Top Local News Stories for Wilton Manors, Florida.

Top Miami Area Local News Stories

'Quick clot' helps save lives

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies are now armed with a simple life-saving tool that might have saved a Pembroke Park woman after she was stabbed in January: Quick Clot. The clotting sponges, which look like bean bags, are known by a variety of brand names and have been used for years in warzones. According to Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, BSO’s Medical Director, Quick Clot is essential to the arsenal of any law enforcement officer. “It's just been something that's been translated into the civilian world where paramedics on the urban streets of Broward County are actually using to save lives,” El Sanadi said. Quick Clot is easy to use; a deputy can easily tear open the package and apply it directly to a wound, even a traumatic one. On January 28th, a woman in the Lake Shore Mobile Home Community in Pembroke Park called 911 while she was being stabbed. Police said Ralph Skidmore, a romantic interest, threatened to kill her before brandishing a 10-inch knife. “I've just been stabbed in the heart with a knife,” the woman told the 911 dispatcher. Moments later, the woman can be heard in the 911 audio recording screaming and yelling. Police said Skidmore was plunging the knife into her chest. LISTEN: 911 call (Warning: Disturbing content) “I'm going to die…hello?” she pleaded with the dispatcher. “Ma'am I'm here. Stay on the line,” the dispatcher answered calmly. The woman repeated that she had been wounded. “Is an ambulance on the way, ma'am? I've been stabbed,” she said. In minutes, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews raced to the scene, but deputies made it there first. “She was actively bleeding when the deputies got there,” said firefighter Walter Stewart. Stewart said the first deputy on scene applied Quick Clot to the woman’s chest, which stopped the bleeding. El Sanadi pointed to the beads inside the outer gauzy packet as holding the key ingredients. “There are beads in there that have a chemical on them. The blood from the wound coming up would interact with chemicals on the beads and form an instant scab. And the scab would act as a barrier so the bleeding would stop,” he said. Police said the woman was able to catch her breath and was alert enough to point out Skidmore to the deputies on scene. She was raced to the hospital, where she was treated and released days later after surgery. Although Quick Clot is meant as a quick fix until a patient is seen by a doctor at a hospital, deputies – who are often first on scene of crimes where someone is wounded – believe it saves lives. “There is no question about it, that it's a lifesaver,” El Sanadi said. “It could have been a lot worse,” Stewart said. Skidmore has been charged with resisting an officer with violence, committing a felony with a weapon, and trying to kill his victim. He is being held with no bond at the Broward County Jail.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:42:00 GMT

Dog fight ends in gunfire

A woman trying to break up a fight between two of her pit bulls was injured in a shooting evening Tuesday. William Hart said the shooting happened at his home at 45441 West Broward Boulevard in Plantation where he and his mother, Sonya, 84, live. Hart said he heard his mother screaming about 6:30 p.m. and saw her trying to break up a fight between several of their pet pit bulls. The family has six dogs. Hart said he grabbed his gun and shot at one of the dogs. He hit his mother in the leg and hit one of the dogs. He said his mother wasn't seriously injured and was expected to released from the hospital late Tuesday. Hart also said the dog wasn't seriously injured. Police didn't say if charges would be filed.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:52:08 GMT

4 injured in wrong way crash

Four people were injured Tuesday evening in a wrong way collision on Oakland Park Boulevard. The crash happened in the 700 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard about 7:45 p.m. Wilton Manors police said officers were heading to a burglary call near the scene of the crash when they saw a car leaving an apartment complex parking lot without its lights on. Officers followed the car without their sirens before turning around. When the officers pulled away, the car turned the wrong way on Oakland Park Boulevard and hit another vehicle head-on, police said. It then veered into a parking lot and hit a parked car. About five blocks of Oakland Park Boulevard were shut down for two hours while police investigated. Police said the occupants of each car were taken to Broward General Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Names of the victims were not immediately released. Detectives are unsure if the car they followed was involved in the robbery call. Police did not say if charges would be filed.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:05:33 GMT

Heat's impressive 50 hour stretch

As I type, the Miami Heat is putting the finishing touches on a blowout win at Indiana. It's Miami's 3rd straight double digit win on the road since Sunday night. When was the last time an NBA team did that? That would be the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1971. Oh by the way, that team went on to win the NBA championship. For those non-believers who still weren't convinced this Heat team is the best in the league, just look at the last three nights. Miami coasted at Atlanta, destroyed a Milwaukee team that had given them trouble this season and dominated an Indiana team that's one of the best in the Eastern Conference. Yeah, I'd say that's a statement stretch. Plus, LeBron James is playing MVP basketball. Now, Shane Battier and Mike Miller seem to be getting more comfortable. NBA teams should take notice. Miami is getting better and better, and they still have over an entire half of the season left to continue to improve. Be afraid of the Heat, folks. Be very afraid.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:53:52 GMT

Fake flower deliveryman robs woman

Miami police are trying to track down an armed man who posed as a flower delivery guy on Valentine's Day, invaded a home and robbed the homeowner. It happened around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home at at 30 SW 59th Ave., next to a fire station. The woman in her late 20s, with only her toddler in the house with her, answered the knocks at her front door, and the man, who was carrying flowers, chocolates and a gun, forced his way inside, Miami police said. "You can only imagine she's very shaken up," Miami police Sgt Freddie Cruz told Local 10's Baron James. "I can imagine that this Valentine's Day and all others will be quite hectic for her." The robber was in and out of the house in a minute. He stole an undisclosed amount of money and jewelry. But he left his chocolates, which investigators dusted for fingerprints. Police only had a vague description of the robber, who is about 6 feet tall and was wearing a nondescript white T-shirt and green hat. "Thank God there were no injuries. No shots were fired. But this subject is obviously armed and dangerous," Cruz said.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:27:27 GMT

Alleged victim testifies in 'Sweetheart Swindler' trial

One of the jilted lovers of a man whom investigators called the “Sweetheart Swindler” took the stand Tuesday to explain her accusations that he stole her cash and her heart. With tears in her eyes and a tissue in her hand, Rose Marie Anglade described how a seemingly perfect romance cost her $283,000. "I meet him so I said I could trust him because I knew him before when I was a teenager, and I trust him and then he was a big, big, big liar," Anglade told Local 10. Anglade testified with the help of a translator as she tried to convince a jury that Paul Francois is a devious con-artist who was only after her cash, not her heart. "Before he stole your money, he's like a little angel. He put himself on his knees to beg you for anything," Anglade said. Anglade first met and began dating Francois in 2007. After several months, they decided to buy a home together, so Anglade said she opened a joint bank account and poured her life savings into it. But a check she wrote bounced, and Anglade said she found out her money was gone – and so was her fiancé. "If they let him go, they don't put him somewhere, he will do that over and over again," Anglade said. At least one other woman has come forward claiming Francois, now 57, did the same thing to her at about the same time. Prosecutors said Francois stole nearly $400,000 in total from women he wined, dined and eventually proposed to. The defense maintained the man was in love and women gave their finances freely. "I don't deserve what he did to me,” Anglade said. “I don't deserve it."

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:24:09 GMT

Car hits, injures toddler

A toddler was hit by a car Tuesday afternoon in Miami Gardens, fire officials said. The child was hit by the vehicle at 3451 NW 177th Terrace, investigators said. Sources told Local 10 that the child's mother and her boyfriend were arguing as he was backing up a vehicle. They heard screams and realized they had run over the child. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue came to the scene. An air rescue helicopter landed near 167th Street and Northwest 29th Avenue to take the child to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Sources said he is in extremely critical condition.

Published: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:19:17 GMT

Cab medallions fetch record prices

Miami-Dade County auctioned off six new taxicab medallions Tuesday, and bidders paid record prices to get one. The least expensive medallion was purchased with bid of $312,000; the most expensive fetched $431,000. “It’s insanity,” said Joel Barbanell, president of Flamingo Taxi in Miami, who, as a taxi company owner, was not allowed to bid. “But there’s a good reason for it. These people who get a medallion can do what they want with it. They can sell it, lease it, keep it as an investment.” Lonnie Sorkin submitted a winning bid of $430,000 for a taxi medallion and called it a good deal. “It has a lot of value,” Sorkin said. “It’s the first time in quite a while that medallions have been available.” Until Tuesday, Miami-Dade had issued 2,105 taxicab medallions. The six new ones were authorized last summer by the Miami-Dade Commission. The bid restrictions are aimed at making cab drivers the owners of the medallions, but at Tuesday’s prices, it’s unlikely they will be. “A cab driver will not be able to buy a medallion in the near future. It’s just too expensive,” Barbanell said.

Published: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:46:09 GMT

Take Me Home - New Pets Awaiting Adoption

See this week's beautiful furry friends waiting at the Humane Society of Broward County to find a caring home.pet, dog, cat, Humane Society, Broward County, local 10, WPLG

Published: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:31:50 GMT

5 worst astrological pairings for romance

When the moon is in the seventh house, maybe you'll find the right astrological love match, but there are signs of the zodiac that no matter how the planets align, it just isn't in the stars. Just like the elements they represent, fire (Aries, Sagittarius, Leo) and water (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) signs many times don't mix, and clashes of titans from the air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) signs have been known to move heaven and earth, and not in a good way. But remember, this isn't an exact science. Sometimes fire and fire burn out too quickly (just ask Britney Spears and Kevin Federline) or earth plus water in the end just turns into ... well, mud (see Jim Carrey (Capricorn) and Jenny McCarthy (Scorpio) or perhaps even the recently wed royal couple of Prince William, a Cancer, and Kate Middleton, a Capricorn). So before you jump feet first into an astrological love match nightmare, here are five of the absolute worst astrological pairings on the planet. No. 5: Gemini and Aries Gemini is the sign of the twin, so take that into consideration first and foremost. Known for their split personalities, they need a submissive companion sign to handle their on again, off again moods. That submissiveness isn't something they are likely to find in large amounts should they find themselves falling for Aries. Rather, when the chameleon-like Gemini has changed his/her personality one too many times, you can bet your lucky ram's horn keychain that the surefooted Aries is going to fly. Gemini also has a deficit in the "seeing what's right in front of them" department, while Aries is prone to infidelity (Mr. Jesse James, I presume?). This love match, in most cases, will be more volatile than a pinball machine. Tilt. Famous Gemini-Aries couples: Sandra Bullock (Gemini) and Jesse James (Aries), and Warren Beatty (Aries) and Annette Bening (Gemini). No. 4: Cancer and Aquarius Out and about Aquarius and couch potato Cancer will clash on many levels, but none more than intimacy and settling down. The Aquarian's cool, almost iciness, demeanor will frustrate the emotional touchy feely Cancer, and it is difficult for the two to connect as Aquarius is guarded while Cancer pleads for openness. Aquarius likes their freedom, while clingy Cancer prefers to remain isolated in its hard crab shell. While Aquarians are sexual adventure seekers, conservative Cancers lean more to the cuddly, sensual side of the bed. Family, home and stability are the three things that Cancers seek, while aloof Aquarius just lives to be the life of the party. No one is saying the Crab and the Waterbearer can't find common ground, but let's just say that it's going to take a lotta love to change the way things are. Famous Cancer-Aquarius couples: Natalie Wood (Cancer) and Robert Wagner (Aquarius), Nancy (Cancer) and Ronald Reagan (Aquarius), and Lindsay Lohan and Wilmer Valderama. No. 3: Scorpio and Leo Imagine a lion and a scorpion fighting to the death and this is exactly how the chemistry between a Leo and Scorpio would be. Leo the lion is controlling as is the possessive Scorpio, and if you expect that sparks will fly in the bedroom, it will probably be more like pairs of shoes hurled at each other because of an explosive argument. One astrologist said that many of these love matches end up in crimes of passion as Leo's tendency to keep secrets, especially about sexual attractions, won't fare well with the Scorpion's sting. Scorpios will also grow tired of Leo's constant need for ego stroking. Famous Scorpio-Leo couples: Hillary (Scorpio) and Bill (Leo) Clinton, Maria Shriver (Scorpio) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Leo), and Diana Krall (Scorpio) and Elvis Costello (Leo). No. 2: Virgo and Sagittarius The free-spirited Archer's arrow will pierce the stable heart of the Virgo, but watch as Virgo turns the arrow on Sadge to burst his dream bubble. These two signs will find themselves frequently at a crossroads, a stand off, and even arguing about the color of the sky. While Sadge will point out dreamy flecks of pink during a sensual sunset, Virgo will remain down to earth and discuss dominant blue. When Sagittarius is ready to leap to the bottom of the deep blue sea, Virgo studies its practicality, putting much thought before putting one foot in front of the other. In love and bedroom antics, it's much the same. Virgo's virgin-like caution will take the sparks out of the moment for the eager Archer. The only thing these two will agree on is that they disagree on just about everything. Famous Virgo-Sagittarius couple: Beyonce (Virgo) and Jay Z (Sagittarius). No. 1: Pisces and Taurus In the world of opposites attracting, nothing could be closer to the truth with this pairing, and their differences are so polar opposite that there isn't much common ground. Stubborn Taurus finds the impracticality of Pisces annoying, while the fish continually has to swim upstream to be heard by the bull who is perpetually right all the time. The dual Fish is always pulled in opposite directions when trying to make a decision; the frustrated Bull stomps its foot, flares its nostril and loses its temper. Add to that Pisces bad habit of having an opinion about everything and the Bull's short fuse, and you have enough combustion for an implosion. In the bedroom, Taurus is a tease, while Pisces wants things done right away when they want it. While the Bull will try to trample all over the Fish, Pisces will wriggle its way out of its tight grip. This is perhaps the most stressful love pairing in the entire zodiac. Famous Pisces-Taurus couples: Eva Longoria (Pisces) and Tony Parker (Taurus), and Jennifer Love Hewitt (Pisces) and Enrique Iglesias (Taurus).

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Always a nominee, never a winner

Some actors are lucky enough to repeatedly be nominated for an Academy Award, but they never get the statuette.