In images reminiscent of the biblical plague of blood from the Exodus story, Florida's coasts experience a concerning natural phenomenon every year that turns the sea red: "red tide." Now, in a new study, researchers from the University of South Florida have identified for the first time nearly a dozen viruses connected to this mysterious phenomenon, according to a report in The Independent.

Finally, Karenia brevis has been identified as the cause of 'red tide' as researchers identified nearly a dozen viruses associated with red tides that are harmful and costly https://t.co/DTZoaASsS7 pic.twitter.com/TujfH9dW5R

— Samer سامر (@sam6) March 23, 2025

 The new research, published in the journal mSphere of the American Society for Microbiology, could help predict future "red tide" events and possibly even prevent some of their severe damages.

What is red tide – and why is it dangerous? Red tide is actually a massive bloom of Karenia brevis algae, a single-celled organism that produces neurotoxins. The algae bloom causes the death of fish, birds, and other marine creatures, and can cause respiratory problems in humans and even death.

The phenomenon is driven by environmental factors such as ocean currents, nutrients washed into the water, extreme weather events, and climate changes that lead to rising sea temperatures. The red tide occurs naturally in Florida almost every year, typically in late summer or early fall, and lasts between three and five months, according to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Service (FWC), which partnered in the research.

An aggressive toxic algal bloom called 'red tide' is killing ocean life in Florida, where there's now a state of emergency pic.twitter.com/idSykdABhI

— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) August 18, 2018

The economic damages of the phenomenon are estimated in the millions of dollars, and it affects large areas. Just last month, a strip of red water in Florida stretched for more than 199 miles, from the Tampa Bay area to Key West. The phenomenon is not unique to Florida, and around the same period, Argentina's coasts also turned red.

With climate change and continued warming, the red tide phenomenon raises concern, as according to researchers, rising temperatures are one of the factors encouraging the phenomenon.

During "red tide" events, researchers collected samples of Karenia brevis blooms to analyze them in the laboratory. They used a method that determines the DNA composition of the sample to find the viruses. "We know that viruses play an important role in the dynamics of harmful algae blooms, but we didn't know which viruses might be associated with Karenia brevis blooms," said Jean Lim, the lead researcher of the study from the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida. "Now that we've identified several viruses in the red tide bloom, we can work to determine which viruses might affect these events."

According to Lim, "There may be a connection between the abundance of viruses and the dynamics of the bloom. For example, an increase in the number of viruses found in a sample might indicate that a red tide bloom is about to begin, or that it is about to end."

The new findings could improve monitoring and prediction efforts for the phenomenon. Since viruses target specific organisms, they may provide an environmentally friendly way to manage the blooms. "There may be specific viruses that might only infect Karenia brevis," Lim added. "If we can identify and isolate these viruses, they could be used as a biological control agent."

The post Scientists solve mystery of Florida's 'red tide' appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The Electoral College process, enshrined in the US Constitution as a compromise between direct popular election and congressional selection of the president, allocates electoral votes to each state based on their congressional representation.

Trump secured victory in the Nov. 6 election with 312 electoral votes, well above the 270 needed to win. After electors meet in their respective state capitals on Dec. 17, Congress will conduct the official count during a joint session on Jan. 6, 2025, leading to Trump being declared as "president-elect" by Senate President Kamala Harris – who was also his chief opponent as the Democratic presidential nominee. Then, on Jan. 20, he will take the oath of office at his second inauguration.

Trump's commanding victory in Florida, where he captured 56% of the vote compared to his narrower 49.9% national margin, will be formalized when the state's electors convene in the Senate chambers at the state Capitol. The 30 Republican electors, whose names were submitted by the state party in August, include several high-profile officials, including one already tapped for Trump's future cabinet – former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has been nominated for US attorney general.

Former state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who received Trump's endorsement to fill Sen. Marco Rubio's Senate seat, is also among the electors, alongside Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, Attorney General Ashley Moody, House Speaker Daniel Pérez and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Florida law requires electors to be registered state voters and members of their respective parties who have sworn in writing to support their party's nominees. An elector's refusal to vote for their party's candidates is considered an automatic resignation under state statute.

The process faced a legal challenge in Wisconsin over scheduling, but a federal judge affirmed the Dec. 17 meeting date, aligning with federal law despite state statutes initially suggesting an earlier date.

The post Trump's final hurdle? Most crucial vote gets underway appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, brought a personal touch to a Democratic rally in The Villages on Friday, September 13, 2024, highlighting his Jewish heritage and suggesting a historic first for the White House, the Leesburg Daily Commercial reported.

During his speech at the Lake Miona Pool and Recreational Center, Emhoff, known as the second gentleman, told the crowd that his wife "was the one who has encouraged me to live openly and proudly as a Jewish person. She's the one who encouraged me to make sure we have a mezuzah at the vice president's residence, and if they let me, I hope they do, I'll have one at the White House too."

Emhoff at The Villages:

Harris "was the one who's encouraged me to live openly and proudly as a Jewish person.

"She's the one who encouraged me to make sure we have a mezuzah at the vice president's residence, and if they let me — I hope they do — I'll have one at the WH too." pic.twitter.com/3ie1NJIzDT

— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) September 15, 2024

The event, part of the Harris campaign's strategy to make inroads in traditionally conservative areas, saw Emhoff mixing personal anecdotes with political messaging. Emhoff also addressed key campaign issues and criticized Former President Donald Trump. He emphasized Harris' performance in the recent presidential debate, praising her direct confrontation with Trump.

"She revealed to the entire world what he is: a fraud," Emhoff said, referring to the debate. "He's a fraud on every level; he didn't know anything. He literally didn't know anything about anything except lying, and she just exposed him: The emperor has no clothes."

The rally attracted Democrats from both within and outside The Villages, a community known for its conservative leanings. Attendees and Florida Democratic candidates expressed optimism about the campaign's momentum.

Despite The Villages' reputation as a Republican stronghold, local Democrats reported growing enthusiasm for the Harris campaign. "I think the turnout for Democrats will be a hundred percent," said Maddy Bacher, a Villages resident.

Who is ready for a Villages golf cart parade?! pic.twitter.com/dJIbXUmEG6

— Barbie for Congress (FL-11) (@BarbieHardnHall) September 13, 2024

The rally concluded with Emhoff leading a golf cart parade, showcasing the growing visibility of Democrats in The Villages community.

According to Florida Politics, recent polling by Morning Consult suggests a close presidential race in Florida, despite a 1 million-voter advantage for Republicans.

The post White House may see its first mezuzah if Harris wins appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

In a heart-stopping scene captured on video, a Florida sniper is seen taking down a bank robbery suspect who was holding two people hostage at knifepoint. The footage, recently released by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, shows the incredible moment the sniper shot the suspect through a computer monitor, with the bullet traveling between the two hostages before fatally striking the man.

The harrowing incident unfolded on February 6 when a 36-year-old man attempted to rob a Bank of America in Fort Myers. After police arrived on the scene, the suspect took two people hostage inside an office, crouching behind them and using them as human shields.

Video: Sniper shoots through computer screen / Credit:

According to Lt. Todd Olmer of the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the suspect had claimed to have a bomb on him and held a knife to one hostage's throat, prompting officers to take action.

In the video, SWAT officers are seen positioned outside the bank's doors while a sniper steadies his rifle on the shoulder of another officer, aiming at the suspect's head, which is barely visible over a computer monitor.

WATCH: Harrowing video shows moment sniper shoots through computer monitor and in between 2 hostages, taking out hostage-taker at Florida bank pic.twitter.com/jt2anv3fo0

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 9, 2024

 "Keep talking to me, keep talking to me, I want to know what's going through your head right now," a negotiator can be heard saying. Moments later, the sniper pulls the trigger, and the bullet pierces through the computer monitor before striking the suspect, who crumples to the floor as the hostages scatter for cover.

"Due to the suspect's limited exposure, the sniper took a planned and deliberate shot through a computer monitor, striking the suspect in the center of the forehead, killing him instantly," Olmer explained. He added, "Firing through barriers is a trained and routinely practiced skill by the Lee County Sheriff's Office special operations unit snipers. The .308 caliber bullet used is specifically selected due to its known ballistic reliability traveling through intermediate barriers."

The post Florida sniper ends bank robbery with brilliant shot appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

A missing AirPod played a pivotal role in helping authorities in Florida apprehend a hit-and-run suspect who struck a teenager on a bicycle, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida.

On May 29, 15-year-old Lachlan Nichol was cycling in Jensen Beach when an SUV collided with him. The impact propelled Nichol into the passenger window, causing one of his AirPods to dislodge and become lodged under a floor mat inside the vehicle.

Law enforcement officials traced the errant earbud to a specific address. There, they discovered an individual had attempted to conceal a silver Santa Fe SUV, the vehicle involved in the incident, behind a residence.

The vehicle's owner, 49-year-old Peter Swing, confessed to deputies that he was the driver responsible for the collision. He admitted to fleeing the scene due to panic, citing a prior prison sentence for drug charges as the impetus for his actions.

Swing was promptly arrested and taken into custody at the county jail. "I think the family will undoubtedly feel some measure of justice, but we can't undo what happened and I think the real sting here is that he left an unconscious child in a dark parking lot and drove away," remarked Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.

Family members have stated that Nichols has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Sheriff Snyder acknowledged that the collision was an accident, asserting that had Swing remained at the scene, he would have merely received a citation. However, Swing now faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash causing great bodily injury, a second-degree felony offense.

The post Lost AirPod leads to arrest of hit-and-run driver appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will travel to Jerusalem next month and speak at a museum event as Israel faces a spiraling domestic crisis, giving the potential 2024 presidential candidate a stage to tout his foreign policy credentials.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

The Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem say DeSantis will deliver a keynote speech at an event that will address the tensions in Israel, a key US ally. The governor's office confirmed the travel plans, noting the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence.

"At a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, Florida serves as a bridge between the American and Israeli people," DeSantis is quoted in a press release announcing his visit.

A controversial judicial overhaul plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked waves of unprecedented street protests in Israel. Netanyahu delayed the plans earlier this week, saying he wanted to "avoid civil war," and rival political factions agreed to begin negotiations.

Israeli media have reported that the US was withholding an invitation of a formal White House visit as a sign of displeasure with Netanyahu and his new far-right government. The US ambassador, Tom Nides, said in a radio interview that the White House would soon invite Netanyahu to visit.

The Jerusalem Post says the April 27 visit is "part of a larger Florida/Asian trade delegation." DeSantis says that as a congressman in 2017, he scouted out sites to relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to press the Trump administration to deliver on his promise.

DeSantis also traveled to Israel as governor in 2019 for a state visit and says relations between Florida and Israel have been growing stronger.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post DeSantis to visit Israel ahead of expected 2024 presidential bid appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Forecasters say Hurricane Ian has become an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida's west coast.

The. US National Hurricane Center in Miami said at 5 a.m. Wednesday that Ian now has top sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) and is centered about 75 miles (125 kilometers) west-southwest of Naples, Florida. It said Ian is moving north at a forward speed of 10 mph (17 kph).

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

The major hurricane has prompted warnings of possibly dangerous storm surge along the state's heavily populated Gulf Coast from Bonita Beach to the Tampa Bay region.

Winds, rain have begun intensifying, a day after Ian battered the western tip of Cuba, bringing down the electricity grid and leaving the entire island without power.

Florida residents rushed to board up their homes, stash precious belongings on upper floors and flee. "You can't do anything about natural disasters," said Vinod Nair, who drove inland from the Tampa area Tuesday with his wife, son, dog and two kittens seeking a hotel in the tourist district of Orlando. "We live in a high-risk zone, so we thought it best to evacuate."

The post Ian powers up to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Florida's first Orthodox Jewish police officer was sworn in last week and will serve as part of the North Miami Beach Police Department.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Yehuda Topper, who served in the New York City Police Department for five years before relocating to Florida, told reporters before his swearing-in ceremony at the Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheatre on Thursday evening that he will continue to observe Shabbat while protecting North Miami Beach, which has a large Orthodox Jewish community.

Topper previously served as a paramedic and emergency medical technician (EMT) for the New York City Fire Department and Midwood ambulance service in Brooklyn, NY, according to The Yeshiva World. He reportedly completed the Florida Law Enforcement Equivalency program at Palm Beach State College, where he finished top of his class.

Arthur Sorrey, the city manager of North Miami Beach, Fla., said the historic hiring of an Orthodox Jewish police officer is "a big deal for us … it's something that took a lot of teamwork from all of us here to pull it off."

Richard Rand, the chief of the North Miami Beach Police Department, added: "The manager has definitely seen that we need officers who represent our community."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post Florida hires its first Orthodox Jewish police officer appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The Israel Defense Forces search and rescue team that arrived in South Florida shortly after the Champlain Towers South collapsed last month was heading home Sunday after an emotional sendoff in Surfside.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

During a brief ceremony on Saturday evening, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava thanked the battalion for their "unrelenting dedication" and presented them with an honorary "key to the county."

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Alan Cominsky honored the team as honorary members of his department.

Members of the task forces that have been searching the site 24 hours a day since the June 24 collapse lined both sides of the street, shaking hands and bidding farewell to the Israeli team.

Video: Twitter

On Saturday, officials raised the confirmed death toll to 86, with 43 people still missing in the rubble of the 12-story building. While authorities have concluded that there was "no chance of life" in the remaining rubble, the pressure remains for search crews to find victims so families can lay their loved ones to rest.

The Israeli team joined other task forces from around the United States to assist the teams from Miami and Miami-Dade County, working in 12-hour shifts. They have searched through South Florida's intense summer heat, and in pouring rain, pausing only when lightning was spotted nearby. They also paused operations as officials made plans to implode the still-standing portion of the condo tower on July 4.

The Israeli team used blueprints of the building to create detailed 3D images of the disaster site to aid in the search. They also gathered information from families of the missing, many of who were Jewish, to build a room-by-room model laying out where people would have been sleeping during the pre-dawn collapse.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post In emotional sendoff, IDF praised for 'unrelenting dedication' in Surfside appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

A man yelled antisemitic remarks at a rabbi in front of a South Florida synagogue. He returned and dumped a bag of human feces in front of the building, authorities said.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Cellphone video captured the unidentified man on an electric bicycle as he went on a rant outside the Chabad of South Broward on Friday, according to Miami television station WSVN.

The man left and returned a short time later, carrying a bag or pillowcase that contained human feces, said Hallandale Beach Police Capt. RaShana Dabney-Donovan.

He dumped the bag in front of the synagogue and yelled, "Jews should die," according to a police report.

He also spat at a menorah near a sidewalk, according to the police.

Earlier this month, a Hallandale Beach man reported having rocks thrown at him as he walked to the Chabad of South Broward.

"It's very important for us to combat these types of incidents," said Dabney-Donovan.

The Anti-Defamation League recorded dozens of anti-Israel rallies across the US since the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas, with many more in the works. The organization noted signs accusing Jews of killing Jesus and carrying out a Holocaust against the Palestinians were seen at the protests. It said 193 incidents of antisemitism were reported in the first week of the violence compared to 131 such incidents that were reported the previous week.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post Man leaves feces, shouts, 'Jews should die' outside Florida synagogue appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.