Community Chat Board - Eastbrook - Citrus Park FL
Israel Launches Gaza City Ground Invasion
The Israeli military launched a large-scale ground operation in Gaza City on Tuesday, advancing its nearly two-year campaign against Hamas.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared “Gaza is burning,” as two IDF divisions moved in under "Operation Gideon’s Chariots II."
Israeli officials say the operation aims to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure and secure the release of hostages taken in the October 2023 attacks.
The offensive comes as a U.N. commission accuses Israel of committing genocide—claims Israeli leaders deny—as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations.
A Tampa filmmaker is turning the historic novel A Land Remembered, which chronicles early life in Florida, into a television series.
Teachers Warned about Social Media Comments
Florida's Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas warned teachers not to make "despicable" comments on social media following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk this week.
"I will be conducting an investigation of every educator who engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior," Kamoutsas said.
A teacher at Ridgeview Elementary School in Clay County was suspended after posting on Facebook: "This may not be the obituary we were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me."
According to Kamoutsas, certified educators in Florida are subject to ethical guidelines, violations of …
Trump Launches RICO Probe into George Soros' Protest Funding
Last updated 10 minutes ago
President Donald Trump announced on Friday during a Fox & Friends interview that his administration will investigate billionaire George Soros for allegedly funding professional agitators involved in protests and riots, citing potential violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Florida Top State for Education Freedom
Florida is number one in education freedom for the fourth consecutive year, according to an annual study by the Heritage Foundation. Florida's universal school choice program and parental rights in education laws were cited as the reasons.
The Education Freedom Report Card began in 2022, and Florida has earned the top ranking every year since. The report ranks states using five categories: school choice, transparency, regulatory freedom, civic education, and spending.
The Sunshine State ranks No. 1 for civic education, academic transparency, and teacher freedom—due to alternative pathways to enter the teaching profession. See …
On Friday, a legislative budget panel will consider directing $1 million to projects as part of the state's America250FL campaign to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. (More)
Special Election Ends in Runoff
Tampa's District 5 city council seat attracted 14 candidates for Tuesday's special election and is headed for a runoff. Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson died unexpectedly in June, making the seat available.
With so many people running, no candidate acquired the needed 50% plus one vote to secure the election.
The Rev. Thomas Scott, who previously served as a Tampa city councilman and a Hillsborough County Commissioner, and Naya Young, a grassroots community organizer, emerged as the top two candidates and will square off in the Oct. 28 runoff.
Scott earned the most votes, 1,454, or 27.1%. …
Hillsborough County: PETA is offering a $5,000 reward for information on whoever left a 2-year-old miniature pinscher and chihuahua mix abandoned on the road last week in Ruskin with its legs tied together.
NATIONS BEST SPOT TO RETIRE
A new report names Orlando the top-ranked city in the U.S. for retirees. Miami (No. 4), Tampa (No. 5), and Fort Lauderdale (No. 7) were also in the top 10.
Seven other Sunshine State cities made the list, with St. Petersburg (No. 12) and Cape Coral (No. 20) in the top 20.
Hillsborough County puppies Hope and Spirit, rescued after severe neglect in an animal cruelty case, have fully recovered and are now available for adoption at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. (See Pups)
