County

Lawsuit Filed Against Volusia County Over Fuel Farm Proposal Sparks Tensions with Residents in Ormond Beach

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Volusia County, Florida – Belvedere Terminals, a company seeking to establish a fuel farm in the Ormond Beach area, has recently filed a lawsuit against Volusia County. The lawsuit, filed this week, accuses the county council of infringing upon Belvedere’s property rights. Local resident Elena Krafft has been actively opposing the construction of the fuel farm for several months. Upon learning that the facility would be situated just half a mile from her home, she began alerting her neighbors and participating in meetings to voice her concerns. Krafft expressed her worries by stating, “When I … Read more

Jury Awards $33 Million in Damages in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Ottawa County Jail

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Tulsa, Oklahoma – A federal civil jury awarded $33 million in damages to the estate of Terral Brooks Ellis II, who died in the Ottawa County jail in 2015. The jury found that the medical care provided by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office violated Ellis’ constitutional rights. Ellis’ family expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the jury’s verdict, ending their years-long wait for justice. Ellis, 26, was pronounced dead on October 22, 2015, shortly after being transported from the Ottawa County jail to a local hospital with no detectable blood pressure. During his 10-day stay at … Read more

Belvedere Terminals Files Lawsuit Against Volusia County Over Controversial Fuel Farm Project

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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Belvedere Terminals, the company behind a proposed fuel farm in Ormond Beach, has taken legal action against Volusia County after county officials moved to halt the project, according to court documents filed on Tuesday. Belvedere Terminals has been working to construct the fuel farm on a 61-acre property off US-1 and Hull Road since 2022. However, the plan has faced opposition from residents of Ormond Beach who have expressed concerns about the location of the fuel farm, despite assurances from company officials regarding safety. To address these concerns, Volusia County leaders … Read more

Recent Changes in Florida Law Causing Delays for Inmates Seeking Release in Miami-Dade County

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Miami, Florida – Changes to the law in Miami-Dade County have resulted in individuals accused of crimes being held in jail longer before seeing a first-appearance judge. In the past, it was common for those deemed not “high-risk” to pay a bond and be released shortly after their arrest. However, new legislation signed by the Florida legislature and governor has altered this practice. Under Florida law, individuals must appear before a first appearance judge within 24 hours of their arrest. However, due to the high volume of arrestees in Miami-Dade, many were able to bond … Read more