Miami-Dade fires near containment after days of smoke, closures
The Quarry 2 and Well fires in western Miami-Dade are now nearly fully contained after burning more than 19,000 acres, allowing some roadways to reopen.
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Multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist Ted Scouten has traveled the world and your neighborhood to chronicle South Florida since 1998.
Ted's true passion is to bring you the news of the day; stories that effect your lives. He has been based in Broward County since 1999.
Ted watched the news from the age of 3.
"My mom thought I was an odd child," Ted laughs. "When we had company, I would grab them by the hand and lead them into the living room to watch the news. It was evident that I didn't choose journalism. It chose me."
Ted has reported from all over the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. He was on the scene of the devastating earthquake in Haiti less than 24 hours after it happened. He also arrived in NYC within a day after the 9/11 attacks.
"As devastating as both of those stories were, I would never give up the experience of being there," Ted said. "To see firsthand the horror of terrorism and the pain of that tragic quake in Haiti have not only made me a better journalist but more importantly, a better human being. You can't experience something like that and not be moved and changed for the better."
Perhaps one of Ted's most meaningful pieces of work was the 2012 award winning documentary "March of the Living: Return to Auschwitz." He followed three Miami holocaust survivors back to Auschwitz for an emotional journey. "These incredible men are living testament to the ugliness of bigotry and hate," Scouten said. "They also are a shining example of how tolerance, education and love can change hearts and minds."
Ted received two Emmy Awards for his work on this incredible project.
Ted was also honored with a 2002 Emmy for his report on pet overpopulation in South Florida. Ted is an animal advocate having rescued several dogs.
Ted loves working in his yard when he's not out reporting.
And whenever he gets free time you can bet Ted and his husband Dave are traveling the world.
Some of Scouten's favorite destinations have been Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Antarctica and Palm Springs, California.
At any given time they have three future trips planned and have visited all seven continents.
"I've lived in my home in Hollywood longer than I have lived anywhere in my life. South Florida is my home, my community and it's an honor to tell the stories of my neighbors and what impacts their lives."
Ted is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism, and minors in Spanish, English and Psychology.
He also studied at Universidad de Valencia in Valencia, Spain.
Ted began his television career in 1986 on the Texas-Mexico border, in Laredo, Texas, followed by gigs in the Rio Grande Valley, Austin and Orlando.
Ted is also a proud member of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.
Ted takes pride in his stories celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ Pioneers in South Florida and the impact they've had on the community.
"After years of seeing the pain and sadness reporting the news, it's always a wonderful experience when you can focus on a story showing our similarities and bringing people together."
Ted's philosophy: "I love having a front row seat to life's events, at home and around the world."
The Quarry 2 and Well fires in western Miami-Dade are now nearly fully contained after burning more than 19,000 acres, allowing some roadways to reopen.
As of Thursday, four total wildfires have burned more than 20,000 acres of land, which is bigger than the city of Hialeah.
Miami-Dade County and state crews are battling two wildfires in the Everglades, just west of Doral, that have burned hundreds of acres.
A Pinecrest family is mourning the 10-year mark since the Pulse Nightclub shooting, which claimed the life of Jerry Wright, one of 49 people killed and 53 injured when a gunman opened fire.
A man was found dead and a suspect was taken into custody after an early Wednesday shooting in Sunrise.
Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper is taking to social media, asking residents what services they believe the city should cut if a proposed homesteaded property tax elimination passes.
The city cites state and local mandates for the charge, but the homeowner is fighting back, urging others to check their statements for estimated versus actual readings.
A witness who captured cell phone video of the aftermath said the black SUV ran a red light and struck the driver's side of the BSO patrol car.
South Florida is rolling out the pink carpet for the who's who of the FIFA festivities. It's a moment to say thanks to those who worked for two years getting ready for World Cup action.
Despite the slow start, some 600,000 people are predicted to visit South Florida during the tournament.
A battle over popular basketball courts at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park has entered a new phase, as opponents of a redesign are now pushing back against a compromise that would house both basketball and new pickleball courts.
Miami is set to host seven FIFA World Cup matches, welcoming 600,000 visitors from around the globe.
The official bill calls for a $150,000 homestead exemption in 2027, followed by a $250,000 exemption in 2028. The legislature would then be tasked with creating a long-term plan for the following years.
While many applaud the proposal, cities are chiming in, wondering what will happen when they lose that income.
Surveillance video also shows the moment the crash happened on the Northeast 3rd Avenue and 44th Street.