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Q:  Ira, I suspect that before the Bucks allow Giannis Antotokounmpo to get away, they will try to move Damian Lillard. Lillard doesn’t seem to enjoy playing for the Bucks. He has had a lot of poor shooting games and doesn’t play any defense. Maybe if the Bucks can get some younger talent and some picks, they’ll be able to appease Giannis. It might have been fortunate the Heat never acquired Dame. – Rich Plantation.

A: Or it could open the door for the Heat to make another run at Damian Lillard. And then the question becomes if the willingness would be similar to when the bid was considered for Dame in the 2023 offseason with Portland. For example, what previously did not stand as a question now might: Would you trade Tyler Herro, and his youth, and his significantly lower salary, for Dame? For that matter, would consideration be made for a possible three-team deal that would send Jimmy Butler to the Warriors and bring in Dame? Some of the shine appeared to have been tarnished when it comes to a player, in Lillard, who now is 34 and has three years left on his contract at $48.7 million this season, $54 million next season and a player option for $58.8 million in 2026-27. But then came Saturday night’s 41-point performance by Lillard that included 10 3-pointers. But it also came in another Bucks loss.

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Q: So the Heat went to Mexico because of Jaime Jaquez Jr., so next to Serbia for Nikola Jovic? – Ant.

A: I would think if the NBA was going to Serbia to showcase a Nikola, it would be Jokic and not Jovic. Besides there is a lot more to the equation, including NBA-level infrastructure, from the arena on down, as well as a desire to build a market. The NBA approach would far more likely be an exhibition in such an instant, because of the logistics.

Q: I hope we play Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson. – Ivan.

A: Eventually, yes. But only when needed, as was the case with Pelle Larsson getting his minutes in a deeper rotation at altitude on Saturday night in Mexico City. If this was a team building for the future, it would be one thing. But after last season’s miserable start, the Heat have the look of a team living in the moment. So Kel’el Ware and Larsson are getting ample reps in practice and even pre-practice. And when Erik Spoelstra sees enough, convinced one or both can help winning, then they play. This is not summer league. This is not preseason. This is a team with a very fine margin of error when it comes to positioning in the East.

Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s  118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards in Mexico City:

– The irony of this one is that it seemingly took the thin air for Bam Adebayo to finally exhale.

– After failing to score more than 12 points in any of the previous fours games this season, Adebayo surpassed that total early in the second period and was up to 20 points at halftime.

– He took the Heat’s first shot, scoring the Heat’s first basket.

– Draining threes along the way.

– It shouldn’t have taken this long.

– Or required going to such lengths.

– Or reaching such an altitude to get this kind of result.

– But Adebayo needed it.

– As much as the Heat needed it from him.

– Now all he has to do is do it again.

– And again.

– And again.

– The 20-point first half was Adebayo’s highest-scoring half since he had 20 in New Orleans in the second half last February.

– It was his highest-scoring first half since he scored 20 over the first two periods against the visiting Pacers on Feb. 7, 2023.

– The Heat remained for the fifth time in as many games with an opening lineup of Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier.

– Out for the Heat were Kevin Love (personal reasons), Duncan Robinson (personal reasons), Josh Christopher (G League) and Keshad Johnson (G League).

– That left the Heat with 13 available players.

– The Wizards started three rookies: Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr. Plus second-year Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. continued as Heat sixth man.

– Alec Burks and Thomas Bryant followed, with Burks getting his run with Robinson out.

– And then Josh Richardson made his season debut, after being sidelined by shoulder, heel and calf issues.

– Richardson entered playing point guard.

– With the Heat, in part because of the altitude, going 10 deep early, with Pelle Larsson entering in the second period.

– Butler’s second assist was the 3,500th of his career.

– Burks’ first point was the 8,000th of his NBA career.

– Herro converted a 3-pointer for the 44th consecutive game. His longest career streak is 53 consecutive such games.

– Herro scored in double figures for the 35th consecutive game, three games shy of the longest such streak of his career.

– Of the trip, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said going into the game, “It’s fun. We love it down here. I know it’s also a special time for Jaime.”

– Spoelstra also said, “I think these are great experiences. We’ve enjoyed it.”

– Asked before the game about Jaquez’s uniqueness as a person, Spoelstra said, “He’s like a renaissance man. He’s a really interesting guy. He has a lot of different interests.”

– Of playing on the night of Mexico’s Dia de la Muertos, Spoelstra said, “It’s always alive in here.”

– The game came a day after Spoelstra’s 54th birthday.

– Asked pregame how he celebrated, Spoelstra said, “I celebrated with a hard, two-hour practice with the team and a nice dinner with the staff afterwards.”

– Butler spoke of his passion as a fan in making the trip, “I love that they love basketball here, but I’m a football player first, that’s my first true love.”

– As in soccer.

– Of the trip, Adebayo said, “This is my third team being here and it’s a surreal moment, always.”

– The game counted against the Wizards’ home schedule, but Adebayo said the trip felt otherwise.

– “Here I don’t think we’re the visiting team,” he said. “Even if we didn’t have Jaime, I feel like there’s a lot of great support of Heat fans here.”

– And, “For us here, I don’t feel like we’re a road team.”

– Adebayo added, “I’ve said it before, the atmosphere is amazing here. It’s a different culture, but it’s kind of the same when you go to Miami.”

– Of the Heat’s goal going in, Spoelstra said, “It’s just about where we are early in the season. We’re trying to gain our footing and to see if we can improve.”

– Former Heat guard Goran Dragic was among ex-NBA players in attendance.

On Día de los Muertos on Saturday in Mexico City, the Miami Heat came to life.

Uneven over their first four games, and coming off a disheartening Wednesday night home loss to the New York Knicks, the Heat found their legs at altitude in a 118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards.

The turnarounds were numerous for Erik Spoelstra’s team, from the first emphatic statement of the season by center Bam Adebayo to the first positive third quarter in the season’s first five games.

Although technically a road game, it was in many ways a homecoming at Arena CDMX, with the Heat improving to 3-0 in their Mexico City appearances and second-year forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. receiving an emphatic embrace from the sold-out crowd in light of his Mexican heritage.

“We had a great time,” Spoelstra said of the trip. “And that was the players, the staff, everybody. We love coming down here. We love the fans. The environment out there was amazing.

“And the most important thing — we were able to get a win.”

Against a team that started three rookies (including former University of Miami forward Kyshawn George), and one second-year player, the Heat wore down an overmatched opponent.

Adebayo led the Heat with 32 points and 14 rebounds, going 3 of 5 on 3-pointers.

Adebayo was supported by 18 points from Jimmy Butler, 15 apiece from Tyler Herro and Alec Burks, and 12 from Terry Rozier.

“My teammates got me going early, and it was a snowball effect from there,” Adebayo said.

Then there was Jaquez, who, despite two days of whirlwind appearances and a significant family presence in the crowd,  played with his typical measured approach, closing with eight points and 10 rebounds.

“Jaime had his moments in there, as well,” Spoelstra said.

“Every time he touched the ball, you could hear the crowd noise go up, but that was fun.”

The Heat next host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at Kaseya Center, before heading out on a six-game, 13-day trip that opens Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns.

Five Degrees of Heat from Saturday night’s game against the Wizards:

1. Game flow: The Heat led 31-21 after the first quarter and 56-48 at halftime.

That’s when the Heat arrived at a moment of truth, having been dominated in the third period through the season’s previous four games.

This time they extended their lead to 89-70 going into the fourth quarter, shooting .545 from the field compared to the Wizards’ .381 over the third quarter, with a 15-11 rebounding advantage.

Butler led the Heat with eight points in the third, on 3-of-3 shooting.

“What we talked about was making a lot more multiple efforts,” Spoelstra said. “That was on both sides of the floor.”

2. Statement from start: Having entered the night with just one first-quarter basket on the season, Adebayo made the most of the Heat’s first shot by converting a short hook.

Moments later, Adebayo converted a 3-pointer, after opening the season 0 for 8 on 3-pointers.

That gave Adebayo the Heat’s first five points.

Adebayo entered 1 of 5 for six points in the previous four first quarters this season. This time he had seven points on 2-of-3 shooting in his opening 6:19 stint.

He then returned and converted another 3-pointer early in the second period . . . and kept going from there, even while dealing with the shot-blocking threat of Wizards rookie big man  Alex Sarr.

Adebayo closed 12 of 24 from the field, 5 of 6 from the foul line.

“This is my third time being here, and all three times it’s been a great energy, it’s been a great crowd,” Adebayo said. “You walk in and you feel the intensity and the environment.”

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3. Viva Jaime: Jaquez drew cheers with each touch, again playing as the Heat’s sixth man.

“Everyone blew my expectations away,” Jaquez said. “I couldn’t imagine this much love shown to myself and my family.

“I can feel the love and it’s very much reciprocated.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, in pregame comments, said the potential influence on Mexican youth should not be underestimated.

“Who knows,” Silver said, “maybe he’ll inspire a young boy to play in the NBA or a young girl who aspires to be in the WNBA one day.

“I think it also helps he’s in, of all markets, Miami, that has a huge Spanish-speaking population there. In some cases more Spanish being spoken there than English.”

Silver also addressed potential expansion to Mexico City.

“I’ll say personally I would love to have a team in Mexico City,” Silver said. “It’s of course the largest city in North America. I believe if we were to come here, we would be Mexico’s team, not just Mexico City’s, and it would be a gateway into Latin America.”

Jaquez closed 4 of 12 from the field.

“He wasn’t nervous,” Spoelstra said. “He’s an experienced player. He’s mature. He’s been in a lot of tough environments.”

4. Richardson returns: Josh Richardson made his season debut late in the first quarter, after missing time since the start of camp with shoulder, heel and calf issues.

The playing time opened with Duncan Robinson away from the Heat due to a personal reason and Josh Christopher on G League assignment.

It was Richardson’s first game action since Feb. 1, when he suffered the shoulder injury against the Boston Celtics that eventually led to season-ending surgery.

Still finding his way, Richardson was scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting in 14 minutes.

Richardson entered at point guard, with two-way player Dru Smith previously handling that initial assignment off the bench.

5. Larsson look: With the game at altitude, Spoelstra wound up going 10 deep early, including rotation minutes for second-round pick Pelle Larsson.

Larsson responded by helping spark the Heat’s second unit in the third period with five points in the period, including a 3-pointer. He closed with seven points on 3-of-4 shooting.

“It was good to see Pelle get some action out there,” Spoelstra said.

The rotation reshuffle this time had forward Haywood Highsmith out of the mix until the closing minutes, when the game already was decided.

General Daily Insight for November 03, 2024

Aggression is at risk of surfacing with little warning. Touchy Mars in Cancer opposes harsh Pluto in Capricorn, sending provocations flying. When relational Venus engages with bombastic Jupiter and tender Chiron, coming together may merely give us additional opportunities to hurt each other under the overall circumstances. Mars then powers into dramatic Leo at 11:10 pm EST, potentially adding theatrical flair to any outbursts. If we aren’t personally caught in the middle of an uproar, we might find it entertaining to watch!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A power struggle you encounter today may remind you of a dynamic you experienced in your childhood. Whether or not you triumph this time around, there are still ways you can take charge of your path forward. Once energetic Mars pushes into your playful 5th house, try to remember any positive aspects of being a kid. Getting reacquainted with a game or hobby you haven’t pursued in a while or never got to appreciate as a child could reconnect you with your sense of fun!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Being forceful about your beliefs as you talk to people could seem to come naturally today. It might feel urgent to get everyone to agree with your viewpoint. Hold on! With determined Mars shifting into your 4th House of Roots, building the security you crave may turn out to be more of an inside job. You often can’t control what others do, so defining and fortifying a space that’s just for you (and perhaps your closest loved ones) is probably a safer bet!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You may be especially eager to improve your financial status at the moment. Maybe you feel like doing so requires you to battle against someone else who is much more powerful than you are. Whether or not that’s totally true, you probably find the narrative of your efforts inspiring. As competitive Mars bursts into your verbal 3rd house, consider concocting additional tales of that sort to increase the excitement in your daily affairs. Enjoy seeing yourself as the hero of a grand drama!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You may presently wonder whether it’s possible to assert yourself and still be in a relationship (platonic or not) with someone else. As individualistic Mars in your sign jabs domineering Pluto in your partnership zone, it could seem like an all-or-nothing proposition. Identifying any resources that are yours to fully control might help you feel less overwhelmed. Although confronting the other person directly is probably a scary prospect, there should be things you can do that don’t involve them for the time being.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

A poorly defined workload could currently lead you to feel resentful. Perhaps you suspect someone else is not being clear about what they want from you so that you can perpetually be in trouble for getting it wrong. Dragging your feet would be an understandable response! That said, it also keeps the dynamic going indefinitely. After assertive Mars shifts into your sign, consider taking the risk of demanding more specific instructions. Even if you don’t get them, you’ll at least have done your part.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Throwing yourself into a competition with your peers could be rewarding today. As driven Mars in your social sector goads intense Pluto in your individualistic 5th house, you’re likely willing to act on your longing to be the best — it might pay off handsomely! On the other hand, all good things must eventually come to an end. There’s no shame in taking the time you need to rest after a big burst of activity, so plan your schedule with that in mind.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Getting a reality check on a frustrating power dynamic might be necessary at any moment. Perhaps you’re caught up in an equation where there seemingly has to be a clear winner and loser. Once action-oriented Mars dashes into your 11th House of Community, contrastingly, turning your focus to relationships that are less charged can reduce the tension. See how it feels to connect with peers on an even footing — merely experiencing a very different vibe could give you the insights you need.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Figuring out what you really want to tell people could be a challenge at this moment. It’s all too easy to get sucked into arguments over petty details that lead you away from your core concerns. As decisive Mars charges into your goal-oriented 10th house, take the opportunity to restore your focus. You may be able to achieve your most significant aims if you let go of a few preferences that aren’t crucial, so keep your message as clear as possible.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

A money matter could be difficult to unravel at present. As aggressive Mars in your 8th House of Shared Resources argues with entrenched Pluto in your personal finance zone, the situation may seem like a battle of wills at this point. Might doesn’t always make right, though. Looking at any external rules that govern what you’re dealing with can at least give you a fresh perspective. Also, if anyone is genuinely in danger of consequences, you’re better off knowing that right away!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You might feel like another person is currently pressuring you to open up about private matters you’d rather not discuss. Once pushy Mars maneuvers into your 8th House of Intimacy, some amount of intense connection may seem practically impossible to escape. In that case, you’re likely better off deciding how to navigate it on your terms instead of resisting it. Your interrogator doesn’t have to get everything they want, but giving them any information they genuinely need could help them move on peacefully.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

A mysterious feeling of resistance could block your efforts to power through your present to-do list. As confrontational Mars creeps into your partnership zone, you might turn your attention toward someone else who has a role in your tasks. If you resent that they’re not pulling their weight, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t be enthusiastic to do your share either! Take it up with them, but try to pin down why the present arrangement isn’t working instead of playing the blame game.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

A hobby or leisure activity could become a source of stress today. Especially if you usually engage in it with friends, that group element has the potential to spiral into drama. Fortunately, this probably isn’t the only thing going on in your life. As motivated Mars bounds into your 6th House of Responsibilities, throwing yourself into productive work might be a relief. Wounded egos can stem from matters of personal taste, but you’re capable of obtaining concrete results that can’t be contested.

JACKSONVILLE — How do you not feel bad for embattled Florida coach Billy Napier?

For some reason, a song from Hee Haw — the old cornpone country variety show — popped into my head as I looked down on the field Saturday and saw the grim-faced Napier as injured quarterback DJ Lagway was carted away with an inspired Gators  team leading mighty Georgia.

“Gloom, despair, and agony on me,Deep, dark depression, excessive misery.If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,Gloom, despair, and agony on me.”

That song pretty much sums up what could be Napier’s fateful final season at Florida.

If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all.

The man simply cannot catch a break.

First he lost starting quarterback Graham Mertz for the season when the Gators were on the verge of upsetting No. 7 Tennessee three weeks ago in Knoxville. Mertz, the nation’s leader in completion percentage, blew out his ACL midway through the third quarter after just throwing a touchdown pass to put the Gators up by 10. Florida ended up losing in overtime.

Then came Saturday as the Gators were giving the No. 2-ranked Bulldogs all they wanted late in the second quarter when Lagway, the freshman phenom, tried to cut upfield on a running play and fell to the ground while grabbing his left hamstring. He rolled onto his back as medical personnel and Napier ran onto the field. Lagway was carted away, perhaps taking Napier’s chance of saving his job with him.

“Gloom, despair, and agony on me.”

I’m not saying the Gators could have beaten Georgia if Lagway had stayed healthy, but they might have. The defense was motivated and forced Georgia quarterback Carson Beck into three interceptions; Florida’s offensive line was pushing Georgia’s vaunted defense off the ball and Lagway already had thrown a perfect 43-yard TD pass to Aidan Mizell.

Even as it was, the Gators tied the score 20-20 in the fourth quarter with shaky third-string quarterback Aidan Warner, a Yale transfer from Winter Park High School, running the show. Then Georgia turned back into Georgia and coach Kirby Smart’s Dawgs closed out the game with two touchdowns in a matter of 58 seconds for the 34-20 win. The Dawgs have now beaten the Gators four straight times — Georgia’s longest winning streak in the rivalry in 40 years.

Warner did his best, but, without Lagway, Florida’s passing game was essentially non-existent. Warner completed just 7-of-22 passes for 66 yards with an interception.

Sadly, it appears Lagway’s injury is significant, which means he could be out for the next stretch of games against No. 6 Texas, No. 16 LSU and No. 19 Ole Miss. Without Lagway, you wonder if the Gators can win another game — with the possible exception of the season finale against moribund FSU (1-8).

It would be nice if UF fans and administration would give Napier some grace and understand that this has been an injury-ravaged star-struck season, but that’s about as likely as a presidential candidate admitting, “Yeah, my opponent’s plan is actually better than mine.”

It’s too bad because, before Lagway’s injury, it looked like the Gators were finally beginning to turn the corner under Napier. They’d won three of four heading into Saturday’s game and — in the one loss during that stretch — they outplayed and outgained Tennessee before losing in overtime. Even the staunchest Napier critic couldn’t argue that his up-and-coming young team was getting better each week and improving in all facets of the game.

“This group is very unified,” Napier said, ”and I think unity is powerful. I do think in the last couple of weeks this group has started to believe that they can play with anybody and beat anybody. I think we have some unbelievable human beings on our team. We don’t have a distraction. We don’t have one guy that’s not compliant. We have no discipline issues.

“Ultimately, when you start to play toe to toe with some of the better teams, you start to believe,” Napier added. “For the first time since I’ve been the head coach here, we showed up and we believed we could beat that team.”

The fact that the Gators held their ground against Georgia for much of Saturday’s game is a minor miracle in itself. And they did it with not even close to their full allotment of players. They did it without their top two quarterbacks — Mertz and Lagway. They did it without their most talented receiver (Tre Wilson), their most talented cornerback (Jason Marshall Jr.) and their starting running back Montrell Johnson Jr. — all of whom missed the game because of injury. In addition, two other starting cornerbacks — Devin Moore and Dijon Johnson — were injured early in the game.

However, Gator Nation is in no mood for moral victories. In the end, this was just another loss in a big game, giving Napier a 1-10 record in rivalry games and a 2-13 mark against ranked teams.

A win against Georgia might have saved Napier, but now the clock is ticking on his job security once again … and with each second, it’s echoing gloom, despair, and agony on me.

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

Today is Saturday, Nov. 2, the 307th day of 2024. There are 59 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Nov. 2, 1948, in one of the most unexpected results in U.S. election history, Democratic incumbent Harry S. Truman won the presidential election against the heavily favored Republican governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey.

Also on this date:

In 1783, Gen. George Washington issued his Farewell Address to the Army.

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In 1861, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln relieved Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont of his command of the Army’s Western Department, following Fremont’s unauthorized efforts to emancipate slaves in Missouri.

In 1947, Howard Hughes piloted his Hughes H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the ‘Spruce Goose,’ on its one and only flight; a massive wooden seaplane with a wingspan longer than a football field, it remained airborne for 26 seconds.

In 1959, Charles Van Doren testified to a Congressional committee that he had conspired with television producers to cheat on the television quiz show ‘Twenty-One.’

In 1976, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter became the first candidate from the Deep South to be elected president since the Civil War as he defeated incumbent Gerald R. Ford.

In 2000, American astronaut Bill Shepherd and two Russian cosmonauts, Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev, became the first crew to reside onboard the International Space Station; they spent a total of 136 days in the International Space Station before returning to Earth on Space Shuttle Discovery.

In 2003, in Iraq, insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter carrying dozens of U.S. soldiers, killing 16.

In 2004, President George W. Bush was elected to a second term, defeating Sen. John Kerry, and Republicans strengthened their control of Congress.

In 2007, British college student Meredith Kercher, 21, was found slain in her bedroom in Perugia, Italy; her roommate, American Amanda Knox and Knox’s Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted of killing Kercher, but both were later exonerated.

In 2016, ending a championship drought that had lasted since 1908, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings.

In 2021, the Atlanta Braves won their first World Series championship since 1995, defeating the Houston Astros in Game 6.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Tennis Hall of Famer Ken Rosewall is 90.
• Political commentator Pat Buchanan is 86.
• Olympic gold medal wrestler Bruce Baumgartner is 65.
• Singer-songwriter k.d. lang is 63.
• Playwright Lynn Nottage is 60.
• Actor David Schwimmer is 58.
• Jazz singer Kurt Elling is 57.
• Rapper Nelly is 50.
• Film director Jon Chu is 45.
• TV personality Karamo Brown (“Queer Eye”) is 44.
• NFL quarterback Jordan Love is 26.

BELLE GLADE — Ar’Maud Stinfort scored from 10 yards out on the first play of overtime as unbeaten host Glades Central, after a frenetic rally by Pahokee, won the annual Muck Bowl 23-16 on Friday night.

Glades Central (9-0) capitalized on self-inflicted wounds by the visiting Blue Devils (6-3) such as 6-yard and 13-yard punts and four fumbles, one which the home team recovered as the Raiders built a 16-0 lead only to watch Pahokee rally in front of a jam-packed, standing room only crowd estimated at 5,000.

“Man, this is a wonderful win, give God all of the glory,” said Glades Central first-year coach Omar Haugabook. “This is the Muck Bowl. This is what you are talking about. This is the rebirth of the rivalry of the Muck Bowl. Look at the crowd. All the shoutouts to both teams and the community.

“The rebuild is real,” added Haugabook as Glades Central snapped a three-game losing skid in the Muck Bowl to run its record to 26-17 in the all-time series. Pahokee had also won six of the past seven meetings. “They were able to tie it up, but we just worked hard and pulled it out. They didn’t give up.”

Stinfort scored untouched on the first play of overtime from 10 yards out to give the Raiders a 23-16 lead. He finished the game with 22 carries for 77 yards. He also had two catches for 28 yards and wound up with two scores.

Pahokee’s Rashon Brown then ran two consecutive times for 7 yards before he limped off with a knee injury on their overtime series. Blue Devils quarterback Zay Mitchell threw an incomplete pass on third down and backup running back Larry Warren was hauled down for a 2-yard loss to end the game and touched off a wild celebration. Brown finished with 121 rushing yards on 18 carries.

“This is a dream,” said Stinfort. “We have been losing for three years straight. I remember when we lost last year (55-23). I was devastated. I was hurt. We just had to come (back) as a team. This is tradition and I had to do my part.

“I am just so thankful for this,” he continued. “This is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my whole life. It’s the hood holiday. It’s the Muck Bowl.”

Glades Central stretched the lead to 16-0 with two quick scoring tosses in the third quarter by Taj Barnes, one on a 13-yard TD pass from Barnes to Jermyll Ray with 7:46 left, and a 27-yard TD pass to Stinfort with 4:55 remaining in the third.

Pahokee finally came alive, though, scoring 16 straight points to force overtime. After Stinfort’s score, the Blue Devils took the ensuing kickoff and marched 56 yards in six plays on Mitchell’s first of two second-half TD runs to trim the lead to 16-6 entering the final quarter. Mitchell scampered 12 yards for the score; however, the 2-point conversion attempt failed.

Pahokee pulled to within 16-9 on a 26-yard field goal by Jose Jaimes with 9:22 left in the game after getting great field possession on a poor snap that gave them the ball on the Raiders’ 33. Mitchell tied the game on a 7-yard run with 3:22 left to force overtime.

Pahokee had the ball with 1:48 remaining in the game on the 40-yard line but could only get to the Glades Central 35 before a swarm of Raiders defenders sacked Mitchell for a 7-yard loss to end regulation.

Glades Central controlled most of the first half, tripling the number of plays that Pahokee was able to muster 36-12, but they came up empty twice in the red zone.

The Raiders finally got on the scoreboard with 26 seconds remaining when Pahokee’s Herbert Crawford attempted to punt from his own 19, but the snap was short-hopped, and he was smothered in the end zone for a safety.

First-year Pahokee head coach Carlos Lammons Sr. was upset with the loss, but happy with the second-half turnaround.

“We preach resiliency,” Lammons Sr. said. “We never give up and we fight to the end. With me at the lead, you will always see a team that will fight to the end. That’s my attitude. I preach positivity. We could be down 40-0, but we will play hard the entire game. It showed tonight. We dug ourselves too deep of a hole.”

“Obviously, you want to win every game, but there are a lot of positive things to find out through a loss,” he added. “We had some bright spots, and we had some negative spots and that is for me to clean up as a head coach and we will.”

BOCA RATON — West Boca junior running back Javian Mallory rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns to lift the host Bulls to a 28-14 victory against Atlantic on Friday night.

West Boca (9-0) remained unbeaten while Atlantic (8-1) suffered their first loss of the season. The two teams were both awarded victories this week from earlier in the season after a loss was overturned and ruled a forfeit by an opponent.

Deandre Designer (1) of Atlantic fumbles near his own end zone as Marc-Sanchtz Lordeus (22) of West Boca closes in on the play during the fourth quarter at West Boca High. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

Mallory had a 99-yard touchdown run called back on a penalty in the first quarter. He still rushed for an 8-yard touchdown and 1-yard score in the second quarter and added a 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

“We knew we were going to come in and dominate,” Mallory said. “I know I am the best player in the county. Get the ball to me and I am going to make it happen. My O-line blocked very hard this game. It’s all a family and everybody was proud of each other. There are no egos on this team. As long as we get the win, that is the mentality. That is why I love this team and I feel like we are going to go very far.”

West Boca defeated Atlantic in the regional quarterfinal last season in dramatic fashion with a Hail Mary on the final play of the game. Mallory was looking forward to competing in another game against Atlantic.

“This game was circled on my calendar and it was real personal for me,” Mallory said. “There was a lot of talking going into this game. I know who I am and what we can do. We came out and proved it. It’s a great confidence booster. The mindset is to keep working and continue to be great.”

After a scoreless first quarter, West Boca led 14-6 at halftime and 21-14 at the end of the third. The Bulls sealed the victory with a touchdown late in the fourth.

Quarterback Mason Mallory (7) of West Boca hands off to Javian Mallory (3) against Atlantic during the first half at West Boca High. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

“We wanted to run the football all game,” West Boca coach Dylan Potts said. “We came out and really did that. We got the pass game going a little bit in the second half. The defense did a good job of bending, but not breaking. It was a total team effort. I am so proud of the kids for coming out and really answering the call tonight. That’s a really good football team and they have a lot of big-time players over there and great coaches. We knew it was going to be a dogfight and hats off to our kids.”

Atlantic senior quarterback Lincoln Graf passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.

“It prepares us a lot for the playoffs and this was a playoff atmosphere,” Atlantic coach Jamelle Murray said. “They did a good job running the ball and we just got to get them off the field. We had a couple of times that we had them on third down and we did not execute.”

Atlantic started the opening possession of the contest from the 25-yard line. The Eagles had a 17-play opening drive that took 8:01 off the clock. However, they failed to score on fourth-and-goal from the 2.

West Boca responded with an eight play, 99-yard scoring drive. On the first play on offense, Mallory had a 99-yard scamper called back as the ball was placed at the Bulls 47. Mallory’s 8-yard touchdown run made it 6-0 in the second quarter. West Boca’s extra point attempt was blocked.

Quarterback Lincoln Graf (19) of Atlantic hands off to Legend Felican (0) against West Boca during the second half at West Boca High. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

Atlantic had a three play, 61-yard scoring drive on the ensuing possession. Senior running back Deandre Desinor had a 28-yard run down the right sideline. On the next play, Graf connected with senior wide receiver Teddy Hoffmann for a 30-yard touchdown to tie the score with 10 minutes left in the first half. Atlantic’s extra point attempt was also blocked.

West Boca jumped ahead late in the second quarter. On fourth-and-2 from the Bulls 48, Mallory rushed for a 41-yard gain and then had a 1-yard score, and sophomore quarterback Trey Moran added a two-point conversion run to make it 14-6 with 40 seconds left in the first half.

Mallory powered his way for a 6-yard touchdown run with 3:57 left in the third quarter.

Atlantic responded as Graf connected with Hoffmann on a fourth-down completion to the Bulls’ 38-yard line. Graf tossed a 22-yard scoring pass to junior wide receiver James Jones with 10 seconds left in the third quarter. Graf then fired a pass to Desinor in the end zone for the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 21-14.

West Boca junior Xavier Reid recovered a fumble at the Atlantic 7-yard line late in the fourth. On third-and-goal, Moran had a 4-yard touchdown pass to sophomore running back Anderson Gracilien with 3:57 left.

“We have a lot of things to clean up,” Potts said. “We left some points out there. At the end of the day, we found a way to win and that says a lot about our kids.”

Javian Mallory (3) of West Boca carries Tyrell Owens (8) of Atlantic into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half at West Boca High. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (Jim Rassol/Contributor).

General Daily Insight for November 02, 2024

Finding meaning in suffering is an option at this moment. When optimistic Jupiter sextiles intense Chiron, we’ll potentially recognize and be grateful for the lessons we learned from difficult experiences. Brilliant Mercury in probing Scorpio then engages with motivated Mars and profound Pluto, strengthening us to dig deep into the details of troubling events. Once Mercury passes into trailblazing Sagittarius at 3:18 pm EDT, however, it will be time to look at the big picture and figure out how to move forward.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Talking things out could be healing today. While helpful Jupiter in your communication zone aligns with wounded Chiron in your sign, opening up about a personal issue is a good way to get yourself the support you need. Contrastingly, once the impact of letting someone else into your heart recedes, you may have some work to do in reshaping your general view of the world. The expectations you hold regarding what’s supposed to happen can be subtle, but they often make a big impact.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

A financial windfall could be about to arrive with surprising consequences in tow. When auspicious Jupiter in your resourceful 2nd house engages with touchy Chiron in your anxious 12th house, you might wind up with enough money to make it obvious that some of your problems aren’t really finance-related. Insecurities founded in other issues may be harder to pin down, but it’s helpful to know what’s not to blame. With that out of the way, you’ll probably see any decisions concerning your investments more clearly.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Searching for insight on a difficult dynamic with a friend group or organization you belong to is likely to be fruitful at the moment. You’ve potentially picked up the impression that people there are judging you. In truth, the issue might have more to do with your lack of confidence. As articulate Mercury moves into your relationship zone, consider talking things over with someone who knows the situation. They may see aspects of it that are just outside your field of vision.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

The idea of claiming authority might be scary for you at present. Maybe you don’t have to do it in a way that attracts a lot of attention! Once nimble Mercury passes into your grounded 6th house, simply taking care of practical tasks is both useful and a way to build confidence in your judgment. No matter how intimidatingly grand your larger goal is, you’ll ultimately have to make it work on a day-to-day level. Start there for the time being.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Friends could currently draw your attention toward a belief you hold that isn’t serving you. Still, you may associate this idea with your upbringing in a comforting way, making you reluctant to give it up. You don’t need to deny the existence of those positive feelings — sentimental attachment is very common! Even so, as logical Mercury enters your 5th House of Self-Expression, consider the possibility that there are other forms of pleasure you’d also find appealing. Weigh one potential good against another.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You’re potentially on the cusp of a major breakthrough at the moment. Can you trust someone else to help you cross the finish line? While confident Jupiter in your ambitious 10th house nudges wary Chiron in your 8th House of Sharing, you might find that leaning on a collaborator goes impressively well. You may even be tempted to reconsider a perspective based on past partnerships that went poorly. Communication is key to getting it right this time, and so is questioning your assumptions.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Looking for perspective on a relationship drama is probably necessary now. Is the problem whatever actually happened between the two of you, or is your pain coming from your belief that something else should have happened? You have the right to value what you value, but don’t let inflated expectations block your view of any potentially good things already in front of you. Try to sort out your thoughts and make sure you’re being reasonable — ideally before you confront the other person.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You may currently resent the need to take care of unpleasant responsibilities when you’d rather be doing something more fun. Perhaps your perspective will change once you get going on your tasks. As enthusiastic Jupiter in your sharing sector encourages angsty Chiron in your dutiful 6th house, seeing how the effort you’re putting in uplifts those you care about can spur you to keep going. There might also be a possibility of material gain in the equation for you, so stay alert!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

A pep talk from a loved one could boost your self-confidence at this time. While upbeat Jupiter in your partnership zone complements awkward Chiron in your expressive 5th house, your companion might be able to articulate what you get right more clearly than you could say it yourself. If they come up with any phrases or sayings that really resonate with you, don’t be afraid to borrow them for your personal use. Embrace the opportunity to build a friendlier internal monologue!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Cleaning up can work wonders for your mental game at present. Although intellectual Mercury is shifting into your contemplation sector starting today, you might find it hard to settle down at first — there are potentially just too many thoughts bouncing around in your head! Journaling out some of your pressing brainstorms could be useful, but don’t overlook the potential benefits of tidying up your physical environment as well. A cluttered atmosphere may distract you more than you consciously realize.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your social life could be on the verge of heating up. As communication planet Mercury powers into your 11th House of Networking, you’ll probably have more opportunities than usual to connect with others. You might want to start thinking about what you’ll tell them! Although you’re potentially aware of your personal sore spots at the moment, don’t go into conversations looking for slights to be offended by — try to figure out how your pain can increase your empathy for your companions instead.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Getting in touch with your ambition is possible now. With clear-thinking Mercury entering your 10th House of Career, you’re capable of seeing a field of opportunities in front of you. You might also want to look within and understand your motivations better. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn more money — just remember that finances aren’t the only thing that counts as you determine what will make you feel secure. Study the whole picture to pick the best path available to you.

BOCA RATON — Bryce Archie threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score in a 24-point third quarter, and South Florida pulled away for a 44-21 victory over Florida Atlantic on Friday night.

South Florida (4-4, 2-2 American Athletic Conference) trailed 14-7 at halftime, but Archie pulled the Bulls even with a 1-yard touchdown run on their first possession of the third quarter.

Cam Fancher answered with a 63-yard scoring strike to CJ Campbell Jr. four plays later to regain the lead for Florida Atlantic (2-6, 0-4). But Archie sandwiched a 13-yard touchdown pass to Sean Atkins and a 3-yarder to Kelley Joiner around John Cannon’s 34-yard field goal in a 17-point run that left the Bulls with a 31-21 advantage heading to the final quarter.

Joiner had a 17-yard touchdown run and Ta’Ron Keith scored on a 55-yard run from there as South Florida outscored the Owls 37-7 in the second half for its second straight win after a three-game slide.

Campbell scored on a 9-yard run to give FAU a 7-0 lead after one quarter.

The Bulls pulled even midway through the second quarter on a 64-yard touchdown run by Nay’Quan Wright. Campbell scored on a 30-yard run on third-and-3 to put the Owls in front 14-7 at halftime.

Archie completed 19 of 32 passes for 206 yards for South Florida. Wright had 117 yards on 17 carries; Joiner rushed 11 times for 89 yards; and Keith had 81 yards on his three carries as the Bulls rushed for 319.

Fancher totaled 306 yards on 22-for-42 passing for the Owls. Campbell carried 12 times for 90 yards and caught five passes for 78.

___

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Jill Tracey Folmar, a well-known South Florida radio personality and current candidate for Hollywood city commission, has died at age 60.

Originally from Detroit, Jill Tracey, as she was known professionally, was a long-time personality on Miami’s WHQT Hot 105 and had been in the radio industry for three decades, including on WEDR 99Jamz. She was in a three-way race with Peter Hernandez and Richard Walker for Hollywood’s District 2 commission seat in next week’s election.

Throughout her career, Tracey served as news director at Hot 105 and was a former president of the National Association of Black Journalists South Florida chapter, the NABJ said in a statement shared with the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday evening.

A biography page on the Hot 105 website says Tracey hosted the show “Hot Talk” and co-hosted the Rickey Smiley morning show. She was involved with numerous South Florida organizations and nonprofits, including the Embrace Girls Foundation and the NFL Sisters in Service. She attended Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens.

“We are very saddened to hear of Jill Tracey’s passing and extend our condolences to her family and all her friends and fans across the many years of her public life,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said in a statement Friday evening. “As a candidate for City Commissioner, we got to know her as a fun-loving spirit who wanted the best for our city. We will continue with that spirit and in her honor.”

Hernandez told the Sun Sentinel: “I liked her. She was fun, she was vibrant, and as a candidate, I liked her. We got along great. It is really sad.”

Tracey was found dead in her home Friday, Stephanie Anderson, a long-time friend of Tracey, told the Sun Sentinel. She lived alone with her two dogs, her “fur daughters,” Lola and Joy. Anderson said police did not expect any foul play.

“She did have some health issues, but her death was completely unexpected,” Anderson said.

Anderson said Tracey was the type of person who “went all out for her community,” in her career and in her personal life, volunteering with local organizations and mentoring in the community. She was passionate about preserving the city of Hollywood’s history and wanted to advocate for affordable housing for working people in the city, Anderson said.

“What ultimately drew me to her was just her spirit. We were kindred spirits,” Anderson said. “There wasn’t anything that has been asked of Jill Tracey in this community in the last 30 years that she has not done … She was here, 100%, for South Florida.”

Anderson said she spent at least part of every Thanksgiving for more than a decade at Tracey’s home, where she hosted a dinner with her friends. She was the kind of friend who hosted barbecues at her pool with friends, and they’d all gather around to talk about community issues.

“I would ask that at this time that we’re going through, at this particular time in our nation that we’re going through, that everybody sort of take a little piece of her in terms of coming together and loving each other because no matter what — it doesn’t matter if she agreed with a person or disagreed with them, she was so respectful and so loving and so kind,” Anderson said.

Tracey’s friend and another well-known South Florida radio personality “Supa Cindy,” first met Tracey while she was on air at 99Jamz more than two decades ago, before she transitioned to Hot 105.

The Miami Herald reported in June that Tracey was fired from the radio station. Supa Cindy said she does not want Tracey to remembered for the ending of her career, but rather that she is remembered as “legendry, royalty, a GOAT (greatest of all time)” in the industry.

Supa Cindy recalled Tracey’s “infectious laugh,” her larger-than-life personality and distinct style and “flavor” that made her stand out from others, including her signature saying, “Love you, mean it.” She was “the it girl” in the Miami radio world, she said.

Lisa Arneaud, a spokesperson for the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, told the Sun Sentinel that the votes Tracey received will still tabulate on election night.

By JAKE OFFENHARTZ and MICHAEL R. SISAK

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption trial will begin next April, a judge ruled Friday, right in the thick of his promised reelection campaign.

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho set the trial date as Adams returned to Manhattan federal court for a hearing on his bid to eliminate a key charge in the indictment that threatens his political future.

Ho said he’s confident the April 21, 2025, date will hold, “assuming nothing unexpected comes up.”

At the same time, prosecutors said they still haven’t been able to crack a potentially crucial piece of evidence: Adams’ personal cellphone. According to his indictment, Adams changed his password just before giving the phone to authorities, then claimed he forgot it.

Adams’ lawyers are fighting to throw out a bribery charge, one of five counts against the first-term Democrat.

They argued the charge doesn’t meet the U.S. Supreme Court’s recently narrowed threshold for the crime and shouldn’t apply to Adams because it involves allegations dating to before he became mayor.

“The prosecutor for the United States had trouble defining what the ‘quo’ is here,” Adams’ lawyer John Bash argued, referring a “quid pro quo,” a Latin phrase meaning “something for something.”

Prosecutors countered that Adams’ lawyers were splitting hairs because, they allege, Adams was taking bribes and exerting influence while holding a prior elected office and as he anticipated becoming mayor.

Ho said he would take the arguments “under advisement and attempt to rule shortly.”

The indictment, which also includes wire fraud and conspiracy charges, accuses Adams of accepting flight upgrades and other luxury travel perks valued at $100,000 along with illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence.

In exchange, prosecutors say, Adams performed favors benefiting the Turkish government, including pressuring the fire department in 2021 to approve the opening of a consulate that it deemed unsafe.

Adams held a different elected position at the time, Brooklyn borough president, but by then it was clear that he would become mayor.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and vowed to remain in office as he mounts his legal defense.

Bash argued the alleged perks don’t meet the legal definition of bribery because they predate his time as mayor and have “nothing to do with his governmental position.”

Adams’ lawyers contend prosecutors are seeking to criminalize “normal and perfectly lawful acts” that Adams undertook as Brooklyn borough president before he was elected mayor.

Under the law, prosecutors must show that Adams took bribes in exchange for using his official office to exert influence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten argued that Adams knew he was “entering into a transactional relationship” with his Turkish benefactors and that his role as borough president “gets him in the room, as it were, with the fire commissioner.”

Ho wondered whether, rather than Adams’ job as borough president, it was Adams’ impending move to City Hall that gave him the power to pressure the fire department.

“It seems a little weird when the jurisdictional connection here is that he was Brooklyn borough president but that his ability to exert pressure extends from something else,” Ho said.

Scotten stood firm, arguing that “if Margot Robbie gave him a call and was really persuasive,” the “Barbie” actor and producer still wouldn’t be able to influence the fire department without also holding an elected office.

“He probably would’ve taken that call,” Ho quipped, prompting laughter in the courtroom.

Zeroing in on the incongruity of the law — campaign contributions are legal, but bribes are not — Bash argued that it would be perfectly fine for a public official to pressure a casino licensing board on behalf of a campaign donor.

“A general agreement to help is not a federal crime,” Bash argued.

Adams sat stoically for most of the two-hour hearing, but he perked up just before Ho set the trial date — nodding emphatically as another of his lawyers, Alex Spiro, warned that a trial overlapping with next June’s Democratic primary would be a “grave, grave democratic concern.”

Scotten said at a hearing last month that prosecutors are pursuing “several related investigations” and that it is “quite likely” they will seek a superseding indictment charging Adams with additional crimes. Scotten also said it is “likely” additional defendants will be charged.

Prosecutors disclosed Friday that they’ve searched through nearly two-dozen electronic devices seized in the investigation but still haven’t been able to access Adams’ cellphone and aren’t sure they will.

Late Thursday, Ho rejected another defense attempt to chip away at the case, denying Adams’ request for a hearing on the mayor’s claims that the government has been leaking information about the investigation to the news media.

The judge ruled that Adams and his lawyers failed to substantiate those claims and, if any leaks occurred, that the government was to blame.

In court filings outlining their arguments, Adams’ lawyers said the years of flight upgrades and other perks the mayor received were at most “classic gratuities,” which a recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings found were not covered by the bribery statute if they were given for past acts, according to the filing.

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Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, responded that Adams actions were plainly criminal.

“It should be clear from the face of the indictment that there is nothing routine about a public official accepting over $100,000 in benefits from a foreign diplomat, which he took great pains to conceal — including by manufacturing fake paper trails to create the illusion of payment,” prosecutors wrote.

Several of Adams’ closest aides — including his police commissioner, schools chancellor and multiple deputy mayors — have resigned in recent months after federal investigators executed coordinated searches of their homes in early September.

Adams has maintained that he can continue to lead the city effectively while fighting the charges.

But his political future remains fraught and several opponents have announced plans to challenge him in next year’s mayoral primary.

Earlier this week, Adams raised eyebrows after repeatedly declining to criticize former President Donald Trump, refusing to say when he last spoke with the Republican nominee or whether he was angling for a pardon should Trump win reelection.

By DYLAN LOVAN

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal jury on Friday convicted a former Kentucky police detective of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during a botched 2020 drug raid that left her dead.

The 12-member jury returned the late-night verdict after clearing Brett Hankison earlier in the evening on a charge that he used excessive force on Taylor’s neighbors.

It’s the first conviction of a Louisville police officer who was involved in the deadly raid.

Some members of the jury were in tears as the verdict was read around 9:30 p.m. Friday. They had earlier indicated to the judge in two separate messages that they were deadlocked on the charge of using excessive force Taylor but chose to continue deliberating. The six man, six woman jury deliberated for more than 20 hours over three days.

Hankison fired 10 shots into Taylor’s glass door and windows during the raid, but didn’t hit anyone. Some shots flew into a next-door neighbor’s adjoining apartment.

The death of the 26-year-old Black woman, along with the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, sparked racial injustice protests nationwide.

A separate jury deadlocked on federal charges against Hankison last year, while in 2022, a jury acquitted Hankison on state charges of wanton endangerment.

The conviction against Hankison carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Hankison, 48, argued throughout the trial that he was acting to protect his fellow officers after Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired on them when they broke down Taylor’s door with a battering ram.

This jury had sent a note on Thursday to U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings asking whether they needed to know if Taylor was alive as Hankison fired his shots.

That was a point of contention during closing arguments, when Hankison’s attorney Don Malarcik told the jury that prosecutors must “prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms. Taylor was alive” when Hankison fired.

After the jury sent the question, Jennings urged them to keep deliberating.

Walker shot and wounded one of the officers. Hankison testified that when Walker fired, he moved away, rounded the corner of the apartment unit and fired into Taylor’s glass door and a window.

Meanwhile, officers at the door returned Walker’s fire, hitting and killing Taylor, who was in a hallway.

Hankison’s lawyers argued during closing statements Wednesday that Hankison was acting properly “in a very tense, very chaotic environment” that lasted about 12 seconds. They emphasized that Hankison’s shots didn’t hit anyone.

Hankison was one of four officers charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2022 with violating Taylor’s civil rights. Thus far, those charges have yielded just one conviction: a plea deal from a former officer who was not at the raid and became a cooperating witness in another case.

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Malarcik, Hankison’s attorney, spoke at length during closing arguments about the role of Taylor’s boyfriend, who fired the shot that hit former Sgt. John Mattingly at the door. He said Walker never tried to come to the door or turn the lights on as police were knocking and instead armed himself and hid in the dark.

“Brett Hankison was 12 inches away from being shot by Kenneth Walker,” Malarcik said.

Prosecutors said Hankison acted recklessly, firing 10 shots into doors and a window where he couldn’t see a target.

They said in closing arguments that Hankison “violated one of the most fundamental rules of deadly force: If they cannot see the person they’re shooting at, they cannot pull the trigger.”

Neither of the officers who shot Taylor — Mattingly and former Detective Myles Cosgrove — were charged in Taylor’s death. Federal and state prosecutors have said those officers were justified in returning fire, since Taylor’s boyfriend shot at them first.

Friday

Glades Central 23, Pahokee 16 (Final, OT)

West Boca Raton 28, Atlantic 14

Nova 22, Hollywood Hills 14

Archbishop McCarthy 31, King’s Academy 28

Benjamin 46, St. Andrew’s 7

American Heritage-Delray 35, LaBelle 0

Pine Crest 6, Marathon 3

Palm Beach Central 38, Dwyer 14

Gateway Charter 37, Berean Christian 0

Out-of-Door 30, Oxbridge Academy 21

Dillard 39, Deerfield Beach 7

Western 35, West Broward 10

John Carroll 59, St. John Paul II 8

Spanish River 90, Olympic Heights 0

Palm Beach Lakes 54, Suncoast 14

Oasis 19, Westminster Academy 7

 

Thursday

Cypress Bay 37, Hallandale 30

Carol City 35, Somerset Prep 0

Plantation 38, South Plantation 0

Gainesville Buchholz 14, Cardinal Newman 7

Royal Palm Beach 25, Dr. Joaquin Garcia 23

Park Vista 27, Forest Hill 26 OT

Palm Beach Gardens 35, Inlet Grove 7

 

Earlier this fall, Christina Huynh took her first vacation in who-knows-how-long, a dreamlike Alaskan cruise and a joyful California wedding trip. Now she wants to do it again, and again. And she wants to cradle her new grandchild in peaceful retirement.

If that means closing the iconic Fort Lauderdale restaurant that some call a vacation in itself — a place to spend Christmas, Thanksgiving and other precious life moments — then so be it. Which is why Christina Wan’s Mandarin House — after 28 years in South Florida (19 of them in Victoria Park) — will permanently shut down after dinner service on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Ellyn Bank, left, and Rulaca Nistor, both of Palm Beach, eat lunch at Christina Wan’s Mandarin House in Fort Lauderdale. After nearly 30 years in business, the restaurant will permanently close this month. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

And yet closing the chapter on Christina Wan’s is bittersweet, because it means losing a different kind of family.

“I’m so busy, even at the end,” Huynh told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday. “Our lives have been so involved with the restaurant, so many hours and days. I have no holidays. My customers — my friends, my family — these are the people who celebrate holidays with me. And now I have to call and tell them their Christmas reservations aren’t happening this year.”

Huynh said the idea to retire had been percolating since she learned her daughter, Courtney Van Leeuwaarde, was pregnant. (The baby is due Dec. 18, she said.)

This decision comes after 50-plus years working in the restaurant industry. Closing her namesake restaurant (her maiden name is Wan) bookends a family restaurant dynasty that stretches back to 1966, when her grandfather, Lee Pong Wan, opened the original Wan’s in Miami. Now only one restaurant in her extended family remains: Temple Street Eatery, a mecca of Asian-fusion comfort food co-owned by her nephew Alex Kuk, still going strong on North Federal Highway.

Christina Wan’s has been a fixture in the Victoria Park neighborhood since 2005, a classy Chinese sit-down known for moo shu pork and Peking duck, old-fashioned Cantonese like crab Rangoon and egg foo young, and modern offerings like spicy tofu and wok-fried lemongrass beef. Lemongrass and tofu are Vietnamese influences from her husband — chef and co-owner Jason Huynh — that have been on the menu since the beginning, alongside traditional Mandarin and Sichuan dishes.

“If you look at Christina Wan’s food and compare it to other Chinese around town, you’ll see right away it’s more elevated and sophisticated,” Alex Kuk said. “Others do sticky and sweet and drenched in cornstarch, but my uncle [Jason] does healthier Chinese, using the wok for crispier, drier dishes, cutting the veggies and proteins by hand.”

Customers, particularly snowbirds, for decades have traveled from as far as Palm Beach and northeastern states to dine at the 3,500-square-foot restaurant in the Victoria Park Shoppes. There, they meet Mrs. Huynh — chic and sharp-eyed — and always keen to introduce new flavors to customers beyond the usual sizzling Mongolian beef and light-battered honey garlic chicken.

“We’re the Cheers of Chinese restaurants,” Huynh said. “We have three, four generations of regulars now so we can track when they come in like clockwork, what they’re going to eat, and when they celebrate.”

She expects the final day will be a muted affair — no fanfare, no celebrations, no big goodbyes — just ordinary dinner.

“What I’m trying to say is I’m sorry for this short notice. We’re just going to bow out quietly and humbly and enjoy the successful run that we had. And maybe tell some people I’m going to be busy with changing diapers and burping the baby,” she said.

Waiter Eddie Chen takes food to his customers at Christina Wan’s Mandarin House in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Rise of the Wans

When Huynh’s grandfather, Lee Pong Wan, opened Wan’s on Southwest Eighth Street in Miami in 1966, his family at first stayed behind in Hong Kong. By 1970, she immigrated to the United States with her siblings — sisters Annie and Elizabeth and brother Edwin — and settled in Coral Gables.

After school at Coral Way Elementary, Huynh worked at her father’s restaurant, Davie Wan’s, on Young Circle in downtown Hollywood.

“Sammy Davis Jr. used to stay at The Diplomat [Beach Resort] in Hollywood, and he ate at our restaurant,” she recalled. “I have a picture of my father and Sammy together. It’s one of my keepsakes.”

In the late 1970s, Huynh’s father moved the business north to Sheridan Street, across from TY Park in Hollywood, where it remained until 2000. He opened a second location on 163rd Street in North Miami and a third on University Drive in Tamarac.

“They were all named Wan’s,” said Huynh, who ran the Tamarac location. “At our peak, we had three restaurants simultaneously.”

Huynh opened Christina Wan’s in 1996 in downtown Hollywood, and after nine years decided to relocate to Victoria Park.

“Hollywood wasn’t progressing the way I wanted it to progress, but Fort Lauderdale really took to us. It was going really well,” she said.

Huynh tried to expand the family empire again in the 2010s with a pair of restaurants. First came Kitchen Four Twenty, a breakfast-diner concept that was replaced by Ki’Na, a short-lived, modern-Asian offshoot specializing in seasonal plates with flavors from New Zealand, France, Japan and Mexico. Both lasted less than a year.

“They were ahead of their time,” Kuk said. “If they were open today, we’d be doing so much business.”

Customers at Christina Wan’s Mandarin House in Fort Lauderdale. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christina Wan’s “had terrific takeout business,” Huynh said. But she won’t lie that an ever-evolving Fort Lauderdale skyline around Victoria Park has driven up rents, while inflation has caused the cost of labor and food to spike. All of these factored into her decision to retire.

“I don’t know too much about podcasts or social media or all that other stuff,” Huynh said. “Things are changing so much, if you’re not a social-media person, you can’t market yourself. It’s different now.”

Van Leeuwaarde, Huynh’s daughter, has helped around the restaurant since she was a teenager.

“My parents live and breathe that restaurant,” she said. “If they step away for vacation and they’re not there, their regular customers would say, ‘Oh, no, I don’t know where to eat now.’

“But I think those same people will say my mom and dad finally deserve their retirement after so many years of working hard and never taking time off,” she added.

She is proud of her mother’s legacy in South Florida — and happy that her parents can finally settle down.

“Not too many family restaurants exist anymore where parents are working hard there every day,” she said. “I’m happy for my mom and dad to start enjoying life.”

Christina Wan’s Mandarin House, at 664 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, is scheduled to close on Sunday, Nov. 10. Call 954-527-0228 or go to ChristinaWans.com.

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