Red Flag Warning In Effect
(Melbourne, FL) --There's an elevated risk of fire today in Central Florida. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia and Brevard counties. It'll be in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The NWS says low relative humidity and gusty winds could cause fires to spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Florida Lawmakers Consider Increasing Speed Limit
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A package of bills under review in the Florida Legislature includes a proposal to increase the speed limit on limited access highways to 75 miles an hour. These are roadways that have designated exits and entrances, such as Interstate Four. It would also raise the speed limit to 70 miles an hour on highways outside urban areas with five-thousand people or more. All other roadways could be increased from 60 to 65 miles an hour across the state.
School Grades Bill Advances in Florida House, Returns to Normal Scale
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida lawmakers are considering a bill to change the public school grading system that some say currently glosses over failing schools with a curved grading scale. The bill's sponsor -- State Representative Susan Valdes -- says the public school grading system inflates scores that bolster school performance but masks the actual level of learning per student. The bill has passed out of the House Education subcommittee.
Alleged Russian Mafia Enforcer Arrested In Bay County
(Panama City, FL) -- A man believed to be an enforcer for the Russian mafia is in custody in Bay County. The FDLE announced yesterday the man was arrested in Panama City Beach. Investigators say he lives there in a multi-million dollar home. He's allegedly involved in labor trafficking and visa fraud.
Brevard CO Man Charged with Keeping Illegal Animals
(Merritt Island, FL) -- A Merritt Island man is being accused of keeping illegal exotic animals in his home, including a rainbow boa constrictor. The boa constrictor was discovered on the front seat of the suspect's vehicle. Further investigation discovered more reptiles inside the man's home, including two Burmese pythons and a Nile monitor. The snakes have been turned over to licensed facilities. Daniel Denovi faces several charges, including possession and caging violations.
Today in History
1985, for the first time in the 99-year history of Avon, the company's salespeople received a salary for their work. They had been paid strictly on commission.
1934, the first test of radar took place in Germany.