Community Chat Board - Orangewood - Largo FL

it's about time
The U.S. will deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in an expansion of its drug cartel fight, just days after a lethal strike by US forces destroyed a boat the White House said was carrying a 11` Venezuelan narco-terrorists.
On Thursday, two armed Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew over the USS Jason Dunham, according to multiple Defense Department officials who described the action as a "show of force."
Apart from the Dunham, the Trump administration has deployed at least seven more warships to the Caribbean, along with more than 4,000 Marines and sailors in its …

Florida Attorney General Arrests
Ten people have been arrested during "Operation Van Diesel," an investigation into a ring of diesel thieves that committed 350 thefts across 70 locations in 13 counties, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Thursday.
Seven out of the 10 arrested were illegal immigrants.
The suspects allegedly used modified minivans, outfitted with 500-gallon tanks, pumps, hidden compartments, and floorboards with cutouts to siphon diesel fuel from underground gas station tanks.
The investigation began about six months ago when gas stations in Hillsborough County reported a discrepancy in fuel on hand.

A new event is coming to Tampa's waterfront. The inaugural Holiday RiverFest is set for Dec. 20 at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, with a full day of live music, festive treats, and family-friendly activities.

Social Security Paper Checks End Sept. 30 (if it applies to you)
After 90 years, social security payments will no longer be sent by mail starting Sept. 30, with paper checks being phased out to reduce fraud, cut costs, and speed up delivery.
Paper checks cost around 50 cents each, more than three times the cost of an electronic transfer, and are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen, according to the Social Security Administration.
Fewer than 1% of the nearly 70 million recipients—about 500,000 people—still rely on physical checks and will need to switch to direct deposit …

Florida regulators fined eight insurance companies over $2 million for mishandling claims after Hurricanes Ian and Idalia. The penalties stem from violations of state rules intended to protect policyholders

Thousands of Floridians petitioned Publix to bring back hurricane-themed cakes. The supermarket chain once sold "hurricakes" depicting a storm in frosting with funny messages. (See Video)

Good chance of hurricane coming at FL

US Ships Kill 11 in Drug Boat Strike
U.S. forces sank a drug-laden vessel in the Caribbean, killing 11 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. labels a terrorist group.
The strike followed U.S. deployment of warships and Marines near Venezuela last week and marked the first known attack under a new military order targeting cartels. President Trump posted a video of the strike on Truth Social.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, already under a $50 million U.S. bounty, condemned the move as an attempt at regime change.
The U.S. has deployed at least seven ships, …

According to a report by U.S. News and World Report, Florida dominates a list of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with four of the top 10 locations.
Wildwood, a small city in Sumter County about 50 miles from Orlando, was named the fastest-growing city in the country. Its population grew nearly 20% between 2020 and 2024 to around 35,000 people.
Cities were ranked by net migration, the number of people moving to or from each city based on the annual percentage population change over the previous four years.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, came in second, and …