Tropical Storm Bertha is moving towards New Orleans and could hit land on Wednesday (July 22) afternoon. It erupted along the US Gulf Coast Monday evening, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) named it Tropical Depression Two. But since then it has grown into the second named Atlantic storm, forecasters said, with wind speeds reaching more than 62 kmph. They will further grow to more than 80 kmph in the coming days when heavy rains hit Florida Panhandle, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.&nbsp;The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings for the entire Florida coast. Waves could reach heights of 16 feet, creating dangerous sea conditions and capsizing boats. In Florida's Tallahassee and Panama City, and in New Orleans, up to eight inches of rain is predicted, affecting nearly one million people.&nbsp;Meteorologists said Bertha formed in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and will continue to strengthen. Wind will reach between 64 kmph and 120 kmph by early Tuesday morning. From here, the conditions will continue to worsen and reach their peak by evening. Bertha is predicted to make landfall in the New Orleans area by 1 pm local time on Wednesday.<h2>Where is Bertha right now?</h2> Tropical Storm Bertha is nearly 225 kilometres south of Panama City, Florida, and moving west-northwest slowly. Sustained wind speeds stand at 65 km/hr. Forecasters warned the storm is moving slowly and could linger near the coast for days. There is a risk of prolonged heavy rain, flash flooding and coastal inundation from Florida to Louisiana. It will later move west towards Texas.<h2>Places under warning and watch from Bertha</h2> Areas west into Louisiana (including Metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain) and parts of the Florida Panhandle are under a Tropical Storm Watch, while places from the Alabama/Florida border westward to southeastern Louisiana are under Tropical Storm Warning. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama/Florida border.

Tropical Storm Bertha is on track to hit New Orleans on Wednesday. It is expected to bring dangerous conditions to the entire Florida coast, with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph by Tuesday morning. Up to eight inches of rain is predicted for several areas.

Tropical Storm Bertha is moving towards New Orleans and could hit land on Wednesday (July 22) afternoon. It erupted along the US Gulf Coast Monday evening, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) named it Tropical Depression Two. But since then it has grown into the second named Atlantic storm, forecasters said, with wind speeds reaching more than 62 kmph. They will further grow to more than 80 kmph in the coming days when heavy rains hit Florida Panhandle, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings for the entire Florida coast. Waves could reach heights of 16 feet, creating dangerous sea conditions and capsizing boats. In Florida's Tallahassee and Panama City, and in New Orleans, up to eight inches of rain is predicted, affecting nearly one million people. Meteorologists said Bertha formed in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and will continue to strengthen. Wind will reach between 64 kmph and 120 kmph by early Tuesday morning. From here, the conditions will continue to worsen and reach their peak by evening. Bertha is predicted to make landfall in the New Orleans area by 1 pm local time on Wednesday. Where is Bertha right now? Tropical Storm Bertha is nearly 225 kilometres south of Panama City, Florida, and moving west-northwest slowly. Sustained wind speeds stand at 65 km/hr. Forecasters warned the storm is moving slowly and could linger near the coast for days. There is a risk of prolonged heavy rain, flash flooding and coastal inundation from Florida to Louisiana. It will later move west towards Texas. Places under warning and watch from Bertha Areas west into Louisiana (including Metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain) and parts of the Florida Panhandle are under a Tropical Storm Watch, while places from the Alabama/Florida border westward to southeastern Louisiana are under Tropical Storm Warning. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Alabama/Florida border.

Tropical Storm Bertha is on track to hit New Orleans on Wednesday. It is expected to bring dangerous conditions to the entire Florida coast, with wind speeds reaching 120 kmph by Tuesday morning. Up to eight inches of rain is predicted for several areas.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Where is Storm Warning, Storm Watch and Surge Watch in effect?

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck Florida on Thursday afternoon. However, it wasn't a natural occurrence as the government's earthquake tracking website showed "experimental explosion" as the reason. This has led to speculation on what this secretive boom could have been that shook some portions of the state. USGS data showed it was recorded at a depth of 0 feet, which hints at an artificial trigger, since a natural earthquake often strikes several kilometres deep. “The recorded ground motions from this event are more typical of an explosion than a naturally occurring earthquake,” the agency said.&nbsp;Some reports suggest that the US Navy likely carried out some tests in the region, something it has done in the past as well. It carries out controlled underwater detonations to test the ability of major warships to withstand explosions near mines or torpedoes. Meteorologist Nic Merianos of CBS Miami wrote on X, “USGS showing Magnitude 3.9 off the Space Coast, as ”Experimental Explosion." Never seen this before." But officials have not provided any clarification on the cause of the tremors yet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-earthquake-te-anau-tsunami-warning-south-island-1784198043839">6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued</a><h2>Previous test explosions that triggered earthquakes</h2>It was the ninth event classified as an experimental explosion in the region since 2016, USGS data showed. In 2021, the US Navy carried out a test explosion near the USS Gerald R Ford, known as a "shock trial," two years before its first deployment. The US Navy has been doing so for decades, after first learning that nearby explosions can affect critical ship systems without causing physical damage.&nbsp;Seismometers pick up energy released from artificial explosions and register it as earthquakes. The energy travels through the ground or seabed, and when sensors detect it, they calculate the magnitude based on its strength. On May 28 this year, when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral, it was registered as a magnitude 2.5 earthquake.&nbsp;<h2>Reactions to earthquake in Florida</h2>Meanwhile, Floridians had some things to say, reacting to the artificial tremors. "What type of experimental explosion generates a 3.9 earthquake?" a user wrote on X. Another said, "This is nuts! A 3.9 experimental explosion is basically a small quake." Others were more scared, as one wrote, "Sounds like they are laying ground work for something probably not good for us," with one adding, "Wonder if they are actually trying to blow up a submarine. Or some other type of threat." &nbsp;

Florida was shaken by a small earthquake on Thursday afternoon. People flocked to social media to know more and were left surprised when they found out what had actually happened. USGS stated that an explosion in the area was responsible.

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck Florida on Thursday afternoon. However, it wasn't a natural occurrence as the government's earthquake tracking website showed "experimental explosion" as the reason. This has led to speculation on what this secretive boom could have been that shook some portions of the state. USGS data showed it was recorded at a depth of 0 feet, which hints at an artificial trigger, since a natural earthquake often strikes several kilometres deep. “The recorded ground motions from this event are more typical of an explosion than a naturally occurring earthquake,” the agency said. Some reports suggest that the US Navy likely carried out some tests in the region, something it has done in the past as well. It carries out controlled underwater detonations to test the ability of major warships to withstand explosions near mines or torpedoes. Meteorologist Nic Merianos of CBS Miami wrote on X, “USGS showing Magnitude 3.9 off the Space Coast, as ”Experimental Explosion." Never seen this before." But officials have not provided any clarification on the cause of the tremors yet. Also Read: 6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued Previous test explosions that triggered earthquakes It was the ninth event classified as an experimental explosion in the region since 2016, USGS data showed. In 2021, the US Navy carried out a test explosion near the USS Gerald R Ford, known as a "shock trial," two years before its first deployment. The US Navy has been doing so for decades, after first learning that nearby explosions can affect critical ship systems without causing physical damage. Seismometers pick up energy released from artificial explosions and register it as earthquakes. The energy travels through the ground or seabed, and when sensors detect it, they calculate the magnitude based on its strength. On May 28 this year, when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral, it was registered as a magnitude 2.5 earthquake. Reactions to earthquake in Florida Meanwhile, Floridians had some things to say, reacting to the artificial tremors. "What type of experimental explosion generates a 3.9 earthquake?" a user wrote on X. Another said, "This is nuts! A 3.9 experimental explosion is basically a small quake." Others were more scared, as one wrote, "Sounds like they are laying ground work for something probably not good for us," with one adding, "Wonder if they are actually trying to blow up a submarine. Or some other type of threat."

Florida was shaken by a small earthquake on Thursday afternoon. People flocked to social media to know more and were left surprised when they found out what had actually happened. USGS stated that an explosion in the area was responsible.

Earthquake at 0km depth rattles Florida's Space Coast. It wasn't natural

Florida-based social media influencer Brianna Johnson, popularly known online as DreamDoll Brii, was shot while she was driving her lime green Lamborghini Urus in Miramar and died. 21-year-old Brianna Johnson, was inside her vehicle when a white sedan pulled up next to the vehicle and opened fire, according to NY Post. Police said the 21-year-old later “succumbed to her injuries” on Sunday.Two other people, both men, travelling in the Lamborghini were also shot. They were taken to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-unveils-billions-in-arms-deals-after-trump-s-pressure-for-higher-defence-spending-1783428507988">NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending</a>&nbsp;Miramar Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Surveillance footage shows a light-coloured car following the Lamborghini before the gunfire. After the shots were fired, the car with the suspects sped away while the Lamborghini rolled into a property nearby.Johnson’s family told local media that she and the two other occupants had attended a large party earlier that night.&nbsp;The group later stopped at a Shell gas station, where a fight reportedly broke out. It is not yet clear whether that incident was connected to the shooting. Police have not confirmed a motive, and the investigation is underway.Following the news, tributes poured in across Instagram and TikTok, where DreamDoll Brii reportedly had a combined following of more than 470,000.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modi-loses-final-appeal-extradition-becomes-imminent-1783333083018">Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi loses final appeal before ECHR, extradition becomes immine</a>nt&nbsp;She was best known for her song Bend Ova, which reportedly became a popular audio on TikTok. Fans shared condolence messages and remembered her for the content she regularly posted online.&nbsp;Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said investigators believe the attackers were targeting the vehicle. Meanwhile, witnesses told local media that the shooting sounded like a heavy burst of gunfire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-cop-arrested-after-raids-find-disproportionate-assets-worth-rs-300-crore-1783435568416">Telangana cop arrested after raids find disproportionate assets worth Rs 300 crore</a>&nbsp;Following news of her death, messages of condolence poured in across Instagram and TikTok from fans and followers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Miramar Police Department’s Homicide Tip Line or submit an anonymous tip through Broward County Crime Stoppers.

Following the tragic news, tributes poured in across Instagram and TikTok, where DreamDoll Brii reportedly had a combined following of more than 470,000. She was best known for her song Bend Ova, which reportedly became a popular audio on TikTok.

Florida-based social media influencer Brianna Johnson, popularly known online as DreamDoll Brii, was shot while she was driving her lime green Lamborghini Urus in Miramar and died. 21-year-old Brianna Johnson, was inside her vehicle when a white sedan pulled up next to the vehicle and opened fire, according to NY Post. Police said the 21-year-old later “succumbed to her injuries” on Sunday. Two other people, both men, travelling in the Lamborghini were also shot. They were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Also Read: NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending Miramar Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Surveillance footage shows a light-coloured car following the Lamborghini before the gunfire. After the shots were fired, the car with the suspects sped away while the Lamborghini rolled into a property nearby. Johnson’s family told local media that she and the two other occupants had attended a large party earlier that night. The group later stopped at a Shell gas station, where a fight reportedly broke out. It is not yet clear whether that incident was connected to the shooting. Police have not confirmed a motive, and the investigation is underway. Following the news, tributes poured in across Instagram and TikTok, where DreamDoll Brii reportedly had a combined following of more than 470,000. Also Read: Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi loses final appeal before ECHR, extradition becomes imminent She was best known for her song Bend Ova, which reportedly became a popular audio on TikTok. Fans shared condolence messages and remembered her for the content she regularly posted online. Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said investigators believe the attackers were targeting the vehicle. Meanwhile, witnesses told local media that the shooting sounded like a heavy burst of gunfire. Also Read: Telangana cop arrested after raids find disproportionate assets worth Rs 300 crore Following news of her death, messages of condolence poured in across Instagram and TikTok from fans and followers. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Miramar Police Department’s Homicide Tip Line or submit an anonymous tip through Broward County Crime Stoppers.

Following the tragic news, tributes poured in across Instagram and TikTok, where DreamDoll Brii reportedly had a combined following of more than 470,000. She was best known for her song Bend Ova, which reportedly became a popular audio on TikTok.

Florida: Social media influencer DreamDoll Brii, 21, shot in Lamborghini; dies

In a significant development, the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida has released sterile mosquitoes by drone to fight against invasive mosquitoes. The new method could enable mosquito control teams to cover areas that are difficult to reach while ensuring a more uniform distribution of insects, according to WGCU. Rachel Morreale, manager of the district's sterile insect technique program, stated that drones can improve the effectiveness of releases by accessing locations that are not easily reachable by road. "The reason why we like the drone and why it's so beneficial is that it helps us get a better distribution of these mosquitoes," she said. Lee County is deploying a Skydio X10 drone equipped with a specialised release cassette capable of holding up to 35,000 mosquitoes. However, Morreale explained that the district does not dump that full amount in a single spot. Instead, the drone gradually disperses them across a broad area to spread them out.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-18-year-old-s-murder-case-has-sparked-political-battle-over-sikh-kirpans-in-uk-1780299448708">Why 18-year-old's murder case has sparked political battle over Sikh kirpans in UK | WION Decodes</a><h3>Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito</h3>The initiative is formulated to curb the population of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. As part of the programme, officials release laboratory-bred sterile male mosquitoes, which mate with wild female mosquitoes and produce eggs that fail to hatch, helping to reduce future generations. Officials stressed that the mosquitoes being released do not bite, as only males are used in the operation. The Skydio X10 drone can travel at speeds of up to 45 mph and remain in flight for around 40 minutes, allowing teams to cover large areas efficiently without relying on road access. The drone deployment complements Lee County’s existing sterile insect technique programme, which involves a closely monitored breeding process. Mosquitoes are raised to adulthood in roughly 10 days before being sterilised using X-ray technology similar to that used in medical facilities. The district has also developed a mosquito strain native to the Captiva and Fort Myers areas. To monitor their effectiveness, each sterile mosquito is coated with fluorescent powder, enabling researchers to track survival rates and recapture released insects in the wild. "Before we were stuck with whatever we could access by road, so having this drone means that we can actually put the mosquitoes in places where they want to be and get a better, even spread of mosquitoes all around," Morreale explained to WGCU.

Florida's Lee County Mosquito Control District is using Skydio X10 drones to release up to 35,000 sterile male mosquitoes into hard-to-reach areas. The insects, marked with fluorescent powder, mate with wild females to curb the invasive population.

In a significant development, the Lee County Mosquito Control District in Florida has released sterile mosquitoes by drone to fight against invasive mosquitoes. The new method could enable mosquito control teams to cover areas that are difficult to reach while ensuring a more uniform distribution of insects, according to WGCU. Rachel Morreale, manager of the district's sterile insect technique program, stated that drones can improve the effectiveness of releases by accessing locations that are not easily reachable by road. "The reason why we like the drone and why it's so beneficial is that it helps us get a better distribution of these mosquitoes," she said. Lee County is deploying a Skydio X10 drone equipped with a specialised release cassette capable of holding up to 35,000 mosquitoes. However, Morreale explained that the district does not dump that full amount in a single spot. Instead, the drone gradually disperses them across a broad area to spread them out. Also read: Why 18-year-old's murder case has sparked political battle over Sikh kirpans in UK | WION Decodes Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito The initiative is formulated to curb the population of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito. As part of the programme, officials release laboratory-bred sterile male mosquitoes, which mate with wild female mosquitoes and produce eggs that fail to hatch, helping to reduce future generations. Officials stressed that the mosquitoes being released do not bite, as only males are used in the operation. The Skydio X10 drone can travel at speeds of up to 45 mph and remain in flight for around 40 minutes, allowing teams to cover large areas efficiently without relying on road access. The drone deployment complements Lee County’s existing sterile insect technique programme, which involves a closely monitored breeding process. Mosquitoes are raised to adulthood in roughly 10 days before being sterilised using X-ray technology similar to that used in medical facilities. The district has also developed a mosquito strain native to the Captiva and Fort Myers areas. To monitor their effectiveness, each sterile mosquito is coated with fluorescent powder, enabling researchers to track survival rates and recapture released insects in the wild. "Before we were stuck with whatever we could access by road, so having this drone means that we can actually put the mosquitoes in places where they want to be and get a better, even spread of mosquitoes all around," Morreale explained to WGCU.

Florida's Lee County Mosquito Control District is using Skydio X10 drones to release up to 35,000 sterile male mosquitoes into hard-to-reach areas. The insects, marked with fluorescent powder, mate with wild females to curb the invasive population.

Florida mosquito district first to use drone to release sterile mosquitoes against invasive pests

The death toll from Hurricane Milton rose to at least 16 on Friday, officials in Florida said, as residents began the painful process of piecing their lives and homes back together.

Nearly 2.5 million households and businesses were still without power, and some areas in the path cut through the Sunshine State by the monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean remained flooded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-creators-of-storm-us-meteorologists-face-death-threats-as-hurricane-conspiracy-theories-spiral-online-766711">'Kill creators of storm': US meteorologists face death threats as hurricane conspiracy theories spiral online</a>

Milton crashed into the Gulf Coast late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, smashing communities still reeling from Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, which killed 237 people across the US southeast, including in Florida.

On Siesta Key, a beautiful barrier island near Sarasota where the storm made landfall, Milton left a desolate landscape.

Some streets were still flooded on Friday. Fallen trees and debris -- sofas, beds, chairs and appliances, much of it left behind by Helene -- were strewn haphazardly on roadsides.&nbsp;

Resident Mark Horner, who moved there six years ago, said while his house was largely spared, the island "got hit really hard" and people were reassessing the future.

But the 67-year-old sounded a note of optimism, telling AFP: "Our paradise will come back. It's just a little shocking to absorb it."

Tornadoes, not floodwaters, were behind many of the storm's deaths.

In Fort Pierce, on Florida's Atlantic coast, four people died in a tornado spawned by Milton.

"They did find some people just outside dead, in a tree," 70-year-old resident Susan Stepp told AFP. "I wish they would have evacuated."

At least six people were killed in St. Lucie County, four in Volusia County, two in Pinellas County, and one each in Hillsborough, Polk, Orange and Citrus counties, officials said.

The storm downed power lines, shredded the roof of the Tampa baseball stadium and inundated homes, but Florida avoided the catastrophic devastation that officials had feared.

"The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario," Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters.

The National Weather Service issued a record 126 tornado warnings across the state Wednesday, wrote hurricane expert Michael Lowry.

"It is not easy to think you have everything and suddenly you have nothing," said Lidier Rodriguez, whose Tampa Bay apartment was flooded.

Search operations were ongoing Friday, and the Coast Guard reported the spectacular rescue of a boat captain who rode out the storm clinging to a cooler in the Gulf of Mexico.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/express-train-collides-with-goods-train-in-tamil-nadu-fire-breaks-out-in-two-coaches-several-injured-766734">Express train collides with goods train Tamil Nadu, several injured</a>

"This man survived in a nightmare scenario," Dana Grady of the Coast Guard's St. Petersburg sector said in a statement.

President Joe Biden on Thursday urged people to stay inside until downed power lines and debris are cleared.

Florida's back-to-back battering by Helene and Milton has become election fodder as Republican Donald Trump spreads conspiracy theories claiming Biden and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris are abandoning victims.

Biden snapped back on Thursday, telling the former president, "Get a life."

Experts said Friday that human-induced climate change made Hurricane Milton wetter and windier.

"Heavy one-day rainfall events such as the one associated with Milton are 20-30 percent more intense and about twice as likely in today's climate," the World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists said in a report.

The effect boosted Milton's wind strength by about 10 per cent, making what would have been a Category 2 storm a more destructive Category 3, on a five-point scale, the report said.

Milton left some weary Floridians fed up and others digging in for the long haul.

In Orlando, on the east coast, 58-year-old Joe Meyer was loading his car after five days in a hotel to return home to Madeira Beach, south of Tampa.&nbsp;

Helene had hit his house "like a bomb went off," and he had to swim to a neighbour's house. Milton left less water but more wind damage.&nbsp;

"We'll probably sell" and move to a less flood-prone location in the area, he said.

"We're just to the age now where moving everything up, moving everything down -- it's just become too much for us."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The death toll from Hurricane Milton rose to at least 16 on Friday, officials in Florida said, as residents began the painful process of piecing their lives and homes back together.

The death toll from Hurricane Milton rose to at least 16 on Friday, officials in Florida said, as residents began the painful process of piecing their lives and homes back together. Nearly 2.5 million households and businesses were still without power, and some areas in the path cut through the Sunshine State by the monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean remained flooded. Also read: 'Kill creators of storm': US meteorologists face death threats as hurricane conspiracy theories spiral online Milton crashed into the Gulf Coast late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, smashing communities still reeling from Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, which killed 237 people across the US southeast, including in Florida. On Siesta Key, a beautiful barrier island near Sarasota where the storm made landfall, Milton left a desolate landscape. Some streets were still flooded on Friday. Fallen trees and debris -- sofas, beds, chairs and appliances, much of it left behind by Helene -- were strewn haphazardly on roadsides. Resident Mark Horner, who moved there six years ago, said while his house was largely spared, the island "got hit really hard" and people were reassessing the future. But the 67-year-old sounded a note of optimism, telling AFP: "Our paradise will come back. It's just a little shocking to absorb it." Tornadoes, not floodwaters, were behind many of the storm's deaths. In Fort Pierce, on Florida's Atlantic coast, four people died in a tornado spawned by Milton. "They did find some people just outside dead, in a tree," 70-year-old resident Susan Stepp told AFP. "I wish they would have evacuated." At least six people were killed in St. Lucie County, four in Volusia County, two in Pinellas County, and one each in Hillsborough, Polk, Orange and Citrus counties, officials said. The storm downed power lines, shredded the roof of the Tampa baseball stadium and inundated homes, but Florida avoided the catastrophic devastation that officials had feared. "The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario," Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters. The National Weather Service issued a record 126 tornado warnings across the state Wednesday, wrote hurricane expert Michael Lowry. "It is not easy to think you have everything and suddenly you have nothing," said Lidier Rodriguez, whose Tampa Bay apartment was flooded. Search operations were ongoing Friday, and the Coast Guard reported the spectacular rescue of a boat captain who rode out the storm clinging to a cooler in the Gulf of Mexico. Also read: Express train collides with goods train Tamil Nadu, several injured "This man survived in a nightmare scenario," Dana Grady of the Coast Guard's St. Petersburg sector said in a statement. President Joe Biden on Thursday urged people to stay inside until downed power lines and debris are cleared. Florida's back-to-back battering by Helene and Milton has become election fodder as Republican Donald Trump spreads conspiracy theories claiming Biden and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris are abandoning victims. Biden snapped back on Thursday, telling the former president, "Get a life." Experts said Friday that human-induced climate change made Hurricane Milton wetter and windier. "Heavy one-day rainfall events such as the one associated with Milton are 20-30 percent more intense and about twice as likely in today's climate," the World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists said in a report. The effect boosted Milton's wind strength by about 10 per cent, making what would have been a Category 2 storm a more destructive Category 3, on a five-point scale, the report said. Milton left some weary Floridians fed up and others digging in for the long haul. In Orlando, on the east coast, 58-year-old Joe Meyer was loading his car after five days in a hotel to return home to Madeira Beach, south of Tampa. Helene had hit his house "like a bomb went off," and he had to swim to a neighbour's house. Milton left less water but more wind damage. "We'll probably sell" and move to a less flood-prone location in the area, he said. "We're just to the age now where moving everything up, moving everything down -- it's just become too much for us." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hurricane Milton: At least 16 dead, millions left without power in Florida as US state reels from deadly storm

Hurricane Milton plowed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after cutting a destructive path across Florida that spawned tornadoes, killed at least 10 people and left millions without power, but the storm did not trigger the catastrophic surge of seawater that was feared.

Hurricane Milton plowed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after cutting a destructive path across Florida that spawned tornadoes, killed at least 10 people and left millions without power, but the storm did not trigger the catastrophic surge of seawater that was feared. Governor Ron DeSantis said the state had avoided the "worst-case scenario," though he cautioned the damage was still significant. The Tampa Bay area appeared to sidestep the storm surge that had prompted the most dire warnings. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said at a White House briefing the government had reports of at least 10 deaths from Milton, adding it appeared they were caused by tornadoes. In St. Lucie County on Florida's east coast, a spate of tornadoes killed five people, including at least two in the senior-living Spanish Lakes Communities, county spokesperson Erick Gill said. Search-and-rescue teams are combing through hard-hit areas, including a mobile home park. There were 19 confirmed tornadoes in Florida as of 8 p.m. Wednesday, about the time Milton made landfall, DeSantis said. Some 45 tornadoes were reported throughout the day, mostly in the central and eastern parts of the state, the National Weather Service said. More than 3 million homes and businesses in Florida were without power on Thursday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. At least some had already been waiting days for power to be restored after Hurricane Helene hit the area two weeks ago. Also read: Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 awarded to South Korean author Han Kang Milton shredded the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, the stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team in St. Petersburg, but there were no reported injuries. The ballpark was a staging area for responders, with thousands of cots set up on the field. In the Tampa area, the storm toppled trees, threw debris across roadways and downed power lines, video footage from local news showed. Some neighbourhoods were flooded, but the extent of the damage will not be known until crews can assess the destruction, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said at a morning news conference. Steven Cole Smith, 71, an automotive writer and editor who lives in Tampa about seven miles (11 km) from the Gulf Coast, rode out the storm with his wife. He said the wind shook the windows so hard he thought they would shatter. "We really didn't have anywhere else to go," Smith said of their decision not to follow evacuation orders. He has a house in central Florida but said the forecast for that area looked as bad as where he was staying. "I spent yesterday scavenging for supplies, fuel for the generator, everything we'd need," he said. "I have a chainsaw too." Luckily, he said, Tampa was spared a direct hit. Ken Wood, 58, a state ferryboat operator in Pinellas County, fled his Dunedin home on Florida's Gulf Coast with his 16-year-old cat Andy, after making the "harrowing" mistake of riding out Hurricane Helene two weeks ago in his mobile home. They heeded evacuation orders and headed north but only made it as far as a hotel about an hour's drive away when he decided it wasn't safe to stay on the roads. "It was pretty loud, but Andy slept through it all," he told Reuters by telephone. He is worried about his home but was awaiting official word that the roads are clear before returning. Helene destroyed about a third of his neighbourhood, and the streets were still piled with rubble that could have become wind-driven projectiles. Emergency crews responded overnight to dozens of calls for help, including one in which 15 people were rescued after a tree fell on top of a house, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. The winds toppled a large construction crane in St. Petersburg, sending it crashing onto a deserted street. The state was still in danger of river flooding after up to 18 inches (457 mm) of rain fell. Authorities were waiting for rivers to crest, but so far levels were at or below those after Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, Castor said on Thursday morning. Most of the severe damage reported so far stemmed from the tornadoes, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency head Deanne Criswell, who was in Tallahassee on Thursday. "The evacuation orders saved lives," she said, noting that more than 90,000 residents went to shelters. In Fort Myers on the southwest coast, resident Connor Ferin surveyed the wreckage of his home, which had lost its roof and was full of debris and rainwater after a tornado hit. "All this happened instantaneously, like these windows blew out," he said. "I grabbed the two dogs and ran under my bed, and that was it. Probably one minute total." President Joe Biden, who postponed an overseas trip to monitor Milton, spoke to local leaders in Florida on Thursday and pledged the federal government's full support. Also read: Watch: Hurricane Milton's scary landfall in Florida captured from space The storm hit Florida's west coast on Wednesday night as a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, with top sustained winds of 120 mph (205 kph). While still a dangerous storm, Milton had weakened from the rare Category 5 status as it trekked over the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Milton tailed off further over land, dropping to a Category 1 hurricane with top sustained winds of 85 mph (145 kph) as it reached the peninsula's east coast, the National Hurricane Center said. By Thursday morning, the storm was moving away from the Florida Atlantic coast after lashing communities on the eastern shoreline. The eye of the storm made landfall in Siesta Key, a barrier island town of some 5,400 people off Sarasota about 60 miles (100 km) south of Tampa Bay. In a state already battered by Hurricane Helene, as many as 2 million people had been ordered to evacuate ahead of Milton's arrival, and millions more live in the storm's path. Both storms are expected to cause billions of dollars in damage. Florida airports remained closed on Thursday, including Tampa, Palm Beach and St. Pete-Clearwater, with exceptions for emergency aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Florida reels from Hurricane Milton: 10 dead, millions left without power

As Hurricane Milton pounded Florida Thursday (Oct 10) with full-throttle intensity, the tale of a rescue mission unfolded far away in the Gulf of Mexico has surprised many. In a scenario described as ‘nightmare’ by the emergency crew, a man was rescued 48 km off Florida coast as he helplessly clung to an ice box.

The man, whose identity remains unknown, was luckily able to dial the coast guard station in nearby St Petersburg before contact was lost. His fishing vessel had malfunctioned on Wednesday near Madeira Beach, just before the storm made landfall.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> An <a href="https://twitter.com/USCG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCG</a> Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key. 
 
The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care. 
 
Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/64wSHuRAeH">pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH</a>
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) <a href="https://twitter.com/USCGSoutheast/status/1844466002584842667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He was spotted and rescued by officials on Thursday, hugging an open cooler chest. A video of the rescue has now gone viral on the internet.

“This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner,” coast guard official Dana Grady said.

The man was later taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3283L7YWJAxWGna8BHbEoAHIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-florida-clearing-debris-as-monster-storm-passes-over-12-dead-766484" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-florida-clearing-debris-as-monster-storm-passes-over-12-dead-766484&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3283L7YWJAxWGna8BHbEoAHIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Hurricane Milton: Florida ‘clearing debris’ as monster storm passes over, 12 dead</a>

It was mayhem on Florida streets Thursday (Oct 10) as Hurricane Milton tore through the US state, leaving behind a trail of massive destruction and piles of debris. Government officials said the monster storm left at least 16 people dead, including six in St. Lucie County on Florida's Atlantic coast.

More than 11 million people still faced threats of flash and river flooding in the state. At around 11:50 am ET on Thursday, more than 3.4mn people were facing power outages across the counties.

Watch:&nbsp;Hurricane Milton Drives Record Insurance Losses in Florida

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According to estimates, Milton brought a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall to the US state, with the Tampa Bay area being the worst-affected.

The monster storm may have caused a loss of up to $50 billion (insured) to Florida property owners, claimed Fitch Ratings on Thursday.

The agency added that it would be the largest insured loss since Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Coming on the heels of Hurricane Helene two weeks prior, Milton would further push total insured losses for insurers in the state over $100 billion for the fifth straight year, the Fitch analysts wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Hurricane Milton pounded Florida Thursday (Oct 10) with full-throttle intensity, the tale of a rescue mission unfolded far away in the Gulf of Mexico has surprised many.

As Hurricane Milton pounded Florida Thursday (Oct 10) with full-throttle intensity, the tale of a rescue mission unfolded far away in the Gulf of Mexico has surprised many. In a scenario described as ‘nightmare’ by the emergency crew, a man was rescued 48 km off Florida coast as he helplessly clung to an ice box. The man, whose identity remains unknown, was luckily able to dial the coast guard station in nearby St Petersburg before contact was lost. His fishing vessel had malfunctioned on Wednesday near Madeira Beach, just before the storm made landfall. #Breaking An @USCG Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key. The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care. Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. #SAR pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH — USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 10, 2024 × He was spotted and rescued by officials on Thursday, hugging an open cooler chest. A video of the rescue has now gone viral on the internet. “This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner,” coast guard official Dana Grady said. The man was later taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Also read: Hurricane Milton: Florida ‘clearing debris’ as monster storm passes over, 12 dead It was mayhem on Florida streets Thursday (Oct 10) as Hurricane Milton tore through the US state, leaving behind a trail of massive destruction and piles of debris. Government officials said the monster storm left at least 16 people dead, including six in St. Lucie County on Florida's Atlantic coast. More than 11 million people still faced threats of flash and river flooding in the state. At around 11:50 am ET on Thursday, more than 3.4mn people were facing power outages across the counties. Watch: Hurricane Milton Drives Record Insurance Losses in Florida × According to estimates, Milton brought a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall to the US state, with the Tampa Bay area being the worst-affected. The monster storm may have caused a loss of up to $50 billion (insured) to Florida property owners, claimed Fitch Ratings on Thursday. The agency added that it would be the largest insured loss since Hurricane Ian in 2022. Coming on the heels of Hurricane Helene two weeks prior, Milton would further push total insured losses for insurers in the state over $100 billion for the fifth straight year, the Fitch analysts wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Man rescued 48 km off coast in ‘nightmare scenario’ as Hurricane Milton pounded Florida

An increasingly powerful hurricane threatening, catastrophic, dangerous storm is surging and flooding is forecast to smash into Florida's gulf coast. Thousands of residents have evacuated towns along the US State's shoreline.

Florida Braces for Hurricane Helene, Threatening Deadly Winds and Storm Surge

According to the local sheriff's office, a Florida man is facing charges after the discovery of the headless body of his bulldog mix called Dexter at a local park only days after its adoption.

In a statement, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) stated that Dexter's owner, Domingo R. Rodriguez, was taken into custody soon after the dog's death last week in a park in Pinellas County. Rodriguez, 66, of St. Petersburg, is accused of one offence of second-degree misdemeanor and one count of third-degree felony animal cruelty. He was released from Pinellas County Jail on May 15 after posting a $5,000 bail.

He adopted the 4-year-old bulldog mix from Pinellas County Animal Services on May 10, according to PCSO. Rodriguez was recognized as Dexter's owner by the dog's microchip. According to the sheriff's office, at around 6:45 pm&nbsp;on May 14, PCSO deputies were called in regarding a "deceased dog wrapped in a plastic bag" in the vicinity of East Beach at Fort De Soto Park.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidt7rP3AlucLhE" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/pope-asks-italians-to-have-babies-calls-for-courageous-concrete-and-long-term-choices-720093" target="_blank">Pope asks Italians to have babies: 'No shortage of little dogs, cats. There is a lack of children'</a>

"When deputies arrived, they located a male bulldog mix with its head decapitated, floating in the mangroves," claimed the PCSO. Rodriguez admitted to deputies that he had recently adopted Dexter during their conversation at his house. "Dexter must have run away overnight on May 10," he told detectives, according to the sheriff's office. According to PCSO, Rodriguez confessed that he visited Fort Desoto Park on May 11 and "provided deputies several inconsistent statements."

According to the arrest report, Rodriguez's wife told authorities that Dexter was still alive when she went to bed on May 10 but that her husband and the dog had vanished when she woke up the next morning. Though the motive behind Rodriguez's action is unclear the sheriff's office said that the investigation is still ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to the local sheriff's office, a Florida man is facing charges after the discovery of the headless body of his bulldog mix called Dexter at a local park only days after its adoption.

According to the local sheriff's office, a Florida man is facing charges after the discovery of the headless body of his bulldog mix called Dexter at a local park only days after its adoption. In a statement, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) stated that Dexter's owner, Domingo R. Rodriguez, was taken into custody soon after the dog's death last week in a park in Pinellas County. Rodriguez, 66, of St. Petersburg, is accused of one offence of second-degree misdemeanor and one count of third-degree felony animal cruelty. He was released from Pinellas County Jail on May 15 after posting a $5,000 bail. He adopted the 4-year-old bulldog mix from Pinellas County Animal Services on May 10, according to PCSO. Rodriguez was recognized as Dexter's owner by the dog's microchip. According to the sheriff's office, at around 6:45 pm on May 14, PCSO deputies were called in regarding a "deceased dog wrapped in a plastic bag" in the vicinity of East Beach at Fort De Soto Park. Also read: Pope asks Italians to have babies: 'No shortage of little dogs, cats. There is a lack of children' "When deputies arrived, they located a male bulldog mix with its head decapitated, floating in the mangroves," claimed the PCSO. Rodriguez admitted to deputies that he had recently adopted Dexter during their conversation at his house. "Dexter must have run away overnight on May 10," he told detectives, according to the sheriff's office. According to PCSO, Rodriguez confessed that he visited Fort Desoto Park on May 11 and "provided deputies several inconsistent statements." According to the arrest report, Rodriguez's wife told authorities that Dexter was still alive when she went to bed on May 10 but that her husband and the dog had vanished when she woke up the next morning. Though the motive behind Rodriguez's action is unclear the sheriff's office said that the investigation is still ongoing. (With inputs from agencies)

66-year-old Florida man arrested after decapitated dog found in park days after adoption

The year 2024 started for Florida with a bizarre rumour spreading like wildfire on social media: A 10-foot-tall alien was roaming in a Miami shopping mall, inviting a huge police presence in the vicinity. The speculation market turned red hot after a video went viral on social media showing a massive figure strolling outside Bayside Marketplace. The video showed the ‘alien’ shadow surrounded by dozens of police officers, and cruisers with their lights flashing.

<h2>Rumours on the internet</h2>

As soon as the video went viral, the speculations and murmurs came flooding as well. "I don't know if the rumours about the aliens at the Miami Mall are real but I do know I never seen this many police in one place," one X user posted. &nbsp;

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MIAMI MALL ALIEN INCIDENT - 
 
A Miami mall was shut down by POLICE &amp; rumors are being spread around about “8-10ft tall shadow aliens” 👽 ‼️ 
 
Reports are saying that it was 'kids fighting'. <a href="https://t.co/PXsoaufWiD">pic.twitter.com/PXsoaufWiD</a>
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) <a href="https://twitter.com/DramaAlert/status/1743343632650813572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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I’m not a conspiracy theorist but when this many cops show up to shut down a Miami mall, and not one single person took a video from inside or driving by? Something is off. Rumors are there were “8-10 foot shadow aliens” 
 
Also, Epstein didn’t kill himself <a href="https://t.co/0B3AFQV7yU">pic.twitter.com/0B3AFQV7yU</a>
— Louis KC (@notlouisck) <a href="https://twitter.com/notlouisck/status/1743375314917716286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A Miami mall was shut down by POLICE &amp; rumors are being spread around about “8-10ft tall shadow aliens” 
 
News outlets are reporting it was a teen riot but first hand accounts are saying otherwise. <a href="https://t.co/2DOLQWEIVP">pic.twitter.com/2DOLQWEIVP</a>
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyLoud/status/1743366728199852437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Another X user claimed that there were '10ft Aliens/Creatures' which were 'fired at inside and outside Miami Mall' in supposed footage. 
 
Some posts claimed people in the vicinity lost WiFi for some hours while some alleged that the nearby airports had also been shut down.

<h2>Police issue statement</h2>

Miami police on Friday (Jan 5) however debunked all these statements, calling them ‘false.’ In a statement, the department confirmed: "There were no aliens, UFOs, or ETs."

Speaking of the viral videos, officer Michael Vega added: "It’s a shadow of a person walking. If you look at the beginning of the clip, you can see the person at the bottom of the shadow. "If there was any creature, myself and other officers would have our handgun, rifle, and shotgun out while we hide behind our cars," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | A Culture of violence in the US

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"There were no aliens. No airports were closed. Nothing is being withheld from the public. LOL.”

<h2>What happened inside the mall?</h2>

The large police presence outside the Miami mall was caused by a large brawl between teenagers on Monday night. Some of them also set off fireworks inside the mall, leading many people to believe that a shooting had taken place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-about-interests-indians-rip-into-ex-us-ambassador-after-he-questioned-jaishankars-visit-to-russia-675189">Also read:&nbsp;`It`s about interests,` Indians rip into ex-US ambassador after he questions Jaishankar`s visit to Russia</a>

Later, the police arrested at least four juveniles for causing the massive distress. “The juveniles were causing chaos,” Vega said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The year 2024 started for Florida with a bizarre rumour spreading like wildfire on social media: A 10-foot-tall alien was roaming in a Miami shopping mall, inviting a huge police presence in the vicinity.

The year 2024 started for Florida with a bizarre rumour spreading like wildfire on social media: A 10-foot-tall alien was roaming in a Miami shopping mall, inviting a huge police presence in the vicinity. The speculation market turned red hot after a video went viral on social media showing a massive figure strolling outside Bayside Marketplace. The video showed the ‘alien’ shadow surrounded by dozens of police officers, and cruisers with their lights flashing. Rumours on the internet As soon as the video went viral, the speculations and murmurs came flooding as well. "I don't know if the rumours about the aliens at the Miami Mall are real but I do know I never seen this many police in one place," one X user posted. MIAMI MALL ALIEN INCIDENT - A Miami mall was shut down by POLICE & rumors are being spread around about “8-10ft tall shadow aliens” 👽 ‼️ Reports are saying that it was 'kids fighting'. pic.twitter.com/PXsoaufWiD — DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) January 5, 2024 × I’m not a conspiracy theorist but when this many cops show up to shut down a Miami mall, and not one single person took a video from inside or driving by? Something is off. Rumors are there were “8-10 foot shadow aliens” Also, Epstein didn’t kill himself pic.twitter.com/0B3AFQV7yU — Louis KC (@notlouisck) January 5, 2024 × A Miami mall was shut down by POLICE & rumors are being spread around about “8-10ft tall shadow aliens” News outlets are reporting it was a teen riot but first hand accounts are saying otherwise. pic.twitter.com/2DOLQWEIVP — Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 5, 2024 × Another X user claimed that there were '10ft Aliens/Creatures' which were 'fired at inside and outside Miami Mall' in supposed footage. Some posts claimed people in the vicinity lost WiFi for some hours while some alleged that the nearby airports had also been shut down. Police issue statement Miami police on Friday (Jan 5) however debunked all these statements, calling them ‘false.’ In a statement, the department confirmed: "There were no aliens, UFOs, or ETs." Speaking of the viral videos, officer Michael Vega added: "It’s a shadow of a person walking. If you look at the beginning of the clip, you can see the person at the bottom of the shadow. "If there was any creature, myself and other officers would have our handgun, rifle, and shotgun out while we hide behind our cars," he added. Watch: Gravitas | A Culture of violence in the US × "There were no aliens. No airports were closed. Nothing is being withheld from the public. LOL.” What happened inside the mall? The large police presence outside the Miami mall was caused by a large brawl between teenagers on Monday night. Some of them also set off fireworks inside the mall, leading many people to believe that a shooting had taken place. Also read: `It`s about interests,` Indians rip into ex-US ambassador after he questions Jaishankar`s visit to Russia Later, the police arrested at least four juveniles for causing the massive distress. “The juveniles were causing chaos,” Vega said. (With inputs from agencies)

Was a massive alien spotted outside Miami mall? Police reveal truth

This weekend's significant rain and wind storm could potentially cause flooding for over 60 million people living along the East Coast. According to the National Weather Service and CBS News partner The Weather Channel, the storm system formed in the Gulf of Mexico, battered portions of Florida on Saturday and Sunday as it raced up the coast, and dumped a ton of moderate to heavy rain on more northern states.

Heavy rain expected to lash Florida and East Coast

An extremely rare white alligator has been born in a Florida reptile park. The officials at the park welcomed the news in a Facebook post, marking the first documented case of such a hatchling since a nest of leucistic alligators was discovered in Louisiana 36 years ago.

"This is beyond rare; it is absolutely extraordinary and the first one in the world," Gatorland Orlando announced in the social media post.

The authorities revealed that there are only seven such surviving white alligators in the world, with three of them residing in Gatorland park.

Watch video here:

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Gatorland Orlando announced a rare white alligator was born. The park says this is the first solid white alligator to be documented since a nest of leucistic gators were discovered in Louisiana about 36 years ago. <a href="https://t.co/4mjtlCFvy8">pic.twitter.com/4mjtlCFvy8</a>
— 1440 Daily Digest (@Join1440) <a href="https://twitter.com/Join1440/status/1733290497874268588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Park officials said in the post that "Leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation in the American alligator. They differ from albino alligators, which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment.”&nbsp;

“Leucism in alligators causes white colouration, but they often have patches or splotches of normal colouration on their skin. Without the darker skin pigmentation, they can't have direct sunlight for long periods of time because they sunburn easily. Leucistic alligators also have brilliant blue eyes compared to the pink eyes of an albino alligator," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 40 Crocodiles rip apart a Cambodian man

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“The new baby female leucistic alligator and her normal coloured brother, born to parents Jeyan and Ashley, weigh 96 grams and are currently 49 cm long. These are incredibly special animals in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security,” the park statement said.

The officials are now asking for the public’s help in naming the rare alligator. They also revealed that park visitors will be able to see the white alligator from early next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ducks-arent-that-unique-quack-quack-calling-frog-with-musical-voice-discovered-in-india-667913">Also read:&nbsp;Ducks aren't that unique. 'Quack quack' calling Frog with musical voice discovered in India</a>

“For now, however, we continue to keep them safe where we can closely monitor their health and growth,” said Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland.

The video of the alligator has attracted much attention on social media, having accumulated over 16,000 views and 1,000 likes.

“Oh, those smiles! I love them!” posted a Facebook user. “So beautiful,” added another. “I'm so excited for this new baby! Gatorland just gets more exciting all the time!” joined a third.

(With inputs from agencies)

An extremely rare white alligator has been born in a Florida reptile park. The officials at the park welcomed the news in a Facebook post, marking the first documented case of such a hatchling since a nest of leucistic alligators was discovered in Louisiana 36 years ago.

An extremely rare white alligator has been born in a Florida reptile park. The officials at the park welcomed the news in a Facebook post, marking the first documented case of such a hatchling since a nest of leucistic alligators was discovered in Louisiana 36 years ago. "This is beyond rare; it is absolutely extraordinary and the first one in the world," Gatorland Orlando announced in the social media post. The authorities revealed that there are only seven such surviving white alligators in the world, with three of them residing in Gatorland park. Watch video here: Gatorland Orlando announced a rare white alligator was born. The park says this is the first solid white alligator to be documented since a nest of leucistic gators were discovered in Louisiana about 36 years ago. pic.twitter.com/4mjtlCFvy8 — 1440 Daily Digest (@Join1440) December 9, 2023 × Park officials said in the post that "Leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation in the American alligator. They differ from albino alligators, which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment.” “Leucism in alligators causes white colouration, but they often have patches or splotches of normal colouration on their skin. Without the darker skin pigmentation, they can't have direct sunlight for long periods of time because they sunburn easily. Leucistic alligators also have brilliant blue eyes compared to the pink eyes of an albino alligator," it added. Watch: Gravitas: 40 Crocodiles rip apart a Cambodian man × “The new baby female leucistic alligator and her normal coloured brother, born to parents Jeyan and Ashley, weigh 96 grams and are currently 49 cm long. These are incredibly special animals in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security,” the park statement said. The officials are now asking for the public’s help in naming the rare alligator. They also revealed that park visitors will be able to see the white alligator from early next year. Also read: Ducks aren't that unique. 'Quack quack' calling Frog with musical voice discovered in India “For now, however, we continue to keep them safe where we can closely monitor their health and growth,” said Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland. The video of the alligator has attracted much attention on social media, having accumulated over 16,000 views and 1,000 likes. “Oh, those smiles! I love them!” posted a Facebook user. “So beautiful,” added another. “I'm so excited for this new baby! Gatorland just gets more exciting all the time!” joined a third. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Extremely rare white alligator with blue eyes born in Florida reptile park

Florida is notorious for the weirdest news stories, particularly those involving animals. In the latest one, a woman from the US state "borrowed" an alligator from her previous work place. She was apparently planning on having a photoshoot with the reptile.

<h2>How does someone 'borrow' an alligator?</h2>

The woman, who has been identified as Madison Stephan, actually abducted the alligator from Croc Encounters, a reptile park and alligator farm, based in Tampa, Florida.

Using a key she still had in her possession, the woman sneaked into the park before the hours and "borrowed" the alligator without permission.&nbsp;

Stephan then kept the juvenile alligator in a bath tub at the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden, the venue of her birthday celebrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-giant-gator-with-body-in-mouth-shocks-florida-locals-639092">Video | Giant alligator with 'body in mouth' shocks Florida locals</a>

As per The Palm Beach Post, the events have been confirmed by the Florida woman's friend, who told authorities that they both drove to Croc Encounters together where Stephan "had a surprise for her."

Leaving her friend in the car, Stephan walked inside the facility and returned with the alligator. Following this, the two women drove to the hotel for a five-day holiday.

<h2>What state was the alligator in?</h2>

The alligator was rescued on September 4th by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

As per officials, the roughly two foot long alligator was found "cold to touch," after being in cold water in a bathtub for so long.

Following the rescue, the young alligator was returned to Croc Encounters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a>

<h2>What charges does the Florida woman face?&nbsp;</h2>

As per the report, John Paner, the owner of Croc Encounters, refused to press charges against Stephan.

However, under state laws, Stephan has been issued a notice for the possession of the alligator.

According to Justia US Law website, in Florida, "Whenever the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is prohibited by any law of this state, or by the rules, regulations, or orders of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted pursuant to s. 9, Art. IV of the State Constitution, the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is a misdemeanour of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083."

Florida is notorious for the weirdest news stories, particularly those involving animals. In the latest one, a woman from the US state "borrowed" an alligator from her previous work place.

Florida is notorious for the weirdest news stories, particularly those involving animals. In the latest one, a woman from the US state "borrowed" an alligator from her previous work place. She was apparently planning on having a photoshoot with the reptile. How does someone 'borrow' an alligator? The woman, who has been identified as Madison Stephan, actually abducted the alligator from Croc Encounters, a reptile park and alligator farm, based in Tampa, Florida. Using a key she still had in her possession, the woman sneaked into the park before the hours and "borrowed" the alligator without permission. Stephan then kept the juvenile alligator in a bath tub at the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden, the venue of her birthday celebrations. Also read | Video | Giant alligator with 'body in mouth' shocks Florida locals As per The Palm Beach Post, the events have been confirmed by the Florida woman's friend, who told authorities that they both drove to Croc Encounters together where Stephan "had a surprise for her." Leaving her friend in the car, Stephan walked inside the facility and returned with the alligator. Following this, the two women drove to the hotel for a five-day holiday. What state was the alligator in? The alligator was rescued on September 4th by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. As per officials, the roughly two foot long alligator was found "cold to touch," after being in cold water in a bathtub for so long. Following the rescue, the young alligator was returned to Croc Encounters. Also read | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters What charges does the Florida woman face? As per the report, John Paner, the owner of Croc Encounters, refused to press charges against Stephan. However, under state laws, Stephan has been issued a notice for the possession of the alligator. According to Justia US Law website, in Florida, "Whenever the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is prohibited by any law of this state, or by the rules, regulations, or orders of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted pursuant to s. 9, Art. IV of the State Constitution, the sale, possession, or transporting of alligators or alligator skins is a misdemeanour of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083."

Florida woman 'borrows' alligator for birthday photo shoot, stores reptile in bathtub

A Florida woman recently got the biggest shock of her life as she stepped out onto the porch one evening with her dog.&nbsp;

In a hair-raising event that got captured in the doorbell camera, the woman came across a bear who was poking its head around the corner. As the video shows, both seemed startled after the unexpected encounter.

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The woman, named Gina Helsel, resides in the Daytona Beach area. Last Thursday (August 10), when she let her dog out onto the porch to scare off the cats, little did she know she herself was in for a big shock.

As the encounter happened, Gina let out a loud scream and rushed back into the safety of the house along with her dog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-man-who-transformed-into-dog-says-people-misinfomed-about-him-624989">Also read:&nbsp;Japanese man who transformed into dog says people `misinformed` about him</a>

The bear, who didn’t exhibit aggressive behaviour, turned tail and wandered off.

"The bear was getting in the neighbour's trash and I caught it in the act," Gina was quoted as saying by CBS News.

“My brother called me… cracking up and was like, ‘Gina, only you would scream like that',” she said while explaining how her family members reacted to the incident.

“I am glad the bear’s OK. I don’t want anything to happen to the bear. The bear was doing what – it lives here,” Gina added.

Watch:&nbsp;India restricts imports of laptops | Biden spotted chilling at a beach&nbsp;

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Mike Orlando, a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the bear was equally startled as the old lady upon experiencing the unexpected encounter.

He was quoted by Unilad as saying, “They just all startled each other. She probably wasn’t prepared to have a bear sitting there, and the bear probably wasn’t prepared to have her show up with the dog.”

He also advised the local community to keep the garbage well secured to avoid having frequent visits by the bear.

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A Florida woman recently got the biggest shock of her life as she stepped out onto the porch one evening with her dog. In a hair-raising event that got captured in the doorbell camera, the woman came across a bear who was poking its head around the corner.

A Florida woman recently got the biggest shock of her life as she stepped out onto the porch one evening with her dog. In a hair-raising event that got captured in the doorbell camera, the woman came across a bear who was poking its head around the corner. As the video shows, both seemed startled after the unexpected encounter. Watch: Bear startles woman and dog as they leave home in Florida https://t.co/fCD7kfDfbU pic.twitter.com/f6Aa4v9ybp — NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) August 18, 2023 × The woman, named Gina Helsel, resides in the Daytona Beach area. Last Thursday (August 10), when she let her dog out onto the porch to scare off the cats, little did she know she herself was in for a big shock. As the encounter happened, Gina let out a loud scream and rushed back into the safety of the house along with her dog. Also read: Japanese man who transformed into dog says people `misinformed` about him The bear, who didn’t exhibit aggressive behaviour, turned tail and wandered off. "The bear was getting in the neighbour's trash and I caught it in the act," Gina was quoted as saying by CBS News. “My brother called me… cracking up and was like, ‘Gina, only you would scream like that',” she said while explaining how her family members reacted to the incident. “I am glad the bear’s OK. I don’t want anything to happen to the bear. The bear was doing what – it lives here,” Gina added. Watch: India restricts imports of laptops | Biden spotted chilling at a beach × Mike Orlando, a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the bear was equally startled as the old lady upon experiencing the unexpected encounter. He was quoted by Unilad as saying, “They just all startled each other. She probably wasn’t prepared to have a bear sitting there, and the bear probably wasn’t prepared to have her show up with the dog.” He also advised the local community to keep the garbage well secured to avoid having frequent visits by the bear. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Un‘bear’able encounter: Florida woman wildly screams after unexpected guest shows up at door. Watch

In what comes as a bizarre news, a Georgia man in the US broke into a church in the state of Florida, caused damage worth several thousand dollars and then&nbsp;allegedly “baptised&nbsp;himself” in the sanctuary’s font, according to a report in New York Post.&nbsp;

The incident transpired at the&nbsp;Emerald Beach Church of God in Panama City Beach in the first week of August. According to police officers who responded to the burglary call, the accused identified as&nbsp;Derek Porter had used a cinderblock to smash a window to get inside.&nbsp;

"On August 4th, 2023, Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a Burglary call at the Emerald Beach Church of God off of Alf Coleman Rd. Deputies discovered Derek Porter from Georgia had used a cinder block to smash the window of the church to enter inside," said the police.&nbsp;

“While inside, Porter caused approximately $8,000 worth of damage to the church.&nbsp;Porter then loaded several electronics including a television and a computer into his truck along with the church’s money bag."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/racy-chinese-restaurant-closed-after-videos-surface-waiters-feeding-women-mouth-to-mouth-621307">Also read |&nbsp;'Racy' Chinese restaurant closed after videos show waiters feeding women 'mouth-to-mouth'</a>

<h2>Porter did not remember anything</h2>

The sheriff's office said a female employee was inside the church when&nbsp;Porter entered the premises. However, she fled the scene quickly after hearing the glass breaking.&nbsp;

After police apprehended Porter, he said he could not remember what happened during "various moments inside the church".&nbsp;

“He did remember however baptising himself in the church’s baptistry pool. Porter claims ‘something’ was holding his head down under the water while in the pool,” it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/around-100-arrested-in-fbi-child-abuse-in-us-australia-623728">Watch |&nbsp;Around 100 arrested in FBI child abuse in US, Australia</a>

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Porter is being held in the Bay County Jail, with bail set at $19,500. He was out on bail in Georgia as well, the authorities added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what comes as a bizarre news, a Georgia man in the US broke into a church in the state of Florida, caused damage worth several thousand dollars and then allegedly “baptised himself” in the sanctuary’s font, according to a report in New York Post.

In what comes as a bizarre news, a Georgia man in the US broke into a church in the state of Florida, caused damage worth several thousand dollars and then allegedly “baptised himself” in the sanctuary’s font, according to a report in New York Post. The incident transpired at the Emerald Beach Church of God in Panama City Beach in the first week of August. According to police officers who responded to the burglary call, the accused identified as Derek Porter had used a cinderblock to smash a window to get inside. "On August 4th, 2023, Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a Burglary call at the Emerald Beach Church of God off of Alf Coleman Rd. Deputies discovered Derek Porter from Georgia had used a cinder block to smash the window of the church to enter inside," said the police. “While inside, Porter caused approximately $8,000 worth of damage to the church. Porter then loaded several electronics including a television and a computer into his truck along with the church’s money bag." Also read | 'Racy' Chinese restaurant closed after videos show waiters feeding women 'mouth-to-mouth' Porter did not remember anything The sheriff's office said a female employee was inside the church when Porter entered the premises. However, she fled the scene quickly after hearing the glass breaking. After police apprehended Porter, he said he could not remember what happened during "various moments inside the church". “He did remember however baptising himself in the church’s baptistry pool. Porter claims ‘something’ was holding his head down under the water while in the pool,” it added. Watch | Around 100 arrested in FBI child abuse in US, Australia × Porter is being held in the Bay County Jail, with bail set at $19,500. He was out on bail in Georgia as well, the authorities added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Georgia man vandalises church, steals items, later baptises himself

A sewing blogger in the United States, who was in the middle of recording a video on social media, captured an airborne car crashing into her yard. Jen Wesner from Florida was recording an instructional video on sewing when the car came out of nowhere and crashed.

A sewing blogger in the United States, who was in the middle of recording a video on social media, captured an airborne car crashing into her yard. Jen Wesner from Florida was recording an instructional video on sewing when the car came out of nowhere and crashed. The impact caused a thud sound on the window of the room where she was recording and objects mounted on the wall and the window fell off. Wesner froze for a few seconds and then went outside to help the driver. According to a report by CTV News, the blogger said, "All I saw were airbags. So I kept saying: Are you okay, Are you okay?" The driver appeared to be unhurt and was apologetic for the crash. Who is the driver? As per the CTV News report, the driver worked for a food delivery service. The police said the driver allegedly ran a stop sign and hit a drainage ditch that sent the car airborne, right into Wesner’s property. Police said if there was less of an incline, the car “would have hit the house.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'All I saw were airbags': US sewing blogger making social media video captures car crash in her yard

Following the screening of a Disney movie featuring a gay character, a teacher in Florida is now facing an investigation by the state's Department of Education. Jenna Barbee, a fifth-grade teacher in the Hernando County School District, revealed that a complaint was lodged by a student's mother after she showed the film Strange World to her class. Barbee explained that she selected the movie to explore the theme of humans' relationship with the environment, following a section on ecosystems, plants, and animals. She stated that she had not considered the subplot involving a boy having a crush on another boy before showing the film.

Barbee expressed her surprise at facing trouble for a similar topic, telling NPR, "It talks about love for all things, and that's literally what this movie represents." Strange World, a PG-rated Disney movie released last year, stars actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Gabrielle Union, among others, and follows the story of three generations of a family exploring a perilous realm beneath their world.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-strange-world-movie-review-visually-inventive-this-disney-film-is-let-down-by-its-predictable-plot-537364">Strange World&nbsp;movie review: Visually inventive, this Disney film is let down by its predictable plot</a>

Karen Jordan, a spokesperson for the Hernando County School District, confirmed that both the district and the state are conducting an investigation into the matter. The district sent a notice to parents, informing them that their children had been shown the film. While the gay subplot is not the main focus of the movie, the note explained that it involves a male character expressing feelings for another male character and stated that the film will not be shown in the future.

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Jordan attributed the decision to a school board policy governing the use of movies in classrooms, suggesting that the movie may violate Florida's "Parental Bill of Rights," a law enacted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis last year. Critics have dubbed this law "Don't Say Gay," as it prohibits classroom instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. In April, the ban was expanded to cover all grades following the approval of the Florida Board of Education.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--ron-desantis-takes-control-of-disneys-self-governing-district-in-florida-amid-dont-say-gay-row-566819">Explained | Ron DeSantis takes control of Disney's self-governing district in Florida amid 'Don't Say Gay' row</a>

Governor DeSantis has been actively targeting curriculum and diversity programs in public schools and colleges, denouncing them as "woke indoctrination." Cassie Palelis, press secretary for the Florida Department of Education, stated that the department could neither confirm nor deny whether Barbee is under investigation, highlighting the state's legal process for handling complaints against teachers.

The issue gained public attention when one of Barbee's colleagues shared a photo of the letter she received from state education officials, notifying her of the investigation. Barbee also posted a video on TikTok explaining her situation, mentioning that investigators have been interviewing students regarding the incident.

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Following the screening of a Disney movie featuring a gay character, a teacher in Florida is now facing an investigation by the state's Department of Education. Jenna Barbee, a fifth-grade teacher in the Hernando County School District, revealed that a complaint was lodged by a student's mother after she showed the film Strange World to her class.

Following the screening of a Disney movie featuring a gay character, a teacher in Florida is now facing an investigation by the state's Department of Education. Jenna Barbee, a fifth-grade teacher in the Hernando County School District, revealed that a complaint was lodged by a student's mother after she showed the film Strange World to her class. Barbee explained that she selected the movie to explore the theme of humans' relationship with the environment, following a section on ecosystems, plants, and animals. She stated that she had not considered the subplot involving a boy having a crush on another boy before showing the film. Barbee expressed her surprise at facing trouble for a similar topic, telling NPR, "It talks about love for all things, and that's literally what this movie represents." Strange World, a PG-rated Disney movie released last year, stars actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Gabrielle Union, among others, and follows the story of three generations of a family exploring a perilous realm beneath their world. Also Read: Strange World movie review: Visually inventive, this Disney film is let down by its predictable plot Karen Jordan, a spokesperson for the Hernando County School District, confirmed that both the district and the state are conducting an investigation into the matter. The district sent a notice to parents, informing them that their children had been shown the film. While the gay subplot is not the main focus of the movie, the note explained that it involves a male character expressing feelings for another male character and stated that the film will not be shown in the future. Jordan attributed the decision to a school board policy governing the use of movies in classrooms, suggesting that the movie may violate Florida's "Parental Bill of Rights," a law enacted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis last year. Critics have dubbed this law "Don't Say Gay," as it prohibits classroom instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. In April, the ban was expanded to cover all grades following the approval of the Florida Board of Education. Also Read: Explained | Ron DeSantis takes control of Disney's self-governing district in Florida amid 'Don't Say Gay' row Governor DeSantis has been actively targeting curriculum and diversity programs in public schools and colleges, denouncing them as "woke indoctrination." Cassie Palelis, press secretary for the Florida Department of Education, stated that the department could neither confirm nor deny whether Barbee is under investigation, highlighting the state's legal process for handling complaints against teachers. The issue gained public attention when one of Barbee's colleagues shared a photo of the letter she received from state education officials, notifying her of the investigation. Barbee also posted a video on TikTok explaining her situation, mentioning that investigators have been interviewing students regarding the incident. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Florida teacher under investigation after screening Disney movie featuring gay character

An enormous clump of seaweed circulating the gulf of Mexico and Atlantic is set to coat beaches of U.S' Florida coast bringing with it a pungent odor similar to rotting eggs.

Giant blob of seaweed is heading toward U.S' Florida

Genetically engineered mosquitoes have arrived in U.S. 20 million 'modified mosquitoes' will be released in Florida to help prevent Dengue. But, Florida residents fear a 'mosquito apocalypse'

Gravitas: Genetically modified mosquitoes arrive in Florida

A strengthening Tropical Storm Eta made landfall on Florida’s Lower Matecumbe Key on Sunday night, days after leaving scores of dead and over 100 missing in Mexico and Central America

Tropical storm Eta makes landfall in Florida

President Donald Trump and Joe Biden are holding dueling rallies on Thursday in the key battleground state of Florida

US Election 2020: Donald Trump, Joe Biden hold dueling Florida rallies

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