Judge Hears Arguments In Lawsuit Over Alligator Alcatraz
(Miami, FL) -- A lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz is facing what a federal judge calls a very significant concern. The ACLU and others were in federal court yesterday to argue that those in the immigration detention facility are being denied their constitutional rights. The judge, though, questioned if the suit was filed in the wrong court. It was filed in the Southern District, but the state argued the case belongs in the Middle District because the facility's address is in Collier County. The judge didn't issue a ruling, but the News Service of Florida reports he appeared to support the state's position.
Edgewater City Council Votes To Keep Construction Moratorium
(Edgewater, FL) -- A city in Volusia County may be getting closer to a showdown with the state. The Edgewater City Council voted yesterday to keep its construction moratorium in place. The pause on new construction was passed in January, and it runs through 2025. The moratorium was passed to prevent flooding, but it seems to contradict a state law, SB 180. That law prevents local governments from passing their own restrictions on new construction. The goal of the state law is to build more housing. Edgewater officials will decide next month if they want to join other cities in asking the state to repeal SB 180. Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower tells WESH 2 if the state doesn't repeal the law, it could lead to a lawsuit.
Judges Upholds Tampa Bay Senate Map
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Those who claim a Tampa Bay state senate district is illegal are dealing with defeat. A panel of federal judges ruled yesterday that Senate District 16 does not violate the Constitution. The district created three years ago connected parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Three plaintiffs sued, claiming the district was racially gerrymandered and unconstitutional. The panel, though, ruled lawmakers prioritized other factors but not race when drawing the district.
Three Teens Arrested In Social Media Challenge In Volusia County
(Deltona, FL) -- There's a new social media challenge parents may want to be aware of. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office announced yesterday three teenagers were arrested for allegedly kicking the door of a home in Deltona on Saturday. Deputies say it was inspired by a TikTok door kick challenge. Each of the teens is charged with a felony. Sheriff Mike Chitwood asks parents to talk to their kids about the serious consequences participating in this challenge can have.
Broward County Woman Finds Iguana In Toilet
(Hollywood, FL)-- A recent incident in Broward County could make you a little nervous the next time you go to the bathroom. Hollywood's Kristy Simpson recently found an iguana in her toilet. Her husband was there, but it was Kristy who did the dirty work of removing the unwanted guest. While the iguana is gone, the memory may haunt her for a while. Kristy tells CBS News Miami every time she goes to the bathroom, she'll flush first because she's scared an iguana's going to come up the toilet.
Today in History
1960, two dogs were launched into Earth's orbit by the Soviet Union. The animals were the first to actually orbit and return alive.
1950, ABC Television begins the tradition of Saturday morning kids shows. "Animal Clinic," which featured live animals, and "Acrobat Ranch," which had a circus theme, were the first two shows on the air.
1934, Adolf Hitler was elected Fuhrer in Germany. More than 90-percent of the voters elected him to office.
1812, the United States frigate USS Constitution earned the name "Old Ironsides" after defeating the British ship Guerriere during the War of 1812.