Good day West Palm Beach! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do optometrists live so long? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
1. Spirit Airlines To End Operations, Cancels All Flights (patch.com) — Spirit Airlines has abruptly shut down all operations, canceling every flight and ending customer service, a major blow for travelers using its service from West Palm Beach. The carrier, long known for ultra-low fares, is liquidating after years of mounting losses and two bankruptcies. Officials say passengers may seek refunds and limited discounted fares on other airlines while workers and travelers scramble to adjust.
2. Palm Beach County breaks ground on new Westlake elementary school set to open in 2027 (cw34.com) — A new elementary school serving the growing Westlake area has officially broken ground at Persimmon Boulevard and Green Lane in West Palm Beach, with opening planned for August 2027. The three-story, 97,000-square-foot campus will feature modern classrooms, STEM spaces, and outdoor learning areas, and district leaders say it’s being designed to reflect Westlake’s family-focused character.
3. Florida Police Officer Took on Gator (westorlandonews.com) — A West Palm Beach police officer recently wrestled and restrained an alligator during a neighborhood call, showcasing the unpredictable situations local officers can face. The department shared video and a lighthearted message praising “well-rounded policing” and the teamwork that helped safely tape the gator’s snout. No injuries were reported, and the officer walked away safely.
4. Taco Bell worker accused of shooting customers over soda in water cup (kdvr.com) — Police say a dispute over a customer filling a water cup with soda at a West Palm Beach Taco Bell led to an employee allegedly firing shots, injuring two women with non-life-threatening wounds. The worker was later arrested and faces multiple aggravated assault charges, while investigators say surveillance footage does not support his self-defense claim.
5. ERAU Salvages Saturday Split with 11--2 Win (spotonflorida.com) — Embry-Riddle’s baseball team wrapped up its weekend at Palm Beach Atlantic with a Saturday doubleheader played right here in West Palm Beach, highlighted by an 11–2 win at Simpson Field. The coverage is part of a broader roundup of recent Florida college athletics results, but the key takeaway for locals is that West Palm Beach hosted the series’ decisive games.
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Ok West Palm Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because they dilate. (Thank you Phil M. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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