Good morning, Fort Lauderdale.

Faith leaders and community advocates held a candlelight vigil Tuesday night in Pompano Beach to call for the release of Sirena Prosper (a local business owner and mother of seven) who remains in federal custody amid fears of family separation.

This Saturday, the BRCA Strong Summit: Education that Empowers will be held in Fort Lauderdale to educate women with the BRCA gene mutation, and a CBS News Miami NEXT Weather meteorologist will moderate the morning session.

More than 8,000 Publix associates volunteered Tuesday in Pembroke Park as part of Publix Serves Week, preparing food kits for families and awarding a donation ($1M) to help fund senior meal delivery and cold storage expansion, with more volunteer events scheduled throughout the week.

A job fair will take place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise this Friday, Sept.

25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. over 50 employers will offer free admission and face-to-face interviews *potential employers are ready to meet job seekers*.

Florida’s final $1 bump in the minimum wage takes effect Sept.

30, bringing the hourly rate to $15 and tipped wages up from $10.98 to $11.98. The change follows yearly increases that began in 2021 as set by a voter-approved amendment.

Rising gas and diesel prices increased holiday travel costs for South Florida families and flight schedules may be cut, experts said.

In Fort Lauderdale, gasoline averaged $4.30 per gallon and diesel reached about $6.34 per gallon on Sept. 22, prompting travel agents to urge early holiday bookings.

Broward County schools recorded 12,300 fewer students on Sept.

14—a 5.6% drop that deepens a funding shortfall of over $430 million—and the school board is reviewing proposals to close 10 schools by December.

Recent rains refilled parts of the Everglades and helped wildlife—like alligators and turtles—thrive while airboat tours resumed operations and the Biscayne Aquifer was replenished for local communities.

Heavy rain is lashing Broward County as flood advisories remain in effect — pushing Fort Lauderdale close to its wettest September on record.

Drier weather will arrive this weekend, offering a break from the heavy downpour.