled over and shot himself on I-75 South in Riverview Sunday night, Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez tried to resign from his position. The 52-year-old Ramirez, who was staying at Marriott Waterside in downtown Tampa for a law enforcement conference, had police called on him during an argument with his wife.

More Top Headlines

• Del Taco Expands With New ‘Fresh Flex’ Restaurant
• Prostitution Charges Filed Against Spa Employees: Sheriff
• Carbon Monoxide Linked To Death Of FL Marine And 2 Others In NC
• Missing Person Last Contacted Family In April: Sheriff
• YMCA To Sell 4th Street Location: Report
• Tampa Bay Rays To Return To Port Charlotte For 2024 Spring Training
• Mother, Son Sought By Police After Woman Attacked
• DeSantis Chooses Baugh’s Replacement For Manatee County Commission
• Man Dies After Falling From Walt Disney World Hotel Balcony

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