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Florida residents are being inundated with spam like never before. New data from spam blocking app Truecaller reveals that Floridians receive more than 200 million fraudulent calls and texts each month—the second-highest volume in the nation, behind only Texas. And experts warn the problem could escalate in the coming days.

What You Need to Know

The sheer volume of spam communications targeting Florida residents has become a serious concern for cybersecurity professionals. With scammers constantly refining their tactics, residents need to stay vigilant and informed.

"If it sounds too good to be true or is threatening, don't act immediately," warns cyber security expert Alan Crowetz. This simple rule can help protect you from falling victim to common scams.

Phone Companies Fighting Back—But Scammers Adapt

While phone companies have made strides in flagging and blocking spam messages, Crowetz cautions that criminals are always one step ahead. "The bad guys will find a way around it," he explains, meaning residents can't rely entirely on automated protections.

How to Protect Yourself

Experts recommend taking these steps to avoid becoming a victim:

  • Don't respond immediately to unsolicited calls or texts

  • Be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true

  • Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers

  • Verify the caller's identity independently before taking action

  • Use spam blocking apps and enable call screening features on your phone

If you receive a suspicious call or text, hang up and contact the company or organization directly using a verified phone number to confirm legitimacy.

  • Nov 17
  • 1 min read

Florida gas prices are declining again after abruptly rising 12 cents early last week. The state average went from $2.84 per gallon last Monday, up to $2.96/g on Wednesday. By Sunday, the state average was back down to $2.92 per gallon, which is: 6.5 cents more than a week ago, 5 cents less than last month, and 21 cents less than this time last year. The Escambia County metro had the lowest average gas price in Florida at $2.73 per gallon. The low price in Pensacola Sunday night was $2.47 on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, a low price of $2.60 was available Sunday night on Highway 29 and on Muscogee Road in Cantonment.

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PENSACOLA — If you need help frying your Thanksgiving turkey this year, the Miracle League of Pensacola has you covered. The organization is holding its annual turkey fry fundraiser on Wednesday, November 26th, the day before Thanksgiving. Last year, volunteers fried about 350 turkeys to golden brown perfection with help from Escambia County Sheriff's Office cadets and American Legion Post 340. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Miracle League fields at Nine Mile Road and Airway Drive, at the east end of the John R. Jones Sports Complex. You'll need to completely defrost and clean your turkey before bringing it in, and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call 850-490-7035 to reserve your time slot. There's a minimum donation of 35 dollars per turkey to cover costs, with any additional donations benefiting the Miracle League's programs for physically and mentally challenged children.

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