Here’s your roundup of Florida headlines from the past 24 hours !
1. Man Convicted for Impaling Girlfriend with Bedpost
In Hallandale Beach, Adam Crespo (49) was found guilty of second-degree murder for the 2019 death of his girlfriend, Silvia Galva (32). The Broward County jury deliberated for under two hours before reaching a verdict. Prosecutors countered Crespo’s claim that it was a tragic accident, citing the wound’s angle and depth as evidence of intent. A friend heard the couple arguing, followed by Galva’s scream, before Crespo called for help. Prosecutor Jaclyn Broudy stated he was “pissed off and wanted her out.” Sentencing is set for October 31.
— Read more.
2. State Eyes Mid-Decade Redistricting
Florida may undertake redistricting ahead of the usual post-census cycle. House Speaker Daniel Perez announced a special committee to explore redrawing congressional maps, with support from Governor Ron DeSantis, citing population growth as the rationale. The move aligns with former President Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting. Critics, predominantly Democrats, denounce the effort as “politically motivated,” noting redistricting typically occurs once per decade following federal census data.
— Read more.
3. Fish and Wildlife Commission to Vote on Bear Hunt
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to vote this Wednesday on reinstating a black bear hunt—the first in a decade. If approved, the proposed hunt would run for 23 days in December. Florida hasn’t had a bear hunt since 2015.
— Read more.
4. Boaters Clash at Lake Winterset
At Lake Winterset in Polk County, a boater brawl erupted over the weekend—wild enough to leave two men unconscious and floating face down in the water. The melee unfolded in front of families, prompting arrests of seven men (mostly late teens or early 20s) and one 17-year-old. Charges include rioting, affray, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the incident and flagged stricter enforcement and potential new regulations around shoreline access.
— Read more.
5. Community Mourns Woman Fatally Shot in Her Condo
58-year-old Liliana Calderon Ramirez was fatally shot in her West Palm Beach condo on Glenwood Drive. Neighbors and friends described her as “a sweet woman and a great mom,” expressing deep shock at the loss.
— Read more.
6. Teen Arrested on First Day of School
In other Florida Headlines, a Key Largo, a teen was arrested after his mother discovered a handgun in his backpack—just hours into his first day of school.
— Read more.
7. Roundtable on Health Insurance Tax Credits
Florida health care and business leaders are meeting today (the morning of August 13, 2025) at 10 a.m. to discuss the potential extension of enhanced premium tax credits, which benefit about 4 million Floridians who rely on the individual insurance marketplace.
— Read more.
8. Tropical Storm Erin Under Watch
Meteorologists continue to monitor Tropical Storm Erin, currently in the eastern Atlantic. The system is tracking westward as analysts assess its potential path and impact on Florida.
— Read more.
9. Python Hunter Nets $1,000 in Reward
Personally capturing 87 Burmese pythons in one month, Aaron Mann secured a $1,000 reward under South Florida’s Python Elimination Program. The initiative incentivizes removal efforts, paying $50 per snake and $25 per foot for snakes longer than 4 feet. Since 2000, approximately 19,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades—but officials say the true population remains unknown.
— Read more.
10. Bodycam Video Resurfaces from Powerball Winner Arrest
Bodycam footage has surfaced showing James Farthing, a $167.3 million Powerball winner, being tackled and tased during an arrest in St. Pete Beach. The dramatic arrest followed Farthing allegedly assaulting a hotel guest and kicking a Pinellas County deputy in the head. His girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested. Farthing now faces multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
— Read more.
