News

Defend your right to know | Opinion

South Florida Local News - Wed, 11/13/2024 - 00:00

As we move forward from a landmark election, it’s important to remember a fundamental truth: The strength of American democracy rests in the freedoms that define it. In every era, and particularly in times of change, it is the job of all citizens to double down on efforts to preserve these freedoms — our rights to speak, to hear and to know what our government is doing on our behalves. These are not just ideals; they are the safeguards of an open and accountable society.

Here in Florida, however, our right to know is under siege from the very officials sworn to defend it. Government transparency and access to public records — critical parts of Florida’s Sunshine laws — are increasingly being flouted or simply ignored by politicians who want to draw a veil of secrecy across the state. These laws ensure that everyone, regardless of background or belief, has the chance to see how decisions are made and to hold leaders accountable. But today, these rights are being curtailed, making it harder for Floridians to stay informed about matters that impact their communities and daily lives.

Bobby Block is executive director of the First Amendment Foundation. (courtesy, Bobby Block)

Sometimes, it’s hard for people to grasp why access to this information is so important, or why we should even be allowed to ask for it. Unlike physical property such as firearms protected under the Second Amendment, your rights to free speech and public information are intangible — ideas, rather than something you can hold. But make no mistake: These rights shape every aspect of your life. They are embedded in every conversation, debate or demand for accountability. When government transparency is selectively curtailed, your right to understand, question and engage in public life is eroded bit by bit, often without notice.

For example, as of 2022, we now select university presidents in Florida largely in secret. The next year, the Legislature passed a law shielding where the governor travels or even whom he invites to the Governor’s Mansion. To qualify for a public education table in Florida’s Capitol, a group first must pledge it “aligns” with the mission of the state.

Public records laws are straightforward: They protect our right to know. In Florida, access is not a privilege but a constitutionally enshrined right. However, increasing delays, selective disclosures, and prohibitive fees highlight a growing reluctance to share information. Enormous charges for public records, like the $2 million requested from a firefighter in Broward County who wanted to know why he was passed over for promotion, or $400,000 from a former employee in Lee County wanting to understand why they were fired, serve as barriers to information, discouraging Floridians from asserting their rights, chilling free speech as well as people’s right to question government.

This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s an American one and a Floridian one. Preserving access to public records, open meetings and unimpeded speech is something we can all rally behind, regardless of our political leanings. Transparency fosters trust, strengthens communities, and upholds the values that make our country resilient. When we know what’s happening in our government, we’re better equipped to work toward the future we all want to see.

The First Amendment Foundation stands as a steadfast defender of these rights, working daily to keep public records public. Without widespread support, however, we face an uphill battle. We need your help — through tax-free donations, advocacy and your voice.

Let’s ensure Florida’s Sunshine laws remain a vital promise of open government. Please, stand up for your rights. Support the First Amendment Foundation. Demand transparency. Advocate for accountability. Together, we can protect our right to know. Visit floridafaf.org to learn more or to join us in this mission to preserve Florida’s right to know.

Bobby Block is executive director of the First Amendment Foundation.

ASK IRA: Did Heat’s Spoelstra allow emotions to overwhelm needed leadership?

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 23:50

Q: This one is tough to swallow. The guys played their hearts out. Tyler Herro is becoming that guy and I couldn’t be happier for him. Great game. Erik Spoelstra will make no excuses. This one is on him. He’ll own it and learn from it and move forward. Tough one, dang. – Douglas.

A: I chose this one from those that came this way regarding the way the Heat lost in almost unfathomable fashion Tuesday night, with Erik Spoelstra called for a technical foul for calling for a timeout he did not have. Yes, it was a blunder, worse than Bam Adebayo’s missed free throws, worse than the shaky defense on the Pistons’ final basket, worse than the need for a comeback in the first place. This team has precious little margin for victory. But, yes, Erik Spoelstra also owned it. Just as he asks from his players. That also is why players want to play for him. He cares. He is meticulous. And when there is a blunder, such as the one on that final Pistons basket, he reacts viscerally. Fact is, if he didn’t storm on the court, the referees could have ignored the timeout and simply allowed time to expire. Benefit of the doubt often is granted in such situations. This time, his passion got the best of him – with passion certainly not the worst of emotions.

Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: Erik Spoelstra was being nice in his postgame interview. He was pissed that the Heat gave up a slam to tie the game. – F.C.

A: As he had every right to be. But the disorganization on the final play, of the Heat first having six players on the court and then pulling back Kel’el Ware, was so un-Heat-like. So this makes it three times that it has gone sideways in such situations in just over a week, when you count the finishes against the Kings and Suns, as well. Again, this team’s margin of error, with this roster, is so slight that such missteps could come at a steep price at season’s end for a team dearly hoping to bypass the play-in round.

Q: At least the loss didn’t count in the standings. – Evan.

A: I’m not sure if this came as sarcasm because of the NBA Cup court in play on Tuesday night. But because there remains an element of confusion regarding the in-season tournament: Yes, each of these games also count in the regular-season standings. The only game in the tournament that does not count in the standings is the championship game in Las Vegas, when the incentive will be in excess of $500,000 per player on the winning team (and more than $200,000 per player on the losing team).

Morning Update: South Florida’s top stories for Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 23:50

Here are the top stories for Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Marco Rubio, likely next secretary of state, is a foreign-policy hard-liner. His Florida roots shape his views.

Rick Scott vying for Senate leadership role, but gun rights advocates oppose his bid

‘When will this end?’: Residents decry landfill expansion plans as Broward vote is postponed

It’s almost time to gobble, gobble: Here are Thanksgiving restaurant specials in South Florida

After shootings, Royal Caribbean still plans to stop in Haiti

‘I am not afraid of dying’: Health journey takes The Mavericks’ Raul Malo to ‘Moon & Stars’ and back to South Florida

Dogs now welcome in Fort Lauderdale parks after rule change

Florida education officials report hundreds of books pulled from school libraries

How passage of Amendment 5 will affect your property taxes | Opinion

Miss Manners: The family my daughter cooks for won’t let her work in peace

Daily Horoscope for November 13, 2024

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 22:00

General Daily Insight for November 13, 2024

Connections could come with a dose of awkwardness today. During the impulsive Aries Moon’s sextile with buoyant Jupiter, we can muster up the courage to begin conversations with interesting people around us. When Luna conjoins painful Chiron at 9:49 am EST, though, we may realize we’ve wandered into emotional minefields. As the Moon goes on to tangle with the focused Sun, we’re not likely to find quick answers to any turmoil we stir up. We might need to accept ambiguity for the time being.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A sensitive personal matter may currently be weighing on you. Feeling pressured to reveal what’s going on might only compound your distress. It’s true that you’re not required to tell everyone your business, even if they want to know it. However, as the vulnerable Moon in your sign harmonizes with helpful Jupiter in your 3rd House of Communication, opening up to the right person can relieve some tension. Thoughtfully consider the opportunities you receive on a case-by-case basis instead of flatly rejecting them all.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

A disappointing surprise is presently possible. You might not realize how much a particular topic bothers you until someone you’re interacting with mentions it. With the sensitive Moon conjoining touchy Chiron in your 12th House of the Subconscious, you’ll have to decide if sharing your grievance with the other person would be worth the trouble. The problem probably isn’t really about them. Given that, consider whether their distance from the situation is more likely to give them an objective perspective or an inability to understand.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

The tension you feel in a current group dynamic may not fully be about whatever is going on today. While the sentimental Moon encounters angsty Chiron in your 11th House of Community, friendship dramas from your past might be flooding your memory. You’re likely eager to show leadership in solving the problem at hand — just remember that clearing your head before you get to work will be key. Each dispute has unique characteristics, so you can’t simply relitigate a previous conflict.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Becoming powerful could be a scary prospect for you now. As the innocent Moon encounters seasoned Chiron in your 10th House of Leadership, you may fear that you’ll end up like some authority figure who hurt you early in your life. Is it possible for you to hold a position similar to theirs without repeating their mistakes? You can certainly go into it informed by your experiences. If you can’t live up to your own standards, that will be a rough way to gain perspective.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You could become aware that your entrenched beliefs are holding you back at the moment. As the spontaneous Moon in your philosophical 9th house runs into tension with the powerful Sun in your 4th House of Roots, you may find it hard to break away from whatever you were taught growing up. It’s hard to take a big leap without knowing what will come next. Even so, if you see your peers achieving objectively better results from following a different path, take that into consideration.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

A casual chat could poke a sore spot of yours with little warning. While the private Moon meets profound Chiron in your 8th House of Intimacy, airing your perspective to the other person may give you the opportunity to connect with them on a deep level. However, it won’t necessarily be an easy process. You’ll potentially need to confront long-standing inhibitions and prejudices of yours — some of which you probably adopted for understandable reasons. Decide whether you’re up for that challenge.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

A loved one might put emotional pressure on you regarding a money issue today. While the needy Moon merges with wounded Chiron in your partnership zone, you may wonder how it’s possible to say no to someone who genuinely seems to be suffering — especially if you must maintain an ongoing relationship with them. Looking to external rules or standards could give you needed breathing room. Once it’s no longer merely your will against theirs, any rejection you have to deliver should feel less personal.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Your emotions about a current health issue could be making the problem seem much bigger than its nuts and bolts justify in reality. Perhaps your inflated view of yourself is at odds with the reality that you physically can’t do it all. When the anxious Moon in your 6th House of Wellness aligns with benevolent Jupiter in your sharing sector, however, other people in your life are likely to sympathize with your challenges. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for support!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You may feel inhibited about expressing yourself at this moment. This isn’t necessarily being fueled by the people in your life. It’s more likely an internal struggle on your end, although memories of bad experiences in the past could be a factor. While the impressionable Moon in your creative 5th house reaches out to exuberant Jupiter in your relationship sector, leaning on a confident companion might pull you out of a rut so you can remember how much you want success for yourself!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Interacting with your peers could trigger your insecurities at this time. You may need to remind yourself that someone who appears to be achieving more than you probably isn’t doing so in order to deliberately antagonize you — they’re just living their life! Still, as the nervous Moon in your vulnerable 4th house stimulates energetic Jupiter in your productive 6th house, you might as well take whatever you can from the experience. Let it goad you to work harder toward your personal goals.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Watching what you say could be crucial right now. The fluctuating Moon in your communication sector is agitating the potent Sun in your authority zone, triggering the risk that you’ll be interpreted as trying to wield power over others — whether or not that’s what you mean to do. You’re well within your rights to be open about the ups and downs of your experiences. Just be careful to avoid assuming that others will automatically obtain the same results by replicating whatever you did.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your financial status could be cause for concern at present. When the intimate Moon in your 2nd House of Resources clashes with the illuminating Sun in your research zone, you may come to conclude that the conventional wisdom on the subject ultimately isn’t providing answers that work for you. Doing some experimenting with your own two hands might therefore make sense. Focus on whatever already feels like a reliable source of security in your life, then try to build from that foundation.

Winderman’s view: On a night that left the Heat at a loss, Tyler Herro made nothing but winning plays

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 20:31

Observations and other notes of interest from Tuesday night’s 123-121 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons:

– As hard as it might be, put aside the loss and Erik Spoelstra’s gaffe for a moment.

– Jimmy Butler’s team?

– Bam Adebayo’s team?

– That was then.

– Tyler Herro is now.

– With Tuesday night in Detroit leaving little doubt.

– That contract extension that had been so questioned.

– Value contract?

– Hard to disagree at the moment.

– At the end of Tuesday night’s fourth quarter he simply took over.

– Even with the missed shot at the end of regulation.

– The points.

– The assists.

– The completeness of the offensive performance.

– Even four steals.

– At the moment, he is it.

– This was elite.

– Even in defeat.

– A loss through no fault of his own.

– And when Butler comes back, an argument could be made that Herro still should be the focus.

– An effort so competitive and so complete.

– Even in defeat.

– With Butler (ankle) again sidelined, the Heat opened for the second consecutive game with Adebayo, Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Herro and Terry Rozier.

– With Tuesday’s start, Adebayo tied Rony Seikaly for fifth on the Heat all-time list for games started.

– Spoelstra remained noncommittal about the lineup approach going forward.

– “At this point we’re not there yet,” he said of having something concrete. “We’re day to day, and this is where I prefer to be, anyway. We know what our lineup is going to be tonight. That’s all I need to know.”

– Of the perception of adding more bulk to the front line alongside Adebayo by starting Love over Nikola Jovic, Spoelstra said, “You’re talking about a 6-10 guy for another 6-10 guy. I mean how many 6-10 guys are we going to try next to him? Anything that works at this point, we’ll look into it.”

– Spoelstra routinely has gone into double digits in his rotation during the first half of recent games.

– “Right now, I’m playing more, going deeper into the rotation,” he said. “That also could depend on the game. But I’ve liked it.”

– He added, “But our depth is one of our strengths that I do like, and the guys have played well. And the guys deeper into the rotation, they’ve given us quality minutes.”

– The Heat fell behind 10-0 at the outset, with Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic and Josh Richardson then entering for Highsmith, Love and Rozier.

– Jovic then took a blow to the face on a play he was called for a foul, heading immediately to the locker room.

– He was replaced by Duncan Robinson.

– Kel’el Ware then entered for Adebayo, for 10 deep, with the Heat down 21-8 at the time.

– With Pelle Larsson entering at the start of the second period, it again made it another 11-deep first half for the Heat.

– Before the game, Spoelstra downplayed Adebayo’s recent shooting struggles.

– “I like the shots that he’s generated for us. It’s just one of those stretches. He’ll get it right. We’ll help him,” he said.

– Spoelstra added, “He’ll be just fine. He’ll be just fine. We’ll get through this little stretch that’s a little bit noisy.”

– Spoelstra again was asked Tuesday about the in-season tournament, now in its second year.

– “We like it,” he said. “We’re fans of it. Anytime you have something to compete for, especially early on in the season, I think it’s a good thing. It can really spark your team.”

– The Heat entered 2-2 in in-season tournament games, with the event beginning last season.

– Adebayo, Jaquez and Richardson now are the only three to appear in each of the Heat’s five all-time in-season tournament games.

– Adebayo is the lone player to start all five.

– Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he sees particular value in the in-season tournament for his young roster.

– “This in-season tournament gives our guys, our young guys in particular who haven’t had to play in meaningful basketball games, an opportunity to play in meaningful basketball games,” he said, “understanding that possessions matter more, turnovers matter more, offensive rebounds matter more. All those things matter more in a meaningful basketball game.”

– Spoelstra was effusive in his pregame praise for Pistons guard Cade Cunningham.

– “He’s just playing the game on his terms,” Spoelstra said. “He’s big enough to do it. He’s got the vision. He’s got the skill set. He can operate in a way where you’re not speeding him up. He’s getting to his spots and he makes the right play over and over, which is unique for a young guy.”

– Spoelstra added, “In many ways, he plays a similar game to (Mavericks guard Luka) Doncic. He can score, he can set guys up. He’s big enough to make all the plays in the paint.”

New Jersey beats Florida to snap Panthers’ seven-game winning streak

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 20:31

By TIM REYNOLDS

SUNRISE — Timo Meier scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period, Jacob Markstrom made 33 saves and the New Jersey Devils snapped Florida’s seven-game winning streak by beating the Panthers 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Jack Hughes scored in the first period for the Devils, Paul Cotter put New Jersey up 3-1 with 15:07 left and Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt each had a pair of assists. Ondrej Palat had an empty-netter to cap the win.

It was career game No. 498 for Markstrom. Only 80 goalies have reached the 500-game mark in NHL history.

Sam Reinhart got his 12th goal for Florida, and Spencer Knight made 20 saves for the Panthers. Florida played without forward Sam Bennett, a late scratch with an undisclosed upper-body issue.

Takeaways

Devils: New Jersey has shown resilience all season and Tuesday was another example. With this win the Devils improved to 5-2-1 this season coming off a loss.

Panthers: The game started a very tough 10-game stretch for Florida — two games against New Jersey, two against NHL-leading Winnipeg, two games with Carolina and single matchups against Chicago, Colorado, Washington and Toronto in that span.

Key moment

Florida’s Jonah Gadjovich and New Jersey’s Brenden Dillon had a wild fight midway through the second period, 30 seconds of them holding each other’s sweater with their left hands and throwing constant punches with their rights. Gadjovich’s helmet was knocked off and his head was tucked inside his sweater for half of the fight. Dillon ended up going down first.

ESPN counted 37 punches by Gadjovich, 30 by Dillon. I’m not a big hockey fight guy but this one …. https://t.co/FlXmagWEmf

— Dave Hyde (@davehydesports) November 13, 2024

Key stat

The Devils improved to 9-0-0 this season when leading after two periods. It’s almost a guaranteed win in the NHL these days when leading after 40 minutes; teams came into Tuesday with a 181-4-15 record this season in that scenario.

Up next

The teams meet again Thursday night in Sunrise.

Spoelstra’s ‘horrendous mistake’ costs Heat in OT loss in Detroit, overshadowing Herro’s 40 points

South Florida Local News - Tue, 11/12/2024 - 19:55

DETROIT — Erik Spoelstra called timeout.

He did not have one. His team did not have one.

That is how the Miami Heat lost Tuesday night to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

So despite Tyler Herro’s 40 points, despite a fourth-quarter rally, despite a go-ahead basket with 1.8 seconds to play, this 123-121 overtime loss will be remembered for none of that.

It will be the game the Heat lost when they first allowed a tying, wide-open dunk with 1.1 seconds to play . . . and when Spoelstra then walked on the court to settle his team.

At a time the Heat coach couldn’t.

No timeouts remaining.

So a Malik Beasley go-ahead free throw for the technical foul.

And that basically was that.

“It was just a really well-executed play and I just made just a serious mental error there at the end.” Spoelstra said after, visibly shaken by the gaffe and the cost. “That’s on me. I feel horrible about it. There’s really no excuse for that. I’m 17 years in. We had talked about it in the huddle. I knew we didn’t have anything.

“I just got emotional and reactive on that, and I just made just a horrendous mistake there at the end.”

No, the NBA’s in-season tournament is not one-and-done.

But it might have felt that way after this one with the Heat’s chances in the second-annual event, that pays over $500,000 per player to the winning team, being severely damaged.

Against an opponent that has taken seemingly permanent residence in the lottery in recent years, the Heat opened their four games of stage play in the NBA Cup with a loss still hard to fathom.

Despite the heroic effort from Herro that included a franchise-record 10 3-pointers, as well as eight assists and four steals from the guard.

Despite 20 points and 12 rebounds from center Bam Adebayo.

Despite fighting to the finish in the injury absence of Jimmy Butler, who missed a second consecutive game with an ankle sprain.

Five Degrees of Heat from Tuesday night’s game:

1. Closing time: The Pistons led 32-21 at the end of the first period, took a 57-51 advantage into halftime and were up 91-82 going into the fourth.

Detroit then moved to a 14-point lead early in the fourth.

But with Herro converting back-to-back 3-pointers, the second with 32.2 seconds to play in regulation, the Heat suddenly had it tied at 111-111.

That was how it ended in regulation, after a turnover by the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham and a wayward shot by Herro.

“We had some great defensive possessions, hustle possessions, those 50-50 balls,” Spoelstra said. “Then Tyler was just sensational.”

2. Overtime: An Adebayo 3-point play and a Duncan Robinson putback put the Heat up 118-116 midway through the extra period, with an Adebayo free throw pushing the lead to 119-116 with 55 seconds to play.

But that’s when Beasley converted a 3-pointer to tie it 119-119 with 40.9 seconds to play.

In the midst of an ugly night when he shot 3 of 14, Heat guard Terry Rozier then stepped out of bounds, giving the ball back to the Pistons in a tie with 28 seconds left.

From there, the Heat forced a jump ball with 17 seconds to play, with Adebayo winning the tip and the Heat calling their final timeout.

A driving, leaning bank shot by Herro then put the Heat up 121-119 with 1.8 seconds to play, leading to the Pistons’ final timeout.

But a driving dunk by Jalen Duren tied it with 1.1 seconds to play, after the Heat initially had six players on the court and had to scramble just to be ready to defend the set.

“We didn’t have the backside protected. It was just a really well-executed play,” Spoelstra said.

And then the Spoelstra technical foul for calling the timeout the Heat did not have.

“You don’t want it to come down to a mental error like that,” Spoelstra said. “Yeah, you would have just liked to have seen this go to double overtime. That’s the kind of game it felt like. It deserved to go double OT and not to have somebody get in the way of that. Unfortunately, even as a veteran coach, I got in the way of that.”

3. A wild second: Even earlier, it was obvious it was going to be an unusual game.

The second quarter just about had it all, including the Pistons surging to an 18-point lead, the Heat retaking the lead with a 23-4 rally, and then Detroit bouncing back to take its six-point lead into the intermission.

The Heat’s surge was fueled, in part, by a turnaround from Adebayo, who scored nine points in the second quarter on 4-of-8 shooting, after going without a shot or point in the first period.

Robinson helped fuel the second-quarter surge with a pair of 3-pointers, as he continues to regain a rhythm, particularly while playing alongside Adebayo.

Robinson played all 12 minutes in the second period, as did Adebayo and Haywood Highsmith.

“It was a high intensity game, a lot of emotions flying in both directions,” Herro said. “We’re down to start, we come back. Just back and forth runs all night. We got the lead at the end. Just some miscommunication.

“We’ll learn from it and get better. That’s all you can do at this point in the season. I’m just happy with the fight that we had.”

4. Jovic sidelined: Two nights after scoring the winning points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Jovic this time was lost for the night with 5:22 to play in the opening period after a collision with Beasley, on a play Jovic was called for a foul.

Jovic was injured while battling for a loose ball, banging heads with Beasley and taking the brunt of the collision to his nose. He was ruled out from that point with reduced septum.

Jovic, playing off the bench for the second consecutive game after starting the first eight, wound up going only 2:30, closing with two points and one rebound.

“It’s just a hard hit,” Jovic said. “My nose was out of place. Thank God it’s not broken. The doctor popped it back into place and that’s it.”

5. Even uglier: There then was a lengthy delay with 8:46 to play in the third period, on a sequence that began with a Herro drive and ended with Herro being fouled by the Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr.

During the sequence, Hardaway took an inadvertent Adebayo elbow to the face, a jolt from Herro and then was inadvertently kicked in the head by Pistons center Jalen Duren, who had been knocked off balance.

Bleeding from the top of his head, Hardaway attempted to rise but ultimately was taken off the court in a wheelchair.

Among those in attendance was Hardaway’s father, Heat icon Tim Hardaway, who has lived in the area since serving as a Pistons assistant coach and visited in the Heat locker room before the game.

A CAT scan came back negative on Hardaway, who required stitches to his face.

“They said he’s OK and just getting evaluated,” Pistons forward Tobias Harris said. “We’re praying for him and making sure that he’s alright, because he’s a huge piece to our team.”