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Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
DeSantis' push to eliminate property taxes masks its real consequences
Defunding services The July 4 Miami Herald editorial, 'DeSantis right to veto property tax study. But not for the reasons he may think,' correctly criticizes the governor's policy goal of eliminating property taxes for Florida homeowners. These are, of course, taxes that local governments depend upon to provide essential services for their communities. Over the years — and with considerable bluster and demagoguery — DeSantis' political strategy has been to reflexively blame every societal evil on what he characterizes as 'the left' (or previously, former President Biden and 'the left'). I was startled to read about his embrace of a strategy to end Florida property taxes which, though he has not yet embraced the mantra, essentially 'defunds the police,' as well as fire fighters, EMTs, schools, road maintenance, street repair, garbage pickup and more. Howard L. Simon, Gainesville Freedom or anarchy? Paul Mullen's July 4 op-ed, 'This Independence Day, you are not as free as you think,' demonstrates the absolute absurdity of much libertarian thinking. Without the federal taxes Mullen rails against, we have the freedom to be enslaved by any minor foreign power (think Fidel Castro). We would have the freedom to be poisoned by uncontrolled chemicals released by our free neighbors. We would have the freedom to die of poisoned food and drink and of diseases for which we, as individuals, have no means to control. We would have the freedom to spend two days traveling on dirt roads between Miami and Palm Beach. The list of new freedoms goes on. Freed from state taxes, we would have the freedom to drive 150 miles per hour without a license in an unsafe, unreliable vehicle. Freed from state and local taxes, we would have the freedom to have only ourselves to protect our homes from fire, storms and violence and the freedom to pay the full cost of our children's education in private schools. Without zoning laws, we would have the freedom to live next door to a slaughter house, garbage dump or 24-hour party venue which our free neighbor could allow. As 18th century Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau demonstrates in 'The Social Contract,' man can only be free by relinquishing some freedoms to the state to insure the common good. This bedrock truth of human society is frequently lost in libertarians of Mullen's ilk. Martin Motes, Redland Squirrels and nuts Have you ever seen a Fox squirrel? It is a Florida resident. Fox squirrels are quite tall and get their name from their pointed snout and tall pointed ears. They are beautiful. They are also closely monitored by Florida's environmental agencies, as they are a fast disappearing species. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to see several fox squirrels from the Ocala area to the Big Cypress. More than once, I have seen them at the side of the jet port road where the Alligator Alcatraz sign has been erected. They seemed to use a stand of cypress next to the road just off the Trail. Soon after sunrise, I would I see them sitting on their haunches taking in the sun. My friends and I used the jet port road as access to points further north into Big Cypress. We frequently saw deer, numerous birds of all types, occasionally a bear and other wildlife. Surprisingly, not that many alligators. The Big Cypress is an environmental treasure and is being despoiled by men who do not have a sense of the beauty of nature. I can only pray that my fox squirrels will be safe. John Falcone, Palmetto Bay What we need Re: the July 2 Miami Herald story, 'American Dream Miami mega-mall will pay Miami-Dade $5M. But wants subsidy help, too.' We do not need another mall. We need homeowners insurance relief. We need better public schools and libraries. Alden Howard, Aventura Two sides, one coin Re: the July 4 op-ed, 'This Independence Day, you're not as free as you think.' Interesting how the extreme right wing Heritage Foundation ends up where the extreme left wing lives — centralized government or communism/socialism. Those of us from Cuba or Venezuela know it does not work. None of us may like property taxes, but it gives us local control over police, fire, schools, zoning and code enforcement and many other services. Who really wants to live with a centralized legislature (i.e., politburo) that controls the entire state? Think about it, folks. Juan A. Galan, Jr., Coral Gables Looking crazy President Donald Trump infamously suggested he could shoot someone and not lose one supporter. He has proven his point. We, as a nation, witness people being picked up randomly by masked individuals displaying no identification. Many of Trump's supporters do not find this behavior disturbing or questionable. Trump has normalized what for most of us is and was unthinkable. Sid Kaskey, South Miami Canceled election I hope the citizens of Miami are as appalled by the decision of the city mayor and commissioners to cancel the upcoming November elections, in spite of the city charter. Where are the lawyers to stop this lawless act? Where is the opposition? I hope the people are turning out in numbers to protest. Now is the time to stop this atrocity. This isn't normal. The people should not role over and let this happen. Speak up and stand for democracy. Carlos Mccauley, Palm Bay Fickle trickle One facet for the justification of President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' is that tax cuts for high earners would trickle down and create jobs. Looking at history, this was proven wrong when attempted by former President Reagan. His 'trickle down' policy failed. Trump's policy also will fail. Joe Smariga, Fort Lauderdale Fear factor Fear for personal safety has become a reality for many public officials under President Donald Trump's leadership. Numerous members of Congress have reported receiving death threats and fearing for their families simply for considering a vote or statement against Trump. Some have even resorted to wearing body armor or hiring private security after breaking ranks. This intimidation isn't limited to Washington. Local officials, journalists and legal professionals involved in Trump-related cases have faced harassment and credible threats from his supporters. Many now avoid public comment out of concern for their safety. Most concerning, this climate of fear hangs heavily over the vote for Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Lawmakers are not just weighing the merits of the legislation, but also the risk to themselves and their loved ones if they defy Trump. His rhetoric, which often seems to encourage retribution, only adds to the pressure. This is not how democracy is supposed to work. Our representatives should be able to vote their conscience and serve the public interest, not act out of fear for their lives. We must reject political intimidation and demand a return to civility and safety in our public discourse. Paul Howard, Naples Senior living? At 81 and alone, I am unable to find assisted living if I need it. Sadly, it is all about profit. Medicaid facilities are limited even if one is available. Unless I can afford up to $4,000 a month, I am, as they say, screwed. How in our great country am I to be treated like an old car that is too costly to repair? How on earth did we change from the beacon of the world to a small light lit by a single candle? I cannot afford assisted living. I pray we look at ways to protect our seniors. Elephants and dolphins protect each other better then we humans do — and they do it naturally. Meanwhile, we look at the bottom line. Bernard I. Silver, Bradenton
CNN
28-06-2025
- CNN
Sand tiger shark likely bit woman at New York beach, officials say
A 20-year-old woman was swimming in waist-deep water at a popular beach in Long Island, New York, when officials believe she was most likely bitten by a young sand tiger shark earlier this week. EMTs and lifeguards immediately responded to the swimmer at Jones Beach State Park, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening 'minor lacerations' to her left foot and leg, New York State Parks said in a Friday statement. It was the beach's first reported shark sighting of 2025, New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman told CNN affiliate WCBS. The Wednesday incident, which has lifeguards on high alert, comes ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend and two summers after a wave of possible shark sightings and apparent attack shook up New York beachgoers. The woman, who reported the bite around 4:15 p.m., told officials she didn't see what bit her, and swimming at Jones Beach was immediately suspended, the statement said. Officials on Wednesday searched unsuccessfully for dangerous marine life using drones. Before the beach was reopened for swimming on Thursday, park police and staff again used drones to identify marine life in the area while lifeguards patrolled from the shore and by watercraft, according to the statement. 'Park Police, lifeguards, and staff remain on high alert will continue to proactively patrol by drone, PWS, and surfboats throughout the season to help protect swimmers,' New York State Parks said. Despite the encounter, the risk of being attacked by the often misunderstood creatures remains low, experts say. Sharks don't seek out humans and most incidents are cases of mistaken identity – including by juvenile sharks that fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, shark researchers have told CNN. Without the victim having seen the animal or sightings by subsequent drone searches, park officials teamed up with experts to determine which marine species may have caused these injuries. Biologists at the state's Department of Environmental Conservation cautiously concluded the incident 'most likely' involved a juvenile sand tiger shark, the statement said. The experts 'reviewed situational information provided by subjects at the scene, as well as photos of the injury, and were able to rule out several species,' it said. They emphasized that 'without direct observation of the animal that caused the bites a full expert consensus was not reached.' 'I been here my whole life and never seen a shark in here,' Alejandro Aranjo told CNN affiliate WABC. Aranjo visits Jones Beach with his family, but following Wednesday's incident, 'I don't even know if I'm going to let them go in to be honest.' Unprovoked attacks by sharks declined sharply in 2024, with 47 incidents logged worldwide, down 22 from the previous year and significantly below a 10-year average of 70, according to figures released in February. The United States experienced the highest number of unprovoked attacks by sharks, with 28 reported incidents, including one fatal attack by an unknown shark species off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. That US total, however, was almost a third lower than in 2023. Florida had more unprovoked shark bites recorded than any other state, with a total of 14 incidents last year, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, which compiles the International Shark Attack File. CNN's Kasie Hunt contributed to this report.
CNN
28-06-2025
- CNN
Sand tiger shark likely bit woman at New York beach, officials say
A 20-year-old woman was swimming in waist-deep water at a popular beach in Long Island, New York, when officials believe she was most likely bitten by a young sand tiger shark earlier this week. EMTs and lifeguards immediately responded to the swimmer at Jones Beach State Park, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening 'minor lacerations' to her left foot and leg, New York State Parks said in a Friday statement. It was the beach's first reported shark sighting of 2025, New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman told CNN affiliate WCBS. The Wednesday incident, which has lifeguards on high alert, comes ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend and two summers after a wave of possible shark sightings and apparent attack shook up New York beachgoers. The woman, who reported the bite around 4:15 p.m., told officials she didn't see what bit her, and swimming at Jones Beach was immediately suspended, the statement said. Officials on Wednesday searched unsuccessfully for dangerous marine life using drones. Before the beach was reopened for swimming on Thursday, park police and staff again used drones to identify marine life in the area while lifeguards patrolled from the shore and by watercraft, according to the statement. 'Park Police, lifeguards, and staff remain on high alert will continue to proactively patrol by drone, PWS, and surfboats throughout the season to help protect swimmers,' New York State Parks said. Despite the encounter, the risk of being attacked by the often misunderstood creatures remains low, experts say. Sharks don't seek out humans and most incidents are cases of mistaken identity – including by juvenile sharks that fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, shark researchers have told CNN. Without the victim having seen the animal or sightings by subsequent drone searches, park officials teamed up with experts to determine which marine species may have caused these injuries. Biologists at the state's Department of Environmental Conservation cautiously concluded the incident 'most likely' involved a juvenile sand tiger shark, the statement said. The experts 'reviewed situational information provided by subjects at the scene, as well as photos of the injury, and were able to rule out several species,' it said. They emphasized that 'without direct observation of the animal that caused the bites a full expert consensus was not reached.' 'I been here my whole life and never seen a shark in here,' Alejandro Aranjo told CNN affiliate WABC. Aranjo visits Jones Beach with his family, but following Wednesday's incident, 'I don't even know if I'm going to let them go in to be honest.' Unprovoked attacks by sharks declined sharply in 2024, with 47 incidents logged worldwide, down 22 from the previous year and significantly below a 10-year average of 70, according to figures released in February. The United States experienced the highest number of unprovoked attacks by sharks, with 28 reported incidents, including one fatal attack by an unknown shark species off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. That US total, however, was almost a third lower than in 2023. Florida had more unprovoked shark bites recorded than any other state, with a total of 14 incidents last year, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, which compiles the International Shark Attack File. CNN's Kasie Hunt contributed to this report.
CNN
28-06-2025
- CNN
Sand tiger shark likely bit woman at New York beach, officials say
A 20-year-old woman was swimming in waist-deep water at a popular beach in Long Island, New York, when officials believe she was most likely bitten by a young sand tiger shark earlier this week. EMTs and lifeguards immediately responded to the swimmer at Jones Beach State Park, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening 'minor lacerations' to her left foot and leg, New York State Parks said in a Friday statement. It was the beach's first reported shark sighting of 2025, New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman told CNN affiliate WCBS. The Wednesday incident, which has lifeguards on high alert, comes ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend and two summers after a wave of possible shark sightings and apparent attack shook up New York beachgoers. The woman, who reported the bite around 4:15 p.m., told officials she didn't see what bit her, and swimming at Jones Beach was immediately suspended, the statement said. Officials on Wednesday searched unsuccessfully for dangerous marine life using drones. Before the beach was reopened for swimming on Thursday, park police and staff again used drones to identify marine life in the area while lifeguards patrolled from the shore and by watercraft, according to the statement. 'Park Police, lifeguards, and staff remain on high alert will continue to proactively patrol by drone, PWS, and surfboats throughout the season to help protect swimmers,' New York State Parks said. Despite the encounter, the risk of being attacked by the often misunderstood creatures remains low, experts say. Sharks don't seek out humans and most incidents are cases of mistaken identity – including by juvenile sharks that fail to distinguish between humans and their prey, shark researchers have told CNN. Without the victim having seen the animal or sightings by subsequent drone searches, park officials teamed up with experts to determine which marine species may have caused these injuries. Biologists at the state's Department of Environmental Conservation cautiously concluded the incident 'most likely' involved a juvenile sand tiger shark, the statement said. The experts 'reviewed situational information provided by subjects at the scene, as well as photos of the injury, and were able to rule out several species,' it said. They emphasized that 'without direct observation of the animal that caused the bites a full expert consensus was not reached.' 'I been here my whole life and never seen a shark in here,' Alejandro Aranjo told CNN affiliate WABC. Aranjo visits Jones Beach with his family, but following Wednesday's incident, 'I don't even know if I'm going to let them go in to be honest.' Unprovoked attacks by sharks declined sharply in 2024, with 47 incidents logged worldwide, down 22 from the previous year and significantly below a 10-year average of 70, according to figures released in February. The United States experienced the highest number of unprovoked attacks by sharks, with 28 reported incidents, including one fatal attack by an unknown shark species off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. That US total, however, was almost a third lower than in 2023. Florida had more unprovoked shark bites recorded than any other state, with a total of 14 incidents last year, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, which compiles the International Shark Attack File. CNN's Kasie Hunt contributed to this report.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Several injured after yacht carrying 400 people for party cruise hits dock
The incident occurred just after 4pm, according to reports, when the yacht reportedly hit a dock in the Hudson River. It was believed to be carrying 400 people at the time of the collision At least nine people have been injured after a yacht carrying 400 people collided with a dock on Saturday afternoon. The injured people were rushed to hospital with injuries after the yacht struck a dock in the Hudson River near 125th Street, in New York as reported by ABC7 New York. The incident occurred just after 4pm, and all injuries are said to be minor. Members of the New York Fire Department and EMTs attended to passengers who remained seated in their chairs, according to WABC. It remains unclear whether any injuries happened on land or if all victims were aboard the yacht. Named the Timeless, the yacht was ferrying at least 400 people for a party cruise when it hit the pier. Currently, there's no information available regarding what caused the collision, reports the Mirror US. This comes weeks after a Mexican navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries. The Cuauhtémoc, a stunning 270-foot training vessel,collided with the bridge just before 8.30pm on Saturday, May 17, with one of its towering 147-foot masts smashing into the bridge's road deck, according to sources. We'll be providing you with the latest updates, photos, and videos on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE. Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name.
