City officials on Monday issued the advisory following a water line repair.

The advisory applies to utility customers who live between north of Grant Street to south of Arthur Street and between 65th and 66th avenues.

Although repairs have already been made, officials said, potential contaminants may still be in the tap water.

City officials co-designated Southeast Lake Boulevard as Robert Beckler Boulevard after the late leader of Embassy Lakes Elementary.

On Monday, the city hosted a street sign unveiling ceremony.

Beckler spent more than 35 years serving at Broward County schools. He spent most of that time at Embassy Lakes.

He passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.

In December of 2023, Orlando Marrero was arrested and charged with domestic battery following an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.

According to authorities, the incident took place at the couple’s Hialeah home, where Marrero was accused of putting his hands around his girlfriend’s neck.

Marrero has been serving as an officer with the Miramar Police since August 2022. He denied any wrongdoing.

His attorney, Stephan Lopez, on Monday said prosecutors dismissed the case because of challenges they faced with the alleged victim and witness availability.

Marrero’s lawyer spoke exclusively to 7News after the decision.

“He’s a police officer, he passed all the background checks, did all the right things, and he found himself in this situation. A nightmare for him, it was a short-lived nightmare, but nightmare nonetheless, and it has come to an end,” said Lopez.

Marrero was suspended from duty, but his attorney said he is hoping to go back to work.

Those three deputies came under fire and a man is now behind bars.

Hillsborough County Deputies said they were patrolling a Tampa Park Sunday when they came across the suspect, Anthony Carpenter.

Carpenter was asked to leave the area after trespassing and they claim he had an aggressive dog.

The dog was heard growling at several points in the body camera footage that was released.

After he refused to leave, deputies said they tried several times to deescalate the situation before shots were fired.

“How did I get hit?” said the deputy.

The deputy appeared to be confused but he was not critically injured.

When Carpenter was arrested, deputies said they found a gun and a knife in his coat.

Carpenter now faces several charges, including armed trespassing, resisting an officer with violence, and attempted first-degree murder.

Broward County Sheriff’s Office and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the shooting along the 3900 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard, at around 8:30 a.m., Monday.

According to BSO, the shooting happened at the drive-thru. Upon arrival, deputies discovered one individual suffering from a gunshot wound.

“When the shooting occurred, occurred outside, again, in the drive-thru area,” said BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman. “Now, luckily, during all of this, no one else was injured. This happened at around 8:30 this morning, when people are getting their coffee, getting their breakfast and heading to work, and could’ve been much worse. They located him in the drive-thru area of the Dunkin’ Donuts behind me, so outside of it.”

Paramedics transported the injured individual to an area hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.

Deputies said that the alleged shooter is an employee of Dunkin’ Donuts and has been detained.

It is unclear if charges will be brought against the suspect.

As of Monday afternoon, investigators have not disclosed the suspect’s identity.

Initially, deputies believed the shooter had barricaded himself inside the Dunkin’, so they surrounded it and then went inside. But the suspect wasn’t there.

“They weren’t sure if the shooter had barricaded himself inside the Dunkin Donuts. He did not, and he had actually fled,” said Grossman.

Witnesses described how the incident played out.

“And a guy said that one guy shot another guy, three times, he heard three gunshots,” said one woman.

Authorities said the scene is still active and residents are urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze at a building near Northeast 154th Street and Sixth Avenue late Friday afternoon to find heavy smoke coming from a second-floor balcony.

Crews managed to contain the flames to a single unit.

Video shared by MDFR captured the damage left behind by the fire to the walkway outside the apartment.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

U.S. Border Patrol and Coast Guard officials on Friday said 14 Cuban migrants arrived to Dry Tortugas National Park on a homemade vessel.

It is unclear where the migrants were taken.

Officials warn against the treacherous treks, as voyages on makeshift vessels across the rough seas could be deadly.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units arrived at the scene along the 3400 block of Northwest 135th Street, at Everglades Recycling, Friday afternoon.

7Skyforce hovered above the scene at 4 p.m. as black smoke billowed from a pile of rubble at the junkyard. Firefighters were also seen attempting to douse the flames with water.

According to fire rescue officials, 15 units responded to the fire and used heavy machinery to locate the seed of the fire.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is not known.

Investigators report back on Wednesday, March 6, they found the body of a man along Southwest 37th Avenue and 15th Street in Coral Gables.

The victim was identified as 57-year-old Jeffrey Forlenza.

Police said their search for any leads so far has yielded nothing.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Pedro Maldonado.

According to Investigators, Maldonado also tried to grab that girl along Lincoln Road.

He has previous criminal history and faced a judge, Thursday morning.

Maldonado also faces a list of charges, which include lewd and lascivious behavior and battery.

Miami Dade Fire Rescue rushed to the scene of the accident near Northwest 99th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue just before 4 p.m., Thursday.

According to MDFR, two pediatric trauma alert patients were taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, while three other patients, including one adult and two pediatric individuals, were transported to a local area hospital.

7News cameras captured the victims arriving to the hospital.

The woman driving the Lexus reportedly told officials that she was cut off by another vehicle and swerved and hit the bus stop. Her car was filled with children.

The five who were injured were all in the vehicle at the time of the incident. At least one of them is badly injured as is the driver of the car.

It is unclear the severity of their injuries.

There was nobody sitting in the bus stop when the crash occurred.

One man, who spoke to 7News, said he was inside a store nearby when he heard a ‘Boom’ sound. He said he rushed to the scene and pulled a girl out of the car before fire rescue arrived.

“Big sound of the crash. So we came out, we looked, we saw like three kids get out the car. So we went over to assist the kids and when we looked inside the car, I saw one kid still inside the car, unconscious, so I grabbed her, laid her on the floor, and I was talking to her, making sure that she keep her eyes open,” said Will Louis.

Louis and others brought water bottles to the family as they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

The roadway at southbound 7th Avenue at 99th Street is closed and traffic is being diverted.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

The incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, around 10:42 p.m. in the 7400 block of Southwest 12th Court in North Lauderdale.

BSO said that they received reports of shots fired, prompting BSO district deputies to respond to the scene.

According to BSO, they discovered 13-year-old Samyiah James, of Pompano Beach, with a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders, James succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center.

Detectives said that they determined that an argument between James and the occupants of a vehicle led to the shooting.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Christopher Ryan Marc, allegedly fired the fatal shot before fleeing the scene.

On Thursday, detectives located Marc in Pompano Beach and arrested him on charges of manslaughter with a firearm.

He was transported to Broward County Main Jail.

According to BSO, Lester Frank Harrison was last seen around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, in the 3700 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard.

He is described as standing at 6 feet tall, weighing around 300 pounds, and has black hair and green eyes.

BSO said that according to the person who reported Harrison missing, Harrison experiences mental illness and requires medication.

Anyone with information on Harrison’s whereabouts should contact BSO Detective Leonard Charla at 954-321-4274 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).

A silver car crashed through the front windows of the Lauderdale Lakes Health Center, located near West Oakland Park Boulevard and 36th Terrace.

The area has been taped off and both the car and storefront received major damage from the collision.

No word on any injuries or why the car went off the road and into the building.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews arrived at the scene in the area of 1900 NW 3rd Court at around 5 p.m., Wednesday, after a man reportedly jumped in and had not resurfaced.

According to reports, a man called 911 to report that his friend entered the river and had not been seen for some time.

According to FLFR fire chief, the man was playing with a radio-controlled toy boat when it got stuck in some mangroves on the opposite bank of the river. He took off his clothes and jumped into the river to retrieve it but never made it.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed divers pulling the man from the water and performing CPR.

According to FLFR, the man is in his 40’s. His condition is unknown.

The suspect, Suhail Apiou, is under arrest for allegedly making threats via voicemail and email to Saint Martha’s Catholic Church and Parish in Miami Shores.

The church was forced to evacuate but no injuries were reported.

Police did a sweep of the area around the church and found no explosive devices.

Police say Apiou, 45, has been baker-acted in the past.

The incident happened at a home, where officers said a young woman’s ex boyfriend showed up and started a dispute with her current boyfriend, Wednesday.

According to officers, they found one person dead on arrival and said neighbors reported hearing two gun shots.

Both the man and the woman are being questioned by police but officials called the shooting justified and nobody will be charged.

Alexandra Baraga was charged with several driving under the influence charges.

Deputies said Baraga pinned the officer against another vehicle while he was performing a traffic stop.

The deputy and the other driver were taken to the hospital.

The deputy suffered serious injuries but is in stable condition and expected to make a recovery, according to the Florida Keys Sheriff.

The other driver sustained minor injuries.

According to Pembroke Pines Police, Kenzo Takahama was last seen on foot, leaving his home in Hampton Isles, located in the area of SW 106th Avenue and SW 6th Street on Wednesday.

Police said that he has black hair and wears glasses. He was last seen wearing a black jacket or long-sleeved shirt, gray sweatpants or jeans, and a black bookbag.

According to police, he is considered endangered.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Rienzo at 954-743-1616.

It remains unclear where the on the property the water main broke or how long the zoo will be closed.

The incident occurred around 3:41 a.m. on Sunday, March 24, outside Player’s Sports Bar & Grill at 5280 N. State Road 7. BSO said that authorities responded to reports of gunfire and discovered three victims who had been shot.

DeAndre Major, 26, of Fort Lauderdale, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two others were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Through investigative measures, detectives said they identified 32-year-old Brandon Neville Shane Roberts as the suspect. Roberts, of Deerfield Beach, was apprehended on Friday, March 29, and has since been booked at BSO Main Jail.

Roberts faces charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted murder with a firearm.

If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

According to BSO, Zion Coleman was last seen in the area of 5700 North Dixie Highway at around 6 a.m., Sunday.

She is described as standing at 5 feet 7 inches, weighing around 250 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and grey leggings and carrying a white and pink tote bag with pink handles. She also has facial tattoos.

BSO said that according to her family, she “is a person living with mental illness.”

On Monday, April 15, BSO said she “has been safely located and reunited with her family.”

Anyone with information on Coleman’s whereabouts should contact BSO Detective Chris Blankenship at 954-321-4268 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).

The 45-year-old is among the seven players with visual impairments chosen for the team, representing Florida as the sole player from the state.

Blind soccer, which relies on a rattling ball and constant communication, ensures fairness among players by requiring them to wear eye shades to prevent any potential advantage from perceiving light.

Goalkeepers, who are not blind, contribute through verbal commands along with coaches.

Fire rescue rushed him to a hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest 11 times.

It was nothing short of a miracle that he survived and the medical team that saved him made sure to keep up with his health every step of the way.

“Even when he wasn’t in our care anymore and had gone on to RMC, we were constantly checking on him,” said Stephanie Calderella, assistant nurse manager. “How’s he doing is he doing okay? Like we were all so invested in this.”

The doctors at Orlando Health said Middleton suffered a massive pulmonary embolism and luckily he was taken to the exact place he needed to be to survive.

“For him, the time he came to the hospital to the whole thing, everything fell in place rightly and with our team and everything else we were able to take care of it,” said Sumith Aleti, a cardiologist.

Now, the members on that medical team and fire rescue crew are being recognized for their heroic efforts with the Lifesaver Award.

As for how Middleton has been doing since then.

“I feel good. I know biggest thing everybody’s told me is to make sure I take my time, don’t rush. I’m usually a go getter, so I go, go, go, so it’s hard for me to slow down,” he said.

He said he was glad to be able to thank each of them personally and said he’s still working through the ordeal he experienced.

“To be honest, it’s still something i’m still continuing to process,” he said. “I don’t think anyone can necessarily understand what it’s like to go through something like that or to like literally die, let alone nine times, so it’s something I’ve still been processing.”

The doctors and nurses said it was surreal seeing how far Middleton has come and they’re very happy to see him making his way back to a normal life.

“There’s so much I can say but I don’t know what to say. I never would’ve thought, never would’ve dreamed that my grandson would leave me,” said Patty Jones-Woods, the victim’s grandmother.

Jones-Woods said Pastor Antwane Lenoir was a kind man with a big heart and his family never thought his generosity would get him killed.

“Anybody take somebody away, that’s been so good, gave you a place to stay, gave you food and then you do this to them?” said Helen Lenoir, the pastor’s mother.

Family members said that 44-year-old James Dawkins played the keyboard at the house of worship at Westview Baptist Church in Northwest 24th Avenue and 133rd Street.

They said he fell on hard times and needed help.

That’s when Pastor Lenoir stepped in and allowed Dawkins to live inside the church.

But when he tried to end the arrangement, police said, the pastor was found stabbed to death in the church parking lot.

“But I got the call Sunday, 3 a.m., from his wife, and I just told her, I said, ‘You can’t be telling me the truth, what happened?’ She said ‘My husband is dead.'” said Lenoir.

Pastor Lenoir was a husband, a father of four and a beloved member of the community.

As the family tries to process the loss, they are also trying to stand strong.

“I don’t question God. I just trust God to just strengthen us,” said Patricia Lenoir, the pastor’s aunt.

“We’re not gonna let his legacy go down,” said Lenoir.

Dawkins was charged with first-degree murder and remains behind bars without bond.

Erick Barrios, 51, appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Tuesday morning.

The victim said she went into the business for a lymphatic massage when Barrios sexually assaulted her.

Barrios, who is also blind, is charged with sexual battery and was ordered by the judge to not have any contact with the victim.

Barrios is also barred from working as a massage therapist while the charges are being investigated.

The incident occurred along Lyons Road, near Northwest 34th Street just after 4:45 p.m., Monday.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed a total of four vehicles involved, including a sedan smashed into the front of the bus.

Investigators said no children were on board at the time of the crash.

As of 5 p.m., no injuries have been reported. Paramedics transported the driver of a large silver sedan with chest pains, but not as a result of the crash.

Officers temporarily shut down the intersection while they investigated. It has since reopened to traffic.

According to Miami-Dade Police, Jose Ignicio Jalilo, also known as “Nacho,” was last seen along the 27900 block of Southwest 140th Avenue at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Jalilo stands 6 feet tall, weighs around 187 pounds, and has green eyes and light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a light colored shirt, blue jeans, brown steel toe boots, and he was possibly wearing a cap.

Investigators said that he is partially blind, has a slow walk and may be in need of services. Police said that he meets the criteria for a “missing endangered person.”

Officiaos urge anyone with information on Jalilo’s whereabouts to contact MDPD Detective M. Webb or any detective of MDPD’s Special Victims Bureau/Missing Persons Squad at 305-715-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

Around 6 a.m. Monday, authorities announced the safe return of Gab Beniaminov-Biton after he was last seen on Sunday.

The North Miami Beach Police Department said “he is physically in good health and has been reunited with his mother.”

According to detectives, a fight broke out between patrons at Martini Bar, at around 3:30 a.m., Saturday.

“The security guard that was working intervened, and that’s when the subject produced a firearm and shot and killed the security guard,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Álvaro Zabaleta.

Two City of Doral Police officers who were part of a security detail immediately responded and engaged the gunman.

“There was an exchange of gunfire between the subject and the officer. The officer shot and killed the subject; however, the officer also sustained a gunshot wound to the lower extremity,” said Zabaleta.

During the shootout, detectives said, six innocent bystanders were injured. They were taken to the hospital, where two are listed in critical condition and four are listed in stable condition.

Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said the injured police officer was a four-year veteran, and after being wounded, applied a tourniquet to himself.

A total of nine people were shot:

• Gunman shot and killed
• Security guard shot and killed
• City of Doral Police officer shot
• Six bystanders shot (one female and five males)

“At this time, it’s too early to tell who was shot by who,” said Lopez.

CityPlace Doral remained blocked off for hours while police investigated. 7Skyforce hovered above the scene, after police had placed several evidence markers where the gunfire erupted.

The injured Doral Police officer is expected to be OK.

“We are grateful that he is alive and in stable condition, and we look forward to completing this investigation,” said Lopez.

In a message posted Saturday afternoon on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wrote:

“Our hearts go out to the Doral community and @DoralPolice following last night’s gun violence, as we pray for a swift recovery for all those injured and for the families of the victims. Today, and every day, we are so grateful for the men and women in uniform who keep us safe.”

Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson for CityPlace Doral issued the following statement:

“On Saturday, April 6, at 3:30 a.m., an isolated incident occurred at CityPlace Doral’s Martini Bar. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests is always our top priority, and we have put a number of additional security measures in place. The Center, with the exception of Martini Bar, opened at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Thank you to the City of Doral law enforcement who were onsite and acted swiftly. We are fully cooperating with The City of Doral Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies as the incident is being investigated.”

According to officials, there are three active investigations underway by multiple agencies. City of Doral Police will continue to investigate the original altercation, Miami-Dade Police is conducting a homicide investigation, and FDLE will investigate the officer-involved shooting.

Luis Londono was last seen in downtown Miami on March 23.

He stands at five feet and eight inches and weighs 140 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, sweatpants, and a black hat.

If you have any information, call Miami Police at 305-603-6300

Crews were on the scene of Northwest 22nd Avenue and Northwest 14th Street, on Friday.

7News cameras captured emergency and gas company workers pulling a late Friday night duty as they worked to repair the leak.

According to People’s Gas Company officials, a 10-inch natural gas line was damaged by a separate construction company when the crew’s equipment busted the steel distribution pipe.

This led to the closure of the Northwest 22nd Avenue bridge between Northwest 14 and 18 Streets.

“We have decided to have the bridge stay open and shut down the 22nd Avenue bridge and then evacuate that tower,” said Miami Fire Rescue’s Ignatius Carroll.

The pipeline is buried 20 feet deep.

“It was too deep to reach with hand tools and you had to bring in heavy equipment,” said Carroll.

Carroll showed 7News around where the leak occurred. Rescue and hazmat personnel were stationed in the area as the tricky repair work was underway.

The pipe delivers natural gas to about 3,000 customers in downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, and Little Havana.

The gas is still flowing to these areas and no customer have lost service.

“You smell it as it’s being pushed by the wind but it starts to dissipate so there’s no concern as far as it affecting the residents here. But we’ll continue to monitor it until we get it fixed,” said Carroll.

According to Miami Police, the bridge will be closed until further notice. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and take Northwest 27th Avenue or Northwest 17th Avenue as an alternative.

Officials said it could take hours, or even days, to fix the busted pipe.

According to Miramar Police, Maria Savona was last seen near SW 68th Avenue and 36th Street on Thursday. Police said that she last spoke with her family on Sunday.

She is described as standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing around 105 pounds.

Police said that she does not have a vehicle.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately

The crew intercepted a low-profile go-fast vessel carrying 30 bales of the illicit narcotics and detained five suspected smugglers about 190 miles south of Puerto Rico, the USCG said in a news release.

“I am incredibly proud of our crew,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Weaver, Commanding Officer of Cutter Margaret Norvell. “Countering drug trafficking organizations that operate throughout the Caribbean depends upon the international and interagency partnerships that JIATF-S and Joint Task Force-East bring to the fight.”

The suspected smugglers will face prosecution in federal courts by the Department of Justice.

The Margaret Norvell crew deployed with two boarding officers from Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team-South (TACLET-S) based in Opa Locka, Florida, as part of the Coast Guard’s deployable specialized forces program.

“Drug busts like this one by Margaret Norvell’s crew save lives by reducing the flow of harmful narcotics to the United States and disrupting the illicit maritime activity of transnational criminal organizations,” said Capt. John B. McWhite, chief of enforcement for Coast Guard District Seven.

The USCG said that detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination, with operations overseen by the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami.

The cutter Margaret Norvell is one of 20 Sentinel-class fast response cutters homeported in the Seventh District, tasked with homeland security missions including drug and migrant interdiction.

In a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, officials said the facility, called The Fort, will have a fitness recovery center, locker rooms, pro shops, and 14 waterproof courts for competitive play.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, with a staggering 36 and a half million Americans who play. I play at least three times a week,” said Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Steve Glassman.

Officials said the new site will also be the new home for the Association of Pickleball Players, the first pickleball association to establish an official headquarters and training center.

The Fort will also include a 4,000-square-foot event center, luxury suites, golf simulators, dart room, volleyball, beach tennis, a game yard with live music and on-water activities, including paddleboarding and swimming.

Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the Southeast Third Avenue Bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, at around 4:30 p.m., Thursday.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed a large presence of first responders as well as two damaged vehicles: A dark-colored minivan and a Tesla SUV. Behind one of the vehicles involved, a big hole in the bridge, apparently caused by the falling debris, was visible.

According to fire rescue officials, a man and woman were transported to Broward Health Medical Center. As of Thursday night, they are both in stable condition. A third person, the driver of the Tesla, was put on a stretcher but was not transported to the hospital.

According to police, one of the workers was killed. The worker fell with one of the loads off the side of the building and succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased worker has not been released.

The driver of the Tesla, Mark Cerezin, told 7News that he was going over the bridge when he felt some sort of compression. He said he hit the brakes, stopped his vehicle and saw the crane hit the minivan in front of him.

“It was just an instinct. It was just a reaction, peripheral reaction, slamming on the brakes,” said Cerezin.

Cerezin said part of that instinct is because of his car.

“I have a Tesla, it’s all glass on top, so I saw here coming down, and that’s when I gauged, I guess, by a split second,” he said.

Cerezin described how that split second saved him from the crane crashing down directly on him.

“Had I not slammed as hard as I had with my foot, I’m not here speaking to you. I hit the front of my car. It was like slow motion. And then I just saw the front of my car just disappeared,” said Cerezin. “It just, like, sliced it. Then that piece of metal bounced in the air and then went to the right and landed on another car.”

Video obtained by 7News shows Cerezin comforting the woman who was driving the minivan, who is seen visibly distraught.

Cerezin said he took off his shirt to help the woman. He is in disbelief that he hit the brakes just seconds before the crane fell down.

“There was a lady that was bleeding, and I took off my shirt and put compression and helped her,” he said.

Cerezin said he feels grateful and lucky to be alive as he was put on the stretcher.

“From, of course, this day forward, I’m just happy to go home to my wife. I’m happy to go home to my family and to my friends. I’m just so grateful,” he said.

Southeast Third Avenue will be closed for an unknown amount of time. Drivers were advised to avoid the area from Broward Boulevard South to Davie Boulevard.

Due to the hole left by the collapsed crane, officials have to determine the structural integrity of the bridge, so the roadway will remain closed.

“When a section of the crane fell, it did impact the bridge and leaving a hole into the bridge,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan. “So, until such time where the structural integrity of the bridge can be determined, this roadway will be closed.”

People were being detoured at Las Olas Boulevard and on the other side of the bridge on Southeast Sixth Street, causing major congestion.

Fire rescue officials, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the crane and spoke to the crane operator, who said he was in the process of elevating the top portion to another position when the crane came crashing down.

“It is my understanding from the construction company that they were doing a process at the time called stepping the crane. It was not the crane that failed; it was a platform that they had equipment staged on that had failed at the time of the incident,” said Gollan.

The New River is closed to marine traffic in both directions. It is unclear when the marine traffic can resume.

7News cameras captured onlookers standing on their balconies as they watched the situation unfold.

Another video obtained by 7News shows the piece of the crane being elevated by crews. The video stops moments before the crane fell.

The man who recorded the video, Jason Taub, said he’s been watching the construction and saw it going up. Then, when he stopped recording, he heard a ‘pop’ sound and saw the collapse.

“I saw a blue piece of the crane that was being hoisted up, 20 minutes before it happened. All of a sudden I hear a pop,” said Taub. “And then I see the piece tumbling and tumbling down.”

Taub said he’s never seen anything like that and is shocked that additional people were not hurt as a result of the collapse.

“The bridge was full, I mean cars going in each direction, so it’s just amazing that more vehicles were not affected and more people,” said Taub.

A man and woman who live on the ninth floor of the building in front of the construction site also spoke to 7News They said they saw the moment the crane fell from their balcony.

“All of a sudden, I look outside, and in slow motion, you see the crane falling, and I screamed ‘Oh, my God’, and I see it fall right on top of the car,” said the woman. “Right away, you can see the driver walk away, but you can hear her screaming, but it was so scary to witness.”

“The big crane was falling down, and it looked like when it hit the bridge, it broke in part. There is a portion of the crane near the construction site, and the other one that hit the bridge bounced off the Tesla and then bounced up and hit the van,” said the man. “We drive this every day, so it’s a pretty scary thing to think.”

Both said they heard a loud noise prior to the crane collapsing.

Another woman, Cheryl Insalaco, heard the collapse from her Fort Lauderdale high-rise and saw the police response unfold.

“I saw policeman in every direction. They were coming from the New River, they were underneath the bridge,” said Insalaco.

She said several cars were on the bridge at the time because it is a busy area for traffic, especially during rush hour.

“They have to repair the bridge. We don’t know when they’re going to be able to open that up. Then you have all these boats going east and west,” said Insalaco.

Alexa Santos, who lives directly above the construction site, said she was eating lunch with a family member when she heard the commotion.

“We were having lunch downstairs, minding our business. All of a sudden, we hear a lot of commotion, crash, we heard the air horn go off, which usually we know, from living here, signifies that work is done for the day,” she said. “It was 4:30. We were like ‘Hmm, that’s weird. Are they done?’ All of a sudden, dozens of cops, ambulances, everybody starts swarming the area right where we were having lunch, right downstairs. We went outside, saw a huge scene, crazy commotion, and when we put two and two together, that a piece of the crane had fallen down, we were like, ‘Oh, my God, this is what we’ve been afraid of the entire time.'”

The crane is secured, according to officials.

On Thursday night, 7News cameras captured crews inspecting the crane and putting it down on a flatbed.

Crews removed the piece of the crane that landed on the minivan, and both vehicles involved have since been towed away. Crews also cleaned up the debris from the scene.

An investigation is underway. Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Transportation are also investigating.

A water main break on the campus of Cypress Bay High School prompted school officials to cancel classes there and nearby at Falcon Cove Middle School for Thursday.

Wednesday’s mishap flooded much of the outside lawns and parking lot.

Public works crews are still working to make repairs.

Administrators said classes should resume on Friday.

Thirty-eight-year-old Richard Smith, a U.S. Marine veteran, appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer, Thursday morning.

His younger brother spoke on his behalf seeking a Baker Act after, he said, Smith had been behaving strangely for several weeks.

Smith posed as a T-Mobile worker and climbed the cellphone tower at Northwest 29th Street and 13th Avenue in Miami, where he tore off clamps and caused between $100,000 to $500,000 in damages.

He’s charged with burglary and criminal mischief.

According to BSO detectives, Darlyn Garcia Lopez in the 3900 block of Northwest 30th Terrace at around 7:20 a.m., Tuesday.

She is described as standing 5 feet tall and weighs around 160 pounds.

She has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. She has a birthmark on the right side of her upper lip.

Anyone with information on Lopez’s whereabouts should contact BSO Detective Leonard Charla at 954-321-4274 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).

The USCG said that the man went overboard from the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas cruise ship 57 miles from Great Inagua, Thursday morning.

According to CruiseMapper, the 4-day, round-trip Eastern Caribbean Cruise set sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Monday and is set to return on Friday.

USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews are conducting the search.

According to Miami-Dade Police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Mia Wooten was last seen in the 11500 Block of SW 127th Avenue at around 8:20 a.m., Thursday.

She is described as standing at 5 feet 4 inches, weighing 120 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a red hoodie, black leggings and Nike sneakers. She may also be wearing glasses.

According to police, Wooten may be in need of services and is considered a “missing endangered person.”

If you have any information concerning the whereabouts of Wooten, please contact FDLE or the Miami-Dade Police Department at 305-471-8477 or 911.

Officials with Broward County Public Schools confirmed Wednesday night that they have cancelled classes on Thursday at Cypress Bay High School and Falcon Cove Middle School.

The rupture took place at Cypress Bay High, located at 18600 Vista Park Blvd.

Parents and staff of both schools were notified of the school closures.

Crews are working on repairing the damaged line, and classes are expected to resume at both schools on Friday.

One minute, the sky is bright. Then, it slowly dims until its completely dark outside, but only for a few minutes.

During that time, experts say there’s an instant switch in animal behavior. Scientists are using the rare occurrence to take a closer look at these changes.

“The Komodo dragon we were watching before the 2017 eclipse, it literally didn’t move at all,” said Adam Hartstone-Rose, professor of biological sciences at North Carolina State University. “We watched it all day Saturday. We watched it all day Sunday. Then, the eclipse was on Monday, and just in those couple of minutes during the eclipse, it started running around and had a reaction.”

In 2017, researchers observed many animal patterns at a South Carolina zoo that was in the path of total darkness. They said a flock of flamingos displayed behaviors connected with an early dusk.

“The flamingos all gathered around their chicks during the eclipse, the peak of the eclipse, like they were trying to protect the chicks,” Hartstone-Rose said.

Gorillas went into their nighttime routines during the eclipse.

“The gorillas, they spend their day outside, and then at night, they’re moved into, like, an indoor enclosure where they get their final food, and then they go to sleep,” Hartstone-Rose said. “And, in the middle of the day, the whole group of gorillas wandered over towards the enclosure, as if to be able to be let in at night.”

Researchers plan to study similar species in Texas, hoping to point to larger patterns.

“It sounds like a lot of what we know about animal behavior during eclipses is hard to believe,” Hartstone-Rose said. “And yes, most of it is based on one person’s observations of potentially one animal. But the only way that we can confirm this stuff is to take every opportunity that we can to go out and witness it ourselves.”

Researchers across many zoos in the path of the solar eclipse will get the chance to track animals on Monday.

The Jackson Health System does amazing life-saving work like this every day.

Patricia Fusco spoke with 7News, just in time for an annual event that she hopes will encourage people to help them save even more lives.

“I always say that I see many, many miracle stories at Jackson. Never did I think that I would be one of them,” Patricia Fusco said.

Loved ones describe 2-year-old Joseph Patrick, nicknamed J.P., as a vibrant and curious baby, but he’s had a long journey.

“We thought it was going to be a regular pregnancy, We didn’t think there were going to be any bumps along the road,” Fusco said, “but very early on, we discovered that things weren’t ideal.”

It all started when Fusco found out she wasn’t able to have children.

“Ever since I was in high school, I knew that I couldn’t have kids,” she said. “My best friend, Katrina Webman, offered to be our surrogate.”

Webman, who already had two children of her own, expected it would be another easy pregnancy.

It turned out to be anything but.

At 23 weeks, Webman suffered from terrible headaches and high blood pressure.

“It’s a really scary situation to be in,” Fusco said.

As a Jackson Health System employee, Fusco knew first hand the quality of care at Jackson’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Webman was admitted, and that’s when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication associated with high blood pressure.

Two weeks later, doctors also found the placenta was no longer providing critical nutrition to the baby.

That’s when everyone came together to make a difficult decision.

“So that day, we all sat together with Dr. [Felipe] Tudela. I will never forget that day, being in Katrina’s hospital room, and made the decision to bring Joseph into this world,” Fusco said.

On May 27, 2021, at 25 weeks and five days old, J.P. was born, weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces.

But it would be a long time before he would be able to go home.

“On Sept. 24, 2021, Joseph came home after 123 days,” Fusco said.

It’s stories like J.P.’s that established the One Day for Jackson, a day dedicated to raising funds for Jackson Health System, so they can continue help to save lives.

Today, J.P. continues to grow and thrive.

His family is grateful for their miracle baby.

“I have the blessing of getting to celebrate my miracle, Joseph Fusco, every single day of my life,” Fusco said.

The Jackson Health Foundation will host various events for One Day for Jackson on Thursday.

All proceeds go toward funding more miracle stories just like J.P.’s. For more information, click here.

The Miami Children’s Museum called on volunteers from across the country to construct a new play area outside of their building.

The space was designed by children from the museum’s charter school for all kids to enjoy.

“We’re building a playground. How fun is that? Look at this, people came from all over the United States to help build through our Build to Lead program,” said Sidley Austin Management Committee Chair Yvette Ostolaza. “They’re super excited, and they’re having fun, and we’re thrilled that we could be part of the Miami Children’s Museum.”

The project is sponsored by South Florida law firm Sidley Austin, as well as Kaboom, a nonprofit committed to building playgrounds for children all over the country.

Crested couas, tree-dwelling birds native to Madagascar, are known for their distinctive features.

Hatchlings of this species exhibit red and white “bull’s-eyes” in their mouths, a unique trait that aids in feeding.

When hungry, the chicks open their mouths wide and shake their heads, directing their parents to the appropriate placement of food.

Fully grown crested couas boast brightly colored skin around their eyes and are characterized as weak flyers, often preferring to hop or take short flights between branches in the trees.

A Miami Beach Police car and another vehicle were left badly damaged after a wreck happened on Southwest 122nd Avenue and 88th Street, Wednesday morning.

It’s unclear if the officer was on duty at the time.

Held on Wednesday, the event showcased the artistic talents of individuals within the Rebels community at a new location, inviting the community to witness their creativity firsthand.

The event spotlighted the work crafted by artists who have found solace and strength through art as a means of healing, wellness, and recovery.

Each artist shared their unique and compelling story, illustrating the transformative power of creativity.

Attendees were treated to a variety of experiences, including refreshments, guided tours of the exceptional facility, and the rare opportunity to “Paint Like a Rebel” under the guidance of skilled artists.

The Rebels Drop-In Center, operational 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays, serves as a haven for individuals seeking fellowship, support, and a creative outlet free of charge.

Staffed by certified recovery peer specialists, many of whom have personal experiences with mental health and substance use disorders, the center offers compassionate support to those on their journey to recovery.

Memorial reported remarkable results from its efforts, with a significant increase in daily attendance from 2021 to 2022.

The growth surged even further in 2023, with a 70% increase in community participation, averaging 61 individuals attending per month.

According to BSO, Ahmed Gilbert was last seen in the area of 2500 NE Third Avenue at around 10 a.m., Monday.

He is described as standing at 5 feet, 6 inches, weighing about 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray shirt and black pants.

Authorities said that according to Gilbert’s family, he is autistic and experiences mental illnesses that require medication.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact BSO Detective Chris Blankenship at 954-321-4268 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP(4357).

Miami-Dade Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new and improved Ken Mattingly Planetarium at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High, Tuesday.

It’s named after astronaut Ken Mattingly who grew up in Hialeah.

The planetarium renovation includes a new metal sphere dome, state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems, as well as seating for 52 and a gallery.

It will be used by space and technology research magnet students enrolled in a newly created program that begins in the fall of 2025.