Latest news with #FortLauderdalePoliceDepartment
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘I'm in the water.' 911 calls reveal moments after deadly Broward boat explosion
A flurry of newly released 911 calls shed light on a chaotic and fatal boat explosion off Fort Lauderdale on Memorial Day. Some callers witnessed watching the blast from the shore; others were in the water screaming for help. On May 26, a 39-foot Sea Ray burst into flames in the Intracoastal Waterway, near the large sandbar by the New River. Fourteen people were aboard, but only eleven people — including two young children — were hospitalized with injuries. Some were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's burn unit in Miami, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said. READ MORE: Boat explodes off the beach in Fort Lauderdale, fire-rescue says Among the injured, Joshua Fifi, a 29-year-old who lived in Fort Lauderdale, died from his injuries. One of the first 911 callers witnessed the blast from the Lauderdale Yacht Club and described the loud explosion, followed by flames and billowing smoke, according to the latest release from Fort Lauderdale Police Department. 'These people flew off the boat,' he said in the call. 'I just saw these people panicking and in the water.' Another caller on a different vessel reported that people were jumping off the sinking boat to the dispatcher. She also began screaming over to them, 'Get off the boat!' One call began with screams and crying, followed by a woman desperately telling dispatchers, 'I'm in the water.' The woman continued to say there was a 'marine emergency' as a boat was on fire. Of those on board, she said there was a passed-out passenger and a pet. 'We're all separated,' she said, adding that nearby boaters were helping them as several people had been burned. 'We have kids on board.'
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
‘I'm in the water.' 911 calls reveal moments after deadly Broward boat explosion
A flurry of newly released 911 calls shed light on a chaotic and fatal boat explosion off Fort Lauderdale on Memorial Day. Some callers witnessed watching the blast from the shore; others were in the water screaming for help. On May 26, a 39-foot Sea Ray burst into flames in the Intracoastal Waterway, near the large sandbar by the New River. Fourteen people were aboard, but only eleven people — including two young children — were hospitalized with injuries. Some were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's burn unit in Miami, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said. READ MORE: Boat explodes off the beach in Fort Lauderdale, fire-rescue says Among the injured, Joshua Fifi, a 29-year-old who lived in Fort Lauderdale, died from his injuries. One of the first 911 callers witnessed the blast from the Lauderdale Yacht Club and described the loud explosion, followed by flames and billowing smoke, according to the latest release from Fort Lauderdale Police Department. 'These people flew off the boat,' he said in the call. 'I just saw these people panicking and in the water.' Another caller on a different vessel reported that people were jumping off the sinking boat to the dispatcher. She also began screaming over to them, 'Get off the boat!' One call began with screams and crying, followed by a woman desperately telling dispatchers, 'I'm in the water.' The woman continued to say there was a 'marine emergency' as a boat was on fire. Of those on board, she said there was a passed-out passenger and a pet. 'We're all separated,' she said, adding that nearby boaters were helping them as several people had been burned. 'We have kids on board.'
CBS News
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Tortuga Music Festival organizers make final security and safety preparations ahead of event
On Fort Lauderdale Beach, final preparations are underway ahead of this weekend's Tortuga Music Festival, where tens of thousands of people will pack the sand to check out some of the biggest names in music. They're getting the stages ready for some star power, rolling and finishing the last-minute details. At the same time, vendors are getting prepared with food options. Festival organizers are expecting some 100,000 people over the next three days. "We're starting to prep our chicken, peppers, onions, lettuce — just getting ready for tomorrow," said Cameron Wright. With large crowds expected, police are concerned about pickpockets. "Keep your phone and valuables secured in your front pockets," said Sgt. Patrick O'Brien of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. "Zip bags are carried in the front of your body, like a cross-body bag. Leave any expensive jewelry at home." Tortuga organizers said aside from police, there will be hundreds of security personnel and a special number to call if something seems off. "We have a 'see something, say something' number we have posted on all the screens [and] it's available on our app," said festival founder Chris Stacey. "If they see anything that's out of place, let us know and we'll take care of it." Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is reminding people that heat, sun and alcohol can sneak up on you. "We always recommend sunscreen, hats, and definitely light-weight clothing," said Battalion Chief Kimberly Wells. "Don't let the breeze fool you into the amount of heat you're taking in throughout the day." There will also be shade zones, misting stations and free water to those with a reusable bottle.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Florida spring break: Fort Lauderdale welcomes partiers as state sends more police to vacation hot spots
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is taking a different approach to spring break messaging than its southern neighbor, Miami Beach. Miami Beach police launched a reality TV-themed ad campaign in mid-February encouraging spring breakers to avoid the area after police saw increased violence during spring break beginning in about 2020. Things began to turn around in 2024 as the city bolstered law enforcement and made hundreds of arrests. The City of Fort Lauderdale launched a similar reality TV-themed ad on Feb. 26 telling spring break tourists to "know the rules" and "enjoy our city responsibly." Here's How Miami Beach Successfully Broke Up With Spring Break WATCH: Fort Lauderdale releases reality TV-themed spring break ad "Come for the fun, but remember to play by the rules. Love may be blind, but we'll be watching," Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief William Schultz says in the "Love is Blind"-themed video. Read On The Fox News App The two ads show the two departments' different approaches to spring break—Miami Beach is telling spring breakers to skip the vacation destination entirely while Fort Lauderdale is encouraging them to come as long as they follow the city's rules. Rules include restrictions on alcohol, coolers, tents, tables, electric scooters and live or amplified music in certain areas. Police In Fort Lauderdale Report Surge Of Spring Breakers Amid Miami Beach Crackdown The city said there will be "increased enforcement" in certain areas and during specific times of the day, as well as a beach cleanup every day at 5:30 p.m. "Our city is known for its beautiful beaches, great weather, and exciting atmosphere, and we want everyone — residents and guests alike — to have a safe and enjoyable time," Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said in a Feb. 26 statement. "Know the Rules: To maintain a fun and respectful environment, extra restrictions are in effect until April 12." Miami Beach Spring Break Restrictions Proved To Be 'Huge Success' For Residents And Businesses Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, meanwhile, called this year "a reality check," saying the city's ad campaign shows "what is going to happen if you come here, and you don't play by our rules." Miami Beach's similar ad campaign in 2024 resulted in smaller-than-usual crowd sizes and less violence. Police Chief Wayne Jones said that arrests citywide went down 8% by March 17, 2024, compared to March 2023. Miami Beach Spring Breakers Hit With Extended Curfew After Swat Team Called Gov. Ron Desantis noted during a Friday press conference that spring break in Miami saw wild crowds beginning around 2020, when people escaped to Florida during the coronavirus pandemic because its businesses and public areas remained open while other states were still shut down. "We were thankful for that. Honestly, a lot of businesses came here and never went back. People came here and never went back because they appreciated the quality of life," DeSantis said, "but it also got out of control." The governor added that he is directing state law enforcement to provide additional personnel and assets to Miami Beach and other spring break hot spots over the coming article source: Florida spring break: Fort Lauderdale welcomes partiers as state sends more police to vacation hot spots
Fox News
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Florida spring break: Fort Lauderdale welcomes partiers as state sends more police to vacation hot spots
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is taking a different approach to spring break messaging than its southern neighbor, Miami Beach. Miami Beach police launched a reality TV-themed ad campaign in mid-February encouraging spring breakers to avoid the area after police saw increased violence during spring break beginning in about 2020. Things began to turn around in 2024 as the city bolstered law enforcement and made hundreds of arrests. The City of Fort Lauderdale launched a similar reality TV-themed ad on Feb. 26 telling spring break tourists to "know the rules" and "enjoy our city responsibly." "Come for the fun, but remember to play by the rules. Love may be blind, but we'll be watching," Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief William Schultz says in the "Love is Blind"-themed video. The two ads show the two departments' different approaches to spring break—Miami Beach is telling spring breakers to skip the vacation destination entirely while Fort Lauderdale is encouraging them to come as long as they follow the city's rules. Rules include restrictions on alcohol, coolers, tents, tables, electric scooters and live or amplified music in certain areas. The city said there will be "increased enforcement" in certain areas and during specific times of the day, as well as a beach cleanup every day at 5:30 p.m. "Our city is known for its beautiful beaches, great weather, and exciting atmosphere, and we want everyone — residents and guests alike — to have a safe and enjoyable time," Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said in a Feb. 26 statement. "Know the Rules: To maintain a fun and respectful environment, extra restrictions are in effect until April 12." Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, meanwhile, called this year "a reality check," saying the city's ad campaign shows "what is going to happen if you come here, and you don't play by our rules." Miami Beach's similar ad campaign in 2024 resulted in smaller-than-usual crowd sizes and less violence. Police Chief Wayne Jones said that arrests citywide went down 8% by March 17, 2024, compared to March 2023. Gov. Ron Desantis noted during a Friday press conference that spring break in Miami saw wild crowds beginning around 2020, when people escaped to Florida during the coronavirus pandemic because its businesses and public areas remained open while other states were still shut down. "We were thankful for that. Honestly, a lot of businesses came here and never went back. People came here and never went back because they appreciated the quality of life," DeSantis said, "but it also got out of control." The governor added that he is directing state law enforcement to provide additional personnel and assets to Miami Beach and other spring break hot spots over the coming weeks.
