K-9 Heroism: Polk County’s K-9 Ace returned to the sheriff’s office after being shot while protecting deputies; doctors amputated his injured leg and he’ll retire. Fatal Local Crime: An Apopka-area dad, Daryl Hill, was killed trying to break up a fight after dropping his 10-year-old daughter at school; suspect Raul Lionel Vazquez faces second-degree murder charges. Public Health Watch: Florida confirmed five equine eastern equine encephalitis cases this year, with the latest horse result flagged as an early warning that mosquitoes are carrying the virus. Elections & Misinformation: Florida’s District 24 Democratic primary is roiled by accusations of fake headlines and false texts, including an HIV claim tied to candidate Shevrin Jones. Statehouse: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the property tax amendment’s ballot title and summary after a judge said the original wording was misleading. Education Staffing: Florida still has thousands of teacher and support vacancies statewide, with hundreds unfilled in South Florida. Space Coast Update: SpaceX filed permits for a new Starship testing site, “Project Ignition,” on the Space Coast. Cost of Living: South Florida shoppers are adjusting to grocery prices up nearly 21% since 2022.