Local

ICE arrests, school grades, rental ranking: The week that was in Pembroke Pines

By Edited by Mike Garbett and produced with AI assistance
Two traffic stops and a crash investigation resulted in three encounters documented under the Pembroke Pines Police Department’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year, records show.
Two traffic stops and a crash investigation resulted in three encounters documented under the Pembroke Pines Police Department’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year, records show. Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

From ICE-related arrests involving the city’s police department to a felony child abuse charge being dropped against a teacher and school grades, Pembroke Pines saw a flurry of news this week.

Missed the headlines? Here’s a roundup of the top stories from in and around your city:

  • Immigration enforcement: Records show three encounters between drivers and Pembroke Pines police under the city’s ICE partnership in early 2026. Two drivers were arrested and one was cited under the 287(g) Task Force Model program the department joined in April 2025.
  • Charges dropped: Prosecutors declined to pursue a felony child abuse charge against Franklin Academy’s choir director after a late-May hallway scuffle with a student. Video showed the 50-year-old teacher grabbing the student’s lanyard before a security guard separated them.
  • School grades: Nineteen of Pembroke Pines’ 23 public schools earned A grades from the state for 2025-26, with the remaining four receiving B’s. Broward County Public Schools earned an A for the third consecutive year with no D or F grades districtwide.
Pembroke Pines placed No. 122 in WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Places to Rent in America” report.
Pembroke Pines placed No. 122 in WalletHub’s “Best & Worst Places to Rent in America” report. Jakub Zerdzicki Unsplash
  • Rental ranking: Pembroke Pines placed 122nd among 182 U.S. cities in a WalletHub rent-friendliness study. The city scored sixth in quality of life but last among the 182 cities that were considered in rental market and affordability.
  • Community survey: Pembroke Pines is asking residents to weigh in through its 2026 community survey, distributed via email from yourvoice@ppines.com. The questionnaire covers public safety, infrastructure, city services and quality of life.
  • Free movie night: The city will host a free SpongeBob movie screening at the Academic Village Pool on Saturday, July 18. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” will play from 7:30 to 10 p.m. with light refreshments provided.
“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” will be screened poolside at the Academic Village Pool from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 18.
“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” will be screened poolside at the Academic Village Pool from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Jesse Grant Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
  • Least-stressed city: A WalletHub study named Pembroke Pines the least-stressed city in Florida, ranking 117th among 182 U.S. cities. The city scored best in health and safety stress but worst in work stress, coming in at No. 27.
  • Deadly shooting: Social media influencer Brianna Johnson and one of her cousins were killed in a drive-by shooting. Newly released 911 calls capture panic after occupants in a white sedan opened fire on their Lamborghini, which then crashed into a house.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

Read Next