Public Safety · Miami-Dade County
The National Weather Service issued Coastal Flood Advisories for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties through Thursday at 11 p.m., warning of moderate coastal flooding during high tide cycles. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to begin Saturday, Oct. 24, with potential totals of 5 to 7 inches in some areas. A new king tide cycle spanning Oct. 24 to Oct. 30 will peak on Tuesday, Oct. 27, increasing the risk of combined coastal and urban flooding.
Crime · Belle Glade, FL
Toni Michelle McCauley, a former Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office dispatcher, was sentenced to 16.6 years in prison for a July 2023 head-on DUI crash in Belle Glade that killed Casandra Johnson-Downing, 38, and injured her two children, ages 7 and 5. McCauley was found guilty in September of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and related charges after driving with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher. Her sentence includes five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, DUI school, 200 hours of community service, permanent license revocation, and a night in jail on each crash anniversary for five years following release.
Transportation · Boca Raton, FL
The Boca Raton Police Department issued a traffic advisory at 5:49 p.m. Wednesday regarding malfunctioning gate arms at the Inlet Bridge located at Camino Real and Ocean. Drivers are advised to avoid the bridge area and seek alternate routes as the downed arms disrupt traffic flow near the east end of Camino Real. No estimated time for resolution was provided, and no official detours were announced. Motorists should follow on-scene officer directions and monitor for updated advisories.
Social Events · Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chef Allen Susser launches a new weekly farmers market at Sunness Supper Club in Fort Lauderdale starting Sunday, October 25, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Delray Beach GreenMarket season begins Saturday at Old School Square, featuring over 70 vendors through May 22. Other regional events include the start of the Jane Goodall holographic exhibit in Boynton Beach and the South Beach Seafood Festival kicking off Wednesday in Miami Beach.
Community brief · Palm Beach, FL
A book review covers two Florida-set thrillers: Sophia Huneycutt's 'The House Built on Alligator Bones,' set at an Amelia Island alligator farm, and Courtney Psak's 'The Aunt,' set in Palm Beach. Psak will discuss her book at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, during The Society of the Four Arts' 'Florida Voices' series at King Library, 101 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Tickets are free but reservations are required at fourarts.org/events.
Community brief · Boca Raton, FL
Residents can attend a free expert panel discussion on Alzheimer's risk assessment and treatment options at the PRIME EXPO in Boca Raton on Sunday, Oct. 25. The event features local health experts discussing accessible blood tests for early detection and lifestyle changes that may reduce dementia risk by up to 40%. Registration is required for attendance.
