Alligator Safety: A 71-year-old North Fort Myers man fought off an alligator after it grabbed his leg while he was fishing, using his fishing pole and his bulldog to get back to shore. Water Safety Warnings: Florida wildlife officials are also responding to a deadly Central Florida cluster of alligator encounters in one week, including a fatal attack on a woman in the Econlockhatchee River. Holiday Weather: South Florida baked through Fourth of July heat with triple-digit heat indexes and pop-up storms, with rain expected to clear before fireworks. Independence Day Celebrations: Families marked America’s 250th birthday across South Florida with parades, concerts, drone shows, and fireworks at Bayfront Park and beyond. Local Government & Parks: Hernando County published notices for HUD funding to improve Rogers Park, including shade structures, restroom upgrades, and new pedestrian pathways. Education Milestone: Charlotte County Public Schools earned an A rating for the first time in 15 years. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers say a Bahamas-native curly-tailed lizard is spreading farther north into Central Florida. Lottery: A $2 Florida Lotto ticket won $6.75 million, just before the July 4 holiday.