From the opinion letter written by a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida resident:

• President Trump encourages voters to cast their ballots as if he were on the ticket, and I could not agree more.

As voters fill their gas tanks at $4.50 per gallon, they should heed Trump’s advice: His Republican policies are on the ballot. As voters pay $9.25 per pound for basic ground beef, they should heed his advice. Every voter who sees the 7.5% interest rate to buy a home should heed his advice.

• As voters prepare to pay $500 for a no-frills, back-of-the-plane flight to visit Grandma over the holidays, they should heed Trump’s advice.
• They should also consider whether they can borrow Grandma’s car to get around, considering it costs $60 a day to rent one, plus refueling costs. Oh, and sorry, Grandma, there’s just no money left for that little bottle of perfume you enjoy every year.
• I completely agree with Trump. I will vote my ballot as though his name were listed.

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. —

Winter Garden firefighters pulled a man's body from water near Lake Apopka after he was killed by an alligator on Friday, according to officials.

Crews responded around 5 p.m. to a 911 call out of Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department Chief Jose Gainza and Winter Garden police Capt. Michael Mason confirmed to WESH 2 News.

According to Mason, the victim — a 71-year-old Winter Garden man — was fishing on the shoreline of a retention pond near the lake when he was attacked by a nearly 12-foot alligator.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has identified the man as Steven Hamilton.

Gainza said that alligators were active in the area and were in the way of rescue efforts, adding rescue swimmers couldn't enter the water but were attempting to get the man's body out of it via other means.

Chopper 2's camera was rolling as FWC trappers later appeared to kill an alligator and pull it from the water as well.

"Lake Apopka has tons of alligators in it, so that's not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town at all," Mason said.

Winter Garden police are investigating the attack jointly with FWC.

"A contracted nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to the scene, and an 11’ 8’’ alligator was removed from the area," FWC said in a statement. "(...) The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time."

Anyone who may have been a witness to the incident is asked to call Detective Kevin Burger at 407-656-3636 ext. 6320.

"Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida," the FWC said in a statement. "The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation."

Anderson Quoted my mom $50k for 14 impact windows in Fort Myers Florida. I’m thinking this is a rip-off. I know prices for things have increased but over $3,500 a window seems excessive. Thoughts?

Spent my whole life between Louisiana and Florida so a gator is nothing new to me. But I have to admit this freaked me out walking on the trail behind my apt. I think mostly due to the glaring open toothed mouth and the fact its gaze was following me like this was about to become a Jurassic park scene lol. Gave me
Velociraptor vibes or something.

Wish the neighbors fu king landscaper could pick a reasonable time to do it.

central fl

Rough green snake

My friend had a horrible experience here with a stranger working at the USAF base. Her drink was spiked at a restaurant/bar and she was taken somewhere else sexually assaulted and brought back.. unconscious. She ended up in the hospital. She did report it.. that didn’t go well despite forensic evidence. Has anyone else heard of similar incidents? Has anyone else had this problem? Spiked drink at a bar then kidnapped for a short time and brought back to original location unconscious? Is this common?

There is another launch scheduled for Monday morning at the right time to produce another jelly fish cloud.

I was born and raised up north, so things like this still surprise me.

I swear Duval is in never ending menopause or something. I wake up need a hoodie, an hour later I'm melting and then after dinner I need a hoodie. Make up your damn mind Jacksonville!

Where did you purchase? Forgotten Coast resident totally over leaves.

l cut as many branches as l could access, now on to defensive measures.

(lgnore unhomed /prison camp bungee stuff; keeps growing cats in catio.)

Have you used Tarps Plus? Covers and all?

If you use a clear vinyl/ poly etc curtain on north facing construction, please share source, effectiveness, etc. THANK YOU!

Hi! I'm looking for recommendations for Co-ed or female soccer leagues. My skill level is very much amateur. I love the sport and play from time to time, but I haven't played on a team since I was younger. I'm looking to join a league while I'm in my gap year. Thanks!