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Judge continues to block Florida officials from threatening TV stations over abortion amendment ads
Read full article: Judge continues to block Florida officials from threatening TV stations over abortion amendment adsA federal judge has continued to block the head of Florida’s health department from taking any more steps to threaten TV stations that air commercials for an abortion rights measure on next week’s ballot.
‘We have a crisis situation:’ Voters in Marion, Orange counties to decide whether to fund school renovations
Read full article: ‘We have a crisis situation:’ Voters in Marion, Orange counties to decide whether to fund school renovationsVoters are heading to the polls in two Central Florida counties to decide whether they want to pay a half-cent sales tax to fund repairs, renovations and maintenance costs for public schools.
Gov. DeSantis primes guardsmen to ‘maintain order’ at Florida ports amid ILA strike
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis primes guardsmen to ‘maintain order’ at Florida ports amid ILA strikeFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order directing state agencies including the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to be ready to “maintain order” at seaports amid potential impacts from the ongoing International Longshoreman’s Association strike.
What to know if my driver’s license is supended
Read full article: What to know if my driver’s license is supendedNews 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
‘We are ready for that:’ Here are 5 things you should do to prepare for this hurricane season
Read full article: ‘We are ready for that:’ Here are 5 things you should do to prepare for this hurricane seasonWith this hurricane season already breaking records, state and and local emergency management leaders are urging Floridians to start preparing now.
Trump has over $50K of unclaimed assets in Florida. Here’s how to check if you do, too
Read full article: Trump has over $50K of unclaimed assets in Florida. Here’s how to check if you do, tooUsing Florida's "Treasure Hunt" website, residents can determine whether they have any unclaimed property reported to the state.
Florida justices to take up redistricting, won’t solve before 2024 qualifying
Read full article: Florida justices to take up redistricting, won’t solve before 2024 qualifyingThe Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to take up a challenge to the constitutionality of a congressional redistricting plan, but it appears the case will not be resolved before a candidate-qualifying deadline for the November elections.
onePulse Foundation insolvent, unable to pay creditors before dissolving
Read full article: onePulse Foundation insolvent, unable to pay creditors before dissolvingThe foundation created to build a memorial to honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting was insolvent and unable to pay its creditors before dissolving.
New state attorney withdraws request to test evidence in Tommy Zeigler death penalty case
Read full article: New state attorney withdraws request to test evidence in Tommy Zeigler death penalty caseNine months after former Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell asked a judge for permission to test fingerprint evidence in a 1975 quadruple murder that landed Tommy Zeigler on Florida’s Death Row, Worrell’s successor as state attorney has withdrawn the request.
2018 gaming amendment never included sports betting, Florida attorneys tell supreme court
Read full article: 2018 gaming amendment never included sports betting, Florida attorneys tell supreme courtA constitutional amendment requiring any expansion of gambling to be approved by Florida voters in 2018 included many forms of gaming, but not sports betting, according to attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis urging the Florida Supreme Court to reject a lawsuit to stop online sports betting in the state.
Holocaust survivor leads invocation to start special legislative session in Tallahassee
Read full article: Holocaust survivor leads invocation to start special legislative session in TallahasseeA 94-year-old Holocaust survivor who was the only one in his family to escape from a Nazi concentration camp led Florida lawmakers in prayer as a special legislative session got underway.
Florida lawmakers to begin special session by expressing support of Israel
Read full article: Florida lawmakers to begin special session by expressing support of IsraelThe Florida Legislature has returned to the Capitol for a special session where lawmakers will express their support for Israel and give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis more talking points as he campaigns for president.
Florida lawmakers begin special session to express support for Israel, further sanction Iran
Read full article: Florida lawmakers begin special session to express support for Israel, further sanction IranThe Florida Legislature has returned to the Capitol for a special session where lawmakers will express their support for Israel and give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis more talking points as he campaigns for president.
Jewish school security, vouchers, hurricane help on Florida special session agenda
Read full article: Jewish school security, vouchers, hurricane help on Florida special session agendaState lawmakers returning to the capital Monday for a special legislative session will take a up a series of bills related to Israel, security at Jewish schools, damage caused by Hurricane Idalia and school vouchers.
Your Florida Daily: Man who spent years in prison on wrongful conviction killed by deputy, kidnapping plot gone wrong
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Man who spent years in prison on wrongful conviction killed by deputy, kidnapping plot gone wrongA Black man who spent more than 16 years imprisoned in Florida on a wrongful conviction was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy in Georgia during a traffic stop.
Your Florida Daily: Chitwood threatened, sports betting heads to state supreme court
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Chitwood threatened, sports betting heads to state supreme courtA man already facing charges in a double murder in Alaska is now federally indicted on charges of threatening to kill Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Fight over sports betting in Florida now heading to state Supreme Court
Read full article: Fight over sports betting in Florida now heading to state Supreme CourtThe groups who have been suing to stop the Seminole Tribe from implementing sports betting in Florida have now taken their case to the Florida Supreme Court.
Here’s how to report price gouging during a state of emergency in Florida
Read full article: Here’s how to report price gouging during a state of emergency in FloridaNow that Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s arrival, the State of Florida’s Price Gouging law has now taken effect.
Remember the 1998 Florida Firestorm? It should never happen again
Read full article: Remember the 1998 Florida Firestorm? It should never happen againCentral Florida was in the firefight of its life 25 years ago today; half a million acres of brush burned, taking with them homes and cars while disrupting life for three months.
Federal judge says new Florida law ‘targets drag performers and puts them on notice’
Read full article: Federal judge says new Florida law ‘targets drag performers and puts them on notice’A federal judge is now mulling over whether to stop a new Florida law from taking effect that some say targets drag performances.
Case dropped against Orange County man arrested, accused of voter fraud by the state
Read full article: Case dropped against Orange County man arrested, accused of voter fraud by the stateA judge dismissed the case against an Orange County man who was part of the first high-profile investigation by Florida’s Office of Election Crimes and Security.
DeSantis asks for millions of dollars more to money to fight lawsuits
Read full article: DeSantis asks for millions of dollars more to money to fight lawsuitsGov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., is asking Florida state legislators to approve millions of dollars to help his office and other state agencies fight lawsuits stemming from new laws and executive orders.
Menstruation questions formally removed from Florida student-athlete forms
Read full article: Menstruation questions formally removed from Florida student-athlete formsA plan to make questions about menstruation mandatory on forms for Florida student-athletes has officially been rescinded after substantial backlash from parents, students and politicians.
‘Strong little girl:’ Newborn found abandoned in cold outdoors, Polk sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Strong little girl:’ Newborn found abandoned in cold outdoors, Polk sheriff saysPolk County deputies responding early Saturday to a report of a crying baby near Mulberry found an abandoned newborn who medics estimated to be just an hour old, according to a news release.
Students, attorneys outline fight against Florida over rejected AP African American Studies course
Read full article: Students, attorneys outline fight against Florida over rejected AP African American Studies courseStudents planning to fight against Florida’s rejection of an AP African American Studies course met in Tallahassee with their attorneys, including Ben Crump, to lay out their intent for a lawsuit.
Stetson University may be liable in student athlete’s death, appeals court rules
Read full article: Stetson University may be liable in student athlete’s death, appeals court rulesAn appeals court reversed a prior decision that granted summary judgment to Stetson University after the death of a student athlete back in 2017, according to new court documents.
What does rebuilding look like after 2 hurricanes in Volusia County?
Read full article: What does rebuilding look like after 2 hurricanes in Volusia County?As crews continue to save homes along the Volusia County coast, government leaders and residents are asking about ways to build back better to withstand another hit by a strong hurricane.
Judge blocks Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law barring ‘woke’ education
Read full article: Judge blocks Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law barring ‘woke’ educationA federal judge in Florida has blocked a law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges.
Avoiding contractor scams: ‘Do your homework, or face a headache later on.’
Read full article: Avoiding contractor scams: ‘Do your homework, or face a headache later on.’With the Department of Business and Professional Regulations easing licensing restrictions to help people recover from Hurricane Ian, now more than ever, folks need to be vigilant when it comes to contractor scams.
‘Anything we can do to help:’ Osceola deputies head to Lee County to offer help after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: ‘Anything we can do to help:’ Osceola deputies head to Lee County to offer help after Hurricane IanDeputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are set to deploy Wednesday to Lee County, which is still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the sheriff’s office said in a release.
Do I have to show my ID when I get pulled over?
Read full article: Do I have to show my ID when I get pulled over?News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
‘Florida is arresting returning citizens for voting:’ Florida Rights Restoration Coalition holds Orange County convention
Read full article: ‘Florida is arresting returning citizens for voting:’ Florida Rights Restoration Coalition holds Orange County conventionFlorida voters approved Amendment 4 in 2018 to restore voting rights to nearly 1.4 million Floridian former felons, according to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
Florida seeks death penalty for Longwood man accused of killing 3-year-old daughter
Read full article: Florida seeks death penalty for Longwood man accused of killing 3-year-old daughterA Longwood man was indicted Wednesday following an incident in July where he killed his 3-year-old daughter and slashed the throat of his 12-year-old daughter, according to court records.
Florida park reopens after ‘aggressive alligator’ forced temporary closure
Read full article: Florida park reopens after ‘aggressive alligator’ forced temporary closureNearly one day after Palm Island Park temporarily closed due to an “aggressive alligator,” the Mount Dora Police Department said the park reopened Monday morning.
‘It’s been very disheartening:’ Florida-Georgia unemployment mix up leaves woman’s benefits on hold
Read full article: ‘It’s been very disheartening:’ Florida-Georgia unemployment mix up leaves woman’s benefits on holdWhen Julie Meier and her husband Mike left their home in Florida after selling their 7-year-old custom boat canvas and flooring business in 2020, they never imagined they would be caught between two unemployment systems for the next two years.
Voting rights advocates call Florida fraud arrests form of intimidation
Read full article: Voting rights advocates call Florida fraud arrests form of intimidationThe man who spearheaded a movement that resulted in convicted felons getting their right to vote returned in Florida is demanding better record keeping from state officials.
What is a special district in Florida? Here’s an explanation
Read full article: What is a special district in Florida? Here’s an explanationGov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday the state legislature would be taking up a bill during their special session that would look to dissolve six special districts in the state, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District which governs Walt Disney World.
Florida Senate OKs controversial bill banning sexual identity discussion in schools
Read full article: Florida Senate OKs controversial bill banning sexual identity discussion in schoolsRepublicans in the Florida Senate passed the “parental rights in education” bill Tuesday, despite a day of debate and chants outside the chamber of “We say gay,” sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
Lead prosecutor in Markeith Loyd case to resign, head to private practice
Read full article: Lead prosecutor in Markeith Loyd case to resign, head to private practiceOne day after Markeith Loyd was sentenced to death, the lead prosecutor on the case announced he is stepping down as a prosecutor and headed into private practice.
Local, state leaders condemn antisemitic behavior from demonstrators in Orange County
Read full article: Local, state leaders condemn antisemitic behavior from demonstrators in Orange CountyDeputies said about 20 demonstrators gathered on public property yelling profanities and anti-Semitic slurs at passing vehicles, with a fight breaking out between someone and several demonstrators.
Local, state leaders making changes to speed up rental assistance to low-income Florida tenants
Read full article: Local, state leaders making changes to speed up rental assistance to low-income Florida tenantsAs concern grows over whether Florida’s low-income renters are receiving the Emergency Rental Assistance funds they need, changes are happening at the state and local level to expedite some payments.
Central Florida rental assistance funds at risk of being taken away
Read full article: Central Florida rental assistance funds at risk of being taken awayFour Central Florida counties and the State of Florida are at risk of losing their remaining emergency rental assistance funds, which could amount to millions of dollars not going to help local families who need it.
Ask Trooper Steve: What are the rules when it comes to driving, having marijuana?
Read full article: Ask Trooper Steve: What are the rules when it comes to driving, having marijuana?News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Embattled Orlando attorney permanently disbarred by Florida Supreme Court
Read full article: Embattled Orlando attorney permanently disbarred by Florida Supreme CourtTen months after several clients lodged complaints against him, Orlando attorney Justin Infurna has been permanently disbarred by the Florida Supreme Court.
New federal report breaks down COVID-19 deaths by county during summer surge
Read full article: New federal report breaks down COVID-19 deaths by county during summer surgeA new report released by the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services breaks down COVID-19 deaths by county in the State of Florida, the first time this data has been released to the public since the Florida Department of Health took down the daily COVID-19 dashboard in early June.
Billions in COVID relief money intended for Florida schools sitting in Tallahassee
Read full article: Billions in COVID relief money intended for Florida schools sitting in TallahasseeThe State of Florida currently has billions of dollars earmarked to help local school districts through the pandemic that has not been dispersed, according to records obtained by News 6.
Appeals court reinstates Florida ban on mask mandates in schools
Read full article: Appeals court reinstates Florida ban on mask mandates in schoolsAn appeals court in Tallahassee has granted Florida’s request to reinstate a ban on mask mandates in schools, handing a temporary win to Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration.
Arnold Palmer Medical Director says pediatric hospitalizations have ‘skyrocketed’
Read full article: Arnold Palmer Medical Director says pediatric hospitalizations have ‘skyrocketed’The Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at Arnold Palmer Hospital says pediatric cases at the hospital have "skyrocketed" over the last few weeks.
Pressure is mounting for Orange County Public Schools as parents, teachers call for mask mandate
Read full article: Pressure is mounting for Orange County Public Schools as parents, teachers call for mask mandateOutside of the Orange County Public School headquarters, pressure is mounting for the school board to enact mask mandates with no option of opting out as parents, teachers and educators call for a mask mandate.
Flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Officer Jason Raynor
Read full article: Flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Officer Jason RaynorGov. Ron DeSantis says flags of the United States and the State of Florida will be flown at half-staff to honor Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor after he died on Tuesday.
Major cruise lines ready; Norwegian announces first voyage amidst legal battles with Florida
Read full article: Major cruise lines ready; Norwegian announces first voyage amidst legal battles with FloridaMajor cruise lines are starting to become more active in the United States as many are either returning from a first voyage this weekend or resuming service.
Here’s how affordable housing is built in Central Florida
Read full article: Here’s how affordable housing is built in Central FloridaA new study from the Orlando Regional Realtor's Association shows the average cost of a house in Central Florida is $315,000, driven by the booming population growth even though the pandemic.
Florida House approves gambling bill with Seminole Tribe but legal challenges expected
Read full article: Florida House approves gambling bill with Seminole Tribe but legal challenges expectedThe state will receive at least $2.5 billion over the next five years and an estimated $20 billion over the course of the 30-year deal.
Gov. Ron DeSantis again extends Florida’s state of emergency amid COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis again extends Florida’s state of emergency amid COVID-19 pandemicGov. Ron DeSantis has once again extended the state of emergency in Florida due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Florida reaches new gambling deal with Seminole Tribe to allow sports wagering
Read full article: Florida reaches new gambling deal with Seminole Tribe to allow sports wageringFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reached an agreement with the Seminole Tribe that would greatly expand gambling in state, including the introduction of legalized sports wagering.
Florida reaches new gambling agreement with Seminole Tribe
Read full article: Florida reaches new gambling agreement with Seminole TribeFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reached an agreement with the Seminole Tribe that would greatly expand gambling in state, including the introduction of legalized sports wagering.
FHP troopers are seeing an uptick in street racing, here’s what’s being done to stop it
Read full article: FHP troopers are seeing an uptick in street racing, here’s what’s being done to stop itTroopers responded to two crashes over the weekend in Central Florida caused by street racing and arrested three people, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Publix, CVS accepting vaccine appointments for 50 and older in Florida
Read full article: Publix, CVS accepting vaccine appointments for 50 and older in FloridaAhead of Florida’s planned expansion of vaccine eligibility, Publix has already started accepting appointments for anyone who is 50 or older. Ron DeSantis announced he would sign an executive order making anyone 50 and older eligible for the vaccine during a news briefing in Tallahassee. As of 2:40 p.m. on Friday, most appointments throughout the state were fully booked, including locations in every Central Florida county. All 730 Publix pharmacy locations in Florida offer the vaccine by appointment only. AdCVS will accept appointments for any Floridian over the age of 50 on Monday.
Vaccine events focus on school employees as Florida reports 5,244 new COVID-19 cases
Read full article: Vaccine events focus on school employees as Florida reports 5,244 new COVID-19 cases[TRENDING: 2 mothers, 3 kids killed in crash | ‘Manatee graveyard’ at Merritt Island Park | When will you get a COVID-19 stimulus check]The school district is hosting the walk-up vaccination sites at Colonial High School, East River High School, Freedom High School, Oak Ridge High School, and Ocoee High School. AdFlorida is providing 9,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which will be administering shots to Floridians living with HIV in eight counties, including Orange County. Leaders said community canvassers will go door-to-door in neighborhoods to help more people get the COVID-19 vaccine. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: President orders all adults eligible for vaccine by May 1 as Florida reports 5,144 new COVID-19 cases]AdFind the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 13. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,244 new cases on Saturday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,973,109 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020.
Orange County leaders go door-to-door to help seniors get vaccinated
Read full article: Orange County leaders go door-to-door to help seniors get vaccinatedORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new pilot program is launching in Orange County next week. Leaders said community canvassers will go door-to-door in neighborhoods to help more people get the COVID-19 vaccine. County officials said the concern is that some communities don’t have proper access to a vaccination site or may not have enough information. The goal of the program is to have trusted members of the community help get eligible individuals vaccinated inside their homes. AdOrange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe said that the county is actively seeking ways to increase the outreach to neighborhoods where vaccination numbers are low.
Seminole County hosts mobile vaccine sites at mosque, Hindu temple
Read full article: Seminole County hosts mobile vaccine sites at mosque, Hindu templeSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Health officials in Seminole County announced new mobile coronavirus vaccine sites that will help reach additional communities across the county. Officials said the mobile unit will be vaccinating over 300 eligible seniors and healthcare workers at the Hindu Society of Central Florida Temple in Casselberry. Another vaccine site in Sanford will open Saturday at Masjid Al Hayy Mosque on Myrtle Street. This will be the first vaccine site at a mosque in Florida, according to county officials. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County said 52% of seniors 65 and older have received the vaccine so far.
Flagler County shares vaccine process at Fairgrounds as vaccine appointments become more available
Read full article: Flagler County shares vaccine process at Fairgrounds as vaccine appointments become more availableCOVID-19 vaccine may be available to general public sooner than expectedFLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – If you have an upcoming vaccination appointment in Flagler County, officials want to make sure you know what to expect before heading to the Fairgrounds. While the State of Florida – through its Department of Health-Flagler – is responsible for vaccination appointments and administration, the county continues to provide logistical and public information support. According to officials, the entire process can typically take under one hour from the scheduled appointment time. For those in Flager County who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but have not yet registered, please visit www.FlaglerCounty.org/covid for details or call the state appointment hotline at 866-201-1541. If you’re outside Flagler County and interested in registering for a COVID-19 vaccine but don’t know where to start, click or tap here for a breakdown of the process in each Central Florida county.
‘We will be done by the end of the week:’ Long term care facilities will be vaccinated, CEO says
Read full article: ‘We will be done by the end of the week:’ Long term care facilities will be vaccinated, CEO saysTALLAHASSEE, Fla – CEO of CDR Health Tina Vidal-Duart says they will be finished with vaccinating all leftover assisted living facilities in the state of Florida by the end of this week. [TRENDING: Video shows officer slamming student | Man shoots at ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend 94 times | These men are paying $55M to go to space station]“We started the process with only 10% of assisted living facilities had been vaccinated and as of this morning about 75% of assisted living facilities have been vaccinated,” Vidal-Duart said. However, the company moved so fast that it caused chaos and confusion for some assisted living facilities like Golden Pond in Winter Garden. As for assisted living facilities, we’ve completed all first doses of the vaccine. We are still administering vaccinations in the vast majority of these long-term care facilities, including 189 skilled nursing facilities and over 1,100 assisted living facilities that scheduled their clinics by Jan. 23.
‘Boomtown’ growth in Central Florida means lane expansion, sound barriers for SR-429
Read full article: ‘Boomtown’ growth in Central Florida means lane expansion, sound barriers for SR-429“The growth in Central Florida, especially in this area, has been very significant. Any regular driver of SR-429 knows exactly what I’m talking about,” said Will Hawthorne, director of engineering for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX). Hawthorne was one of several officials who spoke recently at a virtual public forum aimed at educating the public on a planned expansion. Growth like that has not only outperformed our projections, but most of those used throughout the State of Florida,” said Hawthorne. “We have always planned to turn it into ten lanes,” Hawthorne said during the virtual meeting.
Florida lawmakers attend presidential inauguration
Read full article: Florida lawmakers attend presidential inaugurationWith a significantly smaller crowd for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration, lawmakers from the Sunshine State will still represent Florida at the historic event. I will be attending the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris today. 3:15 p.m. | Biden, Dr. Biden, Harris and Emhoff receive a presidential escort to the White House. 8:48 p.m. | Biden, Dr. Biden, Harris and Emhoff attend “Celebrating America” program. 9:55 p.m. | President Biden and Dr. Biden appear on the Blue Room Balcony.
Some snowbirds and other Florida visitors can get the COVID-19 vaccine, health officials say
Read full article: Some snowbirds and other Florida visitors can get the COVID-19 vaccine, health officials say[TRENDING: How to get vaccine in Florida | Could $600 checks grow into $2,000 payments? Ron DeSantis has been asked about seasonal Florida residents and weighed in on the matter. After some conflicting answers, a press secretary from the Florida Division of Emergency Management said this applies to seasonal residents from out of the country as well. Marion County“People receiving the vaccine are not required to be full-time Florida residents. The Florida Department of Health indicated to our Emergency Management Director that they are sharing this guidance with the local health departments this afternoon.”Volusia County“There is no residency requirement.”
US gives Florida wider authority over wetland development
Read full article: US gives Florida wider authority over wetland developmentFlorida accounts for about a fifth of the country’s wetlands and includes the Everglades, among the state’s most important environmental jewels. “The fact is that Florida’s proposed program to take over wetlands permitting doesn’t comply with federal environmental laws,” she said. Florida becomes the third state to gain broader permitting authority of wetlands under the federal Clean Water Act. Florida's request to gain sole permitting authority was launched under the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, also a Republican, took on that mantle and earlier this year formally petitioned the federal government to transfer that authority.
Celebration of life for Ocala police chief will be viewable online
Read full article: Celebration of life for Ocala police chief will be viewable onlineOCALA, Fla. – Late Ocala police Chief Greg Graham will be honored Friday with a celebration of life at First Baptist Church in Ocala and due to the number of people who would like to attend the event will be livestreamed online, according to Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant. Graham died Sunday in a small plane crash near Dunnellon not far from the Marion County Airport. Graham’s family will be having a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Friday. The service may be viewed online here. Graham’s body was moved from the medical examiner’s office in Leesburg to an Ocala funeral home on Tuesday.
Bethune-Cookman University cancels rest of athletic season due to virus
Read full article: Bethune-Cookman University cancels rest of athletic season due to virusVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – After a recent spike in coronavirus cases on campus, Behtune-Cookman University has cancelled the remaining 2020-21 athletic season, the historically Black university announced this week. According to the university, B-CU is one of the first NCAA Division I institutions to end athletics for the remainder of the year. University officials said the decision was made after a series of meetings with athletic staff, medical and public health experts as well as state and local officials. “The risk premium is simply too high and our priority remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” Chrite said. Over the past eight days, however, we’ve noted a sudden spike in cases on campus, hence this decision.” Thompson said.
Body camera video calms community after Daytona Beach police kill attempted murder suspect
Read full article: Body camera video calms community after Daytona Beach police kill attempted murder suspectThe same night, Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri publicly released the body camera footage showing the prospective from the officer who was shot. The body camera video calmed the community and the outcry from the suspects family in the latest example of body camera video exhonerating and justifying police officers actions, according to Capri. Weve had people making false complaints, the officer harassed me or said this, well lets look at the body camera video, Capri said. Body cameras make a difference, theyre a game-changer.Most large law enforcement agencies across Central Florida do have body cameras as do many of the smaller ones. The Brevard County Sheriffs Office does not have body cameras.
Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique Worrell wants to change the culture of prosecution
Read full article: Orange-Osceola State Attorney candidate Monique Worrell wants to change the culture of prosecutionMonique Worrell beat out three democratic candidates to win the Aug. 18 primary election for state attorney in what was considered a crowded field with 42% of the vote. Asked if that handed her the primary election win, she said the momentum began well before those commercials aired. “I was sworn in as an Assistant State Attorney. I carried a badge in the same way that all other Assistant State Attorney’s did.”AdWorrell also had the endorsement of the current 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Aramis Ayala. After the primary election Ayala eliminated the position of Chief Assistant State Attorney which Barra held.
Florida reports over 3,000 new COVID-19 cases, 149 new deaths
Read full article: Florida reports over 3,000 new COVID-19 cases, 149 new deathsOn Thursday, the State of Florida reported 3,571 new coronavirus cases following a day when the state saw a record low of new cases. Floridas positivity rate, the number of people who tested positive for the first time compared to overall tests, remained below 10% on Wednesday. The Florida Department of Health has not released the positivity data for Thursday as of this publication. The World Health Organization said that a regions test positivity rate needs to be below 5% for at least 14 days to relax restrictions. The State reported 270 new hospitalized patients on Thursday, bringing the number of people who stayed in hospitals due to the virus since March to 39,428.
Central Florida reports 12 new hospitalizations, 6 deaths connected to COVID-19
Read full article: Central Florida reports 12 new hospitalizations, 6 deaths connected to COVID-19ORLANDO, Fla. Central Florida reported a low number of deaths and hospitalizations Sunday when the Florida Department of Health released their daily report. According to health officials, the State of Florida reported 2,583 new COVID-19 cases Saturday bringing the states running total since March to 621,586 cases. [MORE COVERAGE: Seminole County schools asks more than 100 people to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19]Thousands of Volusia County students are getting ready for the first day of school on Monday. According to Volusia County Schools, 61% of students are returning to the classroom for in-person learning. Volusia schools said almost 15% of students are using Enhanced Volusia Learning Online, which is virtual learning, but at the students own pace.
Flagler suspends new applications for small business coronavirus relief grants
Read full article: Flagler suspends new applications for small business coronavirus relief grantsFLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. Flagler County wont be accepting new applications for its small business CARES Act grants, for now. The county was offering Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, grants to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. After receiving nearly 1,000 applications the county closed the portal and its unclear when it will open again. The concern is that we have already accepted applications that could possibly cover the remainder of the funds allocated by the State of Florida.The county had been accepting applications until Monday afternoon. Flagler County is currently waiting for more CARES Act funds to be made available.
Orange County teacher, mom join teachers union to fight reopening schools
Read full article: Orange County teacher, mom join teachers union to fight reopening schoolsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A grassroots lawsuit filed by an Orange County teacher and another concerned mom has now been consolidated with the states largest teachers union, The Florida Education Association, in the battle to stop brick-and-mortar schools from reopening as ordered by Education Commissioner Richard Corcorans emergency order. Jacob Stuart, Jr. and Billy Wieland are both attorneys representing Southwest Middle School teacher Kathryn Hammond and concerned mom and nurse Monique Bellefleur. They, along with the FEA, have filed for an emergency injunction that would prevent schools from physically reopening while case continues on in court. "The injunctive relief would mean the judge would enter an order prohibiting all schools in the State of Florida from opening," Stuart said. That injunction hearing is set for Tuesday but before that happens, the attorneys representing all of the defendants, including Gov.
State-run COVID-19 testing site set to open at Volusia fairgrounds
Read full article: State-run COVID-19 testing site set to open at Volusia fairgroundsVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Starting Friday, the Volusia County Fairgrounds will operate as a state-run coronavirus testing site offering both viral and antibody testing for the next several weeks. Viral tests will be conducted using a self-administered nasal swab while antibody tests will be done using a blood draw and will offer results within 30 minutes. We are appreciative that the State of Florida responded to our request for an expedited testing site in Volusia County, said Volusia County Chair and Volusia League of Cities member Ed Kelley. Accurate and timely test results are imperative to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The testing site is expected to operate for up to four weeks, demanding on the level of demand.
Is there a grace period for expired license plates?
Read full article: Is there a grace period for expired license plates?[ASK TROOPER STEVE: Send safety question to Trooper Steve]The most recent question asks: Is there a grace period for when your license plate expires? Trooper Steves answer:When it comes to the date that your vehicle license plate expires it differs for every registered owner. Technically the very next day past that specific date your license plate is considered expired. But remember it is always your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle registration is current and displayed properly. [Click or tap here for more Ask Trooper Steve content]If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
News 6 report prompts Florida lawmaker to call for investigation into states contact tracing program
Read full article: News 6 report prompts Florida lawmaker to call for investigation into states contact tracing programSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. A News 6 report prompts a state lawmaker to call for an investigation into the states contact tracing program. The State of Florida is spending millions of dollars for contact tracing, and now a lawmaker wants answers about how that money is being used. Central Florida State Representative Rene Plasencia already had concerns about the state's contact tracing program, and after hearing about Adrienne Barker he has even more concerns. I just thought it was a little concerning that we werent doing more contact tracing, Plasencia told News 6. This online state database shows Florida is paying Favorite Healthcare Staffing more than $23 million dollars for COVID-19 healthcare staffing.