Local Politics · Miami-Dade County
Early voting for the 2026 midterm elections opened at 7 a.m. Monday in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and at 8:30 a.m. in Monroe County. Voters will decide races including governor (Byron Donalds vs. David Jolly), U.S. Senate (Ashley Moody vs. Angie Nixon), and competitive congressional districts 25 and 27. Ballot measures include Florida Amendment 3 on homestead exemptions, school funding renewals in Miami-Dade and Broward, and a Virginia Key waterfront lease vote in Miami. Early voting runs through Nov. 1 in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and through Oct. 31 in Monroe County.
Crime · West Palm Beach, FL
Sean Aaron Armas, 39, and Billy Joseph Brewer, 37, were arrested Tuesday, Oct. 20, and charged with robbery without a firearm or weapon and false personation of an officer after three robberies in central Palm Beach County on Monday, Oct. 19. The suspects allegedly used a black Ford F-250 or F-350 pickup marked "State Trapper" with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission logo stickers to pose as law enforcement officers. The incidents occurred near Cresthaven Boulevard and Military Trail at approximately 2:38 a.m., near South Military Trail and Summit Boulevard at about 7:20 a.m., and in the 4000 block of Roberts Way at about 9:06 p.m. PBSO said detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.
Public Safety · Miami-Dade County
Multiple South Florida law enforcement agencies have posted warnings about scammers calling residents while impersonating police officers to demand payment for fake warrants, bonds, or missed jury duty. The fraudsters use real officer names, badge numbers, and spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate, according to authorities in Sunny Isles Beach, Homestead, Hialeah, and Palm Beach County. In one Sunny Isles Beach case, a fraudster posing as a police lieutenant sent a fake notice attempting to obtain money, but the potential victim contacted the department before paying. Agencies stress they will never call demanding payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and urge residents to hang up and report suspicious calls to non-emergency lines.
