Tampa cop crawls into burning home, drags trapped man out in gripping rescue footage 

<p>Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of&nbsp;Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing.</p>

<p>According to the National Hurricane Center, "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.”</p>

<h2><strong>When and where will Milton make landfall?</strong></h2>

<p>Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Manatee County and the Sarasota County area in Florida. It will hit the Gulf coasts of the state including the Tampa Bay area, Fort Myers, Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. Nearby regions also remain on tropical storm alert.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monstrous-hurricane-milton-could-permanently-alter-floridas-entire-coastline-experts-warn-766022">Monstrous Hurricane Milton could permanently alter Florida's entire coastline, experts warn</a></strong></p>

<p>As the storm is growing larger, Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa told USA Today, "We're telling people not to focus on the exact centre because as the system makes landfall, the eye is going to be getting larger, and the wind field is going to be expanding.”</p>

<p>The storm is expected to reach the Florida coasts by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.</p>

<p>The south-west and west-central Florida are already starting to experience the effects of the storm as heavy rains are lashing the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the storm nears, authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for millions in the region. The evacuation zone includes Charlotte County, Citrus County, Collier County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Levy County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, St&nbsp;Johns County, and Volusia County.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/milton-turning-out-to-be-eerily-similar-to-hypothetical-cat-5-hurricane-scenario-765884">Hurricane Milton is eerily similar to a 2020 hypothetical Cat 5 scenario</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is the intensity of Milton?</strong></h2>

<p>Hurricane Milton is classified as a Category 5 storm, according to meteorologists. This is the maximum category as per the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which ranges from 1 to 5.</p>

<p>According to the National Weather Server, a Category 5 hurricane is described as a storm with wind speeds 157 mph or higher (252 km/hr or higher). During this storm, “catastrophic damage will occur: a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”</p>

<p>Late Tuesday (Oct 8) the storm sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/hr). The forecasters have warned of a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 metres) in Tampa Bay, much worse than Helene’s which was 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 metres).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing.

Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the US state of Florida, bringing strong winds that will likely result in catastrophic damage. The state was hit with another powerful storm Hurricane Helene 12 days ago, which resulted in debris that the residents are still clearing. According to the National Hurricane Center, "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.” When and where will Milton make landfall? Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Manatee County and the Sarasota County area in Florida. It will hit the Gulf coasts of the state including the Tampa Bay area, Fort Myers, Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach. Nearby regions also remain on tropical storm alert. Also read | Monstrous Hurricane Milton could permanently alter Florida's entire coastline, experts warn As the storm is growing larger, Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa told USA Today, "We're telling people not to focus on the exact centre because as the system makes landfall, the eye is going to be getting larger, and the wind field is going to be expanding.” The storm is expected to reach the Florida coasts by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The south-west and west-central Florida are already starting to experience the effects of the storm as heavy rains are lashing the area. As the storm nears, authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for millions in the region. The evacuation zone includes Charlotte County, Citrus County, Collier County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Levy County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, St Johns County, and Volusia County. Also Read | Hurricane Milton is eerily similar to a 2020 hypothetical Cat 5 scenario What is the intensity of Milton? Hurricane Milton is classified as a Category 5 storm, according to meteorologists. This is the maximum category as per the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which ranges from 1 to 5. According to the National Weather Server, a Category 5 hurricane is described as a storm with wind speeds 157 mph or higher (252 km/hr or higher). During this storm, “catastrophic damage will occur: a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.” Late Tuesday (Oct 8) the storm sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/hr). The forecasters have warned of a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 metres) in Tampa Bay, much worse than Helene’s which was 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 metres). (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Milton to hit Florida: Timing, areas at risk, wind speeds, and what to expect

<p>While on a family fishing trip in the Florida Keys, Tampa's Mayor stumbled upon a big catch. No, it was not a big fish but a large packet of cocaine worth $1.1 million.</p>

<p>Mayor Jane Castor, who also served as the city's police chief in the past, was searching&nbsp;for mahi-mahi fish late last month. However, she and her family came across the 70-pound package containing cocaine floating in the Atlantic waters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This incident took place on July 23, south of Marathon. Castor quickly informed the US Border Patrol about the find.</p>

<h2><strong>Package contained 25 bricks of cocaine</strong></h2>

<p>Castor promptly noted the location of the find and, with the help of her family, retrieved the package from the water onto their boat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She promptly reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to report the discovery. The package contained 25 bricks of the drug, each decorated with a butterfly motif.</p>

<h2><strong>Police express gratitude</strong></h2>

<p>Expressing gratitude for the assistance from the boating community, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Adam Hoffner emphasised the impact of the mayor's actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;California's mountains covered in snow way into summer</strong></p>

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<p>"We appreciate the ongoing support from our boating community. Thanks to the efforts of this Good Samaritan, 70 pounds of cocaine are in federal custody and off our streets. We encourage the community to immediately report suspicious activity to local authorities," Hoffner said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-sikh-man-who-defended-california-store-from-robber-now-under-investigation-for-assault-622979"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Viral Sikh man, who defended California store from robber, now under investigation for assault</strong></a></p>

<p>Jane Castor has served 31 years in service with the Tampa Police Department, during which she made history as the first female chief of police before assuming her current role as mayor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This recent discovery isn't the only instance of significant drug find in the Florida Keys, an island chain situated to the south of Miami.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just last month, boaters uncovered 87 pounds of hashish in the waters off Marathon, and another group came across 62 pounds of cocaine, featuring images of the Eiffel Tower.</p>

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While on a family fishing trip in the Florida Keys, Tampa's Mayor stumbled upon a big catch. No, it was not a big fish but a large packet of cocaine worth $1.1 million.

While on a family fishing trip in the Florida Keys, Tampa's Mayor stumbled upon a big catch. No, it was not a big fish but a large packet of cocaine worth $1.1 million. Mayor Jane Castor, who also served as the city's police chief in the past, was searching for mahi-mahi fish late last month. However, she and her family came across the 70-pound package containing cocaine floating in the Atlantic waters. This incident took place on July 23, south of Marathon. Castor quickly informed the US Border Patrol about the find. Package contained 25 bricks of cocaine Castor promptly noted the location of the find and, with the help of her family, retrieved the package from the water onto their boat. She promptly reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to report the discovery. The package contained 25 bricks of the drug, each decorated with a butterfly motif. Police express gratitude Expressing gratitude for the assistance from the boating community, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Adam Hoffner emphasised the impact of the mayor's actions. Watch: California's mountains covered in snow way into summer × "We appreciate the ongoing support from our boating community. Thanks to the efforts of this Good Samaritan, 70 pounds of cocaine are in federal custody and off our streets. We encourage the community to immediately report suspicious activity to local authorities," Hoffner said. Also read: Viral Sikh man, who defended California store from robber, now under investigation for assault Jane Castor has served 31 years in service with the Tampa Police Department, during which she made history as the first female chief of police before assuming her current role as mayor. This recent discovery isn't the only instance of significant drug find in the Florida Keys, an island chain situated to the south of Miami. Just last month, boaters uncovered 87 pounds of hashish in the waters off Marathon, and another group came across 62 pounds of cocaine, featuring images of the Eiffel Tower. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Tampa mayor bags big on a fishing trip: A package of cocaine worth $1.1mn

<p>After it was discovered that she had exploited her position to avoid receiving a fine for operating her golf cart on the street, the police chief of Tampa, Florida, resigned. A Pinellas County sheriff's officer stopped Mary O'Connor and her husband last month close to the gated neighbourhood where they reside, as seen on body-cam footage.</p>

<p>"I'm hoping you'll let us go tonight," she told the deputy as she introduced herself and flashed her badge and ID. The event on November 12 in a neighbourhood outside of Tampa, Florida's third-largest city, is captured on video that was made public last week.</p>

<p>O'Connor and her husband were stopped for operating an unregistered car on the street, and the deputy can be seen stating in the video. In addition to not often driving her automobile on public roadways, O'Connor says that she is "going to pick up food."</p>

<p>She then inquires about the deputy's body camera. She responds, "I'm the police chief in Tampa," when he confirms that the camera is on. They have "a lot of difficulties with golf carts around here," the officer is heard telling the woman. Before being let go without a ticket, she can be seen giving him her business card. "Ever need anything, call me," she says.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"is your camera on?" <a href="https://t.co/QXZs5U60od">pic.twitter.com/QXZs5U60od</a></p>
— 🥀_Imposter_🕸️ (@Imposter_Edits) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imposter_Edits/status/1599089285411401728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, the mayor of Tampa said that the police chief had broken the law. According to a statement issued by the mayor's office, "Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has sought and accepted the resignation of Police Chief Mary O'Connor."</p>

<p>The mayor also claimed that O'Connor had broken the rules on "standard of behaviour" and "abuse of position or identification." O'Connor expressed regret and acknowledged that "this situation may be regarded as improper, but that was definitely not my intent."</p>

<p>The police chief is expected to set an excellent example and uphold "high standards for ethical and professional behaviour," according to a statement made by Mayor Castor on Monday.</p>

<p>She stated that it was "inappropriate for any public employee, especially the city's top law enforcement head, to beg for preferential treatment because of their position," adding that "that definitely did not happen in this case."</p>

<p>Following 22 years in the city's police department, O'Connor was sworn into office in March. After being detained for assaulting deputies during a traffic check&nbsp;in 1995, she lost her job as an officer and was rehired the following year.</p>


After it was discovered that she had exploited her position to avoid receiving a fine for operating her golf cart on the street, the police chief of Tampa, Florida, resigned.

After it was discovered that she had exploited her position to avoid receiving a fine for operating her golf cart on the street, the police chief of Tampa, Florida, resigned. A Pinellas County sheriff's officer stopped Mary O'Connor and her husband last month close to the gated neighbourhood where they reside, as seen on body-cam footage. "I'm hoping you'll let us go tonight," she told the deputy as she introduced herself and flashed her badge and ID. The event on November 12 in a neighbourhood outside of Tampa, Florida's third-largest city, is captured on video that was made public last week. O'Connor and her husband were stopped for operating an unregistered car on the street, and the deputy can be seen stating in the video. In addition to not often driving her automobile on public roadways, O'Connor says that she is "going to pick up food." She then inquires about the deputy's body camera. She responds, "I'm the police chief in Tampa," when he confirms that the camera is on. They have "a lot of difficulties with golf carts around here," the officer is heard telling the woman. Before being let go without a ticket, she can be seen giving him her business card. "Ever need anything, call me," she says. "is your camera on?" pic.twitter.com/QXZs5U60od — 🥀_Imposter_🕸️ (@Imposter_Edits) December 3, 2022 × On Monday, the mayor of Tampa said that the police chief had broken the law. According to a statement issued by the mayor's office, "Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has sought and accepted the resignation of Police Chief Mary O'Connor." The mayor also claimed that O'Connor had broken the rules on "standard of behaviour" and "abuse of position or identification." O'Connor expressed regret and acknowledged that "this situation may be regarded as improper, but that was definitely not my intent." The police chief is expected to set an excellent example and uphold "high standards for ethical and professional behaviour," according to a statement made by Mayor Castor on Monday. She stated that it was "inappropriate for any public employee, especially the city's top law enforcement head, to beg for preferential treatment because of their position," adding that "that definitely did not happen in this case." Following 22 years in the city's police department, O'Connor was sworn into office in March. After being detained for assaulting deputies during a traffic check in 1995, she lost her job as an officer and was rehired the following year.

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