WAFC Local News – November 21, 2025, 8:42 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. The Congresswoman who represents the Glades has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami. Sheila Shefilis McCormick and several co-defendants are charged with stealing federal disaster funds, some $5 million, laundering the proceeds and using the money to support her 2021 congressional campaign. The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to steal the money and routed it through multiple accounts to disguise its source. It was from the FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination funds from FEMA. Prosecutors allege that a substantial portion of the misappropriated funds were used as a candidate contribution. The indictment further alleges that they arranged additional contributions using straw donors, funneling other monies from the FEMA contract to friends and relatives. If convicted, McCormick faces up to 53 years behind bars. McCormick says she plans to fight what she calls an unjust baseless scam indictment. She says the timing of the indictment is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. She says she looks forward to her day in court and she’s confident the truth will prevail. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday looms, shoppers should be on high alert. Scammers are out there trying to steal your money and personal information. The activity really peaks around this time of year. Cyber security expert Jeff Veltri says these scams are fishing for information. Always, always be mindful of an entity that is asking you or an email that you get that is asking you to verify information. If you get that and it’s from what appears to be a reputable company, I would always recommend going directly to that company’s website and verifying the accuracy of the information being sent to you or calling them directly before you click on that link and start putting your personal information in there. He says there’s plenty to be aware of if you go out there and shop. There are a multitude of schemes that threat actors are using nowadays to target consumers. He says it’s more safe to use a credit card than a gift card. Electric bills going up. The Florida Public Service Commission has approved a Florida Power & Light rate hike. It’s over four years. The agreement will raise a typical residential bill about 2% a month or roughly $2.50 starting January 1st. Rates will cover the years 2026 through 2029, moving the average bill from just over $134 to more than $136 a month. FPL says the plan was developed with input from customer groups. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Acquisition and Restoration Council added a Glades County ranch to the Florida Forever program. The X-Bar Ranch in Glades County is surrounded by other conservation lands and, like Sprothers Property, 903 acres are valued at $10.2 million the state would buy the development rights. Jeremiah Thompson says the habitat supports several threatened species at the X-Bar Ranch. Including the Florida panther, sandhill crane, crested caracara, eastern indigo snake, and black bear. Additionally, it meets multiple Florida Forever goals. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).