Animal cruelty discovered in Lake Worth

Routine warrant leads to shocking major animal cruelty bust in Lake Worth

A warrant arrest took a dark turn in Lake Worth when law enforcement officers stepped into a home and discovered 12 dogs living in filthy, cramped conditions....no food...no water...feces everywheer.

Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office originally arrived at Leslie Torres’s mobile home on West Mayaguana Lane on August 22 to serve a felony warrant for her teenage son. Once inside, officers quickly realized the animals were in urgent trouble and called Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for backup.>br />
Following a weeks-long investigation into the grim discovery, the 34-year-old was arrested on Wednesday for seven felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and four misdemeanor counts of animal abandonment.

Inspectors say they entered the home to find stagnant air thick with the smell of waste, with urine and feces scattered on the floor. In a dark hallway, they found two rusted wire cages stacked on top of each other, holding about seven dogs cramped together without food or water.

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You would think a neighbor would have known something about this.

It's all about protecting the Illegal with the City Commission

Immigration concerns reshape Lake Worth Beach PBSO deal

A proposed 10-year policing agreement became a three-year proposal Tuesday night after Lake Worth Beach commissioners faced hours of questions about immigration enforcement, transparency and how much control the city would surrender to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).

Commissioners did not approve the nearly $16 million agreement. Instead, they ordered it rewritten and removed a provision that would have allowed it to renew automatically for additional 10-year terms.

The revised contract could return for a vote Aug. 25.

“I think we go for a three-year contract,” Mayor Betty Resch said. “I think we rewrite this and bring it back with the changes that we’ve talked about tonight.”

That argument followed commissioners into Tuesday’s meeting. About 30 people spoke against the agreement or submitted written comments. Many said PBSO’s participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program has created fear among residents (a/k/a illegals) and made some people reluctant to call law enforcement for help.

PBSO District 14 Capt. Terrence Carn said the proposed city contract would not expand the agency’s relationship with federal immigration authorities. “PBSO is statutorily obligated to assist our partner law enforcement agencies if and when we’re called upon to provide assistance,” Carn said.

Commissioners wanted body cameras and Narcan training for the park rangers, clearly distinguishable uniforms, bicycle patrols and performance data showing what the program accomplishes and instead of a ten year contract that can roll into another ten years, they want a 3 year contract.

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Woman arrested for Lake Worth Bar Incident

Woman accused of kicking deputy in the groin after Lake Worth Beach bar disturbance

Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office were called to Igot's Martiki Bar, located at 702 Lake Ave., around 1:51 a.m. on Thursday after reports that a woman was throwing objects and punching people.

According to PBSO, deputies found 36-year-old Monika Wiener sitting at a table outside the bar matching the description provided by the caller.

While deputies investigated the reported battery, Wiener was lawfully detained and instructed to remain seated, the report states. Investigators say she stood up and attempted to walk away despite deputies' commands.

She was taken to the PBSO District 14 headquarters in Lake Worth Beach for processing before being transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. She was later booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center.

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Shooter in Lake Worth Beach

Man accused of shooting multiple people inside warehouse, leaving one wounded

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A man is accused of walking into a warehouse and firing multiple rounds at several people, shooting one man in the neck back in February.

According to an arrest report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), on February 21, deputies responded to South J Terrace in Lake Worth Beach after receiving reports of a shooting. The report states that upon arrival, deputies located the victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.

The man was treated at the scene and later transported to St. Mary's Medical Center for further treatment, according to the criminal complaint. Later the shooter was transferred there as well.

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Where is South J Terrace?

Hands off our Beach and Parks - VOTE NO Amendments 2 & 3

CBS 12

Protesters rallied in Lake Worth Beach against two ballot amendments they say would allow major development without voter approval

The demonstration, organized by Lake Worth For All, gathered between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Lake Avenue and Golfview Road, just before the bridge, with residents holding signs that read "HANDS OFF OUR BEACH & PARKS."

According to organizers, Amendments 2 and 3 on the March 10 ballot would allow the city commission to approve huge developments on the beach, in public parks, and in public spaces without voter approval.

Opponents say they are concerned the changes could impact access to public parking and local beaches, potentially altering the "hometown feel" of the town. [CBS-12]

Palm Beach State College was on Lockdown

College alert used term 'active shooter' though investigators say gun was never discharged

Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth Beach campus briefly went into lockdown Tuesday afternoon after an altercation involving three people, including one believed to be a female student and two males who are not enrolled at the college.

According to school officials, the incident occurred at 2:05 p.m. and involved a gun, though investigators with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the weapon was never fired. As part of its standard safety protocol, the college immediately issued a campuswide lockdown.

An all-clear was given at 2:30 p.m., and normal operations resumed shortly after. One male suspect is in custody, according to the college.

CBS12 News is working to get clarification from the college on why the term “active shooter” appeared in the campuswide alert if investigators say the gun was never discharged. [WPEC-12]

Illegal in Lake Worth Beach goes to prison for assaulting ICE officer

Guatemalan man sentenced to a year for assaulting ICE officers in Lake Worth Beach

A Guatemalan national was sentenced to federal prison on Friday after he assaulted two ICE officers attempting to arrest him in Lake Worth Beach.

U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks sentenced 39-year-old Fredy Aureliano Morales-Ramirez, of Lake Worth Beach, to one year and one day in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea for forcibly assaulting a federal officer.

“Assaulting federal officers will never be tolerated here,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida.

Quiñones stated that the officers were lawfully executing an arrest warrant when they were met with violence, and noted that the sentence clarifies that attacking federal law enforcement in South Florida leads to imprisonment.

As one commenter said, "He thought he was in Minnesota."

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Firefighters rescued animals from a kitchen fire

Firefighters rescue two dogs and a cat from Lake Worth Beach kitchen blaze

Firefighters rushed into a Lake Worth home Friday morning, rescuing two dogs and a cat from a kitchen fire as smoke and flames spread.

The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue says they were called to a house fire Friday morning on Colony View Drive in Lake Worth Beach.

Firefighters rushed into the kitchen, put out the fire, and searched the entire house, where they found two dogs and a cat and brought them to safety.

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Lake Worth High Culinary students build something special

An edible Barbie Dreamhouse built entirely by Lake Worth High School students

And they are raising thousands of dollars for a local nonprofit

Students in Lake Worth High School’s Culinary Arts Choice program spent months transforming sugar, flour, and creativity into a three-foot-tall, three-foot-wide Barbie Dreamhouse that is almost entirely edible.

The project began back in August, with students partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County to create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for a charitable cause.

“This is isomalt, sugar — anything sugary,” said culinary instructor Renee Engelhardt, describing the ingredients used to bring the house to life.

The Dreamhouse weighs about 25 pounds and was built using roughly 20 pounds of flour, 30 cups of sugar, and two pounds of isomalt. The structure itself is made of sugar cookies, while the intricate details were crafted using fondant and edible paints. The only non-edible elements are a few hidden wooden supports designed to hold the weight of the three-story creation.

For students, the project was both challenging and rewarding.

“I am really glad that this came to life,” said culinary student Jason Rodriguez. “This started as an idea, and seeing it built is really special.”

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2 year old Lake Worth Beach boy fatally struck by Truck

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Lake Worth Beach woman Pardoned by Trump

Trump Pardons Lake Worth Beach woman

Lake Worth Beach, FL/CBS12 News — A Lake Worth Beach woman who served time in prison for making threats to FBI agents on social media after the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol has something to smile about.

President Trump pardoned her late last week.

Suzanne Kaye, 63, says she learned in a phone call from her attorney Thursday night she was pardoned.

Bicyclist in bike path hit by SUV on Lucerne Ave and died

So much for bicycle lanes

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — "A bicyclist succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday after he was struck by a car while in the bicycle lane on Halloween.

Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) say the bicyclist, 61-year-old Louis Simon, was traveling westbound on Lucerne Avenue in the northern bicycle lane when an SUV accelerated into the path of the bicyclist from a stop sign.

The bike impacted the passenger side of the SUV, and Simon was ejected from the bike, hitting his head on the pavement, per PBSO. He was treated by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and rushed to St. Mary's Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries."

Operation Unplugged in Lake Worth Beach

G-Block to Jail Block: 'Operation Unplugged' busts Lake Worth fentanyl dealers

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) — A multi-agency sting dubbed "Operation Unplugged" dismantled a fentanyl pipeline linked to the Zoe Mafia Family, seizing enough drugs to kill thousands.

Deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office's (PBSO) Narcotics Task Force say they identified the area of 9th Avenue and South G Street in the City of Lake Worth, also known as "G-Block," as a hub for the distribution of fentanyl, xylazine, crack cocaine, MDMA, bath salts, marijuana, and counterfeit prescription medication.

Due to the uptick in overdoses in the past five years, deputies say they created "Operation Unplugged" to dismantle the drug operation and arrest the drug dealers involved.

Person caught in Rip Current at Lake Worth Beach died

Person pronounced dead after being caught in rip current in Lake Worth Beach

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A person is dead after they were caught in a rip current on Wednesday.

According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) at around 7 p.m. crews were rescued to SW Ocean Boulevard in Lake Worth Beach about an open water incident. PBCFR says the 911 caller said a person was caught in a rip current and approximately 100 feet from shore.

In less than three minutes, rescue crews had removed the person from the water. That person was immediately given medical care and transported to a local hospital.

A spokesperson from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) said the person was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

[WPEC]

Vanilla Ice to build restaurant and brewery on Lake Avenue

Rapper and reality TV star Vanilla Ice is working on a new project in Lake Worth Beach

Once complete, people will be able to enjoy an "Ice Cold" beer at his new brewery.

It'll feature family dining, a speakeasy with a secret code and exclusive entrance, a rooftop bar with palm trees and view of the beach, and a pop culture museum.

"Pop culture mimicked the music," said Vanilla Ice. "Now you can't really dress Tik Tok like anything that's online so the fashion disconnected from the music. So, this is going to showcase some of the things that impacted the world in pop culture from Muhammad Ali to the Beatles, to Elvis, but some of my greatest like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

Vanilla Ice said the new brewery is at the center of resurging arts district along Lake Avenue with million dollar condos nearby and will be located at 1000 Lake Avenue.

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Guy tried to kill his finance in Lake Worth Beach

Man arrested after alleged attempt to drown fiancée in Lake Worth Beach motel pool

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — An Ormond Beach man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to drown his fiancée at a Lake Worth Beach motel, following a confrontation about infidelity.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) reported that deputies were called to the Capri Motel in Lake Worth Beach following reports of a possible drowning on Saturday at 4:58 p.m.

Upon arrival, deputies reported finding two men standing outside the pool area, including Drew Williams.

According to the probable cause affidavit, when deputies questioned Williams, 45, about a possible drowning, he denied any knowledge and claimed he didn't know the victim's whereabouts.

However, a search of the property led deputies to Williams's fiancée, who they said appeared highly emotional and claimed that he had tried to kill her.

PBSO has arrested Williams and he faces attempted homicide and domestic battery.

Lake Worth Beach Drug Trafficker arrested

Lake Worth Beach man arrested with 150 grams of cocaine in Burger King bag

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Deputies arrested a suspected drug trafficker after following his car, later finding 150 grams of cocaine in fast food bag.

A 25-year-old Lake Worth man was arrested Monday night after allegedly fleeing law enforcement and leading deputies through Palm Beach County.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) said the suspect, identified as Roberto Espino, now faces multiple felonies including:

trafficking cocaine
possession of marijuana over 20 grams
fleeing and eluding law enforcement

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House Fire on North E Street

A house caught fire Sunday evening on North E Street

The fire ignited just after 6 p.m.

When crews first arrived, smoke was showing from the eaves of the single-story home, according to fire officials. Crew were able to quickly extinguish the fire with water, then vertically ventilated to remove smoke and hot gases from inside the home.

The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Channel 12 News interviews Tesla owners

Tesla owners not too surprised by Pres. Trump-Elon Musk feud

Benny's on the Beach Trashed by a Nut Job

Benny’s on the Beach burglary suspect nabbed after pier trashed, chairs tossed

A shoeless intruder is accused of trashing Benny's on the Beach and forcing a beach closure, claiming he was “preparing for a hurricane.”

On Wednesday morning, deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) were called to the popular Lakeworth Beach restaurant, Benny's on the Beach, regarding an overnight burglary.

A Benny's on the Beach manager told deputies that when she arrived at work, someone had dumped all the garbage from the trash cans all over the pier and thrown multiple Adirondack chairs onto the beach, breaking them.

While canvassing the scene, deputies noted that a chair had been pushed up against the gate, providing a possible entrance point for the suspect.

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