Immigration Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Hurricane Debby is causing concerns for travelers, leading to significant disruptions at South Florida airports as hundreds of passengers experienced long wait times and cancellations.

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, more than 30 flights were canceled, and over 100 experienced delays on Sunday alone. Many passengers were left stranded, missing connecting flights without prior notification. Miami International Airport faced similar issues, with over 100 flights canceled and 160 delayed on Sunday.

As bad weather continues to disrupt air travel across the Southeast on Monday, travelers shared their troubles with 7News.

“Well, the flight is overbooked, so we don’t even know if they’re going to be able to get on the plane,” said Alex.

Alex and her family are trying to get back to Connecticut after a week in the Keys.

“Our flight was at five in the evening and it got canceled, so we had to scramble, get couple hotel rooms. We’re broke,” said Alex.

They took a Greyhound to Miami, hoping to get back to the Northeast.

“We have tickets right now, but they don’t have tickets. Even though they have tickets, they just don’t have seats,” she said.

Passengers complained of wait times spanning hours just to be re-booked. 7News saw passengers sleeping on the floor inside Miami International Airport as they waited to get on the next flight home.

“We’re ready to get home as we’re just tired,” said a traveler.

“I didn’t realize my flight was canceled and now the next available flight is tomorrow,” said a traveler.

Passengers also reported insufficient compensation. One traveler described having to sleep on the floor overnight due to technical issues, while another recounted running across the airport only to miss their flight after multiple gate changes.

“There’s no assistance. No help. We’re on our own,” said a traveler. “To get here and to be told that ‘We can’t do anything until Wednesday,’ it’s extremely frustrating.”

“This is the only part I’ll remember from my vacation,” said Alex.

Per the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport website, 19 arrivals have been canceled, with 34 delayed. Departures have seen 44 delays and 26 cancellations.

Miami International Airport reports 45 arrivals and 19 departures canceled so far due to Hurricane Debby.

Travelers should confirm their flight status with their airline and check your airline app before coming to the airport to make other travel arrangements if necessary.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In the flood-prone Edgewood neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, residents are gearing up for a wet weekend as Tropical Depression Four, expected to eventually Tropical Storm Debby as it approaches South Florida.

Locals like George Bottino are heading to Floyd Hull Stadium to collect free sandbags to protect their homes.

“I had a bad experience last April,” Bottino said. “We had 22 inches of rain come above the garage and into the house, destroying everything. I even lost my car to floodwaters.”

This time, Bottino isn’t taking any chances.

“I went to Floyd Park, loaded up some bags, and I’m getting ready because I think we’re going to get a lot of rain,” Bottino added.

Mark Rigdon, another resident of Edgewood, says preparing for potential floods is not his ideal Friday evening activity, but it’s necessary.

“We get flooded every year. This is my third or fourth flood in the last two years,” Rigdon said while filling sandbags.

With Tropical Storm Debby anticipated to bring heavy rain and wind this weekend, South Florida Water Management District’s Armando Vilaboy advises residents to ensure their storm drains are clear of debris.

“We lower the closed canals, and the water will run through the limestone in South Florida, lowering the elevations in those areas as well,” he said. “Make sure your drains are unencumbered by foliage or anything that could stop water from moving, The district is also lowering canal levels to manage excess water and prevent flooding.”

In Hallandale Beach, city workers are actively clearing drains to prevent flooding.

The city of Miami is also taking measures, with spokesperson Kenia Fallat telling Local 10′s Hannah Yechivi that an additional pump has been added along Biscayne Boulevard.

“It’s very important to stay out of flooded areas if you don’t need to be there,” said Fallat.

Bottino said he has also increased his flood and homeowners insurance.

“It’s very important to make a plan in the event of flooding in case you have to leave your home,” said Erika Benitez, director of media and public relations at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Office of Emergency Management.

Residents seeking sandbags can find a list of locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties by clicking here.

Monroe County officials said there aren’t any sandbag distribution locations in their area, but residents are advised to protect any loose items outside their homes ahead of this weekend.

Monroe County residents can find the latest information from officials by clicking here.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, visit Local 10′s hurricane page, the weather page for the hourly local forecast, sign up for the free Talking Tropics newsletter and download the free Max Tracker mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

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(CNN) — A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida in anticipation of a potential named storm capable of unleashing multiple days of heavy, flooding rainfall to the state and the southeast United States starting this weekend.

A disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms over parts of Cuba and the southern Bahamas Friday will likely develop into a tropical depression once it emerges out over the water between Cuba and Florida by Friday night or Saturday.

But the system’s exact track and strength after it becomes a depression are still uncertain. How much time the system spends over record-warm water in the eastern Gulf of Mexico will determine how strong it becomes.

It’s likely to track parallel to Florida’s Gulf Coast for some time this weekend and could strengthen into Tropical Storm Debby as it does so, before curving east and making landfall. The system’s strength would be limited if it moves quickly over Florida.

No matter its strength, torrential, flooding rain will be the most significant impact from the storm, especially if the system were to slow down, a possible scenario.

The flood threat prompted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. The order was issued Thursday for 54 of the state’s 67 counties to mobilize state and local resources ahead of the storm.

Sandbag distribution began Friday for residents in several communities in the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa metros. Multiple counties in the state’s panhandle – including Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa – started distributing sandbags Thursday.

A level 2 of 4 risk of flooding rainfall is in place Saturday for much of South Florida as the system organizes just off the coast, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

“Very intense” rainfall rates of 2.5 to 3 inches per hour are possible within the heaviest storms in the system’s outer rain bands Saturday, the WPC warned. Rainfall rates this potent are enough to cause flash flooding, even in marshy areas of the state more capable of handling excess water.

The risk to life and property would increase considerably if these intense storms reach the Miami area. Up to 20 inches of rain deluged South Florida in a very short window in early July and produced extremely dangerous flash flooding across the greater Miami metro, resulting in a couple hundred water rescues.

The level 2 of 4 risk of flooding rainfall will expand over much of the state and reach into other portions of Georgia and the Carolinas Sunday.

Exactly when and where torrential downpours set up outside of Florida will depend on the system’s ultimate track, but heavy rain is possible as early as Sunday afternoon. It’s also possible that this risk level will increase – especially in Florida – once the system’s track comes into further focus.

Heavy rain will continue to pound parts of the Southeast early next week, especially if, instead of tracking steadily along the Florida Gulf Coast and making landfall, the system slows down and stalls over one region – potentially around Florida’s Big Bend.

Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are possible through Monday over much of Florida and the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. But if the system happens to stall, rainfall totals could increase dramatically.

Freshwater flooding – flooding caused by rainfall – has become the deadliest aspect of tropical systems in the last decade, according to research conducted by the National Hurricane Center.

A world warming due to fossil fuel pollution is making this potential threat more dangerous. Studies have also shown tropical systems are slowing down over time, which means they’re more likely produce greater rainfall totals over a given area.

Oceans are also getting warmer and supercharging storms, pumping them full of moisture. A 2022 study published in the journal Nature Communications found climate change increased hourly rainfall rates in tropical storms by 5 to 10% and in hurricanes by 8 to 11%.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

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The founders of Glitch Bar, Fort Lauderdale's beloved, indie arcade lounge, have struck again — and its calzones may be some of the best I've ever had.

Satellite Pinball Lounge has quietly opened at 3501 Dixie Hwy. in the super-burgeoning Oakland Park neighborhood, which is just north of Fort Lauderdale. It's nestled between the future brick-and-mortar home of BMC Smashburgers and a soon-to-open Meat N' Bone butcher outpost.

For months, locals (including myself) have wondered why a mysterious and sleek black building with bold, yellow, orange, and red horizontal stripes had been under construction. Now we know why — it's home to what might be the hippest pinball spot in South Florida.

Photo by Jesse Scott

Whereas its exterior is simplistic and the patio has four simple tables and umbrellas, its interior is bursting with color and flavor. You'll find 18 pinball machines from franchises like Game of Thrones and the Walking Dead and bands like Foo Fighters, Rush, and Led Zeppelin. Leave your quarters at home — the machines take tokens, the play runs $1 for three balls and there is a bill conversion machine on site. Visually, you'll also find retired pinball playfields, classic guitars, and stoplights on the walls. Plus, there is a central, quartz-topped bar with a dozen taps and quirky alien garb on its shelves.

Altogether, it feels like a vintage rock club with pinball and booze taking center stage.

On a recent Wednesday night, 35 people packed into the bar, most of whom were there for a corporate outing. The collective acoustics felt like a bowling alley — the machines were dinging up a storm with pinball-induced "Ughs" and "Yeahs" providing the chorus.

Therefore, it is not the place for quietly reading poetry or delicately pouring your heart out to your boo, that's for sure.

Photo by Jesse Scott

Sitting at the bar, I snagged a can of sour beer sourced from the Charleston, South Carolina hotspot Edmonds Oast and a hazy IPA draft from local brewery Civil Society ($9). Beer costs $5 to $12, and there is an intimate wine and non-alcoholic menu. However, there are no cocktails on the menu, as they don't serve liquor.

I was then told, "If you're ordering pizza, it will take a while," as I stared at two empty pizza racks around the whole bar. I later learned it was because the pizza oven was broken that day. Attached to Satellite Pinball Lounge is Moon Pizza Pie — you can order oven-fired pies from its menu within the pinball lounge.

On the first day I went (yes, I came back another day to order pizza and calzones — more on that in a second), I went for some fried ravioli ($7), the "Loaded Comet Fries" ($12) with ground beef, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, pickled onions, jalapeño, and a ranch/ketchup drizzle, and the "Eclipse Calzone" ($23) loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese.

The ravioli was ultra toasty, the comet fries could have been a little toastier, and the beef further seasoned but I was left speechless by that calzone.

Photo by Jesse Scott

The calzone is a total winner that can feed you for days. It's delightfully crisp, hot, and stuffed with heaps of sausage and fresh ricotta. I was so impressed by the calzone that I went back to the lounge to try the pizza from Moon Pizza Pie. I had the pepperoni and hot honey pizza called "Pepperoni H" for $19 and the meatball-topped "Out of Space" pizza for $21.

However, all I could think about was that ridiculously good calzone.

The bottom line: A very good time is to be had at Satellite Pinball Lounge as it inevitably becomes the cool new spot to be in Oakland Park. But do yourself a favor when you get there and order a calzone. You're welcome.

Satellite Pinball Lounge. 3501 Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park; 954-728-0659; instagram.com/satellitepinballlounge. Open 5 p.m. to Midnight Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to Midnight Friday; and Noon to Midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Legendary cruise vacations are on the horizon for guests aboard the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new heroes and villains-inspired ship, setting sail in late 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies. A diverse range of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including a first-of-its-kind dining experience inspired by the unforgettable music of The Lion King, an exclusive confectionary themed to The Incredibles, and hero-worthy staterooms and concierge accommodations. Even more new offerings coming to the Disney Destiny will be announced in the coming days on the Disney Parks Blog and disneycruise.com.

“For the Disney Destiny, we will introduce brand-new cruise experiences inspired by the legends and legacies of some of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “From the dining rooms to the staterooms and everywhere in between, guests aboard our new ship will be surrounded by extraordinary storytelling paired with the signature service and family-fun adventures that are hallmarks of a Disney Cruise vacation.”

The “Mane” Event – A Feast for the Senses

The iconic songs and legendary moments of The Lion King will come to life at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, a first-of-its-kind dining experience celebrating the renowned music of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film that continues to transcend generations.

The savanna-inspired venue will bring unique depictions of animals and nature to life through lighting and special effects, while the window-lined back wall will transform from stunning sunrises to enchanting sunsets throughout the meal.

As families dine, a colorful ensemble of live musicians and storytellers will take the stage in the center of the restaurant—complete with tiered risers that evoke African drums—as they present a musical journey through the award-winning soundtrack. Performances will include productions of “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” plus a mash-up of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Be Prepared,” a fun take that highlights the hero-villain dynamic of the story.

A uniquely themed menu will underscore beloved music during this soulful celebration of family and Simba’s journey to embrace his destiny.

It’s a Sweet Shop, Darling

Edna Mode’s lab, where the famed fashion designer from Pixar Animation Studios’ The Incredibles films whips up outfits for the world’s most famous Supers, will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind confectionary at the brand-new Edna Á La Mode Sweets aboard the Disney Destiny.

Inspired by the Auntie Edna short film, the lab’s modern sewing equipment will be repurposed as sweet-making mechanisms meant to entertain Jack-Jack, the unpredictable and hilariously unstable super baby. The results: a marvelous selection of handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies, and specialty treats served among the lab’s bolts of fabric, costume models, and picture-perfect sculptures of both Edna and Jack-Jack—one hard at work, one hungry for “num nums.”

Fuel for Heroic Feats

Just off the Grand Hall—the central hub and gathering space on the Disney Destiny—two casual walk-up cafes will serve a mighty selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and snacks.

Café Megara, named for the witty and independent heroine of Disney Animation’s Hercules, will pay homage to the film’s ancient world of Greek gods and legendary heroes. With a unique “Greco disco” design, the vibrant space will be filled with the lightning bolts and clouds of Mount Olympus, vases featuring the Muses, nods to Pegasus, and waves on the ceiling.

Café Merida will be inspired by the flame-haired heroine of Pixar’s Brave with a Celtic-centered design that invokes her family’s Scottish Highlands heritage. Special touches include a tapestry hung from a mounted bow, while glowing lights above the bar will pay tribute to the will-o’-the-wisps, ethereal blue flames that lead travelers to their destiny.

Hero-Worthy Retreats

With luxurious accommodations that embrace the duality in every great story, a hero’s welcome will be waiting for guests aboard the Disney Destiny. Each stateroom will showcase custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of famous Disney legends, evoking a sense of awe and inspiration as families rest, reconnect, and dream of far-off places.

Like every Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Destiny will offer spacious, comfortable, and functional staterooms that uniquely meet the needs of families. Most staterooms will feature Disney Cruise Line’s signature split-bath concept, and many will offer the option of a connecting door that adjoins staterooms to accommodate larger groups.

Concierge guests aboard the Disney Destiny will receive a premium level of dedicated service and access to exclusive areas and amenities throughout their voyage, including a concierge lounge and private sun deck.

Large, lavishly appointed concierge staterooms and suites will draw guests into the enigmatic world of Disney Animation’s Fantasia through elegant, watercolor-style artwork illustrating the rich color palette, otherworldly spectacle, and dynamic duality of the classic film. Seven special oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge and adorned in the distinctive iconography of Pixar’s The Incredibles will provide awe-inspiring, floor-to-ceiling views.

In four royal suites of heroic proportions, guests will be empowered by epic stories to embrace their own destinies. Celebrating the majestic powers and noble heroism at the heart of Disney Animation’s Hercules, the Hero Suites will be inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, colors, and patterns. The boldly themed IncrediSuites will invoke the exhilarating exploits of The Incredibles through a streamlined mid-century modern aesthetic inspired by the Pixar films.

A Ship Destined for Greatness

The Disney Destiny will be approximately 144,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in The Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500, or contact their travel agent.