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CBS News
an hour ago
- Business
- CBS News
DeSantis announces audits of local government spending, starting with Broward
Cities, counties and law enforcement agencies across Florida will now undergo state audits, with Broward being up first. That's according to Governor Ron DeSantis who made the announcement Tuesday morning in Fort Lauderdale with the state's newly sworn-in Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. DeSantis said their spending just doesn't add up. "Their county government has increased property tax burdens by the tune of $450 million, in addition to ad valorem collections, that's an increase of close to 50% just since 2020, but yet the population of Broward has barely grown at all, less than 5%," he said. The governor said the county is spending as if the money belongs to someone else. "I think it was, was it $800,000 for the Rose Bowl? They did a float in the Rose Bowl. The county administrator here makes almost half a million dollars a year. So there's a lot of things that really deserve scrutiny," he said. Ingoglia, who was sworn-in as CFO on Monday, said they're going to begin auditing municipalities and agencies on July 31st with a team on the ground and using artificial intelligence. If the municipalities and agencies don't comply, DeSantis said not only will the state withhold funding, there will also be fines. "For example, if we send a letter to a city and say, you know, provide us information on these 100 things, and they don't do it, then each individual item would be a daily fine of $1,000, so that'd be 100,000 a day," he said. The governor said they are starting with areas where they've gotten a lot of complaints and little compliance. So where does Miami-Dade stand? "I don't think they fully got on board, but we do have some of the commissioners that are helping on that. So I would say that they've been better than some, but not good enough. So, I think it's very possible that you'll see an announcement on Miami-Dade within the next couple weeks," DeSantis said. At Ingoglia's swearing-in ceremony, the governor announced that a top priority of the CFO would be audits of local government spending. The focus on such spending comes amid a push by DeSantis to ask voters in 2026 to reduce or eliminate taxes on homesteaded properties. Local governments rely heavily on property taxes. In addition to local government audits, Ingoglia said he will focus on ensuring insurance companies follow requirements. "If they're slowing stuff, we're going to have conversations with them," Ingoglia said. "I'm not going to sit back. I'm not going to allow anyone to game the system, whether it is on one side or the other side, whether it is trial attorneys gaming the system or insurance companies gaming the system." Critics have accused some property insurers of not properly paying claims and have raised questions about carriers sending money to shareholders and affiliated companies while seeking rate increases. In his remarks during Monday's ceremony, Ingoglia called the appointment to the Cabinet post an "honor that has been bestowed upon me."
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Afternoon showers return to South Florida mid-week
South Florida's hot and dry weather pattern is in for a change over the next few days as the rain returns and brings some relief from the heat. On Tuesday morning, temperatures hovered in the low 80s across the region. With the heating of the day, they will climb into the lower 90s for the afternoon. Despite "feels like" temperatures returning to the triple digits for the early afternoon, no heat advisories are in effect for South Florida. Heat index values, which take into account the temperature and the humidity, will range from the upper 90s to 103 degrees. The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when the heat index is expected to reach 105 degrees, or higher, and last for at least two hours. The NEXT Weather team is tracking a 50-60% chance of scattered showers and storms in the afternoon on Tuesday, favoring Broward and Miami-Dade counties, as moisture moves in from the east. The chance of rain will drop after sunset. On Wednesday and Thursday, there is a 50% chance for scattered showers and storms. By Friday, Saharan dust and drier air will move in. This will lower the chance of rain for the weekend and bring back hotter conditions with afternoon highs in the lower to mid-90s.
CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
How to choose and safely use a generator during hurricane season in South Florida
Preparing for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season means more than just stocking up on supplies, it also means being ready for potential power outages. For many, that includes relying on a generator to keep essential appliances running. But with serious risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock and fire hazards, it's just as important to know how to buy, use, and store a generator safely as it is to own one. Here's what you need to know to choose the right generator — and how to avoid dangerous mistakes: Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical power through electromagnetic induction. Most home units run on gasoline, diesel or propane and are designed to keep essential appliances running during a power outage. Standby generators These permanently installed units automatically power your home during an outage, but in Miami-Dade and Broward, they require permits for installation. Portable generators Portable units are more affordable and ideal for powering essentials like refrigerators and fans. They don't require permits unless wired into your home's electrical panel. See the Consumer Reports generator buying guide. Generators are widely available at: During hurricane season, supplies can run low quickly, so consider buying early. Improper generator use can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that carbon monoxide (CO) — an invisible, odorless gas — kills hundreds of people each year during storm season. Major risks and how to avoid them: Read more safety tips from the CDC. After the storm:
CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Scorching heat threatens South Florida, "feels like" temps expected to be in triple digits
With "feels like" temperatures expected to be in the triple digits on Monday, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for South Florida. The National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when the heat index, which combines temperatures and the humidity, is expected to reach 105 degrees or higher and last for at least two hours. A heat warning requires even more extreme conditions. Monday's heat index values will hover around 105 degrees for Broward and Miami-Dade counties. While the Florida Keys are not officially under a heat advisory, temperatures will feel like they are up to 102 degrees. The heat advisory is in effect from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The hotter conditions are due to a combination of moisture moving in from the mid-Atlantic and an area of high pressure over the Gulf. The chance of rain on Monday is 20% with afternoon highs in the low 90s. South Florida residents are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heat illness. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, stay in the shade or AC during the afternoon hours or take frequent breaks if you need to be outside.
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Broward Health cybersecurity director accused of possessing over 10,000 pictures, videos of child pornography, arrest documents show
The cybersecurity director of a prominent South Florida public health network is facing "abhorrent" accusations after he was allegedly found possessing thousands of computer files containing child porn. Arrest documents obtained by CBS News Miami revealed that 41-year-old Kevin Kull was arrested Friday and charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography and one count of computer pornography after someone at his home found several devices containing "child erotica" earlier this month. According to a records search, Kull was the director of cybersecurity for Broward Health. In a statement from the public health network, a Broward Health spokesperson said it is "aware of and appalled by the allegations made against Mr. Kull," and immediately suspended him from his role and is fully cooperating with the investigation. "The alleged behavior is abhorrent and in direct conflict with our values," the spokesperson said. "We are mindful of the individuals and families who may be impacted by this deeply troubling situation and offer our sincere support to any who might be affected." In his bond hearing Saturday, the court found probable cause and ordered Kull to be held on a $105,000 bond -- $10,000 for counts 1 through 10, and then an additional $5,000 for the 11th count. He was also given a Level 1 pre-trial release with an electronic monitor and was not allowed to have access to any devices with internet. Around 5 p.m. on July 7, a Broward Sheriff's Office detective responded to the Deerfield Beach District Office regarding an investigation into Kull. According to the arrest documents, Kull still resided at his home at the time of the investigation, but an unidentified associate had access to his home because they were preparing to place it on the market. While organizing the home on June 26, the associate found two SD cards, two hard drives and a cellphone, containing what she believed to be child pornography, the arrest documents said. On the evening of July 8, a judge signed and approved a search warrant for the found devices and the detective reviewed the forensic extraction the following day. According to the arrest documents, the detective found a total of 10,861 images and videos across the devices, where there were several showing Kull and approximately 7,891 images depicting "child erotica" that featured young girls between the ages of 5 and 12 in "sexually suggestive poses." There were also several images and videos taken from a "discrete location" of children at a public pool and even several videos of Kull engaging in sexual acts with a sex doll that was approximately three feet tall, the arrest documents said. The arrest documents continued, saying that the forensics report found another 178 files of animated child pornography that depicted children as young as toddlers and another image that had "a list of websites that are known to have taboo pornography." The detective also found 10 other files that depicted child porn with girls between the ages of 5 and 15 engaging in sexual acts. After reviewing the forensics report, the detective applied for a search warrant for Kull's home. On Friday morning, BSO served the search warrant and found Kull at his residence, where he invoked his Miranda rights, the arrest documents said. While searching Kull's vehicle, investigators found a "severely damaged" laptop in the trunk that appeared to have "pried open and struck with a hammer multiple times" and with its hard drives removed. The arrest documents said investigators were unable to find those drives. However, based on the previously reviewed evidence, Kull was arrested and charged accordingly and booked into BSO Main Jail.
