Rocket Launch Delayed Over Rodent Food Contamination (Cape Canaveral, FL) -- “Food not fit for rodents” is the reason a rocket launch is being delayed. SpaceX was planning to launch a Falcon 9 rocket yesterday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, but the launch was scrubbed when food for the mice onboard was found to have mold. Forty mice are being sent to space for experiments on aging and disease. The launch is set for this afternoon at 1:16, and launch conditions are 90-percent go from Launch Complex 40.
Rick Scott To Delay Senate Swearing In Ceremony (Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida Governor Rick Scott is planning to delay his swearing in ceremony for his U.S. Senate Seat by a few days. Other Senators will take their oath of office on January 3rd, but Scott will wait until January 8th so he can complete his term in Tallahassee. Rick DeSantis will be sworn in as the new Florida Governor on that same day.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Sues Over Transportation Plan (Tampa, FL) -- A Hillsborough County official who claims he's standing up for the taxpayers is accused of grandstanding. District Four County Commissioner Stacy White filed a lawsuit yesterday against the county and others over a transportation plan that was approved by voters last month. The plan calls for a one-percent sales tax hike to pay for transportation projects to be chosen by an unelected board. White claims only elected officials have the right to spend taxpayer dollars, but fellow Commissioner Les Miller tells the Tampa Bay Times White is going against the will of the people.
Former St. Augustine Official Pleads Guilty To Fraud (St. Augustine, FL) -- A change in her plea could help a former St. Augustine official avoid jail time. Former Planning and Zoning Board member Deltra Long pleaded guilty this week to defrauding FEMA. After Hurricane Matthew, prosecutors say Long claimed a rental home was her primary residence, and she illegally accepted 10-thousand dollars from the federal agency to repair it. Despite her plea, Long could still get five years in prison.
Allegiant Airlines Retiring Fleet (Pinellas County, FL) -- Passengers at the St. Pete-Clearwater, and Sanford Airports are riding in some shiny new airplanes. Allegiant Airlines has replaced its aging fleet with 70 Airbus planes. Last week Allegiant flew its last MD-80 flight with an aircraft which was almost 30 years old. Allegiant is the primary carrier at the St. Pete and Sanford International Airports.
Clearwater Company Selling Ankle Monitors For Children (Clearwater, FL) -- A Pinellas County company has a new and controversial way for parents to keep tabs on their kids. Clearwater's Tampa Bay Monitoring is selling ankle monitors that parents can place on their children. Ankle monitors are commonly used by law enforcement, but the company says they can be useful for parents whose kids are up to no good. News of the device is getting a mixed reaction, and one parent recently told Fox 13 News he can see the benefits, but he's not comfortable treating his kids like criminals.
Burger King Is Selling Iconic Whopper for Just One Penny with a Caveat (Miami, FL) -- Burger King is planning on selling its iconic Whopper for just one penny with a catch. People wishing to participate must head to the fast-food chain's rival McDonald's in order to get the promotion. The deal is part of Burger King's relaunch of the BK app where users can now place an order ahead of time. Once a guest is inside a McDonald's, the app will use the smart phones' location services to unlock the Whopper for a penny promotion. The company is calling the promotion the "Whopper Detour" and it will only last nine days.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1995, President Clinton announced Madeleine Albright as the first female Secretary of State.
1955, the Black community of Montgomery, Alabama launched their boycott of the city's bus system. Their actions came in response to the arrest of Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus for a white man.
1933, Utah became the last of 36 states to ratify the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The move ended prohibition in the U.S. after a 14-year dry spell.