A fire broke out Monday afternoon at a junkyard in the 2200 block of Northwest 16th Street in Pompano Beach, sending thick smoke drifting toward Interstate 95 and briefly impacting motorists’ visibility.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded quickly, deploying multiple units and working with several water streams to bring the flames under control.

The blaze was traced to a lithium battery crushed inside a metal vehicle, highlighting the risks of improper battery disposal.

Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the event serves as a crucial reminder for residents and businesses to follow safe disposal practices for hazardous materials.

As Pompano Beach moves forward with major revitalization projects, including a $2 billion downtown investment and cultural enhancements like the McNab House & Botanical Gardens, community safety and preparedness remain essential priorities.

Florida lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that could reshape the rules for electric bicycles, aiming to address safety concerns in public spaces.

If passed, new regulations may take effect by July 2026 or 2027, closely watched by cyclists, families, and businesses.

The proposed law would reclassify high-powered e-bikes—those exceeding 750 watts and 28 mph—as electric motorcycles, restricting them from bike lanes and sidewalks and requiring operation in vehicle lanes.

Additional provisions include a 10 mph speed limit near pedestrians, mandatory licensing for faster models, and enhanced signaling requirements in parks and trails.

Crash reports would now note whether an e-bike or electric motorcycle was involved, addressing gaps in data.

Penalties may range from fines for speeding to citations for unauthorized modifications.

Supporters argue these changes will unify confusing local rules and protect all who share Florida’s roads and paths.

A Pompano Beach mother is seeking accountability after distressing footage surfaced of her son, Jeremyah Taylor, being forcefully kicked by a Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) deputy during an arrest.

The confrontation happened January 13, 2026, near Blanche Ely High School, as deputies responded to a shooting. Taylor, 22, approached the scene out of concern for his uncle, who was later arrested.

The video shows Taylor pinned to the ground by deputies, while one armed deputy stomps and kicks him. Taylor’s mother, preferring anonymity, described her shock and horror watching the video.

BSO claims Taylor ignored orders, resisted, and grabbed a deputy’s foot. He was charged with battery on an officer and resisting arrest; he later sought medical help for injuries.

Internal investigations are underway as community outrage mounts in Pompano Beach over police conduct.

Demolition is underway at the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, closing the chapter on a shopping icon at 2900 W. Sample Road.

For nearly four decades, over 250 small vendors created a vibrant retail and community hub, known for its eclectic mix of goods and international food finds.

The marketplace officially shut down on May 31, 2025, as retail trends shifted and vendors prepared for new beginnings.

Dedicated business owners, including Hilda Vargas de Matthews of La La Chic, have moved operations to venues like the Shoppes at Deerfield, keeping their community connections alive.

In its place, Festival Logistics Park will rise—a 474,000-square-foot industrial campus featuring three modern buildings.

Developed by Foundry Commercial and Wheelock Street Capital, the project promises to boost the economy, provide new jobs, and redefine the area’s commercial growth.