8 Mexican migrant workers dead, 40 injured in Ocala bus crash & proposal to allow NIL deals high school athletes
May 16, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
8 killed, 40 injured in Ocala bus crash involving migrant workers
A devastating crash on SR-40 in Ocala has left eight people dead and dozens more hospitalized, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Immediately following the accident, eight individuals were listed in critical condition, with a total of 53 patients reported in what authorities are calling a "massive traffic homicide investigation." “There high probability this [incident] may be beyond eight fatalities," FHP cautioned. The accident occurred at 6:37 AM on Tuesday when a 2010 International Bus, carrying 53 Mexican migrant farm workers to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, collided with a 2001 Ford Ranger truck in a “sideswiped manner.” The bus veered off the roadway, crashed through a fence, struck a tree, and overturned in a horse pasture. Authorities stated that the truck, traveling east, crossed the center line, leading to the collision with the westbound bus. Later in the day, FHP announced the arrest of Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, the driver of the truck. He is facing eight counts of DUI manslaughter and being held without bond. The crash remains under investigation, with officials pledging an exhaustive inquiry that may take at least six months to conclude. Area hospitals AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Timber Ridge ER, and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are providing medical care to the injured, while SR-40 remained closed in both directions for most of Tuesday, causing significant traffic detours.
Florida High School Athletics Association debates NIL proposal
With the summer approaching, the Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) is considering a proposal to allow high school athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The proposal, which aims to prevent schools or coaches from getting involved, would also include financial education for student-athletes. The FHSAA's directors met this week to discuss the plan, allowing teens to negotiate endorsement deals independently, but the inclusion of agents in the process remains subject to debate. The FHSAA's proposed policy aligns with the recent trend of collegiate sports allowing athletes to profit from their NIL. Florida's collegiate NIL law went into effect in 2021, and Governor Ron DeSantis approved changes last year that expanded universities' involvement in the process. The FHSAA will vote on the proposal during a June 4 meeting.
Pro-Palestine protesters disrupt Central Florida
Nearly 1,200 people descended on downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park on Saturday to take part in a pro-Palestinian rally, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals by the Orlando Police Department (OPD) for battery on a law enforcement officer. According to a statement released, OPD characterized the protests as mostly peaceful but stated that a "handheld chemical agent" had to be utilized to break up a disruptive group, with no injuries reported. Meanwhile, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed three arrests for obstructing traffic on Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World Resort. The trio, chanting and holding "Free Palestine" signs, blocked oncoming traffic on the westbound lanes of the interstate ramp at Exit 67. All three were taken into custody and transported to Orange County Jail, with two vehicles towed from the scene.
St. Petersburg City Council scrutinizes Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium deal
St. Petersburg's City Council convened last week in an extensive session to scrutinize the proposed redevelopment plans that would deliver a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. The revitalization project covering 67 acres of land includes bringing 5,400 residential units, retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, office complexes, and an African American history museum to the Historic Gas Plant District. However, a significant point of contention with the agreement remains the commitment to provide 1,250 affordable housing units, with critics raising doubts about the solidity of this aspect within the proposed agreement. Outside the meeting, protestors echoed stronger dissent, arguing that the proposed deal unfairly burdens taxpayers without assuring tangible benefits. About $600 million of the $1.3 billion total for the ballpark would be shouldered by the taxpayers of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. The Rays would be responsible for the remaining costs. Despite opposition, Mayor Ken Welch defended the plan, emphasizing its potential to honor the local heritage of the once-Black community that stood on the site and the proposed plan’s ability to stimulate economic opportunities for minorities. The City Council is slated to vote on the entire proposal later this summer, as the lease between the Rays and the City approaches expiration in 2027.
UCF Board of Trustees Vice Chair arrested for prostitution, indecent exposure
UCF Vice Chair Harold Mills found himself at the center of controversy this week after being arrested for soliciting a prostitute and indecent exposure. According to the Seminole County Sheriff's arrest report, Mills engaged in lewd behavior with an undercover agent at Altamonte Springs’ Sanlando Park. The covert operation was aimed at curbing illicit activities at public parks, with undercover deputies deploying the Sniffies, a map-based app intended for arranging casual sexual encounters with other men. Mills arranged the encounter at the park through the app, asking an undercover officer for oral sex, and exposing himself publicly before being arrested. He was charged with soliciting a prostitute and indecent exposure and has bonded out of Seminole County jail. Mills is the CEO of VMD Ventures, a technology and service industry investment company, and is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZeroChaos, a global multi-billion workforce management company. He was appointed to the UCF trustees in 2019 for a term that expires in January 2026 and was re-elected as vice chair last year.
Palm Bay residents express concerns about overdevelopment
With a population of nearly 120,000 and growing, the City of Palm Bay has attracted new residents and developers at a quick pace for its coastal location, warm, sunny weather, and relatively affordable cost of living. However, concerned Palm Bay homeowners are rallying against what they perceive as overdevelopment in the rapidly expanding city. An online petition has been initiated to address worries about unchecked growth, particularly sparked by a developer's interest in rezoning a property near existing neighborhoods in Southeast Palm Bay. The vacant area along Alcazar St. NE has attracted attention for potential apartment or condominium construction, alarming nearby single-family homeowners over the potential impacts the high-density multi-family housing would bring. Residents share broader concerns that overdevelopment will create strain and wear on existing infrastructure such as roads, and feel as though their concerns to slow development are being ignored by the city, prompting some to run for city council.
Condo owners could lose rights under controversial bill that could impact safety
Every 25 to 30 years, all condominium buildings in the state would be subject to a thorough engineering inspection to identify possible structural issues. Additionally, every 10 years, condominium associations are required to complete a structural integrity reserve study to evaluate potential repairs to “crucial infrastructure” and how much the association would need to make those repairs. That provision and the requirement to reserve funds for maintenance does not apply to commercial occupants, however. This could also apply to mixed-use condo towers where ownership outside of residential units belongs to hotel developers. With concerns over the dilution of owners' rights and the safety of condominium buildings, the pending law could impact how condo hotels operate in Florida and alter the course of ongoing lawsuits.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott joins roundtable on fentanyl crisis
U.S. Senator Rick Scott hosted a roundtable discussion on the fentanyl crisis in Kissimmee, following President Joe Biden's signing of the End Fentanyl Act in March, which Scott sponsored. The Act mandates U.S. Customs and Border Protection to update policies and bolster inspections at ports of entry to combat drug and human trafficking along the border. Senator Scott emphasized the urgency of addressing the fentanyl epidemic, citing the alarming statistics of drug-related fatalities and the need for coordination at the federal, state, and local levels. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma attended the meeting and highlighted that 70% of drugs on the streets are laced with fentanyl, with more than two-thirds of drug users requiring hospitalization or succumbing to death. Lemma stressed the need for expanded access to life-saving interventions like Naloxone, NARCAN, and medical treatments. In 2023, the DEA reported they seized more than 79 million fentanyl pills entering the U.S. – nearly three times the amount in 2021. Most of these laced drugs originate in China and pass through the Mexican border.
Royal Caribbean's second-largest ship to sail from Port Canaveral in July
This summer, Royal Caribbean’s latest marvel, the Utopia of the Seas, will embark on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral. The second-largest ship in the world will set sail on July 19, accommodating 5,668 guests across 18 decks and measuring 1,188 feet long and 211 feet wide. The Oasis Class ship will be designated for 3 and 4-night weekend getaways to destinations such as Nassau, Bahamas, Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise line promises an unparalleled onboard experience with over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, five swimming pools, three waterslides, Vegas-style casinos, and engaging stage shows. Royal Caribbean’s unveiling of Utopia follows the launch of the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, in Miami earlier this year.
Orlando-based restaurant chain Red Lobster shutters dozens of stores nationwide
Red Lobster is an iconic American restaurant brand that helped introduce the casual dining concept, but the Orlando-based chain has faced numerous challenges over the last decade that have now led to the abrupt closure of dozens of locations nationwide. Rumors of bankruptcy have encircled the company in recent weeks as the seafood chain was believed to be searching for a potential buyer to avoid filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This week, Red Lobster abruptly shuttered 48 of its locations amid its financial struggles, which were exacerbated by increasing labor and food costs, higher interest rates, and the popular all-you-can-eat shrimp deal that shrunk profits. The first Red Lobster location opened in Lakeland along U.S. 92 in 1968, growing to nearly 700 stores worldwide. The latest closure is impacting ten locations across Central Florida.
Orlando to host pickleball playoffs
Major League Pickleball (MLP) playoffs are coming to Orlando's USTA National Campus in Lake Nona from Nov. 22-24. This event marks the second round of playoffs, following Dallas hosting the first round in early November. MLP recently kicked off its season in Atlanta, with the league's schedule spanning 11 weeks across nine states and Washington, D.C. Teams will earn playoff berths based on their performance during the regular season.
Publix plans 'prototype' store in Wiregrass Ranch
Publix Super Markets Inc. has officially filed plans for a new 'prototype' store in Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch, occupying 9.53 acres along Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard. The proposed 48,848-square-foot Publix will sit directly across from Walmart in the Wiregrass Commons plaza. The store will follow the popular prototype design found in other locations, featuring a salad bar, buffets serving fresh hot food, a greater selection of grab-and-go food items, an expanded deli area, patio and dine-in seating, and a customer favorite, Pours, a bar offering beer, wine, espresso drinks, smoothies, and more. Wesley Chapel's first Publix, located in Hollybrook Plaza, recently underwent renovations and will remain open, approximately half a mile from the proposed new location. The new store is estimated to open in 2026.
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