Latest news with #NewsChannel8
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists issue stark warning after harmful creatures breed to form hybrid species: 'We have confirmed the presence of hybrid swarms'
Invasive species can wreak havoc on your local ecosystem, but imagine two invasive insects coming to your area and breeding. That's exactly what's happening in Florida. According to News Channel 8, "The Formosan subterranean termites and Asian subterranean termites" are mating in southern areas of the Sunshine State. Associate Professor Thomas Chouvenc from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences had his suspicions about these two species breeding 10 years ago. He noticed both males and females from each species showing courtship behaviors. A study from the university, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, confirmed that these two invasive creatures have bred to form a hybrid species. Chouvenc's team began collecting termite samples "in the Fort Lauderdale area that didn't match the shape or form of either termite species," per News Channel 8. Chouvenc said, "Since then, we have confirmed the presence of hybrid swarms every year since 2021, including in April 2025." The team genetically tested the termites and found that they had genes from both species. The study found that "both termite species are prone to forming massive colonies and, once mature, the winged termites can be sent out to find a mate and establish a new nest as king and queen," per News Channel 8. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Formosan subterranean termites can cause more damage than U.S. termites due to their large colonies. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While termites can cause extensive damage to buildings, Suburban Pest Management noted that they do play a role in helping the ecosystem. These tiny bugs "fertilize the soil," "improve soil quality," and "sequester carbon in the soil." Unfortunately, they also release a large amount of toxic gas, such as methane, which is one of the gases contributing to warming the planet. They also negatively affect agriculture. In general, invasive species have a dangerous impact on native ecology. They outcompete native species for vital resources and can decimate ecosystems. Native plants and animals are crucial for maintaining natural environments and processes, limiting the spread of diseases, and protecting our food supply. Although this particular hybrid invasive species is located in Florida, it could soon spread. Chouvenc told News Channel 8: "This may be a Florida story now, but it likely won't stay just in Florida. Give it time." The hybridization process is believed to have been ongoing for the last 10 years, and scientists cannot stop it. Scientists will continue to study this new species to understand its biology and weaknesses. Then, pest management solutions can be implemented to combat them. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wesley Chapel family says dog survived alligator attack in their backyard
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A family in Wesley Chapel is traumatized after their rescue dog was attacked by an alligator in their backyard. A video shows Zeus, a German Shepherd, standing on a leash with a gator lurking just beyond the fence, a chilling moment the family now views as a warning. 'We have a doggy door, and Zeus will go in and out of it whenever he wants,' said Susan Alkhatib. 'We have it covered right now because of what happened.' 4 dolphins from Florida park involved in criminal investigation moved to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Earlier this week, Zeus stepped outside like any other night, only this time, an alligator was waiting. 'All of a sudden, I couldn't hear him anymore,' one family member recalled. 'My dad came in frantic. I'd never seen him like that. He said, 'The alligator just took Zeus.'' Alkhatib and her family ran outside with flashlights and caught a glimpse of Zeus struggling in the pond with the gator still latched onto him. 'The alligator had just let go of Zeus,' Alkhatib said. 'We started yelling at him to come toward us. When he got closer, he got tired. So we had to kind of go into the pond a little bit to get him.' While News Channel 8 was interviewing the family, a gator emerged from the water again before slipping back in. 'I have a 7-year-old sister,' said one family member. 'And I just think, if she was at the fence, would he have done the same thing to her?' Zeus miraculously survived the attack. He suffered a fractured and displaced jaw, along with multiple puncture wounds around his neck. 'The vet said it looked like his whole head was in the gator's mouth,' said Alkhatib. 'Even he said, 'I don't know how he survived.'' 'I honestly can't believe he is alive,' Alkhatib said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has sent out trappers, but so far, they have not been able to capture the gator. Zeus is now recovering from several surgeries. The family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for his veterinary bills. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Lack of communication' led to unpermitted group home where murder occurred, Bartow official says
BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) — 'Some chicken and rice,' said Eddrena Thornton, taking out a tray of food she has prepared for the five people who live with her in her home. 'I feel like I'm doing a mission that God wants me to do. It's my calling,' said Thornton. Since 2020, Thornton has run a state-licensed adult family care facility in her home with a focus on people with mental health issues. 'They don't have nowhere for them to go because they can't afford to go to assisted living because they may not have long-term care plus their income is low. They can't afford to live on their own. Their family's not taking them in so they go back to the street,' she said. In February, she opened – what the city of Bartow considers to be – a group home in a rental house across the street on Bluebird Avenue. Unlike with her adult family care home, she did not notify any governmental agencies. 'Because the people were living independently,' she said. 'I always heard that as long as you're not doing nothing for them, then you're OK. It's like they're just renting a room.' 'You're collecting money. You are engaging in a business where your sole goal is for people to live there as a group then that would be considered a group home,' said Tray Towles, director of code compliance and neighborhood services for the city of Bartow. Towles said group homes require an application and permit approval. 'It goes to our planning and zoning board who reviews that application, makes sure it fits within the scope of the ordinance,' said Towles. Towles said the violation was the result of a 'lack of communication.' 'When she actually opened her licensed facility, she reached out to the city of Bartow and made sure that she was in compliance with all of our codes at that time. She did not do that in this instance when she opened up the group home at 2226 Bluebird,' said Towles. The owner of the home, a Texas-based company, is in the process of evicting Thornton as a renter. All the residents have moved out. Towles said, because the residents are no longer there, there will be no further action or fines imposed on Thornton. 'The Bartow Chief of Police has been in touch with representatives of the Wind Meadows HOA to strengthen communication and a team approach to addressing safety concerns in the neighborhood,' said city manager Mike Herr in a statement. Towles said there are no other known group homes in the neighborhood. A neighbor tells News Channel 8 that many residents have concerns about who Thornton is housing in the neighborhood. The violation was discovered when, earlier this month, Thornton allowed an 18-year-old named Moses Ojeda to move in. Thornton said a placement agency and Ojeda's mother contacted her as Ojeda was being released from the hospital after being Baker Acted. 'I looked at the psychiatric evaluation. He had issues for him to get Baker Acted but the psychiatric evaluation said that he was calm and stable, normal, had good talk and he said he was ready to get discharged and go home with his mom,' said Thornton. Thornton said she was not able to meet him but allowed him to move in because of his mother's desperation. Later that night, Thornton saw Ojeda outside. She said she tried calling his mother to pick him up because of his strange behavior but she did not answer. Thornton said she slept on the sofa in the group home to keep an eye on Ojeda and talked to him that morning. 'He sat down and he was talking to us about God and about life and death and all this stuff…[while] the man in the room dead!' said Thornton. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Ojeda fatally stabbed an 81-year-old man more than 100 times in the night. 'This tragedy happened to me to not put my heart first but to always make sure I follow my steps – no matter if the person is gonna be homeless. That's not my problem. I'll see you tomorrow,' said Thornton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Vehicle catches fire on Interstate 275
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A vehicle caught on fire Sunday causing traffic on Interstate 275. The incident happened near the Ashley ramp heading southbound. No further information is available at this time. This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Man 'murders' stepson after horror Fortnite argument with blood outside door
Kelly Agar Garcia, 43, was arrested after he allegedly shot his adult stepson several times - including twice in the back when he tried to escape the gunfire - after a row over Fortnite A man allegedly murdered his stepson in a row over punishment for another nine-year-old, who was caught playing Fortnite despite being banned. Kelly Agar Garcia, 43, was arrested after he allegedly shot his adult stepson several times - including twice in the back when he tried to escape the gunfire. A neighbour later said she could see blood outside the home's front entranceway. Police said Garcia and his wife were at their Davenport, Florida home on Wednesday night, with her three biological sons, 9, 11 and 26. The youngest boy was secretly playing Fortnite in his older brother's bedroom, despite his parents banning him from the game. After he was found to be playing it, his mum confiscated his phone as a punishment, which deeply upset the boy, police said. The nine-year-old then took a 9mm handgun out of his parents' bedroom drawers out of fury, before the parents wrestled with him to take the gun away. Garcia managed to get the handgun out of the boy's possession, when 26-year-old Azareel Martinez entered the room, the force added. Azareel noticed his younger brother was "in an agitated state" after the scuffle, according to the police report. Garcia and Azareel then started to argue after the dispute, before the stepdad shot his wife's son several times in the chest and abdomen, it was alleged. The stepson managed to turn away and retreat from the room after being shot, before Garcia shot him twice in the back, police claimed. Azareel then collapsed to the floor, authorities said. He was later taken to a hospital, but died from his injuries. Meanwhile, Garcia was arrested and taken to the Polk County jail. Police were initially called to the home at about 7pm, and spent four hours interviewing the family. The force later confirmed the suspect was detained, but it was still gathering information about what led to the shooting. A neighbour said at the time the incident was scary, and she could see blood outside the home. "It's a little disturbing when you don't know what's going on," she told News Channel 8. "It's a little nerve-wracking." In a separate case, a teenage boy confessed to stabbing his seven-year-old brother to death in a fit of rage after losing on a mobile phone video game. Russian 13-year-old Alexander allegedly trashed the family home and broke his phone before killing his unnamed brother over fears he would tell their mum what he'd done. The boys' mum Olga, 32, left them sleeping in the house in Dudinka in Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai region on April 23 while she took her six-month-old daughter to the girl's grandparents' home. When Alexander woke up, he reportedly began playing a game on his phone, but flew into a fit of rage after losing a round. He reportedly began hitting furniture and turned everything upside down in the house before breaking his phone. The younger brother woke up from the noise and hid from his brother in the kitchen. The teenager was reportedly afraid his younger brother would tell everyone what happened in the house, and in a fit of anger, allegedly took a knife and stabbed the seven-year-old 15 times.
