(CHAPEL HILL, N.C.) — A University of North Carolina faculty member was killed Monday afternoon after a suspect opened fire on the Chapel Hill campus, prompting a lockdown for three hours, the school and police said.
The shelter-in-place alert went out around 1:02 p.m., following reports of shots fired around Caudill Laboratories, police said.
Tailei Qi was arrested after a brief search and charged with first-degree murder and misdemeanor possession of a gun on an educational property, police said.
Qi, 34, a graduate student, was arrested around 2:38 p.m at his home, and police gave the all-clear and ended the lockdown around 4:14 p.m., police said. They advised people to avoid Caudill Labs indefinitely as it was still being searched for evidence by investigators.
The police later identified the victim as Zijie Yan, an associate professor in the university’s Department of Applied Physical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Yan, a father of two, worked at the University since 2019, according to the police.
“I am devastated and saddened by today’s shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring and research every day,” UNC chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said during a press conference Monday evening. “Our hearts are with the family of our fellow faculty member, those who are personally connected to the victim and those traumatized by this senseless act of violence.”
Classes and events have been canceled until Thursday, the school said.
Guskiewicz said Tuesday the campus’s Bell Tower will ring Wednesday afternoon and the campus will have a moment of silence in honor of Yan.
Yan was listed as Qi’s academic adviser on the suspect’s profile on the UNC website.
Qi appeared in court Tuesday and was ordered to be held without bail. He did not issue a plea.
Qi’s next court appearance is slated for Sept. 18.
James said investigators are still trying to recover the weapon used in the shooting. Qi’s car has been impounded for evidence, James said.
“We want to make sure we gather every piece of evidence to determine what happened and why it happened,” he said during the press conference Tuesday.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper released a statement, saying he has pledged state resources to help in the investigation
“This is a tragic way to start a new semester and the state will provide any assistance necessary to support the UNC community,” Cooper said.
Guskiewicz acknowledged the traumatic experience for students and faculty. Many students and teachers had to barricade themselves into classrooms, bathrooms and other locations while the lockdown was going on.
Guskiewicz and encouraged them to seek out the school’s resources to help recover from the incident.
“The community needs to come together,” he said. “These events are sadly going on across the nation.”
ABC News’ Christopher Looft contributed to this report.
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) — A 20-year-old University of South Carolina student was fatally shot Saturday when he accidentally tried to enter the wrong house on the street where he lived and was mistaken for a burglar, according to police.
The student was identified as Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, according to the Richland County, South Carolina, Coroner’s Office. Donofrio was from Madison, Connecticut, and had just started his junior year last week at the university, his parents said in a statement.
Donofrio was shot to death early Saturday at a home several blocks from the University of South Carolina in southeast Columbia, according to a statement from the Columbia Police Department.
“We were very proud of Nick. We were lucky to be his parents. He was the son every parent would wish for,” Lou and Dina Donofrio said in a statement. “He was loved by his brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. He had a group of friends that were like his brothers. He was funny, smart and compassionate and loved life. We will miss him immeasurably.”
The shooting remains under investigation and no charges have been filed. Police have not released the name of the person who shot Donofrio.
The shooting unfolded just before 2 a.m. on the street where Donofrio lived, police said.
“Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio who resided on South Holly Street attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot,” according to the police statement.
Prior to the shooting, police were sent to the home to investigate a report of a burglary in progress, according to the statement.
“While en route, the emergency call for service was upgraded to a shots fired call,” police said in the statement.
When officers arrived at the home, they found Donofrio dead on the front porch with a gunshot wound to his upper body, according to police.
Investigators are consulting with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Columbia regarding the circumstances of the case, according to the police statement.
Classes for the fall semester at the University of South Carolina began on Thursday.
Donofrio’s parents told ABC affiliate station WTNH in New Haven, Connecticut, their son was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and was studying applied exercise science. The parents said moved him into an off-campus house last week, adding their son was excited to live with four friends for his junior year.
“Our Student Affairs team is providing resources and support to those who may be affected by this tragedy, and we remind all of our students that help is always available to them,” University of South Carolina officials said in a statement.
Madison Public Schools officials said Donofrio graduated from Daniel Hand High School in 2021, where he played on the varsity basketball team.
“Nick was an exceptional young man who excelled in the classroom and as an athlete. Our thoughts are with Nick’s family and friends at this time,” according to a statement from the school district.
Donofrio’s parents said their son also played basketball for the University of New England in Maine during his freshman year, before transferring to the University of South Carolina for his sophomore year.
The family declined to comment about the shooting, saying they are heartbroken.
The shooting comes about four months after a similar shooting in Kansas City, Missouri. Ralph Yarl, 17, was shot in the head and arm on the evening of April 13 when he went to the wrong house to pick up his siblings, according to police.
Andrew Lester, the 84-year-old homeowner who shot Yarl, was arrested and charged with one count of felony assault in the first degree and one count of armed criminal action, also a felony. Lester pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on April 18 on a $200,000 bond.
According to a probable cause statement obtained by ABC News, Lester told police that he “believed someone was attempting to break into the house” and grabbed a gun before going to the door because he was scared. Lester, who is white, claimed that he saw a “Black male approximately 6 feet tall” pulling on the door handle and “shot twice within a few seconds of opening the door.”
(NEW YORK) — Hurricane Idalia is forecast to make landfall Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa.
The storm is expected to intensify as it nears the Sunshine State, possibly becoming a major Category 4 hurricane.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Aug 30, 5:46 AM EDT
Catastrophic storm surge, destructive winds near Florida’s Big Bend area
The Florida Panhandle is bracing for Hurricane Idalia to make landfall as a major Category 4 storm on Wednesday morning.
As Idalia approaches Florida’s northern coastline, south of Tallahassee, tornadoes are starting to develop in the region. The National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings that are in effect Wednesday morning throughout the Sunshine State, including near Orlando. A tornado watch was also issued for areas including Orlando and Tampa.
Idalia is forecast to make landfall in the Big Bend area, north of Tampa, at around 7:30 a.m. ET. Extreme winds over 100 miles per hour could get close to Tallahassee and major power outages are expected there.
A storm surge is already flooding most of the coastal Tampa Bay area, including Treasure Island. The Tampa Bay area is seeing a storm surge of up to 6 feet. The storm surge could reach 16 feet near Cedar Key and the Big Bend area, according to the National Weather Service.
As Idalia moves through Georgia and into the Carolinas later Wednesday, it will push water from the Atlantic Ocean onto the shore. A storm surge of up to 5 feet is possible in Savannah, Georgia, as well as Charleston, South Carolina, and up to 4 feet in coastal North Carolina, the National Weather Service said.
Meanwhile, heavy rain and flooding is expected from Georgia to the Carolinas on Wednesday and into Thursday as Idalia tracks northeast along the coast of the southeastern United States, according to the National Weather Service.
Aug 30, 5:19 AM EDT
Over 50,000 customers without power in Florida
More than 50,000 customers were without power in Florida early Wednesday as Hurricane Idalia approached the Sunshine State.
As of 5:11 a.m. ET, there were 56,954 Florida customers without power, according to data collected by PowerOutage.us.
Aug 30, 5:09 AM EDT
Idalia ‘rapidly intensifies’ into Category 4 hurricane
Idalia “rapidly” intensified into a Category 4 hurricane early Wednesday as it moved closer to the Florida Panhandle, the National Weather Service said.
As of 5 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Idalia’s maximum sustained winds were at 130 miles per hour. The storm was moving northeast at 18 mph and its eye was located 60 miles west of Cedar Key and 90 miles south of Tallahassee, according to the National Weather Service.
Idalia is forecast to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend area at around 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
Aug 30, 4:39 AM EDT
Idalia expected to become Category 4 hurricane
Idalia is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane early Wednesday as it nears the Florida Panhandle.
As of 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Idalia’s maximum sustained wind speeds were at 125 miles per hour, making it a Category 3 hurricane, according to the National Weather Service. A Category 4 hurricane begins at 130 mph.
The storm was moving northeast at 17 mph and its eye was located 90 miles west of Cedar Key and 60 miles south of Tallahassee. Idalia is forecast to strengthen further before making landfall later Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa.
“Catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds expected in the Florida Big Bend region this morning when Idalia moves inland,” the National Weather Service said in its latest advisory.
Aug 30, 2:23 AM EDT
Idalia strengthens into Category 3 hurricane
Idalia strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane early Wednesday as maximum sustained wind speeds reached 120 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
“Idalia rapidly intensifies into a major hurricane,” the National Weather Service warned in its latest advisory.
The storm is forecast to strengthen further, becoming a Category 4 hurricane before it makes landfall later Wednesday morning on Florida’s Big Bend coast, north of Tampa.
“Idalia is likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and possibly when it reaches the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina late today,” the National Weather Service said.
Aug 30, 12:46 AM EDT
Idalia expected to reach wind speeds of at least 130 mph
Hurricane Idalia is now forecast to make landfall as a Category 4 storm around 8 a.m. ET Wednesday. It’s expected to have winds in excess of 130 mph, with the most extreme winds passing just southeast of Tallahassee.
By Wednesday night, around 8 p.m. ET, Idalia is expected to be a Category 1 storm and pass near Savannah, Georgia. Late Wednesday night will also likely see Idalia pass directly over Charleston, South Carolina, either as a Category 1 or a tropical storm.
Aug 29, 11:21 PM EDT
Idalia forecast to make landfall in Florida as Category 4 hurricane
Idalia is still strengthening and is forecast to be at “extremely dangerous Category 4 intensity” when it makes landfall, the National Weather Service said late Tuesday.
As of 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Idalia remains a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds at 110 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm’s landfall track is for an area near Perry and St. Marks at around 8 a.m. ET. The northern part of the eye wall may move very close to Tallahassee.
Aug 29, 10:26 PM EDT
Tornado watch issued for parts of Florida
A tornado watch has been issued until 6 a.m. ET for 3.7 million people in the western peninsula of Florida.
This means tornadoes are possible to form in the outer bands of Hurricane Idalia through the night.
Hurricane Idalia remains a Category 2 storm with sustained winds up to 105 mph.
Idalia is moving at 16 mph to the north and is now 155 miles away from Tampa, Florida.
Hurricane and storm surge warnings in Florida are in effect for Englewood, Longboat Key and Tampa Bay, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Aug 29, 6:26 PM EDT
Idalia’s flight impacts
More than 2,200 flights Tuesday are delayed and over 500 flights are canceled across the U.S. as Idalia nears.
So far, more than 500 U.S. flights are canceled for Wednesday.
Currently the Tampa International Airport and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport are closed. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is set to close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Aug 29, 6:21 PM EDT
Now is the time to evacuate, DeSantis says
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged people ordered to evacuate to leave now if they haven’t already.
“If you are in an evacuation zone and you’ve been directed to evacuate, particularly if you’re in a low-lying area or coastal area, in that Big Bend region, now’s the time to do it,” DeSantis said during a press briefing. “If you wait much longer, by the time we get in further into tonight, the weather is going to start getting nastier and nastier.”
Over 50 shelters have been set up throughout the state, he said.
Idalia is expected to intensify to a Category 3 hurricane overnight, the National Hurricane Center said.
The impact of the eyewall is expected to arrive sometime Wednesday morning, DeSantis said.
The National Hurricane Center warned in its latest advisory that “life-threatening” storm surge could reach 10 to 15 feet in some of the Big Bend area.
Aug 29, 6:09 PM EDT
Latest path shows Idalia making landfall southeast of Tallahassee
The latest track shows Hurricane Idalia making landfall southeast of Tallahassee in the northern Big Bend area. This is a bit farther west than the previous track.
Idalia is then expected to skirt across southern Georgia and the Carolinas with tropical storm force gusts and flooding rain Wednesday through Thursday.
Isolated tornadoes will also be possible.
Extreme winds are possible far inland off the Florida coast because of how quickly the storm is moving — even Gainesville to Valdosta could see 110 mph winds.
-ABC News’ Melissa Griffin
Aug 29, 5:55 PM EDT
5,500 Florida National Guardsmen will be ready to assist with storm
Some 5,500 Florida National Guardsmen will assist with storm prep and response across the state, a Pentagon spokesperson said.
Over 3,000 Guardsmen have been fully activated, while another 1,800 are on their way, according to Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh.
The Department of Defense is also prepared to assist as needed, according to Singh.
“Prior to the storm landing, the department stands ready to assist the state of Florida, FEMA and state and local officials in any recovery efforts that are needed,” Singh said during a press briefing.
-ABC News’ Matt Seyler
Aug 29, 5:08 PM EDT
Idalia now a Category 2 hurricane
Idalia has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned of “life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions” expected along parts of the Gulf Coast of Florida Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Hurricane #Idalia Advisory 13: Idalia Now a Category 2 Hurricane. Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Hurricane Conditions Expected Along Portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida Tonight and Wednesday. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
Aug 29, 3:05 PM EDT
South Carolina declares state of emergency
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency as Idalia nears.
South Carolinians should prepare for heavy rain, flooding, rough winds and possible tornadoes.
Aug 29, 2:53 PM EDT
DeSantis: Expect ‘significant impacts’ inland
It’s not just Florida’s west coast at risk.
Residents of North Florida’s inland counties should anticipate “significant impacts” from Idalia, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing.
The time to implement emergency plans “is running out very, very rapidly,” he warned.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 2:32 PM EDT
FEMA: ‘This storm will be deadly if we don’t get out of harm’s way’
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed at Tuesday’s White House briefing that Idalia’s storm surge could be especially dangerous.
“This storm surge, this is one of the highest-risk parts of a hurricane and is especially problematic along the west coast of Florida due to the underwater geography,” Criswell said. “The coastal shelf gets shallow very quickly, which increases the amount of the storm surge, putting more people at risk. Very few people can survive being in the path of major storm surge, and this storm will be deadly if we don’t get out of harm’s way and take it seriously.”
Storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend area is now expected to reach 15 feet. Tampa is still expected to see a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet, which is enough to flood very vulnerable coastal areas.
“If you are in a storm surge warning area, it could mean just traveling 10 or 20 miles to get out of the most significant impact areas,” she said. “It does not mean having to travel hundreds of miles.”
Criswell also called on Congress to approve more funding for disaster responses. She said FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is running low at $3.4 billion, and said she’s ordered FEMA to focus on the Maui fires, Idalia and any other extreme weather events through the end of the fiscal year at the end of September.
-ABC News’ Ben Gittleson
Aug 29, 2:19 PM EDT
Idalia’s flight impacts
Over 1,400 flights Tuesday are delayed and 505 flights are canceled across the U.S. as Idalia nears.
So far, 425 U.S. flights are canceled for Wednesday.
The Tampa International Airport closed at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
-ABC News’ Amanda Maile
Aug 29, 1:07 PM EDT
Georgia declares state of emergency
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for Georgia, where Idalia is forecast to bring heavy rains, rough winds, flooding and possible tornadoes.
“Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families,” Kemp said in a statement. “We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring.”
Aug 29, 12:16 PM EDT
Big Bend region should expect downed trees, power lines
Hurricane Idalia will likely leave a lot of debris, downed trees and downed power lines as it churns through the woodlands of Florida’s Big Bend region, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Tuesday.
“When you look at where this storm is going to hit, there is a lot of heavily wooded areas, so you’re going to see a lot of these trees knocked down, you’re going to see power lines knocked down, and it’s just going to require a concerted effort,” he said.
The governor said he anticipated between 30,000 and 40,000 linemen to be in Florida by the time Idalia makes landfall to help restore power.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 12:02 PM EDT
Tampa mayor: ‘Mother nature wins every time’
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is urging residents to move inland on Tuesday as Idalia nears.
Tampa Bay is forecast to get hit with 4 to 7 feet of storm surge, which will flood coastal areas.
“Mother nature wins every time. So if you have the opportunity to evacuate … you should,” Castor warned at a news conference.
Idalia could strengthen to a powerful Category 3 by landfall with winds at 125 mph.
Once winds reach a certain speed, rescue crews will not be able to go help, Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said.
Tripp also advised residents to evacuate, but she noted that for those who choose to stay home, be sure to charge electronics and have enough food, water and medication for 72 hours.
Aug 29, 11:54 AM EDT
Idalia may make landfall as powerful Category 3 hurricane
Idalia, now a Category 1 hurricane, is forecast to intensify and make landfall between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph. (A Category 4 hurricane begins with 130 mph winds.)
Storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend area is now expected to reach 15 feet.
Tampa is still expected to see a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet, which is enough to flood very vulnerable coastal areas.
Powerful winds reaching about 74 mph are forecast to spread inland to Tallahassee and Valdosta, Georgia.
Flooding will be a concern from Florida to North Carolina. Some areas could see 1 foot of rain in just 24 to 48 hours.
Tornadoes are also possible from Tampa Bay, Orlando and Jacksonville up to Savannah, Georgia, and Wilmington, North Carolina.
-ABC News’ Max Golembo
Aug 29, 11:07 AM EDT
Walt Disney World remains open
Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, said that as of Tuesday, its resorts and theme parks are open and “operating under normal conditions.”
“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members,” the resort said.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News.
Aug 29, 10:04 AM EDT
DeSantis addresses balancing hurricane management with presidential campaign
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday that the “nasty weather” from Hurricane Idalia will reach the Gulf Coast Tuesday night and he urged residents to implement their action plans immediately.
“We are going to be faced with a major hurricane hitting the state of Florida within the next 24 to 36 hours,” he said.
“You still have some time this morning and into the early afternoon. But as we get throughout this day, you are going to start to see rain and wind pick up, particularly the further south you are in the state of Florida,” he said. “And by the time we get to the end of tonight, you know, you’re going to see some nasty weather, so just be warned about that and do what you need to do right now.”
Asked about balancing crisis management with campaigning for president, DeSantis said, “You do what you need to do.”
He said he was “in the midst of a governor campaign” during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“I had all kinds of stuff scheduled not just in Florida, around the country, you know, we were doing different things. And, you know, you do what you need to do, I mean, and so that’s what we’re doing. And so it’s going to be no different than what we did during Hurricane Ian,” he said.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 9:54 AM EDT
North Carolina declares state of emergency
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia, which is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding to the state.
“It is important for North Carolinians to gather emergency kits and prepare for the storm before it’s too late,” Cooper said in a statement.
Aug 29, 8:20 AM EDT
Idalia’s winds increase to 80 mph
Hurricane Idalia’s maximum sustained winds increased to 80 miles per hour on Tuesday morning as the storm moved over the Gulf of Mexico, the National Weather Service said.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the storm was moving north at 14 mph and its eye was located about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia is expected to intensify further and become “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before it makes landfall Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa, according to the National Weather Service.
Aug 29, 5:32 AM EDT
Idalia strengthens into hurricane with 75 mph winds
Idalia strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane early Tuesday as maximum sustained winds reached 75 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Idalia is “expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before making landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said in its latest advisory. Winds are forecast to reach 120 mph by Tuesday night.
As of 5 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the eye of the storm was located about 85 miles north of the western tip of Cuba and about 370 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. The storm was moving north at 14 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
A hurricane warning, which means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, remains in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio as well as parts of Florida, starting from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. Other weather alerts were still in effect for more areas of Cuba and Florida, as well as Georgia and South Carolina.
Airlines and The Federal Aviation Administration said it’s monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it heads to the U.S.
The FAA posted on social media that it’s “closely monitoring” Idalia’s path, but it isn’t responsible for closing airports and canceling flights.
American Airlines issued a travel alert that allows its customers whose plans are impacted by Idalia to rebook their flights without incurring a change fee.
Southwest Airlines said it anticipates some changes to its schedule and an impact on its operation as the storm approaches. The airline has issued a travel advisory for its customers.
United Airlines has issued travel waivers for customers traveling to and from impacted airports. The company said it’s working to ensure its team is prepared to deal with the expected severe weather.
Aug 28, 6:15 PM EDT
Evacuation orders issued for multiple Florida counties
Multiple counties in Florida are under mandatory and voluntary evacuations as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels toward the state.
People living in zones in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota and Taylor counties must evacuate the area, according to multiple county officials.
County officials are also urging people living in mobile homes, low-lying areas and along the coast to leave the area as Idalia approaches.
Officials in Hernando, Jefferson, Manatee and Pasco counties have also issued voluntary evacuation orders for particular zones.
-ABC News’ Michael Pappano, Jianna Cousin and Robinson Perez
Aug 28, 3:24 PM EDT
FEMA encourages everyone in Idalia’s path to ‘get prepared today’
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone in Idalia’s path to “get prepared today.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and “emphasized the agency’s actions and readiness to support the state’s needs.” FEMA is also “closely coordinating” with Georgia and South Carolina to provide support as needed.
President Joe Biden also spoke with DeSantis earlier Monday and approved an emergency declaration.
-ABC News’ Justin Gomez
Aug 28, 11:53 AM EDT
Tampa International Airport to close
Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as Idalia nears.
A hurricane warning has been issued from the Tampa Bay area up to the Apalachicola area.
Aug 28, 11:49 AM EDT
Idalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night
Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday and may become a major hurricane by Tuesday night.
Landfall is currently forecast for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Storm surge is expected to be a major threat and could reach as high as 11 feet in the Big Bend area.
Up to 1 foot of rain could drench the Florida Panhandle and tornadoes are possible in Tampa and Orlando.
Idalia will move north Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia will head out to sea on Thursday.
ABC News’ Max Golembo
Aug 28, 11:36 AM EDT
Idalia could be strongest hurricane for Big Bend since 1950
Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region between Apalachicola and Tampa as a Category 3 hurricane. If this happens, it will mark the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region since 1950, when Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall in Cedar Key.
Idalia’s potential landfall in Florida.
No hurricanes have ever made landfall in the Big Bend region stronger than Category 3.
It has been more than half a century since a hurricane of category 2 strength or stronger…
If Idalia makes landfall as a Category 2, it will be the first in the region since Gladys in 1968.
ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke
Aug 28, 11:04 AM EDT
Pasco County, Hillsborough County schools to close
As Idalia approaches, the Pasco County School District, north of Tampa, said its schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Schools in Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
(NEW YORK) — An extremely rare Amur tiger — one of only about 500 left on the planet — died after suffering what zoo officials called a “freak accident” when she received a dose of anesthesia and suffered a fatal spinal injury when she fell off a bench.
The tragedy happened last Friday at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — approximately six miles south of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado — when Mila, a 2-year-old female Amur tiger, was given a dose of anesthesia in preparation for an upcoming dental procedure and she “jumped up on a bench where she began to lay down and peacefully let the anesthetic drugs take effect,” officials from the zoo said in their statement announcing her death on Tuesday.
But less than a minute after lying down, Mila slipped off the bench she was on, which officials said was only waist-high, and suffered what would be a fatal spinal injury.
“It was impossible from a human safety standpoint to stop her tragic fall,” the zoo said in their statement.
“She could have slid off from that height a hundred times and landed in a variety of other positions and been unaffected,” said Dr. Eric Klaphake, CMZoo head veterinarian. “The team quickly entered her den when it was safe and diligently tried for 40 minutes to give her life-saving care.”
“She was making such great progress with us,” said Rebecca Zwicker, animal care manager in Asian Highlands at CMZoo. “She was a feisty and intelligent tiger, and the team had been patiently and consistently training with her to help her settle in and feel comfortable in indoor and outdoor spaces behind the scenes. She was getting so close to being out where guests could see her. We were excited to introduce her to our community and for people to fall in love with her here.”
Arriving at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo just five months ago in March, Mila was “showing signs she was ready for her own space” after coming to the facility on a future breeding recommendation.
But one major issue that was delaying her introduction to the zoo was a need to address a recently discovered severe dental issue.
“This was not just a cavity; and it could not be left untreated, as it was advancing to her sinuses,” officials from the CMZoo said. “Left untreated, infections like this can be fatal for animals.”
The team at the zoo had been working with the young tiger on “several important husbandry behaviors that would allow her to live a life with lots of choice, autonomy and care at the Zoo,” officials said.
“She was focused on shifting to different areas comfortably and returning to keepers when called,” zoo officials continued. “Once they realized she needed surgery to treat her dental issue, they prioritized re-establishing voluntary injection training.”
“These are impossible life-and-death decisions being made in real time by a team that has dedicated their life to the care of animals. Do you anesthetize her despite the risks and give her the dental care she needs? Once you see her slipping, you wonder if you can safely get in there to stop a 270-pound tiger from falling completely. How fast can you safely go in and provide rescue attempts?,” said Bob Chastain, CMZoo president and CEO.
“You can plan and plan and things still go wrong,” Chastain continued. “Our team delivered exactly the right amount of drugs to a very calm tiger who had trained for this moment. We have successfully anesthetized countless tigers in this same den, and have never experienced an accident like this. We never take decisions to anesthetize an animal for a procedure lightly, and this is a tragic example of why.”
Mila is the second female Amur tiger to pass away at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo since 2021 when another tiger, named Savelli, passed away due to complications during recovery from an artificial insemination procedure.
The deaths of the two tigers are completely unrelated but the zoo said this just illustrates how the “fragile state of their species is glaring.”
“It is sobering to know that no matter how tragic these events are, that we are losing tigers in the wild every day as these animals, and many like them, struggle to survive in a world where there are so many people and so few wild places,” said Chastain. “And that despite the best professional care that we give these animals, accidents can happen and will happen as long as there is a critical need for conservationists to help highly endangered species survive in human care and in the wild.”
Amur tigers are listed as being critically endangered in the wild with an estimated 500 individual tigers left on the planet who are roaming their native habitats. The numbers in human care at zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the U.S. and Canada are around 100 individuals.
“We feel a huge responsibility for all of the animals in our care, and we especially feel for Mila, her current and past caretakers and the people … who loved her from her birth as the only survivor in her litter,” said Chastain. “Not only was she an internationally beloved individual who defied the odds as a cub and survived to adulthood, but she was here on a mission to save her own species.”
(NEW YORK) — Hurricane Idalia is forecast to make landfall Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa.
The storm is expected to strengthen further as it nears Florida, possibly becoming a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Aug 29, 5:08 PM EDT
Idalia now a Category 2 hurricane
Idalia has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned of “life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions” expected along parts of the Gulf Coast of Florida Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Hurricane #Idalia Advisory 13: Idalia Now a Category 2 Hurricane. Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Hurricane Conditions Expected Along Portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida Tonight and Wednesday. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
Aug 29, 3:05 PM EDT
South Carolina declares state of emergency
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency as Idalia nears.
South Carolinians should prepare for heavy rain, flooding, rough winds and possible tornadoes.
Aug 29, 2:53 PM EDT
DeSantis: Expect ‘significant impacts’ inland
It’s not just Florida’s west coast at risk.
Residents of North Florida’s inland counties should anticipate “significant impacts” from Idalia, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing.
The time to implement emergency plans “is running out very, very rapidly,” he warned.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 2:32 PM EDT
FEMA: ‘This storm will be deadly if we don’t get out of harm’s way’
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed at Tuesday’s White House briefing that Idalia’s storm surge could be especially dangerous.
“This storm surge, this is one of the highest-risk parts of a hurricane and is especially problematic along the west coast of Florida due to the underwater geography,” Criswell said. “The coastal shelf gets shallow very quickly, which increases the amount of the storm surge, putting more people at risk. Very few people can survive being in the path of major storm surge, and this storm will be deadly if we don’t get out of harm’s way and take it seriously.”
Storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend area is now expected to reach 15 feet. Tampa is still expected to see a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet, which is enough to flood very vulnerable coastal areas.
“If you are in a storm surge warning area, it could mean just traveling 10 or 20 miles to get out of the most significant impact areas,” she said. “It does not mean having to travel hundreds of miles.”
Criswell also called on Congress to approve more funding for disaster responses. She said FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is running low at $3.4 billion, and said she’s ordered FEMA to focus on the Maui fires, Idalia and any other extreme weather events through the end of the fiscal year at the end of September.
-ABC News’ Ben Gittleson
Aug 29, 2:19 PM EDT
Idalia’s flight impacts
Over 1,400 flights Tuesday are delayed and 505 flights are canceled across the U.S. as Idalia nears.
So far, 425 U.S. flights are canceled for Wednesday.
The Tampa International Airport closed at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
-ABC News’ Amanda Maile
Aug 29, 1:07 PM EDT
Georgia declares state of emergency
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for Georgia, where Idalia is forecast to bring heavy rains, rough winds, flooding and possible tornadoes.
“Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families,” Kemp said in a statement. “We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring.”
Aug 29, 12:16 PM EDT
Big Bend region should expect downed trees, power lines
Hurricane Idalia will likely leave a lot of debris, downed trees and downed power lines as it churns through the woodlands of Florida’s Big Bend region, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Tuesday.
“When you look at where this storm is going to hit, there is a lot of heavily wooded areas, so you’re going to see a lot of these trees knocked down, you’re going to see power lines knocked down, and it’s just going to require a concerted effort,” he said.
The governor said he anticipated between 30,000 and 40,000 linemen to be in Florida by the time Idalia makes landfall to help restore power.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 12:02 PM EDT
Tampa mayor: ‘Mother nature wins every time’
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is urging residents to move inland on Tuesday as Idalia nears.
Tampa Bay is forecast to get hit with 4 to 7 feet of storm surge, which will flood coastal areas.
“Mother nature wins every time. So if you have the opportunity to evacuate … you should,” Castor warned at a news conference.
Idalia could strengthen to a powerful Category 3 by landfall with winds at 125 mph.
Once winds reach a certain speed, rescue crews will not be able to go help, Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp said.
Tripp also advised residents to evacuate, but she noted that for those who choose to stay home, be sure to charge electronics and have enough food, water and medication for 72 hours.
Aug 29, 11:54 AM EDT
Idalia may make landfall as powerful Category 3 hurricane
Idalia, now a Category 1 hurricane, is forecast to intensify and make landfall between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph. (A Category 4 hurricane begins with 130 mph winds.)
Storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend area is now expected to reach 15 feet.
Tampa is still expected to see a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet, which is enough to flood very vulnerable coastal areas.
Powerful winds reaching about 74 mph are forecast to spread inland to Tallahassee and Valdosta, Georgia.
Flooding will be a concern from Florida to North Carolina. Some areas could see 1 foot of rain in just 24 to 48 hours.
Tornadoes are also possible from Tampa Bay, Orlando and Jacksonville up to Savannah, Georgia, and Wilmington, North Carolina.
-ABC News’ Max Golembo
Aug 29, 11:07 AM EDT
Walt Disney World remains open
Walt Disney World Resort, located near Orlando, said that as of Tuesday, its resorts and theme parks are open and “operating under normal conditions.”
“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members,” the resort said.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News.
Aug 29, 10:04 AM EDT
DeSantis addresses balancing hurricane management with presidential campaign
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday that the “nasty weather” from Hurricane Idalia will reach the Gulf Coast Tuesday night and he urged residents to implement their action plans immediately.
“We are going to be faced with a major hurricane hitting the state of Florida within the next 24 to 36 hours,” he said.
“You still have some time this morning and into the early afternoon. But as we get throughout this day, you are going to start to see rain and wind pick up, particularly the further south you are in the state of Florida,” he said. “And by the time we get to the end of tonight, you know, you’re going to see some nasty weather, so just be warned about that and do what you need to do right now.”
Asked about balancing crisis management with campaigning for president, DeSantis said, “You do what you need to do.”
He said he was “in the midst of a governor campaign” during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“I had all kinds of stuff scheduled not just in Florida, around the country, you know, we were doing different things. And, you know, you do what you need to do, I mean, and so that’s what we’re doing. And so it’s going to be no different than what we did during Hurricane Ian,” he said.
-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Will McDuffie
Aug 29, 9:54 AM EDT
North Carolina declares state of emergency
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia, which is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding to the state.
“It is important for North Carolinians to gather emergency kits and prepare for the storm before it’s too late,” Cooper said in a statement.
Aug 29, 8:20 AM EDT
Idalia’s winds increase to 80 mph
Hurricane Idalia’s maximum sustained winds increased to 80 miles per hour on Tuesday morning as the storm moved over the Gulf of Mexico, the National Weather Service said.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the storm was moving north at 14 mph and its eye was located about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia is expected to intensify further and become “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before it makes landfall Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa, according to the National Weather Service.
Aug 29, 5:32 AM EDT
Idalia strengthens into hurricane with 75 mph winds
Idalia strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane early Tuesday as maximum sustained winds reached 75 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Idalia is “expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before making landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said in its latest advisory. Winds are forecast to reach 120 mph by Tuesday night.
As of 5 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the eye of the storm was located about 85 miles north of the western tip of Cuba and about 370 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. The storm was moving north at 14 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
A hurricane warning, which means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, remains in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio as well as parts of Florida, starting from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. Other weather alerts were still in effect for more areas of Cuba and Florida, as well as Georgia and South Carolina.
Airlines and The Federal Aviation Administration said it’s monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it heads to the U.S.
The FAA posted on social media that it’s “closely monitoring” Idalia’s path, but it isn’t responsible for closing airports and canceling flights.
American Airlines issued a travel alert that allows its customers whose plans are impacted by Idalia to rebook their flights without incurring a change fee.
Southwest Airlines said it anticipates some changes to its schedule and an impact on its operation as the storm approaches. The airline has issued a travel advisory for its customers.
United Airlines has issued travel waivers for customers traveling to and from impacted airports. The company said it’s working to ensure its team is prepared to deal with the expected severe weather.
Aug 28, 6:15 PM EDT
Evacuation orders issued for multiple Florida counties
Multiple counties in Florida are under mandatory and voluntary evacuations as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels toward the state.
People living in zones in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota and Taylor counties must evacuate the area, according to multiple county officials.
County officials are also urging people living in mobile homes, low-lying areas and along the coast to leave the area as Idalia approaches.
Officials in Hernando, Jefferson, Manatee and Pasco counties have also issued voluntary evacuation orders for particular zones.
-ABC News’ Michael Pappano, Jianna Cousin and Robinson Perez
Aug 28, 3:24 PM EDT
FEMA encourages everyone in Idalia’s path to ‘get prepared today’
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone in Idalia’s path to “get prepared today.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and “emphasized the agency’s actions and readiness to support the state’s needs.” FEMA is also “closely coordinating” with Georgia and South Carolina to provide support as needed.
President Joe Biden also spoke with DeSantis earlier Monday and approved an emergency declaration.
-ABC News’ Justin Gomez
Aug 28, 11:53 AM EDT
Tampa International Airport to close
Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as Idalia nears.
A hurricane warning has been issued from the Tampa Bay area up to the Apalachicola area.
Aug 28, 11:49 AM EDT
Idalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night
Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday and may become a major hurricane by Tuesday night.
Landfall is currently forecast for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Storm surge is expected to be a major threat and could reach as high as 11 feet in the Big Bend area.
Up to 1 foot of rain could drench the Florida Panhandle and tornadoes are possible in Tampa and Orlando.
Idalia will move north Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia will head out to sea on Thursday.
ABC News’ Max Golembo
Aug 28, 11:36 AM EDT
Idalia could be strongest hurricane for Big Bend since 1950
Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region between Apalachicola and Tampa as a Category 3 hurricane. If this happens, it will mark the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region since 1950, when Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall in Cedar Key.
Idalia’s potential landfall in Florida.
No hurricanes have ever made landfall in the Big Bend region stronger than Category 3.
It has been more than half a century since a hurricane of category 2 strength or stronger…
If Idalia makes landfall as a Category 2, it will be the first in the region since Gladys in 1968.
ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke
Aug 28, 11:04 AM EDT
Pasco County, Hillsborough County schools to close
As Idalia approaches, the Pasco County School District, north of Tampa, said its schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Schools in Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
(CHINO, Calif.) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit to try to halt a school district’s enforcement of what his office calls a “forced outing policy” involving transgender students.
The Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education, which serves about 26,000 students, recently adopted a mandatory gender identity disclosure policy that requires schools to tell parents if a student asks to use a name or pronoun that’s different from what is listed on their birth certificate or other official records.
The policy also requires parental notification if a student asks to use facilities or enter programs that don’t align with their sex as it is on official records.
“Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity – regardless of their gender identity,” Bonta said in a Monday statement announcing the lawsuit.
He continued, “The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home.”
Schools with inclusive policies that protect and affirm transgender youth’s identity are “associated with positive mental health and academic outcomes,” according to research published by the Society for Research in Child Development.
Transgender youth, often due to gender-related discrimination and stigma, are more likely to experience anxiety, depressed moods and suicidal thoughts and attempts, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has found.
Transgender people make up 0.5% of the adult population in California, and 1.93% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, according to research from the University of California, Los Angeles.
In California, 17% of all gender non-conforming students aged 12-17 reported that they experienced severe psychological distress, the UCLA Center for Health Policy reported.
The Chino Valley school board held public hearings on the policy throughout the summer, garnering protesters from both sides of the issue.
In one July hearing, a board member called being transgender a “mental illness.”
“There has always been man and woman, and then you have this transgender and it is not going to stop there … it is a mental illness,” board clerk and member Andrew Cruz said. He also claimed “women are being erased.”
In that same meeting, the board president, Sonja Shaw, also stated that transgender and gender nonbinary individuals needed “non-affirming” parents to “get better.”
The policy passed with a 4-1 vote, with member Donald L. Bridge as the sole vote against the policy.
“What we should be discussing is what’s in the framework and getting a staff report as we enter the new school year — that’s what I would like to be discussing and not culture wars,” said Bridge in the July hearing.
He continued, “Are we trying to outdo other districts by being one of the first to pass this policy? … What about potential lawsuits? They’re likely going to be filed, somebody will file it.”
ABC News has reached out to the Chino Valley Unified School District for comment.
In response to the lawsuit, Shaw told the Associated Press that the board “will stand our ground and protect our children with all we can because we are not breaking the law … Parents have a constitutional right in the upbringing of their children. Period.”
The attorney general slammed board members for their comments, stating that members intended to “create and harbor animosity, discrimination, and prejudice toward transgender and gender-nonconforming students” with the policy.
LGBTQ advocates say that forcibly “outing” transgender students could be dangerous for some students, who may not feel safe or supported at home or elsewhere.
The lawsuit asserts that the policy violates California’s Constitution and state anti-discrimination laws, including California’s Equal Protection Clause, California’s Education and Government Code and California’s constitutional right to privacy.
(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — One was a loving mother working as an Uber driver, another was a devoted father who wanted to give his 4-year-old daughter the world and the youngest victim killed in a racially motivated attack in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday was a 19-year-old employee of the Dollar General where the rampage occurred.
All three victims of the massacre were Black and law enforcement officials said they were slain because of the color of their skin.
Here is what is known about the three people allegedly gunned down by a 21-year-old white supremacist gunman, who died from suicide after authorities said he committed the massacre while wearing a bulletproof vest and wielding an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle:
Angela Michelle Carr
Angela Michelle Carr, 52, was a loving mother of three and a grandmother of 16, said her family and her pastor.
Carr worked as an Uber driver and had just dropped off a customer at the Dollar General Saturday afternoon when she was shot to death in her vehicle outside the store, according to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. She was the first victim killed in the attack, Waters said.
“She was just a loving, caring mother,” said the Rev. David Green Sr., the pastor of St. Stephens AME Church in Jacksonville, where Carr was a devout member of the congregation. “She was a person who was a provider. She provided for her family.”
Carr’s daughter, Ashley Carr, told ABC News that her mother “was everything” to her family.
“She was great. She was that Chaka Khan song: ‘I’m Every Woman,’ Ashley Carr said. “She was the mother, the father, the provider, the counselor, the pastor. She was everything.”
She said her mother gave birth to her as a teenager.
“So, I grew up with her. I’ve seen the changes. I’ve experienced them all with her,” Ashley Carr said. “And to get to this point and to be a mother (with) my own kids, I get it. I understand going through how she went through divorce and how she went through family issues and how strong she was.”
She said her mother was a woman of faith, adding, “Based on her spirituality, based on her connection with God, I know that she’s OK.”
“She’s no longer here, but she’s still here if that makes sense,” she said. “Her spirit will always live because she has us.”
Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr.
At age 19, Anolt Joseph “A.J.” Laguerre Jr. was described by his father as “a bright young man” whose promising life was cut short just as it was blossoming.
Laguerre Jr. was the second victim killed in the attack at the Dollar General store where he worked, according to authorities.
“My son is a bright young man, who hasn’t even lived life, just graduated from high school,” his father, Anolt Laguerre Sr. told ABC News.
In a photo he shared with ABC News, the proud father posed with his son who was holding his high school diploma after graduating last year.
“AJ is very kind, intelligent, outgoing and willing to help anyone in any way he can,” the senior Laguerre said in a text message. “But his life got taken away by (a) lifeless individual who doesn’t like African Americans.”
Dollar General confirmed Laguerre Jr. worked at the store.
“The DG family mourns the loss of our colleague Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., who, along with two of our customers, were the victims of senseless violence…,” the company said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends as we all try to comprehend this tragedy. There is no place for hate at Dollar General or in the communities we serve.”
Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion
Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion was preparing to pick up his 4-year-old daughter, Je Asia, when he stopped by the Dollar General store to shop and ended up losing his life, his sister told ABC News.
The 29-year-old Gallion was killed, just minutes after he entered the store as the rampage was unfolding.
“I want people to know, he was a loving guy. He was a devoted father,” Gallion’s sister, Latiffany Gallion, told ABC News. “His hopes and dreams were to give his daughter the world and make sure she never wanted for anything.”
Latiffany Gallion said her brother lived near the Dollar General store in the New Town neighborhood and that she learned of the shooting from a cousin who called her and said, “‘I think your brother is involved.'”
“He was just going on a normal Saturday outing, probably looking for things to buy for his house,” Latiffany Gallion said.
She said she couldn’t have asked for a better brother.
“To me, he was just a great brother, loving, protective. He had a good heart. He loved his family. He loved his siblings,” Latiffany Gallion said. “I just want to make sure his life stands for something.”
She said her brother also loved sports and was a big fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Florida State Seminoles football teams.
“This world has too much hate and not enough love,” she said. “How do I explain to my daughter when she asks why that man (the gunman) did what he did? And how do I tell her she is a target because of the color of her skin?”
(NEW YORK) — Hurricane Idalia is forecast to make landfall Wednesday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area, north of Tampa.
The storm is expected to strengthen further as it nears the Sunshine State, possibly becoming a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday night.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Aug 29, 5:32 AM EDT
Idalia strengthens into hurricane with 75 mph winds
Idalia strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane early Tuesday as maximum sustained winds reached 75 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Idalia is “expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before making landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said in its latest advisory. Winds are forecast to reach 120 mph by Tuesday night.
As of 5 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the eye of the storm was located about 85 miles north of the western tip of Cuba and about 370 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. The storm was moving north at 14 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
A hurricane warning, which means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, remains in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio as well as parts of Florida, starting from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. Other weather alerts were still in effect for more areas of Cuba and Florida, as well as Georgia and South Carolina.
Airlines and The Federal Aviation Administration said it’s monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia as it heads to the U.S.
The FAA posted on social media that it’s “closely monitoring” Idalia’s path, but it isn’t responsible for closing airports and canceling flights.
American Airlines issued a travel alert that allows its customers whose plans are impacted by Idalia to rebook their flights without incurring a change fee.
Southwest Airlines said it anticipates some changes to its schedule and an impact on its operation as the storm approaches. The airline has issued a travel advisory for its customers.
United Airlines has issued travel waivers for customers traveling to and from impacted airports. The company said it’s working to ensure its team is prepared to deal with the expected severe weather.
Aug 28, 6:15 PM EDT
Evacuation orders issued for multiple Florida counties
Multiple counties in Florida are under mandatory and voluntary evacuations as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels toward the state.
People living in zones in Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota and Taylor counties must evacuate the area, according to multiple county officials.
County officials are also urging people living in mobile homes, low-lying areas and along the coast to leave the area as Idalia approaches.
Officials in Hernando, Jefferson, Manatee and Pasco counties have also issued voluntary evacuation orders for particular zones.
-ABC News’ Michael Pappano, Jianna Cousin and Robinson Perez
Aug 28, 3:24 PM EDT
FEMA encourages everyone in Idalia’s path to ‘get prepared today’
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging everyone in Idalia’s path to “get prepared today.”
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and “emphasized the agency’s actions and readiness to support the state’s needs.” FEMA is also “closely coordinating” with Georgia and South Carolina to provide support as needed.
President Joe Biden also spoke with DeSantis earlier Monday and approved an emergency declaration.
-ABC News’ Justin Gomez
Aug 28, 11:53 AM EDT
Tampa International Airport to close
Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday as Idalia nears.
A hurricane warning has been issued from the Tampa Bay area up to the Apalachicola area.
Aug 28, 11:49 AM EDT
Idalia could become hurricane on Monday, major hurricane by Tuesday night
Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday and may become a major hurricane by Tuesday night.
Landfall is currently forecast for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Storm surge is expected to be a major threat and could reach as high as 11 feet in the Big Bend area.
Up to 1 foot of rain could drench the Florida Panhandle and tornadoes are possible in Tampa and Orlando.
Idalia will move north Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia will head out to sea on Thursday.
ABC News’ Max Golembo
Aug 28, 11:36 AM EDT
Idalia could be strongest hurricane for Big Bend since 1950
Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region between Apalachicola and Tampa as a Category 3 hurricane. If this happens, it will mark the strongest landfall for the Big Bend region since 1950, when Category 3 Hurricane Easy made landfall in Cedar Key.
Idalia’s potential landfall in Florida.
No hurricanes have ever made landfall in the Big Bend region stronger than Category 3.
It has been more than half a century since a hurricane of category 2 strength or stronger…
If Idalia makes landfall as a Category 2, it will be the first in the region since Gladys in 1968.
ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke
Aug 28, 11:04 AM EDT
Pasco County, Hillsborough County schools to close
As Idalia approaches, the Pasco County School District, north of Tampa, said its schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Schools in Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
(NEW YORK) — A father has been arrested following a more than two-year investigation after police determined he killed his two-month-old infant daughter by stuffing a baby wipe down her throat, police say.
The incident originally occurred on May 28, 2021, when the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a two-month-old unresponsive infant in Vero Beach, Florida, according to a statement from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office released on Monday.
Dispatchers immediately began giving the infant’s father, Jason Napier, instructions on how to give CPR to the child and notified police deputies and fire rescue to respond to the scene.
But when authorities arrived at the Vero Beach home and made contact with Napier and his two-month-old baby girl, the child was “unresponsive and turning blue,” according to the police statement.
The responding deputy quickly took over the CPR procedure and the child was rushed to the hospital, but the infant girl did not survive.
“During the preliminary investigation, Mr. Napier told deputies the infant choked and he could only see a small white object in the back of her mouth. He then gave a timeline of events and claimed he left the child unattended, on a couch, with his 18-month-old daughter for approximately 10 minutes,” Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said in their statement. “When he returned to the room he discovered the child was choking and in distress but still waiting approximately 5 minutes before calling 911.”
A baby wipe would later be removed from deep within his infant daughter’s throat and is what caused the airway obstruction that killed her.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Napier spent “approximately 30 minutes on his cell phone making his timeline inaccurate” regarding the events that transpired at his home on May 28, 2021, police said.
“Based on all of the evidence gathered, and in consultation with medical physicians, it was determined that the only person present at the time of the incident that could have placed the wipe that deep in the child’s throat was Joseph Napier,” police said on Monday.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Napier after their two-year investigation on Monday on the charge of manslaughter, police said. He is now being held at the Indian River County Jail on a $750,000 bond.
Said the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office: “While this investigation involved the tragic loss of life, we are hoping that this arrest can give some closure to the friends and family.”
