Local News:
A new study reveals that singles are struggling more than married couples to make house payments. Nearly 70% of singles have difficulty paying rent or mortgages, compared to 52% of married couples. Additionally, 21% of singles and 27% of divorced or separated individuals skip meals to afford housing, a higher rate than the 14% of married couples. Those not married are also more likely to borrow money or take side jobs. With fewer married couples in U.S. households, experts urge city planners to consider affordability for singles. Despite challenges, most people are still paying on time, with only 1 in 20 homeowners late.
A St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy, Devin Mills, was arrested by the Port St. Lucie Police on a charge of burglary with assault or battery. The incident occurred while he was off duty. Following the arrest, Mills was placed on unpaid administrative leave, and the SLCSO has launched an administrative investigation while awaiting the results of the criminal charges.
State News:
Two Florida women, Rileigh Decker (20) and Summer Layman (24), were attacked by a shark while swimming in Bimini Bay, The Bahamas, on Friday evening. The women had been on a boat ride and decided to jump in the water together. Decker felt a tug on her leg and realized she had been bitten by a shark. Layman suffered a bite on her foot, while Decker’s injuries were more severe. Both were initially treated locally and then airlifted to a hospital for further care. Both women are expected to recover fully. Shark attacks in the Bahamas are rare, with only 34 recorded since 1580. This is at least the third reported attack involving American tourists in the country since 2023.
Florida lawmakers are meeting for a special session starting Tuesday to address immigration, called by Gov. Ron DeSantis after weeks of internal GOP disagreements. The session, lasting until Friday, focuses on legislation related to President Trump’s immigration orders. DeSantis aims to enhance law enforcement cooperation between state, local, and federal authorities to combat immigration. Proposed bills include penalties for noncitizens voting, stricter bail conditions for unauthorized migrants, and restrictions on benefits for immigrants. DeSantis also highlighted a new agreement with ICE giving the Florida Highway Patrol expanded powers.
Citations:
https://www.wptv.com/news/treasure-coast/region-st-lucie-county/st-lucie-county-deputy-arrested-in-port-st-lucie-faces-charge-of-burglary
https://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/nearly-70-of-singles-are-skipping-this-to-pay-for-housing
https://www.wptv.com/news/state/2-florida-women-injured-in-apparent-shark-attack-in-the-bahamas
https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-lawmakers-returned-for-special-session-to-address-illegal-immigration