From teaching Zumba classes in the morning to feeding families in the afternoon, Martha Rodriguez is on a mission to make a difference.

Martha Rodriguez, YMCA volunteer: “The most important for me is give something significant in [my] life.”

And that’s exactly what she does as a volunteer at the YMCA in Allapattah.

The 67-year-old loves checking families in to La Bodega, a free food pantry at the Y, where she is known as Ms. Martika.

Martha Rodriguez: “It’s not only take the food and go. It’s take the food, teach something about the produce to give you what is good for your nutrition.”

Her career with the organization spans decades.

Martha Rodriguez: “This is my diploma.”

Back in the 1980s, Martha studied at the YMCA University in Mexico City.

Since then, she has been hired at nine YMCAs in Mexico and South Florida — working as a preschool teacher, swim instructor and camp advisor.

Martha Rodriguez: “Employee of the Year in 1995.”

That is one of the awards Martha received at the YMCA of Greater Miami. The first of many.

She worked at the Y in Little Havana, where Cuban immigrants could get help.

Martha Rodriguez: “For families that come into this country, and they don’t know nothing, they don’t have nothing. For these families who come in for the first time to this country, going to the YMCA, it’s like extend a family relationship.”

After that YMCA closed down, she started working in Allapattah.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Martha had to retire, but she couldn’t stay away.

She eventually came back as a volunteer.

Martha Rodriguez: “It’s a part of my life. It’s a part of my life for all the time.”

Martha has spent 40 years at the YMCA. That’s more than half of her life dedicated to helping people in need. And the staff here in Alappattah say she’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Emilia Solano, Allapattah YMCA: “She’s a member of the family. When you come in her presence, you know that she wants to help you in some way, and she’ll do whatever it takes to do that.”

Martha hopes to leave behind a legacy of hope and change.

Martha Rodriguez: “At the end of the day, we are human beings, human beings, and it doesn’t matter where you are coming from. Go to help somebody or give the change to somebody in their life.”

And everyone agrees, that is exactly what Martha inspires.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

Eleska Moore: “Come on, son.”

Health care worker: “Good job!”

They are small steps, on a long road to recovery for Jahmaar Williams.

Eleska Moore: “Right now, I just have to rely on my faith and rely on God that God will restore Jahmaar.”

Eleska Moore spoke with us Wednesday outside a rehab center in Houston — more than a year after her son was critically injured in South Florida.

Eleska Moore: “I’m still his voice, because he’s not able to talk yet.”

Eleska has been her son’s “voice” since March 4th, 2023, when he was hit trying to walk across Pembroke Road in Miramar.

The driver took off, and Jahmaar’s family pleaded for tips from the public.

Eleska Moore, March 2023: “My son is full of life, and to see him not be able to move, it’s extremely hard.”

Jahmaar, a 12-year member of the Army National Guard, suffered a traumatic brain injury.

In February, we aired a story as the agonizing anniversary of the accident approached.

Eleska Moore, February: “For me and my family, it has been a nightmare that you’re just not able to wake up from.”

Eleska shared her struggles while caring for Jahmaar at her home near Houston, where she brought him to live.

Eleska Moore, February: “He’s not able to walk. He’s not able to talk. He’s not able to go to the bathroom. He’s not able to bathe himself. I have to brush his teeth. My son is 6[-foot-]1, so can you imagine having a newborn baby that’s 6[-foot-]1? That’s how it’s like.”

At the time, Eleska’s problems continued to pile up.

There was this letter from the National Guard saying Jahmaar was facing an “honorable discharge” for “failure to meet medical retention standards.” Meaning, he would lose his health insurance from the military.

More bad news came from the Florida Attorney General’s Office. This letter declared Jahmaar ineligible for victim compensation because his “conduct contributed” to his injuries. The crash report says he “failed to yield.”

Eleska Moore, February: “My son was the victim. He was not the problem; he was the victim.”

We contacted the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and they told us they would reach out to Eleska about Jahmaar’s case. They did, and that’s when things changed — quickly.

Eleska Moore: “‘Praise God. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Father God.’ That was the first thing that I said.”

Two weeks after our story aired, there was another letter. This one said Jahmaar was eligible for money paid to crime victims.

And on Monday, Eleska got a check for $47,500.

Eleska Moore: “I do believe the story did have some impact. It did validate that he was a victim, because in the first initial report, they said he contributed to the accident. And that just bothered me.”

Eleska is grateful the state reversed its decision, and for the Miramar Police Victim Services Unit.

Valerie Menard, victim advocate program coordinator: “I’m just happy for Mom that she got some relief, some financial relief.”

Eleska Moore: “They did fight. They did fight to help me.”

And she encourages Jahmaar to keep fighting, too.

Eleska Moore: “You will walk again. You will talk again. You will be Jahmaar again, and I just have to keep telling him that.”

A message of love and hope for this soldier and father who turns 33 on Saturday.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

The case against the man charged with hitting Jahmaar is still moving its way through the Broward court system.

Florida Attorney General’s Office statement:

“Regarding the Williams’ claim, based on the additional information provided to our office, we were able to address whether the injured claimant merited compensation and complete our analysis to determine the award.”

National Guard statement:

“We appreciate your sharing this documentation and your interest in this courageous service member’s status. We are looking into the exact status of Staff Sgt. Williams’ packet, but in the interim the Florida National Guard would like to convey our deepest sympathies to Staff Sgt. Williams and his family. It was a tragic accident, and the men and women of his unit, the 927th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, have done a number of things to help ease the family’s pain, most notably raising more than $15,000, but also assisting the family to establish legal guardianship, enrolling Staff Sgt. Williams in Tricare Reserve Select, and helping with the Traumatic Injury Protection claim. Additionally, the Florida National Guard Foundation provided financial assistance to the family by providing for the mother’s lodging and food while she was in Florida following the accident.

The Florida Army National Guard is required to conduct a medical evaluation board by the regulations outlined in the letter you shared, and those regulations also specify required physical capabilities of the service member. These regulations are binding upon the Florida National Guard, and the appeal authority is with the U.S. Army Physical Evaluation Board at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

As soon as we understand the exact disposition of Staff Sgt. Williams’ discharge packet, we will follow up with that information. Again, thank you for your interest and support.”

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

This is the Marian Sanchez Cuevas who people know and love.

Gabriel Varona, friend: “The person who would bring in the energy the second she came storming through that door was her.”

An energetic, athletic, outgoing 26-year-old, who graduated from Florida International University in 2022 with a master’s degree in finance.

Sahily Cuevas, mother: “Happy, she always was happy. The daughter that everybody wants to have.”

We spoke to Marian’s parents, Sahily and Eric, outside Jackson Memorial Hospital. It’s where they have spent countless hours at their daughter’s bedside for the past four months.

Eric Sanchez, father (translation): “Destroyed. I don’t have words to describe it.”

Sahily Cuevas: “The last four months, for us and the family, like, destructive. We don’t have life. Our life finished on September 24th.”

September 24th, 2023.

911 Caller: “A motorcyclist and his passenger just never made the turn, and just kept going straight, and they have slammed into the wall. They are both unconscious.”

Marian was the passenger.

Gwen Grayson, neighbor: “The motorcycle, you can see where it hit the tree there. The motorcycle went straight through these two signs.”

According to the crash report, a witness described the driver going “at a high rate of speed,” running a stop sign before hitting a curb in this Coconut Grove neighborhood.

911 Operator: “The police and the ambulance are on the way. They’re coming as fast as they can.”

911 Caller: “Listen, you’re not seeing what I saw, and you didn’t hear what I heard. This is bad.”

And it was bad. Marian had a portion of her skull removed to relieve pressure on her brain and was put in a medically-induced coma.

She has undergone 10 surgeries. Part of her leg was amputated, and she is not able to speak.

Sahily Cuevas: “I never heard in four months the word ‘mother,’ so imagine how we’re feeling.”

Marian’s friends and family are devastated, but they’re also determined to push the Miami Police Department for answers. They say the case has not been investigated properly, starting with the fact that the driver was never given a DUI test.

Gabriel Varona: “He was never tested at all, supposedly. That makes zero sense to me.”

Police listed Nicolas Araujo as the driver of the motorcycle. He is a rookie Miami-Dade County firefighter/EMT who was not on duty at the time.

The 28-year-old was injured but recovered — seen in a fire department video shopping for Christmas presents with children. Two months earlier, on the day of the crash, he was tailgating with a group of friends before the Dolphins game. In a picture with Marian, both had drinks in their hands.

Sahily Cuevas: “We have proof that they were drinking. It’s not fair. They were drinking. We have a lot of people that were in the tailgate.”

Marian’s close friend, who asked we not show her face, was at that tailgate.

Friend: “That morning, he was drinking, as was I. I can’t really speak on how much he was drinking, but I do know for a fact he was drinking socially.”

After the game, the group was driven in a rented van to a bar in Coconut Grove. Araujo rode his motorcycle there. He gave another woman a ride first, as she recorded on her cellphone.

Woman: “Another stop sign.”

You hear her say, “Another stop sign.”

Eric Sanchez, father (translation): “They can see in the background the speed he was going at that moment. How he ran through the stops.”

Marian got on his motorcycle just minutes later, and that’s when the crash happened. She and Araujo were both taken to the Ryder Trauma Center.

The family wants to know why he was not tested for alcohol.

Sahily Cuevas: “From my point of view, they didn’t investigate. They didn’t investigate.”

Miami Police tells 7 Investigates “…there was no physical evidence at the scene that indicated the driver was impaired, and “…they did not have any probable cause to ask for, or evidence, to obtain a warrant for a blood draw.”

We asked the department what else was done to investigate the circumstances that day. After we started asking questions, Marian’s parents were notified the detective wants to meet with them.

As they wait for answers, they also wait to see if Marian will ever recover.

Sahily Cuevas: “Only God, because she has too many damage in her brain. So, only God.”

So, for now, family and friends will continue to be Marian’s voice — because she doesn’t have one.

Marian is currently at JMH’s Rehabilitation Center, where they’re working to help her regain her ability to recognize people. Meanwhile, 7 Investigates will continue to push Miami Police for answers on this case.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

7’s Karen Hensel investigates.

Bobby Hollis says his son has always taken the bus to school. But this year, he was told he couldn’t.

Bobby Hollis/parent: “I can look out of my door, see the kids all standing here to get on the bus. And then my son is supposed to walk past them all and keep going to school.”

Bobby didn’t want us to share his son’s name but he did explain his problem.

Bobby Hollis: “My son’s been going to Margate Middle School for the last three years. He was riding the bus the first couple of years.”

But when Bobby tried registering him for bus service for this school year, he was denied.

Bobby Hollis: “Due to the fact that we’re 1.95 miles away from the school, they said, ‘No, you don’t live far enough.'”

The district says because Bobby’s house is less than 2 miles from Margate Middle School, it makes his son ineligible to ride the bus.

But Bobby says the distance was never an issue before because his son rode the bus for the past two years. He adds if his house is too close, then so is the bus stop.

Bobby Hollis: “I explained to them we live farther than the bus.”

The bus stop is at Winfield Park. It’s 1.9 miles north of Margate Middle School.

Bobby’s house is 300 feet north of the bus stop. That means, his son actually has to walk past the bus stop and nearly two miles to get to school.

Bobby Hollis: “Transportation even told me that that yeah, he would have to walk from our house past the bus stop and to the school. That’s what they told me.”

Broward County Public Schools tells 7 Investigates “To be eligible for school bus transportation, a student’s residence must be two miles or more in walking distance from the school he or she attends. The location of the bus stop is not a factor in determining individual rider eligibility.”

Bobby Hollis: “Actually, next coming year, there’s going to be other kids in this neighborhood that live across the street or beside me or in either direction, and no, they’re not going to be allowed to ride the bus, too.”

Parents whose children have to walk to school can apply in October for their students to take the bus if there are any empty seats.

Bobby says he did that, but was still denied.

Bobby Hollis: “They said they didn’t have enough seats.”

But when 7 Investigates asked a spokesperson for Broward County Public Schools, we were told “At this time, there are four open seats…” available.

Not long after, Bobby got some good news.

Bobby Hollis: “There was a bus pass there. Now he has a bus pass.”

Just in time for Bobby’s son to finish middle school.

He’ll head to high school in the fall, and his dad is hoping he won’t have to fight another “school bus battle” next year.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

At this ice cream party in Delray Beach, every scoop served is helping these young adults learn valuable life skills.

Evan Land, Delicious Spoonfuls: “We’re going to be serving ice cream. Kosher ice cream!”

Evan Land and his friends Adir and Sam are serving ice cream — and learning at the same time.

They are working with a nonprofit called Delicious Spoonfuls, a group dedicated to teaching work skills to young adults with developmental disabilities.

And they do it by running an ice cream business.

Robert Gottesman, founder, Delicious Spoonfuls: “So we wanted to create functional ability in people with disabilities. So what we did is we decided to create a mobile ice cream cart business.”

Robert Gottesman and his wife Helen had a very special reason for creating Delicious Spoonfuls two years ago.

Robert Gottesman: “We were inspired by our son with Down’s syndrome. We’re employing people with disabilities, we’re employing people with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, Tourette’s syndrome, a variety of disabilities.”

Each worker receives special training in food safety, which they are able to put into action at different events across South Florida.

Barbara Stark, CEO, Milagro Center: “Groups love to come in here, because they’re greeted so warmly, and our kids are so enthusiastic.”

The team was excited to serve kids at the Milagro Center. The center provides children from underserved neighborhoods with after-school and extracurricular programs. Today they are learning about the people behind the buckets of ice cream.

Barbara Stark: “Whenever we bring a new group in here, the kids are excited because they know it’s something new, and it’s something different, and they’re open.”

It’s also a learning experience for Evan and his fellow workers.

Helen Gottesman, Delicious Spoonfuls: “I know Adir and Evan have done this for us before, but to Sam, it’s totally new.”

Each event is a new opportunity to learn how to work together as a team and interact with customers.

Helen Gottesman: “And that actually gets people ready for working in other kitchen areas, in their own home or in another job if they choose to.”

Robert Gottesman: “This is a fun business. It’s not just about making money; it’s having a good time.”

After all the kids are served, Evan and his team scoop up a few bowls for themselves.

Evan Land: “It’s good!”

And they’re happy their hard work creates a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.

Karen Hensel, 7 News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
deliciousspoonfuls.org

What a difference a year makes.

Last December, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested a month after the cryptocurrency exchange he founded collapsed in stunning fashion.

Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for Southern District of New York: “This is one of the biggest financial frauds in American history.”

Last month, Bankman-Fried was convicted on seven counts of conspiracy and wire fraud. A federal jury found he stole billions of dollars from customers, investors and lenders.

Investors like Alex Chernyavsky.

Alex Chernyavsky, lost money in FTX collapse: “It looks like it was a big fraud.”

The engineer, who is an executive at a manufacturing company in Hollywood, put a lot of money onto the exchange last year.

Alex Chernyavsky: “A hundred and fifty, yeah, $150,000.”

A hundred and fifty-thousand dollars, lost.

Alex said it was his first time trading in digital currency, but he trusted FTX, in part because of its celebrity endorsements.

For a short time, even the home of the Miami Heat was called FTX Arena, before the company’s name became synonymous with fraud.

But Alex does not feel sorry for himself.

Alex Chernyavsky: “There’s no anger; it’s more like frustration. Nobody put a pistol on my head. I did it; it was my decision.”

Alex is not alone. Americans have lost a lot of money in a wide variety of crypto crimes.

Check out these numbers: Cryptocurrency investment fraud complaints went from $907 million in losses in 2021 to $2.57 billion in 2022.

And following the money is not easy.

Brooke Watson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida: “It’s just harder to trace, because it’s gone through multiple different exchanges.”

Federal prosecutors Brooke Watson and Ali Comolli investigate crypto crimes.

Ali Comolli, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida: “It brings us into some of the darkest parts of the internet. It brings us to other countries and sometimes places where records are hard to obtain.”

And it brings us to some pretty shady characters. Gal Vallerius, dubbed the Oxymonster, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for running a crypto-fueled, dark web marketplace for drugs.

Ali Comolli: “He came to the United States in order to participate in a beard growing competition, and while he was here, he was ultimately charged here in the Southern District of Florida.”

The FBI is still looking for Ruja Ignatova, known as the Cryptoqueen. She is accused of selling a bogus crypto coin that defrauded investors out of billions.

Ali Comolli: “They certainly take advantage of the fact that this is new, and people think it’s exciting.”

And crypto trading can be exciting. But it can also be devastating for those who aren’t careful.

Brooke Watson: “When it comes to a coin you’ve never heard of before, that’s where I think people really get taken advantage of and really need to be careful, do their homework.”

The age group most targeted by crypto scammers is 30- to 49-year-olds.

And social media is where new victims are hunted.

Brooke Watson: “Any of these, like online — Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook — if people are soliciting you to invest in their cryptocurrency or their exchange on those platforms, I would pause.”

As for Alex, he and other FTX investors are suing in hopes of getting their money back.

Alex Chernyavsky: “I still hope I can recover something. I have some kind of hope.”

Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried faces as much as 110 years in prison when he is sentenced in March.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

References:

• What is cryptocurrency?
  The FBI warns of a spike in cryptocurrency investment schemes
• FBI guidance for cryptocurrency scam victims
• Increase in companies falsely claiming an ability to recover funds lost in cryptocurrency investment scams
• To file a complaint, visit www.Ic3.gov.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

The cost of car insurance in our state is sky-high. But what’s “driving” the rise in rates?

7’s Karen Hensel investigates.

At home and on the road, it’s not only expensive to live in South Florida but also expensive to drive here.

Mark Friedlander/Insurance Information Institute: “While we’re seeing spikes in auto insurance everywhere, Florida is unfortunately worse than many other states.”

Actually the worst, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a research organization that represents the industry.

Mark Friedlander says Florida drivers are now paying an average premium of $3,183 per year. That’s 58% higher than the national average of $2,014.

Mark Friedlander: “Florida all of a sudden didn’t get bad. It’s always been bad. Now, it might be a little worse.”

Maria Garcia/driver: “No tickets, no nothing and it’s still going up. I would say like $40 more.”

Maria Garcia says that monthly $40 increase in her car insurance has her considering giving up driving altogether.

Maria Garcia: “Right now, I think the cost of living sucks big time. It’s not like it used to be. We struggled a little bit but now you struggle more.”

A “vehicle insurance nightmare” is how one small business owner described it in an email to 7Investigates.

He wrote that the premium for his truck and trailer went from $7,800 a year to almost $14,000 despite a “perfect driving record.”

So why are prices going up?

Mark Friedlander: “You can’t just point to one factor here in Florida.”

Things like insurance fraud, vehicle thefts and flooded out cars, pave the road for higher rates. But that is just the start of it.

Mark Friedlander: “More accident severity, more expensive repairs.”

Yet another reason, according to a Washington Post article last month, is “Florida’s ‘unscrupulous’ auto glass shops” that charge way too much to replace damaged windshields.

If insurers refuse to pay these inflated costs, the claims can go to court.

There were only 591 glass and windshield lawsuits filed in 2011.

This year, Florida hit a record with more than 46,000 lawsuits.

Mark Friedlander: “We all pay for that.”

Friedlander says rates can vary by hundreds of dollars, so shop around.

Other ways to save include safe driver discounts and bundling multiple policies.

Rob Kornahrens says his roofing company found a way to save on its 270 vehicles.

Rob Kornahrens/owner, Advanced Roofing: “Speaking to our insurance company, what else can we do? So we were one of the pioneers of putting cameras in our vehicles.”

Kornahrens says the cameras help deter fraudulent accident claims by other drivers. And while their rates have only gone up about 3% over five years, some companies are paying a lot more.

Rob Kornahrens: “I’m hearing the thing across the board with contractors that their auto insurance are going up in that range from 15 to 30% yearly.”

But whether the policy is commercial or personal, the high price of car insurance is driving people mad.

John Born/driver: “I mean, it sucks, but it is what it is. I mean, it’s the cheapest rate I could get.”

And piling higher priced car insurance, on top of already out-of-control living expenses, may be the breaking point for some.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

On a Sunday afternoon, inside a senior living community in Parkland, a few residents played Rummikub and poker.

Elderly man: “Ooh. Somebody’s going to have a full house.”

But the tables soon turned to a more tech-minded mission centered around teaching and learning.

Noah Smith, CLEO: “You go to Library, then you go to Albums again.”

And although here together, those in this room are generations apart.

Noah Smith: “I think it’s just great to build relationships with these residents.”

High school sophomores Noah Smith and Jack Rostock recently started the first Southeast Florida chapter of CLEO, which stands for Computer Literacy Education Outreach.

Saint Andrew’s School student: “You can go to the top and you hit File. You save it.”

The students, from Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, are volunteering their time here to answer questions about computers and cellphones.

Jack Rostock, CLEO: “‘How do I delete this photo? How do I delete this email?’ And it’s stuff we do every day. So, you know, we can teach them like shortcuts to really help them.”

Josette Zinglo, resident: “Today we we discussed my albums, how to make albums, and separate all my pictures that I’ve been accumulating for about 15 years.”

Four years ago, Lisa Green was hit by a car and suffered a brain injury.

Lisa Green, resident: “I need to know how to make columns for things.”

The 64-year-old said she used to be great with technology but now has difficulty with her memory.

Delaney, a high school junior, worked with Lisa one-on-one.

Lisa Green: “It’s wonderful, wonderful thing to have. We were always scared to come and say, ‘How do you do this, how you do that?’ And she had an answer for everything.”

Delaney Beighley, student: “My grandparents struggle with technology, so I just thought it’d be nice to help them like how I help my grandparents.”

Emma Smith, student: “OK, so look, you’re going to have to enter your password again.”

Sixteen-year-old Emma helped 93-year-old Mel with his Apple Watch.

Mel Niser, resident: “So if I want the weather, I can just press this?”

Emma Smith: “Yes, you can just press the weather, and it’ll tell you.”

Mel Niser: “It’s wonderful, because most seniors don’t ask for help.”

Mel even had time to ask Emma about TikTok but says he’s not interested in being a social media influencer.

Mel Niser: “I don’t have the time.”

Emma Smith: “I didn’t think he was going to have TikTok.”

At its core, this is not simply teen tech support. It’s about making human connections.

Emma Smith: “He told me all about his two grandsons and his daughter-in-law that he loves as a daughter. And it’s nice. It was nice to see his face light up like that.”

Noah Smith: “Last time, this resident was able to FaceTime her daughter that she actually hasn’t seen in person for years. So this interaction with her daughter, she started crying. It was a really emotional moment for her.”

Marjorie Kestenbaum, resident: “Absolutely fabulous, wonderful. I love young people.”

Both seniors and students hope to see this initiative grow.

Josette Zinglo: “It would be great, because there’s more of us, a lot of us out there.”

The student-led organization, which was started in Fort Myers in 2021, has about a dozen chapters across the country. And they are looking to grow, so if you’re in high school and interested in getting involved, click here.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

Tonight, 7 Investigates’ Karen Hensel, takes us along with the team trying to help those with nowhere else to go.

Miami-Dade Officer: “We’re here to do the operation tonight.”

These Miami-Dade Police officers are based at Miami International Airport.

The mission is not about arrests but about compassion.

Miami-Dade Officer: “We’re going over to the terminal first.”

We can’t show you some of their faces because they also work undercover.

On this night, they are teaming up with counselors Laquinta Walker and Rejine Henry from the Homeless Trust.

Laquinta Walker: “So they normally hide like in parts like that, they’ll sleep.”

The group is trying to help those living inside and outside the airport get into shelters.

Laquinta Walker: “Hello, how are you? Do you need any type of assistance tonight? Are you homeless?”

The man says he recently lost his home.

Rejine Henry/Homeless Trust: “He’s been out here for like 20 something days.”

Laquinta Walker: “Oh my God. OK, so ask him does it matter where we place him, what shelter?”

Originally from the Dominican Republic, he did not know a shelter was even an option.

Karen Hensel: “And why did he choose the airport?”

Laquinta Walker: “He came here because it’s a lot of police around so he knew that he would be safe.”

Still looking for work, he eagerly accepts a place to sleep.

Rejine Henry: “I’ll take you to a shelter.”

Man: “Now?”

Rejine Henry: “Si.”

Man: “OK.”

Laquinta Walker: “I realize that he doesn’t have a profile. I have to create him one.”

Karen Hensel: “And you can get him into a shelter right now?”

Laquinta Walker: “Yeah. We’re gonna do that for him right now. He just has to sign some paperwork and then we can transport him to the shelter.”

He will get one of nine beds available on this night. And that is what the program is about, getting them to a better place.

Detective Kalika Parker/Miami-Dade PD: “What we’re here to let them know is, it’s not a living space.”

The Miami-Dade Aviation Department says under county code “…It is unlawful for any person(s) to remain at the airport without a bona fide reason…”

About 30% of those offered assistance accept it. If they come back, they are issued a trespass warning.

An arrest is a last resort.

Detective Kalika Parker: “Once you build that rapport with them and let them know that we are here to help and not always here to arrest them, it becomes a little bit more easier for them to be more accepting.”

And this is not the only South Florida airport with this issue.

In November, 7 Investigates documented homeless people living inside Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Rebecca/homeless woman (in video diary): “It’s about one and there’s just a lot of people tonight.”

Teams there also work to move homeless people into shelters.

Meanwhile, back at MIA.

Laquinta Walker: “Oh, she’s sleeping. I really don’t like to wake them up.”

This older woman was sleeping on a bench outside the terminal. She declined any help saying she was just waiting for a ride.

Laquinta Walker: “She looks like a regular you can tell. She said that she will not change her mind and… ”

Karen Hensel: “You don’t believe someone is coming to pick her up?”

Laquinta Walker: “No.”

But two more do accept help.

Laquinta Walker: “How long have you been out here?”

Man: “For a year.”

Laquinta Walker: “A year?

Laquinta Walker: “Are you from Florida?”

Man: “Yeah. Will I be able to sleep over there tonight?”

Laquinta Walker: “Yeah, yeah. We’re gonna take you now.”

Karen Hensel: “People really trust you guys. Why do you think that is? Is it because you’re in civilian clothes?”

Laquinta Walker: “I think it’s because we meet them where they are. We just walk up to them, we introduce ourselves, we tell them what we’re doing and the services that we offer. And I don’t try to be intimidating.”

Laquinta will personally drive them to the shelter. But their walk together symbolizes more than just one night, it is a commitment.

Karen Hensel: “What will you do to follow-up with him?”

Laquinta Walker: “So, since I’m an outreach case manager, like he has me for life, as long as he needs me.”

A lifeline for the homeless so they can have a safe departure.from the airport.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

The hallways of most hospitals are usually pretty quiet, but at HCA Aventura, that silence is occasionally interrupted by a song.

Ryan Leo is a musician who uses his free time to serenade patients.

He’s a volunteer for Musicians On Call. It’s a nonprofit organization that visits hospitals across the country and performs for patients in their rooms.

Ryan Leo: “I’ve played for patients of all ages, all states of consciousness. These performances are really meaningful because it’s one on one. It’s important to them.”

Musicians On Call was formed 20 years ago by a group of musicians in New York, and they are now performing here at HCA Aventura.

Michelle Klinger: “We’re going to be starting weekly programs here, going room to room performing for patients right at their bedsides.”

The musicians are professional-level performers. They submit an audition online. If selected, they have to pass a background check and are trained to interact with patients and their families.

Ryan Leo: “You want to make sure they’re getting the benefit out of it, and you’re just fully dedicated to them when you’re playing in that moment.”

Michelle Klinger also volunteers with Musicians On Call. She guides Ryan through the hospital.

Michelle Klinger: “Which are the ones that take the musicians room to room and to make sure that everything runs smoothly in the patients’ rooms.”

Both Michelle and Ryan work together to create an unforgettable moment for patients at HCA Aventura’s Rehabilitation Center.

Ryan Leo: “Sometimes you see an instant reaction and dancing and movement from the people, so it just really changes their sense of emotion and feeling in that moment. So it’s usually all like just, ‘This is the greatest thing.'”

And Ryan hits just the right note for each of the patients he visits.

Patient: “I don’t know what that song was, but it keeps soothing and soothing, it just healed my heart, man.”

Knowing that warms Ryan’s heart.

Ryan Leo: “I think, just, yeah, it’s been a great experience, and really, that healing power of music and the impact that you can see is just indescribable.”

And the opportunity to create beautiful music will have Ryan and other volunteers coming back every week.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
musiciansoncall.org

Owning a home is supposed to be the ultimate American dream. But with collapsing ceilings and growing mold, Runae Sneed’s dream is turning into a nightmare.

Runae Sneed: “It’s kind of scary. I just – I don’t know which direction to turn in.”

Runae’s Miami home was damaged in Hurricane Irma back in 2017.

She couldn’t afford the repairs, so she signed up for a state program called Rebuild Florida.

The fund was started in 2018 after the feds gave the state $615 million to repair and rebuild properties damaged by Irma.

Runae was approved for assistance but never got any.

Runae Sneed: “I called just about every day or every other day. I called Rebuild Florida, I called the contractor, back and forth, back and forth, to no avail.”

Rebuild Florida assigned a contractor to Runae’s case. She said things seemed to be progressing at first.

Workers took measurements and pictures. But after that, nothing happened, and Runae wanted to know why.

Runae Sneed: “And they were telling me then that the city was the hold-up, then the city’s telling me that it’s the contractors.”

We searched for construction permits submitted for Runae’s home. Records show 10 applications dating back to as early as 2020.

The city of Miami tells 7 Investigates that none were ever completed.

Runae Sneed: “I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to think.”

Only one permit application is still active. It was filed in 2022 for new construction to Runae’s home.

But the city says the actual plans weren’t submitted until nearly a year later, and the contractor still has not finished the application process.

We called Rebuild Florida and were told they would look into Runae’s case.

Despite repeated calls, we never heard back. Her contractor also never returned our calls.

Runae Sneed: “It’s just crazy right about now, because I don’t know which direction I’m going.”

All Runae can do is wait for something to happen.

Meanwhile, the damage to her home continues to grow, and she’s afraid it may not last much longer.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

We now have an update from Rebuild Florida. They say they have contacted Runae and have met with building officials to get the proper paperwork filed.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Karen Hensel has tonight’s 7 Investigates.

Maria Rivera/facing eviction: “I’m afraid that she falls, and nobody’s here.”

This is the condo Maria Rivera has called home for the past three years. It is where she lives with and cares for her elderly mother who is disabled.

Maria Rivera: “On a daily basis, I prepare her meals and leave them because she can’t go around to cook. I’m afraid she’ll burn something or burn herself.”

At 66 years old, Maria works long shifts at a dental office, and makes just enough to make sure her $2,000 rent is paid each month.

But now, she’s afraid she will lose her home.

Maria Rivera: “I received an eviction notice.”

Taped to her door in November, a notice to leave.

Maria says she’s being evicted because her landlord is in a fight with the homeowners association over assessments.

Maria Rivera: “There’s an issue with them and my landlord that started last year, because they’re billing him for almost $30,000 for that.”

Maria’s landlord is suing the association over the special assessment.

Until there’s a court ruling, the condo board says Maria has to pay her rent to them, but the landlord then moved to evict her for unpaid rent.

Maria Rivera: “They’re gonna cause me to be thrown in the street and I don’t know where we’re gonna go.”

Under Florida law, the association can require tenants to pay their rent to the board. The law also says as long as those rent payments are made, the tenant cannot be evicted.

But in Maria’s case, the association’s lawyer sent her this letter demanding she pay $1,595 to them, even though she was paying the landlord $2,000.

Salome Zikakis/real estate attorney: “If she had paid him the $400 or paid it all to the association, with a notation that any difference goes to the landlord, then she’d be OK.”

We reached out to Maria’s landlord but he never responded.

Maria said he told her if she paid his $2,000 legal fees and the remaining rent. she would not be evicted.

And then on Tuesday, Maria told us she was fired from her job after taking time to deal with this rental mess.

Maria Rivera: “Beware. This is happening. This is happening to a lot of people and this has to be stopped.”

Lawyers say if you are renting a condo, it’s a good idea to ask for a copy of their rules and bylaws.

Meantime, Maria is looking for a new job and once she gets one, will work out a payment plan with her landlord.

Karen Hensel, 7News

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Love, prayers and support. That is what has surrounded 15-year-old Frederick Clemson since Sept. 13. The day his life changed forever.

Camille Harrison, Frederick’s mother: “It’s been hard, but my faith has kept me together.”

It was Frederick’s first game on the junior varsity football team, and in the third quarter, he took a hit that paralyzed him.

Camille Harrison: “I’ve been by his side from the beginning. I haven’t left this side. I’ve tried to stay strong for him.”

Teammates and loved ones have all shown overwhelming support.

But an unexpected visitor might have been one of the people who helped Frederick the most.

Felton Brown knows Frederick’s pain.

Felton Brown, helping Frederick: “So back in October of 1998, I was an outstanding athlete, and I took a hit, and I hit the ground, and instantly I lost sensation throughout my entire body.”

Doctors told Felton he would never be able to move from the neck down, but with the help of therapy, he now has movement in parts of his upper body.

Felton Brown: “It’s a mirror story, right? It’s a reflection of my own self. He’s 15, I was 15. He was a star athlete, I was a star athlete.”

Frederick has gone through two successful surgeries. As he now starts physical therapy, his mom says Felton’s inspiration has been a turning point.

Camille Harrison: “Frederick was, like, a little down, but when [Felton] came, his mood started to change, and he started to do a little better in rehab.”

Felton Brown: “I wanted to show him and give him something to look forward to, because I knew in that moment that he had lost it all.”

Frederick has a long and difficult road ahead of him, but with his mom, Felton and the community beside him, he says he is never giving up.

Frederick Climpson: “I want to let them know I’m alright. My family, everything’s been straight. No problems, no nothing like that. You see I’m getting better, I’m smiling. I didn’t think i was going to smile, but I’m smiling.”

And that smile has a lot to do with those who continue to cheer him on.

He was visited by his favorite football players, Miami Dolphins’ players Xavien Howard and Jaylen Waddle.

They both gave him a signed helmet, and Xavien has kept in touch.

The widespread show of solidarity has meant everything to this family.

Camille Harrison: “I just want to say thank you to everybody who’s been there, who supported us.”

Felton says the support of South Florida was also what helped him overcome his injury. Now it is his turn to pay it forward.

Felton Brown: “I would love to see our community come together like none other for Frederick, to cheer him on the same way they cheered me on.”

Frederick Climpson: “Yeah, I’m gonna keep fighting.”

Family and friends will be right there fighting with him.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Frederick’s family has created a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

Pastor Howard McCall: “What we are facing now, we really need you, Lord!”

The power of prayer before a packed house this week.

Pastor Howard McCall: “We come to stand together.”

Stand together — and fight together.

At issue: the future of the historically Black Westview Community Cemetery in Pompano Beach. Last year, this 4.5-acre portion of the property was sold to a developer who plans to build an industrial office complex on the land.

But some longtime residents have grave concerns.

Sonya Finney, resident: “We were told that back in the day, that that’s where they would bury babies and put them in a box, not in a casket. And they would bury them there.”

Ninety-one-year-old Elijah Wooten says he believes the bodies of poor people are buried there in what he calls “paupers’ graves,” unmarked, from the 1950s and ’60s.

Elijah Wooten, resident: “Bodies were being placed in there before I had finished high school. They were placed in there.”

Elijah knows the history because he is a lifelong resident, and for 20 years, he was chairman of the board overseeing the cemetery.

Elijah Wooten (speaking at Nov. 15 Pompano Beach Planning and Zoning Board meeting): “Bodies were placed there.”

He was among those who spoke out against the development at a city meeting last month.

Resident (speaking at board meeting): “I got one word to say: deny.”

The nonprofit that runs the cemetery sold part of it to the developer for $1.1 million, but before construction can begin, the city has to agree to rezone the land.

And that is at the heart of this latest battle.

Kevin Eason, resident (speaking at board meeting): “That land was set aside for burial use only, only. Now, if you purchased it, what you did — you purchased a cemetery.”

In recent years, 7 Investigates has reported on the troubles at the crumbling cemetery, filled with broken headstones and sinking burial vaults.

At the city meeting in November, an attorney for the developer said the purchase deal includes money to repair and maintain the cemetery.

And he acknowledged the controversy.

Keith Poliakoff, attorney for developer (speaking at board meeting): “We totally recognize, fully recognize, the raw emotions and the feelings of the community.”

The developer hired a company to scan for graves twice, using ground penetrating radar.

Keith Poliakoff (speaking at board meeting): “Did every inch of that property, and they found no burials were ever occurred on that property.”

Elijah Wooten disagrees — and says he even gave a sworn statement.

Elijah Wooten: “I told them dead bodies were placed there. It was there, it was there.”

Karen Hensel: “Bodies?”

Elijah Wooten: “Bodies.”

The board recommended unanimously to the city commission to deny the rezoning — a win for these residents.

But clearly, this land battle is not over.

Keith Poliakoff (speaking at board meeting): “The ownership will go back to the drawing board, if it has to, and it will say, ‘OK, fine, if we have to turn this into a waste transfer station under the code, that’s what we’ll do.’ And sometimes, you know, you better be careful what you ask for.”

A lawsuit to block the sale of the 4.5 acres in the first place failed. Now, a new lawsuit has been filed questioning who is legally in charge of this cemetery. Bottom line: the controversy may move from a cemetery back into a courtroom in 2024.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Karen Hensel has tonight’s 7 Investigates.

She shares a name with an icon; Barbara Walters.

Barbara Walters/transit activist: “I’m not a ghost.”

This Barbara Walters says she may not be known for hard-hitting interviews, but she is known for something.

Barbara Walters: “I have not owned a car in about 30 years. I’ve become a very strong advocate for public transportation. I can really say it’s my contribution to the environment.”

But changes in the Miami-Dade bus system have created a huge bump in the road for Barbara.

Barbara Walters: “I went to the bus stop and I see the sign on the bus that as of the 13th of November, no more bus service at that area.”

The county rolled out its “Better Bus Network” in November.

At least 1,200 bus stops were eliminated.

Barbara’s usual stop, which was just a few blocks away from her Kendall home, was one of them.

Now, her closest bus stop is more than a 30-minute walk, and at 79 years old, that walk every day would be impossible.

Barbara Walters: “It’s like, wait a minute, I’m going to walk 22 blocks or pay $7 to take Lyft from 97th and 88th home?”

So she turned to “Metro Connect,” the county’s on-demand ride service. It is supposed to pick you up and get you to your bus station.

But actually getting a ride, has not been easy.

Barbara Walters: “Then it says we’re currently experiencing very high volume, all our seats are filled, please try again. What the?”

So she called once.

Barbara Walters: “So, 10:12? OK.”

Twice.

Barbara Walters: “So you’re telling me, what did you say, 10:36?”

And finally, her ride showed up.

Barbara Walters: “Metro Connect cannot meet the demands.”

The goal of the Better Bus Network was to improve access and wait times for riders. But 7 Investigates found many who say it has created big problems for them.

Rhett Ennis/bus rider: “It hasn’t been a better system. It’s been worse.”

Maurice Byrd/bus rider: “I gotta get up an hour earlier now to go to work because the buses is much crowded and it ain’t too much room on the buses.”

Emily Norton: “Some stops have made it a little bit harder for me to get to work on time and stuff because they changed the bus stops.”

Miami-Dade Transit tells us they “…anticipated some confusion and frustration among riders, and it is completely understandable.”

But when we specifically asked about complaints of bus stops being too far away and Metro Connect cars not being available, they did not answer our questions.

Barbara Walters: “When you’ve got a situation where we only had one bus to depend on and they’ve taken that away from us. I think there should have been more input from the riding public.”

The county continues to meet with the community about the new system, but tells us no changes will be made until next April.

Barbara Walters says they are not done hearing from her.

Karen Hensel 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

On Jan. 31, 1957, First Lt. Richard McCombs was on a training mission when his plane’s engine failed.

The newspaper headline at the time: “Marine pilot safe in ocean ditching.”

Jimmy Gadomski, found plane: “He was able to put it down safely, but it was still a crash.”

The Marine managed to get out of his Douglas Skyraider, an attack bomber, just before it sank about a mile off of Key Biscayne.

Jimmy Gadomski: “We were able to learn that the pilot did survive.”

Florida divers Jimmy Gadomski and Mike Barnette were the ones who found his plane this past July, more than 66 years after the plane went down.

Mike Barnette: “We immediately knew this was something unique and that it had been undocumented.”

And they discovered it by accident, while testing a specialized underwater camera.

Jimmy Gadomski: “We’re looking at, and we’re like, ‘That’s an airplane, like, we’re looking at an airplane.'”

Then it was time for a closer look.

Jimmy Gadomski: “We jumped in the water right then and there, and then we went back again to document the rest of it.”

“The rest of it,” because the old plane was actually split in two, the cockpit and wings detached from the tail.

Jimmy Gadomski: “We could still see the guns on the wings of the plane.”

After the 1957 crash, the military removed the engine and dumped the fuselage in deeper water. It would remain hidden until Mike and Jimmy’s discovery.

Jimmy Gadomski: “I was able to do a photogrammetry model of it, which involves us taking a lot of pictures all around the aircraft, and it stitches together a 3D model of what we’re looking at.”

The technology reveals what the plane would look like back in one piece, but they wanted to learn more about its history.

Mike Barnette: “Trying to look for lost aircraft that were most likely, you know, operating out of the Miami area.”

Mike pieced together enough to learn the pilot’s name and then tracked down his family.

Mike Barnette: “I think we caught them by surprise.”

That’s an understatement.

Amy McCombs, pilot’s daughter: “I was in shock when Mike messaged me on Facebook and said that he had found my dad’s plane.”

Amy and her brother Mark spoke with us from Ohio.

Mark McCombs, pilot’s son: “We knew of the story, we kind of grew up with the story.”

They still have the life jacket and helmet their dad was wearing the day the 24-year-old crashed off our coast.

Richard died in 2022 at age 90, just a year before his plane was found.

Mark McCombs: “My dad was a very dedicated Marine, he was very proud of being Marine and took his aviation extremely seriously.”

Amy McCombs: “I just think the plane was found for our sense of peace. Two strangers that have really come into our lives and mean so much to us.”

Jimmy Gadomski: “We’re always looking for the next unidentified wreck or the next story to tell.”

One of those stories came last year when Jimmy and Mike’s discovery made international headlines: a large section of the space shuttle Challenger, which exploded shortly after liftoff in 1986.

As for the family of the pilot who crashed into the ocean here, they say they would one day like to meet the men who found a part of their dad’s military history.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

Linda Ramos is working on finally getting back to business.

Linda Ramos, SUV stolen: “I’m a pilot car driver. I drive all over the United States, guiding the transportation of multiple variety of loads, as far as a big yacht to a Boeing jet engine.”

But on Aug. 9, Linda hit a major road block.

Her Ford Explorer — equipped with expensive features like a light bar, cameras and an “oversize load” sign — was stolen from her driveway in Dania Beach.

Linda Ramos: “There goes my car. They just drove off with my car.”

The thieves in this case stole more than an SUV. They put a major dent in Linda’s livelihood.

Linda Ramos: “I got hit in the pocket hard, because I wasn’t able to get back to work until everything got settled.”

It has been a difficult year for Linda, who has battled serious health issues and cares for her elderly mother. Losing her car, too, was more than she could bear.

Linda Ramos: “I tried to stay in control of the situation because what’s done was done. Was I mad? Oh, I was fuming mad.”

“Fuming mad” is no doubt a feeling shared by many car theft victims. But even if it has not happened to you, you still pay. That’s because Florida’s auto insurance premiums are currently the highest in the country — 58% higher than the national average, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Thefts are one reason why.

Undercover detective, Miramar Police Department: “In my experience, I would say auto theft is generally trending upward.”

This Miramar detective, who we are not identifying because he works undercover, says expensive cars and trucks with a lot of extras are especially attractive to thieves.

Undercover detective: “Generally, those higher trim levels are more sought after. Why? Because the parts are more valuable and they’re more luxurious.”

As 7 Investigates has reported, cars equipped with powerful Hellcat engines have been targeted across our area.

And big trucks, with big price tags, remain a big problem.

Undercover detective: “You’re not dealing with the regular, you know, jump-in-a-car-and-go-joyriding type of thief. When it comes to higher value vehicles such as these trucks, it’s generally more organized.”

The detective has been involved with recovering around 150 vehicles, worth more than $7 million, over the last five years.

All three of these trucks were recovered in October.

Undercover detective: “I’ve dealt with cases that have had vehicles’ VIN numbers changed three times.”

And in an age of mostly keyless driving, “push to start” can quickly turn into “push to steal.”

Undercover detective: “Some of the items displayed here are electronic devices which are used to overtake the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system.”

The detective says one key to keeping your car is to make thieves really work for it.

Undercover detective: “If you can make the process more difficult, you might just well save your car.”

One way to do that: install a second GPS tracking device.

Undercover detective: “If these criminals are going to steal your vehicle, they’re going to disable the manufacturer GPS.”

Linda did not have a tracking device on her stolen SUV. It was found abandoned two weeks later, damaged and stripped of its expensive add-ons.

Now, three months later, her new Explorer means she’s back in business.

Linda Ramos: “Oh, driving that home was emotional. I really hope next year is super busy for me, and I can recover my money quickly.”

And on Linda’s street, all signs point to more eyes on her neighborhood.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

To find out which cars have the highest theft rates, as well as more tips on how to keep your ride safe, check out the following links:

• Most stolen vehicles in 2022
• Auto theft prevention tips
• Auto theft statistics
• VIN check 

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Karen Hensel has tonight’s 7 Investigates

Welcome to Nigeria, scamming capital of the world and a place where many residents learn to rip people off just to survive.

Chris Maxwell/former Nigerian scammer: “My first year in the university was kind of tough. So I needed to make money for myself. You know, my parents really were not making enough money.”

Chris Maxwell is a former scammer who spoke to us from his home in Nigeria.

Chris Maxwell: “It’s difficult for me to get clothes for myself, to eat, you know.”

At least 65% of Nigerians live in poverty.

To make money, Chris learned to scam women who were looking for love, and he followed this 39 page guide to find his victims.

But he has since changed his life. Going from criminal to consultant for the website Social Catfish to check if profiles or products are real or fake.

Chris Maxwell: “I felt so pitiful.”

This holiday season, He’s using his expertise to warn shoppers.

Chris Maxwell: “This time of the year, it’s a very, it’s a very good time for scammers to make money.”

And there’s good reason for South Floridians to listen up. When it comes to holiday scams, Florida ranks second highest in the country. A recent survey found one in three online shoppers was scammed out of an average of $400 each.

When shopping online, be on the lookout for knockoff websites.

Chris Maxwell: “The scammer has his own website. It’s going to look like a real one. It’s going to look like Amazon. When you purchase products and you make the payment, then you’re not going to receive the product. You’re never gonna receive your package.”

When shopping online, make sure the web address of the store is spelled correctly and never pay extra once you think the item has been shipped.

Chris Maxwell: “There is shipment scams where they tell you you are expecting a shipment and you have to pay for clearance.”

So never follow an email link about shipping problems. Instead, log on to official sites like UPS, FedEx or the postal service to enter your tracking number manually to check on your packages.

Chris Maxwell: “This time of the year, you know, they do everything they can because money’s gonna go in, money’s gonna come out. Every single opportunity they’re gonna take your money.”

Chris’ biggest tip is to shop smart and not take any risks.

Chris Maxwell: “My best advice for people is this time of the year, if you’re gonna shop, make sure you buy from online shops that you know, trusted. If it’s saying the prices are too high, you can just go to the store and get everything you need by yourself.”

Chris is hoping his expertise as a reformed scammer will help Florida families have a happy holiday.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

And as 7’s Karen Hensel shows, it’s a way you can score some cheap eats.

Restaurants are everywhere in South Florida, serving up plate after plate of fabulous food. But a lot of it never makes it to the table.

Mohammad Farraj/Talkin’ Tacos: “We estimate anywhere between 2 to 5% of revenues could have been from food waste.”

Mohammad Farraj is one of the owners of Talkin’ Tacos. It opened in 2020 as a food truck and quickly expanded.

Mohammad Farraj: “We’re now all over South Florida and also Jacksonville, Atlanta, with plans to open up more locations across the country.”

And each of those locations ends up with wasted food at the end of the day.

Mohammad Farraj: “You get it all the time. Customers order food, they’ll cancel their orders. But you have food that’s been made already.”

Typically the meal ends up in the garbage. But now, there is a way for you to grab it, without breaking the bank.

Sarah Soteroff: “What we’re looking to do is help people reduce the amount that goes into the landfill and get it into the hands of people who really want to eat it and can still enjoy it because it’s still delicious and still perfectly good to eat.”

And that help comes in an app called “Too Good To Go.” It’s an online service dedicated to helping restaurants and other businesses sell their leftover food, at a steep discount.

Sarah Soteroff: “It’s around one-third, 50% off.”

Too Good To Go launched in South Florida back in February, and has already signed on 160 businesses in Broward and Miami-Dade. And you will find more than just restaurants offering up extra food.

Sarah Soteroff: “Also, things like convenience stores, you have maybe some candy bars left over or some chips, anything like that. We can also do bakeries!”

All you have to do is download the app, choose a business, reserve a bag of food, and pick it up during the time frame listed.

Some bags are complete meals. Others are “surprise bags” full of food for less than $6.

Mohammad Farraj: “We have birria tacos, bang shrimp tacos, we have chicken tacos. You have customers and clients who otherwise would really not be able to get premium food and high-quality food at a price point that they could afford.”

How about some French macarons for the holidays?

“Janette & Co” makes and sells them for wholesale buyers. Often they end up with lots of extra cookies that would normally go in the trash.

Alejandra Barrera/Janette & Co: “Macarons, as you can imagine, very delicate. So sometimes, we did have a surplus and sometimes we just couldn’t sell those macarons just because they weren’t completely 100% perfect.”

With Too Good To Go, you can get a bag full of them for just a few bucks.

Alejandra Barrera: “So we feel great that now we don’t have the food waste and clients can actually enjoy it for a smaller price.”

And since you are helping local businesses and the environment at the same time, it makes the treat all the more sweet.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Click here for more info on ‘Too Good To Go’.

7’s Karen Hensel investigates.

The holiday season is right around the corner. It has people like Teresa Dotson looking for ways to make some extra money.

Teresa Dotson/identity stolen: “Because at my job, I’m a server and I was like, ‘You know, let me make some extra cash.'”

Last month, she signed up to be a driver on Uber.com.

Teresa Dotson: “You put in your driver’s license and your date of birth. They had you to put in your maiden name, all that information.”

That’s as far as she got because her account was immediately locked.

Teresa Dotson: “That’s when I called support and support actually was the one who discovered that I had multiple accounts with them. I told them that I never signed up for Uber, and then they discovered that I apparently was a driver in California and also Atlanta, Georgia.”

Both driver accounts listed Teresa’s personal information.

Teresa Dotson: “It’s scary because someone is using my information.”

Teresa isn’t alone.

There are stories from across the country of people who discovered their personal information had been used by someone else to register as a rideshare driver.

Eva Velasquez/Identity Theft Resource Center: “Well, we’re hearing more about it. We’ve got cases coming into the contact center.”

Eva Velasquez is the CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

She says this type of identity theft is usually the result of stolen driver’s license information.

Eva Velasquez: “There are even videos, not even on the dark web, they’re on Youtube, showing people who are like, ‘Stole all this mail, here are the drivers licenses for sale,’ and unbeknownst to the person who that’s their legitimate license, they don’t even know that this is going on.”

Thieves can use those stolen details to assume a person’s identity in order to pass background checks.

Eva Velasquez: “And it’s not up to the victim to fix that process, it’s really up to the organization to fix their authentication and verification processes.”

Uber uses a company called Checkr to perform its background checks.

Last year, both were sued in a South Florida federal court.

It claimed Uber was negligent in allowing a driver to use someone’s stolen identity and it added that both companies broke the law by not notifying the victim when doing a background check.

The case was thrown out because theft couldn’t be traced back to Uber or Checkr.

Eva Velasquez: “So hard to police, and even when you do, it’s very hard to figure out who actually owns that account, who is that person committing that’s these acts.”

Uber drivers have to pass a screening process before they’re allowed to work, but Teresa says it didn’t catch the two people posing as her.

Teresa Dotson: It’s just a scary situation because I have a daughter that, you know, uses Uber and Lyft, and just the thought of her getting in the car with someone that, it’s supposed to be that person and really, truly it’s not that person, you know? So it’s scary.”

Uber tells 7 Investigates it is looking into her case and says “Uber is continuously strengthening our processes to detect and protect against fraudsters’ ever-changing schemes.”

Teresa is now looking for ways to better protect her personal information so no one else can use it to get behind the wheel.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

They thought the situation was solved, but it turned out there was an even bigger problem lurking beneath the surface.

7’s Karen Hensel investigates.

People living at this condo complex in Oakland Park say the condition of their pool has gone from bad to worse.

Lisa, condo owner: “It bothers me a lot and it makes me really scared because anybody could have lost their life here.”

When 7 investigates first visited “Azul at Kimberly Lake” over the summer, the pool had been closed a few times in the past year.

William Cipriani, condo owner: “I mean there are ducks, you know, defecating in it. There are algae growing.”

The property management company seemed to get things back in order after our story aired.

Water quality issues were corrected and inspectors allowed the pool to reopen.

Condo owner William Cipriani says it didn’t last long.

William Cipriani: “So now it’s closed again.”

William called 7 Investigates last month after discovering there was a bigger problem at the pool.

It had been lurking just below the surface for months.

William Cipriani: “And from what I’m told, anyone swimming in the pool or grabbing the ladder could have been electrocuted!”

Public records show the pool was cited by Oakland Park Code Enforcement on January 28th. Six months before our first story.

The citation says a pool pump was installed without a permit… And it created an electrical concern.

The city tells 7News, “When pool pump equipment is installed’ it ‘requires an electrical permit’ to ‘ensure the electricity powering the pump is grounded properly.'”

Although the violation was issued back in January, residents say they just recently found out about it.

William Cipriani: “The residents that I know are absolutely fed up, especially now.”

The association has been fined $24,500 dollars, and it “continues to accrue.”

We asked the association president and its management company when the pool would be repaired, and how the fine would be resolved.

The manager said, “Azul at Kimberly Lake has no comment.”

Residents pay about $350 a month in association fees.

They know they could now be on the hook for the fine, as well as the cost to repair the pool.

Lisa: “And now them having to tear up the pavers, which they did a year less than a year ago to do it again, it costs us more money.”

William Cipriani: “Now the whole thing has to be dug up because the pool pump was not grounded.”

Owners wonder if they will be assessed again to re-do the pavers. And question when the pool will finally open.

But say it’s hard to get answers when board meetings are almost impossible to attend.

William Cipriani: “They hold association meetings in the middle of the day so nobody can attend them.”

Owners say if they don’t get answers soon. They may have to file a complaint against the board.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

For Bruno Ferretti, family is the light of his life, but a few months ago, he feared his time with them was running out.

Bruno Ferretti, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease: “I was actually speaking to a dermatologist. He recommended, ‘Hey, let’s just get some quick blood work.’ Two weeks later, he calls me, and he leaves me a voice message, and he’s like, ‘Hey, you need to go to the hospital immediately. Something’s very wrong with you.'”

At 35 years old, Bruno was diagnosed with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

Bruno Ferretti: “Mine were so far gone that by the time that I found out, my only two options were going to be dialysis for the rest of my life or a transplant.”

Bruno has hypertension, which is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney failure. His kidneys went from functioning at 36% to just 7%.

When he was diagnosed, his wife was six months pregnant with their first child.

Bruno Ferretti: “Am I going to be OK, and is my wife going to raise a child without a father?”

But their neighbor, Chris Staton, refused to let that fear become their future.

Chris Staton, donating kidney: “He put it out there that, Hey, if anybody wants to donate,’ and by the time he said that, I was already on the website registering.”

Chris has saved lives on the front lines as a Miami-Dade County firefighter. He did not think twice about donating his kidney to save Bruno.

Chris Staton: “I love the guy. I love his wife, I love his kid, and I could never live with myself if he had to do three years of dialysis and may never get a kidney. That’s just not a question.”

After some grueling tests, screenings and evaluations, Bruno got the news he needed.

Bruno Ferretti: “One in a 100,000 chance. He was a perfect match.”

Arlette Cartaya: “Every time that I think about it, there’s no words to say how grateful I am for what he’s done and how he stepped up. There’s no way to repay him.”

Bruno could have spent the next three to five years waiting for a kidney. But in just a matter of weeks, Chris will give him a lifeline, here at Cleveland Clinic.

Chris Staton: “I never thought twice about it. I was proud to be the one that’s giving it to him.”

And Bruno will be forever grateful to Chris for saving his life.

Bruno Ferretti: “One of the things that he told me is, the most important thing to him was seeing his children grow up, and he told me, ‘I want you to share these things that I’ve been able to see with my children.'”

He hopes to use this experience to spread awareness about chronic kidney disease.

Bruno Ferretti: “Get your blood work done every six months. There were not a lot of signs. I did have a cardiologist. I would see him regularly. They never caught it.”

Now, Chris is not just a firefighter, or Bruno’s neighbor. He’s the man who’s giving Bruno’s family a brighter future.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Since Chris Staton is the sole provider for his family, a GoFundMe page was created ahead of his surgery that is expected to keep him away from work for two months. Click here if you would like to donate.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com

John Browning Jr., homeowner: “There’s a lot of memories here. Yes, there’s a lot of memories here.”

This has been home for John Browning Jr. for decades. It was a gift from one of his sons, who was a former defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs.

John Browning Jr.: “My oldest son bought the house back in 1996. He bought this house with money that he played football and made.”

He gave it to his dad, who has worked hard his whole life — detailing cars.

Now at age 76, John is the full-time caregiver for his disabled grandson.

John Browning Jr.: “Michael is mentally challenged, and he’s got cerebral palsy.”

Both his grandson and a second son live with him.

While he was not looking to sell his home, John was enticed when he got a call from MV Realty.

John Browning Jr.: “In fact, he called me about four times before I accepted it.”

The agreement: John got $1,465 cash in exchange for the company getting exclusive rights to sell his home sometime in the next 40 years.

John Browning Jr.: “I’m in a hard spot. I needed cash. That’s money you ain’t got to pay back, you know.”

But John did not know what he was really getting into — which was MV Realty putting a lien on his home. The agreement meant he could not sell, transfer or refinance it for the next 40 years without using the company.

John Browning Jr.: “I was getting ready to go through cataract surgery, so I couldn’t read a whole bunch of that stuff that he gave me.”

Signing the 40-year deal for quick cash was only the beginning of his home heartache. He was in debt, and because of the lien from MV Realty, he could not refinance his home, so he took out a large loan from a different company.

Now, faced with no way to pay it back, his only option is to sell his home.

John Browning Jr.: “I was doing the best I could. Just made a lot of bad choices, I guess. They got me, they doped me.”

John is not alone.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office has more than 200 complaints about MV Realty PBC and is suing the company, accusing it of operating “…a complex and deceptive scheme … with the goal of swindling consumers…”

The suit says homeowners were offered between $300 and $5,000 cash as a “loan alternative,” “in exchange” for them signing “misleading and confusing” contracts.

MV Realty says it operates in 33 states. Florida is now one of seven states taking action against the company.

John Browning Jr.: “They done trapped me into a whole bunch of stuff here that I didn’t even realize I was in, so that’s when I realized I was in trouble.”

John turned to a real estate broker for help to get out of the deal.

Margend Palacios, real estate broker: “He had to pay back, to be released, $13,965 penalty in exchange for a loan of $1,460. At the end of the day, they don’t deserve that money. It’s swindling, it was dishonest, it was something that has put this family in a situation where they didn’t need to be.”

John Browning Jr.: “I just feel real bad about the whole situation, you know, since I’m the one who got put into this for bad decisions that I made.”

On two days we stopped by the MV Realty office in Boca Raton, it was empty. We reached out to the company and its attorney and are still waiting to hear back.

In court filings, MV Realty denies wrongdoing and says what they have been doing is legal.

And, while a judge denied their attempt to dismiss Florida’s lawsuit, in September, MV Realty filed for bankruptcy protection.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Consumers with complaints about MV Realty can contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office: 
1(866) 9NO-SCAM 
MyFloridaLegal.com

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

The golden years. That is what 82-year-old Gustavo Medrano and his wife were looking forward to when they moved to Century Village in Pembroke Pines two years ago.

Gustavo Medrano: “I came here to relax. These are the last days of my life. I don’t know how long I’m going to be here.”

But golden is not how he would describe his life now. He’s afraid his money will run out because of increases in his monthly condo fees.

Gustavo Medrano: “They want to charge us $200 increase, supposedly because of the insurance companies.”

Like many seniors, Gustavo lives on Social Security, and the $200 monthly increase is stretching his limited budget.

Gustavo Medrano: “I’m thinking all the time, ‘What am I going to do? I am going to the end of the money that I’m getting.'”

Rising rent forced James Blair and his wife out of their Miami apartment. The challenge was finding an affordable place to go.

James Blair: “You call the government or all of these places, and they got a year to five-year waiting list. Some of them want you to pay an app fee up front, and you’re still looking at one or two years to wait. Well, hell, you could die before you got in, right?”

He finally found an apartment that is less expensive but a lot smaller.

James Blair: “We’ll be divesting ourselves of a lot of things just to have a place to live.”

Many seniors are finding their incomes are not keeping up with rising housing costs.

Max Rothman, Alliance For Aging: “The percentage of income that an older person — and they’re on fixed income — is spending on housing, is well over 30% of their income.”

Seventy-two-year-old Robert Noel Earl knows that firsthand. He was forced to live on the streets of Broward County for nearly three months.

Robert Noel Earl, formerly homeless: “I was nervous, scared. I fought the rain, the bugs.”

His Social Security benefits were enough to buy food. But a place to live was out of reach.

Robert Noel Earl: “They told me the rent is $1,000 or better. I said, ‘I’m not going to be able to stand that,’ because I wasn’t making that much.”

So he camped out on the front lawn of this soup kitchen. And he’s not alone.

Seniors make up at least 15% of Broward’s homeless population. In Miami-Dade, they are at least 20%.

Jacob Torner, TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness: “Not only are we seeing a rise in the age of people who are experiencing homelessness, but we’re seeing more and more seniors fall into homelessness, specifically here in Broward County.”

The TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness was able to find a place for Robert to live.

But all of the agencies across South Florida that are designed to help seniors are being burdened by the sheer number of people who are in crisis.

Max Rothman: “Housing doesn’t turn up overnight. It’s a slow process, and some people are facing eviction tomorrow.”

It is a sad and frightening reality for so many. The skyrocketing cost of housing has many thinking South Florida is no longer an affordable place to live, and that paradise truly is lost.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Imagine going weeks without clean clothes or a clean blanket. It’s a reality for many South Florida families.

Rich Markiewicz, coordinator, Laundry Love South Florida: “They don’t make enough money, especially with the cost of rents and food and everything else.”

Rich Markiewicz is the coordinator of Laundry Love South Florida. It’s an organization that provides free laundry services for low-income and homeless families.

The idea came to him four years ago after a meeting with a church leader.

Rich Markiewicz: “She told us about the things that they did to help the homeless and poor in their neighborhood. I asked her, ‘If there was one thing you could do that you don’t currently do, what would that be?’ And she said, ‘Cleaning clothes for our clients.'”

He did some research, and came across an organization called the National Laundry Love Association.

Rich Markiewicz: “I was convinced that I wanted to kind of recreate what they were doing.”

Rich and members of his church formed Laundry Love South Florida.

With the help of donations, the group provides the detergent, and dollars, to help families wash their clothes once a month at a laundromat in Hollywood.

Rich Markiewicz: “We do closer to 300, 400 loads of laundry a month, so it’s grown a lot.”

Rich recently expanded Laundry Love South Florida to two other cities: Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Billy Salter helped launch the Fort Lauderdale location last month.

Billy Salter: “To be able to be a part of providing some level of support for the folks in the community means a tremendous deal to me.”

For three hours, the laundromat was packed as guests were able to wash their clothes, shoes, even bedding, all for free.

Ashley Kendrick, Laundry Love guest: “It took a load off for me this week, and I’m really thankful.”

In the first hour alone, more than a dozen people got their clothes washed and dried.

Kerry Herndon, Laundry Love guest: “I have been homeless for 14 years. This is a blessing, really, you know what I mean? To help keep us looking decent.”

Billy says seeing so many people who needed help was a humbling experience.

Billy Salter: “We’re not doing anything massive, but for someone to come in and visit us and allow us to help them get clean clothes and leave feeling like they have a little more dignity when they leave than when they came, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Along with a basket of clean clothes and a free meal, Rich says many of the guests also leave the laundromat with a renewed sense of hope.

Rich Markiewicz: And just the fact, sleeping on clean sheets, having clean clothes to put on in the morning, is terrific.”

And for so many, a little love goes a long way.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laundry Love South Florida
allsaintsfl.org

Chara Fitzpatrick moved to Hollywood with her young kids so she could be closer to her dad.

Chara found a one room apartment for $1,400 a month.

Chara Fitzpatrick, apartment leaks: “We were looking for somewhere for six months to a year. You know, get settled in the town, look for things, find good jobs.”

But her plans started crumbling when the summer rains caused her ceiling to fall apart.

Chara Fitzpatrick: “They said that they were going to send people to fix it. They didn’t even go on the roof. They just took the sheet rock down and replaced the sheet rock and painted over it.”

When the rains kept coming, so did the damage.

Chara Fitzpatrick: “And I woke up to them crying, and it was just dripping water on them, and there was just roof debris on them.”

Robin Er, trailer leaks: “I was sound asleep, and it started raining, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m getting wet.'”

Robin Erb has rain coming in the bedroom window of the trailer she rents in Davie.

Robin Erb: “See that right here? It’s all – the walls are ready to cave in.”

Robin asked her landlord to fix the leaks.

Robin Erb: “He came over and looked and said, ‘I’ll get somebody on it.'”

But he didn’t.

Robin Erb: “This is where there’s black mold.”

She now has mold growing on her ceiling.

Chara also believes she has mold, and it made her daughter sick.

Chara Fitzpatrick: “She started getting feverish, and then after about two days that I couldn’t break it. I took her into the ER.”

She had pneumonia, so the family moved into a hotel. Her landlord still hasn’t fixed the leaks.

Chara Fitzpatrick: “He feels like we’re desperate and have nothing else, so we’re gonna do whatever our – you know, deal with it just like the other tenants have.”

Finding an apartment to rent is very difficult in South Florida.

Miami-Dade is the most competitive rental market in the U.S. Broward County is ranked ninth, and landlord complaints are on the rise.

Alexander Johnson, tenant lawyer: “In a tight market, the landlords frequently feel that there’s no real incentive to retain tenants when they can get new ones at higher prices.”

While most Florida laws benefit landlords, Alexander Johnson says renters can still fight for their rights.

Alexander Johnson: “If there’s something that needs to get fixed, you need to fill out this seven day notice form, notice of noncompliance. Until you use this form, you don’t have any rights.”

Johnson says list everything that’s wrong with the unit and then send it by email, regular mail, or even text message to your landlord. Your landlord then has seven days to fix the problem.

Alexander Johnson: “The tenant needs to document what, if anything, happened during the seven days.”

If nothing is done, you can then legally withhold your rent. But under Florida law, your landlord can still file for an eviction, and even if you win in court, that eviction stays on your record.

Alexander Johnson: “Even though the tenant did exactly what the state of Florida told him to do, it still shows up as an eviction.”

Chara still hasn’t heard from her landlord and stopped paying rent, but lives in fear he’s going to try to evict her family.

Chara Fitzpatrick: “The housing market is very high right now, so it is harder to find a spot.”

Robin doesn’t want to move, so she taped plastic around the window to stop the leaks.

Robin Erb: “He wanted me to take that down. He fought with me about taking it down because it didn’t look right.”

If your landlord isn’t fixing things in your apartment, links to the seven day notice form, along with instructions, are at the end of this report.

Friday in our special series, “Paradise Lost,” we talk to seniors who are struggling with the rising cost of housing in South Florida.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

7-DAY NOTICE FORM:
static1.squarespace.com/static/5de2ca573d393a7e062b6144/t/63af3def8772f76aafee333e/1672429054561/7+Day+notice+to+cure+new.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS FOR 7-DAY NOTICE:
static1.squarespace.com/static/5de2ca573d393a7e062b6144/t/5e3ddfa57895e322668efd5d/1581113253162/7+DAY+NOTICE+TO+CURE+-+INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

ATTORNEY ALEXANDER JOHNSON’S WEBSITE:
browardlandlord.com

CHAPTER 83/LANDLORD TENANT LAWS:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html

The Palm Bay Yacht Club in Miami and Palm Lakes in Margate could not be any more different. One is 27 stories, the other just four. One overlooks Biscayne Bay, the other is west of the Turnpike.

But what both condominiums have in common is financial strain set in motion by the condo collapse in Surfside more than two years ago.

Robert Norris, president, Palm Bay Yacht Club: “I knew right then, you know, our lives were all changing immediately, because our building was built at the same time that the Champlain was built.”

Robert Norris is the Palm Bay Yacht Club Board president.

Robert Norris: “We’re looking at a $33 million project for our 40-year recertification. So all of the board members felt the pressure.”

That project includes everything from concrete demolition and restoration to redoing balconies.

And those repairs come at a cost. The average assessment is around $140,000 per unit owner.

Robert Norris: “I can’t even begin to explain the number of nights that I couldn’t sleep because I knew that there would be people in this building that might not be able to afford it.”

And in Margate, some owners in the Palm Lakes Condominium can’t afford it.

Bonnie Underwood, condo unit owner: “You know, I’m kind of old to be homeless.”

Bonnie Underwood and the other residents are facing nearly $2,000 a year more in maintenance fees next year.

Bonnie Underwood: “It’s absolutely killing me, and I don’t think I’m the only one here in this association who’s feeling this, because the buildings are emptying out.”

Efi Barakakos, condo unit owner: “It’s tragic. People do not know what to do. They’re trying to sell their units, but where are they going to go? It’s very difficult.”

The reason for that difficulty is a state law passed after the Surfside collapse. It requires condo associations to collect reserve money for costly future major repairs like structural work.

Efi Barakakos: “We’re on fixed incomes here, and it’s very difficult for people to afford 100% reserves. We’re a four-story building, which is considered low-rise. We’re 11 miles away from the ocean. We can’t compare it to Surfside at all.”

David Podein, attorney, Haber Law: “I think it is a dire situation on the horizon.”

Condo law attorneys David Podein and Jonathan Goldstein are sounding the alarm.

David Podein: “Between skyrocketing insurance costs, the huge capital needs for the structural repairs and the mandatory reserve funding, we felt that there is this confluence of factors that could create a ‘zombie condo.'”

“Zombie condos” are large buildings that are mostly empty because many of the owners couldn’t afford to live there anymore.

Robert Norris: “I would think a lot of buildings in South Florida, that they’re just not to be able to do it. It’s going to be an Armageddon of some sort.”

Robert feels fortunate his association found financing for their $33 million project, which would allow unit owners to pay the assessment over time.

Still, he says, their insurance situation is a challenge.

Robert Norris: “We can’t get full insurance value for this building. This building is valued at $100 million. We’re only insured up to $20 million, and our insurance went up 60%.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute, associations have seen premium increases as high as 500%. Some are calling on state lawmakers to fix these complex condo problems. “Paradise Lost” continues Thursday at 10 p.m. with a look at tenants who say landlords are taking advantage of them in a tight rental market.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

“The Condominium Special Assessment Program is designed to provide funding assistance to help condominium owners in Miami-Dade County pay for special assessment requirements that arise from rehabilitation and repairs due to applicable building integrity recertification requirements.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1689262443911730

With insurance rates skyrocketing many homeowners are making expensive repairs in hopes of lowering their bills.

Francisco Landaeta: “We have a new roof. We have hurricane windows and doors, and these are things that they look into. They didn’t matter.”

Francisco Landaeta says even after spending thousands of dollars, his rates are four times higher than they used to be.

Francisco Landaeta: “Not too long ago, we were paying $900 and right now, we went to $3,600. So it’s a huge increase.”

Ronnie Mackliff bought his home two years ago. He’s afraid he’ll have to move because he can’t afford his premium, which jumped from $3,264 to $4,589.

Ronnie Mackliff: “It’s just getting to a place we can’t control.”

And one of the biggest reasons our rates are going up? Hurricanes.

Chuck Nyce/FSU: “And it will always be a factor in pricing.”

Hurricanes like Irma, Ian and Michael caused billions of dollars in damage.

Last year, six insurance companies didn’t have the money to pay the claims from those major storms.

Several others left the state or limited the amount of policies they would write.

Chuck Nyce/FSU: “When we’ve lost these companies that have either gone insolvent, or they’ve decided they don’t want to do business in the state of Florida anymore, that’s reduced competition.”

And reduced competition creates higher prices.

Walter Wyatt: “I had some sleepless nights because I was not sure if I was going to find any or find any that I could afford.”

Walter Wyatt paid $7,000 for his policies with Citizens Insurance, which is run by the state. But after Citizens dropped him, he spent weeks trying to find a new company to insure him.

Walter Wyatt: “I had everybody working for me and got quotes between $20,000 a year and $40,000 a year, which is just totally unaffordable. The last agent that I contacted was able to find me a policy and it still hurts. It’s $15,158 a year.”

Policies written by Citizens, are typically lower, but the company is dropping hundreds of thousands of homeowners so it can lower its financial risk.

Ronnie just got his notice that Citizens won’t be renewing him. A private policy will cost him 20% more.

Ronnie Mackliff: “We have been building our dreams so many years and working so hard to earn what we have today and we would like to keep it that way but I don’t see that possible with these projections.”

Francisco is also wondering if leaving Florida is the only answer.

Francisco Landaeta: “What if we look into another state, something that is cheaper that we have more options? Yeah, that has been on our mind.”

Some say Florida residents might not be able to get insurance at all.   

Chuck Nyce/FSU: “So I am concerned about the future of insurance in the state of Florida. There will be long-term consequences to the state, if we don’t figure out a way of hardening homes, preventing damage, making sure that the private insurance market is working.”

Homeowners aren’t the only ones feeling the insurance squeeze. Tomorrow, we look at how insurance and other issues could be the beginning of the end for condo associations.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Tonight, we begin a series of reports on this issue facing so many.

7’s Karen Hensel investigates: Paradise Lost.

They look like tired travelers waiting for a flight. But take a closer look.

These people are actually homeless and they are living inside Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Rebecca: “Well, since right now, I am completely broke, so I’m not going anywhere. Just going, hiding in different parts of the airport.”

Rebecca has lived here with her adult son and cat for almost a year. She says the airport is safer than the streets and overcrowded shelters.

Rebecca: “You got cameras everywhere. You’ve got police.”

She became homeless after her husband Brian died. She moved from Arizona to Florida for a fresh start.

Rebecca: “I left phoenix with $15,000. It goes quick.”

The job and apartment she had lined up, both fell through. Then she lost $3,500 in a rental scam.

Broke, she landed at the airport, homeless.

We first spoke with Rebecca in March. She agreed to keep a video diary.

Rebecca (in video diary): “I am losing hope on all of this, it’s just getting hard.”

Taking us inside the struggle and sleepless nights.

Rebecca (in video diary): “It is actually a little scary doing this because I’m literally hiding under a blanket.”

Even more terrifying, the idea she could be kicked out. It is a constant fear as more and more homeless migrate to the airport.

Rebecca (in video diary): “It’s about one and there’s just a lot of people tonight. There’s a group of like four, I think, that get themselves completely walled in. That’s usually when they get angry. When customers come out and they start seeing that many homeless people.”

Rebecca says she leaves during the day to stand in line at soup kitchens. At night she moves between terminals and the parking garage.

Rebecca (in video diary): “It’s scary out here. It’s after 10 p.m.”

Rebecca (in video diary): “Just a quick shot of us leaving one and heading over to three.”

A good night for her is when she can find a family bathroom to sleep in because the door locks.

Rebecca (in video diary): “This is us at a car rental terminal charging up the phones.”

She uses the Wi-Fi at the airport to apply for jobs.

Rebecca (in video diary): “I am sick of this. I want to go to work. I keep putting in job applications.”

At one point she did get a job, ironically here at the airport, doing what she did in Phoenix, pushing passengers in wheelchairs.

Rebecca: “I like customer service a lot. I like the exercise I got pushing chairs.”

But was fired a week later.

Rebecca (in video diary): “It’s about 4 a.m. My eyes are a little swollen this morning from crying all day yesterday.”

She believes the company found out she was homeless.

Rebecca: “It’s hard to go to interviews when you have to be here, when you don’t have a definite, permanent address. The address that I use for mailing comes back to a church for the homeless, so they pretty much put two and two together. And then everywhere I go, I’ve got to take everything with me.”

She kept some possessions in storage, but lost them when she couldn’t pay for the unit anymore.

Karen Hensel: “So how have you been doing since the last time we talked?”

Rebecca: “Up and down. I lost my storage. So I lost, I lost Brian’s ashes and everything else.”

But she hasn’t lost her faith and still goes to church every Sunday.

Rebecca: “I don’t really have anything else I can do but just keep trying.”

Karen Hensel: “How much longer can you keep this up?”

Rebecca: “I don’t know. I don’t like being here.”

Rebecca says Florida has been a living nightmare since she got here but believes she will eventually land on her feet.

The homeless are living at airports across the country. Right now, 108 are staying at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. But it’s not only the homeless who are struggling.

Tomorrow at ten in our special series called Paradise Lost, we look at the cost of home insurance forcing some to leave Florida.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Rebecca and her son have set up a GoFundMe page. If you’d like to help, click here.  

Diana Thar has congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. She needed oxygen and the help of a scooter.

Today she met us inside her Fort Lauderdale apartment building. But not long ago, she was sleeping outside.

Diana Thar, helped by Community Court: “Well, we lived literally on the street, on the concrete, for many, many months.”

Diana and her sister Carol were evicted last year and ended up homeless.

Diana Thar: “The most scariest moment a woman could ever have in her life.”

Last October, Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Carabine found Diana sleeping on private property.

Diana Thar: “I could have been arrested by being on the property and charged with trespassing.”

But instead of handcuffing her, the deputy diverted Diana into a program that would change her life.

Diana Thar: “When they told me about it, I said, ‘I’ll do it.'”

“It” is Community Court. The specialized program launched in Fort Lauderdale in 2019, expanded to Pompano Beach last year, and is now set to start in Hollywood in January.

Despite the name, Community Court isn’t held in a courtroom, although it “does” have a judge.

Broward County Judge Florence Taylor Barner: “You know, there’s no fear, because there’s no judgment here.”

No judgment may seem like a surprising thing for Broward County Judge Florence Taylor Barner to say about her hearings.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner: “I know, but I am not here to judge anyone, what’s going on in their life. I just want to see what whatever I can do to help.”

And those in this room, care.

Judge Barner leads the proceedings.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner: “We do have a dentist that we can send you to as well.”

Nonprofits are there to help find people what they need, like housing, health care and jobs.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner: “The beauty of this court is putting all these folks in one room.”

Those eligible include nonviolent offenders charged with things like trespassing, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The court also accepts walk-ins, meaning people not charged with anything, just needing something.

Judge Florence Taylor Barner: “I see children. I see full families come into community court.”

Those who follow the rules, and complete 10 hours of community service, get a graduation ceremony and their charges dismissed.

Diana had her trespassing charge dismissed.

Diana Thar: “They renewed my faith in people.”

People like Pompano Beach Social Services manager Cassandra Rhett.

Cassandra Rhett: “Diana has a degree in survival, a doctorate degree in survival.”

Diana Thar: “I probably wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for her. She was our guardian angel.”

Diana and Carol moved into their new apartment in May. She pays a portion of the rent from her Social Security. The rest is paid by a nonprofit.

Diana Thar: “I mean, that’s the first thing we did, was cried and said, ‘We made it.'”

Sadly, just weeks later, her sister passed away. Diana is grateful it was not on the street.

Diana Thar: “Yeah, we considered it our forever home.”

A reminder of the power of community — both in court and in life.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach Community Court
17th.flcourts.org/community-court
fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/city-manager-s-office/office-of-neighbor-support/homeless-initiatives/community-court

They are all Black, all women, and they are all top cops — a triple combo that puts Miami-Dade County on the map.

But who are the powerful women behind the badges? We sat down with three of them.

Karen Hensel: “I’m curious, have you guys all met?”

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels, Miami-Dade Police: “Oh, yeah, we are very good friends.”

Meet Chief Cherise Gause of the North Miami Police Department.

Karen Hensel: “So you’re the first Haitian American chief. In the country?”

Chief Cherise Gause: “Yes, so we’re told, yes.”

Chief Gause started her career as a dispatcher with the city of Miami.

Chief Harvette Smith started as a secretary in the 90’s at the North Miami Beach Police Department, where she is now the first Black chief.

Chief Harvette Smith, North Miami Beach Police: “When I originally got sworn in as a police officer, I did say that I wanted to be the first female chief of North Miami Beach Department.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “Nice.”

Stephanie Daniels is the interim director of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “I did not aspire to become the chief of police for any agency, let alone Miami-Dade Police Department.”

Each of them started at the bottom … and now have hundreds of officers under their command.

But getting there was not easy.

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “No matter what rank I had, up until a couple of years ago, I still had to fight for my voice, even by sitting at the table.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “I think there’s always going to be, for women, proving yourself, making sure that people understand why you’re here.”

Across the country, women only make up 12% of law enforcement, and only 3% are in leadership.

Director Daniels created a mentoring group where women help women.

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “We text each other, ‘Hey, we’ve got this event, come out,’ you know, so we get a table, we go, we mentor.”

Daniels was thrust into her role on the heels of tragedy. She was named interim director days after former Director Freddy Ramirez attempted suicide.

Karen Hensel: “I’m sure that’s not how you wanted to become chief.”

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “I knew I wanted to be in a high-ranking position within the department, but I’d never thought I would be the interim director.”

Karen Hensel: “As a mom, what did you miss out on?”

Chief Harvette Smith: “For my family, Sundays are a big thing. Everyone is at my mom’s house, and I always remember my daughter saying, ‘Mom, you’re never there. Everyone else’s mom is there. You’re not there.'”

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “Holidays, games, graduations.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “These positions come at a cost and that sacrifice. Sometimes it’s the family.”

Karen Hensel: “How do you guys make sure, when you walk in the door, that you’re Mom and you’re not chief?”

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “When we walk in that door, it is definitely – it’s us.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “I head right to the kitchen, and I’ll start things, and I’ll run upstairs and change. That’s a part of balancing.”

Each of them have made painful sacrifices, but it’s all part of the change they want to make.

Chief Harvette Smith: “We’re faced with doing law enforcement differently. The culture has changed.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “I want to make sure that my son, who is a Black male, or my brother can go out comfortably into the community and not have a fear of police.”

Karen Hensel: “You’re all Black, you’re all women, you’re all chiefs. What does that mean to you personally, but also to your profession?”

Interim Director Stephanie Daniels: “No matter where you come from, what you got going on today, doesn’t have to be your reality 20 years from now.”

Chief Cherise Gause: “It’s not always easy, but I think it sends a message of hope that you, too, can achieve these levels of leadership.”

Chief Harvette Smith: “It lets the little girls, Black and brown like us, know that you can achieve anything. The sky’s the limit.”

And all three women are proof of that.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

7’s Karen Hensel has today’s 7 Spotlight.

These mats were made to foster fierce martial artists. But more than that, they’re fostering hope.

Michael Fernandez/owner of First Order of Jiu-Jitsu: “The reason we opened up is to be different, and for a group that society doesn’t really touch much on. We have the Just Us Two program, a program that’s designed for kids on the spectrum.”

Friday nights at First Order of Jiu-Jitsu in Miami are filled with hands-on training specifically for children and teens with special needs.

Michael Fernandez: “So some of them don’t have motor skills, fine motor skills, and just holding a gi, holding somebody, holding somebody down, carrying somebody, it’s working the total body.”

But parents aren’t allowed to just drop-off and go. They’re required to hit the mat with their children.

Michael Fernandez: “This gives the parents one hour to really work with their child, get to know their child from all angles. It’s an hour for you and your child with no interruptions.”

Michael and his wife Christine opened First Order of Jiu-Jitsu in 2016. Together, they have years of experience in martial arts and working with special needs children.

Michael Fernandez: “It’s not just me that runs this. My wife helps, all the parents help. We integrate ourselves with all the students and that is what makes this place. I’m just one person.”

Between hours of school and therapy, parents say that one class with their children is priceless and they’ve found a family like no other.

Angely Angel: “We’re constantly looking at our kids behind a screen on an iPad, but we’re not engaging with our kids. And a lot of the time we feel like we’re losing time with our children because we want them to have these therapies.”

Through the program, parents have seen their children open up in ways they never imagined possible.

Charlie Weiss: “I’ve seen his confidence, I mean, skyrocket. He’s now involved in whitewater rafting, soccer, swimming, he does it all. And I really do attribute this program for giving him the confidence to do those type of things.”

For these families, it’s more than a dojo.

Angely Angel: “He’s given us a place for us to be able to have a home, and so, it’s been spectacular.”

This is a community where children can build confidence, strength and bright future.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

More Information:
First Order of Jiu-Jitsu

This condo building’s surveillance video starts with a Miami Beach Code Compliance officer getting out of his car. Notice these two recycling bins, with their lids closed, in the alley next to the Nautilus Towers condominium.

But watch what happens next. The officer opens one of the bins and arranges boxes inside so the lid no longer closes. He then opens it again, stacks even more boxes and raises the lid even higher before walking back to his car.

Berta Flynn, resident: “Oh, ahh, interesting.”

We showed the video to Berta Flynn, a unit owner at Nautilus.

Karen Hensel: “Does it surprise you that a code enforcement officer would do that?”

Berta Flynn: “It does. Unfortunately, it happens.”

And unfortunately for the Code Compliance officer, a surveillance camera on the building captured him rearranging the recycling bin clear as day.

But what is not clear is the motivation behind his bizarre behavior.

Body camera videos and records obtained by 7 Investigates provide a more complete picture of what happened on that November day last year.

Code Compliance officer (in bodycam video): “Now let’s go ahead and take a picture of that.”

Turns out, the officer seen taking a picture of the overflowing container was training a new officer on how to identify and cite violators.

Trainee (in bodycam video): “Doing a sanitation detail on 41st Street. Garbage can overflow.”

But it didn’t end there. The pair came back later in the day and slapped a trash violation notice on the building. It gave the condo 24 hours to fix the manufactured problem or face a $300 fine.

When the property management company reviewed its own surveillance video, it alerted the city. Miami Beach Police conducted an internal affairs investigation and questioned the code officer.

Internal affairs investigator: “Now, you guys posted it. Why did you leave it posted on the building? Can you explain?”

Code compliance officer: “Um, that was poor judgment on my part. Um, you know, I’m very sorry about that.”

The employee, with six and a half years’ experience, told investigators he was teaching the trainee the basics of sanitation details.

Code compliance officer: “So that she has a full and complete understanding and she receives some quality training.”

But he did not tell the condo building, or his supervisors, that this was all just an exercise.

And although he said his intention was to help the trainee, he admitted…

Code compliance officer: “These actions were unorthodox and uncommon, possibly even wrong. I will not engage in this type of activity again, and I’m very sorry.”

As for discipline, the officer got a one-day suspension.

The city wrote: “Your actions have violated our organization’s policies and procedures and compromised the integrity of our operations.”

Karen Hensel: “The code enforcement officer ended up saying, ‘Well, I was doing training.'”

Berta Flynn: “Ohh, what a nice excuse.”

Meanwhile, our camera captured open trash and recycling bins all over Miami Beach — which raises the question: why stage one in the first place?

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

7 Investigates was there for the reunion.

Here’s Karen Hensel.

Timothy Sweat/Bear’s owner: “My baby bear. I know. I miss you so much. Oh my goodness. Daddy’s here.”

Timothy Sweat has spent the last 91 days fighting for this moment.

Timothy Sweat: “My little baby boy. My little baby boy.”

On July 26, someone tried to take his dog Bear while they were on a walk in Dania Beach. Timothy fought the person off but he was severely beaten and rushed to the hospital Police took Bear to animal care for safe keeping but the shelter did not keep the Yorki-poo safe for Timothy.

Timothy Sweat: “The second I got out of the hospital, still bleeding, still had the tags on me, I got to the animal shelter and they just politely walked out and said, ‘He’s gone and we gave him away.'”

Through 7 Investigates, Timothy made a public plea to the woman who adopted Bear, Sharon Barnett

But Barnett refused to take his calls and our calls. She wouldn’t talk to us when we caught up with her at home.

With no other option, Timothy sued her in court.

Barnett told the court she gave Bear to her godson and the dog was in New Jersey.

The court ruled Bear likely belonged to Tim and he was “entitled to take possession” of the dog.

Gregory Elder/Timothy’s attorney: “So, I think she knew there was a process server and that the day of reckoning was coming.”

Attorney Gregory Elder was getting ready to ask the court to order Barnett to bring Bear back to Florida, but the family in New Jersey suddenly said they would give Bear back.

Gregory Elder: “It was a culmination of terrible events happening one after another, you know, and ultimately, of course, the worst part of it is he had to resort to the legal system.”

7 Investigates flew with Timothy to New Jersey for the reunion he feared would never happen. He was nervous until the moment bear ran into his arms.

Timothy Sweat: “My baby. We’re going to go home. Ya, we’re going to go home.”

Timothy flew Bear back here to Fort Lauderdale the same day. He is still considering a lawsuit against animal control for the money he’s spent on lawyers and flights, but for now, is just glad to have Bear back where he belongs.”

Timothy Sweat: “We’re just going to enjoy each other’s company and just get back into our normal routine and start our life again.”

A life filled with the kind of joy a precious pet can bring.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk neighborhood has a rich history.

Yana Danzig, founder, Brushstrokes for History: “This area was kind of the heart of the Black community in Fort Lauderdale for many years.”

Seventeen-year-old aspiring artist Yana Danzig has spent the past several months learning all she could about the area. She became interested after volunteering in a service project to help revitalize Sistrunk.

Yana Danzig: “They were already painting colorful and beautiful designs on pieces of plywood to put up on buildings like these.”

Yana says she learned so much about the history here, she wanted to share it with others. So she decided to do it in the way she knows best: through painting.

Yana Danzig: “I just really feel motivated and driven to help communicate with people through art.”

Yana has created her own nonprofit, called Brushstrokes for History.

Yana Danzig: “It’s really about empowering community members and students to really create art that represents how they want their own stories and community to be viewed.”

During the summer, she held art classes at local community centers.

Her students created paintings of the neighborhood’s early leaders, including its namesake, Dr. James Sistrunk, Broward County’s first Black doctor.

Yana Danzig: “So this portrait is kind of an anime version of the main famous portrait of Dr. Sistrunk.”

And now, the art is finding a home. This past weekend, Yana teamed up with Bbroward College for its BC Cares service project. They gave an old vacant building a new coat of paint, and used the children’s paintings to cover up the broken windows and doors.

Yana Danzig: “The building itself has so much history.”

The paintings were installed at the former Cone Plaza on Sistrunk Boulevard. The building opened in the 1950s as a hat shop that attracted both Black and white customers.

Yana Danzig: “Here we have a painting depicting Kathleen C. Wright, who was an influential Black school board member.

Yana knows the paintings won’t last forever, so she’s creating an online gallery where the paintings, and the stories they tell, can be shared with everyone.

Yana Danzig: “It would be really cool for people who don’t necessarily walk by here every day to still be able to learn about the history and understand why this area is so important to so many people.”

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brushstrokes for History

7’s Karen Hensel is in the Newsplex to continue our coverage.

He is an Israeli reporter sharing his own raw emotional moments, taking us behind the headlines of the heartbreak unfolding

In normal times, reporter Paz Robinzon covers just about everything for Tel Aviv-based Channel 13.

Paz Robinzon/Israeli TV news reporter: “From politics to fun to entertainment.”

But these are not normal times in Israel.

Paz Robinzon: “The only thing that I’m doing is the war for the last 11 days.”

Paz, who has been a TV news reporter for about 10 years, was born in Israel and has family here in South Florida.

Paz Robinzon: “Our friends in Florida, we are in the 11th day of the war.”

He spoke with us about how the war has impacted his life; both professionally and personally.

Paz Robinzon: “My grandfather and grandmother from both sides were in the Holocaust, and all my youth, I was hearing the stories and now, for the first time, I can see those stories here live in Israel in 2023.”

He reported outside a hospital at capacity with injured Israelis and took cover as air raid sirens blared in the city of Ashkelon near the Gaza Strip.

He interviewed these two children, asking them if they had a message for Israeli soldiers.

The girl’s reply: “Please don’t die and be strong.”

Paz himself was unable to hold back the tears while interviewing a 17-year-old whose home was burned down. He says her 85 year old grandmother was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists and is still missing.

Paz Robinzon: “That’s the time that I was crying for the first time in my life on live TV because she was so strong.”

Paz Robinzon: “You can smell the death.”

So many horrific stories began here at the site of the Nova music festival, where a reported 260 people were killed.

Paz Robinzon: “One of their attackers came to the toilets with his gun and started to shoot. One after one, after one, after one.”

Paz Robinzon: “What was supposed to be a huge festival with music and happy people, it became to be a death, a death scene.”

Paz lost two friends at the festival.

Paz Robinzon: “Both of them like music, both of them like to be free spirits.”

We asked Paz how he handles being both an Israeli and a journalist covering the war.

Paz Robinzon: “I don’t want to separate the things. I want to be an Israeli and I want to be a journalist, and I want to be Jewish, and I want to say in the things that I have on my heart and inside my head. We are doing our job and we are telling the stories, we are Israeli.”

Paz told us he believes journalists who are covering the war will eventually need mental health services because of what they are witnessing.

In his words, “every day we see death.”

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Karen Hensel has today’s 7 Spotlight.

These kids are not here to create viral videos or post on Instagram.

Carlos Aleman/teaches anime workshops: “This is their chance to disconnect from technology and social media and all that.”

What these artists are here for requires just a pad, pencil and a passion for anime.

Carlos Aleman: “Anime is just the Japanese term for animation. So they are very inspired by western comics. The way we love Japanese anime, they love Marvel and DC and all that.”

Carlos Aleman is an artist in his own right, creating these Asian-inspired paintings that burst with color.

Carlos Aleman: “Well, it’s not good enough Art Basel, so they say. There’s highbrow and there’s lowbrow and I’m just the regular guy. I’m not very sophisticated.”

A humble artist, who teaches the next generation twice a week inside the Sunrise Civic Center.

This is where kids and teens have an opportunity to share a unique South Florida experience.

Carlos Aleman: “I’m not aware of anyone else doing anything like this. There could be, but I’m not aware of it.”

We had a chance to watch as Carlos started drawing circles and lines on a white board. His work ultimately becoming quite the “character.”

The young, budding artists are clearly “drawn” to anime.

Ella/10-years old: “I like the language of Japanese and the storyline. Most of the storylines in anime, they’re pretty epic.”

Leia/11 years old: “I really like anime because of the story and the character designs. I watch a lot of anime and it like inspires me.”

Kayden/10 years old: “Art makes me feel so good sometimes. Like when I feel like really, really, really, really sad, I just draw something. I forgot all about it.”

Thirteen-year-old Dylainey has been coming to classes here for about six months.

Dylainey: “The Japanese style is more free. You’re allowed to do more of what you want it to look like.”

And that was clear as they held up their work , each looking different even though they were drawing the same character.

Sabrina/10 years old: “When I started, like I hated my drawings and now it’s like, really good. I like it.”

Carlos Aleman: “So if you’re a geek like me and many others, in Japan they’re called the Otakus, you don’t care what people think. You just go where your passion leads you.”

A passion that is now instilling confidence in these young artists.

Carlos Aleman: “It’s just amazing how good they get over time.”

Carlos Aleman’s anime workshops cost $12 per class.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

More Information:
Japanese anime workshops 
Carlos Aleman’s art

Ada Gonzalez’s top priority is the success of her students.

Ada Gonzalez, principal, Cambridge International Academy: “The parents and the children, they’re not just our students. They’re our family.”

She’s the principal of Cambridge International Academy in Pembroke Pines.

But the school nearly closed when money from the state’s school voucher program never came.

Ada Gonzalez: “It was a moment of total panic.”

That’s when the school’s owner stepped in.

Ada Gonzalez: “She had to take from her own, reach into her pocket, basically, to be able to meet payroll and max out credit cards. She’s also had to take out two high-interest loans.”

This private school isn’t the only one struggling.

Tasha Hill, director, Cutler Bay Christian Academy: “We’re finding ourselves in a bad situation. We have to explain to our employees, ‘OK. Hey, be patient. Can you wait? Can I give you a check next week?’ It’s an embarrassing situation what’s going on now.”

Cambridge International Academy and Cutler Bay Christian Academy are two of at least 2,000 private schools in Florida that are funded through Step Up for Students. The nonprofit organization is contracted by the state to distribute scholarship money that comes from state taxes and donations.

The payments are supposed to be distributed to schools quarterly, beginning no later than Sept. 1.

Tasha Hill: “In the past, we never had a issue. Funds were always on time. You can depend on it.”

Why is this school year different?

Back in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded the state’s school voucher program to include all students, no matter their family income.

In a statement to 7News, the Florida Department of Education says, “A record number of Florida families have applied to take part in the expanded state scholarship program.”

But that record number is taking its toll.

Ada Gonzalez: “I feel helpless, because you call and there’s no resolution. You know, you call, you email, they tell you, ‘No, you have to email here.'”

And parents are concerned that if funds continue to trickle in little by little, some schools could close.

Jessica Jones, parent: “It’s extremely stressful, because I don’t have anywhere else to send my child. That’s just the truth: there are no other options.”

Jessica, the mother of a kindergartner with autism, says her son’s future could be jeopardized.

Jessica Jones: “I had such a struggle to find this school, so I would have to start from square one.”

Ada Gonzalez: “We’re just hopeful that it’s not going to happen again. But who knows. If we were to have to close, it would be devastating.”

Dedicated teachers continue to work at the Cambridge International Academy as they wait for the remaining funding to come in. But clearly, something needs to be done to keep these schools on course.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Parts of the video you are about to see are difficult to watch.

Investigative reporter Karen Hensel has the exclusive.

Jalisa Edwards was in a Broward courtroom, Monday morning.

Judge: “Ms. Edwards, good morning.”

Facing charges from a violent night with a man she had met on a dating app.

Karen Hensel: “Prosecutors see him as a victim. How do you see it?”

Jalisa Edwards: “He’s not a victim. I don’t see him, he’s a aggressor.”

It was Feb. 25, 2022.

The man you hear lives in this Plantation home. The woman knocking is Jalisa. They had just started dating.

Jalisa Edwards: “We went to his house. We watched a movie, and then we fell asleep for the next day for our date that we were supposed to have the next day. Yeah. So it’s a pretty simple night.”

But there was nothing simple about what happened the next night after it was clear there was no love connection.

Jalisa Edwards: “I dropped him off and then I sat in my car for a few seconds and I was like, ‘Wait. He has my belongings, phone items.’ I was like, ‘Wait, no. I have to get this stuff back. I can’t just disappear. I want my things back.'”

The man loudly and repeatedly demands Jalisa leave his home.

Man: “Get the [expletive] out of my crib.”

She does not and they argue about money Jalisa says she is owed from their day at a casino.

Watch closely. Just a minute into their argument, he pushes Jalisa. She pushes an appliance off the counter, grabs a knife, drops it and then this.

Jalisa Edwards: “Get the [expletive] off me!”

Jalisa, who did not have her cell phone, sits down at a table.

Man: “Get the [expletive] of my crib.”

Jalisa Edwards: “You have my property, you owe me money, call the police.

They continue to scream at each other and both hold knives at various times through the roughly 20 minutes of chaos. At one point, the fight moves outside.

Man: “Put the knife down, put the knife down.”

Jalisa is seen back inside the home first, throwing things around the room.

And once he comes back in, the situation goes from bad to worse

Jalisa goes at him with a knife.

They fight for control of the knife that he eventually gets and starts to stab her repeatedly as she begs for help

Jalisa Edwards: “Please, please help me. Please help me.”

The video shows him stabbing at her more than 60 times.

Jalisa Edwards: “I thought I was done. I thought I was gone. I thought, I thought about my mom.”

Jalisa Edwards in the video: “Please stop hurting me, please stop hurting me, I’m so sorry.”

Man: “I tried to call the [expletive] police.”

He is still on top of her when Plantation Police officers rush in.

Officer: “Get down, get the [expletive] down now!”

They cuff him but he was not the one who ended up with a mug shot. She was.

The man, who we are not identifying because he is listed as the “victim,” told police: “…I wasn’t trying to hurt her or kill her. I just really wanted her to leave my house…”

Officers wrote he had a “severed tendon in his right pinkie” and a picture shows a cut on his shoulder.

Jalisa Edwards: “My pinkie could have fully came off.”

Jalisa says she had three surgeries, got more than 60 stitches on her hands, along with 10 staples in her head.

Gordon Weekes/Broward public defender: “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Broward public defender Gordon Weekes says their client was the one fighting for her life.

Gordon Weekes: “There is absolutely no justification for that level of violence that he’s using towards her.”

Back in court, the man’s mother said the whole situation could have been avoided.

Victim’s mother: “I hope moving forward that she learns from this. Also, my son, I hope he learns from this.”

Jalisa decided not to roll the dice with a jury trial. She agreed to a plea deal of two years probation and must complete an anger management program.

Jalisa Edwards: “It’s something that did change my life. It taught me a lot. For one, just walk away.”

The Broward State Attorney’s Office called their offer “appropriate and fair” and said “the case was resolved in a manner that both sides found acceptable and appropriate, considering everything that happened.” Jalisa must still pay restitution for damages done inside the home and his medical bills.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Holiday season might still be weeks away, but travel experts advise to start booking trips now.

“With inflation and in a post-pandemic world, the price of traveling, specifically airfare, has gone up drastically,” said Adam Duckworth, the founder of Travelmation.

With bookings being so expensive, there is one thing travelers may want to consider to save a few bucks this year.

“Traveling on the holiday itself,” said Duckworth.

Those who are flexible with their travel dates tend to save the most during peak flight seasons, but for those who don’t want to be traveling on the holiday itself, flying out four to five days in advance can still be budget-friendly.

For those who remain unsure about the best time to book a trip, Duckworth has a word of advice.

“You want to book as early as possible,” he said.

That means it’s time to start booking those Thanksgiving flights.

“So you can wait till the last minute, you surely can. I wouldn’t advise it, because you’re going to pay a pretty penny if you do,” said Duckworth.

Travel advisors and airlines say it’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance, especially during the hectic holiday season.

“It’s a, not that expensive and b, can help cover you should a trip interruption or delay happen,” said Duckworth

Flight cancellations remains a pressing concern.

“Regardless, you want make sure that you a, don’t panic, and b, you want to contact the airline to get rebooked as soon as possible,” said Duckworth.

For those wanting to avoid the airport chaos, one option is to spend the holiday season in South Florida, where so many other people want to vacation.

“Whether it’s getting on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Miami right in our backyard, or one of those amazing resorts that are decked out for the holidays, South Florida can be a magical place to spend the holiday season,” said Duckworth.

Planning ahead will help travelers make the most out of this holiday season, even if they don’t want to deal with all the travel stress.

They are soldiers clad in camouflage, serving their country with discipline, determination, and … rap?

Kervens Jackson, Piper High School band director: “A rapper in the Army? Is that real?”

It is now. Meet Staff Sgt. Lamar Riddick, an artist who rhymed his way into the ranks of the Army and hails from South Florida.

Lamar Riddick, U.S. Army Field Band rapper: “It’s so amazing to do this full time and to serve the country.”

Since 1946, the Army Field Band has allowed soldiers to serve their country through song.

Now, for the first time ever, they’re bringing hip-hop to the center stage.

Lamar Riddick: “It didn’t dawn on us until, I think, after we got the job that we were the first in military history.”

Riddick was a Christian rapper before joining the Army.

Lamar Riddick: “I’m definitely a believer. At the end of the day, my goal is to revive the culture and encourage people to be all they can be.”

He saw an opportunity to do that on a bigger scale, in the U.S. Army, auditioning for the field band in 2021.

He has performed on national TV and worldwide.

Lamar Riddick: “I think the world heard us when we went over there. The impact of bringing rap music in a place that hasn’t had rap music in that particular event, around all NATO alliances, that still feels like a fairy tale.”

Now a staff sergeant, Lamar Riddick got his start and made his mark at Piper High School in Sunrise. This is where his musical talents took off.

Kervens Jackson: “He’s right here.”

And his picture still hangs in the band room where he first met school band director Kervens Jackson.

Kervens Jackson: “I was really in shock because someone just – when you meet someone, you don’t just kind of give them a hug, but he just gave me a hug, and from there, I knew he was someone that’s very special. I think that’s one thing about him, his determination to be great in everything that he does.”

Lamar played the Scarecrow in his school performance of “The Wiz.”

His former choir director, Traci Fuller, still works as his vocal coach.

Traci Fuller: “When I speak with him, and when we talk about some of the things he’s working on now, he has that spirit of excellence in everything that he does.”

Lamar says Jackson and Fuller were more than just his teachers.

Lamar Riddick: “Because I was living in a kind of a split household, you know, back and forth between my mom and dad, sometimes during the school days, they were really like my school parents.”

Now, Lamar is impacting lives here in South Florida. His name is used as inspiration for students at Piper High.

Kervens Jackson: “If you’re in my class, you know about Lamar Riddick. I share this with the students to show them that they can strive to do excellence in every level in their lives.”

Because it was that kind of determination that landed Lamar literally center stage.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

“If you can see it, you can be it.”

Members of the Miami Marlins are sharing that message with some of baseball’s youngest fans, especially the girls.

Miami Marlins President Caroline O’Connor and general manager Kim Ng are the only all-female executive team in professional sports.

Kim Ng, Miami Marlins general manager: “Very humbling. Very humbling when I sit back and think about it.”

Kim was hired as the Marlins’ general manager in 2020, making her the first woman to ever serve as a GM in Major League Baseball. The team made history again when Caroline was promoted to president of business operations. She is only the second woman in the league’s history to reach that position.

Caroline O’Connor, Miami Marlins president: “It’s a privilege to have this role and have the platform that comes with it.”

Reaching the top ranks didn’t come easy for the two women. They both grew up with a love of baseball, but knew pursuing careers in the sport would be tough.

Kim Ng: “I never really had women to look to. Watching the young women and young girls and, you know, knowing that this is now a possibility for them.”

Women hold less than a third of the front office positions in Major League Baseball.

Kim and Caroline see their time with the Marlins as a way to help change those numbers.

Caroline O’Connor: “We’re one of the first teams to step up to participate in the league’s initiatives around diversity.”

The team has been holding special events geared toward women.

Kim Ng: “For those of you who this is your first time to loanDepot Park, welcome!”

The Women’s Empowerment Night at a recent game was all about networking. Everyone had a chance to meet with some of South Florida’s female CEOs and business leaders, and hear their stories of overcoming adversity.

Kim Ng: “That was a lot of fun and a lot of energy and a lot of great ideas, and really, you know, incredible, you know, empowered women with great resumes. And I think it really shows the power of what we’re trying to do here.”

And it’s that power that’s really scoring a home run.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

The pictures tell the story inside the Cloisters apartments. A sewage backup pushing feces into bathtubs, overflowing the toilets and filling kitchen sinks.

This UM student did not want to appear on camera but shared these pictures and video of her brand-new apartment.

Anonymous UM student: “And I came back to see this, and there was no way to stop it. I used all my towels, all my friends’ towels, everything. And then I called the emergency contact, and no one answered it.”

Human waste coming from plumbing is a common concern.

Gianna: “We currently have feces coming out of our kitchen sink, and we’re trying to get someone on it.”

Celeste Fisher says her bathroom is also a mess.

Celeste Fisher, UM junior: “We don’t have shower-heads either. And when we tried to shower out of the hole, there was gunk coming out of the shower.”

Karen Hensel: “What kind of gunk?”

Celeste Fisher: “It was like almost like a brown sandy substance.”

But it’s not just plumbing problems plaguing the students.

Alyssa: “We don’t have window shades, we don’t have any blinds.”

Anonymous UM student: “I tried to open my closet door, and it fell off on top of me. So we used the closet door to block the window.”

Some students say they have no locks on their doors, which is a safety concern for both them and their parents.

One parent wrote on Facebook, “Construction workers can see into every window and door,” saying the complex has placed “…Hundreds of students in unlivable and potentially deadly conditions.”

Karen Hensel: “Do you feel safe here?”

Anonymous student: “No, I’m not sleeping here anymore.”

Celeste Fisher: “No, not at all. God, no.”

Gianna Rettew: “No, absolutely not.”

Alyssa Mirenda: “Our front door is like rotting, rotting off. Someone could kick it down.”

Brooke Harrison: “No, it’s not good.”

Landmark Properties owns the Cloisters and tells 7 Investigates, “The health and safety of our residents is our top priority. We are addressing work orders as quickly as we are able and by level of priority.”

If it is bad enough students cannot live in their apartment, Landmark says they are “…providing alternate accommodations.”

Records show Miami-Dade County did issue a temporary certificate of occupancy.

How or why? We don’t know, because the county has not responded.

But we were there when a team of county inspectors arrived this week.

Meanwhile, students tell us the situation is taking a toll.

Celeste Fisher: “It’s already put so much stress on me, so much stress on my parents, like, I’m getting behind in school. I can’t – I feel like I can’t live, you know? It really sucks.”

Karen: “What is this doing to your schoolwork?”

Alyssa Mirenda: “It’s like midterms right now, so we’re having a hard time. We’re more worried about the feces in our sink than studying.”

Some parents have hired attorneys and sent lease termination letters. Others are simply trying to find a place anywhere other than here for their students to live and study.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Miami-Dade County RER released the following statement to 7 News:

Last week, the Miami-Dade County’s building official overseeing permitting for the unincorporated portion of the county received inquiries from concerned parents of students residing at the Cloisters housing development, after a sewage line blockage was reported at one of the buildings located near the University of Miami Campus.

The affected building is one of two that have been undergoing renovations by the contractor, Landmark Construction LLC, located at 5830 SW 57 Avenue, with four dwelling units affected by the blockage.

The contractor applied for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) from Miami-Dade County as it continued to work on finalizing details. The contractor opted to use a private provider for inspections, Universal Engineering Sciences, as permitted by state law, in lieu of the County, to perform all site inspections necessary to confirm compliance with the building code, up to and including the TCO. Miami-Dade County’s Building Official issued the TCO on Friday, September 19, 2023, based on the inspection approval and recommendations provided by Universal Engineering Sciences, which recommended the TCO be issued and allow occupancy.

On Tuesday morning, September 26th, and based on the complaints received, Miami-Dade County building inspectors of all trades were on site to meet with the private provider and the contractor to inspect the complaints and the current on-site conditions. The contractor provided Miami-Dade County with a list of action items to address the problems, which included clearing the blockage and videoing all sewer lines. Any additional work necessary to remedy the problems found will require additional permitting and inspections.

State law gives a project owner the right to choose a third-party private inspection company instead of using the local building official.  In this case, the building official assumes an audit role.  The County is conducting a full audit of the private provider’s services to make sure that all required inspections for the project were performed and the personnel sent to inspect have the proper credentials, are employees of the private provider company, and maintain the proper level of professional liability insurance, as required by law.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

7’s Karen Hensel investigates.

Munchie is the face of Munchie’s Pizza Club in Fort Lauderdale.

It’s a restaurant by day and club at night.

But Munchie’s is being dogged by former business partners, and the owner says his employees are concerned.

Steve Berke: “They’re nervous about these people coming back in here and hurting them.”

Back in March, surveillance video shows a man walking around inside the restaurant when it was closed. He props open the front door and 12 people walk in.

They grab equipment around the DJ stage and walk out.

Steve Berke: “They took LED processors, they took a laptop computer, they took money, they took all kinds of production equipment.”

Police reports say an employee showed up while it was happening. He was injured when he tried to stop the group.

Steve Berke: “One of the perpetrators, swung one of our LED panels at him and cut him up on his arms.”

Thankfully that employee recovered, but Steve says his workers were left terrified again in August. A group of people walked in, unbolted an LED screen off the wall and loaded it onto a truck waiting at the corner.

Steve Berke: While we were open for business, while we had patrons inside.”

An employee tries to close the doors, but the group forces them open and two men walk out with the LED screen.

According to police reports, employees identified two of the people in the group as Nelson Dejesus Avalo Jr. and Peter Maxwell Verna.

They have a business called Collegiate Nightlife LLC.

Steve Berke: “We had hire them to promote certain nights.”

Steve told police he was in the process of renegotiating the restaurant’s contract with the company for the spring break season. But he and Avalo Jr. couldn’t come to an agreement.

Police are investigating if it has something to do with the equipment being taken.

Steve Berke: “There was a process to file a police report, and even though we had them on camera, they, because they said, ‘Oh, well, some of the stuff was theirs, That might be a civil matter.’ While some of the equipment belonged to them, a lot of it was ours.”

We called and emailed Avalo Jr. and Verna. They didn’t answer our messages.

No one else caught on video has been identified, and no arrests have been made.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department tells 7News: “…Due to the different aspects of the case (civil vs criminal), it has taken some time to gather all of the available information from the victim and witnesses.”

Steve says the wait has been tough for his employees.

Steve Berke: “Right. They’ve come twice and they are nervous.”

Steve quickly replaced the equipment that was taken but restoring his employees’ peace of mind may take some time.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Fort Lauderdale Police on Tuesday told 7News they referred the case to the State Attorney’s Office.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Bella Duarte-Crespo was born with spina bifida. Over the years, the 16-year-old has had four surgeries.

Bella Duarte-Crespo, lost wheelchair on international trip: “My left leg is a little more smaller and a little weaker than my right side, because I’ve had to overcompensate my whole life when it comes to walking, or even just standing for long periods of time, I have pain.”

It’s why Bella needs this wheelchair, which also turns into a walker. But what happened in June, left her without a crucial piece of her life.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “I’m low-key freaking out a little bit.”

Bella and her family left from Miami on an American Airlines flight to London to catch a connecting British Airways flight to Rome.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “We’re like, ‘OK, my luggage goes straight to Rome, my wheelchair, we also want to go straight to Rome.'”

But Bella’s wheelchair didn’t make it to Rome.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “We had to wait in line to file a claim. It was a whole fiasco.”

An Apple AirTag showed her wheelchair was still at London’s Heathrow Airport. They called the airport and both airlines.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “The more we called and called and called, we kept being reassured that, OK, it would be on the next flight over, or the next flight over or, ‘Sorry about that. It’ll be on the next flight over.'”

It wasn’t, and frustration grew.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “They’re like, ‘At this point, you should just buy a new one,’ and I was like, ‘You’re kidding, right? Buy a new wheelchair, when I’m in a foreign country?'”

The family was able to secure a rental wheelchair for Bella just in time for their cruise.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “Without that safety net, I definitely would have been hindered and limited. Overall, I was still able to do a good chunk of the things, which I’m really glad for.”

It took 15 days, but…

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “Finally it arrived. Ironically enough, it arrived the day before we were coming back to Miami.”

Bella has long advocated for those with disabilities, and this time is no exception. But she didn’t want to make this just about airing her complaints to the airlines.”

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “It’s more about what can we do to improve rather than pointing fingers at people.”

In 2022, major U.S airlines mishandled more than 11,000 wheelchairs and scooters.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “I am willing to be the voice for disabled travelers.”

Bella wrote an open letter to the CEOs of British Airways and American Airlines.

She proposed ideas, including an “innovative tagging system” and “dedicated case managers” to handle lost or damaged mobility aids.

Bella Duarte-Crespo: “I’m here to provide a solution, to collaborate and kind of make whatever airline decides to reach out, [make them] the pioneers for accessibility in air transportation, because this can be a huge movement.”

In a statement to 7News, British Airways said: “We’re investigating the matter and are in direct contact with our customer to apologize and address their complaint.”

American Airlines told us: “A member of our team has been in touch to apologize for her experience and thank Bella for her efforts to improve air travel for those with disabilities.”

Teresa Crespo, Bella’s mom: “Coming from a 16-year-old, that perspective, and the fact that she’s open to listen and include any other people with disability, that’s definitely a no-brainer in my eyes, of course. Then again, I’m the mother.”

A mother, proud of her teenager’s tenacity and passion to help drive change in the skies.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

Disability advocate Bella Duarte-Crespo’s open letter to British Airways and American Airlines.

U.S. Department of Transportation information on flying with wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

Most college kids look forward to getting out of the dorms and into their own apartments.

Amanda Mohamad, UM student: “I don’t have a home. I don’t have a home.”

UM sophomore Amanda Mohamad was looking forward to moving into The Cloisters Student Apartments near campus. Instead, she’s been stuck in a hotel while the apartments are being renovated.

Amanda Mohamad: “Exactly 30 days.”

Her parents are still paying the rent for an apartment where she can’t live.

Eric Mohamad, Amanda’s father: “So they’ve asked for two months’ rent payment before the kids have actually even moved in yet.”

The Cloisters is supposed to offer furnished student apartments, a fitness center and a pool. Plus, it’s just a short walk to campus.

Anh Steininger, parent of student in hotel: “It does not look like it is ready to be moved in.”

Parents shared pictures from the past two weeks with 7 Investigates. They are concerned with how long it’s taking for work to be completed.

Anh Steininger: “It’s obvious that it’s not ready, yet they keep sending out emails that it is ready, until the day before, and that’s when they say, ‘Oh, by the way, it’s not ready.'”

Landmark Properties bought the Cloisters property a few years ago.

In 2022, it began renovating the existing apartments, along with adding new townhomes. The apartments were supposed to be ready by Aug. 18.

The move-in date has been pushed back at least three times.

Anh Steininger: “I think these kids have so much going on already, the last thing they need is more stress as to where they are going to live.”

And parents are stressed because they are still on the hook for the rent.

This 56-page lease says “…The failure on the part of the landlord to assign a unit to resident … shall not relieve resident of his or her responsibilities…”
If the apartment isn’t ready, the landlord can provide “temporary accommodations (which may include, without limitation, hotels)…”

Eric Mohamad: “So, if they’re providing a hotel space for you, then you can’t break the lease. And that’s what’s written in the lease.”

The lease says it can only be broken within 30 days of the move-in date if “alternative accommodations” are not provided.

Amanda Mohamad: “All I have is a bedroom and a bathroom and a very small closet. I don’t even have, you know, drawer space for my clothes. I’m practically living out of my suitcases.”

We reached out to Landmark Properties.

The company tells 7 Investigates, “We are on schedule for all students to move into the renovated buildings on our Cloisters Miami property Friday morning, September 22. … Unforeseen construction delays pushed back our move-in timeline for this final group of move-ins.”

Parents and students are skeptical, because the move-in has been pushed back so many times.

For now, it’s set for Friday, but that doesn’t mean everything is finished. Landmark Properties says work continues on the pool, fitness center and leasing office.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

Students tell 7News they were notified about the move-ins late Thursday, and they’ve been told they can pick up their keys starting Friday at 7 a.m.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Karen Hensel has tonight’s 7 Investigates.

Errol Leath reads his Bible everyday.

He suffers from epileptic seizures and has difficulty speaking.

Errol Leath/mistaken for murder suspect: “I couldn’t like, correct proper terms or read properly, so I’ll often always read.”

Because of his epilepsy he can’t drive so he takes the bus. But his ride turned frightening when he got off the bus on July 19.

Officer: “You right there! Don’t [expletive] move.”

Within seconds, Errol is on the ground surrounded by a fugitive task force with rifles pointed down at him.

Errol Leath: “What did I do?”

Officer: “Don’t [expletive] move man.”

Errol Leath: “What did I do? I got epilepsy, bro.”

Officer: “It’s alright. Be cool, bro.”

Errol Leath: “I got seizures, bro.”

He repeatedly tells the officers he has epileptic seizures and repeatedly asks what he did wrong.

Errol Leath: “Check my pockets man. I got medicine, dude.”

When police check his bag they find his bible, ID, and seizure medication.

Officer: “Errol Leath. What’s your name?”

Errol Leath: “Errol Leath!”

Officer: “OK.”

That’s when they realize Errol is not their murder suspect. But police still have one more question.

Officer: “Why’d you start to run away from the police though?”

Errol Leath: “I didn’t thought you was after me!”

Officer: “Listen, you look like someone we’re looking for, OK? That’s wanted for murder.”

Errol Leath: “Murder?! I never killed no one in my life.”

Officer: “Alright, we didn’t say you did. These things happen. You look just like him. So.”

Errol Leath: “Dude, I see my neurologist this Friday.”

Police hid the faces of the task force members, including U.S Marshals before releasing their body camera video to 7 Investigates.

During the 13-minute exchange, Errol is visibly distressed.

Errol Leath: “I’m trying to recover from seizures man. Y’all are making this worse, bro.”

We met with Errol here at the bus stop where this case of mistaken identity went down. He ended up at the hospital that day afraid the stress was going to trigger another seizure.

Errol Leath: “I was going into a blurriness and that’s what slightly happens when you’re going into an episode.”

Once police realized they had the wrong man…

Officer: “Listen, it’s unfortunate, but you have, it’s almost like your twin brother.”

Officers explained.

Officer: “OK, it was a mis-identity, alright that’s wanted for murder, OK? So a pretty serious crime, which is why the way that we come out, is the way that we did.”

They also apologized.

Officer: “And these things happen sometimes. Like 99% of the time we get the right person but you look identical, which will be documented in the report, OK? And unfortunately, this circumstance happened to you. So, apologize for that.”

So who was the Fugitive Task Force actually looking for? This man. 40-year-old Daenon King, who three weeks later, was arrested, accused of shooting a 68-year-old man in the back of the neck.

Karen Hensel: “So this is the person that they were looking for.”

Errol Leath: “Oh my goodness”

Karen Hensel: “Do you see the resemblance?”

Errol Leath: “Oh, wow. That doesn’t look like me. That’s not me.”

In a statement, Fort Lauderdale Police tell us officers saw “a man with several identifying features that were similar to the suspect … in an area known to be frequented by the suspect.”

The department apologized to Errol. The full statement reads as follows:

“The Fort Lauderdale Police Department would like to express our sincere apology to the man who was mistakenly identified as a suspect being sought for a violent murder.

On July 19, 2023, FLPD’s Career Criminal Unit, working in conjunction with the US Marshals Task Force, observed a man with several identifying features that were similar to the suspect being sought for the murder. This man, identified later as Errol Leath, was observed in an area known to be frequented by the suspect. Mr. Leath was seen exiting a bus, saw our officers, and began to flee. Our officers had their firearms drawn because the suspect was known to be armed and dangerous. They detained Mr. Leath without incident and quickly realized he was not the suspect. Mr. Leath was immediately released from handcuffs. Detectives explained to Mr. Leath what had happened and apologized for the error. They additionally ensured Mr. Leath that the incident would be documented and explained how he could obtain a copy of the report if he wished.

The actual suspect, identified as Daenon Malik King, B/M, DOB 05/25/1983, was located by FLPD’s Career Criminal Unit on August 11, 2023. He was arrested and charged with the murder of Jackie Robinson Brown that occurred on April 5, 2023.

We recognize the impact this mistake can have on an innocent individual. We will continue to be committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and fairness in our policing efforts as we serve our community.”

Errol Leath: “I didn’t think it was me. I’m getting off the bus thinking they’re going after someone else. I’m trying to get out the way. I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy to go through that.”

A case of mistaken identity that has left Errol deeply troubled.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Whether Americano, espresso, or cafecito, South Floridians love their coffee.

That includes our first responders.

Jason Patton, Fire Department Coffee: “We just need that caffeine motivation to make sure we’re getting through the day appropriately.”

Jason Patton is a South Florida firefighter. He’s also the vice-president of Fire Department Coffee. The company, started in 2016, developed a large selection of specialty roasts and blends.

Jason Patton: “So we came up with, obviously, all the different types of espressos and blends, but we also have our full spirit-infused line — Irish whiskey, vanilla bean, bourbon, all the fun stuff.”

But this coffee is more than just a delicious brew. A portion of each purchase helps support a special cause.

Jason Patton: “The main mission of it was to create premium, high quality coffee, but also have a foundation of giving back to sick and injured first responders.”

Jason says firefighters are not only at risk of physical injury. They can also develop mental health issues.

Jason Patton: “So many firefighters and first responders deal with it, just because of the the things that we see and hear every day.”

The company wanted to help firefighters across the country, so each month, they create a new coffee for a local department with proceeds going to help those firefighters.

Jason Patton: “We’re going to make that roast specific to the area.”

It’s called the “Fire Department Coffee Club. This month, Fire Department Coffee is honoring Miami-Dade firefighters with a brew called Salty Flamingo.

Jason Patton: “This being Miami, we wanted a high-caffeine espresso roast. I mean, it’s Miami; it’s highly caffeinated all the time.”

People can buy the coffee and a matching T-shirt online or at select stores. A portion of the proceeds goes to the local union, which created a foundation to help Dade firefighters receive counseling.

John Lancaster, First Responders Resiliency Foundation: “The image that people see is, we can handle everything, but in the end — you know, 18 years, I can tell you — everything sits in the back of your head, and when you’re able to talk to someone and kind of let it out, it helps ease it.”

For Jason, knowing he’s helping ease the pain for his fellow firefighters is like a dream come true.

Jason Patton: “It’s humbling because I believe a lot of us want to make a difference, but sometimes we either don’t know how or just don’t have the means to be able to do it.”

If you want to help, click here to buy Salty Flamingo.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

If you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.

This is Bear. Timothy Sweat adopted him when he was just a puppy.

Timothy Sweat: “He is a very sweet little boy. He is a Yorkie-poo, spoiled. He’s 3 years old, and we have never been apart.”

But that changed on July 19, when Timothy took Bear for an evening walk near Federal Highway and Northeast First Street in Dania Beach.

Timothy Sweat: “I was approached by a young man who seemed very interested in my dog, and then he attempted to take my dog. And when I stopped him, he assaulted me.”

Timothy was so badly beaten, he suffered a brain injury and had to be hospitalized for nearly two weeks.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies took Bear to Broward County Animal Care.

Timothy Sweat: “He was supposed to be taken into protective services while I was in surgery, and I’ve heard that they keep dogs up to three weeks if you’re out in a medical situation. And my dog was put up for adoption after seven days and adopted quickly.”

The woman who adopted Bear is Sharon Barnett of Margate. Timothy says he called her every day to ask her to return Bear.

He says she only talked to him once.

Timothy Sweat: “She listened to what I had to say, and she goes, ‘I have no further comment.’ And now there’s been no response from her whatsoever.”

We tried to talk to Sharon Barnett at her home.

Karen Hensel: “I’m Karen with 7News. Can we talk to you about the dog that you adopted?”

She would not answer our questions.

Timothy says he felt his only choice was to hire a lawyer.

Marcy Lahart, Sweat’s attorney: “It’s unfortunate that this had to happen. If this person who adopted the dog had an ounce of compassion, she would return the dog to its rightful owner who loves and needs the dog.”

Attorney Marcy Lahart says the shelter had no right to adopt Bear out in the first place.

Marcy Lahart: “Never have I seen a situation where the animal control knew exactly who owned the dog and where that person was, and they were in the hospital, no less, and just said, ‘Too bad, so sad, you didn’t get here in five days, so your dog is no longer yours.'”

Lahart says Bear was microchipped, and Timothy never gave permission for him to be adopted, so they’re asking a judge to order Sharon Barnett to return the dog.

Timothy, meanwhile, is slowly recovering from his injuries.

Timothy Sweat: “Other than my vision and my balance at times, I’m on the road to recovery, but it’s just a slow process. They said there’s no time frame for improving your brain.”

But his broken heart would be healed if he could get Bear back.

And he has a message for Sharon Barnett.

Timothy Sweat: “This is my child. You can’t keep him. That’s it.”

A judge still has to review the court filing. Meanwhile, Timothy now has legal bills on top of his mounting hospital bills.

He has started a GoFundMe page. If you would like to make a donation, click here.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
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From the classroom to the kitchen, these students are learning what it takes to work in the restaurant industry. And one chef is making sure they cook up the best they have to offer.

Chef Christian Velez: “So we’re definitely not just making peanut butter and jelly.”

Chef Christian Velez spent years in the kitchen at one of South Florida’s most well-known hotels.

Chef Christian Velez: “I was executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton.”

He knows how to work under pressure.

Chef Christian Velez: “Oh, yes. Yes, I was previously on the Spring Baking Championship of Food Network.”

Now, he’s going behind the scenes to help create the next generation of great chefs.

He is the instructor for the Arc Culinary program, which is part of Arc Broward. It’s a 16-week course for young adults with developmental disabilities.

Chef Christian Velez: “We talk a little bit about nutrition, education, definitely food safety, pretty much getting them ready for the work field.”

He started volunteering for Arc Broward two years ago and was recently hired as a culinary instructor. Even with his experience working for major hotels, and competing on TV, he says this is the most rewarding job he’s ever had.

Chef Christian Velez: “It’s about equality, it’s about empowerment, and so, who doesn’t want to be in an environment like that?”

His students feel the same way. Julian Coker says Christian’s course hasn’t been easy, but he’s enjoyed the challenge.

Julian Coker: “I think it’ll just help get me more experience, because my experience was a little down.”

All of the students’ hard work is put to the test at the end of the term, and it happens in the center’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen.

Chef Christian Velez: At the student luncheon, it’s the culmination of everything that they learn throughout the program.”

Christian and Arc Broward help students find jobs after the course ends.

Patrick Jones didn’t have to go far. He now works at Arc Broward, in the same kitchen where he first learned how to cook.

Patrick Jones, program graduate: “It makes me busy a lot, instead of staying home and doing nothing and then bossing my parents around whenever.”

Christian hopes all of his students come out of the program with not only some cooking experience, but also the confidence to know they can handle whatever life throws at them.

Chef Christian Velez: “And that’s a big part of the program, too, is letting them realize that, and so they know that they’re more than capable.”

And thanks to Chef Christian, they will be ready for the challenge.

Karen Hensel, 7News.

For more information about Arc Culinary, click here.

And if you know of a person, place or group that you think we should highlight, email us at 7spotlight@wsvn.com.