Sir Manny Mojito, King of Little H, and the Knights of the Mesa Redonda are recognized for their unselfish devotion to saving Florida from hurricanes

"We are humbled," Sir Manny replied to the many keys of the city-- and one from the state-- that were given to him and the Knights of the Mesa Redonda for their unselfish effort in keeping south Florida and the state hurricane-free this season. The ceremony took place on the steps of the Dade County Courthouse where dignitaries agreed a parade was in order following the end of hurricane season in four weeks.

"But," Sir Manny added, "the hurricane season still isn't over yet and we mustn't be too quick to revel. Our job is far from finished. Anyway, we owe it all to Elita Loresca, Goddess of the Storm. If it weren't for her giant--"

"'Elita Loresca'?" a New Times reporter interrupted, "Didn't she skip town for greener pastures?"

"She didn't skip town," Sir Belvedere of Plymouth scolded. "She's on a quest."

"Yeah, a quest for fame and fortune."

"Sir," Sir Manny replied angrily, "I'll have you not defame the Goddess of the Storm!" He drew out his big broadsword. "Stand ready to answer for your blaspheme!"

"Whoe, dude, lighten up. You wouldn't harm an unarmed reporter would you? It's not like I'm Jeff Weinsier or something."

As it turned out, they would. But before they could-- impale the reporter, that is-- Chief Timoney stepped in and, with the intimidating authority invested in himself, escorted the man through the huge crowd to safety. How the reporter was later found dazed and confused in a back alley, his face bloodied beyond recognition, would be an unsolved mystery since the man, besides losing his dignity and a front tooth, also lost his memory.

UpDate (11/2): Noel, far out to sea, is officially a "killer hurricane" with a death toll in its wake of over 116 people.

More reasons why we love Miami: WPLG-ABC's Jeff Weinsier arrested on the job and then booked for carrying a concealed weapon

Miami-Dade County School Police Goon Squad arrested Jeff Weinsier today for not getting off a public sidewalk outside Miami Central high school. That's when they discovered he was carrying a loaded .357 magnum revolver. His camera man, who captured the whole incident (click here), reported Jeff started carrying a gun when he began getting death threats from people who were unhappy with his continuing series on restaurants that have failed their health inspections.

It says a lot about this town when reporters have to carry guns when working their beat. It also makes you think twice before complaining about a meal at a local restaurant. One thing is for sure, Miami is never boring and for bloggers in-tune with the scene, there is never a lack of material for inspiration.

From our point-of-view, it looks like WPLG has all the reasons needed to file a winning lawsuit against the Miami-Dade County Schools. Good luck, Jeff!

UpDate (10/24): Weinsier bonded out later that night. Today's 6PM newscast was quite thorough in laying out the facts, some of which were contradictory-- WPLG says the Miami-Dade County Schools gave their reporter permission after a clarifying phone call minutes before the arrest. Today, they deny giving permission for Weinsier and his camera man to report from the sidewalk in front of the school. The station also made it known that its parent company frowns on its reporters doing their jobs while packing heat. Since Jeff didn't tell corporate he was legally carrying a concealed weapon, his goose may be cooked. Hopefully not. The guy's in-your-face reporting style is one of the things that makes Channel 10 News worth watching.

UpDate (11/13): All charges are dropped against Weinsier by the State Attorney's Office because it couldn't find any law he had broken. By the way Weinsier described to his colleague Rad Berkey how he was handcuffed for hours while kept in the backseat of a police cruiser and in jail, don't be surprised to see a lawsuit against the Miami-Dade County Schools in the near future. And rightly so.

UpDate (1/9/08): Weinsier files suit against Miami-Dade County Schools and the school cops that arrested him.