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THURSDAY OCTOBER 16, 2025
Jealousy turns deadly
Florida Publix stores to permit open carry after court ruling Publix, Florida’s largest grocery store chain, will now follow the state’s open carry policy after a recent court ruling. Open carry is the practice of carrying a firearm visibly in public, as opposed to concealed carry, where the firearm is hidden from view (for example, under clothing). On Sept. 10, 2025, a panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal (DCA) overturned a 1987 law that made it a misdemeanor to visibly display firearms, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The ruling allows private businesses to “compel individuals carrying firearms to leave their premises.” Weeks later, on Sept. 25, Florida implemented its statewide open carry policy.
Young woman found guilty of killing romantic rival in Tamarac A jury on Tuesday found Sakiyna Thompson, 31, guilty of first-degree murder in the July 2022 killing of her romantic rival, 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson. Thompson, a native of Jamaica, could face life in prison. Hodgson’s family expressed relief and joy over the verdict, hugging each other in the courtroom. "We're just so thankful in this moment that the jury was able to see the story for what it is, that Kayla did not deserve to die the way that she did," family members said. Prosecutors alleged that Thompson flew from New York to South Florida days before the murder with the intent to kill Hodgson, who had been dating Thompson’s ex-boyfriend. Authorities said Thompson was enraged after Hodgson blocked her on social media following a series of tense messages. During the trial, jurors heard four hours of closing arguments centered
Hodgson
Thompson
“As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state, and local laws. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic, or dangerous shopping experience ...we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates.” – Publix Spokesperson
on whether Thompson had planned the killing or acted in selfdefense. Prosecutors described Thompson as “jealous and insecure,” while defense attorneys argued she acted to protect herself and her unborn child. In July 2022, Thompson confronted Hodgson at her Tamarac apartment at 5 a.m., and the encounter escalated into a fatal struggle. Jurors were shown graphic police body camera footage of the crime scene, where Hodgson was found stabbed dozens of times. "Being violated in your own home, in the sanctity of your own home, is a scary thing," said Tonya Johnson, an assistant state prosecutor. "What’s even scarier is being attacked, being brutally murdered in your own home, and that person getting away with it."
The chain confirmed that open carry will be permitted at stores across South Florida, including locations in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Miramar, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Gables, and Homestead.
continues on A5 – Turns Deadly
continues on B2 – Open Carry
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