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System given high chance of tropical development

The National Hurricane Center has given an area of disturbed weather near the Bahamas a 70 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours. The broad area of low pressure is located just off the Northwestern Bahamas and is producing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, especially over Cuba.VIEWER PHOTOS: Storms in S. Fla.DOWNLOAD: 2012 Huricane Survival Guide The low is moving Northwest at about 15 miles an hours, and is expected to make a gradual turn back West on Saturday. Most of the models have the system moving over Georgia and the Carolinas over the next few days. Max Mayfield and the Local 10 weather team will be tracking this system all weekend. For Tropical Updates 24-hours a day, visit JustWeather.com.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 10:22:19 GMT

Knicks player arrested on South Beach

Miami Beach police say a New York Knicks player has been arrested on a bench warrant for not having a valid driver's license. Public Information Officer Vivian Hernandez told Local 10, J.R. Smith, 26, was stopped Thursday night on Washington Avenue in South Beach. A routine search revealed the bench warrant and he was arrested. Details have not been released on what led police to stop Smith. Smith was taken to the Miami-Dade County jail, where officials say he bonded out early Friday. Smith was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. He played in China during the NBA lockout last fall and played for the New York Knicks in 2012.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 13:48:48 GMT

Heat beat Pacers, clinch spot in East finals

There was nothing soft about Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat. Wade scored 41 points, LeBron James chipped in 28 and the Heat finished off the Indiana Pacers, locking up a return trip to the Eastern Conference finals with a 105-93 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night. RELATED: E, Conf. finals tickets on sale Fri. The Heat wrapped up the best-of-7 series and will face either Boston or Philadelphia in the next round starting in Miami on Monday. Of course, nothing less than an NBA title will make for a satisfying summer in South Beach. Two series down, two to go. The Heat rallied from an early 11-point deficit, riding the hot hand of Wade in the opening half. He scored 26 points by the break, tying Tim Hardaway's 16-year-old franchise record for most playoff points in the first two quarters. James hit consecutive baskets with just over a minute remaining to close it out. Next up, the Celtics or surprising 76ers. The Heat will get a much-needed chance to relax before worrying about the next opponent, which will be determined in Game 7 at Boston on Saturday. David West led Indiana with 24 points and all five starters were in double figures. But that balance was overwhelmed by Wade and James. In a game of spurts, the decisive one came in the closing minutes of the third quarter, the Heat pushing out to their third straight impressive win after falling behind 2-1 in the series. The Pacers tied it at 66 on Darren Collison's 3-pointer, but it was all Heat the rest of the period. They closed on a 13-3 run, capped by Mario Chalmers' buzzer-beating 3 from the corner. Wade, who was on the bench getting his customary breather at the end of the quarter, leaped from his seat as the ball left Chalmers' hand at the far end, raced along the baseline and pumped his fist when it swished. As Chalmers raced toward the Miami bench, Wade greeted him near the free throw line with a low-five. For the most part, D-Wade did his best work while in the game. He dropped 11-of-16 shooting on the Pacers in the first half, but also made sure the MVP stayed involved, dishing off a behind-the-back pass to James for a thunderous jam. Indiana clamped down a bit on No. 3 the rest of the way, but he still managed perhaps his most jaw-dropping basket. Darting into the lane, he threw up a wild-looking, one-handed shot that looked like it might go over the backboard, only to catch the top of the glass and drop through, barely touching the twine. There was none of the nastiness that marked Game 5, when a bunch of flagrant fouls resulted in suspensions for two Miami players, co-captain Udonis Haslem and backup center Dexter Pittman. Pacers president Larry Bird was so disgusted with his team's performance that he accused them of going "soft." That wasn't the problem this time. This was merely a Miami team on a mission, a mission that began in the summer of 2010 when the Heat signed James and Chris Bosh to join Wade in a seemingly unbeatable Big Three. There was a glitzy introduction and predictions of multiple championships, which left the rest of the league seething and plenty of people cheering when Miami was knocked off in the NBA finals by the Dallas Mavericks last season. Shaking off that disappointment, James had perhaps his greatest season yet. But it was Wade who took control in the decisive game against the Pacers, delivering the final blow when he split West and George Hill, banking in the shot despite taking a knee from Hill that sent the Heat guard tumbling to the court. The Pacers simply didn't have enough to match the Heat, even with the Big Three down to the Big Two because of an injury to Bosh. Chalmers finished with 15 points, while Mike Miller stepped up to provide some quality minutes, scoring 12 points on four 3-pointers to help fill the void without Haslem, Pittman and Bosh. When Miller wasn't in the game, he stretched out along the baseline to cope with his various aches and pains, more comfortable that way than sitting in a chair. When coach Erik Spoelstra called his number, Miller summoned several of his teammates to help lift him up. The Pacers started out like they were intent on sending the series back to Miami for a decisive game that surely would have had all of South Florida on edge. West knocked down a short jumper right off the tip, Danny Granger stuffed one off a fast break and the Pacers had their yellow-clad fans in a tizzy when Granger connected on a 3-pointer to make it 13-3 before the game was 5 minutes old. Another basket by Granger, this one a turnaround jumper, gave the Pacers their biggest lead at 19-8. But Miami wasn't going to roll over that easy. Miller made the first of his 3s in the closing seconds of the first quarter, and Wade took over from there. He started the period by banking in a 12-footer, then made another short jumper to leave the crowd stirring uneasily. Miller followed with another 3 — and just like that, it was all tied up. Yet another 3 by Miller, this one a good 5 feet beyond the arc, gave Miami its biggest lead of the half, 41-35. Back came the Pacers, who went to the locker room with a 53-51 lead and hope of extending their season for at least one more game. Turns out, they were down to their last half.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:31 GMT

Will's Blog: Waiting game for Heat

The Heat could not have planned their Memorial Day weekend any better. They took care of the Indiana Pacers, and they now get an extra few days of rest before starting the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday. Miami waits to see if they'll play Boston or Philadelphia, and they'll also wait to see how Chris Bosh continues to respond to treatment. Bosh is still recovering from a lower abdominal strain, but don't count on seeing him in the Eastern finals. At least, don't count on seeing him in the early games. From what I'm being told, all indications are that Bosh is making slow progress in his recovery and that this injury just isn't easy to bounce back from quickly. As Bosh mentioned shortly after he suffered the injury, trying to rush back from it can only re-aggravate it and make it worse. Miami could certainly use Bosh against either the Celtics or Sixers, but as they proved against the Pacers, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade can carry the load until the finals. The dynamic duo was flat out spectacular in the final three games against Indiana, and in each game someone else stepped up and chipped in. From Udonis Haslem to Shane Battier and finally Mike Miller, the Heat finally got some key contributions from some of the other guys on the roster. Playing without Bosh is not ideal, but if anyone can keep winning without an all-star like him, it's the Heat.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 14:47:34 GMT

Lawsuit filed in 2011 Miami Beach police shooting

A lawsuit is seeking records from a fatal police-involved shooting in Miami Beach during last year's busy Memorial Day weekend. The lawsuit was filed Thursday on behalf of the family of the man who was shot and two bystanders who were seriously wounded. They want official records surrounding the shooting so they can pursue legal action against the cities of Miami Beach and Hialeah, whose officers were involved. Authorities say about 100 rounds were fired at a car being driven by 22-year-old Raymond Herisse in a crowded South Beach area. Police claimed Herisse tried to run officers down and also had a gun in the car. It's not clear if he ever fired it. "Why did my son die? I want justice," said Marcelline Azor during a news conference Thursday. Cedrick Perkins, 25, was standing in a hotel lobby when gunshots rang out. He was hit in the chest, where a bullet is still lodged. Perkins has not been able to work since the shooting. "A year has passed and he still has a bullet there and we still have no answers," said attorney Marwan Porter. Miami Beach police have not commented on the case because the investigation is ongoing. This year police plan an increased presence for Memorial Day.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 04:06:54 GMT

South Florida celebrates Memorial Day

As the nation remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, thousands of people will flock to South Florida during Memorial Day Weekend. This holiday was not always known as "Memorial Day." From 1938 to 1954, it was known as, "Armistice Day," a day created to honor veterans of World War I and to stress the need for world peace. After World War II, "Armistice Day" was changed to "Memorial Day" in order to honor veterans of all wars, not just World War I. Let's take advantage of this weekend to show the pride and appreciation we feel for all of our veterans. Get involved -- walk in a parade, attend a ceremony, bow in silence or teach your kids about Memorial Day's history. Events: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Safety Tips: 5 things to keep in mind Miami Beach: Preparing for Memorial Day Weekend Miami Beach info: Road closures, police regulations Weekend Forecast: JustWeather.com Boating information

Published: Wed, 23 May 2012 18:54:48 GMT

Do Miami-Dade Commissioners need security escorts?

Miami-Dade Commissioners have access to a driver on top of their $800 dollar a month car allowance. It's called a "security escort," but are some commissioners using the Miami-Dade police officers to drive them around for convenience? Three full time police officers, known as the Sergeant at Arms, are assigned to protect 13 part-time Miami Dade Commissioners and, in many cases, actually drive them to public events. Local 10 cameras recently spotted Commissioner Barbara Jordan being driven to a County Commission meeting by one of the officers. Their duties aren't to chauffeur. "I had earlier meetings and phone calls on my way in here I had to deal with. I wanted to make sure I was safe coming in and not having to deal with traffic," Jordan told Local 10's Jeff Weinsier. The plainclothes officers provide what's called a "security escort" to commissioners where security and crowds maybe an issue, or if a commissioner has a temporary medical issue. Jordan was driven to a commission meeting in a $42,000 county bought and owned Lincoln Navigator. "I have to trust that my colleagues use the Sergeant at Arms when needed for justifiable reasons," said Commission Chairman Joe Martinez. The Sergeant at Arms fall under the Chairman's purview. Martinez says security escorts are available to all commissioners for their asking but no logs are kept showing who is driven where and when. Jordan's office confirms she used the service 22 times in three months. Taxpayers already give Jordan and other commissioners an $800 a month car allowance. Local 10 has leaned of the 13 Miami Dade Commissioners, only three -- Xavier Suarez, Esteban Bovo and Bruno Barreiro -- have not been driven by a Miami-Dade police officer to an event or meeting. Records show it costs taxpayers $1.1 million in salaries, benefits, fuel, and vehicle maintenance for the Sergeant at Arms service to commissioners in the past two years. "A Lincoln Navigator? Isn't [that] extravagant for Commissioner to be driven around in?" asked Local 10's Jeff Weinsier. "I think it's a little bit overboard. That was purchased at a different time," said Martinez. As Commission Chairman, Martinez says commissioners will be reminded of the proper usage of the Sergeant at Arms. "I can guarantee you it will be curtailed," he added. Elected Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimemez has no security detail or Sergeant at Arms available to him and travels to all events in his own personal car. In a memo obtained by Local 10 more than one week after we interviewed Commissioner Jordan, she is now claiming she has an officer drive her, at times, because she's a diabetic and suffers from hearing loss and deterioration of her eyesight. But admits, in the same memo, being driven around. "Makes it easier to conduct county business," she wrote. Local 10 checked with other Florida counties. Hillsborough, Duval, Orange, and Broward Counties do not provide a Sergeant at Arms security escort for its Commissioners. The City of Miami is the only other place we found that provides this service to Commissioners.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 11:23:09 GMT

Lina Kaufman's mother defends accused son-in-law

The mother of Lina Kaufman, who was found dead inside the bathroom of her home in 2007, defended her son-in-law who is charged in the murder of his wife. During testimony on Thursday, Frida Aizman said her daughter often complained of headaches and feeling tried and weak during the last month of her life. "She had a habit, let's see, to faint, yes," said Aizman. Aizman said her daughter fainted about a dozen times, recalling one episode in 2004 when she received a phone call from Lina. "She said, 'Mom, I don't know what's happening.' She was very nervous. 'I'm on the floor and I cannot get up.' I said, 'What do you mean?' 'I don't feel my legs and I'm dizzy and I don't know what happened to me,'" said Aizman. Aizman said she asked her daughter to see a doctor, but Lina never went, saying she was too busy. During cross-examination, prosecutors reminded Aizman that, during her deposition, she said her daughter was in good health and never mentioned the fainting spells. Lina Kaufman was found dead in the bathroom of her home in Aventura in 2007. The state says her husband strangled her. The defense says Lina had a heart condition, fainted, and collapsed on the floor in the couple's bathroom.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 00:16:26 GMT

Officer shot on Turnpike focuses on forgiveness, gratitude

The Chief of Police of Key Biscayne called it a miracle. Two weeks from the day officer Nelia Real was shot in the neck, she spoke about her experience for the first time on Thursday, just one day after she was released from the hospital. "I play the scene back a lot in my head," Real said. "The first thing – your reaction is – OK, I’m going to die today." A large bandage hugged the left side of her neck during Thursday's news conference. You could see where the bullet fragments pierced her face. And her soft voice revealed her physical struggle. "I have no feeling on one side of the face and my mouth doesn't work right," she said. "I have one fragment in my thyroid - stuck in there - I have another one in my lung and I have two in my throat, right next to the vocal cord." Real says bullet fragments damaged her vocal cords, making it hard to breathe and talk at the same time. It all happened in a heartbeat. Real was driving home on the Turnpike when she saw a car crash and stopped to help. That’s when 23-year-old David Bradley, who had led police on a pursuit that began as a carjacking in Miami-Dade County, shot her. BSO deputy Osvaldo Petitfrere was also along that stretch of Turnpike and rushed Real to Memorial Regional Hospital. Petitfrere is credited with saving her life. "If he wasn't there, I wouldn't be here today. I would have bled to death," Real said. “He's my hero.” Real says that it wasn’t until three days after the shooting that she learned Bradley had also shot an ICE agent in the arm, before killing himself. Despite what he did, Real says she felt badly for the 23-year-old man and his mother. "I feel for the family because it’s not easy losing someone," she said. "Anybody who takes a life -- whether it is a subject, or not a subject -- you feel bad about it. You know he was a young man, 23-years-old, and whether he was somebody doing a crime or not, it's still a life. It affects everybody." It’s a gracious sentiment coming from someone who was the victim of such a brutal act. And although Real says her recovery could take years, she stood strong as she told her story in public for the first time – her heart filled with forgiveness and gratitude and a smile that lit up the room. “Because of the support of everybody and their prayers, I think that's one of the reasons I think I am here today," Real said. “I even received a card from somebody I arrested,” she said with a smile. "So that tells you right there."

Published: Thu, 24 May 2012 23:04:29 GMT

The 25 longest movie sequel gaps

The 10 years between "Men in Black II" and "Men in Black III," which opens Friday, may seem like a long time, but it hardly registers on the list of movies with longest gaps between sequels.

Published: Fri, 25 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

5 tips to avoid summer vacation nightmares

If you want the perfect summer vacation, all you have to do is watch "National Lampoon's Vacation" and do the opposite. Or follow these five vacation tips.